H2O Just Add Water: Emma's Return

A Cup of Forgiveness

The smell of fruit smoothies and the soft murmur of conversations enveloped the café as Emma nervously stepped inside. She scanned the room, her gaze settling on a familiar figure seated by the window. Bella sat there, her expression serene and intuitive as she sipped her smoothie, wondering where Rikki and Cleo went.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Emma approached Bella. The flopping of her sandals against the floor seemed louder to Emma. She knew she just had to swallow her pride and apologize to the poor girl. As she reached Bella, her heart raced; uncertainty and regret mingled in her thoughts.

"Bella?" Emma spoke quietly, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Bella looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes before a small smile stretched across her face. "Hi Emma, I didn't expect to see you here."
"Mind if I join you?" Emma asked, a nervous knot forming in her stomach.
"Of course not, please do." Bella gestured to the chair opposite her.
Emma settled into the seat, fidgeting with her bracelet. She struggled to find the right words, feeling the weight of the apology. "I, uh, I wanted to talk to you, Bella. About what happened earlier."
Attentive, Bella's eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and understanding. "You mean when you shut me out and stood me up?"
"Yeah," Emma sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I didn't handle things well. I was dealing with so much, feeling out of place after being away for so long, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to make you feel bad."
Bella's gaze softened, a reassuring warmth in her voice. "Emma, it's okay. I get it."
Emma felt a knot loosen in her chest at Bella's understanding. "It's just... I missed my friends so bad, after all we went through and the idea of them not even thinking about me made me feel so... crummy. It's been hard, you know? Coming back and feeling like I don't belong anymore. Like everything's changed."
Bella nodded sympathetically, reaching across the table to place a hand on Emma's. "Change can be tough. But you're still part of our group, Emma. Nothing's changed that. They've just been figuring things out while you were away."
Emma met Bella's gaze, gratitude welling up within her. "Thank you, Bella. I needed to hear that."
A moment of comfortable silence passed between them before Bella spoke again, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "So, any chance you can show me your mermaid powers?"
Emma chuckled, the tension easing from her shoulders. "They're awesome, they used to be like a thorn on my side but I've really learned to embrace them and let go of my uptight nature, well sort of anyway."
"Let's go then." Bella said with a tone of mischief.
"Where?" Emma asked with a confused tone.
"It's time for a little power practice." Bella smiled. Emma quickly understood as a smile formed on her lips.
Emma and Bella finished their drinks, and Emma suggested to use the nearby fountain. As they approached the glistening water, Emma couldn't resist the urge to demonstrate her powers.

Emma held out her hand, she concentrated on the water's surface. The air shimmered around her fingertips as a thin layer of frost formed on the water, slowly spreading in delicate patterns across the fountain's surface. Droplets froze in mid-air, suspended in time like tiny glistening jewels.
Bella's eyes widened in awe. "That's incredible, Emma!"
Grinning, Emma replied, "Check this out." She extended her palm toward the frozen water and focused her energy. The ice reacted to her touch, responding to the innate power within her. With a gentle gesture, the frozen surface morphed, transforming into delicate ice sculptures, each taking on intricate shapes and designs.
Bella clapped her hands, marveling at the display. "You're so talented with your powers! It's like art in motion."
"Well I've had several months to practice." Emma smiled with pride at her work. "Your turn, Bella."
Bella nodded, her eyes glowing with excitement. She joined Emma by the icy fountain, making a gesture with her hand towards the frozen surface. Her power resonated differently. Instead of freezing the water further, as Emma expected, the water transformed.
The ice began to change in reaction to Bella's power. Then, to Emma's surprise, the ice began to transform, this time into a gel-like substance, quivering and wobbling in the pool.
"Go ahead, touch it" Bella smiled. Emma placed her hand, feeling the jelly substance of the fountain, it was such a strange feeling.
"That's amazing, Bella!" Emma exclaimed, fascinated by the jelly-like texture of the once-solid ice. "I've never heard of that power."
Bella chuckled. "Thanks! I've been practicing, trying to control a crystallization process, which allows me to basically harden the jelly and turn it into, well, crystal."
Together, they experimented, Emma freezing water while Bella turned it into stunning crystal formations or jellies of varying textures. The fountain area became a canvas for their abilities, a testament to their unique powers and the bond they shared.
As they continued to playfully showcase their skills, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and connection returning, strengthened by the shared experience with Bella. It was moments like these that made her realize that her and Bella truly were a part of something really special, the mermaid world.

Suddenly, Lewis appeared behind the two girls, a panicked look on his face.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you two!" He exclaimed with a breathlessly.
"Lewis? What's going on?" Bella asked with a worried look on her face.
"Breathe" Emma chimed in.

"It's Cleo and Rikki. They're in trouble" He panted, trying to regain control of his breath.
"Lewis, what did you do?" Emma asked in a frustrated tone, crossing her arms.
"What kind of trouble?" Bella asked in a worried tone. She was the first to know that being a mermaid could come with a lot of trouble.
"I'll explain on the way but we need to go now! I really need your help"
The new trio took off running as panic invaded them. Emma and Bella really didn't wanna lose their friends, specially since they'd just made up.