Mako Mermaids: Rita Santos' Daughter

Chapter 13

Rita's POV:

It's Caitlan's first day of high school. She had the choice of whether she wanted to go to Suncoast High or Southcoast High, obviously she chose Suncoast High so she can be close to me and because her friends are going there.

Caitlan's POV:
Me and mum are walking to school, our arms linked. "What happened to my little starfish, eh?" She asked. I smiled at her and said "No matter my age mum, I'll always be your little starfish" mum bopped my nose and said "and don't you forget it" - we both started laughing.

At school, mum went for a staff briefing and I met Evie, Zac, David, Carly and Cam and we got our timetables - thankfully we're all sticking together. "We've got Science first" Evie said.

The six of us headed to Science, the teacher was a tall woman with short dark hair. She looked rather strict. Mum was also in the room, she must be assisting the class. I sat with Evie. "My name is Ms Trumble, I expect nothing less of one hundred percent in this class" she said. "Not asking for much then" Cam blurted out, the class started laughing, Mum looked kind of scared. "It looks like we have a jokester in our midst. I think you should be my lab partner today young man" Ms Trumble sneered. Cam, trying not to laugh went to the front of the desk.

Before starting, Ms Trumble did the register. When she got to my name, she stopped. "Ah. You must be Miss Santos' daughter?" Before I could answer, Cam sarcastically remarked "no, they just ironically have the same last name" everyone laughed again, I tried not to. "Congratulations Mr Mitchell, you've earned yourself detention on your first day" Ms Trumble scolded. She then came our way. Uh oh. "Your mother tells me you're rather intelligent." I looked at mum and she smiled at me, which I returned. "I think we should see what you're capable of. Come with me" I looked at mum, who nodded. I anxiously followed Ms Trumble to the front. Ms Trumble wrote out a couple equations and asked me to complete them, to which I did. "Impressive indeed. Now I'd like you to draw and label the periodic table." "Umm" I stuttered and Ms Trumble stood with her arms crossed. "I-it's my first day, you can't possi-" she then scolded "either draw the table or you can join Mr Mitchell in detention." I broke down. "You're being unfair" Evie blurted out. Ms Trumble just ignored her and was still adamant that I did it. "No. That's enough Ms Trumble!" Mum stood up. The class gasped. "Miss Santos, might I remind you that you are a junior staff member in my classroom?" Ms Trumble angrily snapped. "You're clearly targeting my daughter. Before you accuse me, I'm not showing favouritism because at school, despite still being my child she is a student and I'd stand up and defend student on their first day." The class then applauded, I just stood shaking. " Umm you didn't defend me Miss Santos." Cam spoke out. "Cam shut up" Zac told him off, which I smiled slightly. "Very well. Caitlan Santos, please sit back down. You won't be joining Cam Mitchell in detention" Ms Trumble said as though it pained her to say. As I sat down, I wiped away my tears and Evie put her arm around my shoulders and gave me a hug.

At the end of the day, I went to meet mum. "Hey darling, I've got a quick staff meeting. I shouldn't be too long" she smiled and I replied "that's fine mum, I'll sit on the grass near the fountain." Mum went to the staff room and I went to sit on the grass.

I was only sat for about thirty minutes before mum met me. "Ready when you are, Little Miss Santos" she held her hand out and I held it as we walked home.

Rita's POV:
"So my darling, when we get home did you want to do any mermaid school?" I asked Caitlan as we walked home. "Can we leave it for today, mum and just relax in the Cavern for a bit?" I brought Caitlan into a hug and kissed the top of her head. "Of course we can."

When we got home, we went to the Cavern. "I'm guessing Ms Trumble has it out for ya mum." Caitlan said. I chuckled slightly. "She's had a strong dislike towards me for a long time sweetheart and the feeling is mutual. I'm sorry she victimised you like that today." I felt awful. "It wasn't your fault at all mum" Caitlan swam closer and cuddled in, I wrapped my arms around her.

We had a small swim in the ocean and gathered some lobsters and some seaweed to make some cordial. I think we deserve to put our feet up for the night.

That's this chapter guys! I think everyone knows that Ms Trumble isn't the nicest of teachers, but behind every brilliant villainous character is an actor/actress with a heart of pure gold - and Barbara Lowing is a bloody sweetheart!