Mako Mermaids: Rita Santos' Daughter

Chapter 16

Caitlan's POV:
It's Mum's first day as Principal! I'm so proud of her. Mum has to be at school early but I decided to go with her. "So will I have to call you Principal Santos like everyone else?" I asked. Mum laughed and said "No sweetheart" she wrapped her arm around me as we walked.

When we got to Mum's office, I sat on the sofa whilst Mum prepared for the day. First period today is missed as Mum is doing an assembly. Thankfully that means half of Chemistry is missed today, but we've still got second period. That should be eventful...

About ten minutes before the assembly, I met Zac, Evie, Carly, David and Cam. "I still can't believe Miss Santos is Principal" Evie smiled. "She was uncertain at first, she worried about what everyone would think of me. Being the Principal's daughter. Screw what anyone thinks" I shrugged "No matter what, we've got your back Cait." Zac smiled and brought me into a hug.

Mum did really well in her assembly. She was nervous - I could see it in her face, but she saw me in my seat and I saw her calm down. The teachers were on the stage with her and I saw that Ms Trumble wasn't very happy. Chemistry is gonna be fun...

I sat next to Carly in Chemistry.  Ms Trumble came in with our worksheets from last week, she handed everyone theirs - except mine. I put my hand up. "Umm Ms Trumble you didn't give me mine?" "That would be because you didn't hand yours in, Miss Santos." Ms Trumble sneered. "Y-Yes I did." I  stuttered. "Clearly not. Otherwise it would be in front of you. Also, I don't accept that type of jewellery in my class, please remove it from your neck and put it on my desk" she pointed at my locket. I felt myself tear up. Then I realised why Ms Trumble is being even more cruel than usual. "You're taking it out on me that my Mum became principal and you didn't!" I blurted out. Everyone gasped. "The necklace, Santos. Now!" I took my locket off and put it on the desk. "Go and sort out those tears, there's no crying in my class!" She ordered. I ran out.

I ran towards the school gates. I want to go home...

Rita's POV:

I was just strolling around the school grounds, and a student ran into me. "Watch where you're going!" I scolded, then saw who ran into me. Caitlan - I noticed she was running towards the school gates. "Where do you think you're-" I started but saw the state she was in. "Sweetheart what's wrong?" I softened from Principal Rita to Mum Rita. "M-Ms Trumble" Caitlan sobbed. I wrapped my arm around Caitlan and we walked to Chemistry.

The entire class were outside the classroom. "What's going on?" I demanded. "We're protesting Principal Santos. After how Ms Trumble treated Caitlan" Cam told me. "What happened?" I asked them - Caitlan was still sobbing like crazy. "Ms Trumble said Caitlan didn't hand in her worksheet last week, Caitlan said that she's taking it out on her that you became Principal and then she confiscated Caitlan's locket, Principal Santos." Evie said. I tried to remain calm. "Right. Everyone back in the classroom please. Now" I ordered and everyone shuffled inside.

Ms Trumble was stood in front of her desk. Everyone took their seats, I kept my arm around Caitlan. "Ah Principal Santos" Ms Trumble said. "Ms Trumble. I understand that you are unhappy that I received the Principal job, but you don't take it out on my daughter" I scolded. "If you continue this, I will report it to the School Board."  Ms Trumble smiled slightly. "It would be your word against mine, Rita." "Actually, it'd be our word against yours Ms Trumble!" Zac said out loud, and the rest of the class agreed. Ms Trumble looked angry. "What do you know, Caitlan Santos - I was wrong. It turns out you did hand in your worksheet. As usual, you got top marks." I saw the pain in her face as she said it. "I think there's something else, Ms Trumble" I said, she gave Caitlan her locket back. "Go take your seat, darling." I whispered, Caitlan gave me a hug and then sat down.

Caitlan's POV:
I sat back down next to Carly, she helped me put my locket back on. Mum smiled at me before she left the room. Ms Trumble then left a minute after her. "Thank you for defending me" I smiled at everyone as I wiped my tears. "Caitlan. We've got your back. Especially against Ms Trouble" Cam said to me and the class cheered.

At the end of the day, I went to Mum's office. I knocked and I heard "Come in". I walked in and Mum spun around on her chair. I closed the door and she instantly brought me into a hug. We stood there a couple minutes, before we headed off home.

When we got home, we sat on the sofa for a bit. "Come here sweetheart." Mum lifted her arm up so I could cuddle up, which I did and mum kissed my head. "I'm sorry that Ms Trumble treated you like that today" I could hear that she was fighting back tears. "Mummy, it wasn't your fault at all. Please don't blame yourself" I felt myself tear up. "I wouldn't have got through it today mum without you and my friends." I looked up and smiled at Mum, she wiped my tears as well as her own. "I've said it so many times my little starfish, as much as I love my job, you are always my number one" mum stroked my cheek. Then I realised - tonight is the full moon. "Will you stay with me during the Full Moon ceremony tonight mum?" I asked. "I completely forgot that was tonight, thankfully Veridia knows that you're ready and a dolphin has told her that it'll be tonight, and the Mako Pod went away to the South Pacific for a while. Of course I'll stay with you my darling."

We swam to Mako a little before the moon came up. I'm really nervous. "I know I've been exposed to the Full Moon mum for training but-" I got a bit panicky before Mum put her hands on my face. "Caitlan darling, you are more than ready. And I'm going to be right here with you. I promise" mum smiled.

The moon arose over the Mako Moon pool. "Remember, baby girl. Don't fight it" mum said. I laid on my back, I felt mum holding me.  As the pool bubbled, I felt the power of the Full Moon travelling through me. It was amazing.

The moon finished its cycle. "Sweetheart you did it! I'm so proud of you" mum brought me into a hug. "Thanks mummy" I replied, my head resting on her shoulder.

Rita's POV:
We left Mako and swam back home. We went to the Grotto and I got the shell that held our moon rings. "Hold out your hand darling" I smiled. Caitlan gave me her hand, and I placed the moon ring on her finger. "Well done my little starfish" I'm so proud of my baby girl. Caitlan took off her ring and put it back with mine. "I'm the youngest mermaid to have received her moon ring. I know I've still got a lot to learn Mum. You haven't worn yours since you left the pod, so I won't wear mine either" Caitlan hugged me, I wrapped my arms around her protectively. "Come on baby girl, let's get to bed" I whispered.

We got into our pyjamas and got in bed. "Goodnight mum. Love you" Caitlan gave me a kiss and cuddled up. "Goodnight, my little starfish. I love you too. I'm so so proud of you." I whispered before wrapping my arms around Caitlan as we fell asleep.

That's this chapter guys! Hope ya like it