Mako Mermaids: Rita Santos' Daughter

Chapter 17

Caitlan's POV:

Our English teacher has given us a Creative Writing assignment - to write about our heroes - either real or fictional. And we have to then read them out in an assembly. Kind of like to test our public speaking skills too. We can either hand in our assignment by hard copy or email.

I'm sat with mum on the balcony. "Am I ok to use your laptop mum? So I can get my assignment sorted" I asked. "Of course you can sweetheart. Who are you doing yours on?" Mum asked me. I looked at her. "You really need to ask that?" I smiled. Mum pulled me in for a hug. "Thank you baby girl" she whispered. "I'll get you the laptop and I'll get some work done myself sweetheart."

Mum got me the laptop and some work for her to do. She sat next to me as she got on with her work. Okay Caitlan. Let's go...

My Hero
By Caitlan Santos
My hero isn't a fictional being, or a famous person that's made a difference in the world. But she did make a difference in my world.

A young woman who had the love of her life by her side and had the dream to become a teacher. Her whole life was turned upside down when her beloved died - but a part of him remained with her when she discovered she was pregnant. Pregnant with me.

My mum put her dreams and ambitions of being a teacher on hold for me. She raised me on her own as a single parent, which I can't even imagine how difficult that was for her.

I'm sure just about everyone knows who my hero is. Someone who sacrificed so much for me and always puts me first. Some of you know her as Rita, everyone in this room knows her either as Miss or Principal Santos. But to me? She is and always will be, Mum.

I emailed it to my English teacher. "And that's done" I sighed in relief.

Rita's POV:
"Wow you finished that quick" I looked at Caitlan. "It's a piece on my favourite person, did you really think I'd find it challenging? Did you want to have a read?" Caitlan smiled. I read what Caitlan wrote. I felt the tears roll down my cheeks. "I-I'm sorry mum. I can change it if you don't like it and email a new version" Caitlan panicked. I stood up and wrapped my arms around her. "Nothing needs changing, my little starfish. I love it darling. Thank you" I kissed the top of her head and her arms wrapped around me. "I wouldn't have changed a single second I've spent being your mum, baby girl. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." "I love you mum" Caitlan sniffled, I could tell she was crying. I lifted her head and wiped away her tears. "I love you too sweetheart. Always." I smiled.

The assembly...

I'm presenting the assembly. The class's English teacher gave me an order of the students to call up. Caitlan's is last.

Each of the students did really well with their presentations - yes even Cam. Then I got to Caitlan. "Just before we get to the last student, I didn't choose the order everyone presented today - blame your teacher" all students and staff (apart from Ms Trumble) laughed. "So last but not least, Caitlan Santos." The entire room went in an uproar of applause. Caitlan got out from her seat and stood next to me on the stage. "You've got this" I whispered and held her hand whilst she read her piece. Her voice was shaky at first, but she did so well. I saw her tearing up as she read which set me off. When she finished, she received a standing ovation. She smiled at me and engulfed me in a hug, which was reciprocated. "Well done my darling girl" I said quietly through my tears. Not even a second later, Evie, Zac, Cam, Carly and David ran up on stage and caught the both of us in a group hug. For a minute I forgot I was Principal. "Okay, you lot back to your seats." I smiled at the six of them and they went off the stage.

At the end of the day, Caitlan came to my office as usual. "I got full marks on my writing and speech mum!" She said excited. "I knew you would. Get your bum here Little Miss Santos" I smiled and opened my arms. Caitlan immediately ran into them. "When did my baby girl grow up?" I held her close. "I'll always need you mummy" she whispered. "No matter how old you are, you will forever be my baby" I moved Caitlan's hair out of her face. "Daddy would be so proud of you mum - just like I am." She smiled up at me and I kissed her forehead, "I can say the same about you sweetheart. I'm beyond proud of you and I know your dad is too." I felt myself tear up again, Caitlan wiped them away for me. In both worlds, it'll always be me and my baby girl against everyone else.

That's this chapter - it's a wee bit shorter than a few of the others but hope you like it