Mako Mermaids: Rita Santos' Daughter

Chapter 18

Caitlan's POV:

First year of high school is finished! I've got straight A's in all my classes (Ms Trumble probably wanted to fail me but hey, I worked hard for the top grades). The end of year dance is next week. As usual, me, Carly and Evie are going together and it's ocean themed.

"So I guess showing up as mermaids is off the table?" I joked to mum in the Grotto. She looked up at me and raised her eyebrows. "I'm kidding" I smiled slightly. "When did you get so cheeky?" Mum laughed and tickled my sides. "You know I'd never blow our cover mum" I kissed her cheek and rested my head on her shoulder. "I know sweetheart. But still, when did you get so cheeky?" Mum asked again. "About ten seconds after you gave birth to me?" I shrugged and we both laughed. "Oh it's a good job I love you my little starfish." Mum wrapped her arms around me. "Duh. I love you too mummy" I hugged mum back. "Also darling, even though I knew you would do well, I'm so so proud of you getting straight A's. My forever star student." "Thank you. My forever star teacher. I wish we could just sit like this all day" I sighed. "Me too baby girl. Have you decided on what you're going to wear for the dance?" Mum asked. "I have absolutely no clue." I shrugged. "I've got a few gowns, sweetheart. Shall we rummage through them?" Mum suggested. "Definitely." I smiled.

Me and mum had fun looking through the gowns she collected over the years. We found a gorgeous ocean blue gown. "Ooh can I wear this?" I asked. "Of course ya can sweetheart." Mum smiled. She then went to her jewellery box and got a bracelet out. "I used my moon ring a while ago to duplicate my tortoise shell bracelet. This is for you darling." I smiled and gave mum another hug.

It's the night of the dance! Me and mum are in the grotto. Mum is wearing a coral pink gown and our hairs are styled wavy. "You look beautiful mum." I smiled and held her hand. "As do you, my darling girl." We took a couple of photos for the photo album. Mum then headed off since she has to be there early and help set up - she is the Principal after all. I walked halfway with mum and I headed to the Ocean Cafe to meet Carly, Evie, Zac, Cam and David.

The boys were in tuxedo's, Carly had a peach dress on and Evie had a deep green dress on. The six of us group hugged and headed to the dance.

Ms Trumble stood at the gym doors, she had a purple dress on. "You look lovely Ms Trumble" I smiled, she stuck her nose up slightly but I saw her give a small smile. I think that's the first time a student has ever complimented her. The woman might have it out for me and mum, but she isn't a machine ... I don't think; she still has feelings ... I think.

Everyone wrote down the names of who they want to be King and Queen of the Sea on ballots - obviously I voted Zac and Evie.

The photographer took the usual photos. The six of us had a blast dancing and mum joined in too. She definitely is a fun principal.

"Okay, it's time for the lovebirds to take the floor for a few songs" the DJ announced. "The Camster doesn't slow dance" Cam backed off the floor and went outside. David asked Carly to dance, and obviously Zac and Evie danced together. I sat with Mum at a table. "Being friends with the principal's daughter is one thing, but I don't think anyone would wanna date the principal's daughter." I said quietly, Mum held my hand. After the first song, Evie and Zac came up to us. "Come on Cait, you're dancing the next one with us." Evie held her hand out. "You want to add me to your relationship? I dunno guys, eww" I joked, thankfully they both laughed. I didn't even get a chance to say anything else, they both dragged me to the floor. Zac pulled me and Evie close and danced with us. "You guys didn't have to do that" I smiled. "Cait, we're together because of you. You helped us. You're our best friend" Zac smiled as he twirled me and Evie.

Rita's POV:
I smiled as I watched Caitlan dance with Zac and Evie. We've never really talked about if she'd ever been in a relationship, I mean she's only 12! I know she'll talk to me about it when she's ready.

The DJ then announced "okay, it's time for Principal Santos to announce the King and Queen of the Sea." Everyone applauded. I went up to the stage and Ms Trumble stood next to me and handed the results. "Thank you Ms Trumble. Your King of the Sea is ... Zac Blakely!"

Zac came up and Ms Trumble crowned him. "Let's see who your Queen is" I opened the envelope and... "it looks like we have a tie! Evie McLaren and Caitlan Santos!" Caitlan and Evie looked at each other, burst out laughing and hugged. They came up on stage, Ms Trumble didn't know who to put the tiara on. "Allow me Ms Trumble." Caitlan smiled and got the tiara and placed it on Evie. Evie smiled and took the tiara off and held it with Caitlan. The photographer took a photo of Zac between Caitlan and Evie holding the tiara, Zac had his arms around them both.

Caitlan's POV:
I did not see that coming. But me and Evie thought it was funny. We then had to do the King and Queen dance. "You two go for it, it's fine." I smiled. "We're both Queen, Cait" I got dragged on the dance floor again. "Just don't pull me in for a kiss guys" I whispered as we danced, we giggled.

After the dance, we got applauded, Cam then asked "so are you a three person relationship now or...?" Zac put him in a headlock. "And that is this year's end of year dance everyone! See you next year!" Mum announced onstage. Everyone applauded and started milling out. The cleaning crew started coming in as I went up to mum. "Ready when you are Little Miss Santos!" She held her hand out and I took it, and we walked home.

"I don't know about you sweetheart, but I'm absolutely exhausted." Mum yawned as we headed to the bedroom to get changed into our pyjamas. "Me too" I yawned and got in bed. Mum got in next to me and I snuggled up and gave her a kiss. "Goodnight mum, love you." I smiled as I dozed off knowing I'm safe in my mum's arms. "Goodnight baby girl, I love you too." Mum whispered. Roll on the holidays!

That's this chapter! Hope y'all like it