Mako Mermaids: Rita Santos' Daughter

Chapter 20

Rita's POV:
The holidays are just about over. I've completed all timetables for the next semester thankfully.

Caitlan's fast asleep on the sofa, Poseidon is curled up on her chest. I smiled and took a sneaky photograph.

There was a knock at the door, Caitlan didn't stir at all. I rolled my eyes and laughed and went downstairs to answer the door.

It was Zac, Carly, Evie, Cam and David. "Hey guys, Caitlan's asleep but I can wake her?" I answered. "Actually Miss Santos, we're here to see you" Evie smiled. "Oh? What can I help you with?" I asked. "We know Caitlan's 13th birthday is coming up and we want to throw a surprise party for her at the cafe." David whispered excitedly. "We've already talked to all of our parents Miss Santos, and they're happy to help us set the party up, and you get her there without her knowing it's a party." Zac said. "Sounds like a plan. We usually have a small tradition that we do on her birthday, but we can get that done during the day and then the party on the evening?" I suggested, they all agreed happily.

Caitlan was still snoozing when I came back upstairs. Poseidon was sat on the table. I gently lifted Caitlan's legs so I could sit down and rested them on my knees. About five minutes later, Caitlan woke up. "Hey sleepyhead. Good nap?" I laughed as Caitlan sat up. "Yep. Did you finish the timetables mum?" She asked. "I certainly have my little starfish. I'm going to look at getting another assistant too, I know Anna is my assistant, but I think a second one that helps with the smaller jobs will really help." I smiled. "I'll do it? I know I'm a younger student mum, but I'm your daughter and I'm basically in your office most of the time anyway. I've got perfect grades, I'm trustworthy and work my tail off. And not to sound biased but you trust me more than anyone. I might as well make myself even more useful. It doesn't have to be major stuff like dealing with student grades and exams, I can stick with you and help between classes." Caitlan shrugged. "I'll tell you what baby girl, I'll talk to Doctor Blakely and the School Board and see what they say." I smiled. "That's only if ya want me to though mummy, I don't want you to be sick of me." Cait smiled slightly. "Never in a million years would I be sick of you baby girl." I pulled Caitlan in and cuddled up for a bit.

The phone rang, it was Doctor Blakely. "Principal Santos? Myself and Lauren would like to invite you and Caitlan round for dinner. The School Board are coming too to discuss the next semester. I've spoke to the Board and they're happy for Zac and Caitlan to join us" I smiled. "We'd love to join you Doctor Blakely, see you soon." I hung up. "That was strange. We talk about Doctor Blakely then he calls. Coincidence or what?" Cait laughed. "We've been invited to dinner at the Blakelys and the other Board members will be there too." I told Caitlan.

We made sure Poseidon's food was down before we left. Cait linked her arm with mine as we walked to the Blakely residence.

When we arrived at the Blakelys, we sat outside, Caitlan sat next to me of course. "Are we all prepared for the next semester?" Doctor Blakely asked. "Absolutely. I completed all the timetables today. There's something I'd actually like to discuss. I'm considering a second assistant, to help with the smaller tasks - being Principal is a big job and Anna my assistant can't do everything. My Caitlan here has shown interest that she'd like to take it on between classes. I hope I don't seem like I'm showing favouritism but Caitlan is a model student and she's trustworthy, and when I don't have a meeting in my office she does sit with me and keeps me company." I said. "I might as well try to be more useful." Cait shrugged and everyone laughed. "I don't think that should be a problem." Doctor Blakely smiled and the other board members agreed. "We don't have to call you Miss Santos too do we?" Zac asked Cait jokingly. "Funny." Cait remarked and we all laughed again.

During dinner Lauren asked Caitlan "so are you excited for your birthday Caitlan? Got anything planned?" I saw Zac side eye his mum as a way of warning her not to give the surprise away, thankfully Cait didn't notice. "Me and mum have a tradition we do each year, but that's about it" Cait replied. "Seems only yesterday you two were teeny tots." Doctor Blakely reminisced. "Daaaad" Zac groaned and I saw Caitlan trying not to giggle.