Mako Secrets - The last merman

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

"Ow that hurts." Whiny male with a short dark hair was complaining as he sat by his office desk leaning back on his chair as a blond girl tied up his leg that was lifted up on the table.

It was a miracle Zane had even managed to get back from the Mako island in one piece and without worse injuries.

"I can't believe she did this to you. I mean I know she can be handful, but I didn't think she would go this far" the blond girl spoke with a clearly worried tone as her capable fingers kept patching up Zane's injured leg.

"You don't know her Emma. Not anymore." Zane let's out a tired slightly sad sigh "she's changed a lot since you left. Everything's changed"

"You got that right..." Emma chuckles unamused "I couldn't even recognize this place... and Rikki's really? You and Rikki? Managing a cafe. Together?" Her laugh was clearly doubtful and not even Zane's eye roll stopped her from continuing. "Who would have guessed. All mighty Zane would go as low as serving drinks for random nobodies" giving a clearly mocking smirk she then finished tying up his leg and let it fall down with a thud.

"Sure. Go on. I get it. I deserve it. Just mock all you want. I am just an arrogant asshole who deserves no one by his side."

Emma looks at Zane with a more concerned look on her face. Only a second ago he was almost crying of pain, but now he just seemed beaten mentally. Not at all that strong and confident guy she used to know. He was right. Things change, people changed. Even those she never thought will.

"We all know you can be. But I've known you my whole life. And I can tell when you really feel bad." She then sighs and gives a juice to him she had earlier made on the cafe to cheer him up.

"I'm sorry Zane. I know you love her. But look at you. You could have died out there. You've got to let her go." Her voice was stern as she stood up and leaned to the doorway crossing her arms.

She felt bad for him. It was obvious he had done mistakes which drove Rikki to truly hate his guts, but he was only a human. A little dumb one, but still human. Even more off... a boy she grew up with. And never before she had seen him so down. He was no longer a boy she used to know. He had grown into a man who had remorse and regret of his doings. He had learned to take responsibility and seeing it all just end up to his total failure. That can't happen. Maybe Rikki just didn't understand him after all. They've grown up in so different environment. Emma knew how it is to be a perfect child. To grow up with so much expectations.

"Take a day off. As your new manager I can deal with the cafe. Go home and get some rest. That leg won't heal itself you know." She then spoke with a more warm tone genuinely smiling at him with a reassurance as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

Zane lifted his tired eyes at the girl and nodded. He knew she was right. Working injured would only make the healing process longer. And unlike Sophie with Emma he knew the cafe would be in safe hands.

It had always been her dream. To be the Manager of a successful cafe. After hearing of the struggles of Zane she knew this was her chance. She wouldn't just help him out. They would make this cafe thrive again.

"Alright partner." Zane then stood up and hobbled to the door leaning on the wall with his free hand holding the juice on the other. "I leave it to you. But don't keep it open too late. It's full moon and everything" he continued giving a serious look into the girls deep blue eyes as he took a sip of his juice.

"Oh please. Who do you think you're talking to?" Emma laughs tilting her head "I've survived quite well out there all by myself haven't I? Just because I'm back it doesn't mean full moon will get hold of me again suddenly." With that said she wrapped her fingers around Zane's arm "You sure you'll be ok. Or should I walk you home just in case?" Last words she says slightly mockingly again whispering to his ear.

Zane shook his head, he knew it would be totally waste of time try to convince her otherwise. Some things hadn't changed. Emma was still stubborn and thought she knew better than others whether she was even around or not. But it wasn't his problem. Not anymore. She came to help and help he needed. Arguing with her could only cause more drama between him and the girls. And he was already tired with it. Right now he really just wanted to forget all the mermaid struggles. Rikki had made sure she doesn't want him near. So why should he force it? He was better off without all that unnecessary mess.

"Suit yourself. But remember I warned you. Mako island can be very strange place." Zane then pulled himself of her grip and snorted "I think I'll manage thank you. You just keep the forth up while I'm gone." With that said he started to hobble outside leaving Emma lean on the wall arms crossed and shaking her head.

"Oh no. Where did I get myself into." She lets out a soft chuckle then starting to clean the tables as some of the costumers stared after Zane confused whispering to each other.

"Do you still want to order something? We're closing up early tonight so maybe place your orders now?" She suddenly walked up to the gossipers forming a gentle smile as she pulled out a notebook and pencil to take their orders.

She may not be that fragile, but everything Zane had told her about the latest events sure did concern her mind.

**********
Meanwhile at the boat shed Will and Lewis chat about the treasures found from the deep ocean scientifically while Bella poured some snacks on the bowls and Cleo closed up the curtains to avoid all moonlight when suddenly her phone began to ring demandingly.

"Oh Hey!" She answered her phone overly joyed wide smile forming on her face.

"Sure! We've been missing you so much. Where have you been? You gotta tell us everything." Her voice rose up with every word drawing the attention from everyone else to her.

"Rikki?" Bella then said excited looking at Will hopefully who as well seemed to light up like a ray of sunlight shining into the room with his wide smile.

Everyone even Lewis was eagerly waiting Cleo to hang up as they kept staring at her hopefully to hear some news.

"Guys... There's someone I'd like you to meet." Cleo then said mysteriously smirking as she fiddled the phone between her fingers after hanging up.