Waterworks (H2O Just Add Water) 🌊

44. The Heat Is On

My phone rang while I was helping Grandma plant fresh flowers in the garden. I saw on the screen that it was Cleo calling me. 

"Hey," I replied after answering.

"Hi, Zoey," Emma spoke up.

"Wait a second. Rikki's on the line too," Cleo told us and connected her confirming to me that it was a group call, "So? Our anniversary?" She sounded stoked.

"Yeah, a year ago tomorrow we became mermaids," Emma stated.

"It feels longer," Rikki remarked.

"I'm with ya there. A lot has happened in one year," I agreed thinking about what the four of us went through after the first time in the moon pool and everything else we've experienced together.

"Come on. It's the best year of our lives and you know it," Cleo pointed out happily.

I still remember how at first she refused to get into the water, but later learned to face her fear of it. 

"It's definitely been the most weird," Rikki added.

"So I was thinking we should celebrate, just the four of us," Cleo suggested.

"I love it," Emma agreed.

"That'll be fun," I nodded.

"Great, I'll organize everything. Leave it to me," Cleo promised.

"Do want any help? It's hard for one person to arrange an event."

"Sure thing, Zoey."

"You're not gonna make us wear party hats, are you?" Rikki asked. 

I could tell she was being sassy by her tone, though I knew she was joking.

"Like I said, leave it to me," Cleo assured her and hung up.

"I take it was one of the girls," Grandma guessed as I slid my phone back into my pocket.

"Yep," I nodded, "Cleo's planning an anniversary celebration of when the four of us became mermaids. I offered to help her out since sometimes, planning a small party can be hard on one person."

"It must mean a lot to her to do all that and to go out of your way to help her out. If there's anything you both need, just let me know."

"Thanks, Grandma. Though I don't wanna wear you out."

"No worries. My entire physical body may be old, but I still have some of that youthful vigor."

I smiled at her.

🌊

After finishing planting the new flowers, Grandma offered to make pavlova for our event. I found it thoughtful of her that I jumped in to help her out. Afterward, Cleo and I met up and went to the grocers to get snacks and other goodies for our party. Cleo was thrilled when I told her about the pavlova and that it was Grandma's way of wanting to support us.

 The only thing was, where to hold the party. We couldn't do it at the house because Grandpa was still recovering from his knee surgery. Ebony arrived in town to help out when it became clear that Dad, Grandma, and I needed an extra hand with Grandpa. Cleo suggested at her place. 

At the cafe, Cleo informed Lewis of the party and invited him too since he had been involved with us for the entire year, helping us deal with our mermaid sides. 

Just as we were about to let Emma and Rikki know of the details, it sounded like they were arguing over something. I could tell it had to do with Zane and Ash for some reason. Cleo tried to calm them down and announced that Lewis offered to help us with the party. It became apparent that Rikki and Emma couldn't stand to be in the same room as each other.