Waterworks (H2O Just Add Water) 🌊

65. To Have and to Hold Back

Cleo announced to the other girls and me that her dad and his fiancée Samantha plan on getting on with their wedding over the weekend. It was sudden for all of us. Mr. Sertori thought about just going to the registry office and including friends and family to celebrate. Cleo volunteered to set everything up wanting her dad and future stepmom to have a proper wedding.

"Wow, that's some muffer you've made," Rikki remarked after Cleo told us everything while wading in the moon pool.

"I thought if I got Kim involved, she'd warm to the idea," Cleo added.

"You think?"

"OK, there's a lot to do, but if you guys would help me?"

"Yeah, you name it. We'll help," Bella nodded.

"I've looked everywhere for a hall, but everything's booked solid," Cleo stated.

"Well, it is the season for last minute weddings," Rikki pointed out

"Well, I was wondering if I could use the cafe?"

"Well, they're not gonna wanna do it there."

"Well, I thought they could do it outdoors, like with Zoey's dad's wedding, and then we could have the reception inside?"

"I'll ask Zane, but he always does what I say anyway."

"Thank you."

"That's because you're his boss," I grinned at Rikki.

"Too right," she smiled.

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The girls and I got on to setting up the wedding. Grandma and Fiona offered to help all of us out, which made Cleo extra happy. Lewis pulled Rikki and me to the side informing us that he had gotten an email from the Marine Biology Institute in the US and a scholarship to study there. I thought he would be thrilled that he was accepted. It turned out the Institute wanted him at once and he would head out after the weekend was over.

Lewis told Rikki and me that he planned on telling Cleo at once. Rikki was against it saying that Cleo would fall apart at once just when she was in a wedding planner mode. I advised Lewis to wait until after the ceremony and reception since she was already preoccupied.

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After the girls left to get dressed up, I stuck around to supervise the setup. The thought of Lewis leaving got to me. He was one of those who made me feel at home while settling in on the Gold Coast. First Emma, and next Lewis. Though I knew they would return soon. Imagining Cleo tearing apart when she got word of his departure made me feel for her.

"Is everything okay, Zo?" Grandma wondered sympathetically.

I opened up to her about Lewis's scholarship to study overseas and how Cleo would feel about it if she found out.

"Neither Rikki or I said anything to Cleo," I added, "I mean she and Lewis have known each other since the single digits. She's not gonna be the same when he leaves."

"I know. It is hard when a close mate leaves," Grandma stated, "But it's never forever. Lewis won't be gone forever. He will return."

I nodded at her and then resumed helping Rikki, Zane, and Patrick with the setup. Bella included Will in on the ceremony by playing the music on cue. 

"Hey guys," Cleo called out as she arrived, "Um, Bella, how are you going with the music?" It sounded like she had been emotional. I had a feeling she had found out about Lewis's scholarship and planned departure.