Waterworks (H2O Just Add Water) 🌊

4. Party Girls

Dad and Grandpa dropped me off at Sea World Marine Park where I had applied for a part-time job at one of the kiosks and gift shop before heading out on call. It wasn't a huge surprise that the park manager, Mrs. Geddes knew Dad from their high school years when she noticed him while I was being dropped off. I remember Ebony telling me before that a lot of the girls threw themselves at him when they were younger. I mentally shuddered when it appeared that my boss had a slight crush on him.

Cleo had gotten a job in the park also. It was at the dolphin tank, which got me concerned since it involved a massive water splash. Though I saw that she took every precaution by covering her legs with a long lengthed apron and her hair with a shower cap and wore dish gloves. She even used a pair of tongs to grab fish for feeding the dolphins.

Emma nearly flipped out when she learned of Cleo's and my jobs at the water park. Though she relaxed a little when learning my position didn't involve a lot of moisture, though I'd be extra careful when walking near the water rides.

During my break, I got to head to the dolphin tank where a show took place. I smiled as both the dolphins and trainers showed off their performances. I stood at the very back since it was waterproof. Plus, I saw Cleo in her waterproof attire bringing out buckets full of fish for the trainers to feed the dolphins. Although my friend was extremely careful, an accident could happen. As Cleo had told me when she applied for the job, we couldn't let water run our lives.

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Later after work, Cleo and I met up with Rikki and Emma at the Juice Net. During her shift, Cleo had a close call when she accidentally splashed herself with the salty water and a strange elderly lady had tossed her a dry towel before the change could happen. I wondered if the woman knew something about us. Unless it had something to do with noticing Cleo's attire and putting all the pieces together.

"She knows something," Cleo pointed out after telling Emma, Rikki, and myself about the woman.

"Like what?" Rikki wondered.

So far, it was just Lewis who knew about us and no one else. Perhaps the elderly woman knew all about mermaids since having known some from her past. Or unless she was one herself. It would be interesting to meet others like the girls and myself.

"I'm not sure. But she knew it was dangerous for me to get water on myself."

"You got water on yourself?" Emma asked staring at Cleo, "I knew it."

"One drop. I wiped it straight up. Nothing happened. I took precautions," Cleo explained.

"I can vouch for her," I raised my hand, "Besides, I always walk by the tank on the way to the kiosk and see her waterproofed and ready for work."

Cleo smiled at me, knowing I had her back, and turned to Rikki and Emma, "I can do this job."

"And I told you we should have discussed this further," Emma argued.

"What would that prove?" Cleo asked, "You're just scared."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are-- scared for me. And you're scared to have your party. Well, I'm not living like that anymore, Emma. I'm not going to be scared of every drop of water I see."

Cleo had told me that every year, Emma's mother threw this big sleepover party, and many of the girls from Emma's former swim team were often invited over. It had been years since I went to a slumber party.

"As crazy as it sounds, I agree with Cleo," Rikki nodded and turned to her holding a finger up, "Just this once."

I noticed Emma wearing a necklace with a silver circular pendant that looked like nothing I had seen in jewelry shops.