Waterworks (H2O Just Add Water) 🌊

5. Something Fishy

I met up with Cleo and Rikki at the JuiceNet right after running some fruit deliveries and errands for Grandma. Lewis and Emma were over on Mako Island investigating the cavern and the cause of our transformation. I had been meaning to head to the island to look into it if not for the many commitments I've made and work.

After ordering our drinks, I noticed a few flyers advertising some form of a beauty pageant that was to take place at the marine park. I could care less about those kinds of events. Though if anyone wanted to enter it, I wasn't holding it against them.

"The Miss Sea Queen Pageant?" Rikki looked at the flyer with a disgusted expression, "How sexist can you get? What kind of moron would enter something like this?"

I noticed Cleo blushing a bit. I concluded that she liked dressing up and had thoughts of entering the pageant. 

The flyer was snatched out of Rikki's hand by Miriam who approached our table along with Tiffany and read it.

"You're not thinking of entering the Miss Sea Queen Pageant?" she gave us a disgusted look on her face.

"I'd rather drop dead," Rikki frowned at her.

"Not my thing," I shook my head.

"You're just jealous because I'm entering," Miriam taunted. 

She couldn't stand the fact what Rikki and I expressed was true and how we felt. No matter what we say, it wouldn't matter to Miriam.

"Oh, and if you're thinking of entering, Cleo, a word of advice, don't bother," she turned to Cleo.

It sounded like Miriam was entering to win, for more attention. Anyone else she saw was a rival to her.

"That's two," Rikki glared at the two departing girls, "And Cleo wouldn't be interested in prancing across the stage in a clingy dress."

"It's a costume, actually," Miriam corrected her.

"With a sea motif," Tiffany added.

It made perfect sense for the pageant to take place at the marine park.

"I could see Cleo in some gorgeous aquatic attire," I stated making Cleo smile at me.

"I've always had an affinity with the sea," Miriam boasted.

"You?" Cleo exclaimed, "That's a joke! I'm the one with the affinity! I'm a--"

Rikki kicked her ankle to shut her up while I grabbed Cleo's hand as if to let her know she almost gave all of us away.  

"Oww," she remarked softly turning to us.

Rikki shook her head while I gave Cleo an expression as if reminding her that there would be a huge trouble if Miriam was aware of what happened when we got wet.

🌊

Later that evening, while watching a game show with Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa, I got a text from Cleo telling me she decided to enter the pageant and asked if I was wanting to watch the event.

"Who texted ya?" Dad asked.

"Cleo," I replied, "She's entering the beauty pageant that's being held at the marine park and asked me to attend the show. I was thinking about going to show her some support, especially since the queen bee herself and her minion are entering. I'm certain Rikki and Emma will be there also."

"Tell Cleo we'll all be there for her," Grandma smiled at me.

I replied to Cleo that I would be there and that Dad and my grandparents were also going with me. I even offered to help her with whatever she needed for putting together her oceanic costume.