Chapter 30
Funnily enough Emma was released on her 25th Birthday. That night they had heaps of celebrations, for her birthday, for her life and the engagement. They had to keep it realitively low key however because of Emma's delicate state of health.
Once Emma was back to full health she joined them all in long swims along the Gold Coast.
One month later...The Moon Pool...
"Guys, I was wondering whether we could swim to Hawaii for my birthday," Anna said
"Sounds cool...we have to ask the guys first," Cleo replied,
"So its actually possible to swim there...?"
"Yeah!," Rikki paused, "Cleo did it all the time to visit Lewis," she rolled her eyes
"She used Hawaii as the stop over on the way to America," Bella clarified.
"Zane could probably drive the boys there in his oversized toy boat," Rikki stated
The girls swam back to tell the guys. Everyone was keen except for Ben.
"Would it be safe...?"
"Yeah, Cleo's done it before," Anna answered enthusiastically.
"Okay then, I'm in,"
Everyone packed there stuff into the boat except for Ash who couldn't get time off work.
"I'll miss you Ash,"
"Don't get into any trouble," Ash replied to Emma
They kissed goodbye. After this Emma dived into the water to join the other mermaids and Ben.
It took a few days to swim the distance to Hawaii, the mermaids had to wait occasionally for the boat to catch up. Each night they dried out and slept the night onboard. This was a good idea as Emma wasn't as fit as she once was. After a long time they finally made it to their destination. By the time they docked it was the day of Anna's birthday, they had timed it perfectly.
"Thanks so much guys for coming" Anna beamed at them.
"You're welcome; Happy Birthday" They went to a lavish restaurant and spoilt Anna for her birthday.
The girls sunbathed on the beaches with the exception of Anna and Ben; Anna dragged him shopping and the rest of the guys went surfing and diving. The mermaids did many dry activities such as sightseeing and went to beaches where no one was and swam amongst the crystal water and beautiful marine life.
"Hey, can we stop over in Fiji?" Rikki asked, "Or should we swim there next week? I have some fantastic spots I wanna show you guys"
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Character Profile Update:
Rikki Chadwick: Aged 24, Been in a relationship with Zane Bennett for 6+ years
Cleo McCartney: Aged 24, Married to Lewis McCartney for nearly a year
Emma Gilbert: Aged 25, Been in a relationship with Ash Dove for 8 years
Isabella 'Bella' Benjamin: Aged 24, Married to Will Benjamin for half a year
Lewis McCartney: Aged 25, Married to Cleo McCartney for nearly a year
Ash Dove: Aged 27, Been in a relationship with Emma Gilbert for 8 years
Zane Bennett: Aged 25, Been in a relationship with Rikki Chadwick for 6+ years
Anna Matthews: Aged 25, Been in a relationship with Ben Charles for 3+ years
Robert 'Ben' Charles: Aged 25, Been in a relationship with Anna Matthews for 3+ years
William 'Will' Benjamin: Aged 24, Married to Bella Benjamin for half a year
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hapter 31
With all the drama over the past months Zane and Rikki had put their wedding on hold. Now, since things seemed like they had settled down, they decided on the day they would have their wedding, on the 30th of May
A week after the Hawaiian Expedition...( 14th of April), Rikki's Cafe...
"Hey, I'm Anita," she said in a flirtacious voice,
"I'm Zane, how may I help you?"
"Whats on offer? Hmm," she looked like she was pondering, "Cranberry Booster?"
"Sure, coming right up,"
"Are you sure there's nothin' else I can have?"
"What do you mean," Zane said looking up from the smoothie he was making, seeing the look in her eyes he got the gist.
"Oh, you for instance..."
"Sorry, not interested," Zane said firmly interrupting her.
"You sure?" she leaned closer to his face, her perfume intoxicating, taken by suprise she kissed him.
Just at this moment Rikki came out of the office flicking through some envelopes,
"So, when do we want to..." She looked up taking in the scene. It was all too familiar. Pretty girl, Zane, a kiss. Definately too familiar.
Rikki's face crumpled and she ran backinto the office.
"Rikki, Rikki,its not what you think," He chased her to the door. Anita just smiled when Zane shot her the evils. He tried the handle.
"Rikki, let me in!"
"No!" came the muffled reply.
"You know I'd never do anything like that to you..."
"Really? It seems to me that you've done this before to me, hmmm, not once but TWICE!" she shouted back.
He stopped at a loss for a reply. He knew that was true and he had lived every day since regretting his actions.
"Rikki," he began in defeat,
"I don't want to hear it Zane..."
"Wait," he exclaimed, "Here me out."
There was silence coming from the other side of the door.
"Okay. Havn't I already told you that I'd never do that again? I've already begged on my knees for forgiveness. I thought I had yours. I'd never do something like that again on purpose. I love you Rikki, I don't want to hurt you that way or any other way...not again..."
The door opened slightly and Rikki's face, covered in tears, her mouth in a firm line appeared. One thing Zane never understood was why the girls' tears didn's transform them. Regardless of this he said softly to her, "It was all her," with pleading eyes.
She had never seen him so helpless, so down. She softened wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"I believe you Zane, but you had better not ever, ever let me catch you in a situation like that again or..." She didn't get to finish as his lips sealed her mouth. She relaxed into his arms.
Zane went back to the counter to finish serving the troublesome Anita. Zane silently handed her her drink.
"Wanna go out sometime"
"No way,"
"Just one date?"
"Not on your life,"
"Your real hot..." she moaned
"Never in a thousand years."
Rikki came over to stand by Zane.
"And who is this?" she said pecking him on the cheek all smiles again,
"Anita, this is Rikki, my fiance,"
"I'd like to say it was nice to meet you but that'd be a lie. If you so much as life a finger, you will be out."
Anita smirked and left with her smoothie cup.
"Zane, I'm so sorry for not trusting you,"
"Its alright Rikki, I should never have allowed myself to be in that compromising postition, now or in the past,"
"Okay. I'm glad we've got this sorted out. You know Zane you really have changed from having Miriam just as a convenient girlfriend type thing to being in a very committed relationship with me, I like that,"
He smiled and leaned in for a kiss. Rikki returned it.
"I am definately yours, and committed, don't let anyone let you think otherwise. Any flirt can't change the way I feel about you, You are stuck with me forever"
"Really?"
"Yes really," they smiled at each other lovingly.
They walked out of the office together with Zane's arm slung across Rikki's shoulder.
During their lunch break the two of them started to discuss their wedding.
"I've never been good at this kinda stuff, but I can try," Rikki said in a small voice.
"You'll be fine Rikki. So..."
"I want a simple wedding, nothing extravagant, just close friends and family at a simple ceremony,"
"Okay Dokey, your wish is my command," he mock bowed. Rikki giggled – I know, Rikki, giggling.
"You're actually fine with that?"
"Yes, its your day, i'm just along for the ride, and of course for marrying a special someone,"
One kiss turned into quite a few...
At this moment Cleo walked in,
"Oh, not again!"