Emma's POV
I stood in front of Rikki's cafe mouth gaping, eyes wide. It had only been a year since I left and things already seemed to have changed so much. I let out a sigh. Maybe I should never have left. But try as I might things would still move on and change. Even if I didn't travel the world with my parents the juicenet would still close and a new mermaid friend would come along and the moon pool would be destroyed. But it wasn't just my home and friends that had changed, it was myself as well.
"Emma!" Cleo shouted racing out of the cafe to give me a bouncing hug. I smiled but didn't hug back and pulled away. Cleo's face dropped and she looked stunned.
"I'm sorry. It's just, everything has changed so much. I'm still adjusting" I apologized.
"Well come on in and let us fill you in on what you've missed so you won't feel so much like a stranger" Cleo smiled and grabbed my hand leading me into the cafe. Everything had been updated in size and appearance. Now instead of a retro theme it was high tech and more modern day. And there was even a band playing. A girl sang on stage, she had honey blonde hair that cascaded down past her shoulders It appeared to be a naturally wavy texture, as evidence since she wore it loose. Her eyes were ocean blue, and she had a bronzed complexion. She wore a grey tank top with a silver scarf and some short denim shorts with some sparkly gold sandals to add color.
"In this world we're all alone, you know I love my island home. We'll make this right. Find our way this mystery. I just wanna be swimming in the sea. Now it's just you and me forever ever ever. I just wanna be, with you feeling free. It's my destiny forever ever ever. Together forever. Together lying in the sun. Together and ever. Together just be you and me, I just wanna be."
I bit my lower lip. So this was the girl who replaced me. The girl who thought she was better just because she was a mermaid before us. I pursed my lips together as everyone applauded and she took a bow.
"Isn't she great!?" Cleo exclaimed clapping.
"The greatest" I said though I didn't really mean it and there were hints of sarcasm in my tone.
"Em? It's so good to see you!" Rikki said from somewhere behind me. I turned around to see her and did a double take. She looked really different. Instead of the regular messy bun or two braids her hair was down, loose and wavy. She usually wore more gothic clothes with skulls and camouflage capris but now she wore a tight mini skirt and a bright red ruffled top. Instead of tennis shoes or flip flops she had white high heel sandals.
It seemed Rikki had matured a bit and I was impressed. Rikki set down her tray of drinks to give me a one armed hug. "Rikki...you look" I began as if searching for the right words. "Different" I finished. "A good different!" I reassured. Rikki grinned.
"Hey Rikki we need an order for table seven" Zane said coming out of his office with a clipboard. "Oh hi Emma" he said when he looked up. "Emma!" he said as if suddenly remembering.
"Hey Zane" I said faking a smile. "I thought you broke up with him again" I said once Zane left the room.
"I did…" Rikki trailed off.
"And now you're back together?" I replied and she nodded. "Oh Rikki when will you ever learn" I said laughing. I missed seeing my friends and while everything was different, nothing had really changed at all.