And the Sea Called My Name

This is my second fanfic. There are several themes in this story.

Jan

Chapter 1

After walking for two miles, Rikki, Emma, and Cleo saw the familiar path that led to their homes. Breathing s sigh of relief, they were considerably tired from the walk to the mall for some new summer clothes.

Rikki pulled out a peachy tropical blouse, "Woo hoo, did I get a good deal or what?" She held it against her thin body.

Emma emphatically nodded, "yep, you sure did. These new jeans were just what I was looking for. Especially for the party next week wish Ash. So," she turned to Cleo, "did you decide on whether or not we are up for the pier tonight?" Cleo was reluctant to go to Barrier High Point ever since she'd heard about an accidental drowning that happened two days ago. But that's not all what concerned her now.

"I'm thinking about it," she slowly replied. "Someone drowned recently, remember? Do you really want to go out there at the Point? Tonight?" Cleo asked.

"Well, we ARE mermaids, and technically we can't drown, right?" gallantly Rikki. "Think of how good the water feels Cleo, and don't think of rip currents or anything bad." She playfully coaxed her friend. "We can handle it; after all we can handle a full moon right? Let's do it!"

"She's right Cleo," chimed in Emma. "We even beat Charlotte, both mermaid wise and as a person. What can be bigger than that? What have we to fear? "

"What a moment" Rikki checked her cell phone for the ID. " Oh man, Zane has to help his dad at some party so it's just as well I make my own plans". To the point it is" she declared.

"Ash is out of town this week, so I'm game." Emma twirled a shopping bag over her shoulder. "Besides it's Saturday. Let's swim and have some fun".

"And Lewis? It's unusual not to have heard from him. He and my dad had an argument and he won't talk about it." Cleo furrowed a brow.

Rikki gazed out at the ocean, and exhaled a breath. "Well! That settles it for me, anyways! Even more reason to get away for awhile? Who's game and who's lame?" Rikki looked expectantly.

Emma pondered for a minute. "Ok I can't see why not?" Cleo kept on walking into her house was in view. "I'm going in now." She stated. Emma and Rikki stared after her, watching as she disappeared.

She turned to Emma, "now what is going on with her? She's really in a daze. But then we're talking about boys. And boys include…LEWIS! "She proclaimed, joined by Emma.

"I have to cover Ash's shift at 3 pm, so see you tonight." Emma gaily replied, skipping off to her house.

At home, Mr. Sertori looked worried as he watched the TV news. "Incredible", he mumbled, Nothing like this has happened here in Queensland.."

"What Dad?" Cleo came into the living room, a curious look on her face.

"Well, sweetheart, a typhoon of large proportion is in the Pacific with a view towards the Pacific islands. And Australia is a large land mass. It could block the storm, but that's only a possibility. "Standing up with a serious look on his face, he looked at Cleo. " I may be on call for the next 24 hours. In fact, we all should be here."

Cleo thought of her earlier conversation with the girls. She pensively asked, "Has Lewis called or come by? I was going out with the girls tonight."

Don Setori looked at Cleo squarely. "My pearl is growing up, but not too fast right-O? No we're better off here tonight. Don't know what direction that storm's likely to go."

"Oh", Cleo sighed as she cleared the dished from the table, and decided to text Emma. "I can't make it tonight at the Point. Pls be careful and safe. Don't try to race Rikki or do anything foolish. "She smiled, knowing Emma or Rikki could provoke each other equally.

In the Juice net café, Lewis was surfing on his laptop. He had a troubled look on his face as he searched he did a Google search when he looked up from the TV there. He shook his blond locks, "Mm no..I know they won't be that silly to try it tonight. He said to himself. The beaded door of the café parted, and an auburn haired girl entered. She looked like she a had a mission. Searching around, she spotted Lewis. "Are you expecting anybody soon?" she ventured.

He looked up and paused. "No, not exactly, just doing a little research." He shielded his computer screen from her. "What's up?" he eyed her suspiciously.

She edged closer, sitting at his table. "Well you've heard about the drowning, caused by strong currents at the Point. And it's going to get worse. In fact, I should be going."

Now Lewis was ever more disturbed. Why would the girls risk being pulled out by a current? He knew a guy named John who almost went out to far swimming and almost became a casualty. Why is Cleo's dad mad at me? Why is he getting agitated at the sight of me? He put his laptop and turned to go. Charlotte was nothing to be afraid of, or was she? He did not trust her, although she said she could be. Is the Point a safe place to swim? Questions, questions, his inquisitive mind resolved to solve them all.