Chapter 2

The next day, which was a Saturday, Emma, Cleo and Rikki went to the JuiceNet Cafe. Emma looked at Rikki, a little uneasy, and then exchanged a glance with Cleo.

''Is there something you want to tell me?'' asked Rikki.

''No, nothing special.'' answered Emma, looking at the floor.

It was at this moment that Elliot pulled a chair and sat next to Rikki, who looked at him with a big smile.

''Elliot, I'm happy to see you!''

Wilfred came with what they ordered, telling them that Elliot spent until his last cent to buy Rikki the chocolates.

''Girls, could we please talk?'' asked Rikki.

Elliot was about to follow them, but Rikki prevented him to do so.

''No, stay here! It won't be long.''

''Wait here,'' said Cleo.

She followed Emma and Rikki who were waiting her to start the conversation. They made sure they were far enough from Elliot, so he couldn't hear them from his spot.

''So, did you know anything about this?'' asked Rikki. ''Did you know he had to broke his piggy bank to buy me the chocolates?''

''No, I wasn't aware of that, said Emma. You know it Rikki, if I've known, I would have told you.''

''Besides, you were happy yesterday when you got the chocolates, remember?'' said Cleo.

''Yeah, I was flattered. He's a sweet boy. But now, I don't know how to handle the situation. I never had a boyfriend before; I'm not used to people liking me that way. I must say I'm a little confused and I don't know what to do.

''Well, it depends on your feelings,'' said Emma.

''I'm happy and flattered, but scared at the same time. Besides, Elliot is eleven and me fifteen.''

''You know, there's nothing wrong about a 15-year-old girl dating an 11-year-old boy,'' said Cleo. ''This is not against the law.''

''Alright then! What about looking for further advice?'' asked Rikki.

''Let's go.''


Unable to come up with a way on how Rikki should handle Elliot's crush, the girls went to Lewis for advice.

''And why exactly are you asking me this?''

''Well, we figured that being the most intelligent guy around, you would be the right one to help us,'' said Cleo.

''I'll do my best, but nobody is perfect,'' answered Lewis.

''I'm sure you could think of something,'' said Rikki.

''Ok Lewis, hurry up. Tell me how your new system works,'' said Lenny.

''Alright, everyday at 5 pm, the watering system will start. All three sections will be watered at the same time.''

Lewis adjusted the timer, finishing the installation.

''What about our problem?'' asked Emma.

''Well, follow your heart, Rikki. If you're receptive to Elliot's feelings, go for it, but if not, just tell Elliot you don't like him that way. Besides, if you decide to return his feelings, be sure that he's not attentive with you just because you saved him, make sure he is sincere. And you know, there is nothing against the law about a girl your age and a boy Elliot's age dating, as long as there is no sexual intercourse between the two persons. Here in Queensland, the age of sexual consent is 16, so it would be an offense.''

''Alright! Thanks Lewis. We're going to go now.'' said Emma.

''No problem, see you girls.''


That being said, the three friends left Lenny's nursery plant school. Rikki smiled. She knew exactly how to handle Elliot's crush now.

Later, as Rikki was walking alone on the beach, Elliot joined her.

''Hi, Rikki!''

''Hey! Elliot! What's up?''

''Not much, I was just looking for you.''

''I guess it wasn't too hard,'' said Rikki, smiling to him.

''You're right, it wasn't. I bought you a little something.''

''You did? You didn't have to Elliot, you know.''

''I hope you'll like it.'' said Elliot.

He gave her a little blue dolphin. Rikki was happy to receive a gift like that, it was so cute!

''Thanks Elliot! It's very kind of you!''

''Glad you like it.''

Rikki gave him a hug and kissed him on the cheek. Elliot instantly blushed. He's so cute when he blushes like that. I guess I'm his first crush.

''You know Elliot, you don't have to buy me presents, just your presence is enough,'' said Rikki.

''Alright, I'll try to remember that.''

''I just want to be sure about something Elliot,'' said Rikki, as she stopped walking.

''Ok, what is it?''

''Well, I just want to make sure you're not being so kind and attentive with me because I saved your life yesterday. I want us to be honest with each other, is it the only reason?''

''No, ever since you became friends with Emma and started coming over at home, I felt attracted to you. I guess I just wasn't conscious about that back then.''

''Your answer reassures me,'' said Rikki. ''You know Elliot, I'm not used to people liking me the way you do. Just don't rush things ok?''

''Of course! I'll let you hang out with Emma and Cleo. I know how you like to spend time with them. I won't prevent you to see them and spend time on your own, I'm not that kind of guy.''

''Wow, I could swear I just heard a guy my age talking,'' said Rikki, speechless. ''You're so more mature than some older guys at school.''

''I guess. Would you like to catch a movie at my house tonight? asked Elliot. Just you and me, if that's ok with you.''

''I'd like that!''

Rikki continued to walk with Elliot, her arm around his shoulders.