Chapter 2! And Eira's in Australia!

Thank you to DeafAngel2000 for you're kind words and support!

Enjoy and please review!

~Star


The day after she called I got on the first plane possible and flew out to Australia, telling my father it was an exchange thing for University. I don't really get travel sick or anything, but as soon as I landed I felt this deep nausea take me over. I passed it off as nerves, and partially the extreme heat of the country.

Bella told me to meet her at a café called 'Rikki's' on the Gold Coast. I got there around lunchtime and looked around for any sign of my childhood friend, but she wasn't there. I quietly approached the bar and ordered a smoothie while I waited. The guy serving smiled at me, but I simply straightened my glasses and turned away in shyness. I figured he was local, so I asked him if he knew Bella, and to my surprise he actually knew about me:

"Ah, so you must be Eira." He said in greeting, holding out his hand. "Bella said you were coming. I'm Zane."

"Pleased to meet you." I replied, shaking his hand reluctantly. We chatted for a few minutes about ourselves, I obviously left out the whole mermaid thing. Then Zane said that his girlfriend had arrived and he ran round to meet her. I too politely turned to say hello, and then I saw her: Bella was standing there with Zane's girlfriend and a girl with brown hair.

"Bella?" I called out to her, hoping I wasn't mistaken. She noticed me sitting there and smiled brightly. I stood and she ran over and hugged me excitedly. I returned the hug and the 2 other girls came over as myself and Bella pulled away.

"Guys this is Eira, my friend from Cardiff. Eira this is Cleo and Rikki." Bella said to all of us as a form of introduction. Cleo shook my hand warmly and Rikki gave a cold wave. I got the impression she didn't like me much. Nevertheless, we all sat down together and Zane brought us juices.

"So… how did you guys become friends?" Cleo asked curiously, taking a sip of her juice.

"I was put into Eira's class when I moved to Cardiff 7 years ago." Bella explained, while I sat there quietly drinking my juice. "She looked after me and one day I wanted to explore by the harbour, but then it started raining so we both jumped off the jetty and, well, we both saw each other with a tail."

I gulped as Bella said the last part and eyed her in shock for so carelessly revealing my secret. Our secret. Rikki looked at me in confusion, then slight annoyance.

"Relax, we already know you're a mermaid." Rikki said, making me panic even more. Bella put an arm round my shoulder and hugged me reassuringly, smiling.

"Eira… Rikki and I are mermaids too." Cleo said suddenly, and my eyes widened in realisation. I was speechless for a few moments, but I finally managed to answer:

"How-How long have you been.. Mermaids?" I stuttered, still partially in shock.

"Like 5 years now." Rikki said, smirking. "What 'bout you?"

"11 years." I admitted, making Rikki's mouth drop open.

"So you've been at this longer than all of us!" Cleo exclaimed, shuffling forward on her seat. "You must be an expert by now! Any tips?"

I blinked in surprise and stuttered awkwardly before answering: "Er- not really, sorry."

"It's fine." Cleo replied trying to hide her disappointment.

"Eira? Have you gone for a swim yet?" Bella asked excitedly. "The reef is absolutely beautiful." I replied with a small shake of my head, and Bella gave a wide smile and happily suggested:

"Well then girls, who's up for a swim?"


Next stop Mako Island!

See you soon! :)