Emma's POV

"And you're letting her?!" I stare at Cleo in disbelief. All she talks about is Lewis, Lewis, Lewis. Who's on the phone? Lewis. Who are you hanging out with today? Lewis. What are you eating for lunch? Lewis. It's beyond obvious that she has a huge crush on him and now she's just letting Rikki stay at his house.

"Well, yeah, I mean, it's not like they'll like each other or anything. Lewis doesn't even like Rikki. And Rikki thinks Lewis is annoying. It would never happen." Cleo smiles confidently.

"But that's exactly what Rikki and Zane used to think of each other." Cleo freezes. Her smile fades completely, and the confidence that, just a few seconds ago, covered every inch of her body, peels off like skin after sunburn. I instantly regret speaking my thoughts.

"I'm sorry Cleo, I didn't mean- I mean, I'm sure-"

"No, no, it's fine, you're right," Cleo says. "If anything happens between them, I'll just have to deal with it. They're both my friends, I respect their actions, 100%."

But it seems more like -200% to me.

Cleo's POV

One of my favorite things about being able to swim at high speeds is the bubbles hitting against my face. Another is the silence I get, the serene silence, where I'm forced to really think things through. I wish the fish and sharks and other sea creatures magically knew my situation and could give me advice. They would be the best listeners, they'd have no one to tell, and no problems of their own to be preoccupied with. I sigh hopelessly as I make my way to the moon pool.

Rikki's POV

I look at the clock again… 10:11 pm. If it weren't for Lewis's constant yapping about his new invention to change the color of mermaid tails, I'd be sound asleep right now. Though, a red tail sounds incredible. As soon as he takes a slight pause in his discussion, I snatch up the opportunity to break free.

"Lewis, look, as much as I would LOVE to have a tail that doesn't look like a potato chip, I really need to be heading off to bed"

"But I was hoping we could play some board games, card games.. any games!" Has Lewis completely lost his mind? What makes him think I would want to play games with him? "What about truth or dare?"

"Lewis. I don't play games like that, okay? I'm not five-years-old. Now if you could kindly let me-"

"I triple dog dare you." Lewis stares at me with determination in his eyes. I can't believe he thinks he's intimidating. It's like a small, furry puppy threatening to kill you in your sleep. However, I suddenly have the urge to say yes to Lewis's offer. It must be something in the air, making me loopy. Possibly the large, stuffed teddy bear in the corner of the hallway.

"Fine, Lewis, I'll play ONE game of stupid truth or dare with you," I say. "But be prepared to have to endure the WORST dares of your entire life."

"Not if I always pick truth," Lewis says with a wink and a smile.

It turns out that one game turned into seven. The truths weren't too bad, nor were the dares. I think the best thing throughout the whole thing turned out to be when Lewis had to juggle actual hot potatoes, involving my powers, of course. I've never heard a guy yell so similarly to a girl. I laughed for a good twenty minutes after that. As quickly as it started, we are down to the last bit of the game. My turn to choose.

"Truth or dare?" Lewis asks for the 28th time tonight.

"Truth."

"Do you like me?"

The question shocks me. I try to speak, but nothing comes out.

"As a friend, of course," Lewis quickly adds. "I mean, you never liked me before. But now, it seems like we're actually…"

"Friends. Yeah," I sigh, relieved. "I didn't hate you. Sure I found you, well, annoying.. nerdy… clingy… slightly-"

"Okay, okay," Lewis interrupted. "I found you pretty annoying too. And stubborn, a bit hot tempered.. but that doesn't matter. What matters is that we're friends. Now, about Cleo..."

Except I didn't hear the last part because my lips were already on his.