The next day, Cleo called Dr. Blakely's office for an appointment. They had a cancellation that morning, so she took the appointment. She called the girls, and made plans to meet at Mako later that afternoon to find the crystal for Emma.

Lewis and Cleo arrived at Dr Blakely's office and filled out all of the forms required for new patients, then they waited, and flipped through a magazine, then tucked it into her purse. Eventually, they were called back to an examination room. The nurse checked Cleo's vitals and asked what the appointment was for today. They told her just a general check up.

Dr. Blakely arrived and introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Dr. Blakely. How can I help you today?"

Cleo answered, "It's been a long time since I've seen a doctor. I was wondering if we could talk privately?" She looked towards the nurse.

"Nonsense, my staff is very professional. Whatever you have to say you can just say it," he answered.

Cleo sighed, "You were recommended to me by Zac's friends. I'm their cousin."

Dr Blakely looked at them. Lewis raised a brow and nodded. Dr Blakely took out his wallet and handed some money to his nurse. He said, "Why don't you go down to the coffee shop and get coffee for the office." She thanked him and left.

"So, care to tell me what this is really about?" Dr Blakely asked.

Cleo and Lewis told them about her human origins of becoming a Mako mermaid. They told him that they've been married for a few years and really wanted to start a family. They didn't know what Cleo's anatomy was in her mermaid form or if she could carry like a human or have hatchlings like merforks. Lewis told him about his background in marine biology. Dr Blakely thought about it and decided that they would need to make an after hours appointment off the books. They would need to scan Cleo in both forms, and do the same with a natural born mermaid. Perhaps they would know what to expect then. No one had ever written a "What to Expect When You're an Expecting Mermaid" book. They all agreed to talk to Rita about it and then set the other appointment. Cleo asked if she could keep a magazine she found in the waiting room and Dr Blakely told her to go ahead. Cleo and Lewis thanked him for his help and discretion.

They went home to talk to Sam and Dad about everything. It was time to reveal the truth to her family. They invited Sam and Don to lunch with them on Mako. Lewis asked them to meet them there at noon. They picked up lunch at Ocean's Cafe, and went to Mako. Don and Sam were on the beach with a blanket and drinks. Lewis carried Cleo over the surf, then went back for the food. They ate their lunches, just enjoying the beautiful day and nice breezes. When they were done eating, Lewis cleaned up.

"Thank you guys for meeting us out here. We wanted to talk to you about our family, and my weird fear of water."

"No problem, we're here for you sweetheart," Don said.

"Dad, you've been working at sea a long time. Do you believe any of those legends and stories about sea creatures and strange weather could be true?" She asked.

He answered thoughtfully, "Well, I suppose there are some truths behind those tales."

she replied, "Hmm tails yes. Sam, you've traveled all over the world, and studied many cultures. Do you believe there is magic?'

Her mother-in-law replied, "I've heard a lot of stories in my travels. A lot of cultures believe in magic and spirits. To answer your question, yes, I believe there are things that can't by explained by science." She added, "There's so much we don't know. Why do you ask?"

Cleo and Lewis looked at each other. She gave him a nod.

Cleo answered,"Okay, I don't want you guys to freak out, but I have something to tell you."

"whatever it is darling, we support you," her dad said.

"You see, when I was 15, Emma, Rikki, and I got stuck on Mako Island at night. We ended up in a pool filled with moonlight. Something happened, something magical. We..."

Just then Lewis threw water on her from his water bottle. She fell over and changed into a mermaid. She cried, "Lewis! I was going to tell them first. I can't believe you just did that to me."

He replied, "Sorry, I thought it was time."

"How, how?" Don asked as he knelt beside his mermaid daughter.

"This place, this island is magical. It chose us to become mermaids. It gave us powers. Do you remember the night of the Eva Comet? We used our powers to deflect it."

Sam said, "Wow. You guys have powers? What kind of powers?"

Cleo told them the all the same things they all had just told Rita and Veridia.

Lewis added, "You guys have got to promise not to say anything to anyone ever. Please, you have to keep the secret."

"Obviously, your lives would all be in danger. The Gold Coast would become a mad house." Sam said.

"I wish you had told us years ago, honey. You know you can count on us right?" Don asked.

"I know dad. We know. We decided to tell you now, because we want to start a family, and we want you to be a part of it all." Cleo went on to tell them about Dr Blakely.

"Well we promise to not say anything, and we are excited about the possibility of grand children, or grand merkids, but we have to get back to work." Don said.

"True, I'm sure our colleagues are wondering where we are today." Samantha added.

"Thank you guys so much," Cleo said. They gave each other hugs and the Sertoris left.

Cleo and Lewis sat back down on the blanket. Lewis said, "that went well. Oh by the way, what was in the magazine?"

"You're never going to believe it. Grab my bag out of the boat please," she answered.

He got the bag and took it to her. She flipped through it and placed it in the blanket. The page on one side featured Will Benjamin diving underwater taking a picture of a manta ray. It was an ad for underwater cameras. The picture on the other page featured Ash Dove on a horse at a ranch. There was an article for trail rides at his family's ranch. Lewis flipped to the front of the magazine. It was a tourist magazine featuring stuff to do around the Gold Coast.

"Wow, cool find. I wonder how Bella and Emma are going to react to this walk down memory lane," said Lewis.

"I know, Will has certainly worked out, and Ash looks great," replied Cleo.

"Hey, hey I'm right here." Lewis said gesturing at himself.

"I know. I love you. I'm glad today worked out so well. " Cleo said as she leaned over and kissed her husband.

"Mmm You're supposed to meet the girls in a half hour. Do you want to go for a swim? I can hike up to the land entrance and bring the magazine if you want."

"Thanks Lewis. The water looks gorgeous today," Cleo said. She kissed her husband and dove into the surf. Lewis put everything back into the boat, and started his hike.

Rikki walked along the beach. The water was beautiful. She thought about how happy she'd felt this week. It felt right to be home. She was also excited about her new powers. She wondered about the Mako pod. Their history and the history of Mako was very interesting. She was looking forward to more lessons. She decided to go for a swim, before meeting the girls. She walked down to the old secret fishing spot of Lewis.

On the rocks she saw Zane. He was staring out into the ocean deep in thought. She quickly did the arm movement that Rita taught her and disappeared. She went and sat a few feet from him. This Zane, she thought, is the guy she fell in love with so many years ago. He didn't look arrogant or aloof. He looked quiet, thoughtful, and even vulnerable.

He pulled out a cigarette. When he went to light it, the flame went out. Again he tried, and again the flame went out. He shook the lighter. When he went to try a third time, a giant flame shot up. He put away the cigarette and lighter.

Zane smiled and said, "Impressive, lunatic."

Rikki revealed herself and smiled, "Glad you liked it. Miss me?"

"Yeah, I have. It's good to see you again," he told her. Then he added, "Nice trick by the way."

"Thank you, I just learned it this week. Smoking is a terrible habit," she replied.

Zane said, "I know, I only do it when I'm stressed."

Rikki replied, "Oh right. I heard about your father from the Gilbert's. Sorry, I hope he's feeling better."

"He's going to be fine," Zane answered. Then as he watched the waves, he decided to confide in her.

"Actually, I'm stressed about my mother. My father tasked me with finding her."

Rikki remembered that his mother had left him as a small boy. She asked, "Do you know anything about her?"

Zane laughed, lit a cigarette, and told her the whole story. He finnished with, "so now you know."

Rikki replied, "You mean you're a ..."

"A merman. I'm a merman, Rikki." He added, "I just need to find Rita. Honestly, I'm not sure I want to find Rita."

Rikki stood up facing him, she pulled the card from her jacket that Mimmi had given her after the water dragon incident. "Risk it," she said handing him the card.

Zane read the card- Rita Santos. Sentosa had become Santos. His hand started shaking. He looked overwhelmed.

She felt like fleeing when seeing his response. She couldn't just leave him in this emotional state. In a very uncharacteristic move, Rikki pulled Zane into her and held on. His face rested on her chest. He could hear her heartbeat. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held on to her, like a drowning man to a life preserver.

"Listen carefully," she said. "You can handle this. I don't know Rita's side, but I know you. You can handle this."

Zane looked up at her and smiled. "Well, this is better than a cigarette," he said. He stood up, his arms still holding her loosely. He added, "Thank you for this information. Seriously, I appreciate it." He pulled her in. gently kissed her, and walked away.

She stood there for a minute watching him walk away. She decided that she needed to clear her head before meeting the girls. She dove into the water and swam hard and fast to the reef.

Cleo, Emma, and Bella were waiting in the moon pool for Rikki. Lewis was standing near by playing with his compass.

Emma asked, "Where's Rikki?"

Cleo replied, "She never misses one of our swims."

Emma said, "I think we've had this conversation before."

Cleo replied, "I know right? I doubt she's off to the movies with Zane."

Bella said, "What was it with that guy? I never understood what she saw in him. "

Emma explained, "Zane Bennett was more that just a bad boy. He was more complicated. You know- still waters run deep. Anyway, they really understood one another."

"hmm" Bella said noncommittally. She added, "Well, we could just get out and start without her. "

"Or, we could get out, and I can tell you about my day, and show you something," Cleo said.

The girls got out and dried off. They sat down and Cleo told everyone about her day with Dr Blakely, and her parents. Then, she got out the magazine.

Just then Rikki finally showed up. "Hey guys, sorry I'm late."

Cleo said, "No problem, I was just going to show everyone something I found today." As Rikki dried off Cleo gave her the short version of her day. Rikki went and sat next to the girls and Cleo opened the magazine to the right page.

"Damn," said Emma.

"Oh wow," said Bella.

Rikki picked up the magazine, "Hmm They're both hotties... and Zane kissed me today.

"WHAT?" Cleo asked astounded.

Rikki said, "sit down Lewis." When everyone was sitting in a circle, Rikki told them all about her day.

"Damn," said Emma.

"Oh wow," said Bella.

"WHAT?" exclaimed Cleo.

Rikki told them, "I'm still trying to process it. Honestly, it's all overwhelming."

Lewis said, "So, you're saying that this whole time..."

"Yes, Lewis," she answered. She added, "Let's just look for the crystal. I really need to just think about this for a while." She got up and gave Cleo her necklace. Cleo used the necklaces to find the crystal.

"Stop. Go up." Bella said to her, "Yeah, right there." Cleo located a spot and the crystals pointed to it.

Rikki used her magic. They pulled out the crystal. It was charged with moon pool magic. They used it and showed Lewis what they were learning.