Chapter 42
Today was the celebration of the 32nd birthday of Mrs Anna Charles. Everyone was still trying to process the news that Denman was good now...or pretending to be. Of course, Rikki and Emma were completely sceptical but all that mattered was that she was not a threat at that moment in time.
The celebration was to be held at Rikki's Cafe, after hours. Anna's parents were visiting Australia for a few weeks, no doubt perfect timing. Jade, the Jacksons and Jessie were all invited. Due to Alan's frequent visits to Mako, Anna and Alan had grown reasonably close and therefore, he was invited too. Anna had not wanted a large celebration, but she could not have invited Jessie back to Mako, therefore, the cafe it was.
Cleo, Bella and Emma were arranging things for the kids to do once everyone had eaten – so they wouldn't bother them. Anna went over to see how they were doing.
"All sorted?" Rikki asked.
"Yeah," Anna smiled in response.
OoOoO
The Jacksons arrived first, early as usual followed by Jade. Anna welcomed both parties. Then Jessie arrived.
"Hey Jess, thanks for coming," Anna smiled.
"No problem, thanks for inviting me. Happy Birthday," The two women hugged.
"Let me introduce you to everyone," Anna said, and this she did. "...and you've already met Rikki and Ben,"
"I probably won't remember everyone's names, but it's nice to meet you all,"
Twenty minutes later, Alan arrived, fashionably late, as usual. "Happy Birthday Anna,"
Alan was introduced by Anna to Jade and then to Jessie.
Alan's P.O.V
"Alan, this is my friend from work, Jessie," Anna said. I looked to see who was being introduced to me. Wow. In front of me stood a beautiful tall, slim woman with long dark brown tresses, she was only slightly shorter than myself. She looked to be the same age as me. I cleared my throat as Anna bumped me, indicating that I had been staring.
"Ah, it's nice to meet you Jessie," I said shaking her hand. Our eyes locked together. I seemed to be lost in her chocolate orbs. Anna cleared her throat gently, trying to bring us out of our trance politely. It seemed the handshake had lasted a little longer than maybe it should have. I looked away and dropped her hand, feeling embarrassed as the blush made its way to my cheeks. I was pleased to see however, that she was blushing too. I definitely wanted to get to know this girl.
Normal P.O.V
Anna smiled slyly at the two of them before announcing, "Let's eat!"
Alan pulled the chair out for Jessie and sat down beside her. Jessie was blushing again. The meal got underway, Rikki's staff bringing out the food.
'There is an obvious chemistry between them,' Anna mind spoke to Cleo.
'Definitely,' she replied.
OoOoO
Alan and Jessie exchanged numbers at the end of the night and everyone departed – majority back to Mako Island.
It was not surprising that three weeks later, Jessie told Anna, that Alan had asked her out, and she had accepted. Anna was very excited for them.
OoOoO
Everyone was trusting Alan more, after all he had kept the secret for all this time. Denman was also being considered less of a threat. Of course, she was still to be weary of, but she had not spilled the beans yet either.
Cleo now had a slight baby bump; she was just over three months along. Everyone was very excited to have a new addition to the mer-family at the end of the year.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Firstly, I'm so sorry that this chapter is so short. Secondly, I'm so sorry that it has taken me so long to update. I really have been busy from history internals to Maori speeches... Anyway, I hope to not leave it so long next time, and thank you for sticking with me.
Thanks to onlinegirlgoing4god, Quillox, xmangal, SparksFly3737, Juliet Knighly and XxRaindr0pxX for reviewing :D
Please review everyone!