Chapter 90

It was two weeks before the school term started up again on the 27th of January 2026. Cleo suggested going away, seeing new scenery, before the kids were no longer available.

"Where did you want to go?"

"Anywhere really, but I was thinking Fiji – we could swim there,"

"Don't you think that's a big ask for the kids? Sure, we've done it before but…" Bella replied.

"We could stop in New Caledonia," Cleo said.

"Who would be going?" Emma asked.

"Well, the mers…and the guys could meet us there if they wanted. It would save us a lot of money to swim. It's only a three hour flight – surely with turbo speed it would only take us a little longer than that?"

"It's sounding all a little idealistic," Lewis said, rubbing his wife's arm. "Why not do a trip within Australia?"

"I thought it sounded exciting," Cleo responded, a disappointed look on her face.

"I think we should go," Rikki said. "It will take longer with kids, but even Fi can breathe underwater – if I carry her through turbo speed then it could work. It would only take a day's travelling."

"I for one, don't have to go," Zane said. "I think I need to stick around to keep the café running – the summer holidays are when we have the most business."

After much discussion, it was decided. Cleo, Anna, Emma, Bella and Rikki would be swimming to Fiji along with the kids. They also asked Jessie to come along - she readily accepted. Anna and Jessie had asked their boss, Preston, if they could take the week off. Jessie had been afraid that he would say no – considering the sick days she took off to avoid Hunter. However, Preston had been understanding and encouraging. Anna rarely took time off, so that was easy.

Ben could not get work off to go with them. All the guys decided that they didn't need to travel to Fiji for the week; they had been before and decided that they could have time to themselves as men – with a few kids.

The youngest children would be left behind – it would be a difficult trip, and they most likely wouldn't remember it anyway. Fi was the exception – she was still being breastfed, and would cope fine with the journey if she was strapped to Rikki's chest. She didn't need to hold her breath either – with her gills and all.

Jessie, Rikki, Fi, Alex and Jay, Charlie and Leila, Cleo, Jennifer and Andy, Bella, Jacob, Emma, Ariana, Anna and Daniel would be going. All the children below the age of five would remain.

On the 13th of January, they walked down to the moon pool to set off. Fi was in a harness on Rikki's chest. The kids had small waterproof backpacks with supplies and the adult women had larger ones. Their supplies included food, fresh water, and changes of clothes.

They had booked a stay at a resort for a few nights on Yasawa Island – it was reportedly secluded and quiet – perfect for not drawing attention to themselves. They had found an affordable resort there that had enough space for all sixteen of them.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed the first few hours of their lengthy swim to the island paradise, jumping out of the water like dolphins and spinning around playfully. Soon, they had to be encouraged to keep swimming – the adult mermaids playing games and promising rewards with them to keep going. The mers did not swim in turbo speed the entire time, knowing it would be too draining for the children. Jessie was enjoying this swimming 'road trip,' it was the first of its kind she had been on. Yes, her mother was a mermaid, but they never did anything more than swim together in the harbour, or the ocean. Once again, she marvelled at how fortunate to find this community of people like herself.

It was another few hours before the complaining and asking of 'Are we there yet?' began. Emma noted that the children were getting hungry more than tired. They needed to find a place to stop and rest. In the middle of the spacious Pacific Ocean, there were not too many options for that. Fortunately, they spotted a shallow sandbar in the distance. About half an hour later, the mothers had broken out the water bottles, sandwiches and fruit and soon everyone was happily munching.

"How much longer do you think we have to go?" Jessie asked.

"Well, it's probably another hour to New Caledonia…and then from there another four hours or so to Fiji. If we were travelling without the kids, we would have arrived after three or four hours," Rikki explained to her friend.

They rested in the warm shallows for a while and then set off again. In New Caledonia, Emma, who spoke decent French, left the beach to go to the supermarket after being dried off by Rikki. This was to get more food and water for the rest of the trip. They had converted some money into the local currencies for both New Caledonia and Fiji before they departed, to save hassle for later on.

The kids were excited when they arrived in the waters of Fiji. The different corals and reef fish and sea turtles captured their attention. Rikki swam closer to the shore to check for people. The beach was clear – therefore, the mers lay out like beached whales as those with heating powers dried them. The women reminded the children that if asked how they arrived, they would say by plane. They all knew the importance of keeping their secret. The large group walked further into the small island and found their resort, heading towards reception.

"Hi, we have a group booking under McCartney," Cleo said to the receptionist. He looked down to check.

"Bula! Yes, we were expecting you," he greeted warmly. "Welcome to our bit of Paradise. We will try to make you have a pleasurable experience. My name is Temo. Find me at Reception if you need anything."

Cleo smiled in return.

"So you have booked three beachfront bure, correct?"

The adults nodded in response.

"Is that all your luggage?" he asked gesturing to the waterproof packs they all carried. Once again they nodded.

"Great! Follow me, I will take you to your accommodation," Temo said.

As they walked, Temo became quite the tour guide, explaining everything they walked past. After passing buildings, a pool, and multiple beautiful gardens, they arrived at the beach. They approached a quiet house with a thatched roof and wooden deck.

"This is Bure Rua – number two," Temo began, "As you can see, Bure Tolu, three, and Va, four are further along the beach. Those are also yours."

The Bure were about fifteen metres from each other, lush trees separated them. Temo used a key to unlock Rua. The large party bustled inside. There was a small lounge, the kitchen in the same room, a bathroom and two small bedrooms. There was a double bed, a bunk bed and a single bed. Temo explained everything, including that in Va there was a crib set up for baby Fi.

"These are your keys to Rua, Tolu and Va," he said, handing them to Cleo. "Remember our staff are all happy to help, so feel free to ask. I hope you all enjoy your stay," Temo smiled.

Once he had departed, they decided who was sleeping where.

Rikki would be in Va with her five children. She did not have to worry about sharing the double bed – Charlie and Leila loudly advocated they wanted to sleep there together. She took the single and Alex and Jay had the bunks.

In Rua, Jessie had the single, Emma, and her daughter Ariana shared the double bed. Anna was on the bottom bunk, with her son, Daniel on the top.

In Tolu, Cleo and Andrea shared the double, Bella had the single and Jacob and Jennifer were on the bunks. Sharing beds meant they could save money – it was expensive enough as it was.

Once they were all settled in, the children played in the sand and the adults sunbathed and read the books they had packed. They had had enough swimming for one day – no doubt there would be plenty more tomorrow.

A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter :) I actually wanted to upload this yesterday, but the site was having issues and I couldn't log in.

I'm heading back to Uni soon, but I hope that updates won't be too far apart. Remember that I have four stories I'm balancing my writing time between - so sorry about that. Maybe check them out :P

Anyway, I'm at over 800 reviews. That is unbelievable. And all thanks to you guys. I may not upload as frequently as you and I would like, but you're the reason my stories go on. When I first started writing fanfiction back in 2011, I had no idea that I would get so much support. I love you. Thanks so much, you legends. Please review and tell me what you think - reviews inspire me, seriously.

Thanks so so much to the following amazing people for reviewing the previous chapter.

The Writer Es, YaleAceBella12, H2o Fan Stories, zikki 3, HybridsRose, Sammiloveschocolate, CrazyHayniac, Mermaids Forever, and Acgisme. You have my heartfelt thanks.