Hi guys, I'm sorry it's been a long time since I last posted. I have had to deal with some hard times. But I'm back now and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
You can also find original stories I'm writing and this story on wattpad: 443201376-mermen-of-the-gold-coast-season-1-chapter-1
Chapter 16
"Hey mum", Lewis greeted when he entered the kitchen. She was sitting at the table drinking tea and eating toast.
"Hey, would you like some tea?" Jessie said.
"Yes please", Lewis said and made some toast while his mother made him some tea.
"I have just arranged for your Auntie Linda to come and visit us for few weeks. It'll be great to catch up with her", Jessie said.
Lewis froze, his aunt Linda Denman was a marine biologist. He had gotten on very well with her in the past because of their shared love of marine biology and had gone on diving trips together to study sea life. But he feared that she would want to study him and his friends if she found out their secret.
"Lewis, are you okay?" Jessie asked in concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine", Lewis said.
"I know that you aren't in to marine biology anymore, but you can still talk to her about science", Jessie said.
Lewis had to give up his dream of being a marine biologist, it was too dangerous for him to go down that path. His family had found it strange, because all his life he wanted to be a marine biologist. But he had reasoned that he had always loved physics too and had decided to focus on that instead.
"Yeah, I guess", Lewis said he figured his mother thought that he was worried about being unable to connect with his aunt anymore, he wanted to tell her the real reason but couldn't risk it. Lewis didn't talk as much as he usually did during breakfast, he was freaking out. It was hard enough to keep his secret from his parents and four nosy brothers, it would be even harder to keep it from his aunt. While he hoped that if his family ever found out they would accept him, he thought it wouldn't be very likely of his aunt to do that as the discovery would make her career.
As soon as he finished breakfast, he went to the café. He and the others had agreed to meet there the next day, before they went home. When he got there, Ash, Zane, Rikki and Emma were already there in their usual booth. Emma was curled up with Ash, while Zane and Rikki shared shy smiles and were so close that they were almost leaning against each other.
Seeing the group like that made Lewis feel a pang of jealousy. Rikki now knew their secret and had become much closer with Zane, Lewis wished it was the same for him and Cleo. He hadn't been able to as much time with Cleo lately and he missed her. He sat next to Zane feeling awkward and a bit out of place, which made his heart ache.
"Guys, we have a problem", Lewis said urgently.
Zane groaned, "Can we ever catch a break?"
"Apparently not", Ash causing Zane to grin at him.
"Look this is serious, my aunt is coming to stay with my family".
The others stared at him blankly.
"Help me out here, I don't see the problem" Rikki said with a raised eyebrow.
"She is a marine biologist".
"Oh, this is bad", Zane said anxiously.
"Yeah, if Linda finds out about us, we're done for", Lewis said.
"Wait, is your aunt Dr Linda Denman?" Emma asked.
"Yeah", Lewis said confused.
"I love her, do you think I could get work experience with her".
"You do realise that she would dissect us, if she finds out we're mermen?" Zane said incredulously.
"He has a point Emma", Ash said.
"She wouldn't do that, she's great and Lewis is her nephew".
"I doubt that would stop her", Lewis said sadly looking down.
Rikki put her hand on Lewis' and squeezed it comfortingly, Lewis looked up at her in surprise. He hadn't seen Rikki comfort someone before. He thought he saw a flash of jealousy in Zane's eyes but it disappeared too quickly for him to be sure.
"She's your aunt Lewis she loves you, she wouldn't hurt you", Rikki said.
Lewis smiled gratefully at Rikki, he didn't truly believe her but he was grateful for the comfort. He squeezed her hand back in thanks.
Emma awkwardly cleared her throat, "So I was thinking that I could apply for work experience with Dr Denman. I could take advantage of the opportunity to look at your blood and try to find some answers".
"I don't think that's a good idea Emma, it's too risky", Zane said.
"I'm sorry Em but I agree", Lewis said.
"Ash, what about you?" Emma said hopefully.
Ash shared a glance with Emma and then others, "There's still a lot we don't know about ourselves, we need answers. If you guys don't want to give your blood to Emma I will instead".
Emma smiled gratefully at Ash and he smiled back, but the others weren't happy.
"No way Ash, that is not happening!" Zane said fiercely and Lewis nodded his agreement.
"I agree with them guys, it's far too dangerous", Rikki said.
"I promise I'll be careful, I would never endanger Ash", Emma said.
"Then why are you asking him to do this?" Lewis said.
"Guys, I appreciate your concern. But Emma has helped us so much, I trust her to be careful. Also, don't you guys want answers?"
"Ash is right, we need to know more. What if there are weaknesses you all have that we don't know about? They could be used against you".
Zane, Rikki and Lewis shared a meaningful look.
Zane sighed, "Okay but you have to be careful, Ash's life will be at stake".
Emma took Ash's hand, "I know and I will be careful".
The group continued to talk for a couple of hours before going their separate ways. Lewis' mum had texted him letting him know that his aunt had arrived. Lewis felt his heart race in fear. He didn't want to go back home, he wanted to go with Zane and Rikki to Zane's house. But he knew that his mother and his aunt would be upset if he didn't go back home.
Lewis made himself open the door and go inside his house. He reluctantly went into the living room. His mother was sitting with Linda and Lenny, while Max, Spencer and Charles occupied the other sofa. Linda got up and hugged Lewis when he came in. Lewis froze, it hurt Lewis that he had to fear Linda when he used to be so close to her. Lewis hugged her back though, he couldn't let her know that something was wrong. Linda sat back down when she released Lewis and Lewis sat with his younger brothers.
"Lewis, it's wonderful to see you. How is everything at school? Your mother told me you've made friends with Zane Bennet!" Linda said.
Lewis laughed nervously, "Everything's great thanks. Yeah I never thought that would happen".
"How did it happen? I thought you hated Zane".
"I know right, I still think it's weird", Max said.
Lewis elbowed Max and glared at him. He didn't want to tell Linda how he and Zane became friends. Lewis would have to tell her about Mako Island, and he was afraid she would go snooping and discover their secret. But Lenny answered for him and told her everything. Lewis' heart was pounding throughout the story and he really wished he had the power to silence Lenny.
When Lenny had finished Linda turned to Lewis, "That sounds like quite the adventure".
"Yeah it was".
"I want to go to Mako Island but mum won't let me", Spencer said irritably.
"That's because it's too dangerous, especially after what happened to Lewis", Jessie said.
"But I want to explore the island!" Max said.
"Yeah, I want to go to", Charles said.
"Boys, no one is going to Mako island and that's final", Jessie said sternly.
Lewis' brothers grumbled in annoyance but let the topic go. Lewis knew his brothers and was now worried they would try to go to Mako island.
"What are we having for dinner?" Lewis asked in an attempt to turn the subject away from Mako Island.
It turned out that there were plans to go out for dinner since they had a visitor. Half an hour later Lewis found himself an Italian restaurant that was a favourite of his family. Lewis was feeling on edge. He was worried that at any moment water would be spilled on him.
"So Lewis you're into physics now?" Linda asked.
"Yeah, well I always have been. I'm just really enjoying it at the moment".
"It's a shame you've given up marine biology. I was hoping you would work with me while I'm here".
"My friend Emma Gilbert is very interested in marine biology-"
"Oh yes, I received an email from her today. I was very impressed and have agreed to let her work with me".
Lewis smiled feeling hopeful that they would finally find some answers. But then he remembered the risk that Ash was taking and his happy mood faded.
"Emma will be so happy she-"
Lewis was cut off when Max accidentally spilled his drink all over Lewis. He had been so focused on his conversation with his aunt, that he had forgotten to pay attention to his surroundings. Lewis jumped up and ran as fast as he could. He almost reached the bathroom but he tripped and fell on his stomach.
"Lewis are you alright?"
Lewis turned in horror to see Linda hovering over him blocking the way to the bathroom.