"Wait, what do you mean find them again?", Lewis asked, stunned, as he paced back and forth across the empty lab and ran his hand through his hair. "Was she alone when she disappeared?"

"It's not like we have much information," Rikki retorted from the other end of the line. "We're not close anymore, Lewis. None of us. Whatever Bella was doing before she disappeared, I have no knowledge of."

Lewis was silent for a moment. Knowing that they were no longer friends hit him harder than he expected. When he had moved away for good, planning to focus on his career, Lewis hadn't imagined that the girls would move away as well. Maybe this was his way of not blaming himself for leaving them. Think that they would still be together — no matter how much time passed.

Lewis should have realized that, just like him, the girls would also have to let go of the past to build a future.

That's what growing up is all about, anyway. Letting go of your past, and, often, of everyone who was also part of it.

"Well, and have you...have you contacted them?" asked Lewis nervously, swallowing dryly as he waited for Rikki's response.

"I got Emma's new number, but since she didn't answer when I called I left a message. Cleo I'll talk to now. Her father still lives here, so he gave me his new phone number."

Lewis nodded, even though it was a stupid thing to do; since Rikki couldn't even see him. But then he widened his eyes as he realized something.

"Wait... what do you mean he still lives here? Are you in Mako?"

Lewis could hear Rikki laughing.

"Well, not quite in Mako, but... yeah. I've been spending more time here since I found out some things about the new mermaids on the block. I'll explain it all when we see each other."

"Good, because I didn't understand a word. About that, do you have an idea when we will meet? Because I need to get a few days leave so I can travel. I have to get organized here first."

"Sure, don't worry, I'll arrange a date that fits everyone, and, if all goes well, I'll let you know when it's decided."

"Thank you. And if you could...um... let me know, I mean, give me some news...if you can talk to the girls, I'd appreciate it. You know... to see how they're doing. After, um... so long." Lewis cleared his throat, closing his eyes for a moment. He hoped Rikki didn't find his attitude strange. He didn't want to make it clear how curious he was to see how the girls met after being apart for so long.

And he hoped even more that Rikki wouldn't notice that, in fact, his interest was more about one of them in particular.

"Relax, Lewis. I will keep in touch, yes. I even intend to create a group with everyone so that we can keep in touch until the moment of the meeting. This way everyone will be informed of all the details. If you know anything, any rumor about her disappearance, let me know immediately, okay? That's important."

"Yes, yes, of course. I'll do some research as well to see if I can find out anything. I want to help as much as I can."

Rikki laughed again on the other end of the line. Lewis frowned.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, Lewis. Nothing. I'm just glad to hear that you're still the same."

Lewis smiled, although his expression turned a little sad and nostalgic. He mentally thanked himself that they were talking on the phone.

"Something had to not have changed...," he replied relaxed.

"Yes...for sure."

And so Lewis spent the next few hours talking with Rikki Chadwick. He was happy for the accomplishments his friend had achieved. It was gratifying to know that she had made it. And although he was dreading meeting his friends again and realizing that they had become complete strangers to each other, Lewis was happy that at least his relationship with Rikki remained the same. No strangeness, no ice. Just two great old friends.

And he could only hope that, when the reunion happened, things could stay that way.

Oh, God. He hoped so hard.