Chapter 11
It was another few days before Emma could check her emails again. Rome was amazing. She loved seeing all the architecture and artwork throughout the renowned city.
She posted a few photos on Facebook of their travels so far. They were having lunch in an internet café.
She found another joint email from Cleo and Rikki and one from Ash. She opened Ash's first.
'Hey Em,
How are your travels going? Still exciting?
I've been accepted into my course! I'm stoked. I have been accepted into a place as a trainer's apprentice at a race course in Brisbane. I'm so excited to get started. I'll be moving down in a few weeks. I'm going to miss Lewis, Zane and the girls, I've been hanging out with them often during their holidays. I'll miss them, but not as much as I miss you. I know we weren't together long before you left, but I miss you being here. I'm putting my notice in this afternoon, from my job as a horse-riding instructor. They're all thrilled for me taking the next step in my equestrian career. I've found an apartment near the racecourse. It's a little pricy, but I've been saving money for years so I'll manage.
So that's the update on me,
Signing off,
Ash,'
Emma was really happy for Ash and told him so. Once she finished her reply, she opened her friends' email.
'EMMA! How's it going in Europe! Boy, are we envious.
School is not the same without you. It's nice not having you bossing us into doing our work. Joking! We miss it. [Says Cleo – Rikki]
We miss you. Seriously, it's not the same with you away. So it turns out Bella goes to our school as well, it's nice getting to know her better. Will, is a new guy at school and he knows about the moon pool. Before you freak out, let us explain. He found the pool while free diving and then got hit by the tentacle. When he woke up, we were there…so now it's a bit awkward seeing him around. Unfortunately, he managed to find the moon pool again and is really suspicious about it. He is a really nice guy but, well, we'll see what happens.
We went swimming with Bella this afternoon, it was really fun,'
Emma had to re-read that line a few times. Bella knew what they were? How? She kept reading, eyes wide.
'Bella found out our secret last full moon. She took it better than we could ever have expected, *winky face* We can trust her, don't worry. [Well, we think we can – Rikki] (We can, she wouldn't betray us, it would hurt her too- Cleo) She doesn't know about you, you can tell her in person if you want to – it's your place to do that,"
Well that sure was something. They didn't even trust their own families, but were willing to trust this Bella girl?
'Don't think we're replacing you, Em; that could never ever happen. You're part of the original trio and we love you! [Man, Cleo, that is so soppy – Rikki] (You know it's true – Cleo)
What else can we update you on?
Rikki: Well, Lewis practically lives at Cleo's house, every day after school. They are all over each other.
(Rikki! - Cleo)
It is true.
(Like you and Zane aren't – Cleo)
We're not. Nowhere near as much as you two are. We have a café to run.'
Emma could imagine Cleo sighing in reluctant agreement. She loved reading their banter. It would be better in person, but this was better than nothing.
'Anyway, I don't have a tonne of free time with managing the café and all, but Cleo is forcing me to do my homework. She is seriously turning into you.' Emma laughed at this.
'Cleo: She needs it. Well, that's probably all that's new, so yeah. We love hearing from you!
Signing off,
Rikki and Cleo (and Lewis)
[Lewis literally just shouted up the stairs to include his name in the email. Typical – Rikki]
See ya!'
Emma chuckled to herself. Some things would never change.
'Hey guys,
I miss you,
Is Year 12 different significantly different from last year? Or is it just an overly hyped up perspective? I'm glad someone is hassling you into doing your work, Rikki. You know you need it. :P Is it a heavy workload?
I hope you keep Will from finding out what you are. That's cool that you can trust Bella; she must be really nice. I can't wait to meet her when I get back. Thanks for not telling her my secret, I appreciate that.' She then proceeded to talk all about her travels, before finishing the email and sending it off.
By then, she and her family had finished eating. They bundled up and returned to their caravan. They would be travelling to Florence, Italy. She settled in for the three hour drive.
OoOoO
After sightseeing in Florence, seeing the magnificent architecture and artworks of old, the Gilberts travelling to Venice, another two and a half hour drive. There they would stay the night and explore the renowned city the following day.
OoOoO
Although Emma was thrilled to be able to explore the romantic city, she was worried. Venice was renowned for its canals. Canals contained water. What if her family wanted to go punting? They were playing it by air, not planning too much in advance. They did decide to go to St Mark's Square and St Mark's Basilica. From all the churches and buildings she had already seen whilst travelling, she had to say this basilica was a highlight. It was ornate and adorned with beautiful and magnificent statues, paintings, mosaics, and golden embellishments.
"Can we go on a gondola, mum?" Elliot asked, as he watched other tourists do the very same, punting through the canal. Emma felt herself getting rather nervous. She did want to go navigate the canals but what would happen if she got splashed? The Gilberts enquired about the price of the gondolas. Her parents began discussing it, Elliot waiting in anticipation, and Emma in dread.
"I'm sorry, hun, it's a bit pricy for us," her mother said to Elliot. Elliot visibly sighed in disappointment.
"Okay," he said.
"We'll make it up to you at some point, I promise," her father said. Emma felt relief rush through her. She wasn't going to have to make up some lame excuse or find a raincoat to protect her secret. She was saved from lying. At times like these, she wished that she could be a mermaid but change only when she wanted to. It would save the lying and danger. It would just make life a whole lot easier. Unfortunately, her powers came with responsibility. A responsibility that was incredibly annoying sometimes.
A/N: Thanks everyone for reading and the support even though it takes me ages to update! Thanks so much. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It took me a long time to write.
I know nothing about horses and I've never been anywhere other than round New Zealand, Australia and Asia – so please bear with me. (It's all from the internet and my friend's experiences) (And it's why Emma never really talks about her travels in too much detail.)
Anyway, would you like me to jump ahead in time, to nearer the end of the year, nearer to when she returns, or do you want me to continue with this email correspondence? I'll take all ideas into account. Gimme ideas! Review! :D
Thanks so much for reviewing, please continue to. Thoughts on the chapter? Ideas for the future of this story? Please tell me!
Thanks so much to the following for reviewing:
Mermaids Forever : Thanks for consistently reviewing all my stories and reminding me when I should update. I really appreciate it.
HybridsRose : Thanks for being a great penpal and follower - you have been following my stories since near the start, years ago. I really appreciate it :-) Thanks for the constructive criticism, I always think over it, even if I don't correct the chapters instantly.
ObsessedwReading: Thanks for always reviewing! Thanks for your compliments.
Mermaidfan121: Thanks so much! That was what I was aiming for.
WannabeeAussie: Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
SisterSam : Thanks for reading my stories when I haven't read your most recent posts and stuff. Love you!
People who read these things this reviewer is my sister and I'd appreciate it if you checked out her original stories over on fiction press . com- bubblygumgum is her username and her books are really good. If you've read them tell me :) If you like my writing, chances are you'll like hers. After all, we are sisters and I have contributed ideas, and helped her with writing on occasion!
Anyway, See you all next update or on another story! (I'm back at uni so I don't know when it'll be!)
Love you all!