Chapter Three - A Quick Little Visit

With her eyes still closed, Bella sleepily felt around her nightstand to turn off her cell phone alarm, even though school wouldn't open for another week and a half. She was meant to meet the girls and Lewis at the cafe past noon before heading to meet Max and Ms. Chatham, two people who might be able to help them solve the recent mysteries of Mako island. Not wanting to oversleep like she always does, Bella made sure to wake up early, fighting her natural urge to spend her break lazing around before the demands of her final high school year reared its ugly head. It was now 9:45 and unsurprisingly, she was home all alone, her parents already at the company's head office and Sophie most likely training Will. Breakfast was a couple of waffles and some orange juice, just enough to provide her with a boost of much needed energy but not too much that it made swimming uncomfortable. Some fifteen minutes later and she was now in the bathtub, her gold tail glistening ever so beautifully in the morning light. Bella happily took this opportunity to relax her mind while listening to music because, although she was thrilled to have friends who shared her secret, she absolutely didn't anticipate the sudden twists and turns that made themselves known. This, though, she smiled to herself, made her life rather exciting and adventurous.

Now all dressed up, Bella glanced at her phone, realizing that she still had some thirty minutes left to get to the cafe. Rikki was most likely already there, and Cleo at her marine park job, quite the odd choice of profession for a mermaid, she said aloud to no one. That'll only leave Rikki, Lewis and herself at the cafe with Zane running things at the counter. A loud and drawn-out yawn suddenly escaped from her mouth, pulling Bella out of her thoughts and reminding her once again that she most definitely wasn't a morning person. With a few cracks of her knuckles and an overhead stretch, Bella made it a point to drive the sleepiness out of her system with a good old-fashioned leisurely swim out in the ocean. This always seems to put her in a better mood, no matter what.

After what seemed like only a few minutes, Bella's desire to return to her bed was now a thing of the past, a beaming smile and a burst of energy taking its place. From the water, she glanced around for any signs of humans and with the coast clear, Bella pulled herself towards the shore, grateful for the Lewis' secluded fishing spot where the girls frequently dried themselves. Now in her human form, Bella was wearing a pair of white shorts and a green blouse, her previously loose hair tied up in a side braid.

Bella: "Fifteen minutes really isn't enough time for a swim. I can't wait to go back in the ocean later." *glances at phone and gasps* "Seriously? It's been thirty-five minutes already? I could've sworn I was swimming for only fifteen! Anyways I better pick up the pace. I can already tell that Rikki is the impatient type."

Will: "Hey, Bella!"

Bella: *turns around and blushes slightly "Once again he's showing off those washboard abs." "Oh, hey Will! Aren't you supposed to be training?"

Will: "I am. Sophie finally decided that it's time for a break. I thought I was never going to get out of that pool."

Bella: laughs "She really isn't going easy on you, is she. But I can tell that it's working because this is the best shape that you've ever been in. Remember when you could barely hold your breath for twenty seconds?"

Will: laughs "Yeah, don't remind me. By the way, can you guess what my personal record is?

Bella: "Uhhh… one minute?"

Will: "What? Do you have so little faith in me?"

Bella: "Ummm… one minute, thirty seconds?"

Will: "Seriously, Bella? Is that all the faith you have in me? Come on, try again."

Bella: "Okay… two minutes…" *sees Will frown* "No, wait. Uh… three… no, four minutes and uh… fifty seconds?"

Will: "Now you're getting somewhere. It's actually five minutes and thirty seconds. Impressive, right?"

Bella: "Oh wow Will, that's great!"

Will: "Right? And Sophie thinks I'll get to a full six minutes in no time!"

Bella: "Really?! Then I guess that you'll be entering competitions this year!"

Will: "Oh, for sure! The soonest one is in April and—"

Bella: "And that's why Sophie's been pushing you so hard?"

Will: "Gotta be in tip-top shape! And who better to train me than an experienced free diver."

Bella: "Yeah. It sucks that Sophie was forced to quit due to her illness, but I'm just glad that she still found an outlet for her passion."

Will: nods in response "By the way, where are you going? I'm heading towards Rikki's."

Bella: "Yeah, same. And I'm late, no doubt that Rikki's wondering where I'm at."

Will: "Who, the owner? Do you know her? I know she's your boss, but it also sounds like you're friends."

Bella: "Yeah, I've sort of recently befriended her and her friends. She's actually the same age as us. Her boyfriend's the owner and he named the place after her."

Will: "So you just got here and already made new friends? But what can I say? It must be hard for anyone to resist your charms, right?"

Bella: looks down as her face starts to turn red "Oh, Will!" smiles and playfully jabs him in the arm

Will: "Hey! What was that for?" chuckles "Hmm… if my memory serves me right… you're really ticklish, aren't you?

Bella: "Then your memory has failed you, because you're talking about the wrong person."

Will: "Oh really?" pokes her ribs

Bella: squeals and jumps away from him "Will!" playfully glares at him

Will: laughs hysterically "So much for talking about the wrong person. I barely touched you!"

Bella: quietly laughs to herself "That Will sure knows how to get to me!"

Cleo: "Hey! Bella!"

Bella: turns "Oh hey, Cleo. You're done with work already?"

Cleo: "Yeah, I only worked the morning shift today. Who's this, your friend?"

Bella: "Yeah, he's my childhood friend, Will. Will, this is Cleo, Rikki's friend that I was telling you about?"

Will: "Nice to meet you. So uh…" *sees her shirt* "You work at the marine park? Do you get to hang out with the dolphins?"

Cleo: "Yep, I get to feed them. Their meal stinks but it's so worth being near them. And I also run the ice cream stand from time to time."

Will: "Oh, cool! Dolphins are awesome, and so smart. I saw a few while I was free diving near Mako two days ago."

Cleo: shocked expression "Mako? Uh, I heard it's really creepy and surrounded by sharks. And apparently lots of strange things have happened there, like shipwrecks."

Will: laughs "Bella said the same thing! I can see why you became friends." heads inside the cafe

Rikki: "Took the two of you long enough. Cleo, I know you just left work, but Bella, what were you up to?"

Bella: "Sorry, I kinda lost track of time. By the way, when are we heading out?"

Rikki: sighs "Whenever Lewis gets here. He said he was on his way like ten minutes ago. It's not like he suddenly sprouted a tail!"

Will couldn't help but frown upon overhearing Rikki's strange expression. Must be an inside joke, he thought to himself.

Bella: "Well, uh, I'll be hanging out with my friend Will over there in the meantime. Let me know when you guys are ready to leave, okay?"

Cleo: "Yeah, sure!"

Bella excitedly headed to the booth where Will was already seated.

Rikki: sees Cleo's worried expression

Rikki: "Hey, did something happen?"

Cleo: "Oh, it's nothing. Well… it's just that Will mentioned that he was swimming at Mako a few days ago. I mean, what if he saw us before we saw him?"

Rikki: "Hmm… that's always a possibility. But with that invisibility power that Bella showed us yesterday, I don't think that we'll have to worry about that kind of stuff."

Cleo: "Yeah, okay. And maybe he's not the kind of guy to expose us. I mean, he's Bella's childhood friend. Wait, do you think he already knows about her secret?"

Rikki: shrugs shoulders "I guess we can ask her later, just to be sure. Ugh, where is that boyfriend of yours?"

Cleo: "I'm sure he's on his way."

Rikki: "Yeah, after he's done paving the roads, right?"

Cleo: sighs "I'm gonna get a smoothie. I'll meet you at our usual booth."

Rikki: "Lewis, remind me again what took you so long?"

Lewis: sighs "How many times do I have to tell you that something came up with my brother at work and that he needed my help? What's your rush? We're just going to visit Ms. Chatham and Max!"

Rikki: sighs "Sorry, it's just that with everything going on… I can't help but feel this unease. Like with these crystals and all these sudden changes at Mako, it feels like there's more to it. And—"

Lewis: "Wait, did you just apologize?" chuckles "Well, that's a first."

Rikki: "Seriously? That's the only thing that caught your attention?"

Lewis: "Well, you're not exactly known for your forgiving nature. You're like a crocodile, or a black widow, or a—"

Cleo: sighs "Will the two of you give it a rest? We're not gonna solve this mystery any faster with your bantering!"

Bella: whispers to Cleo "Are they always like this?"

Cleo: "Unfortunately, yes." sighs "I can't wait for Emma to get back. She's usually the one keeping them in check. Now I'm the one playing that role."

Bella: "Um, about her. How do you think she'll react to me being here? I mean, you guys had that run-in with that other mermaid, so for another one to show up only a few months later…"

Cleo: "Honestly, knowing Emma, she'll be a little cautious at first, but then she'll come around."

Rikki: "Sounds about right. Plus she was the one that encouraged us to help Charlotte after she transformed."

Cleo: "That's Emma for you, always the responsible one."

Bella: "And she's gonna be here tomorrow, right?"

Cleo: "Yep. And don't worry. I'm sure the two of you are gonna get along just fine!"

Bella: "Yeah, I'm most likely worrying over nothing."

Rikki: "And here we are. I thought we were never gonna get there."

Cleo: walks up to the reception area "Hi, we're here to see Ms. Chatham."

Receptionist: "Oh Cleo, is it? And I see there's a new face. She should be in the garden. Just sign your names here then I'll take you there. By the way she already has another visitor, though I think it's someone you know."

Cleo: "Thank you! Hmm, I wonder who it is?"

While signing her name on the clipboard, a certain name caught Cleo's attention.

Cleo: "By the way, this other visitor wouldn't happen to be an old man named Max?"

Receptionist: "That's right. He's been here for a few minutes now."

Rikki: "That's awesome! We get to kill two birds with one stone!"

Receptionist: frowns and side-eyes Rikki

Lewis: "Uh, what she means is that we don't have to visit Max at his place since he's already there."

Receptionist: chuckles "Well, today's your lucky day, isn't it?"

After everyone else signed their names, the receptionist walked the group of friends to the facility's garden, which just so happened to be Ms. Chatham's favourite spot. As expected, there she was, enjoying her lunch on the patio with a familiar face.

Cleo: "Hi Ms. Chatham! Max!"

Max: "Oh hey, girls, Lewis. Long time no see."

Ms. Chatham: "It's so good to see you all." notices Bella and smiles "And I see you've found another kindred soul."

Bella: raises eyebrows and whispers to Rikki "Is that what you meant by—"

Rikki: whispers "Hmm-mmm. Pretty much. It was the same with us."

Ms. Chatham: chuckles "It's a sixth sense. Some things you never forget."

Max: laughs "It's been what, fifty years, Louise? And you're still sharp as ever!"

Bella: "Um, I didn't tell you my name. I'm Isabella but I usually go by Bella. And I've only known Cleo, Rikki and Lewis for a few days so far."

Ms. Chatham: "And I'm sure you all will make the best of friends. Friendship is very important, you know."

Bella: "Yeah, it is!"

Ms. Chatham: studies Bella's face "You know, even though I know that you're a mermaid, I can tell that there's something odd about you."

Cleo, Rikki and Lewis simultaneously look at Bella in confusion.

Bella: feeling flustered "Huh? There is? What made you say that?"

Ms. Chatham: "I've never told you girls this, but after giving up my powers and marrying my late husband, I spent most of my prime years travelling all over the world. And I've seen many marvelous places, some more stunning than others. And a few that appeared to be mystical in nature."

Rikki: "Ms. Chatham, what are you—" gasps, leans closer and whispers "Are talking about the moonpools?"

Ms. Chatham: smiles and chuckles

Cleo: "So you've known that there are others?"

Max: "That's right. She's told me all about it. Amazing, right?"

Ms. Chatham: turns to Bella "And I don't know exactly where you changed but I can tell that it wasn't at Mako."

Bella: silently looks at Cleo and Rikki who shrug in confusion

Max: chuckles "Louise, you're scaring the poor girl."

Bella: "Oh no, it's fine. Her accuracy is a bit spooky, though."

Max: laughs "Even before becoming a mermaid, her intuition has always been spot on. And it still is!"

Rikki: "So Ms. Chatham, about those other moonpools. Where did you see them?"

Ms. Chatham: "Hmm… let's see. There's one in Japan, another in Indonesia, Canada, a small island off the coast of Madagascar called Réunion, and the sea caves of Ireland."

Cleo, Rikki, Bella and Lewis gasps in unison

Bella: "Th-that's where I changed! So you've stumbled upon that moonpool too?"

Ms. Chatham: smiles and nods "That's right."

Lewis: "But how did you know that it was a moonpool? Was it a full moon at the time?"

Ms. Chatham: "No. It was never a full moon when I found the pools."

Rikki: "Really? Because that's the only time someone will be able to tell that those places aren't normal."

Bella: "You were able to sense it, weren't you. Just like how you instantly knew I was a mermaid."

Ms. Chatham: "It's like I said, some things you just never forget. Whenever you're in a place like this you'll just know. There's always this feeling of familiarity and nostalgia."

Bella: "That's how I felt when I found the moonpool. Like I was meant to be here."

Ms. Chatham: "Then perhaps it was destiny that brought you there, and the moonpool as well. It must have reached out to you."

Bella: "I know what you mean. That day I was out exploring, searching for something, only I didn't know what. But then I knew my search was over once I found the moonpool."

Ms. Chatham: smiles and nods at Bella then turns to Cleo and Rikki "Is that why you came here today? Did Mako call out to the three of you?"

Rikki: raises eyebrows "Are you gonna tell us when we're gonna get married, too?"

Cleo: whispers "Rikki!"

Ms. Chatham: laughs "It's fine, Cleo. Sometimes I surprise myself as well."

Lewis: "About Mako island, strange things have been happening."

Ms. Chatham: looks on intently

Lewis: "Like the island heating up, fishes fleeing the vicinity and… these crystals." points to Bella's necklace

Cleo and Rikki take out theirs as well.

Ms. Chatham: "Oh my! These are marvellous. I've never seen it before, but I can already guess where you found them."

Lewis: "That's right, at Mako. Bella found hers at the sea caves when she changed but the girls found three fixed in the cave's walls—"

Ms. Chatham: "One for each mermaid…"

Cleo: "That's the theory we've been running with so far, but why?"

Ms. Chatham: "I'm not sure. It's my first time seeing these crystals. But one thing's certain and it's that the answer lies in Mako. Perhaps you all should go there again during the next full moon."

Rikki: "But it's too dang—"

Ms. Chatham: holds up her hand "I know what I said sounds crazy, but when you really think about it, how else are you going to find the answers you are searching for? Mako is what gave you these amazing powers, and we all know by now that this island almost has a mind of its own."

Cleo: "Mmm… I guess you're right. What do you think, Rikki?"

Rikki: "I don't know. But we do have plenty of time to think about this until the next full moon."

Ms. Chatham: "That's right. There's no need to make up your mind right now. But do keep in mind what I just said."

Max: "Lewis, about what you said earlier. That the island's heating up?"

Lewis: "I don't think it's the entire island, but the volcano cone. And I think it's somehow tied to these crystals."

Max: "Can I see it?"

Lewis: "Sure. Cleo?"

Cleo: "Here."

Max: "Hmm… it does appear to be quite odd." holds up the crystal to the sunlight "And it has such a unique glow to it. I've never seen anything like this!"

Lewis: "Well, there are a few things that we do know so far about the crystals. Like the fact that it holds a lot of energy."

Max: "Energy, you say?"

Lewis: "Yes, but that's not all. The crystal seems to give the girls extra powers—two so far that we know of."

Max: leans in closer "Wait what? Well come on, tell me. What are they?"

Lewis: "You won't believe this… but it's telekinesis and invisibility."

Max: gasps "Louise did you hear this?"

Ms. Chatham: "I did. This would've been so useful for my friends and I."

Max: "But how did you make this discovery? Was it by chance?"

Cleo: "Actually it was Bella. She's been a mermaid much longer than us, so she's had more time to practise."

Ms. Chatham: "How long have you been a mermaid, dear?"

Bella: "Almost nine years now. I changed when I was nine."

Max and Ms. Chatham gasp in unison

Ms. Chatham: "Oh my, it must have been so hard on you."

Bella: "I mean, it was a bit confusing at first, but I was also really excited."

Max: "So Bella, I take it that you're the one who discovered the additional powers?"

Bella: "That's right. But it was less of a discovery and more of a byproduct of me being moonstruck. After that my family helped me figure out my powers, how they worked and how to get them under control."

Max: "So can we see it? Your powers?"

Bella: "Uh the regular ones, or the crystal-related ones. See, the Irish sea cave gives different powers from Mako island."

Max: "Oh this is getting so interesting! So come on, show me!"

Bella: "Okay, let's start with the regular ones."

Bella then proceeds to demonstrate her jelly and earth related powers to Max and Ms. Chatham.

Max: "Amazing! I feel like a teenager studying Mako all over again! To think that other moonpools give different powers. Louise, I wonder if it's the same for the other moonpools you found!" Ms. Chatham smiles and shrugs in response. "Okay so time to show me the others!"

Rikki: turns to Cleo and whispers "He's really enjoying this, huh?"

Cleo: whispers "Well, yeah. Who wouldn't?"

Upon Max's request, Bella proceeded to use her telekinesis to lift a couple of utensils off the table. To say that Max was excited was an understatement. Ms. Chatham's reaction was more subtle but still full of excitement. As for her invisibility powers, Bella decided to focus her powers on something smaller, preferring not to draw the staff's and residents' attention. Instead, she opted for the same utensils from earlier."

Cleo: "So you can turn other things invisible as well? Not just yourself?"

Bella: "Yes. I forgot to show you guys that yesterday."

Max: "I can't stop saying this, but this is really amazing! I wonder what else these crystals can do?"

Lewis: "That's the other thing we wanted to talk about. In fact, it's the main reason why we came here. Two days ago, during the full moon, the crystals started glowing, even Bella's. And then… it was like they were moonstruck all over again."

Bella: "And I haven't been moonstruck since I was ten."

Lewis: "The crystals led them to Mako and when I got there, there was this electric blue light—I think it happened when the three crystals were put together over the moonpool. And once the full moon passed over, the girls returned to normal, with no memory of what happened in between."

Max: "Hmm… that's a lot to take in."

Lewis: "Oh and one more thing. We know for sure that the entire volcano cave is lined up with these crystals. My theory is that—"

Max: "That it's somehow tied to the girls' powers and transformation."

Lewis: "Exactly. It even stays behind when Bella transforms, unlike everything else she's wearing."

Max: "Is that so? Hmm… it really might be an integral part to the girls' transformation. After so long, to think that I'd still be learning so much about this place!"

Lewis: "Well, do you have any theories?"

Max: "This is so much to take in, but based on everything I've heard so far, I think that Louise is right. You should really visit the moonpool again during the next full moon. Also I'm thinking of checking things out myself, so don't be surprised if you see me there."

Rikki: sighs "So we're really gonna have to do this, huh?"

Max: "I know it's not what you want to hear, but it might be for the best. And if anything happens, be sure to let Louise and I know."

Cleo: "Yeah, of course. I know you guys are just as curious as us."

Ms. Chatham: "By the way, about Gracie's granddaughter, Charlotte, how is she doing?"

Cleo: "Uh, we don't know."

Rikki: "Yeah, we're not exactly on speaking terms after what happened."

Bella: "Who's Charlotte? Is she the other mermaid?"

Cleo: "Yep, that's her."

Bella: "So she doesn't go swimming anymore? How come we haven't run into her?"

Ms. Chatham: "She lost her powers dear, the same way my friends and I did—during the fifty-year full moon."

Cleo: "We didn't have a choice, it was either her or us."

Ms. Chatham: "Yes I know. But I also don't think she was quite in control of herself. The full moon was especially powerful at the time."

Max: "I guess that makes sense. Based on what you girls said, I imagined that her emotions were heightened ten times over, not that it diminishes what she tried to do."

Rikki: "By the way, now that we know that there are other moonpools around the world, would it be possible for Charlotte to ever become a mermaid again? I mean, it's not like Ms. Chatham and her friends ever tried to regain their tails, so we don't know for sure whether jumping into a moonpool again would turn her into a mermaid."

Max: "It's true that I said that a mermaid loses her tail forever during this rare planetary alignment but what you just said has crossed my mind many times."

Rikki: "So what's your answer?"

Max: "My theory is that the fifty-year full moon acted as a powerful seal, unlike the lunar eclipse that took away your powers for only twelve hours. So it might take an equally powerful full moon to regain what was lost."

Rikki: "Oh great! So there's a possibility that Charlotte can get her tail again?!"

Max: "Well, it's only a theory, so there's no need to stress over what I just said."

Lewis: "Hypothetically speaking, what kind of alignment do you think would be powerful enough to restore Charlotte's powers?"

Max: "Hmm… well there are all sorts of planetary alignments that happen every year. The one that took Charlotte's powers was the most powerful. But in terms of what could restore them, I'd say perhaps an alignment with Saturn and Jupiter, the two largest planets in the Solar System."

Lewis: "Like the one that upgraded the girls' powers?"

Max: "Yes, but as I said, it's only a theory. But there's no need to worry, we won't see such another powerful alignment for quite some time."

Cleo: "Sounds like a good theory to me. See Rikki? We really don't have anything to worry about."

Rikki: "Yeah, sure. If you guys say so."

Lewis: "So uh, I guess that wraps up everything we had to ask you guys."

Cleo: "Uh, yeah. It's been nice seeing the two of you again! I hope we weren't interrupting your lunch?"

Ms. Chatham: "Oh no! Of course not, dear. Feel free to stop by whenever you feel like it."

Max: "It's the same for me. You all really made my afternoon with all this new information. If anything I'd say that you've reignited my passion for researching Mako!"

Rikki: "Uh, guys we should get going. Lewis and Bella have rehearsals in about thirty minutes. Bye Ms. Chatham and Max!"

Cleo, Lewis and Bella: "Bye!"

Max: waves and bids them farewell

Ms. Chatham: "Goodbye and enjoy the rest of your day!"

Max: smiles and chuckles "They really remind us of ourselves, don't they?"

Ms. Chatham: "Yes, but it seems that they're handling the secret a lot better than we did. It seems to have brought them even closer together instead of tearing them apart."

Max: "It certainly does. Now, about that game of chess you promised me last week. Up for another round? And don't think I'll go easy on you!"

Ms. Chatham: laughs "When have you ever gone easy on me, Max?