A Wish on a Full Moon Chapter 75-Pressure Cooker (part 1), a h2o: just add water fanfic

A Wish on a Full Moon

I do now own H2O: Just Add Water or any of the characters.

Chapter 75: Pressure Cooker (part 1)

The crowd stares at Lewis, having heard the words that had just left his mouth. Then their eyes adjust to the screen where the blue glow still surrounds the edges. Then finally they gather around Neil where the remote lies in his hand, noticing it too has a glow around the play button, glowing stronger, then faint on repeat, almost as if it were urging them to press it. The group were all in shock. They had thought they were through; they had thought they were done. Why were they still there? Those questions were in all of their minds, getting louder and louder until one of them finally bursts. And that person happens to be their favorite hot-tempered mermaid.

"Are you kidding me?!" Rikki yelled. "Rikki," Emma sighs, turning to her friend who started stomping around the room. "We just got done, we were supposed to be through and now we have to go through all that again?!" the feisty blonde shouts. "We don't know what it's going to show us," Mrs. Chatham reminded. "You're right. Because we've already been through everything. What else is there for us to see?" Rikki sarcastically asked. "Though her tone might be a little harsh, she is right. We have caught up with present time, there shouldn't be anything else," Lewis said. "But then why is the screen still there? Why are we still here?!" Sam asked, a bit worried as to what this could mean. "I don't know," Lewis frowned.

"I wanna go home," Elliot said, a bit sad, missing his home like they all were. "We will soon, sweetheart," Lisa assures him. "When?" Kim interrupted. "Yeah, I'd like to go home too. I miss my bed," Bella complained. "And miss out on the free food? No thanks," Will tried to lighten the mood but no one would listen over the complaints.

"I thought this was supposed to be over. Did we miss something?" Charlotte looked at the teens in confusion. "Not that I know of. Girls?" Lewis looks at his mermaid friends. "No, that was the end of it," Rikki crossed her arms, scoffing. "We're all caught up," Emma adds, standing next to her. Behind them, Cleo remains quiet, glancing down. She was slightly afraid that the screen would show what happened the night before they arrived here. There's already been so much of their personal life that's been revealed, she didn't need one of her weakest moments on screen as well.

The complaints in the room started to pick up, each one of them fussing about still being there. "How do we get out of here?" Don asked. "Clearly there's only one way. We gotta watch it," Harrison mentions. "But we've already watched everything. What else is there to see?" Denman gestures to the screen. "Maybe more of your toxic plans?" Kim raised an eyebrow. "Kim, we're past that," Bev scolds. "We've been here for three days, how much longer are we gonna be here for?" Elliot whines. "Are we gonna be here forever?" Charlotte gasps, frightened by the idea as Annette tries to calm her down.

The bickering and complaints were getting louder and louder, filling Cleo's mind with dread, feeling more and more that this was her fault. "What could've done this?!" Ash's voice filled the space between. "I wanna go home!" Elliot shouted. "Dad, what do we do?" Kim looked at her dad. "Don't worry, dear. I'm sure we'll think of a solution. I hope," Don tried to calm her down, but it wasn't working. The noises and complaints continued to grow, overwhelming the theater until finally, someone snapped.

"Calm down! Calm down, everyone!" Mrs. Chatham waved her arms around, getting everyone's attention as they all quieted down and looked at her and Max. "I'm sure there's a simple solution to all of this, and a simple reason as to why we're here," Mrs. Chatham said. "And it seems to me that the only way to know why is to just keep watching," Max dangled the remote in his hand.

"Seriously?!" Kim whined. "I thought you liked snooping," Cleo decided to distract herself with a bit of change. "I do, but I also like to sleep in my own bed, at my own home," Kim gave her a look. "Do we have to?" Rikki whined as well. "Oh, quit being such a baby. You've been through worse," Emma reminded her. "You were just complaining a minute ago," Rikki shot back. "If you want to get back home," Max chided. The group glanced around. All were weary, all were tired and annoyed and ready to go home. And looks like if they want to return home, then they'll have to do the only thing they can do. Watch whatever is left.

"Seems like we don't have a choice," Lewis sighed and begrudgingly returned to his seat. A moment later, the girls did as well, plopping back into their seats, their family and friends both new and old soon join their side. Max politely offers the remote to Annette. "Oh, why thank you," she nodded with a small smile as she accepted it. "Congrats mom, you get to control the remote that's holding us hostage," Charlotte sarcastically said with a grin. "I like her," Rikki lazily pointed. "Oh goodie, she's made another sarcastic friend," Terry said in his own sarcastic tone. Annette gave her daughter a stern look then held the remote up to the screen and pressed the glowing play button. Immediately the screen came to life, and as it started, not once did the glow ever fade.

[The morning starts off with the Sertori's once again at breakfast, and although Kim was doing her usual round of complaints, Cleo was the one cooking breakfast this time. Kim sat at the table eating her breakfast consisting of pancakes and sausage – or trying to at least.]

"I didn't know you could cook," Rikki tilted her head. "I tend to sometimes," Cleo hesitantly said, a bit sheepish. Kim looks at Rikki and mouths the words 'she can't'. Cleo was at least relieved that it wasn't showing the bathroom scene where she accidentally caused them all to be here. But she was confused; she didn't make breakfast for Kim that morning. Why was it showing them this?

"Aw, you're making breakfast for your sister? That's nice of you," Sam smiled. "Both of my little girls are growing up. You've been acting much more responsible lately," Don smiled proud.

Kim: "I can't eat this. It tastes like rubber." Kim holds up her pancake which was black on one side. "It's completely burnt."

"Nevermind," Don sighs, shaking his head. "Kim, that's not very nice. Your sister worked very hard on those pancakes," Bev scolded. "No, she hasn't. Because this hasn't happened," Kim frowned. "What are you talking about? Of course she did, it's right there on the screen," Ash gestured to it. "I'm pretty sure I would remember Cleo cooking me breakfast right before we arrived here," Kim said. "No, Kim's right. I didn't make any pancakes for her," Cleo held up a finger. "Huh, that's weird. Then why's it showing this?" Zane asked. "I dunno," she shrugged.

"Sounds like you need some cooking lessons," Charlotte teased. "Sounds like I need a break," Cleo joked, rolling her eyes. But she was still confused. Why was it showing them stuff that hasn't happened?

Kim: "Mom used to make it so much better." Drops it back onto the plate.

"I think that comment was more burnt than the pancakes," Will winced.

"Unfortunately, I didn't inherit her cooking skills," Cleo said with a tight lip smile. "Ooh, I can teach you how to cook if you'd like, Cleo. Charlotte assists me every Friday night at the restaurant when it gets busy. You could join us," Annette perked up. "That'd be great. Thanks, Mrs. Watsford," Cleo grinned.

"Kim, we've been over this," Bev said sadly. "I didn't say that!" Kim exclaimed.

Cleo: snaps at her in anger, holding a spatula on the stove, still cooking. "Hey, you don't like it, make your own breakfast." Picks up a pancake and walks to the other side of the kitchen and places it on a plate.

"She was trying at least. That's what matters," Emma said. "It's the thought that counts," Lisa nodded. "So does good food," Rikki mumbled.

[Right then, Don walks in from the living room wearing an undershirt, holding two different colored shirts for the day: one checkered and the other light blue.]

"Dad," Cleo and Kim whined in embarrassment, as Elliot and a few of the other teens snicker. "I don't remember that happening," Don frowned. "Is everyone having memory problems today?" Lewis frowned in confusion. "So far it's just my family," Cleo shook her head.

Don: "Ah, my two sweet, perfectly mannered daughters, I need your help." Holds up the shirts. Cleo walks around the counter to look at them better. "What do you think? The checker or the blue?"

"If you would've been in there a moment ago, you'd have thought otherwise," Terry chuckled.

"That's weird. You never ask for fashion advice. Unless …" Cleo frowned. Unless something important was going on. "Not sure why I'm doing it now," Don shrugged. "Hmm. Strange," Lewis hummed in thought.

Kim: "The blue."

The blue does look better on him, Sam thought. "Stick to what makes you feel more comfortable," Lewis said. "Oh, like you?" Zane grinned. "There's nothing wrong with my clothes," Lewis pulled at his shirt.

Don: lays the checkered shirt on the couch. Cleo glances at her a bit confused by his actions. "Interesting. I would've thought the red would bring out my naturally rugged complexion." Takes the blue shirt off the hanger and puts it on.

"Since when do you care about your 'naturally rugged complexion'?" Bev asked, a bit amused. "I don't," Don frowned. What was going on with him?

Don: "By the way, if you wanted to impress someone, would flowers or chocolates be best?" The girls look at him a bit concerned.

The crowd gasped. "Don, are you going on a date?" Neil asked, eyes wide. "You got yourself a girlfriend? Why didn't you tell us?!" Lisa smiled in shock. "What? No, I –," Don denied. "It's okay, Don. I'm the one who chose to move on, so can you," Bev gave him a hopeful sad smile, encouraging him to do what he wants. "I'm not –," Don tried, but was once again cut off. "Way to go, Mr. Sertori," Zane nodded in approval. Bev looked surprised but hesitantly nodded. She chose to move on, so could he. "It's his choice to move on. If he's ready, then he can," Max said. He shouldn't make the same mistake that I did. "Dad, you're seeing someone? Why didn't you say anything?" Cleo and Kim both looked hurt and that was the final straw. "I'm not seeing anyone!" Don snapped, causing the crowd to go silent. "There's no one I love more than my beautiful daughters. I'm not seeing anybody. No girlfriend, no date, no nothing," Don cleared the air with a swipe of his hands. Cleo and Kim both look confused, as did many others. "But, then why are you acting weird?" Rikki gestured to the screen. "I don't know. None of this makes sense!" Don exclaimed.

"Wait, you're saying that you haven't done this?" Lewis jabbed a finger at the screen, an idea forming in his brilliant head. "For the last time, no," Don said a bit annoyed. "I don't get it. Why is it showing us stuff that hasn't happened?" Cleo frowned. "Maybe it's an alternate universe," Elliot said, eyes wide. "Or maybe, the story hasn't ended," Mrs. Chatham furrowed her brows. "What does that mean?" Emma asked. "Well, it is still going for a reason," Max shrugged.

"The question Cleo should have asked is, why is it showing us stuff that hasn't happened, yet?" Lewis rephrased. They all glanced at him in confusion, until one by one it hit them. "You mean –?" Charlotte gasped. "As in the future?!" Sam clarified, eyes wide. "Exactly what I mean," Lewis nodded. "That's impossible," Denman shook her head. "We're in a room full of mermaids watching their lives, and you think it's not possible for us to see the future?" Will asked. "Well, how could it know what happens in the future?" Denman shot back. "The same way mermaids exist. Magic," Will grinned. "So why is it showing us this stuff then?" Cleo asked. "Maybe it's like Mrs. Chatham said, the story's not over," Lewis shrugged. "She is always right," Bella mumbled. "So, if we watch this so-called future, we can go home?" Rikki asked. "I suppose so," Max said. "Then let's get this show on the road," Rikki sat straight up in her seat. "This must've been what could've happened if we had never shown up here. It's like none of you knew the secret or talked about it while we were here," Cleo said. "Ooh, a what-if situation," Lewis perked up. "You don't have anything to say? I thought you had an answer for everything," Max teased. "I do for the past or present, but I don't about something I've never seen before," Mrs. Chatham replied.

Cleo: "Dad, what's going on?" Shakes her head, confused.

"That's what we would like to know," Neil frowned. "Beats me. Wish I knew the answer to that too," Don shrugged.

Don: "What do you mean?"

Cleo: steps forward, eyebrow raised. "You work on a fishing boat. Why do you wanna wear one of your best shirts? And what's with the flowers and chocolate?" Twirls a finger around.

"Dress to impress?" Lewis shrugged. "But on a fishing boat? And who's to impress? He hasn't hired anybody since he got rid of Eddie," Cleo remarked. "Who did you hire?" Sam asked curiously. "Johnno's brother. Funny enough, they're identical twins. It gets really confusing sometimes," Don said.

"So many questions," Zane said. "So many that were left unanswered," Harrison said.

Don: "It never hurts to impress, Cleo. Gotta run." Don rushes for the door. Cleo furrows her brows and turns to Kim.

"Sometimes it does," Cleo mumbled. She couldn't believe it. She knew her dad would move on eventually, but so soon? She didn't think he was over mom yet. It was a pain that wouldn't fade that quick, a mother's love that suddenly vanished from them didn't go away overnight. And from the look of her little sister's pained expression, she felt the same way.

Kim: worried. "He couldn't be. Could he?" Cleo bit her lip in concern as Don shuts the door behind him.

"I think he is," Rikki whispered. "Sorry, Cleo," she patted her shoulder. Her father has dated a few women in his life, but none that ever was permanent. From what she heard her dad say to his buddies, none of them were like her mother. She was okay with her dad dating, after all, it's been about ten years since her mom left them. But Cleo's mom had only been gone for a couple of months. Is he ready to move on? "I'm not. I can't be," Don denied, furrowing his eyebrows. He didn't think he was ready to date again after Bev. He didn't feel like it was the right time, it was all too soon. So why was it showing them this?

[After breakfast, Cleo walks to the old pier where her dad's workboat was, holding a bag of lunch and a bottle of water for her dad. On the pier, Don orders the fishermen around.]

Don: "Yeah, all that stuff in the back there, I want that all just real neat and tidy." Bends down looking at the junk. "Yeah, all that –."

"You're cleaning your boat too?! This must be serious!" Max said in surprise. "You never clean your boat," Cleo shook her head. "Ew," Emma and Charlotte said. "A fishermen never does. It could cause serious fishing voodoo," Lewis nodded. "You really believe in all that voodoo stuff?" Rikki raised an eyebrow. "If mermaids can exist, why can't it?" Lewis remarked.

"Must be a day off from school," Neil hummed. "Most likely. Maybe it takes place this weekend," Emma reasoned.

Cleo: cuts him off, yelling from down the pier. "Dad!" Holds up the bag as Don looks at her. "You forgot your lunch."

"And that never happens either," Kim sighed. What is going on with her dad? "He must got the lovey-dovey eyes for this special woman if he's forgotten that," Ash muttered.

"That was nice of you to bring it to him," Sam smiled. "Well, he shouldn't go without lunch all day. He's been working so hard for us, it's the least I could do," Cleo said a bit bashful.

Don: "Cleo. Thanks, but I'm going out for lunch today. Fancy restaurant, silver service, the whole bit."

Cleo: forces a smile. "Wow, that's … unusual."

"Wow, all that for a first date?" Harrison said impressed. He never took Candy out to a fancy dinner until after the first few. He didn't want to spend a lot of money on her if he wasn't sure she was the right person or not. Which he was glad he didn't. Although he might've spent quite a bit on her afterwards, it was a lot less now that that gold-digger was out of his life. "I'm not going on a date!" Don exclaimed. "Then what are you doing?" Denman asked. "I – I don't know," he huffed.

He never took me to no fancy restaurant, Bev thought. Except … our honeymoon.

Don: nods, smiling. "Yeah. You don't think this aftershave's too much?" Tugs at his collar. "I haven't worn it in years."

"Then why wear it now?" Will asked. "If I knew, I would tell you," Don rubbed his forehead in annoyance.

"Dad, why aren't you telling us what's going on?" Kim asked. "I wish I knew, sweetheart," Don sighed.

"I'm amazed it hasn't expired after that long," Ash said. "I'm sure he just bought a new one … right Don?" Harrison furrowed his brows.

Cleo: "No, it's … it's fine. Dad, is there anything you want to tell me?"

"It'd be real nice to know right now," Cleo worried. "I'm sure he'll tell you when he's ready sweetie," Lisa gave her a comforting smile. Although it's fairly obvious that he's hiding something, far more than them.

Don: grins. "All in good time, Cleo. All in good time. I better get going. I got work to do." Glances at his boat then gestures for her to scram. "Go on, off you go."

"Why not just tell her now?" Will asked. "I guess I wanted to surprise them," Don said. "Sure, is one heck of a surprise," Cleo mumbled. "Why would he want to surprise us with a date?" Kim whispered to herself, confused by her dad's actions.

"You're really making her leave, after that? You're just leaving her with more questions," Zane said. "Apparently so. I don't know what's going on with my future self," Don shook his head. "All will be explained soon from the looks of things," Mrs. Chatham surmised. At least he's moving on. I'm happy for him, Bev thought.

[Cleo surprised by her dad does what he says and turns around with the packed lunch and starts walking back up the boardwalk.]

Don: goes back to telling the fishermen what to do, Cleo glances back at him as he does. "Yeah, just tidy all that stuff up there too, okay? Yeah, all that." Cleo faces forward to find a blonde woman wearing a floral dress walking down the dock: Annette.

"What?!" the crowd exclaimed in shock. "Mom?!" Charlotte whipped around to her mom wide-eyed in shock. "You're going on a date with Annette?" Terry asked. "No!" Don shouted in frustration. "Something wrong with my mother?" Charlotte turned to him with narrowed eyes. "No, I'm sure she's lovely," Don said but was cut off by his daughters. "Dad!" Cleo and Kim shout. "Not like that! I – I'm sure it's all just a misunderstanding. I'm not ready to date yet," Don shook his head. "Nor am I looking for anyone," Annette agreed. At the moment. Charlotte stared at the screen in surprise. Never has she seen her mom go out on a date before. So, what could possibly be going on?

"Well, at least we know why you're here. You're a part of their future. Wonder what that means for the rest of us?" Sam said. "May be the same for you," Lewis said. "After all, we haven't technically met any of you yet," he added.

[Annette continues down the dock and gives Cleo a small smile as she passes the brunette.]

Don: to the fishermen. "That's good." Cleo stops and turns around to watch the woman walk toward her dad. Cleo, confused for a moment takes a few more steps toward land when she decides to turn around again to see the woman and her dad interacting. Smiles at the woman, not even noticing that Cleo was watching them just a few feet away. "Hello!"

Annette: shakes his hand. "How are you?"

"He's got it bad for her if he doesn't realize Cleo's still there," Lisa whispered. "He can hear, you know," Don scowled. Lisa blushed in embarrassment.

Just like Cleo was onscreen, Charlotte too stared in confusion at their interaction. It was like they had spoken before, on several occasions. How could she not have noticed?

Don: "Very, very good." Turns to the fishermen. "Where's those flowers?" Don bends down and grabs them from Johnno who was handing them to Don as Annette gasps in surprise. Don straightens up and hands the big pink bouquet of flowers to Annette. "For you, ma'am."

"You got her flowers?" Kim asked. "You said flowers," Don shrugged. "Actually, we never answered," Cleo remarked, arms crossed.

"He got you flowers?" Charlotte whispered. "There's nothing going on between us, Charlotte," Annette affirmed. "That's not what the screen is showing!"

Annette: accepts the flowers. "Oh, you're so sweet." Gives him a side hug then looks at the flowers. "Oh, they're beautiful." Cleo stands next to a pile of pallets and netting and looks on in shock, her jaw-dropping.

"Oh, that's not going to look good from that angle," Max winced.

"You gave him a hug?!" Charlotte said. "I'm a mom, I give everyone a hug," Annette shook her head. "It's true, our mom does," Elliot agreed. "I do not," Lisa denied. "Mom, you give a hug every time a guest comes over," Emma told her. "You do, dear," Neil nodded, Lisa pouted. "Her hugs are nice though," Cleo frowned.

"I can't believe we're watching this unfold," Kim whined. "I can't believe this is happening," Charlotte said.

[Cleo steps to the side in shock, accidentally tripping over a small box. Cleo stumbles back and gasps in shock and falls off the dock into the water. A splash was heard. The 'couple' looks over, and upon not seeing anything, gets back to discussing stuff. Cleo watches everything from underwater with a frown then swims off.]

"Great. Not only did I not notice my daughter there, but I also unintentionally cause her to fall off the dock as well," Don huffed. "Happens to the worst of us," Harrison glanced at Zane. "It's not your fault. I mean, there it is, but not here. It hasn't happened yet," Terry pointed out.

"Are you okay?" Rikki asked Cleo. "That was quite a fall," Lewis agreed. Rikki gave him a look. That's not what I meant. "… I hope so. But I am, eventually. If dad is ready to move on, then that's fine by me," Cleo reluctantly said, gesturing between herself and the screen. "I just don't think I am there." "And with Charlotte's mom at that," Emma said a bit surprised. "It is a little surprising, but Charlotte's proved to us that she's not that bad," Cleo shrugged. "So, you'd be okay if this was true and she became your stepsister?" Rikki raised an eyebrow. Emma slapped her arm. "Hypothetically speaking," she added. "I dunno. Maybe over time, after we've gotten to know her and her mom better," Cleo answered. "Might not have time from the looks of things," Kim mumbled.

[Outside of the café, Wilfred was fixing a juice at the outside bar and handing it to a happy customer.]

Wilfred: "Here you go, man." Looks to the side to see Lewis walking around the corner with his rod and gear. "Going fishing, Lewis?"

"If he's not doing experiments, he's fishing," Cleo grinned. "Nothing much better for him to do," Rikki lamented. "I do have a life you know," Lewis remarked. "Because we're in it," Rikki smirked in victory.

"He knows you so well," Will laughed. "Wilfred knows all of his customers. That's what makes him such a great businessman, he willingly tries to know everyone that visits his café," Lewis smiled.

Lewis: "Ah, it's more than fishing, Wilfred. It's about hunting your own food." Walks around the bar and stands opposite of Wilfred. "Man against beast. It's a battle of survival."

"You make it sound so cool," Zane sarcastically said.

"He's not wrong, but fishing can also be fun," Max mentioned. "Or for work," Don added.

"Sounds like it's been drilled in your head," Ash said. "It has been since I was a kid. My dad used to take all of us fishing when we were younger," Lewis said.

Lewis: lays his rod against the bar. "Uh, could I grab a couple of jam muffins to go?" Behind him Charlotte walks up with a picnic basket.

"The man of survival needs a few muffins?" Rikki teased. "What happened to hunting for your own food?" Emma played along. "A man needs his energy," Lewis smirked. "A man needs to be a man also," Zane laughed.

Wilfred: "Sorry, all out." Walks away with a tray of drinks to deliver to a table of customers.

Charlotte: stands next to Lewis, smiling. "You need my help?"

"Out of luck there," Ash shook his head. "They must be popular if he's already ran out," Harrison said. "Or everyone was hungry," Elliot mentioned. "Everything Wilfred makes is popular, except for whatever weird combinations Lewis comes up with," Emma looked disgusted. "I will find a juice one day that he will refuse to make," Lewis declared.

"It seems like you're always there," Zane said. "You do realize you're not the only one who likes the café, right?" Charlotte raised a brow. "Charlotte can hang there if she likes just like anybody else," Lewis agreed.

"What's with the picnic basket?" Sam asked. "I guess I decided to plan a picnic with him," Charlotte shrugged.

Lewis: "Charlotte, hi." Grabs his rod.

Charlotte: "I know you always go fishing Saturday mornings, so …" Gestures to the picnic basket and lays it on the counter. "I brought you some food."

"That's nice of you, dear. But you should've asked him first. Otherwise, the food might go to waste," Annette smiled. "Not with him around it won't," Zane joked.

"Ah, another date in the making," Bella realized. "It's not a date," Charlotte scoffed, feeling a slight tinge in her cheeks. "Yeah, it's not. Friends can have picnics just like anybody else," Lewis nodded. Charlotte felt the blush leave her cheeks. Friends, it's what he still thought of them as, and it's what it will remain. The way things are going, she will need to speak with him soon before he realizes she does – or did, she wasn't sure of the answer – have a crush on him. Cleo glanced down. Another person that was moving on, and soon it seems. That's fine, if Lewis wants to move on that's his choice. It's fine, totally fine …

"Before all of this, did you know about Lewis's secret fishing spot?" Rikki asked curiously. "Honestly, no. Every time I saw Lewis fishing, he was off on his boat. If I did, I'm pretty sure I would've known about your secret long before," Charlotte chuckled.

Lewis: "Wow. Great." Opens the basket and looks at all the food that was prepared.

"That food. Did you steal that from the restaurant?" Annette frowned. "I'm sure I asked. You know I would never steal, especially from all your hard work," Charlotte shook her head. "A to-go order then," Ash laughed.

Charlotte: "I hope you've got enough fishing gear for two."

"You fish?!" nearly everyone asked, even her mom was shocked. "Why is that surprising?" Charlotte asked like it was obvious. "No reason. You just don't seem like the type," Cleo winced apologetically. "Really? And what exactly is the 'fishing' type?" Charlotte quoted. The room looks to Don, Lewis, and Max. "Really, you're stereotyping fishermen now?" Lewis rolled his eyes.

"Honey, are you sure? You haven't done it since …" Annette asked a bit worried. "I know, mom. I know," Charlotte sighed, arms crossed.

Lewis: looks at her surprised. "I never knew you were interested."

Charlotte: smiles wider and puts a hand on her hip. "Are you crazy? I love fishing. I go all the time."

"Do you? Do you really?" Terry asked skeptical. Charlotte sighed as her mom looked away. "I do – or used to. Truthfully, I do love fishing, but I haven't been fishing since I was a kid. My dad used to take me all the time, but I haven't picked a rod up since – since," Charlotte stuttered. "He left," Cleo and her both look at one another in understanding. Bev tensed up. Seems like even in the future they watch, there is always going to be a connection to a haunted past. "Well then, if you ever want to go, you can always join us on our boat," Don nodded. "Really?" Charlotte gave him a small smile. "Sure. You shouldn't stop something you love because of one bad memory," Don smiled. It didn't stop him when Bev left. "And I might know a fishing spot or two that you could always try," Max rubbed his chin in thought.

Lewis: thinks about it then nods. "Yeah, okay. Come on." Lewis grabs his gear and walks away. Charlotte does a silent cheer behind his back before grabbing the picnic basket and follows along.

"Seems like you were hoping he would agree to it," Ash hummed in suspicion. "Well, I did plan that he would and had a whole basket load of food for it. My mom would've killed me if all that went to waste," Charlotte said. "Never waste food, especially not mine," Annette warned, wagging a finger.

[Minutes later, they were at the dock. Charlotte prepared the picnic near the middle of the dock with a blanket laid out for them to lie on and the food as Lewis set his rod up with the proper gear and bait and cast it off into the water. He sets it in place and the location he wants then puts the pole in the rod holder on the dock.]

Lewis: walks back to Charlotte who was already sat down on the blanket. "One night, I spent seven hours locked in an epic battle with this two-kilo salmon." Sits down opposite of her. "It was like a game of chess."

"Woah, really?!" Elliot was shocked. "That's impressive," Max raised an eyebrow. "That's got to be a lie. There's no way," Rikki shook her head. "It's the truth. My arms were sore the next morning, but it was all worth it," Lewis rubbed his arms. "No, it's not, I was there. It lasted seven minutes and whatever it was took his bait and snapped the line," Cleo scoffed. "Seriously?" Ash looked at him in disbelief. "It felt like seven hours, and it was a very tough battle," Lewis admitted sheepishly. "I think you're just trying to impress her," Bella said. "Why would I?" Lewis asked, genuinely confused. Rikki felt like slapping her forehead. For someone who's supposed to be a genius, he can be an idiot sometimes.

"He doesn't have to impress me," Charlotte whispered to herself. "Then you shouldn't either. You can be truthful to your friends too," Annette gave her a small smile. Cleo grew a bit worried. She knew they had broken up, and they've grown a lot closer since this viewing, but did he really want to impress her in the future? Did he want to date Charlotte? If so, what did that mean for them?

Lewis: grins. "But I got my man. I mean, fish."

"You sure about that, Lewis?" Zane laughed. "You tryna tell us something, Lewis?" Rikki teased him. "You know I never was good with words!" he shouted.

Lewis: looks at her. "What about you?"

Charlotte: looks up from organizing the food, not paying attention. Raises an eyebrow. "Hmm?" Blinks at him.

"You haven't listened to a word he said, have you?" Emma chuckled. "Apparently not," Charlotte said, a bit sheepish. "Guess my food was that good," Annette laughed along. "Your food is always good mom. You wouldn't have a restaurant otherwise," Charlotte replied.

Lewis: "What have you caught?"

You, Cleo, Bella, and Rikki thought.

Charlotte: glances to the side, a false smile shining. "This and that. Here, try the mini-quiche." Grabs some mini-quiche from a plastic container and hands it to Lewis.

"Why change the subject if you've been fishing before?" Denman asked. "Talking about fishing leads to talking about my dad and that's really not a subject I want to breach," Charlotte looked a bit uncomfortable. "Sorry, Charlotte. I didn't mean to bring it up," Lewis winced. "It's okay, you didn't know," Charlotte gave him a sad smile.

Lewis: takes the mini-quiche. "Okay." Takes a bite and nods. "Mm. They're good."

Charlotte: grins. "Made them myself."

"I thought you said your mom made them at her restaurant," Neil said. "She does. I help her sometimes so in a way we both made them," Charlotte said.

"At least you picked up my cooking skills," Annette joked.

"Ahem," Annette cleared her throat. "We made them," Charlotte corrected.

Lewis: "Really?" Charlotte nods and Lewis raises an eyebrow with a grin. "Wow. Smart and talented." Points at her.

"Dude, are you flirting?" Zane said in amusement. Though inside, he was slightly disappointed. He always thought him and Cleo were good together. "No! Charlotte and I are just friends. How many times do I have to say that?" Lewis said in annoyance. Once was enough, she thought. Cleo tried to smile a little, but it didn't reach her eyes. No matter how many times he says it, from the way he's acting in this future, it's different, Cleo thought sadly.

Charlotte: smiles at him while fiddling with one of Lewis's lures, unintentionally pricking her finger. Flinches. "Ow!" Looks at her finger to see it bleeding.

"You still have those dumb lures?" Don said in exasperation. "They're not dumb, they're my own invention," Lewis said offended. "And you're point is?" Kim asked. Rikki laughed and high-fived her. "I don't like you two teaming up. It's scary," Emma frowned.

"Careful, dear," Annette warned. "Hasn't happened yet, mom," Charlotte reminded. "And it better not."

"I can see how you two are friends. The both of you are quite clumsy," Denman chuckled. So is Cleo.

Lewis: scoots closer. "Oh! Let me see."

Charlotte: "No, no, it's fine."

Lewis: "Charlotte, let me help." Charlotte looks up at him in a bit of pain and accepts his hand as he looks at the injury.

"That's Lewis for ya. Always trying to be helpful," Cleo said, trying to not make it sound forced. But from the looks of Emma and Rikki, they were able to tell something was up. Either the jealousy of Lewis was rebounding or the annoyance from his obsessive help was still lingering. Only Cleo knew the answer. Lewis wouldn't lie to her. She believed him when he said they were just friends. But seeing this on screen still made her feel the opposite. So, what could be truer? Lewis's own words or what appears on the screen? "He's always had a big heart. He proved it the moment he helped Cleo out of trouble, even when he didn't have to. He's a good friend to everyone he meets," Mrs. Chatham declared proudly.

Lewis: "Ah, it's not too bad." Grabs a band-aid from his fishing kit. "At least we know it's sharp enough to catch fish." Charlotte grins as Lewis puts the band-aid on her finger.

"You keep band-aids in your bait box?" Zane asked. "A proper fisherman always does," Lewis hummed. "No, we don't," Max and Don both stated. "Guessing you've pricked yourself before," Ash chuckled. "A few times," Lewis admitted. "Now you tell the truth," Kim mocked. "At least you had them on hand," Lisa said. "At least Nate isn't around to tell you that it's not very 'manly,'" Zane remarked.

"You weren't even fishing and you've managed to catch yourself," Annette teased. "I told you it's been a while," Charlotte said in annoyance.

Lewis: "There. All done."

Charlotte: "Thanks. I don't know what came over me."

"It happens to the best of us," Lewis shrugged. "We all get distracted from time to time," Elliot supported. "Elliot, you get distracted all the time," Emma corrected. "He's a kid. It's bound to happen," Bella waved it off.

Charlotte: "I'm usually very careful with those … fishhook things."

"It's called a lure, sweetheart," Annette laughed as did the others. "I've never been fishing in my life, and I knew that," Bev giggled. "You were married to dad though," Kim pointed out. Used to, even the mention of it would've set her off. But now, she's okay with it. At least for now, till the dating thing comes back up, which she was sure it was. "It's. Been. A. While," Charlotte huffed in embarrassment.

Lewis: laughs to himself. "Uh, they're called lures. I made these ones myself." Holds one up.

"And the strange lures have returned," Emma sighed. "You just saw it a moment ago," Lewis reminded her. "Still claiming them, huh? Least you're not self-conscious," Max said.

"Don't ever bring those around my docks again," Don warned. "Noted."

"Rubbish is what it should be called," Terry remarked.

Charlotte: winces. "Lures, yeah, that's what I meant."

"You don't like them either, do you?" Lewis pouted. "They look like something I would use in one of my art pieces … or a science project," Charlotte admitted. "Sorry." "It's fine. You're not the first," Lewis sighed, glancing at everyone else. "And you won't be the last either," Rikki mumbled.

Lewis: scoffs. "You don't know anything about fishing, do you?" Shakes his head and looks at her.

"Is it that obvious?" Charlotte winced. "Yes," nearly everyone said. "I know some things about fishing … but my childhood memory isn't the strongest," Charlotte admitted. She barely remembers what her dad looked like.

"What gave it away?" Ash asked sarcastically.

Charlotte: lets out a laugh and looks sheepish. "I'm so busted." Lewis nods and looks down at his lure.

"You don't have to lie, Charlotte. We're friends," Lewis told her. Charlotte bit her lip. How many times is he going to say friends?! Unbeknownst to her, Cleo was thinking the same thing.

Charlotte: hesitates. "I'll be honest with you, Lewis. I really just wanted to ask you to come out with me tonight." Lewis glances away. "I've gotta go to this thing with my mom, and …"

Charlotte's eyes widened. Am I asking him on a date?! What am I doing?! He's meant to be with Cleo and he knows it! I know it! "Wow, you've gotten brave," Rikki raised her brows. "The future changes quickly," Mrs. Chatham said. She had to admit, even she did not expect it so soon. "So you are asking him out on a date," Zane hummed. "No – no I – I'm sorry, Cleo," Charlotte blurted out. It surprised Cleo. She was quiet for a moment – due to shock – but reluctantly answered as she tried to figure out what to say. "It's okay, Charlotte. We were broken up and you have the right to ask him out. If Lewis wants to date you then that's fine by me," Cleo said, biting her cheek. Lewis looked a bit pained and was fixing to stay silent when Bella spoke up. "But you're meant to be together, the both of you. Anyone can see that, even Charlotte. Including you two! You still love each other." Their eyes widen as they look at one another.

"It's true. We can all see it. I know we can't be together because you still love her," Charlotte spoke the last sentence directly to Lewis, and for once Lewis could see and hear the pain Charlotte felt. Maybe the future was right, Charlotte didn't want to be just 'friends', and neither did this one. What was he going to do? "And vice versa, Cleo," Bev gave her an encouraging look. Cleo and Lewis blush.

"Go on, you heard us. Talk it out, kiss and make up," Rikki encouraged. "Ah, perhaps not that second part," Don rushed out. Lewis rubbed his forehead. There was so much on his mind: he really wanted to talk to Cleo, but he rather talk in private. But he also needed to talk to Charlotte, and that needed to be in private as well. With a frustrated sigh, he straightened up and focused on the screen. "We'll talk later. Right now, the sooner we get home, the better." With reluctance, everyone returned to the viewing.

"Two in one day. New record. Can we make it three?" Zane teased and turned to Rikki. "We're already dating," Rikki rolled her eyes. "Don't push it," Terry warned.

"Wait, you're going on the date with your mom and Cleo's dad? Is it a double?" Will asked. "It's not a date!" Annette and Don exclaimed. "Whatever you say, man," Harrison shook his head in amusement.

"Where are we going?" Charlotte asked. "How am I supposed to know?" Annette countered.

Lewis: small smile, apologetic. "Thank you so much for the offer, but I'm – I'm kind of busy right now. Some other time, though?"

"Busy fishing?" Emma raised an eyebrow. "I was letting her down easy!" Lewis yelled. "It was a nice way of saying no," Sam said with a small smile. "Was it though? A no is still a no," Kim mentioned. "But it does mean he's still got the hots for you!" Bella nudged Cleo. And now her ship wasn't nearly sunken. Yay! Cleo held back a smile, trying not to be too hopeful. Did it really mean that? It did revive her hope, and now she couldn't wait for that talk with Lewis.

"Oh, honey," Annette gave her daughter a hug. "It's okay, mom. We knew who he belongs with," Charlotte said quietly.

"Another time?" Denman asked. "As in, when he's ready or if he ever is," Max said. "Since when did you become the love translator?" Mrs. Chatham teased. "I've been around you far too long," Max amused.

Charlotte: tries not to look hurt, looks down. "Oh, yeah. Right." Nods her head.

Lewis: glances at his rod. "Well, uh, I don't think these fish are biting." Looks back at her. "We might call it a day." Stands and goes to get his pole. Charlotte watches him go, sad that he rejected her and starts packing the food.

"Really? You haven't been there that long," Elliot said. "Well, it's a bit awkward now, El. It might be like that the whole time," Emma said in a kind tone. "A bit?" Lewis asked. "Just trying to be nice," she shrugged. "Sorry, Char," Lewis apologized. "It's okay. I know who your heart belongs to," she gave him a small sad smile.

"And now I ruined your fishing trip. Great," Charlotte sighed. "It's okay, it's not you. Sometimes the fish are like that," Lewis said. "It's true. Every other day they won't take a single bait. When that happens, we just reel it in and call it a day," Don explained. "Fish are weird," Kim scrunched up her face. "Hey," the girls turn to her. "I stand by my statement," Kim smirked.

[Down below, Cleo swims through the water trying to get her mind off of what she had witnessed. She swims around the dock when she spots a very familiar lure floating near the ocean floor. Cleo grins at it as she grabs it and looks up.]

"Uh oh, I smell trouble," Kim winced. "This is going to go either really good or really bad," Elliot agreed. "With what happened earlier, I say bad," Rikki added. "And with Charlotte there, nonetheless," Emma sighed. "Please don't do anything stupid, future me," Cleo begged.

"You better be glad this is the future. It just saved you from an Emma scolding," Zane told her. "Cleo, be careful! You don't want to prick your finger either," Don worried. "Really? You're worried more about her pricking her finger than her so close to Charlotte, someone who didn't know the secret?" Bev asked in disbelief. "We don't know that," Don shrugged. "She hid from you earlier, it's safe to assume," Bev countered.

[Above the surface, Lewis was turned around from his rod starting to put stuff up when he hears his rod hit the sides of the holder. He turns around to find something pulling on his line. He picks the rod up in time to find Cleo pop up for air holding his lure.]

Cleo: grins. "Looking for this?"

"I was," Lewis said. "The fish weren't," Max said. "That's the only thing you can catch with that lure: mermaids," Harrison laughed.

"Cleo, Charlotte's there!" Emma whined. "I don't know that!" Cleo argued. "It would be hard to see her from that angle," Bella reasoned.

"Weren't expecting that, were you?" Charlotte giggled. "Who would?" Lewis asked. Charlotte wasn't mad that Cleo was there. She had every right to be there just like she did. Besides, the two didn't know the other was there. For now.

Lewis: "Cleo." Glances behind him then leans over the dock and whispers. "What are you doing?"

"Apparently making herself an aquarium exhibit," Rikki sarcastically said. "You know I'm not that careless," Cleo rolled her eyes. "So, you say."

"What does it look like she's doing? Swimming and stealing lures," Bella stated like it was obvious.

Cleo: shrugs. "Nothing. I just felt like a swim …" Frowns.

"It wasn't intentional, but I might as well since I'm in the water," Cleo shrugged. "Sorry," Annette and Don winced. "Eh not the first time and it won't be the last I bet," Rikki waved it off. "We've all either fallen or jumped off the docks before," Emma grinned. "Maybe things will be easier this time around," Lisa said.

Lewis: kneels down. "Is everything alright?"

Cleo: "Yeah." Lewis glances back, not paying attention. Frown deepens. "No, not really. It's my dad. He's –."

"Are you even listening?" Cleo frowned similar to onscreen. "Uh …" Lewis had no words. "Dude, she's finally opening up to you again and you don't even listen to her," Ash complained. "I will be sure to do that when it happens," Lewis gives him a look.

Charlotte: offscreen, yells and unknowingly cuts Cleo off. "Lewis, should I pack up all this fishing stuff?"

Lewis: glances at Cleo then back at Charlotte. "Yes, Charlotte. That would be great, thank you." Starts packing the gear up.

"Now she knows Charlotte's there," Denman said. "This ought to be good," Max laughed. "Oh, great," the color drained from Lewis's face. And she still has my lure! "Whoops," Charlotte winced.

Lewis: back to Cleo. "You were saying?"

Cleo: angry, narrows her eyes and glances around. "What is she doing here?"

"Oof, she's angry. Now you messed up," Kim rubbed her hands together. "How am I supposed to know when she's going to pop up out of nowhere?" Lewis exclaimed. "You knew about mermaids. You should expect this from them," Neil said. "We do this when you're out on the boat all the time," Rikki mentioned. "Yeah, but never by the docks, where other people could potentially see you," Lewis reminded. "He's right. It is risky," Don agreed.

Lewis: "She's just fishing."

Cleo: "At our old fishing spot?"

"That's where you two used to fish?" Bev asked. "Oh, now you really messed up," Kim laughed. "Eh, not really fishing, more like observing," Charlotte answered.

Lewis: "Come on, Cleo. We're just hanging out, that's all."

"You mean like her dad is with Annette right now," Zane pointed out. "I don't know that is happening. Cleo never got to finish explaining," Lewis also pointed out. "Sorry," Charlotte apologized again. "It's okay. It's not your fault," Lewis said. "This on the other hand …"

[Cleo glances at the lure then back at Lewis angrily before going back underwater with the lure.]

Lewis: confused. "Cleo. Cleo."

"Now you've done it," Don laughed shaking his head. "It's just been too much for her today, and it's only morning," Bev sighed sadly.

"What are you planning?" Lisa asked. "I think I have an idea," Cleo grimaced.

[Done packing, Charlotte stands and walks over to Lewis who stands up as he watches his reel go wild through the water, biting his cheek as he puts his hands on his hips.]

Charlotte: stands next to him, confused. "Uh, Lewis, I think you've got a bite." Lewis continues to stare.

"I think he's good," Ash grinned. "Pass," Lewis gave it a thumbs down.

"At least that's one thing you remember from your fishing memories," Annette teased.

"You pack quick," Emma was surprised. "I like to organize my things. I know where I put everything and where it will go back," Charlotte said. "You two will make good friends," Rikki commented.

Charlotte: gestures to the still reeling rod. "Aren't you going to get that?"

Lewis: shakes his head. "I'm not sure if I should." As soon as the words left his mouth, the rod flew out of the holder and into the air. Lewis's eyes widen as it flies out and into the water.

"Never underestimate a mermaid," Emma smirked. "Never get on a mermaid's bad side," Zane corrected, smiling at Rikki. "If he had held onto that, he would've been the one in the water," Denman said as everyone laughed. "Looks like you'll have to swim for it, Lewis," Zane mocked playfully, using a line that was all too familiar to them from the very beginning. "It won't be returning to me anytime soon," Lewis shook his head.

"Smart boy," Max chuckled. "I remember when you fell for that once or twice," Mrs. Chatham smiled. "To be fair, Julia and Gracie would do it to me unexpectedly. At least he had a bit of warning," Max told her.

Lewis: bites his lip and nods. Charlotte glances at him then the water. "I think that's the one that got away." Walks away. Charlotte stares at the water stunned and confused before glancing back at him.

Cleo glances at the floor, a bit sad. Even though she was the one hurt onscreen, he was hurt himself, and not from losing his favorite rod.

"I think you're right. Again, sorry," Charlotte said the first part to herself. "It's not your fault. Neither of you knew the other would be there," Lewis told them. "He's stuck in the middle," Terry said. "Like monkey in the middle?" Elliot asked. "Duh," Kim said.

"First time for everything huh, Charlotte?" Sam chuckled. "Never experienced that on a fishing trip before," Charlotte said. "I have, just never with a mermaid. It can happen every once in a while, where one giant fish can find a way to steal your rod if you don't watch it," Don explained.

[Cleo returns to her home, storming through the door in a rush. But before she could march up the stairs, her dad stops her. Don and Kim were sitting in the living room, awaiting her arrival.]

Don: "I'm glad you're home." Cleo stops and turns to her dad who was sitting on the armrest of the couch. Kim sat next to him on the couch. Points to the chair. "Cleo, come. Sit. We need to have a family discussion." Don stands and rubs his hands together, walking in a circle as Cleo does what he says and sits on the armrest of the chair. The two daughters look up and listen, Cleo's irritation showing. "I've got something very important to tell you both."

"It's about time," Kim said. "Sooner would've been better," Cleo rubbed her neck. From their reactions, that would be correct, Bev thought, nodding to herself. If she was in their shoes, she would feel the need to know too. "Maybe you should've had this talk with them earlier," Sam waned. "Especially when you three just got done discussing uh … recent events and your feelings toward them," Lisa suggested. "It would've been better. But I'm telling you it's not a date," Don sighed.

"You were still mad?" Lewis asked. "Apparently so," Cleo said. "But you were swimming," Lewis pouted. "Swimming doesn't always make me feel better. Especially when I get mad while swimming," Cleo remarked.

"I'm guessing the lunch date went well," Neil said. "It's not a date!" Don and Annette yell once again.

Don: "Now, recently –."

Cleo: glances to the side, her irritation increasing and cuts him off. "You've met someone." Don looks at her in surprise.

"Just get to the point why don't you?" Rikki sarcastically asked.

"Geez, so blunt," Will scrunched up his face. "You would too after everything I witnessed," Cleo gestured to the screen. "Uh, it's pronounced we. And trust me, I feel the same way," Charlotte responded, arms crossed.

"That he has," Bev sighed quietly.

Cleo: "Dad, I saw her today down by the boat. I know what's going on."

"I really hope you do. We've had plenty of misunderstandings before," Rikki grimaced. "Like –," Kim smiled mischievously but Cleo beat her to it. "Not. A. Word!"

Don: raises his eyebrows. "You do?" Kim looks surprised at him. Cleo nods. "Oh! Well, in that case, I guess it's not that much of a surprise." Cleo grumbles quietly to herself. "Her name's Annette. I'm sorry I haven't mentioned the whole thing earlier, but I wanted to make sure it was all gonna work out before I said anything."

"You don't sound that nervous telling it to them. Figured you would be. I sure would," Neil commented. "You got something to say dear?" Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Only to you," Neil smiled and kissed her forehead.

"It must be then if you're telling them now," Terry said.

"Meaning there's been more than one date," Zane realized. "There hasn't!" Don snapped.

Don: "So, I want you to be really nice to her, make her feel welcomed."

Cleo: eyes widen and repeats him. "Make her feel welcomed?"

"Wait, as in …" Cleo's eyes widen just like onscreen. "Oh no," Kim put her head in her hands. "I think I know where we're going now," Charlotte winced. "Oh dear," Annette squeezed her eyes shut.

Don: nods in excitement. "She's coming here for dinner … tonight." Gestures around.

Cleo & Kim: eyes widen more. "Tonight?!" Don nods.

"Huh, the future can be interesting," Rikki grinned.

"So soon?!" Cleo questioned. "I did say that I had to go with mom to something tonight," Charlotte sighed. "But you just had lunch with her," Ash frowned. "Yes, I guess for some reason I wanted her to meet my family," Don figured. "Even though it's not a date?" Sam asked. "Even though it's not a date," Don repeated.

"Moving quick, aren't ya?" Terry asked. "I'm not moving anywhere," Don shook his head. "Neither am I," Annette scoffed then smiled at Charlotte. "I'm fine where I am." "Same here," Don nodded in agreement, smiling at his daughters.

Cleo: "But, Dad, I have plans with Emma and Rikki. We're meant to be going out tonight."

"What did we plan for that night?" Rikki muttered to Emma. "Beats me."

"Then why not plan it for another night instead of the same day? Work it around to when your daughters' have some free time on their schedule," Sam suggested. "I would, whatever it is," Don said. "I don't know what's going on. Why would we plan a dinner after lunch, unless – oh," Annette paused before laughing in realization. The others watch in confusion as they see the usually calm Annette appear to what looks to be like a breakdown. "M-mom?" Charlotte stuttered in surprise. "I think she's finally lost it," Lewis whispered to Zane who nodded in agreement. "I'm such a fool," she finally said after calming down from her laughing fit. "What are you talking about? Mom, what's going on?" Charlotte narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "I finally figured out what it is!" Annette smiled wide. "Well, what is it?" Kim asked impatiently. She's tired of watching this when the two kept claiming it wasn't a so-called date. "It's not a date date, it's a dinner date," Annette explained. "Ohhhh," Charlotte oohed and too begin to laugh just like her mother did a moment ago, with Annette quickly joining her. "Will one of you two please explain?" Bev interrupted, as the two calmed down once more.

"My mom owns a restaurant, remember? Well, in the restaurant she also serves seafood, but she doesn't do frozen seafood, she does fresh. Straight from the boats," Charlotte explained. "I use local fishing businesses around town. And normally when I do, I rather get to know the owner first and how he runs his business. So, we go on these business lunches and then meet the family that we will soon be working with. We have dinner, share recipes that could be used in the restaurant, check out what seafood products he has, and so forth," Annette continued. "Mom always brings me along for company and see if there was anything I noticed that she missed, and so I always joke around calling it a dinner date. Our fun little way of calling it a business dinner," Charlotte said. "Wait, so you're saying that this isn't a date, but actually a dinner for both of your businesses?" Cleo questioned, tilting her head. "Yes. For his fishing business to officially become a part of our restaurant for seafood," Annette smiled. "Ooohhh," the Sertori girls realized as several others in the audience too felt the tension leave the air. "See, I told you it wasn't a date," Don sounded relieved. "You didn't know either," Neil chuckled. "But I knew it wasn't a date," Don held a finger up. "Well, I guess we have nothing to worry about," Cleo told Kim with a smile. For a little while at least.

"You do realize that the future you onscreen doesn't know this, right?" Rikki pointed out. Cleo and Kim look toward the screen to see their still worried faces. "Oh dear," Sam winced. "We're about to embarrass our scales off, aren't we?" Cleo said embarrassed already. "Yeah," Kim groaned in annoyance, covering her face. Elliot giggled. "It's just a big misunderstanding. I'm sure it'll be clear eventually," Mrs. Chatham tried to comfort. "And we're still going to embarrass ourselves until then," Kim's voice was muffled through her hands. "It happens to all of us," Ash patted her on the back with a light laugh. Bev felt relieved herself, but she wasn't going to voice her opinion out loud. Sure, she and Don divorced, and she wasn't planning on getting back together with him, but she didn't want him to make such a rash decision of moving on so quickly. She didn't want it to affect him or her daughters.

Don: "Cleo, this is much more important than some night out with your friends." Cleo huffed in annoyance, trying not to roll her eyes. Kim still looks worried.

"It's true. A deal like that can be a huge boost for your business," Harrison nodded. "And I really hope I get it," Don crossed his fingers, now fully supporting this future. "It would be both good for his business and his family," Terry agreed.

"Eh, depends on what we were planning," Rikki tilted her hand back and forth. "Probably just another night swim," Emma said. "But the night swims are so beautiful," Cleo complained. "There'll always be more. Just one night with us won't hurt," Don said. "I'll go, dad and now that we know what's really going on, I'm okay with it. But I don't think the other me will realize that anytime soon," Cleo said sheepishly.

Don: "Come on, girls. You should be happy for me. This could be the start of something big." Claps his hands together and walks out of the living room and to his office.

"Not in that sense," Zane snorted. "What do you mean?" Bev asked. "We know it's about the business, but they don't. So, while we are happy, they won't be," Zane explained. "Meaning we're going to do something stupid and completely embarrassing," Cleo squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed her forehead.

"This reminds me of when I wanted to introduce you to Candy," Harrison chuckled. "You know I had a very good reason not to like her. She was a gold-digging snob. Anyone could see it," Zane said as if it were obvious. Harrison glances around at the others. Neil and Lisa didn't look his way, choosing to stay out of it. But the other teens definitely had an opinion as each one of them nodded their heads. "She was … something," Denman hesitated.

[As Don leaves the room, Kim glances at Cleo then looks down, still worried.]

Cleo: huffs then slouches into the chair and crosses her arms, pouting. "This is bad, Kim."

Kim: has her head in her hand. "How bad?"

Cleo: glances at her. "Stepmother bad." Kim sighs and Cleo continues to frown.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that," Annette laughed nervously. "Tell that to them," Cleo gestured to the screen.

"Thank goodness it isn't," Charlotte whispered to herself. She thinks she would be okay with Cleo and Kim as step-sisters, and she would be happy for her mom if she were to suddenly move on but … she didn't think she was ready to have a stepdad in her life. She's been without a dad for so long, she didn't know how she would react to one coming into her life out of nowhere. Don seems like a good guy, but would he be okay having a daughter that wasn't biologically his own? It's one thing to be blood-related, but it's another to choose to be a part of someone's family. After all, not all family is blood, and not all blood is family. A very important lesson she learned from her dad's departure.

[After hearing the news from her dad, Cleo sends an urgent text to her friends to meet at Mako. Making a quick arrival there, the other two mermaids listen to their friend as they wade in the moonpool.]

Cleo: sits on the pool ledge. "First, mom leaves, then I break up with Lewis, now this. I don't know what to do."

"Talk to us. We can get through it together," Don told her. "I should have. Maybe then I wouldn't be going on a soon-to-be embarrassing rampage," Cleo pouted. "You can always talk with family. Even me," Bev gave her a small smile. Sure the 'leave' word got brought up again, but she was gonna try her best to ignore it. She had a feeling it was going to be coming up a lot more. "I know that now, mom," Cleo smiled back.

"Talking with friends is a good stress reliever. And you never know when one will leave you with some good advice," Mrs. Chatham informed.

Lewis straightened up, listening intently. The way she said it, it sounded like she regretted breaking up with him. Did she?

Rikki: "I do, blow them all off."

"Like that?" Max laughed as he looked at Mrs. Chatham who shook her head and sighed.

"Avoiding everything isn't always the answer," Lisa said. It was with us, Terry glanced down guiltily. Whenever things got tough it seems like they always ran. Ran to a different home, different town, different place. Away from everything just to start over. Like mom ran from us, Rikki thought. Maybe her and Cleo weren't so different after all.

"But her dad is counting on her. He needs this," Will pointed out. "But not for the reason we think," Rikki winced.

Emma: frowns at her. "Rikki."

Rikki: turns to Cleo. "Come on, Cleo." Cleo bites her lip, conflicted. "The coral reef is spawning tonight, remember. You've been looking forward to this for months."

"The coral reefs? That's tonight?!" Emma gasped. "Oh, I can't believe I'm going to miss it. I was so excited to see it," Cleo whined. "Well now that we know what's going on, you don't have to worry. You can go see it with your friends and we can just reschedule the business dinner," Don assured her. "Thanks, dad," Cleo brightened up. "What about me?" Kim asked. "If you can get some scuba gear, I guess you can go see it," Don sighed. "Yes!" Kim raised a fist in the air.

"Coral reef spawning?" Lisa asked. "It's where the coral reefs rise up and basically bloom like a flower, and the color of them strengthens. It happens once a year during the right time of the season," Denman explained. "We've been talking about it for weeks. Not sure why it wasn't discussed until now," Emma said.

Cleo: sighs. "Yeah, I know."

Rikki: "It's amazing and it only happens once a year. You can't miss this."

Emma: nods. "It would make you feel better." They look at her, pleading.

"Well at least you girls will all get to see it this time," Neil smiled. "Looks like all of us will if it shows up on here," Max noted. "It is spectacular," Mrs. Chatham sighed wistfully. "You've seen them before?" Bella asked. "Once. We accidentally stumbled upon them during one of our swims," Mrs. Chatham smiled. Bella held back a smile. I hope I get to see them in person one day soon.

"It would be a good distraction," Cleo admitted.

Cleo: thinks it through, bites her lip then shakes her head in defeat. "I'm sorry. I have to be there, for dad." They pout in disappointment as they move to the side to let Cleo off the ledge and dive under to go back to the mainland.

"That's nice of you to be there for your dad, but if you really want to see them, you should talk to him. He would understand," Sam encouraged. "And now that we know the whole situation – both of them – the dinner can be rearranged. It doesn't have to be that night," Annette mentioned. "Yeah, mom is always understanding," Charlotte added with a smile. Cleo smiled at them. "Thanks."

"A lot of kids wouldn't do that for their parents. You're a good daughter," Terry said proud. He wasn't speaking of Rikki. He knew she would be there for him if the situation was reversed, but there are plenty of spoiled brats that wouldn't.

[That night, back at the Sertori house, Don rushes down the stairs dressed up nicely just like his daughters were to find Kim in the living room adjusting pillows and holding a duster.]

Don: stressed out and nervous. "Come on, guys. I told you to clean up in here an hour ago."

Kim: "I'm doing it."

"What are you talking about dad? It's clean," Cleo frowned. "Yeah, that's as clean as it'll get," Kim argued. "Considering I used to clean that house, they're right. It's spotless," Bev nodded.

"Kimmy's cleaning? Quick, someone take a picture!" Lewis joked. "I do my chores around the house. You don't and you practically lived there," Kim rolled her eyes.

"It looks good, there's nothing to worry about," Annette reassured.

Don: checks his watch. "It's that late? Oh, no." Stresses out more and rushes to the kitchen. "I should've started cooking half an hour ago."

"No need to stress, it happens. Besides, I like to see people cook. It could reveal different cooking techniques that I might not know," Annette smiled. "Which is almost impossible now. She knows almost everyone from all those cooking shows," Charlotte said in amusement.

"First date jitters," Harrison chuckled. "It's not a date," Don reminded. "I know."

Cleo: looks sad, fixing plates of sauces. "It's okay, dad. I've got it under control."

"You shouldn't have to. I'm the one that asked you there, I should be the one doing all the cooking," Don exclaimed. "But you were busy and stressed. I guess I wanted to take something off your plate, literally," Cleo gestured to the screen.

Don: walks around the counter. "Great. We're having fish. They're going to be here any minute." Walks to the stove when the doorbell rings.

Cleo: pauses, confused. "They?" Don rushes to the door as Cleo puts the knife down and slowly walks into the living room with a frown. "Who's 'they'?"

"Welp, this is about to get interesting," Ash grinned as he glanced over at Charlotte. "Informing us there was a 'they' would've been nice," Cleo held a finger up. "I didn't even know there was going to be a dinner to begin with," Don countered. "We're in the same boat here," Charlotte agreed. "It was a nice surprise?" Annette questioned her actions before an idea popped up. "Or maybe I thought it was a chance for you to make some more friends." "Mom, I already know her, and we're still working on that," Charlotte told her. "I didn't know you were schoolmates, you only ever talked about Lewis," Annette said then covered her mouth. "Mom!" Charlotte's cheeks blushed highly, eyes wide. She snuck a glance at the boy mentioned, but he seemed to be avoiding all eye contact with her, unlike everyone else as she glanced down quickly.

Don: opens the door. "Welcome." Cleo stands behind Kim who was holding the duster behind her back as their guest – now guests – come in.

Annette: "Hi, Don."

Don: "Come on in." Annette walks inside. Talks to his daughters. "May I introduce Annette Watsford and her daughter Charlotte." Annette smiles at them as Charlotte shuts the door behind her and walks in, smiling herself. Charlotte glances around when her eyes land on Cleo.

"Not even five seconds in and it's awkward already," Rikki muttered to Emma. "And surprise, surprise," Lewis leaned back. "Please don't make a fool of yourself, please don't make a fool of yourself," Cleo pleaded, fingers crossed. "Right back at ya," Charlotte nodded, worried about her own actions.

"I don't think introductions are needed anymore," Zane chuckled. "We've known each other for several days now," Will said.

Cleo: eyes widen then frowns in surprise. "You?" Annette looks confused then looks at her daughter.

Charlotte: calmer, eyes slightly narrowed. "You."

"And it gets weirder," Kim sighed.

"Why are you saying it like that?" Elliot questioned Charlotte. "I'm not sure. I guess I'm still angry?" Charlotte was confused herself. Or jealousy might be at play, Rikki thought to herself. After all, Lewis did just reject her. She must know that he still likes Cleo.

"Them," Lewis rubbed his neck, nervous as to how this will go.

"You didn't know it was Cleo's dad?" Lewis asked. "I didn't know her last name," Charlotte shrugged.

Don: looks between them, confused. "You two know each other?"

Cleo: tenses up, plastering on a smile. Kim turns to her. "Yeah. We know each other, alright." Kim looks back to Charlotte, noticing the tension between them.

"In the works of it," Cleo laughed to herself. "If only you onscreen had seen ourselves those past few weeks," Charlotte laughed with her. "Though I got a lot more catching up to do since Cleo got a head start on reading my diary." "Still with this?" Cleo whined. "You do the same with me. Don't be a hypocrite," Kim told her. "Friends don't read diaries," Cleo pointed out. "Keep telling yourself that then," Zane grinned. "Good thing I'm your sister," Kim smirked. "And we're somewhat friends," Charlotte tilted her head.

"You see it two, don't you?" Elliot asked. "Yup," Kim popped the p. Anyone could see the tension between the two. Things were different now thanks to the viewing, now they had a lot more in common to where they were pretty much friends. But in the viewing, the only thing they had in common was that they like the same boy. Something that was only going to make things worse between the two in this.

"Teenage drama," Max muttered to himself, shaking his head. "You've been through similar problems before," Mrs. Chatham reminded. "I know. But still."

Don: "Fantastic! Ha, this is going to be great!" Charlotte and Cleo continue to stare each other down awkwardly.

"That's what you think," Ash snorted. "Blinded by business, I don't even realize that it wasn't as 'fantastic' as it seems," Don sighed. "Don't you mean, blinded by love?" Zane teased. "Zane," Harrison warned. "Oh, come on, you did it earlier!" "But I'm the adult."

"Guess we knew it was going to be a long night, huh," Charlotte laughed to herself. "Oh yeah. And that we'll have to get along," Cleo laughed with her. "Like you are now," Emma pointed out with a smile. "Yeah. I guess with the secret out and seeing it from this view, maybe we can get along," Cleo agreed, and Charlotte unsurprisingly did as well.

[After introductions, Don brought glasses of lemonade on a tray for the kids and wine for him and Annette. Annette and Charlotte sat on the couch while Kim and Cleo sat directly across from them.]

Annette: "I want to thank you two girls for having us at such short notice." Don holds the tray out for her. To Don. "Thank you." Grabs a glass of wine and a lemonade and hands the lemonade to Charlotte.

"Don't think you'll be getting that anytime soon. Not for a couple of years," Annette warned her. "I know, mom," Charlotte sighed. "The same goes for you girls," Don wagged a finger at them. "Dad, I'm 16. I know that by now," Cleo argued. "And I'm not even 13 yet," Kim added.

"It's not like we had a choice," Kim mumbled. "At least we get a heads up this time," Cleo grinned.

"Was it planned on short notice?" Sam asked. "Apparently so if none of them were aware until now," Neil mentioned.

Annette: back to the girls, sets the wine down on the table. Don holds the tray out to his girls. "Don has told me so much about you."

"And he hasn't said a word about you until a few hours ago," Kim remarked. "Kim!" Bev scolded. "It's okay. I know she's joking. The circumstances we're under are quite humorous," Annette laughed. "Yeah. They think it's a date, we know it's a business dinner. The odds of it going swell are low," Charlotte laughed. "Especially with you two at each other's necks," Terry chuckled. Even he was able to tell the tension between the two. And he didn't know his daughter was a mermaid for nearly a year! "With everything out in the open now, I believe we could make things perfect," Cleo said. "Agreed," Charlotte smiled at her.

Cleo: takes a drink. "That's odd, because he hasn't said much about you at all." Kim takes the last drink on the tray. Don laughs nervously at her.

"Oooh, and there's the blow," Ash winced. "He felt the wind off of that," Will laughed.

"Th – that's true, but you could've said it nicer," Lisa said, a bit surprised by Cleo's outburst. It wasn't normal for the girl to do that; then again, nothing about the girls was normal anymore. "Sorry, dad," Cleo winced. "It's okay, girls. It's the truth, I didn't. But you don't have to worry, you know the truth now too," Don patted their shoulders.

Annette: "Oh! I have something for you." Stands up and grabs a small gift bag that was sat next to her. Walks past Don and to the girls. Pulls out a couple of CD cases and hands it to Kim. "Don said they're your favorite band."

Kim: eyes widen as she looks at the CD. "The Dysfunctionals! Alright. Thanks." Hesitates on what to call her as she hands Cleo a CD too. The brunette was slightly surprised, though she tried to hide it. "Uh …"

"Seems very motherly," Ash raised an eyebrow. "Well, I am a mother myself. It's our job to bring joy to our kids and their friends," Annette smiled at Charlotte who smiled back, relieved to see them trying to become friends.

"You got me my favorite band album?!" Kim screeched. I can't wait for the future! "It appears so," Bev laughed. It was very sweet of the woman to give that to them; girls she has never met before until then. Perhaps she could make a friend out of her as well. Anyone who was a friend to her girls was a friend of hers. "That was very kind of you. Thank you, Annette. You didn't have to do that," Don smiled. Seems like a new friend was in the making for him too. "They deserve it," Annette smiled. After everything they've been through recently.

Annette: sits back down next to Charlotte. Don sits in the chair next to them. "You can call me Annette."

Kim: "Thanks, Annette. You're the best." Charlotte looks at them.

"You are," Kim said giddily. "Mrs. Watsford, Annette, either one is fine," Annette waved it off. "Yeah, thanks," Cleo said with a tight lip smile. It was very sweet of her. She wasn't a fan of the Dysfuncationals, but she wasn't going to say that to the woman who had just given them a gift when she didn't have to. Plus, it made Kim very happy, and it was Charlotte's mom. They've already gotten off on a rough start, and they were finally starting to patch things up. She didn't want to upset any of them as it is.

Cleo: holds the disk out toward Kim who kept staring at her in awe. To Annette. "Kim can have mine. I'm a bit old for that band." Kim slowly turns to her and gives her a look, as does Don. Annette opens her mouth then nods.

"Works for me, the more the merrier," Kim clapped. "Are you kidding? I'll take it, I love the Dysfunctionals," Rikki scoffed. "The Dysfunctionals is for any age. They're amazing," Bella said.

"Way to go, future me," Cleo grumbled under her breath then turned to the Watsford's "She was trying to be nice," Charlotte frowned. "I know, I know. And I'm so sorry," Cleo apologized. "It's okay. Under your mindset, I completely understand," Annette replied. "Awkward," Ash sung.

Don: changes the subject, to Charlotte who was scowling at Cleo. "So, I bet you two have a lot in common."

Charlotte: glances at him then back at Cleo. "You have no idea." Cleo glances away.

"We do now," Cleo and her snickered.

"Don't back down, Cleo," Rikki reprimanded. "Rikki, it's the future. It's not gonna happen now that we know what's going on," Cleo reminded. "But still, you don't back down from a challenge," she argued. "I will when it's in front of my family, and not to mention her mom. I'm sure Charlotte wouldn't want to argue in front of her," Cleo pointed out. "You better not," Annette crossed her arms. "I won't, mom. Besides … I know who wins," Charlotte sighed.

Don: "That's good, because from now on, you'll be seeing a lot more of each other." Cleo's eyes widen and fiddles with her straw while biting her cheek. "Hopefully."

"And now it's even more awkward," Ash commented.

"Guess it's official. We're business partners," Annette smiled. "As long as things go well the rest of the night," Denman said. "It's gonna be a long night," Max laughed.

"No mermaid magic is gonna fix that," Bella felt a bit bad for them. Things were great here, but clearly not there.

"Even more than we are already? We're literally trapped in a room together with nowhere to go," Rikki complained. "Hopefully soon we'll be free," Lewis reminded her. "Hopefully," Don repeated.

Cleo: tries to smile and waves a hand up. "Wow, that's just great." Glances at Charlotte who obviously felt the same way.

"Good job, Don," Bev shook her head. "I didn't know there was any miscommunication," Don held his hands up.

"And here I am thinking Charlotte was going to become my stepsister," Cleo laughed a little. "Yeah, but she's not so bad," Kim nodded. "Yeah, I guess. Besides, we don't have to worry about any stepfamily. Not for a while at least, until dad is ready," Cleo gave her a small smile.

[An urgent knock comes from the door.]

Kim: "I'll get it." stands up and goes to the door.

"Who could that be?" Don asked. "Don't know. But they're real persistent with their knocks," Neil frowned. The girls glanced at one another then back at the screen. "Lewis." "How do you know?" Lewis asked in surprise. "You're the only one who knocks like that when you think there's an urgent matter to discuss," Cleo gave him a look. "I do not," Lewis scoffed. They look back at the screen.

Annette: to Cleo and Charlotte. "Okay, I'm sure you have lots to talk about. Fashion, music." Don stands as she speaks to them and goes to the door. Shrugs. "Boys." Chuckles.

Kim: opens the door and Lewis walks in. Gives him a disgusted look. "What do you want?"

"Perfect timing, mom," Charlotte let out a laugh, as did the others when Lewis started pouting. "Told ya," the girls taunted. "Told ya," Lewis copied in a mocking tone. "They know you too well," Zane laughed. "I think Lewis is the one with perfect timing," Ash laughed as he shook his head.

"Didn't they already discuss music?" Sam asked. "Somewhat. Though I agree with Cleo, the Dysfunctional's isn't my type of music either," Charlotte scrunched her nose up. "You people have no taste in music," Kim turned her nose up.

"What's with that face?" Lewis frowned. "You look dirty and sweaty," Kim excused. "You always look at him like that," Cleo pointed out. "I was trying to be nice," she shrugged.

"Oh, they got plenty to talk about boys," Denman chuckled.

Lewis: "I need to see Cleo right now. Cleo –." Turns around to the living room and sees her but stops when he realizes that they weren't the only ones there. Annette and Charlotte were too. Looks at Charlotte in surprise. "Charlotte?"

"What a surprise," Zane chuckled. "You seem surprised she was there," Terry noticed. "She did say she had a thing to do with her mom, but never would I have thought it would be with Charlotte," Lewis shook his head. "To be fair, none of us did," Don said in amusement.

"What do you need to talk about?" Bev asked. "Uh, I'm not sure. Maybe of what happened at the dock," Lewis crossed his arms. "Might want his fishing rod back," Max chuckled.

Cleo and Charlotte: surprised. "Lewis?" Regret fills his features.

"What's with that look?" Cleo asked. "Perfect timing?" Lewis sarcastically said. "It was, but that's not why," Ash answered. "I think he preferred to speak to Cleo alone," Emma whispered, Rikki nodded.

Annette: "Lewis? The Lewis?" Leans forward and looks at Charlotte in excitement. "The Lewis you're always talking about?"

They all look a bit surprised and look at the now fully blushed redhead. Everyone knew she had a crush on him, but to talk about him that much? "How much do you talk about him?" Emma frowned. "I – I always talk about my friends," Charlotte brushed through her hair nervously, avoiding eye contact. "Sure," Rikki drawled out.

They then look to the mother to quickly change the subject who was also bloodshot red. "Guess you two aren't the only ones that's going to have embarrassing moments," Annette reluctantly said. Everyone turned back to the screen. "Why would you say that out loud?!" Charlotte harshly whispered. "I don't know. I wasn't thinking!" Annette rushed out. "Mom! In front of him?!" she scoffed. "I know, I'm sorry, dear," Annette begged. Charlotte crossed her arms and pouted. "But isn't this a good thing? By now he already knows, and – and after everything you've said about him and Cleo …" Annette began. "I know, mom. The sooner I talk to him, the better," Charlotte sighed in defeat. "That wasn't humiliating at all," Will sarcastically said. Cleo glanced at Charlotte, feeling bad for her. That was as bad as the whole wedding fiasco!

Charlotte: blushes and scoffs. "This is so embarrassing."

"Ain't kidding there," Bella mumbled. It's bad enough when you tell your parents about a crush, but for them to say it out loud in front of said crush?! Might as tell the whole world.

"Now I feel sorry for her," Emma said a bit sad. "Yeah, glad I don't have to worry about that anymore," Rikki shook her head, glancing at Zane. Now that their relationship was out in the open, there was nothing to hide from her dad anymore. Nothing embarrassing to be said aloud, as long as he doesn't tell any embarrassing childhood stories of her. Unfortunately, parents tend to do that a lot from what she's seen.

Lewis: confused. "Okay, back up a second. Um …" Glances at Cleo and rolls his fingers around. "What's going on here?"
"A lot," everyone said. "So much in so little time," Mrs. Chatham sighed. "What we believe is a family date when in reality it's a business dinner, though it seems like a date," Kim described. "Too much," Cleo held her head. "It is a lot to take in," Sam nodded. "I tried to tell you," Cleo said. "And I tried to talk to you," Lewis said in the same tone.

"At first glance, it would be funny and confusing," Lisa giggled to herself.

Annette: stands up, happy. Charlotte cringes in embarrassment. "I have been wanting to meet you for some time, Lewis." Walks over and holds her hand out for him to shake. Kim goes to sit back down on the couch. Don stands in between the two.

"Really? Wonder why?" Charlotte sarcastically said, still blushing and rolled her eyes. "Well, you did tell me so much about him, how amazing he was, how sweet he was to you," Annette mentioned. "Mom! Stop it!" Charlotte hushed, blushing even more. Annette flinched, realizing she did it again. It was just nice to finally put a face to the name she heard so much about. Though most were trying their best to ignore the humiliating mother-daughter conversation, Lewis heard every word. Similar to Charlotte, he too was red. Not from embarrassment, from guilt. For he knew who his heart truly belonged to, and it wasn't for his human friend.

Cleo grew nervous the more this went on. Would he fall for this? Would he fall for the redhead that he befriended so quickly?

Lewis: shakes her hand and raises his eyebrows. "You have? That's sweet." Tilts head. "Who are you?"

"Funny enough, like Cleo. She's rarely mentioned a word about you," Lewis laughed nervously. "You don't know?" Harrison asked. "We never met each other until a few days ago," Lewis shrugged. "Neither have we," Cleo and Kim both said. "Well, I thought I would have time to introduce you two one day … apparently not," Charlotte mumbled the last part.

"At least he was nice about it," Emma gave Cleo a look. "We thought this was something else," Cleo rolled her eyes. "We know. And we're not letting it go that easily," Rikki teased.

Annette: gestures to Charlotte. "Oh! Charlotte's mother." Charlotte gives him an uncomfortable smile and rubs his neck.

Lewis: "Okay, um, maybe I better go." Jabs a thumb at the door and backs away. Don nods.

"Good call. It's already tense enough," Neil nodded. "I don't think everyone realizes that though," Annette cringes as she looks at her onscreen self.

"I don't want to make things awkward as it is," Lewis said.

Annette: grabs Don's arm. "Oh, no. He can stay, can't he?"

"Mom," Charlotte groaned in annoyance. "It might be better if he weren't there," Cleo winced. "And he's not dressed for the occasion." "Honey, you're wearing a t-shirt in jeans," Bev pointed out. "But a nice t-shirt and jeans."

"The more the merrier, huh," Elliot teased Kim. "Not if he's there," Kim complained.

Don: slightly alarmed. "Oh, fine by me. Uh, there's plenty of food." Gestures around.

"Enough for six people?" Lisa asked. "We were already making enough for five, and I always make sure there's plenty for leftovers," Don answered.

"Doesn't look fine," Bev frowned. "I'm probably a little annoyed that Lewis is staying, and it messes up my schedule but if it makes my future business partner happy then I can live with it," Don shrugged it off. "That's a first," Kim joked.

Charlotte: shakes her head, eyes wide, regretting it. "Uh, no Mr. Sertori, you don't have to do that." Glances at Cleo then back at him.

Cleo: leans forward. "And dad, you really don't have to do that."

"Oh, look, you're agreeing for once," Emma teased. "We've agreed in here plenty of times," Cleo gestures around. "Yeah … and not just to agree with that statement," Charlotte remarked. "They've agreed on one other thing in the viewing," Zane commented. For some unknown reason, they both like Lewis.

Don: waves his hands in the air. Behind him, Lewis has his hands on his hips, glancing down in regret. "Nonsense. The more, the merrier. Right, Lewis?" Turns to him and pats him on the back. Lewis smiles and pats him back. When Don turns to Annette and they smile, Lewis returns to looking regretful. Charlotte looks at them in worry while Cleo glares at Lewis who catches her glare in fear.

"Hey, I think it's catching on," Elliot laughed. "That's not what I meant!" Kim snapped.

"Dad, please don't ever do this to me," Rikki cringed. "Long as you officially introduce me to Zane, then we're square," Terry said. "You've already met!"

"You regret it already," Ash laughed. "What have I dragged myself into?" Lewis shook his head.

"Look on the bright side, you both get to spend your evening with Lewis," Bella mentioned. "You're no help," the two say.

Cleo: drags Lewis into the entryway and stops. Crosses her arms and glares at him, whispers harshly. "What are you doing here, Lewis?"

"Weren't you listening? He wanted to talk to you," Will said. "My focus was on … other things at that moment," Cleo glanced at Charlotte who flinched.

"At least you two get to talk," Emma said. "Quit being optimistic. You and I both know it's not going to go well," Rikki told her.

Lewis: glances into the living room and whispers back. "I just wanted to explain about what happened with Charlotte. Uh, not that anything was happening." Cleo sighs, annoyed and leans against the wall. "But if you thought that something was, then, I'm just here to make sure everything's perfectly clear." Clasps his hands together and looks at her pleading.

"Yeah, I saw," Cleo sighed. Though the sight of it did hurt, Lewis's denial and explanation made her a little happier to know that he didn't want to date Charlotte. He rather be friends. "From her view, she didn't get to see much, just that Charlotte was there and that's it," Bella said. "Yeah, but it still looked bad," Lewis stated. "Seems clear to all of us but them," Neil gestured to the screen.

Cleo: "Oh, it's clear! Even Charlotte's mother seems to know what's going on." Charlotte walks around the corner and looks at them.

"At least he's trying to fix things," Sam said. "He's not very good at it," Bev shook her head. "Cleo's just being in denial. Again," Rikki sighed in annoyance. Cleo glared at her.

"To be fair, I didn't even know her until a few days ago," Lewis held up a hand. "But technically you haven't met until that night," Ash pointed to the screen. "Let's not go by the technicalities," Lewis held his hands up. "Okay, Mr. Science Guy," Denman sarcastically said.

"I didn't know of anything going on, Charlotte just … speaks a lot about her friends," Annette hesitated, choosing her words lightly. "That's still not better," Charlotte blushed.

"It's like you were summoned," Will chuckled. "I guess I wanted to check on them," Charlotte rushed out, still blushing.

Lewis: shakes his head, gesturing with his hands. "No, Cleo, there is nothing going on between me and –." Just then Charlotte walks up behind Lewis. Glances behind him and his voice raises. "Charlotte! Hi, um, we – we were just –."

"You know how to make an appearance," Harrison said.

"I did try to make things clear, without it being awkward," Lewis stuttered.

"Talking about us," Charlotte sighed, finishing his statement. She didn't have to watch the viewing to know what he was going to say.

Charlotte: they look at Cleo. Nods. "Talking about me. I understand." Cleo huffs silently. To Cleo, points to the living room a bit worried. "You better get back in there, though. Your dad seems to be getting a little anxious." Fiddles her fingers around and raises an eyebrow. "He won't stop talking about fish." Cleo sighs and walks through them and back into the living room. Lewis and Charlotte glance at one another then the former walks in after her.

"They were talking," Emma said. "Could have been about anything," Bella defended. "I clearly heard them," Charlotte countered.

"I'm running a business dinner. Of course I need to discuss my business," Don declared. "But not in that much detail," Denman informed, cringing herself. "It's okay. It's good to know that he takes so much detail and info into his fishing," Annette said. "It's not the first time I've heard a long rant about fish, but Cleo would know how to stop it," Charlotte gave the girl a smile, mouthing 'thank you'. Cleo laughed to herself. "At least he knows his priorities," Terry mumbled to himself, glancing at Lewis and Cleo.

Don: "Uh, a lot of people confuse the coral cod for the coral trout." Cleo walks back in the living room with Lewis and Charlotte behind her. Sat back in the chair talking to Annette who was on the couch with Kim sitting on the armrest next to him, looking bored. "It's an easy mistake to make." Shrugs as Annette nods along, smiling with her hand resting on her chin. "But I find the trout a much more personable fish." Laughs, nudges Kim. "Better-looking, too." Annette laughs. Charlotte stands behind her mother, cringing. Cleo looks at her dad a bit annoyed with an anxious Lewis behind her.

"You talk about fish when you're nervous?" Sam giggled. She thought it cute, him talking about something he knows enjoys, like a way of showing off his intellect. "It helps calm me down," Don answered. "That's a lot of fish knowledge," Max said, impressed. "I've been fishing since I could walk. I gotta get that knowledge from somewhere," Don chuckled.

"Was that supposed to be a joke?" Kim scrunched up her face. "I think so," Cleo did the same.

"And you care about this?" Rikki asked Annette. "It's a part of the dinner, how well he knows his seafood. And his is by far the most impressive," Annette said, a bit amazed by his facts. "Indeed," Lewis nodded. "If it's a part of the dinner, then why did you interrupt?" Bella asked. "Because it sounds like he's gone much longer than the other fishermen," Charlotte said.

"You look bored," Elliot mentioned. "I am. You have no idea how many 'fun fish facts' we've heard," Kim air-quoted with an eye roll.

Don: looks behind him and sees Cleo. "Ah, Cleo!" To Annette, drinks her wine. Cleo smiles at him. "She's been such a great help around the house." Annette smiles at her. "Even made dinner." They look up at her as her smile falters and her eyes widen. She glances at the kitchen.

"Oh, no. I forgot," Cleo slapped her forehead. "It's okay. It can happen to anybody. I know I've done it a few times when I was distracted," Lisa laughed it off. "Which is why we're no longer allowed to distract mom while she's cooking," Emma joked. "I'm so sorry, dad. With everything going on, it must've slipped my mind," Cleo held her head. "It's quite alright, sweetheart. You had a lot on your mind," Don told her. "And I probably didn't help things. Sorry," Charlotte winced. "Honestly, we all forgotten about the food," Ash mentioned, with everyone agreeing with him. "It was an accident. I'm sure your dad will understand," Bev gave her a small smile.

[Cleo opens the microwave door with an oven mitt, coughing as smoke comes out. She pulls the burnt fish platter out and looks at it in disgust and regret.]

Cleo: to Don. "Sorry, dad. With everything going on, I just got distracted." Lays it on the counter and tosses the mitt next to it. Everyone gathers in the kitchen looking at it in a mix of shock and disgust from the burnt smell. Annette and Charlotte stood to the side of the counter staring at it, and Lewis was on the other side. Kim stood behind Don and Cleo.

"Just like the pancakes. Burnt," Kim shook her head, playfully. "It doesn't look that bad. I'm sure it can still be salvaged," Rikki tried to be optimistic. "Yeah. The dogs might still eat it," Kim sarcastically said.

"You really need to work on your cooking skills. And your focus," Zane chuckled. "At least she does cook. Might I remind you that the housekeeper does ours for us?" Harrison raised an eyebrow. "Only because you don't know how to cook," Zane scoffed. "Neither do you."

"It was a very, eventful night," Sam chuckled. "A lot going on alright," Bev agreed. "I don't blame you one bit. With what was going through your mind, that pressure should have never been placed on you," Don shook his head.

Annette: perks up and moves closer. "Oh, can I help? I happen to be quite handy in the kitchen, right, Don?" Lays a gentle hand on Don's shoulder.

"I know that might have been a joke, but I think comments like those might be one that can set this whole 'dating' scenario off," Cleo winced even more. "I work in a restaurant, why didn't I just say I work in a restaurant," Annette huffed looking at herself. "It was both of our faults. We should have said something earlier," Don sighed.

"That makes two of us," Lisa laughed lightly. "It's like a second home to her. Just be careful, she might end up claiming your kitchen as her own," Charlotte joked.

Don: glances at Cleo and sighs. "That's a great idea."

"Why didn't you tell her it was okay? You know she didn't mean it," Bev frowned. "I don't know, but when you're finally able to talk to your future self, let me know," Don huffed a bit frustrated. "It's okay, dad. You clearly have a lot on your mind too," Cleo told him.

Annette: moves in front of them and takes over the fish platter and mitt and moves to the side. "Uh, Charlotte, can you give me a hand?"

Charlotte: "Sure. Lewis likes my cooking. Don't you, Lewis?" Smiles at him. Lewis tries to smile but ends up failing. Charlotte walks over to the other side of the kitchen with her mom.

"Not the right timing for that," Lewis flinched. "Charlotte, you know what I meant. There was no need to brag," Annette scolded lightly. "You just did," Charlotte reminded.

"Yeah, we could tell," Cleo bit her lip, trying not to think about the dock anymore.

"Don't you mean both you and your mom's cooking?" Bella asked. "I do, but she doesn't," Charlotte gestured to the screen. "There's nothing wrong in admitting that you had a little help with something. We all need help eventually," Terry said, glancing at his daughter who still somehow doesn't have that drilled in her head.

Don: to Cleo, smiling. "See? Isn't this better than hanging out with your friends?" Grabs a pot while Cleo rolls her eyes when he isn't looking and walks out of the kitchen.

"Sure, dad. If the coral reefs weren't blooming that same night," Cleo said with false enthusiasm. "Please, mermaid adventures are much cooler than this," Kim said. "While I do love spending time with my family, I also love spending time with my friends. Especially in a once-a-year occasion like this," Cleo mentioned. "Something every parent hopes for," Neil chuckled. "Not all of them. Sometimes it's best for the kid to get away from them," Harrison joked. "I'm not that bad," Zane scoffed. "I beg to differ," Rikki hollered.