Waterworks (H2O Just Add Water) 🌊

38. Fish Fever

The four of us swam alongside one another toward the coral reefs. Emma tapped my side and both of us headed off to the side. Amongst some sea plants, there was a multicolored coral. It was the perfect gift for Cleo's new fish Hector. 

As Emma reached to grab it, she jerked back and there was a small cut on her finger. It looked painful as I glanced around in case any sharks were nearby fearing that one of them might catch any scent of blood. Emma managed to grab the coral piece, and we met up back with the others.

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At the Sertori house, I helped find some disinfectant and clean the cut as Emma was bothered by it.

"And I love this color piece you found, Emma and Zoey," Cleo smiled admiring the coral before placing it in the tank with a pair of tongs, "It matches Hector's eyes."

"Great. It was worth cutting my finger for," Emma remarked sarcastically after I cleaned the wound.

"It's sanitized. I'd let it air out overnight if I were you," I suggested to her.

"Thanks, Zoey."

"He has colored eyes?" Rikki wondered asking about the fish.

"Of course. Get closer," Cleo answered, "It's hard to get to know Hector. He can be a little standoffish at times."

"So, why isn't Hector in with the others?" I asked seeing that the fish was in his own tank.

"Because I'm starting a new tank. It's like building a whole new suburb. It's really exciting."

"Right," Rikki nodded.

"That makes sense," I agreed.

"So, what's this bit? The shopping mall?" Rikki pointed at the interior of Hector's tank in a joking manner.

"What do you think, Em?" Cleo turned to Emma who looked like she was distracted by something.

"Hm?" Emma turned to the rest of us after being off in her little world.

"Are you all right?" I wondered.

"You're looking a bit pale," Cleo pointed out.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Emma answered and picked up a container of fish feed from the nightstand, "Uh, is that his fish food?"

"Hector's favorite. Anchovy flavored."

I had a grossed-out expression at the mention of anything with anchovies.

"But I only give him one pinch per day so he doesn't put on weight," Cleo added.

"What? They don't make low-fat fish food?" Rikki asked as she and I followed Cleo out of the room.

I briefly glanced back at Emma who seemed fascinated with the fish feed before leaving.

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The next day, I met up with Rikki and Emma at the cafe. I could tell Emma was bursting with energy, which was unlike her as she informed us of her parent's wedding anniversary and that they wanted the house to themselves. Elliot was sleeping over at a friend's house which explained a lot.

"So, I'll have to ask Cleo if I can sleep over. If that doesn't work, any place will do," Emma told Rikki and me as we followed her into the cafe.

"I'll--" I started but was cut off.

"Well--" Rikki was also interrupted.