The Ocean Touched

Chapter 4: The Ocean is my Partner

Marin woke up from a very emotional night. Her alarm clock went off for her 9-5 shift at the Aquarium; She got up from the couch, having a severe bedhead. Marin rubbed her crust-filled eyes; they were puffy. She prepared to stand up or fall. When Marin got stood up, Marin was barely steady. She strolled to the bathroom and began her day. After an extra-long shower, Marin put on her navy blue uniform. She put her hair in a messy bun. After Marin was in the bathroom, they headed out the door with her purse and car keys in hand.

Marin had to take pictures to update the Aquarium's website at work. She went to her car to get her camera. After fifteen minutes, it dawned on her where her camera was: Mr. Nimbus' bedroom.

"Fuck," Marin said.

"This early in the morning?"

Marin turned around and smiled upon seeing who the voice belonged; Mr. Nimbus was in the open water exhibit near the parking lot.

"What are you doing here, and how did you get into there and pass security?" She walked toward him.

"I have my ways, control of the police," he said and caressed her cheek, "I wanted to come to land and see you."

He planted a kiss on her lips. She wanted to continue this but couldn't because of work.

"I am happy to see you, Nim," Marin said.

"Likewise," Nimbus said, "so your work as an oceanographer; what do you do at the aquarium?"

"Well, I usually do field research on the beach; sometimes, I travel for photoshoots. Otherwise, I am taking photos here for the website or the scientists and doctors," Marin said, "if I finish an assigned task, I work in the photo area in the gift shop."

"What's a photographer without her camera," Nimbus revealed he had her camera; they seemed to have the same thing in mind.

Marin smiled and hugged him tightly, "thank you so much!"

"You're welcome," Nimbus said as he held her close.

Marin needed this more than he would ever know. They stayed like that for a while.

"You alright, darling?" Nimbus asked.

"Y-yeah, I just really missed you," Marin said.

"I missed you too, darling star," Nimbus said.

Marin suddenly had an idea.

"Hey, you want to join me in photo-taking?" Marin asked, "it's for the aquarium website. I could give you a tour."

"I would love a tour of your work. I do enjoy the open water exhibit already," Nimbus said as he hopped out.

Marin took out a spare uniform from her backseat as he had a different idea.

"Strip down, hand me your uniform, and go for a walk."

Marin turned around and saw he was now in an aquarium security guard uniform. His name tag read Nim Bus.

"That works well," she giggled.

Marin put away the uniform and walked over to Mr. Nimbus. He put the camera around her neck and pulled her close for another kiss.

Marin gave him a tour of the Aquarium, starting with the lobby that showcased portraits of all sorts of aquatic life. Next was the freshwater exhibit. After that was the butterfly room, followed by the otters; afterward, they entered the penguin exhibit in which a feathered man was trying to catch a little girl trying to get into the enclosure.

"Birdie Tamantha...please behave," the feathered man said.

"Tux bird! Tux bird!" The child screeched.