Ocean's Secret

Problems

Esa was swimming in her tank, reaching down to touch the soft white sand and thinking of home when it happened.

Pounding footsteps sounded in the hallway and more people than Esa had ever seen flooded into the large open space on the other side of the glass. Esa heard screaming, laughter and gasps of surprise.
"MERMAID MERMAID!" People were screaming, pressing themselves up against the glass.

Esa screamed in terror and fled towards her cave. Her breathing was rapid and her heart pounding so loudly she was sure everyone outside could hear it.

What's happening!? She gasped, outside she heard an angry male voice.

"Everyone out right now! Or I will get restraining orders for all of you!" Esa recognized the voice as the aquarium owner. She peeked around the corner of her tunnel entrance and saw security guards trying to herd the people out.

"There is a real mermaid in there! Why can't we see her?" A voice shouted above the noise.

"Because the exhibit isn't open yet! The mermaid is not ready to be introduced to the public, and thanks to you all and your horrendous behaviour, I am moving the opening date to next Saturday!" Mr. Blanc shouted back, Esa saw his face getting very red, he was mad.

"But that's an entire week away from now!" Another voice protested, the anger in his voice obvious. So it's Saturday today... Esa realized.

Esa tried to see who had said that but in the process got spotted by some enthusiastic people who started screaming again. "MERMAID!" They screeched, Esa ducked back and covered her ears with both hands.

"By barging in here and scaring our main attraction, you've brought it upon yourself." Mr. Blanc said again, through gritted teeth. "OUT!" He yelled. "OUT!" Flailing his arms in the air he gestured loudly towards the exit.

The people slowly began to file out of the area. Some threw disdainful glances at the guards herding them away.

Mr.Blanc walked away and soon Esa could hear him at the back, stepping down onto the platform. She swam out slowly and appeared out of the surface of the water a few feet away from him.

"I'm very sorry that happened, I will do my best to make sure it doesn't happen again." Was all he said before leaving. Esa nodded, her eyes still showing fear in their blue depths.

She watched him go before returning to her cave where she spent the day. Waiting in anticipation for the sky to grow dark. For that was when she would be able to finally return home, to where she belonged.

~~~

"I want guards posted in the hallways, keep anyone without the proper clearance out of the area. We need to keep this mermaid safe." Mr.Blanc's voice jolted Esa from a powernap she had been taking.

No no no no no. This CAN'T be happening. She swam out of her tunnel and surfaced.

A group of guards was standing near her platform, none of them were facing her, except one. He had sunny blonde hair and very blue eyes. Could it be....

The guard winked at Esa before turning back to face the same direction as his companions.

It is... Esa smiled widely and felt the hope returning. I'm going to be free!

Esa ducked underneath the water before anyone else saw her and swam underneath the steps leading down to the floating platform. She came up silently and waited while the guards were each assigned their locations.

"Derek you will be patrolling the platform and this hallway area." Mr.Blanc was saying at that moment. "Lewis you will take the left hallway and Mark the right. Dismissed."

That's the signal. Amber should have the cameras off by now. Esa took a deep breath for what was to come.

It's time to go home.