Aqua Escape

Chapter 4: Newfound Friendship

"So this is the main control room. It controls the power to the aquariums and basically the studio. If for some reason there is something amiss with the aquariums, all you do is pull this main lever," Clarity gestured towards a red, large lever, "And all the aquariums turn off."

We were inside a small techy room. I stood at threshold, attempting to avoid the cramped space. My mother stood beside Clarity. Troy and Julian, the brown-haired boy, stood more towards the back, closer to me.

"Interesting. Is this room under lock and key most of the time?" Mom asked.

Clarity nodded, her blonde head bobbing up and down as she did so. "Yes, given that it is personnel only. I will give you keys to it, as well as your uniform before you leave," Clarity led us out of the room. We stepped out.

"So, as you were told before, your job here will be as a tour guide and caretaker of these creatures. You will show families around and explain to them about the animals. We are your assistants. We also take care of the animals, but you know more, so we follow you," Clarity beamed at my mother.

My mother returned her smile. "But is it just you?" she asked, her smile never faltering.

Clarity nodded. "We've been looking for someone who has at least a little knowledge on marine biology, but most people who have filled out applications are teens with no such knowledge," she screwed her mouth to the side in puzzlement.

My mother's face brightened. "Why, Luna knows a few things about marine biology. I've always instilled a bit of knowledge of marine biology in her," she said excitedly to my utter horror.

Clarity grinned. "Really? That would be great! She'll have to complete a small questionnaire before, of course, but we'd love to hire her!" she gushed.

I pressed my lips together. Working here would mean establishing an acquaintance with Troy, Clarity, and Julian. I couldn't forget most of them were probably Kate's friends.

"That would be wonderful! What do you think, hon?" Mom turned to me expectantly.

I gulped as all sets of four eyes turned to me. "U-um... I'm not sure, school's coming up..." I wavered.

Clarity smiled. "Oh, don't worry, this is a part-time job," she interjected.

My smile wobbled. "I'm not quite sure..." I persisted.

"It'll be fun. Plus, you'll be making good money," Troy suddenly piped up, making my heart skip a beat.

"U-um... I suppose I could..." I stuttered nervously, a timid smile playing at my lips.

Clarity grinned. "Awesome! How about you fill out the questionnaire while I finish showing Ms. Millers around?" she turned to me.

"Sure," I said simply, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

"Great, come on, I'll go get you the paper," she said, weaving her way through us. I followed her, my arm brushing Troy's in the process. I looked back a moment later to see Troy following us. He wore the same blue polo, paired with khaki Bermuda's and sandals.

We stopped at the counter. Clarity went behind it and after a minute or two, produced a small stack of paper and a pen. She pushed it toward me. "It's not very difficult. Just basic Marine Biology. Troy can stay and help, you know, if you need assistance in understanding the questions," she offered.

I cast a nervous glance to Troy. His pale blue eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled kindly at me. "Okay," I smiled. Clarity smiled back before she left, leaving me alone with Troy.