Patches of Scales (13)

This was the first time Lily had ever been on a plane she was scared but had fun. They took very good care of her and even gave her some orange juice.

Like the instructions said, that were sent, there was a man with a sign that had her name on it.

"I am Ariel Thomas."

"Let me help you with the bags. This way miss."

She followed him to a big black car and they drove to an apartment complex.

He took her and her bags in and the guard at the door greeted them.

"How may I help you?" He said.

"My name is Ariel Thomas and I think I am here to live."

"Yes Miss Thomas. Here is your key. You live in 418. Take the elevator up to the 4th floor. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask."

They entered the elevator and went to 4th floor. He apartment was at the end of the hall.

The apartment was fully finished. The driver sat the cases down and left. She walked around. The kitchen was fully stock with cooking pots and pans. Dishes and utensils. It also was full of food.

The living area was spacious with a couch and Tv. A small desk and book case was by the windows.

There were Two bedrooms that shared one bathroom. However all three were spacious. The tub/shower was big enough for two people.

Each bedroom had a small balcony with soft chairs on them.

She picked one room and unpack her small personal items. She finally had a home.

She sat down then heard a knock on her door. That had to be the man with the contract.

She opened the door and her eyes went wide.

"Hey Mermaid." Marcus smiled.

"What are you doing here?" She asked letting him in.

"Three things bring me here. One is the employment contract. I am now working in this part of the company. He took out the paper. This says that you will have this many shows, 18 a week as weather permits at $100 a show. Also three days a week of training. However for the first two weeks will be nothing but training. Regular training will be $200 weekly however it will be $2,000 up front for the first two weeks of training."

She read over the contract signed.

"Next is the rental contract. How do you like the apartment?" He asked.

"I love it."

"Good, it's $800 dollars a month all bills included. With a $400 dollars deposit. If you want a roommate then you could spilt the cost. Do you think you would want one?" He smiled.

"That would be fine. Do you have anyone needing one or do I need to look myself."

"No I have someone in need of a room. They are quite but fun to be around. Will respect you and not be a pest."

"That will be great, when do I meet them."

"You already know him. I have been staying here for the last few months. But will give it up for you. But if your willing I'll move back in and split the cost of things. I have two contract here which one do you want?"

"We can share. I liked living with you and Lily before. Which room was yours?"

"That one." He pointed.

"Good I took the other one."

She then looked over the contract. He then gave her a check $1,400 dollars and a receipt for $600 dollars rent and deposit.

"Last thing is your Mermaid costume. Come with me and I'll take you to the scuba shop for a fitting. It usually takes a week for a custom outfit."

She got up and followed him out. He instructed the gaurd to have someone move his things back to the apartment.

They drove over to the scuba shop and they took her measurements. Ariel picked out the color she wanted her tail.

She looked at the swimsuits none of them would cover her scar. Then she got an idea.

She picked two suits that would go with the tail color. She then dragged him to a tattoo parlor. She had a girl artist look at her scar and explain what she was doing for a living. "Can you make it look like a special birth mark?"

"I can do patches of scales to cover it plus a few on the shoulders to tie it together."

"What do you think?" She looked at Marcus.

"How long will she have to stay out of the water?" He asked.

"for at least a week." The artist said.

"Is there any other way?" Ariel asked.

"You could do water proof temporary tattoos." She pulled out a book. Here this one would be great. It last about five days but with being in the water as much as you will be I would say every three days you can come here for me to apply it."

"What will it cost?" Ariel asked.

The tattoos are three for $20 dollars. You will need 10 sets. that's $200 dollors. Then my time and supplies to apply will be $20 dollars each time. How ever if when you come back in and the tat can be on longer we can see if I can save you money."

"Sounds good. Do you have some here so we can see how long it will last before I start the real shows." Ariel said.

"I can get some in tomorrow. Come back in at noon and I will apply them."

"I think I can get the company to pay for this as part of your costume." He said.

"Really?"

"Yah, really. Ready for some dinner. There is a great Hamburger joint near our place. Let's eat there."

They had a lot of fun talking at dinner then her phone rang it was Lily.

"Hello" Ariel said

"Hi, how is your dad?"

"He is doing just fine. Ready for school to start?"

"Yes, I got to meet the teacher and take a tour of the school. I also met a girl who will be in my class. Her name is Delilah. She want's to be friends. When you come to visit she wants to meet you."

"Ok, but I don't know when I will be able to come back sweetheart. I am really busy here." Ariel was sad because she had to lie to this little girl she was fond of.

"Daddy says you will be back and I believe him. I got to go now the nanny wants me to take a bath. I love you. bye" Lily said.

"Love you too."

"Who was that?" Marcus asked.

"Lily, called to tell me about her day."

"That is sweet of her. I miss my little red."

They then headed home for tomorrow they started training.