"Rachel Sinclair?" what appeared to be a 14 year old mermaid asked once Rachel had exited the tunnel and entered the wild open ocean. " That's me" Rachel answered in confusion.
"pleasure to meet you. I'm Nixie and i'll be your guide to being A mermaid" the teen introduced.
Both the age and name confused Rachel so she felt she needed to ask "aren't you a little young to be employed at a resort like this?"
"guides are a volunteer role open to all ages to permanent residents like myself" Nixie assured and before Rachel could ask more "I legally, with dad's support, charged my given name when my family became permanent... my choice on the stay part primarily after mum got pregnant 6 years ago with my little brother while on a stay".
"don't... you miss your friends? and what about school?" Rachel then questioned. "and abandoned the sibling I always wanted alongside living a dream... as if i'd go back like that" Nixie insisted upon "besides the resort has schools for residents like me if and when required". "...sorry" Rachel apologised.
a little later Nixie had escorted Rachel to this underwater cove with various merfolk swimming about "meals are prepared and served at the golfen arches" pointing out a section of merfolk seated and eating with some swimming in and out of this large cave "medical and refresher courses are at the coral archway that way" points out an area of merfolk seated at some coral covered areas either being treated with seaweed or just talking "physical activities for those of your age range are handled by my father at the courses that way" points to a merman leading various underwater like fitness classes "other games and activities are handle in the cavern within the green rocks" said area being pointed out "finally that massive dome in the centre of this place covers to sleeping area" Nixie finished. "WOW... So much to do...and maybe so little time to do it in" Rachel marvelled.
"just take your time, meanwhile i've got a race to win" Nixie encouraged before swimming off.
"Well... what now Rachel?" Rachel asked herself once alone: