Aaron blinked a few times as he saw that while he hasn'tchanged, his parents jobs had. His mother was a biologist who specialized in studying the mermaids, and his father was an oceanographer who helped the mermaids integrate into human society.
When Jennifers speech finished, the mermaids started swimming out of the tank to their classes. Aaron peered through the window and saw his friend Rita Jones swimming towards the window. Her long blonde hair floated behind her like a golden cloud as she smiled at him.
"Come on, Aaron!" she said as her bubbly, cheerful personality shone through. "School's about to start! You're gonna be late!"
"I'm coming," he replied.
While the classes were mostly for the mermaids, they were taught alongside the scientists children. The children of the scientists also acted as caretakers for the mermaids when they weren't in class.
As he walked down the passageway towards the classroom with Rita swimming beside him, Aaron started talking to Rita.
"So, what did you think of Jennifer's speech?" Aaron asked.
"I thought it was nice. We do owe a lot to the humans after all," Rita answered.
"Yeah, but I thought it was a little too..." Aaron was cut off by someone calling out to him.
"Aaron! Wait up!"
"Looks like your sister is coming," Rita said.
"She's not my sister," Aaron said, rolling his eyes. "You know that."
"Yeah, yeah," Rita said as she waved her hand dismissively.
"So, you two ready for class?" Rachel asked.
Rachel was Aarons 15 year old step-sister. His father had married her mother a couple of years ago. She had joined the family when Aaron was 10.
"Yup!" Rita replied happily. "We just had the assembly, and now it's time for class!"
They made their way to the next class which was