was torn between one big update or splitting this weeks chapter into two small ones and went for the latter. Second half soonish. Thanks for reading
Marina didn't show for their usual piano lesson the day after the incident.
Which was understandable given the morning launch and their shifts not matching up anymore. But she didn't reschedule either or turn up on the off chance as normal. Marina didn't answer the phone, the radio or the videophone. Or the door for that matter. Although Atlanta would swear she saw when she went around the day after.
"Pretty sure she was home." Fisher frowned when Atlanta bullied an answer out of him. "She's only across the way from me. And you can hear Oink go off like an alarm every time she lets him in the apartment or leaves him home alone."
Atlanta didn't even bump into Marina back in 'office hours'. They didn't meet in the busy canteen or the standby lounge for breaks or downtime. Marina didn't come by the control room like usual. Not even during times she should strictly have been there.
And any time Atlanta did see Marina face to face, that wide eyed panic look was back. Marina was as flighty when she'd first arrived in Marinville. Maybe more so even. Easily started. Sticking to Troy like a shadow. Or a lifeline. Phones too, and Atlanta struggled to speak with her. Not that Atlanta would say anything while they had company but the mergirl would still be glancing around for the nearest exit or task to do. Marina had the darndest habit of disappearing anyway but every attempt catch on her own (subtle or blatant) Marina bolted. Or slipped away, like water.
That, hurt. Atlanta would be lying if she said it didn't. Sure she understood WHY Marina would be avoiding speaking to her. if she'd been in Marina's non-existent shoes, and gotten such a fright or had something uncovered Atlant was sure she'd also be burying her head in the sand.
Didn't mean it wasn't frustrating. Didn't mean it wasnt upsetting. Atlanta tried not to take it to heart. Which was easier said than done. To the point Phones asked Atlanta, "You girls hada fall out or something?"
Had they? It certainly felt like they had. Atlanta wondered if sending flowers would help. But you couldn't send flowers anywhere in Marinville without everyone knowing who from and who too and why the reason to send flowers in the first place. So then everyone would somehow or other find out about Marina's scar.
That scar.
Something horrible must have happened to her friend. And Atlanta just wanted to know Marina was okay. But she had no idea how to brooch the subject. And no chance to do with Marina's behaviour.
If Marina would just let Atlanta come to her and stop shooting off. they didn't need to talk about it if she didn't want to. Just a yes she was alright. Atlanta could bottle up everything, what she saw, This grief that couldn't be spoken or dare address. and they could pretend Atlanta hadn't seen an inch to two inch wide brand on her friend's ankle.
But they can't pretend to act normal with Marina acting so blatantly odd around Atlanta. She couldn't tell Marina she'd keep her secret if Atlanta couldn't get a chance to talk to her!
Atlanta felt the absence keenly. Marina might not talk but Atlanta found things too quiet without her just being about. No Conversations, one sided as they were. No joint sighs of relief when the day had been exhausting and both were heading home. No going over magazines together or putting on a disc. Working on "ASL for dummies" or alphabet practice,or aquanaut certifications. No waving or fumbled attempt to understand each other.
What she wouldn't give to have Marina bump her head to her shoulder while sat at the piano stool, or silent gestured request to Atlanta Play something. Or wrinkle her nose at a new fashion trend she didn't get Atlanta pointed out to her. exchange a fond roll of eyes over one of the fella's antics.
Atlant would even be happy just for them both to just be relaxed in the same room.
Worse perhaps, in avoiding Atlanta, Marina began avoiding the others.
It might not have been so noticeable at any other job or living space. But for such a big working town, the Stingray crew including Fisher and the Shore's were practically in one another's pockets; what with seeing each other every day both in and out of duties. With Atlanta and Marina dancing on Eggshells around each other, group activities weren't well, really working. things began to slide. Something jarred in their little friendship team. It was like a bearing had come loose from their four slash five slash six wheeled car. A previously unheard note in the song that didn't quite jam without it.
The finale straw for the other Aquanauts was when Marina bailed on card night.
