40. The Close Shave

Attina the sensible mermaid swam along to Ray-Ray's junction. It isn't fair! she told him. Ursula is fibbing about me, and made King Triton and the sea creatures think I'm no good. Ray-Ray smiled. ''No, you're not. King Triton doesn't think that. You'll soon see. Why not help with these carts?'' Attina felt better, and she got to work. The carts were being loud, silly, and cheeky. Ray-Ray and Attina worked hard. They were pulling and pushing to get the job done. Soon, they got to the top of the hill. See ya'! called Attina. And she went away down the line. Attina loved this. She ran very easily down the hill. Then, the whistle blew. Yippie, yippie! chuckled the carts. ''We're free, we're free! Get her! Catch her! Throw her off the ground! Come on, Attina!'' cried the worker. They ran through Ray-Ray's junction. But the carts were coming. ''Go very fast! They'll soon catch us!'' The worker soon had control. ''One more mile, and we'll escape! Oh, my! Look!'' Flounder was leaving from their path. Soon, there would be a crash. C'mon, Attina! yelled her worker. Attina swam as fast as she could. Oh, no! she cried, and she swam elsewhere. A barber was working. He was taking care of a customer. The stupid carts had made the guard fall off. But they didn't mind. They were too busy laughing. Listen, sir, said Attina. Please listen up. No! said the barber. ''You scared the customer! I'll show you!'' And he put cream on Attina's face. Poor Attina. Ariel came to take away the carts. King Triton came. I don't like mermaids crashing into my wall! ''I do appreciate how you feel. This mermaid and her worker and driver have made a terrible mess. It was a close shave. Yeah!'' said the barber. Oh, my! He got some water, and put it on Attina's face. Sorry. he said. I didn't know you were trying to be brave. ''That's OK. I never knew either. None of us knew.'' King Triton told her. I am pleased with you. King Triton saw the big rescue. Then, he told Attina something. And then, when you are fixed, you are going back home. ''Home, your Majesty? You mean back at the yard? That's right. But, your Majesty, they said they don't like me. They love Ursula. No, they don't. I never trusted Ursula, so I sent her away. They are all sorry, and want you to return.'' A few days later, when she returned, there was a big welcome, for Attina the sensible mermaid. by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch