6. Ariel and the Carts

Ariel the little mermaid would not stop complaining.

Every night, she kept her friends awake. ''I'm sick of pushing wagons. I want something new!'' The other sea creatures

weren't listening, for they knew that Ariel was a mermaid, who never stopped blabbing. One night, Ray-Ray arrived. He was a nice stingray, and felt bad for Ariel. I have some carts to take tomorrow. he explained. If you pull them instead of me, I'll be pushing wagons. Thank you very much! said Ariel. Next morning, Ray-Ray and Ariel asked

their workers, and when they said, it's okay, Ariel went to

get the carts. Now, the carts are very nasty characters. They talk too much, and never concentrate. And they play pranks on

anyone who never worked with them before. Ray-Ray knew a lot about the carts, and

told Ariel to be careful, but Ariel grew more and more excited. She was attached to

the carts, and when the light changed, Ariel got ready. The whistle blew, Eeeek! Ariel replied. And she started.

But the carts didn't want to go. Oh, oh! they said. ''Stop, Ariel! Stop!'' But Ariel didn't stop. Let's go, let's go! she said. OK, OK! said the carts. Ariel went very fast. Yippie! she said, as she went through Marina's hole. Come along! said Ariel, who was very proud of herself. But the carts were very angry. Ariel went slower, as she went up Scuttle's hill. Go steady, go steady. said the worker. He started to put on the stoppers. Hooray, we're stopping! Ariel shouted. No, no! said the carts. Keep going, keep going! They pushed Ariel all the way down.

Ariel tried to stop. Stop, stop it! she said. The carts ignored her. Keep going, keep going!" they laughed. Oh no, there's the junction! cried Ariel. She twirled elsewhere. Ariel closed her eyes. Stop! She opened her eyes, and stopped right in front of a sign. King Triton had seen everything. What are you doing, Ariel? he asked her. I have Ray-Ray's carts! she explained. Why were you rushing? I'm sorry. I got pushed. You have lots to learn about carts, then, Ariel. After pushing them around, you'll know more about them than Ray-Ray. That will help you be classy and sassy.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch