26. Ariel Throws a Party

It was Christmastime in Atlantica. Everyone was being classy and sassy. Ariel and Swifty were delivering people and

mail up and down their branches. They were both enjoying themselves. Only Ariel's stuff were grumbling. Always the same thing before Christmas. they moaned. We are so full, we are so full! Stop it! said Ariel. ''Where is your spirit? Christmas will soon be coming!'' There was a little house with a familiar person. It's Mrs. Potts! shouted Ariel. Eeeek! Merry Christmas! Ariel liked to see Mrs. Potts. She thought seeing her was special.

When her work was done, Ariel went to see her fellow sea creatures. They all had polished skin. Pah! Scuttle said. ''Don't we look splendid? Your worker has get you as clean as we are. Don't worry.'' Ariel said. Listen up.

Do you know that it is many years since Mrs. Potts saved us from an incident? Of course we do. said Ray-Ray.

You told us how she waved her dress like a flag to stop you from crashing

into a mudslide. And you and Swifty gave her gifts.'' added Melody. ''And King Triton sent her to feel better.

Huh? said Flounder and Marina. We never thanked her correctly. That's right! said Ariel. So we should all

throw her a big party! The sea creatures were happy, and the workers were sure that King Triton would agree.

He did. Ariel, Melody, Flounder, Scuttle, Ray-Ray, and Marina were eeking and squawking, when silence came.

King Triton had some news. ''The weather is very bad. Mrs. Potts is snowed under. Swifty said he will help. You have to help too, Ariel. There will be no party until you do.'' Ariel didn't like snow, but she agreed to help. We have to rescue her! she said. ''Good. You and Swifty can do it.'' Ariel cleared the snow. She swept it away, and people

loosened it. But they could not go any further when they got to Mrs. Potts' house. Wow! said Ariel's driver.

Eeek! said Ariel. We're here! And Mrs. Potts waved from inside. Then, they saw someone coming. It's Mater!

exclaimed Ariel. He's here to help us! Mater worked very hard, to clear the snow with his snow

attachment. When the work was done, Melody took two men home. Mater told Mrs. Potts goodbye, and he promised to protect the house. There was no more snow, but it was getting dark. Ariel was sad. And then, the

lights came on. Mrs. Potts was in for a surprise. Great job! said King Triton. I am proud of all of you. Mrs. Potts thanked Ariel, Melody, and Swifty. Ariel and Swifty are my best friends. she said. And Melody, you are now my friend too. Melody blushed. Hooray for Mrs. Potts! she cheered. Eeeek! they all said. Ariel and friends thought it was a wonderful Christmas, and Mrs. Potts thought so too.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch