17. Runaway Melody

Marina, Flounder, and Scuttle were upset. They had been

closed down for a long time, and wanted to come out. At last, King Triton came. I hope you are thinking, he said.

And that you now know how to be classy and sassy.

We have a new mermaid named Melody, who helps with

wagons, and Ariel and Ray-Ray are taking over your jobs!

But I will let you three out, if you promise to be classy and

sassy. Yes, your Majesty.'' said the trio. Good. said King Triton. But remember that important sea creatures do push. He ordered Melody, Ray-Ray, and Ariel to go play''

on the branch. And they went to get Ariel's stuff. Her stuff were

glad to see her. Ray-Ray and Melody arranged some carts.

Ouch! said the carts. But they chuckled, and kept on going.

Ray-Ray took empty carts to the yard. Poor Melody was all by

herself. But she wasn't sad. She liked playing pranks on

the others. Come along! she said, and then they would

get angry. After pushing some carts, Melody waited for

the points to switch, so she could go home. She was so

excited, that she didn't pay attention. Ray-Ray told Melody

all she had to do. But Melody forgot to eek. Melody waited for a

long time. The points were still like they were before. Then, she looked.

Eek! she said. She saw that Scuttle was coming toward her. It's Scuttle with

the wagons! Ah!'' said Scuttle. Comin' through! Melody and Scuttle were face-to-face.''

But Melody flipped her pink tail. I'm leaving this place! she said. She passed Ray-Ray's junction, and then, she raced up Scuttle's hill. She had no worker to help her stop. Stop, stop! she said. Soon, she was in for

trouble. Melody ran into a siding. ''Stop, stop! Phew! Don't worry, Melody.'' said some men. You'll have some

water, and food, and a rest.'' Scuttle arrived at the scene. So, Melody, he said. You went so fast, that you had your accident. I'm sorry I was silly. Melody said. Then, Scuttle helped Melody out of the mud. But Melody still acts silly, because that's her personality. She is always careful when she takes the main.''

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch