39. A Nasty Job

Ursula the sea witch was complaining. The carts were singing at her. Attina was shocked. Be quiet! she yelled, and she gave them a bash. I'm sorry the carts are singing, Ursula. Ursula was angry. ''This is your fault. You were the cause of it! Oh, trash!'' said Marina. ''Why would Attina do that? We all are different, but we don't talk about it to the carts. It's, it's... Deception! said Scuttle Disgrace!'' said Flounder. Disgusting! said Marina. Ursula didn't like Attina. She wanted to make her go. She had a plan. She would fib about Attina. Next morning, she was talking to the carts. ''Oh, this is delicious! Yesterday, you made a fine joke about me! I had a good laugh. Attina told me a joke about Scuttle. I'm going to whisper it. Don't tell Scuttle.'' she said, and she left. They all laughed. ''Scuttle will be angry at Attina when he hears. We are going to tell him, and pay Attina out.'' They all chuckled as Scuttle, Marina, and Flounder went by. Scuttle, Marina, and Flounder were sulking. Deception. said Scuttle. Disgrace. said Flounder. Disgusting. said Marina. This is no good. Yes. they all said. ''We'll soon tease her back. She's gonna' be so sad.'' Attina worked very hard. The carts had been silly all day. She wanted to sleep in her bed. The three characters were in her way. Woo! Go away! Don't be silly! said Attina. I'm sleepy. Us too. the three characters complained. ''We're sleepy of you! We love Ursula! We don't love you! You tell stories to the carts. No, I don't. Yes, you do. No, I don't. Yes, you do.'' King Triton arrived to stop everything. Attina said I'm a feathered fool! cried Scuttle. Yellow and blue meatloaf! added Flounder. I'm a purple-tailed monster. sobbed Marina. So, Attina, Attina looked hurt. I just wish, your Majesty, that I had created those names. The dome must fit. Ahem! She made the carts tease us! King Triton got better. He had been trying not to chuckle. Did you, Attina? ''Of course not, your Majesty. Why would I do that?'' Ursula came up. Now, Ursula, you heard Attina. ''I don't understand, your Majesty. To think that Attina. I am so unhappy, your Majesty, and I know nothing about it. Now I see.'' King Triton thought. Ursula gave a half-smile. ''I am so sorry, Attina. But you have to go to Ray-Ray's junction. He'll be very happy to see you. Yes, your Majesty.'' Attina swam away, while Ursula just cackled. by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch