16. Problems in Bed

King Triton heard the noise from outside his court. The people were mad. Then, a man came. There are problems

in bed, your Majesty!'' he told him. ''Marina is on strike! There are no wagons, and the people think we live

in a stupid ocean! Oh!'' said King Triton. We can't have that! He saw that Scuttle, Flounder, and Marina were in''

bed, and very angry. ''Come on, Marina! You have to get your wagons! Marina won't go!'' explained Scuttle. ''We won't push wagons about! That's Ariel's job! We are important sea creatures! You get our wagons ready, and we'll pull them! Important sea creatures DON'T push. We'll soon see! said King Triton. Nobody is too important for little jobs. And he went off to find Ray-Ray. I miss Ariel. he said softly. Ray-Ray was pushing carts. Leave those carts, Ray-Ray. King Triton said. I need you to take some wagons. Oh, thank you! said Ray-Ray. Ray-Ray got the wagons, and everything was running smoothly. But later on, Scuttle hissed at Ray-Ray. Oh, my! said King Triton. Everyone hisses at me. explained Ray-Ray. ''They said that important sea creatures don't push.

And last night, they told me I have green eyes! Do I have green eyes, your Majesty?" No, Ray-Ray. You have plain white ones, and I am pleased with you! Important sea creatures DO push, and we do need a new mermaid here. He went to a shop, and saw lots of mermaids. At last, he saw a black-haired mermaid, with a pink tail. That's who I need! said King Triton. If I get you, will you help out? Oh, yes! said the mermaid. That's a nice mermaid.

I will name you Melody! Oh, yes, thank you!'' So King Triton took Melody with him. Ray-Ray, he cried. ''This is

Melody! Show her around!'' Melody learned the work, and everything was fine. Then, Marina came out of bed. Eeek! cried Melody. Marina swam back into her bed. How nice! said Ray-Ray. I can't do it like that! Aw, shucks! said Melody. ''Those other mermaids do that too. They eek to get attention. Next day, Ariel arrived.

''King Triton is coming! I hope he needs us.'' she told Ray-Ray. Here he comes. whispered Ray-Ray. ''Good job, Ariel. You have been fast. Now listen. Marina, Scuttle, and Flounder are complaining. They said they won't push.''

So I have closed them down, and I want you three to do their work. They won't push?'' said Ariel. ''We'll show 'em

who's boss! I will also need Melody.'' said King Triton. Oh, yes! answered Melody. So Ray-Ray and Ariel ran the main, eeking to each other. Melody ran the branch. Ariel missed her stuff, but the worker and driver promised that they would be OK. There were fewer wagons, but the people weren't worried. They knew the other three characters had misbehaved. Scuttle, Flounder, and Marina felt very silly. They longed for a second chance.''

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch