7. Ariel and the Hanger

Every day, King Triton came to get his wagons. Hello! he always told Ariel. Remember, you have an important

job to do. You cannot pretend to be Scuttle, but you can be classy and sassy. Don't let the silly carts bother you.'' There were lots of carts, and Ariel worked very hard, taking them where they needed to go. There was also,''

a little wagon, and two things her worker called, hangers. That's the Hanger. said the worker. It is used for lifting fish, wagons, and carts. One day, Ariel was pushing some carts, when she heard a fish. HELP ME! A load of carts was going very fast. The fish's name was Flounder. He was scared. The carts were pushing him.

Somebody, help! he cried. Keep going! said the stupid carts. And still screaming, HELP ME!, Flounder was gone. I'll show those carts a thing or two! said Ariel the little mermaid. Then, the bell rang. ''Flounder has crashed! Get the hanger!'' Ariel got the hanger, and they were on their way. Come along, come along! she said. She wasn't pretending to be Scuttle. She was serious. Oh, those silly carts! Ariel thought. I hope Flounder's OK. Flounder's worker and driver checked him to see if he was OK. Don't worry, Flounder. they told him. ''It was your silly old tail fins. We always said you need new ones.'' Ariel came alongside with the Hanger, and then, she pulled away the carts. Ow, ow! said the carts. Good for you, good for you! Ariel said. She was very busy, taking them where they needed to go. This will teach you something! she told them. And they said. That's right, that's right! They left the broken carts alone, then with two hangers, they lifted Flounder back onto solid ground. He could not move by himself, so Ariel helped him home. King Triton saw them. So, Ariel, he said. I know all about

it, and I'm very proud of you. You're both classy AND sassy. Flounder will have new tail fins and a new coat of skin, and you will have a new branch of your very own. Oh, thank you!'' said Ariel happily. Now, Ariel is very happy. She has her own branch, and her own stuff. She never gets left out. Ray-Ray and Marina stop and tell her everything. Scuttle is always rushing, but he always remembers to say, Squawk! And Ariel says, Eek!, back to him.''

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch