34. Attina Takes Over

You know something? Melody asked. What? grumbled Scuttle. You know something? Melody said. Stupid. Scuttle said. ''Of course I don't know something. If you don't tell me what that something is.''

''King Triton said that some work near a yard is a big job. He is buying a stronger mermaid to help me out. Oh, trash!'' snorted Flounder. ''Anyone can do it. You just don't try harder!'' Melody went to get some wagons. Silly light. she said, remembering she once had trouble with a light, and went the wrong way. ''Nobody ever listens to me. They just think I'm stupid, and boss me around! I'll show 'em who's boss!'' But she was confused. By the end of the day, she felt very unhappy. She took the wagons to the junction. ''Hi, Melody. You look unhappy. I am, your Majesty. I can't remember how I'm standing. You look fine to me.'' said King Triton. ''Don't worry. The new mermaid is stronger, and can manage alone. Do you want to help with the new dockside? Ariel and Swifty said they will help too. Oh, thanks your Majesty.'' answered Melody. The new mermaid came. Who are you? King Triton asked. ''Stacy, your Majesty. But they call me Attina. I have three spikes on my head. It looks like a crown, doesn't it? I like Attina much better than Stacy. OK, Attina it is! Hey, Melody, show Attina everything!'' Melody and Attina set off. They were soon at work. Flounder, Scuttle, and Marina saw Attina busy at work. I've never seen her before. We are going to boss HER around. Eeek, eek, eek! Woo! Steam was all over the place. Melody was angry. Attina didn't mind. ''They'll soon be tired. Do they boss you around, Melody? Of course they do.'' replied Melody. OK. Attina said. We'll show 'em who's boss! She whispered to Melody. Later on. King Triton was ready for his dinner. He heard a loud noise. Eeek! Oh! said King Triton. He went to the yard. Attina and Melody sat on the points, refusing to let the others in. Scuttle, Flounder, and Marina were offended. Silence! King Triton called. They're refusing to let us in! Scuttle explained. Attina, tell us the whole story! ''Listen, your Majesty, but I am a sensible mermaid. We don't EVER fuss when we work, but listen up, Melody and I would be very happy if you tell everyone that you are the boss. Silence!'' cried King Triton. ''Melody and Attina, I am happy with the work you did today, but not with your behavior. You caused the muddle.'' Scuttle, Marina, and Flounder laughed. And you three, growled King Triton, ''you have been worse! You MADE the muddle! Attina is right. This is MY kingdom, and I am the boss!'' When Melody was gone, Attina did all the work. She did it without complaining.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch