Melody's nanny: AU Ariel/Eric story

[toons27]

Okay, I'm going to try another attempt to write a new disney fan fic.The story is going to take place in modern time in an alternate dimension so most of the characters are human.

Storyline: Discover what happens when a single father, Eric Banes hires Ariel Benson as a nanny for his 5 year-old daughter, Melody. Meanwhile, someone is out to hurt Melody! Will somebody save them? Will Ariel fix the family and fill the loneliness in Eric's heart?
Parings: Eric/Ariel
Rating: G

Let me know if this story sounds interesting to you or not.
.

[ariel101]

I think that will be really interesting. Also good for you making this up.

[toons27]

Thanks, ariel101. I will write the first chapter next weekend cause I have a big school project due next Tuesday. The story will have some influences from the Sound of music, and Annie.

[fridamoonbeam]

I'm curious about this. I wasn't sure what to think about Ariel being Melody's nanny. But in terms of fanfics characterization is the biggest part of it. If you can pull this off, then I'd appauled you I have a lot of questions as to the 'whys' of the plot, but then I'd imagine that you'd give away things you don't want to XD
I look forward to it. Good luck!

PS, I think you mean Barns for Eric's last name since it was C.D. Barns who voiced him in the movie

[WickedElphie]

Actually that would be "Barnes". But yeah, it sounds like it could be an interesting story if you do it well. BTW please check the guidelines before you post the first chapter: littleariel.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Stories&action=display&thread=2665

[fridamoonbeam]

Mar 31, 2009 22:12:37 GMT -5 WickedElphie said:

Actually that would be "Barnes". But yeah, it sounds like it could be an interesting story if you do it well. BTW please check the guidelines before you post the first chapter: littleariel.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Stories&action=display&thread=2665

Huh? How did I miss that? Weird....

[toons27]

Mar 31, 2009 22:12:37 GMT -5 WickedElphie said:

Actually that would be "Barnes". But yeah, it sounds like it could be an interesting story if you do it well. BTW please check the guidelines before you post the first chapter: littleariel.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Stories&action=display&thread=2665

okay, i just re-read the guidelines. when writing stories, do I write them in past tense or present tense?


Don't worry, fridamoonbeam, hopefully I can pull the story off.

If I want to post a new thread in asking others to help me with grammar and content with my first draft, do I post it in Ariel fanfiction?

[WickedElphie]

Past tense is what is usually used for fiction.

You can ask for a proof-reader here: littleariel.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Stories&action=display&thread=2667

[WickedElphie]

Toons27 I am going to ask you to review the guidelines once again as you seemed to miss the section regarding the spacing of paragraphs. Also in the future, if you request a beta reader you need to allow time for someone to respond before posting your story.

And just so you know, before sending a chapter to your beta reader you need to run a spelling/grammar check and proofread to the best of your ability first.

After reformatting the chapter and checking it for errors, PM it to me and I will edit it for you.

[toons27]

I hope this chapter goes well.

Chapter 1

“Melody, wake up,” said Eric as he patted his five-year-old daughter on the arm.

“Five more minutes, Daddy,” Melody yawned.

“But Melody today is your first day at your new school. If you don’t get up, you’ll be late,” Eric responded.

“I don’t want to go to school today!” said Melody.

“Melody, get out of bed right now or I’ll spank you,” Eric firmly stated.

Melody’s eyes went wide and quickly got out of bed. Eric left while she got dressed. She took her pink pajamas off and tossed them on her bed. Then, Melody slowly put her on her outfit on. She dressed slowly since she did not want to go to school. Her outfit contained a cream-colored t-shirt with a flower that had orange petals and a yellow bud. She was also wearing blue jeans and read and white tennis shoes.

“Melody, come down! We’re going to be late!” Eric hollered from downstairs.

“I'm coming!” Melody answered loudly. She went downstairs. For breakfast, they ate leftover burgers from Burger King. Melody liked burgers but eating them for breakfast? Well, she couldn’t blame her father for not knowing how to cook. She couldn’t cook, either. After breakfast, Eric and Melody both ran to their black jeep and drove off to school. Eric dropped Melody off and waved bye to her.

Melody really did not want to go inside the school building. But she went inside, knowing that the school bell was going to ring in ten minutes and it was too late to run back home. She walked through the hallway and entered Room 13, which was located near the school entrance. She put her backpack and her lunch bag inside the green locker with her name on it and sat down on her desk.

“Good Morning, Melody,” said her teacher Mrs. Murphy. She was a middle-aged woman with white hair, small glasses, and a polka-dot dress. Melody had met her when her dad had signed her up to start school here.

“Good Morning, Mrs. Murphy,” Melody replied back.

Lunchtime came. Melody went inside the cafeteria with her lunch bag and sat down with the girls from her class.

“So, what are you getting your mom for mother’s day, Anna?”

“I’m going to give Mom a pwetty necklace. Hey, Joey, what are you going to give your mom for mother’s day?

“I’m going to give her flowers.”

“I’m going to give my mom a mother’s day card,” Harry said proudly.

“Hey, Melody what are you going to give your mom for mother’s day?” Anna asked.

Melody blushed. “I don’t have a mommy,”

Anna, Joey, Harry and the other kids began to laugh. Melody’s face turned red and she looked down at her shoes as the kids threw cruel comments at her.

“You don’t have a mommy?”

“Loser!”

“You’re weird!”

School ended at three o’ clock. Everybody went home except Melody. She stood in front of the school entrance, hoping her dad would pick her up soon. An hour passed and still no sign of her dad. Melody still waited. Finally, Eric’s black jeep arrived at a little after four. Melody's blue eyes looked very cloudy.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Why were you late? You’re always late!” Melody asked, angrily.

“My boss kept me back at work, honey, I’m sorry.” Eric apologized.

“I wish you picked me up earlier,” Melody said bitterly.

“Why? What happened?” Eric became worried.

“The kids made fun of me because I don’t have a mom!” Melody answered with sadness and anger in her voice. Eric was shocked. He could not believe that his daughter was already getting bullied on her first day.

“Did you tell the teacher?” He asked.

“Yes, but it got worse!” Melody answered. Eric felt sad for the poor girl. Her nice day at school had been crushed by those awful kids.

“Don’t worry; I’ll talk to your teacher.” Eric responded.

“You will?” Melody asked.

“Yeah, Melody, I promise.”

When they got home, Melody went to watch TV, while Eric sat down on the couch and went to take care of some paperwork. His mind was not focused on what he was doing, but his mind was focused on his daughter’s day at school. This was not the first time that somebody had made fun of Melody for not having a mom and it wouldn’t be the last either. Eric wished that Melody’s teacher had handled the problem in a better way.

He was busy at work and it was very hard for him to take care of Melody while trying to succeed at his career. Part of him thought that maybe he should find a new wife, if only for Melody‘s sake. However, that was never going to happen. His first experience with romance hadn’t gone very well and there was no way he was going to go through the emotional wreck, again.

No, instead Eric was going to hire a nanny; someone who could care for Melody while he was busy at work. He took out his cell phone and called the paper.

“Hello? Windy Times Inc.? This is Eric Banes. I like to put in an advertisement in hiring a nanny…”

[josh89]

awesome keep up the good work.?

[toons27]

Thanks! ^^

I'm sorry for not updating recently. I was having a writer's block and all. but chapter two will be here soon! ^^

[toons27]

Melody's Nanny Chapter 2


The next day, everybody read Eric's advertisement for a nanny on the Windy Times Newspaper. Many women swarmed over to Eric's
house in hopes of being hired. The Interviews all take place in the living room with Eric sitting on a big black couch and each candidate sitting across from him on a brown chair. Melody is sitting next to Eric. She is somewhat not thrilled at what her father is doing. I don't know why Daddy is doing this! I don't want a nanny! Nannies are not fun! She thought angrily.

"So, what is your name?" Eric asked the first candidate. The first candidate was a high school teenager.

"I'm Beth Murphy," answered the first candidate, dully.

"Tell me, why do you want to apply for this job?"

"I don't. My mom told me to get this job! I don't even like kids!" she said rudely.

"Well, there's the door!" Eric said, rudely back.


The second candidate was an old lady and she was not good, either.

"Why do you want to apply for this job?" Eric asked.

"What?" the old lady asked.

"I said, why do you want to apply for this job?"

"Bob!"

"JOB!!"


The third candidate was a middle-aged woman.

"I love children," she said. She seems to be the one I'm looking for! Eric thought.

"Can you cook?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't do cooking. And I can't do any type of housecleaning work, either!"

O-kaaaaaay, maybe not. Eric thought, disappointed.


As Eric interviewed more candidates and more candidates, none of them seem to fit the kind of nanny Eric is looking for.
As the last candidate left, Eric pounced his hand on the big wooden table. "I CAN"T BELIEVE THIS!" he yelled.
I WENT THROUGH 35 WOMEN AND YOUNG PUNKS AND NONE OF THEM ARE WORTH HIRING!"
Melody put her hand on his arm.

"Father, don't worry. I don't need a nanny." Eric took his hand off the table and turned
toward his daughter.

"Honey, you do. I need someone to watch over you while I'm at work," he explained. He sighed. "But what is the use? This "Nanny Hunt" is becoming tougher than I thought!"
Melody frowned. She knew he was right. He has been needed at work a lot lately, and has no time for her anymore. But if they want a nanny, Eric has get to calm himself down.
"Look, why don't we go to the park today? Maybe tomorrow we will get a nanny," Melody suggested, optimistically.
Eric agreed, "Sure, let's go."

Meanwhile, a twenty-two year old woman is racing on the sidewalk until she stopped at the intersection. She is a beautiful petite woman with lovely, flowing red hair and baby blue eyes . The young woman is also, wearing a purple tank top and a green skirt with matching shoes,
is racing on the sidewalk and stopped at the intersection.

"Ariel, wait for me!" a male voice called.

"Flounder! Hurry up!" said Ariel.

A eight-year-old boy came running, panting and stopped behind Ariel. He had blonde hair with blue streaks. He is wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans. "You know I can't run that fast!" He whined.
"I'm sorry, Flounder, but we have to get the deli before it closes!" The street light turned green and they crossed the street, safely.

Meanwhile, across from the clerk store, is the park where Eric and Melody are spending their time together. Melody was playing with her soccer ball while Eric sat on the bench. He tries to relax and forget about the terrible interviews that he went through today. He looked at the ground and covered his face. Oh man, what I'm going to do!

"Well, it has been a long time," a female voice said. Eric looked up to see a tall, large woman, smiling seductively at him. She was an obese woman with purple skin, and white hair. She is wearing a black dress and has lot of makeup on, despite her age of being 50.

"Ursula?" Eric asked, dumbfounded. "T-This is a suprise."

"What? No 'Hello Ursula deary?' Your wife may have passed away but that doesn't mean I cannot visit my dear son-in-law, can I?"

"No, I'm just surprised you are here. I thought you are at work," Eric said, politely. He allowed her a seat.

"Oh no. Today, I have a day-off," Ursula explained, as she sat down next to him.

"Oh, okay," said Eric.


As they were talking, Melody was trying to practice kicking her ball at a long distance. Hmm, Let's see if I can kick the ball from here to the tree. She swung her leg and booted the ball. However, she kicked the ball so far that it went past the tree! Melody ran after it.

"You know," said Ursula, as she moved closer to Eric. "We should go out for dinner. Just you and me." She trailed her fingers down his shirt. Eric smiled nervously and looked at his watch. "Um, gee! look at the time! I must get going, for my um, meeting!" Ursula growled but hid her anger. "Oh, well, see you later." She walked away. Eric sighed in relief! Man, that woman was creeping him out! He turned around to look for Melody and was shocked to see Melody running toward the street! "MELODY!" Eric took off after her, like a rabbit.

Ariel walked out of the deli store carrying milk. Flounder came out too, but he went back inside the deli to use the restroom. While she
was waiting for Flounder she spotted a small black-haired girl trying to get her ball-from the street?! Ariel gasped as she noticed the street light turning green! Didn't the little girl that she is going to get hit by an oncoming car, soon!? Ariel knew she had to act fast. She dropped the milk, gently on the sidewalk and ran toward the girl.

Melody retrieved the ball. Suddenly she heard a woman's voice calling to her, "Honey, watch out!" She looked up and
gasped as she sees a car coming toward fast! Meldoy became too horrified to move! She doesn't know what to do! The
car is going to crash into her any second!

[toons27]

Chapter 3

Melody shut her eyes tight as she held her ball in her face, preparing for the car to crash into her. But the car's aim never came. Melody felt herself being swept off her feet by a pair of slender and soft arms. Somebody saved her! But who was it? When she was gently dropped onto the sidewalk on her feet, her eyes opened. Melody is face-to-face with Ariel who is bending down on her knees to Melody's level.

"Are you okay, honey?" Ariel asked, gently. She hopes the kid is all right. It must have been a shock for her to get almost run over by a car!

"I think so," said Melody, still a little bit shaken. "Who are you?"

"I'm Ariel Benson," Ariel smiled. "What is your name?"

Normally, Melody is shy around grown-ups, but this lady seemed friendly. After all, Ariel did save her life, so why shouldn't be nice?

"Melody Sylvia Banes," Melody answered.

"What were you doing in the streets?" Ariel asked.

"I was getting my ball," said Melody as she showed her ball to Ariel. "I was practicing kicking it and I kicked it too hard so I went to get it." Suddenly, fear grew inside her. How could she be so stupid? Running into the street like a maniac? She could have been killed! Her father would have been heartbroken! Oh, what will he say? Melody felt completely embarrassed in front of Ariel! "I didn't know the street light was green! I didn't know what was I thinking! Really! Please don't think I'm stupid!" She cried.

Ariel put her arms around Melody to calm her. She felt bad for the girl and can see that she is crying. "Don't worry, it's alright," she said, soothingly. "Everybody makes mistakes." Melody softened a little, but it still didn't stop her tears from falling.

"What will my Daddy say? He'll spank me!" She cried.

"Everything will be all right. I am sure your father will understand. Just be careful not to kick your ball too hard, okay?" Ariel said, kindly. She rubbed Melody's back to calm down her sobs.
"I will remember that," said Melody. Tears stopped falling, as Melody began to calm down.
"Speaking of your father, where is he?" Just then, she heard a young masculine voice calling.

"Melody! Melody!" Eric came running from the park and onto the sidewalk, looking pale. He was frantically looking for Melody. He hoped that his eyes were tricking him when he saw her running toward the street. His fears ceased when he saw Melody running from Ariel to him. "Daddy!" Eric embraced her.

"Melody, what happened? Why were you running in the streets?" Eric asked, angrily, as he shook Melody by her shoulders. "Do you have any idea how scared I was? What were you thinking?"

Melody cowed in shame. "I'm sorry," she said, softly. Ariel came over to them.

"Sir, your daughter did not mean to run in the streets. Her ball ran away and she was trying to retrieve it, " she explained, nicely. Eric turned toward Ariel and stopped as he studied her from toe to head. She had long wavy red hair and had a petite figure. Wow! She looks beauti-d'oh! Snap out of it, Eric! While he was thinking that, Ariel had also, been studying Eric from toe to head. "Oh, he looks very handsome," she thought to herself, dreamily. "Um, who are you, miss?" he asked, after getting himself out of his thoughts. "Hmm, what?" Ariel was snapped back into reality also. "Daddy, this is Ariel Benson! She saved my life!" said Melody, cheerfully.

"Did she?" Eric asked.

"Yes, sir, I did," said Ariel.

"Thank you for saving my daughter, Miss Benson," said Eric, politely.

"It is no problem at all, sir," said Ariel, gratefully.

"My name is Eric. Eric Daniel Banes, so don't call me, 'sir." Eric growled.

"Sorry, I will remember that, Mr. Banes," said Ariel, politely, ignoring Eric's annoyed tone.

Eric was about to say something to her when they heard Flounder calling Ariel from outside the deli. "Ariel, let's go! Daddy's waiting for us!"

"I have to go," said Ariel, with an apologetically smile.

"Wait, Miss Benson!" said Eric, before Ariel turned to leave. "Do you want to have lunch with us tomorrow at noon; just to thank you for saving my daughter's life?"

"Sure, Mr. Banes," smiled Ariel. "Where will I meet you and Melody?"

"At our house; here is my address," said Eric, as he gave her his business card. Ariel took the card. "Thank you," said Ariel. Then she bade them goodbye and left with Flounder.

Melody lit up like a Christmas tree. "Hurray! She's coming over tomorrow!" she shouted as she jumped up and down. "We are going to play together!"

That is when a idea hit Eric. Ariel could be the nanny he is looking for! But will she accept his job offer? What if she already has a job? He does not know but he hopes that Ariel is the one he is looking for.

[arielfan4ever]

Hi! I really love this story! It's awesome! Please write more ASAP! I would love to read it! I would also like to be your beta, if that's all right. Let me know either by sending me a message via the site or e-mailing me at: [e-mail]
I hope to hear from you soon!
Lauren

[toons27]

I feel so bad for not replying sooner! :(

Yes, that would be splendid! I love to have you as my beta!
^^

I posted three more chapters on this story on this link:

www.fanfiction.net/s/5418570/1/Melodys_Nanny

Read and tell me what you think.

[toons27]

Chapter 4

After Ariel waved goodbye to Eric and Melody, she carefully crossed the street to meet up with her brother. Flounder was holding the milk that she left earlier.

"Ariel, what was going on? Why did you leave the milk here? Who was that man you were talking to?" Flounder asked, excitedly.

"I was trying to save his daughter," Ariel explained.

"Really?" Flounder asked.

"It's a long story," said Ariel. As they walk away from the Deli, Ariel told Flounder the details of the story such as saving Melody, standing up to Eric, and a dinner with them. When she finished, Flounder was amazed.

Ariel and Flounder finally came upon their apartment. They went inside and took the elevator which led them to the 22nd floor.

"Daddy, we're home!" Ariel and Flounder walked inside their room K22. The apartment room was small but still contained enough room to fit her, Flounder, her dad, and their sisters, Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, and Alana. The apartment room had a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen. The Benson family used to live in a mansion in Denmark. They were wealthy and had many servants. When Ariel was 14 years old, her mother, Athena, fell gravely ill. The family were told that America has the best doctors and they made plans to travel there for treatment. They spent a lot of their money on mediciene and medical bills to save her but Athena passed away. The family went from upper class to low middle class. They still have money but only to pay their apartment rents. Triton, and his four eldest daughters, Aquata, Andrina, Arista, and Attina, had to work full-time at coffe shops to make money while Flounder, Ariel, Adella, and Alana end up being homeschooled. When Ariel was 18, she had her first part time job as a waitress at Lemonjello's. Only she, Alana, and Adella had enough money to attend a community college. The family is still low middle class but they had enough money to support themselves.

Triton was sitting in his chair reading, "Ten stupid things men did to mess up their lives," while the other girls except Attina, Arista, Andrina, and Adella were working late at Lemonjello's. Attina, Andrina, and Adella, both came home early from their jobs.

"Daddy, we're home," said Ariel.

"Oh, good! I was beginning to worry about you two," said Triton. He was a little bit concerned of why his two kids were spending longer time than usual at the deli when he only send them just to buy milk.

"Don't worry, Dad. We're fine," assured Ariel.

"Next time, don't-"

"What took you so long!" Adella said impatiently, who just came out of the room along with Andrina and Attina.

"Adella, calm down!" Attina scolded. "There's no need to be dramatic!"

"Sorry, but I'm soooooo thirsty and hungry!" Adella whined.

"Gee, poor Adella. She didn't eat breakfast," Andrina said, sarcastically.

"I was almost late this morning! And I didn't have time to go the cafe!"

"Whatever!"

"Calm down. I have the milk," said Ariel.

"Yeah! She was trying to save a girl's life!" Flounder defended. Triton turned around from his newspaper with interest and all the sisters except Ariel had ther eyes widened. Flounder began to tell the story in an excited way.

"Yeah! There was a little girl who was running in the street and-then-she couldn't-the car was like 'Vroooom!'and the girl was like 'AAAAAAAAAH!' Whew! Then Ariel ran and saved her!"

"Wow! Did you really?" Arista asked, impresed. Ariel nodded.

"And then, there was this man, who was like 'blah blah blah!' at the kid and "hubba hubba hubba!' at Ariel," Flounder finished, imitating Eric's hypnotized trance.

Triton's expression changed from an interest to a frown.

"WHAT!?"

"OOoooooooo! Ariel's got a boyfriend!" Adella teased, as Attina, Arista, and Andrina giggled.

"He's not my boyfriend!" said Ariel, blushing. "The man was the father of the girl I rescued from. He was just thanking me and invited me for dinner tomorrow just to repay me," Ariel explained, hopefully her dad didn't get the wrong idea and hopefully that her sisters would stop teasing.

"Whew! That is a relief!" Triton sighed.

"So, what's the man's name?" Attina asked.

"Eric Daniel Barnes," Ariel answered, showing everybody Eric's buisness card.

"Eric Daniel Barnes?! No way!" the sisters exclaimed.

"You know him?" Ariel was confused.

"Yeah! He's our co-worker!" said Andrina in a "duh!" tone.

"Ariel, are you sure you want to have dinner with this man? Where are you and Eric going to eat dinner?" Triton asked. Even though, he is already aware that Eric Daniel Barnes, he still feels uneasy about letting his youngest daughter having a date with him. Especially after hearing from Flounder that Eric went expressed interest in Ariel.

"Yes, daddy, I want to. We're having dinner at his house," said Ariel.

"His house!?" Tirton exclaimed.

"Father relax," said Attina, calmly. "Eric is a decent man so, he won't touch her."

"You're sure," Triton asked, cautiously.

"Yeah, don't worry. Eric has no interest in marriage," Andrina answered.

"All right, Ariel. You can have dinner with him tomorrow. But be careful," Triton said, still worrying.

"Daddy, I'll be fine. I'm not a child," said Ariel.

"Good night, Melody," said Eric as tucked Meldoy in and kissed her on the forehead.

"Good night, Daddy," said Melody. He was about to leave when Melody called him.

"Daddy, please keep the lights on!"

"Why?" Eric raised an eyebrow. Melody had fear written in her eyes.

"I hate being in the dark,"

"All right," said Eric. He left without turning the lights off. He hoped this will be the last time that she requested for that.

Eric changed into his pajamas and climbed into his king-size bed. As he laid his head on his pillow, he looked to his left to another pillow next to him. His eyes became very cloudy.

"Oh, Vanessa, why did you leave me? If you were still here, I would not have such a hard time taking care of Melody. Oh, I hope this nanny situation will work out."

Then, he close his eyes, trying to forget about the past. He fell asleep dreaming about a certain lovely red-haired woman that still left his heart burning for her.

[toons27]

Like Eric, everybody else went to sleep. However, there is one person that did not go to bed.

"AAAAAAAARRRRRRGH! I can't believe this!" A deep female voice screeched. Ursula came home late at midnight, stomping inside her house.

"What is, Ursula?" A young whispery male voice asked. His name is Flotsam. He was a lanky man around 29 with dark blonde hair, and dressed up in all green. Another guy, standing next to him, is his brother, Jetsam, who is also tall and lanky and dressed up in green clothing, only with dark brown hair.

“My attempt of seducing Eric for his money, has once again, failed,” said Ursula, who unsuccessfully, tried to be calm. Flotsam and Jetsam both looked at her with sympathy. They knew that this wasn’t the first time that Ursula tried to seduce Eric for his money and it won’t be the last. Ursula did not have a day off from work. Actually, two months ago, she lost her job due the economic recession. She, immediately, went out looking for a new job, back then, but couldn’t find one that was in need of employment. When she gave up searching for a job, she had gone to ask Eric to lend her some money. Eric had refused and despite Ursula’s pleas, he still said no. Eric is completely clueless about Ursula being jobless. Ursula couldn’t tell Eric that she lost her job because it would be embarrassing. It also would not persuade Eric further to lend her cash. A two weeks ago, she had decided to take drastic measures by seducing Eric for his money.

Flashback

Ursula came home one afternoon feeling very upset, Eric won’t lend her money, again.

“How could Eric do this to me!? I’m his mother-in-law for crying out loud!”

‘Give me money,’ I said.

‘No, why do you need it for?’ he said. ‘You have a job,’

‘I just need some more,’ I said.

‘Well, I’m not giving any dough to you,’ he said.

“OH Bah! In my day, youngsters would never hesitate to lend their elders a buck or two. Nobody seems to respect their elders anymore. What has this country come to?” Ursula ranted. She walked around in her dark gray living room pondering what to do.

“I’m very stressed out. I will take a nap,”

Flotsam and Jetsam had come home later that day and comforted her by feeding her a bowl of chicken soup.

For the next three days, Ursula relaxed herself by watching her favorite romantic comedies. Then on the fourth day of the week, Ursula watched a movie that told about how a man’s old girlfriend seduced him for his money.

‘She took his money by seducing him, eh?’ She thought to herself. The next day, she dressed up in a very tight and revealing red dress, put some red lipstick on, and strolled down to Eric’s mansion. She knocked on the door.

Eric opened it and was very surprised to see her there. Studying Ursula, saying that she is very ugly would be an understatement.

“Uh…hi…Ursula,” said Eric, trying to be polite.

“What? Aren’t you going to invite me, in?” said Ursula, battling her eyelashes at him. Eric looked taken back but allowed her in.

“You can’t stay here for too long because I have to pick up Melody in thirty minutes,” said Eric, as he closed the door.

“From school?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m picking her up early, because I’m transferring her to another school,” Eric explained. Recently, Melody had been constantly bullied by her peers for some strange reason. He didn’t know but he thinks it has something to do with about Melody being motherless.

“Oh, not to..worry,” said Ursula. She stepped closer to him and fiddled with his collar. Eric’s eyes went wide. What in the world is going on here? What is she doing? What does she want? Ursula rubbed his shoulders and moved to his lower back.

“We can just talk, for a while,” she said as she moved her hands down to his jean pocket. Eric looked as if he had seen a ghost and quickly moved away from her.

“Um, I got to go!” He said very fast and grabbed his jacket.

“WHAT!?” Ursula yelled, very nastily.

“Sorry, Ursula, but I have no time. Maybe some other time, okay?” Eric explained. He was trying to be polite, but you could tell there was fear and disgust in his eyes. He dashed out of the door.

“But you said-“

Ursula was interrupted by a door slam. Ursula clenched her fists, narrowed her eyes, and growled like a lion. There goes his money. She left the mansion via the backdoor.

That same episode happened again, at the park, only to have Eric run off, saying something about being late for his so-called meeting. She stomped over to her couch and plopped down on it. Flotsam and Jetsam went over to massage her shoulders for comfort.

“There has got to be another way to take his money. It has become too hard to seduce him for it. If you two can brainstorm, that would be a big help,” she explained sourly.

“Poison?” Flotsam suggested.

“Sure…,” said Jetsam.

“Blackmail?”

“Or…,”

“Marriage?”

“Maybe-“Jetsam added.

“Wait!” Ursula Interrupted as she snapped her fingers. “Why didn’t we think of it before?”

“You think it will work?” Flotsam asked.

“Of course, you fool! This is too easy!” Ursula clasped her hands, together and smiled very evilly. “I will get him drunk and marry him! Once I do, then we will kill him in his sleep, and take his money for good! Ahahaha! Spectacular! Spectacular!” She cackled.

“But how rich is he? Eric is not as rich as Bill Gates,” said Flotsam.

“However he is richer than us,” said Ursula. “Besides, he has a trust fund,” she added in a sing-song voice.

“Really?” the two men asked.

“Yes, it used to be Vanessa’s, but now that she has “kicked the bucket,” we can have it after the wedding!” Ursula answered.

“But that trust fund belongs to Melody once she comes of an age!” said Flotsam, protested. He received a bonk on the head from Ursula.

“Not if the kid also stays alive!” said Ursula. She and two men both let out an evil laughter throughout the house.

[toons27]

Melody's nanny chapter 6

The sun rays flew in the windowsill as Eric groggily rose from his bed. He groaned, stretched, and rubbed his eyes.
Today was Sunday which was another good day for Eric because he had off.
He wouldn't have to worry about driving Melody to school, being late to work, and being late to pick her up . The only thing he wanted to focus on right now was cleaning his house a bit since Ariel was coming over.
Eric got dressed in a white shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes. He combed his hair, brushed his teeth and went downstairs.
Melody was already up. She was eating Lucky Charms cereal in the living room while watching television.
He rolled his eyes as he noticed that Melody was watching some baby show, called “Rainbow Monkeys.”
He walked over to the kitchen and pulled out the almost empty Lucky Charms cereal. He ate the rest of it knowing he and Melody were going to go grocery shopping later.

“Melody, when you are finished eating, I want you to clean your room,” said Eric.

“No, I don’t want to clean my room!” said Melody.

Eric sighed.
‘Why won’t this kid give me a break?’
“Melody, you have to clean your room today. Do you remember Miss Ariel Benson from yesterday? She is coming over to dinner tonight remember?”

Hearing the name “Ariel” Melody’s face brightened and she immediately went to tidy up her room.
Eric took care of his dish, and Melody’s dish. Then, he cleaned up the living room and vacuumed it.
When Melody finished cleaning her room, the two went grocery shopping hoping to find food that was suitable for dinner.


“My, that was such a wonderful service. Don’t you think?” Aquata asked as she and the family walked outside of the church.

“Yes, it was great,” Andrina agreed.

The family walked home and rested for a bit in their apartment in their living room.
The only exception was Ariel who was in the bedroom looking in the closet for a dress.
After searching, Ariel gritted her teeth and groaned as she slapped her forehead. She had forgotten that she did not own any nice dresses because she sold them for money to save her mother on her first day in America!
She ran to the living room hoping that her sisters could help.

“Guys, do you have a dress that I could borrow?” Ariel asked. ‘Please let them have something!’ She thought desperately.

“Why? Where are you going?” Aquata asked.

“She has a dinner date with her boyfriend!” Flounder smirked. The girls began to giggle.

“He is not my boyfriend!” Ariel cried, blushing.

“Children calm down,” said Triton. “Ariel is too young to have a boyfriend.”

“You’ve been saying that since she was fourteen,” said Arista.

“What do you need help with, Ariel?” Alana asked. Ariel repeated her question and the girls went searching through the closet trying to find the perfect dress for her.

Meanwhile over at the Barnes’ house, Eric warmed up the frozen food in the microwave.
After that, he put the food on nice dishes, making it as if the food were homemade. Then, he and Melody put the dishes on the table which was already covered with a nice tablecloth.
Eric looked at the grandfather clock that was standing between the two paintings of sailing ships. It was a quarter till seven.

“Is she here yet?” Melody asked as she looked outside of her window. She was wearing a cute yellow dress with an orange sash around it..

“She’ll be here,” said Eric.

Eric was dressed up in his fine black suit. He fidgeted a little and had trouble fighting the butterflies that were flying around in his stomach. Questions swarmed in his head: When will Ariel come? Will Ariel accept his job offer? Does she like him? Will she kiss him-what?
Eric shook his head wondering where the heck he got the idea of anything romantic between him and Ariel.
Whenever an image of Ariel came to his mind, his heart would skip a beat. His train of thoughts was interrupted when Melody screamed, “SHE’S HERE!” very excitedly.
Eric jumped a little by Melody’s scream and opened the door.
When he did, he saw the most beautiful vision ever.
Ariel was standing in the doorway wearing a long dark green dress with long sleeves and pearl earrings.
She smiled and blushed like a schoolgirl since Eric was staring at her in a dreamy way.

“Hey! What are you waiting for? Let her in!” Melody impatiently, stomped her foot hoping to get their attention.
Eric snapped out of his dreamy gaze.

“Uh? Oh! Right!” He let her in and took Ariel’s coat.
Eric and Melody showed Ariel around their house starting with the living room which contained the big plasma.
Then they went to Melody’s bedroom.
It was pink full of toys and stuffed animals. Melody showed Ariel every single of her toy from her Barbie doll to her spongebob plushie. Then, Eric showed Ariel his bedroom which contained a king-size bed, a gray dresser with a big mirror, and a clothes closet.
Ariel noticed a picture on Eric’s dresser. The picture showed two people; Eric and a woman with black hair and brown eyes. Eric looked happy whereas Vanessa’s smile was upside down.
That must be his wife, Ariel thought. She thought of asking Eric about the presence of his wife but decided not to bring up such a personal topic.
After the tour around the house, the two adults and child went down for dinner.
After dinner, Ariel offered to help Eric with the dishes.

“So, now that you are out of college, what you doing now?” Eric asked, as he rinsed his dish.

“Well, nothing interesting, really. Except looking for a summer job,” Ariel answered, hesitantly. She could feel her face turning red with embarrassment.

“Well, do you know what job you are looking for?” He inquired.

“Something to do with babysitting or helping out a day care center,” said Ariel. “I love children very much and I want to be a teacher.”

Melody, upon hearing this, grabbed the newspaper from the couch and gave it to Ariel.

“Maybe this newspaper will help you,” she said.
Luckily, Ariel was done with putting the last dirty dish in the washing machine and took the newspaper from Melody.

“Thank you, honey,” she said, sweetly.
She flipped to the page that had job advertisements. She skimmed over a few job advertisements until she found the right one.

“Ah, this looks like a fun job,” She replied. She read the entire Advertisement:
WANTED
Nanny for a five-year-old girl
Must: love children, be kind, sweet, and responsible
Age: must be 17 and above
Information: I need a nanny who can take care of my daughter on Mondays-Saturdays
At 7am-9pm. Feed her, take her to school daily, play with her, read stories to her, and tuck her in bed at nine PM sharp. Please call Mr. Banes: (847)777-999.

“Wait a minute!” Ariel said, surprised. She turned to Eric and Melody. “You are hiring a nanny?” she asked.

“Yeah..,” said Eric, with a lopsided grin and hand behind his back.
Melody giggled.
Ariel still looked confused, so Eric had to explain.

“You see, I’ve been working a lot at the Red Rabbit Inc. lately, which makes it hard for me to watch over Melody. So, I decided to hire a nanny to watch over her whenever I’m not here. I put the ad in the newspaper, held interviews, but couldn’t find one. Of course, I was about to give up hope until I found you. Do you understand?” he finished.

“Yes, but why me?” Ariel responded.

“Well, when Melody told me about the rescue and how kind and caring you were to her, I figured that you were a better candidate,” Eric explained.
Ariel went into deep thought. This job offer sounds awesome! Why not take it? It’s something better to do over the summer other than lay around the house all day.

“I’ll be glad to be your nanny, “ Ariel decided, happily.

“Great!” said Eric, as he grabbed her hand to shake it.
The moment their hands touched, electricity went through their veins. Butterflies flew inside their stomachs as they stared at each other.

“Um..You are hired,” said Eric, his face reddening, as he let go of her hand.

“T-thank you,” said Ariel, whose face was also blushing.
Melody looked at Eric, then at Ariel, wishing that he didn't release her hand.

‘What’s going on? Why are Daddy and Ariel being so weird? She wanted to know why.
But she decided to bring up the subject matter tomorrow since Ariel was about to leave for the day.

“So, what time do you want me to be here tomorrow?” Ariel asked, as she was about to head out.

“I’d say at five thirty in the afternoon. That way, we’ll have a lot of free time to help you move in,” said Eric..

“Five thirty sounds good,” Ariel agreed.

“Aww, do you have to go?” Melody pouted.
Eric chuckled; it was so rare to see Melody whine and pout.

“Don’t worry, Melody. I’ll be back here before you know it,” Ariel smiled. “Thank you so much for the dinner, I had a great time. And the food was so yummy, too!”

“Aw, it’s nothing,” said Eric.

Ariel hugged Melody who hugged her back tight. Then Ariel hugged Eric who blushed deeply red.
When Ariel left waving goodbye from Andrina’s jeep, Eric and Melody waved back and did not go back inside the house until she and Andrina drove away.
Melody went to bed with a smile on her face.
Eric on the other hand was having another train of thought.
‘What’s going on? Why is it that every time Ariel hugs me or shakes my hand, I get all nervous around her? Well, let’s hope I act more civilized around her by tomorrow. With that, he did a final check of the house to make sure all the doors were locked before checking on Melody one last time and climbing into bed for the night.