Post by arielfan4ever on Nov 3, 2009 10:38:02 GMT -5
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own any of the characters from Disney’s TLM. They belong to Disney. I do however own Melody Noelle Coralsen. I created her before I had even heard about the sequel. I also own anyone else you don’t recognize.
God loves you
Enjoy!
A/N: This story chronicles my Melody’s first trip to Atlantica. She is three. I loved writing this story because I got to have a lot of fun with my Melody and Ariel’s relationship as mother and daughter. I also had a good time writing Triton as a Grandpa.
““The First Visit”
Ariel smiled as she heard the tiny footsteps running towards her.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Came the excited voice as the little girl spotted her halfway across the yard.
Ariel waited until her daughter was a few feet away before crouching down to catch her.
Once Melody was in her safe embrace, Ariel started to tickle her, making the three-year-old squeal with giggles.
Melody loved this game and Ariel enjoyed hearing her sweet Melody laugh.
After the giggles had subsided, Ariel set her daughter down and gave her another hug before letting her go.
“Did you say good-bye to Daddy?” She asked her.
“Uh-huh.” She replied.
“All right. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes!” Melody cheered. She was outside, so it was okay.
Ariel giggled.
“Well, I’ll take that as a yes.” She scooped her up and made for the palace. She wanted to say good bye to Eric.
Getting inside, Ariel set Melody down and led the way to Eric’s study.
The prince was sitting at his desk, going over some plans for a new ship.
He smiled when he saw his wife and daughter enter the room. He was always happy to see them.
“Hey sweetheart!” Ariel greeted. “I just came to say good-bye. Melody is raring to go.”
Eric laughed at the sight of his daughter. She was practically bouncing off the walls.
“I can see that.” He said with a small chuckle. “Be careful.” He advised his love as he held her close.
“I will.” Ariel assured him. “I promise. Melody will be safe with me.”
“I know.” Eric replied. He scooped his daughter up in his arms just then. “Aw, you have fun, pumpkin. Be a good girl for Mommy.”
“Okay, Daddy!” Melody said. She gave him a kiss and hug before squirming to get down.
Once Eric had set her upon the ground, she ran over to Ariel and tugged on the hem of her skirt.
“Mommy, let’s go!” She said excitedly.
Ariel smiled at her baby girl. Melody’s excitement was contagious.
After she was sure she had everything she needed and Melody’s things were packed for the week long stay, she took her daughter’s hand, said good bye to her husband and left the palace.
Meanwhile below the waves, King Triton was playing a game of checkers with Sebastian and Urchin.
The merboy was beating him and he knew it.
Although Urchin wasn’t quite a boy anymore, he still had that youthful vigor about him.
“Your turn, You’re Majesty.” He said.
“I suppose it is.” Triton said. He made his move and motioned towards Sebastian.
The crab had been acting odd for the past few hours now.
He kept staring out in the hallway as though he was waiting for something.
When Triton asked him what he was looking for, he shrugged and told him it was nothing.
The truth was, he knew of Ariel’s surprise visit, but he wanted it to stay that way. He had promised Ariel he wouldn’t say a word.
Just as Urchin was going to win the game, a seahorse messenger swam in.
Puzzled by his appearance, Triton gave him his full attention. He wasn’t expecting anyone, so this was unexpected.
“You have two visitors, sire.” He told the king.
“Who?” Triton asked.
Sebastian could barely contain himself.
Even though he saw Ariel and Melody on a daily basis, he was especially excited to see them now.
The seahorse messenger frowned.
“I can’t say.” He replied.
“What do you mean you can’t say?” The King asked.
“I’ve been sworn to secrecy.” He admitted.
The King narrowed his eyes.
“By who?” He rather demanded than asked.
It was then that he heard a familiar giggle as the mysterious visitor or visitors presented themselves.
“Hi Daddy.”
Ariel swam into the room a minute later. She grinned up at her father. “I’m sorry if I startled you. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
King Triton’s face broke into a smile upon seeing his youngest daughter.
“It’s all right.” He told her as he embraced her. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Aw, I’ve missed you so much!” Ariel told him as she hugged him as tightly as she could with Melody in her arms.
“I’ve missed you too.” Triton assured her.
They pulled away a minute or so later and that’s when Triton got his first glimpse of Melody.
He grinned as only a proud grandfather could.
“That can’t be Melody.” He said in a whisper as so not to wake her.
Ariel nodded with a fond smile.
“Yup. That’s our Melody. She just turned three two months ago.”
“May I hold her?” Triton asked.
Ariel hesitated for only one reason.
“I would let you, but I want to wait until she wakes up. That way she’ll be less likely to get scared.”
Triton nodded.
“You used to be the same way.” He reminisced fondly. “Only it was your mother you wanted. And then after…” His voice trailed off at the unpleasant memory. “…it was Aquata and then Andrina.”
Ariel nodded. She patted her father’s arm sympathetically.
The girl then turned to Sebastian.
“Good job keeping it a secret.” She said before pecking him on the cheek.
“You know I’d do anyting for you, girl.” Sebastian replied.
“I’m gonna go lay Melody down in the family room.” Ariel told her father. “Are my sisters around?”
Triton nodded.
“They should be. They’ll be so happy to see you!”
Ariel grinned.
She turned to Urchin.
“hey!” She greeted him. “What have you been up to?”
Urchin grinned before embracing Ariel while trying not to squish Melody in the process.
“Nothing much. I’ve been trying to set Alana up with a friend of mine, but she’s not biting.”
Ariel burst out laughing.
“That’ll be the day.” She commented as she left for the family room.
Setting Melody down on the couch, she sat down before settling her in her lap.
Urchin joined her shortly afterwards and the two talked for the next half an hour.
Urchin left for blowfish ball practice a little while later. This left Ariel alone with Melody.
“Well, sweetheart, we’re here.” She said softly. “I know you’re gonna love it. I love you, Melody.” With that, she bent down and kissed her daughter’s cheek.
Just then, she heard the sound of voices, at least three of them coming towards her.
Before she could swim out of the room or find a quiet corner, three of her six sisters entered the room.
Andrina was the first to spot her little sister. She squealed with happiness and rushed to give her a hug.
“Ariel!” She shouted excitedly. “Father didn’t tell us you were coming! Aw, it’s so good to see you!”
“It’s good to see you too, Andi.” Ariel said, using her own special name for her big sister. “And that’s because Daddy didn’t know I was coming. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Their happy reunion was cut short when Arista and Adella joined them. They were arguing about something.
Ariel was about to ask them to take it somewhere else, but it was too late.
Melody started to wake up and let out a whimper.
“I’m telling you, Kelton lied!” Adella insisted.
Arista was about to retort, when she caught sight of Ariel.
She did a double take before going over to greet her. They had grown closer over the last few years. They weren’t as close as Ariel and Andrina, but they had a better relationship than in the past.
“Hey Ariel!” Arista greeted. “I didn’t know you were coming.” She then caught sight of Melody, who was now crying into Ariel’s shoulder. “Aw, is that Melody? She’s gotten so big!” She gushed.
Ariel nodded. Then to her daughter she said, “Shh, it’s okay, Mel. It’s all right. Aunt Arista and Aunt Adella didn’t’ mean to scare you. You’re okay. You’re with Mommy. It’s all right.” She kissed the three-year-old on the cheek before stroking her chestnut brown hair and starting to hum to her.
Arista frowned.
“I didn’t mean to scare her.”
“I know.” She assured her. “It was an accident. You didn’t’ know I was here or that I brought Melody with me. She’ll be okay soon. She’s just not used to all this noise. Right, sweetheart? All right, Okay, it’s okay now. You’re okay…” She soothed her now sobbing daughter.
In an attempt to calm her down, Ariel started singing the lullaby she liked best.
This seemed to work.
By the end of the second verse, Melody’s tears were starting to subside.
“Aw, that’s my girl.” Ariel praised. “Do you feel better now?”
Melody nodded as she sniffed.
“Good.” Ariel said as she hugged her close. “I’m glad.”
Arista marveled at the way Ariel took care of Melody. She had never seen her parent before. And what she was seeing now made her proud. She just prayed she was that good when she had her own children someday.
“You’re good with her.” Arista observed. She smiled at Melody. “Hey, Melody. You probably don’t remember me. I’m your Aunt Arista.”
“Thanks. “ Ariel said as she loosened her grip on her daughter in case she wanted to go to Arista.
Melody stared at Arista for a minute as though sizing her up.
“it’s okay. “ Ariel assured her. “Aunt Arista’s nice.”
Melody glanced back at Ariel before her gaze landed on Arista once again.
“Just give her time.” Ariel told her sister. “She’ll warm up to you soon.”
Arista nodded.
“She reminds me of Azara.” Arista said, referring to Andrina’s youngest daughter. “It takes her time to warm up to new people too.”
Melody started to squirm a little and Ariel let her go. She kept an eye on her to make sure she didn’t go too far.
“Don’t go too far.” Ariel cautioned her daughter.
“Okay.” Melody replied. With that, she made her way over to Arista and made herself comfortable on her lap.
Arista’s heart melted as she gently settled her niece in her lap.
“Aw, come here, sweetie. Did you decide to come see me after all?”
Melody nodded.
Ariel grinned at the interaction between her sister and daughter.
Just then, Melody asked a question that Arista wasn’t ready for.
“Did you help Mommy stop gators from taking Grandpa’s treasure?”
Ariel was too busy giggling at her daughter’s words as well as the look on Arista’s face to say anything in response. Besides, it was Arista who her daughter had spoken to.
After she recovered from the shock that her niece had spoken to her, Arista tried to answer her question.
“Yup. I sure did.” She replied. “Would you like me to tell you the story before you go to bed tonight?”
“Yes, please!” Melody requested. She flashed her aunt one of her famous smiles.
“Aw, she’s so sweet! Melody speaks really well for being three-years-old.” Arista said, turning to Ariel.
Ariel nodded.
“Eric thinks she’ll be ready for pre-school next year, but I’m not sure yet. I guess I’m just not ready to let her go.”
Just then, Andrina came back into the room. She smiled upon seeing Melody. She did a double take when she saw who she was sitting with.
“Hey, when do I get a turn?” Andrina asked. She gave Ariel a teasing smile and her sister giggled.
“You can try and see if she’ll come and sit with you.” Ariel told her. “It took her a few minutes to warm up to Arista, so I’m not sure how she’ll take to you.”
Andrina nodded. She sat down next to Arista on her left and gave Melody a warm smile.
“Hey, Melody. Are you ready for a fun week in Atlantica?”
Melody grinned at her other aunt.
“Yup!” She replied excitedly.
Ariel grinned. She had a feeling her daughter was going to have a great time this week.
Arista set Melody down just then. She had some things to do before dinner.
“All right, sweetie. Aunt Arista will be right back.” She explained gently.
As she turned to leave, Melody frowned. She reached her arms out like her mother had taught her to do and let the water guide her movements.
“Aunt Arista, where are you going?” She asked.
“She’s as inquisitive as you. “ Andrina commented with a soft laugh.
“She sure is. “ Ariel agreed.
“I need to get ready for dinner.” Arista replied.
“Can I come with you? Please?”
“You need to ask your Mommy.” Arista told her.
Melody turned to Ariel.
“Mommy, can I go with Aunt Arista, please?”
Ariel thought for a minute before frowning and shaking her head.
“I’m afraid not.” Ariel said. Then seeing the frown cross her daughter’s face, she explained, “You’ll see Aunt Arista at dinner.”
Melody sighed, but obeyed her mother. She said good-bye to Arista before coming back over and sitting next to Ariel.
After Arista left, they were joined by Andrina’s youngest daughter, Azara.
She was two years older than Melody and a real sweetheart.
Azara’s blue eyes lit up upon seeing her aunt.
“Aunt Ariel!” She squealed. “Aunt Ariel!”
“Hey, Zara!” Ariel greeted warmly. “How are ya, huh?”
“Good!” She replied as she hugged back. “I missed you!”
“Aw, I missed you too, sweetheart. I have someone I want you to meet.”
Azara smiled at Melody as her aunt made the introductions.
“Melody, I would like you to meet your cousin, Azara. Azara, this is Melody. She’s your little cousin.”
Azara smiled at the slightly younger girl and swam forward without any prompting.
“Hi! Do you wanna play?”
Melody gazed back at Ariel for the okay.
“It’s okay.” She assured her. “Azara’s really nice. Go on.”
Melody gave Azara a tiny smile before swimming forward.
Azara turned her attention to her own mother.
“Mama, can I get some of my toys and show them to Melody?”
Andrina grinned.
“I think that’s a good idea. Don’t get too many though. It’s almost dinnertime.”
“Okay!” With that, Azara was gone.
“She must keep you on your toes.” Ariel commented as she turned to Andrina.
Andrina laughed.
“She does.” She confirmed. “But she’s a good girl most of the time.”
“That’s how Melody is too.” Ariel told her.
Just then, Azara returned. She had a few dolls in her hands as well as some accessories for them.
She set the toys on the floor and started sorting through them.
Ariel gasped when she saw what Azara had brought back.
“Melody, look! Look at what Azara has.”
Melody gazed over at her older cousin, then at the toys she had spread out before her.
“Come on.” Azara coaxed gently. “It’s okay. You can have first pick.”
Ariel smiled at her niece. She was truly a sweetheart.
Before Ariel knew it, it was dinnertime.
Azara and Melody had played for a good hour and a half and they looked like they were enjoying themselves.
When Ariel announced it was time for dinner, Melody frowned up at her.
“We’re having fun!” She declared.
“I know you are.” Ariel assured her. “But it’s time to eat now. You and Azara can play together after dinner.” She promised her.
Melody frowned.
Thinking fast, Ariel smiled down at her daughter before picking her up for a hug.
“Guess who will be at dinner?”
Melody’s eyes lit up.
“Aunt Arista!” She said happily.
“That’s right. Come on. Let’s go see her.” With that, Ariel swam out of the room, carrying Melody in her arms.
When they got to the table, Melody spotted her fast becoming favorite aunt right away.
She broke free of Ariel’s hold and swam over to her.
“Aunt Arista!” She shouted with excitement.
“Hey, sweetie.” Arista greeted her. “Are you ready to eat?”
Melody nodded.
It was then that one of Ariel’s other nieces, a mermaid with strawberry blond hair and blue eyes saw Ariel.
She swam for her and gave her aunt a big hug.
“Aunt Ariel! You’re here! I didn’t know you were coming!” The girl squealed.
“Hey, Pearl.” Ariel greeted, hugging her back. Pearl was one of her favorite nieces by far.
She was nothing like her second cousin. She was a sweetheart and very caring towards others. She got excited about things like Ariel, but she also had a level head about her.
For only being eleven-years-old, she was a smart one.
“Are you here for a long time?” Pearl asked hopefully.
Ariel shook her head.
“I’m staying for a week.” She replied. “But I promise, we’ll hang out together before I leave.”
“Yes!” Pearl cheered happily.
“Melody, come here, honey.” Ariel called. “It’s time to eat now.”
Melody obeyed right away. She almost always listened to Ariel.
Pearl grinned upon seeing the youngster in Ariel’s arms.
“She’s so cute!” Pearl gushed. “What’s her name?”
“melody.” Ariel replied. “She’s three.”
“Hi Melody.” Pearl said brightly. “I’m your cousin, Pearl. I like your barrette. Pink is my favorite color.”
“Thank you.” Melody said as she sat down next to Ariel and across from Zara and Andrina. She turned to Ariel and whispered not too quietly, “Mommy, Pearl’s not mean.”
Ariel shook her head as she tried not to giggle.
“This is a different Pearl, sweetie.” She explained.
Melody nodded.
Pearl wasn’t offended by the child’s comment. She knew she wasn’t trying to be mean.
“I’m sorry.” Ariel apologized for her daughter. “She thought you were…”
“It’s okay.” Pearl said. “I understand. I like you too.” She said, turning to Melody. “Would you like me to read to you after dinner?”
“Okay!” Melody agreed.
It was then that Triton called everyone’s attention to the front.
“I would like to make a toast to Ariel and Melody. May their stay here be filled with love and good times. And may their journey back home be safe.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” Ariel said as she blushed a little bit.
Pearl tried hard not to giggle.
During dinner, everyone talked amongst themselves. They all wanted to know about Ariel’s life on land and what she had been up to.
Ariel obliged her sisters and nieces, as well as Urchin with some stories in between bites of seaweed pasta and vegetable casserole.
After dinner was over, Pearl took Melody into the family room to read to her.
Azara went with them as did Aquata’s youngest daughter, Cadence.
This left Ariel with some time to herself. She spent it unpacking and talking with her sisters and Urchin.
She found out that Urchin had a girlfriend and was hoping to ask her to marry him in the next few months.
Ariel was truly happy for her brother. She knew he had once had a puppy love crush on her. She was glad that was over and they had remained good friends ever since.
“I think Pearl has made a friend in Melody for life.” Andrina said as she made herself comfortable next to Ariel.
“I think you’re right.” Ariel agreed. She sighed happily as she gazed around the familiar room.
“What is it?” Andrina asked worriedly. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. I’m fine. “ Ariel replied. “I’m just happy to be back home for a while. That’s all.”
Andrina grinned and pulled her little sister close.
“It’s good to have you home again, El.” She said. “We’ve really missed you and Melody.”
“We’ve missed you too.” Ariel assured her. With that, she closed her eyes for a minute as she felt Andrina start to stroke her hair.
Before Ariel knew it, two hours had gone by. It was time to get Melody ready for bed. In fact, all the younger ones had to go to bed.
“Well I guess it’s time to get the little ones ready for B-E-D.” Ariel said as she stretched and went towards the door.
Andrina followed close behind. She knew Azara wouldn’t give her too much trouble. She was usually good about her bedtime.
The two mothers poked their heads into the family room and smiled at the sight they found.
Pearl was sitting in the middle of the floor with Melody and Zara sitting around her.
The pre-teen was in the middle of telling one of her exciting stories.
Andrina had a feeling that her eldest was going to be a great writer one day.
The two adults waited until Pearl was done before making the announcement.
“All right you guys,” Ariel started. “It’s bedtime.”
Azara went without complaint, but Melody was a different story.
“Mommy, I’m not tired!” She said just as a yawn escaped her lips.
Ariel tried not to giggle, but it was hard.
“You’re not tired, huh?” She said gently. “Well, I beg to differ. Come on, honey.” With that, she picked Melody up and carried her out of the room.
Getting to her old bedroom, she set Melody on the bed and went to look for her pajamas.
Once she had gotten Melody ready for bed, she began their routine they often did at home. She figured this would help Melody adjust better.
She had cuddle time with her and sung her a few songs.
By the time Ariel was done singing “In Harmony” Melody was fast asleep.
“That’s what I thought.” She said while smiling down at her. “I love you, my sweet Melody. I’ll see you in the morning.” With that, Ariel held her daughter for a few more minutes before laying her down and preparing herself for sleep as well.
It had been a long day for both of them and Ariel wanted to be well rested for the days ahead…
God loves you
Enjoy!
A/N: This story chronicles my Melody’s first trip to Atlantica. She is three. I loved writing this story because I got to have a lot of fun with my Melody and Ariel’s relationship as mother and daughter. I also had a good time writing Triton as a Grandpa.
““The First Visit”
Ariel smiled as she heard the tiny footsteps running towards her.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Came the excited voice as the little girl spotted her halfway across the yard.
Ariel waited until her daughter was a few feet away before crouching down to catch her.
Once Melody was in her safe embrace, Ariel started to tickle her, making the three-year-old squeal with giggles.
Melody loved this game and Ariel enjoyed hearing her sweet Melody laugh.
After the giggles had subsided, Ariel set her daughter down and gave her another hug before letting her go.
“Did you say good-bye to Daddy?” She asked her.
“Uh-huh.” She replied.
“All right. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes!” Melody cheered. She was outside, so it was okay.
Ariel giggled.
“Well, I’ll take that as a yes.” She scooped her up and made for the palace. She wanted to say good bye to Eric.
Getting inside, Ariel set Melody down and led the way to Eric’s study.
The prince was sitting at his desk, going over some plans for a new ship.
He smiled when he saw his wife and daughter enter the room. He was always happy to see them.
“Hey sweetheart!” Ariel greeted. “I just came to say good-bye. Melody is raring to go.”
Eric laughed at the sight of his daughter. She was practically bouncing off the walls.
“I can see that.” He said with a small chuckle. “Be careful.” He advised his love as he held her close.
“I will.” Ariel assured him. “I promise. Melody will be safe with me.”
“I know.” Eric replied. He scooped his daughter up in his arms just then. “Aw, you have fun, pumpkin. Be a good girl for Mommy.”
“Okay, Daddy!” Melody said. She gave him a kiss and hug before squirming to get down.
Once Eric had set her upon the ground, she ran over to Ariel and tugged on the hem of her skirt.
“Mommy, let’s go!” She said excitedly.
Ariel smiled at her baby girl. Melody’s excitement was contagious.
After she was sure she had everything she needed and Melody’s things were packed for the week long stay, she took her daughter’s hand, said good bye to her husband and left the palace.
Meanwhile below the waves, King Triton was playing a game of checkers with Sebastian and Urchin.
The merboy was beating him and he knew it.
Although Urchin wasn’t quite a boy anymore, he still had that youthful vigor about him.
“Your turn, You’re Majesty.” He said.
“I suppose it is.” Triton said. He made his move and motioned towards Sebastian.
The crab had been acting odd for the past few hours now.
He kept staring out in the hallway as though he was waiting for something.
When Triton asked him what he was looking for, he shrugged and told him it was nothing.
The truth was, he knew of Ariel’s surprise visit, but he wanted it to stay that way. He had promised Ariel he wouldn’t say a word.
Just as Urchin was going to win the game, a seahorse messenger swam in.
Puzzled by his appearance, Triton gave him his full attention. He wasn’t expecting anyone, so this was unexpected.
“You have two visitors, sire.” He told the king.
“Who?” Triton asked.
Sebastian could barely contain himself.
Even though he saw Ariel and Melody on a daily basis, he was especially excited to see them now.
The seahorse messenger frowned.
“I can’t say.” He replied.
“What do you mean you can’t say?” The King asked.
“I’ve been sworn to secrecy.” He admitted.
The King narrowed his eyes.
“By who?” He rather demanded than asked.
It was then that he heard a familiar giggle as the mysterious visitor or visitors presented themselves.
“Hi Daddy.”
Ariel swam into the room a minute later. She grinned up at her father. “I’m sorry if I startled you. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
King Triton’s face broke into a smile upon seeing his youngest daughter.
“It’s all right.” He told her as he embraced her. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Aw, I’ve missed you so much!” Ariel told him as she hugged him as tightly as she could with Melody in her arms.
“I’ve missed you too.” Triton assured her.
They pulled away a minute or so later and that’s when Triton got his first glimpse of Melody.
He grinned as only a proud grandfather could.
“That can’t be Melody.” He said in a whisper as so not to wake her.
Ariel nodded with a fond smile.
“Yup. That’s our Melody. She just turned three two months ago.”
“May I hold her?” Triton asked.
Ariel hesitated for only one reason.
“I would let you, but I want to wait until she wakes up. That way she’ll be less likely to get scared.”
Triton nodded.
“You used to be the same way.” He reminisced fondly. “Only it was your mother you wanted. And then after…” His voice trailed off at the unpleasant memory. “…it was Aquata and then Andrina.”
Ariel nodded. She patted her father’s arm sympathetically.
The girl then turned to Sebastian.
“Good job keeping it a secret.” She said before pecking him on the cheek.
“You know I’d do anyting for you, girl.” Sebastian replied.
“I’m gonna go lay Melody down in the family room.” Ariel told her father. “Are my sisters around?”
Triton nodded.
“They should be. They’ll be so happy to see you!”
Ariel grinned.
She turned to Urchin.
“hey!” She greeted him. “What have you been up to?”
Urchin grinned before embracing Ariel while trying not to squish Melody in the process.
“Nothing much. I’ve been trying to set Alana up with a friend of mine, but she’s not biting.”
Ariel burst out laughing.
“That’ll be the day.” She commented as she left for the family room.
Setting Melody down on the couch, she sat down before settling her in her lap.
Urchin joined her shortly afterwards and the two talked for the next half an hour.
Urchin left for blowfish ball practice a little while later. This left Ariel alone with Melody.
“Well, sweetheart, we’re here.” She said softly. “I know you’re gonna love it. I love you, Melody.” With that, she bent down and kissed her daughter’s cheek.
Just then, she heard the sound of voices, at least three of them coming towards her.
Before she could swim out of the room or find a quiet corner, three of her six sisters entered the room.
Andrina was the first to spot her little sister. She squealed with happiness and rushed to give her a hug.
“Ariel!” She shouted excitedly. “Father didn’t tell us you were coming! Aw, it’s so good to see you!”
“It’s good to see you too, Andi.” Ariel said, using her own special name for her big sister. “And that’s because Daddy didn’t know I was coming. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Their happy reunion was cut short when Arista and Adella joined them. They were arguing about something.
Ariel was about to ask them to take it somewhere else, but it was too late.
Melody started to wake up and let out a whimper.
“I’m telling you, Kelton lied!” Adella insisted.
Arista was about to retort, when she caught sight of Ariel.
She did a double take before going over to greet her. They had grown closer over the last few years. They weren’t as close as Ariel and Andrina, but they had a better relationship than in the past.
“Hey Ariel!” Arista greeted. “I didn’t know you were coming.” She then caught sight of Melody, who was now crying into Ariel’s shoulder. “Aw, is that Melody? She’s gotten so big!” She gushed.
Ariel nodded. Then to her daughter she said, “Shh, it’s okay, Mel. It’s all right. Aunt Arista and Aunt Adella didn’t’ mean to scare you. You’re okay. You’re with Mommy. It’s all right.” She kissed the three-year-old on the cheek before stroking her chestnut brown hair and starting to hum to her.
Arista frowned.
“I didn’t mean to scare her.”
“I know.” She assured her. “It was an accident. You didn’t’ know I was here or that I brought Melody with me. She’ll be okay soon. She’s just not used to all this noise. Right, sweetheart? All right, Okay, it’s okay now. You’re okay…” She soothed her now sobbing daughter.
In an attempt to calm her down, Ariel started singing the lullaby she liked best.
This seemed to work.
By the end of the second verse, Melody’s tears were starting to subside.
“Aw, that’s my girl.” Ariel praised. “Do you feel better now?”
Melody nodded as she sniffed.
“Good.” Ariel said as she hugged her close. “I’m glad.”
Arista marveled at the way Ariel took care of Melody. She had never seen her parent before. And what she was seeing now made her proud. She just prayed she was that good when she had her own children someday.
“You’re good with her.” Arista observed. She smiled at Melody. “Hey, Melody. You probably don’t remember me. I’m your Aunt Arista.”
“Thanks. “ Ariel said as she loosened her grip on her daughter in case she wanted to go to Arista.
Melody stared at Arista for a minute as though sizing her up.
“it’s okay. “ Ariel assured her. “Aunt Arista’s nice.”
Melody glanced back at Ariel before her gaze landed on Arista once again.
“Just give her time.” Ariel told her sister. “She’ll warm up to you soon.”
Arista nodded.
“She reminds me of Azara.” Arista said, referring to Andrina’s youngest daughter. “It takes her time to warm up to new people too.”
Melody started to squirm a little and Ariel let her go. She kept an eye on her to make sure she didn’t go too far.
“Don’t go too far.” Ariel cautioned her daughter.
“Okay.” Melody replied. With that, she made her way over to Arista and made herself comfortable on her lap.
Arista’s heart melted as she gently settled her niece in her lap.
“Aw, come here, sweetie. Did you decide to come see me after all?”
Melody nodded.
Ariel grinned at the interaction between her sister and daughter.
Just then, Melody asked a question that Arista wasn’t ready for.
“Did you help Mommy stop gators from taking Grandpa’s treasure?”
Ariel was too busy giggling at her daughter’s words as well as the look on Arista’s face to say anything in response. Besides, it was Arista who her daughter had spoken to.
After she recovered from the shock that her niece had spoken to her, Arista tried to answer her question.
“Yup. I sure did.” She replied. “Would you like me to tell you the story before you go to bed tonight?”
“Yes, please!” Melody requested. She flashed her aunt one of her famous smiles.
“Aw, she’s so sweet! Melody speaks really well for being three-years-old.” Arista said, turning to Ariel.
Ariel nodded.
“Eric thinks she’ll be ready for pre-school next year, but I’m not sure yet. I guess I’m just not ready to let her go.”
Just then, Andrina came back into the room. She smiled upon seeing Melody. She did a double take when she saw who she was sitting with.
“Hey, when do I get a turn?” Andrina asked. She gave Ariel a teasing smile and her sister giggled.
“You can try and see if she’ll come and sit with you.” Ariel told her. “It took her a few minutes to warm up to Arista, so I’m not sure how she’ll take to you.”
Andrina nodded. She sat down next to Arista on her left and gave Melody a warm smile.
“Hey, Melody. Are you ready for a fun week in Atlantica?”
Melody grinned at her other aunt.
“Yup!” She replied excitedly.
Ariel grinned. She had a feeling her daughter was going to have a great time this week.
Arista set Melody down just then. She had some things to do before dinner.
“All right, sweetie. Aunt Arista will be right back.” She explained gently.
As she turned to leave, Melody frowned. She reached her arms out like her mother had taught her to do and let the water guide her movements.
“Aunt Arista, where are you going?” She asked.
“She’s as inquisitive as you. “ Andrina commented with a soft laugh.
“She sure is. “ Ariel agreed.
“I need to get ready for dinner.” Arista replied.
“Can I come with you? Please?”
“You need to ask your Mommy.” Arista told her.
Melody turned to Ariel.
“Mommy, can I go with Aunt Arista, please?”
Ariel thought for a minute before frowning and shaking her head.
“I’m afraid not.” Ariel said. Then seeing the frown cross her daughter’s face, she explained, “You’ll see Aunt Arista at dinner.”
Melody sighed, but obeyed her mother. She said good-bye to Arista before coming back over and sitting next to Ariel.
After Arista left, they were joined by Andrina’s youngest daughter, Azara.
She was two years older than Melody and a real sweetheart.
Azara’s blue eyes lit up upon seeing her aunt.
“Aunt Ariel!” She squealed. “Aunt Ariel!”
“Hey, Zara!” Ariel greeted warmly. “How are ya, huh?”
“Good!” She replied as she hugged back. “I missed you!”
“Aw, I missed you too, sweetheart. I have someone I want you to meet.”
Azara smiled at Melody as her aunt made the introductions.
“Melody, I would like you to meet your cousin, Azara. Azara, this is Melody. She’s your little cousin.”
Azara smiled at the slightly younger girl and swam forward without any prompting.
“Hi! Do you wanna play?”
Melody gazed back at Ariel for the okay.
“It’s okay.” She assured her. “Azara’s really nice. Go on.”
Melody gave Azara a tiny smile before swimming forward.
Azara turned her attention to her own mother.
“Mama, can I get some of my toys and show them to Melody?”
Andrina grinned.
“I think that’s a good idea. Don’t get too many though. It’s almost dinnertime.”
“Okay!” With that, Azara was gone.
“She must keep you on your toes.” Ariel commented as she turned to Andrina.
Andrina laughed.
“She does.” She confirmed. “But she’s a good girl most of the time.”
“That’s how Melody is too.” Ariel told her.
Just then, Azara returned. She had a few dolls in her hands as well as some accessories for them.
She set the toys on the floor and started sorting through them.
Ariel gasped when she saw what Azara had brought back.
“Melody, look! Look at what Azara has.”
Melody gazed over at her older cousin, then at the toys she had spread out before her.
“Come on.” Azara coaxed gently. “It’s okay. You can have first pick.”
Ariel smiled at her niece. She was truly a sweetheart.
Before Ariel knew it, it was dinnertime.
Azara and Melody had played for a good hour and a half and they looked like they were enjoying themselves.
When Ariel announced it was time for dinner, Melody frowned up at her.
“We’re having fun!” She declared.
“I know you are.” Ariel assured her. “But it’s time to eat now. You and Azara can play together after dinner.” She promised her.
Melody frowned.
Thinking fast, Ariel smiled down at her daughter before picking her up for a hug.
“Guess who will be at dinner?”
Melody’s eyes lit up.
“Aunt Arista!” She said happily.
“That’s right. Come on. Let’s go see her.” With that, Ariel swam out of the room, carrying Melody in her arms.
When they got to the table, Melody spotted her fast becoming favorite aunt right away.
She broke free of Ariel’s hold and swam over to her.
“Aunt Arista!” She shouted with excitement.
“Hey, sweetie.” Arista greeted her. “Are you ready to eat?”
Melody nodded.
It was then that one of Ariel’s other nieces, a mermaid with strawberry blond hair and blue eyes saw Ariel.
She swam for her and gave her aunt a big hug.
“Aunt Ariel! You’re here! I didn’t know you were coming!” The girl squealed.
“Hey, Pearl.” Ariel greeted, hugging her back. Pearl was one of her favorite nieces by far.
She was nothing like her second cousin. She was a sweetheart and very caring towards others. She got excited about things like Ariel, but she also had a level head about her.
For only being eleven-years-old, she was a smart one.
“Are you here for a long time?” Pearl asked hopefully.
Ariel shook her head.
“I’m staying for a week.” She replied. “But I promise, we’ll hang out together before I leave.”
“Yes!” Pearl cheered happily.
“Melody, come here, honey.” Ariel called. “It’s time to eat now.”
Melody obeyed right away. She almost always listened to Ariel.
Pearl grinned upon seeing the youngster in Ariel’s arms.
“She’s so cute!” Pearl gushed. “What’s her name?”
“melody.” Ariel replied. “She’s three.”
“Hi Melody.” Pearl said brightly. “I’m your cousin, Pearl. I like your barrette. Pink is my favorite color.”
“Thank you.” Melody said as she sat down next to Ariel and across from Zara and Andrina. She turned to Ariel and whispered not too quietly, “Mommy, Pearl’s not mean.”
Ariel shook her head as she tried not to giggle.
“This is a different Pearl, sweetie.” She explained.
Melody nodded.
Pearl wasn’t offended by the child’s comment. She knew she wasn’t trying to be mean.
“I’m sorry.” Ariel apologized for her daughter. “She thought you were…”
“It’s okay.” Pearl said. “I understand. I like you too.” She said, turning to Melody. “Would you like me to read to you after dinner?”
“Okay!” Melody agreed.
It was then that Triton called everyone’s attention to the front.
“I would like to make a toast to Ariel and Melody. May their stay here be filled with love and good times. And may their journey back home be safe.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” Ariel said as she blushed a little bit.
Pearl tried hard not to giggle.
During dinner, everyone talked amongst themselves. They all wanted to know about Ariel’s life on land and what she had been up to.
Ariel obliged her sisters and nieces, as well as Urchin with some stories in between bites of seaweed pasta and vegetable casserole.
After dinner was over, Pearl took Melody into the family room to read to her.
Azara went with them as did Aquata’s youngest daughter, Cadence.
This left Ariel with some time to herself. She spent it unpacking and talking with her sisters and Urchin.
She found out that Urchin had a girlfriend and was hoping to ask her to marry him in the next few months.
Ariel was truly happy for her brother. She knew he had once had a puppy love crush on her. She was glad that was over and they had remained good friends ever since.
“I think Pearl has made a friend in Melody for life.” Andrina said as she made herself comfortable next to Ariel.
“I think you’re right.” Ariel agreed. She sighed happily as she gazed around the familiar room.
“What is it?” Andrina asked worriedly. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. I’m fine. “ Ariel replied. “I’m just happy to be back home for a while. That’s all.”
Andrina grinned and pulled her little sister close.
“It’s good to have you home again, El.” She said. “We’ve really missed you and Melody.”
“We’ve missed you too.” Ariel assured her. With that, she closed her eyes for a minute as she felt Andrina start to stroke her hair.
Before Ariel knew it, two hours had gone by. It was time to get Melody ready for bed. In fact, all the younger ones had to go to bed.
“Well I guess it’s time to get the little ones ready for B-E-D.” Ariel said as she stretched and went towards the door.
Andrina followed close behind. She knew Azara wouldn’t give her too much trouble. She was usually good about her bedtime.
The two mothers poked their heads into the family room and smiled at the sight they found.
Pearl was sitting in the middle of the floor with Melody and Zara sitting around her.
The pre-teen was in the middle of telling one of her exciting stories.
Andrina had a feeling that her eldest was going to be a great writer one day.
The two adults waited until Pearl was done before making the announcement.
“All right you guys,” Ariel started. “It’s bedtime.”
Azara went without complaint, but Melody was a different story.
“Mommy, I’m not tired!” She said just as a yawn escaped her lips.
Ariel tried not to giggle, but it was hard.
“You’re not tired, huh?” She said gently. “Well, I beg to differ. Come on, honey.” With that, she picked Melody up and carried her out of the room.
Getting to her old bedroom, she set Melody on the bed and went to look for her pajamas.
Once she had gotten Melody ready for bed, she began their routine they often did at home. She figured this would help Melody adjust better.
She had cuddle time with her and sung her a few songs.
By the time Ariel was done singing “In Harmony” Melody was fast asleep.
“That’s what I thought.” She said while smiling down at her. “I love you, my sweet Melody. I’ll see you in the morning.” With that, Ariel held her daughter for a few more minutes before laying her down and preparing herself for sleep as well.
It had been a long day for both of them and Ariel wanted to be well rested for the days ahead…
