I do not own The little Mermaid
Chapter 2: Homecoming Game
Ariel
The morning sunlight streamed through Ariel's window, casting warm golden rays across her room. She blinked a few times, groaning softly as she stretched beneath her blankets. Another school day. Another chance for Vanessa to find a new way to make her life miserable.
With a sigh, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded across the room to her closet. As much as she dreaded school, she knew it was necessary. Being in the choir, getting good grades, and participating in events like homecoming would all help her get into a great college. Still, none of that made dragging herself out of bed any easier.
As she pulled on her favorite jeans and a cozy sweater, voices drifted from the hallway outside her bedroom door. Ariel furrowed her brows. Her sisters were up early, and they sounded excited. That was unusual.
Curiosity got the best of her, and she stepped into the hallway. "Hey, good morning," she greeted, glancing between them.
Her oldest sister turned with a grin. "Oh, Ariel! We were just talking about the homecoming game tonight! We're all going—especially since you're singing the national anthem."
Ariel's heart skipped a beat. They were going? All of them? She had figured her sisters might show up, but hearing they were excited made her unexpectedly happy.
"Wait—does that mean Dad's coming too?" she asked, trying to keep the hopefulness out of her voice.
Her sisters exchanged looks before nodding. "Yeah, he's coming. He made sure to clear his schedule," one of them confirmed. "This is going to be the best night ever."
Ariel's lips parted slightly in surprise. Her dad hardly ever had time for school events. He was always too busy with work. But tonight, he was actually coming. That meant something.
Before she could dwell on it too long, her sister clapped her hands. "But, you should get going. School's about to start, and your sisters are waiting in the car."
Right. Another day of high school drama before the big game. Ariel grabbed her backpack and headed out the door, bracing herself for whatever nonsense Vanessa had in store for her that day.
Tonight would be unique. But first, she had to survive the day.
Vanessa
Vanessa is still basking in the thrill of humiliating Ariel yesterday. Nothing was more satisfying than knocking that goody-two-shoes down a peg. Jessica had been the school's queen for years, and Vanessa had been her loyal right-hand. But then Ariel came along—pretty, talented, and, worst of all, admired. The attention that once belonged to Vanessa was shifting, and she refused to let that happen.
No. She was the queen of this school, and no one—not even Ariel—would change that.
Taking Eric, the school's star quarterback, had been an easy win. The poor fool didn't even know he was just a pawn. He was handsome, sure, but Vanessa didn't care about love. She cared about power, and Eric had plenty of it. His family was loaded, and she had influence with him wrapped around her finger. The next step in her plan? Make sure Ariel never sang at the homecoming game.
Because if the school heard her voice, they'd love her even more. And Vanessa couldn't allow that.
She was about to leave for school when her mother, Ursula, stopped her at the door. The older woman handed her a sleek, elegant bottle filled with a strangely shimmering liquid.
"Vanessa, take this with you and make sure Ariel drinks it," Ursula said smoothly. "Even a single sip and she won't be able to make a sound tonight. After that, dump it. No evidence, no problem."
Vanessa smirked. "You really do think of everything, Mother."
Ursula smiled, placing a manicured hand on her daughter's cheek. "That's why we live the way we do, sweetheart. Winners take what they want."
Vanessa tucked the bottle into her designer purse and kissed her mother's cheek. "Love you, Mother."
"Love you too. Now go take what's yours."
With renewed confidence, Vanessa strode to her car, gripping the steering wheel as she thought about how to get Ariel to drink it. It wouldn't be complex—Ariel was too naïve, too trusting. All it would take was the right moment.
As she pulled into the school parking lot, she spotted her two best friends, Breanne and Kim, waiting for her near the entrance.
"Hey, girls," Vanessa greeted, flipping her hair. "Have you seen Eric?"
Breanne grinned. "He's practicing on the football field."
Kim, always the follower, nodded. "We were waiting for you before we went to see him."
Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Well, let's not stand around like idiots. Let's go."
As they made their way to the field, Vanessa spotted Ariel standing off to the side, watching Eric.
Perfect.
Vanessa smirked, striding up to her rival with deliberate steps. "Well, well. Staring at my boyfriend, are you? Thinking about stealing him from me?"
Ariel's eyes widened, and she shook her head. "No, I wouldn't do that! I—I should go. I need to practice and see my friends." She looked flustered and embarrassed, and Vanessa reveled in it.
But before leaving, Vanessa reached into her bag and pulled out the bottle.
"Here," she said sweetly. "My mom made this for you. It'll help with your voice tonight."
Ariel hesitated. She was obviously skeptical, but Vanessa knew she wouldn't outright refuse. That wasn't her nature.
"Well… thank you," Ariel said slowly. "I'll drink it later."
Vanessa forced a smile. "Just bring the bottle back to me when you're done. See you later, loser."
She barely turned around before Eric walked up, his usual cocky grin in place.
"Well, hello, ladies," he greeted, throwing an arm around Vanessa. His gaze drifted to Ariel, and for the first time, Vanessa saw a flicker of interest in his expression. "Is this your friend, Vanessa?"
Oh no, absolutely not.
"No, she isn't," Vanessa snapped quickly. "Let's go, Eric. Class is about to start."
But Eric wasn't listening. Instead, he turned to Ariel with a charming smile. "What's your name?"
Ariel hesitated. "I-It's Ariel."
Vanessa clenched her teeth.
Eric gave her a slight nod. "Nice meeting you. Hope to see you at the game tonight." He winked before turning back to Vanessa.
Vanessa barely concealed her irritation as she pulled Eric along, seething on the inside. Ariel was already stealing attention that didn't belong to her.
But after tonight, she wouldn't be able to steal anything again.
Ariel
Ariel could hardly wait to see Flounder and Sebastian. They would love to hear what had just happened.
Flounder was a shy underclassman who preferred the quiet company of anime and video games over the chaos of high school drama. He was awkward but sweet, always looking up to Ariel as an older sister. Sebastian, on the other hand, was full of personality. A talented actor in the school's drama program, he had a flair for the theatrical and always encouraged Ariel to embrace her talent. She had even sung in a few of his plays before.
When Ariel entered the cafeteria, she immediately spotted them sitting at their usual table. Sebastian enthusiastically waved her over.
"Ariel! Good thing you're here," he called out. "Flounder just said something exciting. Go on, tell her!"
Flounder's face turned bright red. He fidgeted in his seat, glancing down at his food tray like it held all the answers in the universe.
"Well… you see…" he started hesitantly. "I—I think I like this girl. But every time I try to talk to her, I just… I start stuttering. I don't know what to do."
Ariel smiled warmly. He looked so shy, so nervous—it was adorable.
"I'd start with a simple 'hi' and go from there," she suggested. "You don't have to say anything fancy. Just be yourself. She'll pick up on how you feel."
Flounder's expression brightened. "Really? You think that'll work?"
Ariel nodded. "Absolutely."
Flounder took a deep breath, then, with newfound confidence, stood up and walked across the cafeteria. Ariel followed his gaze and saw a girl with short brown hair and bright blue eyes. She smiled to herself as she watched him approach her.
Sebastian leaned in, grinning. "See? You're like a dating guru now."
Ariel chuckled, shaking her head. "If only I could take my own advice."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what do you mean?"
Ariel let out a dreamy sigh. "You wouldn't believe what just happened before I got here."
"This doesn't sound good," Sebastian said immediately, narrowing his eyes. He could always tell when something was wrong.
Ariel hesitated before continuing. "Well… I ran into Vanessa. You know, being her usual self, all smug and acting like she owns the school. But then Eric showed up."
Sebastian's interest was piqued. "Oh?"
Ariel twirled a strand of hair around her finger, unable to hide her excitement. "He actually talked to me. And I totally froze. I couldn't even say anything! But then—he said he hopes to see me at the game tonight."
Sebastian smirked. "Oh, Ariel. After he hears you sing, he will fall madly in love."
Ariel laughed, her cheeks warming. If only that were true.
Halfway through class, it was time for Ariel to head to the choir room and prepare for her performance tonight. Butterflies danced in her stomach—this was the biggest crowd she'd ever performed for. She had to be perfect.
As she reached her locker, she realized how thirsty she was. That's when she remembered the drink Vanessa had given her earlier.
Ariel hesitated for a second. Vanessa wasn't exactly trustworthy, but… surely she wouldn't give her anything terrible. Right? Maybe—just maybe—Vanessa actually felt bad for how she treated her earlier.
Shaking off her doubts, she took a sip.
Immediately, something felt wrong.
Ariel's throat tightened. Her voice—her singing voice—felt like it had been ripped away. Panic shot through her as she tried to hum a note—nothing came out.
Her heart pounded. She grabbed her throat, trying again. Still silence.
No, no, no!
This couldn't be happening.
Ariel turned to her teacher in panic, eyes wide. The teacher, noticing her distress, rushed over. "Ariel, what's wrong?"
Ariel opened her mouth. She tried to explain, to tell her what had happened. Nothing.
The teacher's expression darkened. "Oh no… if we don't find a replacement soon, this isn't go well."
Before Ariel could process the words, the door swung open.
Vanessa walked in, smirking.
"I heard Ariel's having a little problem," she purred. "I'd be happy to step in and sing the anthem tonight."
Ariel's stomach dropped.
It all clicked into place.
The drink. The sudden loss of her voice.
This had been Vanessa's plan all along.
Ariel clenched her fists. She should have known.
