Topsey

Everyone started arriving early. Mr. and Mrs. Seahorse arrived with their six babies riding in Mr. Seahorse’s pocket. They found a nice little puddle at the edge of the cove where the babies could play.

The Angel Fish school arrived. The Eel students came in a straight line, right up to the mouth of the cave to say hello. The Starfishes arrived and started practicing their circles in the water. The cove was getting crowded! But the tide was low, and there was a nice wide beach all around the cove, so there was room for everyone.

Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin. The turtles gathered in the school, and then they swam out into the cove. Maxie and Cheryl went first, since they were graduating this year, followed by Waxie and Beryl, followed by Tivy riding on Topsey’s back. They all carried sticks with bright ribbons floating in the breeze. When they got to the middle of the cove, they split up with Maxie going left, followed by Waxie. Cheryl turned right, followed by Beryl. Topsey and Tivy just turned around and swam straight back. The turtles took their places in the band, and the first song they played was a march, very powerful and stirring.

Mermaid then came up to the front and presented certificates to the graduates. After everyone got settled,

Tivy announced, “Let the fun begin!”

The band started playing a hip-hop song, and Tivy started dancing. The crowd went wild! They thought it was wonderful! They were clapping and singing and enjoying themselves. Then, the band played another hip-hop song, and Tivy put on a show! Everyone was having a great time.

Next the Starfish School presented their act. They made circles and beautiful geometric designs in the water. The band played a beautiful song while the starfish danced. The Angel Fish came next. They danced a beautiful flowing dance. Again, the band had beautiful music to play. At the end of their dance, the Eels slid into the water and gave a light show under and around the Angel Fish. The band had special music prepared for each act. The Mermaids presented their water ballet, and Beryl had really outdone herself preparing their music. The crowd watched in awe because the Mermaids were so beautiful.

The Dolphins came and presented their acrobatic act, jumping over and under each other and making a big splash. There were several other acts, but the Octopus School had the grand finale. They were splendid! They made a big circle with their arms touching in the middle. They spread again, going to the edge of the cove, and then coming back into their circle. Then they put the arm that was on the inside of the circle up in the air and swam around in a pinwheel. They separated again to the edge of the cove and then swept back into their circle, again making their column in the middle and there was Tivy at the top of the column! Topsey had snuck under the water with Tivy while the Octopuses made their big circle. Then when they came back together, Topsey had brought Tivy up to the top of the water and the Octopuses had picked him up and swooped him up to the top of the column. Then they did a fast pinwheel with Tivy riding at the top. He squealed with delight. Then suddenly, the column collapsed and Tivy plummeted down! The crowd let out a big gasp! But then, Topsey rose to the top of the water with Tivy on his back. The other four students made a circle around him. Everyone cheered and clapped. Tivy was the hit of the show!