Wallus Whale loved to explore in the water. His mother always warned him not to stray too far. Wallus, being the obedient whale he is, always did as he was told. Wallus loved playing with his other Beach Buddies. Derek Dolphin was one of his favorite playmates because Derek could come out into the ocean with him. Sharon Shark could as well but Sharon had to stay home today. Cassidy Crab would sometimes catch a ride with Derek or Sharon as would Tucker Turtle.

After playing with Derek for about an hour, Wallus Whale's mom came to call him in. It was almost time for bed and his mother didn't want him wound up before bedtime. As Wallus readied for bed he mentioned to his mother that Sharon had asked them all if they could explore tomorrow. Mrs. Whale said that he could and as always told him not to stray too far from their home. Wallus fell asleep dreaming of everything he would find tomorrow.

Wallus awoke the next morning excitement shooting through him. It took him a moment to realize that today all the Ocean Buddies would be able to explore. He awoke and swam out of his house to where his mom was preparing breakfast.

"Hi Momma Whale!"

"Good morning Wallus. What's got you so excited?"

"The Ocean Buddies and I are exploring today."

With that Wallus left his laughing mother to meet with his friends. His breakfast was forgotten.

As Wallus approached the meeting place he saw that Derek and Tucker had not arrived. Cassidy was on a log that was tied to Sharon's tail with some long pieces of kelp.

"Hi Wallus!" They chorused.

"Hi guys! Do you know when Derek and Tucker are arriving?"

"Derek should be back soon. He left to go get Tucker a while ago."

The Ocean buddies splashed water at each other while the waited for their friends.

Soon they saw Derek with Tucker swimming behind him. Tucker was able to be out in the ocean without having to be towed but he often got lost so Derek would go guide him. His home was a ways away from Wallus Whale's home and since Wallus had to stay near his home they always met near Wallus' home. All the ocean buddies greeted each other.

"Hi Tucker!" Wallus excitedly called to his pal.

"Hey Wallus! Hi Sharon and Cassidy!" Tucker replied just as excitedly.

After the friends all said there hellos, they made a plan for exploring.

"We haven't been to the old cave recently." Stated Tucker.

"Ya let's go there!" Cassidy agreed.

They group began to head towards the cave when Wallus remembered he needed to tell his mom if he was going to the cave. He mentioned that to the group.

"Ok! Hurry though because we want to explore as much as possible!" Sharon told him.

Wallus and Sharon turned at the same time causing Sharon's tail to slap Wallus.

"Ow!" Cried Wallus. "That really hurt Sharon!"

Wallus' eyes filled with tears and his skin was red where Sharon had accidentally slapped him.

"I am so sorry Wallus! I didn't mean to!" Sharon felt so bad as she apologized.

"You could've turned after me! I'm not coming! I don't wanna be friends with a bully."

Wallus sped home crying all the way.

Mrs. Whale had been watching Wallus and his friends and was at the door of their house when he approached. She had been expecting him to ask to go to the cave and was in for a surprise when he had tears in his eyes.

"What happened Wallus?" Mrs. Whale asked in concern.

"Sharon is a bully!" Wallus exclaimed tears streaming down his face.

"Wallus Whale! Do not call your friend a bully!" Mrs. Whale was appalled at her son's. language and sent him to his room