Ch. 1

Disclaimer: I do not own any trademark or brand mentioned in my fan fic.

A/N: I decided to edit the chapters. It is pretty much along the same lines, but this time Arnold transfers in the week before Spring Break. Oh, and I started my summer course, so sorry if the updates are slow. I have the other chapter almost done, but I am editing all my chapters. I will post it when I'm done!

Hey, Arnold! Hey, Arnold! Hey, Arnold! Arnold immediately reached up, and unplugged the alarm clock he had built from a potato long ago. Arnold knew that if he did not get up right now, Stella would come up and start yelling. Arnold was starting his first day as a senior at Hillwood High. It was the week before Spring Break, and Hillwood High was usually against letting seniors transfer this late in the school year, but the principal was a fan of his parents' research, so he let it slide. Arnold got out of bed and stretched, taking a look around his room. It looked exactly the same as he had left it. Grandpa thought it would be nice to add a couple more restrooms to the boarding house, and his room was one of the lucky ones to get a bathroom. Granted, it was not the biggest or fanciest bathroom, but it was better than waiting in line for the ones down the hall.

Arnold picked out some clothing and made his way into the shower. Arnold had only been back for a week, but he had already mastered getting in and out of the shower in 15 minutes in the mornings. Phil did not take into consideration that with more showers added, the quicker the hot water finished.

As Arnold dried his hair, he looked into the mirror, wondering if anyone would recognize him. Arnold decided against letting anyone know he was returning because he wanted to surprise everyone. Arnold stood at 5'11, had a toned physique with a golden tan due to his many years in the jungles of San Lorenzo, and his facial features hardened a bit. Arnold's little blue hat sat atop of his unruly blonde hair, although his hair was shorter.

Arnold pulled on some light-wash denim jeans, a white muscle shirt, and a red plaid long sleeve shirt over that. He slipped on his converse and picked up his backpack off the computer chair, and made his way down stairs.

"Hey, honey! Want some breakfast before you leave?" Stella said as Arnold walked into the kitchen. Arnold was surprised as to how well she adjusted to life in the city. They have only been back in Hillwood for about a week, but she took over Pookie's role in the boarding house almost immediately.

"Can I just have some coffee and some toast?" Arnold responded, joining the rest of the boarders at the table. Stella brought him his coffee and some toast on the side, and Arnold ate quietly, observing the boarders. All the original boarders were still there, with the exception of Mr. Smith and there were some new additions. Suzie and Oskar just recently had a baby girl, Anya, and much to Arnold's surprise, Oskar really cleaned up his act. He was no longer a bum, but a doting father who did all the housework and worked part-time at Mr. Greene's butcher shop. Suzie had worked her way up at the department store and became the manager. Ernie was still in construction and was engaged to a beautiful woman. Mr. Hyunh had opened up his own Mexican restaurant, and was focusing on building his relationship with his daughter.

"So son, are you excited for school?" Miles ruffled Arnold's hair.

"Yeah, dad, I actually am. I'm excited to see all my old friends, especially Helga. I'm excited to pick up where we left off." Arnold smiled and looked down to his coffee. Miles grinned; He knew how Arnold felt about Helga. Arnold had told him everything, like how before she and the rest of PS 118 left San Lorenzo, he kissed her, told her that I loved her, and had promised to wait for each, no matter what.

Helga and Arnold exchanged letters and pictures weekly for about 3 years, but then the letters started coming less frequent then she stopped responding to him about a year and a half ago, and Arnold had no idea why.

Arnold finished his breakfast and glanced over at the clock. It was 7:20, and it was time to go. Arnold stood up, and swung the backpack over his shoulder.

"Sweetie, here is your school schedule! Oh, good luck on your first day of school, baby!" Stella shoved a paper into Arnold's hands and hugged him tightly.

"Okay, mom. I'm leaving. I'll see you all after school."

Arnold arrived in front of Hillwood High at around 7:35, ten minutes until the first bell went off. Arnold pulled out his schedule, English IV at B.2.210 with Ms. DeGraw.

Arnold walked through the halls, hoping to see a familiar face. Everyone was in their own world, and when Arnold tried to ask help finding his class, no one acknowledging him. Great, Arnold thought, I'll probably be late to my first class. I don't even know the campus. Arnold saw a petite girl with jet black hair at a locker, and went up to her, hoping she'd direct him to his class.

"Sorry to bother you, but can you help me find B2.210?"

"Certainly, in fact I am heading in that direction," the girl talked into her locker. "I can accompany you, if you do not mind. I just-Oh my! A-Arnold?" She said when she finally looked up.

Arnold stood looking at her, confused. He nodded, unsure who this girl was.

"Oh my goodness! Arnold, it is me, Phoebe! How are you?!" she flung herself around his neck.

"Phoebe? Wow, it's great to see you. You look great!" Arnold picked her up and hugged her. Phoebe really blossomed into a gorgeous young lady. She was never ugly, but the years were good to her. She was a petite 5'1 with jet black shoulder length hair and choppy bangs. She was wearing some light-washed skinny jeans and a white v-neck with a powder blue cardigan.

"Ahem, I don't know who you are, but you best let go of my girl." Arnold heard a male voice say, and he put Phoebe down. "Much better, now walk on by before I beat ya ass."

Arnold spun around to see who was talking, and saw a black muscular male who stood at 6'1 wearing khaki cargo short, a red Chicago Bulls jersey, and red high tops.

"Gerald," Arnold exclaimed as he hugged him, "Gerald, it's me, Arnold!"

Gerald's eyes went wide, "Arnold? Arnold, my man! I missed you, buddy! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"I didn't tell anyone I was coming. I wanted to surprise everyone! I just got in last week." They heard the first bell ring.

"Let me see your schedule!" Gerald pulled the paper from his hands. "We have first period together, lunch and fifth period together. Oh, first period doubles as homeroom, so do not be late. They take attendance there. Oh, and almost all of the people from Mr. Simmons class are in that class. Now, c'mon, let's walk together."

Arnold smiled at Gerald and Phoebe, and they made their way to class. As they stepped into the classroom, they were greeted with many familiar faces, except for Helga. Gerald was right; homeroom basically consisted of everyone from PS 118. Gerald and Arnold decided to sit together towards the back of the class, and Phoebe, being the good student she was, sat up front. A tall, thin brunette woman walked into class, and Arnold assumed she was Ms. DeGraw. She started taking attendance, and as soon as she was done, he walked towards her desk, and introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you, Arnold. My, my, my, transferring in the week before Spring Break? Isn't that a little late?"

Arnold blushed and shrugged, "Well, I just came from South America. I was originally from Hillwood."

"I see." Ms. DeGraw stood up and raised her voice, "Class, this is Arnold Shortman. He just transferred in today. Now, just make him feel welcome." And with that she motioned him back to his seat.

Arnold walked back to his seat, and a curvy blonde girl walked in. "Ahhh, you're late, Miss Pataki…AGAIN." Ms. DeGraw smiled.