Author's note: I just need to tell you, that I forgot to put this chapter up as I used Chapter 4 for when they did go to San Lorenzo. This chapter shows Arnold winning the contest.

Chapter 3 - And The Winner Is...

OCTOBER 28TH

October 20th have passed and Arnold was sitting down at his desk at P.S118. Until then an announcement was heard.

"Students please head to the auditorium immediately!" Principal Wartz said importantly.

"OK class, you heard what your principal said, form a line from height, single file" said Mr. Simmons. So all the students lined up from Eugene to Stinky. "Right, off we go!" and so they walked one line all the way to the auditorium.

AT THE AUDITORIUM

All the students were sitting down, awaiting for Wartz. None of them knew what was going on.

"Maybe they're looking for a charming, good looking girl for Vogue magazine?" said Rhonda vainly.

"Or maybe they're looking for a new school president!" wondered Phoebe, "What do think Helga?" she asked.

Helga just sniffed, "Probably nothing to big." The other girls just looked at her, but Helga was just a girl with a dysfunctional family life. At last Wartz arrived on stage with a very important woman with him.

"Class, I called you all here today, because this wonderful woman here had told us that a winner was made here at P.S118 for the 'Student World Travelling Essay' contest. This is a contest where students, all around the country, enter in an essay contest of a country they like to study about. Today, I would like to bring Mrs Gordy to the podium." he said and everyone clapped for her.

"Thank you Mr. Wartz and students. Today is a special day for this special someone. This student, who have won the first prize in the essay contest is..." all the students looked with hope that maybe one of them won. "...Arnold Shortman!" she announced. Everyone gasped, including Arnold. Arnold have never won anything before.

"Arnold and his class mates will be heading to San Lorenzo on November 4th on an all expense paid trip by boat." she announced. The 5th grade cheered and whooped, even Principal Wartz. Arnold came up the podium.

"Thank you Mrs. Gordy, I feel honored for winning this contest, I, like my friends, am looking to this trip. We will study all we can about San Lorenzo." he said, "And to the people who entered, better luck next time." and he winked.

AFTER SCHOOL

Arnold raced home happily. As he got to the door, he cheered and cheered. Phil, Gertie and even some boarders were wondering what he was happy about.

"Hey Shortman, what are you so happy about, you gotta girlfriend?" he teased.

"No" chuckled Arnold, "My class and I won that essay contest, we're going to San Lorenzo next week!"

"Oh that's wonderful Arnold...what contest?" Phil asked.

"The contest that I will find my parents with, by writing an essay." he told him.

"Oh yes" chuckled Phil and he and Gertie hugged their grandson.

TWO BEFORE THERE TRIP

Arnold was packing his things ready for his trip. Phil then came in.

"Whoa there Shortman, you look like that your packing at the last minute" said Phil.

"Well I am excited, that's all" said Arnold. Phil chuckled. He then later see Arnold putting a picture of his mum and dad in the suitcase.

"Arnold, if you don't find your parents, please don't be disappointed, because you may have done your best and we hired search parties everywhere to find your parents." said Phil.

"But Grandpa, I have this!" and Arnold showed him the map.

"Well, it could be possible, I don't know, but like you always think of, 'Always looking on the bright side'" said Phil and chuckled and so did Arnold.

"After you pack, dinner is ready, I've ordered some chinese as Pookie is off to her karate class." said Phil.

"Alright grandpa" said Arnold.

E.O.C 3