Disclaimer: I do not own Hey Arnold! or it's characters.

Chapter 13,

Dear Diary,

Well, my dad turned on the news to watch some theater get knocked down. He was excited because she they were going to build an 18-screen multiplex with surround sound, soft seats, huge screens, and best of all, high quality air conditioning.

I wasn't all that interested in seeing them knock down that old place, I mean, it's kinda decrepit since it's 500 years old. But imagine my surprise when I see Arnold's grandmother, all dressed up, and chained in front of the circle theater. I saw her talking to the guy driving the wreaking ball, and I didn't get a good look at him until later, but he's one of the boarders that lives with Arnold.

At 9:00 he hauled up the wreaking ball, and it was about to hit the building, when a limo drove up and Arnold jumped out, yelling for everyone to stop. Then the mayor stepped out and she introduced some singer named Dino Spumoni. Dad says that he's just an old crooner with a dying career. Mom says that she really likes his music, because it really speaks to her.

I haven't really heard his music, but when I listened to him speak, I couldn't help but smile. He really loves the Circle Theater and the memories he's made of singing his songs and punching photographers in the kisser. Which I thought was cool. It's one thing to be mean like that, even to be caught being mean, but willfully admitting something like that? That's kind of impressive. Of course, I also live in a world where Miriam thinks that she's either 'sober' or 'functionally drunk', and Bob thinks he's an easy person to get along with. Maybe it's just because they are normal people and they aren't forced to admit their own flaws. Still, if anyone can do that, then they're alright in my book.

Then Dino goes on to say that Arnold brought the issue to him and the mayor, so in order to save it, they declared the Circle Theater a city landmark.

That really angered Bob since he wanted that new theater. I told him to calm down, since they'll probably build it, but in a different location. He said that could take weeks or months, on top of the time it takes to actually build the thing. Last thing I saw was Arnold's grandmother and that wrecker smiling and patting him on the back. Maybe he made them both happy with the city landmark thing. Though, you know the mayor only did that because she's up for re-election.

Dear Diary,

I've been kinda worried about Arnold these past few days. See, he got mugged the other day. I heard rumors that his grandmother had been teaching him how to defend himself.

Now, I know she's a little wacky, but after seeing that old broad standing up to a wreaking ball without flinching, you just know she's tough as steel.

Today, I went to Arnold's because he was showcasing what he learned. I got to say, I really loved the part where he kicked a soda canoff Harold's head, because fat boy passed out. I'd be lying if I said that performance did nothing for me.

It's just...

Arnold has this look of boredom and occasional anger on his face. As much as I liked it, I couldn't help but feel like 'this is not my Arnold'. I don't want to see him scared to walk out of his house, though. I've been walking around this town alone, since I was 3 years old, and sometimes bad things happened. If Arnold needs this self-defense training in order to heal from a traumatic event, then who am I to judge him. I don't know, hopefully he'll be better by tomorrow.

Dear Diary,

Arnold showed up to school wearing his gi and he definitely wasn't himself. He pushed Eugene in his locker when he walked past. And then he scared Billy, making him scream at the top of his lungs, and he dropped all of his books. And instead of helping him up, Arnold stood there, with his fists raised, as if to challenge Billy to fight him.

I was shocked beyond belief. Arnold was basically acting like a bully, and that's not who I fell in love with. It's kinda odd, because I can understand exactly what Arnold's going through. He's scared and he feels powerless, so he's acting mean to overcompensate for his own insecurities.

I feel like I should do something, but what? If I go up and talk to him, he'll thwack me before I get a chance to speak. And you know, even if he doesn't hurt me, he's in no mood to listen to anyone. I mean, I didn't even see Gerald getting that close to him today. You know, it's like he's turned into me; or, if possible, a more violent version of me. If you ask me, the only way to get him to listen to anyone right now, is to beat him in a fight and force him to pay attention to you...

Oh, Criminy, don't tell me I have to do that?!? If I go up against Arnold, he'll pummel me! Of course... if I do nothing... he might stay that way forever... GRRRRRR, Dang It!!! (Sigh)

You know, maybe I should wait a few days before doing anything. Maybe this will clear up without my help, like when he was with Frankie G. At least that way I can give him the chance to turn back on his own; and I can give myself the opportunity to work out, in case I do need to go up against him.

I wonder... I wonder if I could ask Arnold's grandmother to teach me the same karate lessons she taught Arnold. That might be an insane idea, but she an insane lady.

Ok. I'm gonna go over to Arnold's and ask her to be my teacher. I won't take 'no for an answer, and if I need to, I'll battle Arnold myself. If he beats me to a bloody pulp, then fine. I'll just have to get up again and again until he listens to reason.

Dear Diary,

When I finally made my way to the boarding house, I saw Arnold and his grandmother walking into the building, talking about drinking tea and hot chocolate. But I got hopeful when I saw that Arnold wasn't wearing his sweatband from earlier.

I went over to the window, and I saw them in the kitchen. They were telling Arnold's grandfather that Arnold got his bus pass back from the jerk that stole it and made him run scared.

This gave me some more hope that Arnold was back to his old self. So, in the end, I decided not to ask karate grandma to be my teacher. But I think I'll check out a book about karate tomorrow, for future reference.

Dear Diary,

Mom was watching Arnold video of Olga's playing piano, and she suddenly asked dad why he never spends time with his daughter anymore. Dad was in the next room, on the phone, and I was sitting beside him, reading a magazine, so he thought she was talking about me. (Sigh)

Bob made a deal with some outdoor equipment store named Harvey's. They sell some of his beepers in his store, and he'll sell some of their stuff in his store. He's thinking about selling some of their new products, but he's gonna personally test out the camping equipment.

But now he's gonna drag me along for the ride. I asked if I could bring Phoebe and he said sure. Oddly enough she seemed rather enthusiastic about the opportunity. Dad's almost done packing this stupid looking RV, all the while talking on the phone to someone named Jer.

I'm kind of annoyed at the whole situation, because I know my dad doesn't really want to spend time with me. This is all suppose to trick me into thinking he's a good dad, when he's just doing this for his job and to get Miriam off of his back.

Oh, well. Perhaps I should at least try to go and have a good time, even if past events suggest that I'm wrong.

What the...? Are you kidding me? He's packing this portable fridge to take when we go hiking. Man, I bet he expects me to lug that thing around. Well, maybe if I keep telling him that I hate hiking, we won't take one, and then I won't have to wear it. I better bring you along.

Dear Diary,

You'll never guess who we ran into (not physically, mind you). We pull into our campsite and Phoebe points out that Gerald, Arnold and his grandfather were set up in the campsite right next to ours. I was shocked, but I tried my best to contain it.

And it's not like I thought Phoebe was lying, or anything; but I just had to see this for myself. I went outside and I saw Arnold and Gerald sitting on a log, while Arnold's grandfather burned, what appeared to be, pancakes.

I was so happy to see that football-headed king of my heart. I thought maybe, in this naturally beautiful scenery, maybe I could get Arnold alone and finally tell him that I'm in love with him. I kinda ran across the idea to hike up to Ophelia's Overlook. I know what I said before, but it would be worth it, if I actually got to confess my feelings to Arnold and I found that he loved me back.

Now, I should have known that wouldn't have occurred, when I saw the name 'Ophelia'. I mean, she loves Hamlet, but when Hamlet kills her father, she is conflicted by the love she feels for Hamlet, and her rage of him murdering her father, and the mourning of his loss, and she simply goes mad until she drowns. Not the best ending one looks for when telling someone you love, your feelings.

First, Phoebe and I went over to the boys, to make sure that they knew we were there. Then, it occurred to me that they would be more willing to go on a hike with us, if they are with us first. We had plenty of food, and dad liked using the grill, so it was really easy to get Bob to invite them over for some eats.

That is one good thing about Bob. He really doesn't mind/care about sharing food with others and junk like that; just so long as he's comfortable. Say the right things to him, and he can be surprisingly generous.I gave them plenty of food, and after they had a moment to hork it down, I suggested we use dad's new equipment to go on the hike. Phoebe almost ruined the plan, I didn't tell her, by stating that I repetitively stayed that I hated hiking. Though a little hesitant, Arnold agreed and we went on our hike.

I was right about carrying that stupid fridge. Yet I couldn't help but smile because Arnold (and Gerald) slowed down a little to walk with me.

When we finally got to Ophelia's Overlook, we started having problems. First the high tech GPS tracker Phoebe was carrying wouldn't stop beeping, so Bob tosses it over the edge. Then I opened the fridge and I see all of the food in it has spoiled. It must have gone bad way before we even got to the campsite. Bob threw that over as well, so at least I wouldn't have to walk down with it.

And for a brief moment, I was alone with Arnold, just like I wanted. I was trying to get up enough courage, and the right words to confess my feelings, when Bob announced that we were gonna head back to camp for lunch. Man, all that work for 5 seconds of private time with Arnold, and he didn't even look at me.

We started walking back and we were walking around for so long. The sun was going down before Bob shocked himself and finally told us that he had no clue where he was going. He was shouting at us and I was so scared; I thought he was about to hurt us. It's been a long time since I had felt that small and defenseless. Then I was so scared about being lost in the woods, that I started screaming.

But that's when Arnold calmed me down and told us that his grandfather taught them some survival skills and they could bring us back home. It was so cute when Arnold saw some berries and started eating them. Phoebe said she admires Gerald's survival skills, and I didn't say anything, but I felt the same way about Arnold. We are young, but we should try to make ourselves adaptable to any situation so that we can care for ourselves, and others.

Now we followed Arnold as he guided our way back to camp. Of course dad refused to eat the berries Arnold offered his, so Gerald and I ended up dragging him along with some pulling device Arnold and Phoebe put together.

I kinda wish that dad would have listened to Arnold. Maybe he didn't believe Arnold because of young age. Still, if I succeed in earning Arnold's heart, he's got to learn how to respect Arnold and his opinion/advice or else I would just cut my family out of my life forever. After all, there's not much glue to keep me around. Heck, maybe after running through all that poison ivy, he'll do a better job of listening to Arnold in the future.

But I got to say, my favorite part of this whole experience, was sitting in Arnold's campsite, roasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs together. Maybe when we're old enough, we'll go camping together and we'll have a grand time. Are camp dates a thing? I don't know, but I'd be willing to try with Arnold.

Dear Diary,

Phoebe was hanging out with Gerald today, and he told her about Arnold getting this package for a very private boarder named Mr. Smith. The other boarders said that this must be an unusual package, because the guy hasn't had any packages delivered in the past three years he's lived there.

Gerald went over there, since he heard from Fuzzy Slippers about the package, and he wanted to see what was inside it. But Arnold is a man of honor, and he didn't want to do that. Although, they had to do something, because the boarders were physically breaking their necks to break into Arnold's room.

Since they didn't know much about Mr. Smith, they went to Toller's Bowler's to get the man's work address. They snuck in, one on top of the other pretending to be an adult. That guy must have been desperate to not even question how they must have looked.

They got the address for Satellite Industries, so now Gerald thinks he's a spy. Of course they weren't in there long before the secretary kicked them out. They saw Mr. Smith get into a taxi and they followed him until he was up on a roof and flew away on a helicopter.

At that point, Gerald told Arnold they might as well open it, and Arnold clearly wanted to, but then a nun and preacher walked by and he just couldn't do it. They decided to head back to the house, hoping the other boarders forgot by then; they did not.

Those crazy jerks tied up Arnold's grandparents to lure Arnold into a trap. They ran up the stairs and they were almost to Arnold's room when the string on the package broke. They wrestled with the boarders, but in the end, they tore into it like a pack of starving wolves. Wow. Although knowing them, they will still act insane if that guy got another package.

You know, with the privacy, and secrecy, and lack of contact with the others, and yet seemingly rich person that Mr. Smith is... I almost wonder if he's actually some famous person and that's why he doesn't interact with anyone. If they recognize him, then others would find out he lives there, and he would require new living arrangements.

That's probably the most likely answer, but you want to know what would be cool? If there was a secret society of 'Mr. Smiths' in the city and they all use the boarding house, pretending to be one person.

That's why he is so private; because if they found out there's multiple Mr. Smiths over the years, then that location would be compromised. They had to wear the overcoat to hide their body shape or nationality, and they wore the bowler hat to hide the color of their hair, and they never spoke, so no one could recognize an accent, or lack there of.

Man, that's cool. I should totally write that down in case I get the desire to write a novel someday.

Dear Diary,

We were suppose to play a basketball game today, but almost no one showed up. It was me, Phoebe, Gerald, and surprisingly enough, Arnold.

Gerald kinda told us that Arnold's been having a hard time these past few days, because this obnoxious boarder, named Oskar, has forced Arnold to share his room with him.

Since there wasn't a lot of us there, Phoebe went ahead and asked Arnold to start from the beginning, which she didn't know much of.

Apparently Oskar and his wife got into another argument, but this time, she kicked him out. Having no where else to go, Oskar showed up in Arnold's room, climbed in his bed and went to sleep. Arnold decided not to make a big deal out of it, since it was just for a couple of days.Of course, Oskar quickly tested Arnold's patience's. He shut off Arnold's alarm, making him late for school. He refused to stop playing his saxophone while Arnold was studying, and then the next day he told Arnold he should have studied for his test harder. He made a terrible mess blending smoothies for his poker buddies. Friends who he invited over to play, without telling Arnold until they were knocking on his bedroom door. Oh, and he lost Arnold's CD player in a bet.

He tried to talk to this Oskar guy, about going somewhere else, but he blatantly ignored him. Finally, as a last resort kind of option, Arnold tried Gerald's idea of getting Oskar back together with his wife.

He talked to Susie and convinced her that Oskar wanted to have a candlelit dinner on the roof. It was such a romantic idea, she agreed to go. It was pretty easy and gross talking to Oskar, but he agreed to go as well.

Arnold set it all up, a romantic dinner with Tiki torches everywhere and the boarders playing in a live band. But it was practically wasted. They argued, Oskar kept stepping all over her feet as they danced, and when Arnold tripped, he dropped one of the cherry tarts, and Oskar ate his up instead of giving it to his wife. By that point, Susie stormed off, telling Oskar that he only cares about himself. Oskar asked what was wrong with her and Arnold said she was right about him being selfish, and then HE stormed off.

Then today, Arnold enters his room, and he sees Oskar packing up one of Arnold's suitcases, telling him that he was going to leave and find himself, but he did win Arnold's CD player back. When he was leaving, Susie left her room and saw him with the suitcase.

Knowing that he was going away, she was going to give him some money to take care of himself. But Oskar saw the look on her face and he just couldn't do it. He told her to keep the money and she just swooned. She welcomes him back with open arms and Arnold was thankful that they were back together.

I don't know about Susie, but if Oskar wants to keep her, he's gonna have to learn more about treating his wife the way she deserves. You know, in a small way, he reminds me of a sober version of Miriam.

I wonder is it's possible, that Oskar does all that gambling and such to make up for his own insecurities and failed dreams. I don't know if that would be true, though. If Oskar was having issues like that, surely Arnold would notice and try to help. Still, though, I wonder what that guy's deal is.

That was all that Arnold could read right now. It was time for him to go and returnthe key to Phoebe. But before he left, he took pictures of Helga's diary; many more this time, and me left the Pataki home.

And speaking of Pataki's, Miriam and Stella we're walking down the street, talking about movies they grew up watching. Surprisingly enough, Miriam and Stella got along rather well. They were laughing when they came across Donald's Den.

"Well, thank you for lunch Stella, but I think it's just about time to wet the old whistle." Miriam said. Stella bit her lip and she put a hand on Miriam's shoulder to stop her from going in.

"Or we could go get our nails done instead." Stella suggested and Miriam blinked a moment.

"You know, what is your deal, anyways? You said that you'd take me out to lunch as long as I didn't drink while we ate. I did that and now you want to get our nails done, instead of getting a drink?" Miriam said and Stella nodded.

"Yes, that's right." Stella said. Miriam brushes off Stella's hand and crossed her arms over her chest.

"We can have a drink and then go get our nails done if you want." Miriam said and Stella sighed.

"If you go in there, I'm going home." Stella warmed and Miriam scoffed.

"Oh, is that all? All I had to do is get a drink and you would have left me alone?" Miriam said and Stella shrugged.

"At least for today. I'll be back tomorrow to spend time with you." Stella said and Miriam took a step back, as if she slapped her.

"What? No you won't." Miriam said with a touch of Hope mixed into that disbelief.

"You stop spending time with me, the second you bring Alcohol to your lips. We can talk, we can hang out, do our nails, go shopping, go to a movie, but if you drink, I'll leave." Stella said firmly.

For a moment, Miriam watched her, trying to decipher how she felt about all of this. Miriam's whole mood went sour, and she turned her back to Stella.

"You won't be back." Miriam said, right before she walked into the bar. Stella took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, before she pushed the door opened. She didn't walk in, but she allowed the light to shine into the dark room and she waited to speak until Miriam turned and saw her.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Miriam." Stella said and Miriam's eyes widened slightly, when she realized Stella was really telling the truth.

Stella let go of the door and she went back to the boarding house. It was frustrating that she couldn't keep Miriam away from the bar, but she did the best she could. Stella wasn't going to accept the drinking, and she won't bail Miriam out if she gets into trouble.

Alcoholics only change when they are ready to change. All she can do, is try and be there for her while Miriam makes the decision for herself.