Author's Notes:

Hey guys. Recently got into the Hey Arnold! fandom again, mostly because I needed something uplifting and humorous after some Mad Men marathons LOL. I don't know why but I had a newfound respect for the character of Rhonda, starting with the fact that she was a rich kid in a public school who had no shame in flaunting her wealth. As a young adult, I had more respect for the writing of the show with episodes like Rhonda's Glasses, Helga's Makeover, Gerald's Secret, and more! But personally, from S4 onwards, it sometimes felt like the writers sort of phoned it in with some characters that seemed more complex? And for me, no episode is more evident of that than Rhonda Goes Broke. While the premise was whacky and over the top, the ending felt like a borderline insult to all the hardwork that the writers made to establish their side characters. But also, I am not fully informed of any possible creative control issues between the studio and the writers, so that may have been a factor.

Ultimately what inspired me to write my own story is the respect that other writers on this platform afford to these well-loved characters. I've read other fanfics of other programs, and they can get a bit too silly and out of touch with the source material. The Hey Arnold! fanfic material comes off as more than just fan service - they feel written by people who really loved the show. So here's to you guys!

**Also developed a slight interest in the Rhonda x Arnold shipping so this story will have elements of those, but without ignoring the fact that the creators really have Helga as Arnold's OTP. Therefore, in order to make the story work, the chronological order of episodes may be changed to my liking. Honestly, I don't know how this story shall end in a shipping perspective but I hope that you guys enjoy the ride.**

Constructive criticism most welcome. But please be kind with the constructive. Haha!

Prologue

Arnold finally stepped off the bus as it stopped just a few yards away from the Sunset Arms. All in all, it had been a fairly average Friday: Harold ran around the whole school screaming "MOMMY" when he accidentally spilled some tapioca onto and was subsequently chased by Wolfgang. Curly was eyeing more Winky Land pencils to possibly frame Eugene for any (perceived) future slights. Gerald was trying to be smooth with Phoebe by showing off his dodgeball skills, but in the process of throwing a real whammy, his intended recipient miraculously avoided contact, causing the ball to ricochet and...well it didn't go smoothly.

Ok, normal for him. He is a football-headed kid living in Hillwood after all. The only surprising thing that stood out was that he had no plans for the weekend. Ok, maybe that wasn't entirely true...

...There was one thing that sort of irked the young boy as he recalled the moments that made up his day. Particularly his mind was on one Rhonda Wellington Lloyd, who on this day seemed more determined - and given her penchant for being excessively showy and vain, that is really saying something - to show off her wealth and pedigree to him and the other "brownbaggers." Even after school had ended, she just had to humiliate Stinky for the fact that he couldn't pay 55 cents for the newly inflated bus fare. To add insult to injury, when Gerald told Rhonda off, she had a very smug remark ready, as if she knew such a comment was coming her way.

Possibly second to Helga G. Pataki, Rhonda really frustrated Arnold, and for very similar reasons. Just as he felt that Helga was, deep down, a good person trying to go the extra extra extra mile to be mean and tough because something forces her to keep her true person restrained, Arnold always thought that there was so much more to Rhonda.

Truth be told, this idea was not without any basis. He was well aware that despite her growing obsession into fashion and snob girl culture, Rhonda was cool to have on adventures. She was with them when they tried to unearth the treasure of Wheezin' Ed on Elk Island. She was willing to hurt and humiliate herself repeatedly when they attempted to break any world record.

She was a phenomenal athlete, as Arnold remembered how she can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Harold and even fifth graders on the grid iron; heck, he can even bet that for just one play, Rhonda might even be able to maneuver well enough to knock down Wolfgang. Sadly, he couldn't say the same for her skills in the bowling alley.

But most importantly, Arnold knows that when push comes to shove, there is so much more, substantially more, deep within Rhonda, that can outshine her superficial exterior. He remembered how Rhonda single handedly stopped the geek-cool kids seating dynamic in the school bus. Her courage to stand up for herself after all is what inspired him to back her up that day. Admittedly, that was also a moment of redemption for Arnold, as he felt that Rhonda saw right through him when she denied his kindness to sit with him and Gerald during lunchtime. He couldn't believe that thanks to Rhonda, then "Queen of the Geeks," helped him realize the difference between kindness and pity without even trying to.

Unfortunately, time and time again, he would see Rhonda slip back into old habits. The Cool Party really comes to mind. While he was flattered (and in all honesty, ecstatic) that Rhonda would put him in her cool list, even being on the top of said list, he was utterly disappointed to see that it was just a venue for Rhonda to be petty and exercise her snooty and haughty behavior to people she thought would accept it. He and the rest of the neighborhood had to one-up her that night just to teach her some humility. Unfortunately, she didn't keep that lesson to heart.

Arnold just really wished that, like Helga, Rhonda would just keep growing into the good, humble and beautiful person she can truly become, if not for her vanity and superiority complex. Yes, Arnold did find Rhonda objectively beautiful. She was tall, slender, admittedly had wicked fashion sense, well maintained hair, and good skin (she was a rich kid after all). While his first crush may have been Ruth McDougal, and he still pines for the affections of Lila Sawyer, not to mention he thought of the enigmatic "Cecile" from time to time, he couldn't deny that there had been instances when Rhonda drew his attention. He was just happy that in 3 particular instances - being invited to her Cool Party as the first guest, finding out that she was the lead for Juliet and potential co-star in a kissing scene, and having her as his "date" in the School Dance - Rhonda, and for that matter no one else, ever noticed the blush that filled his cheeks.

He decided to wrap up his thoughts on the young Lloyd heiress as he stepped on to the boarding house, opened the door and let the animals out. Just as he was about to head up the stairs, Grandpa Phil greeted him like the doting yet crazy grandfather he is.

"Hey Shortman! Just a heads up, we're having a new tenant tomorrow morning." Grandpa Phil told the 9-year old football headed kid as he was lying on his couch.

Arnold dutifully replied, "okay Grandpa! I'll help them settle in when they get here." However, curiosity got the better of him. As usual.

"But why the sudden approval? I know it usually takes about a week for you and Grandma to allow new tenants to come in..."

"Well Arnold, it just so happens that it's a very rich family that's going through some hard times at the moment, it's so bad that they lost their house! So I figured we might as well play good samaritans." Phil exclaimed.

"That's awful...and?" Arnold knew that could not have been the only reason.

"...oh and because the opportunity cost is just too much Arnold, that room hasn't had a tenant in a long while." Phil sheepishly admitted, underestimating how attentive and sharp his beloved grandson is.

"...and?" Arnold wasn't falling for half-truths.

"Fine!" Phil really underestimated his grandson. "On the off chance that they become rich again, they'll appreciate their stay in this boarding house and possibly give this place some much needed upgrades. Starting with a drain that doesn't get bogged easily by Ernie's back hair!"

"Ok then Grandpa. Just needed to know ALL your reasons." Arnold chimed in. "By any chance, who is this family? It's not the Smythe-Higgens clan by any chance..."

"TO HECK WITH SMYTHE-HIGGENS," Phil bellowed with no hesitation. He would see to it first that Abner gets the former tenant known as Mr. Smiths' room before even allowing his arch-nemesis into his abode. "Actually they're some American Welsh family that doesn't live too far from here, the family with a daughter that attends public school for some reason. Now what was it...Roid? Boyd?"

Arnold couldn't believe what he was hearing. Could it be? His classmate, RHONDA WELLINGTON LLOYD, was broke? They had been rich for generations, they were basically old money. How is it even possible?

"Er, Lloyd...grandpa?" Arnold said meekly.

"YUP, THAT'S THE ONE. The Lloyds! Oooh, really tough break. The husband told me that their stock accounts just went dry, whatever that means. Maybe they left it out under the sun for too long!" Phil just had to sneak in that fake clueless line to entertain Arnold.

"Grandpa..." Arnold said with amusement, even if his face didn't quite show it. "Anyway, their daughter happens to be my classmate. She's a good friend, but she can be a bit...difficult at times, with her personality. She's been here a few times! Remember when we had that crazy party, and a girl with sandwiches came in last?"

"hmm...hmmm...oh, yes the girl with the funky haircut, the shirt that looks like Gerald's, and the crazy legs?" Phil retorted.

"Uh yeah, that's basically her..." Arnold couldn't believe how his grandfather, at quite an advanced age, could really roast someone mercilessly. "But I know that deep down she's strong willed and can adjust to bad situations. I'm sure this won't be a big shock to her."

"Alright then short man, make sure your friend gets accustomed to the Sunset Arms lifestyle sooner than later! Oh and one more thing Arnold!" Phil tugged onto the boy just as he was heading up. "Have you seen the salami? It's missing."

Later that night...

Arnold was still reeling from the news. It was already way past dinner time, he had his lights turned off after finishing all his assignments, and was trying to get some sleep. He just couldn't get that last part done. "Rhonda...going to live here?"

So distracted by thoughts of what may come tomorrow morning, that Arnold didn't bother too much thinking about Lila. Don't get the kid wrong, as amazing Rhonda is or can be, he didn't quite like like her. They were just...to different. And Arnold knew that it simply wasn't worth pursuing, so whatever tiny crush he did have on her never grew into anything more. But, would things change?

He recalled the moment when Rhonda, being her self-absorbed, well, self, began promoting a "scientifically accurate" marriage predictor. While he always hoped that Lila would be the one to ultimately show up as his soul mate upon pulling the paper tab, he did entertain the possibility of Rhonda's name appearing. Granted, it would have been hella awkward, as Rhonda would have just thought that it was cute and immediately dismiss the previous claims regarding her marriage predictor.

He recalled the moment as well, when Rhonda was playing a prank on poor helpless (maybe hold back on the helpless) Curly, and rather than take his sincere advice as a friend, she rebuked him and told him to butt out, only to have her running back to her when things went awry. Unfortunately for the princess, Helga's advice really gave Curly the confidence to pursue Rhonda with more, uhm, "determination." So much so, that he reportedly got a kiss or 2 from her, with one of those instances being witnessed by Arnold himself.

As much as he thought of how pretty Rhonda is, especially when she doesn't get in her own way, he was simply too mature to realize that pursuing Rhonda was a dead end.

Or will it, given what might unfold tomorrow? He didn't hope for the best nor did he expect the worst. He would later regret not doing the latter.