Author's Notes:

Hi guys! Back with another chapter. But before I start it off, I want to let everyone know that I made a retcon in the story, particularly in Chapter 12 (Parental Guidance). While I've edited a few chapters after publishing, mostly for grammatical errors and the like, I decided to acknowledge the original Hey Arnold! movie as part of the story. In this story's timeline, it would have taken place between seasons 4 and 5, so maybe early or near the middle of the kids 4th grade school year.

Just wanted to keep everyone posted. Thank you!

Chapter XV

End of the school day...

Rhonda was accompanying both Nadine and Patty to the bus stop as her two friends went in line to wait for the bus. While it took Rhonda a long minute to ease Nadine's nerves when Patty arrived, and convince the same that she wasn't there to take revenge for laughing at Helga's mean jokes several months ago, the Lloyd heiress noted how her best friend and her kindest friend (as she didn't have the privilege of calling Arnold a friend at the moment) were hitting it off rather well. Once she had them settled down, she brought them up to speed on what's been going on with her geography partner and what their plan was for today.

"So much for taking it slow. It's like life decided to throw you a curveball,"Patty remarked.

"I know...if it were a football this would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it Rhonda?" Nadine added, knowing full well that Rhonda's innate abilities on the gridiron did not extend to the baseball field.

"True. But I can't complain when an opportunity such as this is presented to me," said Rhonda with a bit of that familiar air of absolute confidence. But this new Rhonda did not come off as arrogant; rather, she simply spoke with much more conviction.

"And besides...I've got a big surprise for him and the boarders on Saturday. I hope I can actually pull it off!" Rhonda continued.

The bus soon arrived after that. Nadine, still grateful that her best friend had grown so much in just a matter of days, gave Rhonda a big hug. Patty, knowing her own strength, settled with a much softer embrace.

Before boarding the bus however, Patty told Rhonda, "by the way, if you want some company after brainstorming with Arnold, I'll be at Slausen's with Harold at around 6. Don't be a stranger," Patty informed her fond friend as she waved goodbye just as the bus doors shut.

Rhonda then started her afternoon walk, hoping that on this day she won't have surprise companions along the way, as she needed the time to collect herself and prepare for the brainstorm session. She reminded herself that despite the short notice, she would patiently and meticulously seize this opportunity to reestablish a friendship with the boy she...she...

'Please don't be blushing, please don't be blushing,' Rhonda mentally demanded her cheeks to comply. She didn't bother checking the glass windows along the establishments to see if her commands were obeyed. After about 10 minutes, she arrived at the library and wondered if her geography partner arrived ahead of her.

Arnold was actually about 10 minutes behind. He was walking with his best friend, as the library was just a few blocks away from the Johanssen residence. As was customary between these best friends, Gerald pried into Arnold's predicament with the divisive socialite of PS 118.

"It's already Tuesday man. Are you gonna 'clear the air,' or nah?" Gerald proposed the simple question.

Arnold, only present enough in the moment to hear what Gerald had to say, simply responded, "I don't know Gerald...I feel like it's best to maybe bring it up after the presentation. I don't want Rhonda getting bothered with what I have to say, especially if it might affect how we'll be working together."

Gerald was not completely convinced. "Mmm...and you're sure that's it? Or you're just putting it off so you can really assess what you feel about her?"

Arnold stopped dead in his tracks. He was used to Gerald giving bad advice when it came to ladies (see: the fundamental quotes to use on Miss Felter) and was hit-or-miss when it came to really reading into what was going on in his mind regarding other girls. How the effortlessly cool kid of their fourth grade managed to successfully and accurately read Arnold in that instance was very much a surprise, one that warranted an over the top reaction such as what Arnold displayed.

"Thought I couldn't read you again, huh?" Gerald was on the money so far today.

Arnold sighed, as he said, "ok you got me there. But...it's just so strange, Gerald. I don't really feel giddy or excited when I'm with Rhonda, not like with Ruth or with Lila..."

Gerald then answered curiously, "well you don't have that same puppy dog look with Ruth, or that begging look you have with Lila...so if you were to describe how you feel around Rhonda Lloyd, how would you describe it?"

Arnold couldn't, or rather, didn't want to answer that. The uncomfortability was evident on his face, and was easily picked up by Gerald.

"Sorry man, maybe it was too much of a question. But think about it, alright? Anyway, I'm going this route home. Take care on the way to the library," Gerald said as he motioned for Arnold's hand to do their signature handshake. Arnold put out his hand and they completed it. Arnold waved his best friend goodbye.

Arnold actually had one word that came to mind as to how to describe the feeling. He knew it wasn't enough to fully encompass the sensations he experiences around his geography partner, nor could he properly explain why that was the term he came up with, so he figured he needed to ponder further and figure out why that word came to mind.

He muttered it under his breath...

"Weightless..."

In the library...

Arnold arrived and spotted Rhonda from afar. Before she could proceed to the entrance, she felt as if someone was looking at her, and turned to see her geography partner friendly, or just politely, waving his hand to greet her. Rhonda smiled a bit, and waved her hand as well. She waited until Arnold got closer and heard his greeting, "hey Rhonda. You ready?"

Rhonda would have easily told him that she was obviously ready as she already had a list of romantic European countries ready at her disposal, with her research particularly on said countries being focused on the history of their fashion, cuisine and monarchies, and that Arnold himself was the one admittedly not as prepared, hence the reason they actually bothered to meet up in the library. But to even say it as a joke would just send the wrong message. She needed to be deliberate, meticulous and cunning, all to go with her genuine desire to regain her lost friendship.

"Oh I'm ready for whatever we need to accomplish today, partner."

They entered the library, presented their IDs to the security personnel, and quickly selected a table to put their respective bookbags on. Rhonda had a stylish leather backpack that also functioned as a sling bag when the necessary adjustments were made, whereas Arnold had a durable and reliable backpack that many in school similarly use, the only difference being that Arnold's had a different color scheme. This was not lost on Rhonda, as she always found Arnold's style to be "impeccably cool," despite not being classic or trendy whatsoever. She recalled how despite having Welsh heritage, and having encountered some Scottish family friends in the past, she mistook Arnold's long inner button down shirt as a "skirt," when she ought to have known it was a kilt.

She didn't notice that she'd been staring a bit too long for Arnold's liking. "Rhonda, why are you looking at my bag?"

While caught off guard, Rhonda quickly regained composure and simply told Arnold, "oh nothing, just a funny memory came to mind. Anyway, how should we start?"

Arnold appreciated that so far, Rhonda was pleasant and focused on completing their assignment. This was a definite far cry from the Rhonda he had to deal with during their "Uniquely You" trio project with Nadine. It helped him relax and ease a bit, knowing that this Rhonda would be very cooperative.

"Well I figured we can go over your list first, and identify which ones you're most comfortable with, which ones are easiest to research, and which ones will likely be the most appealable. Then after, I can show you some places that I've had in mind...mostly secluded areas and islands, the types that would be a blast to explore," Arnold shared with Rhonda with, to her mind, looked like the glee of a child sharing his own world with another. She didn't want to think too much of what was going on, mainly because she knew rekindling a friendship isn't that simple, but she felt happy that for this moment it felt like she was being welcomed back and witnessing something what she figured very few had the pleasure of witnessing.

"You got it. So, shall we discuss?"

The two went over the countries Rhonda had an interest in. While France was high up on her list, Arnold figured that there had been many presentations on the popular nation and how their impact on many fields - fashion, culture, cuisine and even philosophy - are well documented. To further emphasize why picking France may not be their best choice, Arnold reminded Rhonda that many of their classmates would probably be too "lowbrow" to really comprehend what's being discussed, and those who weren't as lowbrow would probably be uninterested as well. To Rhonda's chagrin, she had to admit that Arnold's points made complete sense.

Next up were Italy and Spain. As Rhonda explained why these 2 other countries would be more than suitable topics for discussion, Arnold couldn't help but be impressed with how different Rhonda spoke. The confidence was fully regained, but the arrogant and snobbish tone that usually accompanied her sentences, and of which everyone in class sort of had just gotten used to, was essentially absent. Rhonda spoke as if she only wanted people to understand her points, her ideas, and her experiences. She no longer spoke as if to condescend or to belittle. While he never felt as if he was personally victimized by any of Rhonda's usual quips and sassy comments in the past, he was well aware of the things Rhonda could say and the devastating manner in how she would say them - to not see even a hint of that in anything she's said so far was a breathtaking fresh of air.

Arnold, not knowing why he had the sudden urge to tease, interrupted his partner's explanation, jokingly suggesting, "and you're sure you're not suggesting Italy just because of your pen pal Pablo?"

'Where did that come from...is this...playful teasing?' Rhonda's confusion was in plain sight, her face looking back at Arnold, wondering how he expects her to respond.

Arnold, realizing he put the normally sly Rhonda in a hilarious situation, simply chuckled.

Rhonda, letting her competitiveness get the better of her, responded in kind, "and I bet you didn't want to go with France because Gerald took Cecile from you during last year's Valentine's Day..."

This time it was Arnold who showed a face of confusion.

"Wha - whe - how did you know about that?" Arnold needed to know how Rhonda knew. Given that the news never even developed into a rumor, he always figured that Rhonda never caught wind of what happened that night.

"Oh I have my eyes and ears. And Ruth was nice enough to share it during my school year opening party," Rhonda replied, playfully winking at the football head.

Arnold couldn't fathom why such information would not be worthy of being spread by the school's gossip goddess. He inquired, "so you knew for that long but, you never bothered to spread it?"

Rhonda's smirk shrank slightly, showing that she was showing a more serious but thoughtful side. "Because I knew it was something not to be shared. I guess, I respected you enough to not embarrass you...busboy..." Rhonda, being a bit greedy with the enjoyment she was getting from such quasi-friendly banter, went for the kill. Her smirk was in full display.

Arnold could only give a completely embarrassed smile. So Ruth always did recognize him...

Arnold knew that he had no better comeback, and simply said they ought to move on.

'Oh well, it was fun while it lasted...,' Rhonda noted. Rhonda also realized that it was better they went back to actual brainstorming, as the librarian was nearby and seemed to have been ready to ironically remind them of the importance of silence by yelling at them.

"What about Wales?" Arnold pointed out.

"Hmm...admittedly Arnold, I'm not that in touch with my Welsh heritage. That would entail more research..." Rhonda admitted, not sure if Arnold would be fine with the added work needed.

"Well, I think that it would be best to use it as our topic. Not just cause it's a chance for you to get in touch with your roots, but also to share this side of you to the class. I think they'd really love to hear about it," Arnold, as if on autopilot for having done this so many times before (he actually has), completely convinced Rhonda to buy in. Well, almost completely.

"What about your suggestions? It wouldn't be much of a brainstorm without you giving your input too," Rhonda realized that she'd taken up so much of their time trying to explain each and every choice she she had up her sleeve, and wanted Arnold to have his turn. "Sorry I took up so much time..."

"Think nothing of it Rhonda. I was just enjoying how much research you put into each choice. I couldn't help but let you finish," Arnold replied. "Well my choices so far are Egypt, Ecuador, Nepal, and Thailand. While I came into our brainstorm session thinking that we'd end up with one of my choices, you really won me over with how detailed and informative your presentations were. If we can do our research diligently, and you can be as invigorating and attentive with how you present it, I can really see us getting an A+..."

"Ok Arnold. But on 1 condition..."

Arnold still wasn't sure why Rhonda was hesitant. Nevertheless, he wanted to address any and all concerns. "What is it?"

"I'm gonna be relying on my mom too for research, just so I can instill a more personal, immersive touch. But...I'd like to make sure I don't come off as conceited. Just in case, when we meet up on Saturday, can you help me practice too? I don't want to come off as...well, you know..." Rhonda informed Arnold, as she uncharacteristically played with her hair. Rhonda hoped that it would only come off as a sign of embarrassment, as she's heard of how dense Arnold can be with girls, and that would prevent him from noticing that wasn't the only reason she was playing with her perfect and even ends...

"Oh, of course Rhonda. Anything to help with the presentation," Arnold said, obviously missing the not-so-hidden meaning behind Rhonda's gesture. A fact of which Rhonda was very much grateful for.

"Thank you...and by the way Arnold, just for my own amusement I suppose...can you still share what you know about your choices?" Rhonda asked. She knew it was basically moot and academic at this point for Arnold, as he was fully convinced that they had the winning topic for their best possible presentation. Still, the raven-haired girl wanted to see that side of Arnold a bit more for herself. She wanted another glimpse of the passionate and mature boy with such a child-like wonder about the world and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Arnold was the usual catalyst for all their group adventures, but in this quiet and private space, she wanted to pretend that she was having her own adventure with Arnold. She wanted to pretend that he was telling the story, his tale of an adventure, and that she was his only companion. "Please, tell me what you know about Egypt, about Ecuador, about these places of adventure..."

"Well, since you've been so cooperative, sure why not?" Arnold said, not realizing how much his words delighted his geography partner. All Arnold knew was that it was quite pleasant to have someone almost as curious as he was in the places he listed.

Sunset...

The pair exited the library, both very satisfied with how the "brainstorming" went. Although if one were to observe, clearly one was more satisfied than the other - she got something else out of those few precious hours. Although she felt it might be against her better judgment, Rhonda decided to take a bit of a risk, since the day went far more splendidly than she could have hoped for.

"Arnold, it's not too dark out yet...I was thinking of getting a sundae at Slausen's. Would you like to come with me? Just as a...celebratory treat for how promising our presentation is," Rhonda struggled to get that phony reason out.

"Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt...and I am craving some ice cream. Sure Rhonda!"