Summary: Arnold decides to follow Rhonda's suggestion when she tells him people must stop to rely on him. Notes: Production Code : 6.13 OK, first, i despised the episode "Deconstructing Arnold", because kids were depicted as snotty brats, with all their behavior. So, i re-imagined an other episode in which this time, Arnold would be forced into stopping to give advice to others. It could also be a great step into adulthood. Work Text:

(We open with Arnold and Rhonda. Arnold, as usual, rubs Rhonda's shoulders while she lays down.)

RHONDA

— Sweetie, it's great, i must say... (she is interrupted as Arnold's phone rings again.)

ARNOLD

— Hello ? Oh, it's you Stinky.

STINKY (VO)

— Hey Arnold. I apologize , but i need an advice. My dad taught me... (Rhonda gets angry and grabs Arnold's phone from his hands.)

RHONDA (angry)

— Stinky, go for a walk, and leave Arnold alone. (She hangs up and gives it back his phone to him.)

Sorry, Arnold, but too much people rely on yourself and you never take a break.

ARNOLD

— I wish i could sometimes need a day off.

RHONDA (with a smiling)

— Hey, you know what ? It's possible and i will help you.

(She gives him a wink as the screen turns black.)

(We open the next scene, but this time, in the Lloyd's manor).

RHONDA

— Ok, Arnold, this is my mom and it's a pleasure to introduce her to you.

SHANNON (Rhonda's Mom)

— My pleasure, young man.

ARNOLD

— I'm also glad to meet you.

RHONDA

— It's my suggestion, to give temporarily your phone to my mom. Trust her, she will keep it. For this day, you're absent and my dad also had put an automatic answer for your social network. Arnold, the world can live without you, you're not their master.

(Arnold hesitates a few seconds, but then agrees).

ARNOLD

— You know what, Rhonda ? You're right, let's go for a crazy day !

(We see a montage with Arnold and Rhonda doing fun activities together. They eat popcorn at cinema, walk in the forest and dance slow together. By the time their activities are finished, it's near the end of the day. Arnold rubs Rhonda's bare feet).

RHONDA

— So, Arnold, are you satisfied with the day ?
ARNOLD (warmly kisses her on the cheek)

— I must say you're the best, Rhonda.

RHONDA (modestly)

— That's i thought when i was a kid, but now i'm a teenager, and i could say that i just found the most appropriate idea. (She starts to feel dizzy). You know, Arnold, i start to feel drousy, and i barely keep my eyes open. I think i will rest for a few seconds. (She dozes off as Arnold continues to tenderly keep an eye on her. The screen turns black).

(The Scene opens in front of the Wellington's garden. Arnold carries a sleepy Rhonda in his arms. The door opens).

ARNOLD

— Good evening, Mr and Mrs Lloyd, here is our sleeping beauty (Brooke takes Rhonda in his arms. He has a smile. He then carries her over his shoulder. Rhonda still sleeps.)

SHANNON

— Young man, our daughter is lucky to have you as her boyfriend. Here is your phone (she gives it back to him).

BROOKE

— I'm going to tuck our beauty (they exit, as Arnold goes home. The scene shifts into Arnold's sleeping in his bed. His sleep is very agitated and he is very stressed. He finally gasps and wakes-up. Screen turns black.)

(The new scene opens with Arnold arriving for breakfast. Stella and Miles greet him.)

STELLA

— Hey Arnold, are you okay ?

ARNOLD (nervously)

— Not, really.

MILES

— Is there a problem, buddy ?

ARNOLD (nervously)

— Yeah. Yesterday, i spent an entire day with Rhonda and i turned off my cellphone and my mail adress. But now, i feel guilty. I know Rhonda is right, about the fact that i can't help people everytime, but ...

MILES

— You're a good kid, Arnold. I'm sure they will understand.

(It turns out Miles is totally wrong. Arnold meets again with some various people as Gerald, Stinky, Sid, and others...)

GERALD

— Arnold, you're my best friend, and i know you're engaged, but i tried to call you yesterday and you did not...

STINKY

— Helped me with your advice at all. Now, i'ts...

SID

— Even worse. I feel absolutely miserable...

(They all begin to talk, and Arnold realizes they are not angry, but rather sad, when Rhonda's voice is heard).

RHONDA

— How, for god's sake, leave him alone, he is not the one who is responsible.

(They all turn and see her, her hands on her hips.)

Do you want to know what happened ? You constantly asks for advice, never give him a break . I'm the one who told him to be free for just one day ! People, grow up, you won't be dependant for your life, do you ? Arnold also has his ! (They in turn begin to feel guilt as Arnold feels relieved).

GERALD

— Maybe, she is right, Arnold, we apologize.

SID

— Yeah, it's time for us to go. (They leave, and Arnold is left with Rhonda. He is stunned).

ARNOLD

— Wow, Rhonda, i'm speechless, how did you do that ?

RHONDA

— Hmm Guess i must have other special talents, or i become just a bit like you (he offers her his hand and they exit. Screen turns black).

The End