Disclaimer: Craig Barleett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
6. Arnold vs Helga
– Phoebe's House -
- Just one more…. and ready! I look awesome! - A boy with tall hair smiled at his reflection in the window of his girlfriend's house.
- Hey babe! - She appeared unexpectedly, startling him a bit.
- Hey babe! I was waiting for you.
- I see. But I'm here, ready?
- Sure! Do you know if Arromeo and Heljuliet are walking with us?
- No, I don't know, she didn't answer me last night.
Friday! Finally Friday! Was the first weekend after the new scholar year had started. All the anxious students were coming to class, waiting for the last sound bell of the day. The young couple walked together and talked about the last events in their lives. They stopped in her locker while she was picking up her books.
- So are you free tomorrow or you and your parents will visit your grandma?
- No, I'm free Gerald, my dad is working a lot lately and is very busy.
- Perfect! Maybe we can go to The Kiska and watch a movie? - They held hands again and walked towards their new classroom.
- Sounds nice! But what about Jamie O, Will be visiting you, no?
- Yes but until night… this will sound strange but… he really has changed… I'm happy to see him again.
- I'm so happy to hear that! - She almost opened the door, but some whispers avoided it. - Have you heard that?
- Yes I had… and I can guess who is there.
- Really? Who?
- Look and have fun babe!- He cleared his throat and walked in, yelling at the top of his lungs.- Arnold, Helga, what are you doing?
The couple that was holding hands while sharing a cheesy moment suddenly let go and jumped out of their seats.
- Criminy Tall Hair Boy! What's wrong with you? Are you trying to kill us or better, to die?
- Sorry blondie was just a joke to my bro.
- Very funny! - Arnold dedicated to him a sarcastic greeting. - What're you doing here so early?
- Early? Arnold it's almost the time to start classes! - Her best friend's girlfriend said.
- What Pheebs? We didn't hear the bell.
- Cause we don't have a bell now. Have you not listened to Wartz's new save money politics?
- Not really,
- Oh yes, I did. I heard that he'll buy less quality food, less sports equipment and other stupid things. Football head you have to pay attention to the world around you!
- Don't be rude with my friend, it's just that he put his head in another blond world.
- Geraldo, strike 2… and the classes have not started yet.
- Oh guys are you here! nice! I was looking for the other kids, that problem with the money makes the students take more time intentionally.
The rest of the classmates went into their classroom without any intention, except for the weirdest boy of 6th grade and from all the PS118.
- Well now that we're all of you here, I've news for all of you.
- Please Simmons…. tell me that isn't more charity! I'm dying with the work at the cafeteria.
- Oh Rhonda yes you do. - Gerald scoffed sarcastically.
- No Rhonda, the special news from today is different. As we're starting a new scholar year, we need a new President of the Students Society…
- Me Simmons! I'm the chosen one! I've to be!
- Curly? Are you interested?
- Yes! I was born to be a supreme leader.
- -No Mr. Simmons, he's crazy, do you remember the rebellion of the balls? - Sid sounded very scared.
- That 's true. I'm afraid that your candidature is pending.
- Demons! you'll remember my words!
- Someone else?... Please? - The teacher felt totally nervous in front of the possible dark scenery.
- Why not you Arnold?
- Me? Are you sure?
- Of course, you're generous, patient, wiser and above all, you're not Curly. - His friend who was sitting next to him said.
- Me as a scholar president…
- Doi! "I've listened to everything" - The blonde in front of him scoffed.
- What's the matter Helga?
- Nothing Hair boy! It's just that it was the stupidest idea he ever heard.
- I'll conquer the world! - The weird kid laughed evilly.
- Well… the second one.
- Why? I would be a good president.
- Of course not, you're too sentimental. You wouldn't be able to make some decisions and break hearts for a major good.
- Do you really think that of me? - The sad voice of the boy almost breaks the heart of his "frenemy".
- Oh Football head…. Remember our agreement?- She whispered to him.
- Oh yeah! I got it! - He smiled in response and raised his voice. - Well Helga, if you believe that I'm such a bad leader, I'll nominate you as a candidate.
- You…what? - She almost cried.
- Amazing Arnold, an excellent and a better option. Someone else?
- I nominate Arnold! - Harold screamed.
- What? - Arnold and Helga said at the same time.
- Why did you nominate me?
- Because Helga is a girl and she's so bossy, I don't want to obey her.
- Ok guys, we've got our three official candidates…. the time of promotion starts now! Good luck! You've one week before the election.
Arnold and Helga shared an uncomfortable look with each other.
— PS 118 - Cafeteria—
- What's wrong with you football head? Why in the world did you do that?
- Sorry Helga… I suppose that I got into the role a lot.
- Do you think? - She sighed and continued to whisper as she finished filling her lunch tray. - Ok, it's done. Don't worry we can fix it.
- How? What will we do?
- One of the two must surrender and leave the electoral contest. Is the only way. - They shared the table with their best friends.
- Ok, and who'll do it? Me or you Helga?
- You or she what?- Gerald asked.
- Is it not your business Geraldo!
- Helga!...
- Sorry… I mean that it is our problem, sorry my friend. -She said like a little girl scolded while her boyfriend smiled pleased.
- That 's creepier.
- It's all that I have, Tall Hair Boy!
- So, what will you do Helga? - Phoebe tried to change the conversation and keep the harmony in the table.
- We decided that one of us has to quit. Is the best option to not kill us.
- And who will be sacrificed?
- Me. - Arnold said, totally calm.
- You bro? Why? I mean… Helga you're awesome… but my old friend… you could be a natural leader too.
- I'm not interested in it. I just argued with her to continue our lie.
- Yes I know bro and both of you're doing pretty well, but…
- But what… my NEW FRIEND?
- Arnold could be a good candidate too, he's so generous, and loves to help others.
- Exactly! A leader has to be strong, cold and calculator to protect their interest.
- Wait a minute… When you said that I wouldn't be a good president, was that true?
- Well Arnold… - She was pretty nervous. - You're the best, you know that I really believe it.
- But?
- But… you're like a little puppy. You're too good.
- "Too good?" And it is a problem?
- Yes… for this position, yes.
- So you don't think that I could do it and win at you?
- I'm not saying that... I'm just saying that I could be a better leader, see all the problems of Wartz, for example, some reductions will have to be necessary and you will try to help everyone.
- It is possible…
- See! You are giving me the reason.
- Ok, that's all, I'll continue with my candidacy. C'mon Gerald, we need to start our campaign.
- Babe, It looks like I'm his new campaign manager. See you later!
- Call me!
- Did you hear all that stuff Pheebs? He told me: Helga, please be honest with me, honesty is the base of a healthy relationship, and I really want to meet you better. I'm honest and boom, he gets nuts!
- Maybe he thought that you'll agree with him.
- And you know better than nobody that I believe that he's perfect…. But I'm a natural leader.
- Yes… you're more down to earth than him.
- I've to save him from the disaster of being a bad president... Phoebe, can you help me with my campaign?
- Sure Helga… and we start now! Don't worry you'll win.
Each student was paying attention to the principal who was in front of all of them, he was reading the Scholar Constitution, trying to save all PS 118 students.
- Here! Section 5 paragraph 2, "A suspended student cannot be a candidate for student president." I win! - All the students and teacher celebrated with pride.
- Oh Director Wartz, please keep reading. - He smiled.
- "After a scholar year"
- Exactly! And that it was last year, now I'm free!
- Oh no! - Everyone lamented.
- Sorry Simmons, it's useless… he's right.
- Don't worry Principal, I'll be watching him. Ok students we are done for today, remember our homework. See you!
- Arnold! Hey Arnold!
-What happens Harold?
- Did you select your Campaign Team?
- Yeah, Gerald is my manager .- He said as he picked up his books. Helga stopped and tried to listen.
- I, Sid and stinky want to help you Arnold!
- Really?
- Sure my friend! We need a president that wants to hear us, not Madame Fortress Mommy, I've all the control.
- Ok Harold but don't call her like that, please.
- Why? She's our enemy now.
- She isn't our enemy, she's our friend… I want a clean competition… ok?
- Sure Arnold, I promised you!- Harold crossed his fingers to keep from breaking his promise.
– Sunset Arms - Kitchen-
- And was the reason why I'll have to win against Helga.
- Arnold, I don't think that this would be a good idea, Helga and you are friends and…
- Ha! More than friends my dear Stella! - The old man laughed.
- A team I meant to say.
- Yeah my dear, Eleanor and you're a couple, you have to win against the enemies, not against each other. - The grandma said while she tried to catch a fly.
- I know Grandma, I know mom… But it is… necessary. I can't explain it to you.
- Don't worry Son, I did a wonderful blurb for you. You'll win and she'll be your first lady, I promise you.
- This stuff is your wonderful blurb Miles? - The old man burst out laughing.
- Dad! I tried my best. - The embarrassed man said as he took the sign from him.
- "If you want better toilet paper, vote Arnold"? Is that your slogan honey? Really?
- I'm trying with easy proposals that he can fulfill, you always have to remember the importance of a clean campaign.
- And that's why he needs the toilet paper?
- Dad! Stop!
- It's better that I call Gerald… he's my manager.
Phil couldn't stop laughing until he broke his chair and continued laughing on the floor, while her wife failed to catch the fly and Miles was trying to hide his poster.
– Phoebe's room –
While the girls was trying to create a list of her proposals, based on the new scholar budget, this last one was a Phoebe idea.
- A fair to win resources.
- Good one Helga!
- And that's all that I have in mind.
- A very good list. Now we have to decide… how will you pay for your publicity?
- The million's question. I don't know Pheebs. I don't have a penny, I don't even have anything in the fridge.
- You know that you can have dinner here.
- Thanks!
- But maybe… we can ask for money with a very popular princess in exchange for power.
- Rhonda…. interesting. - Phoebe smiled. - And…. I've to ask… about plan S.
- Plan "S"?
- The plan Shame, all our Arnold's failed collection.
- Oh forget it Pheebs, things have changed… I can't hurt him, I have to win honestly.
- Yeah, that's my girl. - The black-haired woman smiled at her friend, proud of her change in attitude. No doubt her recent relationship made her better.
– Harold's room –
- Oh Sid… these photos are amazing! You've a lot of material.
- Thank you Harold! I'm a future famous photographer.
- Guys… don't you think that this is… too much? - The tallest guy said, worried looking at all the photos in his hands.
- No Stinky! This is war! And I'll do everything that I can't to stop Helga. Do you remember her time as a monitor?
- Oh yeah… I've nightmares with that. - Sid closed his eyes with disgust.
- See! I'm right! Also, Arnold would be so useful to us, so… let's do it!
– PS 118 - Rhonda's Locker - Next day
- So, if you help my with some money, we'll convince the voters with some stupid gifts and…
- And what will I gain from all this?
- Well Rhonda, if you help us, you'll be part of my presidential cabinet, it's almost like being royalty.
- Hmm, actually The Lloyds have very good political friends… Ok Helga, I'm in. But I will decide the design of the gifts. Okay?
- - Excellent, Phoebe will give you the whole list of slogans and photos of me.
- Giving her. There is everything in this folder.
- Excellent, I'll be working with Nadine, all in fucsia…
- Sure princess… see you! - Rhonda went with her best friend, very moved with her new job. - Pheebs, I Have to admit, your ideas of public relationships are pretty cool.
- Thanks Helga, I told you. To win, make allies, not enemies.
- Yes I'll doing allie… - A very strong crash stopped Helga's walking. - Who's… Arnold!
- Oh… That's you… sorry Helga. - He gave his hand and then helped her to stand up. - Morning!
- Hey… what's going on?
- Everything is ok… our campaign will be a success.
- These are your posters?. - Helga picked up the poster from the floor and began to stifle her laughter. - "If you want better toilet paper, vote Arnold"?
- Isn't the final version, give me back it!
- Oh please Football head… use them… they are amazing.
- Give me that. - He took his poster from her. - My dad drew it for me.
- The design is good…. but the phrases… I would write some for you.
- Oh no Helga… I know about your intentions… I told you I'll win you.
- That stuff again? But Football head…
- Oh no Helga, I will see you in three days at the debate. See you! - The blond tried to go to his classroom, pretending to be annoyed, until he came back a few steps. - But our date still stands, right?
- Yeah see you at 6 pm Hair boy.
— PS 118- Auditorium- Debate day —
Days have gone and the time is finishing. Rhonda did an excellent job as sponsor. She gave away T-shirts, cakes, smoothies, and tickets for the next concert of Ronnie Matthews.
The popularity of Helga had grown too fast.
For his part, Curly created a crazy promotion, using songs with his name and different exotic animals. To the surprise of his team, Arnold was last. He did a normal campaign and was the least popular in the last surveys.
Sid, Stinky and Harold prepared for Gerald and Arnold a video surprise to high his popularity on the Debate day.
- Gerald… I'm a little nervous. You heard Eugene… I'm last.
- Don't worry bro, our team said that they prepared a surprise, we only have to wait.
- Arnold, Helga… and Curly… please on stage.
The three candidates went on stage in front of the future voters, who were totally excited.
-Good afternoon guys! It's an honor to me, present to all of you, our first and last debate. Candidates, who want to start?
- Me! Me Mr Simmons!
- Ok Curly… your turn… say you proposals…
- Classmates, all I would promise you is one thing…. FREEDOM! POWER! CHANGES! Finally everything is gonna take its natural course…. Thank you! Oh and Rhonda… I'll love that you be my first lady.. - He blew a kiss at the disturbed girl. - Good night Hillwood! - He dropped the microphone and left the auditorium, while everyone looked at him in surprise.
- Ok… Thank you Curly. Arnold, Helga, Who's next?
- Mr Shortman? - She answered with courtesy.
- Oh no please, ladies first.
- It was I said Hair boy. - Everybody, except Arnold, laughed. - I'm just kidding, thank you.
- Classmates, teachers, I don't know what you think about it… But I'm tired of all the economic problems of the school! We need more budget, better sports articles, electricity and better ingredients for Milly at the Cafeteria.
- Yeah! - Everybody said.
- It is time for real change… I propose that students can make shows and sales to gain extra money and solve our problems and maintain and improve our clubes… Vote Pataki, vote for the change… Thank you!
- Helga! Helga! Helga!
The auditorium erupted in applause. The blond felt nervous, but Gerald encouraged him from behind the scenes. He took a deep breath and prepared to speak.
- Excellent Helga, good luck! Arnold, it's your turn.
- Thank you Mr Simmons… actually I don't have a speech, but me and my team created a video to show my proposals.
- Oh no… we sold our projector. - The principal said from his chair.
- Don't worry, I brought one. - He said. - Roll on Sid!
His partner obeyed him and started the video, but a different one that Arnold and Gerald had seen.
- Do you know who Arnold Shortman is? He's a very clever, calm and loyal friend who you can trust. He loves to help others and give advice.
- Arnold is a very good friend, thanks to him I gave up chocolate and changed my diet, he is perfect to be the student president.
- Oh my grandson… he is wonderful, not like me of course, but I trust that maybe he inherited some of my greatness.
- Arnold is a good person, the best candidate… a difference of Helga G. Pataki. Do you really know that weird ugly girl? Did you know that the "G" is from "Geraldine"?
She's not the girl that you need, she's impatient, violent and a bad friend. Can you remember how she broke Phoebe's leg in 4th grade? Did you know that her dad lost his business? If they didn't know how to solve their economy, how could she help ours? Vote Arnold and save PS 118 from a Pataki disaster.
- Gerald… What's happened? This is not my video!
- I really don't know if my friend… It must have been Harold.
- I told him, not dirty war!. - Arnold took the microphone and said.- Classmates, please, forgive all that. - Arnold talked to the audience but nobody was listening.
- Arnold… How could you do something like that?
- Sorry Helga… I'm really… I don't know what happened.
- I'm pretty sure about what happened. If it is so important to you to be the president, just do it and leave me alone.
- Helga, please…
- Ok students, be calm is everything for today, remember the vote is tomorrow. - He turned off the microphone. - Arnold, what happened there? Was not ethical.
- I know it Mr Simmons and I'm sorry. I'll clarify all this mess. Excuse me.
Arnold went out and searched at his friends, he was furious, they crossed the line.
- Guys! What happened there? I told you! No dirty war, what's wrong with you?
- But Arnold, you were in last place, we had to do something!
- Nothing like this Sid, it was too much. Now we have to apologize to Helga.
- Oh no Arnold, I won't apologize to Madame Fortress Mommy!
- Oh you will do it! - Arnold was totally angry. - And is not "Madame Fortress Mommy", it's Helga, ok?
- Oh, Arnold, take it easy. We will do it. - Stinky did not recognize the blond boy in front of them.
- Ok, I'll make some arrangements. Wait here.
Arnold went out from the Auditorium and Harold sighed annoyed.
- What's his problem? We increased his popularity.
- Whillikers! He was very angry. It's like Helga was his girlfriend.
- Sure Stinky and I'm Ronnie Matthews. - Sid said with irony.
- This sucks! And the worst part is that our plan failed and we won't be able to use Arnold to get our benefits!
- Yeah I know It! - The other two said, ignoring that their friend was listening.
- Guys, please come with me. We need to do something. - Arnold said and the boys followed him.
– PS 118 - 6th grade classroom –
It was the last period, an hour had passed after the popular event. All her classmates were talking about "The Helga's Truth". She was only sitting, waiting for the time to go home.
- Oh Phoebe, everybody is still talking about it. I can hear them. - She said, raising her angry voice.
- Don't worry Helga, the people who really know you believe in you.
- Maybe only you, but thanks, and you know? The worst part is not about the people... it's Arnold... I hurt him a lot and he was very angry.
- Don't worry, I'm sure that is only a misunderstanding. Very soon maybe he…
- Hello everybody! I'm Arnold Shortman. - His voice came over the loudspeaker.
- Arnold! - His girlfriend was very surprised.
- I talk to you to clarify the latest situation. I did not create or authorize the video we show by accident. I don't believe in any of those things about my friend Helga Pataki, I think she is very intelligent, brave, prepared and the best person to get us out of this economic situation. We're so sorry... right guys?
- Yeah - The guys said without really feeling bad about it.
- I ask each of you to think pretty well about your final decision. I've taken my own one. Finally, I quit my candidacy. Thank you and…. bye.
- OMG Pheebs… he is… he's so perfect!…
- Helga, relax, you're exposing yourself.
- I know! Oh… I've to talk with him.
– PS 118 - Hallway –
Arnold and Helga were running in the hallway, searching for each other, ignoring that they were actually closer than they imagined, but a friendly crash revealed their ubication.
- Helga! There' you're! I've to talk with you!
- I've to talk with you too, I'm really sorry Arnold, I know that you got angry for my fault. And I'm really sorry.
- No, you have to pardon me…. was my fault. Is only that… I felt fear.
- Fear? About what?
- That you thought I'm worse than you thought... your expectations about me are really high… maybe now that you met me better, well you could… disenchantment about me a little.
- Oh stupid football head, I will never be disappointed in you… I know you very well… your good side and the other that is not so good. I was just trying to impress you a little.
- And you did it. Thank you…. I… I hate that we're at school right now. - He said coquettishly.
- Oh, I know…. "friends?"
- Yeah, my future scholar president!. I'll be honored if I can be your first man. - They smiled at each other as a symbol of peace.
— PS 118- Auditorium- Next day —
All the students of all grades were sitting and excited to know the new Student Society of the new scholar year.
The principal Wartz was on the stage, ready to reveal the new president of the society.
- And now students… the new president, the winner of today is… Helga Pataki. Helga please, up with me and do the scholar oath.
- Yeah! Congratulations Helga! - The happy students said.
- I… I won? - Helga was stunned.
- Yeah, that's my best friend! Go Helga!
- Congratulations Helga. I'm very proud of you. - Her secret crush told her, and they both blushed.
- Thank you my vice president... I need someone to balance me, you know, to stop my thirst for power.
- I'll be honored.
The new president went upstairs and dedicated a few words to the students who were happy, except Curly, of course. Arnold became her vice president, Phoebe her assistant and treasurer, Rhonda was the new fundraiser event organizer and the other selected students were the representative of the other grades. Helga had to admit that this was going to be an interesting last year on PS 118.
THE END
Here a new shortaki episode for you! I loved writing this adventure, I knew that Arnold and Helga would have a problem but while I was writing I realized that Harold, Sid and Stinky have to be on it. A little spoiler for the next episode: A female character will come back... can you guess who is? See you in reviews!