Work Text:
The Lodge
Production Code : 6.17
(We open to Arnold coming in his house. Miles and Stella are waiting for him, and look nervous).
MILES+STELLA
— Hey Arnold !
ARNOLD
— Mom, Dad, what happen ?
STELLA
— Don't worry, nothing bad happened.
MILES
— We just... We just planned to sell the house and to move into a lodge.
(Arnold looks curious)
ARNOLD
— What' s a lodge ?
STELLA
— It's basically a kind of house for tourists but you also can live here as a regular.
MILES
— Yeah, we think life in city could be potentially dangerous and it could be easier for you to live in a safe place. I know it's difficult for you but this house begins to crumble and i don't want to spend any money in order to restaure it.
ARNOLD
— But for my studies...
MILES
— That's ok, son. It's not too far away from the high school. You still will be able to see your friends.
(Arnold looks still curious. The scene shifts to Arnold on his bed, he phones TJ Detweiler (Note : I know it is not a character from the show. It's a shame, besides they did not make a crossover between the two. The scenes varies from Arnold and TJ's POV ).
ARNOLD
— So, TJ, what are the news ?
TJ
— When, Spinelli and I celebrate our one month anniversary. Now, our group is not the same. Spinelli and still belong to it, with Butch, The Hustler Kid, Ashley U and The Swing Girl joined us. Vince left for a culinary school, Mikey joined a musical school, and Gretchen studies in Utah, now.
ARNOLD
— What about Gus ?
TJ
— It became harder to know about him, because of his dad's military career. I know Principal Prickly is now our high school's principal. What about you ?
ARNOLD
— Well, i learned my parents wanted to live in a lodge.
TJ
— A Lodge ? Hey, you're lucky man ! My brother Jim lives in a lodge.
ARNOLD
— Yeah, but he is not a kid anymore.
TJ
— Yeah, you reached me out. Did you tell Rhonda ?
ARNOLD
— I plan to. (The screen turns black).
(The Scene opens to a park, in which Rhonda and Arnold are. Rhonda's head is on Arnold's knees as they watch some birds flying. Arnold suddenly looks nervous.)
RHONDA
— What's up, Sweetie? You look upset. I think we should enjoy the nature's beauty.
ARNOLD
— Look, Rhonda, i must tell you something. I could move out... (Now, it's Rhonda's turn to look upset).
RHONDA
— You... You leave the town ?
ARNOLD
— Not exactly. I will live in a lodge, not so far away. We could ...
RHONDA
— We could always see, but less...
ARNOLD
— Yeah. (A blank silence, then Arnold finally speaks while touching Rhonda's hair).
But, that does not mean i will have a new high school. You know, i still will study here.
RHONDA
— Yeah, i suppose to. (They continue to watch the birds, as time goes on. Arnold's hand continues to touch Rhonda's hair. The Screen turns black.)
(The scene opens with a montage of Arnold and his parents packing their luggage as they leave their house. They leave in the car, and finally, arrive at the lodge. It's a beautiful lodge, with a meadow and a small river. Arnold and his parents are happy. But one night, Arnold realizes it's too calm. He shares his thoughts with his parents.)
ARNOLD
— So, i realize it's very different than our previous . Did i mention you the Casa Paradiso episode ?
STELLA
— I think you did not.
ARNOLD
— Well, it was some day. Grampa had finally enough to see us quarelling every time, and by us, i mean all the boarders. So, he decided to sell the boarding house. Luckily, we were able to help him to change his mind. But, now, things are different.
MILES
— Yeah, even for people like us who were used to live in the jungle, i must say this is new for us. But don't worry son, we will just adapt ourselves in a week, and it will be very easy. Oh, speaking of that, could you give me a favor ? Here is the list of errands, if you could make them for me.
ARNOLD
— Sure, dad.
(He exits. The scene shifts with Arnold leaving the grocery. On his way to the lodge, he meets Robert, the blond glasses boy.)
ROBERT
— Hey Arnold
ARNOLD
— Hey , Robert. It's been a while we did not talked.
ROBERT
— Yeah, i was sorry to leave but now i moved out, i live in a lodge.
ARNOLD (thrilled)
— Yeah ? So, i'm i.
ROBERT
— To be honest with you, it was difficult at the beginning, because it was very calm, and then, i finally got used to .
(They finally continue to talk as they are on their way home. The screen turns black).
The End.