The school day would pass by relatively fast, which was all the better for the football head and the raven-haired girl.
After school, Arnold was with Rhonda at her locker and the two agreed to walk home together.
"Ready to walk me home, buddy?" Rhonda turned to Arnold as she smiled. "I'm sorry, what did you call me?" Arnold asked.
"My buddy. I figured it could be a cute nickname for you! Well, that is, if you like it." Rhonda blushed a little. Arnold then smiled. "I love it."
"Wait, you do?" She looked at him in surprise. "Well, yeah! I never thought you had a nickname for me."
"Well, I had it in mind for some time now but I've never used it 'cause I was a little afraid of what you would say."
The two started walking along, Arnold then held her hand. "Well quite frankly, Rhonda, I think I'll definitely enjoy our time together." Arnold smiled at her. Rhonda could only blush as she smiled back.
Helga watched how the two were "mushy" with each other. She felt disgusting knowing that could've been her in Rhonda's place. "Little princess powder puff thinks herself all pretty and junk and thinks she can steal away Arnold. I'll soon demonstrate just how WEAK their relationship is! I just need him to get back from suspension next week!" Helga stomped off.
Unfortunately, Helga couldn't continue with her intended plan without the help of a certain…maniac, as one would say. She had to think of a plan that would buy her time before it was too late.
A few minutes later, Rhonda and Arnold reached her home, and Rhonda was grateful for Arnold. "Arnold, I can't tell you just how much of a generous person you are!" She smiled at Arnold.
"Oh Rhonda, there's no need to thank me! Just think of it as-" Arnold's cheeks went extremely red. Rhonda had decided to repay Arnold with her special act of kindness… kindness and possibly more than that. She decided to give a long kiss on his cheek, making Arnold blush furiously. "Just think of it as my little act of generosity from me, to you." Rhonda winked at Arnold as she blew a small kiss at him.
Arnold had an extremely goofy look on his face as he felt his cheeks hotter than ever and his heart racing. "So, I'll see you later tonight?"
"Seven sharp. I'll be waiting for you… charmer." She gave Arnold another kiss on his cheek before she hugged him and walked into her place. Arnold stood there for a moment, his cheeks were red as ever, and was feeling a way he had never experienced.
Inside Rhonda's home, she was more joyful than ever before. Right after she went inside, she let out a joyful scream as she went up towards her room. She immediately set her backpack down and laid in her bed thinking of the kiss she gave Arnold.
She didn't bother saying anything as all she was doing was daydreaming about what would transpire between them.
Arnold in the meanwhile soon got home. He grabbed his cheek where Rhonda had kissed him. Arnold soon went inside and was greeted by his grandpa.
"Ah, there you are, Shortman! I was starting to wonder where you've been! Arnold? Arnold, are you hearing me?"
Arnold barely realized his grandpa was talking to him. "Huh? Wha- What?"
"Arnold, are you okay? You seem rather off right now."
"Oh, I'm fine. I was just uh… remembering something for tonight."
"Oh well don't spend too much time thinking. So how was school today?" Grandpa then asked. "Actually, it was great." Arnold replied as he started to remember Rhonda's kiss.
"Oh really? You're not gonna complain about that one girl who's always messing with ya?"
"Who?"
"O- Well actually, I don't even know her name…" Arnold merely chuckled. "I'll be up in my room."
His grandpa then chuckled. "Hehe. That ol' boy…" Grandpa then saw Grandma Gertie trying to cook a lobster. "Pookie, where'd you get a lobster?!"
As those two were messing around downstairs, Arnold was in his bed mostly thinking about the same question in his head, would it be worth a shot dating Rhonda?
Back with Rhonda, she was thinking of a similar question… Would Arnold date her? All the two knew was, time would tell…
"I wonder if… maybe Arnold loves me?" Rhonda blushed as she asked herself. "Hey, maybe he does." Another voice was heard.
"AH! WH- Oh my goodness, Mom! What are you doing here?! Don't scare me like that!"
None other than Brooke Wellington Lloyd. She then smirked at her daughter. "Oh come on, don't be that surprised! After a scream that could be heard outside, I had to find out what was with you, and now I see what it is… Our little princess has fallen for someone, I hear?"
Rhonda blushed as she nodded a little. "Well don't be shy about it dear! So tell me, this Arnold boy… he's the goofy blonde-haired boy, right?"
"I wouldn't EXACTLY say goofy… more or less handsome and adorable." Rhonda then giggled as she remembered how adorable Arnold's hair looked. "I can tell someone is lovesick. Rhonda sweetie, if it's no trouble, could you bring Arnold over here sometime soon so we can get to know him more? We've met him before, just not in a good financial situation y'know."
"Oh, I remember. But mom, I promise you that Arnold is the sweetest boy I've ever met! And I think you and Dad will for sure like Arnold!"
Brooke smiled. "I'm sure we will, sweetie. When is it possible you could bring him?"
"Well actually, Arnold and I have a date tonight, and he's going to pick me up, soooo… tonight?"
Brooke only laughed a little as she hugged her. "Well hun, we certainly can't wait to get to know Arnold. And Rhonda, one more thing."
"What's that?"
"Good luck on your date with Arnold. I'm sure the two of you look cute together." Rhonda then hugged her back. "Only cute? I expected more."
Brooke then laughed. "Alright don't go overboard either." She kissed her forehead. "I'll see you later hun."
Rhonda then was thinking, how cute did Arnold and her look together? She giggled. "I'd say Arnold and I are MORE than cute together."
Later at six forty P.M
It was around six forty P.M and Arnold was just about ready to go and pick up Rhonda for their date.
Arnold had decided to spray on some cologne and see how that would go. Soon, his grandpa came into his room.
"All dressed up I see. What's the occasion?" Grandpa asked. "Oh, well, remember the 'thing' I was remembering earlier today? This is what it was."
"Ouu, I see now. Going out with someone special?" Grandpa slightly smirked. "Well actually, yeah. Someone extremely special."
"Then I won't delay you anymore. Shortman, go have fun." Grandpa put a hand on his shoulder as he gave an encouraging smile. "Thanks, Grandpa." Arnold hugged him.
Grandpa hugged him back as he soon left his room. Arnold soon had an idea.
At The Lloyd Residence
While Rhonda was up in her room, she was brushing her hair as she hummed to herself. While she may seem calm, she was rather anxious to already get her date started with Arnold. And she didn't know what color to paint her nails, she just decided to go with her simple and favorite color, red.
Her mother soon came into her room. "Getting ready for your special night out?" Brooke put her hands on Rhonda's shoulders. Rhonda only nodded as she was rather nervous now.
"Oh sweetheart, don't be nervous! I can just tell how nervous you are right now." Rhonda then looked over at her. "Wait, really?"
"Well, of course, hun. I know this night is something meaningful to you, all I can say is… you got this. I'll leave you be now." Brooke soon left her room and downstairs.
Rhonda then smiled. "Just a date… with the boy you're in love with…!" She buried her face into her hands. She soon recomposed herself. "Alright… I got this…" Rhonda then started to think how adorable Arnold was, which made her giggle.
Six minutes later
Rhonda was soon looking herself over in her mirror deciding whether her dress looked good or not. She wore a light red dress that reached down to her knees. She also decided to wear a heart-shaped necklace, she decided to stick with her regular crimson red shoes as she felt like they went with the dress. It was extremely rare she wore earrings, she decided to use her simple white earrings.
"Hmm, looks a little simple but I like it. I hope Arnold likes it." Soon, she heard the doorbell ring. "Oh! That must be Arnold!" She excitedly went downstairs, she already saw her parents at the door. Thankfully, they would allow her to answer.
She opened the door to a smiling Arnold who had something behind him. "Arnold!" Rhonda embraced Arnold. "If it isn't the beauty queen herself!" Arnold hugged her back. She blushed at his words.
"Quite a charming kid don't you think, dear?" Brooke whispered to Buckley. "I must say, he looks educated and has quite the manners as well. A perfect choice for our daughter." Buckley whispered back.
The two hugged for a few seconds before they separated. "I brought you a little something." Arnold pulled out a rose he had for her. "Arnold, you did not! Is this rose for me?
Arnold nodded happily. "All for you. It reminds me of your beauty." Arnold gave her the rose. "Oh, Arnold! You shouldn't have!" Rhonda took the rose from his hand. "I know I shouldn't have. I WANTED to." Arnold smiled. Rhonda smelled the rose as she gave a loving look at Arnold.
Buckley cleared his throat. "Right, then. So, Arnold, I believe we have met before, right?"
Arnold nodded. "We have, sir. How are you two doing now?"
"Oh, well quite fine actually! Surprised you still remember us, and we're quite flattered." Brooke replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lloyd." Arnold shook Buckley's hand.
"Quite a gentleman. If you don't mind, could you join us in the living room for a moment? We'd like to ask you some important questions."
Arnold gulped as he gave a nervous nod. "Oh Arnold, there's nothing to be nervous about! I'll be right beside you, ok?" Rhonda tried comforting Arnold. Rhonda then gave a small peck on his cheek, making his heart race.
Shortly after, Arnold and Rhonda sat together as her parents soon started asking their questions.
"Alright Arnold, shall we begin?" Buckley asked. Arnold nodded as he held Rhonda's hand.
That does it for this chapter! Just a heads-up, keep a close eye in the next chapter, there'll be a teaser of what the next story will be about... See you in the next!