Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
13. Heritage and Legacy
– Green Meets –
A very tall pile of boxes fell down all over the floor. A blond guy could only look at them with a worried face. - I have to remember not to follow all Gerald's advice. - He scolded himself.
- Arnold! What did you do! You can't destroy all our products!
- Sorry Harold, but I'm ok. - He said with irony.
- You what! Our meats are really important here! Our special annual sale is tomorrow! If you don't take it seriously I can talk with Mr Green about my recommendation…
- No! Harold, wait! I'm really sorry, I'll be careful.
- I'll put another eye on you… - He actually put a cow eye in front of the perturbed boy and came back to the cold room.
- You need money for the dates… do it for her… - He sighed as he continued to pick up the boxes around him. It was ironic how a couple of years ago, in a dream, he swore he wouldn't lift boxes for Helga and now… well, there it was.
- Hey Arnold! Everything go well?
- Hi Mr Green! How was your meeting in the Council?
- Very well, thank you! I'm finding more money for street cameras.
- Awesome!
- Where's my assistant?
- Accommodating the merchandise in the cold room.
- Oh that guy! He really loves his job here… if my son could feel the same way… anyway, It's time to go home, c'mon Arnold!
- Cool! I'll looking for Harold. - The boy arranged the last box and with a last air of encouragement he went out in search of "his boss".
- Tonight will be a special night… - The fat man smiled and looked at an old picture with a boy on it.
– Family Green's house - Dinner room -
An elegant table had some delicious and different dishes on it. A big marinated leg of lamb and some vegan burgers, some potatoes and a bowl of cheese spaghetti, with a good bottle of wine.
- I'm at home! Jim is here?
- Hi honey, not yet… but he shouldn't be long in coming… I'm so happy to see him again! - The woman kissed his husband.
- His last visit before his graduation from college… The time has gone so fast…
- Yes I know… I remember how young we were when I saw him for the first time… - They shared a nostalgic hug until they heard the door opening.
- Dad? Mom? I'm at home!
- Jim! - The happy couple said.
- I'm so happy to see you guys! Dad, or I have to say, Mr. Councilman elected by second time and local butcher… you look great… and mom… you look so beautiful!
- Oh my boy is at home! - The brown-haired woman wrapped her arms around the tall red-haired young man with green eyes. - I missed you so much!
- I know… Me too. But now I'm here! Are you ready for my graduation?
- Since you were born my boy! - His dad said proudly. - Now sit down, we have to enjoy the feast that Lauren made for us. - The three diners took their respective chairs and smiled at each other. - So Jim, did you find a good place to move to Hillwood after your prom? If you couldn't… you always can stay here with us and…
- Don't worry dad, I found a very good one…
- Oh really… where? Is it near?
- Marty…
- What Lauren? I just want to know how close he will be.
- Actually dad… is not a close apartment….
- Oh no… I should have guessed... you're going downtown, right?
- No… Dad, mom, I'll move to London.
- What? - The curly gray-haired man yelled.
- I found a job… in London.
- But Jim, you can be an excellent administrator here in Hillwood, in our family business.
- Dad… there is something that I have to tell you…. I didn't study at the administration college…
- What? But you…
- I lied to you… Actually I studied to be a painter… Sorry dad…
- You what? An artist in my family? James Martin Green! Tell me that is a stupid joke!
- Martin please!
- What Lauren? Just listen to your son!
- Maybe he could explain to us if you give him an opportunity.
- For what? to lie to me again?
- No dad, I didn't do this just to lie to you… I started studying administration but… then, I met a girl called Sue, and she was studying arts and when I met the college I knew that was my home… as you with your Butcher shop.
- James isn't the same thing.
- Why not? Just because the grandpa supported you? You are totally unfair, I'm sure my mother would support me. - He grabbed his bags and headed out the door. - I'm sorry Lauren, dad I'll talk to you when you're willing to listen.
- Jim… - The woman tried to stop him but was useless. - Marty, why?
- Me? Him! He lied to us and… wait a minute… You knew it all along, right?
- He needed someone to talk to freely.
- You only did it to win his love.
- Marty…
- Oh Lauren… please, I'm sorry…
- Don't worry, sometimes I forget that he is YOUR son. See you tomorrow, I advise you to take a moment to think carefully about what you will do, or what Susan would have liked you to do. She went upstairs and slammed the door shut.
- I'll think about what to do to get my son back.
– Green Meets –
Too early on Saturday morning, Harold changed the sign to "closed" to "open". His third annual sale just started. A lot of clients were waiting for their products. Arnold tried to help all the people that he could.
- Harold, can you help me?
- Oh, sure Arnold, sorry I just thought… is so strange that Mr Green is not here yet.
- I know, but maybe he's with his family.
- Hey football head boy! I need my sausages!
- Just a minute! You can wait, can't you?... Helga?
- So now you're a butcher, eh?
- Some…. something like that…. hello! - He said in a low voice.
- Come on Arnold! We have a lot of clients!
- Sorry Harold, I'm coming… see you tonight!
- See you football head.
The blond girl left the store at the same time that the owner entered with a long face. Anyone could think that he'll be happy with all the people inside the store, but his mind was in another place.
- Mr Green! The store is full! - Harold said proudly.
- Yes, I can see it.
- Are you ok? - Arnold asked.
- Sure… wait a minute… What are you doing, on this side of the counter?
- I'm working here until tomorrow, remember?
- Oh sure… thank you…
- Mr. Green, you look so bad and hopeless, what happened? you couldn't see your son?
- Oh no Harold, everything was fine, it's just… Hey… do you love meat right?
- Sure, why?
- This weekend I'll visit some other butchers of the city at our convention, dad-son, would you like to come with me?
- A butcher convention? Will it be meat?
- Sure.
- I'm in! I'll go for my utensils.
- But Mr. Green, what about the annual sale? and what about your son? Is he in the city, isn't?
- I don't have a son, and don't worry I trust totally on you and your training this week, see you Arnold!
- But Mr. Green…
Mr. Green and Harold went away and left all the people with Arnold, until a known guy entered.
- Arnold, it's you, right?
- Jim! I'm glad to see you! Can you help me?
- Help you… what about my dad?
- He is gone to his convention.
- Alone? Without me?
- He left with Harold… actually.
- I understand…
- But you know, a hand more can be useful!
- But Arnold, I don't know anything about this place.
- Me neither… please.
- Ok… I suppose that I can collect the money. - The redhead put on his hat and apron and began charging people with his father's price guide.
- Thanks for the help, I was really about to freak out.
- You're welcome, I'm sorry, this is all my fault.
- What do you mean?
- My father is upset with me because I lied to him. I told him I'd study management to support him, even though I'm a vegetarian but... I found an art college in New York and... I couldn't help it, now he hates me.
- A father could never hate his son.
- You don't know the Greens and their love of meat.
- I think he loves his only son more.
- I do not think so. You know? I just wanted to make it up to him before I moved to London, but I think it's impossible, he's not going to give in.
- I'm pretty new about dad-son, but maybe you can express yourself with a different perspective.
- A different perspective uh…
– Butcher's convention–
The place was full with a lot of stands that showed all the meats of the season and the offers that the farmers offered. A big blackboard announced the schedule for the next conference about the most famous and successful butchers of the country, one of them was Mr. Martin Green at 7 o'clock. He and his son had to explain his business plan to others and tried to win first place for the best meatloaf of the place.
- I'm so nervous Harold, I hate to talk in public.
- But you won 2 elections! - Harold said while he's trying to eat his meatloaf.
- With Arnold's help…. - Maybe I'm overreacting… I've to come with Jim…
- Don't worry Mr. Green, I will be your surrogate son!
- Yes… He hates all this stuff… - Come on Harold! Let's show all those old cows how to direct a Butcher store!
- Dad… Hi, I'm here…
- Oh I can see it. So do you need a suitcase for your travel or something?
- Mr Green. - Arnold tried to help.
- No Arnold, I've to talk with him. Dad I know that you are angry with me since I decided to be a vegetarian and… since I decided to become an artist…
- No, I'm mad at you since you started hating everything it means to be a Green.
- I don't hate our family… I'm just… different. But…
- Just let it go… I don't need you anymore, Harold is my new apprentice-heir, so you can go to London or China without any worry.
- Dad, please…
- Come on Harold, we have to win!
- And can I eat then?
The angry butcher took Harold and prepared his mic to start talking. When they appeared in the scene, all the audience started to applaud so hard.
- It's useless Arnold, he hated me… It's better than following his advice and just go to London.
- Jim I'm sure that when he sees your present…
- He will hate me more… Thank you for everything, but it's better that I go back home and say goodbye to my mother. Take care and enjoy your dad. I tell you from experience. - The young man stroked the blonde boy's hair and left through the staff door. Arnold, determined not to give up, sat backstage and waited for the stubborn butcher to finish his talk, which was a complete success.
- Arnold, Are you still here?
- Yes, and we have to talk.
- We can talk about the butcher store, the weather, the neighborhood's problems, whatever you want except…
- Except your son Jim?
- I don't have any son…
- You know Mr. Green, ok, don't talk about Jim, we can talk about yourself, and how selfish you are.
- Young boy, you can't understand how I feel with all that.
- Maybe, but I can understand how empty life can be when you lose a dad… I grew up without one, and I never said something, but… each night… I was just wondering… what thing my dad and I would do together… or how old maybe he is… all the times that I got sick, all my scholar events… Jim lost his mom so young, and she couldn't decide to go, but you have your son here and you can. And if you don't want a son's perspective, just talk with my dad or my grandpa and they can explain to you how lonely life can be.
- I didn't break up our relationship… was he…
- He still loves you Mr. Green… And if you don't take our word for it, let's go together to your butcher store and see his present.
- A present?
- Just for you… come on.
- So that means that we can't eat now?
- Come on Harold!- The football-headed boy grabbed his wrist and dragged him with them.
– Green Meets –
The empty and closed store was dark, the annual sale was a success… Almost all the merchandise was sold out. The rest was in its place, while the furniture was sparkling clean.
- Ok Arnold, we are here… so, what's the big surprise?… that we sold everything?
- Not only that…
- Mr. Green… look at the wall…. - A surprised Harold said.
- The wall?... Oh my dear…
Then the butcher could see... a small mural of him and his father working happily in the butcher shop, with a caption that read: "The pride of being a Green". The strokes were perfect and the colors denoted the air of nostalgia. The man couldn't help but shed a tear.
- He… he did.. it, right?
- Yes Mr. Green, he tried to explain to you that he loves you, despite their differences.
- Mr. Green, I was very happy to be with you at the convention and eat all that delicious food. I will never replace your son, but I will always be happy to learn as much as I can from you.
- Thank you guys… I've to talk with Jim… now… See you on Monday! - The man ran to his car leaving the two preteen.
- Wait a minute… is this not your last day Arnold? - Arnold shrugged his shoulders in response.
– Family Green's house - Dinner room -
All over the wall you could see all the photos of little Jim, from when he was a baby to his graduation from high school, as a smiling child in his mother's arms, shortly before she died and another next to the woman who became his second mother. In front of the mural, the young man and his mother shared a painful goodbye hug.
- Jim… Are you sure that you can't wait for more time?
- Sorry mom… Dad was totally clear, he made his decision, I made my own… if he accepts, I can visit you in christmas.
- My dear, who cares about your dad's decision? You can visit us when you want it, this is your house and this is your family.
- Thank you mom… I'll call you every night. - He broke the hug.
- And what about your dad? The butcher appeared in the door.
- Well… he said that he found a new son to shared his family.
- Yes, and my family are you two…excuse this old man, Jim… I'm so proud of you… you protected your own conviction, as a Green do.
- Dad!
- And I'm really sorry…. I watched your mural, it is so beautiful, your grandpa would love it, as much as I do.
- Sorry dad.. I swear that I tried!... but…
- But you've to be who you really are… can you…
- Of course dad.- They shared a big hug. - Maybe I can't shared the Butcher shop with you, but I promise you that I'll help your little apprentice with all that I can.
- Thank you son, I can't wait less for you…
THE END
Happy December guys! 30 days more and we'll change to another new year! For today, I prepared a cute story about father and son, so I hope that you liked it! In the next episode you'll read how Arnold and Helga have to solve a big couple's problem and learn and importan lesson... See you next week!