Disclaimer: Craig Barleet is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show
4. Those ones that we don't see - Part II
— Home House: Happy Moments –
All the kids in the room were in a line, without any movement. Their little leader walked in front of them.
- Guys… the last days were difficult, those guys are rude, we need to be more clever… so… we'll do the number 3-A
All the little ones were very surprised.
- But Craig…
- Ahm. - He cleared his throat.
- I mean, our supreme boss, maneuver 3-A it's so much! And it is only for emergencies.
- And this is a real emergency… if we let them take control, we'll lose all the things that we'd done before.
- Helga, look. They're organizing themselves… This could be dangerous to us. - The fat boy looked from through the door at the conversation in the game room.
- Criminy pink boy! You've to be strong, remember who you're.
- An indefense student?
- No idiot! You're older and it's supposed than more clever. Well... forget the last part. You have more experience than them, remember how you ruled the school since 1st grade, do you remember?
- Yeah… I was the king…
- Now we need that king… so, what will you do?
- Being a strong king! - He pretended muscles with his arms.
- Yeah! So go for them king!
Harold screamed a war scream and after going into the room, Helga heard a very cowardly scream.
- Yeah, the king of cowards.
She smacked her forehead and snorted in annoyance as she walked into the room, seeing how the boys had tied up their partner.
- Helga, save me! They're majority!
- Sure Harold, that's the problem. - She said with sarcasm. - Ok children, it was very funny but enough. It's time to do their homework and you have to do it.
- Sorry old lady, but we won't do anything.
- You… what? - Her blue eyes posed in his little brown eyes. - Sorry… But I heard a mistake. I said that you HAVE to do your homework… NOW!
- And I said that they won't do it. - The little 5 aged kid said.
- Oh yeah? Do you want to bet?
- Sure old lady… try me.
- Will be my pleasure. - She took a big breath and then her angry face changed to a very serious one at the other kids. - Children… do your homework… NOW!
- Yes Miss Pataki.
- What? - The little Craig said with his open mouth. - What're you doing?
- Sorry Craig… but she is so…. fearsome. She entered my mind. - His little and scared friend said and then took her notebook.
- I told you little Craig… I'm the queen Helga G. Pataki and please… don't forget that…
- Yeah… we'll see who laughs at the end, Pataki.
— PS 118- Cafeteria –
Gerald was very tired, his hands looked like an old man's hand, he washed all the dishes and he left the floors spotless.
- Where is Rhonda? She went to the restroom for about 25 minutes. OMG she did it again!
- Oh Gerald! I returned. Did you finish all the work alone? Oh, I'm really sorry dear, but I felt a little sick and I needed more time than I imagined.
- Oh Rhonda, don't worry… I can understand you…today you feel sick, yesterday you had to answer that important call, and tomorrow maybe you'll have to save Paris or something like that.
- Oh Gerald, please, I washed the dishes…
- That was only a week ago… I had to do it again… Listen to me girl, I won't do anything for you again, I prefer to fail the project than still being your servant, so bye!
- You're overreacting, I mopped the floors today.
- You what? Ah!
But not surprising anyone, the rich girl did her task wrong. All the floor was very slippery because she put a lot of soap on it. Gerald couldn't stop and then he finally fell.
- OMG, Are you ok?
- My ankle, I can't walk…
- OMG that sounds bad.
— Hillwood State Asylum –
The blond boy was walking very happily. Last night his mom, friend and grandma helped him to prepare a little surprise for his new old friend. He knocked on the door and then he heard her sweet voice.
- Can I come in?
- If you want me to take some drugs… you can put it into your…
- Don't worry Bernie, It's just me!
- Oh Arnold, my boy, come in and sit here with me. I sorry for that, but a stupid male nurse were disturbing me to take my stupid and useless pills.
- But Bernie… you have to do it, if you wanna be better.
- Oh my boy, at my age you don't want to have a better life, you want a faster death.
- Don't say things like that Bernie, you promised me that you'll protect you more.
- I know, sorry my dear. I know, Why don't we go to the garden and walk together, you tell me about your day? It's better than scolding me, huh?
- Ok Bernie, you win. Take my hand and c'mon.
- Sure young gentleman.
Arnold helped her and they went to the garden with slow steps. The day was very sunny and a fresh breeze could freshen them.
- It is a beautiful Monday afternoon huh?
- Yes… It was so long…
- What was so long? This day?
- Not my dear, about 5 years ago that I didn't go outside…
- What? - Arnold felt very confused, he loves nature, sun, and the sky. He grew up looking at it through his ceiling. He couldn't accept that a human don't be outside for so long.
- Shortman? What're you doing? - The angry nurse took his arm.
- We're just walking.
- She can't go outside… She needs to stay in her room. You know the rules.
- But miss… she didn't have an episode at all last week.
- But you don't know if she will have one and frighten the other residents.
- You can't know if it's gonna happen.
- Exactly boy! That 's my point.
- Forget it Arnold, that stupid woman and my stupided co-residents won't never understand it.
- Sorry Bernie, I just tried to give you a funny moment between us and… maybe eat my present. - Arnold put in her hands a bag of chocolate cookies.
- Cookies… My favorites! Do you remember my Friday story!
- I'll never forget it.
- Thank you Arnold… and don't worry, all the moments with you are good ones, don't care where it happens.
The pre-teen smiled at her as an answer.
— Home House: Happy Moments –
Everyone was eating their dinner, also Harold and Helga, but the blue-eyed girl noticed an empty chair.
- Hey, where is the little demon?
- Craig? He said that isn't hungry. - The tired attendant woman said and as she continued to eat her mystery meat stew.
- And are you ok with that? It is just a kid!
- Was his decision, not mine. I've to charge the other kids. If he doesn't want to eat, better to me, that means…
- More food for us! - Harold screamed happily.
Helga felt her anger growing up inside her. Remembering Doctor Bliss's advice, she closed her eyes and counted to ten. Then… an old memory appeared in her mind as an old movie.
.
.
.
- Mom! dad! Where're you?- A little 6 year old girl was looking for her parents, but the house was empty. Her stomach protested, she didn't have breakfast. - Criminy! I need…. some food. Where is everyone?… - A tear fell up from her eyes… At this moment, the door was open, and her parents and Olga went inside, talking and celebrating something.
- Oh my little Olga, you won first place, as always. Congratulations!
- Thank you mom and daddy, thank you for the fancy dinner too! Was delicious!
Helga could feel how her heart was broken… - I don't need them… I never did it… and I never will.
.
.
.
- Oh my stomach! I'm full! - The scream of her classmate brought her back to the present.
- Helga, where are you going? - Miss Scott asked her without any true interest.
- I've something to solve. - She opened the door and walked to the bedroom #3, where she knew that a very special specimen was. - Ok bucko, why are you not eating? - Said bluntly.
- And what do you care about Pataki? Just go and eat and then go home, let me alone.
- I won't, I can't.
- It is easy, you have to open the door and walk.
- Funny!- sigh. - Do you know? We are not so different.
- Oh, are you trying to offend me?
- Not silly… My childhood was… similar.
- Oh really? Did your mom disappear one day? did you have to spend the day with stupid people that only can see you as a burden or worst… feel sorry for you?
- Not.. not really.
- So we aren't similar. You had an easy life… so, leave me alone. starting tomorrow you didn't have to see each other again!
- Oh yeah? Why?
- My mom will come back and I'm going to live with her and Dani again!
- Really… fine to you!
- So relax old lady… good night!
- Ok… see you. - She turned off the light and closed the door, ready to come back to the dining room. - It looks like everything is going better for the little demon. - I come back.
- Dah Helga, we saw you! - Harold said while drinking his soda.
- Where have you been, girl?
- I was trying that Craig would come and have dinner, but he preferred to sleep. He's so happy that her mom took him home tomorrow.
- Did he say that? What a liar!
- What are you talking about?
- Did you not know? His mom is dead.
- What? - Helga said and Harold opened his dirty mouth.
- Yeah, that's why he is here. His mom let him here to look for help and then she went. Later we found out that his step-dad killed his mom that night.
- Criminy… I can't believe it. And why did he tell me that? Does he not know it?
- Sure, he knows… but he can't accept it yet. He scared all the couples on the adoption day. He's such a troublemaker!
- A troublemaker? He 's just 5, doi!
- And everybody here has a sad tragic story! He's not special, he could make things easier for everyone and let us be calm!
- Do you know? The adults as you make me feel disgusted.
- I'm just realistic, girl! I can't lose time with each kid. His mom will never come back and he has to accept it!
- You're a big and stupid liar! My mom'll come back… she promised it to me! You'll see!
The little boy screamed and started running as fast as he could.
- What a rude boy!
- A rude boy? You're heartless! Helga ran behind him while the old lady could evit feeling offended.
- Oh… but will you sign our assistance of today… right? - Harold received an angry look at him because of his question.
— PS 118- Nursing–
- Oh boy! This is life! - Gerald finished his strawberry smoothie and smiled. - I love being a volunteer.
- I finished it all! - A tired girl appeared. - I did everything. How is your ankle?
- Better Rhonda, thank you, maybe… maybe tomorrow I can help you.
- I hope so… it was terrible! I'm going home, bye!
- And Abner will fly tomorrow! Very funny Rhonda… I'll be fine until Friday 5:30.
- Very clever boy!
- Cafeteria lady! I can explain…
- You don't have to, don't worry, It'll be our secret!
- Really? Thank you! But… Why do you help me?
- Because I saw how hard you worked last week and this girl always made a mess at her table! I hate that.
- You're awesome Cafeteria Lady!
- Please, call me Milly. So, it's too late, go home.
- Thank you Milly! See you!
— Hillwood State Asylum –
- Had you enjoy the cookies Bernie?
- Yeah Arnie, thank you so much! they tasted like the ones my nana used to make.
- You're welcome! My mom, grandma and my friend helped me.
- When you get back to your home, kiss all of them. Each girl, you know!
- Bernie! - Arnold blushed quickly.
- I know that you'll enjoy it!- She laughs so hard.
- And… How was she?
- My Nana Marie… was so warm, elegant, a queen in all the senses… She was my inspiration, I tried to breed my Sara as she made with me…. My Sara…. my lost Sara… Where are you! - Her eyes clouded over and started screaming so hard. - Sara, come back! Sara!
- Bernie, please, be calm… I'm here with you. - The worried boy took her hand.
- I don't know who you are… Get away! Sara, help me!
- Who 's Sara?
- My little girl… my daughter…. I don't know where she is…. I'm gonna die without seeing her again!
- I gotta find her! I'll promise you!
- Arnold, go outside, she is in an episode.
- But…
- Go home please!- The angry nurse screamed at him.
- I'm gonna find her Bernie… I promise you. He gave her a sad look and then went outside, with an empty feeling.
— Home House: Happy Moments-Garden –
- Craig come back! - Helga screamed, she looked in the trees and bushes. - Craig…. please… - The rain finally started, a very hard rain. Helga felt the cold wind.
- Go away! Get out of me!
- Here you are!
- I want to be alone.
- I know… but I can't. Go down! The rain is getting dangerous, you can't be in a tree.
- Did you listen? I'm an orphan… If I die I'll do a favor to everyone.
- That 's not true. You're a person and you have the right to live.
- To what? To make people hate me?
- You know that you're more than that. I know how you feel. I'm not an orphan… but I grew up on my own… alone.
- What? And your parents?
- I've an older sister, her name's Olga. She's so perfect… My parents loved her… they only had eyes and attention and…. love to her.
- What about you?
- I don't know… I tried to do all that they wanted me to do… but it was useless… They only can love Olga… Actually my dad always forgot my name, he called me Olga all the time.
- Really? What a jork!
- I know it. That 's Big Bob… I learned a very important lesson when I was as little as you… some adults are idiots, and can make life more difficult and make us feel that it is our fault, but it is not true… you didn't do anything wrong… The only wrong ones were them. You deserve an apology, but some adults are so heartless and foolish that they won't ever do it.
- What can I do now… I'm alone…
- You are not alone! Here's Doctor Bliss… she's an amazing adult, she helps me a lot. Some teachers like mine, are good ones… and maybe, tomorrow you'll be an amazing adult, different from the stupid ones that we met.
- Sorry Helga… sorry for the way that I treated you…- He jumped from the tree and hugged her.
- Don't worry little bucko, you had only idiots in your life, you were in self defense mode. So… truce?
- Truce Pataki!
- Go inside and take a shower… I'm gonna come back tomorrow.
- Thank you… I never thought that I would say this but… I hope to see you tomorrow…
- Bye Bucko! My classmate had gone… so… bye!
Helga said bye with a big smile and with her hands, while her new friend went inside.
- An excellent job Miss Pataki, your boyfriend would be proud of you.
- Arnold? What're you doing here?
- I finished and I saw that it's gonna rain… And as I was missing you, I thought you were gonna love to see me.
- Are you a romantic boy football head!
- Yeah… but only with you. - He took her hand and shared with her the umbrella.
- Would you like to have dinner at home with me? and then... "make homework" together.
- Yeah… why not!
- Helga… you were amazing with him… I told you before and I'll see you again… Your heart is so pure.
- Stop bucko! I'm so red now! C'mon at your home.
— PS 118- 6th grade's classroom- Friday afternoon–
- Students! I'm so happy and proud of you! All of you did everything wonderful! - Olga applause.
- Yes kids! You showed that you are special people! Everyone said amazing things about all of you… except for Helga and Harold… but don't worry I got all the signs.
The doorbell sounded and the pre-teens went to the Cafeteria.
- I'm so happy! I loved my visits with my grandpa! - Phoebe said!
- Yeah me too! I'll continue visiting Bernie… I've a mission with her.
- Yes Arnoldo… You'll make magic and find a lost daughter… Wake up, football head! This is not a movie or a stupid cartoon.
- Well Helga, you know, I prefer to think positively. - He continued the false acting to cover the relationship. -What about you Gerald and Rhonda? Did you enjoy your time here?
- Of course not Arnold, I'm so sensible and I can't resist seeing how people work hard.
- Well princess, you're still being the same… you'll never gonna change.
- Hi children! Have a nice day!
- Hi Milly! You too! - Gerald smiled at her and Rhonda too, but trying to pass unnoticed.
- OMG those kids… look how they dirty the table! And only go away! - Rhonda cleaned the table before sitting down.
- Maybe some things can change Helga. - Arnold smiled at her.
THE END
Double chapter Sunday! I hope you enjoyed it as much as me! I don't know if it happened to you, but I loved the Helga-Craig and Arnold and Bernie relationship, how did you think? The good part is that it is not the last time that we will see them... Share your opinion in the reviews and comments and I will see you next week!
PS- If you want to know little Craig's face, it's on my IG: yin.