Disclaimer: Craig Barleett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show
5. Just some raspberry ice cream
— Sunset Arms-Family room- Friday night–
- This sunday it'll be an amazing one! Quigley Stadium is opening its doors to celebrate our traditional game and festival Dad- and child! Hosted by retired player Mickey Kaline. - The news man said.
- Oh yeah! I can't wait for it! - Arnold was enjoying his chocolate cake while he's sitting on the floor watching TV with his relatives.
- Wait a minute… Kaline is retired?
- Yeah Miles… Where have you been? Oh… yes, sorry son.
- He retired 2 years ago dad, I was in his last game, it was awesome.
- He was my idol! What a pity!
- Mine too dad! Actually, we're friends. I can't wait to see him again this sunday!
- Will be amazing, champ!
- Yeah we'll win each game like always Shortman! - They shook hands and smiled.
- Wait! You wanted to say that Arnold and I will win, right?
- Eh, no Miles, I'm pretty sure that I said that Arnold and I'll win to everyone! Like always! Specially to that stupid Pataki! Unless that Shortman wants to gain his new father in law. eh
- Grandpa! For the last time… I don't have a girlfriend.
- Sure Arnold, and ¡I'm the king of the UK!
- Dad… can we talk in the kitchen?
- Sure, but remember I'm not a real king.
The young boy continued watching TV without imagining the war that almost started in the other room. While Stella and Gertie were washing dishes.
- Dad, I'm worried about Arnold.
- Me too, he is still here, if he moves to a single's departement I could rent his room.
- No dad, seriously… is about the event this weekend…
- Yeah… why?
- The fact is… that is an event for father-son… you know what I mean?
- Sure, you want to compete with me, huh?- The old man nudged his son.
- -No dad… What I'm saying is that I would like to go with Arnold, my son, you know, as father and son. Only us
Stella and his mom in law stopped washing and started to listen to the conversation behind their. They could feel a bad feeling. Phil was just surprised.
- But we always do it together, for 6 years!
- Yes dad, I know it, and I'll always be grateful, but I'm finally here now and I would love to share the experience with him.
- Oh… I understand… maybe it's fair, I mean, you gave him life… I just raised him, took care and fed him for 10 years… but you're his dad.
- Oh no… you know that not being here was not my plan, or my wish.
- Miles, honey, maybe we'll have to keep calm and…
- No dear, we're gonna listen to how I failed as a dad.
- But son, you didn't fail, you got sick, that's all. - Her worried mom said.
- Let's do something Miles… a healthy competition.
- A competition?
- Yeah it's rude that we make Arnold take a side, so we're gonna compete between us without him knowing about it.
- And how will we win?
- Easy jungle man, each of us will spend a middle saturday with the boy, at night, Stella and Pookie'll decide who's the winner. Deal?
- Deal.
— Sunset Arms-Stella and Miles's room–
- Miles… I'm not so happy with this agreement with your dad, Arnold isn't a trophy. - The woman was brushing her brown hair in front of her mirror.
- I know honey but it's very unfair… I couldn't share this day with him before, it's my opportunity. In a none too distant future, Arnold is gonna be a teen. You know as well as me that a teen doesn't want to spend time with his parents. - Miles was laying on his bed and sighed helplessly.
- Arnold is different from the other teens, he's so mature and hungry to spend time with us… you don't have to create a competition to gain his attention.
- Oh Stella my dear, this family it's different, we do things our way.
- A stupid way if I can say.
- Maybe but, it's the Shortman way.
- And you know what things will do with him?
- Yes, I've a plan. Remember my words… I'll win at my dad.
- Sure honey, you're the king of fun. - She said with sarcasm and turned off the light.
— Sunset Arms- Arnold's bedroom- Saturday- 6 AM–
Arnold was sleeping comfortably, but he listened some whispers, he rubs his eyes and he could see his dad in front of him with a big scary smile.
- Ah! Dad! What 's happening?
- Hi champ! Everything it's ok.
- Really? So what're you doing here… at 6 am… on saturday. - He looked at his watch and carved his eyes.
- Sorry about the time… but I'm wondering if you would like to spend some time with your dad? Only us.
- Sure dad… It'll be cool… But, do we have to start now?
- Of course! We've to take advantage of all the time that we can. C'mon!
The boy with football head couldn't answer him, his dad took his hands and he hurriedly carried it down the stairs.
- Dad… where will we go?
- To the park, it's time to exercise! Are you ready?
- Not really… I'm still in my pajamas!
— Hillwood Park —
- C'mon Arnold! run! faster!
- I'm doing my best…but you are faster… - The blond couldn't breathe.
- Excellent Arnold! 2 hours! Do you know what it means?
- That I'll die.
- Not son! It's breakfast time!
- We're gonna have breakfast outside?
- Of course not! The best breakfast is the one that you cook with your own hands.. C'mon son! Later we'll go to the Public Library.
- Sure… What's wrong with him? - He Asked to himself.
– Public Library –
After a healthy and nutritious breakfast, The Shortmans went to the Library. Without being a surprise to anyone, the place was empty at that hour on saturday. Miles said hello to the angry library woman and then started to look for a book, with a big smile on his face.
- What're you looking for dad?
- A very special book son. Is something special as a treasure. Here it is! My book.
- Your book?
- Yes! I wrote it when I was working in San Lorenzo. I wrote about all the things that I'd learned after college.
- Wow dad… is wonderful! - Arnold looked proudly at the book in his hands, read on the cover: A Growing Culture, by Miles Shortman. - Dad… I never would have imagined that I could say this to you because I didn't know if someday I'd meet you… But you're awesome… and I am proud of being your son.
- Thank you champ… I'm proud of being your dad… you're my higher achievement.
They shared a smile and hug and the dad started to show him his book.
– Sunset Arms- Kitchen- 3 PM–
Phil was totally nervous, walking in circles and watching the watch.
- Where's this pair? It's almost 3 o'clock, the day is finishing.
- Oh don't worry captain, I'm pretty sure that our soldiers are almost coming.
- Yeah old witch? How do you know?
- Cause they're here at the door.
- Oh dad! Did you really fall fram so high?
- Yes I did, and your mom got nuts! - They exploded in laughs.
- Cof, cof. - The older Shortman cleared his throat to make his presence known. - Where are you been? It 's 3 o'clock.
- Sorry grandpa, I spent the day with my dad at the Public Library.
- At the Public Library? Is that your idea of fun?
- Yes dad, Arnold, did you have fun?
- Totally! My dad showed me his book, it was amazing!
- Your book? What news! You read his diary.
- Yes and both of them are incredibles.
- Thank you son! Wait a minute… Did you read my journal? - He felt totally nervous.
- Uhm… yes dad, there I found your map.
- And did you read the COMPLETE journal?
- Oh Miles, take it easy! I read to him and I cut the page that you are thinking about.
- Thank you dad! - He could breathe again.
- Your welcome Mr Hot Night! - The old man gave him a playful little poke on the arm.
- Dad! - At that moment, the blond man would love being an ostrich and hide his face.
- Anyway, Shortman…. It's time to go!
- Time to leave? Where?
- We're gonna have a special sunday grandpa-shortman! As you promised me when I thought that I was dying.
- Grandpa, that was 2 years ago… and when I asked you to do it again you said that you spend too much time with me and that I should get a life.
- Arnold, you're young, you have to stop living in the past. So, do you come with me or not?
- Sure grandpa! What 's the plan?
- Just the same one that those day…
- Let's do it grandpa!
- First step… The Kiska! - The oldman said, closing the door.
- But Arnold, dad… - Miles tried to follow them but was useless, they went too fast.
– The Kiska –
Arnold and Phil enjoyed the movie, a retransmission of an old movie that Phil hated so much as Arnold did, just for laughs while the old ladies were crying.
– 5 PM–
Arnold and the old Shortman went to do some ice skating, surprising all the presents, as always they visited the place.
– 7 PM –
To finish the day, the men went to a baseball game and enjoyed corn dogs down at the docks.
— Sunset Arms-Family room- Saturday night–
A big storm had covered the entire city, with a lot of lightning and thunder,the oldman and the pre-teen opened the door and ran looking for a rest.
- We did it, Shortman! We arrived just in time!
- But grandpa, we're soaked! - He wrung his hair.
- Oh maybe a little, but it isn't a big deal, you will not melt eh Shortman!
They laughed so hard that they were listening to Miles.
- Hey dad, hey champ… have you fun?
- Hi dad! Sure, grandpa is awesome!
- Oh he does?
- Yes, I'm the best. - Said without modesty.
- Oh yes?
- Yes, we watched an old movie, then went ice skating, later we went to a baseball game and our team won!
- Amazing champ.
- And finally we shared corn dogs at the docks.
- A perfect day, not Shortman?
- Of course grandpa! Thank you!
- My work here is done, I'll take a shower, see you later guys!
- Ok… I'm going to the kitchen son, see you.
- See you. - It is me or my dad look worried. - The boy asked himself.
- Hey! Football Head! What's the big idea? - A female and very angry voice screamed at the same time that lightning illuminated the room, like a scary movie.
- Helga? What're you doing here?
- I'm trying to understand what's wrong with your big head!
- What?
- Oh, did you forget? Which part is hard for you to understand, hair boy? "Slausen's" or "6 o'clock this Saturday"? I stayed there waiting for you to start our plan to buy an ice cream, the one where "I forgot my money and then you bought me an ice cream that we would share together! Remember? If you didn't want a date... well, it wasn't a date, I mean...
- Sorry Helga, you're right. I forgot our date, I am really sorry.
- Where have you been?
- At so many places, like the public library and…
- Wait a minute… Did you forget a date with ice cream to go to the public library? - The angry and sodden girl said, trying to control herself and not kill his worried boyfriend.
- Wait… I went outside first with my dad and then with my grandpa. They were interested in spending some time with me and it was amazing but a little strange.
- Oh I see what happened here, a classical fight, "It is mine, not yours".
- What do you mean? - Arnold gave her a towel to dry her off.
- Sure, you're so generous and innocent, let me explain it to you. Your dad and your grandpa were fighting for your love. A Shortman VS Shortman to win a youngest Shortman. So pathetic, I tried it so many years ago and it didn't work.
- But why would my dad and grandpa fight for me?
- You're so clueless! See the facts, your grandpa cared for you all these years, in birthdays, competitions, graduations, etc, he was always here for you. Now your dad is here now and that means…
- That my dad will be at my birthdays, competitions, graduations…
- That's my point hair boy.
- What should I do?
- You asked the wrong person… If I were you, I would take all the advantage and money that I could… but you're the best in these situations…
- This is gonna be difficult, right? - He sighed with resignation .
- And uncomfortable… a lot… but necessary.
- Thanks… wish me luck.
He stole her a little kiss on the cheek and then went to the kitchen, where the others Shortman were cooking.
- Grandpa, dad, can we talk?
- Well Shortman, actually we're doing it right now!
- You know what I mean.
- Don't worry son. Talk.
- I know about your little competition for my attention… I only have a question… Why?
What is the purpose?
- Sorry champ. Was it my fault… It's just that I wanted to go to the event tomorrow with you… but I've to understand that this kind of things are your business, not mine… and it was my fault.
- But dad, you are my dad… is it normal that you wanna go with me…
- Sorry Shortman… I've to understand which is my place now and I'm just your grandpa…
- But dad, isn't it true, you raised Arnold…. I only disappeared.
- But you're his real father...
- Guys I'm really sorry, I hurt both of them and..
- Criminy! This is pathetic! - The girl entered and focused the attention of the 3 crying men. - You two are "Arnold's father", but in different ways, you are two different people, and if I know Arnold as well as I know I know him, his heart is big enough to share with you both. Just do different separate traditions and more together, see, easy! Helga crossed her arms as if she had finished explaining the most obvious thing in the world, leaving the men in front of her perplexed.
- You're right, little lady. Sorry Miles, sorry Arnold, I just feel fear about being excluded and useless now that Miles returned.
- Don't worry dad, you're all except useless, I'm very new in this thing called paternity. It only had a year of experience and now it is obsolete.
- I'm here for both of you, Miles, at least for the next 8 years according to our family curse.
- Ha! Phil, you'll bury us all. - The blond girl said, making everyone laugh.
- Maybe… but I've a question… who'll participate with you at tomorrow's event? Is just a couple by family.
- I've a possible solution. - The youngest Shortman said and smiled.
– Quigley Stadium - Sunday Morning –
- Welcome and happy sunday to everyone! Our Annual event it's just coming! You know what you've to do, participate in all our dynamics, the best child would hit with the Hillwood Black Sox in addition to receiving 200 dollars! Good luck to everyone!
The whole stadium was full with all the parents and their children, warming up and taking protein. Their mothers and one grandma were sitting in the stands, cheering up their families.
- Listen to me, Helga! We HAVE to win this contest. The Patakis have always been the best in everything, you know?
- And we need the money, yes Bob I know it, but this year could be different.
- Why do you say that?
- I say this for the new competitors, they are excellent this year. - Helga smiled sideways looking at her boyfriend's family.
- Are you ready champ?
- Yes dad! I'm ready to win at everyone. - Arnold and Helga winked at each other with complicity. - But I've to say it, grandpa is a big athlete.
- Thanks for participating with me Mr Shortman. - A little guy said at thim.
- It will be my pleasure Clair!
- Actually, is Craig. - The little orphan said.
- Oh Whatever! Don't worry now you're the little Corporal, I'll be Sergeant Major Steely Phil.
- Sure ser…sargeant… I can't say it. - The little kid felt drusted while the old man laughed out loud.
- Don't worry little soldier, just follow me!
Everyone was prepared, waiting for the signal…3…2…1: The competition had started. All the families did their best, and a long hour after, the judges announced the winner, or should we say the winners, Arnold Shortman and Little Craig. Bob Pataki nearly snapped, arguing that they're not really related, but no one wanted to hear him. The pre-teen and the child hit in the game and then the Hillwood Black Sox won the game.
Finally at night everyone enjoyed the food and fireworks show.
- Oh dad… just some.
- Not Miles, I said no, you know the family rule: No raspberries!
- But it is our favorite, just some raspberry ice cream.
- You'll regret Miles. - The worried grandma said and everyone started laughing, while they continued watching the wonderful show.
Arnold watched his parents and grandparents talking and laughing, Helga holding little Craig and in that moment he knew how lucky he was.
- I suppose that the void finally has disappeared.
THE END
Happy Hey Arnold anniversary #26! In this special day I dedicated this chapter to Craig Bartlett, his crew and to each fan that we were lucky to grew up with this wonderful show!