Disclaimer: Craig Barleett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.

8. The "Granny effect"

– Big Bob's Beepers - Sunday 7am –

A very tall beeper tower at the front of the store was being rearranged by an angry blonde preteen, who was cleaning and stacking again.

- I hate Sundays, I hate useless beepers, I hate Big Bob…. Who in the world is cleaning beepers at 7 o'clock.

- Olga, did you finish yet?

- Yes Bob I did it. - She lied. - Can I have breakfast now?

- Oh sure, whatever.

- You're so lovely Bob. - She stood up, later put the rest of the beepers in their place, when she could hear the door-bell. - A client? Who's so stupid to enter here?

- Hey Helga! Morning! - He greeted her with a big dreamer smile.

- Arnold? What are you doing… you know… here on Sunday and so early?

- To be honest… - Embarrassed, he put his hand on the back of his neck. - I was missing you and… my parents and I want to ask you if you want, of course, do you like to have breakfast with us?

- Breakfast…. with you,.. and your family?- She always dreamed of hearing that but couldn't believe that it is now a reality.

- Only if you want it, like I told you… sorry I'm a disaster…

- But one so funny, Ok Arnoldo I'll have to lose my wonderful breakfast here, but what the hell, I will do!

- Awesome! C'mon! My dad prepared his famous and unpopular "healthy chocolate and chickpea cake"... Tastes better than it sounds… I promise. - He raised his hand as an oath and she started laughing, he was so cute to her.

- Ok, a deal. Just give me a second. Miriam, Bob, I'm leaving!

- What honey? - Her mom appeared from the floor, apparently she had been sleeping there since last night.

- I said that I'll go out, see you later!

- Ok dear. - She put on her glasses and tried to recognize the place where she was.

- Let's go Football head, it is time.

- Ok Helga. Mmm Can I ask you something? - They went outside and started walking to his guesthouse.

- You just did it a second ago.

- No, I mean, another 2 questions.

- You invited me to breakfast, so maybe I could let you, what's in your big head?

- Are you still angry about last night? You know… when my family and guests did that embarrassing romantic dinner for us.

- Don't worry hair boy, I understand what happened and it was free tasty food, so don't worry I can let it pass.

- Great! Thank you! Anyway, I talked with everybody and I clarified our "friendship".

- But no one believed it, I can bet it, don't worry… your family is… ok… I guess. But it is better that the old man does not bother the bull with his jokes or I won't hold back. - She said with false annoyance that Arnold loved it.

- Well my lady here is, your palace is waiting for you. - He took her hand and helped her up the stairs, put her behind him, opened the door and all the pets ran out. - Follow me.

- Oh football head, stop it! - She laughed and went inside and walked to the kitchen.

- Mom, dad, we are here!

- Oh Helga, it's nice to see you again! - Stella gave her a small hug that surprised the girl. - C'mon and sit down next to Arnold. Would you like some milk, or maybe a tea?

- Milk is ok, thank you Ms Shor… I mean, Stella.

- Eleonor you're finally here! It will be an honor to take breakfast with you.

- Thank you Mrs Shortman.

- Mother queen please. Stella is our queen and you our princess, our beautiful princess.

- Sure, if you say it. - The youngest of the Pataki felt a little uncomfortable before the hallucinations of her beloved's grandmother, but curiously, it was a discomfort that she enjoyed. She could see how each member of family Shortman had a task, for example, Arnold was putting the cutlery on the table, Pookie and Stella were serving and preparing drinks, Miles was trying to prepare and decorate his last little weird cake and finally Phill appeared in the kitchen.

- Wow, wow, wow, but who do we have here? But if she is the future Mrs. Shortman and the latest addition to the family.

- Grandpa! I told you!- A red Arnold tried to stop his grandpa.

- Sorry Shortman but it's impossible. And I say it in the good sense, I love have so interesant guest at the table. I started to worry, Shortman was single for so long, no one wanted to date him, I believed that he would stay here and alone forever…

- Grandpa!

- Don't worry Arnold, this is very funny. - Helga laughed and did a big drink of milk.

- And it's cool that finally Helga is sitting having breakfast with us and not hiding in the ventilation ducts. - The blond girl choked on his milk and Arnold patted his back while the others laughed a little.

- Grandpa is enough please.

- Ok Shortman I'll stop, would be a miracle if another girl said yes to you.

Arnold surrendered while his grandpa laughed hard.

- Dad, please. Don't worry Helga, we're so happy that you accept our invitation. Here is your cake… can you give me an honest review? - Her dad in law saw her with puppy eyes, waiting for her opinion.

- Sure Miles… - She cut a little piece of the weird cake, while the rest of the family looked with total attention at her.

- It is…

- It is? - The anxious adult asked.

- Delicious… looks and tastes like a real cake, well you know what I mean.

- Do you really like it! Yeah! I knew that a young lady like you will appreciate my master cake.

For the first time in so long, Helga could feel very comfortable and happy, like the other weird people at the table was her own family and she kept the hope that someday they will be.

– Big Bob's Beepers - Sunday 6pm –

Helga and Arnold spent all the morning and part of the afternoon playing board games and watching old movies. At the beginning the football head boy was a little nervous, he knew how difficult it's for his girlfriend to spend time with others and show "her true self", but this was a winning day, his family loved her and he could say that she loved them too. He never saw her angry and uncomfortable, she was talking, giving her opinions and joking. He had to admit that he is in love with this unknown side of her.

- Arnold! - She moved her hands in front of his head. - Are you here?

- Oh yeah, sorry Helga, what's happens?

- Oh nothing, just that we arrived almost 5 minutes ago, what were you dreaming about? Hey?

- Nothing important… it's just that... I don't want to say goodbye to you…

- You spent a lot of hours with me and it's not enough for you , really?

- Sure… I miss you when we are apart… you don't?

Helga could feel her heart making boom boom so fast and faster. - Football head the things that you make me say…

- But answer me… do you miss me?

- Sometimes… I think… - They intertwined their hands and began to close the distance between them, until a deep female voice interrupted the romantic moment.

- Excuse me, is Bob's beeper shop this way?

- What… wait a minute… Are you Geraldine Viksten?

- Yes, young lady… How do you know it?

- Because I'm Helga Pataki.., your youngest granddaughter.

Arnold and the old lady with blue eyes, dropped their jaws, totally surprised.

- Are you the daughter of that useless man?

- I'm afraid so, but I hope that someday Miriam told me that I was adopted.

- Take me to that place then.

- Excuse me? I'm in the middle of something here.

- Yes, I saw your nasty show.

- Nasty? - She began to show her frown and offended brow, scaring her boyfriend a little, her grandmother seemed to have a similar character.

- Hi Mrs Viksten, my name's Arnold and I'm a friend of Helga, it'll be a pleasure to guide you there.

- Finally someone with modals. Let's go young man.

Arnold helped her with her fancy handbag and walked towards the empty store. Helga was walking behind them.

- Is here, Mrs Viksten.

- Thank you Arnold… but what a dump!

- I know it. - Helga finally entered.

- Can you talk to my daughter?

- Sure granny! - She said with irony, the lady just frowned. - Miriam! Your mother is here. - She screamed.

- What did you say Olga? - A scared Bob appeared in the front of his store.

- Robert Pataki… I hadn't seen you for 15 years…

- A very good 15 years. - He answered her.

- A very good ones? I don't think so… last week one of my closest friend told me the embarrassing story about how a supposed businessman almost lost his money, he lost his house and now he and his family now live in his failure. I'm right, aren't I?

The young couple and Bob were speechless. The strong words of the lady were like knives. The sound of a broken glass interrupted the tension.

- Mother? What're you doing here… in Hillwood.. in our store?

- I enjoy with my own eyes how all the things that I told you finally happened.

- That's not true Gerry, my business has some problems but I'm not finished!

- Sure Robert, and all of you live here because you love the Beepers, right?

- Mother, please.

- No Miriam, I had to wait like 20 years for this, I told you and I'm always right... He's a disgrace, he destroyed your life. Maybe you haven't had a decent meal in a long time… Do you want to have dinner with me?

- I'll do!

- Helga! - Arnold, who didn't say anything in all the last minutes, finally spoke.

- What?, I never met my grandma before, and it looks that we both think the same about all this.

- Finally, a relative with perspective. Fine, you can come with me. I'll call my driver.

- Do you have a driver? Uhh, nice!

- Olga, stop there! You can't go.

- Why? ¿Why will I lose the opportunity to sleep on the floor again, and eat cereal as a dinner again? No thank you, see ya!

Grandma and granddaughter came out of the store with a winning smile, Arnold smiled awkwardly and ran after the girl.

- Helga, are you really leaving with her? - Arnold took her arm and whispered to her.

- Of course not Arnoldo, I only enjoy a sweet familiar moment!

- Oh yeah? And where will you spend the night?

- I don't know, maybe I'll sneak into the mousetrap in the middle of the night or something.

- What? But Helga… You can spend the night in my house.

- In your… house?

- Oh no, of course not. Helga, right? You can come with me. My penthouse is big enough for us two.

- I can?

- Sure.. you're too young to sleep in your boyfriend's house.

- OMG Mrs grandma, I mean Mrs Gerry, I mean… I didn't invite her with these intentions… I…

- Don't worry young man, you seem decent, unlike Pataki. But you know, never do good things that may seem bad.

- Sure. - He said totally red and Helga only smiled.

- Well, come on Helga it's so late and we have to come in time for dinner.

- See you Arnoldo!

- Call me later… Helga.

Arnold was worried, a grandma that never wanted to meet her granddaughter and was humiliating her only daughter can't be a good person, and now his Helga is in her hands…

- I hope that everything goes well.

– Grand Palace Hotel –

Mrs. Viksten didn't just choose a Hotel, she chose "The Hotel", one that not even the Lloyds have been able to book. The building looked like a real Greek palace.

Many employees were waiting for them. One of them opened the car's door and helped the ladies out of the car.

- Mrs Viksten is a pleasure that you'll stay with us, please, your penthouse is waiting for you.

- Thank you Charles. She is my guest.

- Welcome young lady, it'll be a pleasure, if you need something, you tell us.

- Criminy! You got it bucko!

They both entered the elevator and reached the last and most luxurious complex of the hotel. Helga was very surprised by all the luxury in the place, not even in Bob's best days had he seen anything like it.

- Here is, my penthouse when I visit one of their hotels. Come in.

- Wow, it is a very expensive room, are you rich or something like that?

- A little, yes, when you and your husband helped in the second world war, well, you get some benefits.

- Wait a minute… Did you participate in the second war? But you're not so old.

- And you're right, I used a fake id with a fake age. I pretended to be 18, but I was 15 years,

- 15 years! - Helga and the old lady sat down on a comfortable sofa.

- Oh yes… I was tired of war. So I made my decision and I visited one of the most famous fakers of the city. They created my fake ID and I traveled to France as a nurse. There I met your grandpa. He was. - The old woman put an old photo of a handsome man.

- Wow, he wasn't bad at all.

- You're right! - She laughed for the first time in so much time. Helga saw how she relaxed with her. - I said the same when he asked for a date.

- He was a soldier?

- Something like that, he was an engineer and he worked repairing cars and tanks. We fought together for months until another American soldier beat a battalion with a stale ham or something.

- Amazing Mrs Viksten!

- Oh Helga… I'm your grandmother, call me…

- Granny Gerry?

- It is ok, if you want it. - They laughed again.

- Oh, tell me more stories, please?

- Sure, but I'm hungry. Would you like to have dinner with me?

- Sure! I'm hungry.

- Excellent, take a look at the menu and choose all that you want!

- You got it granny!

…

A couple of hours had passed, Helga and Gerry were talking and enjoying the delicious food and now they were closing with a large chocolate ice cream, which turned out to be their favorite.

- So, we've been dating since the summer.

- Amazing, that Arnold sounds like a real gentleman.

- And he is.

- A young love, very romantic! You know, you remind me a lot of myself when I was young.

- A very honor Gerry!

- It is very curious that Miriam chose my name for you, after, well you know, I had not spoken with them for years.

- I've to ask… why did you break up your relationship with Miriam? Were you never close?

- Oh we were, a lot. She was our only child, we gave her all our love and time. She was our adoration. She was brilliant, she was always in the school honor roll.

She loved nature and the horses. We refused at first, but she still insisted and we finally gave one to her. She loved it so much. When she was teenager she won her pass to compete in the olympics, she was our little pride.

- So… What happened?

- Our ruin! Robert Pataki… He was a truck driver who gave us service. Miriam made the mistake of laying his eyes on that failed foreigner. Her dad and I refused their relationship…

When Miriam turned 21, they… escaped to Hillwood…. her biggest failure… My husband died months later… I was totally alone… I tried to meet your sister once, but I couldn't… she was everything your dad wanted, a very accommodating and submissive girl, she just lived according to him. The least I would have wanted for my descendants and my Miriam... frustrated, forgotten and unsuccessful, without any of her dreams fulfilled.

- And why… Why did you give me a chance to stay here? I'm so similar to Bob.

- To be honest... I wanted to piss Bob off at first... but then... I saw that you are the only difference there. You have personality, bravery, honesty with yourself, you have to be rude because you had grown up with that idiot, but you are... like gold... in all this time I thought I would never meet someone valuable in my family. I'm so sorry I didn't meet you earlier. But…

- Both are stubborn and we have been betrayed by those guys, I know, don't worry, better late than never... I guess. The unibrowed girl gave her grandmother a sincere smile which she quickly returned. - I better go home to sleep, it's almost midnight.

- Of course not, this penthouse has three more bedrooms, choose one and you can visit me all the week that I will stay here.

- Really? Thank you… so… see you in the morning… grandma…

- Good night my young lady.

– Grand Palace Hotel – Helga's Bedroom –

Helga couldn't believe that the "the little apartment" in front was actually her room for tonight.

- This is life…. - She jumped into her comfortable and enormous bed. She looked at the moon through the window and thought to her. - It's so curious… how the people have "their effect" on others. For example… "The effect Viksten" when my grandpa helped my grandma in the war and they fell in love, she could survive thanks to him.

Then… "The Miriam effect" the loved daughter that broke their hearts. And finally the worst of them… "The Bob effect" the man that destroyed his wife's life. I The bottom line: Be careful who you surround yourself with and their effect on you. - Oh damn! - She sat down quickly- I forgot to call Arnold. - She standed up and walked to the phone and called a number that lately she is using more and more. - Hello… I'm..

- Helga! Finally! It 's midnight! Why did you call so late? I was waiting for you… for hours! Are you ok? Where are you? Did you have dinner? Do you want me to go? Where?

- Arnoldo please, take a breath… Criminy you're worse than a police interrogation. I'm pretty well. I'll spend the night with my granny,

- Seriously?

- Yes, mmm, why can't you believe it?

- Helga, you have never seen that woman before! and to be honest… your family isn't a love with you.

- Maybe you're right hair boy… but she's different… We are so similar. For the first time… I feel in family.

- Oh… I'm so happy for you… just… be careful ok? I can see you in the lobby tomorrow early and walk to school.

- Don't worry, she has a luxury car, I see you there, now sleep boy, for your voice sounds that you need it.

- Sorry… I was only worried for you… I over reacted, sorry. Have sweet dreams… See you tomorrow… Helga.

- See ya football head. - She sighed in love and was touched by her boyfriend's concern. - I definitely love the "Granny effect" but my favorite is the "Arnold effect".

THE END

And here you have a new episode more with a character, that I don't know if you like it, but I loved it! the grandma Gerry, and she'll be more important in the future... what do you think about her? See you in reviews?

An extra fact: If you wanna know more about grandparents Viksten you can find more of them in my other story called: Alfa and Omega in the episode 19.

Extra fact 2: If you want to meet grandma, you can see the illustration on my instagram: yin. writer . 17

illustrated by the great: franc . albrnoz