Disclaimer: Craig Barleett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
10. Arnold turns 12
– Sunset Arms - Miles and Stella's bedroom - 11 years ago
The alarm clock sounded in the room. The blond guy opened his eyes, so happy as a child on Christmas morning.
- Stella, darling… it's the day… - He moved his wife to try to wake her up.
- Miles, don't worry, the baby is not gonna go anywhere… take it easy. - She smiled.
- But it's his first birthday, if we don't hurry my parents will go and sing first.
- Ok, no more pouts, we can go now!
- Yeah! It's a happy birthday song's time!
- Miles, sometimes I believe that you're the baby.
The young couple dressed quickly and prepared some balloons to surprise their baby.
- Are you ready honey?
- Since a year ago, Miles! - They opened the door and started singing:
- Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, happy birthday my sweet prince Arnold… happy birthday to you!
The couple finished their singing and the baby thanked them with a big smile.
- My champ… happy birthday… the first of a long list of birthdays together… my Arnold… - Miles enjoyed how his son took his finger in his little hand, he sometimes felt that his family was like an impossible dream… and sadly, it has been like this for some time.
.
.
.
– Sunset Arms - Greenhouse – Present
- Miles! - The woman with brown hair screamed, her husband let the tap water run, not noticing that the watering can was overflowing.
- Oh… sorry. I was…
- Distracted, I know, but what's wrong with you? I mean, you're like a little beautiful disaster, but lately, you outdo yourself.
- My love, I can't hide anything from you… I'm worried about Arnold.
- For our son? Why? He is happy with his girlfriend, he loves the school, he has a lot of friends, and we're finally here.
- That last one is my problem, his birthday is in 3 days and…
- Don't worry, we prepared an amazing party for him.
- Yes but… I feel that is not enough, he had 10 birthday parties as an orphan, anything that we do it won't be enough.
- Yes… I know what you are talking about, but darling, we can't go back in time and change our story. We never will completely repair our mistake with him… but maybe we can start with little special things and make it bigger with time.
- You're right, like always!
- Yes, I'm perfect, I know, thank you!
- Yeah honey and… wait a minute! - He screamed totally freaky out.
- What 's now?
- The present? We don't have a present…
- OMG you're right! We forget to buy a present.
- But… What can we buy for him? Or he'd prefer a homemade present? Oh no.. I don't know anything about my own son!
- Miles, please…
- He'll hate me… I hate myself right now!
- Miles, enough! - The woman gave her husband a small slap to get his attention. - Sorry, you were hysterical.
- Yes… sorry.
- We just need some… professional help…
— Sunset Arms - Family room —
The darkness covered the entire room, except for the main chair, which was slightly illuminated by a lamp that outlined the silhouette of its occupants.
- So… you come here… 3 days before the football head's birthday, asking me for help, interrupting my pet's walk…" Her hand gently caressed his monitor lizard's face. - Not enough time...
- We know it Helga, but we need your help.
- Yes, Stella and I are desperate, we know almost nothing about Arnold, and you are an eminence on the subject.
- Well, actually it's true… I know him better than anyone!
- What? Of course not! - The grandpa appeared turning the lights on. - I raised the boy and have lived with him all his life, if anyone knows him, it's me!
- Sure…. - She laughed with sarcasm. - Oh my old friend, I'm afraid of hurting your feelings, but I have written books about him.
- I fed him for years!
- And I spent all days with him!
- I helped him in his stupid childhood adventures!
- I was in ALL his stupid adventures and I record everything!
- What? - Miles and Stella were impacted by the not necessary information.
- Anyway… I cooked for him, I dressed him and I know him!
- Well I… - She stopped herself and was careful. - Anyway, he's my boyfriend, so I'm the correct person to help you.
- Sure! Ignore the experience's voice, I'll bring him the best present to him.
- We'll see, Shortman! - The blond girl smiled.
- Thank you Helga, so did you say that you know how to make videos right?
- Me? I said that… - A nervous laugh escaped from her. - I really didn't say…
- Videos like family movies, I mean.- Stella helped her.
- Oh… that kind of video, sure I can, and Gerald too.
- Amazing, his best friend and girlfriend! sounds an excellent present!
- Present? What are you talking about? - The birthday boy appeared from the door, listening to his excited dad.
- Is nothing sweetie, well, we have to go to… the market, see you son! - Miles and Stella smiled at the boy and ran away.
- What just happened here?
- Don't look at me football head, maybe they are crazy because they spent so much time sleeping, or it's a family thing, anyway, see you! - She almost left the room until her boyfriend stopped her.
- Are you leaving now?
- Yes, you know, I'm a very busy person, so, see you!
- But… - He couldn't say anything else and she went. He looked at his grandpa, trying to find an answer.
- Don't look at me either, apparently, I don't know anything about anything, huh! - The grumpy old man went too, leaving his grandson totally confused.
- My family it's so strange.
His grandma, dressed in a Wild West outfit, appeared, chasing Abner down the hall.
- Come on cowboy! It 's rodeo time!
— Gerald's house - Kitchen —
- So… let me understand… we need to create a video about Arnold's life… in less than two days?
- Yeah, actually that is the short story. - The answer of the blonde girl scared his new best friend.
- Wow Helga, sounds like an impossible mission, it's not enough time.
- Listen to me bro, can you or not with a big deal like this? I believed that I was talking with the awesome Gerald, the keeper of the stories, his best friend, since forever…
- Ok, ok, I'll do it, relax blondie. But, I need help again, damn, you really love to make movies about Arnold, right?
- Oh shut up, this was Stella's idea, not mine.
- Wait a minute… you'll make an Arnold's movie? - A shrill little voice suddenly appeared, as if it were a horror movie.
– Timberly, go away! This is an important talk, and is not for a little silly girl!
- I'm not a silly girl, do you remember? My movie won the cinema summer festival.
- Yes, but you were the only participant.
- Gerald, please, Arnold was my boyfriend and he's awesome, I want to help you.
- He was your what?
- Doesn't matter. - Gerald answered nervously, for Timberly. - This is a project for adults, so let us alone.
- that 's not fair! I want to help!
- I said that no!
- Well, if you say not… I'll say everything to Arnold. - She smiled with evil.
- Oh... you wouldn't dare! - Helga glared at her.
- Oh yeah? Try me! - The two stared at each other, challenging each other, until Gerald sighed in surrender.
- Ok Tim, you win!
- Yeah! I win!
- What? What are you talking about?
- Don't worry Helga, trust me. - he whispered to her.
- Do I have another option?
- Not really… She's so gossipy!
– Hillwood Park - 3 days later-
- I don't know what's going on, nobody wants to spend time with me! Did I do something wrong? - Arnold looked at the pig who switched his attention to a garbage can. - All my friends were busy these days, Gerald doesn't answer my calls, and Helga... it's worse than before, she doesn't even show up to call me "football head", and my parents, I don't understand... and my grandfather... he's angry all the time and whispering strange things.
I don't know Abner, I haven't felt so "empty" since I found my parents… the worst thing is that I think they are happier without me.
– Sunset Arms - Kitchen
The kitchen was a total mess, with flour and chocolate on the table and walls, the chairs were moved, the cooks looked so bad as the place.
- I want more cookies! - The little girl screamed.
- No more cookies Timberly, you had enough!
- But Gerald, I'm hungry!
- And I'm busy, I'm trying to find a cool band for the party.
- Remember, If you don't obey me, I'll tell everything to…
- I know, I know, here, eat them! - He put the jar in her hands.
- Thank you brother! I know that you're smart!
- So… I add some sugar in the mix?
- Exactly! - Pookie smiled at her cooking student.
- But it's a chili dog mix, it doesn't make sense!
- I know Eleonor, but it's my secret for the president, taste it!
- It 's delicious! wow… my life has another sense…
- Helga, darling, come here! Your cake is ready.
- Great… My poisoned cake it's ready! - She said nervously and the women laughed, her worried face was so cute.
- Don't worry, I know that you did your best, like the cookies that we did for Bernie.
- Well… actually smells and looks amazing!
- And now you know how to prepare our chocolate-banana Shortman's cake! Congratulations Eleonor!
- Thank you… But I'd rather that he never know that I cooked it, he's so emotional and…
- And you are embarrassed, huh? Don't worry dear, it's our secret! - Stella winked at her and smiled sweetly at her.
- But now, you're in debt with us…
- What? Why Mrs Shortman?
- Because… Now you know our secret…. you have to pay for it….- The old woman laughed and jumped outside the kitchen.
- Must I have to worry about it?
- Don't worry, my mother-in-law is harmless… I think.
- Ha! I got it! I found something that you don't know about the boy, his favorite number! - Phil screamed!
- Good one, but it's 5.
- Damn! How did you know it!
- I told you! I will always win in Arnold's business.
- Stella, darling, the video it's ready!
- Great! We have the food…
- The music. - The brunette guy said.
- A cake. - Helga added.
- And the guests it's almost coming! We have everything!
- Except the birthday boy. - The little girl said, while she finished her last cookie.
- Timberly it's right! We forget Arnold! - Gerald screamed.
- And Pheebs comes with the guests…
- Looks like the surprise is for all of you! eh?
- Dad, please! - His son scolded him, annoyed. - Where can he be?
- If you "know him better than anyone" you would know it!
- Actually, if I know him, as I know that I do, I know where he is! I'll come back with the foot… I mean, with Arnold in ten minutes.
- Thanks Helga, so, everyone take your places! - Stella took the food, ready to decorate the place.
— Hillwood's Lake—
Arnold was sitting in front of the lake, contemplating the water and some orange leaves of the trees falling on it.
- Oh Abner, it's getting late.
- It's time to go home, football head. Have you spent your entire Saturday here?
- Helga! It 's you! What are you doing here? Where have you been? Are you angry with me? Where is everybody?
- Oh take it easy boy, so many questions! I'm here looking for you, I was… busy, so, don't worry I don't angry with you, hair boy and finally, I don't know, but I know where you'll be.
- Really? Where?
- I told you, it's time to go home, come on! And no more questions!
- But…
- I said no more questions. - She took his hand, for the first time, the boy was shocked and only followed her.
– Sunset Arms- backyard –
The backyard was full of all Arnold's friends, and I know that it's not necessary to say that there were a lot of people. His parents decorated the place with strings of light bulbs for the garden. The table had a lot of different kinds of food, that Harold was enjoying so much, the band was waiting for their appearance, waiting for the birthday boy.
- Honey, Helga is taking so much, what if she couldn't find him?
- Oh don't worry Stella, our Helga it's smart and she said it, she really knows him. I'm pretty sure that they'll be here at any moment.
A few small steps were heard coming, in a hurry. They all hid, ready to surprise the boy.
- He is here! - Miles screamed. - Now everybody!
- Surprise! - Everyone said and their smiles disappeared in a second, when they discovered the owner of the steps.
- Thank you everyone! I know, I'm so special!
- Timberly? What are you doing here?
- Gerald, I told you, I want to come to the party.
- Our agreement it's over! Go home!
- Oh come on Gerald, she's an Arnold's friend too! - His girlfriend interfered.
- But babe, she was torturing me for the last couple of days and…
- Please. - The girls put on their super cute faces, against which the older brother's barrier couldn't win.
- Ok Tim, you win… but behave!
- Thank you Gerald, you're my favorite now! - She hugged her brother and Phoebe smiled, looking at the scene with tenderness.
- Someone it's coming and… what delicious chili dog! - The fat boy screamed.
- Everyone take your places again! - Stella ordered. Miles turned the light off and everyone had prepared to jump… again. The steps are closer and closer and then, everyone screamed:
- Surprise!
But then again, the newcomer wasn't the football head, it was a redhead who freaked out too much, tripped over the light sockets, blew them out along with the music, landed in the punch bowl, mixing up the snacks in the process and knocking down the presents, to end with a:
- I'm ok!
- For the dress of Hedy Lamarr! That guy it's like King Kong! - The grandpa was shocked. Seconds later the guy fell again, breaking the windshield of his beloved packard. - He's a monster!
- What's happening here?
- Oh hi Arnold, it's only that your friend has destroyed your surprise party and…-His father said until he recognized the boy.
- Arnold! Surprise! - Everyone said.
- A surprise… for me?
- You are too dense! It's your birthday, hair boy! - The girl with the pink bow said.
- Oh.. yeah.. it's my birthday! Thank you guys!
- We prepared this party for you… because this was a party. - Stella said.
- Everyone is here! Thank you!
- And we have more champ! Gerald, do it!
- Sure Mister S!
After raising the screen, they projected a small film, already a classic of theirs, where they saw photos of Arnold as a child and some videos of his past adventures and their parent's voice saying:
- Maybe we didn't have the opportunity to be here with you, in all these photos, in all your previous birthdays, or in these amazing adventures… but now, we are here, we love you, so much as then and more each single day… Happy birthday to our hero, our heart, our Arnold.
- Mom… dad, you are amazing… I don't have any complaints for you… Thank you! I love you guys! - The family shared a hug and everyone burst into applause.
- And now, the best present for Arnold, mine of course. - The Grandpa interrupted by standing in front of the screen.- Here you have Shortman! Your own mini packard!
- A commemorative figure! Thank you!
- You welcome. - Phil approached the girl with the unibrow with a challenging look.- Try to get over me!
- The present! OMG I forgot my own present! - Her expression turned totally sad, and his boy noticed.
- Helga? What 's wrong?
- Nothing football head, just enjoy your cheesy party.
- Come on Helga, it's my day, so, be honest.
- Ok… I'm sorry… I forgot to buy your present.
- That is all? Don't worry, there is something I wanted to ask you, and now is the day, come with me.
- What? Where are we going?
Arnold carried her upstairs until they reached her room. Upon entering he let go of her hand and went to look for something in his bookcase.
- What are you doing?
- Here is! - He took a little pink book and then he got to her.
- What is that?
- I know that you know better than anyone what it is, it's your poem book.
- My what? - The heat on her cheeks was so hot that she felt like she was going to explode.
- I found it two years ago and I tried to find its author, and now, finally we have the courage to admit that you wrote this book and, I admit that I love each word… so, can you give me your autograph? Please.
- Football head… how did you figure it out?
- Well, after our little adventure saving the neighborhood, I started the "Pataki Project", I studied you a lot and realized that you were the secret poet of our class, so… this book made sense. Am I wrong?
- You're a stupid football head.
They both looked at each other with tenderness, while she smiled and rewrote the poem she had written years ago to close the volume. They had spent many birthdays together, but none as cute as this one.
THE END
Hey Guys! I know... It spend more than one month of real Arnold's birthday, but, was totally impossible publish it before, so I hope that you like it, I love Helga and Grandpa¡s relationship, in some way, it's like the love-hate that he had with Gertie, so see you soon!