Disclaimer: Craig Barleett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
12. The turkey runs away
– Big Bob's Beepers- "Helga's room" - November 24th 8 am
- What a perfect nap!
The blond girl was totally uncomfortable, trying to sleep and hiding from her annoying sister.
- I hate this stupid Thanksgiving celebration… Is not enough money for good food and now that Olga lives with us… huh it's worse than ever!
- Little baby sister! Come here! - A cloying voice said from the front end of the family business.
- I'm coming! - She imitated her sister's sweet voice, but with a notable touch of her characteristic sarcasm. - Criminy! Sleeping here it's impossible. - She went out and sat down with the rest of Pataki, who apparently was in an important meeting.
- Hi baby sister! I was saying to my parents that I have some important news!
- Will you move to another place?
- Of course not silly, we're facing problems, we have to be united!
- Sure. - The preteen just frowned.
- Olga, sweetie I told you, you don't have to worry about it, my business is facing…
- The inevitable end… - The girl snorted as her father prepared to ignore her.
- Some little problems. but we are ok! Right Miriam?... Miram? - He asked again but his wife was totally out of business.
- Don't worry, daddy. I was thinking so much about my future and… how to gain much money and I've the perfect answer.
- How princess?
- I quit PS 118 to follow my dream of being an acclaimed actress.
- Will… you… WHAT? - The man screamed, waking up his wife.
- Perfect Olga, you're finally nuts!
- Why do you say that?
- Because genius, you lost a sure source of income, for a silly teenage dream.
- That's not true, I'm a Pataki, and we're strong people! We can do anything that we propose! Right daddy?
- How could you do that sweetie? With your salary we paid the bills! Olga…
- Oh daddy… you're so bad, trying to cut my dreams… I'll be famous and rich and I'll save your business… I promise you! - She screamed and ran off, crying in her famous melodramatic way.
- Oh my god! All this it's your fault Miriam!
- My fault? Why?
- Because you told her about my debts!
- I didn't, she listened to you and…
- Don't contradict me! I know how things happened!
- And here's another special occasion in Pataki's family! I'll go back to sleep.
The girl walked to her room, trying to ignore her parent's discussion. She was totally tired from all that problems, all these stupid people taking so much stupid decisions, she is just a preteen, but even she knew that their desperation was bringing out the worst in them.
- Sometimes... I wish I woke up in a better place…
The youngest Pataki closed her eyes and took a big breath, until she heard a strange sound.
- What in the world? - She felt a hand in her mouth.
- Silent… it's your time to pay… – The female voice said. She was going to defend herself, but the shadow took her from her waist and took her outside.
- What 's happening here! - She screamed once she was free.
- Don't worry Helga, we are just us! - Stella appeared and gave her a backpack.
- Stella, Mrs Shortman? What are you doing here? So early in the thanksgiving morning.
- Oh please, Mrs Shortman, it's so formal, just call me Agent Queen mother!
- What? What's all that equipment and ninja costumes?
- Do you remember your debt with us?
- My debt?
- Sure, sure, when I taught you how to cook our special Shortman recipe for Arnold's birthday.
- I thought that you were joking.
- Believe darling, she's never joking.
- So, how can I pay "my debt"? Because I don't have a penny.
- Oh no Eleonor, this debt couldn't be paid with money… It's invaluable.
- What? - She and Stella felt a real fear, they knew that the old woman could surprise anyone.
- Stella, do you know…?
- No, I don't know, she said the same to me on Arnold's first birthday, I was wondering that for years…
- And finally, ladies, our time it's now…
– Sunset Arms - Kitchen - +30 years ago
A young and pregnant Pookie was cooking in the Kitchen's Sunset Arms, all the place was a total disaster as a kitchen must be on thanksgiving morning. An old hand touched her shoulder.
- It's your time…
- Mrs Shortman… I mean, Mom… I'm busy, I've to prepare a lot of food, prepare some things for the guests and clean the kitchen and…
- Don't worry my dear, you'll do, but in its time.
- What it means?
- Just follow me, new Mrs Shortman.
The blond woman was totally shocked, but she knew her mother-in-law better than anyone, and it is not gonna be answers until she wants it.
– Sunset Arms - Kitchen - Present
- Honey! Help! The guests are… not happy exactly… - But the man couldn't find his wife. - Stella? Mom? Is someone here?
- What's happening dad?
- It's your mom and grandma, I can't find them anywhere.
- Really? Huh, but not so long she was here.
- You two, you are losing your time. - The older Shortman was drinking his coffee and reading the paper.
- What are you talking about grandpa?
- They are on the the Traditional Shortman Thanksgiving only Female Ride. They won't come back until dinner.
- What? - The nervous man felt real fear. - But we don't know how to cook a thanksgiving dinner! Why didn't they tell us?
- Because that is the stupid rule!
- Don't worry dad.
- Don't worry? You don't understand Arnold! It's our first thanksgiving together, THE FIRST… and I don't know how to cook, you don't know either, my mom isn't here, well she sometimes do strange things, but she does it and… the guests will be angry because we asked them for money for a big dinner and…
- Oh Miles, son, please, stop, you're more annoying than Oskar and… wait a minute, I'm sorry I exaggerated.
- Don't worry dad, I can phone Helga for some help. She and Phoebe are studying cooking and..
- Forget it, Shortman. If I know that crazy woman as I know that I do, she took the poor girl with them.
- We are lost. - The faces of the preteen and his dad darkened.
- Unless… - The old man saw the poor chicken that was running with Abner with an evil smile.
- Grandpa! Let my chicken alone!
- Whatever!
– Highway - November 24th 12 pm
Was a cold day, it was almost raining, the way was alone and the blond girl put her eyes on the incredible view of the forest, while her mothers-in-law followed an old map that showed them the finish.
- Are we lost right? You have been driving per hours. - She ate a delicious sandwich that Stella prepared for them.
- Not exactly my dear Eleonor, we're almost there… but we'll have to face some… dangers before.
- Some dangers? Mom, what are you talking about?
- Oh girls, please! We're strong, we can do anything.
The crazy old woman hit rock bottom and the car increased its speed, until it was leaving the road, causing the woman with the oval head and the blonde with girl the pink bow to scream in panic, hugging her seat, until they finally collided with a tree that stopped their trajectory.
- See? Easy. - Pookie smiled triumphantly while her partners tried to breathe.
– Sunset Arms - Dining Room - November 24th 2 pm –
Arnold was totally tired and so dirty as his clothes, but the place looked so much better than so hours before and some sauces and soup were on the table.
- Good job champ! The table looks… great!
- Thanks dad, it is not a banquet, but is something.
- Hey Shortman, did you buy a turkey?
- I couldn't, but I gave the money to dad.
- Yes, I was repairing the furniture, but don't worry, Oskar was to buy it.
- Did you do what? - Phil screamed.
- Oh dad, this is not gonna end fine.
- Really? Why?
- You only wait and see.
- I've arrived and I've got the turkey, everyone! - Oskar entered.
- See dad?
- And here is! - Oskar released the turkey, which leaped over the three Shortman generations present.
- See son? A Kokoshka one! - His angry dad said.
- Hey, what did I do? I bought a fresh turkey, and a cheaper one!
But the people hadn't changed their angry faces.
– Hillwood's Forest - +30 years ago
- Mother… I can't follow… I'm so tired and… I need to go to bathroom.
- You're lucky Gertie, the entire world it's our bathroom!
Both women continued walking and walking, the sun began to paint the clouds orange and the pregnant woman could not continue.
- It's everything… I can't go on, officially!
- Excellent, the place is here…
- Why? I… wow…. - She opened her mouth with surprise.
– Hillwood's Forest - Present - 5pm
- Come on girls! Big steps! We have to beat the sunset! - The woman shouted happily, while her two companions snorted with exhaustion, while they continued climbing. In the three hours of the walk, they had already been threatened by a skunk, stung by some bees and fell into the mud a couple of times, Helga felt her frustration growing in her chest and the wind made it harder and harder for her to climb.
- Oh… I'm tired of climb this stupid mountain! I had a terrible day, can we go to the city?
- So… are you tired? huh?
- Yes I'm! - She screamed.
- I can't hear you.
- Mom! Please, you know that…
- Yes Gertrude… I'm tired, I only would like a normal thanksgiving, as the others do, with a stupid normal dinner table and stupids speech about how lucky we are to share the life together, and maybe some pie… I don't know… My grandma asked me to visiting her… but I felt bad for the others and now… they ruined my day… AGAIN!
- Do you feel better Eleonor? - She said without being upset, totally calm.
- Actually… yes. I'm sorry Mrs Shortman… I…
- Don't worry Helga, some things don't work like we would want, like sleeping the last ten years or having a non functional family, but that isn't to be necessarily bad, my mother-in-law showed me the Big Secret of the Mountain of the women Shortman, and now, you'll discover it my dear ones.
- Finally! - Stella smiled.
The three finally reached the top in just the moment of the sunset. The sun rays painted the mountains of the zone in a beautiful orange, that were reflected in the lagoon. The three girls opened their mouths, admiring the beautiness of the place, enjoying the peace of the place, like all their problems were being erased.
- It is so…
- Beautiful and… perfect. - Helga helped Stella.
- Yes and you know what? Now it's yours too. Our secret it's this beautiful place, where you can find some peace on rainy days like the celebration days, where the people sometimes forget the important things, or the little ones like this. I hope that you never forget this place, our place and someday, you'll travel with another new girl in the family. In that way, the previous Shortman women, we will always be with you… and…
The old woman didn't follow her speech, she felt two strong arms surrounding her waist.
- Thank you Gertie, you're a genius… and a genius and misunderstood artist.
- Just like you two my dear.
- I'm wordless ,mom… sometimes… on moments like these, I'm so grateful to live again…
- Don't worry my Stella, your life is just starting… In addition to being beautiful, this day has the fun point of leaving the boys in charge of dinner, and not suffering from that stress! Besides how embarrassed they'll be when we arrive.
The trio of women laughed out loud, thinking about the mess their boys would be creating and that they would have to fix.
- An extra. - The gray-haired woman walked towards a bush and took some fruit. - These berries make a delicious pie! Now yes, let's go back, it's late!
- Will we arrive on time mom?
- Don't worry sweetheart, the long road was part of the experience, we can use the direct one now.
The two walked back to the car, while the blond looked at the beautiful landscape for a few seconds, grateful for what she had experienced.
– Sunset Arms - Dining Room - November 24th 6 pm –
- We did it guys! - Miles smiled at his family. - We have a regular and decent thanksgiving dinner!
- Of course, just because a client canceled his order. Hyunh said.
- Is less for the money I gave. - Suzie added.
- I know guys, but we have food and we have our company, and some fireworks. This Mexican Thanksgiving dinner looks awesome.- Arnold said, trying, like always, to see the positive side.
- And the best part is that we bound and gagged Oskar with the turkey, so we can celebrate in peace. - The owner of the place smiled, pleased with his work.
- Tacos for Thanksgiving? You're incredible honey!
- Stella, mom! Are you here! - Miles hugged his wife.
- Yes, we arrived and we are… surprised, good job!
- Helga! Is nice to see you!
- Hey football head! so… tacos?
- It's a long story… How was the trip?
- I've to admit… your family is awesome Arnold… you're lucky. - She smiled at him.
- Well… you can join us whenever you want it… - He took her hand and give a sweet kiss. -
- Oh football head… ok you win! Let's finish the tacos!
- Hi Arnold! I haven't seen you for so long!
- Hi Mai! It's nice to see you. - Arnold greeted her happily, as he felt his girlfriend's hand tighten. - She is my girlfriend He…
- Oh yeah I…
- I'm hungry! Come on Arnoldo! We have to say our cheesy speech and eat, come on!
She tugged at his hand and dragged him over to the table where everyone was taking their place, ready to say what they were thankful for.
- I'm first because I'm the best. - The grandpa said with modesty. He cleared his throat and continued. - I'm thankful to spend this day with all my family, my love son and daughter, my new daughter-in-law and all of you, except Oskar… of course.
- Now me! I'm happy to have another year more like the Queen! - Pookie said triumphantly.
- Stella and I were thankful to come back and enjoy your company, especially for…
- My company son, I know, don't worry.
- Actually for Arnold's company.
- Sure. - He feigned annoyance and the guests laughed a little.
- Yes, I'm so thankful to be part of this awesome family, my second family. - Stella smiled.
- I'm thankful… for my girlfriend Lola and for our complete family! - Ernie said.
- I'm thankful for my dear May and all my new friends!
- Oh! So sweet! - Some people said.
- I'm so happy to finally stay with you and for my new career! - Suzie smiled.
- I say thank you this year because, for the first time I feel complete, I've my second family, the guests, my lovely grandparents, finally my parents are here and they are awesome and… I finally met an excellent girl like Helga… I'm a lucky boy!
- Oh football head… shut up!- The embarrassed girl tapped him on the shoulder and they all laughed heartily. - Well… I'm not as cheesy as the foot… I mean, Arnold, but… I always wished for a special dinner with special people that actually want my company and… you're awesome with me… thank you!
- And you're welcome Helga! - Despite the girl's resistance, he hugged her a bit, while everyone clapped a little and happily sat down to eat. For the first time, she felt at home.
THE END
Happy thanksgiving again! This was my special for the occasion, I hope you liked it! See you soon, in the next chapter we'll see a difficult situation between parent a son.