Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
18. Operation: Saving privates Shortman / Pataki
- Sunset Arms- Arnold's Room-
- Yes! I've an A… well, well, actually was a B+... but I overcame Arnold's note… - The brunette guy said proudly in his call, while his best friend smiled at him with complicity. - Ok, ok, see you, bye!
- Let me guess… Jamie O?
- Yes Arnie! It's incredible! It turns out that he is not as stupid as he seemed, who would have thought!
- I told you my friend, no one it's so bad like…
- Like he seems… I know it! The positive side! - The tall haired boy chuckled a bit and tossed a pillow at his best friend. - Better bring me some of that strange healthy pizza that seems to taste good.
- Okay, I'll be right back. - The young Shortman stood up and walked quietly to the kitchen, enjoying the peace of his last weeks, everything goes well, his girlfriend was enjoying her time with her mom, Sheena and Bernie was knowing each other, and finally his old friend is living with her family, the school is almost restarting, his parents and grandparents are with him… everything goes well… - What could go wrong! the young blond guy said.
- Just imagine it Stella, open the door and see a beautiful living room, your own kitchen and why not? an enormous pool in our garden, waiting for us! with no one guest around us, without leaks and mice, or rats… just us and Arnold.
- Well Miles, to be honest with you… sounds great! When I was younger I designed my dream house… and it would be awesome that it comes true.
- Yes… sounds perfect honey!
- Moving...On our own? - A new fear started growing in his chest. - Yes… I know, it was my fault… I said the phrase… - Arnold hit his forehead mentally, his friends had already told him, stop saying it!
- Hi champ! Do you want some of my famous pizza, huh?
- Oh, hi dad, it would be cool.
- Here you have Arnold, do you need something more?
- No mom, everything is… ok… see you guys!
- He went upstairs and sat down next to Gerald, who noticed his change of expression.
- Ok… you worry me man, or this pizza is really disgusting or we have a new problem?
- Well… Would you consider it a problem that my parents are planning to move us?
- What!
- Well… we have a problem…
— Hillwood Medical Center- Dr. Bliss's office –
The window was closed, protecting the warm temperature of the room. The doctor was sitting on "the big chair" while the blond girl was sitting in front of her, talking with the biggest smile that the doctor had seen on her face.
- Then, Miriam and I went to that store and we faced that stupid guy and we got a discount of 20%.
- Awesome Helga, sounds like you had an excellent night.
- Well… was good, I don't know if I would use the word "excellent"...
- Come on Helga, you can stop trying to hide it! You're enjoying the time that you are spending with your mom. It's ok.
- I don't know doc… when I admit that everything goes well…
- Things won't get bad only because you enjoy a moment, remember, you…
- "Deserves to be happy and enjoy the moment".. I know.
- Excellent, you got it! Now… your next mission…
- Let me guess… enjoy the moment?
- ¡Exactly! Now, have fun! See you next Friday!
- Enjoy the moment… I know how to enjoy the moments, I mean, I'm not as self-sabotaging as she thinks… Now… I'll visit my boyfriend, maybe we'll watch a movie or something and everything will go ok! Maybe I can surprise him… that would be funny!
The young teenager climbed the emergency stairs, like so many times she did before, and then she saw her boyfriend, through the skylight, talking with their best friend.
- I don't know Arnold, maybe you're overreacting.
- No Gerald, I told you, I'm pretty sure.
- But why? Everything goes well, doesn't it?
- I thought the same, but... now... seems like everything is gonna end.
- What! Arnold wants, what? - The blond girl said to herself.
- And what about her opinion?
- I don't know Gerald, I think that she agrees.
- I'm not agree with that, football head! I'm gonna give you a lesson! - She prepared her old Betsy for a new adventure.
- I mean, you know that women with that temper are very complicated.
- Well my old man, the good thing is that now is n't gonna be your problem. But maybe if she listens to you, she will change.
- No Gerald, she's gonna never change.
- Oh, Arnold, my angel, my love, you're tired of my temper... I knew it! nothing can't go well! I've to change some things and make him change his mind. Come on Helga, we have a lot of work to do!
She went down stairs, ready to prepare a new plan, while Arnold and Gerald continued talking.
- Ok bro, you know that I'm on your side, but please take it easy. I've got to go home and prepare everything for Jamie O, see you!
- Bye! – Arnold sighed sadly, a fact that his grandpa noticed, he knew… a new teen drama was on the way.
- What happened Shortman? Some problem with the young Gerald?
- Hi grandpa! Not really, actually everything is cool with him. - He sat down in his bed, looking at the dark sky and the first stars in it.
- So, the problem is about your little angry girlfriend?
- No, she is actually better now.
- So? What happened Shortman? I don't have all night, I mean, I've to watch my new soap opera. Maybe Jose will find out that Rosita is cheating on him with his twin.
- Sorry grandpa, I'm just worried about my parents.
- I know, me too!
- Do you know it?
- Of course, that stupid healthy pizza is terrible! That sickness left him bad forever!
- No grandpa, it's worse!
- Worse than a pizza of grass?
- Yes! My parents want to move us to another house!
- Perfect! At last, goodbye to this pigsty!
- No grandpa, just the three of us!
- What? He wants to separate us?
- I'm afraid so…
- With what if, huh? Pookie! Come here right now, code 9999.
- Ready for the action, General Phil! - The grandma, dressed like a secret agent, appeared seconds later. - I'm here to rescue our grandson.
- Wait a minute, do you have a secret code for a situation like this?
- Of course Shortman, you're talking with professional people. Anyway, the plan: Arnold stays here forever… It officially starts!
– Big Bob's Beepers –
Despite the late hour and how tired she was, Miriam was determined to clean all the beepers in the counter. She knows that nobody will notice it, but in some way, it's just like cleaning her house. A few minutes later, Helga entered, almost running.
- Helga, stop, where are you going? What's happened?
- Hi mom... actually is nothing... I'm looking for Olga, have you seen her?
- She's in her room, she failed another audition... today.
- What a surprise!... I mean, poor of my dear sis... I'm going to see her.
- I really don't understand teenagers. -Miriam sighed, trying to focus again on the obsolete technology and their cleaning. It was a difficult day, her rest day, when she doesn't go to Hospital, she fights with the impulse to drink a little.. but she's almost a month... she had to be strong.
Meanwhile, Helga almost screamed at herself for what she was about to do, but she had to prove her boyfriend wrong, or see what he was right.
- Oh my dear sis! - Helga screamed, knocking on the door and hearing how her sister protagonist a new dramatic scene.
- Helga… it's you? My baby sister… - She said between tears.
- Yes, who else? I mean… how can I help you?
- Was terrible, oh baby sister! I went to the big theater. You know, I followed your advice to lower my expectations and look for the role of the best friend... but the director said that I was an exaggerated dramatic person and without talent...- The blonde began to cry even more forcefully.
- I don't just believe it, I look at it...
- Helga, your friend on the phone. - Miriam yelled into the distance.
- Give me a second drama queen, I'll be back with you. - The girl with the bow was still joking happily until she took her cell phone and answered the call. - Hello?
- Helga, is that you?
- Oh Ar.. Arnold... What's wrong? - His nervousness was evident.
- Nothing, I just wanted to know if you would like, I don't know, to have dinner with us... and chat a little later, what do you say?
- Chat? You and I do not! - The girl screamed loudly, hurting the ears of the ball head. - I mean, I'd love to, but I'm helping Olga and spending some time together.
- You and Olga? Spending time… together? She 's alive?
- Oh Arnold, you're so funny! Of course she's alive and crying, she needs me.
- Ok… well if you lose your patience, you can come.
- Thank you football head, see ya! - She sighed with relief. - Was so close… so I've to return with Olga… awesome!
- Sunset Arms- Arnold's Room-
Arnold was in front of the phone, trying to understand what happened in his last call, when his grandparents came back to the room.
- So, where's Eleonor? - The old woman put the box that she carried on the floor.
- Actually she's not coming… She's spending time with her sister.
- What? - The old marriage said with big surprise.
- Yes I know… sounds worst when I say it, anyway, what's all this stuff?
- Arnold, this is all the heavier artillery, our best secret arms against your parents. - Phil said and smiled proudly.
- Exactly, the general is right!
- Now, Gertie, Arnold, we'll attack in the morning!
- Let's kill the lion!
- Pookie! Silence! - Her angry husband said while the boy just looked at them.
- Sunset Arms- Kitchen- Saturday 6 am
- So, step #1, hard work. - The grandpa showed his team a big paper with the explanation. -
Maintaining a home is hard work, and it would be too much for them!
- I understand grandpa, so we have to show them that we and grandma will always help them! certain? As a team? - Arnold smiled hopefully, with his classic smile.
- Of course not Shortman! Don't be naive, I'm old and my bones ache, that's what guests are for, Ernie, Hyunh, come here!
- What do you want, old man! - The little and angry man drank his coffee.
- Yes, today was my day off! - The Vietnamese added.
- Silence! Our president is in trouble! His parents want a new house!
- Excellent, a new building! If you want it, I can demolish this old house and…
- Just for the three of them! - Phil completed Pookie's sentence.
- Oh… that's terrible.
- I know, Mr Hyunh, so, can I count with you?
- Sure! - The guest promised at the same time.
- Perfect, in this list you'll find Stella and Miles's housework for today, you have to finish before 8 am. - A very, very large roll of paper fell and spread across the floor.
- OMG it's too much! - Hyunk tried to follow the way of the paper roll with his eyes.
- Yes, I know. Good luck! Now, Pookie, you and Arnold prepare the step #2, old cheesy memories!
- You got it, Captain!
- What about you grandpa?
- I'll work on the step #3, don't worry… see you in two hours. - The grandpa showed his most evil smile and took a small tape from his pocket, Arnold looked at him expectantly and decided to continue his mission with his grandma.
– Big Bob's Beepers – "Olga's room"
A lot of dirty paper balls were lying on the ground, while sad music could be heard.
- Then, when I turned 6, I participated in my first musical play… It was awesome! and I loved all the applauses, and all the happies faces in the audience. That awesome day, I decided that my way and contribution to the world was… "the show business" and then…
- OLGA STOP! WAS ENOUGH! You were talking all night, and when I said, "all night", it was really ALL NIGHT! I can hear those stupids birds outside…
- But, baby sister… I believed that you…
- I came here with my best wishes, trying to help you, but girl, you're obsessed!
- What do you mean?
- Criminy Olga! A blind monkey would be able to notice it! You weren't born to be an actress! That's the reality! You don't know how to play a character, you just pretend to know how, but not little princess, to be a real character you've to feel her, live her, think not like you suppose, trying to be in the limelight, when you're acting, Olga Pataki must disappear! That's the problem with you! You never disappeared!
Helga felt her chest rise and fall, anxiety slowly consuming her, combined with insomnia and a large dose of anger, which, seconds after making connection with her sister's cold gaze, turned into pure guilt.
- Olga… I'm sorry, but…
- Don't worry Helga… it's ok… I suppose that is time to stop pretending.
- What are you talking about? - She sat down next to her.
- When I was in third grade, I decided to disappear Olga Pataki and then, a "new me" was born… the "perfect Olga Pataki". That perfect, happy and successful girl... the girl that can do anything... but everything was a lie... I'm the worst.
- Olga, listen, you aren't the worst, you're just a woman, a human being, and imperfect human being, like all the others millions of people around the world
- I know... but... I know that sounds stupid... - A lot of tears fell from her eyes. - But... my world only works if I...
- Yes, but no more Olga, you can be free. And to be honest with you, you're excellent at helping others with your real talents, you have a lot of them, but being an actress wasn't yours. For example, you and Simmons have a positive attitude that I personally hate! But I've to admit that is useful with the other guys.
- Thank you Helga… to be honest with me… no one was so honest with me before… maybe… I needed this, you know, hit bottom to meet me.
- Sometimes is the best way… I told you from my own short experience….
- Oh baby sis… you're like an old wise woman!
Both sisters shared a small laugh together, while their mother watched tenderly from the crack in the door. It was times like these that her 31 days without drinking were worth it.
- Sunset Arms- Shortman's marriage bedroom- Saturday 8 am
The tired brown haired woman heard her alarm go off. On weekdays, she normally turned on at 4am, but Saturday was her day of choice, the day her to-do list was whittled down from 25 to 15, giving her 2 more valuable hours of sleep.
Once her back was stretched, she headed to the kitchen, determined to prepare the breakfast for 9 that she used to prepare since she came back from the jungle, but to her surprise, it was already on the table.
- But what? Mom, are you here?- She looked curiously at the 9 dishes, perfectly served on the table.
- Hello! - Arnold gave a beautiful orchid to his mother.
- Arnold, honey, don't tell me you did all this!
- Not only me, grandma and the guests got up early to give you a surprise.
- I heard surprise? - His father joined the conversation.
- Good morning Dad. - Arnold greeted politely, handing her a hot cocoa drink. - I was telling mom that we all decided to surprise you, we know how tiring it is to maintain a house, so we decided to help you a little today.
- Well champ… I'm wordless… I mean, it was very cute from your part.
- Silly stuff, son! You're family! - Pookie appeared in the kitchen, putting some bread that was recently ovened.
- Wow! Thank you mom! It smells delicious! - Stella enjoyed all the consideration of her family.
- Hi everyone! It's an excellent day to be alive! You know… I'm so old… and appreciate the company of my son and his family, oh… like I spent all my young days taking care of him…
- Dad? What's happening here?
- Hi Miles! Hi Stella! We're here to share an enjoyable time together, as a family… because… you know, we're like a family! - Ernie forced a smile as he and the cook took their seats joining the family.
- Ok… I'm new to this family dynamic, but even me, I know that this isn't real, it looks like one of those weird sitcoms on TV. - The doctor rubbed her temples, as if trying to wake up from a dream. - What's going on here? And we want the truth... now!
- Sorry mom… to be honest… We know about your plans.
- How did you discover them? - Miles was totally shocked.
- It wasn't my intention, but by accident I heard that you and mom want us to move into a house, just the three of us, and...
- Arnold, son, you misunderstood… - His mother interrupted her sad speech.
- Oh yeah? - Arnold, grandparents and guests said surprised.
- Yes family. Stella and I love living with you, you are our dream come true, what I so longed for in San Lorenzo.
- Exactly, Miles and I could not imagine separating the family again.
- So, what did Shortman heard say them say last night? - Grandpa asked accusingly.
- Miles and I want to buy a vacation house for next summer, like one that I designed with a friend when I was young.
- That does make sense! Now everybody eats this breakfast that I prepared and I have no idea what it is! - Grandma in her queen outfit yelled with joy as everyone joined the table.
- Wow, but it looks like a nice party.- Suzie looked at them as she went down the stairs.
- Come join Suzie! - Arnold invited her.
- I would love Arnold, but I have a guard and...
- Don't worry girl, Oskar won't come... - Phil smiled mischievously as he put his "weapon" in his pocket.
- Oh, in that case! Go ahead for breakfast! The blonde sat down and enjoyed a nice meal with her family.
- Sunset Arms- Arnold's Room- 8pm
- So, Olga decided to come back to P.S. 118. To be honest, I don't know if I won or lost today… - Arnold heard Helga through the phone, and finally let out a big laugh. - What's the big deal, football head?
- Oh sorry Helga… but it was so funny! How in the world could you imagine that I'll break up with you because of your temper! I love it! It's useful sometimes…
- Let me understand, hair boy, my sister finally had the revelation of her life, we reborn our relationship and you just remember the embarrassing part?
- Sorry Helga… but you're so cute sometimes… The young man laughed a little to himself as he heard his girlfriend on the other line yell some things at him, he looked at the photo he had with her next to his table... Yes, he loved the way the year began.
THE END
Happy new year! I know, it's a late congratulation but... better late than never! I loved this chapter, was funny and in the same time, like a redemption for me through Olga's redemption sometimes some people we believe that we have to be "the perfect girl" or person, but a nice reminder, you are perfect, just the way you are! See you next week!