And now, for the big episode that I'm about to do, fingers crossed that it's going to be good... the first part of the episode 'Married'! Anyway, enjoy!
I looked up at the clock as I got up and then the calendar as I took a deep breath. Looks like we only got two more days left, then summer vacation could officially begin. I smiled as I adjusted my navy blue shirt and black jeans as I picked up my backpack and packed in a few of my books. I noted the origami marriage predictor as I took it with me... and I then noted the diary and the screwdriver, which I had pulled out...
...right. I still needed to figure out what was behind those pages that I forgot I ever wrote in them... and the hidden letter that Helga hid too, I wonder what that was about... I took it with me regardless.
"Rhonda, I'm ready to go!" Arnold called in my room.
"I'll be right out!" I said as I grabbed the backpack and started following Arnold downstairs.
Pretty soon, I sighed as I was fiddling around with the origami predictor when Nadine, Phoebe and Lila came over.
"What do you have there?" Phoebe asked as they joined me.
"Oh, it's one of those origami fortune tellers!" Nadine said as she sat right down next to me.
"Better... one of those origami marriage predictors!" I smiled. "Basically, all you have to do is tell me your favorite color, number and day of the month you were born on, and I'll tell you who you'll be married to in your future."
"Surely, the predictions can't be true, could it?" Lila asked as she surrounded us.
"Would any of you like to try?" I asked. "Anybody? Phoebe, how about a go?"
"Me? Well... gee... I... okay." Phoebe smiled.
"Your favorite color." I said.
"Yellow." Phoebe smiled.
I folded it six times while spelling the word. "Favorite number?"
"One, because I like to aim to be the best!" Phoebe smirked.
I folded it one time. "Day of the month you were born?"
"The fourteenth." Phoebe shrugged.
I did it fourteen times as I lifted the panel. "And your future husband that you will marry someday is..."
I looked at the names that appeared. "Gerald Johanssen + Phoebe Heyerdahl".
"...Gerald." I nodded.
"Well, yeah, that's no real surprise." Nadine shrugged.
"Of course I'd get Gerald, Rhonda. When wouldn't I? You totally rigged that." Phoebe shrugged.
"Oh, come on, Phoebe. I think it's ever so sweet that you and Gerald might get along well..." Lila smiled as the bus stopped at the school.
"I know, I know... but really, Rhonda, you totally rigged it." Phoebe said.
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't... anyway, spread it around when you can... I want to see everyone test their luck!" I smiled.
"Might just might do that." Phoebe giggled as we were all getting out of the bus.
Pretty soon, as we were getting our yearbooks and celebrating all around, as we were signing them, I was doing my marriage predictor for Sheena.
"P-I-N-K. And now your favorite number." I said as Eugene came over.
"Three." Sheena said.
"One-two-three." I smiled as I lifted the panel. "Okay, according to my never-wrong origami marriage predictor, when you grow up, you are, without a doubt, going to marry..."
I noticed the names "Eugene Horowitz + Sheena Moto" on the panel.
"...oh, I feel so sorry for you." I said.
"What?" Sheena asked.
"You're getting married to Eugene." I said simply.
"Oh, that's not so bad." Sheena smiled as Eugene's eyes widened in shock. "I wouldn't actually mind marrying Eugene."
"Really?" Me and Eugene said in shock.
"Oh, sure, I know, you're both worried I won't be safe with Eugene's curse. Hey, I'm planning on being a nurse like my aunt when I grow up, so I think me and Eugene could work out." Sheena smiled. "I mean, it would be nice... wouldn't it?"
"Er... I suppose..." Eugene chuckled nervously.
"Eugene, do you want a crack at the origami marriage predictor? It's never wrong!" I smiled.
"I'm just going to take your word that I'm going to marry Sheena. Thanks anyway, Rhonda. Could you sign my yearbook?" Eugene asked.
"Sure." I smiled as we each signed each other's yearbooks, then went on our way. "Okay, who's next..."
I then noted Lila and Lorenzo coming over, holding hands as I came over.
"Lorenzo, Lila, just the class couple of the year I wanted to see!" I smiled.
"Actually, believe it or not..." Lorenzo said as he flipped through the yearbook and pointed to a picture of the fourth grade class. "...that is exactly how we're marked on our yearbook. "Lorenzo and Lila- Class Couple. Most Likely To Get Married At End Of High School"."
"Well, if our yearbook says it, it must be true!" I smiled as I started signing it. "But just so we're sure, how about you take a crack at my origami marriage predictor!"
"She totally rigged it." Lila whispered to Lorenzo as he gave a chuckle.
"All right, I play you leetle game." Lorenzo said.
"Very well. Now, your favorite color." I asked.
"I'm going to go with green, the same color my girlfriend happens to be wearing." Lorenzo smiled towards Lila as she giggled.
I nodded as I folded it five times. "Favorite number."
"Seven million." Lorenzo smiled.
"What? I can't count that far!" I frowned.
"Seven million MINUS a million." Lorenzo chuckled.
"Ah, think you're humorous, are you?" I shook my head as I folded it seven times. "Okay... day of the month you were born."
"Tuesday." Lorenzo smirked.
"I need a number, not the actual day you remember being born." I glared.
"Okay, Tuesday the ninth." Lorenzo smiled.
"Thank you. Sheesh, ever since you and Lila started dating, you two have been getting a little mischievous!" I muttered as Lorenzo and Lila gave some chuckles. "Yeah, yeah, anyway, Lorenzo, your future wife is going to be..."
I noted the names, "Lorenzo Lopez + Lila Sawyer".
"...Lila, who else?" I rolled my eyes as Lorenzo and Lila chuckled.
"Sorry, me and Lorenzo sort of planned that." Lila smiled.
"Yeah, thanks for the marriage prediction. We'll be sure to plan out our wedding soon." Lorenzo smiled as the two kids laughed, going on their way.
"Okay! Fine! Laugh! I'm not turning up for your wedding party anyway!" I called, frowning... then smiled as I said, "I'm kidding, leave a spot on brides' maid for me!"
I just shook my head as Harold came up in worry.
"Hey, Harold. What's up?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Well... I heard you got a marriage predictor of some sort, and well..." Harold sat down nervously.
"You want me to do you?" I asked.
Harold nodded.
"Very well. Favorite color?" I asked.
"Violet." Harold looked down.
I folded the marriage predictor six times. "Favorite number?"
"Nine." Harold said.
I folded it nine times. "Day of the month you were born?"
"The tenth." Harold looked up.
I folded it ten times. "Okay, and you will be married to..."
The words "Harold Berman + Patricia Smith" appeared when I lifted the flap.
"...Big Patty." I smiled.
Harold sighed in relief. "Oh, what a relief. Thanks, Rhonda, that got a lot out of my system. Could you sign my yearbook?"
After we each signed each other's yearbook, I walked around as I noticed Joe AKA Peapod Kid walking around. "Hey, Joe!"
Joe AKA Peapod Kid jumped as he noticed me coming up. "Rhonda? I don't think I've ever seen you approach me."
"What can I say, I have my sources. Anyway, you want to try out my marriage predictor? Won't take you long." I smiled.
"Well... I was always curious about my future mate..." Joe AKA Peapod Kid said as he nodded. "All right. I'll play along."
"Wonderful. Now, your favorite color." I smiled.
"White." Joe said.
I folded it five times. "Your favorite number?"
"Five." Joe nodded.
I folded it five times. "And... day of the month you were born?"
"The twelfth." Joe said simply.
I folded it twelve times as I opened it. "And the person you will be marrying will be..."
My eyes widened as I read the names correctly and shook my head in shock. "Joe "Peapod Kid" Walker + Nadine Robinson". No, that can't be possible... I'm not letting THAT happen!
"Who am I getting married to?" Joe asked.
I paused. "Uh... Katrinka!"
I smiled nervously.
Joe AKA Peapod Kid raised an eyebrow. "Katrinka?"
Peapod Kid AKA Joe paused... and smiled as he thought, "You know, I never considered that possibility... I might look into talking with Katrinka. I know she was always a fan of the Beatles. Thanks, Rhonda. You cleared my mind."
"No problem, Joe!" I smiled as Joe AKA Peapod Kid went on his way. I looked back at the origami marriage predictor flap as I noticed that Nadine's name was quickly changed to that of 'Katrinka Bucille', which made me sigh in relief.
"Interesting..."
I yelped as I saw Marcie, in her Caroline get-up, looking over my shoulder. "Where did you come from?"
"Oh, you know me by now." Marcie said as she examined it. "Normally, this never happens. Once the couple gets determined, it stays that way... I guess it's the way of the world, I suppose..."
Marcie shrugged. "Carry on, then."
I paused in confusion as Marcie just left. I shook my head as I spotted Nadine and Tucker as I signed their yearbooks.
"You're wasting your time, Rhonda. You totally rigged that thing to pair me up with Tucker. We both know we compliment each other greatly." Nadine smirked as Tucker crossed his legs.
"Just humor me here." I smiled.
"Oh, very well." Nadine rolled her eyes. "Orange, eight, and the day of the month I was born in was the seventeenth."
I folded it twenty-five times as I looked at the names "Tucker Wittenberg + Nadine Robinson", knowing I fully restored the perfect couple.
"Tucker Wittenberg." Me and Nadine said at the same time.
"See, rigged! You totally rigged it!" Nadine said as she and Tucker got up. "Come on, Tuck."
"Coming, my little butterfly." Tucker said as the two walked off.
I just shook my head.
I gave the marriage predictor a rest for a while but pretty soon, as school was about to leave, I was about to take my yearbook when I heard Arnold coming in.
"Hey Rhonda!"
I smiled as I turned to my loving boyfriend. "Yes, buddy."
"I heard you were foretelling who people would be married to." Arnold said.
"Yeah, it's all in the matter of fun and games..." I smiled.
"I was wondering why you didn't come across and ask me." Arnold asked.
"Come on, Arnold, we both love each other, we both know who we like." I laughed.
"I know, but I just want to do it for fun." Arnold said as he sat down.
"Why would you want to do this? It's just some silly game." I said.
"Doesn't mean I want to try it... I know it's not normally my thing... but call it a natural curiosity." Arnold said.
"I don't know, charming, I..." I started, unsure.
"Please?" Arnold said, looking up with begging eyes.
"Oh, stop staring at me with those eyes! How can I say no to those?" I asked as we sat down. "Okay, let's do this. First, tell me your favorite number."
"Five." Arnold said.
I nodded as I folded it five times. "Now, pick your favorite color."
"Blue." Arnold said simply.
I folded it four times. "And now, for the final question... what day of the month were you born on?"
"The seventh." Arnold said.
I folded it seven times. "And now for the result..."
I smiled as I opened it up as the words 'Arnold Shortman + Helga Pa-'
My eyes widened in shock. No... no, this isn't possible! It did not just say Arnold's future wife was Helga G. Pataki... the girl that lived in my head! How is that even possible?
"What is it?" Arnold asked in curiosity. "What? Who did I get?"
I had to close the thing quickly. "Do it again."
"What? Why? Who did I get?" Arnold asked.
"Just do it, okay! Your favorite number." I said.
"Five."
"No, no, what's your OTHER favorite number?" I said, worried.
"Oh... well, three." Arnold shrugged.
I nodded as I repeated the last two steps, then lifted the panel... and it revealed 'Arnold Shortman + Helga Pataki'.
"Again." I said in worry.
"Rhonda, what's wrong? Can't you tell me who it is?" Arnold said in concern.
"Just do it!" I begged.
"All right, all right. I'll go with nine for my favorite number." Arnold sighed.
I did the same thing and got worried when I lifted the flap again... the answer was still the same! 'Arnold Shortman + Helga Pataki'! This just wasn't possible! Helga doesn't exist in this timeline! She shouldn't even... even...
I started to think back to everything...
Why I didn't remember my first four years with my parents, why my earliest memory was Arnold picking me up on my feet in preschool, why I was naturally attracted to poetry, why I felt headaches and pains when I saw Olga and Lila my first few times, why I felt a need to protect Phoebe, why I wanted to be with Arnold, prove to him that my soul thrived for him and...
Everything that didn't make sense... suddenly clicked with me... I gave Arnold the marriage predictor. "Do me."
"Huh?" Arnold said in confusion.
"Just do me, okay?" I said, really concerned.
"Okay..." Arnold paused as he took the origami marriage predictor. "...What's your favorite number?"
"...Ten..." I said, as if something just unlocked in my memory.
Arnold paused as he folded it ten times. "Favorite color?"
"...pink..." I looked down. Why did I refer that as my favorite color? I was always a red type of person... wasn't I?
Arnold folded it four times. "The day you were born... I know it's the second."
Arnold folded it two times before I could say that it was actually the twenty-third... wait... how can I know that? I celebrated my birthday on December 2nd, I always have! Then, why do I remember my birthday being on March 23rd?
Arnold then unfolded the flap... then stared in confusion. "Uh... Rhonda?"
"Yes?" I said, worried, as if expecting the unexpected question.
"...There's nothing written on here." Arnold blinked.
I paused as I grabbed the marriage predictor. "What?"
I looked at the flap which read 'Arnold Shortman + Helga Pataki'. How did Arnold not see...
Was I the only one who saw the writing... well, no because Marcie noticed the writing too, unless... since I was WITH Marcie, is it only readable to those who have a connection with Marcie?
Arnold paused as he took the origami predictor and lifted up the other panels. "Actually, all of these are blank! What's going on, Rhonda?"
I didn't want to talk, I just wanted to get out of here!
"Rhonda, Rhonda?" Arnold said in concern as I picked up my things and was about to leave. "Rhonda, what is it, what's wrong?"
"Nothing! I have to go!" I said.
"Rhonda..." Arnold was about to place a hand on my shoulder.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" I screamed as I ran off, not wanting Arnold to help me.
"Rhonda..." Arnold said in confusion as he just looked at me, as if confused as to what just happened.
Pretty soon, I was in the park, looking for that tree, that tree that lead to that headquarters... pretty soon, I saw Curly about to go over to the park... knowing he was the only person available, I marched right up to him as Curly jumped.
"...You told me earlier... that I only pretended to be someone I wasn't... you knew, didn't you? You knew everything... who I was, what I was here for, what had happened to me..." I said in accusation.
Curly just looked at me in surprise... before sighing. "When we were in preschool... I thought you might have held the ruse just to keep this up... to give me the Rhonda I knew... but then everything started falling apart when you started distancing yourself from us... you forgot your real mission and started living the next four years of your life... all because of a simple personality split. Marcie said that happened to you... but I didn't want to believe it."
I looked down in depression as I threw the marriage origami predictor right to him. "Tell Marcie she can have this back... I need to think!"
I started running off as Curly stared after me in concern.
Pretty soon, I was sitting near the docks as I looked at the island as I ducked down and comforted myself as I went into my mind.
Inside my mind, I walked right in as I saw Helga looking down in sadness, then looking up at me.
"Helga... stop kidding around with me! The truth. I want the truth..." I cried. "Why... why does the marriage predictor STILL predict you to be with Arnold, even though you're dead!"
Helga sighed. "I figured this would happen... see, even though we changed the course of history, our spirit still remained..."
"What is this 'Our' business? There should just be you and me!" I said.
"Rhonda... I want you to take a look at this mirror over there..." Helga said, pointing to a mirror. "Your answer will be revealed."
Nervously, I walked towards the mirror in concern as I approached. From a distance, it looked like me... but as I got closer... I noticed my appearance was changing. As soon as I went up towards the mirror, I noticed not the face of myself... but the face... of Helga's...
I just felt myself as I looked back at Helga, who sighed. "That's right. You were never Rhonda at all. You just wanted to think you were Rhonda, you wanted to be the happiest person that wanted to help others. You lost a core part of who you truly were, but you were still happy..."
"If I'm not Rhonda Wellington Lloyd... then who or what am I?" I asked in confusion.
Helga sighed. "You were once a side of me that always told the most wonderful poetry that could ever be written, no matter how sappy. You were once a side of me that gave more care for your friends, no matter how rare it was... but most of all... you were once a side of me that has and always will love Arnold... as much as I do."
I turned to Helga as we both came closer. We both touched hands as Helga sighed. "You're me... or rather, the love and compassionate side of me."
And that's part one of episode one hundred and sixty-five! How was it? Bet some, if not most, of you didn't see it coming, huh? Well, I hope some of you DID catch on, what with the hints I placed throughout the story. If you have any questions on this little twist, feel free to ask, but I'm sure some of it will be answered in the next part of the episode! Anyway, read, review, criticize and suggest, folks! And don't forget to check out the TVTropes page for this story, and I hope you add some tropes on that page too!