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

23. Cupidpookie's chronicles

– Sunset Arms - Family room -

The room was totally in darkness, seconds later, strange footsteps were heard. After an evil laugh, the light turned on and Pookie appeared in her rocking chair, with the poor Abner in her legs.

- Hi and welcome my friends… It's a pleasure that you are here with me, on this special day.

- Pookie? Crazy woman! What are you doing? And why are you dressed like… is an awful version of Cupid?

- Valentine's day is a very special occasion, when people remember how much they are in love! or how alone actually is…

- Crazy old woman! What's your problem? Who in the hell are you talking with?

- So, today, I've 4 stories to show you the different ways of love… Mr Coronel Abner…run tape!

Story A: Problems in paradise

– Sunset Arms - basement -

- Chocolates, flowers, the present, and of course, the gourmet menu of the dinner!

- Dad? What are you doing?- Arnold looked at his father and the mess around him.

- Hi son! I'm just preparing for the special day!

- Special day? What are you talking about?
- Oh my poor champ, did you forget Valentine's day?

- Oh no dad… Valentine's day is… OMG it's today, right?

- Yes and… you've a girlfriend, do you remember it?

- Holy cheese, Helga will kill me! I've to prepare something…

- Good luck little Shortman… - His son ran so fast and left the building. - Oh…remember when I used to have problems with girls…

- MILES! - His angry wife screamed from the kitchen.

- Yes honey?

- Did you forget to wash the dishes again?

- I'm coming… It would be better that I go soon.

Miles came up the stairs and started to clean the mess in the kitchen. He noticed the big smile on his wife's face.

- What's so funny honey?

- Oh it's just nothing Miles, I'm only… - A little laugh ran away from her.

- It doesn't seem like anything. What is?

- Is my boss, I'm talking with him about a little conference that I'll give at Medicine school.

- Oh sure and… the conference is funny?

- Oh no, it is about the benefits of natural medicines in apnea. I started an investigation about it and I've 5 unhappy patients that can't sleep and I'm helping them.

- Sounds great… but… what's so funny?

- Just forget it!

- Abner! Be free! - The old woman screamed from the next room.

- That's sounds… dangerous… I better stop mom. - Stella left the carrot that she was cutting and put her cellphone on the table. Miles could see how a lot of messages appeared on the phone.

- Oh no… I can't do it… Stella deserves her own privacy and… - Then, he could see a hate name appeared on the screen. - Oh no… It can't be happening… - The worried man almost put a hand on the device when someone said:

- Dad? What are you doing with my mom's cell phone?

- Arnold! Gosh champ! I just… confused it with my cell phone. It isn't big.

- But you don't have one.

- Oh sure! You're right… I must…

- Dad? Just tell me. - His green and inquisitive eyes looked at him, making him feel guilty.

- Ok, ok, you win! I'm trying to check her messages.

- Why? Don't trust her?

- Of course I do, but I don't trust men!

- Dad, don't worry, mom loves you and…

- Oh damn… you again! - The blond man almost burst out in anger.

- What's the matter?

- Our matter is Dylan Wilham…

- Our problem? Who is he?

- Oh Arnold, our worst nightmare…. your mom's ex fiance…

- My mom's… what?

- Yeah… and they are talking… again!

- Dad, you have to calm down, there should exist a reason for that.

- I knew it! I knew it! I'm old, and compared with him… he's successful! What did I do? Just sleep?

- Dad don't worry, are you overreacting, you have to talk with her first.

- heard this son, "I can't wait to see you tonight"... wait a minute… TONIGHT! What about our romantic dinner!

- But it wasn't a surprise?

- Yes but we are a marriage, we have to spend Valentine's day together!

- Where's my phone? - The voice of Stella was closer and closer, Miles felt his heart beating faster. - Hey! Why are you reading my phone?

- Please mom, try to understand dad…

- Your dad? I was talking with you.

Arnold looked at his hand and saw her phone in his hands.

- Mom, I wasn't me… was…

- Don't worry champ, if you need something, you can use it.

- Forget it. - The football head boy said while putting the device on the table again.

- Arnold, have you seen your dad? I can't find him.

- Dad… oh no, no. Why? Are you excited about tonight?

- How do you know about my dinner tonight?

- Because it's valentine's day, all couples spend it together.

- OMG Son, are you right! It's February 14th. I totally forgot about it.

- And if you forgot it, Who will you have dinner with?

- Oh… It is nothing… it's just…

- No more lies Stella! I know everything about your dinner with Dylan! Ok, if you prefer him because is more successful than me, I…

- Wait a minute… Miles, I never said nothing about it… Have you checked my phone?

- O Stella, please, I'm the victim here!

- Dylan is my boss…

- What? - Both Shortman men said at the same time.

- Why didn't you ever tell me!

- Miles, you hate him, and I love this project. It's my way to help people and enjoy my family, but it's his project, and you know, we were excellent co-workers…

- So excellent that you almost married him…

- But I didn't, because he wasn't the one… was you, and only you, big stupid jealous man! I'm Stella Shortman, and I'm proud of my decision to marry you.

Stella took her husband's arm and gave him a big kiss that Arnold saw with tenderness.

- Ok, ok… I got it… - Miles said with a big smile.

- Perfect! Now, our surprise dinner must be perfect… ok!

- Yes honey, you're the boss!

- See dad? I was right! You have to trust in you and in my mom's love!

- Oh my dear son, someday, you will understand how insecure a woman can make you feel.

Arnold felt a strange sensation in his stomach. Unnoticed by him, his dad was right, and he was about to learn that lesson very soon.

– Sunset Arms - Family room -

- A happy ending after all, you know, sometimes jealousy can be a foe of love.

- Gertie, I'm worried, please! stop talking to no one! Here are just us!

- Our next story, my dear readers, it's about a love that is dying, can it be saved?

Story B: The last chance

– Alcoholics Anonymous- Group 243 -

23 people were sitting in a circle, people totally different between them. Some younger, others older. Everybody was looking and listening to the story of one of their proud members, a young woman who was face her biggest challenge.

- Then, when my dad tried to force me to drink it… I broke the bottle… It was my first day free of drinks!

- Excellent Alexa! We're so proud of you!- The tall man with brown hair and honey eyes cheerfully wrote the young woman's results. After finishing, he looked at the woman who had most recently joined the group. - Miriam, why don't you tell us how you're doing?

- I? Oh... well... if you want. - Her voice was heard somewhat shaky and with some clumsiness she got up from his seat, her bag rolled out and landed at the feet of the group leader. - Oh... how clumsy I am! Sorry.

- Miriam, you don't have to apologize, everybody makes mistakes, and it really was nothing. Why don't you tell us how you felt on your two-month anniversary with us?

A huge smile appeared on the brunette's face. Miriam looked at everyone with some confidence and decided to start talking.

- Well… it was a very hard beginning… After my accident, I lost all my family's, friend's confidence… and for my own… but then… Suzie appeared and told me about this group. It was difficult, I was scared, but when I heard all your stories, and how hard are you working and… my principal motivation, I remembered that I've a beautiful young lady that needs me.

I was free of alcohol for 2 weeks, my biggest streak in years… but then, after new year… one day I drank a lot… was a very bad day and… I really tried to not do it… but I did… The next morning, my girl told me how proud of me she was, so I decided to not drink anymore and… I'm free of alcohol after that.

- Miriam, we're very impressed! You're a strong woman and an amazing lovely mother! Congratulations, you'll do it girl!

A fugitive tear escaped from the woman. In years, no one had looked at her with confidence.

She took a seat and continued listening to the stories of her companions. She left fully motivated, ignoring the 4 hours she had taken.

She walked happily through the city, enjoying the Valentine's decorations. After that, she saw the delicious Winka milk chocolates on a sideboard.

Then she remembered how much she used to buy them and she went in determined. She took the best package and headed to Bob's store.

-B, I'm here! I got here from... community service.

- Criminy Miriam! It's so late! Make dinner quickly and don't make mistakes, I don't want burnt food again and the girl is gone. - Without even looking at her, the annoying man kept accommodating his merchandise.

- Don't worry... I'll do something special. She took her apron and her old recipe book.

Eggs, flour, nuts and milk gradually appeared on the table. She mixed hard, but was pleased with the results. She placed the dough in the heart-shaped refractory and baked it.

Then she looked at the corner and looked at her... her old companion and consolation... but at the same time, the one who had enslaved her for years.

She remembered all those moments of crying, despair or even those "quiet" ones in which she wanted to disappear.

With a mix of determination and fear, she picked up her blender and tossed it away… determined she wouldn't use it in a smoothie again. She looked at the appliance in the trash, she cried proudly.

- I did... I really did! - Disbelief and joy filled her heart. The oven alarm sounded and she carefully removed the bun. When the waiting time for it to cool was over, she decorated her little work of art and, smiling, went to her husband.

- Miriam! I told you this shipment was due to be returned yesterday! - He snorted annoyed.

- Oh Bob, I'm sorry. I'll take care of that in a few minutes... For now, dinner is served...

The blonde discovered the cake and proudly showed it to her husband.

- Dinner? What the hell are you talking about? That's just a loaf! Don't tell me you spent everything I gave you on that stupid thing.

- Well... yes... I just wanted to surprise you for Valentine's Day and...

- And you gave it to me! I can't order anything from you Miriam! You will never do anything right! I'll make myself dinner.

Bitterness filled the woman's chest...

- I'm such a fool! I should never have done it... I...

- And on top of that, you threw our blender! As if we were rich! Well done woman!

The upset man went off upset to buy dinner, leaving the injured woman behind. She closed her eyes and drowned in her past. A teenage Miriam was handing the cake to Bob, who was finishing his delivery area.

- Robert... happy day! - The shy girl put the cake in the hands of the distracted ombre.

- It's from Winka chocolates! Miriam... you shouldn't have... I... they are very expensive...

- It's my way of apologizing for being so mean to you and accepting your invitation to dinner... so here!

The girl stretched out her arm and handed the dessert to her new boyfriend, who smiled in response.

- There is no doubt Miriam, you are unique.

They both shared a hug and a long kiss.

- And we will be together forever, I have no doubts about that either.

Young Miriam closed her eyes as she enjoyed the warmth of Bob's arms, until she came back to reality, seeing herself alone in the store with the cake in her hands. He looked at his reflection in the sideboard, his sad look and dirty clothes.

- You are the second thing I'm going to get rid of. The woman sentenced her reflection.

Story C: The jealousy' trap

– PS 118 - Helga's Locker - Valentine's day morning

The blond guy was a little nervous yet, the situation with his parents this morning early, had managed to grate on his nerves a bit.

He heard the ring, announcing the start of the classes of the day, he waited for each student to disappear from the hall, and He put a cute Valentine's card and his girlfriend's favorite sweets in the locker.

Satisfied with his feat, he hurried to his classroom, where his teacher was about to start class and his classmates looked at him surprised at his delay.

- Come on Arnold, I was about to start the topic. But first of all, I wanted to wish my special students a Happy Valentine's Day! Never forget how special you are.

Phoebe gave a sweet smile to her boyfriend, who responded gladly. Arnold looked at Helga mischievously and she just looked away and smiled to herself, while her cheeks colored. Arnold mentally admitted that this image of Helga was one of his favorites.

- Hey Bro! Mission accomplished? - The brunette whispered to his friend, drawing his attention.

- Oh, yes, and that was only phase 3. I already want to see her face when she sees the rest.

- Great, although it would be even cooler if you could give her the gifts head-on.

- I know Gerald, but she's not ready yet... besides, that makes it more... interesting.

- And what is phase 2, oh master of romantic gifts?

- Oh… let me tell you my master plan:

First, I put some cards on her desk with photos of us and some of our special moments.

Just like Arnold planned, Helga found out his presents… but with some little differences,

instead of cards with sweet moments, she found dead animals instead, making her screaming loud with fright.

- Wow bro, it seems that he loved it. - Gerald said, surprised.

- I know my girl, wait for the next:

Then, at lunch time, The lady of the cafeteria will give her my little secret lunch. A pastrami sandwich, her favorite.

In the cafeteria, Helga received her present, but instead of a delicious sandwich, he found one made of rotten sardines.

- And, for the last special end, she'll open her locker, finding the chocolates, flowers and an invitation for a night date at Slausen's.

- Wow Arnold, you definitely outdid yourself this time.

- I know Gerald, this time Helga will have a Valentine she won't forget. - The blond smiled satisfied, optimistically waiting for the time to leave to see the results of his work, totally unaware of its real results.

– PS 118 - Helga's Locker - end of classes

The school was empty now. The boy with football head was totally nervous, waiting for his girl, thinking in all the special moments that they had shared since they were kids, when they had met each other at kindergarten, all the jokes that she did at him, just to cover her real feelings, Arnold had to admit it… now that he felt the same, Helga deserved a merit medal, for managing to hide her feelings for him for so many years, for the blond it was turning into authentic torture. A shadow with a bow began to approach little by little, causing the boy a big, goofy grin.

- Hey Helga…

- Hey Arnold!... Thanks for all your presents today.

- Oh… gee Helga, it wasn't nothing, you deserve that and everything.

- Oh yeah… well, here is my present for you!

Helga picked up a bag that gave off a foul smell and threw it at her boyfriend.

- Helga, what the hell is going on!

- That's what I wonder, football head... it's one thing to insult each other in the hall to hide us, but disgusting food, animals and rotten sweets? Not even me in my worst years with you.

- What are you talking about honey? I didn't do any of that.

- Oh no? Then, why were you asking about your...wait...did you...call me...honey?

The inside of the teenager was about to burst while her boyfriend was dying of grief, until a laugh suddenly distracted them.

- Helga Pataki, you are still so funny and beautiful like the last time that we saw each other.

The blondes turned terrified, recognizing the owner of the annoying voice.

- Jack Jackson - They said at the same time.

- It's a pleasure to come back!

– Sunset Arms - Family room -

- And the foe of our heroes have come back! If you don't remember who he is, you can read the fanfic Alpha and Omega, in chapter 13 and 31!

This is everything for today, my dear readers, Merry christmas and a happy new year!

The grandma jumped, dropping Abner and smiled at her "audience".

- Pookie, you're crazy, I'm out of here. And the worst thing is that I spend half an hour of my life looking at you!

Phil took his newspaper and went out looking for a bit of normality and a place where they would not break the fourth wall.

THE END

Hey guys! Happy Valentine's day!

This episode was thought totally different, but when I started writing, the plot about Pookie telling the story had born, I hope that you like it! See you next week!

- Did you know that a review would be an excellent present to me of Valentine's day?