Chapter 6

Partners

"Okay, class, settle down. We are now going to embark on an incredible journey of teamwork and-"

"Criminy, Simmons, not another one of your lame projects!"

"Right you are, Helga! It's another one of my lam- er…'special' projects! Isn't that exciting?" The class just stared at their teacher with a bored expression on their faces. "Okay then! For this project you will be divided into teams of two-"

"Please say we get to pick our partners. I don't want to be stuck working with Harold like last time."

"Well, Rhonda, this is a 'boy/girl' project, so, to avoid any broken hearts or embarrassing moments, I have chosen them for you." The class groaned. "Okay, for this project you will be split into teams of two, like I said, and in honor of National Family Month, you will be given the 'special' assignment of deciding where you will live, what you will do for a living, what you will eat, if you will have any children, if so, how many, and what you will do with them. Any questions?"

"Children? This is gonna be like being married, isn't it?" Harold groaned.

"Well, yes, but it is to celebrate the wonders of family, in honor of National Family Month!"

"Since when was it National Family Month, Mr. Simmons?"

"Well, Stinky, it has been since…um…the beginning of this month! Now, let me read off the partners. Rhonda and Curly-"

"Eek! No way are you putting me with that creep," gasped Rhonda, the 'most fashionable girl in school'.

"Awe, come on, Rhonda, it won't be so bad! Well, for you maybe, but not for me!" exclaimed Curly, a rather insane kid with supposed mental issues and a huge crush on Rhonda.

"I'm doomed."

"Ahem, may I continue? Alright, let's see, Sheena, you will be with Eugene-"

"Oh, goody!"

"Sheena?!" exclaimed Eugene, falling out of his chair, which everyone was fairly used to because of his known reputation as a jinx. "I'm okay."

"Phoebe, you will be with Gerald."

The two of them smiled shyly across the room at each other.

"Oh, brother," Helga muttered.

"Nadine, you will be with Peapod Kid, Harold with Patty, Lila with Brainy-"

At this Helga burst out laughing.

"Helga, do you care to tell the class what you find so amusing?"

"Oh, uh, nothing," said Helga, wiping away a tear. "I just, uh, remembered something funny."

"Well, okay, but please try to keep it down. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes, Gloria with Stinky, Helga with Arnold-"

"Arnold?!" gasped Helga, nearly falling out of her seat. The whole class turned to look at her. "Uh…yeah. Whatever. Why would I care if I have to work with the football head on this dumb project? Uh, Mr. Simmons, can I go to the bathroom?"

"Yes, Helga, but make it quick."