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


Dedicated to: Craig Bartlett and all your brilliant team... thanks to be my inspiration and happiness in my childhood, I hope someday you can read this and I wish some day be able to make a cartoon so excellent as yours... your show gave me my best friends... thank you and merry christmas... From Mony Sanchez from Mexico...

17. The christmas guest

– Drymon Medical Clinic – Entrance

All Hillwood city was covered by a beautiful white cape. Everybody wore their favorite winter outfits. A lot of people were in the center, trying to buy some presents in the morning of christmas eve. A blond tired woman smiles happily, enjoying her hard work finally ended.

She took her shovel and went inside, looking for some heat.

- Excellent job! You win a hot cocoa cup! - Her new best friend smiled at her, proud of her work.

- Thanks nurse Parker.

- Hey girls! Did you finish yet? Today is a special day, you have to be at home. - A doctor joined them.

- Hi Doctor Geller! - Suzie greeted her teacher. - We're trying!

- See you next Monday. - He took his coat and went outside.

- So Miriam… Did you go to the center? you know…

- Do you mean the alcohol group? Yes… to be honest, I've been going for three weeks.

- Really? Wow, that's amazing! And what do you think about it?

- It's different from what I thought… for the first time… I don't feel… less.

- Less?

- Yes, you know… The last few years Bob always made the decisions and I don't know… I felt empty and useless, less than the people around me...but there… I'm like the others… I feel more human…

- Miriam, this is a big step! And I feel happy for you!

- Suzie, everything's thanks to you, you took care of me later after the accident and you showed me the group and…

- Yes, but you made the decision to go, you had the courage enough to do it. Say thanks to yourself! and maybe to my friend Don, for telling me about his group.

- Yes, he is actually… a good friend of mine too…

- Oh Miriam, I don't know what I will do without you later you end your community service sentence here.

- Don't worry, I've 3 weeks more! - They both clinked cups and took a big gulp of their drinks.


– Hillwood Medical Center–

- So, tell me Helga, how was your last week? - The psychologist opened her notebook and prepared her pen to take notes.

- Strange and kind of different… like something unusual in the ambient.

- What do you mean? - The woman began to be intrigued, despite the fact that she attended to many children and young people, her most complex patient was always the Pataki girl.

- It was after my mom's accident. Everybody's behavior is… like we're different people. Olga continues to be depressed because her big fails at the theater, but… is not so dramatic like always, she is really worried and all day is acting in "her room".

- I see… looks like she is finally facing the real world.

- Finally! I know… then is Bob… he doesn't talk so much lately, is good, I mean, I don't complain, but he seems really different and with Miriam… and she…

- How is she dealing with her sentence?

- I really don't know. She is the most different of everybody… she is more awake and… is never at home, her look is different… but I can't explain it…

- Maybe the accident changed her a little, you know, everybody can change after a big event.

- Change? Miriam? No! She is always the same…

- Helga, remember the things that we had talked about…

- Yes I know, "your parents are imperfect like everybody does and everybody has their own emotional trash" I know… but I'm so frustrated.

- Maybe you have to do the "walk in her shoes" exercise.

- What do you mean?

- Oh you will love it!

Helga felt a bad feeling as the doctor leafed through her papers.


— Hillwood State Asylum –

- Mrs Halloway! How is she? - Arnold arrived almost without breath to the reception room.

- Oh Arnold, hello… I'm afraid than worse… She had a very bad night… I know that you are a very good friend of hers and… you did an excellent job with her but maybe she…

- Nope! She can't leave...she needs to talk to her daughter again...I promised her...

- I know… but the doctor said…

- Me and she will demonstrate it to you!

He walked to the door of her room where in recent months he had shared great moments. He watched her sleep, indeed she looked more tired and pale than before.

- I'll keep my promise Bernie... you'll have your Christmas miracle. - He said aloud and gave her one last firm look. He had never failed anyone, and this Christmas Eve was not going to start. He put on his coat and quickly went home, after the animals that announced that the door was opening came out, he went in looking for his parents, until he collided with a female figure.

- Arnold it 's you!

- Mai! Are you here! - She helped him up from the floor.

- Yes, you know, it is a familiar tradition to visit my dad today! Thanks to you, of course.

- It wasn't me, I don't know what happened… but I wasn't me.

- Oh please, don't detract from your part of a Christmas miracle.

- Yes… a Christmas miracle. - He said sadly.

- Arnold, is everything ok?

- Not really… I've an old lady friend, her name's Bernie and…

- And you're helping her to find her family, right?

- How did you know?

- Dad and I talk a lot. So, do you really love to find lost relatives, huh?- She smiled, but then noticed his worried face. - But what's the problem?

- I wasn't lucky in my looking… I looked for months but… I couldn't find anything about her daughter, it's like she never existed…

- Would you like to tell me more about her? Maybe I can help you. I met some very useful people when I was looking for my dad.

- Will you really do it? - His smile couldn't be bigger.

- Sure! I know how empty someone can feel when you are far from your relatives… I had luck and I've to share it with others.

- Let 's do it Mai!


– Drymon Medical Clinic – Entrance

- Walk in her shoes… huh… let's finish with it!

The blond preteen with a pink bow walked through the hospital, looking at her mom. To be honest, she thought that she'll find herself in big trouble or sleeping like she does at home, but it wasn't like that. To her surprise, it was totally different. Her mom was helping a woman to eat and having an apparently good talking. The couple was laughing when the atonic girl entered.

- Helga! What are you doing here?

- Hi mom… I was looking for you.

- Something happened at home?

- Not really… I was just wondering… if I could spend the rest of the day… with you?

- With me? Really?

- Yes Miriam… Can I?

- Sure young lady… we don't spend much time together lately.

- And never.

- This beautiful girl is your daughter? - The patient asked.

- Yes, she's Helga, my youngest girl. Helga, she is Mrs Juniper! Actually she is the mom of your classmate.

- Yeah… I remember you… you're the Sheena's mom, right?

- Yes, Sheena is my daughter. She is coming tonight… can you believe that I had and accident that broke my leg.

- Wow, sounds painful.

- And it was, but your mom and Suzie really helped me!

- My mom? Really?

- Yes! She is a very good listener!

Miriam smiled at the woman's compliment, her daughter couldn't believe that for the first time, someone other than Arnold, was saying something positive about her mother.


– Hillwood City - Center -

- So, our woman is around 40 years old and she left her mom around 15 years ago. - Mai asked her friend while she drove.

- Yes, Sara Cohen. She is married and has a son.

- Is not much info, but maybe it can be useful.

- And where are we going?

- See Arnold, my parents were awesome with me, they gave me all the love, care, attention and things that I needed… but I desired to meet my dad, the hero that saved my life…. and in my searching… I had to do some… illegal things…

- Like what? - The football head boy was surprised…

- I had an old friend from the low cost district… Todd… he had ways to find information… Maybe he can help me… and to be honest, we almost found my dad, but you won us!

- We don't have so much time… so, it's ok to me… let's do it!

- Ok, here we go!

- And Mai, when will you tell me how you appeared at Sunset Arms 2 years ago?

- To be honest Arnie my friend, never! - Arnold wailed in silence while the young woman laughed and sped up the car a little.


– Drymon Medical Clinic – Cafeteria

- Here a pastrami croissant! - The tired woman put the food on the table.

- Thank you Miriam… So, here is where you come every single day, eh?

- Yes, the judge said that I've to work here for 3 months, like community service.

- Cool, I guess… - She bit her croissant and saw how a little boy ran into her mom.

- Mrs Pataki, see you tomorrow! Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas to you Freddy!

- Who's the guy Miriam?

- Is a boy that I met cleaning the oncology area. He's 5.

- Only five, huh.

- Yes, life started difficult for him. Helga… now that we are here, alone. Can we talk? - The blond woman played nervously with her fingers, she knew that this conversation had to be made, but she was somewhat afraid. She knew the temperament of the youngest of her daughters quite well, it was the same as her father, that man she has not been able to face for years. But he knew that this could be his last chance with her.

- Actually Miriam, we are talking right now.

- Yes but I mean, we need to talk about ourselves. I know that you've been angry with me since the accident… why?

- I'm not angry. - She said with a voice that contradicted her words.

- Dear, I know you better than anyone and I know when…

- Do you know me? Really? Stella Shortman knows me better than you do and it was in just a few months.

- That's not true, I really know you, I remember your favorite food, color and…

- That stupid things is not really know me Miriam, if you really would know me, you would know that I'm not angry! You would remember that I've to eat 3 times per day, you would remember my scholar events or maybe my age or my birthday, you would know who my friends are, or my hobbies, you would talk with me at least! But now this is all! I spent all the morning with you, seeing how helpful you are with strangers! YOU! the same person that

always forgets to feed me! Why with me! Why are you an excellent mother for Olga and an excellent friend of Suzie, but I'm always your exception! Why? What I did to you!

- Helga, please, I know that I was a terrible mother but, if you give me one more chance...

- No Miriam! I'm tired... people never change... You'll never change... See you "at home, mother". - She got up and went to the hall, the blond and sad woman followed her with her eyes. - This'll be more difficult than I had thought.


– Low Rent District –

The old building's floor bay because of the cold temperature. The moralist side of the football head boy was nervous, and didn't agree so much with the idea, but he knew that his friend needed him and he had to hurry.

- Here is Arnold, Todd's place. Please, let me talk, ok?

- Yes Mai, I follow you.

The girl knocked on the door and a few seconds later a young man opened the door.

The blond preteen was able to distinguish an unknown smell that came from the boy, he noticed something strange in his eyes, but he decided to keep his face serious.

- Wow wow, but it's my old friend Mai… How have you been? You disappeared years ago!

- Hi Todd, we need your help.

- My help? On Christmas Eve?

- Please, it's important… and I've got your money.

- Now you have my attention. Why do you need it?

- We are looking for the daughter of a friend of mine. Her name's Sara Cohen, she disappeared around 15 years ago. - The green eyed boy talked for the first time.

- Have you got a picture, ID, or any more information?

- No Todd, it's everything.

- Mai… is not so much info, but… you're on your lucky day…

- Do you know her?

- Actually my dad was her husband's best friend… I met her when I was younger.

- Awesome! Where can I find her?

- Sorry guy, I need more money to give that information…

- Todd… Do I have to remind you that you owe me a favor? - The angry woman said. Her mettle was so strong and determined that it secretly impressed Arnold that she was the daughter of the quiet Vietnamese he had always known.

- Ok, ok, wow Mai… you never change…- He took a notebook and wrote some things on the paper. - Here is their address.

- How do we know that you are honest? - The blond guy asked.

- Well, you'll discover soon, so, I've so many things to do, you've your information, so… get away!

- Let's go Arnie, we have ended here. - She took his hand and went outside. Once they were outside, the girl sighed with relief. - We did it!

- Criminy! Can not be!- Arnold screamed.

- What's wrong?

- I know this address… I know who lives here!


– Drymon Medical Clinic – Hallway

Helga was sitting in the farthest hallway that she could find. She was crying a little, with some desperation and impotence.

- What's wrong with Bliss! What was she expecting? Miriam Pataki would never change!

- Wait a minute… Did you say "Miriam Pataki"? - A little kid asked, poking his head out of what looked like his room.

- This is a private conversation! Get out of me!

- I'm sorry, you must be Helga.

- Why are you still talking to me!

- Because Miriam it's my friend! She cleans my room.

- Perfect! You're in the perfect part of her life.

- Not really…. it's just that you seem just like she had described you.

- Let me guess, like a crazy and angry imperfect girl?

- Not really, actually she said that you're strong and with strong ideals. She was right.

- Wait a minute dude, Miriam have talked about me?

- Yes! All the time. She said that you're awesome! Brilliant, funny, creative and with spirit and a good perspective of life… I don't know what perspective means… but it sounds cool!

- I never thought she would believe all those things about me…

- Helga! Helga!

- Arnold? What are you doing here? I told you that I'll go to Sunset Arms until 7 pm.

- Yes I know, but I've excellent news… I finally found Bernie's daughter!

- What? Where and how?

- It's a long story! But Mai helped me! Do you remember her?

- Yes, better than you know!

- Well, she helped me! Just…

- What?

- I don't know if the guy that helped us gave us fake information. But according to my investigation… She is her daughter. - Arnold put a photo in his girlfriend's hands, she opened her mouth, very surprised about how her eyes were looking.

- Football head, he was honest.

- What? Why are you so sure?

- Because I had a clue that I forgot to tell you because of all of Miriam's stuff, let's go!


– Drymon Medical Clinic – Bernie's room

The light was low, the room quite silent, the only thing that could be heard were the devices to which the old woman was connected.

- I don't see any improvement, I'm afraid there isn't much left. - The doctor said to his nurse while they watched her from a distance.

- And the worst thing is that there is no one to notify. - Suzie answered sadly, she had learned the hard lesson of not having someone to count on.

-Suzie! We must see Bernie! - Arnold appeared along with a desperate small group of people.

- What are you doing here? You should go get ready for dinner now.

- After. Here's a relative of Mrs. Cohen!

- But guy, that's impossible, she has no family.

- Yes, she has and here is. Her daughter.

The medical staff looked at him in astonishment, but the blonde woman knew the scope that the boy's actions could have.

- Then come on boy.

Inside, Bernie was stammering in pain at the name of the little girl who had brought so much joy to her life, the bitter agony of trying to keep those brief flashes from her memories, of her voices, weakening her more and more.

- My little one, my Sara... I will disappoint you again. - A tear fell down her cheek.

- Mother? Here I am. - A trembling and familiar voice appeared, refreshing in his old memory that sound that he loved so much.

- Sara… my little girl?

- Yes mom… I'm here… with a broken leg… but I'm here… with you…

- Oh my girl! - They shared a big hug while the present ones cried of happiness and cuteness.

- Mom, she's my daughter, Sheena.

- It's a girl… oh.. she is beautiful…

- Hi… grandma!

- This is so beautiful - Arnold said.

- Yes football head, you did it again! And just on time!

- Exactly... They were almost unable to speak and forgive each other... Human foolishness and pride can be our downfall.- Mai said as she admired the scene tenderly, not knowing the effect her words had caused on the girl with the pink bow.

- That's right Helga, and all thanks to you girls! Mai for her contacts and you for your cookie recipe information and... Helga? Everything ok?

-Criminy! Yeah, it's just that stupid sentimental side that kicks in around you... I'll be right back.

Without her boyfriend being able to respond, the girl turned left in search of her mother and collided with her. Without her realizing it, she had witnessed everything that had happened.

- Were you here all the time?

- Yes pretty, I couldn't resist, it seemed like a nice story and it was...

- Miriam, listen, you were right, Bliss was right... I was upset with you...

- I know, for being terrible with you...

- Not really... I... you scared me, that day of the accident... I was afraid that... you wouldn't come back and that you would never...

- We will get to make peace, I understand. I'm sorry Helga, I know that more than angry you're afraid of trusting me again, that I'll break again and walk away from you... but this time it's different, little lady, I promise I'll do everything in my power to leave... well, all the bad things behind, you know what I mean.

- Yes, I know, I always have. Sorry for being so hard on you... mom...

- Sorry for making you "the responsible adult", you won't be anymore...

For the first time in a long time, Helga felt safe in her mother's arms, enjoying the warmth and scent of her being. In the distance, the football head boy basked in the beauty of yet another Christmas miracle, and to be honest, his favorite so far.

THE END


Merry christmas my football heads! I wish you a lot of love, health and peace for you and your family and lovers being and an awesome 2023! This year was very hard to me, I started the year sick of covid, I was isolated on my birthday, and then I had my own big breakdown with a lot of anxiety and others things more, I almost quit to be a writer and fan ficker, but this story helped me to go on and be happy again, thanks for all your readings and reviews, and special thanks you to:

-Metehor: Thanks for all your reviews and encouragement and to be so faithful!

-Cardinal21212: Thanks for you review and I agree with you about Suzie!

-Ellis97: Thanks for always share my content in your group and all your reviews! you're awesome!

- Esmeralda: You're a guest so, I couldn't send a message but thanks for comment!

And a big thank you to those who don't have an account, or those who read but don't comment, my love to you too and hopefully soon you will manifest with a review to meet you.

On the next chapter... Helga feels that Arnold is somewhat annoyed with her attitude and wants to improve this new year, for their part, Arnold and grandpa Phil hear his parents say something that worries them a lot... will they solve it? See you until next time!