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


24. Sense and jealousy

The fancy room was totally full of elegant people, all dancing happily, except for the blond young, she could feel her heart breaking in little pieces.

- Will you not shake hands with me?

The blond guy with football head looked at her nervously, he didn't have an exit, he was exposed.

- How do you do, miss? - He only was able to say that.

- What is the natter? - The girl with blue eyes and pink bow asked again, trying to understand the boy who supposedly loved her. - Why have you not come to see me? Were you not here? Have you not received my letters?

- I had the pleasure of receiving the information you sent to me. - He said coldly. He wasn't the guy that she had dated.

- For heaven's sake, tell me what's wrong.

- Thank you. I'm most obliged. Excuse me, I must rejoin my party.

The young woman's eyes crystallized, the blonde quickly walked away, joining other young people at the party, whom she had never seen and who looked much better dressed than her. The girl had never felt so small as at that moment.

- Go to him, sister. Force him to come to me instantly.

Her older sister looked at her with sadness, she knew how it felt to suffer for love.

-Do you know them? - His new apparently new girlfriend asked him, looking at her with contempt and even disgust.

- Not really, don't worry.

She sighed deeply, while her beautiful blue eyes looked towards the football head, he hugged his girl and her sister stretched out her arm to free her from the cruel scene. Everything between them was over.

-Perfect Arnold, Helga, Sheena and Rhonda.- Mr Simmons said, cutting all the magic atmosphere of the rehearsal. - I finally decided! Rhonda you'll be an excellent Miss Gray.

- Excellent! I love her style.

- Sheena, congratulations! You'll be Elinor and you Eugene, our dearest Edward Ferrars.

- Thank you Mr Simmons! He's so handsome and brave! I'll be practicing a lot and…

- Yeah, yeah, congratulations Mr bad luck. If we finish with this stupid act, Can I leave the building?

- Helga… to be honest with you… you aren't supplying anyone.

- What are you talking about Simmons and why do I feel that I won't like me?

- Because… congratulations Helga, you were a perfect Juliet in the past and now, you'll be an excellent Marianne.

- What? Criminy! I don't wanna participate in this stupidity!

- Oh please Helga… I'm about your talent and I need it! - The teacher almost knelt down, trying to call his student's compassion a little.

-"Come on Hel, maybe I'd end up being your colonel..."- Arnold whispered to her, his girlfriend's face lit up and she tried to hide her sudden enthusiasm.

- Damn Simmons, it's your lucky day, I'll do it!

- Awesome… Now Arnold, I've a role for you too!
- I'll do it Mr Simmons!

Arnold closed his eyes completely happy. He imagined himself dressed as a gallant gentleman, taken from Helga's arms, characterized as his sweet Marianne, they both looked into each other's eyes until his teacher brought him back to reality suddenly.

- Thanks Arnold! I couldn't expect less from you! You'll be a great Willoughby!

- Willoughby! - Both Arnold and Helga were completely surprised.

- But he turns out to be a liar! And Arnold... pff the football ball head is a corny sentimental.

- Well, not so corny. - The boy tried to defend himself.

- Good heavens! He would never be able to be as smart as a character like that and...

- Enough Helga! Don't defend me.

- I'm sorry Arnold, but I watched your performance in this rehearsal and I must say, the role is for you.

- And... What about Colonel Brandon?

- Ah, I have already assigned that role to our new partner, the count! Or as you call it, JJ.

Oh sure... JJ, for a second the young Shortman had forgotten about his return.

No one had ever made him feel so upset and strange as when that guy appeared in his life. She could perfectly remember the first time she met him.

– PS 118– 5th grade classroom- November 2 years ago -

Arnold's head was totally clean… zero wads of paper on it. His clothing was free of any gum or paint. His "personal stalker" seemed off duty and for some reason it was killing him, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Gerald.

- Hey bro! Is everything ok? You look… angry?

- Is nothing… Did you notice how much time Helga spends with Jack?

- Who's Jack?

- You know Gerald, the new guy from England.

- Oh the count! He's cool!

- WHAT? Why do you think so?

- Because he bought a lot of things last night in Dinoland and his stories are the best ones.

- He's stupid, if you ask me.

- Arnie… If I don't know you so well, I would believe that you are… Arnold… are you jealous?

- Je… jealous? Me? pff… Why? Because everybody is losing their minds with that smug, each person of PS 118 is talking about him and his money and Helga is always with him, I mean, they are sitting together, having lunch…. talking all day! And last night Helga called him by his nickname! Why Gerald? Why?

- Arnie, please stop! Relax! What's your problem about Helga spending her time with the Count… finally you're free of her!

- Yes… I'm free…

Arnold looked up to see the couple in question talking heatedly, a part of him felt hurt and angry.

– Vine street – Present

- And then Miriam cooked an excellent cake! Crazy huh! - Helga looked at her boyfriend who didn't hear a word.

- Helga… What do you think about JJ's Returning?

- What? Why do you ask it so suddenly?

- Because in his first exchange you acted super strange around him, and you and he looked like you met from time ago and I helped you to that trap that we made to return him to the UK… but you never told me your story!

- Because we don't have a story, relax Arnold.

- Helga, please, just be honest!

- I'm honest… I…

- Baby sis! Come with me! I need your help! - Olga's shrill voice cut off the conversation of the young lovers, fortunately for Helga, who smiled for the first time to see her sister, while the blonde cursed inside.

- Gee Arnold, Olga needs me, but see you tomorrow at school! Bye! - Without letting the boy utter a word, the girl with the pink bow ran as fast as she could.

Helga, is everything alright?

- Yes, yes, sister, let's go, and the further it is, the better.

- So that's how you want to play, eh Pataki?... let's play!... - Arnold smiled an evil smile as he watched her walk in the distance.


– Alcoholics Anonymous- Group 243 -

Miriam was listening to her new friends, talking and having fun in their party, celebrating another month together.

She didn't come closer, she just looked at her classmates from afar, the words that Bob had said to her on Valentine's Day still resonated in her memory.

- Hey Mir!

- Hello, Don!

- You made the chocolate cake, right?

- Yes, Why? It was raw, right? I must...

- Oh no, no, it's perfect, in fact I wanted to congratulate you.

- Oh really?

- Yes, why can't you believe it?

- It's just that... I hadn't prepared it for a long time.

- Well, it looks excellent on you... also, I want to congratulate you again, you know, for your story about the blender.

- Thanks... it was... hard, but I feel better. In addition, making hand-made food is fun.

- You will see that soon you will be able to have one again, and without the bad memories part.

- Thank you. - Miriam looked down, getting lost in the infinity of the floor design.

- I wanted to ask you a favor, but if you don't want to, you are free to say no.

- Oh, sure, tell me.

- What happens is that I need a cake for someone special, but I'm a lousy cook, and your cake was delicious...

- Do you want my recipe? - The woman began to notice that her adviser was somewhat nervous.

- Not really. Could you come and help me with that? I don't want to spoil it.

- Oh sure...

Don smiled brightly. - Perfect Mir! See you next Friday!

– PS 118– 5th grade classroom- November 2 years ago -

- What in the hell are you doing here? - The girl with the unibrow watched her unwanted companion take a quick sip of her juice and then taste some tapioca.

- Oh come on G, old friend, is this how you greet a friend from the past?

- You well know ,Jack, that we are not friends. One friend does not blackmail another.

- Oh G, dear, don't take it as blackmail, that's a very strong word, I prefer to say... that we have our past.

- You and I have nothing bucko! So don't get any false ideas... Why are you in America? And stop playing games!

- That is the Helga G. Pataki that I know and remember! Relax girl, I just came to have a little fun... and you'll see how we'll have fun. And don't worry dear, YOUR SECRET, is safe with me!


— PS 118- Auditorium - two weeks later

All the students were practicing very hard. Phoebe and Gerald were directing the creation of the scenery, Rhonda was in charge of the costumes and the cast were reading their dialogues with Simmons, although she hated the situation she was in, Helga was making an excellent Marianne.

- Perfect, Sheena and Helga, were beautiful. And Sir Jackson, you're a very good actor.

- Thank you Mr Simmons, it's my pleasure. Right, my lady Marianne?

- You know Jack, I hate you so much as my character hates yours.

- Ok everybody, it's everything for today. Relax and good luck for tonight!

The two last weeks were a hell for Helga, trying to avoid Arnold's questions and JJ's harassment, she tried to collect her things as fast as she could, until two voices appeared behind her.

- Are you leaving? - Her boyfriend asked her.

- G, Are you free now?

After they both shared an awkward look, Helga sighed nervously and hid behind her classic scowl.

- I will go where I have to go and I will not give explanations to anyone.

Without giving any of them time to respond, she took her things and closed her eyes, cursing the moment in which she had been indebted to that stupid boy and now she was sabotaging her dream came true.


– Summer vacations after ends 4th grade –

- So, my dear Geraldine… Do you change your mind? - The count took his spoon and mixed his tea.

- Yes… I did… and my answer is yes…

- Perfect! You're pretty smart! Now you're in debt with me!


– Low Rent District –

The friends went upstairs while they were talking and laughing about the last events of their group. He opened his door and Miriam could see a pretty department that she never could have imagined in that poor building.

- Wow! Your house is amazing!

- Yes it's my trick, I save some money in rent and I use it to make this place more comfortable. The kitchen is here.

- It's beautiful and you have everything! Are you a chef?

- Only in my dreams. My parent's couldn't pay me for the chef college, so I only cook for myself and Agni.

- Agni? Is your girlfriend?

- Oh no, we're only friends, right Agni?

Don whistled and suddenly a huge golden jumped at Miriam's legs, making her stumble a bit.

- Oh god! It's huge!

- Don't worry Miriam, she's friendly and she seems to like you.

- Is beautiful! It's been years since I saw a dog so close. When I was little, my parents gave me a very similar one.

- They are a charm! But go to the kitchen. Give me your instructions! I'm all yours!

At Don's affirmation, Miriam's cheeks flushed bright red and her heart pounded like it hadn't in years.

- Of course... remember that I only have a couple of hours... My daughter's play is about to begin...

- Oh yes, little Helga! She must be excited to have a leading role.

- Yes, although she doesn't admit it, she's a little upset that her dad and Olga aren't coming, Olga still gets depressed in theaters and Bob…

- Is it Bob? - They both laughed a little and nodded. Miriam took the flour and began to sift it.

- I wish he would do more of his part... I feel so bad for Helga... she definitely has had the worst part.

- But now she has you and all the effort you're making, I know she knows it.

- Yes... I see it differently, better. I wish I could do more...

- Step by step young Miriam... I know! How about I come with you to see her play?

- You would do it?

- Sure, if you let me.

- It would be amazing, thank you… -They both smiled at each other until they felt the flour spill out of the bowl, which made them die laughing.


— PS 118- Auditorium –

Helga looked amazing in her large green dress, of course she didn't feel beautiful.

- Helga… it's everything ok? - Her best friend appeared next to her.

- Hi Pheebs, not really… It's a disaster! 2 weeks of madness! and the semester isn't finished yet!

- You have to be honest with Arnold! He must be getting the wrong ideas in his head.

- I don't think so, I told him that I'm in a process with Bliss, and he isn't a jealous guy, so he must be ok.

- Gerald… I'm getting nuts! I can't sleep, eat or have a normal date… he's always there! - Arnold almost screamed, his classmates looked at him with a little pity, whatever was tormenting the boy must have been harsh, his blind optimism was practically gone. - And look at her, she's practically perfect! - The guys looked at their girlfriends crossing the room.

- Bro, please relax, you've to trust her, if she told you that everything is ok it's because it is.

- I trust her, but I don't trust him… I've to talk with her! I need the truth… now!

- Ok… but maybe it would be better if you wait until the play ends, you know…

- I said NOW!

- Ok guys, we are ready! Sisters Dashoowd, to stage! - Simmons said and then went out to present his creation. The teacher was somewhat nervous, it was known that his students always did things in a... peculiar way, so he knew something would happen, he trusted Eugene's talent to overcome his bad luck and shine in his leading role. He steeled himself, recognized many of the parents in the audience, and smiled at them. - Welcome and thank you for staying here… The class of 6th grade proudly presents the romantic story of the Dashwood sisters, honoring to it's author, the talented Jane Austen. Your young ones worked very hard, so it's time to enjoy their effort. For all of you… "Sense and sensibility".

The audience erupted in applause and the curtain slowly opened, revealing the three Dashwood orphans with their mother on stage left, while on the right their half brother, played by Stinky, was being instructed to look after them.

- The students worked very hard with the scenography. - Don whispered to Miriam.

- Yes… and my girl looks just perfect! - Miriam said totally proud of her daughter.

- If that seems good to you, wait until you see my son! - Miles, who was sitting in front of them, whispered proudly as he hugged Stella.

- If he acts great, it's because he's my grandson and he inherited my talent! - Phil tucked the bow around her neck. Pookie chuckled a bit and focused on the camcorder waiting for her grandson to show up.

The play continued without any problem, for the first time, the students were doing an excellent job. The audience laughed when they had to, and some women sighed while Arnold appeared in his Willoughby's costume. His chemistry with his Marianne was totally natural, because, unnoticed by everyone, was totally natural. Arnold was losing in Helga's eyes.

- Who's reading Shakespeare's sonnets? - The blond guy said in his Willoughby voice.

- I am. - Marianne answered him. He sat down next to her, seeing directly his blue eyes.

- And which are your favorites?

- Without a doubt, mine is 116.

- "Let me not the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds… or bends with the remover to remove…"

- "Oh no it's an ever fixed mark…

- It is an ever fixed mark…

- That looks on storm… That looks on tempests"… - They said together. The audience 's and the other character on scene was captivated by the tenderness between them.

- Is it "tempests"?

- I do believe it's "tempests".

- Let me find it. - Willoughby said, opening the book and looking for the sonnet.

- He IS MY SON- Miles said proudly to Mr Llyod, who listened to him without any intention to pay him attention.

- No Miles, MY GRANDSON. - Phil said as he settled into his seat.

One hour later, Sheena was impressing everyone with her masterful performance as Elinor, broken and powerless in the face of her younger sister's illness. From behind the scenes, Helga saw her excited, although they were not close, she had to admit that her partner had talent.

- She's really good, huh? - Arnold joined his girlfriend, his character had abandoned Marianne and would no longer appear in the play.

- Yeah, it's really good.

- I would easily say that she is the second best actress of our small production.

- The second? What's wrong Arnoldo? She 's incredible!

- But no more than you... I know.

- Arnold enough, you distract me. - The tint on his cheeks appeared again.

- Well, it's great to see that at least, I still have a bit effect on you.

- What are you talking about, football head?

- I'm talking about the last few weeks, you didn't talk to me.

- I told you, I'm busy with the play and Bliss.

- But for your friend "the count" you have time... he didn't bother you as much as you said.

- First, if I've talked to you, I'm doing it right now, second, "the little count from smugland" is not my friend, Simmons commissioned me. Not that I enjoy it.

- It's not what it seems...

-Well, that's what it is. I don't understand why you want to see more where there is nothing, Criminy, how annoying you are Arnoldo!

- Then tell me at once! What are you two up to? Since last year! Before I couldn't ask anything, but now I'm your boyfriend and...

- Helga, it's your turn. - Sid whispered to his companions.

- Not now Sid! - Arnold said with a firm voice.

- I have to go Arnold, we'll talk…!

- No! I want to know it now! I can't stand it anymore!

- Helga. - The subject of contention appeared suddenly. - It's our turn, with your permission, young Shortman.

The redhead took Helga in his arms, before Arnold's stunned face.

Already in their role, Marianne and the Colonel came on stage. Celebrating her improvement due to his care.

- My dear Marianne… Now you're with me…

- And I always will be…

Totally out of the script, Jack cupped Marianne's chin and pulled her into a soft kiss that totally surprised the girl with the unibrow.

- I had removed that from the script... but it was perfect. - Simmons joined the applause of the audience, Phoebe and Gerald looked stunned, until a scream surprised everyone.

- Leave her alone! She is mine!

Without thinking, Arnold was back on the scene, leaving everyone speechless.

- But what is he doing! That's not…damn, I knew it would be ruined! - Simmons felt a familiar dizziness and fainted!

- Mr Simmons! - Phoebe snapped out of her daze and saw her teacher fall.

- Huh… Is he your son, right? - Rhonda's father sneered at the blonde, who just settled back in his seat.

- I told you, your son. - Phil joined Mr. Llyod.

Arnold's five seconds of fury passed and he realized what he had done.

- Oh... Willoughby!... What are you doing here? - The annoying blonde emphasized the last sentence. - You have already married Miss Gray, REMEMBER?

- Well, no, Marianne... I realized that a man cannot live for money, he must live for love... - Arnold began to improvise, while behind the scenes his companions were desperately looking for which part of the script was happening.

- Does that mean there will be no wedding scene? - Eugene asked and Sheena responded by shrugging her shoulders. Back on stage, Jackson faced Arnold and got between him and the girl.

- You don't understand Willoughby, Marianne and I are together now, come back to the woman you chose!

- I have chosen badly in the past, but now, I know who I love and I will not leave her in your hands.

- He said... "love"? - Helga felt her legs wobble, but the "sword" fight for her honor made her focus on the action.

The audience murmured with excitement, totally immersed in the drama of the fight.

Jackson, as a fencing master that he was, gave Arnold accurate touches, but Arnold, remembering his karate training, managed to dodge it almost perfectly.

- It's time for you to give up, young American, she belongs to me.

- In your dreams... - Arnold jumped, making the exchange student fall and winning the battle.

- Marianne, my love... I will never let you go.

Without warning, Arnold surrounded Helga and kissed her sweetly. The tension of both blondes disappeared little by little while they enjoyed each other. Once again, everyone present was in applause. The rest of the cast joined them and received their well-deserved ovation.

Helga was brushing her hair, she had returned to her usual dress, when timid footsteps approached her.

- Here... it's for you. - A small bouquet of flowers appeared in front of her.

- This is your pathetic way of apologizing for the show you made us do? Or for almost ruining everyone's play, or for not trusting me? Choose one.

- It really is my way of congratulating you... the apology begins now. Sorry Helga, I know I was totally reckless, but put yourself in my shoes a bit. I see what's between you, that pressure of not being able to say that...

- What you like me? suppress your feelings and pretend to everyone that you're fine, while someone enjoys your special one? I lived it a couple of times in the past... and I'm sorry that I made you feel it now, especially now that I'm aware of your... you know...

- Of my feelings for you? - Arnold smiled at him like a little remorseful puppy.

- Yes... I still can't get used to the idea... I still can't believe that we are finally... together.

- I know you had to go through this a lot, I don't know how much, but we both have to accept that it's true... I'm sorry, I should have listened to you and trusted you...

- Between that fool and me there is nothing of what you imagine.

- It's okay, and I believe you... it's just that... the girl I liked always chose another...

- But I'm not those idiots, I'm Helga G. Pataki, and it will cost you more than a public scene of jealousy to get rid of me.

- That's what I expected...

The two were about to kiss again, when Miriam appeared next to them.

- Helga! Congratulations honey, you are an excellent actress!

- Thanks Mom. Did you like it?

- Sure, although that ending was not what I expected.

- I don't think anyone... - The blonde looked with fake annoyance at her boyfriend who smiled in response.

- It was original, daughter, come on, I invite you some pizza.

As they walked towards the Shortmans, Helga noticed from a distance the man who had been her mother's companion, and the strange way in which he looked at her, a look similar to the one her lover now used on her.

THE END


The count is in the house guys! Arnold will have an adversary, what is his secret? What will be his new move? What's Helga debt? Some questions will be answered, or no, see you in reviews!