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


25. Twins-S VS Tim K.

– Sunset Arms – Miles and Stella's bedroom

Miles was sitting in his bed, reading a big book, totally focused on it. His wife was telling him her day, but the blond man didn't listen a word.

- Miles, why are you reading and… so early in the morning?

- Is a book about teenager's breeding.

- Why are you reading that? You're doing perfect with Arnold.

- Because last night I listened to Arnold talking about some problems with Helga…

- And? - Stella left the clothes she was folding.

- He was talking with HIM not with ME… and the other day dad had some problems with a neighbor and called Arnold to help him and…

- Dear, stop… I thought that this business ended in the competence of Dad and son last year…

- I'm not jealous anymore, is that only… I feel a little useless, Arnold is so mature for his age.

- Well, is our boy, don't worry, you work very hard at college, and always repair the damaged things here… and actually there were a lot of them recently.

- You know? You're right honey! Maybe I could make more repairs, some guests were angry about roof leaks.

- Perfect! You got it! Now, I was supposed to be at the hospital one hour ago, good luck my handsome repair's man! - Stella kissed her husband and left the room.

- A lot of repairs… but I need money… I got an idea! But I need to get rid of mom and dad… and I know how! - Young Mr. Shortman smiled slyly and prepared to launch his plan.


– Sunset Arms – Front door

- So… let me understand… Are you giving me a free day of relaxation all paid, without any suspicious reason? - The oldman looked at his nervous son, trying to find the trick.

- Mmm… yes? - He smiled at him with his nervousness growing inside him.

- Well… it's obvious that something is happening here… but I don't care, I'll do it! - Phil took his suitcases and smiled totally happily, until his wife appeared dressed like a clown. - Can she stay here?

- Oh don't worry dad, it will be funny! See you tonight!

- But… - The oldman was saying something but his son closed the door before. - Finally! I'm alone… I just need.. - Arnold was going downstairs and his dad stopped him. - Champ! There you are! Come on, we have to hurry!

- Hurry for what?

- I'll start a very big project and I need your help.

- Really dad?... sounds cool but… Gerald, Phoebe and I will…

- Oh please son, I'm planning a big surprise for your grandparents, and I thought that it could be a special day between us!

The football head looked into his dad's pleading eyes and smiled in response. - Okay, I think the guys will understand. What do you have in mind?

- That's what I wanted to hear! We'll start with something simple!

- A garage sale is a simple thing for you? - The teen was totally surprised about the big quantity of things that his dad found in their basement.

- Yeah son! All these things are useless now, we can earn some money and repair the roof.

- And the grandpa is ok with this?

- I know my own father, don't worry, just attend to the people, son.

- Ok dad! I got it!

Arnold smiled gladly and began to attend to the neighbors who gradually became curious about the antiques. An old man who was walking around the corner looked intrigued at the sale and went with pleasure.


– Sunset Arms – Kitchen

A pile of bills were counted by the happy Shortman, they smiled at each other and sighed tired but satisfied.

- 950$... good done champ! We did it!

- And now we can call the roofer and rest a bit.

- Oh don't worry Arnold, I know how to do it, I have done it since I was 15.

- Wow, really dad? You know how to do a lot of different things.

- I love this building, Arnold, it's very special to the Shortmans, we're the 4th and 5th generation to live here, our story lives here.

When I was in San Lorenzo, I enjoyed my time there and all my adventures, but when I thought in my home, Sunset Arms was the only image that I saw.

- I understand dad, I can't imagine myself living in another place.

- Your grandparents let it down a bit since we disappeared, so I want to pay them back a bit.

- You're right dad, I'll help you!

- Perfect! Let's go to the roof and hurry up.


– Sunset Arms –Family room

Miles and Arnold were totally tired but satisfied, they sat down on the couch and smiled at each other.

- Well now we have to wait for your grandparents and our work is done!

- Yeah... it was amazing, thank you dad, I learned a lot of things today about repairs.

- Yeap, and believe me Arnold, in some far future, they will be useful for you and Helga, taking care of Sunset Arms is a very big thing.

- Yes dad and... hey! Why does everybody make fun of me and Helga?

- Because seeing your red face is a very funny son.

- Was a good day... a very good one, you rock Oskar! - The guest entered the room with a suspicious smile.

- Everything is alright, Oskar? - The man asked him, with a bad feeling in his being.

- Oh sure Arnold's dad, everything is just perfect!

- We are at home! - The front door opened and the grandparents appeared in the room.

- Hi dad, mom. How was everything?

- Son, I just will say that I'm pretty grateful about your return. It was the most relaxing day of my day... since... How old are you Arnold?

Arnold looked annoyed at the old man and ignored his comment, the smiling Miles continued the conversation clearing his throat.

- Anyway… Did you notice anything else? I mean, about the house…

- To be honest Miles, I just saw the animals leaving the house, Mr Berman angry with his son and our roof perfectly repaired…

- You're amazing Da Vinci! - The grandma jumped in her son's arms.

- Is only my way to say thank you to take care of Arnold, and raise him as well as they did. Besides... well, missing my responsibilities to take care of the house and you.

- Oh Miles, shut up! I'm a total bull son...it really was nothing...Arnold made it very easy too. Phil wiped away a treacherous tear that escaped from his eye. - But how did you manage to pay for everything? They quoted us all as very expensive.

- Well, fulfilling the favor that you entrusted to me years ago before going to San Lorenzo... I cleaned the basement and had a garage sale, quite successful, I must say.

- Here is what we had left over, grandpa!

- Excellent, excellent, finally I will have my jacuzzi! Nothing can go wrong!

- We are at home! - Suzie and Stella entered with some bags. It was obvious that after their respective jobs they had gone to chat a little with Mrs. Johanssen and do some shopping.

- Actually, grandpa I helped too! - Oskar said proudly, trying to take Suzie's attention.

- You? Helping? I can't believe it! You're a parasite!

- No grandpa, it's true! Here's my input! - Oskar put 1K dollars in his hand, making everybody's mouth's fall to the floor.

- Where did you get all this money Oskar? Please, tell me that is legal. - Suzie asked with some fear in her voice.

- Sure it is! I only helped Arnold and Arnold's dad in the garage sale.

- Did you help us? But Mr Kokoschka you weren't there!

- Oh , of course I was there…and I sold the most expensive item of the sale!

- And it was…? Oh wait a minute… It wouldn't be a horrible pink sphinx vase... right? - The voice of the older Shortman began to tremble while his wife looked at him terrified.

- Yeah! Yeah! It was just that! I'm quite a hero! I got rid of that horrible thing!

- Kokoschka you are a dead man!

- But why grandpa? Thanks to that I got a thousand dollars!

- I'm not your grandpa and Because you lost MY HOUSE FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS!

- What? - They all asked at the same time, not believing what they were hearing.

- Dad, calm down. - His daughter-in-law tried to reason with him. - What does the vase have to do with the boarding house?

- It has everything to do...

At that moment, the doorbell distracted everyone's attention. Phil and Pookie shared a knowing look. He sighed and turned the knob on the front door.

- Good evening... My name is Timothy K.

- And I'm Phil, what do you need?

- Well... I'm here because now, this is my property!

At that statement, Miles clenched his hands and walked over to his father's side.

- What are you talking about? We Shortmans are the rightful owners of Sunset Arms.

- Well, not anymore. - The brunette old man unfolded a paper before them, which turned out to be nothing more and nothing less than the title deed to the house.

- Grandpa... the titles were in the vase, right? - Arnold asked in shock at what his eyes saw.

- That 's right... Kokoschka... I'm going to kill you! - The old man yelled so loud that all the dogs and alarms on the street could be heard.

- No, wait, I can fix it! - The nervous Czech shouted, took a piece of paper from the hand of the new owner of the house and closed the door. - Ready! I got it back grandpa! What's more... In theory, I'm the new owner!

- The oldman snatched the piece of paper, discovering that it was a shopping list, and that the property sheet was still in the hands of the man outside the house.

- Don't even try again Phil Shortman, I'll be back tomorrow, to finally put everything in place.

The Shortmans were in shock, one moment they were celebrating that the boarding house was finally working, and the next one was not their house anymore.

- Dad, you and mom don't have another way to prove that it is our house?

- Miles, if I had another one I wouldn't try to kill Oskar.

- What about your sister, dad? She is the co-owner, right?

- Stella, daughter, you are the best! Let's call her and look for some help.

- Yeah! Mitzy is coming! - The grandma jumped happily.

- Ok, I'm calling her. - Phil rolled the dial on his phone and waited for the phone to ring on the other end of the line, until his sister's voice came through clear and steady.

- Hi! Is Mitzy here!

- Finally I'm happy to hear your voice, we need your…

- At this moment I'm having a great time in Las Vegas, yeah! So call me later.

Grandpa's smile disappeared from his face. - Well, we're alone.

- What are we going to do grandpa? Timmy will be back soon.

- Leave everything to me! - Pookie laughed evilly and jumped out the window, leaving everyone stunned.

- Well, as I said, we are alone.

- Relax grandpa, there must be a legal way to recover the house.

- I don't know, son. - Stella joined the conversation. - In a way, the guy paid what was asked... we'd better find another place to live...

Stella sighed and she and Suzie headed upstairs, resigned to packing the essentials.

- Well, I will not give away my house, the house where my father grew up and my son lives.

- That's the spirit dad! What do you propose?

- I really don't know...

- Oh calm newbies, it's time to show him what we Shortmans are made of! If we've already saved the neighborhood and escaped from the jungle and Hitler, this is going to be a piece of cake!

Phil smirked as his son and grandson looked at him intrigued.


- Arnold's room-

While Stella and Suzie were explaining everything to Mr. Hyunh, the self-appointed "Powerful steely team" was in a meeting, planning their next move against the new owner of Sunset Arms.

- So, here's the address of the Timmy guy, and here is his schedule... - The oldman said, pointing to various papers hanging from a cork board.

- Grandpa, we just met him some hours before, how did you find out about all this?

- Arnold! please! You lived with me for years! you really don't know me? I'm a Shortman is what we do! Ok, anyone has another question?

They all shook their heads, he sat up slowly and continued. Ernie, Miles, and Arnold were all looking at him.

- Very well, according to my investigation, at this time the enemy is preparing his dinner, previously I exchanged one of his tuna cans for one of my old Spam that I had as a souvenir, yes Arnold, he still had them.

- I wasn't going to say anything.

- Anyway, with you, you never know. Anyway, approximately in an hour he will go to the bathroom, there we go in and steal the paper. Let's move!


– Timmy's house– Midnight

Timmy's roof had unwanted visitors, visitors who wanted to take back what was theirs. After nimbly going up to the right side, the team peeked out the window, sure enough the scammer sounded pretty sick.

- Look Phil! It seems that your plan is going well! - The short man looked admired.

- Did you doubt it, Ernie? Anyway, Miles, rope Arnold down.

- Sure! - He tied the rope tightly around the young man's waist and looked at him. - Are you ready?

- Well, I still think it's crazy, but go ahead.

Miles carefully lowered his son, Arnold couldn't help but remember the similar stunt he had done years ago with Bob's partner to save the neighborhood, coming back to reality, he managed to land on the ground, without making much noise.

When the teenager was about to touch the floor, the man came out of his bathroom. Arnold only managed to stick to the wall to avoid being seen.

- I must stop eating canned food. He sighed exhausted and turned to sleep.

Arnold tiptoed over to where he had entered and made the signal. His family looked at him and whispered.

- He's here, I'm going to wait for him to sleep.

- Forget it son, it's very dangerous, you better come back.- Miles answered to him.

- Forget it you Miles, this is the new plan, Arnold, this is your new base, keep an eye on Timothy and tell us anything, try to reach his hope chest if possible.

- Understood grandpa!

- The rest of us go, it's time to get rude...

The rest of the troop went straight to the Sunset Arms basement.

- I have an old solution here... - Ernie smiled mischievously as he took one of his old and heavy boxes.

- No Potts, no explosives, the court still has me under surveillance.

- Wait... - The blonde said, confused. - Are there explosives in the house?

- As it should be Miles, but it is not feasible to use them now, unfortunately.

- They don't know what they're missing. - The shorty closed his box and dropped it.

- Something new? They talked to Mr. K? - Stella went down with them with some cups of coffee.

- No dear, we really didn't want to talk.

- There must be a way and... wait a minute. Her voice went from sweet to firm. - Where's Arnold?

- Schwarzenegger? Uh, I haven't seen him in like 15 years. - Phil was interrupted by the cry of his daughter-in-law.

- I'M TALKING ABOUT ARNOLD SHORTMAN! MY SON!

-Stella, honey, you have to calm down, he's fine, he's just watching the enemy and updating us by message.

- Did you leave our son at a stranger's house? - Now if anyone who listened to her would fear for his life.

- Something like that... don't worry, don't forget that he defeated LaSombra and...

- Just because I was asleep!

- Enough guys, there is no time for this, we must use our brains and get rid of that scoundrel!

- Hey I've a plan… and I can help… you know, to repair my damage? - Oskar appeared in front of them trying to call their attention.

- And how will you help us? You did enough!

- Oh please dad, give him a chance! - Stella smiled at the old man and he sighed.

- You've only got one chance.

- Yes, enough to me grandpa!

- I'm not… just forget it. - Phil took his cell phone and called someone. Big head, are you there? Here's Steely Phil.

- Grandpa I'm here, Mr. Timothy is sleeping. I tried to open the chest and take the paper, but it went to the bathroom every 10 minutes.

- Ok… it wasn't my better plan, but forget it, return to the window, let's go there, we have another plan.

- Actually… 2. - Ernie smiled to himself.


– Timmy's house– 3 am

The green-eyed preteen struggled to stay awake, until he heard footsteps outside and familiar murmurs. He got up slowly and went to the window.

- Arnold position? - His father asked.

- He's asleep, he just came back. I estimate we have 15 minutes. Every time he's gone to the bathroom I've searched the house, but I can't find the key to the hope chest.

- Perfect, I'm gonna help you down son, Oskar will be here in a few, he has a plan.

- And it is?

- It is a mystery for now, but he said that it's… good.

- I'm here!

What they saw all left them speechless, a beardless Oskar, wearing a long wig, poorly applied lipstick, and a hideous dress, appeared in front of them.

- This is your brilliant plan? I'll kill you!

Grandpa almost lunges to hit him, but Arnold, who had just come down, and his father stopped him.

- But how pathetic you are when I'm not around, little brother.- They all turned to see Mitzy in front of them.

- Aunt Mitzy! - Arnold and Miles smiled and ran to hug her.

- Let's see what we have here, an old curmudgeon, my two favorite nephews and... a man of dubious sex? - They all looked at Oskar with annoyance. Without anyone noticing, Ernie snuck up to the man's window. - Yes, they were lost without my ingenuity.

- How did you get here aunt?

- Well Miles, I heard the message that Phil accidentally left on my answering machine and, lucky for you, I was coming back to the city. Worried Stella told me they were here. Anyway, we'll talk about that later, now to save my parents' legacy that Phil lost.

- It was Oskar!

- Anyway, I think I understand the plan they had, it wasn't going so badly, but we'll do better.

Ok, I'll ring the bell, saying that I'm a rich, beautiful lost woman, I'll distract him talking with him, while Arnold and Miles will go inside and look for the key and the paper.

- What about me, genius?

- You'll be outside, and you'll warn us if the guy does something, then…

- Grandpa's sister lady, what about me?

- Sorry Oskar, but all the characters were taken, good luck team!

At exactly 4 o'clock, the doorbell rang, waking a grumpy old man from his sleep. After 33 times of going to the bathroom, it goes without saying that I was, well, not very happy.

- Who is it and what... uh... hello! - Out of inertia, she arranged her hair and smiled gallantly at the beautiful Mitzy.

- Good evening gentleman, I'm sorry to bother you, but my car skidded and my driver can't come, could I use your phone? - Her hand placed dramatically on her forehead, Phil remembered seeing her do that old trick many times to save herself from punishment, he had to admit that it was very effective.

- Of course my beautiful lady, come here.

Mitzy made the sign and in turn, her twin gave it to her son and grandson.

Arnold climbed up the tree and climbed to the window, leading Miles, the teen had already become an expert at visiting the old con man's house.

- Look dad, that's the chest of hope, but I already looked everywhere for the key, I haven't found it.

- I see... it's sealed, it must have a trick to open it, it doesn't have a lock.

- What are we going to do? It's too heavy to load.

- How about we force it open? - Ernie suddenly appeared with a mini stick of dynamite in his hands.

- Is it soundproof? - asked the older Shortman.

- Oh yes, it's one of my babies, shall we try?

The three of them smiled as Mitzy continued her act downstairs.

- Thank you, Max will be here in a few moments, thank you, my gentleman!

- Thank to you, my beautiful lady. It's a pleasure to me to help women in problems, or can I call you Mitzy?

- What… What are you talking about?

The woman's voice began to shake a little. He signaled to his brother, and he ran to where the others were.

- Please Mitzy, I'm not an idiot, surely you found out that I am the new owner of your beloved Sunset Arms and you came to help, surely your family is upstairs registering me... right?

A small, rather loud explosion interrupted the conversation.

- Leave my aunt alone! You won't be able to bother us anymore! - Arnold went down the stairs with a firm voice.

- Oh no, young Shortman? And why not?

- Because we have the title deeds again!

- Oh really?

- In fact, Arnold, the chest was empty.

Miles and Ernie went down defeated and uncovered.

- You have 10 minutes to forget that this happened and leave my house, tomorrow you are going to give me the guest house and you will disappear from my sight.

- And why do you think I would obey you? - Phil faced him! - Nobody can win against a Shortman, my daughter-in-law is looking for a way to prove that she is from my family and sooner or later...

- Or sooner and later he will realize that he legally belongs to me. I have titles to Sunset Arms plus Mitzy's luxury apartment.

- Wait, what? - She said terrified.

- Next to the title deed to Sunset Arms, there was the title to that condominium and Adrian Shortman's will, where he left everything to his children, and the older male as executor.

- That's me! Phillip Shortman! And you will not take away what is ours!

- Oh really? I think dad would have preferred the three of us to get along...

- What are you talking about? - Arnold and the rest of those present were in shock.

- Dad never told you? I'm your older half brother! He dated my mother Susan Kafka before he married your mother, only they were very young and decided to keep me as a secret.

- Kafka? Like Jimmy?

- My cousin? I know you know him... I always investigated you... but I finally had the samples to prove that we are family. As you can see, I have everything to win... so with your permission. - The man opened the main door, indicating that they were leaving. Phil felt his insides burn and he screamed out loud.

- Not without a fight! No one dyed my father's name!

With the strength of a real bull, the old man knocked out the man, leaving everyone in awe.

– Sunset Arms - 8 am –

- "After an unfortunate garage sale, the Shortman Family lost their boarding house, but that wasn't everything. The new owner, Timothy Kafka sued Phillip Shortman for trespassing and violence. It is believed that he will spend at least a week in jail."

Harold finished reading the newspaper in astonishment, as did everyone in Hillwood City. Helga ran in a hurry that Sunday morning, this time not to share some pancakes with the family and guests, but now, to look for her lover.

-Arnold! - She shouted, pushing the neighbors and the press. - Move sister! you hinder!- She pushed a robust woman to make way for Arnold.

- Helga! - Without caring about the people around, he hugged her tightly looking for comfort. - It is awful! My grandma is missing, we lost our house and my grandpa will be in prison... my grandparents... Mitzy... her brother...

- Relax football head, you can tell me everything, let's go to the pond, I have a feeling that this will be a long talk.

Miles and Stella finished packing their essentials while the police waited for them outside. Miles looked at the walls with longing, tears in his eyes. He didn't know how, but one day, the house would be of them again.

THE END


This episode was a surprise to me, to be honest, it was supposed to they recupere Sunset Arms, but while I was writing the story wrote by itself, now Arnold and the Shortmans are in a new situation in a new challenge to solve!... what do you think? To me it's a new blank canvas to play on! What do you think? I deserve a review?