Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
31. Ice Cage
Was a strange morning in the Llyod's mansion. Rhonda opened her eyes and saw that their curtains were closed and the breakfast wasn't on the table next to her bed.
- Mildred! Where are my clothes, and my breakfast? - She said, totally angry, but she was alone in her room. - Mildred? Where are you? - She stood up and walked around looking at the floor, but she could only listen to some cries. - What 's that?
She almost opened the fancy door in front of her, but Mildred left the room, almost crashing into her.
- Oh Miss Llyod, be careful, the baby is trying to sleep.
- I don't care, Mildred! I need my things to go to school.
- Look for them yourself! Was your parents' order.
- But… But.. I don't know how to cook!
A second later, Rhonda saw herself in the school, everyone passing around her, but they were pushing her, not looking at her.
- Hey! Be careful, these shoes are new!
Suddenly, Harold and Stinky ran by with some bouquets of flowers, and Nadine and hundreds of girls with notebooks followed them.
- Nadine... What's going on?
- How do you not know? Lila is here! She's gonna talk about her organization to the prom.
- But... that was my job... Come back! - She screamed all hard as she could, opening her eyes and realizing that she actually was in her room.
- It was just a nightmare… but no more… I'm Rhonda Wellington Lloyd! I'm not second table to anyone! - She stood up, checked her hair in the mirror and screamed: Daddy! I need you!
– PS 118 - Playground-
- Attention 6th graders, attention! - Rhonda went up to one of the benches, while Nadine held some envelopes next to her.- I'm Rhonda Llyod, have excellents news for all of you about our next dance!
All the students continued playing, talking to each other, or having lunch.
- I said… ATTENTION PLEASE!
Everybody interrupted their activities and reunited around the popular girl.
- Better… As I was saying, I've excellent news about our next spring dance.
- Wow, wow, princess… - Helga put herself in front of her. - What spring dance? As a president I didn't authorize any dance.
- Yes Helga, darling I know. - She ignored her angryness. - It's a surprise! My parents and I organized a trip to Aspen, a very exclusive one… as our spring dance! Isn't it wonderful?
All the students cheered happily, while the skeptical blonde commented:
- How much will that cost us?
- Absolutely nothing, everything is on me! - She smiled triumphantly.
- And can everybody go this time? - Sid asked fearfully.
- Clear! Naturally! If our president agrees.
- Naturally, dear organizer of school events. - Helga pretended condescension and everyone celebrated.
- So we won't do the dance in my mansion anymore?
- Oh Lila, darling, I completely forgot... if you want me to cancel...
- Oh no, that's a much better idea! - She smiled gladly while Rhonda mentally celebrated.
– Airport- Friday's afternoon -
All the class was totally excited, taking their seats, Harold with Stinky, Brainy with Sid, Sheena and Eugene, Helga and Phoebe, Gerald and Arnold, Curly alone and Nadine was waiting for her friend who was in the front waiting for Mr Simmons.
- Rhonda I don't understand, where is Simmons? - Nadine walked next to the girl.
- I don't know, he said he would just talk a little with our parents.
Seconds later, the professor entered totally distressed and stressed, trying to hold his breath.
- Guys, after a... heated talk with your tutors, we have decided that we will have chaperones, given the unforeseen events on our last trip and how apparently unreliable I am.
-Criminy! Olga will surely come with us. - Helga huffed in annoyance and sank back into her seat.
- Hi guys! It's a pleasure to be with you!
- Mom? Dad? What are you doing here? - Arnold asked, surprised.
- We wanted to come and share some time with you champ!
- While we live an adventure! Isn't it great?
- Yes... of course... - He said something nervous. Let's not misunderstand the boy, what happens is that since the loss of Sunset Arms, his parents spend every second with him. Although he loves them, he thinks it's a bit... too much, and this free ride was an opportunity for some time with his friends and girlfriend, which now seemed distant.
- Well, now that everybody is here, it's time to take off the plane!
The students were ready, each one in his seat excited, looking towards the window, some others were listening to music.
Arnold looked back and looked into Helga's blue eyes, lost in the landscape outside, wondering what had been keeping her busy lately.
Arnold looked up and saw the hated Count Jack, sharing the same action as him. When he was going to face him, his parents caught his attention.
- Look son, here is the planning of what we will do this weekend. - His father appeared a huge pamphlet on his forehead.
- Oh yes dad... I'm looking at it... I can't wait… - He sighed annoyed and decided to go back to his own window.
- Resort: Snow Hill Palace -
After an uneventful trip, except for Harold's slight dizziness, the Llyod bus picked them up at the airport.
The Shortmans took care that each student stayed with their respective partner.
Upon reaching the top of a hill, what they saw left them all speechless.
To say that the resort was luxurious was an understatement. A huge cabin, equipped with every imaginable luxury, had been allocated for Llyod visitors.
Rhonda and the adults went to the counter and registered.
- I'm completely surprised. - Patty looked annoyed.
- It's bigger than my house. - The big-nosed boy with the green cap saw the signs so as not to get lost.
- Ready guys, we are assigned, he is Octave, our host. - Arnold's father gave the word to a short but very elegant man. He cleared his throat and began his tour.
- Welcome to our exclusive resort, which is divided into 3 main cabins, with more than 20 rooms each, these cabins are connected to the club, where you will find our fine restaurant, saunas, gym, mixed classes and of course, our three professional ski levels.
- Just what we're here for, - Harold commented to his friends and they laughed mischievously in response.
- Any questions, I am here to serve you. Welcome. - The host bowed and left the room.
- First of all. - Mrs. Shortman continued. - It seems fair to me that we thank Rhonda, on behalf of her parents, for her cordial invitation.
- It's nothing, being the richest and most popular, it's a pleasure and duty for me.
They all clapped with some commitment and knowing how annoying their classmate's ego can be.
- Now guys, come for your key and room assignment, remember that we must review the program… - The group of preteens charged at the teacher, practically ripping the keys out of his hands.
- Well, it seems that phase one is complete. I'll go to my room. - He sighed exhausted and walked.
- Don't worry Mr. S, we continue from here. The girls follow me to find their room and the boys with Miles, we'll see each other in two hours for lunch.
- Tss, Helga? - Arnold whispered to the girl, once he saw that most had moved away.
- What happen? - She answered somewhat distracted.
- It's just that I noticed something... distant, is everything okay?
- Oh... yes, great! A weekend away from my parents! I can not ask for more. - She faked a smile.
- And... a weekend together?
- Also... and with the rest of the class and your parents.
- Well, yes, but... I was thinking that later we could...
-Arnold! Champ! Don't stay behind! Later you can have some dating time!
- Dad! Silence! - The boy quickly approached him- Remember that nobody here knows.
- Oh, true! With more reason, let's go!
Without letting him say more, the father took his son, leaving the serious girl behind.
- Resort: Snow Hill Palace - Next morning
All the preteens were excited about the mountain ski trip, nobody talked about anything else, except Rhonda, who remembered that all this trip was all thanks to her and not Lila.
- Very well, now maybe we want to talk a little about safety in the mountains… - Mrs. Shortman tried to say, but a spirited chorus of: Ski! Skiing! Ski!, completely interrupted her.
- I'm sorry dear, I think the young people have spoken.
- We are going to divide into three groups, which will go with each one of you according to the experience in skiing. The beginners will come with me, the intermediate with Miles, and the advanced with Mr. Simmons.
- Excellent, my expert friends, let's go. - Only Rhonda and the Count followed him, until the latter stopped next to Helga.
- Aren't you coming with us, miss?
- No, my experience is intermediate, so I'll stay here.
- How strange, I thought you were used to this kind of activities...
-Let's go Helga, it'll be better... - Her boyfriend wanted to interrupt when his father got in the way.
- Arnold, your mother's group is waiting for you.
- But...
- Don't get separated, we'll see you at lunch. - His father ruffled his hair and addressed his group.
- Hey man, is everything okay? I've noticed you're somewhat tense.
- It's nothing Gerald... all good.
- We both know it's not like that... but, just remember, when you want to talk about it, I'm here and not another guy who doesn't turn out to be your parents' friend and betray us.
- Don't worry, I know that won't happen more than once.
The three groups began to launch themselves over the mountains, while some competed against each other, and others, like Rhonda, showed off their great abilities.
A few hours passed like this, until finally Stella convinced Eugene that trying to do so would not unleash any curse on the group.
- Are you sure? Whenever I get involved, things go wrong.
- Of course I'm sure, they're just coincidences, plus a professional like me will always be ready to help you.
- Well... if you are a professional.
Eugene grabbed his skis and got ready to head off a small hill.
- Watch out everyone! Here it comes! - Harold yelled, completely scared, while the redhead continued to prepare for his launch.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Arnold and Gerald had slipped away to catch up with the girls on their level.
- Tss, babe! Do you wait for someone?
-Gerald! Finally you reached us! Why did you take so long? - Phoebe enjoyed his hug.
- That was my fault, mom didn't stop watching us, I'm sorry.
- Wow, the parents are exaggerating with this trip, I mean, you get lost in the jungle once and face a bandit who takes you hostage and you manage to save a culture and they never forget it, pff how sensitive.
The blonde said with her classic tone of sarcasm that made her companions laugh.
- Why don't we go to the cabin for some hot cocoa and enjoy the campfire.
Arnold proposed sheepishly, as Helga's cheeks flushed mischievously.
- Okay... okay... just because it's terribly cold here... and... - Her boyfriend took her hand and led her towards him.
- Come on, I know a fast way.
Unnoticed by the young couples, Eugene was on the top of the mountain, smiling enjoyed to take his turn.
- A beautiful morning to ski…
- Come on Eugene! - Harold screamed. - I'm getting old here! - Will you do it or not!
- Harold, please, be patient. - Arnold's mom added. - Those kids! They have to practice patience and sharing.
- I know honey. - Her husband downed with her for a moment. - Be calm, it would be useful to their adult lives and… - He looked around without any signal from his son's group. - Stella, where is Arnold?
- Oh no… I can't see him.- She stood up and took her binoculars, looking at him in the mountain. - There they are! - She pointed at the boys who were about to take a path.
The distraught couple ran towards their son and friends to try to stop them, completely ignoring Eugene, who after thinking about it for a bit, the mountain was too high for him.
- Help! I will not do it anymore. - Shouted the frightened redhead.
- You already despaired me!- Harold snorted, fed up, who without thinking twice, gave him a strong push that sent him down the hill.
His characteristic screams began to rumble through the mountains. Suddenly, his skis got stuck in the snow, causing him to lose direction and almost sending him into some huge rocks.
- It's going to crash! - Shouted Sheena scared.
- I will help him! - Lila adjusted her goggles and when she was about to go, Rhonda got in the way.
- Of course not, I will! I have more years of experience than you in professional skiing.
- Yes, but I also know how to do it...
- There's something you don't know how to do! - Shouted the desperate black-haired girl.
Back at the top, Arnold felt a touch on his shoulder, spinning him around.
- Where do you think young people are going? - Accused the woman with football head.
- I'll just take some cocoa with my friends? I can't do it?
- Not now Arnold, we need you here with the rest of the group. Please come back.
- Ok Mrs Shotman. - Phoebe said, trying to calm the spirits of those present. - Sorry, we will go back with the others.
- I won't do it. - Arnold sentenced, while everyone turned stunned to see him.
- What did you say? - His father was in shock.
- I said I won't come down. I want a moment of peace with my friends, is it too much to ask?
- No, but we can't leave them alone, something could happen. - His mother's voice began to sound annoyed.
- I don't need your accompany me to drink cocoa, what will happen? Am I going to burn?
- Arnold, please, obey your mother.
- No, I'm fed up! You are suffocating me! I want my space!
- Arnold Phillip Shortman... I told you I want you to come down... NOW!
- I said no.
The blond's green eyes met his mother's challenge, staring at each other, while the boys and Miles looked at them nervously.
The staring duel was interrupted by Eugene's scream, crashing against one of the stones, which luckily turned out to be just a giant mound of snow.
- I think I'm not well! - He managed to say.
- Oh no! A boy from your group! Come on Stella!
- We'll finish our talk later, young man.
Miles and Stella hurried over as some came to Eugene's aid. Arnold was looking down on everything, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and guilt.
With a silent signal, Gerald and Phoebe decided to go down, leaving Helga in charge of the situation.
- Can you tell what the hell is wrong with you? It's not like you to act like an idiot, especially not with your parents. - The girl broke the tense silence.
- I know... I... I guess I lost control.
- That's for sure... but why?
- I... I don't know... I just... - He sighed annoyed. - I don't know... I guess I exploded... I love my parents but, it's hard to see each other. I wanted to enjoy it a bit.
- You know you'll have to apologize to them.
- I know... - Arnold took a breath and some courage and continued. - Helga, I think, there are some things that should change.
- Like what?... Are you... are you going to break with me?
- Oh no, no... that's not what I meant…
- Helga! We need your cell phone with coverage! - Simmons yelled. - It seems that Eugene is fractured.
- I'm coming!- She looked at her boyfriend, embarrassed. - I should go...
- Yes of course...
- But, you owe me a talk…
Arnold looked down on his concerned classmates and how Eugene was being cared for. He looked towards his parents and sighed bitterly.
Remembering all the times she had wanted to meet them, have them close, share these moments with them and now...
- What have I done?
THE END
I'm a fan of writing chapters with many plots, as you have seen before, and a very curious thing is I hadn't planned this Arnold's problem and was born in a natural way, an human Arnold with defects and how he will have to deal with them. A very important issue for our next chapter.
