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


38. Hey Mr. Lucky!

— Lloyd's tower - Arnold's room —

It was a cool spring night, the calendar on the wall of the football head boy began to turn, until the day that was about to begin remained... The first day of the Cheese Festival!

The blonde football head was sleeping, quietly, until his adorable grandpa almost destroyed his door and suddenly entered.

- Shortman… you!

- Grandpa? What's the matter?

- You, you are our problem! I told you, don't get Emily angry and what did you do? Exactly that!

- And why is Emily angry with me?

- I don't know, maybe because you pushed her aside in the dance, and you spent the night with another girl, you humiliated her, choose one.

- Oh grandpa, I'm really sorry, I totally forgot her. Is a little difficult to explain but…

- But you realized that the mysterious singer was actually Helga and it was your perfect opportunity to solve the things with her?

- Yeah, that was actually what happened. - The boy said after sitting on his bed. - How did you figure it out?

- Because it was so obvious! How can you not recognice a girl with a different hairstyle. Whatever! Our problem now is Horowitz, he realized what you did with Emily and now he is angry with us! Our plan is story.

- I'm sorry, I know that was very important for you.

- Yes it was… - The old man lowered his gaze dramatically, seeking to arouse his grandson's tenderness, but to his surprise, he was concentrating on getting dressed. - So?

- So what?

- What will you do to reconcile with Emily?

- Nothing, I already told you that I'm sorry that the plan failed, but fully reconciling with Helga was very complicated, I'm not going to risk it, especially now that I want to convince her to make the relationship public.

- All you have to do is make puppy eyes and she will accept! Come on Arnold, I need you, if I was 70 years younger, I could handle it, but I don't want to go to jail, not for that.

- But I...

- Oh, okay Arnold, I can't ask you this... I know how difficult it is for you...

- Thank you Grandpa!

- It's just our legacy, our history and inheritance... we can continue living here at the expense of the Lloyds... humiliating me in my last years of life...- Phil began to walk more slowly until Arnold lost his battle against guilt

- Wait, I think if I explain to Helga, she will understand.

- I wouldn't want to risk the first stable relationship you have... but since you insist, thank you! Tell me how it all turned out, bye!

The door closed abruptly and Arnold sighed in exhaustion. He took the photo of his girlfriend from his desk and looked at it carefully.

- I hope you can understand, you already have too many things for now.


— Big Bob's Beepers —

- So.. let me try to understand, useless Bob forced you to help him with an investor, making you flirt with his pupil!

- Yeah, that is the short story. - Helga said while enjoying the omelet in her mouth. She had to admit that her grandma was a master of cooking. - Don't worry Gerry, he had forced me to do worse things, also it was beneficial for me too.

- Helga, darling, you're a preteen, amazing, talented and totally mature, but a preteen. Your only worries must be school, boys and the ballet.

- Welcome to my life!

- Sweetie, my proposal still stands. If I take care of you, I could give you a better education, clothes, a house, a home and peace and love... you deserve it... What stops you from accepting?

- I... I better go... bye! I'll see you when I see you!

The blonde hurried to the corner where her best friend was waiting for her.

- Who are you running from? - The Asian-looking girl sipped her orange juice.

- From Gerry. - Helga said, trying to catch her breath.

- Ah, keep insisting on your guardianship... Helga I totally agree with her. If she takes care of you, well, that would be the best thing that could happen to you.

- The best thing that could happen to me has already happened.

- Hello girls, we are here! - The brunette took Phoebe's hand and planted a warm kiss on her.

- Are you ready for our first cheese festival as couples? - Arnold betrayed his nervousness with his voice, a fact that did not go unnoticed by his girlfriend.

- It was time, football head, let's go!

The last semester was kind of strange to Hillwood citizens, for the first time in years the Cheese Fair was canceled after the big accident of Eugene in the summer fair, but this May it's different. The Mayor decided to give another opportunity to the event with more security measures, a lot of police officers protecting people and especially Eugene. Was a fresh day and everybody was in line buying food or waiting their turn to enjoy the place.

Our young couples arrived excited. Phoebe and Gerald smiled at each other at the beauty of their surroundings and the memories of the previous festivals. For their part, Arnold and Helga's heads were in chaos, their family problems were still in their heads.

- So guys, where do you want to start? Maybe in the bumper cars or maybe we can eat some cheese.

- Sounds cool Gerald! - His girlfriend answered him. - But maybe Arnold and Helga want some privacy… right?

- Oh.. yeah guys, go and enjoy the cheese, see you later. - The blond said, trying to face his girlfriend. - Oh… Helga, sweetie, you look amazing today!

- Are you using the old flattery technique for bad news? How embarrassing! Just spit it football head.

- Ok, ok… Do you remember that my grandpa had a ridiculous plan to save Sunset Arms?

- With that stupid lawyer?

- Yes, exactly… well, I… he…

- Do you want my permission to convince that stupid girl to help steely Phil, right?

- Yes… exactly that.

- Oh well… you have fifteen minutes, no more, no less.

- Really? Can I go?

- I'm not your prison guard, don't worry, but you have to do it at this time… it's our first real festival and I want to enjoy it!

- Gee Helga, thank you! - And taking advantage of the medieval touch that they gave this year with the masks... - The boy approached her and stole a sweet kiss. - See you in exactly 15 minutes. - Said this, the blonde was lost in the crowd.

- Yes, that's me, the best girlfriend than that big head...

But the unibrowed girl's speech came to an abrupt halt. She felt her heart pound in her chest. In front of her was her mother having fun with Don, just as on a date as she was...

Arnold walked avoiding people, searching with his green eyes for his goal... until suddenly, he caught sight of the redhead-girl, she quickly lowered her head, feigning annoyance.

- Hey Emily! How are you? So you want to test how strong you are? - He smiled nervously looking at the attraction of the fair, thankful that the mallet was anchored to the floor, avoiding being a potential weapon.

- Listen silly, I don't want to see you again! You betrayed me! Why don't you go out with that chump you left with at dinner?

- I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have done it, but once I met her... I regretted leaving you...

-Oh really? Or are you lying to me again?

- Of course, if not, I wouldn't have looked for you.

- Oh Arnold! I knew it! You're a gentleman! - The girl threw herself into the boy's arms, who avoided her by putting his hands before her.

- So, are we friends again?

- Clear! Unless, you want to be something else...

- Friends are perfect!

- Since you're here, let's go get some cheese, only my cousin is missing.

- Oh you came with him, of course we can wait for him here

Suddenly, Arnold swore that a huge gray cloud began to cover the sky, the sun quickly went down, and the icy wind made his skin stand on end.

- Emily! Here I am!

- Eugene? What are you doing here? - Asked the confused Shortman.

- Arnold! What a coincidence! I'm here with my cousin, do you know each other?

- Something like that. A bit.

- But hopefully more, right Arnie?

- Perfect Arnold! More people is better, I just hope you don't mind the entourage of police that must accompany me. After that clash I had with Helga at the beginning of the summer they imposed them on me to enter.

- Don't worry... I know we can have fun.

The witnesses present say that from here on, everything began to be seen in slow motion.

As soon as Eugene took a step, his cousin left the mallet on the ground, without noticing it, one of his cousin's suspenders got tangled in it, the inertia was about to lift it. Trying to save himself, the boy grabbed Arnold's arm, however, catapulting them both towards the fairground ride, just as lightning struck the game. Miraculously, they escaped unharmed.

- They are fine? - Shouted the redheaded girl, approaching them.

- I think so, it's good that I was wearing my rubber underwear. And you Arnold?

- I'm fine, although I feel a little strange and... ouch! - Suddenly a ticket flew, landing in Arnold's eye. Eugene looked at him in pain and brushed it away from his eye.

- Look, it's a raffle ticket, how curious.- The fool smiled.

- Look! He has the winning ticket!- Shouted a man dressed in cheese.- Congratulations boy, you won a double dinner at the pizza stand! - Said the chubby man, amid applause.

- I? Did I win something? It had never happened to me. - Eugene said, stunned.

And the rarities continued and continued, in each fairground, in each activity, Eugene won and Arnold suffered some kind of inexplicable and ridiculous accident, but tremendously painful. Finally the three preteens decided to stop for a little and try to enjoy the free pizza.

The guys sat down, but the cousins took some protective distance from Arnold, who was still trying to clean his clothes from his last fall.

- Oh guys, please! I don't wanna hurt you or something like that. There Were only a few coincidences. - The blond said, totally angry.

- In 9 of 9 fairgrounds, but who counts them? - The nervous girl drank her soda.

- Oh don't worry Arnold, maybe it's just a passing thing, I mean, see? It's the best day of my life. I won all the contests and the games, and had zero accidents. I haven't even talked to any rescuers!

- I'm very happy for you Eugene… - The football head boy drank his soda and then, he felt like a little flutter on his throat. - It's a… a… bee!

- Don't worry Arnold, don't kill her or..

- Omg…Why shouldn't I kill her?

- Because the bees are… - A group of bees suddenly appeared, beginning to attack their big-headed enemy. - They usually defend themselves and are vengeful.

- I already noticed it! What do I do now? - Shouted the desperate boy.

- The water never fails, run towards the water and you will be saved.

As soon as he could, Arnold ran towards the Tunnel of love, making all the lovers run, he jumped into the water and magically, the bees left him alone.

- That was close.- He sighed exhausted.

- This was too much Arnie. - The redhead appeared suddenly. - I mean, I always went out with my cousin and strange things happened, but this is too much for me... It's best if we don't see each other again. I'm sorry, I can imagine how terrible you must feel.

- I'll survive... thanks Emily and I'm sorry... - He lowered his eyes, feigning a broken heart. - But... about my grandpa...

- Oh don't worry, of course he can work with dad, it's the least I can do after leaving you. Sayonara Arnold. - She threw a goodbye kiss and left the tunnel.

- Yeah! I am free! - The boy shouted with joy, once he realized he was alone. He got up to get out of the water, but his shirt caught on the wall, causing him to fall into the water. - Almost... I still have to fix this, before I see Helga and cause another disaster... but, how? How did this happen?

The boy closed his eyes and the memory of the lightning flashed like a movie in his mind.

- Oh, sure! The Lightning! Maybe then everything will return to normal... I have to find him... but where will he be?

Suddenly a voice through the sound system was heard:

- Now, we will have the coronation of the first King of the Cheese Festival, Eugene. We are waiting for you on stage!

- Well, at least that was some luck. - He rescued his hat from the water and set off.


- Where is that stupid football head? I mean, I was a very understanding girlfriend, he had to come back on time! I'm gonna kill him and… - The angry girl's speech was suddenly interrupted by a whirlwind that almost ran over her.

- I still have 5 minutes left beautiful, I'll be right back! - Her beloved managed to say to her, before disappearing from her sight.

- Oh Arnold, my love and wish come true, I'm always wrong about you, please my darling, apologize to me and... why are a lot of stupid pigeons following my lover?

And sure enough, a rather annoying group of pigeons followed the blonde, aiming at his head; moments before, he had destroyed their nest, of course, accidentally.

Finally, Arnold found his target, who was eagerly waiting for them to finish presenting him to receive his crown.

- Eugene! I finally found you! - Arnold yelled anxiously!

- What a good friend you are! Are you coming to congratulate me on my coronation? - At that moment, the group of pigeons finally caught Arnold and began to peck him. - Or do you come to ask me for advice on defense against birds?

- Not necessarily. I think I know how our luck was reversed, it was lightning at the beginning, remember? That's where it all started! Maybe if we do something like that, we can get back to normal.

- There's an electrifying cheese attraction, we could try it there and I... would go back to normal... - The redhead's eyes crystallized a bit and a guilt pierced the green-eyed young man's chest.

- I... you've really been through a lot, huh?

- Well, a little, but in the end, it all ends up being funny anecdotes, it's not really that bad, it's also my luck and I have to live with it.

- Eugene, come on! Accept your prize!- The presenter interrupted the conversation a bit.

- I will not go, I need to take care of something.

- No sir, he will go. Enjoy it Eugene.

- But your luck and...

- We will go after your coronation, for now, go.

- Thanks Arnold... you're the best!

The boy went on stage, and for the first time in his life, he came out with confidence, being cheered by everyone, without mockery, without anyone. run away from him... free.

- I can't do this to him... I can't make him suffer again to save me. - Arnold looked at him sadly, whenever he had a memory of Eugene, it was of him injured, trapped, or in the hospital. - He deserves it... I will learn to live with this.

As soon as he finished the sentence, he decided to get off the stage, but he didn't make it. The microphone cord caught on his body, causing him to fall straight to the ground and taking a stack of cheese shakes with him. It turns out that the same cable fed the microphone with which the new king of the cheese festival gave his thank you speech. Spilled milkshakes electrocuted both children for the second time on the trip.

- OMG, our King Eugene I is wounded! - Shouted the presenter. - Do you think you need an ambulance?

- No... but I think everything is back to normal!

The entire audience was victorious and took a step back.

- Now I must go for a moment. The boy ran to where his friend was and found him on the ground. - Arnodel! Are you OK?

- Yes I think so. - He said, letting himself be helped up. - I think there was a short circuit, but I'm fine. And you?

- Yeah! I think then I can go back to the dance and...

Unable to finish, the redhead rolled down the stairs and shot off the stage.

- Eugene!- His friend yelled.

- I'm fine! And I'm back in action!

- You mean... that you like to have your accidents? - Arnold was stupefied.

- Of course! Besides being fun, to be honest.

- I see... Just take care and don't let anyone make you feel bad.

- That will be Arnold, now, I have to go!

After a few stumbles, the king joined the party and had fun with the others.

- You don't miss me, huh?

- Helga! Of course! It's just... a long and strange story.

- I'm dying to hear it. - Despite wearing the mask, Arnold saw her flirtatious look. He took her by the waist and began to dance with her.

- In that case, let's start, I have to make up for a lot of time and festivals that I didn't come with you, madam.

The two got lost on the track, enjoying their closeness, their love and the freedom that the costume gave them, without noticing a boy who was filming them from a distance.


— Big Bob's Beepers- back of the store - Helga's room —

- Oh Bob! You're a stupid!

The old woman settled on the bed and sighed annoyed, until the ringtone that she had assigned to Helga on her phone indicated that she had a new message.

I accept grandma, let's fight for my custody

- Finally! - Gerry said cheerfully. She got up hastily and began searching through a stack of papers.

THE END


Well my football heads, we're finally in a starting point to the end of this first part of the story! I mean, don't worry, much more Hillwood tales are coming, but in a different stage of the characters. See you in the next: Status Quo…