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


39. Status quo I

- Gee Abdicator! Thank you! Finally I learned my lesson! - The shy boy said to his hero.

- You're welcome Tommy, but remember, always be good!

The cartoon ended and the credits appeared on the TV screen, seconds later the brunette turned out the device.

- He says the same each Monday and each week he does the same! He never changes.

- Oh Gerald, take it easy, it's just the status quo rule. - His best friend said, before eating some popcorn from the bowl in his hands.

- Status what?

- Quo. Is about that in the world of that tv show exists some "rules" that make the world run and always have to keep equal.

- Oh I see… Imagine Arnie, if real life always were the same! So boring!

- Maybe, but I think that some things must always be a certain way.

– Lloyd's Mansion - Rhonda's room -

The whole room was full of 6th graders girls, with a lot of papers and decorations around them, each of them trying to defend her point of view at the same time.

- No way! We aren't gonna decorate the dance with pink, that's so 95, girls, please, it's 99! we have to do something cool for the last dance in PS118 and in the 90s.

- Oh yeah Rhonda? What's your suggestion? - Nadine tried to breathe and avoided killing her best friend.

- "Spanish crimson"! This is the future! Believe me girls, I know what I'm talking about.

- Actually Rhonda, my magazine says that it is "pacific blue", and it's the newest.

- Oh, Lila it's right! and it's gonna be cheaper and easier to find decorations in that beautiful color!

- Gosh Phoebe, you just said that because you have been wearing blue since the 80s, like a cartoon or something, but if you want to listen to a farmer girl, do what you want!

- Hey Rhonda, that isn't nice! You have to apologize to Lila.

- Forget it Sheena, she interrupted the fashion master, so if everyone wants to listen to her, you can organize the party without me!

The black-haired woman turned her face indignant, and seconds later, she felt her jaw drop, the girls were leaving her room.

- They'll be back... begging for my help... - She said to herself. The girls continued on their way down the long corridor, until Phoebe slowed down to walk next to the blonde.

- Helga, it's everything ok? You didn't say a word in the meeting.

- Oh sure, I'm ok, I mean… Was only Rhonda being Rhonda, and the stupid color isn't important.

- And what's important? I know that something is happening. Is it about Arnold and your date in the Cheese festival?

- Oh no, the things with Arnold are finally amazing, after the retreat of JJ… it's about the Patakis…

- Your family? What happened now?

- Oh nothing, the things on "house" as usual, Miriam working and dating that guy, Bob losing his time with those stupid beepers, Olga with Jamie O and… O yeah, Gerry and I'll sue my parents for my custody.

- That you… WHAT? - Said the japanese appearance's girl, almost screaming.

- Criminy Pheebs, louder than in China they couldn't hear very well.

- Sorry Helga but this is a huge deal! Why do you change your mind?

- Because I finally understand it, Phoebe, my parents will always be as they are now, and I can't waste my life waiting for a miracle, this is my miracle.

- I know that it's gonna be difficult, but I'm very happy for you, you're an amazing person and you deserve the protection and guidance of someone like Mrs Viksten, you deserve the best.

- Thank you, Gerry and I were collecting proof of their negligence, and believe me, it has been more than a piece of cake. The first move it's gonna be soon.


— Horowitz's office - Archive — 1 am

The office was finally empty and all the rooms were turned off, except for the archive, where the older Shortman was trying to find a clue to recover his house.

- Come on, come on… some information please! I need something juicy about that stupid… I know that my dad would never get caught, except my mom, of course and… - The old man kept shuffling through papers until he came to the Kafka case folder. - For the kisses of Hedy Lammarr! Finally!

- Phil, what are you doing? - A voice scared him from behind.

- I did not go! They can't prove anything and... Jimmy Kafka! Traitor, what are you doing here?

- Sometimes I help in the office, my cousin is a client here.

- Ah yes, your cousin, the one you helped take away my house.

- Phil, I told you, I did not know that he had discovered his biological family. He asked me for help but I never knew it was you or I wouldn't have helped.

- I don't believe a single word of you.

- Listen, Tim is a reasonable guy, why don't you try to come to an agreement with him?

- Because I am the only son of my father, and I will not let myself win, especially now that I have a clue. Goodbye traitor!

- Hey Phil, you don't know who you're messing with.


— PS 118 - Next morning —

The heat began to reach the classrooms of PS118, the students were walking happily, the exams were over and for the 6th grade class, it was a matter of days to finish school and enjoy graduation. Except for Rhonda, who no one spoke to, everyone was in high spirits, wondering who they were going to the big dance with.

- I suppose you'll go with Phoebe, right?

- Sure bro, it's a fact... or should I ask her? I mean, if it's my girlfriend, should you ask?

- I'm as new to this as you. - The football head laughed. - I want to do something special... I'm preparing a surprise for Helga... I'm going to propose to her...

- Arnold, how tenacious!

- You know what I mean... I want everyone to know how much I love her and how happy I am, Gerald... I know it will be difficult for her to reveal our relationship, but... if only the others, including her, could see her how I see her...

- Well my students. - Mr. Simmons' voice brought them back to the present. - Today is our last day of school... I'm very excited... I still remember when I arrived in fourth grade, all you were so little, so innocent and then...

- We already know, we were there. I'm hungry, I want to go home! - Harold's glutton interrupted the teacher's speech.

Suddenly the door was flung open and the Principal walked through it, looking quite annoyed, only his scowl was able to silence the entire class, including Harold's whining.

- Arnold Shortman, come right now.

- What's going on Principal Wartz?

- Come on, we need to talk.

The boy obeyed and slowly followed the principal. As he progressed through the places, Arnold listened to the whispers of his friends, who tried to guess his dark destiny or what he would have done to get to that situation.

To the blond's surprise, one of their enemies was waiting for them outside.

- The football head? - Asked the surprised boy.

-Wolfgang? What's happening here?

-Arnold. - The Principal began. - You see, Wolfgang needs your help in math. He has failed the final exam. If you don't help him, he'll repeat 6th grade... again. I am aware of the progress Torvald made when you helped him.

- I don't know... he and I don't get along very well.

- I won't force you to do anything son, but... oh wait... Thadeus comes back here with my razor! - The man went chasing the unbalanced boy.

- Well, well is the football head boy… it's gonna be a piece of cookie

- Is cake.

- No, because I hate cakes,anyway, listen to me Arnoldo, I want to do things my way, and you will have to obey me.

- Wait a minute Wolfgang. I haven't accepted yet, and to be honest I don't want to help you. When I teached Torvald, he had a genuine desire to get better, but you, you're never gonna change, so, goodbye.

- Wait a minute Arnold, because… A little bird told me a little secret about you. - An evil smile appeared in the boy, Arnold almost walking to his classroom, until he continued talking. - About you and the unibrow girl…

- What are you talking about… you don't know anything about us?

- Uh really, huh? What about your secret and cheesy relationship… so cute you two are, and If you think that I'm playing… let me show you how an excellent reporter I am.

The big boy showed a box with a lot of photos about Arnold and Helga's dates, the blond guy couldn't understand how he found out their secret. - Are you ok Arnie, my friend?

- Ok Wolfgang… I'll help you… I'll be your tutor.

- Excellent Arnold, I see that actually you're intelligent. Things will start today at 5 o'clock at the entrance of the school.

- Why here? We can study in my department.

- Oh no, you'll see that we need to stay here…

- Sorry for the interruption guys. - The principal came back to the talk. - So Arnold, can you help him?

- Yes Mr. Warts, I'll help you with him.

- Excellent, now you come back to class, have a nice last day, well the last day of class for the students that passed the exams. - The fat man went to his office, laughing about his own joke.

- See you later my football head. - Wolfgang said and seconds later, he disappeared into his classroom.

- Oh damn… this complicates everything.

- Hey football head, everything is ok? Why are you here?

- Oh hi sweetie, nothing… It's just that I'll help Wolfgang with his exam.

- You what? Are you nuts? It's better for us that he is still here forever! You don't have to help everyone. - His surprised girlfriend said.

- I know, but this is necessary. Can we move our date?

- Don't worry… Actually I'll be busy too… and… Oh criminy… I've to talk with you… it is a huge thing…

- What? Is something wrong?

- Not really… is it just that Gerry and I…

- Arnold, Helga, there you are! Come on and come back with us, is our last minutes as a group.

Without giving them a chance to speak, Simmons pushed them inside and they returned to their places.

- We are thirty seconds away from our lives changing... they are going to take a big step, you will go to high school, you will learn new things and little by little... you will become wonderful men and women, I can only tell you that... I loved to be in a small chapter of your lives and I... I will always carry you in my heart. Good luck my students… I'll always be with you.

- Oh Mr Simmons… you made me corny! - The crying Harold ran into his teacher's arms and everyone did the same. And then, the final bell in the PS118 sounded for the class of 99.

- We are free! - The students said and started running out of the school.

- Arnold, wait! I've to talk with you… - But was useless, the crowd of crazed students took her boyfriend to the opposite side of her.

- Now what Helga? - Her best friend asked.

- We just have to wait… everything is gonna start soon.

— Big Bob's Beepers- Front side —

Like every day, Big Bob arranged his merchandise, hoping that this would attract the attention of his potential customers. When he had finished placing the last one, Miriam slammed the back door so hard that the pyramid collapsed.

- Criminy Miriam! What the hell is wrong with you? This is how the merchandise will be damaged!

- Did the cell phones you ordered finally arrive? If they aren't, then it was just junk. - Said the proud woman as she put some tea in her thermos, preparing to leave.

- What junk? This "junk" has fed you and your vices for years! Who do you think you are to talk to me like that? - Bob got annoyed and faced his wife.

- I'm the one who is feeding the family now! So I recommend you shut up!

- What you what?

- What you heard Bob! I'm not the stupid one who was intimidated by you anymore! I'm tired, your foolishness and arrogance is destroying our family and above all, our marriage.

- That's your fault. Instead of helping me and being home like you should, you're out there wasting your time on who knows what.

- I won't let you…

- Excuse me, are the Patakis here?

- We'll continue this talk. - Bob whispered to his wife. - Tell me gentleman, I'm Big Bob Pataki. What device were you looking for?

- None. I'm Lawyer Lewis, representing Mrs. Viksten. I have come to deliver this letter to you. I will see you later.

- What is that Bob? - Asked the blonde when she saw the man leave.

- It's a demand... Your mother wants to take the girl…

- What? - Miriam said, dropping her cup of coffee on the floor, she felt slightly dizzy and as she held onto the table next to her, a painting of her family fell to the floor, breaking into pieces.


— Horowitz's office —

Once again, Phil was doing his paperwork, until his boss came out of his office.

- Wow Phil! I see you're done with almost everything.

- I told him he wouldn't regret hiring me.

- I know. Now I have to go with a client, I leave you in charge of everything.

- Go easy. I'll take care of everything.

The redhead smiled back at him and left the room.

- Now, to recover that paper that Kafka made me forget last night.

He took a small key from his pocket and unlocked the file room. He returned to the one he had found the night before and indeed.

- Perfect! Finally! I won't let you go... let's see what you have to tell me.

The old man opened the file and his eyes at the same time, not believing what he had on his hands.


— PS 118 - Hall - 5 o'clock —

As Wolfgang ordered, Arnold was there at the agreed time. The school was completely empty, especially now that the summer vacations had officially started.

Time passed and there was not a single sign of him.

- It will be better that I go... maybe he already regretted it.

- Nothing like that Arnold, here I am. - The voice of his nemesis was heard from the side, making the teenager turn around. - I'm glad you're punctual. Look, come with me, I'll get straight to the point.

The big teenager led the way for Arnold, until they reached the archive section of the school.

- See those filing cabinets? There's the recovery exam. Get it and help me answer it.

- You're crazy? Why would you do such a thing? - Arnold snapped furiously.

- Why do I have your love secret, remember?

- Nevermind forget. - Arnold thought for a moment and continued. - I have spoken with Helga and we decided to break up, so I don't have to listen to you anymore, I'm leaving.

- Helga doesn't interest you then, huh? How about Gerald?

- What does Gerald have to do with all this?

- Who do you think revealed the location of this file to me?

- He doesn't do things like you are, he's not like you.

- Oh really? Because I have proof that he stole the 5th grade final exam... he should never have made it to 6th grade.

- What are you talking about?

- From what I told you, I repeat, I have proof. Ask him if you don't believe me... The remodeling for graduation will be finished tomorrow, you know if you'll help me or not... You have until tomorrow morning to decide.

With that said, the teenager walked out, feeling victorious.

- Oh Gerald... What did you do... - The green-eyed boy sighed, feeling totally trapped.

THE END


Well guys it's the beginning of the end of this first part of the story… We have a lot of problems for our heroes and they'll have to make some difficult decisions. Will Helga and Gerry win? What are Miriam and Bob gonna do? What Phil discovered? Will Arnold help Wolfgang?... All these answers and more in Status quo 2… see you next week and a suggestion… you can read episode 18 of my other story Alpha and omega… I just say…