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

Hi there... If you are new, I recommend you first read my stories "Hillwood Tales" and "Welcome to the Camp of the brave lynxes" to understand everything!

1. (41) This world is crazy, crazy!

The Jr High School… a bigger place, more stupids teachers, unwished ones, others just…unbearables… Some of the always classmates, some new ones… all this is a disaster…

Around Helga, who was wearing an uncomfortable green dress, was Eugene trying to escape for what looked like an animal, Rhonda and Angela fighting and a terrified teacher trying to stop all the students.

But yes I know, I've to start from "the very beginning" like that cheesy song of that old musical said.

Was in a September morning… 6th… the 7th grade was starting and, like always, I was in my best mood to start a new step in my non-so-miserable life.

- Helga, sweet, is time to wake up! - The voice of her grandma, knocking the door, almost interrupted her dreams.

- Oh Arnold… yes I want to marry you, oh my love… - She said, ignoring completely the reality around her, and of course, the time.

- Helga… you'll be late, and this is your first day…

- Oh Arnold… pastrami…

- Oh that girl. - The old lady sighed in surrender, took a breath and screamed at the top of her lungs. - Yes Arnold, she is still sleeping!

- Arnold is here? Criminy! I'm coming!

The terrified blond teen, shot out of bed, falling to the floor, the sheets having won the battle, tangled around her legs.

Yes, I was late for my first day, but wasn't my fault, I mean, my new bed is so comfortable and the last week I couldn't enjoy it because I was to spend my last vacation days in that stupid summer camp and, gee, I don't have a bed in a couple of years… I was just enjoying the turn of events.

- Don't worry, he isn't here, it was just a hustle, but now you're awake! - Gerry laughed.- But Phoebe is here.

- Thank you Mrs Viksten. - She crossed the door with a big smile on her face.

- Please darling, just call me Gerry. Well I'll be waiting for you in the dinner room. - She closed the door, leaving the friends alone.

- Seems like a tornado was here, is everything ok?

- Yes Pheebs, was just my grandma and her morning jokes. Hey you look different, eh?

- Oh, do you say for my dress?… Yes.. Is new… you know, new school, new year… I thought that it would be a nice change… what do you think?

I looked at her, feet to top of her head. She looked a little nervous waiting for my answer. Oh my dear friend, she would never understand that she is beautiful, no matter the clothes that she wears… but I've to admit that this new and modern red dress with a white neck, looks amazing on her, she looks older now.

- Red Pheebs, a big good change! You look hotter! Gerald won't be able to breathe when he looks at you!

- Do you think so?- The face of the girl was totally more relaxed. - I mean, I used blue for so long, but, you know, later of our adventure in the Camp, I wanted something totally different.

- Don't worry Pheebs, not a peep of that crazy lady left on you and yes, that change looks great on you. - Helga opened the closet and started looking for her classical dress.

- Are you wearing new clothes too? You know… to impress certain ice cream…

- Gee Pheebs, we haven't called him like that since so long! And no.. actually I'll dress my classical, you know, my pink dress, is my seal.

- Perfect! So, I'll go downstairs and wait for you with Gerry, see you!

A change… that word has been crossing my mind all the entire summer… all the girls started skipping baseball games or any activity to go to "their big trip at mall" to find their new style from middle school. So stupid… so vanal… useless… but why suddenly is too important for me too?

And the reason has a full name… Arnold Shortman… Yes, is an excellent boyfriend, he never asked me to change my appearance, but I'm not stupid, my eyes work perfectly… he had changed last summer and all those stupid girls started looking at him! I know… he is handsome… but… I don't know.. I never wanted to change. I don't know how to do it. I mean, once I tried to be more female and I started to use makeup and it was a disaster… Phoebe would be more than happy to help me, and she knows what she does, but a shame barrier stopped to ask for her help. Once Grandma told me that she'll buy me anything I ask for… but that stupid shame barrier again.

- Everything is ok darling? - Gerry screamed.

- Yes, I'm coming!

The girl took a deep breath. She remembered that her grandmother had bought some clothes as a welcome gift. She looked around a bit and felt that although they were good clothes that Rhonda or her new snooty companion Angela, would surely adulate, but to her eyes, they looked like clown clothes.

- Damn consumerist society's canon of beauty labels! - Snorted the girl before grabbing a pair of tight jeans and a pink blouse. Undecided what to do with her hair, she tied it up as best she could and hurried downstairs to, for the first time in her life, start the school year with a balanced breakfast. At the large dining room table, her grandmother and Phoebe were chatting, enjoying some eggs and orange juice.

- You took too long, sweetie. Juice?

- Thanks Granny. - Helga waited for some comment from her grandmother about her appearance, but none came. After a couple of awkward bites, both teens set off to their new beginning.

- Are you sure you don't want a ride in the van?

- It's close granny, don't worry. We'll see you later.

- Have a great day! - Gerry smiled at the girls.

- You know, the more time I spend with your grandmother, the more I see you in her.

- It's the first time I haven't been insulted by a comparison to a family member. - Helga joked.

- Hey, I see you've decided on a... last minute change?

- It looks so awful, doesn't it?

- No, it's just that...

- Baby sister, hey baby sister! Over here! - A high-pitched, annoyingly familiar voice suddenly called out to them.

- Oh please no, oh please no…- The blonde pleaded to herself.

- Hi my new middle school students! I'll be your driver today!

- You don't have to go to PS 118 for work or anything? Huh?

- Don't be silly baby sister! I'll always be available to spend some time with you! So, come here with me!

- Do you think if I scream hard for the police they will come to my aid? - the girl shouted before getting into her sister's car.

- "When you don't agree on something with your parents, you've the right to talk about it with them, and they have to listen to you. You aren't a child anymore and you can start to make your own decisions".

- Well… sounds… easy? - The blond played a little with his fingers, trying to calm his nerves, meditating and repeating in his mind the words Dr. Bliss had said on their last date. Although he was not as frequent as Helga, Arnold still used to visit her. Changing the role of being the "helped" and not the "helper" was sometimes rewarding. As he heard the footsteps approaching his recovered room, he tensed a little.

- Relax Shortman! It's just me.

- Hi Grandpa!

- Nervous about the new school?

- No, I'm kind of calm, especially since I've met the new guys at camp... the problem really is...

- Your spirited entourage to take you to school, eh? - The old man chuckled a little at his young grandson's tormented expression. - If you want, I can help you with that.

- No grandpa, I think I can do it... I have to learn how to say no...

- And how to defend yourself against Helga?

- One step at a time.

- Hello Champ! Ready to go? Your big day is about to begin? - Miles' cheerful voice interrupted his father's laughter.

- Hello again son! We packed your lunch and I put some money in your backpack. Nice picture of Helga in your wallet! - Stella smiled tenderly, making his son even more uncomfortable.

- Mom, Dad... I have to tell you something... It's something strong. - He said, trying to gather his words.

- You know you can tell us anything Champ.

- I, it's just that... I... I don't want to be taken or picked up from school anymore... I think I'm too old to be picked up... - He said quickly and shouted as loud as he could, fearing to lose his courage. At the silence, she fearfully opened her eyes to face her parents. But instead of a face full of tears, he found their warm smiles.

- Was that what you were worried about, son? - Said his mother gently. When her son nodded, she continued. - Arnold, I think you're right, you're too old for your parents to take you to middle school. We'll see you later at dinner when we get home from work.

- Really? Thanks guys! You guys are the best! I'll go wait for Gerald outside!

Arnold ran off in a hurry. He grabbed his backpack and bolted down the stairs. He stopped dead in his tracks for a moment, went back upstairs, gave his parents a kiss and set off. Opening the door, and releasing the restored animals that lived there, he found his best friend waiting for him.

- Hey my man! Are your parents ready to take us?

- No, we're going on our own from this year. - He smiled proudly at his best friend.

-Damn... I didn't want to walk.

Arnold slapped him playfully on the shoulder and they set off on their now longer walk to what would be their new school for the next few years.

- And then, on my fifth day in middle school, I had to make my first important decision… going to the welcome dance with Randall or John… was so difficult for me…

- Olga, I'm dying to hear about your super interesting life in middle school, but we need to leave before our prom… Can it be?

- Oh, we're here! Time always flies with you girls! Have a nice day and… Helga, sweetheart, just a question… Why are you wearing those jeans with that blouse?

- What… is… bad?

- Helga, it would be better if we leave now, we would be late if…

- Oh don't worry Pheebs, we have around… 30 minutes, perfect! I'll take it, starting now! See you!

- But…- Phoebe was stunned, watching Olga take her best friend... - Gosh... that's going to be a disaster... I'd better think of something and pick up our schedules.

The girl walked inside, admiring how noticeably larger the new institution was. All the lockers were green and blue, with lynxes everywhere.

She sighed to encourage herself as she approached the administration window.

Seconds later, hundreds of students kept coming in, some, making it obvious that they were first-semester freshmen, more nervous than others, who returned to greet each other with a sad face.

- This is going to be my year! Everything will be great in this new adventure! - A huge door slammed into Eugene, revealing Angela walking briskly with Penny behind her.

- Come on Penny, we have science in the first period, and they say that teacher Ruth is a cretin. - Without a word, the girl next to her sighed in annoyance, as she carried both of their schedules.

- Can you believe how smug that girl is, Nadine? - Rhonda suddenly appeared, pushing Eugene to the floor again. - Treating her poor friend like a poor secretary.

- Yeah... sounds awful... - Her friend rolled her eyes sarcastically.

- And that lavender skirt... agh... I hate to admit it... but it looks good on her, although not as good as my new outfit I bought in Paris!

The redhead was about to stand up as she watched the girls walk away. He walked a bit towards the main hallway, and held onto what looked like his locker. Just as he leaned back, a boy taller than him opened the locker next to his, causing him to fall for the third time this morning.

- Watch out worm! - The boy bellowed and was gone as quickly as he came.

- If I were you, I'd watch out for James... he's not very friendly... I'm Carl. - The boy gave him a hand to help him up.

- Ah yes, I remember you from camp! I'm Eugene!

- I remember you... you're that guy that his team threw into the bushes in the scavenger hunt race?

- Yes,that's me...

- Hey, what happened next? Why did they cancel 3 days before camp and what did Constance have to do with it?

- Trust me. You don't want to know.

Amidst the throng of teenagers, a blond and a brunette walked in, looking through the crowd for their two girlfriends.

- I don't see them anywhere... Did they have a problem?

- Relax Arnie, it's Phoebe and Helga we're talking about, the school should be worried about them, not the other way around.

- Hey babe! How are you? - His girlfriend surprised him with a hug.

- Pheebs! Finally! - A quick kiss was his greeting. - You look even more awesome! Where were you guys?

- Picking up our schedules... Here are yours. - She said blushing at the boy's gaze.

- Holy Pop Daddy disks! We're so messed up! The four of us almost didn't have any subjects together! - His expression changed quickly from flirtatious to frightened.

- It was bound to happen Babe. Hi Arnold!

- Hi! Hey... Where's Helga? Did she go to the restroom or something?

- Not really... We had a close and unwanted encounter with Olga on the way out this morning... shouldn't be long before she gets her back.

- Bring her back? From where?

- I... I really don't know...

- Come on young people, everyone to your classrooms, the bell is about to ring! - The bitter and familiar voice of the teacher rose from the crowd.

- Miss Meyer! - Arnold said with surprise.

- But if it isn't the young campers... is everything going well?

- It seems so. - Phoebe said uncomfortably.

- Excellent... so look for your classroom... The bell is about to ring, and this is not elementary school. And... good luck. - She said winking and disappearing as soon as she had arrived.

- She's still so...

- Peculiar?

- If you want to call her that. - Gerald lifted his shoulders. Without deciding to dig any further into the elephant in the room, the trio walked quickly to their classroom, 103, luckily for them, the first class was the one the four of them shared with 7 other students... Science.

- Cool! We found our lockers and the classroom, I think it's turning out to be a successful first day! - Gerald said proudly.

- Not yet, Helga is missing. I'd better If I go to...

The door suddenly opened, revealing a tall blonde girl, her long wavy hair blowing in the wind, a light and timely breeze stirring the skirt of her green dress, while she was trying to keep her balance in her uncomfortable high heels.

- I think she is here... - Gerald said to his friend, as surprised as he was. Helga said nothing, just took the seat next to Phoebe, facing Arnold.

- Hello... I...

- You look like you're in Kindergarten and not jr high school Arnold, learn to talk. - Said his girlfriend trying to sink into her seat. - And you Stinko! Take a picture and it will last longer!

- Sorry Miss Pataki! - He said completely scared. Gradually the others rejoined their own conversations.

- And you guys, don't say anything. - She bellowed in annoyance.

- Not even if it's a compliment? - Her boyfriend dared to ask.

- Especially if it's a compliment!

The door opened once again. The person who entered, leaving half the class surprised, was a face they all knew perfectly well.

- Good morning, my very special class! And welcome to your first day at Bartlett Junior High School!

- Mr. Simmons! - They all said in unison.

- It is so good to see each and every one of you.

- Mr. Simmons, you do know this isn't PS118, right?

- Don't worry Gerald, I know. It just so happens that my bosses decided to assign me to a higher grade because of my excellent teaching techniques. It will be my pleasure to teach you Science and be your tutor teacher this semester!

- Is that an animal you have there? - Carl asked curiously, directing everyone's gaze to a transporting box.

- Don't worry, it's something that the school department...

- Simmons, Wong wants to see you for a moment. - Miss Meyer interrupted for a moment.

- Oh, of course, mate. Well guys, start reading chapter 1, you can take a book from my desk and we'll discuss it when I get back, I'll see what the chief needs.

A second after the teacher left, young voices filled the classroom. Some followed Simmons' instructions and began to grab their books. Arnold took two and gave the extra to his girlfriend.

- Here you go angel.

-Yeah, yeah... whatever.

- Is everything all right?

- Yeah... just read your book and that's it.

- I thought the moody, enemy girl act had been left at PS118.

- Well then don't push it, Arnold.

- I shouldn't have to, if you just explain to me what's going on... I mean, you didn't even say hello.

- I was just late, that's all, nothing's wrong.

- Then why the humor?

- Because... - As the girl turned to answer Arnold, she noticed the flirtatious, cheeky look Angela had on the boy. It seemed that everyone had decided to update their image. Arnold included, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by the female sector of the school. - It's nothing! Leave me alone!

The girl took the book in her hands, until she noticed that it was the teacher's book. She sighed more than annoyed. She had to get up again, feeling a sea of stares on her.

- Stupid Olga... you'll pay dearly for this one! - She thought to herself.

Suddenly, a strange chain of events took place in Room 103... around 8:10 am... Eugene was chatting with Carl, his new friend, while they were looking for their books, Helga walked past them, losing her balance a couple of times.

Carl bent down to poke around a bit in the conveyor box. As Helga was about to turn to return to her seat, the crouching boy knocked her over, causing the conveyor box to open, releasing its contents from her.

- A snake! - Rhonda shouted at the top of her lungs, startling the animal in question and her companions.

- Catch it Nadine, you love animals!

- That's not an insect Rhonda! - Her friend shouted. Starting a mini stampede, the students ran off in a hurry.

Eugene, Carl and Helga, felt everyone pass almost on top of them. Gradually Helga's beautiful arrangement was forgotten.

- Are you all right? - Concerned, Arnold took her by the hand to help her up and out of the classroom.

Eugene and Carl followed them, closing the door behind them, but accidentally triggering the fire alarm, which began to spray all the students, causing them all to flee in panic.

- Who is to blame for this? - Shouted the principal in a powerful voice.

- Please don't let it be my group, please don't let it be my group. - Simmons pleaded as she left the principal's office to follow the evacuation instructions.

After a quick investigation of the facts, an unexpected visit from the fire department, and a long scolding from the principal in the auditorium, the students prepared to go to the cafeteria for lunch.

Helga looked around, now all the girls had ruined their makeup and the clothes were dirty. Even she looked the worst, and something inside her made her feel better, smiling a little.

- Until I see you happy today... Will you tell me what that was all about or should the police come and make you talk?

- I'm sorry Arnold... it's just that...

- The pressure of the changes, seeing how everyone cared about appearance, which you didn't care about, and social pressure at its best?

- In fact... I've been thinking about it all summer… Yes, I thought I needed a change, more than for school, for my new house, my new life, all that... it's just that... I tried so many times that I... I just didn't feel like myself... I don't know... the others seemed to know exactly what to do and I... . I was so far behind all of you...

- Helga, angel, none of us know what we are doing. This is all new to us too. I only wear this because the old thing stopped staying on this summer... - He said sheepishly. - But to be honest with you, it was Mom's choice, not mine. If you have any doubts with this, I know Phoebe and Gerry know you better than anyone and will help you get to know you.

- You think?...it's just so many changes...I always wanted them, but now that they are a reality...a new house, someone who loves and cares for me, a better school, ready for a fresh start, friends and you? it still feels unreal and that I can mess it all up, I don't even know who I am right now...

- You're the same sweet, smart, brave, honest, honest girl with the purest heart I've ever known and that was always there, you're just finally leaving it on the surface... You're still you, don't worry, nothing will make me leave your side, even if you make a fuss of this size to avoid me. - The boy winked at her to tease her. - We're in this together... Let's find out who we are together with all these crazies, what do you say?

- That there's a lot of disasters like this coming.

- And life would be boring without them!

And yes... he looked handsome with those new jeans and his plaid shirt totally on display... That was Arnold Shortman, the guy I had been in love with for as long as I can remember... It was at that moment that I realized that I already knew what he would tell me, I knew him too well... but... maybe it was time for me to get to know myself...

This summer, I had realized how little I knew about myself, not trivial things like my tastes, beyond that... now that I was safe and with Arnold... What did I want now? What was next for me? My existence only revolved around my boyfriend?

It couldn't be like that... not anymore... he deserves a complete person... I deserve to be complete... And I was determined to get to know myself... This was a great opportunity.

Helga sighed nervously. She looked up and calmly observed her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a light pink jumper, a black blouse, white tennis shoes and her hair was now in a ponytail.

- There... much better! Thanks guys!

- That's what best friends are for.

- And grandmothers. - Gerry smiled proudly.

I still didn't quite know who I was... beyond the Patakis, beyond Arnold or my friends... but I must be great to surround myself with special people like this... Damn, the Shortman sentimentality rubs off...

THE END

Well guys, welcome to this new adventure! Our heroes are older now and they will be facing new battles... What do you think? Simmons had to come back for this... is like a tribute to Mr Feeny from Boy meets world, the teacher that never changes... Happy anniversary my football heads! A year ago I started this adventure of Hillwood Tales! If you still here with me.. thank you! I dedicated this yo you!