Arthur came into the kitchen. Hey everyone! I have exiting news i just heard on the phone. We are heading back to Lakewood. It been two years since we been in school or even in a classroom.
Jane looks at David. Well Honey, any luck with the Party planning?
David shook his head. No Jane! If i don't pick up another assignment soon, i probably have to start looking for a 9' to 5' pm job.
Jane frowns. David, i don't know. Kate is only 2 years old now. I can work part home wile the kids are school.
Arthur looks up. A second job, no way!
Jane shares a look with David. We will see, it´s just to be safe boys.
Francine: (V.O.) "Arthur and Michael's First Day" back Title Card: Arthur waits for D.W. to come down the stairs. D.W., come down! His sister appears upstairs, a brush in her hands. " A WOMAN NEEDS HER TIME TO GET READY!"
Arthur sighs. " Oh dear."
Monday morning
Michael is in the kitchen eating some Crunch Cereal. Pal is barking, and Kate is babbling while Jane feeds her some food.
Arthur came in. I don't know why Mom but I feel a bit nervous.
Jane smiles. How come so Honey?
Arthur sat down and starts with his pancakes. first day back at Lakewood with our friends. I mean, now can we walk or ride our Bike to school again.
Michael noded. I agree with Arthur Mom. Well, kind of for diffent reason what if Arthur had a seizure, at Lakewood you were there in under 20 minutes but with this new guideline only parents in the hospital, Arthur only has the first dose of the shot still.
Jane quickly knew what Arthur and Michael were feeling about starting at Lakewood again after two years of homeschooling. No need to fear, sweeties. My phone will be on all day. They have mine and dad´s numbers you both don't have to worry!
Arthur breathes a sigh of relief. Phew. That is good Dad, may i have some more toast pleas?
David smiles. Sure Arthur.
D.W. then came and pretends to call the principal on the phone.
D.W. makes a surprised face. What's that? Are you sure? Okay, I'll tell her. Bye-bye. (She pretends to hang up.) Mom, First grad and Special class that Arthur go has been cancelled!
Arthur smiles at his mother. Oh D.W., really?
Jane guess what D.W.'s up to. Oh, really?
D.W.: Uh-huh. That was the principal of the school. (She actually means principal.) He's calling everyone!
Jane surprised a giggle: And why is it cancelled?
(D.W. struggles to come up with a good lie.)
D.W.: Um, because... there's an outbreak of turkey pox! It's even worse than chicken pox. (She fake coughs.) Oh no, I think I got it from the phone.
(Jane takes the phone from D.W.)
Jane laughs. Nice try, D.W., but you're still going to school.
(D.W. walks over to the table for some breakfast. She sits down angrily and pushes her cereal away from her.)
D.W. (confused) Why are we staring back at Lakewood?
(Jane sits down to feed Kate her breakfast.)
Jane took a breath. Because, it is time to head back to your home school.
D.W. growls. I'm only six! (upset) Next thing you know, you'll want me to get a job.
David smiles amused. Here, I made your favorite lunch: a bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich, hold the bacon.
D.W. excited) With extra pickles?
David nodes. Six of them. Now, will you please eat up and get dressed?
Michael frowns. But i thought you had work today dad?
David shook his head. Not today, we must set some things in the company to get new contacts for new catering orders.
Arthur, Michael, I made your favite sandwich Peanut butter and jelly with no curst for Arthur and another bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich, hold the bacon for Michael.
Michael (excited) With extra pickles on the side like Mom does it ?
David stood up. Yes Michael.
Arthur looks thinking. Mine is with extra strawberry Jelly like Chessy?
David gets something from the fridge. Yes Arthur.
After breakfast in the hallway.
Arthur is tapping his foot and is annoyed at D.W. for taking so long.)
Michael gets his backpack on. D.W., come on! We're gonna be late!
The little sister appears upstairs and glares down. " A WOMAN NEEDS HER TIME TO GET READY, MISTER IMPATIENT!"
Arthur sighs. " Oh brother, she grows up."
Michael laughs. Yes, she does.-
Later...
When the brothers approach school, they hear someone snoring. Arthur looks around a corner, Buster sat on a bench, sleeping.
Arthur smiles and shakes his friend. Hey, Buster! Wake up!
Buster sounds dizzy. Anchorage! The cotton gin!
Michael came over. Huh?
Buster get up from his sleepingbag. Oh, sorry. (chuckles) I was dreaming I was in class.
Arthur noded. Well, the bell is about to ring. So, we should probably go in.
Buster yawns .Okay. I thought you two went again to Sandy's?
Michael sighs. We did but it wasn't our home school. We miss you all and after the pandemic thing, we get a special arrangement with the principals as both schools work together for the homeschooling that time.
Arthur looks concerned at Buster. Buster, are you all right?
Buster shook his head. No- I could barely sleep last night. I felt really worried about going to school! Ashley is not that afraid, she wants to see Jesse and Hannah again.
Michael noded. I understand. Nothing seems normal anymore.
Arthur sighs. Yes. Just last night, I heard my parents talking. Since the pandemic started, there aren't as many parties, so my dad's catering business hasn't been doing well. He may actually have to take a second job! ( stomach growling)
Buster frowns. What was that?
Michael shook his head. Oh, just Arthurs stomach. When he feel like this, he get a stomachache.
Buster puts out a banana of his jeans pocket. Want half of my banana?
Arthur shivers. Uhm, no, thanks.
Buster shrugs. Okay!
Francine came over. Hey, guys.
Arthur waves. Hey, Francine.
Buster chews on the banana. Nice shades! ( whispering): Are you going to school undercover?
Francine shook her head. I'm wearing them because I have a headache. I didn't sleep well last night.
Michael noded. Yeah, us, too.
Francine yawns. Yeah, I keep worrying about what's going to happen to the planet because of climate change. It's scary!
Buster looks around. I'm nervous about going to school. What if we all get COVID?
Arthur sighs. And I'm worried about whether my dad's going to lose his job. So, what should we do?
A bike bell rings humming.
Mr Ratburn passes the kids. Good morning, children! Wait, why aren't you all in class?
Michael took a breather. We're just sitting here for a minute. We're all feeling kind of nervous about different stuff.
Mr Ratburn gets of his bike. Sounds to me like you're all feeling anxious and worried. I know you all have a lot on your minds these days, so I'm not surprised. chuckling): I've been feeling a bit anxious myself.
Francine looks at him. What can we do about it?
Mr Ratburn thinks a moment. Take a moment to breathe. ( inhales deeply) In... exhales deeply) And out.
(all inhale deeply)
Mr Ratburn nodes. In... And out.
(all exhale and sigh)
Mr Ratburn stretches his arms. Exercise can help, too. Perhaps a long walk in nature. (lock clicks) But the most important thing is doing what you're already doing: talking to one another. Maybe you could have a regular check-in to see how you're all doing. If you like, I can be a part of that, too.
Francine noded. Yeah!
Buster said even so I'd really like that!
Arthur looks around. sound fun
Michael thinks for a moment. It won't hurt to try it.
Mr Ratburn smiles. Excellent! Because we're all in this together. And together, we'll get through it. Maybe we can talk more about this in class. Let's all go in, shall we?
Francine rolles her shoulders. Okay, sounds good.
Buster gulps down the rest of the banana. Come on, Arthur! Michael!
Arthur smiles now Let's go!
Michael points a finger up. Arthur remember what Mom told us about safety after the pandemic. six feet apart still
Arthur noded. Oh yeah i forgot.
They all walk to the classroom. Michael waves to Sarah, who points on her watch. " Michael, seeing you at recess, darling!" The others giggling.
On the way they heard someone yelling: JESSE! It was Ashley who walks into the hallway with Hannah, Jesse stood on the other side.
Ashley ran toward her boyfriend and jumps into his arms.
Buster rolles his eyes. Ashley, Mom told you the rule remember! Six feet apart do i need to call her?
Ashley glares at him. I know Buster, but this is my boyfriend, the only exception! She covers Jesse´s face with little kisses. No phone call can replace hugging you my sweetie! I missed you sooooo much!"
All giggling, Mr. Ratburn smiles amuses. " Oh well, young love. It´s so sweet."
In the classroom they all all sat down, greeting their friends. New rules saying two kids on one table, not more.
Mr Ratburn yelps): The math quizzes! We are living through some difficult times, but know that it's okay to share if you're feeling worried or anxious about something .Lots of us feel this way. Reach out to a friend, a parent, a counselor, or even... (clears throat) ...a teacher. The adults in your life can help you cope with your feelings. A great way to start is to talk about how you're feeling. It can be the first step to feeling better. All right now, children, time for that quiz. You're going to love it!
The whole class sighs. A quiz! Awww no!
In D.W.`s Classroom...
Emily said D,W, over here"
D.W., frowns while sat down beside Emily. What is with the tables? This isn't preschool!"
Emily nodes. I know, but look at the sign, only two at a table.
D.W. shook her head. Oh brother. They open school too early.
at lunch break...
Arthur, Michael, Buster and Francine sat on the table when Ashley approaches with Jesse, both holding hands.
The rabbit-girl giggles. Hey guys! You know what, Jesse wants to stay next Saturday from breakfast to dinner with me, and his mom and auntie-mom allowed it! I called her!
Buster frowns, then he looks at Arthur. Arthur, can we make a gaming Saturday at your place? A whole day with that two lovebirds is so cringe!
Ashley glares at him. " Ha Ha! Very funny! Get yourself a girlfriend and we see who`s cringe!
She kisses Jesse on his lips and walks away with him, Buster shook his head. Oh man, this is so awkward!
The others laughed, Francine shrugs. As i said one time, wedding bells! And one day you get called uncle Buster by someone!
Buster gets shocked. Stop it, this brings nightmares!
Arthur laughs. Buster, wake up, wake up lunch is over. You are dramatic!
When they left the cafeteria, they approach Jenna Morgan and Sarah. Jenna winks at Buster. Nice to see you again cute boy!
Sarah hugs Michael with a laughter. This is way better then a phone call! She cuddles up to him, making him blush.
Buster scratches his head. Uhm, hi...Jenna! How are you?
Jenna walks over to him and tips with her finger on his chest. I´m fine, but i will be better when we spend some time together. Maybe watching a movie or something. You owe me a date Buster Baxter!
The rabbit-boy blushes while Arthur and Francine laughing. Sure, sure. What about Saturday? Going to the park, watching a movie?
Jenna cheers. YEAH! Uhm, i mean...great. C ya later! she hugs him and ran away.
Buster looks at his friends, all of them giggling. HEY! This is as good excuse to be not at home with Ashley and Jesse! And, uhm, Jenna is...cute.
Francine winks. You little heartthrob!
...Last class for Arthur and his friends, to their surprise they get a new teacher Arthur knows.
A young grey rabbit-woman with shoulder-ling black hair greets the kids. She wears a red shirt with blue jeans and red sneakers. Hi guys, im Ms. Judy Clancy, your new art teacher! Hey Arthur, Arthur Read, right? Nice to see you again!
Arthur seems surprised. Ms. Judy? You were our helping teacher when we went to Sandy!
Ms. Judy nodes. Yep, now im an official teacher and the next free place was here. So guys, after this quarantine stuff i think it´s time to have a good time! You love arts? Lets make art!
Arthur looks over to Buster, Michael and Francine. Ms. Judy is so cool! This could be a great school year!
Way back home...
Arthur, Michael and D.W. say goodbye to Buster and Ashley, then they head home. Michael took a breather. This first day get better then i expected. All our friends are back, a cool new teacher, im glad this pandemic thing is over.
Arthur nodes. Same for Michael, same for me!
D.W. pouts. I can´t hear this pandemic thing anymore! It´s over, we´re done! Never talk about it again boys!
Both brothers share a surprised look, then they stop and hug their little sister. Alright, D.W., alright! Now we go to better times, together!
D.W. smiles. Okay, don´t go sappy! She wipes over her eyes. Together to good times, this is cool!