Hey Arnold:Searching Through San Lorenzo

So Close

Everyone stood outside the airport. Mr. Simmons was doing a head count, giving everyone time to joke around within reason.

"H-Harold, no. You can't give Eugene a wedg- No, Helga, don't put bu-Gerald I would appreciate you not sca- WOULD EVERYONE CALM DOWN," he finally snapped.

Everyone stopped, staring at the teacher. He sighed, marked a few things down, and lead the way to the camp site.

"Ugh, I thought we were staying in a hotel. I'm a Lloyd, I deserve better," Rhonda began to rant.

This was only the beginning. Mr. Simmons knew this as well.

Hundred Word TimeSkip to the camp site after packing tents separated by gender teachers and students BECAUSE it's almost twelve am AND I have a wedding to get to tomorrow.

"Well boys and girls, it's almost time to retire," Mr. Simmons informed.

He had been plucking his ukulele softly, humming a tune. Most students were already in their sleeping bags. The only ones up and out were Helga, Gerald, Nadine, Arnold, Brainy, and Stinky.

They all grumbled and returned to their tents.

Arnold's POV

I walked back to my tent with Gerald on my side. He elbowed me. I whipped around to see his,'You're planning something.' face. I rubbed my arm while pouting.

"Alright, man. What're you planning? It's all over your face," he asked.

I sighed, letting my arm go as we made our way to our sleeping bags. I had shown him the map on the plane. We read through the journal before finding out there was a page missing. Though, he had discovered a compass buried in the book. I was a green-eye locket, modified to that point.

"I'm going to find my parents," I whispered.

His eyes grew wide. He calmed down and shook his head. Grabbing my shoulder, he sighed,"Arnold, you're a brave kid. But there's bravery, and there's dangerously risking things. This is dangerously risking things."

I pulled my shoulder out of his grasp. He gave me a surprised look. I turned around. I was glaring harshly.

"Listen. I have lived most of my life without my parents. When it finally struck me, I was depressed. But then, I found this," I began, holding out the journal,"and it made me happy! It gave me hope. Isn't that what I've been doing for you guys? This is the only thing I want, Gerald. The only reward I ask for! Please, please don't take this away from me."

I had began to tear up. This meant everything to me. I sat on my sleeping bag. Gerald once again put his hand on my shoulder. He sighed.

"Alright man. What's the plan?"

Helga's POV

I snuck out to monologue. A smile hung on my face. Today was perfect. Arnold and I have been getting along. Lila hasn't gotten in the way. Nothing could go wrong.

"Nothing can go wrong, Gerald," I heard.

I turned to see my beloved and Gerald walking off. They stopped and Arnold went back into the tent.

"There you are H-Mph," Phoebe entered.

I covered her mouth and ducked in the bushes. Arnold returned and they began walking. I motioned for Phoebe to follow my lead and soon enough, all four of us were off.

???'s POV

I sat in the trees, wrapping my arms up. There were two bodies, recognizable forms, below me. They whispered back and forth, not noticing the other silhouette that lingered close. A fourth person entered as one of the first two left. I watched in interest as they all walked off.

I grabbed my satchel and continued to follow them. The one carrying the light stumbled, nearly dropping the flashlight. I rubbed my face in disappointment. A bit further and they began whispering again. They were quieter this time. They began to nod, just signalling things at this point. They had realized the other two were following them.

Gerald's POV

Arnold nodded at me. I took the flashlight and spun around.

"Phoebe? Pataki," I called, squinting at the two girls behind us.

Helga's eyes widened as she began to make up an excuse as to why they were following us. I rolled my eyes and facepalmed.

"Helga, you can't follow us," Arnold said.

"Well just so you know, Pheebs here is the one who suggested looking for you two. I was just watching her to make sure she didn't get eaten," Helga responded.

They began arguing. Phoebe stood next to me. I smiled at her.

"Did you really start this," I asked.

She shook her head. I sighed. Arnold and Helga were obviously destined to be together, but they have issues on issues to fix. Not that they'd be a perfect match, no one is, they'd just be happier.

"Oh my," Phoebe mumbled,"Should we stop them?"

I nodded, throwing a stone in between them. They had been nose to nose, creating reasons as to why neither of them were at fault. They turned their attention to us, dumbfounded. I cleared my throat.

"We're too far in to go back, so c'mon. This area is making me feel watched," I instructed.

"You're right, Gerald. We should get going," Arnold rephrased, unfolding the map.

We began walking again. It would be a long trip, but at least we're stronger in numbers.