Hey Arnold: I Promise You That

Homeless

It took a while for Sarah to understand her Geography homework; she got her answers mixed with the questions and she kept fidgeting with her cardigan but eventually, she got there. Arnold was very patient with her. He knew it'll take Sarah a while to get use to the subject. He knew her strongest ones were literature and History, so it was important to help her with the weakest subjects.

They finished at dinner time, much to their relief. But Sarah suddenly panicked when she noticed the clock on top of the fireplace. It was six o' clock and she should've been home about an hour ago. In haste, she quickly packed her bag, checking all her pockets.

"Whoa, Sarah", Arnold said, trying to calm her, "slow down. Are you alright?"

"I'm afraid I have to go, Arnold. My family's relying me to come home".

"Are you sure? You can stay over for dinner if you want".

"It's very kind of you, Arnold but I have an engagement. But I would like to another day".

"I'm sure that'll be fine. Would you like me to walk with you back to yours?"

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a pest and I don't want to keep your family waiting if you are having dinner yourselves".

"Oh, Sarah, you are not a pest. And besides, I want to make sure you are safe".

"Thank you, Arnold", Sarah smiled.
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After Sarah and Arnold said their goodbyes to the residents and family in the boarding house, they walked outside and were heading towards Sarah's house, a few rows down. It was surprisingly close to Arnold and his family, which was great for Sarah.

"Well, here I am. Thank you, Arnold. You didn't need to".

"I wanted to", he confessed. "I'm surprised we are down the road".

"It's a crazy world we live in", Sarah laughed. "I guess I'll see you and the gang tomorrow. If I forget, I want to say thank you for today. I couldn't ask for more".

Arnold smiled in response. "Your welcome, Sarah. I'm glad you had a good day. Take care and don't worry about the homework hiccups. They'll get better in time".

"I'm sure they will. See you tomorrow". Sarah watched Arnold walk away back to the Sunset Boulevard Arms before she climbed up the stairs into her apartment. She quickly grabbed her key and turned it to unlock her door underneath the number: 3420. She did it quietly because if she made any sudden or loud movement, Sarah will be in trouble. She managed to let herself in and close the door (with success: no noise) but she suddenly jumped when she saw Bonnie, Annabelle, Mary-bell and their mother, Cassandra. All four of them were sitting around the kitchen table, starring her angrily.

"And where have you been?" Cassandra asked.

Sarah stuttered; she didn't know what to say to her stepmother and stepsisters.

"And who was that boy?" Bonnie added. "We demand for an explanation!"

When she controlled her stammer, Sarah responded to their questions. "I had after school tuition. It was recommended to me by my teacher".

"And we bet the boy had something to do with it?" Annabelle asked.

Sarah said nothing; she didn't want Arnold to be involved in the argument. She would do anything to protect her new friend.

"Well, you teacher made a mistake, didn't he? How would he - or she - want to teach a stupid, less normal girl like you".

"Anna was right, Sarah", Bonnie added. "You are nothing but a freak. Freaks don't deserve friends or help with homework. Or their fathers, who are long gone".

"So because of your actions, we had no dinner. You were supposed to cook it!"

"No matter, girls", Cassandra replied softly. "We can order a takeaway. Pizza or Indian?"

"Pizza, please", Sarah replied politely.

"Not you!" Cassandra snapped. "You disobey us and as punishment, you'll go to bed without any supper!"

I wished I stayed at Arnold's now, Sarah thought.

"Go on, freak! Go to you room!" Bonnie and Annabelle cried. "And don't come out till morning!"

In tears, Sarah did as she was told. She could hear her sisters snickering behind her and a loud crash of glass breaking on the floor. This led to the sisters' arguing but Sarah didn't hear what was going on.

Taking her backpack off, Sarah opened her door to her bedroom. It didn't look like a bedroom at all; instead it was a plan, dark room with a wooden floor. There were no windows, no desk, chairs, TV, computer or a bookshelf. The only things that were inside the room were a small lamp, a sleeping bag, a picture frame and a doll.

The doll wore a beautiful blue silk dress, with white tights and tiny black shoes. She had pale white skin, violet eyes and black hair. She resembled to the famous actress, Elizabeth Taylor. Sarah admired Elizabeth for she was an inspiration; Sarah always wanted to be an actress. In London, she made friends with actors who performed in famous West End shows. She always wanted to be in their shoes - to perform alongside more actors and bring her imagination to life with many roles. But the move to America destroyed her dream from coming true. What else was she to do?

Lying down on the sleeping bag, Sarah hugged her doll tight and kissed her porcelain doll on the cheek. "Molly", she spoke to the doll, "I thought my life will change today. Instead, it crashed again". Sarah then looked at the picture frame; inside the frame, there was a picture of a man and a little girl, who looked identical to Sarah.

The man was a striking figure, with friendly blue eyes and a huge smile on his face. There was also sadness in the picture. The man had a bald head and a tube, stuck up his noise. But all the man had in that image was a smile. A smile of joy; he was happy to be with his daughter because her happiness brightened her day.

Sarah starred at the man. She missed him very much. "Daddy", she whispered, "why did you have to go?" She began to cry. "I miss you. I miss London. I just want to go home. Please let me come home".

She cried for a while before falling asleep on the bed. If only she wasn't homeless - and she had no biological family left. All she wanted was to go home.

"I don't want to be homeless anymore".