Hey Arnold: I Promise You That

A Bad Morning

The next morning, Sarah walked into the classroom. She was exhausted, hungry and pale. She hadn't anything to eat this morning because Cassandra didn't forgive her. Yesterday's incident made Sarah's stepmother suspicious. She didn't know who Arnold was - and why he dropped Sarah home after tuition.

Sarah became worried; she knew Arnold was in danger and she didn't want her step family to hurt him or Helga, Gerald and Phoebe. But she didn't want to break their friendship. So, she made the decision to be careful.

Sarah was in hurry but with some pocket money she secretly stored in her bag, she stopped to buy breakfast at the nearest grocery store. She bought an apple, banana, chocolate and bottle of water. It wasn't enough but at least, she got something to keep her going till lunch.

Luckily, she made it to school on time. Twenty minutes before the bell, Sarah nibbled on her snacks whilst watching the other children play. Half way through, she saw Helga entering the grounds. Helga spotted her straight away.

"Chopping down on snacks, Britannia?"

"Hello, Helga", Sarah replied joyfully. "I haven't had any breakfast. Our electricity supply was cut off so we had to make do with takeaways and snacks", she lied.

Helga didn't fall for it. "Really? Then why are you eating so quickly? I know a lie when I hear one".

Sarah swallowed her last bit of chocolate; she knew she was in trouble. "I'm sorry I lied to you but I cannot say why. I need to tell Ms first before I can tell anybody else".

At that moment, the bell rang and all the children went inside to start the school day. Helga and Sarah walked in together, as Sarah quickly chugged her water.

"Slow down, Britannia! Do you want to get hiccups?"

"Sorry, Helga. I'm just thirsty, that's all. How are you?"

"Never mind me, but what's up with you? I know you want to talk to Ms Space first but I have to know too".

"I'll tell you later", Sarah replied, sadly. "It's a long story".

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"I tell you, Phoebe, something's strange about Sarah today". Helga was telling her friend as the two girls were queuing for lunch.

"Eating snacks instead of a full breakfast is normal, Helga. But fatigue during the day and having a pale face is very suspicious".

"I saw her speaking to Ms Space before she came into the cafeteria, so something must be wrong".

"I'm sure if she spoke to Ms Space, she'll sort the situation out with Sarah, so there's no need to worry".

Across the cafeteria, there sat a lonely individual. She was slowly eating her food, lost in obviation. Sarah was lost after her discussion with Ms Space; yet, still she would not tell her Helga about what is going on at home. Sarah wanted to wait until the right moment. Until then, she'll have to continue her life at school.

"Hey, new girl!"

Sarah adverted her attention to the voice that was beside her. There - sitting next to her - was Rhonda. She was all by herself; no Nadine, no Curly, no anyone. It wasn't looking good.

"What are you doing here, sitting by yourself?"

"Having some quiet time", Sarah answered.

"Well", Rhonda said; she was creeping closer and closer to Sarah's seat. Her facial expressions were very dark and mischievous. "I heard that when people sit alone, they are usually freaks. Do you consider yourself to be one, new girl?"

"Sarah", Sarah corrected, softly. "I do have a name". She didn't want to pick a fight with Rhonda but she didn't want to be put down again either. She was stick of it.

"Oh, I do apologize. I had no idea you had one".

Whilst the girls were communicating, Sarah noticed some liquid pouring down onto her lap. She quickly looked up and saw that Rhonda was pouring a cartoon of juice on her. Sarah screamed loudly, causing the room to stop and look at her. The whole room began to laugh and mock her by making baby noises and calling her names.

"Looks like you wet yourself, new girl. Guess you need someone to change you". Rhonda threw herself into fits of laughter but Sarah didn't respond. Rhonda wasn't satisfied, so she quickly stood up, violently pushing Sarah to the ground before grabbing her tray and pouring her lunch on top of her. "You look ridiculous, "Sarah". Maybe you should get assistance from your mentor in your next session!"

Sarah looked around for help, but she couldn't see anybody. She couldn't see Helga or Phoebe either. The laughter became deafening and she couldn't take it anymore. In tears, she ran out of the cafeteria, trying to get away from everybody. She knew nobody will help her because they were too busy bullying her.

Sarah felt lost and alone. She didn't know what to do. Or who to talk too. She guessed that she may never be happy.