Hey Arnold: I Promise You That

Sarah's Shock

The next day was the first day of the holidays. The children were now off until the New Year but there was no joy for some of them.

Sarah was sitting all alone outside the Boarding House, with her mind drifting off into space. She was still feeling miserable after yesterday's events. So, Christmas was going to be a tough time for her; just like it had been a year ago in London.

The residents were out shopping for last minute gifts and Arnold was out with Gerald, Stinky and Sid for baseball practice. So, Sarah was alone. Sort of.

"Still thinking, hey?" Phil came outside with Abner who was nuzzling her hand to get her attention.

Sarah petted Abner whilst sighing miserably. "I guess you can say that, Phil", she replied.

"You know, I've come across bad people in my lifetime. They were wicked and furious. They tried to put me down but I taught myself how to get up again.

"It wasn't easy but believe me, it's worth every penny. You are a great kid, Little Rose. Don't worry about this William, Anthony or whoever. They all have lives to life with. Right now, the life you should be living in is yours".

Sarah smiled as a tear fell down her eye. She knew that Phil was right. She couldn't go living on like this: she had to move forward. She was about to respond when Phoebe and Rhonda crossed the road to see her.

"Hi, Sarah", said Phoebe.

"Hey, Phoebe!" cried Sarah as she wiped another tear. She was very pleased to see her friend but when she saw Rhonda, Sarah gasped.

"Er, hi, Sarah", Rhonda said nervously. "I thought I'd stop by". Rhonda was playing with her fingers and she looked down on the sidewalk. She inhaled to settle her nerves before she made eye contact with Sarah. "That was a little lie", she confessed. "I did stop by to see Phoebe but I was on my way here.

"I want to apologise for my behaviour towards you. I was a jerk and - honestly - you didn't deserve any of this. The bullying, the teasing and everything else in between.

"I'm not here to beg for forgiveness but if you don't like me because of my actions, I'll understand. I'm ashamed of myself".

Sarah felt sorry for Rhonda. She was afraid of her but somehow, her apology made Sarah change her feelings for her. As Rhonda looked into her eyes sadly, Sarah smiled and took her by the hand. "You're okay, Rhonda. I forgive you and if you want, you can be my friend.

"I was frightened of you, Rhonda but, to me, I always thought that you were special. I don't care how rich you are or how many wonderful parties you throw. All it matters to me is your personality and your kindness. It just needed to come out".

Rhonda smiled and in response, she hugged Sarah and whispered, "I want you to be my friend too". 

The two girls pulled each other away as Abner hoofed Sarah to get his attention. She bent down to pet him. "Don't worry, Abner. I'm not neglecting you". 

Rhonda and Phoebe laughed. 

"You girls here to take Sarah out?" Phil asked them. 

"Yes, Mr Shortman", Phoebe replied. "Sarah and I are working on an important experiment which I personally devised myself. I'm curious to know about how unwanted rubbish can affect the wildlife if they eat anything that is not in their usual diet". 

"What Phoebe's trying to say is that we are figuring out how and why people don't put any litter in the bin - or trash can's. We hope this will solve the problem of protecting squirrels and the birds during the day".