"I can't believe how materialistic you've gotten," Arya snapped, her voice tight, tinged with frustration and disbelief. She stepped closer, her hands curled into fists at her sides. "I don't even know what you won, but there's no way it's enough to buy a house and still cover your other bills. Arnold, I knew that constant bully at school was getting to you, but I never imagined it would push you into… this."
Arnold froze, surprised by the intensity of her words. He had expected questions, curiosity, maybe even laughter, but the raw concern in her voice made his chest tighten. He ran a hand through his hair, short of words and let out a low breath.
"I'm sorry," he admitted quietly, lowering his gaze."I don't even know if I made the right choice."
Arya's eyes didn't soften, but they lingered on him, searching. "Arnold…"
"I just…" he hesitated, searching for words that wouldn't sound selfish. "I wanted to give Zendaya the life she deserves. I see how much she tries to compromise, how she never complains about our situation. I see you too, Arya. I know how uncomfortable it can be for you sometimes when you spend the night at our place. How you have to share your lunch with us so we can eat for the day. And the way you've been left out by our coursemates just for being around us."
He held her gaze, letting her feel the weight of his words. "If giving Zen and you a better life seems irresponsible, then I'll take that risk. You both deserve more than anyone I know."
Arya shifted slightly on her feet, her arms crossing over her chest before loosening again. Her brow furrowed, and she bit her lower lip, glancing away for a moment, then back at him, eyes searching. The quiet in the room stretched, heavy with so many things unsaid.
Arnold took a careful step closer, lowering his voice. "I know it's sudden. I'm not even sure how to explain it all. But I wanted to make it right for both of you."
Arya's lips parted as if she wanted to speak, then closed again. After a long pause, her voice softened. "I'm worried," she admitted. "I just want to know… how did you get all this money?"
Arnold smiled faintly, a mixture of pride and relief curling in his chest. He reached out and took her hand gently. The warmth of her skin under his fingers gave him a moment of calm. "Do you trust me?" he asked. "Not to do anything illegal, not to do anything reckless?"
"Yes," she said without hesitation.
"Then check online." His smile broadened. "Look up the winner of this year's Annual Global Initiative Challenge."
Arya raised an eyebrow, confused. "What?"
"Just search it. You'll see," he said. He gave her hand a quick squeeze before letting go, stepping back slightly to give her space.
Her fingers moved over her phone quickly, eyes scanning the screen. Arnold watched her expression shift as realization hit. His photo appeared on the page, standing with the cheque from the competition, his name printed clearly beneath it.
Her eyes widened, and a soft gasp escaped her. Tears brimmed at the corners, spilling over as she dropped the phone and threw herself into his arms. Arnold stiffened for a moment, caught unaware of how close she was, the way her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him close. But Arya didn't seem to care. He hesitated, unsure how to react at first, before wrapping his arms around her, letting her hold him tightly, feeling her relief and joy radiate through her body.
"I promise I'll spend the money wisely," he murmured, voice low and firm. "We can even partner on a business if you want, but first I want to make sure you and Zendaya get a proper treat. You both deserve that."
Arya pulled back just enough to look up at him, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm so happy for you, Arnold. I can't believe you actually did it."
His cheeks flushed a bright shade of pink, his chest filling with warmth at the proud look in his best friend's eyes. It felt like his version of making a parent proud.
"Zendaya's going to go nuts when she finds out," Arya squealed. Then she grabbed his arm all of a sudden. "Come on, let's go clear out the house before she arrives and make her think the landlord threw you guys out."
Arnold grinned, letting the excitement on Arya's face wash over him. He straightened and held up his phone, waving it in front of her. "How do you feel about ordering a ride this time?" He winked.
*******
There wasn't much property of value they needed to move to the new house. Half their belongings ended up in the trash, even when Arya protested out of instinct, suggesting some of it could be recycled. Arnold kept reminding her not to worry about it. He'd replace it all in no time. He wanted no memory of their old life, especially when so much of it had been what was left behind by his father.
They had cleaned and cleared the room, the useful items gathered neatly in one corner, when Arya paused. Her gaze fell on a neat stack of letters peeking out from under Arnold's makeshift blanket.
"Arnold…" Her voice cracked with disbelief and emotion. She bent slightly, picking up the bundle, her hands trembling. "This… I never realized there were this many."
He looked at her, his face falling at the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Hey. Please don't do this, Arya." His chest tightened as he reached for her, brushing a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Please don't cry. I promise you it's nothing. Not when I had you and Zendaya through all of it."
Arya's eyes glistened as she shook her head, her shoulder trembling. "But…"
"It's in the past," he said quickly. "You might not believe me when I say this, but your support made it easier not to worry. You helped me far more than you realize. This time, it's my turn to return the favor."
Arya broke down fully, sobbing so hard he couldn't make out her words. He moved to pull her into a hug when the door swung open, and Zendaya raced in, her body shaking, sobs racking through her.
Arnold stiffened, a shiver running through him as he took in his sister's appearance.
Her clothes were rumpled, as if she'd just been in a struggle. A bruise loomed on the right side of her cheek. Her bag strap had broken, forcing her to carry it in her hands.
Arya quickly wiped her tears, breaking the silence first as she moved toward Zendaya. "Oh my God, what happened, Zendaya?"
Arnold's vision blurred for a moment. He saw his sister's startled expression before she tried to wipe away her tears and pretend everything was fine.
"Brother… I-I didn't know you guys were back—"
"Who did this to you?"
The question left his mouth before he could stop it. His jaw clenched so tightly the girls could literally see the fury in his eyes.
Zendaya looked to Arya, alarm written across her face, already knowing Arnold wasn't going to take this lightly. She let out a small laugh, trying to sound casual, but Arnold wasn't buying it.
"Don't lie to me, Zen. Tell me who did this to you."
Arya nodded at Zendaya, urging her to speak, but Zendaya hesitated. She knew Arnold would find out either way, and she feared for his safety. She shook her head, trying to offer an excuse, but Arnold already reached out, gently gripping her arm.
He hissed through clenched teeth. "Zendaya."
"Aaron." She broke down completely, eyes closed, feeling helpless. "But it's okay, Arnold—"
She lifted her head to find the space in front of her empty. Surprise and realization swept over her as she turned to Arya, who gave her an apologetic look.
"He's gone, Zen."