Disclaimer: I do not own Hey Arnold. All rights belong to the rightful owner.

Chapter 1: Something hidden

Wednesday, April 1

~ I woke up to the smell of spring. Its these kinds of days when I just want to go outside and play baseball with all my friends but instead I'm here in school. Trying to listen to Mr. Fitz talking about history. I thought I heard angels singing when I heard the bell ring. I gathered my things and went to my locker. Being a college student sucks. I'd rather be out playing baseball than listen to every lesson here. While I was stuffing my books in my locker I heard a low grunt.

" Move it." - I'd know that voice anywhere. Helga G. Pataki. She shoved a freshman out of her way. Ever since fourth-grade, Helga is still the same. But, every time I see her, I could feel something. I could remember when she used to help me with Lila. But, I managed to grow out of her. I saw a different side of Lila. The Lila I never knew. After high school, Lila and I stayed friends. I didn't realize that I was unconsciously staring at Helga. She shoved past by me.

"What do you think you're looking at football head?" - then she left. She never got tired of that insult. Gerald came up to me.

"What's her deal?"

"Its Helga. She's always like that."

"When is she ever going to grow out of that attitude of hers." Gerald asked blandly.

"C'mon Gerald. Let's go. We still have baseball practice."

"Oh yeah. The captain is ready to rumbleeeee." - After freshmen year, coach appointed me captain of the team. But, I just play because I love to. Gerald and I went straight to the locker room to change. After changing, we went to the field and practice started.

Practice went well and. I came home just as dinner was served.

"Arnold? Is that you?" - mom called out from the dining room.

"Yes mom. I'll just put my stuff in my room." - then I ran to my room and threw my stuff on the floor. I changed my shirt and went down to the dining room.

"C'mon Arnold." -I took a sit next to mom.

"How was your day short-man?" - dad asked while eating.

"Pretty good. How about yours'?"

"Well, your dad and I decided to take your grandparents to bingo."

"Pookie is one good bingo player." - grandpa stated. I loved my family dearly. And its been years since my parents were back. We still live in the same apartment house we used to. Mom and dad help around with the guests. Some of the old guests were gone and some were still here. Grandpa had a stroke and so the doctor advised him to lessen his back-work. After dinner, I took the liberty of washing the dishes. After that, I went to my room and cleaned up a bit. While I was cleaning out my desk, I found an old picture of me and Helga. I don't know why but every time I looked at the picture, it somehow makes me smile. It was taken after the play Romeo and Juliet. I played Romeo and she played Juliet. It was also the time when we kissed. Well, she kissed me. After that, Helga just seemed to be less of a bully to me. I took out a small picture frame from my drawer and put the picture in it. I placed it on my desk. After cleaning up, I did my homework and then I went to bed.

I arrived home to the sound of my father and my mother praising my ever so good of a sister. She was just announcing her new achievement which i don't give a single a damn as to what it is.

"I'm home."

"Olga? Is that you?" - Bob called from the living room.

"Olga is right here." - Miriam's voiced followed.

"No not her. The other one."

"Its Helga."- I said while making my way to the living room.

"Yeah yeah whatever. Come here and look at Olga's new award."

"I'm going to my room."- I said while running up the stairs. They didn't mind me. They were too busy praising Olga. They don't have time for me. I went to my room and changed into something more comfortable. I put on a big sweater and shorts. I put on my headphones and crawled into a secret room inside my walk-in closet. This the place where I go to find peace. We don't live in the same house we used to. Bob got so successful in his business that he was able to afford a luxurious house in a luxurious neighborhood. But, I want to go back to our old house. All my friends are there. Except for my bestfriend. Phoebe got a scholarship to Michigan State U. So she and her family had to move. I think part of the reason why she left was because of Gerald. Back in highschool, Gerald and Phoebe were a really strong couple. Nobody ever thought that they would break up. Then one day, while Phoebe and I were walking home from school, we saw something. Something that changed my bestfriend. We saw Gerald kissing Trina. Trina was the popular girl. She was also Lila's bestfriend. Much like her bestfriend, she was always thought as a goody-goody girl. But I thought otherwise. Phoebe ran away while I had a better idea. I pulled Gerald and Trina apart. Gerald looked at me, shocked.

"H-Helga?" - his voice shaking at the sight of me. I couldn't suppress my anger and I punched him. I looked at Trina.

"You love being popular right? I'll give the school newspaper an article they can't refuse. Wait till everybody at school finds out that the little goody-two-shoes Trina is a skank." - then I showed her the picture I took of them before I pulled them apart. She was shocked. She tried to grab my phone but I put it in my pocket. I was disgusted at the sight of both of them. I walked out of the alley and ran to find Phoebe. After what seemed to be 5 mins. of running around and screaming her name. I found her in the park, sitting on a bench, head down and tears streaming down her face. I sat next to her and and put my arm around her shoulders.

"Just cry it out Phoebe. I'm here for you." - after what I said, she hugged me and cried. It killed me to see her in so much pain. Half an hour has passed and Phoebe seemed to have calmed down. We remained silent. I was waiting for her to say 'let's go home' but what she said shocked me.

"I'm going to Michigan."

"WHAT?! But Phoebe, you said you'd never go."

"I just can't to be here anymore Helga. I don't want to see him anymore." - I understood her pain. I just hugged her.

"Just... Just be safe. And call me everyday." - from what I said she cracked a smile. After that scene. We went home. The day after was hell. Phoebe's parents talked to the teacher to let Phoebe take all the remaining test for the semester. Graduation was only weeks away and Phoebe was suppose to give the valedictory speech but she doesn't want to attend Graduation. Phoebe was at school to take all the remaining tests. Gerald kept following Phoebe and muttering apologies. I accompanied Phoebe all throughout her exams. I gave the picture to the journalism club but anonymously. The picture found its way to the front page. It served them right. After class has ended. I walked Phoebe home but not until Gerald and Arnold came running towards us.

"Phoebe, please don't leave. I'm sorry. I really am." - I was about to open my mouth when Phoebe stopped me. She faced Gerald.

"You're sorry? Are you really?"- I could tell she was about to cry but she managed to hold it in.

"Yes. Its not what you thi-*" he was cut off when Phoebe slapped him.

"Well, you should've thought twice before doing anything that could hurt somebody." A tear slipped her eye but she quickly brushed it off. And that was the last time Phoebe and Gerald saw each other. After Phoebe left, Gerald became a hollow shell. He dated anyone, he'd play with girls. But I know deep inside, he's as hurt as Phoebe. But I guess its not my problem.

My phone rang. It was Phoebe.

"Hello? Helga?"- I answered the phone but I didn't speak.

"Are you okay?"- her voice sounded so concerned.

"I miss you."- she said. I choked back a tear.

"I do too."

"Finally you answered. How is everything going?"

" Same old same old."- we talked for nearly an hour. After the phone call I got off my peace room and I plopped into bed.