"I think Arnold is in love."
Gerald waited for the girl to react in any way, but he simply couldn't read her poker face.
"My, Gerald, why would you think so?"
Something in her voice made it sound like she knew more than she was letting him know. "Well, for once, he's always watching the door. Every day, before class starts, he keeps glancing at it, as if he's waiting for her to come in. And I know it's about her, because as soon as she arrives, he stops."
"That does sound suspicious, indeed." Phoebe nodded. "However, his feelings could be non-romantic based solely on this evidence."
"Oh, there is more." Gerald scooped closer to the small girl in order to be able to lower his voice. "I've caught him staring at her when he thinks no one is looking. Not only that, but he's been weirdly touchy with her - like when he taps her shoulder during short conversations, or when he pats her back after baseball games and such." The boy shrugged. "This one time I made the mistake of mentioning her name and next thing I know he is rambling on about how great she is!"
There, Phoebe giggles. She seemed to be holding it back for a while, now. "You noticed too, didn't you?"
"Your observation skills are impressive."
"Likewise, babe."
She blushes at the pet name before continuing. "I might have noticed a subtle shift on Arnold's behavior, indeed." Phoebe brought the tip of her finger to her chin, looking contemplative. "He gets a lot quieter once in her presence."
"Right? I've seen him getting all flustered talking to her! I swear, my man is a goner."
"Is he aware of his feelings?"
A second of silence, and then. "Maybe. I haven't tried to squeeze the information from him. But he oughta know... does she?"
"His subject of affection is acquainted of this change, yes. Though Helga is still in denial."
At the sound of the name, Gerald lifted a finger to Phoebe's mouth. "Shhh babe, don't say the name. Let's keep this a secret between us, shall we?"
