Semi-factual thing here. I was attacked when I was 17 gaining a horrible slash down my cheek to my mouth area. The quack doctor who handled me didn't do a fantastic job so what I describe here with Helga is actual fact. I won't go into full details since I'm not ready to completely scare anyone, but might as well put some of my experience into this. Arnold is based a bit on the love of my life while still maintaining his Football Headedness :P. (Queue that sappiness) Arnold becomes first fascinated by Helga when he first meets her before becoming smitten. In this story Arnold is 32 and Helga is 20. Yay to age gaps. It is AU. Arnold is a doctor handling Bob after he gets into an accident. Anyone else in the Hey Arnold gang will show up who I feel are the perfect personalities to other people. That wasn't really easy so I had to finagle that out a bit to at least an aspect of them.

I have two co-authors in this one. One is Historia70 who encouraged me. The other is my love who I argued with on some portions regarding our speech. Feel sorry for my friend for putting up with us lol. I do thank her for helping out since she is currently writing two other stories of her own at the same time. Sheesh.

Please don't flame me. I think this is a bit harder to put out there than my first story I ever written.

I don't own Hey Arnold.

Hospitals always seem brighter than the sun. You never wanted to look up in fear of your eyes being blinded, but you knew you would have to when someone arrives to speak to you about someone you care about. The smells were also something you really didn't want to smell unless you're into every cleaning product imaginable. Maybe the medicinal smell is acceptable, but still it helps remind you of why you are here. Also why you can hate it too.

Being in the waiting room can suck to the point of the clock moving at a slugs pace, but what is worse is when you lying in that hospital bed to wait some company. When you are laying in that bed, you allow for some sleep to take over feeling it is best for your body, but the primary reason she felt the need to sleep is to get the day over with. Of course at night someone always had to come in just as you are sleeping deeply to gather some blood from you. Crazy vampires. Also you crave company to give you something else to concentrate on besides the beeping of the equipment in the room.

Tonight she waited in the waiting room with her mother after receiving a call about her dad being in an accident. It was a drunk driver. A driver he didn't see at all with how he was T-boned. As the officer explained to them earlier, his car hit the tree so hard making it crumple into practically nothing. Her father had to be pried out of it and rushed to the hospital. He died in the ambulance for almost a minute till he was brought to life. Now here they wait for the doctor to come out to speak to them. It was 11pm when they received the call, and at 3:15am they were still waiting. At this time of night there was no bustling as much as it is in the daytime, but it never helped regardless. With how it was going now there was no way to pay for even her own corrective surgery now to her face. Not like it mattered when all she wanted was her dad to be alright. That was the most pressing issue right now.

"Mrs Pataki?"

It was such a gentle voice calling for Helga to look slightly in that direction to see a tall male with an unusual shape head, and kind expression on his face. He appeared so young as he looked at Helga for an intense moment before turning his attention to her mother. Helga never enjoyed showing her face in public, and when she had to, she would always sit next to a wall so no one would stare at her. She also learned to listen and show attention to someone by showing her profile because the second they see the full scope of her face, they look like they are about to barf.

Listening to the doctor she heard words that had so much dollar signs ringing up. When did she become like her dad when it came to money? It was after her issue with someone attacking her during a very bad attack. An attack that caused her now deformity to the right side of her face at the age of 17. It was something they couldn't afford to correct at the time so they opted to save their money to give her corrective surgery one day. Money that will go to her dad now. He needed it more than her. Her time will come.

Miriam sat down in the seat next to her feeling despair at what they had to do for Bob. They couldn't save his left leg so it had to amputated mid-thigh. His back was broken. He suffered a heart attack. Some of his ribs were broken. As the doctor spoke to them, Helga brought her hand out to take her mom's own hand to give it a comforting squeeze.

"Dad is a survivor. He'll have to adjust, but he's strong. We'll be there for him." Helga assured her mom before she cocked her head up to the side to give a scan of the doctor. "Doctor?"

"Dr Arnold Shortman. Your name miss?"

"Helga. I'm their younger daughter." Came her quiet reply. "How long is he expected to be here and how much physical therapy will be required?"

Pursing his lips a little, he tried to step in front of her to speak but seeing how she turned her head more to the right led him to believe something with the young woman. "I won't lie to you, but it will be a lot depending on how he progresses. Also if he opts to have a specialized limb attached it will be more."

"Helga we won't be able to..." Miriam was stopped by Helga.

"It's fine mom. This situation is far more important to deal with first. I'll be fine." Helga hoped the doctor wouldn't ask what they were holding off. "When can we see him?"

"We are setting him up in a room as we speak. A nurse will be out to bring you there since I'm very certain you will want to see him." Arnold replied softly.

Helga gave off an odd nod. "Thank you doc."

"I am his assigned doctor so if you have any questions feel free to call." Handing Miriam a card he noticed that Helga took it instead. Seeing a slight area of her wrist area Arnold saw it was an lesion. "I should get back to work."

Miriam and Helga could only nod their heads as they went deep into thought. Helga did happen to chance turning her face to the left watching him saunter off. How old was that doctor? She was 20 now and he appeared as young as her, but she knew that was impossible.

"I'm sorry, Helga. We really wanted to get surgery for your face." Miriam brought a tissue for her face to wipe the new tears down.

A nurse was wandering up to them just pausing as she watched a young woman console another. Mouth opening up wider she studied the younger woman's face. She could see part of her jaw showing. Still getting use to blood and gore, the nurse swallowed her courage to head over to them. "Mrs Pataki?" The older woman sniffled as she looked up at her. "I'm here to show you to your husbands room. Please follow me."

Standing up, Helga helped her mom up knowing fully well that the nurse saw her. She was still young and the way she couldn't stop staring at the side of her face, Helga knew she was still getting use to her job. Still holding her hand, Helga and her followed the nurse. At least in the direction they were going Helga stuck close to the wall only hearing one guy in a wheelchair remark about her face. Helga almost growled, but kept it to herself. It was time not to think about your looks.

Going into a room, Miriam released her hand to rush over to her husband's side. "Oh B. What will I ever do if I lost you?"

Hearing her sob, Helga stood back just feeling the nurses attention. "I'd appreciate it if you would stop staring."

Jumping the nurse wanted to fiddle with her hair. "I'm ever so sorry about that."

"How old are you? You look like this isn't your first choice in profession." Helga wondered if her tone was really that angry sounding as it was in her head.

"It isn't and I'm 23. I wanted to help people, but I fear I overstepped myself with my career choice. My name is Lila by the way."

"Yeah, nice to meet you." Helga bit out still feeling her stare at her again. "I bet you are here for the doctors. You look like the type to do that. Anything in hopes of getting a good meal ticket."

Glancing away, Lila knew this girl didn't like her. She couldn't blame her since she was being rude. "Um yes. There are good looking doctors here, but they are ever so not interesting to me."

"Did you stare at my father this openly too?"

She did making her bow her head. "I will leave you be. Another nurse will be on shift in an hour. It was a pleasure meeting you."

Helga didn't care returning that sentiment as she stepped away to sit beside her mother. She had enough of that look.

Rushing over to the nurses station, Lila couldn't stop shaking. While one side of the blonde was attractive, it was the other side that reminded her of a halloween mask. This wasn't her life.

"Nurse Sawyer? Is there a problem?"

Looking up she was shaking as she looked into the green eyes of, Dr Shortman. He was one of the handsome doctors with a good disposition, and while he seemed interested in her for some time, she found him ever so boring to her. "I was staring at a patients family member. This job isn't for me. I went in for selfish reasons."

"Which family member?" Arnold asked back to her as he narrowed his eyes. Oh he knew her reasons for this job. She was one of those types that did this job in hopes of snagging a doctor.

Wringing her hands together, Lila was so embarrassed. "Robert Pataki's. I was startled with the right side of her face. It was horrible. It scared me."

Narrowing his eyes to her, Arnold knew there was an issue with Helga with the way she refused to fully look at you head on. Seeing all types on this job he was never wrapped up into something so shallow. "It would be best if you leave this employment. To say this about anyone shows a poor judge of character on your part. I'm certain it isn't her fault if there is an issue with her face. She did appear very intelligent to me and she was consoling to her mother."

"She hates me. So does so many, but she is the only one who voiced it with her tone. I'll hand in my resignation as soon as my shift ends. I will do that at least." Lila can't take the jumbled nerves. She hated this life. Hated half of that girls face. It disgusted her.

Removing himself from leaning against the station, Arnold wanted to apologize to the young woman. "See that you do." Leaving, Arnold headed over to the room to find her standing against the doorway. "Excuse me, Miss Pataki."

Rolling her eyes, Helga turned around in a way to keep her right side of her face in a deep shadow to look at him directly. She is 5' 8" so that makes him about 6 feet tall even. "Yes?"

Arnold took in her tone of voice knowing she knew the reason why he was there. "I wanted to apologize about Nurse Sawyer."

"Why should you when she was the one who was so rude?" Helga pointed out firmly. "So I have a problem. It is a problem I had to deal with for a while now. Also that girl acts like a tiny kid instead of an adult."

Smiling at her there, Arnold found her eyes entrancing. While he couldn't make out the full scope of her face he was struck at how striking she already was. He could tell she was an honest person. He could see how big of a heart she tried to keep hidden. He thought she was different before she opened up her mouth, but now he hoped to see more of her around. "I will not argue with you there, Helga."

Noticing that he at least keeps eye contact with her, Helga felt that he was one of those polite ones, but still she couldn't trust him. What the hell did she know about him anyhow? "How old are you? You seem awfully young."

"I'm 32. You must be 20."

"Yep."

"What do you do for a living?"

Almost turning her head the wrong way, Helga stopped herself. "I work at home as an accountant. No one wants to see me scaring off their clients."

Hence the attitude towards, Lila. She treated her the same way she was always treated by others. "People are shallow."

"And darn right rude. Look, my father is a very cautious person when he drives. He use to own a business that went under so he had to take a job to try to make ends meet. He is a very proud man so I'm certain he will be depressed with all that has happened to him. Both of us will be there for him, but we know it will be hard." She stated.

"Your mother said you are her younger daughter. Where is the older one?"

A cloud passed her eyes. "Six feet under at a very young age. This was before I was born. Pneumonia."

The urge to hug her was something far to strange for him to encounter since he never felt that urge towards any patient or family member. "I'm really sorry."

"It is a subject we choose not to discuss most of the time. To them she is on a very long vacation where they will see her again when it is time for theirs." Frowning, Helga tried to keep her voice soft for her parents sake. Watching a tall slim woman approach with mousy hair with a clipboard, Helga knew it was for them.

"Hello, excuse me, Dr Shortman, but I need to speak to a member of the family."

"Certainly Sheena." Bows his head slightly to Helga. "Once again I apologize for her behavior and I hope to speak to you again. Have a good night."

Eyebrow quirking up, Helga's eyes shifted to Sheena. "Let me guess, something about a bill or at least an admission fee."

"Why yes. You can come with me so we can do it in private. I know how most don't like to part with their credit cards."

Turning her head back into the room, Helga saw her mom asleep against the bed. "Sure thing." Pushing away, Helga covered half her face when she noticed that Dr Shortman looked in her direction again.

"Just come with me." Sheena looked at Helga just for a bit before smiling. "If you want we could go discuss other things dealing with his stay here."

"Sure thing. Also thanks for not staring."

"Well it is rude to stare and judge. When you work here you are not expected to act like a monster even though some do." Sheena told her as she approached an office. Stepping inside, she went over to her desk. "The admission fee is $100.00. Do you have insurance?"

"It doesn't cover much, but yes." Pulling out the card she handed that over with the insurance card.

"We can work out a payment plan if that is the case." Sliding her card through her machine, Sheena handed it back. "At least you have one of our very good doctors. He has a good reputation for someone so young. He honestly cares about his patients."

Shrugging, Helga examined her office full of childish drawings. She must have a kid. "Yeah, I guess. Better than my quack of a doctor who had the bedside manner of a clogged toilet."

"Oh my. That is bad." Pulling out some paperwork, Sheena smiled at her. "Just look this all over and if you have any questions just ask away."

"You must really love your job."

Leaning back Sheena looked over her insurance plan again. It really won't cover much. "Oh I do. I hate when I have to act like a ball buster, but I must do it."

"Yep. I work as an accountant, but I don't have to exactly be around anyone. No one wants to see my mug."

Sheena examined her before issuing a half smile. "Yes it looks not so pretty, but I can see beauty still. Your eyes are simply amazing for one thing. I bet you would spot a cheater from a mile away."

Hearing her being honest and forthright, Helga's mouth quirked a bit oddly to one side. "My eyes, my brain, and my smart ass has the ability to cross mountains I guess."

Sheena liked her. "Tell me what happened?"

"I will be brief. I don't trust men. I know not all will be the same, but it is enough."

"You can trust, Dr Shortman."

Shooting her eyes up from her paperwork, Helga wondered if she had a fan poster of him somewhere's. "Hmm. Got the hots for him?"

"No. I'm happily married. I did go to school with him though. Not medical school. He has been always this helpful person. Pity he never married. He is such a good man."

Helga still thought she had the hots for the doctor. "Alright this all looks good to me. Shoot me off a copy so I can save it for our files."

"That is your copy. It is prudent to always give a copy out." Sheena told her as she handed her a receipt. "I'm certain I'll see you again. In fact, I wouldn't mind doing that. I see a very straight shooter from you."

Standing up, Helga took her receipt as well. "I'm always blunt. If no one likes it then they can leave."

Standing up herself, Sheena smiled more broadly. "Now I really hope to see you again. Please take care."

"Sure thing."

Waiting for her to leave, Sheena went back to work with a slight smile on her face after a half hour she told someone to come in once a knock was heard. "Hello Arnold. What do I owe for this visit?"

"You are in a better good mood than before. Happy to be leaving off your shift?" Arnold wondered as he sat down.

"I just really got into a good mood more with Helga Pataki here. She's so honest. Blunt. She was here for a short time, and yet I want to talk to her again. So many people are so wrapped up in hiding things. She isn't. Maybe her face, but not entirely."

"How is her face?"

Hearing his voice, Sheena turned to fully look at him. "I can see you are far too interested in her. You are never like this to anyone else. Especially lately. What happened?"

"Right now I can't put it all into words but I like what I heard and saw so far. True I don't know what more she looks like except spotting a lesion around her wrist area, not like it matters to me. I don't go based off entirely on looks alone anymore. Got that enough from my ex." Arnold groused.

Sheena knew that his ex was the reason for his hesitancy on any new relationships making her speak about Helga instead. "Those eyes of hers are powerful. That tone of her voice as she speaks is nice. You can see she is honest. I looked at her face and I still see an attractive woman."

Arnold found a smile crawling back on his face. "You always enjoyed looking at the beauty within."

"I do and I see it with her. Be cautious, she doesn't trust men. That is the reason why for that face of hers and I'm certain men have been cruel with her after. It is a shame people are so shallow."

Arnold agreed. "It is." Standing back up, he stretched. "I can't wait to get home for some sleep. Say hello to Harold for me."

"I will, Arnold. Good night to you."

Leaving her office, Arnold walked past Robert Pataki's room to see both the mother and daughter fast asleep. Arnold tried to examine her more closely, but all he received was his mother's warning voice to never stare at people making him move away from the room. He wished he wasn't so pushed forward to get to know this girl right now. She could be the devil in disguise like his ex.

Oh yeah I will try to fit the characters speech patterns into the show as best as possible. Bare with me people. If you don't like this story then there are better ones out there. I do know that there are others that put their own real life into their stories. I swear this will be a good ending. :)