Helga's Sickness.

"What do you mean you're leaving me behind?! I'm sick for crying out loud!" Helga said coughing rushing down the stairs. Her parents were planning on taking a trip for winter break in January, and they decided to let her stay in Hillwood so her flu wasn't contagious to them. Olga couldn't take care of her because she was off at college in another state.

Miriam gave her a sad smile and grabbed her bags. "Honey...it's only for 2 weeks, and we have good news."

Helga coughed violently and crossed her arms. "Oh yeah? I'd like to hear it!"

Bob sighed. "While we're away, you'll be staying at that boy uh...Alfred's boarding house with his parents to take you in. How does that sound lil' lady?"

Helga choked on her own words. "That sounds bad! REALLY BAD. How the heck is that qualified for good news?!"

"Helga, I know you're upset about this, but...just trust the Shortmans to take care of you while we're gone. They're really nice people." Miriam said with a sigh.

Helga coughed once more and crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh believe me...I KNOW."

At that moment, a taxi pulled up at the front of their house.

Bob picked up his suitcase and gave Helga a quick goodbye before making his way out the door. Miriam smiled at her and followed him out.

"I love you Helga, be good for the Shortmans, they'll be here to pick you up in a few minutes, so hang tight and behave yourself for Arthur's family okay?"

"Whatever. I'll try my best."

The taxi drove away, leaving a 12 year old Helga left at the house alone. Helga had her stuff sitting next to her on the couch once the doorbell had rang. She sighed and coughed before getting up to answer the door.

In the doorway, Stella gave her a small smile and helped Helga get her things in the trunk of the Packard. Once Helga got into the car, she put her seat belt on, and wrapped herself up into a warm blanket to keep herself from shivering from the cold weather outside. Her coughing fit went on and on, each time feeling the need to mutter a quick sorry. Her cheeks were rosy, not just from the flu...but from a football headed sitting next to her in the back seat.

Helga shifted awkwardly while turning her gaze on the road outside the car window. Even though it was only a five minute ride to the boarding house, she felt as if it had been hours. Once they arrived there, the awkward tension from in the car got to her, which made her rush out of the car and grab her things. Arnold offered some help, which she reluctantly agreed for.

He helped her get settled in his room on an extra bed that had been moved in there just for her. She was absolutely shocked that the Shortmans had gone through this much trouble just because she was sick.

Once he finished helping her settle in, Stella came in the room to see Helga.

"Helga, you don't look so great. Your face is turning a little green. Do you need to throw up?"

Helga rubbed her sweaty head with her hand. "Please direct me to the bathroom now!"

Stella rushed Helga out of the room, and into the downstairs bathroom. Arnold could hear Helga vomiting from upstairs in his bedroom. He grimaced, feeling awfully bad for her. He could imagine what kind of pain she was going through. He just had the flu last year and it didn't work out well for him. Luckily, his parents were there every step of the way. And he knew that they were going to do the same for Helga.

Even if Helga wasn't exactly a person he got along with most of the time.

But when things seemed to dial down a little, she'd find a way to come around in the end.

That's one thing he truly knew about Helga. Other than her reputation she uses to hide her insecurities from others. But Helga knew deep down...that she shouldn't have to put up her walls around Arnold's family.

They were just too nice to notice. And that's something she would always treasure with them.

Hey, she might even tell them that one day!

You may never know. ;)

I don't own Hey Arnold! Next Chapter coming soon.