Follow the Northern Lights
Author: Ms. Pataki
Pg-13 (rating might go higher in future chapters)
Summary: What happens when a future Arnold and Helga, meet again after years of separation?
Arnold/Helga POV
Chapter One: Special like the Northern Lights
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Helga's Pov
It was cold as I walked through the streets of Seattle...alone. I was in town, regarding a letter sent by my mother stating that my father had taken ill. I didn't have a close relationship with my father as a child, but now an adult of 27, I had learned to accept my father and his ways. As soon as I had graduated from High school, I wanted to go far away from the "people" that raised me. I didn't call them parents. Parents were people who put their children first. Parents loved you for who you were, not who you weren't. They were people who loved you, not neglect you like mine had. But that's another story...
As I'm walking, it started to drizzle, but now, it's raining hard. I didn't take my umbrella with me, and I am nowhere near the Hospital. I am near someone's house, a boarding house to be exact. On the Middle of Vine Street, I decided to take shelter near the Latter under his fire escape.
It has been nearly ten years since the last time I saw him...at graduation. I hadn't swooned over him in years; never looked at my locket once...I had forgotten what it was like to be obsessed and infatuated. Like they say...all things fade in time. As I leaned there against the red brick building, I wondered if he even still lives there.
Arnold, My Arnold...
~~~~~~~
Arnold's Pod
When I was talking on the telephone downstairs, I heard a crack of thunder outside the boarding house. A few minutes later I hung up the phone and went to stare outside of the window.
"Man, it's pouring." I said to no one in particular, when I noticed a young lady with her arms above her head with no umbrella.
"Must be new in town." I stated as I watched now interested in the newfound stranger
After tossing her head from left to right, she disappeared into the alleyway. She shouldn't be out now while it's raining and dark. I decided to invite her in, at least until the rain stopped. I grabbed my umbrella from within the basket and opened the door. I went into the alley, where I noticed her location. She was standing under the fire escape leaning on the wall. She looked calm with her eyes shut and her hair swaying slightly in the breeze. She looked beautiful, and also appeared to be familiar.
As I approached her, she snapped open her eyes and stared at me then she spoke...
"Arnold?!?" She sounded bewildered
"Err...Yes." I was at a lost of words
"Have we met?" I asked surprised, even though she did look familiar
"Do I honestly look that different?" she asked hands on her hips
I looked her over again, sunshine blond hair; sapphire blue eyes and a nice figure, pretty smile with a little pink bow at the end of her long French braid. Wait...little pink bow?
"Hel....Helga....Helga G. Pataki?"
"In the flesh, took you awhile, football head."
"Wow..." I breathed out and her grew wider
"What?" She asked in an annoyed tone, with a smirk. How I missed that smirk.
"How'd you know it was me anyway?" She asked another question without an answer for the first one. I smiled and pointed to the end of her braid, which she took a moment to look at then she uttered a:
"Huh?"
I stepped a little closer to her and fingered the pink ribbon tied to the ends of her hair. She gave me a look and then laughed
"You always liked my bow." She stated and blushed. Something I seldom saw the old Helga do. Then again she wasn't the old Helga.
"What brings you back to the old neighborhood?" I asked her; uncertain as to whether that was to forward of a question. She didn't seem to mind though, because she answered.
"My father is ill. I'm here for the time being. When I came, he was staying at our home. Now that the disease is getting serious he's currently in the hospital."
That's awful." She was fighting back a few lone tears, I could tell. Maybe she could stay at the sunset arms for a few days.
"Do you have a place to stay? Are you staying at your home?"
"No. I just flew in a week ago, my mother and I have been at the hospital at Hilwood Medical Center." She said
"Would you like to stay in the boarding house for a few days?"
"Oh Arnold, I don't want to intrude."
"Helga, you're not intruding at all. Just till you get on your feet."
"Are you sure? I was planning on renting a hotel room."
"Nonsense! Plus, it will be fun having an ole friend around the boarding house."
"You're a bold man Arnold." She gave me a sincere look
"People have told me, all my life...."
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Helga's Pov
I can't believe this. This man, the boy I grew up loving, wants me to live in the boarding house! Not that I don't want to, it's just that I never would've guessed that Arnold would invite me in. He's changed and not just mentally. His body has matured, he looks like he works out and he's actually taller than me! His head still looks weird, but it's level with his body. To be blunt, he's a stud. And who said that rainy days sucked?
"Come on inside. I'll show you to you're room. We can talk and then I'll drive you to pick up your things." Arnold explained to me as we walked up the front steps to the door.
"I'll pay rent, if you like."'
"No, not at all. You're a friend and a guest." He stated
I sat down and waited in the living room. While he disappeared into the kitchen I took this chance to look around. I had been in Arnold's house a few times before, but this was the first time I actually had permission. It looked like somewhere a person like him would live. Quiet, peaceful, but yet still lived in. I heard voices upstairs that broke my chain of thought.
"Are you done with the Bathroom yet?!?"
"Mom, I'm hungry."
"Can Dawn and I play outside Dad?"
Maybe I had spoke to soon about the quiet part. After all this was a boarding house. Arnold came back with a tray of crackers and different cheeses. I had to admit that it didn't taste bad, considering the fact that I didn't like cheese. That's when the conversation began.
"So, Helga. How's life been treating you?" It was a question I'd expect he'd ask, and thankfully, I was willing to answer it.
"Pretty good if you think that writing is a good occupation. I've written two books and they've both been on the best sellers' list. I live in Sacramento, California in a Pent House. My life's been great." I sighed happily
"Two books, eh? What are they called?" He asked me with sparked interest
"My first one was called: "Follow the Northern Lights", and my second one was "Pink Book".
"Hey! I've read your first one. You're Geraldine P.?!?" He asked amazed
"Uh huh, I am, why the name you ask?"
He nodded
"My Middle initial "G" stand for Geraldine and the "P" is for Pataki." I stated
"I can't believe you wrote Northern lights, it's unbelievable, wait right here. I nodded, while he ran upstairs
After a few minutes of waiting I saw him come back down with a book in his hands and he stood in front of me.
"Could you sign this?"
There in his hands lay a copy of my first book: "Follow the Northern Lights, The Collector's Edition"
"You're very talented Helga, I'd be honored if you signed it." Arnold handed me the book along with a ballpoint pen.
"I'd be happy to." I stated as I eagerly signed my name with a Special message,
Geraldine P.
Arnold, Always know that you are special,
just like the northern lights.
After I had finished writing my little note, I handed it back to him, and noticed the big smile on his face.
"Come on, I'll shoe you to you're room." He said
I got up and we went up the stairs
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Arnold's Pov
Once we were to the top, I led Helga down the hallway and into a room near the end of the hall. It wasn't fancy, but it was well furnished. With a bed in the center, a vanity on the left of it and a nightstand to the right. She went into the room and sat on the bed.
"It's comfortable enough." She said, bouncing up and down on it, which made me laugh.
I could tell that the next few days would be very interesting....
End Of chapter one
To stupid, to dumb, to good? Well, whatever the opinion you may have...REVIEW!!!!!!!!
Ms. Pataki~ 321winnie@mail.com