Chapter 1: Where Is She?

It was a new day at school. A new day yet another boring day of ranting from Arnold's classmates while they awaited the arrival of their eighth grade teacher, Mr. Simmons.

"Did you see what Patty was wearing this morning? How many times do I have to tell her those saddle oxfords do NOT go with that blue sweater she's worn every day for the past five years?!" Rhonda exclaimed.

"I reckon I won't be doin' too well on today's history quiz. On account of I left my book here last night." Stinky said, while scratching his head.

"Does anyone have a Mr. Fudgy bar? I don't think I can make it until lunch?!" Harold exclaimed, slamming his fists on his desk.

"Mm..mm..mmm...I don't know what's sadder, Arnold? How much that kid eats, or how little his parents care about it. Arnold? Hey Arnold! Gerald exclaimed, looking over at his best friend scribbling on a sheet of paper.

"Huh? Oh sorry Gerald. Arnold said, looking up from his paper.

"Man what's with you? You've been like this from the moment I met you outside your place this morning." Gerald pointed out.

"Sorry. I was just wondering where Helga is. She wasn't on the bus, and still hasn't made it to class." Arnold replied, while Gerald lifted an eyebrow.

"And you care because?"

Before Arnold could answer, the class saw Mr. Simmons standing in the doorway speaking to someone, although Arnold seemed to be the only one concerned about paying close attention to his conversation.

"Oh my! That...that does not sound good! Would you like to go to the nurse's office?"

The bell then rang for class to start and Mr. Simmons entered the classroom.

"Class. Class, settle down! Now, I know you're all excited about our field trip to the Zoo." Mr. Simmons began, before being interrupted.

"Free the animals! Free the animals!" Curly stood on his chair, while Gerald looked over and said "For the sake of the animals, that kid's parents better not sign the permission slip."

"Uh Curly, I'm happy you've taken an interest in what we've chosen to do, but we're just going to SEE the animals." Mr. Simmons replied.

Arnold on the other hand, couldn't care less about the topic. He sat there staring at the note he had been writing for a certain someone, thinking to himself I hope Helga's okay?

"Alright everyone, I'm going to pass out your History quizzes, which I'm sure you'll all do quite well on." the teacher insisted.

Everyone took a sheet, anxious to know how it would go while Arnold sadly stared at the questions.

Once class ended, everyone took their papers up to the teacher and headed for lunch.

"Arnold, a word please?" Mr. Simmons asked.

Arnold looked over at his teacher, wondering if he was about to be asked about the test. He had just handed it in though. What could the teacher already want to discuss about it?

"Uhh yes?"

"You haven't seemed like yourself this morning. Is everything alright?" Mr. Simmons asked, full of concern.

Arnold didn't realize how depressed he had appeared to be. He wanted to know why Helga didn't come to class. He also knew she didn't like revealing personal information however.

"Uhh I'm fine. Just a little tired."

"Well, alright then Arnold." the teacher said, as he watched his student leave the class.

Rather than going to lunch, Arnold waited outside of the nurse's office for Helga to leave. He had no such luck seeing her however. After a few minutes of waiting, he finally decided to open the door and check on her.

"Yes, may I help you?" The nurse asked.

"Sorry. I was just looking for Helga Pataki." Arnold said softly.

"Oh, she left this morning dear. She wasn't feeling well." the nurse said.

Arnold's eyes widened with concern as he replied "What's wrong with her?"

"She had a severe headache. We gave her some Excedrin, but the best thing for her right now is rest." the nurse explained.

"Oh okay." Arnold replied, leaving the office with a sorrowful look on his face.

Arnold stood in the hallway a moment knowing he couldn't just ditch school the rest of the day. Things didn't end well the last time he and Gerald had tried that. Therefore, he decided to go to the cafeteria for what was left of his lunch period.

Once he entered the cafeteria, he saw Gerald sitting at a table with Phoebe. Once he arrived at their table, he set his things down and sighed with his arms across the table.

"Is everything alright Arnold? You appear to be a bit perturbed?" Phoebe asked, while taking a bite of her spring rolls.

"I was just wondering if Helga's okay? The nurse said she had a headache this morning and had to leave early." Arnold sighed.

"Oh my! I'm sure she'll recover quickly." Phoebe insisted.

As Arnold was looking up to give a weak smile, the three of them looked over to the other side of the cafeteria when they heard "FREE THE ANIMALS! HAHAHA!"

Gerald shook his head while watching Curly ride a food cart across the cafeteria, roping Eugene for practice.

"I'm okay!" Eugene said, as he struggled to breathe.

The class watched disturbed, while Gerald shook his head and said "That trip is NOT going to go smoothly."

Once the bell rang, the kids got up and finished what was left of their school day. The hours dragged more for Arnold than anyone else, as he sat there waiting for the chance to see Helga.

The moment the bell for their last class rang, Gerald watched Arnold sprint towards the door.

"Whoa! Hold it Romeo!" Gerald exclaimed.

"No time to talk Gerald. I've got to check on Helga!" Arnold insisted.

"Man, she has a headache, not pneumonia! I think she'll be alright." Gerald replied, while seeing Arnold roll his eyes.

"I just want to see her. Is that so bad? Besides, she may need me for something." Arnold replied.

"Whatever you say Arnold." Gerald sighed, while shaking his head at his best friend.