Chapter 1: What Can I Do?
What would have happened if the lights hadn't gone out when Arnold got the locket open? Even if they never caught Helga at the house, he would still be questioning whether or not it was true, or just some cruel prank. Much like when the words "Arnold Loves Lila" were written 'secretly' on the brick wall.
The Boarding House
After going through every tool Phil had on his wall in the basement, Arnold saw what Phil referred to as his "Shiskabob stick."
While Helga was determined to get her treasured item back without being caught, she was a little too late. Arnold opened it in time to read the inscription…
Arnold my soul, you're always in my heart. Love Helga G. Pataki.
While sweat began to pour down Helga's face as she listened to her beloved read the words aloud, she quietly jumped into the nearest chest; hoping to keep from being seen.
The blonde boy stared at the words in bewilderment, as Phil laughed, bumped him on the shoulder and said "Ha! What'd I tell ya shortman!"
Arnold frowned at the entertainment Phil was receiving from this and said "There is no way, Helga feels that way about me. It's got to be some stupid prank!"
"Trust me shortman, that doesn't work. Don't you think I've tried not knowing your grandma?" Phil patted his grandson on the back, while listening to Pookie ride the animals up and down the hallway.
Arnold sighed and began walking up the steps. Helga knew it was her chance to escape soon, until she heard the words "Aren't you coming grandpa?"
Phil took a seat on top of the chest Helga was hiding in and replied "Not with your lunatic grandmother up there! Who do you think she'll be trying to chase with that stupid sleigh of hers?"
Arnold rolled his eyes at the thought of his grandparents staying together as long as they had, despite how different they had become.
The perplexed boy then sighed after seeing his grandfather grab a nearby magazine to keep himself busy and sighed "Good night grandpa."
The Pataki's
Normally Helga would call Phoebe and have her call her mom to let her know she would be with her friend all night. Without a cell phone and someone sitting on top of her however, she was at a bit of a disadvantage.
Thanks to her neglecting family, no one cared to notice she was gone. With Miriam past out on the couch after one of her special smoothies, Bob began reminiscing through the empty cabinets.
"For crying out loud Miriam! How am I supposed to eat with Olga out with her friends and you past out like this?" the upset salesman yelled.
His anger traits weren't enough to make her budge however, with him being left sitting in from of the TV with a bag of Pork Rinds. At least Bob never had to worry about losing those again, since Phoebe had discovered the source of her friend's sleepwalking disorder.
Arnold's Room
It was nine when Arnold was still lying awake on his bed. The door began to open, as he saw his grandfather entering the room. While it would have been the perfect chance for Helga to escape, eight hours of sitting in a dark space left her with nothing to do but get some sleep.
"Hey shortman! I brought you a sandwich. You know, since your grandma was acting too crazy to make dinner. Then again, that may be a good thing."
As Arnold sat up to look at his grandpa, he replied "What if it wasn't a prank? What if it really is Helga's locket?"
Phil set the unwanted food aside, grabbed a chair and said "You know shortman, everyone has their own way of expressing their emotions. Sometimes they just need a little reassurance." Phil winked.
Arnold watched his grandpa leave his room as he thought to himself…
How can I give her reassurance when I'm not even sure of how I feel?