Her wet fingers tug at the satin head tie, pressing her forehead against the glass. Quietly peering out the window passed the torrential rain, searchingly.
Never being the daydreamer type, it's a bit of a rarity to see her so still. There was always far too much to do and experience so reflecting on what had been, always seemed like a waste of time. As she was usually on the move, but at the moment, she couldn't snap out of it.
That is until, "Wow, you did it!"
Helga clutched her chest, stepping back to look at her roommate Cat. "Yep, new hair," She pulled off the scarf, revealing the cut.
"I'll miss being able to play beautician in your long hair. But this looks spectacular." Helga's mouth curled, and her roommate glanced at the luggage by the door. "So you're done with the Windy City."
Moving her attention off outdoors resumed the rest of her packing. "Yup, I need a change of scenery." Her eyes sank to a framed picture of herself and a former flame.
After feeling eyes studying her, suddenly she was drawn into a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you!"
Helga happily responded by giving a squeeze back. "I know; I'll miss you too. But you know you can always visit and who knows I might pop up back here..." The two parted, both smiling. "You know how I am."
"I do." as Helga zipped up her bag, Cat noticed her hand. "Are you going to return it?"
Her eyes snapped to her finger. "That reminds me." effortlessly, she yanked off the ring and dropped it in a small pouch. "Shit, I would if he was ever around. Anyway," She clapped before picking up a bag. "Let's hurry up, so I won't miss my flight."
Four months later
Arnold set up the appropriate equipment for the photographer to start up a fashion shoot. For the smallest of seconds, he had to do a double-take when a tall short-haired woman appeared, wearing a tank top paired with black suspenders. Like the others, she disappeared into the dressing room area.
Time passed, and he saw a sea of beautiful faces, terrific bodies posing in various styles of clothing. You'd think he'd feel a little more enticed even. But under his welcoming smile lived boredom.
He questioned if something was seriously wrong with him. That was until an antidote came. Before in suspenders, now in a god awful silk dress that only someone with her dimensions could pull off. For someone so thin she had remarkably built legs, like an athlete.
Her eyes confidently poured into the camera once in front of the backdrop. As the light flashed, every single movement appeared natural, every quirk of her thick brow, every flash of her teeth. Her gaze was alluring, intense and magnifying. So much that a part of him wished she'd glance way while other half felt intimidated by the idea.
So caught off guard by the magic happening, he stepped back almost knocking some equipment over.
That gained everyone's attention.
Arnold lifted a thumbs up, too overcome with humiliation to speak to his boss. Feeling full eyes burn into his forehead the guilt stung at the thought of putting a damper on the shoot.
But that faded with each click of the camera because she eased into fluency, the stiffness of her muscles faltered.
Arnold was no expert on modeling, but it appeared she nailed every frame. And her expressions all communicated a sophisticated sultriness. Not the creepy lolita vibe others conveyed.
The end of her film had arrived before he was ready for it to be over. But like most good things, it must conclude.
He watched her retreat, walking with a sway of her hips, her hands pumped in the air, a slight limp to her steps. A combination of movements that felt strangely familiar.
Hmm…a crease ran between his brows.
He saw out of the corner of his eyes, her tall frame leaving the dressing room, in her streets clothes and out of the door.
His mouth popped open wide; just as the door chimes clinked.
Because it all came together rapidly; thick eyebrows that contrasted with her hair color, button nose, and prominent blue eyes. "That was... " his jaw dropped even lower. "Helga G. Pataki."
. . . . .
Arnold was aiming homebound when his boss confronted him. "Hey, so glad I caught you. Listen, I have a meeting later this evening with a client. Would you do me a favor?" Arnold nodded and while being handed a case. "My laptop is in there; I need you to start on the editing. I've written out the instructors so it should be a smooth task. But let me know if you run into any problems, just talk to me on Monday."
His upper back hit the chair, with a shallow breath. The steam from his tea warming his face, keeping him refreshed as time sped on.
Almost finished, with a few breaks in between, his long fingers rolled down his face, clicking to the next model. He took in her every angle while making minor quality corrections.
The longer he stared at her, the hotter his skin ran.
Her eyes weren't vapid; they told a tale. Arnold's gaze to drop to a body, he wouldn't at all mind slowly undressing. An urge he hadn't felt in about six months or even longer.
And the shock of it all was that these feelings rose from none other than Helga G. Pataki. The mean girl who once made it her daily mission to humiliate him.
He never dreamed of their paths colliding this way. Or her having such an affect on him.
So locked up in the image before him and his thoughts, a voice made him flinch. Tony. Tall, dark haired and arrogant. A college buddy of his and Geralds'; who Arnold had forgotten was temporarily staying in the boarding house. He also, unfortunately, forgotten to close out everything. But it was too late.
"Dayyyyyyyyuuuum!" Arnold rubbed his ears at the loud exclaim. "Who is that?" Tony laid one hand on Arnold's shoulder. "She's hot. Shit those lips! Can you imagine her using them on your-"
He clicked off the page and shut down the computer. "Shuddup!"
He held up his hands and backed out of his fiery stare. "I was gonna say skin."
Arnold glare simpered, then huffed once he spun around to face his friend. "Sorry, it's just that I, uh... know her."
"You hit that?"
Arnold deadpanned. "Get your mind outta the gutter for a once." He huffed. "No, we attended the same schools from preschool all the way up to high school."
"Whoa, you guys go way back. That's cool." Arnold nodded subtly. "I usually don't go for skinny girls. But she's fine. You got to hook me up."
"Even if I could. I wouldn't."
"Why, you're supposed to be my boy." His squinted at his blond pal. "Are you soft on her?"
Arnold's body stilled. "No," He answered quickly and did a swift head shake because his body rebelled against that. "I mean, I don't know." He shrugged. "I haven't seen her in years-but-I've thought about her a lot for some strange reason."
"Huh..." He smirked for a second. "I know I'm a bit of a playa. But I wish people would realize that I'm an honest guy. The fairer sex can trust me. Everyone needs love, right?"
"Love? Sure that's what you want from Helga." Arnold laughed sarcastically.
"Helga? That's different. Anyway, in general, if you ever you need a break from your day job. I'd gladly take on the role wholeheartedly and do the work justice." He rubbed his hands together for emphasis.
Arnold stood up, a smirk heavy on his lip. "I'm sure you would." He mused and glanced at the time. "I guess we can head on out?"
"Yep," Tony nodded and did a sardonic grin. "But we're taking your car. I'm almost out of gas, so I need to preserve it for work."
Arnold did a dramatic eye roll as he followed, grabbing his keys off the counter.
. . . . .
They walked in a lounge type club, it was smoky, almost to the point of blinding them. Arnold nudged Gerald and leaned into him. "You've been here before?"
Gerald chin lowered and rose a few times. "Just once. A year ago with Phoebe."
His lips part in shock. "Phoebe let you bring you here? You can hardly breathe."
Gerald's laugh came out raspy and quiet. "Sure, but it's not always like this; only on Fridays."
Impatiently, Tony pushed passed, lustfully eyeballing two women in mini dresses, chatting and enjoying their drinks. "I already see what I want, excuse me, gentlemen, those twins over there are panting for me."
The best friends watch him do his cocky slow stroll over to their table. Gerald turned to Arnold. "How much you want to bet he strikes out?"
Arnold chuckled but tilted his head to the right. "Ah-yee of little faith. He might just sweep them off their feet."
His brown eyes roll over to the gorgeous ladies and his optimistic friend utterly unconvinced. "Put your money where your mouth is..."
Several minutes on, Arnold looked at his fingers beckoning near his face. "Fork it over. Show me the money. Give up the-"
"Fuck," He sternly cuts in and gripped the bill. "Here..." He slammed the twenty in Gerald's palm." with a furled brow.
His competitor held the cash up to the light, smugly gloating. "Easy win, you should have seen that coming. Tony always gets clowned. The smart ones know he's full of shit. See, your Mr. Brightside logic doesn't always pay out." He teased, tucked it into his wallet. Gerald's fingers stroked his beard, and he put a hand on his partner's shoulder. "Now, it's been what a year since you broke up with Jan-"
"Don't say her name."
"Okay," He held up his hands. "Since that ended and all you do is work or hold up in your apartment like a caged animal." Arnold merely shrugged. "A man could die without some action, be it a fling or more."
Arnold hadn't told Gerald about his encounter earlier. Or the feelings that soared inside of him. But after a second of reminiscing, he shoved it into the back of his mind and beelined towards the bar to get a much-needed beer.
His elbows rest on the counter ordering his drink. He eyed the bartender who was attractive in a clinging tank top that showed off her fit body. For a second, he admired her brown curly hair falling past her shoulder. And he was about to try and strike up a conversation.
But out of the corner of his eyes, a breath of fresh air stole his attention away. The place was dark and foggy, but he was fairly sure that was none other than Helga.
Her eyes sauntered around until landing on him, catching him off guard. But he tried to play it off, ignoring how his heart pumped almost painfully through his chest.
He could hear heels clunking on the floor, but it barely registered she was moving until her shoulder brushed against his. His teeth pressed hard together as he felt her eyes roaming down him. What was she thinking? Did she like what she saw? Why was he even wondering this? "Surprised to see a good boy like you here."
Finally, his eyes accompanied with a tug of his mouth moved to her. Her voice sounded the same, at the same time different. "Helga..." He frowned a bit as he took in the whole of her. The short leather jacket, purple dress, and high heel black boots. Just like during the photo shoot, her hair was smoothed back, making her features jump out. She continued to stare, and he drummed his fingers wondering if he should hug her or something? Whenever he tried to do anything close to that as teenagers, she would violently shove him off.
Her mouth opened to release a gush of laughter. Probably at his awkwardness. She looked at Arnold behind the long length of her lashes, partially grinning. "Ah, so you did recognize me."
Arnold smiled, his green eyes shy but filled with mirth. "Not at first, but it wasn't too hard."
Her lashes fluttered causing his heart to do the same. "Yeah, there aren't many like me." He snickered at the comical cockiness in her voice. "You looked like you were lost in the clouds just a second ago." Wickedly, she laughed. "Only Arnold Shortman would daydream at a bar."
Arnold squirmed, keeping his gaze angled down. "Well, you see." His mouth started flapping before he could stop himself. "I was thinking about this woman..."
"Hmm," clicking her nails on the counter as her eyes bored into his. "Did she shoot you down or break your heart?"
"No, we never went out - not yet at least." Did he just say that? His round eyes flick to her, knowing she could see his cheeks turn fire red.
"Huh, one of those dainty princesses with stars in her eyes?" she fist-bumped his upper arm. "I remember your type." He watched and gulped when her lips wrapped around the straw and her eyes closed to take a few swallows. "Maybe you should try to find her. Doing nothing will always get you nowhere." At his silence, a smirk replaced her grin.
He was so caught up in trying to think of something to say that he didn't see Missy, the bartender coming.
She pushed the glass across to him. "Enjoy!" He fumbled with the money, accidentally knocking over the glass. Helga backed up so none of it could reach her.
"Strike one!" He heard someone yell, the voice sounded familiar, but he was too caught up in humiliation.
The laughing that came out like sharp cackling from her cut at his pride. But then he felt a hand on his shoulder. Reluctantly, he turned to her, and she had a smile on that could mend even the most wounded of egos. She angled herself back to the brunette behind the counter and still with that smile. "You can put that on my tab."
Missy nodded after she gave Arnold a quick look up and down, before going off to take orders. He sighed, being out of the whole scene so much had done some damage to his social skills. He felt so ungainly like he'd ruined his entire night before it even started.
But, he tried to scramble up some optimism. "You didn't have to..." His voice trailed off once he realized that no one was beside him. His eyes flickered around, not seeing any sight of her anywhere.
Dejected in his posture, he walked the remains of his drink over to his pals. His eyes went to Tony who looked like he was about to burst. "Strike three! And he's out!"
His eyes rolled right away. "I should have known that was you."
Tony barked out ear piercing laughter. "If I were in your shoes, she'd be in my car right now steering home."
Arnold sat down with a smirk. "You rode here in my car. You would have no ride. No woman is going to take a bus with you."
Tony shot a look over to the other two laughing. "I could get a cab." He stretched out his feet. "Either way, I would have scored." He frowned and scratched behind his ear. "She kind of looks like that chick on your computer." His eyes brightened because of Arnold's inability to lie even with his body language successfully. "No shit - that was the same girl! Ahh man," He fidgetted to the edge of his seat. "It was in the cards for you snag her, but you fumbled the ball, struck out something harsh-"
"Who said I want to snag her?" He ignored the snickers from his friends.
"Your tongue hanging out of your mouth."
Arnold huffed in contempt but also blushed. Like always he could count on his right-hand man to say something to take the spotlight off him. Or come to his defense.
"Aye Tony give him a break. Arnold's been flying solo for a while. What's your excuse? When's the last time you snagged anyone?"
He shrugged, his eyes softened. "Women don't know what they want..." Reaching into his pants pocket, he took out a square and lite up.
"Oh please." A jet black haired female friend leaned forward, waving the smoke away. "Wrong. We just don't want you."
"Jodie always coming with the lies! I still remember when G. and I first met you. You were nearly undressing me with your eyes."
She shook her head, an amused grin on her red stained lips. "I was trying to figure out why you came to campus dressed like the cat in the hat."
"It's called individuality."
"No, it's called look at me I'm a damn fool."
Arnold's snickering was cut off by the voice of the MC from the low-level stage. "Coming to the stage is a familiar band, with vocals by Helga Pataki."
Both Arnold and Gerald whip their necks to see her sit down on a stool with a few musicians on either side.
When a smooth reggae pop beat began, her mezzo-soprano voice carried through the entire space. And Arnold shot Gerald a questioning look who shrugged innocently.
When her hooded eyes link to his, they linger as she sang; "Close your eyes and count to ten and when you open 'em - I'll be standing naked with nothing but a smile on..." ending with a wink, causing the muscles of his chest to constrict.
The drummer played the last note, and the applause settled, Tony was the first to speak. "That -" He paused and turned to the others. "Was sexy. Man, Arnold, you jacked up."
He nodded his eyes following her, hopping off the stage and chatting with the guys. When she vanished, swiftly his face scrunched up.
Because - wait, this was his once tormentor, could they develop a connection of any type?
As his back firmly rests on the chair, he remembered her eyes, the way she sauntered. And just a few minutes ago the way she sang. All of which affected him in profound ways. He couldn't deny it. A part of him wanted to because it's Helga. And then another side of him ached to get closer.
Tony tilted his head to the side with a smirk. "Hey," Arnold flinched a bit at the sudden boisterous voice. "you look stressed." He leaned across the table and offered his cigarette. "Here take a load off, buddy."
Jodie flicked his wrist away. "No, thanks."
"I was offering that to Shortman, not you."
"I know." She moved his hand again. "But Arnold doesn't need that nasty habit."
"Ah, thanks, Mrs. Shortman." Tony rolled his eyes, looking at Gerald but pointing at her. "She's always trying to play mom's and shit."
"He would have turned it down anyway." Arnold did a tiny nod. "And also I just don't want him to catch anything from smoking your cancer stick."
To their surprise, Arnold delves his fingers into his pocket. "No it's okay Jo', honestly... for once," He lightheartedly smirked. "he's right." after lighting the cigar and inhaling, he chuckled, puffing out a cloud of smoke shadowing a fleeing silhouette. A line appeared between his brows. The feeling inside of him seemed adolescent; which makes sense because that was the last time he felt this anxious and excited.
Tell me what you think so far. Should I continue?
