A pair of white converse hit the pavement with a thud. The sound of rain pittering on the ground almost drowned out the security bell going off behind her. A few seconds later the oh too familiar red and blue lights started flashin. 'Just keep running.' she told herself. She ran into the nearest alley. She was panting, out of breath. The police drove right past her. "Oh thank God." she whispered.
There was a loud clatter behind her. She jumped. "Hello? Is anyone out there?" a voice said. 'OH GREAT! The alley I run into is the alley by Sunset Arms. OF COURSE!' Helga tought. She tried to run but tripped over a rock in the alley. "OW! DEAR GOD THE HURT! CRIMINY!" Helga yelled. "Helga?! Is that you down there?" Arnold said lookind straight at her. She tried to cover up "Uhm no this is someone else." she said. "Really Helga? What are you doing here? It's 9:00 pm on a school night?" Arnold said. Helga sighed "Well school doesn't matter anymore. If you haven't noticed I haven't been in that stupid high school for 2 months." Helga sat up dusting herself off. "What? Really? Why not?!" Arnold said in shock. Helga started laughing. "Wow you really are dense aren't you? You haven't even noticed I've been gone in a small town school. Well if you must know my dad kicked me out of the house. I can't get a job anywhere because no one anywhere can stand me. The only way I can get money is by... stealing." Helga was scared to tell Arnold the truth.
She was afraid of what he would say. "You've been stealing?!" Arnold said with a panic in his voice. 'I knew he'd freak out.' Helga thought. "Yes." Helga said simply. "Where have you been sleeping Helga?" he said. Helga stood. "Anywhere I can. Actually I haven't been sleeping the past few days. The fuzz have been searching for me. I couldn't chance my luck. Well they'll be expecting that I ran into an alley somewhere so they'll probably come searching for me soon. I better be on my way. It was nice chatting with you though Arnold." Helga stood up and started walking when Arnold yelled to her. "HELGA WAIT! Uhm... you can... stay here if you want. I mean I have room." Arnold said rubbing the back of his neck, as he did so in every some sort of awkward situation. Helga stared at him for a minute. Trying to figure out what he was saying. Like he was speaking some alien language. Her cheeks started to redden. "Well... I guess." Arnold left the window and sprinted down stairs. He opened the door for her and let her in.