Chapter 1: I Have To Tell You Something

It was a few months into their sixth grade year. Arnold had finally convinced Helga to publicly reveal their emotions for one another. That didn't stop her from giving up her old habits however…

"Move it football head you're up!" she scowled, signaling for him to step up to the plate.

"Huh? Oh sorry Helga." Arnold gasped, bringing his attention back to their baseball practice.

Arnold stood at the plate, waiting for Harold to throw the ball his way. While Helga stood behind him with the catcher's mitt, he thought to himself I wonder how she'll take the news?

"Hey look...it's AWWNOLD!" Harold teased, before deciding to throw the ball.

Although Arnold paid little attention to it, Helga was beginning to grow impatient waiting for the game to begin.

"Just throw the ball ya big tub of lard!" she scowled.

"Alright already! Keep your shirt on Helga!" Harold whined, finally deciding to throw the ball in Arnold's direction.

Although his mind was focused on places other than the game, Arnold managed to hit the ball and make it to first safely.

While he stood on first base, he watched Helga remain at the catcher's plate, thinking to himself I wonder when I should tell her? How mad will she be? Should I give her her gift…

"Hey Arnold! Heads up!" Arnold heard his best friend yell, as he turned to see Gerald sliding towards first base.

Before Arnold could think to head for second, he and Gerald collided and the gang laughed at the sight of them tumbling across the field.

"Man Arnold! What were you looking at?" Gerald insisted on knowing.

"Oh sorry Gerald. I just got distracted." Arnold replied, not sure of what to say while Helga was nearby.

"No kidding." Gerald said wittingly, holding out a hand to help his best friend to his feet. The boys stood there dusting themselves off, as they heard…

"Crimity football head! Are you TRYING to make us look bad?!" she scowled, throwing her arms in the air.

"Sorry Helga. I've just got some things on my mind." he said softly, hoping not to upset her anymore than he already had.

"Oh well that's perfect! Sheesh!" she scoffed, crossing her arms.

"What kinda things Arnold?" Stinky wondered, scratching his head.

Arnold looked from the anxious to know group back to his impatiently waiting girlfriend. "Uhh it's nothing guys."

"Well until you get that weirdly shaped head of yours on straight, I'm out of here! Come on Pheebs, let's go throw rocks at a dumpster!" Helga scowled, tossing the catcher's mitt aside, while her best friend followed behind her.

"Coming Helga!" Phoebe chirped.

While Arnold watched his girlfriend irritably walk away with her best friend, he listened to the rest of the gang give reasons as to why they might as well go.

"Well, if you're not willing to give us your undivided attention Arnold, I think I'll go to the mall and buy the latest shoes from the newest edition of Preteen Miss."

"Didn't you just buy a pair last week?" Nadine asked.

"Oh Nadine! Those were LAST week's model. I can't keep wearing them!" Rhonda waved her hand, walking away from the field.

Stinky scratched his head in bewilderment as he looked down at his sneakers and said "I reckon I've worn this pair of shoes for the last two or three years."

"Whatever! If you guys aren't playing, then I'm going home and getting some money for the Jolly Olly man!" Harold whined, as he marched away from the field.

"Guess I'll go too then. Check on Sydney. See ya Arnold." Sid said, waving goodbye.

Once Arnold and Gerald were the only two left on the field, Gerald put a hand on his hip and said "Alright buddy. What's going on?"

Arnold let out a deep sigh while rubbing his neck, knowing Gerald wouldn't like the news anymore than Helga would.

"I've got some news that I know Helga won't like."

"Arnold. That girl doesn't like anything. Even when she does, she's got a funny way of showing it." Gerald hinted towards his best friend.

"Well the thing is, Arnie is coming to town." Arnold gulped, thinking about what Helga's reaction would be.

"Arnie?! HAHA!" Gerald laughed, holding his stomach tightly, thinking about what Helga's reaction would be.

"It's not funny Gerald. She hates him!" Arnold exclaimed, waiting for his best friend to see the seriousness of the situation.

After catching his breath, Gerald replied "Calm down man, it's no big deal. When's he supposed to be here?"

Staring at the ground, Arnold muttered "Tomorrow."

"Mm..mm..mmm! Well, guess you better find your lady and confess." Gerald shook his head.

"You're right, see ya Gerald." Arnold began to walk away before hearing…

"He's not coming to school with us is he?"

"No Gerald." Arnold sighed, once again heading away from the field.