The Patakis: Part 2 of Episode 1
Sequel to that big cliffhanger! Hope you enjoy reading it! (:
It was seventh period! I was so happy. Arnold and I walked to room112. That was our poetry classroom. Phoebe and Gerald had Poetry eighth period so it was just me and Arnold. We had a few other familiar faces in the class like Sheena, Eugene, (who was and still is a jinx.)Nadine, and Lila. Most of the kids were new ones from other schools though. All the kids from elementary were still going here, just in different classes at the time. I am sure you're wondering about the Lila thing so I will explain that.
Lila and I were not friends. We will never be friends. She is still Little Miss Perfect to me. I don't hate her though. I didn't hate as many people as I used to. Lila is just not someone I can be friends with. We had gotten along better since Arnold had been over her for years. That is that.
Arnold and I sat at our seats. Mr. Simmons was sitting at his desk. He looked up to check all of us off for attendance. He had started to develop gray hair and he had to wear reading glasses. He wasn't all that old but he had started to show he was aging quite a bit. He stood up after the bell had rung.
"Hello class. Are we all having a 'special' day today?"
"Whatever," most of the class said but most just grumbled and nodded their heads.
"Good, I am so glad that we are all doing well. Let us get on with the lesson, shall we? We are going to be learning about how to place our stanzas…" Mr. Simmons went on but the students started to day dream. I usually paid attention to poetry class but that day I was thinking about the news Arnold had said was making him sad. I hated when he was sad. The class seemed to drone on and on. Finally my ears perked up as Mr. Simmons said something that interested me.
"Your assignment will be to write a poem for someone you care about. It could be a family member or a friend…whoever you want. I look forward to reading them. I am going to give you some time now to start on it," Mr. Simmons explained. I smirked and looked at Arnold. Arnold blushed.
"Who are you going to write your poem about?" I asked. Arnold rubbed the back of his neck.
"I was thinking of doing it on my parents. I hope that's ok with you," Arnold answered. I smiled and took Arnold's hand.
"I would not be mad at you…you do what inspires you my love. I know I am doing what inspires me as well. Let me give you a hint. He's cute, kind, loving, and has the cutest football shaped head. Can you guess who?" I asked playfully. Arnold chuckled and looked into my eyes. He looked at me like he was never going to see me again. I got very concerned. "Arnold?"
"Yes?" Arnold said.
"Are you going to tell me that news soon or at all? I don't want to push but I'm worried about you." Arnold looked down and sighed.
"I will tell you on our walk home," Arnold said and as if on cue, the bell rang for us to go to eighth period. That was chemistry. Arnold and I walked to class together and sat at our assigned seats. We sat next to each other. We were lucky that year…that is up until that day.
"Alright class, you all know we have a project coming up so we are going to pick partners today. You may work with whomever you want. Go ahead; I'll give you two minutes.
"Let's talk…since we already know we're partners," Arnold said. I scoffed.
I thought you were a gentleman. You have to ask me to be your partner. It's more romantic that way." I winked. I thought it was so entertaining when he got that confused look on his face when he thought he did something wrong but didn't know what he did. He finally understood so he rolled his eyes.
"My dearest Helga, will you do me the honor of being my partner for chemistry. I just know you are the smartest girl in class…oh I mean the world, so you will get me a glorious grade," Arnold asked sarcastically. I rolled my eyes but then fluttered my eyelashes.
"Oh, I would just be delighted my sweet. You do not deserve my partnership but I guess I can do you a favor darling. I do not want to deny you of my beautiful brains." Arnold laughed as I did this. I started to laugh as well. To top off the act I decided to push my hair up and down like I was something…well I guess since Arnold loved me I had to be something. Arnold laughed more. We got into a huge giggle fit. Then Mrs. I-Don't-Know-How-To-Pronounce-Her-Last-Name spoke up.
"I hope you have your partners. Our project will be to make borax snowflakes. I will give the directions out before class ends and we learned about them last week so…" the teacher droned on about the project. I took notes about what she was saying but wasn't really listening to her. Arnold was taking notes too but he actually likes science so he was listening. I laughed in my mind. It turned out it hadn't been in my mind.
"Something you want to share Miss Pataki?" She asked me. I shook my head. Arnold was holding in his laughter. When the teacher looked away, I hit him in the arm. He looked at me with a frown. I looked away like I was innocent. He smiled a little. Sooner than you could say football head, class was over. Everyone bolted. Arnold and I walked out and to our lockers. They were next to each other as well. We grabbed our bags and we started to walk home.
"So…I think I should tell you that news now." I looked at him. Arnold was not looking at me.
"Shoot," I said. He took a big breath.
"We should sit down." We walked to the park and sat down on a bench.
"I'm ready. What is it you want to tell me?" I asked. Arnold took my hand and gave me a quick kiss before he blurted out the sentence I still hear in my nightmares.
"I'm moving Helga."