Helga's Perspective

I'm somewhat out of breath after my unexpected run home.

Wait...Why was I running?

Does it happen to be because my Football-headed ex-boyfriend is coming home?

How come no one told me?

I run up the stairs to my room, slam the door, whip out my pink and black flip phone and go to my speed dial - I need answers and I need them, now.

It's ringing...and my best friend answers.

"Hi Helga. What's going o-..."

"Phoebe! Did you know Arnold's coming back?"

"Well...Yes, Helga. I found out about a week ago from Gerald..."

...What?

"Well, get this - I found out, today! How come no one tells me anything, anymore?"

"...Oh my...well...Helga, I'm sorry that you were so late in finding out - I assumed that you already knew because I was under the impression that you and Arnold still corresponded via snail mail..."

I slap my hand to my forehead and move it down my face...She doesn't know...

"...Phoebes, I haven't written Arnold in three years..."

"...You...You haven't?"

Sigh...

"No. I mean, he wrote me and I wrote him back a couple of times but...then, I had to move on. You know that, Phoebes..."

"Yes, I know, Helga. I remember your brief rebounding phase..."

I can't help but laugh at that memory. My rebounding phase took place the summer before 8th grade. First Stinky, then Sid, then Harold...it was nothing serious. I gave them two weeks, each, back to back. In fact, I think they only went out with me because they were afraid of what would happen if they didn't...

...Heh.

At least I didn't screw up their friendship - in fact, we all became closer, out of the deal. They became like brothers to me, though they still rip on me every chance they get...

"Yeah, well, speaking of those dickwads...I'm surprised they haven't told me about this. I dunno...maybe they don't know, either?"

"It's possible that they don't. Perhaps you should check in with them?"

"Yeah, I'll go ahead and see what's up. Talk to you later, Phoebes."

"Mata ne, Helga."

There she goes with the Japanese, again.

I hit 'End Call' and scroll through my contacts. I decide to call Stinky since Sid's band is rehearsing and Harold's away for the week at Football training camp.

It's ringing...and Stinky answers.

"Howdy, Helga."

"Hey Stinky. Quick question. Did you know that Arnold is coming back?"

"Why yes, Helga. As a matter of fact, I found out a few nights ago, on account a' Gerald brought it up at the Rummy game..."

I scratch my head in frustration. Criminy, is everyone in on this?

"Stinky, what the hell? How come nobody told me about this?"

"Well, Helga, we - that is the fellas and me - thought that you already knew, on account a' you and Arnold used to be like two peas in a pod..."

Sigh...

"Well, I didn't..."

"You mean to tell me that he never wrote you to let you know he was comin' back?"

"...Yeah. But I guess that's because I stopped writing to him, awhile back."

And a brief pause ensues...

"Well darn, Helga. I dunno what to tell you, then. Do you think he might be put off by the fact that you neglected to keep in touch?"

I roll my eyes.

"...Arnold, put off? Doubt it. He probably figured out that I needed to move on - you remember how 'people smart' he was. That guy always could read me like a sad novel..."

At least I'm hoping he's not put off...I still doubt it though.

"Yeah, you're right, Helga. He's probably not bewildered by your losin' contact with him, on account a' he's always been the understandin' type - that and he coulda courted other gals in San Lorenzo..."

Oh yeah...There's always been that possibility. It's not like I didn't already realize that...

"...Yeah, well, that's none of my business..."

Awkward pause.

"...Helga, can I ask you a personal question?"

Oh man...I'm not a fan of personal questions, but whatever...

"...Y-yeah, sure Stinky..."

Another pause.

"...Well, I was just wonderin'. Are you still holdin' a torch for Arnold?"

I shake my head - Should've seen that one coming.

"...Well, I still think about him and wonder how he's doing but...I moved on from him a long time ago. So no, I'm not 'holding a torch' for Arnold."

I mean, did he not remember our Junior High 'fling'?

"...Well, if you say so, Helga. As long as you're alright about this sudden news."

I smile. Stinky's a sweet guy when he's not around Sid and Harold.

"I'm fine. Thanks Stinky."

A brief pause.

"...Oh! Since we're on the subject, there's talk of plans for a party for Arnold - a 'Welcome Back' shindig of sorts - you down to join us all?"

A party, huh? I'm definitely not one to turn down a good time...

"For sure. Just give me the time and place and I'll show up."

"Well, I'll let you know when I see Gerald, later, on account a' he's pretty much the 'MC'..."

Well, doi...I figured that much...

"Cool. Give me a ring when you get the deets."

Yet another brief pause.

"...Just to clarify, you mean a 'ring' as in a 'phone call' and not a 'shiny accessory for your finger', right?"

Is he serious...? I put my hand on my forehead.

"...Yes, Stinky. A phone call."

"Well, alrighty then, Helga. I reckon I'll let you know."

"Cool. Later, Stinkinator."

"Later, Hellgirl."

I smile.

Psh...Dork.

I flip my phone shut.

To Be Continued...