AUTHORS NOTE: I know this fic is really slow moving, but I'm coming up with the plot as I go, and I think I'm doing pretty well for my first fanfic. Thank you so much for all the popularity in the first chapter already! It's really exciting! Love you guys, enjoy chapter two and remember that critiques are very useful! The text blocks in italics (you'll see) are flashbacks.
The light was shining brightly though Helga's closed window, showering her in dim white despite the clouds. She woke to the sound of her father yelling through her door. "Young lady, get out of bed before I have to knock this door down and drag you out myself!" He huffed and stormed off.
Once the sound of his footsteps had faded and she heard the mumbling sounds of the TV being turned up, Helga groaned and rubbed at her eyes with the back of her hands. Casually stretching out her arms and flinging the toasty blanket off her body, letting the harsh cold nip at her legs, she scanned the room for her alarm clock. "8:15!?" She shrieked, trying to jump out of bed but forgetting the covers still wrapped around her feet. Next thing she knew, she was laying on the floor with a headache. "Criminy, stupid blankets. Stupid alarm clock. Stupid..." she sighed, "Stupid Olga." Her eyes fell as she sat up, recalling the night before.
Helga trudged home, her stomach full for the first time in a long time. It'd be better if it hadn't all been sandwiches made with peanut butter and raspberry jam, but oh well. Beggars can't be choosers. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointment clouding her good mood, knowing both that she had to go home, and that she'd have to return her beloveds coat in the morning. Tilting her head to the sky, she gazed at the stars while she walked. 'I wonder what Arnold's doing right now?' She let her eyes slip closed, still taking small strides through the now crunchy and deep snow, a small layer of ice having formed over the top of it. 'I bet he's in bed, thinking about Lila or something.' Sighing, she locked her eyes on the slow approaching door to her house. 'He'd never think about me. Not in a good way anyway. He's probably annoyed that I even turned up there.' Her eyebrow furrowed tightly on her forehead. 'Why did I have to head over there and act like such a jerk? Why did I go to the boarding house in the first place?' Her hand reached for the icy doorknob and slowly opened the door, only to hear quiet crying in the living room. Deciding to investigate, face relaxing, she tip toed from the entrance to the couch, careful not to make enough noise to wake Bob.
"Olga?" Her voice was quiet and cautious. Surely her storming out earlier couldn't have upset her older sister that much, right..? "Olga, I'm sorry for storming out like that, I didn't mean to-"
"It's not that baby sister." Olga interrupted, "I just.. have some things of my own I need to sort." She stared forward at nothing, as if she saw something nobody else could right in front of her. "It's no big deal okay sis? Now lets get you to bed!" Her voice was suddenly chipper, showing no trace of the heavy sadness that had pulled down her small body just a moment ago. She stood up and headed to the kitchen. "A warm glass of milk should put you right to sleep!" She grabbed a cup and turned to grab some milk when her arm was grabbed gently by the younger girl in the room.
"Criminy Olga, you don't need to lie to me. I'm not to fond of you already, it's not like I'll look down on you any more for whatever you have to say. Spill it." Helga knew that if Olga was hiding it, it had to be bad. Her thoughts went back to when she'd changed Olga's grades, leaving her older sister in tears. If something like that can make her cry openly, who knows what she'd feel the need to hide.
There was a long awkward silence before Olga brushed Helga's hand off her arm. "Okay Helga, I suppose 17 is old enough to understand what I have to say. Sit down on the couch and I'll meet you there in a bit."
Helga simply nodded and left to the other room, leaving Olga to gather her thoughts, sensing the serious air around her sister.
Helga was broken from her thoughts as she remembered the rush she was in to make it to the bus. The last thing she wanted this morning was to walk to school. She felt heavy, like she was carrying led bricks on her shoulders. 'I can't believe it. Miss perfect managed to get herself knocked up.' She wandered to the closet, picking out a pair of thick baggy jeans, her hoodie, and paused. 'Maybe this old thing will help me calm my nerves.' She yanked what used to be her childhood pink dress from her closet and gazed at it thoughtfully. It had been changed into a cute pink and red top, the back cut and fitted to her larger frame with soft black fabric hems, and two long, hot pink ribbons to be tied up like a corset. A small nostalgic smile set itself on her face as she got dressed. She then tied her hair in a high ponytail with the matching old ribbon to hide the fact she had no time to shower, letting the tails hang instead of tying them into a bow. She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her book bag, jogging out of her room and to the kitchen. "Bye Miriam. Bob." Grabbing an apple, she rushed out the door, taking a bite before throwing it in the trash outside. She just barely made it to the bus stop, tapping on the door for the driver to open it back up and rushing in, sitting next to her best friend.
"Running late again Helga?" The short Asian girl questioned quickly, her smile fading at Helga's heavy expression.
Helga forced a convincing smile on her face. "Obviously, Pheebs. I can't believe I forgot to set my alarm again. Bob almost had my head." She moved her hand in a cutting motion over her throat and played dead, causing Phoebe to giggle. Helga had momentarily forgotten her worries, but after the rush was over, a scowl set on her face. She felt a heavy sympathy for her sister, sadness towards her own life, and confusion over all the other conflicting emotions cluttering her head. Phoebe picked up on it but, after knowing Helga for so long, knew it was best to leave her to her thoughts for the time being.
By the time she reached the school doors, she was a force to be reckoned with, hiding her sadness the only way she knew how. Her fists were folded so tightly her knuckles turned white, stomping through the hallways to her locker, slamming it open to get her books.
Chatting lightheartedly, Arnold and Gerald hadn't been warned about Helga's apparently bad mood, as they'd come to school early to put some last minute touches on their science report. They were lucky to be partnered together, but weren't so fortunate with their timing. Arnold spotted her first from behind and waved, skipping up to her. "Hey Helg-"
"What do you want, football head?" Her emotions clouded her judgment as she grabbed the collar of his shirt and shoved him away from her.
Gerald waved his hands in front of him defensively while backing up. "You're on your own with this one man. I'll see you in class." Gerald fled the hall as fast as his feet could take him. He was still terrified of Helga, knowing all to well how vicious her right hook was.
"I-I was just saying hi Helga." Setting his fear aside, Arnold crossed his arms, taking slowed breaths and forcing himself to calm down.
"Shove it football head, I don't wanna hear it today."
"Helga.."
"What Arnoldo? You wanna know what's wrong huh? You wanna know why I'm so flippin' angry? Is that what it is? Maybe it's none of your business! Criminy!" With that, Helga stormed passed the very confused and slightly pale boy.
Her classes dragged on as smoothly as nails on a chalkboard. Everyone walked in careful circles around Helga, as if her glare could set them on fire, and everyone had scooted their desks a few inches away from her. She didn't even listen to her lessons, just doodled in her notebook as her angry walls started to crumble. She felt like a shaken soda, about to explode and make a mess over everything around her. 'I've really gotta talk to Pheebs about this. I can't possibly keep this to myself. Sorry, Olga, but it's not like Phoebe would tell anybody.' She sighed and tried to concentrate on the teacher for the remaining minutes of class, but had little success.
When the lunch bell rang, she shoved her supplies into her bag before pushing herself off the desk with both her hands. Her worn appearance seemed to fit how she felt at that moment. The front half of her hair had fallen out of the ribbon, and instead of restyling it, she just tightened the ribbon around the remaining messy ponytail. Her hoodie had gotten stretched out from the years of near-constant use, with random areas held together by safety pins, and holes in the cuffs that she could stick her thumbs through if her hands got too cold. The bottom hems of her jeans were frayed and mud stained. Carefully tugging the bottom of her fragile hoodie down past her hips, she swung her bag over her shoulder and headed out the door towards the cafeteria, eyes downcast. 'I guess it could be worse. It could be me in Olga's situation.' She scoffed inwardly, 'Yeah right. As if anyone would want to get lucky with someone like me. Guys don't exactly line up at my doorstep to talk to me. Heck, most of them are too afraid of me to make eye contact. All because of this stupid facade I have to carry with me. And for what reason? Why do I-' She smacked face first into someone and fell to the floor. She looked up only to see none other than Arnold. "Watch where you're going football head!" She stumbled awkwardly trying to get to her feet, suddenly realizing how lightheaded she was from skipping breakfast. 'Criminy, just what I needed'. Then she felt a hand on her wrist, pulling her up and supporting her weight.
"Helga, are you okay? You're kind of shaky." Arnold's frowned slightly, his eyes calculating, as if he was solving a complex equation.
"I skipped breakfast, Arnoldo, what's it to ya?" Helga glared at him, yanking her hand away.
"Does this have anything to do with last night Helga?"
"No! Well, kind of, yes, but not what you think! It's a different thing from last night. Why am I explaining myself to you anyway?" She sighed and dragged her hand down her face in frustration. "Don't worry about it, okay? It's not a big deal.
"But Helga, it clearly is a big deal. You look kinda sick." He put the back of his hand to Helga's forehead, checking her temperature. "I guess you aren't though."
"Great, mystery solved, we done here?" She started to walked a few steps the other way before Arnold stepped in front of her.
"Helga I care about you. I don't know why it bothers you so much for someone to actually worry about your well-being and, frankly, I don't care."
"Maybe you should let me get to lunch then Arnold. So I can eat something. Or did you forget already that I skipped breakfast?"
Arnold blushed slightly, feeling stupid. "S-sorry Helga." Helga tried to walk away from him, only to find the blond in question walking alongside her like a lonely puppy. She sighed.
"I don't need a bodyguard. What, are you going to make sure I don't choke on the sad excuse for food they serve around here? Or are you going to be a poison checker? Because that last one might actually come in handy." Her scowl lifted slightly. It was hard for Helga to stay unhappy when Arnold watched over her like this. After all, he wasn't currently following anyone else around the halls, this fleeting moment was entirely for her.
"I'm not sure I have a death wish today. Can't we just drop some on the floor and see if it sinks through?" Arnold had sensed her mood change and smirked, hoping to wash her worries away.
"But Arnold, then the poor janitors might have their mops melt while they clean up. I vote Gerald for the official food tester." Chuckling, she entered the cafeteria. As they walked through the dense crowds, any attempts to maintain their conversation would likely be in vain. Instead, they exchanged a friendly look to each other, Helga taking note of how lovely his green eyes were, before stepping in line for the daily special. Arnold wore his usual school attire; a long sleeved plaid shirt, which was blue these days, some neutrally sized jeans, and running shoes. The little blue hat on his head was comically small, enough that it could probably be a clip on accessory. She briefly considered whether that was how he kept it from blowing off these days, resisting the temptation to reach over and check. The line being pretty long due to their late arrival, she occupied her time by watching the other two in her group from across the room.
– –
Phoebe giggled softly, covering her mouth. "Oh Gerald, that's so bad."
"Right? Then I said, 'Hey man, if you're not gonna treat your lady properly, I know someone who will, and he's lookin' at you right now.' You know what he did? He looked around the room. It didn't even click in the dopes head that I was talking about myself!" Gerald struck his thumb into his chest, flailing his other hand in the air. "So I was like, 'Buddy, I'm talking about me!'"
"What'd he do?" Phoebe had grown up to be Gerald's second best friend, shadowing him around school whenever Helga wasn't around. Though she loved listening to his stories about other girls, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous. He'd started wearing his hair shorter, and was the star of the football team. 'Way out of my league.' She sighed inwardly, keeping a smile on her face. She'd wanted to ask him out since the end of 8th grade, having not realized her feelings until then, but felt too intimidated and shy. He always seemed to be in a relationship with someone else anyway, when would she get the chance?
"At that point his face was all red, and the cute little number he was with was looking at me like I just slapped a bear. And he was gonna hit me I swear, but get this; she put her hand on his arm, and he just walked away. Then she slipped me her number!" He pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and held it up for emphasis.
"That's great Gerald!" She gave him a high five with mock enthusiasm. "Will you be accompanying her to Rhonda's next party, or...?"
"Are you kidding? I'm sure I'll have an upgrade by then!"
'Why do I even bother?' Forcing out a small laugh, Phoebe picked at her food until Arnold and Helga made it to the table.
– –
"Hey Pheebs, what's up?" Helga's mood had lightened considerably, momentarily forgetting her problems. She sat down, roughly dropping her tray on the scratched up table.
"Oh, nothing Helga. Just the usual." She dragged out the last word slightly, and Helga nodded knowingly, offering a supportive smile.
Helga dug into her food like she'd never eaten in her life, the smell of sub-par cooking making her stomach ache with hunger. 'This is the last time I skip breakfast, I swear.' It was right then that she remembered everything had been bothering her that morning and frowned, her jaw refusing to chew. Swallowing her bite whole and choking only a little bit, she lifted her tray and rose to her feet. "Phoebe, you got a minute?" Her friend nodded and stood up with her, then heading outside to eat their meal in peace. Since it was still freezing out, nobody else dared venture out of the comfortably warm building.
"What's the matter Helga?" Phoebe's face held deep interest and mild concern, looking at her friend while taking small bites of her meal.
Helga shook her head slowly. "I'm not totally sure. I shouldn't be so concerned about my sister's problems, you know? But here goes nothing."
Pacing back and forth, Helga waited impatiently for her sister to walk into the room. 'Criminy, problems or not, nobody should take ten freakin' minutes to gather their thoughts.' She flopped down on the couch, pressing her palms against her tired eyes. She relaxed to the point of almost falling asleep, until she felt her sister wedge her way onto the couch next to Helga's feet. "Sorry baby sister, it's just a lot for me to process. I guess I lost track of time for a minute there."
"You think? It's been.." She glanced at the clock, "23 freakin minutes!"
"I know, and I'm very sorry. Do you want to go to bed? I could tell you later if you want."
"Oh no you don't Olga. You had me out here for over 20 minutes, you're not getting off that easy."
Olga took a deep breath and held it, closing her eyes and willing herself to relax. "Well... When I was in Africa, I sort of.. I met someone."
"Really? That's the big secret?" Helga sat up, eying her sister incredulously.
"No, no. You didn't let me finish. Anyway, he was a pilot who volunteered to carry food and the like. One thing led to another, and... Well, after he left for another supply run, I discovered that I'm pregnant." Olga had finished the sentence in one breath, half hoping that her little sister wouldn't catch what she said. But of course she did.
Helga sat there with her eyes wide like dinner plates, letting the news sink in. "You're freaking pregnant!?" She grabbed her sister's shoulder in shock.
"Shhhhh, baby sister, I haven't told mummy and daddy yet!"
Helga sank apologetically while looking around, and after hearing no movement around the house, she stared back to her sisters eyes. "Sorry Olga, I guess you just caught me off guard for a minute there. Heh." She rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "So.. What are you gonna do?"
"What can I do? I have to move somewhere far enough that mommy and daddy can't check on me, and I'll raise this baby myself. I don't see any other options." Olga looked off into space again, her face sullen. There was a long silence before Helga stood up and stretched.
"Well, in any case, I better be heading to bed."
"Oh, me too. I'm going to need all the rest I can get. Nighty nighty baby sister." Olga flashed a sad smile while heading to her room, and Helga left to her own soon after. She wrapped up in her cozy bed-covers and stared at the wall, just thinking about what her sister had told her.
"..And that's all I've been able to think about since." Helga finished telling Phoebe the story and resumed eating her lunch.
"You know what Helga? I think your sister is going to do just fine. She practically raised you herself until you were three, right?" Helga nodded. "Then she'll have no trouble raising a kid of her own!"
Helga couldn't help but smile at Phoebes comforting words. "Thanks Pheebs, you always know what to say."
"Any time Helga."
"And Pheebs?"
"Yes, Helga?"
"Lets get back inside," She stood, "I'm freezing to death out here."
Phoebe giggled and followed her best friend into the school, tossing her tray in the outside trash.
Little did the girls know, Arnold had overheard the most important parts of Helga's story when he'd gone to check on them. He scurried back inside before anybody sensed his presence, and wore his best poker face for the few remaining minutes of lunch.