Two chapters in one day? I'm on a roll! :D I've already received some reviews and I couldn't be more grateful! I've always loved writing and had a soft spot for ArnoldxHelga so this story really means a lot to me:) In this chapter, I'm mentioning a poetry book that is 100% real! I met the author and got him to sign the book that is mentioned! If you enjoy poetry of any kind, you should check him out! But in later chapters, you'll get to read two special poems of his ;) Well, enough blabbering! Onto Chapter 2!
Arnold took his seat next to Gerald towards the back of the bus. He glanced up at Helga, who of course sat next to Phoebe. Gerald patted him on the back to get his attention.
"Hey man! Why the long face?" Arnold looked at Gerald, who was clearly worried and confused. Arnold was still trying to wrap his brain around what Helga just told him. Why does she believe that he's faking his affection towards her? He kissed her in San Lorenzo partially for being so thankful to Helga, he could admit that, but mostly he did it because it felt right. It was the first time that he felt he had seen the real Helga. Not the bully that throws spitballs at him or calls him names. He saw true vulnerability in her eyes and all he wanted to do was comfort her, tell her that he was going to be there for her.
"I'll tell you later." Arnold more or less whispered, his eyes glued to a certain pink bow. Gerald just shrugged.
"Alright. Hey, did you study for the Algebra test today?" Arnold felt relieved that he had changed the subject and didn't press him.
"Yeah. Seemed a little difficult, but I'm pretty sure I'll make a good grade. What about you?" Arnold noticed a slight red come up on Geralds' cheeks.
"Eh, I didn't study that much. I was on the phone with Phoebe until almost midnight." Arnold put on a knowing smile, but he couldn't help but feel a little envious of his best friend. He wished he could talk on the phone with Helga, or hang out with her, or even just have a decent conversation with her. Instead, she avoids him like the plague. Now he was even more upset because Helga basically rejected him, even though she admitted that she still loves him. Arnold knew that he couldn't call his feelings for her 'love', but he knew he at least like-liked her. He just wanted to explore these new feelings and he wanted to do that with Helga.
"I'm happy for you Gerald. You and Phoebe are really good for each other." Gerald beamed at the compliment.
"Thanks, man. Speaking of, how're you and your lady?" Gerald nudged his head in the direction of Helga and Phoebe. Arnold couldn't help but frown.
"Not so good." Arnold hunched his shoulders a bit from being so bummed. So much for changing the subject. Geralds smile quickly faded.
"What do you mean? Didn't she-" Gerald looked around for anybody listening in "-didn't she tell you that she loved you?" he whispered. Arnold felt a slight pang in his chest as he briskly nodded.
"She did. But she doesn't believe that me and her should be together." Gerald looked at Arnold like he had grown a second head. It was no secret that Gerald wasn't a part of the Helga Fanclub, but he told Arnold on the airplane ride back home that whatever made Arnold happy, he was cool with. Arnold understandably had to explain a lot to Gerald after he witnessed his and Helgas 'moment'. Gerald was floored at first, but by the time they got back to Hillwood, color returned to his face and he seemed a bit more understanding.
"And just like during history class, you've lost me." Arnold gave him a look that read 'trust me, I know'. The bus stopped. They had arrived at P.S. 118. Arnold adjusted his backpack as he stood up.
"I'll explain later." Gerald followed behind Arnold as they made their way off the bus.
"Mmm mmm mmm. Women." Arnold gave a short chuckle. Gerald always had a way of making him smile, even when he felt lower than dirt.
"I can't believe you told him that, Helga!" Phoebe scolded. Helga had told her best friend everything that was said on her stoop before the bus pulled up, and she clearly did not approve of Helga's decision. Phoebe was indeed proud that Helga hadn't at least swept her feelings under a rug, and even went so far as to repeat her confession to Arnold, but she was furious that she basically rejected Arnold's attempt at connecting with her. Helga stopped at her locker to switch out her books.
"Pheebz, I didn't really have a choice! What was I going to do? Throw my arms around him and beg him to be with me, even though I know he doesn't want to? Helga G Pataki never begs for anything." Phoebe glared at the blonde girl as she closed her locker. Phoebe remembers how Helga basically tackled her with the news of how Arnold had initiated a kiss with her. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen Helga so happy.
"Helga, did it ever occur to you that maybe Ar-" she stopped herself, glancing around the crowded hallway, "-ice cream like likes you back?" Helga gave a genuine laugh. The thought of Arnold having even a fraction of the same feelings was a pipe dream.
"Not in a million years. What happened between us was nothing but gratitude from his end. How could he have any romantic feelings for me?" Helga couldn't help but have pity leak in her voice a bit. It would be so easy to believe that he wanted her just as she wanted him, but she couldn't do that to herself. The rejection would be more than she could handle. When the kiss first happened, she reacted as anyone else would! She instantly began picturing her and Arnold's wedding, their entire future together and so on. Eventually, Helga realized though that he didn't kiss her at a random time. He didn't show up to her door with flowers and plant one on her on a regular Tuesday. He had just found his parents for crying out loud! If Princess Rhonda herself was there, he probably would've kissed her too out of pure adrenaline. Helga just happened to be at the perfect place at the perfect time. Phoebe walked beside her as they made their way to the classroom.
"Just please don't shut him out. Give him a chance." Phoebe pleaded. Helga rolled her eyes but didn't say no immediately. Of course, there was a tiny bit of her that still had hope. She hated it fiercely, but after so many years yearning for her Football headed love God, how could she not have a bit of hope? As she walked past the hallway that veered to her left, she felt someone collide right into her. Instead of falling to the ground, she felt two arms grab her around her waist, keeping her feet on the ground. She opened her eyes and looked into two sparkling green eyes. She could've melted on the spot.
"Are you ok, Helga?" Arnold asked, lifting her up and easing his hold on her, but not letting go completely. Helga's tongue was in knots, so she briskly nodded in reply. Arnold gave her a small knowing smile.
"You should be more careful next time. Wouldn't want you to get hurt." Arnold purposefully glided his hand around her waist gently as he let her go. He swore he could see Helga's pulse quicken just from the artery in her neck. Arnold hated to admit this but he enjoyed seeing Helga squirm, just because of a simple touch from him. He vaguely remembered how she acted all skittish once he placed a hand on her shoulder, thanking her for making the video that won them the San Lorenzo contest. He didn't know it then, of course, but since he realized that she really did have feelings for him, he couldn't help but have a little fun. He looked into her eyes and could almost see the wheels turning in her head through her blue eyes. Sure, there was panic in there as well, but Arnold for once wasn't feeling guilty.
"Maybe you should watch where you're going next time, paste for brains!" Helga exclaimed and quickly made her way past Arnold, rushing into the classroom. Gerald shook his head while Phoebe gave a disappointing sigh. Gerald took a quick glance at the Japanese girl and with a smile, he held out his hand. Phoebe giggled as she happily accepted. Arnold watched as his best friend and Phoebe walk hand in hand down the hallway. Arnold followed behind, sporting a triumphant grin.
"Goodmorning, class!" Mr. Simmons exclaimed as everyone took their seats. A monotone "Goodmorning Mr. Simmons" rang through the air. Arnold inconspicuously looked to his left and noticed that Helga now sat behind Phoebe instead of behind him. He couldn't help but feel slightly hurt that she would go as far as to move seats. She had sat behind him for as long as he could remember. Arnold put his head in his hands, pulling his eyes up front towards the blackboard.
"I have a really exciting assignment for everyone! I realized that we haven't really had an in-depth look into poetry and how it can speak to one's self, so that's changing this week! I'm passing out this book of poems called "In Which Language Do I Keep Silent" by Earl Sherman Braggs. I want each of you to find a poem in this book that speaks to you, and write a detailed analysis of it!" Everyone in the class groaned as Mr. Simmon passed out the books. Poetry certainly wasn't the most popular topic to teach in the class, but there were a few students who didn't mind it. Helga felt a small giddiness swell inside her as she looked through the book. She already found a few she liked and was actually looking forward to this assignment, for a change.
"Oh! And you'll be reading the poem and a short summary of your analysis in front of the class as well!" With that added to the project, Helga felt her heart crash. She didn't want to read poetry in front of the class! Especially any of her opinions about it! This was a nightmare come to life and she showed that by moaning while putting her face on her desk. Arnold heard Helgas groan and decided to sneak a peek at her. She had her head laid on the desk, the open poetry book in between. Why did she look so bummed? If what he knew about her was true, she should be excited about a poetry assignment. Mr. Simmons clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. Arnold whipped his head forward before Helga begrudgingly lifted her head ever so slightly.
"Now don't be so blue about this! The point of this assignment is to find something that speaks to you! Whether it be a reminder of a nice memory or even bring up emotions of any kind!" Arnold felt his stomach turn into knots just by the thought of doing this assignment. Usually, he had no problem with any projects in Mr. Simmons class. Arnold wasn't too good at poetry though, remembering the poems he wrote about his substitute teacher. He shuddered visibly. Gerald leaned over towards Arnold while Mr. Simmons tried to cheer everyone up.
"This is so bogus man! I know nothing about poetry!" Gerald folded his arms and looked at the book as if it was broccoli. Arnold couldn't help but give a small giggle. At least he wouldn't be the only one to struggle with this. Arnold shoved the book in his backpack as he tried to think positive.
"To be honest, neither do I Gerald. But it can't be that hard! We've had worse projects." Gerald gave a dramatic sigh in return. He roughly put the book in his own backpack.
"I don't know, Arnold. This one really bites." Arnold couldn't really argue with him on that one, so he kept silent. He risked another glance back at Helga, who had begun reading the book intensely. Arnold always admired that about Helga, whether he had realized it before or not. She put on a tough cookie exterior, but if anyone were to put the time and effort into trying to know Helga, the real Helga, they would see that she was an intellectual amongst the class. Especially with literature and poetry, she seemed to lose herself in it. Arnold couldn't help but notice how her brow furrowed as she deciphered the poems hidden meaning. She even bit her bottom lip slightly when she got frustrated, which Arnold honestly hadn't noticed until now. It made him wonder what other things he didn't know about Helga, which made him want to know her all the more. Class continued but Arnold for once didn't really pay attention. He couldn't stop thinking about poetry and poets.
Thank you to everyone reading this so far! I've already gathered up everything I want to happen in this story and by the looks of it, it'll most likely be over 20 or maybe 30 chapters long O.O But I don't want to rush the development between Arnold and Helga. Realistically, they wouldn't go back home and immediately be a happy loving couple. Helga clearly proved that when she yanked her hand away at the end of TJM. I can't wait to see how this story progresses and see what everyone thinks of it:) Thank you!