MURDER!

Chapter 2: Friends Revisited

A/N: I am so sorry for such a grand delay, college has been keeping me extremely busy. I will still be in school for a while; I decided to take summer courses so I can graduate earlier than I had planned to. Enjoy this chapter, and as always, don't forget to REVIEW!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN HEY ARNOLD! AND I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE BOARDGAME CLUE!

Helga slowly placed her cellphone on her nightstand and twisted her body sleepily. Her eyes were still heavy and closed on their own. Nadine had just called saying Rhonda had finally arrived in Hillwood last night, making her the last of their friends to do so. It was tradition that once everyone was in Hillwood at the start of a school break, they would all celebrate by going to Slaussen's Ice Cream Parlor. Nadine had told her that they would all meet up today at noon. Her eyes shot open at the thought.

Nervousness suddenly overpowered her. Helga wasn't normally a nervous person unless it had to do with a certain football-headed young man, which was exactly the case. She hadn't seen Arnold since the end of summer. She clenched her fists and abruptly sat up before thrashing the covers off of her thin body. She was going to be seeing Arnold today!

"Get a hold of yourself, Helga!" she yelled as she lifted herself off of her bed and walked barefoot to her suitcase across her old room.

The wooden floor was icy cold, but Helga didn't notice as her feet were already chilled. Big Bob didn't see the point in using the heater in Helga's room when she was only going to be staying home for a short amount of time from college. She rubbed her eyes with her boney knuckles to wipe away the sleep, then rummaged through her clothes before finally deciding to pull on a long-sleeved pink sweater dress and white snow boots. After wiping a small scuff off of her left boot with her sleeve, her cellphone buzzed from the nightstand. The thin young woman went to answer it without looking at the caller I.D. She held the phone between her ear and her shoulder.

"Yeah?" Helga answered as she sat on the edge of her bed to put on her boots.

"Are you ready for some ice cream?"

"Pheebs, we're not going to be meeting up at Slaussen's for another two hours, and besides, it's too cold out for ice cream. I might just have a cheeseburg–"

Helga was interrupted by Phoebe subtly, but intentionally, clearing her throat.

"Oh, that ice cream," Helga rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation towards herself. She took hold of her pale blonde tresses, matted from sleep. With some slight hesitation, she finally answered, "Actually, Phoebe, I – I'm a little nervous. How do you think I should do my hair?"

There was some silence on the other end before she heard Phoebe squeak, "I'll be right over, Helga."

Helga smiled softly before picking up her pink hair ribbon from her nightstand. "Thanks, Pheebs."

xXx

"So are you excited to see Phoebe again?"

Arnold and Gerald were walking in the snow towards Slaussen's. Gerald playfully punched Arnold's shoulder before tossing his large hands into the air.

"Of course I'm excited, I haven't seen her in forever, man! Ever since she's been going to that intellectual college of hers, it's been really hard on both of us."

"It's only been a few months."

Gerald stopped walking before narrowing his light brown eyes at Arnold and placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. His voice lowered, "Arnold, my man, when you're in love, it always seems like the time spent together can never be enough and the time spent apart is an eternity."

Arnold sighed and nodded. Indeed, he knew this all too well. And Gerald understood.

"You're a bold kid, Arnold."

Gerald knew that Arnold had a thing for Helga ever since she had found his parents in the 5th grade even though Arnold never said a word of it. It was an unspoken understanding. Arnold and Helga had become good friends since grade school, but Gerald knew Arnold felt more for her than he lead everyone to believe. He also had his theories that Helga could possibly feel the same way towards Arnold, but sometimes it was difficult to tell. Helga was an excruciatingly complicated person and kept to herself a lot. Gerald had asked Phoebe about Helga's feelings at one point, but Phoebe claimed she didn't know what he was talking about.

The young men walked on in a comfortable silence until they met up with three familiar boys a couple of blocks away from Slaussen's.

"Howdy, Arnold! Hey, Gerald!" Stinky was the first to notice the two newcomers. Sid and Curly waved and greeted them as well.

"Hey, guys, what's shakin'?" Gerald clapped Curly and Sid on the back with both hands.

The five chattered on about their lives throughout the past few months as they walked the rest of the way to Slaussen's together.

Since high school, Sid had been working at a local record store downtown; however, Sid had finally decided to further his education by taking a music course at Hillwood University this year. He had certainly grown taller since grade school, but he was still the shortest young man in his group of friends. His white Beatle boots had been replaced to a better fitting pair after his growth spurt. His fine, pin-straight hair was loosely pulled back into a low ponytail, but he still insisted on wearing his green cap. He decided to omit his leather jacket for a torn up band tee during the warmer months, but today, in the cool of winter, he wore the jacket. It looked old and beaten and his jeans were tight and holey to fit his acquired and evolving musical attitude.

Stinky had been living in Arkansas with his great-uncle Stinky to study agriculture at a local community college. Still a hopeless romantic, Stinky spent his free time reading books and articles on how to woo women.

Curly still retained his oversized red glasses, but his bowl-cut hairdo had been modified throughout the years. He certainly still held onto his quirks, laughing manically when the mood struck him, or twitching his face when quietly irritated. In the fall, Curly had inherited Gammelthorpe's Dry Cleaners on Lexington after his parents decided to retire early.

It had always been a well-known fact that Gerald had a great voice, whether he was making business sales or telling his notorious urban tales. He had also grown into a very handsome 20-year-old with a very tall, shapely fro and smooth, dark skin. His body was very toned and chiseled from going to a gym four days a week and coaching little league during baseball season. Gerald mostly worked with the radio stations in Hillwood, mainly MJZZ, however, his good looks earned him local commercial appearances as well. Gerald was doing very well for himself at such a young age.

Not wanting to compromise his education after having found his parents, Arnold had graduated from high school in Hillwood. After graduating, he immediately started going on expeditions with his parents around the world. The majority of their travels were spent in San Lorenzo, earning Arnold a golden bronze tan on his lean, toned body. He was enrolled in Hillwood University and took his classes online while traveling. Arnold aimed to get a degree in anthropology.

The five young men finally reached the door to Slaussen's. Arnold entered the establishment in hopes of catching a glimpse of a certain blonde girl. A lot of their friends were already sitting in a few booths at Slaussen's. Nadine, Sheena, and Eugene waved from one booth. Iggy and Park were in another.

"Hey Gerald, did Phoebe say she was coming soon?" Arnold, acting nonchalant, asked after waving to his friends.

Gerald gave him a look before rolling his eyes and glancing at his cellphone, "She texted me from Helga's phone saying they were on their way."

Lila walked in at that moment, immediately spotting Arnold.

"Why, hello, Arnold! Isn't it just ever so nice that everyone made it back safely for the holidays?"

Arnold was caught slightly off-guard. He didn't find Lila as attractive as she once was. Sure, she still had her vibrant red hair, and those freckles that dusted her nose and cheeks were still very cute. Even the way her body had matured over the years was nice, but Arnold found that there just wasn't much to Lila Sawyer. Contrary to Gerald's belief, it was by pure coincidence that he figured this out after his parents were found.

"Oh uh, hi, Lila. Yeah, it is. How was your vacation in Pleasantville?"

Lila had taken the semester off from Hillwood University to visit her grandmother in Pleasantville. She clasped her hands together and smiled cheerily, "Oh it was just ever so wonderful, Arnold! Thank you for asking! How was San Lorenzo?"

Before he could answer, the door to Slaussen's opened, sending a chilling breeze throughout the building. Arnold turned almost too abruptly, but relaxed his tense shoulders when he found Harold closing the door behind Rhonda.

"Hello, all!" Rhonda practically cheered as Harold took her coat.

Arnold subconsciously turned to Sid, who was eyeing the newcomers in silent petulance.

xXx

"What do you suppose Rhonda's big secret is?"

Phoebe rubbed her chin with a gloved hand, "I honestly have no idea, Helga, but you know how it is when she has a surprise. She is a bit – well, egotistical. We won't know her surprise until we're all there to pay attention to her."

Helga, who had been looking at the ground since the two left her house, nodded slowly. Phoebe noticed that Helga was only trying to make conversation, but Phoebe knew what Helga was really thinking about. She decided to abruptly steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Helga, you don't have to be nervous. You two have been good friends since the 5th grade."

"I know, Pheebs," Helga kicked at the snow beneath her feet, "but it's more complicated than that."

"I understand."

Irritated, Helga narrowed her eyes at her friend, "How could you possibly understand, Phoebe? You got what you wanted a long time ago!"

"Yes," the short girl responded cautiously, "but doesn't that give you hope that the same can happen for you as well?"

Helga smiled a little to her best friend before they opened the door and made their way into Slaussen's. Phoebe found Gerald right away. The two shared a hug and kiss and found a booth to sit in. Before Helga decided to join them, she saw her beloved standing next to Lila. She felt a stab of jealousy, but was turned into mush once he turned to face her. She felt her blood rise to her cheeks when their eyes met.

From across the shop, Rhonda looked from Helga to Arnold, then back to Helga. She rolled her eyes knowingly before smirking to herself and interrupting Helga's thoughts.

"It's about time you showed up."

"Oh, can it, Princess!" Helga said as she crossed her arms and turned to face Rhonda. "We're fashionably late."

Rhonda chuckled at Helga's joking excuse.

"H – hey, Helga," Arnold said behind Helga, noticing her omnipresent pink bow atop her light blonde, pigtailed tresses.

She turned to him.

"A – Arnold! Uh, I mean... what's up, Football-head? How's tricks?"

Arnold smiled at her usual term of endearment. "They're great, I guess."

Helga gave a small, amused smile. Her pale blue eyes pierced through Arnold's soul and made his heart leap. He wanted so badly to take her in his arms, to sweep her off her feet. He took a step towards her, but hesitated. They were good friends. There was nothing wrong with hugging his friend, right? Arnold seized the opportunity. Helga's eyes went wide. Helga was about a head shorter than him now. She felt so small to him, even with her small, feminine curves. He worried about her weight. She was much thinner than she used to be. Arnold knew she would rather spend her money on her education rather than herself, even if that meant having to skip a meal or two. He began wishing he could provide for her before she gently pressed her small hand against his chest, breaking away from his hug and tugging him from his thoughts.

"Sorry. Um, would you like something to eat, Helga? It'll be my treat."

Helga bit the inside of her cheek to keep from swooning. "Uh, sure, Arnold. G-get me a double cheeseburger with extra pickle, and a chocolate malt with whipped cream and a cherry, and step on it!" A smirk grew across her face as she crossed her arms.

"Alright, Helga," Arnold smiled at her much-needed request, "whatever you say."

xXx

The gang was chattering even after having ordered themselves cheeseburgers and a few malts. While they were still eating, Rhonda gently started tapping her spoon to her malt glass to quiet everyone. She cleared her throat before starting, "Now that everyone is finally here and caught up, it's time I unveil my brilliant surprise!"

Everyone stopped what they were doing and politely gave their undivided attention to Rhonda.

Rhonda was quiet for a spell to keep the suspense before she practically squealed, "I want to throw a big party for all of us!"

"Yeah right, Princess!" Helga started. "No way are you getting us all drunk again."

"Yeah, that was the worst night of my life!" Sid exclaimed.

"Amen, brotha'," Gerald stated.

Rhonda cleared her throat, "That's not what I had in mind, Helga."

Everyone looked from one person to the other to see if anyone could guess what Rhonda was getting at.

"It's all the rage in Europe to host a Murder Mystery party."

The whole shop was silent except for the clattering of dishes in the kitchen.

"What do you mean?" Sid asked.

"Well, we all get to dress up in tails and gowns and we'll play out a murder."

"Wilikers! We aren't going to kill anyone are we?" Stinky's eyes widened.

Rhonda waved him off, "Don't be silly. It's just like playing Clue, but without the awfully bulky board and dice."

"So it's a game?" Curly chimed in.

"Of course! Everyone gets to be a character; one of them is a murderer and we all have to figure out who it is by the end of the night!"

"Well, I suppose that sounds like ever so much fun, Rhonda," Lila smiled, "as long as no one is really going to get hurt."

"Of course it will be fun, Lila!"

"Will your parents have the house done in time for the party?" Nadine asked.

Rhonda went silent. She had almost completely forgotten that her parents were remodeling the large basement where she usually held her parties.

Harold spoke up, "We can have the party at my house, we can use every room if we need to."

After Harold found Mrs. Ryle's kitten and given him back to her in the 4th grade, Harold visited often and became very good friends with Mrs. Ryle. Since Mrs. Ryle didn't have any close family members, she wrote out her will stating that Harold owned everything she had, including her very large, Victorian house. After she passed away during their senior year of high school two years ago, Harold moved in.

"Oh, Harold, that would be perfect!" Rhonda hugged Harold. From the corner of her eye she saw Curly frowning slightly at her actions. She quickly let go. "Uh, h-how does tomorrow night sound?"

The crowd of friends nodded and chatted away in delight.

Lila gushed, "This is going to be ever so enchanting!"

"This is going to be cool!" Iggy offered.

"Garsh, what should I wear?" Stinky asked.

"Well, it's supposed to be a fancy occasion," Rhonda stated nonchalantly.

"Aw, gee! I done left my good suit in Arkansas."

Arnold intervened, "Don't worry, Stinky, I'll find something of my grandpa's for you to wear. You two are about the same height."

"Hot dang! Thanks, Arnold, you're a real pal!"

Rhonda stepped in once more, "How about tomorrow afternoon all the boys get ready at Harold's, and all the girls can get ready at my house!"

The crowd again happily agreed to the idea.

"Then it's settled!" Rhonda cheered.

xXx