A/N: (Hey everyone! HoshiAM here trying to stay warm during these chilly days. Here's the next chapter to this newest story. Thanks for the reviews and remember to keep them coming! Hope you'll enjoy and don't forget to review in the end!)

Summary: Arnold and his friends are in twelfth grade but problems head Arnold's way when Grandpa needs money to fix the boardinghouse and his Grandma suffers a heart attack. In all that commotion can Helga's life be in danger after she defends Arnold from Wolfgang? Can both of them solve their problems and make it to graduation?

Chapter 2: Danger


"What were you thinking Helga?" Phoebe asked shaking her head slowly.


Helga stared at her friends shocked but was more shocked that her hand was starting to hurt. She couldn't believe that she used all her strength to hit Wolfgang, even though she didn't knock him to the ground. How could her friends be scolding her when she got rid of Wolfgang? And she did it all to help her beloved football head.

"What was I thinking?" Helga repeated sarcastically. "What were you guys doing is the correct question?"

"We were going to solve this confrontation using words not violence," Sheena responded shaking her head. "Arnold was doing a pretty good job."

"Yeah but looks like he's going to end up with a black eye," Helga declared glancing at Arnold who wasn't looking in her direction. "So much for Arnoldo's problem solving technique."

"But Helga don't you realize that you're now in Wolfgang's target list?" Eugene stated making everyone glance at him then back at Helga's reaction.

"Haven't we always been on his "target" list?" Helga replied laughing making air quotes. "Come on guys we have always been picked on, don't you think that things should change?"

Everyone glanced at each other awkwardly without making any noise or saying no words. Helga glared at all of them shaking her head vigorously.

Sid stepped forward clearing his throat, "Helga we're up for a change now and then but things are going well."

"Oh really?" Helga said nodding. "I didn't notice that things were fine due to all the commotion Wolfgang has caused since we were in the fourth grade."

"Look Helga I'm up for the whole change thing," Rhonda said glancing at everyone. "Like we all change our wardrobes every season and looks like Stinky needs to change his."

"Hey!" Stinky protested frowning at Rhonda.

"What's your point?" Helga asked crossing her arms.

"My point is that I don't want to get into any problems," Rhonda replied as everyone stared at her annoyed then quickly added. "Neither do I want my friends to be in them."

"I didn't know you cared so much about me," Curly commented smiling smugly at Rhonda.

"Get away from me," Rhonda said not looking at Curly who was standing next to Eugene.

Helga shook her head slowly, "I can't believe you chuckleheads are still scared of Wolfgang when we're practically going to be adults this year and next year. I mean, Harold is way older than Wolfgang and he still acts like a sissy."

"I'm not a sissy!" Harold snapped gripping the football in his hands. "I just wasn't paying attention to what was going on."

"Yeah right," Helga said rolling her eyes when Gerald walked up to her.

"Let me tell you something Helga," Gerald said touching her shoulder. "You did well in trying to help us and if you do get your ass kicked by Wolfgang later, then it's going to be a lesson for us to not mess with him again."

"Thanks for your support," Helga replied brushing Gerald's hand off her shoulder. "I assure all of you that nothing is going to happen to me."

"Let's hope you're right Helga," Phoebe hoped standing next to her friend.

Nadine nodded as her digital watched beeped, "Shoot! The documentary on the jewel beetle is about to start."

"Don't worry about a thing Helga," Stinky assured. "Us your friends we'll have your back."

"Thanks," Helga said forcefully.

Helga noticed that everyone nodded their heads and started to shout out their goodbyes. Mostly everyone started heading in different directions but Gerald, Phoebe, Arnold, and Lila stayed behind looking at each other. The only thing that Helga wanted was a moment alone with the one she really wanted to help. Although, with three pestering friends how was she supposed to be alone with him? Well, Phoebe wasn't a pestering one.

Phoebe approached Helga and whispered, "Um…I think I'm going to cancel tonight's date with Gerald in case you need me."

Helga stared at Phoebe shocked but quickly glanced at the three people there. Arnold was talking to Gerald while Lila was examining Arnold's eye where he got bruised. Helga felt her blood boil as she saw Lila touch Arnold's cheek and asked herself why was Lila still hanging around? Lila claims she doesn't like like Arnold but there she was acting like she did.

Helga turned back to Phoebe, "Have you been studying too much that your brain is not working right? I'm going to be fine Phoebe so don't worry about me."

"But Helga…"

"No buts Phoebe," Helga intercepted grabbing Phoebe's shoulders. "You deserve to have a nice night out and I want details first thing tomorrow morning."

"Are you sure Helga?" Phoebe asked doubtfully raising her eyebrows. "Because I can go another time."

"There won't be another time Phoebe because you're going tonight," Helga ordered placing her arm around Phoebe. "You deserve it for being a good friend and I don't act nice too often so take advantage of it."

Phoebe looked away, "Okay Helga but if there's anything wrong call me okay?"

Gerald approached the two girls as Helga was rolling her eyes, "Phoebe I'll be by your house around six."

Phoebe gave Helga a quick glance but ended up nodding at Gerald, "I'll be ready."

Gerald shouted his goodbye to Arnold, Lila, and Helga, but gave Phoebe a flirty wink before leaving the vacant lot. Phoebe gave Helga a tiny nervous smile before saying goodbye to get ready for her date. Helga wished her luck and for the details but not the dirty ones making Phoebe frown at her.

Arnold cleared his throat getting Helga's attention, "I know what you tried to do and thanks."

Helga felt giddy on the inside and realized she had a goofy grin on her face, but quickly changed into a scowl. She might've done a good deed in helping a friend, but she still wanted to be seen like the tough girl everyone knew. Arnold approached Helga without caring that Lila and Phoebe were still there and gave her a hug. She was walking on clouds wanting to melt into Arnold's arms. Except, she couldn't focus on hugging Arnold when two people were staring at her.

Helga pushed Arnold away with force, "Criminey Arnoldo! You should be ashamed of yourself for letting a girl stand up for you."

"I'm certain I should thank you too," Lila said walking up to Helga.

Helga looked at Lila surprised and replied, "It was nothing."

Lila smiled and hugged Helga immediately making her insides twist and simmer. She recalled that when Arnold hugged her she felt her heart flutter with desire. Now that Lila was the one doing the hugging, Helga wanted to throw up and her heart wasn't moving for a single beat. Helga kept a straight face when Lila pulled away who only kept her trademark smile.

"I'm ever so thankful and if you need anything you can count on me," Lila said still smiling as she glanced at Phoebe and Arnold.

Helga wanted to gag but only smirked, "I'm sure I won't need anything."

'The only thing I need is for her to move far far away,' Helga thought smiling at her wicked wishes.

"I have to get going," Lila announced making music in Helga's ears.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" Arnold suggested making noise in Helga's ears.

"I'm oh too certain I can get home Arnold," Lila stated smiling then started to walk away. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Phoebe coughed getting the spotlight on her, "I should go too and Helga please be careful."

"I'll see you tomorrow Phoebe," Helga said then groaned when she faced Arnold. "And I'll see you tomorrow too."

"Helga wait!" Arnold called grabbing her arm.

Helga glimpsed at Phoebe worriedly but she was already walking out of the vacant lot. She quickly got goosebumps on her skin when she noticed that it was only her and Arnold in Geraldfield. To keep her focus Helga tugged her arm back and glared at Arnold.

"What now?"

Arnold shifted his gaze from the ground to Helga, "I just wanted to thank you again and thanks for helping me defend Lila."

Helga cringed at the mention of Lila's name, "What?"

"You know how Wolfgang was bugging her and -"

"Hold it football head!" Helga protested holding her right hand up. "I only defended you not Lila."

"Me?" Arnold asked confused. "Why only me?"

Helga stared at Arnold but looked away rattling her brain for an answer. How could she tell him that her heart only cared for him? Even though, they were alone and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to reveal him her feelings but Helga wasn't feeling ready yet. She had everything pictured in her mind how she was going to tell Arnold that she loved him. They were going to be walking on the tiny bridge in Tina Park and while standing under the stars, and the whole of the moon she was going to confess.

"Because I got here when Wolfgang was already pushing you around," Helga stammered nervously. "Remember I was in detention and I rushed here as soon as I got out."

"Oh," Arnold said nodding making Helga at ease. "Well here's what happened to Lila…"

"Don't care," Helga broke in not looking at Arnold. "The thing here is you better learn how to stand up for yourself because I might not be there next time."

"Why? Are you moving away?" Arnold asked confused.

Helga snorted starting to chuckle, "No! Why do you want me to move away?"

"No it's not that…uh….never mind, "Arnold said shaking his head. "Helga thanks and just be careful okay?"

Helga swallowed sourly starting to feel worried, but knowing that Arnold cared about her, quickly vanished all her worries away. There was nothing to cry over when she had the support of her friends and especially if she had the support of Arnold. The one she really wanted on her side. Arnold smiled at Helga before walking away making Helga want to smile, but she only stared at him turn the corner.

Helga knew she did well today and was especially happy that the anger she was saving up for Iggy was put to good use. It was about time that someone stood up to Wolfgang. Although, her friends were saying that she should take care of herself, she didn't feel worried. Since she helped Arnold, Helga hoped she gained extra admiration points with him.

Who cared what her friends were saying? Helga did a good deed, but deep down she had to admit she was feeling somewhat afraid of what might happen. But there was nothing to be scared of when she had the support of her friends, and mainly having Arnold on her side. Suddenly, Helga couldn't wait for tomorrow to hear her friends saying that she's their hero.


Arnold yawned as he walked down the stairs in the boardinghouse and headed to the kitchen. It was a slow gloomy morning with a chilly breeze blowing outside. Even though, Arnold was inside the boardinghouse, he could still feel the cold air circulating around him. He was freshly showered and had his hair standing up all over the place like he always liked. He wore a red hoodie with a pair of baggy jeans and black sneakers.

There wasn't much noise in the boardinghouse during the morning. Except as Arnold started to get closer to the small kitchen he could already hear his grandpa's voice. Arnold admired, cared, and absolutely loved his grandparents. Since his parents never returned from their mysterious trip, his grandparents were the only family Arnold had in the world. Also if he included his cousin Arnie which he maintained a stable relationship with now and then.

"Look Pookie there's going to be a sale down at the hardware store with fifty percent off on gardening tools," Grandpa Phil exclaimed starting to chuckle. "I could surely go for a lawn mower."

"Ooh that looks like the race car I used to drive."

Grandpa Phil laughed again, "That must've been some crazy driving."

"Good morning," Arnold chimed in walking into the kitchen.

Arnold's grandpa still looked the same and was pretty healthy for a man of his age. Even though, there were times when he got tired and needed help in getting things done. Good thing Arnold was always there to lend a hand. Grandpa Phil had a blue short-sleeve striped shirt with black slacks. On the other hand, there was Arnold's grandma who had the same personality and several different ones like always. She wore a pale green dress with white spots and gray stockings. It surprised Arnold and everyone in the neighborhood that both his grandparents were still full of energy.

"Oh Arnold check out this lawn mower I want to get," Grandpa Phil said giving Arnold the newspaper.

"Isn't it a little expensive?" Arnold asked placing the newspaper on the table then sat down across his grandpa.

"Of course things are expensive but with fifty percent off Arnold," Grandpa Phil paused picking up the newspaper. "You do the math."

"It's okay Grandpa," Arnold replied downhearted looking down at the table.

"Arnold you seem melancholy just like the day is today," Grandma commented serving him pancakes for breakfast. "What's bugging you?"

"It's nothing important," Arnold muttered reaching for the syrup.

Grandpa Phil started to laugh, "What's wrong short man? Are you feeling embarrassed that a girl had to take down the bully that was bothering you?"

"No I'm just worried about her," Arnold confessed taking a bite of pancakes.

"Why?" Grandpa Phil asked putting down the newspaper. "If she took on the big tyrant I think she can take care of herself."

"I don't know Grandpa," Arnold said shaking his head. "The guy threaten that he was going to make her pay."

"Her lunch money?"

"Grandpa," Arnold said sternly.

"I'm just joshing you Arnold," Grandpa Phil admitted taking a sip of his coffee. "As long as all you kids stick together nothing wrong can happen. Unless the bully brings his band of thugs then you're going to have to bring your reinforcements, and a whole battle will commence ending with the strongest as the winner and -"

"Grandpa," Arnold repeated again sternly wanting to hide his smile. "I don't want to start a fight but I guess you're right if all of us stick together, then we can be looking out for one another."

"Remember tadpole be as the frog in the pond where the fly…"

"Comes to the frog," Arnold finished smiling at his grandma. "I had forgotten about that and thanks for reminding me."

"If you need to freshen up in your self-defense tadpole," Grandma paused placing her hand on Arnold's shoulder. "You know where to find me."

Grandpa Phil laughed, "Oh-ho you could certainly use some skills short man if you're letting girls take on the battles for you."

Arnold shook his head smiling at both his grandparents, "I've got to get going."

"Have a good day at school," Grandpa Phil called reaching for Arnold's uneaten pancakes.

"Go get them tadpole!" Grandma shouted lifting her spatula.

Arnold grabbed his backpack, waved goodbye to his grandparents, and left the boardinghouse. He headed in direction towards school and during the past years everything was still the same. The adults Arnold had interactions with since he was little still lived around the neighborhood. There was nothing wrong going on with his life and he was real excited, that in a few months high school was finally over. He couldn't wait for the graduation ceremony and finally have his well-earned diploma in his hands. After all that it was time to celebrate with all his friends. It was the one dream Arnold kept reaching for every day since he stared ninth grade.

In a few minutes Arnold reached his school and he quickly noticed some of his friends outside. The school was a pale tan color with trees and shrubs decorating the main entrance. Arnold's friends were hanging around the concrete steps in front of the main doors. There was Gerald, Stinky, Eugene, Curly, and Iggy all conversing among each other. All the boys wore jackets and sweaters due to the cold wind blowing around them.

"So I was giving it to her and she was getting all -"

"Hey guys," Arnold greeted interrupting Iggy's story.

"Arnold my man," Gerald responded doing their traditional handshake.

"Well if it isn't Arnold the one who got saved by a chick yesterday," Iggy teased leaning against the railing of the stairs.

"I didn't get saved," Arnold corrected smirking. "Helga came in to help me put a stop to Wolfgang."

"And I'm glad she did," Eugene admitted glancing at each one of the guys. "I mean, Wolfgang could've started pushing us around."

"I'd reckon that since Wolfgang graduated he was going to stop bothering us," Stinky stated scratching his head.

"Me too," Curly agreed nodding slowly. "But I guess it's true what they say once a bully always a bully."

"You guys don't think that Wolfgang would do anything to Helga right?" Arnold asked making all the guys look at each other.

"Why are you so worried about Helga?" Iggy questioned staring at Arnold puzzled. "Is it because you liked seeing her in action as she tried to defend you?"

Arnold looked over at Iggy surprised as the other guys snickered, "She's our friend and I didn't ask her to defend me."

"What's up?" Sid shouted jumping in front of the group of guys.

"Nice bruise Arnold," Harold noted laughing while Arnold touched his cheek feeling embarrassed.

Gerald faked a cough to bring the attention to him, "Look Arnold if Helga stood up to Wolfgang, I'm pretty sure she can look out for herself. Besides, don't forget Helga has been our bully since preschool."

"You guys talking about Helga?" Rhonda asked before completely reaching the group.

"Hey babe," Iggy said giving Rhonda a playful smile.

"Hold it right there she's my babe," Curly claimed frowning at Iggy but grinned at Rhonda.

"You wish," Rhonda muttered rolling her eyes. "The same goes for you Iggy."

"Is Helga here yet?" Nadine wondered clutching her books against her chest.

"No," Eugene replied looking past Nadine noticing Sheena and Lila walking towards them.

"Hello," Sheena said brightly waving to her friends.

"Good morning," Lila said instantly gazing upon Arnold's bruise. "Oh Arnold that bruise looks ever so terrible."

Arnold looked away trying to hide it when he heard Phoebe speak, "Hi everyone is Helga here yet?"

Phoebe felt disappointed as everyone shook their heads, "I hope nothing bad happens to her."

"How you doing Phoebe?" Gerald asked raising one eyebrow in question.

Phoebe blushed averting her gaze from her friends, "Good."

"Listen everyone I don't think Wolfgang is going to let this go," Rhonda remarked pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Why because we've never stood up to him?" Sid asked adjusting his baseball cap.

"None of this would've happened if Arnold didn't say anything," Nadine said crossing her arms.

"What?" Arnold asked surprised staring at Nadine offended. "I did what I thought was right besides Wolfgang was bothering Lila."

"Oh that means it was Lila's fault," Iggy pointed out grinning at her.

Lila frowned at Iggy and shook her head, "I'm oh too certain that it wasn't my fault."

"Yeah maybe you were wearing a short shirt or something sexy," Iggy assumed signaling towards Lila's clothes. "You know how it turns guys on."

"Are you saying I'm easy?" Lila snapped glaring at Iggy who only smirked back.

Iggy was about to respond when Stinky broke in, "Y'all don't think that Wolfgang is going to get us after he's done with Helga?"

"Man, this is all Helga's fault," Harold complained crossing his arms. "If Wolfgang pounds me then I'm going to pound Helga."

"People this is serious and we shouldn't be blaming anyone for this because someone's life could be in danger," Phoebe stated getting everyone to look at each other worried.

"I don't understand why everyone is so concerned with Wolfgang?" Sheena wondered shrugging her shoulders. "Is he into bad stuff?"

Everyone looked at each other searching for the answer in their faces, but instead they continued to argue about what might happen next. Nobody was coming with solutions but only added more stress to their problems.

"Here comes Helga," Eugene shouted getting everyone to freeze in place.

Arnold immediately glimpsed at Helga who was walking towards the school with her head facing the ground. He noticed she looked miserable almost as if there was a rainy cloud over her head. Helga had her blond hair down and was wearing the same pink cardigan with black pants. Arnold wondered why she looked so melancholy when she had been the hero for all of them yesterday. Could it be she regretted what she did but that didn't seem like Helga at all.

"Look at her she looks scared," Sid observed glancing at the guys.

"She seems more depressed than scared," Gerald remarked keeping his gaze fixed on Helga as she got closer.

"Do you think that Wolfgang paid her a visit?" Curly asked glancing at Helga then at everyone.

Arnold took a glance at his friends who were all staring at Helga, and then he saw Helga look up to notice them. Arnold watched Helga smirk and shake her head slowly as she stared back at them. That was Helga all right, she might seem sad but she always went back to her old self in less than a minute. Arnold looked at Helga take a deep breath and wave at them from a far before she started to walk up to them. Suddenly he heard a loud screeching voice.

"Hey you!"

Everyone in the group stared behind Helga as she turned around coming face to face with an abrupt splash of freezing water. Arnold swallowed slowly gazing at the sight of Edmund driving a black motorcycle with Wolfgang in the back. He threw the empty green bucket at Helga's feet as Edmund drove away. Helga stood completely motionless as she stared at Wolfgang and Edmund disappear in the distance, and all she could hear was the motorcycle speeding away.

She had just been splattered with water in front of her friends who were probably all staring at her shocked. Helga took a glimpse at the bucket beside her feet and suddenly got the urge to kick it as hard as she could, but she simply couldn't move. The wind was chilly and now that her clothes were soaking wet she felt colder. Helga closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip trying to soothe the rage that was starting to build inside.

Arnold rubbed his chin while he heard his friends around him gasp and some chuckle at Helga's mishap. The ones chuckling were Harold, Sid, and Iggy. The rest only gasped and shook their heads in shock. Arnold noticed Phoebe rush to Helga before he actually noticed she wasn't standing around him anymore. After Phoebe's departure from the group to aid Helga, everyone began walking up to her.

"Helga," Phoebe called running up to her. "Helga are you okay?"

Helga continued to stare forward without answering as she felt water drip from her bangs onto her face.

"I'm sorry this happened to you Helga," Sheena said standing next to her.

"Willikers Helga!" Stinky muttered walking up to Helga. "I'd assumed Wolfgang was talking big yesterday but looks like he means business on account of he splashed a bucket full of water at you."

Helga scowled at Stinky once again not letting a single word escape her lips. She looked over Stinky's shoulder to notice Harold, Gerald, Sid, and Curly standing behind him. She averted her gaze from the guys to merely bump gazes with Arnold who was staring at her stunned. She kept staring at Arnold until he lowered his gaze to the ground looking uncomfortable.

She knew that she didn't want to make him feel bad, but she figured he must be feeling guilty about this. It wasn't her fault that Arnold didn't know how to stand up for himself. If Wolfgang had decided to make her life miserable then something had to be done. But for now all she wanted was to get away from the judging eyes of her friends. Also because she was starting to shiver but she didn't want to show it. There were many emotions circulating through Helga from feeling furious to wanting to cry, but she wasn't going to do it in front of her friends. Especially in front of Lila.

"You know Helga, you should start taking those wet clothes off if you don't want to catch a cold," Iggy advised beaming a big smile showing his straight glistening teeth.

"Man oh man Helga," Gerald said getting Helga to look at him. "Why did you have to go and mess with Wolfgang?"

Rhonda didn't let Helga answer as she gripped both of her shoulders, "We should get you dried up and Nadine do you remember if I left the clothes in my locker?"

Nadine nodded, "Yeah I think so."

"I'll lend you some of my clothes," Rhonda offered glancing back at Helga. "You're lucky that I left the clothes I was showing to the girls in my locker yesterday. It's this season's must-have and I'm pretty sure you're going to love it."

Helga recoiled at the proposal but she didn't have a choice. She was a senior and she no longer had P.E. giving her the choice to wear a P.E. uniform. Once again, Helga didn't say anything but took one last look at her friends before walking away with the girls. She could hear Wolfgang's laughter echoing in her ears and the threat he gave her yesterday. He was going to make her pay and it seemed that this was only the beginning.


Wolfgang has placed Helga on his target list. What other ways of torment will he use and will Arnold try to save her? Ta-da! Another chapter written by yours truly! Thank you, thank you. Now for my next trick…I'll post the next chapter as soon as it's written. Don't forget to review and hoped you liked the chapter. This is HoshiAM saying, thanks for reading :).

Stay tuned for Chapter 3: Good Friends!