Chapter 2: There Was Something Else
P.S.118
Classroom
The students sat, waiting for Mr. Simmons to hand out the scripts. While some were looking forward to the play, others weren't expecting it to be any more enjoyable than it was on their field trip.
"Okay class. I have here your scripts I printed last night. We'll just do a quick review of the first act before heading over to the auditorium for practice." Mr. Simmons said excitedly.
Arnold took his script, anxious to know what he should be expecting, after having fallen asleep during the first act on the field trip.
As Mr. Simmons was preparing to start, the class heard "Aww I can't read my name! Le...Le Da..Le Dan." Harold tried to pronounce.
"Le Dan Caire, Harold. He's one of the village smugglers." Mr. Simmons explained.
"Alright!" the now intrigued student shouted in excitement.
"Yes, well as I was saying, the play starts taking place in a square in Seville…" the enthusiastic teacher began before once again being interrupted.
"Seville? What the heck is that?" Stinky scratched his head in confusion.
While Mr. Simmons began explaining the plays whereabouts, Helga smacked her face in bewilderment. The emotionally conflicted girl had entered class that morning, nervous about how she and Arnold would handle their parts after their FTi incident.
Now the ignorance shown by half the class from the simplest play facts had her feelings there was nothing to worry about.
"The act starts with Morales and his soldiers loitering before the guard house, commenting on passers-by."
"Oh I'm a soldier! Oh how wonderful!" Eugene exclaimed, feeling as though he played an important role in the play.
Thinking back to Romeo and Juliet, he would have been the star of he show, had that one romantic scene not caused him to turn down the opportunity.
"You're a Corporal of the Dragons!" Mr. Simmons nodded, pleased to see his student taking an interest in the play.
"Then Micaela, a village maiden…"
"A poor choice for me I must once again point out." Rhonda insisted, as she leaned back in her seat with her arms crossed.
"Umm...well anyway. She appears seeking Don Jose, also a corporal, but is told by Morales he is not yet on duty. They offer her the chance to stay and wait with them. Instead, she runs away, saying she will return later. When Zuniga and Jose arrive, the factory bell rings and the cigarette girl emerges from the factory."
"No one will actually be smoking will they?" Sheena raised her hand in concern.
The kind teacher shook his head and replied "Of course not Sheena. Nadine will enter the factory with fake cigarette until Carmen appears."
"Can they be candy cigarettes?!" Harold raised his hand in excitement.
"Bow Howdy! That sounds cool!" Sid agreed.
"We'll see boys. Now once Carmen appears, she's asked by all the men when she will love them."
"I reckon it seems mighty unlikely for a lady to fall in love with every guy she meets." Stinky interrupted.
"No kidding." Gerald leaned back in his seat, wishing he could once again spend the time focusing on this topic with his earphones and cassette.
Once again trying to continue with the description of the first act, Mr. Simmons read what he found to be a touching line from the act. "Carmen explains to the intrigued men love is a rebellious bird that no one can tame. He had never known law. If you don't love me, I love you. If I love you, watch yourself."
Helga, who was staring dully at her script with her head leaning in her hand, looked up at her beloved as Mr. Simmons continued on with his description. If Arnold only knew the words she spoke on FTi and the passion behind them was all true. Nothing could calm her substantial feelings for him.
Arnold then became intrigued as he listened to Mr. Simmons continue with the description of the act.
"When they plead for her to choose a lover from among them, she tears a bunch of cassia from her bodice and throws it at Don José, who has been ignoring her, before going back into the factory with the others. José is annoyed by her insolence."
Helga paid him annoying, negative, unnecessary attention that he was still always willing to ignore.
"Micaëla returns and gives him a letter —and a kiss— from his mother. José longingly thinks of his home, and reading the letter sees that his mother wants him to return and get married. Micaëla is embarrassed and leaves, but Don José declares that he will marry her."
Whether or not it was a play, Helga clenched her fists, and gritted her teeth angrily. It didn't matter that Rhonda didn't possess feelings for Arnold. Seeing them together in the play was like Lila nearly being given the part of Juliet.
Helga could only be grateful Rhonda was displeased with her part, and still unaware of her secret. Had Rhonda known, surely she would use this opportunity to annoy her uncontrollably.
"As soon as she leaves, screams are heard from the factory and the women run out, singing chaotically. Don José and Zuniga find that Carmen has been fighting with another woman, and slashed her face with a knife."
"I suppose Helga does fit the part of Carmen. Few girls would resort to such hostility, let alone carrying an actual weapon." Rhonda smirked.
After hearing the class release a few snickers, Helga angrily turned to face her snobbish classmate and scowled "Put a sock in it Princess!"
Mr. Simmons waved his hand to imply it was time to settle down."There's no need for that girls. Now as I was saying, Zuniga asks Carmen if she has anything to say, but she replies impudently with a song…"
"Haha! Helga has to sing to Gerald!" Harold laughed, while pointing a finger at the two of them.
"We'll all be doing some singing Harold. No one will miss out!" Mr. Simmons exclaimed.
"Aww gee…" the husky boy whined, as he leaned back in his seat with his arms hanging low.
"Now where was I, oh yes! Zuniga instructs José to guard her while he writes out the warrant for prison. The women go back into the factory and the soldiers to the guardhouse. To escape, Carmen seduces José with a Seguidilla about an evening she will spend with her next lover who is "only a corporal"; José gives in and unties her hands. Zuniga returns, and Carmen allows herself to be led away but turns, pushes José to the ground, and as laughing cigarette girls surround Zuniga, she escapes." The enthusiastic teacher finished explaining.
Helga began to blush, thinking about how this would go: singing to Gerald, seducing Arnold while being tied up, it was making her feel vulnerable.
While Helga was trying to think about how she would handle this, Arnold remembered how he felt when Helga told him she loved him. She came on so strong, he felt trapped, suffocated, and had nowhere to go (let alone time to think).
Auditorium
Mr. Simmons led his class to the auditorium, anxious to see them perform. The excited teacher took a seat in the front row as he watched his students approach the stage.
"Where are the costumes?! I can't be a bullfighter without a cape!" Curly cried out dramatically.
"Not to worry Curly. Sheena has agreed to once again be the head costumer." Mr. Simmons smiled, while directing his attention towards Sheena.
Before the first line was read, Gerald noticed Arnold staring across the stage at Helga.
"What are you looking at man?"
"Huh? Oh I was just thinking about my part." Arnold said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Gerald glared at his friend and replied "Uh huh? Thinking about the part, or who you'll be doing it with?"
"Gerald…."
The boys' thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Simmons motioned for the Act 1 actors to enter the stage.
"Rhonda, you and Eugene have the opening lines. Phoebe, Lila, Stinky, Harold, Sid and Brainy; you all will be singing the chorus."
The class moaned at the idea of having to participate. The only boy who enjoyed singing was Gerald, but none of what was written in this piece seemed amusing to him.
After the pre-teens took place in the atmosphere that was meant to be a square village, they began to sing the opening lines…
In the square
What a clamor
Some are coming
Some are going
"I'm confused. What the heck's a clamor?" Stinky scratched his head in confusion.
Not caring they were disrupting the play, Phoebe explained "A clamor is said to be a loud and confused noise. In this case, the substantial amount of disturbance caused by the amount of scattering people in the village."
"Thank you Phoebe. Let's get back to practice." Mr. Simmons instructed, pointing towards Rhonda and Eugene.
Who are you seeking for, fair maiden?
I'm seeking for a brigadier
Indeed! Here I am!
You are not he. Don Jose, he is called. Is he not to you known?
Don Jose is known to us all.
"Wonderful, Rhonda, Eugene!" Mr. Simmons clapped.
"Well, one who looks as good as I do is likely to act just as impressively." Rhonda stated.
Watching from the side of the stage, behind the curtain, Helga rolled her eyes at the stuck up girl. Crossing her arms she scoffed "Pttss...enjoy your Pre-Teen outerwear while you can Princess. That maid costume's calling your name."
"Now Arnold and Gerald can enter the stage." Mr. Simmons instructed.
Helga could feel her heart beating heavily, knowing in just a matter of minutes, she would be coming onto Arnold. It would be like Romeo and Juliet all over again, only now she would have to worry about how suspicious her actions may make Arnold of her true feelings for him.
Would he watch her play the enticing role she was instructed to and know it was all just an act, or believe (after hearing her confession) there was something more to it?
As Helga stood backstage contemplating this, Arnold approached Eugene. Eugene started the script, having made it this far without tripping.
A charming young girl has just been asking us if you were here. Blue skirt and long plaited hair.
That must be Micaela.
"Very nice start boys. Now the chorus again. Your lines continue onto the next page." Mr. Simmons instructed, while hearing the singers mope.
And the old guard
Goes off home to barracks
Blow out, loud trumpet
Taratata, taratata!
"Oh that was wonderful boys and girls! You all sounded lovely! Now Arnold and Gerald prepare for their entry of the cigarette factory."
Gerald entered the stage, not excited about his part. Arnold watched his friend approach and listened to him start…
Surely it's there isn't it? In that big building where the cigarette girls work?
It is sir, and quite certainly, you never saw such a flighty lot of girls.
But they're pretty at least?
Sir, I know nothing of that, and don't concern myself with these gallantries.
I know very well my friend what's keeping you busy; a charming young girl named Micaela.
I reply that I love her. As for the factory girls and their prettiness, you can judge for yourself.
Helga stood backstage listening to her beloved's performance. Hearing him act as though he was in love with another classmate. Acting towards another girl the way she had always hoped he truly felt about her.
Soon would come her part, where she sadly would have to treat him as she always did. Unlike in Romeo and Juliet, her role in Carmen would be quite similar to her everyday performance. While she may acquire his attention, it wouldn't be in the kindest way.
Arnold and Gerald then entered what was meant to be the cigarette factory part on stage, and the class listened to Arnold say…
The bell has rung. We've come to catch the factory girls on their way back!
Mr. Simmons then directed his attention towards who were said to be the cigarette girls, Nadine and Sheena.
We gaze after the smoke as it rises in the air.
Sweet smelling towards the skies
Gracefully it mounts
To your head
So gently
It exhilarates you!
Lovers soft talk -
It's smoke!
Their raptures and promises
Smoke!
After hearing the sweet singing of their classmates, Arnold said…
But we don't see la Carmencita?
Helga then entered the stage, as Nadine and Sheena excitedly pointed out her appearance to Arnold and Gerald.
All the other boys on stage paid Helga their full attention, implying how enticing and seductive she appeared to be.
Arnold looked at the city's hero, the school's bully, his arch nemesis, and who was now said to be...his lover.
After a quick glance had been made at her, Arnold turned away and listened to the boys sing…
Carmen we all throng for you!
Carmen be kind! Answer us at least!
And tell us when you're going to love us!
While Helga was meant to take a brief glimpse at Arnold as he did her, she gave him her full attention when reading her line. Staring at him, as he continued to look away from her, she replied to the chorus…
When am I going to love you?
My word I don't know?
Perhaps never, perhaps tomorrow
But not now, that is certain
Reciting these words out loud to her classmates seemed similar to how Arnold made her feel after her confession. Would he ever love her? Maybe one day. Based on his reaction to her confession, it certainly wasn't going to be that day.
Carmen we all throng for you!
Carmen be kind! Answer us at least!
And tell us when you're going to love us!
After listening to the class once again recite the chorus, it was at last time for Carmen to confront Jose.
What are you up to there?
I'm making a chain to fix my priming-pin
Truly! Your priming-pin really? Pin maker of my heart!
Reading along with the script, Sid interrupted and said "This says she's supposed to be throwing a flower at him?"
"Yes. We'll worry about the props later. We've reached the part when Carmen and the cigarette girls run into the factory, while the soldiers head for the guardhouse. This leaves Jose standing outside alone. Action!" Mr. Simmons pointed for Arnold to begin.
What looks! What brazen impudence!
That flower had the effect of a bullet striking me!
It's scent is strong and it's a pretty flower!
And the woman…
If there really are witches, she's certainly one!
Rhonda then entered the stage to approach who was said to be her fiance.
After seeing her, Arnold spoke…
How lovely you are here!
It is your mother who sent me.
Tell me about her.
I bring from you this letter and one other thing...dare I not?
What other thing?
A kiss from your mother.
Helga's eyes widened from backstage as she watched Rhonda kiss Arnold on the cheek. Every time she saw Arnold make even the slightest smile at another girl, she grew full of rage. Now here she was having to watch him receive a kiss from who she might as well call her arch nemesis. While Lila was annoyingly perfect, she didn't take pleasure out of making others look bad, as Rhonda did.
I see my mother! I see my village again! Oh memories of bygone days!
Even if it was just a performance smile, Helga held her hand to her heart, wondering why it couldn't have been her to brought it to his face?
After watching Rhonda, Gerald entered the stage to a singing group of fearful girls, and a fight between Helga and Nadine. Gerald addressed Arnold about the commotion between the girls and asked...
Whatever's going on here?
Sir there was a quarrel
Why by her.
You hear - what have you to say?
With a grin on her face, Helga replied…
Cut me, burn me, I shall tell you nothing!
Glaring at the feisty girl, Gerald demanded…
Since you adopt that attitude, you shall sing your song to the prison walls! It's a pity! A great pity, because she's nice really! But she must be made to see sense. Bind those two lovely arms!
Helga looks up at Arnold who had been watching her the whole time. After the two shared a brief look, Arnold took hold of her wrist and listened to her ask…
Where are you taking me?
To prison. There's nothing I can do.
Really? You can't do a thing?
No! Nothing. I obey my superiors.
Very well but I know that in spite of your superiors, you'll do everything I want because you love me!
Helga felt Arnold's grip loosen on her wrist the moment those words left her lips. It was as if he felt he was Arnold being accused of loving Helga on stage, as opposed to Jose loving Carmen. Did he feel that way? Did he love Helga?
Helga went from nervously reciting her lines to cocking her brow, wondering what Arnold's hold up with his next line was?
"Umm Arnold? Is there a problem?" Mr. Simmons finally butted in.
Arnold then shook his head, realizing how distracted he had become. "Huh? Oh sorry."
I love you?
He said it just as he felt; as if he was forgetting the play and waiting for Helga to tell him how he really felt about her.
Yes Jose! The flower I made you a present of. You know, the witch's flower. You can throw it away now. The spell is working!
As Helga said this out loud, she imagined all the things she had done to bring herself close to Arnold. The shrines, the poems, the tantric spells. Was it working on him?
Don't talk to me anymore. Say no more. I forbid it.
While these words were meant to be said scornfully, Arnold could barely get them out. He held Helga's wrist lightly, speaking softly, implying he was in deep thought during them.
Helga watched what appeared to be a hypnotized look in Arnold's eyes. The next scene started with a song for her to sing. Seeing the fearful look in his eyes made the idea of opening up not seem to petrifying. Not having to worry about being judged. It was as if he truly was hers to take advantage of.
By the ramparts of Seville
By my friend Lillas Pastia's place
I'm going to dance the seguindalla…
Stop! I told you not to talk to me!
Helga noticed Arnold's attention had returned to the play, as he spoke his lines more forcefully. Her song was interrupted, and she continued on to say…
I'm not talking to you. I'm thinking to myself. It's not forbidden to think. I'm thinking of a certain officer who loves me! And whom in my turn I might really love!
Arnold gulped at the line, wondering how true it may be? All those years of torture, was it just an act?
My officer's not a captain. Not even a lieutenant. He's only a corporal, but that's enough for a gypsy girl. And I'll deign to content myself with him.
Arnold let go of Helga's wrist, as though he was untying her.
If I yield, If I give in, you'll keep your promise? If I love you, Carmen you'll love me?
While Arnold stood feeling as though he was actually asking Helga how she felt about him, Helga stood wishing she could scream YES at the top of her lungs. While he may have just been acting, she still stood there thinking to herself…
Oh my darling, if only you knew where my heart truly lies. That while this all may be a game to you, it could not be more real to me!
After nodding her head at his question, Helga went on to say…
Yes, we'll dance the seguidilla, while we drink manzanilla.
At Lillas Pastia's promise! Carmen! You promise!
Ah! By the ramparts of Seville!
Helga then went to re-seat herself as Gerald approached Arnold…
Here's the order. Off you go now. Keep a good look out!
Looking over at Arnold, Helga whispered
I shall push you, let yourself fall, the rest is up to me.
When Gerald had his back turned, Helga pushed Arnold to the floor. Sheena began singing to distract Gerald, giving Helga a chance to escape.
Mr. Simmons stood to applaud the class, while Arnold watched Helga head backstage. What were those crazy, mixed feelings he had towards the end of the act?
"That was wonderful boys and girls! Tomorrow we can get started on Act 2!"
After School
Walk
Arnold began his walk home with Gerald, as he listened to him say "Man I'm glad that's over."
"I don't know. It wasn't so bad." Arnold shrugged his shoulders.
Gerald lifted an eyebrow at the blonde boy's opinion and asked "You're kidding right?"
"No? I mean, it's not like we haven't done a play together before." Arnold tried to sound more logical, but wasn't too successful.
"Whatever you say Arnold."
The Beeper Emporium
Phoebe and Helga had just made it back to Helga's sorry excuse for a home. Helga still hadn't told her friend what was on her mind, which wasn't hard for Phoebe to see. The small girl knew how edgy her friend could be if she was pushed too far (or just in general), therefore, she felt it may be best to let Helga come around on her own.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow Helga. Good luck on your assignment." Phoebe reminded her.
"Criminy! I forgot about that stupid thing." Helga scoffed, only having had her mind on the play.
The Boarding House
"I'll see ya later Gerald." Arnold said, giving his best friend their secret handshake.
"Later man. Try to give us your full attention tomorrow. I'll don't think you'll get an A for being on cloud nine all day." Gerald pointed out.
"Uhh right."
After watching the pets pour past, Arnold entered the kitchen to find Phil rummaging through the fridge.
The blonde boy took a seat at the table and sighed "Hey grandpa."
Phil turned around with a roast beef sandwich and said "Hey there shortman! How was school?"
"Okay I guess. We had our first play practice."
"Ooohhh how'd ya do? You're that Don something character right?" Phil tried to remember.
"His name's Don Jose. I did okay I guess." the puzzled boy sighed, as he leaned his head in his hand on the table.
"Well you don't sound like you did okay. Something wrong?"
"I was just thinking about my homework assignment last night."
"Uh oh? What was it? Science? History? If it was Math, you're wasting your time talking to me."
"No, I had to write about something exciting that happened to me over summer vacation."
"Well that shouldn't have been too hard. You saved the neighborhood! Teacher should promote you just for saving half his class from moving away!" Phil reminded his moping grandson.
"I guess. There was something else I thought about writing about though."
"Well that's the only exciting thing I know of that happened this summer. It certainly wasn't exciting collecting those late rent checks." Phil thought out loud.
"No, there was something else."
The Beeper Emporium
Helga entered the emporium to see her dad stacking beepers, while her mother was past out on the sofa. It was depressing to think Bob felt one display could attract enough customers to put his business back where it used to be.
The tired girl then entered the attic; what she was sorry to have to call her bedroom. Laying on top of the cramped space her bed was now in, she pulled out her locket and said to herself…
Oh Arnold! What am I to do? Speak the truth of not only this summer, but of my life's most exciting moment, only to risk having your dignity shattered and my reputation destroyed? Oh Arnold I…
"Helga!"
Helga smacked her face in frustration as she scowled "What?!"
"Take this box of beepers to school with you to sell tomorrow would ya?" Bob asked, dropping the box outside her door.
Helga moaned at her depressing life, yet amazed he managed to remember her name.