Helga's Perspective

It's been almost two weeks since I found out that Arnold is coming back to Hillwood, after four years of living abroad.

Stinky called me a couple of days ago to let me know that Arnold's 'Welcome Back' party will be this Saturday night on the roof of the Sunset Arms Boarding House. Arnold will be flying in on Friday. It was now Tuesday.

To be completely honest, I'm internally freakin' out, a bit. I don't know why because I've moved on. He's still my friend, even if we haven't spoken in three years. Maybe I'm afraid that he'll be upset with me for not answering his letters?

Well, technically I did, but I never sent them. They are all in a binder, hidden in my closet, but nobody knows that...

…Nobody needs to know that. Ever.

So here I am, lying down on my bed, analyzing my thoughts.

I think it's called 'Metacognition', or something...

Anyway, I really want to get Arnold off my mind, but I'm not getting anywhere.

Maybe if I go for a walk, I could clear my mind...

I get off of my bed and grab my hoodie, putting it on as I walk down the stairs to the front door. Miriam is in the kitchen making a post-workout protein shake. I smile - I'm glad to see her taking up healthier habits.

She was pretty lame when she was an alcoholic…

"Helga, are you going out?"

I put one foot into the kitchen and acknowledge her.

"Yeah, mom. Just going for a walk. I'll be back for dinner."

"Alright, Sweetie. And just so you know, it's going to be a real treat tonight. Your sister is visiting and she's making...umm...well, I forgot what it's called but it's from...Morocco, I think?"

Morocco, eh? I swear, when Olga cooks dinner, it's like our house becomes one of those new-age, hipster, 'Marco Polo's Plates from Around the World' type joints…

"Sounds good. I'll be back later."

I walk out the door and decide to go to the docks, for awhile. A couple of blocks down from my house, I spot what looks like an empty can of Yahoo soda.

Kicking cans is kinda my thing.

I should go pro.

I'm gonna kick that can all the way to the river...

I'm at the river, now...

...Should I kick it into the water?

Hmm...

Arnold wouldn't approve of that.

I shake my head.

Why the hell would I give two shits about what Arnold thinks?

I kick it in without a second thought.

Helga Pataki, 1. Skookumchuck River, 0.

But now, I feel a little bit guilty about littering...

...Fuck.

Oh well...

I've made it to the docks. Oh hey, there's Elk Island.

'What's up, Wheezin' Ed?'

Heh...

I see my reflection in the murky water.

I really haven't changed very much over the years.

Just in height, hair length, and cup size, I guess...

And the piercings – lobes, helix, and nose. Maybe I should get a snake bite…

I analyze my features.

I'm not a knockout, but, I'm decent...

I guess it's the unibrow - it might be holding me back.

Maybe I should wax it, or something.

I'm kinda over it, now.

Ehhhh...

It's probably gonna hurt like hell.

I dunno...I'll think about it.

Who am I trying to impress anyway?

I'm not one of those lame girls who's gonna lose herself trying to impress people.

...

I look at the sunset.

The sky is pink.

Heh...for someone who's constantly labeled as 'punk' and 'grunge' all the time, it's funny how pink has always been my favorite color.

It's nostalgic...

I reach up and take off my beanie to reveal my old pink bow.

...

'...I like your bow, because it's pink like your pants...'

...

My heart skips a beat.

No…

…I'm over him.

Why the fuck do I insist on wearing this old thing?

I take off my bow and shove it into my pocket – I'll have to put it in storage, later.

I shiver.

It's pretty cold for a summer evening.

Cold summer evenings are pretty typical in Washington State.

I put my beanie back on.

It's about time to head home.

I've got a plate of Couscous with my name on it…

To Be Continued...