Chapter 3 The Courtship of Helga G Pataki

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After going just a little faster than the posted speed limit, (he was often overly cautious while driving), Arnold made it back to school unscathed just a few minutes late to class. He had been aware of this exam months in advance and was more than well prepared.

About an hour later, the young man was confident that he had passed his assessment with flying colors and was feeling pretty good about himself when he exited the classroom later that afternoon.

The halls were filled with his peers, most shouting and laughing with relief that the weekend had finally arrived. He was at his locker grabbing books he'd need for the weekend when Phoebe approached him sans Brainy.

"Arnold, do you have a minute?"

"Sure! What's on your mind? You guys figured out your college applications strategy already?"

His grin was wide, green eyes sparkling with confidence on an obvious high from his perceived double victory earlier in the day. Acing an exam AND getting Helga to consent to courting her? He was on Cloud 9! He didn't notice Phoebe's worried expression, nor her eyes shifting around the crowded hallway with unease.

"Can we talk somewhere more private? I'd rather not be overheard."

"Uh, well, I made an appointment to meet a friend in about an hour. But I have a few stops to make first. Want a ride home?"

"Yes, that is probably the best solution."

He nodded at her acceptance, finally taking in her demeanor and almost formal response. He thought back to his earlier interaction with Helga and was almost positive he knew what this impending conversation would entail.

"Okay, uh, I have all my stuff. I'm ready if you are."

She nodded and Arnold gestured for her to lead the way. They walked in silence to his car, he opening her door and waiting until she was seated before coming round to the driver side of the vehicle.

"Alright, Phoebe. I'm all ears. What's on your mind?"

She hesitated a few moments before turning to fully look at him.

"Helga told me about your visit this afternoon."

"Oh? Well, news travels fast with cell phones these days." He tried to smile but her lack of amusement caused his grin to die a quick death.

"She had mentioned that you are interested in her romantically and have offered to be friends first. I need to understand your intentions, Arnold because honestly, I don't think you know what you're doing."

The young man was quiet for a beat, not sure how he should respond to the underlying accusation in her tone.

"Phoebe, I'm a bit confused here. Where is all this coming from?"

"Arnold, don't act dense. You've had 5 girlfriends this year alone. And we still have 3 months left before New Years! What you're saying you will do with Helga is not quite matching what you've done almost our entire high school career! I know you're a good guy. I grew up with you, so I know better than most. But despite being a good guy, I don't understand why you're pursuing someone who already told you it's not a good idea."

Now Arnold was insulted. If Phoebe viewed him this way, is that how Helga saw him as well?

He took a breath to calm his frazzled nerves. He had to remember that this was Phoebe and as Helga's best friend, she would do what she could to protect the blonde.

But she thinks that Helga needs protection from me!

"Look, Phoebe, I don't know what you want me to say here. I don't actually think that this is any of your business, but what I will say is that my intentions are honorable. I want to date Helga, yes, but being friends is all she's willing to do at this point. So, I'll be her friend for as long as she will allow. That's as much as I am willing to share with you."

Phoebe watched him with her brown eyes, his words going round her mind. She crossed her arms around her chest, and gave him a look that could rival any glare he'd received from Helga in their youth.

"Arnold, forgive me, but I must confess this: I don't trust you. Helga is my best friend. She's basically a sister to me. And when you say that you want to be her friend before pursuing her romantically, I must look at your track record to gauge your sincerity. So far, I am unimpressed. Now, I'm not going to interfere - Helga is her own person. But if you are that confident that your interest in her won't fade after a few weeks then I must ask that you treat this...friendship...with respect and to put your heart in it. Do you understand me?"

The young man could only look at her with both admiration and hurt.

"Of course! Helga deserves that." He tried his best to smile at her, hoping that she could see his earnestness.

She returned his smile, brown eyes glittering in the setting sun.

"Thanks, Arnold. I apologize I had to be so blunt, but…" She drifted off, her explanation unneeded.

"No worries. Uh, anyway, remind me. Which direction to your house?"

He pulled out of the student parking lot under Phoebe's guidance. They didn't talk much, her voice disturbing the silence only to give him minor instructions. Arnold pulled in front of her home, the windows brightly lit and the scent of baked goods wafting outside.

"Smells like my mom went on a baking spree again. Would you mind waiting a moment? I'd like you to drop something off to Helga."

"Sure, no problem. I'll just…" Phoebe was already out the door and was running up her steps, his words trailing behind her, "uh, park. Okay."

She was back about 10 minutes later carrying two large grocery bags full to the brim with what appeared to be loaves of bread.

"This one," she brought up her right hand, " is for Helga. Some of her favorites are in this one. And this one," She brought up her left hand, "is for you. I hope you like them! My mom tends to get a little over excited when she bakes. Thinks there's fifteen of us instead of three. Think of it as a peace offering for our earlier conversation."

She placed both bags on the passenger seat and closed the door. Both hands rested on the open windowsill as she peered into the vehicle, her brown eyes locked in his. There was a warning in her eyes, dangerous and meaningful when she spoke again.

"Take care, Arnold." She was back in her house before he could respond.