Wow.. it has been a while. What like 3 months since I posted the last chapter (longer since I started this one). And I will be honest I haven't even really touched this or thought much about it. But I do really want to finish it. So pardon the lack of update and if it seems a little awkward at first. I haven't written much of anything in a long LONG time. But I really do want to finish this from Helgas perspective. With a few extra treat scenes.
Chapter 4: New Life Starts
Helga awoke to the blaring noise of her alarm clock, the noise filling the room until being silenced with a powerful smack of her hand. But now it was almost too quiet. All that could be heard were the muffled street noises outside coupled with some birds chirping, her soft breath and the rustling of covers now seemed louder than ever. Helga inhaled deeply, this wonderful smell filling her senses. She snuggled closer and found a pleasant warmth. The alarm sounded again but she was far too comfy to move, she instead snuggled closer to this warmth, wrapping one of her legs around it slightly. As the alarm began to remove her from her dream she began to notice how strange it sounded.
'Hey Arnold! Hey Arnold! Hey Arnold! Hey Arnold!-"
What a weird alarm.
She buried herself in the mysterious warmth attempting to shut it out and return to her dreams, when it shifted. It seemed to lean up off the bed slightly, moving Helga up with it before leaning over and turning off the alarm. When it layed back down Helga realised that the warmth had wrapped around her waist pulling her closer. She happily nuzzled closer until she heard a deep familiar sigh, almost a content moan.
Cracking one eye open she looked around at the room... That was NOT hers! She tore herself from the warmth, sitting up to examine where she was. Sure she had spent the night here before but never in the bed. She looked down at Arnold, who seemed to be stirring after her quick movements, and who still had an arm wrapped around her waist. Helga could feel the heat crawling up her neck breaking out into a full blush as it coiled around her tighter bring her back down to Arnolds chest. Helgas mind was racing... how... could he and.. he was right now... holding.. her... Jesus Christ! She needed to get out of there before she did something she regretted.
She pulled back again fighting the resistance of arnolds grip, manhandling her. This time though he seemed to wake up as well, bugu gently, but his eyes fluttered open and he was met with the vision of what surely looked like a crazed Helga; staring at him wide eyed like a frightened cat. He noticed his grip rather quickly and let go, noticing Helgas reaction to it. Helga could hardly keep his eye as he started to apologise, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. Her eyes darted around everywhere until the landed, accidentally, on Arnold's lap; where something had woken up as well. Helga froze
Arnold followed her gaze after seeing her stop and rushed to cover it. But the damage was done. Helga broke her gaze as soon as it was covered and looked away.
"H-helga look.. its... its just a guy thing that- t-that can sometimes h-happen... ya know.. in the morning."
" D-dont sweat it football head."
" No look, I'm sorry. I should have just slept on the couch."
" No really. It's fine. I understand. Don't worry. Just... lets not talk about it ok?"
Arnold just nodded.
Breakfast was awkward to say the least. Helga tried her best to focus less on Arnolds little problem and more on the fact at how comfortable the two seemed waking up in each others arms. Surly for their age they should be freaking out or whatever. Its only been a few years past the whole cootie faze into the beginnings of adulthood. But then again she has been dreaming to stay by his side all night for years, and has done it in secret a few times. And given the circumstances Arnold would never freak out, at least not in front of her, that would be rude. Then again again.. they have been pretty close friends as of late and are probably on a whole new level of understanding. Helga decided to focus on that and move towards the next big problem. She had gotten a call that morning from Hazel about how she would be packing and moving all the stuff to the apartment today. Helga had decided to help. There were some secret things even Hazel didn't know about and should not see. Not that she didn't know about the shrines and the poetry.. just not the extent. So much to Hazels objections she decided to help.
Though she couldn't seem to get to the thought of actually getting there. While her room was a safe haven she has had more than enough troubles just in the front doorway. The idea of going home and Big Bob still being there, despite cops reassurance that he wasn't. It almost terrified her.
"Helga?"
Helga looked up to see a concerned Arnold, who looks as though he had finally decided to look up from his bacon and eggs to glance at her. She looked down and noticed she had dropped her fork in her eggs and they were now covered in yoak. Arnold Quickly got up and got her another fork, putting the other in the sink.
" Are you alright?"
"Fine.. just.. thinking. I'm gonna be going over to the house later, to help Hazel pack my stuff."
" Helga I don't think thats the best idea."
"I need to do this ok? What if she forgets something... or tosses something out.. or-"
"Helga I just think you would be better off not putting yourself through that."
" Through what? Are you implying I'll just fall apart at the door. Its just an old, stupid, pink house, and I got a room filled to the brim with personal crap. Despite all the bad things that happened its still my room and has been for the last 15 years. I'll be.. fine."
Helga gritted that last bit through her teeth. Her hand clenched around her fork. He knew exactly what she was thinking. It was a bad idea. But she didn't need him reminding her of that. Having lost her appetite she pushed away from the table; walking to the door to put on her shoes. Arnold soon joined her, grabbing a spare jacket for her to use.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
" With you. Figured you could use the extra help if Hazels planning to move you out in a day."
Helga was about to object but Arnold was already through the door, and besides.. it might actually Help.
It wasn't long before they had reached the house. And Helga felt herself stop dead. The last time she had been here. That was the last straw. When she had been at her wits end. All those years and this would truly be the last time she would ever have to enter this place. That is if she could get her feet to move. Her mind kept telling her that last night at the police station was a dream. Arnold was just simply walking her home. She would ring that doorbell and be greeted with an angry Big Bob who would then begin to wail on the both of them.
" They're not in there you know." Arnold said as if reading her mind. She reached up touching her bruised eye, the pain reminding her she was awake.
" I know, it's just, in the back of my head I'm thinking Big Bob swindled his way out of it and is sitting in his easy chair watching soap operas, while Miriam falls asleep in the kitchen with the blender on. I've gone home to an empty house, but it wasn't always a guarantee." She decided to save Arnold from the real image in her mind, he didn't need to see how scared she really was. She was Helga for peets sake.. She took a breath, and then a step forward, Arnold following close behind. She made it up the steps, finally hesitating before ringing the doorbell.
It wasn't long before the door swung open, with Hazels bright face revealed. Though Helga tensed when the door opened she felt relaxed now. A small smile forming on her face.
" Helga! Great! You're here. I was just about to start packing." Helga walked in. Some things looked.. out of place. Helga guessed Big Bob threw a tantrum and Hazel tried to make it seem like it didnt happen.
" Ah I see you brought Arnold! Great, cause we're gonna need the man power!"
Oh dear lord. Helga felt her cheeks flare up. She motioned for Arnold to stay while she ran up to her room. As she walked in she got the sense Hazel had not been up here yet. Probably spent all the time putting stuff back. She did notice how cold it was though. She looked over and noticed her window by her bed wide open. She hesitantly walked over to it, peering over the edge to find the emergency fire escape ladder Arnold had given her last christmas. Not the most romantic gift but the concern he had for her made her heart flutter. But.. why was it out? Wait... she had noticed something else downstairs.. suddenly clicking in her head... the box of family photos was out... Hazel would never take that out.. ( in fact now that she thought about it Hazel had turned all the pictures on the wall around to face the wall.) then why on earth... oh dear god.. the bed.. the ladder.. pictures... Arnold...
Oh my dear.. fuc... he was here!? He was here.. in her room. He saw her... no... NO.. He couldn't have.. She would just have to ask.. She quickly covered the paintings that were still out and made sure nothing else embarrassing was showing.
" HEY ARNOLD!" oh crap that was a little angry, better tone it back. Don't know anything for sure yet. " c-Could you come up here? I need to talk to you!"
"Sure!" came his reply from downstairs. Helga took a few calming breaths. She sat down on her bed retrieving the evidence from the window. Praying so hard that he had not been there.
She heard him enter, and stop at the middle of her room.
"Arnold..." she tried to keep calm. " How did my fire escape ladder get hung from my window?"
" Huh?"
She turned around holding the thing, fidgeting with it to keep calm. She held it out slighly waiting for an answer.
"I..." he answered. But Helga cut him off.
" I know it was you Arnold. You got me the damn thing out of sky-mall for christmas. Big Bob didn't know about it and neither did miriam. No one but me... and you."
" I.. Had come over to your house while you were out." Helga's eyes went wide.. she felt herself shaking, the slight rattle from the rolled up latter felt like it was blaring in her ears. She could hardly control her breathing.
" I wasn't trying to pry I swear, I just figured that you deserved to have a baby photo in the year book. I didn't know why you were being so stubborn about it, so I came to get one myself."
"WELL NOW YOU KNOW!" Helga could hold back no longer. She was scared and angry. For many reasons. Not only had he lied to her, but he invaded her house and put himself in danger. There was less of an embarrassment factor here then she originally thought. Arnold could have easily been hurt by big bob. And if she didn't go to him and confess he might have gone to the police by himself. And then Big Bob might have gone after him. Sure she was embarrassed about the paintings too but this was reckless even for Arnold. There was a reason she tried to keep him away. And on top of all that he probably had to listen. To her pathetic cries while Big Bob whaled on her. It was too much. In her freaking out arnold had come to her side, she felt him try to embrace her but she was too angry, too pissed off, too scared. She tried pushing him away only to have her wrists caught. Arnold pulling Helga to face him.
"Helga, it wouldn't have changed the fact that you came to me last night and told me what was going on. I know it was an invasion of privacy, and for that I am sorry. But it doesn't change anything." Helga felt herself calm. He was right. On all points. All the 'what ifs' didnt matter cause they didnt happen. And as pissed off as she was that he did this, she was also kind of grateful. Then again...
"H-how much did you hear?"
There was a pause, Helga grasped her knees bringing them to her chest, resting slightly, waiting as patiently as she could.
" I heard enough, Both you and Big Bob coming home. Hell I might have interfered if Ge-" Arnold cut himself off. Gerald? She should have known. For once, thank god for that boy. If he had gotten involved it would have gotten way out of hand for sure.
" So you dragged tall hair boy along with yah. Geese Arnoldo, you're turning into me." Helga offered him a smile, at the back of her head thinking about how many times she had busted into his place. In retrospect it should have been expected. Helga glanced up at one of her paintings. Standing up and lightly touching the sheet that covered it.
" You... probably saw these too?"
"Y-yeah."
"Great." freakin spectacular. He might as well have seen her diary pages. Well at least it wasn't the Arnold paintings.
" But.." Watch it hair boy, you're on thin ice. " If it means anything. I thought they were all amazing."
"R-really?" Helga was quite shocked. Many of these didn't sell so helga assumed they were just no good. After all she wasn't as big a fan of the subject matter.
"Yeah. I really like.." Arnold joined her, pulling up the sheets on a few looking for the one in particular. She waiting patiently. He seemed to have found the one and revealed it completely. It was 'Watch the Rain' A representation of her inspiration. Or at least thats how she described it on the title card. Which she bet no one even read at the show.
" You like that one?"
" Yeah. It's odd, I can feel that she is happy because she is inspired by her pain, rather than letting it affect her more negatively."
"You got that? Most people think its just a representation of illness. And she writes about life waiting for death."
" I can see a subtle smile on her face, the rain representing misery, and depression, and pain. She looks at it with that smile and an empty notebook knowing that it will make for a much more interesting muse than a normal sunny day."
Holy crap.
"Impressive footballhead. Who would have guessed, you an art critic."
" It helps that I know the artist. The girl in the image looks very familiar." He winked at her, and she felt her face heat up. She quickly turned away.
"Y-yeah." was all she could think to say. Arnold was a bit to intuitive for her.. she could hardly take it.
" You said 'most people'."
" Huh?"
" You said 'most people', what did you mean?"
Crap.. "Oh uh.. well... These are kinda all in my room right now cause I just finished a show."
" You had your work in a show?" More like her work was the show... nonetheless, Arnold sounded impressed.
" Yeah... In fact some of them were sold. This is less than half of them. Hazel has connections, and persuaded me to do it." Helga picked up one of the spare promotional cards and handed it to him. He looked at it intensely.
" Why didn't you tell anyone?"
" It's kinda a secret I paint to begin with, so I wasn't ready to let people, who I'll see on an everyday basis, Know. Besides, it was so personal, I would rather strangers assume its some fictional character I made up."
"Do you at least have pictures of the ones you sold?"
" Yeah."
"Can I see them?"
HELL NO
" Maybe someday Arnold. Now get the frick out of here I need to pack my underwear and shit and you do not.. want to see that." She shoved him out of the room letting the door click behind her. Ugh well.. that was emotionally traumatizing.
After that she packed away all of her more secret affections, poetry books and old shrine pieces she could never seem to throw away. Though most of the food related shrines did have to be tossed. She had taken photos of them. Now acknowledging the creep factor but couldn't help but be a little proud. Seriously the art she could make even at her age. Not long after she packed her personals Hazel came up to help fold and pack clothing, bedding, books and anything else. Most of Helga's toys from growing up had been stashed in the attic, and much to Helgas objection, Hazel grabbed those as well. After everything was boxed Arnold came up again and started helping to bring boxes down. Soon the room looked bland. Not empty. There was still a bed and her old dresser. As well as a mirror and some other pieces of furniture. But they lacked character. The walls were freed from their band posters revealing an old warn wallpaper. The bed holding only a mattress. Light streamed in from the now curtain free windows, hitting the empty hardwood floors. Helga took one last look before grabbing her last box of poetry books, and making her last trip down the stairs.
The ride to Hazels was short, most of it spent chatting and joking, poor Arnold stuck in the back with boxes. Helga found herself often gazing out the window, half listening to Arnold and Hazel talking about cartoons.
We arrived at old reference, Hazels place, And unloaded the car quick into the main front room, being careful not to get the boxes mixed in with piles of boxes and books that were normally there. Though Helga noted the place did look more clean than usual. Hazel decided to show off the new room before they walked up with boxes. Her hands covering Helga's eyes while Arnold got the door.
To say it was amazing was an understatement. It was so cool! Another understatement but still. She had painted the walls in a deep reddish purple, accept for a black patch on one wall that according to Hazel was a chalk board. The moldings were an even deeper purple and the cleaning was black. Helga noticed the Black paint was probably left over from the old room because in some corners it was starting to chip and crack. A very modern bedroom set to match the new wall color. Helga was too excited that she found herself falling on her new bed, taking in the moment while Arnold and Hazel started fetching boxes. Helga joined them not long after and soon the room was filled with that helga personal touch. The 'personal' boxes were set in the closet, unopened for now. Paintings lined the walls and framed pictures of friends took their new places.
It wasn't till near the end that Hazel brought in the last gift. A brand new imac* computer. purple to match the new room. At the site of the gift Helga felt overwhelmed with joy. She had wanted one so bad! And here she was already imposing on Hazel who was just lavishing her with gifts and care. Care she was hardly accustomed to. Without a second thought she rushed into Hazels arms giving her a tight hug, partly for joy, and partly to see if she was real. This whole thing seemed too good to be true.
" I can help you set it up if you want Helga." Arnold offered after setting down the last painting.
" Great. You kids do that while I go make some dinner. Arnold will you be staying?"
" No Thanks. I should head home after this."
Hazel simply nodded and left. Helga had already started uncasing the new comptuer.
" You sure Arnold? Hazels a pretty good cook.. Well.. she can cook a few things super good."
" Yeah. Gotta head back. Grampas probably made up some chores for me to do."
After Helga had unshelled the thing Arnold helped her lift it up onto her new desk and plug it in. The on noise music that played was too exciting.
" Ok so you name it.. and then set your password."
"Hmm.. what's a good name? What's yours called?"
"Huh? Oh I don't know... I think I just put in my name."
" Wow thats boring.. Not doing that. Oh I know."
Helga proceed to type in 'Old Betsy' for the name and while Arnolds back was turned 'Arnold4life' As the password. They spent the next hour as Arnold explained how she could change settings and personalise it. Seeing how this wasn't her first time on a computer it all went along rather quickly. Arnolds last piece of help setting up her online chat account.
" This will be great! Now I can talk to Phoebe and you guys online. And I wont have to use the school computers to type papers anymore." Helga stood up examining her new room. The idea of why she was here now far from her thoughts. There was so much more potential for new better memories here, a much better life. She flopped down on her new bed, getting a bit tired with all the excitement.
" I'm glad you have someone like Hazel, Helga. How come you've never mentioned her before?" Arnold asked sitting in her desk chair.
" It's a little embarrassing, or was I guess, to have such a young godmother. Cause she was just in highschool when I was born. Any clever person could do the math and figure out that she became my godmother when I was much older. Or... I don't know. It never came up, I couldn't say anything without explaining." Helga had always been a bit sad about her regards towards Hazel. At first she was skeptical, she liked her fine, there was a connection, but the idea of any help coming out of it seemed far fetched. And at first they were not all that close. She would just visit or send cards. Its only these past two years when Hazel took over the old store that they got closer. She became that one person outside Helgas normal life where she could vent without any repercussions, besides Doctor Bliss of course. But sometimes it was nice to not rely on Doctor Bliss. In all honesty Helga felt if she told people about Hazel it might ruin that kind of security. But at this point Helga hardly cared, it was a moot point. Now Hazel was full on involved in her life and Helga was loving the idea. She was like a weird aunt or crazy sister or something.
" She seems really nice though." Arnold said after a moment.
" Are you kidding? She is amazing!" And thank god she can't hear this " She's nice, clever, smart, funny. She would always listen to my crazy stories. From the moment I met her, I just felt this... connection. I love her." True enough. And Love wasn't a word Helga threw around thoughtlessly.
" Love her?"
" Yeah like family. When I first met her though, there was this love, ya know? She reminded me of someone, in a way."
" Who?"
You ya dolt.
" Another day Football head." He pouted at that. Helga was loving it. He thought just because she reveled one secret she would show all? Don't think so. Arnold left not long after. Helga was secretly grateful, it gave her a chance to unwind. Hazel and Helga sat together eating rice with omelets. They joked and told stories, until Helga decided it was time for bed. She dressed in her pjs and climbed into her new bed. Hazel walked in not long after dressed for bed as well with her breath smelling minty hinting at freshly brushed teeth. She sat down on the edge of the bed.
" You like your room?"
" Love it. Not bad for working on it only one night?"
" Haha yeah well... The furniture and paint has been sitting in here for a while. I figured it would be a christmas/ birthday gift and we would take a week this summer to redo your old room. I like this better though."
" Me too."
Hazel motioned to get up.
" Hazel?" Hazel stopped and turned to look at Helga again. Helga was such a skeptic, the idea of someone being this nice.. her or Arnold, was just beyond her. The idea that people this kind really do exist scared her even, she was so used to a world of scowls or fake smiles. Hazel had been a true friend, more than that, a mother. Like her mom had been those few weeks once when she was working at big bobs beepers.
" Thanks."
Hazel seemed a bit taken back, looking as if she was about to ask ' for what' but she seemed to get it. She leaned forward and placed a light kiss on Helgas forehead.
" You're worth it sweety."
With that Hazel got up and left, shutting the door tightly behind her. The gesture had left Helga speechless but relaxed, and with that she finally clicked off her lamp, quickly falling asleep.
The next day went slow, mostly just an ongoing debate on whether or not Helga should go to school. Hazel claiming it might be best to stay home now that her teachers all know about what's going on and have been instructed to tell students as part of standard protocol. So as not to have any careless statements set her off. But Helga put her foot down. They only had so little of class left she wasn't gonna spend it sitting on her ass. The next day came fast and Helga and Hazel had eaten breakfast and left out the door. Hazel deciding to walk with Helga to judge the distance. As she got closer to the school she saw several faces of people she knew. They gave her odd looks no doubt because of Hazel, overly animated in telling some ridiculous story. When they reached the school Hazel stopped across the street with Helga.
" Ok! Now remember, go learn things, make friends, and work towards becoming a better member of society or whatever they teach you these days."
" Ha.. I'll get right on that."
" Want me to meet ya here after and walk home."
" No thats ok. see ya"
" Wait! Goodbye kisses." Hazel proceeded to lock Helga in a bear hug and pummel her face with sloppy kisses. Helga was extraordinarily embarrassed at first, trying to pull away. But in realising that she had never really felt this much, this embarrassed because your parent or guardian loves you, Helgas pleas for freedom turned into laughs. She still struggled to get free, but offered Hazel a warm smile when she got out.
" See ya at home Hazel."
" I'll be waiting." and with that Hazel turned and left.
Sorry if this is getting a little OC heavy, I had the idea to include Hazel originally thinking she wouldn't be as involved because it was from Arnolds perspective. But The rewrite obviously has a lot more of her. Also I apologize for any awkwardness. Its kind of hard putting a new spin on things while still trimming the unnecessary bits. Coming up we've got Helga facing her secret being public, dealing with legal crap, going to court and other stuff as well. It was supposed to be in this chapter but this was getting kinda long and it having been so long since I updated I figured this was the better option. Once again sorry bout the lack of updates!