Ch. 4

Disclaimer: I do not own any trademark, brand, label, etc. mentioned in my fan fiction.

Arnold made it through his first week of school! He was feeling sort of nervous about Rhonda's party. He wanted to make a good impression on Lila because he was finally going talk her in person since he first came back from San Lorenzo. They had been exchanging texts during the week, apparently someone gave Lila his number, and by someone, he meant Gerald. As Arnold was looking in his closet for something to wear, he heard a knock on the door and Miles' voice call from the outside, "Arnold, can I come in?"

"Sure, Dad. The door is unlocked." Arnold yelled over his shoulder.

"Arnold, you excited for tonight? Your first high school party," Miles said as he entered, looking around the room nervously, "I just wanted to give you something." He pulled a brown paper bag from behind him, handing it over to Arnold.

Arnold looked at him and opened the bag, pulling out its contents, "Uhh, condoms? Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need them, Dad." Arnold put the condoms back in the bag and handed them back to Miles.

Miles ran a hand through his hair and grinned, "Arnold, I'm not saying to use them tonight, but keep one with you. I know what it was like to be an 18-year old boy with alcohol in your system. I just want you to be safe, if it does happen tonight…I'll leave them here on the counter, and I'll let you get ready."

Dad's right. I don't want to be a father anytime. Anyways, it's better to be safe than sorry, Arnold thought ashe opened the box, and put one in his wallet. He walked back to his closet, still not knowing what to wear. It shouldn't have been that hard to choose because his closet basically consisted of jeans, different colored plaid shirts, and some graphic tees, but nothing seemed right. He finally decided on some dark wash boot cut jeans, a black v-neck, and some boots. Arnold finished freshening up and decided it would be a good time to go, especially since he was going to walk.

He finally arrived to Rhonda's place after a fifteen minute walk and rang the doorbell. A tall and slender girl answered the door. She was wearing a black dress with sequin accents and had her raven hair cut asymmetrically.

"Hello, Arnold, I didn't expect you to come! Isn't my dress FAB?! They designed it just for me in Milan. It's one of a kind, meaning no one else will have it! Now, come in, come in and make yourself at home." She said as she kissed him on both cheeks. Arnold simply nodded and smiled, Same Ol' Rhonda. He spotted Gerald by the punch bowl and walked over to him.

"Hey, where's Phoebe?"

"She said she was coming with Helga and Gavin…Hey, they spiked the punch already, man." Gerald warned Arnold as he poured himself some punch. Arnold waved him off, It couldn't be too bad.

Arnold felt a tap on his shoulder after downing a cup of punch, and he spun around. It was Lila. Gerald was not lying. Lila was stood at 5'8, and she had the perfect physique. She had a toned body and ample assets. She honestly looked like a model. She was wearing a black skirt and white corset. She had let her auburn hair loose. She looked so sexy. Arnold could not believe that this was the sweet girl he knew in fourth grade. She was always so conservative.

"Oh, Arnold! It is ever so nice to see you again! I thought about you constantly while you were away." Lila flung her arms around his neck.

"I know, nice to see you too, Lila. Wow. You look amazing." Arnold smiled at Lila.

"As do you. You are ever so handsome now! Let's dance for a bit!" she squealed. Arnold nodded, and she grabbed his hand and she led him out to the dance floor. As soon as they got to the dance floor, she started to sway her hips and grind against him. Arnold never expected Lila to know how to dance the type of music playing.

"Lila, Lila! Let's go to the balcony!" Arnold yelled after dancing a couple of songs.

"Why, Arnold? I'm ever so certain we were having a good time dancing."

Arnold smiled nervously, "C'mon, Lila, honestly, let's catch up." Lila shrugged and grabbed his hand, leading him out to the balcony. Lila started to talk his ear off once they were outside. She started talking about her personal life, how her father re-married, what her plans for college were, and Arnold was honestly listening, until he caught a glimpse of Helga and Gavin in the corner. She was sitting on his lap and he was whispering into her ear. Arnold felt a surge of jealousy. That should be me, Helga. Not Gavin. We are meant to be. I was supposed to be the one who put a ring on your finger.

"What do you say, Arnold? ARNOLD! Are you listening? I said would you like to go out sometime?" Lila interrupted his thoughts.

"Oh, yeah, Lila. Sounds wonderful."

"Great, how does tomorrow night sound? We can go to dinner and catch a movie." Lila asked sweetly.

"Yeah, I can pick you up at around 7 or 8 tomorrow night…I'm gonna get some punch, want some?" Arnold blurted as he saw Helga make her way inside. He did not wait for Lila to answer, and followed Helga inside.

Arnold met up with Helga at the punch bowl, "Hey football head, having fun with little miss perfect?"

"We're just catching up." He answered, his eyes drawn to her chest.

"Hey, bucko, my eyes are up here!" she spat at him.

"Sorry, it's just you've really grown. I mean, Wow! You look spectacular…Beautiful!" He grabbed her hand and spun her around to get a better view. Helga looked radiant, as always. She was wearing a white bandage dress that flaunted every delicious curve of her voluptuous figure, and her golden locks were in loose curls.

"Oh, shut up, football head." She snorted.

"I'm serious, Helga. Gavin is one lucky guy to have ALL that." Arnold laid eyes on her delicious chest again. Helga scoffed, and started to make her way back to Gavin.

Arnold grabbed Helga's arm, "Dance with me, Helga." Helga raised an eyebrow at him. "Please, Helga, just one dance. I'm sure Gavin won't mind."

Helga rolled her eyes, "Okay, one dance, bucko…and no funny business!" Arnold smiled and led her to a secluded part of the dance floor, away from Gavin and everyone's view.

"This song right here is for Miss Rhonda Lloyd dedicated to her by Thaddeus," the DJ's voice boomed over the speakers. The quick, upbeat music that was playing earlier was replaced by a slow melody. Arnold bowed to Helga, and held out his hand. Helga smiled and took his hand. Arnold placed his other hand on the small of her back, and Helga placed her hand on his shoulder.

"I love this song," Arnold said as he gazed into Helga's eyes.

"I'm surprised, jungle boy. I didn't think you'd know all these songs."

"Jungle boy? That's a new one…Gerald was always sending me CD's while I was over there…Thank you for this moment, I gotta say how beautiful you are," Arnold began to sing along, "Of all the hopes and dreams I could have prayed for, here you are…"

Helga giggled, "Don't sing anymore. I actually like this song; don't ruin it for me!"

Arnold stuck his tongue out, "As if you're such a good singer, Helga."

"As a matter-of-fact, Arnoldo, I am an excellent singer. I'm probably the best you have ever heard," Helga smirked.

"Oh, really, prove it. Blow me away, Miss Pataki."

"Maybe later, Arnold-o."

Arnold shrugged and asked, "Helga, are you happy?"

Helga looked into his eyes, and said quietly "Yes, I—Gavin is a wonderful guy."

Arnold nodded, "I'm glad you are, Helga. You deserve every ounce of happiness in the world...I—I just wish it would have been with me." Arnold looked into her eyes, and Helga hesitated and pulled away from Arnold, and he pulled her in closer. She felt her cheeks burn red, but she could not break their gaze. Arnold leaned in a bit, and Helga knew what was coming, but she couldn't move. She was frozen. Arnold leaned into her lips, and as their lips brushed against each other, then they heard an irritated Rhonda yelling, "Curly, get it through your thick skull, WE WILL NEVER, EVER BE TOGETHER!" The slow beat was interrupted, and the quick music started again. Helga quickly shook her head and stepped away from Arnold. Regret quickly sinking into her. She turned on her heels, and quickly walked away.

"Helga, wait, please! I'm sorry!" Arnold cried. Helga ignored him, and ran out to the balcony. Fuck, what did I do? Arnold ran a hand through his hair. He shook his head, and made his way back out to Lila.

"Why ever did you take so long, Arnold?"

"I was talking to Helga for a little bit."
"That's nice. Have you seen her and her fiancé? Oh, don't you think Helga and Gavin look so cute together? I'm glad she found her oh, so special someone." Lila motioned to the couple in the corner. Gavin stood with his back against the balcony and his arms wrapped around a visibly upset Helga.

"Yeah, it's super…Hey, Lila. I think I'm gonna take off."

"Are you ever so certain that you cannot stay longer?"

"No, I'm not feeling well; I'm sorry, Lila, but I have to get going." He made his way to the door, and as he walked home, he started to reflect on the night. He thought about Lila. Lila was still the sweet girl he once liked. She was incredible, the total package. She was smart, athletic, polite, had a beautiful body and an amazing personality to match. She seemed really into him.

But Arnold just kept replaying the "kiss" between him and Helga over and over again. He still felt a spark in between them. She was the one who had held his heart for the last 7 years, and he wanted nothing more than to be with her.

He contemplated giving Lila a chance and risking the slim chance that he had with Helga. Arnold was confused. He didn't know what to do. He made it home rather quick, and climbed up the fire escape. He kicked off his shoes, and collapsed into bed.

A/N: The song is by Oliver James, "The Greatest Long Story"