Author Note: This story begins in the midst of the gang's graduation from P.S. 118. The overall journey of this story will cover the gang's teen years.
BECAUSE THE HEART NEVER LIES – Is a culmination of some of the greatest moments in film and television. As a result, a lot of the plotlines are borrowed from other sources. Good luck, with spotting most of them.
INSPIRATION: For those of you who haven't read: 1) We Were Merely Freshman, and Sophomores – I urge you to do so. Both stories are written by rockyyy and her stories are totally amazing. She's the reason that I am writing this fanfic. So if you like my work – please do check out her stories.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters (except for Sandrine Mortimer, Mr. Dale Bryan Dimmertry, Maureen Bruiser, Asra Asimah (well to some degree), and Nathan Bruiser) – for they are all from the mind of the genius that is Craig Bartlett, his team, and Nickelodeon.
No copyright infringements intended.
Thoughts are emphasized through the use of italics.
…
P.S. 118 – Gradation Day
…
"You know," Rhonda stated as she zipped up the back of Helga's pink dress, "you should really pluck those eyebrows, as in make sure that you have two," The brunette smirked as she held up two fingers.
"Helga Pataki changes for no one," Helga stated flatly with a smirk.
"There," Rhonda said as she clasped both of her hands together, "all done."
"So are we," Phoebe stated as she walked towards Helga and Rhonda, closely followed by Sheena, Sandrine, Katrinka and Nadine.
"Have you ever thought about getting contacts," Rhonda asked grabbing Phoebe's frames off her face, "I could recommend you to the guy that makes mine. I mean – you have the most gorgeous eyes – why hide them?"
Phoebe grabbed her glasses from Rhonda and adjusted them back onto her face, pushing them back up the bridge of her nose she stated, "Phoebe Heyerdahl changes for no one" flashing a grin at Helga.
"Preach it Pheebs," Helga joked as she pumped a hand in the air.
Rhonda scoffed, "come on," she said rolling her eyes, "or we're gonna be late for our own grad! Daddy already called me to say that he and mother will be there in about 10 minutes, and we still haven't even left the house!"
She then ushered all the girls out of the large house and said goodbye to one of her many butlers.
They all piled into Rhonda's limo, and proceeded to reminiscence on the good old times shared at P.S. 118.
They managed to arrive at the school in 20 minutes.
Waltzing out of the limo and strutting towards; the gym the girls were greeted by Mr. Simmons.
"Hi Mr. Simmons," the girls greeted the balding teacher in a unison.
Mr. Simmons light brown eyes filled with tears, "I am going to miss each and every one of you girls," he replied sombrely, "I just know that you will all succeed in whatever endeavours you embark upon. You are all truly special."
He pulled out a tissue and wiped his eyes.
"Well," Phoebe began, "we have you to thank for that Mr. Simmons. You were the best teacher that any of us could ever ask for."
Mr. Simmons let loose into an all out bawl-fest. The girls did their best to comfort him.
"We're sure gonna miss ya Simmons," Helga replied patting the feeble man on the back.
"well…i..um, I better let you girls go and get ready for the ceremony," Mr. Simmons sniffled, "promise me you'll come back and visit?"
"Don't worry," Rhonda replied, "you could never get rid of us that easily."
Mr. Simmons let out a small laugh, "Right," he said, "well, let me just say it was an honour."
He turned to leave, but spun around quickly to face the group of girls again, "Um, before I forget, Phoebe your parents and Principal Wartz would like to have a word with you before you give your valedictorian speech."
Phoebe furrowed her eyebrows with concern.
"Don't worry," Mr. Simmons assured, "it's nothing serious. See you around girls," he waved as he left.
"Well," phoebe began, "I better go find my parents and then make my way on stage," she said clasping Helga's hand as she addressed the group, "See you guys later." She then disappeared into the crowded gym.
"This place looks amazing," Sandrine uttered in awe as she glanced around the gym.
"Fuzzy slippers really knows how to represent," Katrinka gushed.
"Oh – I see my parents!" Rhonda stated as she began to wave frantically to attract their attention, "I'll meet up with you guys later." She called as she shimmied her way through the crowd.
"I'm gonna go look for my parents to," Sheena informed as she started to break away from the remaining girls.
"I'll go with you," Katrinka called after her, "see you girls later," she gushed as she squeezed Helga and Sandrine's shoulders.
Sandrine shuffled awkwardly in her position, "aren't you going to look for your parents?"
"No," Helga responded glumly, "they're probably not even here."
"What?" Sandrine asked incredulously, "but they're your parents? Why wouldn't they be here?"
"Bob's out of town on business, and Miriam's not feeling too well," Helga lied.
She already knew that Bob had plans to meet up with his mistress later in the afternoon, and the state Miriam had been in this morning she didn't expect her mother to leave the house, let alone make it down the stairs.
"Oh …sorry to hear," Sandrine sympathized, "well I guess it's just you and me."
"What about your brother?" Helga asked curiously, "You know since you moved to Hilwood, I don't think I've ever seen him."
"He works a lot," Sandrine stated quickly, "oh look there's Gerald and Arnold."
Sure enough Gerald and Arnold were walking into the gym. Both boys were wearing tuxes, and Lila had waltzed in on Arnold's arm.
"I have to go," Helga whispered to Sandrine as she bolted down to the other side of the gym.
She ran as fast as her legs could take her until she literally collided head on with Phoebe.
"Hey," Helga said catching her breath, and looking at Phoebe.
Something in Phoebe's expression seemed off.
"What's wrong?" Helga asked her friend.
"Uh – Helga can we go over there," she said pointing to an isolated corner, "I need to talk to you about something."
"Yeah, sure," Helga responded concerned, "what's up?"
"My parents and principal Wartz have just informed me that I've been accepted into an Ivy League high school in England. Full Scholarship."
"What?" Helga breathed.
"I'm not gonna go," Phoebe stated flatly.
"Pheebs," Helga reasoned.
"I'm not gonna abandon you," Phoebe assured.
Helga put her hand up in an attempt to silence the girl.
"Phoebe," she began, "you're receiving a full scholarship to an ivy league school on the other side of the country. You don't just give that up for anyone!"
"Helga," Phoebe fought back, "you're my best friend, and after all that has happened today. I mean with Arnold, and the stuff you have going on at home. I can't! I won't!"
"Phoebe, if you didn't go, I'd always have this nagging feeling at the back of my head that I was the reason that you didn't get to experience such an amazing opportunity."
Phoebe remained silent.
"Opportunity doesn't knock twice Pheebs," Helga stated conclusively.
Phoebe nodded, "it's just – I'm gonna miss you so much. We've been best friends since preschool."
Helga wrapped the small girl into a hug, "and it's gonna stay that way she," she assured her fighting back tears.
"Are you crying Helga?" Phoebe sobbed.
"Helga Pataki doesn't cry," Helga responded regaining her composure.
"Right," Phoebe stated as she dried her eyes, "so does my poetess friend have any inspiring words for me before I embark upon my journey," Phoebe joked.
Helga thought for a moment.
"I'm kidding," Phoebe said as she straightened her dress.
Phoebe had learned towards the end of the fourth grade about Helga's obsession with Arnold. Helga had decided that since Phoebe was one of the few people that she could trust, and since she also was her faithful best friend, she deserved the right to know. It had sure taken a load off of Helga's shoulders. Helga was surprised that Phoebe hadn't freaked out. She took one look at the shrines and books, and rationalized that since Helga had been so neglected most of the time, that she probably had all this pent up energy and sublimated it into creative pieces. She did however convince Helga in the seventh grade that she was getting a little too old for the shrines. So Helga had begrudgingly thrown it out. Helga however had chosen to keep the books, locket and single pink bow as tokens of her obsession.
"Helga. Seriously. I was just joking," Phoebe persisted.
"I've got one," Helga replied.
Phoebe raised an eyebrow.
"There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to fortune," Helga began, "Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound up in sorrows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat? And we must take the current when it serves or lose or ventures."
"That was beautiful Helga," Phoebe gushed, "William Shakespeare?"
"You got it babe," Helga winked.
"PHEOBE HEYERDAHL PLEASE REPORT TO THE STAGE," Wartz's voice boomed over a microphone.
"That's my cue," Phoebe blushed, "gotta go make my speech."
"I'll catch you later," Helga waved as Phoebe disappeared down the gym.
She then turned on her heels, and collided into the arms of Arnold.
"Perfect," Arnold muttered.
"Jesus football head, what the hell is up your ass?" Helga screamed back in an attempt to mask her pain.
"Helga," Arnold fumed, "maybe I didn't make me self clear. After today I never want to see you again."
"You and me both pal," Helga spat back and attempted to brush past him. He however grabbed her by the arm and pulled her around to face him.
"No, I don't think you do?" Arnold seethed, "in the future if you as much see me, I want you to run as fast as you can in the other direction, before I can even notice your presence. And I'll be sure to do the same. And considering that by the grace of god himself, that we're not attending the same high school, it shouldn't be too hard." With that he released the hold he had on her arm and disappeared into the crowd of people.
Helga willed herself with all her might not to cry.
You've never cried! Helga screamed at herself, not for Bob, not for your mother. Not for all the crap you've been faced with your entire life!
Her thoughts were soon interrupted by Principal Wartz suddenly appearing on the stage at the front of the podium. He informed the students and parents alike that the ceremony would be commencing shortly.
Helga managed to regain her full composure and strutted over to take her seat between Rhonda and a girl she had met in passing over the years.
Wartz rambled on about rubbish for about an hour. Mr. Simmons came up and did a speech that was short and sweet; he then called upon Phoebe to make her valedictorian speech. The entire class erupted into applause.
Helga could hear Phoebe's mother Reba bellow over the applause screaming 'that's mah baby!" she turned around to see Reba jumping up and down waving and the embarrassed face of Kyo – Phoebe's father trying to restrain his wife.
Phoebe's face was scarlet with embarrassment. Helga couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous of her friend. Sure she'd be embarrassed too if Miriam ever created such a scene. However, it would be comforting not to feel completely abandoned.
My parents should be here. This was supposed to be a highlight in their lives. Wasn't it?
Her thoughts were soon interrupted by Phoebe's small voice.
The little girl took a deep breath and began, "distinguished guests, parents and this years graduating class. My best friend reminded me of a quote by William Shakespeare that seems appropriate," she smiled and glanced at Helga. Helga smiled back nodding in assurance. "There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound up in sorrows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat? And we must take the current when it serves or lose or ventures." She paused and looked at the faces of her peers. "I think that what that quote means is that life is short. And opportunities are rare and we have to be vigilant in protecting them and not only the opportunities to succeed but the opportunity to laugh, to see the enchantment in the world and to live. Because life doesn't owe us anything, as a matter of fact I think that we owe something to the world and if we could just believe that now is the time for us to shine. The time when our dreams are within reach. And possibilities vast. Now is the time for all of us, to become the people we always dreamed of being. This is your world. You're here. You matter. The thought of beginning high school is scary, but with the support of friends and family; that should hopefully be enough to make the journey a little less hard. But this – This is your world, and the world is waiting." She paused as she looked around. Everyone seemed to be absorbing what she was conveying. She laughed light-heartedly, "Congratulations graduates. We did it!"
Everyone erupted into applause as Phoebe took her seat back on stage next to Mr. Simmons.
Then came the most anticipated part of the ceremony. Peers roaring loudly with applause. Parents whopping uncontrollably as their child's names were called upon on stage. Flashes from cameras causing occasional blindness.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was when Gerald's sister Timberly had created a cheer and screamed it full blast as Gerald went up to receive his diploma.
Rhonda's mother had bursted into tears when Rhonda had received her diploma, Mr. Lloyd had then handed his wife a 100 dollar bill to not draw attention to them. Surprisingly she grabbed the bill from him and stopped her blubbering.
Phoebe's mother had needed to be restrained once again by Mr. Heyerdahl.
Arnold's grandmother had set of firecrackers during Arnold's walk up to the podium. Wartz had to send 5 janitors' to put them out.
Helga had nonchalantly walked up to the cheers of her peers only to hear a voice scream out amidst the crowd. Squinting her eyes, she saw Olga standing up on a chair.
"Way to go baby sister," she screamed waving like a loon.
Next to her was the beaming face of Miriam and Bob looking around uncomfortably.
Helga felt her face grow hot and turn red with utter embarrassment. She accepted her diploma and walked off the stage smiling. She mouthed a thank you to Olga. Olga nodded back knowingly.
"Congratulations graduates you did it!" Mr. Wartz and Mr. Simmons proclaimed in unison.
Everyone tore the graduation caps they were wearing upon their heads and flung it up as high as they could in joy whopping, hugging and crying with all their might.
Rhonda suddenly appeared beside Helga.
"What's this I hear about Phoebe leaving?" She demanded quizzically.
Helga sighed, "She's attending an Ivy League school, and we won't get to see much of her until holidays."
"Well, Pataki," Rhonda began as she linked arms with Helga's; both girls stood staring at the multiple group hugs taking place within the gym amid the cheering teens, "guess it's just you, Katrinka and me next year…and Nadine… we are occasionally gonna hafta to kidnap her away from H.S. 119 now and then!"
"Don't forget Sheena," Helga chimed in, "she would totally sick Eugene and his theatre cronies on us with a monologue that would drive even Curly mad."
"Ugh!" Rhonda cringed, "I can't believe that he's gonna be one of the nubs that are gonna follow us to 117," Rhonda replied as she examined her nails thoroughly.
"Didn't you hear," Helga smirked, "Curly's dad got a job transfer. He's moving this summer. The whole family leaves for Canada next week."
"My heart goes out to the Canadians," Rhonda chuckled.
"Oh come on Rhonda," Helga stated, "he's not that bad. I think I'm kinda gonna miss the poor twisted little freak."
"Whatever you say Helga," Rhonda laughed, "oh! There are my parents," she said as she let go of Helga's arm, "we're going to Chez Paris to celebrate. I'll see you tomorrow? Okay?"
"Yeah," Helga replied airily dismissing her, "I'll call you later."
Helga then continued her way through the crowd. She saw Arnold grab Lila from the corner of her eye. She ducked out of his way as quickly as she could. Not before watching Arnold pull Lila into a hot blooded kiss. The redhead had immediately wrapped her arms around his neck drawing him closer. Helga turned away disgusted.
Why am I even running away from the guy? Helga asked herself incredulously. When did Helga G. Pataki ever take orders from anyone? She continued to have a mental battle with herself as she searched the gym for Olga. Because it's what he wants! She found herself answering her own question. Arnold's happiness has always been something that mattered to you.
She flashbacked briefly to the Christmas that Arnold had wanted to reunite one of the Sunset Arm boarders with his daughter. She had pawned the only gift she had ever wanted that Christmas in exchange for Arnold's wish.
"Baby sis," Olga's voice boomed snapping Helga back to reality.
Helga smiled and threw her arms around her sister, "when did you get home?" Helga asked as she took in Olga's appearance. Olga had decided to let her hair grow a little passed her shoulders, and the deep tan she radiated entailed that must have spent some time in a desert.
"Flew in from Egypt this afternoon," Olga gushed, "couldn't miss my baby sister's graduation."
Olga then walked over to Bob, and linked her hands with his, "now come one," Olga breathed, as she looked over at Helga, "we're going to Chez Paris to celebrate."
She then proceeded to pull Bob towards the exit of the gym. Miriam and Helga followed.
When Olga and Bob were out of earshot, Miriam put a hand on her daughters shoulder stopping the young girl in her tracks. Helga peered at her mother quizzically.
"I just wanted to thank you for this morning Helga," Miriam choked.
"Look Miriam," Helga began, "it was nothing."
'It was something," Miriam insisted, "I mean- you shouldn't have to go through what your father and I put you through."
Helga became silent.
"I have a problem," Miriam admitted, "and I would very much like to get some help, but your father is being nominated for Mayor very soon, and he says that if the press got wind of his wife having a drinking problem they would just tear all the progress he made within the past four years to shreds."
Helga looked dejectedly at her mother, "mom, why don't you see Doctor Bliss maybe she could help."
Miriam looked at Helga for a moment and seemed to ponder the suggestion, "I couldn't," she finally said, "Your father would never approve. He can't even accept you seeing her. He stayed in our marriage for the sake of Olga and you."
Helga huffed and rolled her eyes, "sure."
Miriam continued, "Your dad's publicist insisted that we stay together until after he won the election. He thinks a family man would seem appealing to the masses," Miriam babbled on, "we've got to think of his feelings too. He would much rather go off and shack up with Maureen, but he has to seem presentable to the public."
"When has Bob ever cared a damn about your feelings?" Helga spat back.
"Helga, when you're older you'll understand," Miriam responded.
"I don't think I ever will," Helga huffed.
"Sweetie," Miriam began; linking arms with her daughter, "when you love someone as much as I love your father I think you will."
Helga then stole one last glance of Arnold as she left the gym.
Oh dear god! Helga thought glumly. My freakin' obsession with Arnold must be hereditary! Miriam refuses to quit Bob, even after all of his bull – Am I turning into her?
"Miriam," Helga asked as she and her mother walked down the halls of P.S. 118, "did you ever stalk Bob constantly when you first met him?
Miriam smirked taken a back, "no dear," she responded amused, "what on earth would make you think of something like that?"
"Nothing," Helga responded a little too quickly.
"Helga?" Miriam stated as she and Helga exited the buildings of P.S. 118.
"Yeah?" Helga responded half heartedly.
"I'm proud of you honey," Miriam smiled as she pulled her into a hug.
"Thanks mom," Helga replied gratefully as they pulled away.
They then got into Bob's hummer and embarked on their journey to Chez Paris.
…
Helga had run into Rhonda on the way to the bathroom during dinner at the restaurant. They made plans to meet up the following day and spend as much time as they could with Phoebe before she left.
Dinner had gone by relatively fast. Olga had had a bunch of crazy but amusing adventures to share with the family.
"So," Olga gushed in Helga's bedroom upon returning home, "How does it feel to be done with public school?"
"I don't know," Helga replied, "I don't feel different at all."
"Maybe it hasn't sunk in yet," Olga concluded.
"So," she said pulling her knees together to her chest from her seat on Helga's bed, "have any new crushes? Or are you still pining over Arnold" Olga inquired devilishly.
Helga smiled. Olga had happened to discover Helga's secret in the sixth grade when she had become convinced that Helga was doing coke. Harold had been dared by Sid to inform whoever opened Helga's front door that the blonde was a notorious coke addict. The bumbling girl had ransacked Helga's room in an attempt to find the drugs and stage an intervention. She had become convinced that Helga's closet inhibited her stash as it was the only place within the room she could not pry open. Helga had begrudgingly let the hysterical girl look inside her closet, as an attempt to shut her up, and not drag Bob into the matter.
The look on Olga's face had been one of Helga's highlights of the day. The girl looked as if she had just walked in on someone committing an unspeakable act. She seemed to actually don the expression of wishing Helga was on drugs. She however came to the same conclusion Phoebe did, and blamed herself for Helga's sublimated feelings. She did however criticize Helga for putting Arnold up on a pedestal and immortalizing him in such a way, because if she were to ever get her heart broken by this boy she was afraid that her sister would break.
"Arnold actually disowned me as a friend today," Helga responded bitterly.
"What?" Olga replied shocked, "Why?"
'That's the thing," Helga slummed, "I don't know why. He won't tell me why! The people that seem to know won't reveal why. And why it's such a big damn secret remains foreign to me." Helga huffed as she collapsed backwards unto her bed.
"Maybe the incident will just blow over," Olga suggested waving her hand dismissively.
"Olga, the boy called me a bitch, and then told me if I ever see him I should run in the opposite direction, and that he was gonna do the same."
"Lies!" Olga stated scandalized.
"Trust me," Helga responded glumly, "I wish it was!"
The girls sat in silence for a moment.
"Say something," Helga piped up suddenly, "something funny or exciting to get my mind off of Arnold."
"Well," Olga began, "Maurice – my advisor, has given me full control over our next journey!"
"Meaning?" Helga asked quizzically.
"Meaning," Olga clarified, "that I get to choose the next destination for the next mission. To provide aid to whatever country in need,"
"Any country?" Helga pressed.
"Yeah," Olga gushed, "I get my own team and everything! Why? Does my baby sister have a specific country in mind?"
"Olga," Helga asked hopeful, "does your job provide rescue missions?"
"Yeah," Olga stated, "why do you know someone who needs rescuing?"
"Yeah," Helga stated quietly, "I do."
"What?" Olga asked intrigued, "Who?"
"When do you leave for your next mission?" Helga asked.
"In September," Olga gushed, "that way we can spend the entire summer together."
Helga got up off the bed and began pacing back and forth. Her head spinning.
"Helga," Olga asked concerned, "what's wrong"
Helga grabbed the globe off of her desk and propped it on to the bed.
"Olga," she breathed as she spun the globe frantically searching for her intended destination, "can you go here?"
Olga glanced at the spot Helga was pointing at, "um…I think so. Hold on a second."
Olga got up off the bed and picked up her purse from the nightstand. She pulled out her cell phone and dialled a number. She put the phone to her ear awaiting a response. Smiling over at Helga as she waited.
"Hi! Maurice. It's Olga," She stated to the other party, "um…I decided on where I would like my team to go for our next mission….yes I know I have three months to decide, but you know me – always planning in advanced….yeah I can hold."
Olga and Helga sat in silence for about 2 minutes until Maurice returned on the other line.
"Yeah…yeah Maurice I'm still here," Olga chuckled to her advisor, "what? …yes I got home in time for the ceremony. Yes, Helga was surprised to see me. As a matter of fact she's with me right now. Wanna say hi?" Olga pulled the phone away from her ear and held it up to Helga, "he wants to say congratulations."
Helga took the phone from Olga shyly, "hello," she said uncertainly into the receiver.
"Hello," a deep but friendly voice responded on the other end, "is this Helga?"
"Yeah," Helga responded cautiously.
"I've heard so much about you darling. Olga is always singing your praises."
"Um…" Helga stuttered unsure of what to say.
"Well, I just wanted to congratulate you on graduating public school," Maurice stated sounding truly sincere.
"Thanks," Helga responded.
"Hope to meet you and your parents face to face one day," he gushed.
"Same here," Helga replied.
"Bye-bye dear," Maurice concluded.
"Bye," Helga replied. She then handed the phone back to Olga.
"Hi Maurice…yes she is precious" Olga laughed.
Helga scoffed.
"Yes…so the place I want the next mission to be is San Lorenzo. Is it possible to get helicopters down there?…I see….un hunh…okay…okay…yup…alright…bye Maurice…yes I will try to enjoy my 3 months off…see you then…okay, bye."
Olga then hung up, "he said we can go, but it's going to take a while to trek up to the villages, plus we have to factor in the dense forest and sporadic volcanic eruptions… "
She paused and looked over at the globe.
"Who do you know that could possibly be stranded there Helga?" Olga inquired.
"Miles and Stella Shortman," Helga responded distracted.
Olga narrowed her eyes, "as in Arnold's parents," Olga concluded.
Helga nodded her head.
Olga smiled sympathetically at her sister.
"Baby sis," Olga smiled grabbing her sisters small hands into her own, "you are truly something else."
With that she got up off the bed and picked up her purse.
"I'll see you in the morning baby sister," Olga addressed.
"Yeah," Helga responded as she waved to her sister, "goodnight."
"Don't let the bed bugs bite," Olga sang back as she closed the bedroom door behind her.
Helga marched over to her window and glanced up at the sky above her.
I don't know why you're so mad Arnold, but I'll never stop caring about you. She then walked back towards her bed and turned off her lights. She then crawled into her bed and was greeted by its plush softness. Within a matter of moments she had drifted off to sleep.
…
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