This chapter is comparatively shorter than the preceding ones because it leads up to Helga and Brainy's date. I hope you like it. Read and Review!

The next day, Arnold was like a hawk at school, constantly looking and listening for any sign that Helga would reveal her plans for her date with Brainy. During passing period, while they were at their lockers, Helga called Phoebe over and they started talking. Arnold's locker was close to Helga's so he was able to hear them.

"So Helga, did Brainy ask you out again?" she asked.

"Yep. I took your advice and we're going out tomorrow," Helga said.

"And you're sure you're okay with this? I mean, I don't want you to feel that I pushed you into it."

"It's okay, really. We'll see how it goes, and then I'll go from there."

"Did he say where you were going?" Phoebe asked.

"No, he said he would meet me after school and tell me."

"Like, right after school, or do you have a meeting place?"

"Right after," Helga said.

Arnold smirked. Well, I know where they're meeting and soon I'll know where they're going for their date.

Throughout the rest of the day, Arnold's jealousy kept growing and so did his resentment of Brainy.

That freak has some nerve trying to move in on Helga. What, does he think that just because he's had some stupid crush on her that he has the right to act like he's her boyfriend?

Well, what gives you the right to be jealous of Brainy when you've made no move yourself? His conscience asked him.

I actually LOVE Helga, he probably just has some infatuation with her.

For almost ten years? I don't think that's an infatuation. Besides, Helga's not yours nor is she an object you can own. What if Brainy loves her too? What if she loves him back?

She doesn't, this is the first time she's even considered going on a date with him.

Okay, what if she grows to love him eventually? If you love her, tell her.

Oh and just walk right into rejection? Yeah, great advice.

How do you know she'll reject you? You two have been best friends for the past year and a half. Maybe you've grown on her. Or are you just going to let Brainy sweep her off her feet?

Hell no!

Then do something about it, football head!

When school let out, Arnold did just that. He quickly found Helga and Brainy just meeting up. Arnold went over close enough to where he could hear them, not really worried about being seen since he and Helga met up every day after school.

"So Brainy, where are we going?" Helga asked.

"I was thinking maybe we could go to the amusement park," Brainy said.

"Alright, I can go for that," she said.

"So, how about right after school?"

"Sure. How long will we be staying?"

"As long as you want," Brainy said.

Suck up Arnold thought bitterly

Oh like you wouldn't have said the same thing his conscience said.

Shut up.

Helga turned and noticed Arnold. "Oh Arnold, I didn't see you there. Ready to go?"

Arnold put on a fake smile. "Sure Helga," he said.

Once Helga was home, Arnold went to the boarding house and took out his journal.

September 19, 2000

Dear Journal

Well, it turns out that Helga is going to the amusement park with Brainy right after school tomorrow. Now I have a big decision to make. My stupid conscience has made me realize that Brainy might actually love Helga too. So here's my dilemma. Do I act like the mature young man my grandparents raised me to be and leave Helga and Brainy to have their fun while keeping my feelings inside or do I let jealousy and possessiveness take over and sabotage their little date? I don't know. Either way, I may have to tell Helga my feelings now because if I don't, and it turns out I might have had a chance with her, I will never forgive myself. I'll decide some time tomorrow.

The next day, Arnold overheard Brainy talking to Helga in the hallway.

"I just wanted to thank you for giving me a chance, for giving us a chance," he said.

Us? Just what is he trying to get at?

"Hold on Brainy, I agreed to a date, not to be your girlfriend," Helga said.

"I know, but if this goes well, do you think that maybe-"

"If the date goes well, the date goes well. Let's not jump into things."

"I understand."

"But hey, if we end up having another date after this, I'll definitely be thinking about it," she said with a smile.

Okay, screw being mature and responsible! I'm going to make sure that that date turns into a disaster!