The next day had been great to both children, yet again Helga had sneaked into Arnold's room but this time the reason really was a lame excuse to be closer to him. He bought it knowing that she wasn't the type who would have been scared of the dark, so he allowed her to sleep with him on his bed. They both fell asleep in each other's arms, now very comfortable with the arrangement they had going on. Both would never outright admit it but it seems right to do.

For Arnold it felt strange to be this affected by a girl but he couldn't quite care much since it all seem too right. They both awoke to the sound of birds outside of Arnold's window. The sun blazing down their faces from the skylight, Arnold turns towards Helga smiling and saying good morning, to which she did the same with a small smile.

Both arrived downstairs with smiles on their faces, today they planned on meeting Arnold's friends since they were going to have a baseball game today which included Arnold to play. He wasn't sure if she'd want to go but she outright agreed that she wanted to go. They sat at the table but something was amiss.

"Howdy partner, I guess you both need some more fiber to keep your strength and of course more excise for your lips" Gertie said, serving them more eggs.

"Lips?" Arnold asked, wondering what was going on. He turned to see everyone smiling at him and Helga strangely. "Um…guys…what's going on?"

Stella covered her mouth against her hand, trying to hide her giggles "N-heheh-Nothing dear…hehehe" Arnold raises his eyebrow at the family. More sneakers and chuckles follows the couple.

"Eat your breakfast, you two." Miles chuckled, trying to keep himself composed. "So you'll be good and ready for some baseball."

Helga raised one side of her eyebrow and glanced over at Arnold as if to ask what the heck was going on.

He shrugged and keeps eating however the adults started to act more and more strangely, Arnold chew his food slowly wondering what was going on. Finally after five minutes he had enough. "Okay guys, what's really going on and don't say nothing because you guys are acting so strange."

Miles, Stella, Gertie and Phil each exchanged secretive glances for a moment, in seriousness and trying not to laugh. That was when Phil handed his son the newspaper, and Miles held it out for them to see. Right on the front page was a full photo of Arnold and Helga sitting on the swing together sharing a kiss. With the bold headline reading: YOUNGEST PATAKI HEIRESS IN LOVE?

Helga's eyes bulged, widening to the size of dinner plates as her fork fell from her hand and clattered onto her plate. Other than that, you could hear a pin drop in the room since it was now so quiet.

That was until Helga spoke up.

"Who was spying on us and taking a photo?"

Arnold couldn't stop his blush, his whole face was so red the only thing that stood out was his blonde hair, his eyes wide from the shock. "I-Wel-we-" closing his mouth unable to process any words.

"Well fantastic! Now the whole city is going to know about my private affairs!" She knew part of the deal was to keep up her father's image by marrying this boy, but the publicity was not what she wanted. Not like this, anyway. "I oughta go find that photographer and give him a taste Ol' Betsy and the Five Avengers!"

Stella lifted her coffee to her lips but stopped mid sip, still holding her cup "I think it's pretty sweet and romantic, sure it wasn't fair to take the picture, but you have to admit Helga, you're going to want to save copies of this picture to remember when you grow up. Let the press have their day, what matters is what you both feel for each other. We're sorry for laughing but we feel so happy for the both of you." she was being honest, as she spoke her words were very motherly towards Helga.

Helga stared toward Stella a moment, and felt her cheeks grow hot, not just from the embarrassment of the photo leak, but at how motherly and kind Stella was. It wasn't often she had someone acting like a real mother to her. Even though she'd been growing used to his family, it was still new to her.

"...Yeah, I guess you're right." She murmured.

"Aheh heh heh, Cheers to you wacky kids and your first kiss" Oskar said lifting his glass up, however a few pancakes slipped out of his pocket as he stood up. "Heh heh heh...how'd that get there?"

"Ya dang bum Kokoshka, quit sneaking food like that!" Phil scolded, whacking his arm with a rolled up section of the newspaper.

I just hope Arnold's friends don't see this...

Gosh...I hope my friend don't see this.

XXXXX

"So is it true then?" Rhonda demanded walking towards Arnold and Helga as they entered the field. "Huh?" Arnold ask but then become cross eye had Rhonda held up the newspaper too closely to his face. "Your actually in love Arnold?"

"That's just ever so wonderful, Arnold!" Lila said happily.

"Boy howdy, why didn't you tell us?" Sid asked, walking over as he also held the newspaper.

"I didn't know a thing about this, I swear." Gerald said, holding up his hands.

"Hahaha! Awnold is in looooove! Awnold and Heeellllgaaa sitting in a swing, K-I-S-S...what's the rest of that?" Harold hooted.

"Knock it off guys, so we kissed it's not big deal" What he didn't know was that Helga's heart sank at his words. No big deal? Meanwhile Arnold kept trying to shrug it off but as he turn he saw the pain in Helga's eyes. "What's wrong Helga?"

"...Never mind, forget about it." Helga muttered. No big deal? YOU were the one who wanted to kiss me, hair boy!

"No big deal? Arnold, the same Arnold who was goofy and tongue-tied around girls and would sweat profusely at even holding hands with a girl now has no problem KISSING a girl? That IS a big deal." Rhonda pointed out. "So come on, spill. Tell us everything."

"There's nothing to tell, Rhondaloid. It's no big deal, doi."

"I see so you already know me, my rep is always getting to everyone first before I even get the chance to meet them and you of course are Helga nice.." she made a face after seeing her outfit "...bow."

"Save your compliments, Rhonda Wellington Lloyd, Bob's worked with your dad before, so I know a thing or two of ya. And you'd best keep your upturned nose OUT of other people's business! Otherwise that can lead to serious consequences." She held her fist toward her face. "And I'm not afraid to hit another girl, I might add."

Rhonda back away and took a big gulp staring at the rude girl's fist. Crossing her arms and turning away in a puff "It doesn't matter anyway this is old news."

Gerald shook his head "Mmm mmm mmm, I had a feeling about you two."

Phoebe nodded her head behind him "I had the same feeling too when you guys were at the arcade."

"I'm ever so certain I noticed it as well" Lila Pipped in.

Arnold stood there blushing Was it really that obvious?

"We're just friends, you chuckleheads."

"Oh Helga, there's no need to be embarrassed. I think it's just ever so sweet!"

"Let's just play ball guys." Arnold announced, feeling tired of this whole conversation. He turns to Helga "Would you like to watch?"

"No way, I want to play!" She grinned. "Believe it nor not, I'm pretty good at baseball."

"Oh...Really?"

"Really really." She threw him a saucy wink.

His heart beat fast. Maybe...I should ask her out I mean everyone knows and it would be nice to call her my girlfriend. We are getting married but that isn't the reason why I want to date her. I guess...I really really like her.

"-team then. So let's...Arnold? Arnold? Hey Arnold!" Helga waved her hand in front of his face. "Earth to Football Head, do you read me?"

"Huh?"

"Your head's in the clouds again, Arnoldo. I said, guess I'll play for your team since you're short of one player. Shall we then?"

"Boy howdy, this should be good!" Sid handed her a baseball bat. "You can bat first."

"Don't mind if I do. Okay, let's go, people! We have a game to play!"

"Oh...Okay Helga" he walk over to where he was supposed to be at.

"Now let's PLAY BALL!"

The game began, and just as she'd said, she WAS good at baseball. Everyone was pretty surprised at her performance, the way she batted the ball, her running, and even more so, her pitching. Needless to say, they were pretty impressed.

Arnold was then up to bat, and everyone voted that he get a chance to try to hit against her pitch, since only Phoebe and Harold were able to hit against her pitches so far.

"You ready for this, Arnold?" Helga gave a foxy smirk, tossing the ball in her hand.

He narrows his eyes "Just throw it"

"You got it then, hot shot." She winked at him.

Phoebe, who was catcher, gave her the signal, and Helga nodded her approval inconspicuously. She reared back, one foot off the ground, and then launched the baseball toward him.

Arnold had been ready for it, knowing she threw a curl ball and hitting it hard, his hand started to hurt from the force, the kids were all in amazement as they watch the ball fly high.

Their expressions change from amazement to shock as they saw the ball hit Harold right in the head. "Gosh, Arnold beamed Harold' They all ran towards Harold "You okay there?"

"Duh...yeah..." Harold was a little disoriented. "Hey...where's the shrimp who hit me?"

Sid nervously pointed to Arnold, and Harold marched over to him, reaching out to grab the front of his sweater.

"You're gonna get it for beaning me!"

Almost immediately, he was then blocked by Helga standing protectively in front of Arnold, her arms spread out.

"Oh no you don't, pink boy! You're not laying a fat hand on him! It was just an accident!"

"My fist breaking his teeth, that's the accident!"

"Okay everyone calm down, Harold I really am sorry for beaming you" he felt a bit nervous.

"Fight fight fight fight fight!" A few of the other kids chanted.

"Move aside Madam Fortress Mommy, we got some business to take care of."

"I don't care what you think, you're not touching him! You'll have to go through me first!"

That was when a light blue clad arm, equally strong as Harold's, touched his arm and a hand grabbed his wrist.

"Enough, Harold." From behind him emerged former sixth grader Patty Smith, who had just been walking by and saw the whole thing. "It was an accident, Arnold doesn't hurt people on purpose like that."

"Awww but Patty..."

"I said enough Harold" H,arold finally calmed down

"Yes ma'am..." Harold said meekly.

Patty turned to the two of them. "I'm sorry about that. He can get impulsive sometimes."

"So I noticed." Helga rolled her eyes and dropped her defensive stance. "Well um, thanks...I guess." She turned and looked at Arnold, seeming indifferent even though her eyes held concern. "...You okay, Arnold?"

"I'm fine Helga, my hand is still sore from hitting that ball, you have a strong arm." of course his hand was still throbbing but he didn't want to admit that.

Frowning lightly, she took hold of his hand to inspect it, feeling it throbbing.

"Yeah right, hair boy, it's freaking throbbing in pain! You should sit out the rest of the game, you can't play like this."

"No, it's okay it's fine really besides I wouldn't want to let the rest of the team down" I can grin and bear it.

"You'll let the team down if you keep playing with this hand, idiot." Helga chided, shaking her head. "We should get back home and you can use an ice pack.

Rhonda lean over to Harold "Yeah they should go "home" I bet she's just going to drag him home for more kisses"

A few of his friends snickered, and Helga's face turned bright red.

"Sorry to spoil your little wish Princess, but I'm afraid not."

"Come back next Monday, we're gonna play against Wolfgang and his thugs!" Said Sid.

"If his hand's any better by then, we'll be there! C'mon Arnold, let's get you home." Helga took his good hand and guided him away.

"You sure you'll be okay, man?" Gerald called after him.

"Yeah" he sighs "I guess I should go home it does hurt a bit' Gerald put his hand up for their secret shake, Arnold had trouble doing it since his good hand was injured.

Gerald shook his head and laughed. "Nevermind then, get better buddy"

XXXXX

Later on, back at the boarding house, Arnold was seated at the kitchen table, and sadly since they had to re-freeze the ice packs, Helga opted for an alternative, which happened to be a package of frozen peas.

"Here Arnold, this'll have to do for now." Helga said, placing the frozen peas pack over his injured hand. "And you know, um...sorry for injuring your hand...guess I don't know my own strength sometimes."

"No it's okay Helga, things like this happens, I should have missed but I guess..." he felt himself blushing "I guess I wanted to show off in front of you. I'm sorry Helga."

Helga was baffled, staring at him with surprise as she tried to comprehend what he'd just said. Show off in front of her? Show off? He wanted to show off? As in, try to impress her? Impress a girl in front of his friends? Boys normally didn't do that unless they had oversized egos, or because they liked a girl. Was he trying to say that he...liked her? More than as a friend? Well granted they were to be married in a few years, but that wasn't the basis of romance. She didn't get it. Was that what he was trying to say? Still, she blushed considerably, sitting down. "You were trying to show off in front of me?"

"Yeah you see" he rubbed the back of his neck then wince at the pain. "I shouldn't have done that."

She noticed, and shook her head. "Well...why? You're not one to have a big ego, Arnold."

"Well you see Helga I-I-well-I really like you like you"

"Okay, that's what I figured it was. Just keep your hand under the frozen peas pack." Helga said, having not registered it. When it did, her gaze snapped back to him in surprise. "...Huh? What did you say?"

"I..." blushing and looking into her eyes "I like you like you"

She searched him all over for any sign of deceit, but no. Nothing. He was truly being sincere and truthful. Arnold wasn't the kind of person to lie about this sort of thing, and he definitely wasn't out to try to make this all better. No, he truly saw her in a way no one else did. He liked her, more than as a friend. Heck, she'd go as far to call it...love. Someone in the world thought she mattered. Someone liked her enough to want to be with her romantically. She mattered to someone. Heck, even to the whole family for the past few days she'd known them treated her like she was one of them. And now Arnold, her future husband, and the sweetest most caring boy she'd ever met actually had a crush on her. He liked her liked her. No wonder he kissed her those couple of times.

She blushed, staring into his eyes, feeling her heart race in her chest and her insides seem to warm up and chill all at the same time. He once again initiated the strange effect on her that she still couldn't understand. Did she like him back? Was she feeling the same way? "Arnold...that's..." She blushed more. "...You really like me?" He gave her a nod, and she found herself catching her breath. What did I do to deserve his love?

"If you don't like me like me, it's okay I mean I wouldn't want to pressure you."

"Whoa now, let's not jump to conclusions here." Helga quickly said, waving her hands. "Well Arnold, we ARE getting married one day, and we do get along good...I guess... This whole thing went from being not-so-bad to...well, pretty nice." She blushed a bit. "I guess there's no reason I can't give you a chance. So...yeah, I'll give you a chance, we can date, be boyfriend and girlfriend and all...which is weird to say since we're already engaged. We'll give it a few weeks, see what happens. If I turn out to like you enough, we'll keep dating. If not...well, not much we can do since we gotta get married and all, but we'll still be friends and stuff." She bit her lip, hoping that came out right.

Arnold felt so happy. "I guess I'm...happy to be your...your...boyfriend" he said shyly. Then he wonder something "Do we...shake hands on it? Or...how do we make this official?"

"Well...there is no right or wrong way to 'make it official', it just is. Nothing really 'happens'." Helga shrugged, blushing a bit. "But um, well, I guess if you feel it's right to do so something about it...we can hug, or shake hands...or we can...kiss."

Smiling but still blushing, slowly he nodded his head "Okay Helga, would do you want to do to make this official, do you want me to hug you? Shake hands or...kiss you?"

"Hey, we are transitioning into a romantic development. Though we are already engaged. I guess we can hug." More blush. "...You can kiss me if you want to."

Arnold close the distance giving Helga a hug, his right hand on her back as his left hand held onto her waist.

Her insides turned to putty as the "Arnold Effect" was once again initiated, making her knees grow weak. She hugged him back, taking in the fruity scent of his cornflower hair, its wild but soft strands tickling her face lightly.

As they pulled away, Arnold slowly leaned upward now on his tippy toes as he gave her a sensual kiss.

Even though now it wasn't the first time they'd kissed, it still had that same effect on her, mixed with what she now called the "Arnold Effect", that now made her want to melt into a puddle of goop. Helga's heart jumped into her throat and she kissed back, her arms unconsciously bringing him closer to her. If anyone had told her a month earlier that she would be doing this, with a boy, even in an arranged marriage, she would have thought they were lunatics.

But not any longer. Frankly, she couldn't imagine her life without him now.

She kissed him just as sensually, one hand rising up to play with his hair.

He pulled apart only to whisper, "Helga" I really...really like her.

"Mmm?" She pulled back a little, looking pretty dazed.

"I'm in like with you"

A light chuckle escaped her and she lay her forehead against his, exhaling happily. "Me too."

They held each other for the longest time, Arnold even forgot about his injured hand as he breath in her vanilla scent, at the moment nothing mattered.

XXXXX

Stella was in the kitchen, doing the dishes as she hummed cheerfully to herself, and even sometimes glancing out the window at the falling rain. She sighed contentedly and continued to wash and scrub the dishes. There was something relaxing to her about washing dishes, as if washing away your troubles. Especially with with the very sweet lemony dish soap that Gertie always bought.

Arnold had just walked in, Helga had decided to jump in the shower, it was quiet at the house. He sat down at the table watching his mother wash the dishes. "Um...Mom?"

Stella looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. "Hey, Arnold. What's on your mind, sweetie?"

"Well mom, I just wanted to ask...what is love?"

He heard her drop a dish on the floor, wincing at his mother's reaction.

"Oh goodness, sorry Arnold." Stella said sheepishly, getting down to her knees and picking up the dish, which thankfully didn't break, even though it made a loud clang. "Your question just surprised me."

"I'm sorry mom, maybe I shouldn't have ask that" He stood up to leave

"No no Arnold, it's all right." Stella put the dish in the sink and went over to her son, sitting him back down as she sat across from him. "I suppose I didn't expect this question out of you so soon. Love, sweetheart, is something that can't be put into words. It's very hard to define, even the smartest of scientists can't put it together. But...what we do know, is that it's something you feel. When you feel it, you just know it. Love works differently for everyone, but it has the same strength."

His cheeks turn a light pink, he fiddle with his fingers. "Oh" he thought about her information. Love is how you feel but with Helga I feel a lot of things. "I feel...happy, joy, excited, I want to be close to her...does that mean...I'm in like with her? or love?" he look up at his mother. Arnold's expression reminded her of a very small child confused and worried about the world they didn't understand.

Stella smiled and ruffled her son's hair affectionately. "Well Arnold, that's a question only you can answer on your own. And you'll know what it is when the time comes. At least you two are getting along so well, and I don't think I've seen so much intense feeling between two children before." She giggled at this. At her son's blush, she giggled again and ruffled his hair. "But whatever you come to feel Arnold, your father, grandparents and I will always support you. You're my son, and I love you very much. I want you to know that, we'll always support your decisions, no matter what they may be, and we'll help you if you need it."

"Thanks mom" standing up and giving her a hug "I love you mom."

"I love you too, honey." Stella hugged him and patted his back. "Now if you love your mommy, you'll help her with the dishes." She teased him. "C'mon now."

"Okay mom and I was wondering after we wash the dishes..." he stood up grabbing a plate and drying it. "Can we make cookies?"

"Sure Arnold, we can make some cookies." She smiled, nodding as she rinsed a dish. "What kind of cookies do you want to make?"

"Gosh mom I'm not sure what Helga would like." he lifted his head up from his task of drying and saw his mother's amused smile. blinking as a slow blush came onto his cheeks.

"Why don't you ask her?" Stella raised an eyebrow, gggling in amusement.

Helga had just entered the room, Arnold's heart pounded as he saw her long blonde wet that has been left down. "Hey Helga." those butterflies entered his stomach.

"Howdy." Helga greeted them.

"After we finish washing the dishes, we're going to make some cookies. Would you like to help?" Stella offered.

"Yeah, sure. I've made cookies a few times with Pheebs, it's pretty fun. What kind?"

"What kind do you like? My mom is great making all kinds of cookies, peanut butter cookies, strawberry cookies, sugar cookies, chocolate chip, pumpkin cookies, lemon drop cookies, oatmeal raisin, andies, carmel delights, brownie cookies -" Stella put her hand on his mouth.

Helga stared at him and giggled. "Arnold, slow down before you hurt yourself. Let's make some white chocolate chip cookies."

"Living it dangerously, I like that." Stella giggled, pulling her hand away from her son's mouth. "All right, white chocolate chip cookies it is."

"Actually that's my favoirte" along with chocolate chip, sugar... Oh brother...I'm acting like a basketcase.

"I can't decide on a favourite...but white chocolate chip cookies are awesome, eh, Arnold?" Helga nudged him in the side, winking at him.

"Yeah I use to like Strawberry cookies...HEY maybe we were make some! we have strawberries in the -" Helga cut him off

"Allergic, Football Head." She said, making a slashing motion across her neck and shaking her head.

"Oh...I'm sorry..." he kept quiet now finishing the dishes. He turn around smiling at her "So what else are you allergic to?"

"Don't be sorry." Helga ruffled his hair, winking toward Stella who winked back. "Aside from Strawberries, I've got free range. I can take anything you dish out. Even if, as ol' Steely Phil says, never eat raspberries."

Chuckling at her joke and getting out the cookie sheet, Arnold grinned at her. "I'll keep that in mind."

With the ingredients spread along the table, the three of them mixed a batch of the cookie dough, sprinkling in the white chocolate chips along the way. Stella would playfully slap the kids' hands as they snuck a little taste of the cookie dough, laughing all the while

"You know, we don't have to make them round." Stella told them, her eyes twinkling in amusement. "You can make them into shapes."

A playful smirk coming to her face, Helga took a small chunk of the dough, and carefully molded it into something before laying it out on the cookie sheet. It was a heart.

Arnold had shape his cookie dough while Helga was making her heart, when he was done he smiles then blushes at his now newly shaped cookie. It was the shape of a bow.

Awww, what a cutie. In response the blonde girl played with his hair, planting a kiss on his cheek, even though Stella was watching. She crafted her next cookie into the shape of his little blue hat.

Stella had to hold her giggles but feeling very giddy at the kids, deciding to turn on some music as all three had fun shaping the cookies.

"Mom what are you shaping yours as?"

"I'm shaping a couple of them like these..." Stella gestured to a couple that she had shaped much like the symbol of the Green Eyed people, and one of a pig. "Including a pig."

"How is Abner anyway? I haven't seen him lately."

"He's doing fine, he'll be in here once the cookies are ready." Stella winked.

"I never pegged city people to have a pig for a pet." Helga remarked. "But he's still one cool pig."

"Yeah the green eyes gave him to us" he said making a heart cookie, with his fork he crave the letters "A & H" on them.

"Green Eyes...? Who are they?" Helga asked, before looking down at the cookies he was making and smiled, blushing a little as she too made some more.

"The Green Eyed people are an elusive tribe native to the country of San Lorenzo in Central America." Stella explained. "It's a long story, but we've helped the Green Eyes a lot, especially with the sleeping sickness epidemic that had occurred there years ago, and in turn they saved our lives many times. Abner was given to Miles and I when we got married as a gift for good luck."

Stella giggled remembering something else "They had believes that Arnold is Divine and his their god since his head is the shape of their symbol."

Arnold blushed hard "Mom!" he whined.

Ohh, so that's what you got there?" Helga pointed to the cookies Stella had made in the shape of the Green Eyes symbol.

Stella giggled and nodded. "That's right. And it's true Arnold, don't be modest."

"Wow, a tribe of people seeing you as some kind of Demi-God, a deity, even." The blonde girl giggled and patted his head. "So is that gonna make me their Goddess when we get married?" She quipped.

His mother gave a hearty laugh. "They would indeed see you worthy if you're married to him."

"You'd be a goddess to me" blushing more when he said this.

Stella laugh whole heartedly. "You are your father's son alright, Miles always knew what romantic thing to say to me." She sighed deeply staring nowhere and remembering those romantic times with the man she married.

Helga blushed at his sweet comment, feeling her heart jump about and her stomach soar with butterflies. Where's he been my whole life? She looked back at Stella and smiled, seeing the happy and sweet face of a woman so in love and happy... She wanted to be that woman one day, to be married to the man she loved, travel around the world together, and to have a beautiful family.

"You're too much, Football Head." She kissed the side of his nose, and turned to his mother. "Stella, did you dunk him in a barrel of sugar when he was born?"

Stella laughed. "How else would he and his father be so sweet?"

They girl giggled while Arnold sat there wishing his father would come save him.

Soon the cookies were all spread out onto the sheet, and were placed in the oven. While waiting, the sweet smell of the cookies was evident, and probably floated throughout the boarding house...catching anyone's nose.

Especially that of a certain pig.

Abner ran downstairs and jumped onto Helga's lap, surprising her.

"You never waste a moment, do you, piggy?" Helga snickered, scratching behind his ears. At first she'd been a bit weirded out by a pig in the city but she soon grew attached to him, especially by how overprotective he was of her.

"Oh, I remember when we first came home from San Lorenzo... Poor Abner, when Arnold was little he used to chase Abner around and try to pull his tail..." Stella recalled, giggling.

He blushes remembering that, feeling a bit embarrassed when his mother started telling Helga come stories about toddler years.

"And there was that time at the park, when he disappeared from us and ended up at the top of a slide..."

"Let me guess, he slid down backwards?"

"Oh yes, it was terrifying, but he was lucky and landed in mud."

"Mommoomm!" he said feeling his cheeks burn. This is embarassing...but I am glad they are getting along. I just hope she won't talk about that one time when I-

Stella smiled brightly "Oh and I remember the time Arnold would take off his clothes and run around the house without a stitch on laughing when Grandpa tried to catch him."

"Used to do the same, it was crazy." Helga laughed heartily, holding her stomach as she imagined Arnold as a little tot running around the boarding house bare naked.

"He did that on his second birthday, and ran around the backyard during his party." Stella giggled. "We called him Little Flash at the time."

He finally started to laugh along with them, feeling happy watching the two girls in his life having such a great time...even if it was at his expense. "He would run away flashing people his cute little booty and I remember he used to love to pretend to explore the jungle with Abner in the backyard and pretend to fly a plane, he still has his toy plane in his closet." she thought of something else "Oh and Louie Bluie his toy bear."

"I had a doll...her name was Spandex. Another Ramona. I also had a panda bear, I called him Johnny. My parents bought a lot of stuffed animals, but Olga took them to her students back when she was teaching in Alaska. But whatever." She cast a glance to the boy beside her. "Got any other juicy secrets, Football Head?"

"Do you?"

"Asked you first."

"Ladies go first" he decided to play this game feeling really amused at the moment

"Oh fine." The blonde girl crossed her arms petulantly. "When I was three I used to call Santa Claus 'Santa Clock'."

Stella giggled. "We had an old Santa Clock from the sixties...it broke years ago, but we always had it up for Christmas."

"When I was three my father came into the house pretending to be Santa Claus, he picked me up and sat me on his lap. Grandpa filmed this, we still have the VHS tape of it, anyway he gave me a Snoopy doll and said "Ho Ho Ho, so have you been a good little boy?" I pulled down his beard and said "Daddy?" Stella held her hand over her mouth laughing. "He kept calling Miles daddy and Miles kept telling him "No it's Santa Claus."

Helga giggled at that. "That's pretty cute. I actually have a Snoopy doll at home...Shut up. I loved Snoopy, he was boss. But whatever. One Christmas my dad hired one of his guys to be Santa since he wouldn't be home for Christmas... Olga kept saying that I was yelling at the guy demanding where Dad was."

"What happened after?"

"I got stuck in the sack trying to find a present...heh heh heh..."

"Well this Christmas maybe you can come over...that is if you want to"

"...Really? You mean it?"

"Of course Helga, we'd love to have you here for Christmas." Stella smiled. "If you'd like to, and it's all right with your family."

"Um...well, I guess I can run it by my Dad next time he calls." Helga blushed a bit, looking down at her lap. Christmas with Arnold and his family...a real family...it'd be...a real Christmas, wouldn't it?

Excitedly Arnold smiles brightly at Helga "We can decorate the tree, hang the lights up, bake the cookies with mom again, we could watch some Christmas movies and sit near to the fireplace!"

Stella giggles at her son "And don't forget the mistletoe."

Arnold blinked and blushed, looking away with a lovesick smile.

"Might want to put your Christmas list away, you little dynamo." Helga giggled, wiping her doughy hands on a towel. "It's only June."

"Sorry Helga, I guess I got carried away"

"Don't sweat it, you just made it sound more fun. If we could all do THAT, hey, count me in!"

"Like I always say, good to plan ahead." Stella took a damp washcloth and started to wipe Arnold's face and forehead with it.

"Mom!" he said dryly feeling embarrassed by his mother's constant mothering.

"Come on Arnold, you do have to be clean." Stella giggled, and finished by kissing his nose. Then she moved over to Helga and her face too.

"Hey!" She protested, trying to get away. But deep down she felt her heart warm up a little. It'd been so long since she had a real mother figure, even if it was a little embarrassing.

"Now now Helga, you have to be clean." Arnold teased.

"You shut it. Unless you want something useful to be done with your mouth." Helga muttered, and Stella laughed as she finished cleaning her face.

"There, all cleaned up."

"Depends on what you want put against my lips" That answer not only stunned the girls but himself too. Gosh...me and my big mouth.

Stella blinked, and giggled as she went to go check on the cookies. "Yes, you really are your father's son."

"You're a real smooth talker, Arnoldo." Helga playfully nudged him on the side.

"I'm sorry I have no idea what just came over me" he admitted.

"Ah, don't sweat it." She played with his hair, and giggled. "You're cute when you say things like that."

The phone rang then, and Stella wiped her hands on her jeans as she crossed the kitchen the answer it. "Hello, Sunset Arms Boarding House, Stella speaking."

"Woman but my brat on the phone, I don't have all day" Bob's voice boom from the phone.

Stella glared at the phone. "Just a minute, Mr. Pataki." She said in a low voice. She held the phone out to Helga. "Helga sweetie, it's your father."

"Fantastic." Helga's mood instantly dropped. She went over and took the phone from Stella. "Yeah, Bob?"

"Kid you really did a number over there" he chuckles deep

"...What? What are you talking about?"

"Haven't you read it yet? oh wait you still can't read"

"I'm nine years old, Bob! I know how to read!"

"Oh whatever Olga anyway I read the paper and saw that you and that boy made it to the front page, good job girl you actually done something right"

Helga's hand clutched the phone a little harder than usual. "Whatever. I have to go, bye." She hung the phone right up and sat back down in her seat, crossing her arms and sulking.

"Are you all right, Helga?" Stella turned from the stove as she took the cookies out of the oven.

"Fine." She responded, sighing.

He sat next to her, putting his hand on her shoulder "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, fine. Bob's just being a stupid idiot."

"I'm sorry" he pulls her in for a hug

A blush settled on her cheeks and she relaxed, leaning into his embrace, her troubles melting away. "It's okay."

He gave her a kiss on top of her head. Stella giggles in the background "Oh Miles, I knew Arnold would turn out like you..."

Once they'd settled down, and Stella had put the next batch into the oven, while putting the first batch onto a plate, the three of them sat there eating some cookies and drinking milk.

"Feel better, Helga?" Stella asked in concern.

She nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm used to it by now. There's nothing I can do about it."

"We're here for you" he said honestly just wanting to hold her in his arms again

Helga managed a smile as she finished one of her cookies. "Thanks Arnold. I'll be fine... He may be a blowhard but he's my Dad... I count on him to be that way."

Stella shook her head, exchanging a knowing glance with Arnold, both thinking the same thing.

"Well Helga, if you ever need anything at all, you can come to us." She reiterated. "Anything at all, and we'll be there. You're practically family to us now."

As Stella got up to get the next batch out Arnold lean over to whisper "And you're more then family to me" he lean away with a wink and bite into his cookie.

Helga's eyes widened and she blushed, looking at her lap as she reached for another cookie. Again...where has he been my whole life? What did I do to deserve the sweetest boy in town?

"I smell cookies!" Miles declared from the doorway. "Room for one more?"

"Of course" Miles walk in grabbing a cookie and sitting across from the kids. Stella couldn't hold her giggle "we all made a little discovery" she said handing him a glass of milk.

"A discovery, huh? What did you discover?" Asked Miles, winking at the kids.

"Your charm has rubbed off on our son there"

"Really now?" Miles looked at Arnold and grinned. "That's my boy! Laying the charms on Helga now?"

Helga blushed, looking away. "Yeah...he's real charming."

Arnold blushes "I'm not charming at all just simple Arnold."

"Oh and he also has your modesty"

"Give yourself some credit Arnold," Miles ruffled his son's hair. "You're usually all tongue-tied and goofy around a girl you like, now you can really put the charms on her." He laughed. "Well anyway, we're going to go fishing this weekend. You want to come along, Helga?"

"Yeah! I've always wanted to go fishing."

"Wow we haven't gone fishing in a while"

"Yeah, it's been a while, so I've got some this weekend, we can go do some fishing for a change. And we'll have a great time, you'll love it, Helga."

"Hey, give me the rod and I'm all set!"

"So who's all coming dad?"

"Dad's coming along, I invited the guys here, but they're all pretty busy... So it's just gonna be us guys and Helga."

"I would go too, but I have to visit my sister, she needs help on the farm this weekend." Said Stella as she placed the other cookies on a plate.

"Oh and I'll tell Arnie you said hi." Arnold nods biting into his cookie.

Helga turns around "Who's Arnie?"

"Our nephew, he's Arnold's cousin on Stella's side." Miles explained, dipping his cookie in his milk. "He's...pretty eccentric."

"How so?" Helga wanted to know.

Arnold tries to answer "Well you see, kinda looks a bit like me only he's a bit um..." he scratches his head.

"The boy collects lint." Stella said bluntly

"Lint?" Helga repeated. "Are you for real?"

"Yep." Miles nodded. "He's a lot more simple-minded."

"He also likes counting things" Arnold added.

"He has a loud snort" Miles said imitating the snort.

"Sounds...real exciting." Helga grimaced.

Miles laughed and patted her head. "Don't worry kiddo, he keeps to himself and keeps busy, he won't bother you."

"I'll protect you if things get to weird" Arnold said grabbing her hand and holding it.

Miles shook his head smiling "That settles it for me, you have my charm boy"

"Told you so." Stella giggled.

Helga blushed more, if possible. "Careful Arnold, I might just have to do something if you keep up those charms."

He blinked. "Really? What?" He asked confused

The moment Miles and Stella weren't looking, she grabbed him to her and kissed him with passion she hadn't even realized she had. Prolonging it for some time, Helga released him and gave a wink before letting go as Miles and Stella turned back around.

Arnold blinked slowly not fully able to process what just happened, looking pretty dazed.

"You okay there, Arnold? You look lost in space." Miles chuckled.

"Yeah Arnoldo, you okay?" Helga smirked playfully.

Arnold gave her a slow dreamily smile "Yeah, everything is perfect." His voice was low in a sultry tone.

Miles gave a laugh, and Helga blushed deeply, feeling her heart pound vigorously.

"Whatever you say, Arnold." She said flirtatiously.

"That's right it's whatever I say."

Although he wouldn't know it now, but those would be the words she'd always say to him whenever she wanted to have her way. The two young kids had no clue of their future together but for now enjoy here and now.