A/N:
Alright, the last thing I swore to post before Christmas! My goals are met! YAY :D
Lol, anyway I hope you guys enjoy this final (I SWEAR XD…Probably ;) ) epilogue to this fic that I think I've literally updated once every Christmas ever since I first published it, lol! It's just a brief thing but I think it wraps stuff up nicely and I really hope you all enjoy it! Please review, everyone! I love you all and happy holidays no matter what you celebrate ^_^
HELGA PATAKI'S CHRISTMAS
Epilogue 2:
Pink and Blue, Red and Green (aka Arnold and Helga's Christmas)
"Wow…It seems like it was just last year that we celebrated the annual Festival of the Holy Provolone."
"That's because it WAS only last year, cheese for brains!" This snarky comment was followed by a firm elbow nudge from its feisty, blonde-haired deliverer straight into the side of the certain football headed young man who had made the comment in the first place. "Just like the year before that and the year before that and the year before that, Captain Obvious."
The football headed man in question just chuckled, looking warmly into his girlfriend's eyes. "Hey, I was just saying…" Arnold laughed a little more, pulling his Helga close, his arm around her. "Hey, remember that time when we were in fourth grade when they tried doing two of these in one year?"
Helga laughed at the memory, more than happily allowing herself to be pulled against him, of course. "Yeah, and no even one said anything. Weird, huh?"
Arnold let out a sigh, still smiling at her. "Yeah…a lot of things were weird back then though…I mean, you and I weren't dating, for instance."
Helga let out a sigh as well. "Tell me about it. Crimeny, I'm surprised the cosmos didn't explode during those seven years. Who were you kidding, Football head? Trying to avoid our inevitable love…" She traced a little heart over his light blue polo shirt over his chest.
Arnold just let out a sigh and kissed the top of her hair…the hair with her ribbon tying back only the top layer…the style he'd designed for her that first day he had come back here to Hillwood forever…the style she had loved so much ever since. Along with the ribbon, she was only wearing a simple pale pink blouse today and a pair of faded jeans, but somehow…she'd never looked lovelier to him… (this situation, though, might have also had something to do with the fact that tucked away in the back pocket of his jeans…Arnold had something for this lovely woman before him…The loveliest thing he could think to give to the loveliest woman in the world.).
"Now, enough of this mush!" The words from Helga all of sudden interrupted Arnold's thoughts about her, and then he felt her separate from him and give him a light nudge in the shoulder. "Come on, Football head, after four long grueling years and EPIC amounts of student loans (and that HORRIBLE last semester when you went and studied abroad in South America, leaving lonely little me here in the States all by myself) we have finally graduated college and now we are back home and we are at this festival and we are celebrating!" She lowered her voice a little and leaned close to his ear. "I mean, before we do any serious 'celebrating'…tonight." She winked….and then pulled back once more with a giggle…and then she glanced around at the fair, just holding her beloved's hand and smiling. "So," her eyes went back to his again, "…another ride or are you in need of a break and ready to spring for a cheese kabob for me, Arnold, my dear? Name your poison."
Arnold just…smiled. Looked at her standing there and smiled. She looked so happy, so warm, so loving in this instant…surrounded by the glowing lights of the fair and the sounds of people, young and old, laughing and having fun together…an occasional friend or set of friends (now full grown couples) passing by in the background…here in his true home.
He smiled a little more…and glanced to the side just a little shyly…and for a moment his eyes fell on the ride they were actually right near and he almost chuckled. Standing right next to the Tunnel of Love…perfect. The perfect night, the perfect moment, the perfect place. He let out a breath.
Now. He wanted to do it now.
Arnold moved a hand behind himself to reach for the small aforementioned item in his back pocket...and prepared to kneel. "Helga, I have something very important to ask. Will you—"
"Oh brother, Arnold, seriously, are you really going to formally ask me if I'd like to go on the Tunnel of Love?" She smirked, shaking her at him, arms crossed over her chest at the sight of him actually in the middle of reaching out for her hand with one of his and even seeming to bow a little (before her words had stopped him, of course). Indeed, she had seen his eyes fall in the direction of the Tunnel of Love ride…and had assumed something. "First of all," she went on with a grin, "No one over the age of 13 goes on that thing, and second…" A mischievous look came to her eyes and her smile picked up on one side. "Why do you even need to officially ask? Doi, of course I'll go on with you for old time's sake, Football Head! Crimeny, you'd think after four years at an esteemed university and a lifetime of putting up with me you'd know the answer's probably going to be yes, Football Head. It's yes to anything and everything."
She took a step forward for the boats.
A moment should be taken now to address the fact that…Well, going back to a certain thought that a certain ten-year-old girl had had once on top of a certain formerly abandoned building…
'What kind of Helga would she become…without Arnold?'
Without Arnold for all of those years growing up…Helga had developed interests in photography, short story writing, French, cooking, music, the arts… She had truly been allowed to grow into her own person. A person with an identity the parts of which didn't all just come back to Arnold. And however much she would have never admitted it while it was happening…it was a process that had been very very good for her. Even…Even those fights between her and Arnold as they had aged a little had been good for her and for them in general, actually: some time apart…some time to work out their aggressions, deal with their frustrations, just get it out of their systems. Because, heck, however wonderful and magical and miraculous it was, wasn't it allowed to bug them just a little that they loved each other and couldn't help it even if they tried, like it was out of both of their controls or something…And yet at the same time they were torn apart both personally and as a couple…and ironically enough mostly by their own devices?
Anyway, the end result had been that Helga had not only learned what type of person she would become without Arnold…she had learned the skill of actually living without him in her life. She had learned that she could be strong enough…to be somebody without him. She still loved him so deeply but there was no need to cling…to feel like she was choking, eroding, drowning, DYING without him. There was no more of that fear and pain. It was gone…and all that remained was trust and faith…and a very deep understanding of what love really meant and was.
And then Arnold had returned.
And…there had been no regression…and also no stagnation.
Helga had merely now moved into the phase of her life of learning to still be entirely herself now that she knew how to do so…but also with Arnold with her and near her. To be both Helga…and a member of Helga & Arnold…both at the same time, in other words, if that made any sense.
Whether she was aware of it or not it was the most adult thing Helga G. Pataki had ever done. And the best thing she had ever done for herself and let happen to herself. Period.
So, following Arnold's permanent return, there had been four years of learning to still be Helga (and even learning new things—refining her French and writing, taking drawing classes (maybe to illustrate some of those short stories of hers one of these days), trying a few random sports teams, calligraphy, volunteering)…while relearning being Arnold's Helga again. And…it had been like walking out of a dark tunnel. Making it past the halfway point. Heading only to light.
And so here she was now: Helga was a grown woman capable of living for herself as well as for Arnold…and most importantly for both at the same time.
And this now perfectly balanced and matured young woman was about to be proposed to, by the way…and by a young man who had also finally learned in his life after quite a few years of struggles and changes and shifts how to be both himself…and the man the woman he loved needed…and also both at the same time.
Back to our story…
Helga had just taken a step forward for the boats.
"Actually…" the word was accompanied by Arnold not releasing her hand and not moving forward with her, and so the young woman in question stopped and just looked back to her beloved with a puzzled smile while she waited for him to say whatever was on his mind.
Then he let out a sigh and smiled…pulled out a small black velvet box from behind him, and rolled his eyes to the side, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just this once…" he recalled that little joke that had started between them when he'd come back for good from San Lorenzo…and that had continued on and off over the last four years…the one where he would ask her something and she would reply to it in some sarcastic way with a smile because it was an obvious question or a silly question, and he would just sigh and smile in return and lament that he should have just gone with his instincts and asked her to marry him instead of whatever question he had actually asked… "Just this once I really was going to ask you to marry me, Helga G. Pataki."
He opened the little box. With a little ring inside.
The world locked into an utter state of perfection for Helga G. Pataki.
A journey…two journeys…were finally complete. As one.
(And Arnold spent the next ten minutes of his life going through a dark Tunnel of Love with Helga on top of him just showering him with kiss after kiss after kiss as, upon fully processing his proposal, she had dove at him with all over her might and knocked him backwards right along wit her into a free boat that had suddenly started off on the ride at the force of their landing. As they eventually reached he light at the end of the tunnel, she finally got herself under control enough to say 'Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!' over and over and over again…over and over and over…)
"Arnold, love!" A lovely young blonde woman in a red, sleeveless dress (wearing a diamond ring on one of her fingers) called from the couch in the boarding house den, surrounded by the glows of a roaring fire and the warmth of greens and reds of decorations. "Could you get me some eggnog, please? I've still got yards and yards of popcorn to string in here!" Smiling, she went back to creating popcorn garland. She had always wanted to make and have that stuff during Christmases as a child but had never found the time to start learning how to do it…So it hadn't been a tradition in her family as a child…But she figured now (especially now, actually) was as good a time as any to start it as a tradition in her family as an adult…as a wife and…
"Here, my darling Helga!" Arnold called out as he entered the room, holding two mugs and wearing a green Christmas tree sweater that went perfectly with his eyes. "Some of the special Shortman recipe family eggnog for me…" He placed his own mug down on the coffee table and sat on the other end of the couch upon which his wife was reclined, "And some plain old, 'appropriate for any age and condition' eggnog for you…" He handed her the other mug.
Helga placed down her popcorn garland chain on her laps and took the mug. "There's a love. Both your wife and future child thank you, Arnold." She took a sip of the lovely drink, closing her eyes to savor it.
Her eyes quickly popped open in surprise and then happiness at the very familiar feeling of Arnold's hands suddenly framing the small bulge of her stomach. "Hi there, little boy or girl...We can't wait until next Christmas when you're finally with us…and then Mommy can drink grown up person eggnog again."
Helga chuckled at his actions (and at how warm and ticklish his hands felt on her like that). "Arnold, quit doing that—it always makes the little tyke—"
Helga's breath caught in her throat and Arnold (his hand now on the center of Helga's stomach) just beamed like crazy. "He gave a kick!"
"OR SHE!" added Helga with a smirk. "Heh, actually, if she's already practicing to 'kick' your butt and drive you nuts then most DEFINITELY a she!" She stuck her tongue out at her husband playfully.
Arnold just rolled his eyes, and then moved forward to cuddle with his wife a little on the couch amidst the glow of Christmas all around them…and the glow of Helga herself…pregnant with his child. "Well, all I can hope then is that, on top of wanting to drive me nuts, she's as breathtakingly beautiful and secretly warm and sweet as her Mommy."
Helga blushed and cuddled against Arnold…savoring the warmth of his sweater upon her, his nearness and closeness…the fact that their whole new family was right here on this little couch in this familiar room…in this love-filled place that was their home. "Such a charmer, Football Head, aren't you? If you're trying to get lucky or something, Arnold, I…think the slowly developing child inside of me is a sign that you've already been there, done that." She gave him a playful wink and a nudge.
Arnold just laughed, tracing his finger over the little bulge in her dress as he gave it a quick glance again. "Ooo Mommy sounds cranky, little baby. Well, the cookies'll be done soon. We'll just give her some of those and she'll be all better between that and her eggnog….and of course you being almost here brings both of us tons of joy." He placed his palm gently against the baby again. "Plus all of Mommy and Daddy's friends are stopping by later tonight for a little reunion and to say hello to you…and so Mommy can help Auntie Phoebe keep planning her wedding with Uncle Gerald so they can finally be just as happy as Daddy and Mommy…and so you can maybe get a new playmate soon…" He chuckled a little and Helga joined him. Arnold went on, still smiling, still looking to the baby. "And in only a few minutes Grandpa Miles and Grandma Stella are coming over…and even Grandpa Bob And Grandma Miriam…your Aunt Olga and Uncle Tucker…your two cousins, Tuck and Tina..." Arnold let the list hang…and his face fell a tiny bit.
Helga knew…and reached out and placed her hand on top of his on her stomach, looking at him sincerely. "I know, Arnold…" came her quiet voice…and she felt the tears behind her eyes…and behind her own. It had happened only a few months after the wedding…and it had been very hard on everyone… "I miss them too…They raised you for almost half your life…They took care of me when you were gone…They gave us the boarding house to live in and raise our children in. I wish they were here more than anything…for Christmas…and to see our baby too."
Arnold swallowed…and wiped a tear from his eye…and then looked to her with a smile. She always had been able to comfort him…even in the worst of times. She'd comforted him in the jungle all those years ago when he had all but given up hope on finding his parents…after the jungle when he'd had to leave her…over the years with the pictures she would send and just by existing somewhere in the world…and then everyday of their lives in everything he could possibly ask for after his return…and especially with the deaths of Phil and Gertie. Phil had been right—the family curse of 91. And Gertie had followed within weeks…They were just that close, that a part of each other. It could never have been just 'his time' or 'her time'…it had somehow always been destined to be 'their time' when the time did arise. And secretly, at the back of his mind, Arnold had this feeling…that it would be same for himself and Helga...having it be 'their time'. Still, that guaranteed him almost seventy years now with his love…and after seven years of denial as children…and another seven years of transition as teenagers…he would be grateful for and cherish every single moment…especially this one, this night, right here and now. "Thanks, Helga…" This first Christmas with their love and lives complete. "I wish they were her too." Arnold's smile returned just a little, and he wiped a warm tear or two more from his face.
Helga, smiling so supportively so warmly so beautifully, leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her husband in a tight hug. Arnold's arms quickly came up to hug her back (making sure not to put too much pressure upon the unborn child between them.)
The two of them remained holding each other like that for a little while.
Eventually the doorbell rang.
The husband and wife let out breaths and let go of one another…and they didn't need to say anything…They just smiled.
Then Arnold let out a small sigh and his smile brightened. He stood up from the couch and squeezed Helga's hand. "I'll get it. You and the baby just stay put!" He winked and gave a little chuckle. No sense living in the past right now. They had all mourned…Now it was time to celebrate the happy present…and the even happier future to come.
Helga chuckled and rolled her eyes (happy her love was happy once again). "No, Arnold, I was planning to leave my uterus here on the couch to finish the popcorn garland, and to take the rest of myself for a quick jog up Vine Street!"
Arnold laughed as he headed toward the hall. He turned back to her though before disappearing from sight to get the door. "Oh and wrap that blanket around you before I open the door, please, Helga, dear! I don't want either one of my two lovelies getting cold." He winked.
Helga smirked…and let out an 'exasperated' sigh but indeed, of course, pulled the warm, plaid blanket she was laying upon around her shoulders, making sure to cover her stomach. "Of course, my overprotective husband…silly big lug of a future dad that you are." Ever since the first leaf had turned from green to gold and orange in Hillwood, Arnold had been insisting that Helga wrap herself up like this whenever he opened the door or a window for something…and he'd been practically trying to wrap her in every wooly garment he could find whenever she or they actually went outside. And though the whole thing was a little much…it really was adorable and sweet when you thought about it. 'Heh, I can't imagine what he'll do to you when you're born, little one…' She rubbed the bulge over her stomach. "But seriously," she went on, looking to her husband once more and now wrapped up all cozy and snug, "I cannot wait for that San Lorenzo trip you promised me after the New Year. The last one we'll be taking for a while, I guess, considering my 'condition.'" She made air quotes around the word and smiled. "You and me and the whole family crashing at that summer home your parents built down there…" Yes, no more separation and separate trips: from now on, if one person made any major trips as much of the whole family as possible did too…though there was still privacy to be had in their little jungle escape, of course, if desired. "Heh, come to think of it, I haven't been there since summer after our sophomore year at college…You remember, Arnold dear, just the two of us during that week that your parents were off down the coast searching for new flower specimens…" A little blush came to her face and a gleam came to her eye.
Still standing at the entrance to the hall, Arnold blushed a little as well. "Yes, Helga, I remember…a lot…" He grinned. "But not in front of our baby!" he teased and then gave her a wink. "Now, just keep that wrapped around you while the door's open. Just for your big lug's peace of mind, okay?" He slipped into the hall and the doorbell rang once more.
"Yes siree!" Helga called out from the couch as he disappeared, making a big show of bundling herself up even more. "We'll be visiting somewhere toasty warm for a couple of weeks away from all this city snow! And no more being obsessively blanketed by you for me!" She smirked to herself.
Her husband's faint laugh from down the hall reached her ears. "Whatever you say, Helga! I do plan to sunscreen you to death while we're there, though—just being a good husband and father!"
Helga just chuckled and rolled her eyes…and rubbed and held her stomach. "What a silly football headed daddy you have, little one…And he loves us so very much." She let out a content sigh...and her smile grew a little more. "Hey, maybe we should have you be a little 'Phil' or 'Gertie' when you're born? I know Daddy would love that and I would love it, come to think of it..." She giggled and gave the bulge a small pat, lowering her voice to a whisper. "We'll just keep that our little secret for now, though...We can surprise Daddy with the idea later..."
A few seconds later, Helga could hear the front door of the boarding house being opened and familiar voices entering the hallway, talking and laughing and greeting one another. Both her and Arnold's families coming together to celebrate Christmas (and Helga and Arnold's soon to be coming baby, as they had been doing here and there over the last four months)…all warm and content and loving.
Helga let out a happy sigh and glanced down to see her wedding ring-wearing hand resting upon the lovely rounded area of her tummy…the area that would, by this summer, be her and Arnold's child…their first child. She was hoping for many more…and he wanted more too.
For a moment Helga just closed her eyes and let out a sigh and took in the scent of the cookies and eggnog and evergreen in the air, felt the warmth of the fire crackling and the toasty blanket over her shoulders, heard the sounds of voices of people she loved coming closer…felt her baby kick a little again.
A tear or two fell down her face.
That first Christmas when she and Arnold had been a couple…when they were ten…There had been new hope there but there had also been so much pain and frustration…so much…sadness…to come until they could be really happy again…really be together.
Now, here, though…they were happy…and there was just more happiness to look forward to. The worst was over and weathered and gotten through and they had earned…a life together…a life that worked and was balanced and was mutual…a life that thrived and flourished…just like the new little life inside of Helga.
"Helga, sweetheart, we have guests!" Arnold called out playfully, his voice sounding like it was getting nearer again as he obviously led the families down the hall to the den.
Helga opened her eyes and wiped the tear or two away. "Yeah, I guessed that from all the voices, love!" she called back playfully and picked up her popcorn garland to continue stringing.
Eventually the party found it's way to Helga and there were hugs and kisses and smiles and jokes and mistletoe and cookies and music and carols and presents and all the love there could be.
And no one needed to 'be strong' anymore or to 'hold out' or to 'bide their time'… They were all finally free and home and safe…and loved.
And Helga G. Pataki…Helga G. Pataki-Shortman…along with her Arnold Pataki-Shortman…and their little Pataki-Shortman to come…finally had the Christmas that she…and she and Arnold…and she and Arnold and the soon-to-be-newest member of their family had always deserved.
(And now both Arnold and Helga would get to learn how to live for themselves and live for each other…and live for their child, all at the same time. A whole new little adventure. Together.)
Merry Christmas, everyone.
A/N:
I hope you all liked this little ending ^_^ Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! I love all you guys! This is really one of the most wonderful fandoms out there ;) And I feel so lucky to be a part of it :)
Happy Reading! Happy Holidays!
~Azure129 aka Jenna
AXH FOREVER!
