Author's Note: This fic, and particularly this chapter, was inspired by Christina Perri's song A Thousand Years. At some point reading this chapter, you should give it a listen.
"So you mean to tell me that you lied to your bridesmaids, headed to the bathroom, locked the door, snuck out of the window, used the pipes to climb up to the roof where a bird pooped on you, and then used the pipes to climb back down to my room?"
"Yup, that sounds like it pretty much sums it up football head. Just my luck right? Can't a girl have a little bit of a breather without the universe trying to ruin everything?"
"Well," Arnold turned to spoon Helga as they lay comfortably on the bed. "I heard that in some parts of the World, it is good luck to have a bird poop on you." He winced as she pinched his arm in protest.
"Yeah, yeah, next time the bird can take a crap on you. Why should I be the one suffering for this good luck?" Arnold smiled nuzzling his face into her hair.
"Thanks for taking one for the team," he kissed the crown of her head gently, but you still haven't explained why you lied and went to the bathroom in the first place."
"Oh that, it's stupid. Never mind, let's not talk about it. "
"Helga" he chastised. "It can't be that stupid if it set all this in motion. Come on, tell me what happened?"
"Its just... Miriam and Olga drive me insane" she groaned loudly before rolling out of Arnold's strong comforting arms and onto her feet. She pushed off the bed and began pacing as Arnold, still blindfolded, sat up, and moved carefully towards the edge of the bed where he settled in a comfortable position. Leaning forward with his hands cradling his face, he rested his elbows on his knees.
"Really now? Well, what did they do?"
"Ugh, you know that bracelet you gave me before you left for San Lorenzo?" her hands flew from her side as she gestured wildly in exasperation. "Well, it was supposed to be my something blue for the wedding. Remember? It had a charm of a blue hat on it." Arnold nodded in understanding.
"But?"
"But Olga decided to give it to Miriam asking her to get it polished at the jewelers, so as I was waiting for Phoebe to get back, I realized that it wasn't there."
"Your mom told you that she forgot it?"
"Well no, but you know how Miriam is." Helga's lips curled into a scowl as she paused in her pacing. "This is the woman who forgot to pack me lunch until I was 16 years old. The same woman, mind you, who had to ride a mechanical bull to earn money after she left her purse on the roof of the car during a road trip. The same woman who practically redefined my definition of a smoothie for life!"
"But Helga, your mom hasn't been like that in years. Are you sure she forgot the bracelet?" Helga bit her lip and frowned. Arnold was right, her mom hadn't been like that in years. She sighed heavily, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. 'Maybe he is right. Maybe I am over reacting and mom does have the bracelet.' She threw herself face forward onto the bed and groaned into the mattress.
"Pu wa if se duzit, aarnode?" Arnold chuckled in response, falling back onto the bed so that his legs were still on the ground but he could have looked up at the ceiling if he weren't blindfolded.
"Sorry Helga, I can't understand you when you insist on talking to the bed." She responded with a muffled groan causing a lopsided grin to appear on his young, handsome face. He never told anyone this, but he really enjoyed teasing Helga G. Pataki. Feeling the space next to him, he reached for and found her hand. "Do you want to try that again?"
"I said, Arnold-o..." she repeated in a resolute voice "what if she doesn't? What if she doesn't have the bracelet?" His grip tightened on her hand and he turned to face her. His smile was blinding.
"Well Helga, I am sure your mother will surprise you, but I guess if she really forgot it, there just might be some truth in the myth about bird poop because you, my darling, are in luck. I have a surprise for you, but I can't get it for you unless you let me take off my blindfold." Helga pursed her lips in response.
"Fat chance, Arnold. You can't con Helga G. Pataki!"
"Trust me, this is not a con."
"Nope. No dice, no cigars, no fajitas, no nada." Arnold let his mouth momentarily tug down into a frown before his smile regained it's full brilliance.
"Fine. Unlike you, I like surprises. I can wait to see how beautiful you look." He pulled her hand to his mouth kissing it gently, causing a pretty shade of rose to appear on her cheeks. "You see my duffle bag over there. In the corner?"
"Yeah I see it."
"Good. Go ahead and bring it over." Following Arnold's instructions, Helga stood up and padded softly over to the corner of the room, retrieving the bag and tossing it unceremoniously onto the bed.
"Well a couple weeks back I heard your mom and sister discussing your something blue, and I did have a suggestion, though Olga shot it down immediately, which made me feel really stupid, but in any case, I brought it anyway, you know, for good luck, and sentimental value".
Her hands felt clammy and she began to fidget. "Arnold, you're rambling."
"Yeah," He abruptly sat up reaching over and pulling the duffle onto his lap. "I guess I can get straight to the point" He patted the spot next to him. "Here, sit down and close your eyes."
"Why in the heck would I need to close my eyes?"
"Fair is fair." his lopsided grin reappeared and Helga felt her retort catch in her throat. She hated how his smile always rendered her speechless.
"Fine, but don't get any funny ideas buck-o"
"I wouldn't dream of it. Are your eyes closed? I am trusting you here."
"Yeah, yeah." Helga let her eyes fall shut as she folded her hands to let them rest gently on her lap.
"Are you sure they are closed?
"I said yeah, geez, why does nobody I know take me seriously." Arnold chuckled before casually flipping her the bird. When he didn't here a gasp or any sort of reaction, he knew she was being true to her word and began to fumble with his bag as he manually searched for the zipper.
"If you have a solution to my blue problem, I suggest you spit it out. We are getting married in only like 30 ..." Helga paused as she heard the noise of the zipper passing across the chain and felt her body freeze up when she heard fumbling.
"Ah, there it is." She felt the warmth of Arnold's hand against her cheek before she felt the additional weight on her head lightening the load on her heart. She leaned her face into his hand as her eyes fluttered open, a rarely used, but dazzling smile on her face."
"Arnold, it's perfect! But, I - I thought you lost it. When you suddenly stopped wearing it I just assumed..."
"We found my parents and I didn't need it anymore. Actually, I almost threw it out, but I couldn't stand the thought of it in a dump somewhere, especially not when I remembered the time you found it for me. Then I remembered that that was the first time I really felt close to you. That I really felt… Umf!"
"Thanks football head." Helga's hot breath tickled his ear as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "I'm sure it won't clash with my dress all that much."
"Great to hear. Which reminds me," a sudden crash was heard in the hallway. "You should get going if you ever plan on showing me this dress."
Helga smiled prettily, largely ignoring the racket, but paying enough attention to realize that it was getting both closer, and quieter. She pulled out her phone and glanced at the time. 'Twenty-five minutes until the wedding. I guess those bozos finally decided to come by and tell Arnold I'm missing.'
"I guess you're right. Just promise me one thing." Helga stood abruptly and moved directly in front of Arnold.
"Anything."
Bending at the waist, she placed a chaste kiss on his lips. "Don't cry." she commanded. Arnold scoffed at the insinuation.
"Cry?" He heard her throw the window open and followed the noise with his head. "Why would I cry? I know I am sensitive, and even if you make fun of me for it, I for one happen to think it's a great quality..." immersed in his rant Arnold failed to hear the doorknob rattle as he called after her. "But, I'm not that sensitive! I mean really, what do you think of me?"
Gerald loudly cleared his throat causing Arnold to jump slightly before turning to face the now open room. "I for one, happen to think you're a full-grown man talking to himself with a blindfold on." Arnold flushed a deep red and pulled the tie from his face.
"I think he's crazy."
"Shut up Stinky." Sid hissed. Clearing his throat, Gerald continued.
"Arnold I have some bad news man. Maybe you need to take a seat." Gerald paused, allowing Arnold time to sit back on the bed. "You know how you were worried Helga would skip out on the wedding…" Gerald's gaze dropped to the floor, very much looking like a man executing someone he knew wasn't guilty. Arnold let out an amused chuckle.
"Don't worry Gerald, she'll be there, I know it!" Gerald leveled his gaze only to be met with the confident and slightly lopsided smile of his best friend. "Don't worry. I am sure she is sorry for making you worry, for making everyone worry, but she'll be there. Trust me." Shaking his head Gerald couldn't help but feel the corners of his lips twitch.
"Pataki was here, wasn't she?" Arnold grinned.
"What, no way. After we spent all that time looking for her?"
"I almost fell in the fountain and ruined my suit." Harold whined.
"Oh please, you almost fell in the fountain and ruined your suit petting that mangy cat Harold." Sid replied.
"Shut up Sid!" came Harold's retort.
Gerald walked over to his best friend and patted his shoulder ignoring their oldest friends arguing by the still open door. "You sure you want to marry that crazy? She's one helluva woman isn't she?"
"She sure is." Arnold replied with a slightly glazed look in his eye.
"Hm, hm hm Arnold. What, did she come in here looking for some real Arnold lovin cause she couldn't wait for after the wedding?" Arnold shoved Gerald roughly, turning the color of a tomato. Of course it wasn't exactly like that, but knowing Gerald, he wouldn't believe him even if he denied it.
'At least my wedding isn't boring' he thought to himself. Shaking his head, Arnold smiled and stood up to defuse the escalating argument between his friends.
A crash could be heard as Helga stumbled with her footing when reentering the bathroom window. Recovering her bearing, she blew a strand of hair out of her face, and stomped towards the bathroom sink – quickly rinsing her cheek to get rid of any residual bird poop. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out Arnold's blue hat and placed it on her head. Smiling gently at her reflection in the mirror, she closed her eyes and imagined the moment she would become Mrs. Arnold Pataki-Shortman, but before she could whisper the words 'I do' several sharp knocks disturbed her peace.
"Little lady hurry up and open this door. We've been waiting out here for nearly 20 minutes."
"B, calm down and just give her some time. She'll be out in a minute."
"That's what you said 20 minutes ago Miriam!" Helga face palmed as she realized that Phoebe had also involved her parents in the search and that they had been waiting at the door.
"Criminy, can't a woman have a moment to herself." She mumbled. Taking a deep breath Helga grasped the doorknob and swung it open.
"Well it's about time!" Bob's voice roared. Placing her hands on her hips, Helga turned to give her father a piece of her mind. But her retort died in her throat, as she was able to see past his aggressive posture– his side leaning against the door with his arms folded across his chest- to the worry encapsulated by his furrowed brows and forehead wrinkles. An overwhelming feeling of humbleness and gratitude washed over her, filling her heart and rendering her speechless. Almost as if sensing her daughter's hesitation, Miriam cut in.
"B, please." Resting a hand on her husband's forearm Miriam turn to smile shyly at her youngest daughter. "Helga dear, your father and I, we just, well we just wanted to make sure everything is okay. Is everything alright, honey?"
Remembering the conversation she had with Arnold not yet ten minutes ago, Helga realized that he was right –of course he was, he was always right - and that her parents had, in fact, changed. Though she recognized the gradual changes they had been making these past years, a part of her had always felt reservation, felt afraid of accepting them because she did not want to be disappointed. The sudden realization that these changes would be permanent was oddly fitting given the new life she was about to begin, and she was happy that she could wholeheartedly feel affection for these new people in front of her.
"Yeah, I guess I was a bit nervous that's all." Using her left hand to rub her right elbow she continued, "you know, with life changes and all." Miriam tenderly reached out to pat her cheek.
"We know, and that's why we have a small gift for you, right B?" Bob let out a low grunt as he thrust his hand into his pocket to pull out a small box. Looking down he turned it in his hand twice before shoving it into Miriam's open palm.
"You give it to the girl. I'll be waiting back at the room, and don't dilly-dally, we have guests waiting and she still needs to get those pictures taken."
"Uh huh, sure thing B. You just wait in the room" Miriam called out in reply as he made his way down the hall. "We'll be there in just a second!"
"Geez, what's his problem?"
"Well you know Helga, you are our daughter and you are getting married. He's just a little lonely." Helga's eyes furrowed mirroring her dad's expression of only moments earlier.
"Really?" She blushed as she noticed her voice was small and hopeful and so unlike herself.
"Well of course dear. You are our youngest and although we've made a lot of mistakes, we love you, and we will always be by your side. That's why we've made you this!" Miriam reached out to take Helga's hands in her own. Squeezing gently, she flipped her palms upwards to place the box there.
"Thanks mom, I guess I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything, just open it." Doing as told, Helga opened the velvet red box to reveal her charmed bracelet with four additional charms attached. Her eyes widened as they took in small violet glasses, a black beeper, red lips and two girls holding hands with the letters BFF written across them. They lingered when they fell on the little blue hat charm.
Motioning to the hat still positioned on Helga's head, Miriam broke the silence, "I see you've decided to change your something blue, but it would make us all happy if you wore this as well."
"Of course! Thanks mom." Helga cried out as she threw herself into her mother's arms. "It's perfect." She murmured. Miriam wrapped her arms around Helga and flashed her a dazzling smile.
"You're welcome. Now honey, I really think we should hurry and get you dressed. You don't want to miss your wedding do you? Plus, your little friend Phoebe is 'like totes freaking out' as the kids say nowadays."
Bracelet clutched in her hand, Helga rolled her eyes and linked arms with her mother, pulling her hastily down the hallway. "I guess you're right. Let's get this show on the road."
Bob stood to the side as the members of the wedding party took positions in preparation for their entrance. He watched as the snoot whispered directions to the one with the big nose before walking out, followed next by the "big pair", the "country bumpkins" and his Olga with "whatever his face". His eyes then shifted to his daughter who was being hugged by Phoebe. Whispering something into her ear, Phoebe smiled before grabbing the flower basket and rings and walking out. His gaze then bore into his daughter's smaller frame watching her as she fidgeted with her fingers.
The wedding procession music rang in his ear and she turned to him expectantly. Suddenly he was overcome with the urge to hold her. Grasping her by the arm he pulled her into his chest.
"Dad, what are you doing? Her muffled voice reverberated into his tux.
"You know, you don't have to marry him if you don't want?" he whispered gruffly. Helga's eyes widened.
"What are you talking about?" She pushed roughly against his chest only causing his grip to tighten.
"Is this what you want? If you don't want to get married, don't worry I'll set the boy straight. "
"What makes you think I don't want to get married?" Helga bit her lip in frustration. She heard the beginning of murmurs in the audience.
"You disappeared for 30 minutes." He responded simply.
"I… that was for another reason. I love Arnold. I've been waiting to marry him since I was three years old for cripe's sake." Pulling back, Bob looked down into Helga's piercing blue eyes. Sensing no hesitation he pulled her back into a hug.
"Good," he murmured into her hair before letting go. "You know, that boy is good for you." Placing his hands on her shoulders he once again looked into her eyes. "We're proud of you Helga. Remember that. And if that boy does anything to hurt you, he'll have to answer to me! Once a Pataki, always a Pataki!"
They say you won't remember the things that are said, or the things that are done, but the things that make you feel. Standing in her wedding dress looking back at her dad with tears in his eyes, Helga knew that she would never forget this moment. She wouldn't forget the way Bob's voice roared in her ears as he, for the first time in her life, told her that he was proud. Nor would she forget the tears that were shed when her once self-centered sister and neglectful mother helped her into her dress, cleansing the deep-set wounds of her childhood. She wouldn't forget the laughter and giggles she shared with her friends as they took their pre-wedding photos, the flash serving as a light that illuminated her path forward. It was almost as if the day itself were a metaphorical storm leading to Arnold, her own personal sun.
"Well, this is awkward." Helga and her father both jumped at the sound of Arnold's voice over a microphone. "The music has ended and the bride is still back there, or so I hope. So Helga, if you are still back there, please come out. And of course, you need music. Grandma and I were planning on saving this for the reception but…"
A soft melody was heard coming from the piano and Bob stuck his arm out to his daughter right when Arnold began singing the first line. Helga felt her heart pick up as she took in his soft husky voice. Each line picked at a string in her memory and images flashed in her mind. From pink ribbons to his promise to come back for her. From her attempts to confess her love to the moment he confessed his, choosing to stand by her when no one else would. And at his call, her feet took her forward. Standing tall she appeared in the aisle, eyes finding and boring into his despite her veil.
Arnold's voice caught in his throat and tears welled up in his eyes as he took in the sight of her. There she was, in a beautiful white A-line dress with a pink ribbon across the waist. He lifted his hand to his mouth and gasped, cheeks spreading into a wide grin exposing his teeth. Her off the shoulder style exposed the collarbone he loved so much and her ¾ length laced sleeves allowed view of her charmed bracelet on her right wrist. Her Watteau train made her look like an angel and Arnold felt blessed to be in her presence; to be marrying her. Tears fell from his eyes and he knew he was a fool in love. Gerald cleared his throat loudly, bringing Arnold back down to Earth.
Arnold took a moment to find his place with the music and continued serenading Helga as she drew nearer. Her feet moved on their own as if the force of their attraction was magnetic. She herself had begun crying when he had but her tears were brushed away by her father when he delivered her to the alter and pulled back her veil. And there they were, face to face.
Arnold quickly handed the microphone to Gerald and took a step towards his fiancé. He reached out to gently and touched her pink ribbon. "I like your ribbon." he whispered quietly to her as the officiant began the ceremony.
"I do" Helga exclaimed throwing her arms around Arnold and pressing her lips into his in a passionate kiss.
"But I haven't gotten to that part yet," the officiant proclaimed. Placing his two hands on either side of Helga's face, Arnold pulled himself from her and looked back at the officiant. "I'm sorry to cut you off, but I do too" he said before wrapping a hand around her waist and neck and dipping her back to kiss her. Shouts and whistles were heard from their friends and family in the audience and the officiant hastily added, "then I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
So, it's done. Sorry it took so long. I always have lots of ideas, but I am not confident in my writing so it takes me forever to write, especially since there are so many other things to do in life. Because I am not such a great writer, I don't think anyone really cares if I write or not which puts writing low on my priority list, but since someone does seem to be angry that I don't update, I will try to be better in the future. I'm hoping to update a fic if not once a week, once every two weeks. In any case, I do really appreciate anyone who takes the time to read and even more so the people who take the time to comment. I want to get better at writing so constructive criticism on my writing style is always welcome. Thanks again!