The bus arrived at the airport and despite how early it was the class was in a frenzy. The only ones who weren't screaming and laughing and chattering. Gerald was excited to be spending a week away from his annoying siblings. Phoebe was excited to learn about a new culture. Sid, Stinky, and Harold were already planning how they could make the trip even more memorable by playing pranks. Rhonda was complaining because if she had won the contest they would have been going to Paris instead of South America if she had won the contest. Nadine was telling Peapod Kid how she was excited to see all the new bugs she could see in South America. Curly and Eugene were arguing over who was the better dancer while Sheena stood by, unable to get a word in edgewise between them. Even Mr. Simmons and Principal Wartz were expressing their excitement about the trip with Olga. The driver was even busy yelling for them all to hush up. There were only three people on the entire bus who were quiet. Brainy had fallen asleep and was dozing in his seat, leaned up against the window. Arnold was trying to be subtle as he read his dad's journal. Helga was scowling out the window as a whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind. Staying at home with her deadbeat parents sounded like a great alternative to spending a week with Arnold in such close proximity…plus Olga.
When the bus finally stopped everyone started to head for the gate with suitcases and duffle bags dragging them down. Brainy would have stayed on the bus, sound asleep had Helga not intentionally kicked the back of his seat, waking him up suddenly. The bus was almost empty when Helga and Arnold left the bus. He gave her a brief smile and she just rolled her eyes before jumping off the bus. Mr. Simmons and Principal Wartz started lecturing the children about how they were expected to behave on the plane and they needed to pick their travel buddy. Helga went off to find Phoebe and Arnold looked for Gerald.
"Alright, Pheobe, let's get this over with." Helga said with a sigh once she found her friend.
"Oh…um…actually, Helga, I was wondering if you'd be alright with me being Gerald's partner." Phoebe replied warily.
"Geraldo?" Helga repeated.
Phoebe swallowed a lump in her throat, "I mean if you think you can't find another partner-"
"I can get some other sap to partner with me, Phoebe." Helga snapped, "Partner with Gerald, it's no skin off my nose."
Phoebe hugged Helga briefly and thanked her. Phoebe knew Helga well enough to know that she meant well…in her own way.
Originally Helga had been planning on just waiting to see who was left…then she realised if she didn't pick a partner she might be stuck with Olga…for the entire trip.
Arnold was having a similar problem when Gerald asked him if he was alright with him pairing with Phoebe. Of course Arnold was alright with it! Gerald had been crazy about Phoebe since last year.
"Sorry Arnold, but Miss Lila and I are already paired up." Stinky informed Arnold with a shrug.
"Can't, Helga. Sid and I already joined up." Harold said loudly.
"I'm terribly, terribly sorry, Arnold, but Iggy and I are sitting together." Peapod kid answered Arnold with a shake of his head.
"Uh, I'm sitting with Curly." Brainy said when Helga asked him as a last resort.
"Alright everybody! Does everyone have their special travel buddy?" Mr. Simmons asked warmly.
"No." Arnold and Helga both rang out in unison.
"Mr. Shortman, Miss Pataki, pair up. We're strapped for time. We've got to get on that plane." Principal Warts ordered shortly.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Helga was trying to make the best of the situation. She was just grateful that she wasn't sitting next to Olga. Still…sitting next to Arnold wasn't that much better. Not too long ago she would have been thrilled to be sitting next to him for twelve hour flight, but that was before she was determined that she needed to get over him. She buckled her seatbelt and pulled out her Walkman before putting on her headphones and turning the music up and loud as humanly possible. However that was short lived when the flight attendant asked her to turn it off until they had taken off.
A voice came over the plane and said, "Flight 118 nonstop to San Lorenzo from Seattle is boarded and ready for take-off. Please turn off all electronic devices, put your tray tables into an upright position, and fasten your seatbelts. Thank you for flying Bartlett Air and enjoy your flight."
Helga heaved a sigh and looked out the window as the plane started to take off. This would be a long week.
Don't murder me! Life is insane. Horary for college. Makes things crazy. Anyway, here's a little chapter. You might get another one later this week. Consider it an early Christmas present. Assuming you celebrate Christmas, which I do. Anyway, review my loves. Bye bye for now.