MURDER!
Chapter 6: Flashback
A/N: Hello, fellow Hey Arnold! brethren and sisters! Sorry, I wanted to get this published earlier, but life has a funny way of keeping me from doing that. I've begun a seasonal job, which is only going to get busier as the holidays start rolling around. Most of my class work has to be done outside of class, giving me little time to do much else. And on top of everything I've been sick for the past few days, therefore falling behind on my schoolwork and everything else. So SOOORRRYY! Enjoy this chapter and don't forget to REVIEW!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN HEY ARNOLD!
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"I-I think I love you!" Harold said a little too loudly.
Rhonda was speechless. She hadn't realized they had even stopped dancing in the middle of the song. Instead she just stood there with one hand on Harold's shoulder and the other being held in his sweaty palm. Her heart was beating quickly and butterflies began accumulating in her stomach. She wanted so much to tell Harold how she felt as well. Rhonda smiled broadly and opened her mouth to sound her reply, but something very unexpected happened instead.
"May I cut in?"
Rhonda turned slightly to find none other than Curly, tapping on Harold's shoulder.
"Huh?" Harold nervously mustered.
"This is our last prom, I was hoping to catch a dance with all the 'single' ladies before graduation."
Curly's emphasis on the word "single" had not gone unnoticed by Rhonda.
"Well," Harold seemed to be struggling to come to a decision, "alright, but just one dance, Gammelthorpe!"
"Of course!"
As Harold walked away, Curly picked up where Harold left off. He took her hands with gentle force and placed them where they needed to be before putting his own hand on her waist. He then began to lead their dance. Rhonda's heart grew heavy.
Of all the people to ruin such a fine moment, she thought.
"So, my precious, what do you think so far of this prom?"
Rhonda tried with her might to sound enthused, though internally, she was bored with Curly.
"It's great, Curly. I'm having a really good time."
"You are? It isn't by chance that Harold has finally confessed himself to you, is it?"
Rhonda's eyes grew in surprise. Apparently Harold's confession had been loud enough for people to hear, but it still caught her off guard that Curly had mentioned this now.
"Wha – ? Well – ."
He interrupted by squeezing her hand and pulling her closer.
"Ouch!"
"I wouldn't get too cozy with him, Rhonda. Too many dangerous things could happen."
"Wha-what do you mean?"
"It'd be a shame if we didn't see poor Harold at school on Monday, wouldn't it? Mark my words, the day he has you will be the day he'll cease to exist."
"You must be bluffing."
He released her waist and put it between them, softly stroking an area under her left breast.
"Curly! Stop, that's inappro – ahh!"
Curly squeezed her hand harder.
"You think I don't know how to cut a man's heart out? The incision goes here, my dear. And don't think for a moment that I'd hesitate."
She knew Curly had his crazy moments, especially when it came to his feelings for her, but this was the first time the boy had ever hurt her and made such a vibrant threat. Was he contemplating murdering Harold if she got too close to him? She remained silent while digesting his words. To her relief, the song was coming to an end.
"Think about it," Curly said simply as he let go of Rhonda. "See you around, toots."
Rhonda started rubbing her hand. The look Curly gave her before leaving her in the middle of the dance floor was a cold one. It was a look that held its own silent threat if she were to tell anyone what he had just told her. Rhonda swore to herself that she would speak of this incident to no one at this time.
Harold came back shortly after Curly had left. Rhonda gulped down the lump that had been lodged in her throat. She tried to smile for Harold, however.
"So, as I was saying, I think I love you, Rhonda," Harold said obliviously, as if nothing had happened since his confession, "and I was kind of wondering – do you feel the same way about me?"
Rhonda was silent, thinking of what should be said.
"H-honestly, Harold," she started cautiously, "I can just see us being friends," Rhonda's heart was quickly breaking as every syllable passed through her lips, "n-nothing more."
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I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! I can't guarantee the next time I'll be posting a new chapter, but have no fear! There are about eight more chapters to this story that I plan to write, and ta-da! I'm even thinking of writing a sequel to it already! Stay tuned as there is much more to come in this Mystery/Drama, and don't forget to REVIEW!