Chapter VII

Title: Broken heart

The author of the shoot and rescue tapped twice the limousine before getting inside. Helga woke up from her sudden faint feeling something soft. She looked around and was surprised she was inside a car. While she looked around her surroundings, she couldn't stop herself from gasping at the black hooded masked man in front of her.

"Helga Geraldine Pataki?" The man asked. It sounded familiar.

She nodded. She was still weak to even speak.

"Thank God! Finally!" He exclaimed. He removed his hood.

She whispered. "G-Gerald...". She almost fainted again but this time, of pure relief from having a good friend by her side. Years without seeing hair boy made her mostly wanting to hug him.

"Shhh... Pataki don't speak yet." He put a hand over her belly. "You're too weak, I can tell by your weight" he said, with a serious look on his face.

"Well doi.. hair boy" -cough- "Last time I ate was today and I've wandering the streets since the bombing of Ar... Sunset Arms". As she remembered the scene of Phil and Gertie holding hands even when they died, tears rolled freely through her eyes. The memory was fresh. She looked away, fearing Gerald was looking at her soft side.

Gerald's wide serious face changed to worried. "Damn how did you get away?".

Helga was surprised he didn't even question other details but herself. Must be psychology inducing. "I... went to... walk after five long years of... you know, self imprisonment".

Gerald nodded. "Yeah that's why I asked your name. I almost didn't recognize you. You look...". He trailed off. She perked up looking at him wide eyed. "Well right now you look like shit. Sorry if I'm being myself all over".

She shook her head and chuckled slightly. "Nah, it's okay. I would die for a good shower and a good meal".

He grinned at her a trusty smile. He gasped. "Oh no... Arnold..."

She was startled by this sudden behaviour. "W-wha..? Is he in here?"

"No, he's driving the van with the rest of the rescued girls. You know, you've got some priviledges." He wriggled his eyebrows.

Her hear skipped a beat and she blushed red. Oh Arnold my sweet goody too shoes rescuing other people. How brave of you! I want to get all over you and kiss you and fuck you like a nutjob! She giggled at the thought. But something was odd. She stopped her reaction when, obviously, the recent information got the best blow to her head. "WHAT?!" she got up and with all the energy she could gather she shook Gerald's toned body repeteadly. "YOU MEAN TO TELL ME HE'S IN HILLWOOD?!" . She dropped a dizzy and confused Gerald. "T-tell me you're joking..." she said as she went back to rest on her seat.

"Damn woman! You still got that strenght" he laughed. He shut up when she sent him a cold glarr. "Yeah, let me tell you this. First off, it wasn't easy to find you. Ok?" he explained. "He doesn't even know you're here with me". He smiled as he looked back at Helga as she showed she was desperate and anxious. "He doesn't even know about Sunset Arms or...".

"...that poor Phil and Gertie are... dead" she finished.

Gerald's eyes grew to the sizes of ballons. He groaned. "Awww man, I knew there was so much bad news!" He shook his head and sighed heavily. "He's gonna break down again..."

She got Gerald's attention. "Wait! Again? What do ya mean with again?"

He was surprised at the sudden question. "Helga..." he gulped. "Didn't you know?"

She shook her head no. She was waiting the worst.

Gerald breathed. It was difficult for him. "Ever since he returned he was never the same again. He never smiled. He locked himself in his office sometimes to be alone. I could hear him crying his heart out. It was... painful enough."

Helga's tears opened like cascades. She couldn't bear someone like Arnold being so badly hurt. Wait. Was it because of her? She shook her tears away. "No way he could cry like a pussy because of me!" She snorted.

He replied a "That's another story. No. I mean... you see, his parents-". He was cut by the sound of his communicator beeping. "Gerald here! Over!". He waited.

Beeper sounded. "Gerald, is she there with you? Over!". It was Arnold.

"Arnold. Go get her tiger. Over!"

"You will drive then". Arnold cut the signal.

Helga's heart was racing. She could have a heart attack at that precise moment. It didn't even help when Gerald asked the driver to pull over, and while he got out of the car, a screeching sound of old tires broke her ears. Another masked figure with toned muscles but the appearance of a cop of some sort got inside.

"Sorry to keep you waiting..." he sighed.

Helga rolled her eyes. "Well... doi! It's been five fucking years, Football Head!"

He removed his hood and hug her. She could die right there. "My God, you're fine! It's so, so good to hear that weird nickname from you!" He cried. He spilled tears. Those were tears of joy. Happiness. A happiness he though he would never ever feel again.

She broke the hug, suddenly, blushing red. "I'm fine Arnoldo, and what's with the-"

She moaned as she felt his lips on her. She melted. She spilled tears. There was hunger, loneliness, desire, everything in that kiss. He was back and... she loved every second of it.

"I've missed you. Damn, you and those delicious lips. I've missed being with you..." Arnold said.

What could she say to that? She was madly in love with the guy. "I've missed you too..."

But...