Chapter 8: Do You Believe In Love?
The next morning, the were awoken by a text from Phoebe.
"Good morning Helga. Gerald's stomach is much better. He would like to know if you and Arnold would care to join us for breakfast at 'The Donut Cafe'?"
As Helga was reading the text, Arnold sat up to put his hand on her shoulder. Forgetting for a moment they were naked, he pulled up the covers and asked, "Who's the text from?"
"Pheebs wants to know if we'd care to join her and Geraldo for donuts at 'The Donut Cafe'." she responded.
Arnold continued rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, as he said, "I guess that means Gerald's feeling better?"
"Yeah, or at least she says he is. Unless he decides to eat his weight in doughnuts." Helga snarled as Arnold pulled her back down under the covers with him. He wrapped one arm around her, with his other hand on her breasts. Looking into her eyes, he said, "I'm so happy you're here with me."
She began to blush, as she started to say, "I'm hap…" but was cut off as he started to kiss her. He pulled her body tightly against his, beginning to rub as hard as he could, without needing a condom. Finally, she pulled away and said, "Maybe we should get dressed. Breakfast will be over soon."
Arnold sighed and nodded as the two got up to grab their clothes. "So, should I take you to buy ANOTHER new outfit today, so you're not wearing the same thing again?" he laughed.
She rolled her eyes, refraining from throwing anything at him. "Shut up!"
"So, are they already there waiting for us?" he asked.
"I think she's waiting to hear back from us. I'll text her and let her know we're on the way." Helga said.
As Helga texted Phoebe, Arnold went downstairs to see his parents. He passed his grandpa in the living room, reading a book, trying to ignore his grandma acting out a crazy western cowgirl act.
"Hey grandpa!"
"Hey shortman! How was your night with your girlfriend?" Phil asked as he winked.
Arnold blushed as he asked "Have you seen my parents?"
His grandma interrupted to say, "They went on an important mission to outer space! For the sake of the planet, we may never see them again!"
Phil glared at her, then looked back at Arnold to say, "By outer space, she means the grocery store, and by never again, she means in an hour."
Arnold laughed and said, "Okay, well Helga and I are going to meet Gerald and Phoebe for doughnuts. After that we're going over to Dino Spumoni's house to check out some of his new music. Then, we've got tickets to a Black Sox game, so we'll probably be gone all day."
"Well all right, but if you go out for pizza, remember to bring some back for me this time!" Phil said hopefully.
"Right, sorry about that grandpa." he said, trying not to laugh.
As Arnold exited the living room, he saw Helga walking down the stairs in her pink tank top and blue jeans.
"I just realized something." he said shockingly.
Helga looked at him anxiously, as she asked, "What is it?"
"You've had your hair in that clip since we left the store yesterday" he pointed out.
She reached up to feel it sitting on her head, as she answered, "Oh, I guess I forgot about it."
As she began to pull it out, Arnold screamed, "Stop! I mean… I think you should leave it in. It looks nice on you." He said, while blushing, as Helga looked at him with wide eyes. "Maybe YOU should keep it, if it means that much to you?" she said wittingly.
"Very funny. So, are they ready for us?" he asked, embarrassed by his outburst.
"Pheebs said they're on their way there now. I guess that means we can get going. I won't make any crazy bets this time." she promised.
"I'll believe it when I DON'T see it." he winked at her, as she gave him a threatening look, knowing it still wouldn't make him regret would he said.
"Well, we're leaving. See you tonight!" Arnold shouted down the hall to his grandparents.
"Alright shortman!" Phil said, keeping his eyes on his newspaper.
The two of them walked to the car, as Arnold noticed some pink carnations growing around the front porch. When Helga stepped into the car, she turned around to see Arnold holding one up to her.
"What's this for?" she asked, while hesitating to take it from him.
Looking down at her, while holding her hand in one, and the flower in the other, he said to her, "We've been together awhile now. Maybe not 'officially' as boyfriend and girlfriend. Still, we've known about the feelings we've had for each other for quite some time. In all that time, I never thought to do what every guy does for the girl he has feelings for… give her a flower. It's almost as beautiful as you are! I'm sorry I don't have a box of chocolates to go with it."
She thought back to fourth grade, when she pretended to have amnesia. Her heated melted when Arnold gave her a flower that day, thinking she didn't know what they were. Now here he was, doing it out of love rather than kindness.
"You know this means you have to give me one every day now right?" she said, trying to keep her cool.
He bent down to kiss her as he smiled, before walking around to get into the car. "We'll see about that."
As he walked around to his side of the car, she looked down at the flower, thinking to herself, Oh Arnold my love! After all these years, you're returning the feelings I've so long awaited to see you reveal to me. The feelings you had hidden underneath, that my scorching behavior was too distracting for you to see.
"So, let's get going. I bet they're wondering what's taking us so long." Arnold laughed as Helga gave a weak smile, twiddling her flower.
When he saw her continuing to look at the flower, with an awkward silence, he couldn't help but ask, "Did I take things too far last night?"
She looked over at his with a blank stare, "What are you talking about?"
His shoulders began to tense, not looking in her direction, as he explained, "I know how mixed your feelings are right now. I know it's not your fault that Matt won't leave you alone, and I know you can't just force yourself to be like other girls. Also, while I enjoy our 'activities' I would never want to make you uncomfortable. I hope you believe me when I say you can trust me, and I love you with all my heart."
She began to massage his shoulder, noticing the tension building up in them. "I know how much you love me, Arnold. You're one of the few people I feel I can trust in this world. Thank you for always being there for me." she smiled at him, as the two were tempted to pull over and physically express their feelings for each other.
Helga then pointed out that she could see 'The Donut Cafe.' "There it is! I see them standing outside."
Arnold pulled the car over as he saw Helga beginning to pull out her hair pin. "I guess it had to come out at some point?" he said with a weak smile.
She handed him the flower and asked, "Will you replace it with this?"
Arnold's weak smile was replaced with an enormous grin. As he helped her, Helga thought about how lucky she was to be with someone that excited to show her off. She viewed herself in the mirror before they jumped out of the car, and said to Arnold, "A rose might have had more class, but I'll be able to pull this off I suppose." she said wittingly.
He smiled at her remark, happy she was finally showing some pride in her femininity. The two of them then exited the car, and approached their two best friends, who were waiting anxiously for them at the front door.
"Hey Gerald, feeling better?" Arnold asked, hopefully.
"Yeah, but I won't be trying anything like that again any time soon!" he said reassuringly.
"I could go for a cup of coffee. Is it as good as those doughnuts they appear to be bragging about?" Helga asked curiously.
"It's said to be exquisit! We should hurry before the good ones are taken!" Phoebe insisted.
The group walked inside as Arnold lead them to a table he knew Helga would like, near the window. She, Arnold and Phoebe sat down, as Gerald said anxiously, "I'm going to grab us some doughnuts! They have a sample platter, that gives you practically every doughnut on the menu!"
"I'll go with you. You can't carry all that, AND the coffee!" Arnold insisted as he left Phoebe and Helga alone at the table.
The two girls sat there patiently awaiting the return of their boyfriends, when Phoebe noticed the flower in Helga's hair. "Oh my! What a lovely new hair piece!"
"Thanks Pheebs. Arnold picked it this morning, when we were getting into the car." Helga explained, trying to hide her emotions.
"You seem quite comfortable with it. This shows extreme signs of improvement in revealing your sensitive side." Phoebe pointed out.
"Yeah, I suppose." Helga sighed, as Phoebe noticed her rubbing her hand, staring sadly at the table.
"Is something wrong, Helga?" she asked.
Helga didn't hesitate to respond, although she couldn't help but blush. "You know Arnold and I have umm 'eaten ice cream' a few times now." she began as Phoebe nodded, not taking her eyes off Helga.
"I told him the reason I may be having a hard time being strong while showing my feminine side, is because it would be as if I was defending something I don't believe in. I told him I've never cared for that 'girly girl' stuff, so why should I stand up and threaten someone for making fun of something, I have no true interest in?" she explained.
Seeing her point, Phoebe asked, "What did he have to say about it?"
"When we were… ummm 'eating ice cream'... he told me to be however I wanted. He would just appreciate it if I didn't act ashamed to be seen with him. Apparently, that's how my 'bad girl' attitude has been making him feel." she said, full of despair.
"Oh my! That's not how you really feel is it?" Phoebe asked, ready to hear more.
"Oh give me a break Phoebe! You of all people know he's the last person I would feel ashamed to be with! Helga scowled.
"Well, do you believe in your love for Arnold? If fighting for what you believe in really means that much to you, I would think he would come first." Phoebe questioned.
Helga turned her head to look over at Arnold standing at the counter with Gerald. She thought to herself How could I be so self centered? All my life I've longed to be near him. Now here I am acting as I did, all the years I tried hiding my love. Only now, rather than looking past me, he's fighting for me. I must find a way to make things right!
Meanwhile, Arnold and Gerald were waiting for their doughnuts and coffee to take back to the table.
"So, I take it you had a rough night Gerald?" Arnold said, referring to his stomach pain.
"I took an antacid, then fell asleep to a marathon of Pop-Daddy. It could have been worse I guess. How was the ride home with Helga?" he explained.
"She actually came home with me." Arnold said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Why am I not surprised?" Gerald said sarcastically.
"When Phoebe was helping you inside, Helga apologized and told me she loves me." he began to explain.
"Well, there's the sensitivity you've been fishing for I guess." Gerald said, trying to close the case on Arnold's confusion.
"After considering she only shows her love for me when we're alone, I asked if she's ashamed to be with me." Arnold began to explain.
"Ashamed of you? Shouldn't it be the other way around?" Gerald said, amazed at Arnold's question.
Arnold rolled his eyes, as he continued on. "She said she's ashamed of herself and her life-long reputation. Then she said the reason she may be so weak when people make fun of her for acting feminine is because she would find it hypocritical to attack them for judging something she herself has no interest in."
"Mm..mm..mmm. Well, I guess all you can do is be patient with her. She knows who you are. Hopefully, you two will eventually figure out who she is." Gerald said wittingly.
"Here are your doughnuts and coffee!" The cashier said as they turned to grab their things.
"Thanks!" They both replied, as they headed back to the table, to see Helga and Phoebe chatting, while anxiously awaiting their return.
"Here's your coffee Helga." Arnold said, as he handed it over, while thinking to himself She's so beautiful with that carnation in her hair.
Gerald placed the sample platter of doughnuts on the table, as he looked to Phoebe excitedly and said, "You have to try these jelly powder puffs! My man Fuzzy Slippers said they are the bomb!"
Arnold placed his arm around Helga as she took a sip of her coffee. She noticed everyone giving her a look, as Arnold continued to smile at her. As she took in the stares, she thought about Phoebe's question Do you believe in your love for Arnold?. Knowing it to be true, Helga took a deep breath, then put her hand on top of Arnold's.
Phoebe smiled at Helga as she swallowed her doughnut and said, "Maybe Fuzzy Slippers should recommend more places for us to eat."
"You said it baby!" Gerald said with a huge grin, not being able to take his eyes off his plate.
"Slow down there Geraldo! We wouldn't want a repeat of last night." Helga insisted.
While Gerald's eyes were buried in his plate, Arnold's eyes were glued to Helga's face. Helga felt him leaning closer, trying to stay focused on her coffee. When Gerald's plate was clean, he finally had an excuse to look up. As he saw Arnold leaning in, and Helga too nervous to react, he decided to help out. "Will you just kiss her while we're young please?!"
Helga's face turned bright red, as Arnold began to rub her back. As uncomfortable as she was, she said to herself Arnold means more than my reputation! ARNOLD means more than my reputation! Arnold means more than my REPUTATION!
She decided to end the tension herself by turning to kiss him. She expected it to be two seconds, but something changed when she went in. Her tension disappeared, and the thought of everyone around her watching disappeared. Arnold held her hand tight, and she continued to hold onto his lips.
Phoebe watched, smiling as she saw how comfortable her friend finally was revealing her sensitive side in front of others.
Arnold and Helga were then broken out of their romantic daze as they heard, "You two are going to make me sick...again!"
They broke it off as Arnold looked over and said to Gerald, "Weren't you the one who just told us to kiss?"
"KISS, not make out!" Gerald corrected him.
As Helga rolled her eyes and dropped Arnold's arm, Phoebe jumped in to ask, "So, what time is Dino Spumoni expecting us?"
"I told him we would just call when we were on our way." Arnold said.
"Well if Tall Hair Boy's done stuffing his face, I guess we can head on over there." Helga suggested.
The four of them stood up, as Gerald was tempted to go back to the counter and requested some jelly powder puffs to go. After noticing the look on his face, Arnold said to Gerald, "Come on, the girls have already made it to the door!"
Gerald began to follow slowly with a discarded look on his face, as he turned to Arnold and asked, "So, what exactly are we going over there for?"
"To hear the new music Dino and Don put together for the businesses they're performing at." he said, annoyed.
"Okay, but this better not be a trap to get those two back together again! Their music and lyrics are good when they work together, but when they try it alone… their music's a bigger mess than chocolate boy!" Gerald insisted
"Whatever you say Gerald." Arnold sighed as he unlocked the car. Gerald and Phoebe sat in the backseat together, as Helga slid close to Arnold up front.
"I'm quite looking forward to this. Dino turned out to be a true success at our grade school dance!" Phoebe said excitedly, as Arnold pulled out his phone to make the call.
"Hello?"
"Hi Dino? It's Arnold."
"Oh, hey kid. You kids stoppin' by?"
"Yeah, we're on our way now!"
"Great. See ya in a few."
"Why do I feel like we're being invited to a karaoke party?" Helga said, as she watched the neighborhood turn from apartments and markets, to mansions and malls.
"Don't worry, we won't stay long." Arnold assured her, as he put his hand on her lap.
Watching from the back, Gerald rolled his eyes. While he was happy for Arnold, he just couldn't get over the idea of his best friend dating their worst enemy.
"Here we are!" Arnold said excitedly, as the rest of them focused on the extraordinariness of the house. A personalized security gate with a brick pathway leading to the three story crystal white house with a sky blue roof and windows.
The four of them got out of the car as Arnold parked near the garage, which appeared to be the size of an average one story house. They walked up the porch steps to knock on the door. As they stood there waiting, Helga imagined what it would be like to live in a place as luxurious as this with Arnold. No ungrateful family to make her feel neglected, no crumby hand-me downs from older siblings, no dealing with the everyday drama that seemed to come with their already stressful school lives. She was then snapped out of her fantasy land when the door opened, as they heard...
"Oh, hi ya's kids. Don and me are practicin' in the other room. Come on in!" Dino said excitedly, as the four of them followed him inside. Phoebe was intrigued by the paintings and sculptures decorating each room. Everything reminded her of their class trip to The Museum of Art in fourth grade.
Gerald continued to follow, while thinking himself I hope that Don guy isn't the one writing the music this time!
When they came to where Don was practicing, Helga, Gerald, and Phoebe all took a seat on the couch, while Arnold went over to speak to Don. "Hey, I haven't seen you since you and and Dino rented rooms at the boarding house!"
"Yeah, if it hadn't been for you and your friend over there, he and I never would have gotten back together." Don admitted, giving a weak smile.
Helga sat back on the couch, thinking to herself Another humanitarian act performed by Arnold. Will he ever cease to amaze the town?
Almost too scared to ask, Gerald leaned forward in his seat and said, "So, what have you guys been working on recently?"
"Glad you asked kid! The karaoke club nextdoor to the hotel we ran into y'all at requested something new yet similar to our old work. Therefore, we decided to do a remake of 'Darling you left my heart.' Here's the first few lines of it!"
I woke the next day, to find you weren't there
The light in your eyes, the sweet smell of your hair.
You never loved me, you never did care
You left my heart all full of despair.
The pain I'm left with is too much to bare
The place you've left me just isn't fair.
As Don played the piano, Dino sung the lyrics, watching Arnold smile heavily at the performance, while the rest of the groups' interest remained unclear.
Gerald had a look of relief on his face which cried, At least there are no screaming cats around!
Phoebe appeared indecisive as she sat there thinking it's not as upbeat as the music that was played at the school dance.
While those two sat looking unamused, Helga's eyes formed a look of despair. As she listened to the lyrics, she was reminded of the pain her unrequited love for Arnold brought upon her in grade school. While listening to the music, she realized despite the similarities between the song and the feelings she had as a kid, there was a major difference. SHE was the cause of her own suffering. Despite Arnold always caring for her, she created pain for herself by allowing her aggressive behavior to push him away.
"Well, that's pretty much all we've got so far kids." Dino said regretfully, as Helga looked away. Hoping no one would notice the tears forming in her eyes.
"It was great! Thanks for letting us listen to it." Phoebe clapped, hoping to show some manners, as Helga finally turned to face towards them and said, "It was okay. We should get going if we're going to make it to the Black Sox game on time, don't you think?"
"I guess you're right." Arnold admitted as he stood up and waved. "Thanks for having us over. I guess we'll see you around town."
"Knock 'em dead at that concert! Hopefully your music won't" Gerald said, as he stood up.
"It was a delight seeing your home. I'm sure your concert will be quite a success." Phoebe added on as Helga scowled, "Yeah, yeah. Let's get going." hoping not to hear anymore sweet lyrics that would make her heart melt.
"Bye you'ze kids. Thanks for stoppin' by!" Dino and Don waved as the four of them headed for the door. Phoebe examined the art work one last time on her way out, as Helga stared at the floor with tense shoulders, hoping to forget what had just happened back there.
"Man! It's good to be away from those two! So exactly what time is the game?" Gerald asked, thrilled to have the visit behind them.
"The game starts at two, which should give us enough time to get over there before the first inning starts." Arnold said reassuringly, as he and the gang walked to the car.
As Arnold was pulling out the keys, Phoebe noticed Helga looking depressed on the other side of the car. She walked over to check on her and asked, "Is everything alright Helga?"
Helga sighed with annoyance, mostly at her own feelings, as she explained, "That stupid song in there just reminded me of some things. That's all."
While having an idea of what she might be referring to, Phoebe refrained from asking any further questions on the matter. Instead, she patted her friend on the back and said, "Everything is going to be okay."
The car unlocked as Arnold said, "Let's go everybody!" Gerald slid in anxiously, as Phoebe sat beside him. Before getting in, Helga stood there, feeling the flower in her hair. Am I still that same lonely-hearted girl who continues to remain the cause of her own pain?
Her thoughts were then interrupted as she heard, "Helga, are you going to get in the car?"
Seeing she was still hesitant, Arnold held out his hand to help Helga into the car. As she stepped in, he could see the troubled look in her eyes. The two of them looked at each other, forgetting Gerald and Phoebe were in the back seat.
"Are you feeling okay?" he asked Helga, while still not having let go of her hand. She looked down at him holding her, until she was finally able to make herself say, "I'm fine. I guess one of those doughnuts just isn't sitting right."
He released her hand to begin driving the car, while still giving her a questioning look. Helga began to tremble, hoping Arnold wouldn't ask again if she was okay. As they were driving to the stadium, Helga sat there wondering how she could deserve to be with Arnold, after everything she had put him through. While that song was about the pain someone felt from another person leaving. She began to think, what terrible things might that person have done to make the other person leave. Relating to her relationship with Arnold, would he one day leave her if defending her aggressive behavior was really a top priority of hers? He doesn't have too big a problem with dealing with it now, but there's only so much a person can take. Feelings change. If they were to someday get married, is that something he would be willing to deal with, let alone accept… then maybe even defend for the rest of their entire lives?!
Arnold continued to occasionally glance over at Helga, while still trying to keep his eyes on the road. He then heard a small sigh, come from her direction. Before he was able to question her, she received a text.
Helga looked down to see it was from Phoebe…
"Whatever thought came into your mind about the relationship back there, dragging it out will only make things worse."
She smiled at the advice and texted back…
"You're right, and I will. I just hate how different we both are, while still loving each other as much as we do."
Phoebe quickly responded, before Helga even had a chance to set her phone back down…
"Sometimes the differences in a relationship are what make them even more special. Your partner showing they can accept them about you, is what proves how much you really mean to them."
After reading this, Helga put away her phone to look at Arnold. What could I have done to make myself mean so much to him, that he's willing to overlook all the negativity I have shown towards him throughout the years?
At last, they pulled up at Quigley Stadium. Gerald stepped out of the car with anticipation as he said, "I'm getting myself a yahoo soda, a hotdog, a pretzel…"
"What is it with you and stuffing your face lately? Sheesh!" Helga exclaimed.
Phoebe looked back and forth as she whispered to Helga, "I'm afraid Gerald maybe a bit nervous about an election for class president that's approaching."
"Therefore, his plan is to gain an additional twenty pounds before presenting himself for whatever picture is needed for the flyers and public speech he'll be making to go along with them. Makes sense." Helga sneered as she rolled her eyes.
Ignoring Helga's witty remark, Phoebe went over to catch up with Gerald. Helga was left waiting for Arnold to finish locking the car. She gulped as he examined her leaning against it with crossed arms, and gave her a concerned look that read, What's been bothering you?
As he held out his hand for hers, she shook reaching for it. She saw the look of disappointment in his eyes, knowing he must be thinking to himself, I guess she's never going to be comfortable being seen with me?
When she felt Arnold's hand began to loosen, as if he was giving her the opportunity to leave him, she heard her phone beep. It was another text from Phoebe.
Remember, as yourself which means more to you? Arnold, or your reputation?
Helga looked up to see Phoebe glancing back at her, with Gerald's arm still around her shoulder.
After reading the text, she looked up at Arnold's disappointed facial expression. "Who was the text from?" he asked.
"Uhh Phoebe?" she said, hoping he wouldn't find it too awkward.
"Phoebe, but she's right there?" he pointed with confusion, as Helga began to smile. "Why didn't she just come over here?"
Helga looked at the innocence in his eyes, listened to the ignorance in his question, the concern for an answer, and thought about how, despite everything that had happened, everything she had done to make him feel as low as she had over the years, he was still standing beside her.
She then wrapped her arm around his waist, leaned her head against his shoulder and answered, "We were just talking about something important."
He looked down at her with confusion, wondering what all of a sudden made her cozy up to him. "What were you talking about?"
As she began to squeeze him tight, she took one of his hands in hers, lacing their fingers together, sighed gently and said "You."
Arnold glanced down at her with a huge smile on his face, asking himself What brought this on? Whatever it was, don't let it go away!
The two of them smiled, continuing to walk proudly side by side all the way to the entrance. When they were standing beside Phoebe and Gerald, Helga gave Phoebe a grateful expression, while Arnold couldn't take his eyes off Helga. Gerald, anxiously bought the tickets, knowing the food would be as great as the game.
Not wanting to let go of her hand, Arnold said to Helga, "Let me buy our tickets really quick." She stepping back, still grinning at him, as Phoebe came over to say, "I guess you finally made a decision?"
"You're right Pheebs. No one's opinion of me could ever be worth losing what I have with him. Thanks for always being there for me, and opening my eyes to that." Helga said, with a smile on her face.
Phoebe looked up with a look of relief in her eyes and said, "What are friends for?"
"Now let's see if we can come up with some diet advice for Geraldo." Helga snarled, changing the subject.
Phoebe laughed as the boys returned with the tickets. "I think we got some decent seats. Not too far from the game, but not so close we have to worry about being hit by any fowl balls," Arnold said jokingly.
"Not unless Eugene is nearby!" Helga said wittingly.
Arnold rolled his eyes as he took Helga's hand and said, "Well, let's go inside!"
The two of them headed for their seats as Gerald said to Phoebe, "You mind if we hit the snack stand first baby?"
Listening to what he had to say, Arnold stopped Helga and said, "Actually, it might not be a bad idea to grab some food to take in there. Would you like anything?"
"Eh, why not? I could go for some popcorn and a soda." she said, trying to keep her cool.
As the boys anxiously went to get in line, Phoebe walked over to speak with Helga. "You haven't stopped smiling since we made it inside."
"I just can't believe how lucky I am, and how stupid I was to risk giving any of it up!" she responded, still not taking her eyes off Arnold.
The boys walked back over with the food and drinks as Arnold returned the passionate look in Helga's eyes "Umm, here are the snacks." Seeing the new found look of security with their relationship in her eyes, he nervously said, "So, umm you ready to go sit down?"
Not feeling the need to say anything, the girls took their snacks from the boys, and followed them into the stadium. The order of seats they sat put them with Phoebe by Gerald, Gerald by Arnold, and Arnold by Helga.
"These are exquisit seats," Phoebe said to Arnold, as the four of them began to sit.
"Almost as exquisit as these snacks," Gerald said as Helga began to roll her eyes.
She grabbed herself a handful of popcorn, looking down at the game, when she felt something soft on her leg. Arnold began to rub it back and forth, as she continued smiling, not caring about the crowd of people around them. He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek as he said, "This has been the best week of my life." Her head fell back in her seat, as she began to drop her popcorn. She was then awoken from her daze as she heard the crowd screaming: Black Sox! Black! Black Sox!
Arnold looked over at Gerald as he was trying to get into the excitement, without setting down his food, "Bwak Swoks!"
Helga rolled her eyes as she looked at Arnold and said, "talk about ruining the moment!" She picked up her drink, looking unamused at the game, until Arnold put his hand on her shoulder and said to her, "That may be a solution to the problem." She looked where Arnold was pointing to see the announcer showing the 'Kiss Camera.'
Her eyes widened as music began to play, 'And then he kissed me…'
Thinking to herself, they won't look at Arnold and I, she texted Phoebe.
Phoebe looked down at her phone to read
"Maybe I was wrong. I'm growning closer to Arnold, but I don't know if I like the idea of the whole world seeing us on the Kiss Camera!"
She sat there nervously until Phoebe finally responded,
"Guess you'll just have to live with the guilt of not reciprocating your feelings forever then."
Helga nearly dropped her phone, not believe the unsupportive advice she had just read. The tension was now turned to frustration. It was as though she was being challenged to see if she was capable of showing the world how brave she truly was.
She then sat there, not thinking about the camera as Arnold put his arm around her. He had no idea what was going through her mind. All he knew was, he had the most beautiful, poetic, intelligent woman sitting beside him.
As the end of the song was nearing, Arnold pointed up and showed Helga the camera was finally looking at the two of them. He smiled at her, as she looked at him thinking What would be so terrible about the world knowing I'm with the most wonderful guy in it?!
As she began to smile at him, he leaned in to kiss her. She then pulled him to her, and gave him a long passionate kiss. He kept his arm around her shoulder as she laced her fingers onto his other hand. The two sat their happily, through the end of the song, forgetting about who was watching them.
Phoebe smiled at the camera, thinking to herself, I knew the reverse psychology chapter of my psychology class would come in handy. While Gerald sat there with a half eaten hot dog, thinking to himself, Mm, mm, mm… I knew I should have gotten us spread out seats.
When the song ended, and the camera was taken off them, they hadn't yet released their lips. Helga's mind was locked so far into the idea of being this close to Arnold, she had forgotten where she was, and who was watching them. Arnold didn't want the moment to end, until finally he felt his shoulder being nudged…
"You two do realize the song is over right?" Gerald asked as Arnold rolled his eyes, looking back over at Helga. For the sake of Gerald keeping his food down, they refrained from kissing again. Instead, they sat there with Arnold's arm around her back, Helga's head resting on his shoulder, and their fingers laced, until the game was finished.
During the last inning, one of the hitters had some trouble hitting the balls without hitting any players along with them.
"Remind you of anything football head?" Helga said, as she glanced up at him.
Arnold knew she was referring to the incident in fourth grade when he couldn't stop hurting their classmates every time they played baseball together. He sighed and said, "Yeah, it sounds familiar."
She smiled, still watching the game as she asked, "What was your problem anyway? Did your grandpa say you had to visit your lame-o cousin, and you decided to take your anger out on the class?"
Arnold rolled his eyes at her as he responded, "Both my grandpa and Mickey Kaline said I have dangerous lumber."
"Dangerous who now?" she said, raising part of her eyebrow.
"It's when you can't hit the ball without hitting another person." he explained as Helga rolled her eyes and snarked, "Pttss… well that's obvious! So what did you do about it?"
"When I was sitting at 'Mickey's Dog Pound,' a hot dog place he opened up after retiring from the game, Mickey told me a story about a friend of his it happened to." Arnold began to explain.
"Probably related to Eugene." Helga butted in.
"Uh yeah… anyway, he said the guy got over it just by stepping up to the plate, facing his fears, and batting again." he finished.
"So what you're saying is, you cured yourself by continuing to risk seeing the number of people it would take for you to hurt, before you finally got over your problem?" she said, trying to make him realize the stupidity in the situation.
"Uhh.. I guess that's basically what happened." he admitted.
She shook her head as he smiled down, wanting to kiss her. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard, "Ladies and gentlemen, The Black Sox have won the game! 10 to 9!"
The crowd cheered as everyone began to stand up. The four of them began walking out of the stadium as Gerald said, "If you don't mind waiting a moment, I have to run to the restroom."
Arnold let go of Helga's hand regrettably as he said, "I think I'll go too before we head to the car."
As Arnold followed Gerald into the restroom, Phoebe walked over to Helga. "That was quite a show you two put on for the crowd," Phoebe said, winking at Helga.
"Yeah, yeah… thanks for the help." Helga said with a weak smile.
"Well, I could see my sensitive advice wasn't doing anything for you. I had to be more aggressive." she said proudly, looking up at her lovesick friend.
"You? Aggressive? Oh please!" Helga smirked.
"I learn from the best." Phoebe winked again as they saw the two boys exiting the restroom.
The boys came, Gerald looking as though he was going to pass out from all the edible excitement they had experienced that day. "Man, I think it's time we head out!" he insisted.
"You don't need anymore presidential fitness training?" Helga said wittingly.
Not caring about her remark, Gerald held his stomach and headed towards the car. Phoebe put her hand on his shoulder, walking him slowly there, as she said, "Don't worry. You just need another antacid and a good nights rest. However, Helga does have a bit of a point about you needing to ease up on the junk food."
Gerald looked down at the ground filled with guilt as he said, "I know! I'm just nervous. I'm going up against Matt!"
Phoebe gave him a questioning look as she responded, "Matt? The boy in Helga's poetry class, that Arnold's so worried about? Why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't think it was a big deal. Besides, as annoying as Helga can be, she does have a point. It takes two to tango. Even if Matt does try to go after her, that doesn't mean she'll leave Arnold for him." Gerald said defensively.
"I guess you're right. What's so great about him that's making you lose your confidence about the election?" she wondered.
"He's captain of the football team! You know all kids care about is sports." Gerald said nervously.
"Class president is about so much more than that! Being in charge of group activities, socializing, community events…" Phoebe continued on until she was interrupted.
"I say it again. It's a popularity contest, and to kids, that just screams sports!" he said doubtfully.
As they made it to the car, Arnold and Helga approached them, seeing Gerald hunched against it with one hand on his stomach, and the other hand holding him up against the car. As Phoebe continued to massage his back, Arnold unlocked the car and said, "We better get you home Gerald."
They all took their usual seats in the car, as Arnold watched how busy the parking lot was. "It could take us a minute to get out of here."
Helga sat there thinking about how wonderful the game had been. How the message was finally sent, not just to Arnold, but to her, how much they meant to each other.
"I think I found an opening." Arnold said, looking at the street, while Helga looked at him with passion in her eyes, and thought to herself There will always be one in my heart for you.
As he pulled out onto the street, they hit a bump in the road. Gerald felt a notch in his stomach as he asked, "please don't do that!"
Helga rolled her eyes, knowing she'd have to deal with this until they made it out of the car. "So who's the crazy candidate you're going up against Geraldo?"
Gerald's eyes widened, forgetting for a spilt second about his stomach. "Uhhh… "
"Does your stomach hurt so bad it affected your memory?" she snarled.
"It's Matt." he said hesitantly.
Helga's eyes widened, as Arnold began to slow the car down. "You mean the Matt that won't leave Helga alone?" Arnold asked.
"Yeah, that's the one." Gerald sighed in pain.
"Which class are the two of you taking together?" Phoebe asked.
"English. He's not that smart; proving my point about this being a popularity contest." Gerald responded.
"Well doi! Any social contest is about popularity! People don't pick you because they believe in you! Sheesh!" Helga insisted, filling Gerald with worry.
"Does that mean relationships are just a popularity contest. That the person you're with picks you because they think you're cool rather than believing in anything you do?" Arnold asked, hoping she'd see he had cornered her.
She began to blush when she couldn't think of a response. An awkward silence occurerd until finally she said, "Oh zip it football head!"
He took her hand, and began to rub it as he said, "But I'm not saying anything?"
They finally pulled up at Gerald's house, as he could barely get the energy to sit up. "I'll help you to the front door again Gerald." Phoebe offered, with him happily accepting the help.
Arnold and Helga sat their watching as Helga said, "Can you believe anyone would care so much about a class election?!"
"It's almost like he cares what other people think of him." Arnold said, smiling at her.
"Exactly!" she said, not catching his point.
When the two of them saw Phoebe had decided to walk Gerald inside, Arnold moved closer to Helga.
"I mean, it's as if he cares more about the class' opinion of him, than his own." Arnold continued to explain as Helga turned to look at him with glaring eyes.
"Alright Bucko, I get your point! His short term cool guy reputation was nothing compared to my life long bad girl reputation however." she said, hoping to win the argument.
Arnold rolled his eyes at the remark as he turned her face toward his. "Let's see what that bad girl attitude of yours can do when we get home tonight"
Her eyes widened as she shivered and said, "Uhhh we'll have to stop by my place first. I can't just keep wearing the same outfits and calling home at the last minute every night. Olga maybe a dumb puppy, but eventually they'll wonder what's going on."
"You're right, I don't know what I was thinking." he said, as Phoebe came back outside, heading towards the car.
Arnold scooted away from Helga, Phoebe opened the door to the back seat. "I gave Gerald a healthy snack to settle his stomach. Hopefully, this will teach him an important lesson, and set him straight about the election."
"That if class president was about eating, Harold would be the opposing candidate?" Helga said wittingly.
The car grew silent as Phoebe noticed Arnold glancing at Helga every so often. She was overwhelmed with joy to know after all these years, her best friend had finally won the love of the boy she had forever admired.
"Well, we're here! Guess we'll see you at school tomorrow Phoebe." Arnold said, waving good bye to her.
"If you talk to Geraldo before then, don't let him forget he's buying lunch this week!" Helga reminded her.
"Good night. I had a wonderful time at the game." Phoebe said, as she waved goodbye.
After watching her walk inside, Arnold began to pull out of the driveway and said to Helga, "Let's go get your things!"
"Yeah, I should be able to run in there and put together a quick overnight bag," Helga said, not sounding worried.
Arnold continued driving, thinking quietly to himself I love her too much to let her continue living in such a miserable environment.
They pulled up at Helga's house, parking at the curb in front of it. Helga unbuckled quickly and said to him, "Don't worry this shouldn't take long. That is, if I can make it past Olga!"
Noticing Arnold turning off the car, she paused opening the door and said, "I don't need your help; you can wait out here."
"I'm going in with you!" he insisted, looking at the concerned look on her face.
"Why? I know my way back out. I'm just grabbing a suitcase!" she exclaimed.
Taking her hand, he looked into her eyes and said, "Helga, I spoke with my parents, and told them about the trouble you have at him."
"Yeah, I know. Thanks for being such a blabbermouth." she said, hoping that would be the end of the conversation.
"I don't think you should be living here. It's not right, the way they neglect you! If your mom can't stay awake to spend time with you even one day of the week, why would she care if you lived with me? Your dad can't seem to get your name right; now he's got the real Olga home to distract him. Let me take care of you; be the family you never had but have always deserved!" he pleaded as her eyes began to water.
"Miriam may not notice, but Bob won't go for it." Helga said, hoping to make him drop it.
Arnold smiled, putting his other hand against her face and said, "Let's go in and see."
The two of them got out of the car as they slowly walked up the stairs of the porch. Helga's hand shook as she reached for the door knob. While reaching for it, Arnold rested his hand on her shoulder, and whispered in her ear, "I'll be right beside you the entire time."
With that, she took a deep breath and turned the knob. As they walked inside, all appeared quiet at first. "Mom! Dad!...Olga?" When no one responded, she shrugged her shoulders and invited Arnold upstairs to help her pack her things.
Arnold looked at all the pictures of Helga with her family on the wall. How proud her parents looked to be standing beside Olga, and how unhappy Helga looked standing off to the side. A frown formed on his face as he watched Helga march up the stairs, thinking to himself She definitely deserves better than this!
They made it down the hall to Helga's room, Helga prepared to hear a screeching "Baby Sister!" When they opened her door, she grabbed some suitcases and said, "Alright, let's make this quick! Sense no one's here, I guess I'll leave a note on the counter for them on the way out. Hopefully, Miriam won't pass out on it."
As Helga began packing her clothes, books, and other meaningful items, Arnold took one last look at her closet. He went in there, examining all the pictures and figures of himself she had put together. The piles of poetry books she had written about him. The locket she held so dear to her heart all those years, even before they were together.
"I think that's everything. Everything worth grabbing that is. Come on, let's get g…" she turned around to see Arnold standing in her closet, holding her locket, and a box with all her poetry books. "Wouldn't want to forget these, would we?" he said, smiling at her.
Her eyes began to water as she said, "We don't have to worry about those. I don't think your parents want me bringing too much junk."
"It's not junk to me!" he said, as he leaned over to kiss her passionately, while they both stood there holding her items.
As they both straightened up, she began to blush seeing him hold those items. Finally her collection was complete. "We should get going." Helga insisted, breaking off the silence, as Arnold followed her, still smiling.
When they made it downstairs, Helga sat her things down by the counter. "I'm just going to write a quick note, explaining I'm with you. When they start to get suspicious, I'll come back and talk to them."
Arnold sighed, realizing that was all she could really do at the moment. No one else was home, and he didn't want her spending another night here.
"All right. I'm setting it right next to the most important necessity in the house; Miriam's blender. Well that, and Bob's Big White Belt."
After setting the note down, the two of them grabbed her things and headed for the door. As she reached for the door knob, the two of them stepped back when they noticed it beginning to turn.
"Looks like you'll be having a great time teaching there sweetie!" Miriam said as she, Bob, and Olga entered the house.
"Yeah, you'll do great!" Bob added on.
When the three of them noticed Arnold and Helga standing in front of them, Olga screamed, "Baby sister! You're back from your sleep over! I wanted so badly for you to see everything they would be starting me with at P.S. 118! What night are you free this week?!"
Before Helga could respond, Bob butted in. "Yeah, I need you to help set up the displays for the new cell phones and laptops at the store!"
Helga rolled her eyes at his dis-concern for her safety. However, it was no surprise to her that his only concern for her presence meant more success for his company.
"Listen, I've got something to say…"
"What is it baby sister?!" Olga asked anxiously.
"Yeah, make it snappy! The wheel's about to come on." Bob insisted.
"I..I.." Helga began as Arnold butted in.
"She's coming to live with me!" he said, without thinking twice about their reactions.
Helga turned to whisper to him, "What are you doing, football head?"
Arnold jerked away from her as he confronted the puzzled looks on her family's faces. "Listen, I don't think Helga is treated with the respect she deserves here. Therefore, I'm letting her live with me."
"What are you talking about kid?!" Bob exclaimed
Helga's face began to blush as she listened to Arnold say, "I'm talking about the fact that you give all your positive attention to your oldest daughter, and barely act as though your youngest one exists. You can't even remember her name!"
"What are you talking about, it's Olga!" Bob exclaimed as Helga rolled her eyes in anger. She pointed to her older sister and said, "No! SHE is Olga! I'M HELGA, Dad! HELGA!"
"Right, Right, that's what I said! Sheesh!" Bob snapped.
"You can't leave baby sister! I came back to be with my family! To be closer to you!" Olga exclaimed with tears streaming down her face.
"Are you gonna help me out or what, Miriam?!" Bob insisted.
"I just..I..Uh..Whatever. I need a smoothie." She said, walking past the kids, towards the kitchen. Helga dropped her head, as Arnold patted her back.
"Let's just get out of here Arnold." Helga said, walking toward the door sad but not surprised.
The two of them left as Bob stood standing after the door slammed shut. "She'll be back. She doesn't have a job, or a car, and those two aren't going to last! Now I gotta figure out who can help me get the new store set up?" he exclaimed.
As Arnold and Helga hopped in the car, Arnold looked at her sad face. He put a hand on her as she said, "Well, that went better than expected."
"What are you talking about?" Arnold asked, expecting her to be devastated by her family's reaction.
"I expected Olga to be a cry-baby. It's no shocker to me that Miriam headed for the kitchen, or even that Bob couldn't get my name right. I'm just surprised he acted like he CARED I was leaving. You saw the way Miriam walked right past me, without thinking twice about it." she explained to him, trying to hide her solicit feelings.
The two of them rode home in silence, knowing Helga must be thinking about the little care her family had always shown for her. When they were a block away from the boarding house, Arnold looked over at Helga and said, "I hope I haven't forced you into anything."
She turned to give him a confused look as she responded, "What are you talking about?"
"Helga, I know we're not married, so I shouldn't be making dramatic decisions like that for you. Maybe I stepped out of line tonight. I just hated seeing the way you were letting your family push you around all these past years." he sighed.
"Arnold, what was I supposed to do? Say, 'Hey, this is my house! You people are doing things my way from now on!' I begged for their attention until it got to the point where I knew it was just pointless. They were always going to see me as second to Olga. Always have, always will. Why spend the rest of my life making things worse by letting them know they bother me?" She sighed as she rested her head on her arm against the window.
"It just makes you seem so weak… giving into their demands...and you're not a weak person." He said, frowning at her.
"That's why you gotta act tough. Don't let people know that they bother you." she said, thinking about all the demands she had given into over the years.
"Even if you're being held tight in public, with your loved one's tongue down your throat." he said, while rubbing her leg.
While feeling her skin crawl, she was still able to manage rolling her eyes at him and say, "I'm getting a little sick of the way you've been trying to use my own beliefs against me today!"
He smiled as he let go of her leg to park the car by the curb. "Well, let's grab your things." he said, opening the back seat for her.
As they began to grab her things, she looked nervously at the box of poems she had written. When he noticed her reaction, he said, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone see them."
They walked up the stairs, past the usual stream of pets, to find it dead silent. As they walked past the kitchen, Arnold said, "Weird. Usually, grandpa is up eating a sandwich right now? We can put your things in my room tonight."
As they made it up the hallway, Arnold pointed to an empty room right outside his. "That will probably be your room. No one's rented it for a long time."
Helga looked at it, wondering how many nights she would just end up sleeping with Arnold.
They then entered his bedroom to see a note had been left on the bed. "Hey Arnold! Sorry, we decided to go to bed early. We saved you some pizza in the fridge. Love mom and dad."
After reading the note, Arnold looked over at Helga and said, "Guess grandpa just couldn't let the pizza thing go! You want to go grab a slice"
As he noticed her looking down at the floor with watery eyes, he asked, "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
Trying to hide her emotions, she said, "Nothing football head. Let's go grab some of that pizza!"
As she began walking towards the door, he grabbed her arm to sit her down on the bed. When seeing how she still couldn't look at him, he turned her face towards him and asked, "What's going on?"
"I was just thinking about how your parents left you a note letting you know they went to sleep, but mine didn't even leave a not saying they left the house. Your's remembered to save you some dinner, but mine always forget to make enough dinner for me." That's all, she said shrugging her shoulders as though it was no big deal.
Arnold dropped the note on the floor and began kissing Helga passionately. She began to pull away, trying to say to him, "I don't...I don't need ...your...your pity!"
Arnold let go of her as he said, "What are you talking about?"
She looked down at the floor ashamed, as she continued to say, "I don't want you feeding me, taking me in, and acting all sympathetic towards me just because you've always known how terrible my home life is."
Arnold put his arm around her as he said, "It wouldn't matter if you had Rhonda's home life. I'd do all those nice things for you, because I'm your boyfriend and I care about you. I don't just care about you, I love you! I'm not going to let my girlfriend suffer when I know there's something I can do to help. If you want to be with me, that's just something you're going to have to learn to get used to… accepting my help."
"Oh crimedy! First I gotta get used to letting everyone see you're my prince charming. Now I gotta get used to letting you be my knight and shining armor?!" she snarked.
"Pretty much." Arnold said, as he scooted closer to her.
She fell back on the bed and closed her eyes; her head was spinning with thoughts. She then felt soft lips pressed against hers, as arms were wrapped around her waist, pulling her in closely.
At that moment, she thought to herself He's all the family I could ever ask for!
He wrapped his tongue around hers as she began to moan with pleasure. When they broke it off for some air, Arnold sat her up to take off her sweater. As he pulled it off her, the flower fell from her hair. He picked it up, looking into her eyes and said "How could anyone not love something so beautiful?"
Putting it back in her hair, he pinned her against the back of his bed and began to take off her bra. Sitting there with him rubbing her breasts, and his tongue down her throat, she thought to herself, Gaining his love was more than worth losing my family
He felt her start to breath heavy; then decided to step back a moment to take off his shirt. She watched him undress, thinking to herself No shrine I've made could ever compare to this.
After taking off his shirt, he dragged her further down onto the bed, to where she was actually laying. She rested her hands on his soft, smooth shoulders as he began to take off her pants. Feeling her beginning to tremble, he slowly ran his hands up her body, to her hair, laying down on top of her. Looking into her sensitive eyes, he placed her hand on his heart and said, "Maybe I was being selfish by taking you away, but you complete me."
Her heart fluttered as she let out a deep lovesick sigh. He bent down to kiss her as he held her hand in his. The two of them were on cloud nine, as he began to massage her breasts, not taking his lips off hers. She began to breathe heavily as he rubbed her nipples. Trying to release her lips to exhale, he pulled her in tighter. His hands moved to behind her head, not wanting her lips to escape his. His thoughts went back to the game earlier that day, and what a perfect moment they had shared on the Kiss Camera. They were experiencing in public the special feeling he felt with her, she would only show him when no one else was around.
When he finally needed a breath, he sat up to take off his pants. Helga laid there amazed at everything that had happened that week. She had gone from living with her family in a secret relationship with Arnold, to moving into Arnold's home, where they now shared an open-relationship with the world. It was all happening so fast.
After he took off his pants, he said with a disconcerting look, "I don't have anymore condoms."
She smiled at him as she sat up and said, "I think I have a better idea. Close your eyes."
Arnold sat up straight there with his eyes closed, wondering what she was about to do. Suddenly, he felt his arms being pulled behind his back.
He opened them to see she had tied him up with her ribbon and listened to her say, "I never did get my turn!"
Trying not to smile, he said to her, "To be fair, I've been the victim of you since pre-school. You've had a more than long enough turn!"
"Shut up, football head!" she exclaimed as she bent down to kiss him, sitting on top of him with her legs spread across his stomach, both still in their underwear.
While Arnold laid there feeling vulnerable, it was not a new feeling being brought upon him. All his life, he had taken demands from Helga, yet he was loving this passionate side of her.
She rubbed her hands up and down his sides as she wrapped her tongue around his. When she felt him begin to tense up, she slowly reached down into his underwear. His body began to tingle as she wrapped her hand around his member. She massaged it profusely, looking into his eyes, thinking to herself There's no place else I'd rather be!
"Bet your regretting that ribbon idea now, aren't you football head!" she smirked.
As Arnold tried to sit up, Helga began to rub him faster. "Helga.. I'm about to…"
She stopped to lean back over and kiss him tightly, not caring how out of breath he was. As her face was pressed against his, she could feel the exhaustion through his deep breathing, but couldn't allow herself to release his lips.
He laid there wishing she would stop, but at the same time, didn't want it to end. She began rubbing their parts together, as sweat began to fall from his face. Finally, he climaxed.
Helga opened her eyes with her lips still on his, slowly beginning to grin. At last she sat up, looked down and said, "looks like somebody wet their pants."
Arnold rolled his eyes at her, panting from exhaustion, as he said, "It was worth it! Now, will you please untie me, so I can change them?"
Helga smiled, as she bent down to kiss him passionately once more. "Okay, I think we're even now."
She reached behind Arnold's back to untie the ribbon. The moment his hands were free, he used them to grab hold of her. As he tried rolling over her, he flipped them off the bed, rolling them both across the floor in each other's arms. Despite the unplanned position, they kept their lips as close together as their arms were around one another. Helga ran her fingers through what was now Arnold's sweaty hair. As she took her lips off his to say, "Gross foo…" he grabbed her arm to pin her down, and sucked her tongue as tight as possible.
She could feel the wet spot that had formed on his underwear, and tried moving her head to ask if he wanted to change, "Doh.. u...wa...o..tan?"
Not caring about what she had to say, he began to rub himself against her as hard as possible. Her eyes widened as he plunged his tongue deeper down her throat, the harder he rubbed against her. When he at last released her lips for some air, he continued pinning her down, rubbing her harder until finally, he climaxed even harder.
His face turned even redder as he looked down at Helga, listening to her say, "NOW do you want to change your underwear? Mine's not exactly dry now either….with you rubbing your gross self against it!" she smirked.
He kissed her once more before letting her go. When he looked up, she was smiling at him, thinking about how lucky she was to have him; never wanting the magic that existed between them to end. He helped her to her feet, as she said, "If you don't mind, I'm just going to sleep like this tonight… it's uhh...kind of hot in here?"
He smiled at her, knowing what she must be thinking. "I know what you mean. I'm going to change my underwear, then sleep the same way." he said anxiously.
She walked over to the bed to crawl under the covers. As she laid there peacefully, she eventually felt the covers being pulled back. She opened her eyes to see Arnold holding a book in his hand. "What are you doing with that?" she asked nervously.
"As exhausting as our little 'workout' was, I'm not quite ready to fall asleep. I thought I'd read one of your poetry books. If you're okay with it?" he asked, suddenly realizing he may have violated her privacy.
She just sighed as she looked up at him, thinking to herself, I've had sex with him, I've made romantic gestures with him in public, I admitted to him I consider us to be in a relationship… why should I care about that?
"Go ahead, I guess." she shut her eyes as he used his bedroom remote to turn off the ceiling light. As she laid by the alarm clock, readying them for school in the morning, he laid by the lamp, reading her first book.
Arnold my love, the heart of my desire
Will you never know, the true feelings I acquire?
Everyday I watch as your eyes go astray.
Never to move in the direction of my way.
Will I ever find the strength to tell you how I feel?
The day my anger fades, and love at last is revealed.
Arnold looked over to see she had fallen fast asleep. He put the book down and turned out the lamp. As he snuggled up next to her, he wrapped his arm around her while softly whispering in her ear, "My eyes will always be on you."
