Hey Arnold! Living with Helga
AN: This is a warning that this story will later become M Rated. This chapter is still rated Teen, but it could easily be changed to M just by switching words around for other words, so read with caution.
Reviews, two of you I private messaged, I hope you don't mind :)
The J.A.M: It's more than her eyes in this chapter lol and thanks for the review.
Relaxing Pikachu: I thank you so much for that long review, I enjoyed reading it. I PMed you my response. Also, you're very observant. You're starting to understand my plot quicker than anyone!
Yali Page: Phoebe has been absent from Helga's life, you are completely right. I think you'll like this chapter, they make-up. Thanks for the review.
SakiKitty: Oh, there is plenty of progress, maybe a little too much, and his family isn't going to find out they're together. Thank you for the review. Looking forward to seeing your next chapter as well!
Ajay435: She almost learns that the hard way in this chapter. Arnold starts to get very sick of her at the beginning, which is understandable with the way she's being. Thanks for the review.
acosta perez jose ramiro: I used to be an Arnold/Phoebe shipper, but I was practically booed out of the fandom. That was like fifteen years ago (I'm 31), and back then, I had the idea that Arnold and Phoebe would've had a crush on each other back in first grade. I was just pulling that from an idea I had years ago. I did write a couple stories on their first grade friendship, but I deleted them before I ever posted them, knew it wouldn't be received well in this fandom, at least at the time. Thanks for the review.
thatamosgirl: Ever so precious? I think so too. Hope you enjoy this chapter, and thanks for the review.
starfiction123: As soon as you told me about the Battlefield song, I had to look it up to see what you meant. My gosh, I can't believe how perfect it works with my story! You might be surprised to find a couple familiar lyrics in this one ;) Lol this chapter might make you burst out laughing somewhere as well, especially the end, just a warning! I wanted Gertie to do something crazy, I knew she wouldn't play christmas music, that's just not her lol. You're going to start very annoyed with Arnold fast, for not being able to say the words lol. And yes, I do enjoy having them suffer in the most hottest interesting way (You'll see what I mean XD )
Wicked Intentions: I sent you a PM as well. I'm still trying to decide whether I just want to repost it. I got 6 people asking about it. I thought it would be more like two. I still have to edit that tango rendition I did too, thanks for the review. I'm glad you're enjoying this story as well.
ForeverRogue: Yeah... they have a couple more make-out sessions in this one too, and the interruptions are a little worse lol thanks for the review.
Chapter 9: Dinner and a show
Arnold had finally managed to catch his breath as he brought the phone back up to his ear. What was happening to him? Instead of speaking the words he wanted to say, he kissed her again. He couldn't say "I'm sorry", "Thank you", or even "I love you" to her, and now she was upset at him all over again, after getting along for almost a week.
He heard Gerald reply on the other end, "Was that a door slamming I heard?"
Arnold sighed, closing his eyes and then looking down. "I'm afraid so."
Gerald spoke, "Mmm, mmm, mmm. You guys are even fighting on Christmas. That's sad, man, truly sad."
"I don't know what happened. We were getting along great and then suddenly..." he remembered how his heart sped up when he was near her, and he couldn't catch his breath, and asked, "Gerald, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, but it has to be quick. I'm opening presents in a few minutes, and then I have to meet Phoebe at the park to exchange gifts."
Arnold played with the cord on his phone nervously, "I'm just wondering, is it normal to be tongue tied around your girlfriend? You know, fumbling on your words, losing track of your thoughts."
Gerald nodded, "I get like that around Phoebe sometimes, usually when we kiss on the cheek or hold hands. It's completely normal, buddy."
"Okay. What about when you kiss? Is it normal not to want to stop?"
Gerald paused a moment, "I guess. I mean, if I even get that far. I've kissed Phoebe on the lips before, but it's been rare occasions. We're still getting to know each other, and I want to take it slow with her, since she's my first girlfriend."
"So, you've never Frenched before or been caught up in the heat of the moment?"
Gerald thought a moment, "Frenched? I thought that was something middle-schoolers did, and what do you mean by the heat of the moment? Don't tell me this has to do with your psychotic girlfriend, bouncing back between hating and loving you."
"Well, it does have to do with her. Yes, we argue, and then we kiss and make up." He blushed at his next word. "Technically."
"Didn't I tell you to break up with her? She's driving you crazy living in your room, that's the problem."
Arnold knew Gerald didn't understand. He didn't know they were sleeping beside each other, or trying to get along by admitting deep things, or just how far the Frenching was going. He said, "She doesn't want to be open half of the time even being in a relationship, and..." he struggled with the words. "And when I try to tell her how I feel, I get lost in her eyes. I lose my concentration and start kissing her. Each time it gets more difficult for me to stop. Is this love? If it is, why can't I speak the words?"
Gerald didn't reply for a moment, before laughing and saying, "Man, oh man, Arnold. I must've heard you wrong. There's no way that you two are fighting like cats and dogs, then making out like rabbits."
Arnold rubbed his arms, "That's... technically what we've been doing."
"Arnold, are you crazy? Do you need therapy or something? Dr. Bliss is in town; maybe you need to talk to her. If you guys are fighting every day, the last thing I would be doing is kissing. Work out the fighting first and then make up, if you still feel like it."
Arnold paused a moment, "I was afraid you would say that. So, this isn't normal?"
Gerald said, "Normal? I've never felt that way around Phoebe. I've been nervous and felt like butterflies were in my stomach, but not to that extent. That's like... an entirely different level! You guys need to stop kissing until you figure out if you love her. Your tolerating her behavior right now. Try to work it out one day at a time. Work out the fighting first, and if she doesn't want to change, kick her out and end the relationship. It's simple."
"It's not simple, Gerald. If I throw her out, she'll be homeless. She has nowhere to go. I do care for her, and I don't want to see her out on the streets."
"It's not your problem she's burned all of her bridges. She said to us she was going to change and be friends, then she changed her mind. Do you really want to live with her the rest of your life, arguing and fighting all the time? If your family hasn't gotten a spare room yet, I think it's time you started making some serious decisions. You can't live like this!"
Arnold ran a hand through his hair. He knew his best friend was right, but he didn't want to see someone he cared about out on the streets. "I know, Gerald. I'll try to work it out one more time."
"Good luck. I hate to cut you short, but Timberly and Jamie-O are opening presents. I'll catch you later."
Arnold sighed and hung up the phone just as his girlfriend walked in the door. He looked up at her. She had a plate of breakfast in her hands. "What's this?"
She rolled her eyes, "Breakfast, doi! The boarders thought you fell asleep. They told me to come upstairs and wake you up so that you could eat. Criminy, Hair-Boy, I knew I had it bad at the beeper emporium, but at least my family didn't treat me like I was three. I could sleep and eat whenever I wanted, and I wasn't watched like a hawk. They act like you're an infant sometimes and can't fend for yourself!"
Arnold nodded, grabbing the plate of food from her, "I know, but it's okay. After four months I'm starting to get used to it."
Helga sat beside him on the red couch. "Well, you better go downstairs and let them know you're awake."
Arnold looked at her, "I will, but first, we need to talk."
Helga blinked. A million possible scenarios went through her mind, all bad ideas. Well, this is it, Helga ol' girl, he's sick of you. He's sick of your tongue lashing and confrontational behavior. He's going to break up with you and throw you out... She said, "Guess this means I have to leave, right?"
Arnold put a hand to his head, frustrated, "No, Helga, I'm not throwing you out. Sure, I want us to get along, but we can try a few more things before giving up."
"Well, what is it? Did you call me over just to yell at me for slamming the door, for picking fights with you, or for jumping you in bed?"
"The last thing wasn't your fault, I was the one to start it, and since you do love me, I shouldn't expect you to..." he rubbed his neck, suggesting the words, "back off?"
Helga didn't know where he was going, "So, what are you trying to say?"
Arnold said, "I'm not going to kiss you anymore. If I can't tell you my feelings by speaking the words, I shouldn't be kissing you to explain them. I don't want to kiss you until I know that I love you."
Helga was hurt. That sounded terrible. No more kissing? Why?! "So, wait a minute, you mean," she swallowed, "the only way that you can express your feelings for me is in a way that you're going to stop expressing them?" He doesn't want to kiss you anymore, he's already growing apart from you because of your stupid attitude...
He noticed the look on her face but didn't know how to explain the way he was feeling. He only reacted and couldn't think clearly when they kissed. They needed to stop because of that reason. He tried to explain, "Don't look so sad. I just think, well... I think we're moving too fast." I sure hope I explained it correctly. We are moving too fast, right? I mean, I shouldn't be kissing her right now if I can't think when I'm doing it...
Helga looked away, "I guess we are moving fast." He's pushing me away. He already wants to move on from you, and you have nobody to blame but yourself for it... She said, sadly, hoping to show him she was sincerely regretful. "I'm sorry, Arnold."
Arnold put his arm around her shoulders, "Hey, it's okay. We're still in a relationship. We have all our lives to kiss. Let's just take it one day at a time."
Helga said, "Yeah, but how else do you express your feelings for me? Face it, Arnold-o, it's only a matter of time and we'll be fighting again. All that sexual tension has to be released somehow."
Arnold raised an eyebrow, "Huh? Are you trying to say I'm going to start picking fights with you because we're not kissing?"
Helga nodded. "We both are, Arnold. How else are we going to express our feelings? With kissing gone, the only thing left to do is fight. Trust me, I know," she said sadly. She remembered she worked on a reactions sheet with Dr. Bliss when she was in therapy two years ago.
Arnold was speechless, "Helga, I think you're being ridiculous. I'm not going to start fighting with you just because we're not kissing..."
Christmas... In the park... 1 PM...
Arnold snapped at his girlfriend, "This is all your fault!"
Helga snapped back, "My fault? You're the one that wanted us to go to the park so badly to try to 'get along'. Like we'll ever stop fighting with each other. Face it, Football Head, this is typical for being in a relationship with me!"
"It doesn't have to be! I just don't understand why you won't hold my hand."
"What if someone sees us, you dope!"
He whispered harshly, "Helga, stop it. Stop it with all the secrecy, this is getting ridiculous. So what if someone we know sees us kissing or holding hands, you are my girlfriend, right? I am your boyfriend, right? Did you forget about that?"
"Hmm, let me think about that, Mister I Can't Admit My True Feelings. Maybe if you could speak the words, I could show them."
"Maybe I would be able to speak the words if you weren't so mean all the time!"
"And maybe I would quit being so mean if you'd quit being so stupid!"
...
Phoebe and Gerald were walking over to the pink bench, holding hands as they both looked up to see Arnold and Helga, arguing once again.
Gerald rolled his eyes, "I swear those two wouldn't get along if they were the last two people on earth."
Phoebe looked saddened, "Should we try to break up the fight?"
"I don't see how it's going to make a difference, but for the sake of Arnold, I guess we better." He walked over with Phoebe as he yelled out to them, "Hey Arnold, hi Helga. What a surprise seeing you two in the park this time of day fighting."
Arnold and Helga blinked together, and then looked up from arguing with each other to see...
Arnold said, "Gerald?!"
Helga said, "Phoebe?!"
Gerald rolled his eyes again, "Yes, it's us. Witnessing another fight between Helga the Horrible and Arnold the Ambitioned-"
"-Hey," Helga said, speaking up, "Did you forget I'm still here, Gerald-o?" She walked over to Phoebe.
"Back to the name calling again. We can never win with you, can we, Helga? Arnold, I need to talk to you a moment." Gerald walked over, putting his arm on Arnold's shoulders as they walked over to the trees in a shaded area.
Helga took a breath as she stood in front of Phoebe, for the first time since their fallout. She put her hands behind her back, nervously. "Merry Christmas, Phoebs, can we talk?"
...
Gerald said, "So, why is it every time I see you guys you're either fighting or kissing? Can't you find a middle ground and stay there?"
Arnold sighed, feeling defeated, "We stopped kissing, we're just fighting again. I figured a walk in the park would do us some good, but she still doesn't want to be open about our relationship." He looked down and whispered, "It's not fair."
Gerald raised an eyebrow, "She must have some major insecurity issues. Didn't you say she wanted a relationship with you in San Lorenzo? I don't get it. Doesn't the class already know, or at least they think they know?"
"I..." he didn't want to admit his girlfriend's reasons for her secrecy, and instead, said, "I'm beginning to think you're right. I do need to break up with her. This is more of a difficult friendship, not a relationship. Maybe I didn't realize what I was doing when we started going out-"
"-Wait, before you end the relationship. I want you to try one more thing before giving up on her. Phoebe and I have been looking for someone to double date with next weekend. Rhonda and Harold can't because they have some sort of New Year's party to go to. The only other couple going out in the sixth grade, is you two."
Arnold blinked, "Rhonda and Harold are dating? I thought Harold was dating Patti Smith."
"That's old news. They broke up back in fifth grade, something about Harold losing a contest to her, anyway, can you guys go? And can you guys try to get along? Phoebe and I don't always want to go out by ourselves."
Arnold rubbed his neck, "Isn't Helga ex-best-friends with your girlfriend? I don't know if it's such a good idea."
Gerald glanced at Helga and Phoebe. Helga was walking away sadly until Phoebe surprised her, grabbing one of her hands. Helga turned around, and Phoebe threw her arms around her. Gerald smiled, proud of his girlfriend for forgiving Helga. At least some good came out of all this fighting in the park. Gerald crossed his arms with a smile, "You were saying?"
Arnold blinked a moment in surprise as his girlfriend and Phoebe talked like they hadn't seen each other in years!He smiled, proud of Helga for making up. Why can't she act that way all the time? Maybe if she did, it wouldn't be so hard for me to figure out my own feelingsā¦
...
Helga had her arm around Phoebe's shoulders, "Great to have you back, Phoebs. I can't believe how stupid I was. All because of a mistake you made, I was willing to sacrifice our friendship forever."
Phoebe rubbed her arm, "Well, it wasn't exactly kind of me to admit to you staying with Olga. I knew you didn't like her-"
"-Yeah, but you were looking out for me, you didn't want me to be homeless. I guess I didn't see things that way, I thought you were pushing me away like everyone else has."
"Never, Helga. You told me not to speak with you anymore, so I've been avoiding you," she admitted.
"Phoebe?"
"Yes, Helga."
"Don't ever listen to me again, got it?"
"If... if you say so, Helga," Phoebe said, mildly surprised.
...
Gerald went over the details with Arnold, "So, January 4th, want to make it 2PM that afternoon? We can all go to dinner and then pick a movie to watch."
Arnold said, "Sounds good."
Gerald said, "And remember, if this doesn't cause you and Helga to become closer, end it. For your own sanity."
Arnold nodded, "I will. If we're still fighting by then, I'm going to end it, everything. I just hope she'll be all right if she has to live in the Safehouse."
Helga looked over as she overheard Arnold's words, and looked down at the ground in sadness. Her fears were confirmed, he really was ready to get rid of her. She had to change, or at least try if she didn't want to lose everything she had left...
Later that night... at 9 PM...
Arnold was walking upstairs to his room and in his door. Helga was already covered up in his bed and sitting up, watching him.
He put some folded clothes away as he talked to her, "I was really glad to see you and Phoebe talking again. I know you did the right thing making up with her. You need a friend to talk to with everything going on in your life." After he was done, he headed over to his wall light, "So, ready for bed? Can I turn out the lights?"
Helga played with her fingers nervously, "Actually, Arnold. I want to talk to you, if that's okay." She sounded unsure of herself.
Arnold sensed something was wrong and walked over to sit next to her, looking at her, "What's wrong?"
"I..." she closed her eyes. "I'm sorry."
"For...?" Helga apologizing was rare, but they had been getting along since their fight in the park...
"Everything! I'm sorry for picking on you, yelling at you, and calling you names for eight years! Sorry for ridiculing you and playing pranks on you! Sorry for always harassing and belittling you for minor things! Sorry for all the spit-wads, for tripping you, for bumping into you, for taking your tapioca pudding! And I'm sorry for not appreciating the affections you do show me, sorry that you must live with a sorry excuse like me, and I'm sorry you even had to move me into the Boarding House to keep me from being homeless. I... I'm sorry... for being an awful girlfriend."
Arnold was speechless for a moment. Out of everything she could have said, that was the last thing he expected. He moved closer to her and got under the covers beside her. He hugged her gently, "Helga, I forgive you."
She was surprised, "You do?"
He let go of her and nodded, looking in her eyes, "I'm sorry too."
Helga raised an eyebrow, "What the heck are you sorry for, you did nothing wrong. I'm the one making your life difficult."
He put his hands on her shoulders, looking at her, "I have to admit something to you, Helga. Since you moved in, I've been pushing you to be something you're just not ready to be. I've been wanting you to be open about our relationship, about your feelings for me, about your struggles and fears. I haven't stopped to consider it might be uncomfortable for you to admit them, or that you're not ready to be different." Arnold looked down and let go of her shoulders. "And the truth is... I guess I've always held some resentment for you, for all you did to me. I used to think you were heartless, uncaring, unable to feel love or empathy, but time and time again, you proved me wrong. And so..." He grabbed her hands, entwining his fingers with hers. "I'm sorry for always trying to change you. I wasn't ready to accept you as you are, but I am now. If you're really this mean person that's afraid to be open, I need to accept that, not try to change it. If I can't accept it, we shouldn't be in a relationship. I need to look at it this way, if you were to try to change me, I would be upset and feel unloved, so it's understanding why you're pushing me away right now because of it. I've been pushy and persistent towards you, I've been stubborn and insensitive towards what you need from me as a boyfriend, and so... I'm sorry for that."
Helga sighed, still upset at his consideration earlier of breaking up with her to solve their problems. Was he still considering it? "I want to change, Arnold. Give me the chance to prove you wrong. I want to be different."
He said, "I want you to be who you want to be, not mold yourself into who I want you to be."
Helga sighed, "You're not making me do anything. You want us to get along, Arnold. That's all you've been asking for since I moved in. You and your family have treated me with nothing but compassion, and I want to treat you that way. Can we try it one more time? Can you give me one more chance to be different?"
Arnold stared at her in shock. She doesn't need to change; doesn't she understand half of our fighting is my fault...? "I'm not forcing you to do anything, Helga." He paused a moment as he remembered something, "Oh, I almost forgot to give you this," he reached into his pants pocket to pull out a pink key-chain with two keys on it, one purple and one pink. "This is for you. My parents made it, so you can get in and out if you want to visit friends or be by yourself. The purple key is the front door, the pink key is my room. They chose those because they think they're your favorite colors, since you wear them all the time. You're a part of this house now, almost like family, and I want you to feel welcomed, not forced to change. You don't have to change, Helga."
Helga stared in surprise and took the keys with hesitation. She couldn't believe it, his family still cared about her, even after all she had done. But... what about Arnold's talk to Gerald in the park? He still wanted to get rid of her, right? She spoke, cautiously, "You know I want to be more than family, Arnold, I want to be with you. I want to hold your hands walking through the park, talk about the deep stuff in life, kiss each other goodnight," she swallowed. Would she be able to do those things now? She sure hoped she would, for his sake and hers.
"Helga." He closed his eyes, almost in pain for having to say it again, "Why don't we see if we can get along first, and then slowly bring back the kissing."
Helga was sad, "Why don't you want to kiss me anymore?"
Arnold sighed, "I do want to kiss you, Helga, but you've got to admit that making out in my bed with the door locked isn't exactly smart."
Helga was a bit relieved. So, he's not losing his feelings for me? Heh, he's just afraid of kissing me because he can't control his hormones? Wow, that's flattering. Heh, I've got the boy all mixed up. She smirked. "What are you saying, that Mister Do The Right Thing can't stop himself after a few passionate kisses? If I can stop, it shouldn't be so difficult for you."
Arnold said, "Helga, you didn't want us to stop either, I had to stop us." He rubbed his arm nervously, talking about it.
"Well of course you would stop us when I'm starting to get turned on and your shaking against me, why wouldn't you? You're Mister Perfect. You have morals."
Arnold admitted to her, "I'm far from perfect, and if the phone wasn't ringing, I don't know if I would've stopped us."
Helga's eyes widened. She blinked, and then blinked again. Did he seriously just admit that? "Um... what? I don't think I heard you, can you repeat that?"
Arnold started to blush, "My mind was shut down. I could only hear my breathing and my heart racing. I couldn't think, I couldn't stop shaking. The phone was the only distraction I heard. I had to say something right then," he whispered, admitting, "I don't think I could've stopped."
Helga was speechless and mumbled low, "Criminy..." Ooh, wow! He wants to touch me, embrace me, kiss me all over! I've been waiting all my life for him to feel this way! Oh, Arnold, my love, you can take me anytime you want, take me anywhere you want. I've been waiting since I was eight for these kinds of feelings from you. He wants me, he really wants me...!
Arnold was feeling his heart racing just thinking about it, his lower stomach tingling with nerves. He decided to think about something else and remembered what he needed to ask her, "Ooh, Gerald wanted me to ask you if you wanted us to double date with him and Phoebe next Sunday."
Helga shrugged, "Don't see why not."
Arnold smiled, "That's great. It will be our first date as a couple, and I want you to remember it. We'll be heading to a restaurant first and then seeing a movie afterwards."
Helga sighed, "Phoebs is probably going to pick out some stupid romantic comedy."
Arnold said, "I don't know what we're going to see and where we're going to eat, so I guess we'll have to wait until next weekend to find out."
Helga said, "Okay, turn out the lights now, Arnold. It's nearly ten and I'm exhausted. We've been up since, what, seven this morning?"
He got up to turn out the lights and made his way back over to her, crawling in the bed beside her and under the sheets again, facing her. "Something like that. I'm glad we talked tonight. Goodnight, Helga, sweet dreams."
"Goodnight Football- I... I mean, Arnold."
Arnold blinked in surprise, but then smiled at her; she was trying to be nicer to him, "I... I..." he paused as she looked at him quizzically, and then, he grabbed one of her hands and squeezed it. She watched him curiously as he said, "I... really want the best for you."
Helga smiled and closed her eyes, satisfied now with even a minor attempt from him at admitting he cared.
January 4th... 1 PM...
Arnold had done well to keep his word and not kiss Helga. Since Christmas, he had only held hands with her.
Helga was getting annoyed with it. It was bad enough he couldn't say he loved her, but did he have to take away all the physical stuff with it, too?
He changed for their date that afternoon in the upstairs bathroom. He was careful to avoid any of the boarders; he knew Helga was changing in his room. He wore the same outfit he wore nine months ago on April Fool's Day, it was a black suit with a blue tie. He knocked on the door to his room, before Helga said, "I'm ready, Football Head."
He walked in, shut the door, looked at Helga, and froze. She was... she was beautiful. She was standing up and wearing a pink dress that looked as though it was made of satin. It was the same dress she wore when they went on a dinner for four together two years ago. Her hair was curled up and hanging down, making it look a bit shorter, and she had clear lace sleeves on her arms to protect her from the cold. He was finding it hard to speak, "I... where did you get that?" he blurted out.
Helga shrugged, "Did you think I didn't pack anything when I left the beeper emporium? They left some of my stuff there, Bob probably thought this one was Olga's considering he'd never seen me wear it. Either way, I took it with me."
Arnold was familiar with the uneasiness in his stomach, but not the tension he felt in it when he was looking at her. It had only happened a couple times in his life. He turned away, trying to focus his mind on something else, "Um... are you ready to go?"
"Just one thing, Bucko, what's with us having to walk all the way to the park to meet Phoebe and Gerald? Why not tell them to meet us outside? Wouldn't that have been easier?"
Arnold sighed, "I'm not trying to fight with you, Helga, I'm trying to respect your wishes. You're the one that doesn't want my parents to know we're in a relationship. I'm thinking ahead, if we're going to keep it secret that we're going on a date, we can't meet our best friends here or walk out the front door."
Helga blinked. Wow, he's getting sneaky! I didn't even think about his parents being skeptical. Huh... "Got to admit I'm impressed, Football Head, but you know you could've just lied to your parents instead. Told them we were going to a party or something."
Arnold's eyes looked back at her again, "I don't like lying. I told them we might go out later, so they would expect us to be gone a couple hours from my room. We can make it back before nightfall."
"So, what are we doing then, going out the fire escape?" Arnold nodded lightly, still lost in thought as Helga said, "Great! Let's get going!" She climbed up Arnold's ladder, not thinking about what she was doing, only focused on getting to the park to start the date.
Arnold bit his lip as he watched her legs walk up the fire escape and felt his lower stomach muscles tense up. He tried to think of something else. She probably didn't realize what she was doing, given she wasn't being very discreet. Once she was at a safe distance, he followed her up the ladder.
The four of them were in front of Chez Paris...
Gerald was wearing a black suit like Arnold's, with a red tie, "So, Phoebe and I were talking, and we thought Chez Paris would be a good place to dine tonight. I remember when all of us went on that dinner for four in fourth grade. They have some good food there, plus I hear they're under new management, so they're probably even better."
Arnold looked at Gerald a bit disturbed, "You're not going to get old moldy runny cheese again, are you?"
Gerald laughed lightly, "Nah, I'm trying to impress my lady, tonight. I don't think she wants to smell it."
Helga crossed her arms, "Well, do all the guys have money to pay for us? Last thing we need is to be stuck doing dishes again."
Arnold and Gerald nodded at their girlfriends.
Phoebe reached for Gerald's hand and smiled. She was wearing a light blue shirt and a dark blue skirt, knee length. Like Helga, she had clear lace covering up her exposed shoulders, "I'm looking forward to spending more time with you and learning more about you, Gerald."
Gerald smiled, giving her hand a squeeze, and feeling butterflies in his stomach, "Me too, baby. Come on, I got us all a reservation. Let's start this date."
In Chez Paris...
They all sat together at a round table. Phoebe was next to Gerald, Gerald next to Helga, Helga sat beside Arnold, and Arnold beside Phoebe.
Their male waiter walked over. He spoke in a very French accent, "Allo, I'm Jack, your waiter. I will be serving vous tonight."
Gerald raised an eyebrow, "Jack, you're still here? How did you manage to keep the business after we-?"
Helga elbowed him on the side, she whispered, "Quiet, you moron, you really want him to know it's us?"
Arnold narrowed his eyes at his girlfriend being mean and spoke up to the waiter, "We're really sorry for what happened last time, but I'm glad to see you recovered your business."
The waiter sighed, "We lost many people because of the fiasco you kids pulled a few years ago and had to be re-licensed to a different company."
Phoebe said, "We're really sorry, sir. Helga booked the wrong restaurant."
Helga crossed her arms, a bit frustrated with her friends, "Well, go telling him everything, why don't you."
Arnold turned to Helga, "You need to be more grateful. He could refuse to serve us after what happened."
Their waiter said, "Monsieur, it's okay. I appreciate the consoling. Now what would you like to order today?"
Gerald said, holding up his menu, "First things first, can we have an English version? None of us can speak French fluently like you."
"Aucun probleme, Monsieur." And their waiter took all their menus and walked off.
Arnold looked at Helga, "I don't think that was very nice elbowing Gerald, I also don't think it was right to pretend we didn't almost destroy his restaurant."
Helga rolled her eyes, "Doesn't the Golden Boy act ever get old for you, Arnold-o?"
Gerald turned to Phoebe and whispered, "And here we go with the fighting again."
The waiter brought them over different menus as Arnold spoke, "Thank you, sir. Can you give us a couple minutes?"
The waiter bowed as he said, "No problem, Monsieur. Call me when you're ready." He walked away.
Helga looked down at the menu; her left bang fell in front of her face, but she ignored it, "Hmm, smart idea, Gerald-o. We should have asked for an English version last time."
Gerald spoke as he looked down at the menu, "Just trying to think ahead, Helga." I still don't know how he puts up with her back-and-forth attitude. I would go insane.
Arnold looked up from the menu at Helga and was more speechless than he was earlier. Before he could stop himself, he heard himself ask her, "Cecile?"
Helga blinked in surprise, and then quickly pulled the bang that was hanging out behind her ear, "What... what are you talking about, Arnold, it's me, Helga."
Arnold blinked, "You were Cecile, I went to this restaurant with you two years ago."
Gerald said, "What are you talking about, Arnold? You didn't go on a date with Cecile, I did, and of course you went with all of us to this restaurant two years ago, on our dinner for four."
"No, Gerald. That's not what I'm talking about. Helga was the one I went on a date with that Valentine's Day that pretended to be Cecile!"
Phoebe was surprised, "I didn't know you went on a date with Arnold in the fourth grade, why didn't you tell me?"
Helga said, "Maybe because I didn't want you guys to know. For crying out loud, it's not a good thing that I broke open Arnold's letter from Cecile and forged her handwriting just to go on a date with him."
Phoebe gasped in surprise as Gerald just shook his head, "Man, oh man, you sure went to a lot of trouble to keep that a secret, Pataki."
Arnold was looking at her differently. She did all of that, just to go on a date with me? How come I never noticed the similarities between Helga and Cecile before...?
Helga noticed all three of them staring at her, and said, "Oh, criminy, would you guys get over it? That was two years ago!"
Arnold said, leaning toward her, "Helga, why did you do it?"
Helga smacked her head, "Why do you think I did it, Bucko? Did I need to tell you three times?"
Gerald stared at Helga with a smile, "You know, for some reason I'm not so mad that you forged a letter, I'm actually impressed you managed to make a lasting impression on Arnold. What did the two of you talk about that night? Whatever it was, he didn't get over it for months."
Helga said, "Well, you've opened a can of worms now, Arnold-o. Thanks a lot."
Arnold narrowed his eyes, "And you never answered my question, why did you do it?"
Helga sighed, "Maybe because... maybe because I wanted to show you who I really was, make you like me for me. Maybe I just wanted to be open with you for once!"
Arnold was confused, and with those comments from her, he had a whole list of more questions, "But... Helga, you have me at dinner with you now, and you can be open with me all the time. You don't have to put up these defenses anymore."
Helga growled, "I thought you were going to quit trying to change me, Arnold."
Arnold said, "I'm not trying to change you, Helga, you said that's how you wanted to be. If you were open on Valentine's day, somewhere in your heart, that's the way you really are."
"I was in a disguise. You couldn't recognize me. That's why I was open with you. I had to play somebody else," she rubbed her arm nervously. "Um, another role other than myself."
"But... you weren't playing somebody else, were you? You were being yourself, weren't you, Helga?"
Gerald spoke, "Uh, hate to interrupt this tender argument between the two of you, but me and my girlfriend are getting hungry. Can we please order something?"
Helga scowled, "Yeah, Arnold-o. Stop provoking me. I said I would open up and stop fighting, I didn't agree to be psychoanalyzed." She took a deep breath to calm herself down. "Look, I'm trying, but don't expect it to happen overnight, because it's not going to."
Phoebe said to Arnold, "Helga's right, Arnold. You have to be patient with her."
Arnold sighed, "I'm sorry, Helga. Let's just order something."
After dinner...
Gerald was outside the restaurant, talking with Arnold, "I've got to admit, I didn't expect Helga to come around so much. What did you do to her? She's seems a lot nicer than she was in the park that day."
Arnold shrugged, "I don't know what happened, I think she just realized she needed to change." His eyes wandered over to Helga and Phoebe, automatically seeking out their legs, and he blinked. It was one thing to look at Helga's, but why was he looking at Phoebe's. Was he out of his mind?!
Gerald continued, not noticing Arnold's lack of attention to him, "Well, whatever you did, keep it up. This is the Helga G. Pataki I want to see. Not the one that's yelling and screaming at everyone, but the one that's willing to argue her point and work stuff out. I'm taking it that you're not breaking up with her now, are you?"
"Huh?" Arnold looked at Gerald; he could only make out him saying the words 'breaking up' but didn't catch the entire conversation. He replied, somewhat cautiously, "Why would I break up with her? Living with her has been better since we stopped arguing as much."
"Exactly my point. If you guys are getting along and she's not being a pain to live with, I'd stick by her. Maybe now that Phoebe and her are friends again, we can go on more double dates. She's okay to be around once you get past all the bullying."
Arnold tried to focus his attention away from his girlfriend's curves, his mind foggy. It was then he realized Gerald was waiting for him to speak. Wait... what was he talking to me about?
Thankfully, Helga and Phoebe walked over to them and they started walking to the theater, Gerald forgot about the conversation...
Outside the movie theater...
Helga spoke, "So people, what gory violent movie are we seeing tonight?"
Gerald pointed at a billboard outside, and said, "How about the movie, 'That', that looks like a scary movie."
Helga rolled her eyes, "Please, only a numb-skull is afraid of a stupid clown."
Arnold pointed up at another, "How about this one, 'Train to Hillwood'."
Helga remembered Arnold, Gerald, and her going on a haunted train, and thought to herself, It might not be half bad...
Phoebe spoke up, "I don't know about a scary movie. I was thinking of watching a comedy."
Gerald said to all of them, "Well let's vote on it. Who wants a scary movie?" Arnold and Helga raised their hands almost immediately. Phoebe sighed, until Gerald put an arm behind her shoulders, "Relax, baby, you can hold my hand and bury your face in my chest during all the scary scenes."
Phoebe smiled up at him. He's such a sweet boyfriend.
Helga noticed Arnold's attention on another billboard, "Hey, Football Head, are we getting tickets, or what?" Criminy, is he ever going to get his head out of the clouds?
Arnold blinked out of his trance. Why was he looking at an R-rated movie poster of women in swim wear? Everything was luring to him, and he didn't understand it. Was it the feelings that overwhelmed him when he looked at those things? Why is everything turning me on? I've got to think about... think about something else, this gory movie we're going to watch. Yes, I need to focus on that instead of these images I keep seeing. It's getting annoying feeling like this... He walked over to the ticket booth with his girlfriend.
They were in the very back of the theater. There weren't too many people there.
Helga glanced at Phoebe and Gerald as they were watching the movie. She had to admit, they were an adorable couple. Gerald and Phoebe were currently holding hands, and every time a scene came up that frightened Phoebe, she would bury her head in his chest. Gerald would pat her back and smile, pleased with himself for some reason. Maybe it was so he could hold her?
Helga scowled with her arms crossed as she watched the not-so-scary movie. She should've figured it would be nowhere near as good as the ones that were rated PG-13 and higher. Too bad they were only 11. If only her boyfriend was two years older than her instead of one, they could all watch a scary movie.
She was also irritated because Phoebe was able to show physical affections toward Gerald, but Arnold and her still hadn't kissed since Christmas. She didn't understand it. They weren't arguing anymore, so what was holding him back? Wasn't he the one that wanted to be open about their relationship?
Helga turned to her boyfriend and whispered, "Can you believe this chase scene? I don't know how people think this is scary. I mean, criminy, the zombie doesn't even look dead."
Despite being incredibly tense, Arnold had to laugh, "I suppose when you're seeing any movie under PG-13, it isn't going to be very scary. I'm sorry, Helga."
Helga said, "What are you apologizing about? I agreed with you to see this movie. I didn't think it would be another thriller that flunked in the box office. When you turn 13, we're both going to see a good gory thriller, not this childish excuse for one."
Arnold laughed, "You're definitely not like any girl I've ever met."
"What? Did you expect to be dating a dainty airhead or something? Never been that way, never will be."
"Well I'm glad. I'm having a wonderful time on our date together tonight." And it was true, he had enjoyed their time together, despite being nervous and on edge for some reason.
Helga took a glance at Gerald and Phoebe again. Gerald was whispering in her ear, and Phoebe was laughing. Helga sighed. Why can't Arnold get closer to me like them? We're getting along great! I haven't even been picking fights with him, what's his deal? She paused a moment as a smile came to her face. She had an idea. Wait a minute, Arnold said he couldn't kiss me, but he never said I couldn't kiss him. He just doesn't want to start anything I'm not comfortable with, but how would he be starting if I'm the one to start it. Helga, you're a genius.
She reached over and grabbed his hand to hold it, which was on his upper thigh.
Arnold felt a shiver go down his back as she grabbed his hand. Relax. It's just Helga. She's just holding your hand... He blinked as he thought, Hey, why is she holding my hand in public? She's never done that before. He looked at her in surprise.
"Relax, Arnold. Quit being so fidgety. I'm just holding your hand!"
Why does a simple touch from her cause me to shake? Is it because it's her? He replied, aloud, "I'm not used to you being so open about your feelings for me, Helga. Are you sure you want to hold hands with everyone watching?"
"Arnold," she held out a hand in front of them, "There's like, fifteen people out there and none of them are watching us. They're not even from our school. Why would they look back here anyway, they're too engaged in the movie!" Or each other, like your best friend and my best friend. Come on, Arnold, loosen up already! You're supposed to be my boyfriend...!
Arnold tried to relax as she held his hand tightly. I guess she's starting to be more open about our relationship. I'm surprised she's so laid back about holding my hand. This is exactly what I wanted from her, so why can't I relax? Does Helga really make me that nervous...?
Helga waited for him to do something, anything but just hold her hand. She could tell he wanted to make a move, but he still refused to touch her lips with his. It was irritating and frustrating. Well, he did say he wanted me to start being open about our relationship, and there is nobody to see us, so why not? She moved her hand that was holding his hand, up his arm slowly.
That got Arnold's attention. He looked into her big pupils, at the longing look in her eyes. Was she going to kiss him? Right there? He was losing focus again. "Helga, what's-" and that's when she met his lips in a heated kiss. She slowly licked his lips and with no hesitation from her at all, she brought her wet tongue into his mouth.
Helga's mind was screaming this was dangerous. Anyone could walk in from their class and see them. Anyone could find out she was in love with Arnold! Her heart was another story. She was nervous, but she was excited as well. I'm doing this, I'm doing this in public! I'm showing my true feelings for Arnold! I'm being completely open with him, for probably the first time in my entire life! I'm being myself, I'm being vulnerable. Yes, I did it, Football Head, I really did it! You'd be so proud of me! Criminy, I'm proud of myself! I took the risk...and you're all mine now. Forever and always, until the end of time... She sighed into the kiss, deepening it even more, dueling her tongue faster with his.
Arnold's mind had shut down the moment her lips met his. She was so soft to the touch. So different than how she presented herself to the world. A side of her that only he got to see. He wrapped his arms around her back as he brought her on top of him to kiss her some more. Were they really doing this? Making out like two teenagers in the back of a movie theater? Why was he avoiding this for so long? What were his reasons? He knew there had to be a reason, but he didn't know what it was. This was... amazing! He felt the shiver run down her back as his hands moved up and down the top of her spine. Wow, she actually shivered in my hands just from my touch. She must be enjoying this too. Wow, Helga. Where did you learn to kiss like that? She's... she's perfect.
Three minutes later, they were still kissing, and Helga didn't want to stop. Repeating Arnold's gestures of running his hands around her back, she pulled him towards her to feel down his back. She felt him groan in her mouth, and she sighed in his. He pulled me on top of him, and I can't believe I just made him groan in my mouth. Criminy, Arnold-o, I had no clue you could be this way!
Arnold felt more tension building inside of him and didn't know what to do with it. He didn't want to stop kissing, quite the contrary, he wanted to get closer somehow, and the tension was getting unbearable. Five minutes of making out had done nothing but frustrate him. His patience was wearing thin. This feeling, what do I do with this feeling? I've never felt this way. How do I take away this tension, how...? He ran his hand down the curve of her hips to her waist and she moaned softly, that... that only made the tension worse for him. Stop, stop, I need to stop. I need to think about something else. This is too much too fast! But his hand reached her backside without his mind's permission and groped her to pull her closer.
Helga gasped in shock. She broke the kiss and slapped his arm that groped her, hard.
Arnold yelped in pain as Helga got up. She sat back down beside him and crossed her arms in irritation.
Gerald was still looking at the screen, and he said, "Stop being sissy's over there, it's not that scary. Besides, this is the best part!"
Phoebe smiled at Gerald, oblivious of anything else going on.
Arnold and Helga looked at each other, speechless...
Outside the theater, after the movie...
Gerald said, "Well, I don't know about you two, but Phoebe and I are going to grab some snacks and more drinks for the walk home."
Phoebe said to her boyfriend, "Would you like me to pay this time, Gerald?"
Gerald shook his head, "No way, you're my girlfriend, and a gentleman always pays for his girl." He grabbed her hand. "Come on, Phoebe baby, you can pick out whatever you want." They walked back in the theater.
Arnold and Helga exchanged awkward glances at each other. Helga was annoyed but frustrated, Arnold was just frustrated, with both Helga and himself.
He spoke nervously, "Um, back there in the theater, what happened, uh..." He rubbed his arm and blushed, looking into her eyes. "It was uncalled for, I'm sorry."
Helga blushed too, "It's... it's okay. I mean, I was egging you on, right?" She rubbed her arm nervously as well.
Arnold didn't want to think about what happened and tried to turn his attention to something else. That's when he caught site of the billboard again from earlier, the one with the women in swim wear. Everything inside of him began to react to the image. He closed his eyes. Concentrate... concentrate... concentrate...
Helga noticed the desperate look in Arnold's eyes, the pain in his expression. She put an arm around her boyfriend's shoulders as she stood beside him, looking into his eyes. He glanced at her curiously, "Hey, what's wrong, are you okay? Don't tell me you're that worried about what happened back there, forget about it," she laughed nervously. She regretted her next words as soon as she said them, but she wanted to reassure him that it was okay, that she forgave him. "Heat of the moment, right?"
He was focused on her. Her styled hair, her blue eyes, her worried expression. Heat of the moment? Maybe that was what it was about, but then why did he want to get caught up in it again? And how could he forget about making out in the back of a theater with his girlfriend? The very idea was impossible to forget, and the thought was making him more wound up.
Thinking of that, he gently took her shoulders and backed her up into the alleyway beside the theater. He was desperate, but not unreasonable. With the little bit of thought he had left, he managed to think she wouldn't want anyone they knew to see them outside of the theater, making out.
He gently pushed her against the wall as she stared into his large pupils. Was he going to kiss her, touch her, talk to her? What was going on...?
He looked so desperate for something, and it scared her. She didn't know if it was sadness, fear, pain, or...
"Please," he whispered softly to her, his hands moving down her arms to grab her hands and entwine them with his, "Please kiss me," he met her lips heatedly, quickly searching for her tongue.
She reacted quickly, moaning into his mouth as he found her tongue and brought himself closer to her, closer to the wall.
Helga was stunned. That's what he wanted to do? Kiss her out in the open? He didn't even need to ask. Of course, she wanted to kiss him, and she guessed if he was willing to start kissing her again, she was willing to try this public relationship thing. It couldn't be that bad, right?
Arnold was losing control. He was still trying to find a way to get rid of... the frustration he had within him. He groaned in her mouth, and with his hazy thoughts, managed to think: Closer, closer. If I get closer, maybe the feelings will go away. Every time some friction is created between us, I start to feel better. Let me, let me try something... Having no clue what he was doing, but willing to try anything once, he grabbed the top of her left leg to try to wrap it around his waist, to try to make the discomfort go away.
Helga wasn't even thinking, she was enjoying every second of their make out session. Oh criminy, Football Head, if I'd known you were this primal, I would've jumped you myself as soon as we got off that plane! You're so good with kissing, so good with touching, so... criminy, is he lifting my leg up around his waist?! she shivered. My God, this is insane...!
Unfortunately, that happen to be the time Gerald walked over to the alleyway to see them. Helga's leg around Arnold's, their hands entwined on the sides, they were French kissing passionately. It was almost enough to make Gerald sick. He managed to call out to his girlfriend, a bit speechless. "Uh, Phoebe, I, uh, I think I found them." Phoebe walked over. She was speechless at first, and then she giggled as Gerald yelled out to them, "What in the heck are you two doing?! You guys stopped fighting to start doing this?!"
Arnold and Helga seemed to snap out of their trance.
Helga lowered her leg from Arnold's waist and looked at Gerald and Phoebe with a blush. She straightened her dress as Arnold pulled at his shirt and straightened it, trying to look less disheveled and feverish, somehow.
Gerald stared, "You know, I'm not even going to ask this time."
As soon as Helga was settled down, she put her hands on her hips, "Then don't ask, Gerald. Not every part of our relationship is your business."
Gerald looked over at Arnold, curiously, "Arnold, what were you...?"
Arnold met his best-friends eyes, talking softly, "I'll see you at school tomorrow, okay?"
Gerald's eyes widened in shock until Phoebe grabbed his hand to pull him away to walk home.
Arnold's room, 9 PM that night...
The walk home to their house was silent. They were both too nervous to talk about what happened in the alleyway or the movie theater. After they had climbed up the fire escape, changed into their night clothes, and ate dinner downstairs, they were back in Arnold's room. They were sitting on his bed; the silence was uncomfortable.
Arnold broke it, not being able to stand not talking to her anymore. He admitted, "Something's wrong with me, I can't pinpoint it."
Helga rolled her eyes, "Please, Arnold, nothing's wrong with you. You're just like any other twelve-year-old, hormone driven. You're sexually frustrated."
Arnold said softly, "It's never affected me before."
"You've never lived with another girl your own age before, slept in the same bed, stayed in the same room all at the same time. I'm also your girlfriend, so it's normal for you to feel that way. Heck, it's not a problem, you can do whatever you want to me, like I care," she admitted, but then added softly, "But the next time you grope me I'm chopping limbs off-"
"-I just don't know why I reacted that way. I wanted to get rid of that feeling, but... I didn't know how," he blushed, looking at her a bit embarrassed from admitting something so personal.
Helga laughed and said, sarcastically, "Of course you know how to get rid of it. You're a boy, right? Just go to the bathroom and 'play with yourself'. You do know how to 'choke the chicken', right?"
Arnold's confused glance directed at her told her he didn't. He asked, "What do you mean 'play with myself', and why would I play with myself or a chicken in the bathroom?"
She slapped her head, "Please, Arnold. Please tell me that your parents have had that talk with you."
He shrugged, "If it has to do with sex, they haven't. The most I know is what they taught us in the fifth-grade last year. You know my parents see me as a little kid."
Helga asked, holding out a hand, "But... what about your grandparents, didn't they teach you anything?"
"I tried talking with them about it last year, but they both made an excuse every time to avoid the subject, so I quit asking."
Helga rolled her eyes, "Figures. You know, that reminds me, we have that stupid project due tomorrow for sex-ed."
Arnold was shocked, "I forgot all about that. I don't know if we can get done in time."
Helga sped over to her backpack to grab it, and she passed Arnold his. They got out their notebooks, spreading out papers on his bed, "Sure we can, Football Head. I'll do the essay, you do the old wives' tale. I know way more about sex than you anyway. We'll be done in no time."
"Are you sure? The essay is supposed to be five pages."
"As much as I know, I could write a book, now start writing, Football Head. I want some sleep tonight!"
"Whatever you say, Helga."
And with that, they started working on their project...
12 AM, January 5th...
Helga was on her knees on the floor, leaning on his bed. She was finishing the last few words of their paper. She put down her pencil; she was satisfied with herself for writing and editing a 5-page essay in only three hours. She took a glance over at Arnold, who was oddly still writing, sitting up, his pillows behind him, "What the... Arnold, I was the one with the 5-page essay, what's your excuse?
He looked over at her, "I needed to look in one of our class books to find information about the stork tale, where it came from. It took me awhile to find it."
"If you dare tell me that you still believe that crap-"
"-I know the stork isn't real, Helga, that's why I chose it as the old wives' tale."
Helga shook her head, "You know, it would've been easier just to ask me." She got up from the floor to sit on his bed next to him, holding out her part of the homework assignment to him.
Arnold put down his pencil as he finally finished the assignment. He looked at her and grabbed the papers from her to put them together and into his binder. He turned to her again, skeptically this time, "Oh, come on, you don't know where that myth really came from, right?"
Helga paused a second before she explained, "Hans Christian Andersen in early 19th century wrote a story called The Storks. Storks found babies in caves or marshes and brought them to houses, either in a basket or carrying them in their beaks. Read it before somewhere."
Arnold looked at her in shock, that was what he remembered writing, but it took her a matter of seconds to remember it, not hours to find it. He looked at her admirably, asking, "How do you know all of this?"
Helga said, "Hey, you don't think women get curious too? I looked in books, on the internet. Actually, Football Head, I'm surprised you haven't. You have a computer in here, why not look on there?"
Arnold rubbed his arm, "I... don't feel comfortable checking out a book on sex, and I'm afraid of what I'm going to find on the internet. I did look up basic stuff last year, but I didn't want to accidentally click on the wrong thing." He admitted, blushing.
Helga rolled her eyes, "Why does that not surprise me?"
He was impressed with her and wanted to know more. He asked, curiously, "So, how does it work? I mean, does the guy just push it inside and that's it? They lay there like that and hope she gets pregnant?"
Helga blushed. She was embarrassed with the question, more-so with the fact that he didn't know. She whispered back, "You really don't know a thing about sex, do you?"
Arnold looked away, embarrassed, "No... not really."
"Well, you can ask all the questions you want in class tomorrow, Hair Boy."
Arnold raised an eyebrow, "We have sex-ed tomorrow?"
"That's what Mr. Frank said when we started the project in November, that we would have sex-ed after we turned in the essay and came back from winter break. I think the classes are together this year."
"I forgot all about that..." he said, thoughtfully.
"Well, I don't know about you, but it's midnight and I'm tired. Turn out that light so we can get some rest."
Arnold walked over to turn out the light. He was feeling a lot more relaxed after talking, and tiredness was starting to overtake him. He laid down beside her, facing her, "Helga?"
Helga opened her eyes to try to see his face in the dark, "What?"
Arnold tried to say the words, tried to tell her how much she meant to him, but he didn't know where to start. He sighed, settling for grabbing one of her hands underneath the covers. and he whispered to her, "Thanks, for everything."
Helga closed her eyes again, hoping to get some much-needed rest from the odd day she had...
