Chapter 9: Love and Luck


A buzzing sound emitted through the room, springing and bouncing off the four walls. Helga rolled over, violently smacking her alarm clock, putting an end to the insufferable tone. She rubbed her tired, blue eyes and slowly opened them only to be greeted by the bright, warm embrace of the sun's rays through the blinds. She stretched her tall, slender body across the bed. She hurled the comforter off and grunted as she pulled herself up. As she sat there she looked around at her room almost surprised at her surroundings. Part of her still expected to wake up in her apartment, yet here she was in the boarding house. Arnold's boarding house, for the matter. The whole idea of it still refused to sink in.

She spun to the side, throwing her legs off the mattress and placed her feet on the cold, wooden floor of her new room. She walked over to her drawer and found the nicest thing she owned. She hung the clothing over her arm and grabbed her towel and trudged herself over to the bathroom to get ready. When she got there a line had already began to form. Including Helga, there were three people on line, and one person already in the shower. Helga could tell it was Mr. Hyunh in the shower because she could hear his angelic, country style voice echo through the hallway. In front of the line was a short, balding man named Ernie. Behind him was a tall blonde named Suzie. Suzie looked exhausted and stressed, and from time to time would knock on the door, politely asking Mr. Hyunh to hurry up, but it was no use. The sounds of the shower head and his singing drowned out Suzie's calm, patient voice. Most people were furious that he was taking so long, but Helga didn't mind. She enjoyed listening to Mr. Hyunh sing. It was a more pleasant sound to wake up to other rather than her alarm.

Eventually Helga was able to get in, take a shower, and get dressed. As soon as she did she scampered down the stairs and found Lila and Gertie in the kitchen. Gertie was at the stove, cooking eggs and bacon while Lila was at the table sipping orange juice. Lila was already showered and ready for work. Helga was hesitant to enter the room. She still felt a bit out of place in the boarding house, especially when Arnold wasn't around.

"Good morning, Eleanor. Please come in and join us at the First Continental Congress", Gertie said with a smile as she noticed Helga from the corner of her eye.

"Yes, Helga, sit next to me", Lila suggested, pushing the chair that was beside her out.

Helga timidly sat down at the table as Gertie place two sunny side up eggs and two strips of bacon on a plate in front of her.

"Eat up, Eleanor! We've got a long day on the campaign trail ahead of us!"

Helga smiled and thanked her as she quickly began digging into her breakfast.

"So Helga, are you excited for your first day of work with Arnold?" Lila asked as she watched Helga stuff her face.

"Yeah, I guess", Helga replied.

"Not to be rude, but is that what you're wearing today?" Lila wondered, looking Helga up and down noticing she had on black jeans and a pink long sleeve shirt.

"Yeah, what's you're point?"

"I just don't think that's really office appropriate", Lila admitted.

Feeling judged, Helga quickly snapped on the defensive. "Well sorry, Ms. Perfect. I'm sorry I'm not used to getting dolled up all fancy to go to work. I'm not really even used to getting dressed for work. This is the best I got."

"Oh, gosh, I did it again, didn't I? I'm sorry if I made you mad. I wasn't trying to make you feel bad, I just was wondering if you wanted to borrow something from me to wear. At least until you get some new clothes of your own."

"O-Oh", Helga stuttered, feeling like a bit of a jerk for jumping to conclusions. "Well, yeah. That'd be great."

"Great! I'll let you finish your breakfast and I'll go run upstairs and get something I think would look perfect on you! Stay here!" Lila exclaimed, practically skipping up the stairs, leaving Helga alone with Gertie in the kitchen. To break the awkward silence, Helga decided to speak up.

"So Gertie, where's Arnold this morning?"

"Oh, Kimba stepped out for a moment. He'll be back soon. Why do you ask, Eleanor?"

"No reason, I was just curious."

Just then they heard footsteps stampeding door the stairs and turn their attention toward the doorway where Lila emerged into the kitchen.

"You like pink right?" Lila asked with a certain perkiness in her voice.

"Yeah, just a little bit", Helga sarcastically responded.

"Then ta-da!" Lila announced, presenting a pink dress to Helga. It looked like it would could down to about mid-calf, and along the bottom were slight frills. It was a spaghetti strap dress, but Lila also brought down a short sleeved, white business jacket to go on top. Helga had to admit it was a bit girly for her taste, but it was nice, and she appreciate Lila's gesture. Besides, it wasn't like she had anything else to wear.

"Do you like it?" Lila excitedly asked.

"It's really nice, Lila. Thank you", Helga said, getting up and gently taking the dress out of Lila's hands. "I guess I'll go put it on."

"Yes, please do! I can't wait to see how you look", Lila insisted.

Helga went up into her room and changed clothing. Once she was done she walked over to the mirror and gazed at the reflection looking back at her. She was surprised at her appearance. She knew how to be sexy, but pretty was something she never put much time into. She suddenly felt a jolt of confidence slither it's way into her body. She hoped Arnold would appreciate her attire and would maybe even think she looked nice.

She proudly marched back to the kitchen, ready to show herself off. Once she stepped into the kitchen Arnold opened up the backdoor and enter the room as well, drawing all the attention away from Helga and to himself. Arnold walked in with both hands behind his back.

"Hey, Arnold, where have you been?" Lila wondered.

"I just thought I'd surprise you with these", Arnold said, presenting a bouquet of roses to Lila.

"Oh, Arnold, they're beautiful. Just ever so beautiful. Thank you so much", Lila squealed, accepting the flowers and holding them up to her nose to breathe in their alluring fragrance.

Arnold kissed Lila on the top of her head. "Anything for you, baby." Arnold then looked over at Helga who looked a bit flustered and upset. "And don't think I forgot about you, Helga." Arnold then removed the other hand from behind his back and held out a bouquet for Helga. "They're called stephanotis. The lady told me these flowers represent good luck. I thought you could use it on your first day at work with me", Arnold sweetly said.

Helga took that flowers in her hands. "Th-thanks, Arnold. You didn't have to do this."

"I know, but I wanted to. So are you ready to go?"

Helga nodded her head and watched as Arnold gave Lila a kiss good-bye. As she followed Arnold out to his car she realized then that Arnold would never see her in any other way besides a friend. Lila would always be the rose in his life. This was just something she'd have to get used to if she was going to live at the boarding house, and if she was going to work with him. Arnold started the car engine the the two drove off to work, hoping this would be the start of something good.