RECIPROCATED LOVE
CHAPTER 9
HEY ARNOLD!
I don't own Hey Arnold!
I don't own any other recognizable character, place, helping center or item mentioned here. There are here just as cultural background.
Let's get going…
Arnold left behind the Community Center parking lot after saying goodbye to Sheena and Helen. They have been here inquiring about the requirements of the helping center with the purpose of organizing the fundraising summer activities the gang used to enroll in for the last five year. They just needed help to buy the equipment for the new Painting Hall.
The Community Center had a good shape this year; it seemed as if every year new voluntary groups added to the summer activities. Maybe next year it'd be better if they help a more needy place, like the Fire Department or the Red Cross.
Well, in second thoughts, maybe next year there will be no gang at all. It has been the same idea popping in Gerald's mind last night after the reunion at Romántico's; when Arnold drove him home.
Last night had been an uncomfortable one. It was his turn to drive Gerald to the bar and from the moment he'd picked him up, a grim mood set between them. His best friend brought up the reunion at Rhonda's and started pestering him when knew Arnold hadn't asked Helga out. Arnold really didn't knew what was the big deal, anyway; and why he couldn't understand that it wasn't right to harass her after the way Lorenzo made his try; besides, Arnold have already offered his reasons many times, though to his best friend had never understood them.
Talking about Lorenzo, the boy sure had tested his patience. His arrogance added to the fact that most of the boys seemed currently attracted to Helga almost drove him crazy. He thanked Gerald for having his back, kicking him under the table every time he was about to explode so he had been relieved when Rhonda came to the scene.
He danced with a bunch of girls before taking his turn with Helga. She had been a good partner … for as long as one dance, before complaining about her sore feet. He guided her to leave the dancing floor and going out to take a seat in the deck; but just stepping out, he realized the serene atmosphere of the deck and the moon raising in the skyline wouldn't help him with all this friendly thing.
It had been years pinning over the girl, but he had never asked her out. He thought of their past while seeing as she leaned her arms against the rail, and her eyes surveyed the city. He realized she was kind of tense. As if waiting for him to start something... anything.
I have my own reasons to do not tell, he reasoned to himself as he looked over the skyline too. Reasons that have been analyzed plenty of times over the years and now were abstracts notions in his mind; not easy to put in few words. Maybe that was the reason behind Gerald's lack of comprehension.
He glanced back at her; her clear sight was still on the horizon but her attention had gone astray, driving her to one of those moods when talk seemed unnecessary. Arnold let himself get lost in his mind too, recalling gone times in which she was always amongst his closer group of friends, with Gerald and Phoebe.
All during their elementary, middle and high school, they used to hang out in group, joined at times by his girlfriend in turn. Helga had opted for detach from them most of those occasions, claiming that she hadn't born to be a third (or in this case fifth) wheel and that lovebirds needed space.
All along their teen years, Helga's retained her primacy of bossing around and picking on them, just the same way she did in grade school, yet the girl didn't succeed in keep her bully charade for long. By seventh grade it was a known fact that everyone in the group had been graced with the taste of her sweet core, or the aid of her helping hand, at least once. So they got to know and appreciate the real her, and her rough edges didn't bother them anymore. To outsiders however, it was another story and no one person dared to mess with her and take the risk of being the receiver of the wrath of one of the major bitches at school.
By high school things had changed quite a bit. West Hillwood High was a huge school and soon the gang fell apart. Every one of them started to hang around their own group: socialites, football stars, others sports stars, brainiacs, geeks, bullies… you choose. Gerald never stopped being his best friend, but they were usually surrounded by more peers. Helga and Phoebe kept a similar interaction but some others in the gang got lost in the sea of people; of course, being Gerald and Phoebe an item, Helga was never really distant from them and consequently from him.
It was until junior year or the summer before, that some of them started to miss the formers pals and the camaraderie shared in the good old days. Arnold had been the one initiating the old friends' recollection. They had started setting reunions, or small parties and community work to keep them close; even when all of them had others friends to hang around. Fortunately, most of them had returned home by senior year.
. .
Arnold had found himself all along involved with a different girl. It was simply because there were always hot, single girls within reach, and he was, ever since his tender years, a hopeless romantic and kind of weak in front of beauty. People used to say he was a seducer, a Casanova, but in reality he has just been an easy target. Girls never found big obstacles to chase after and getting him but then again, keeping a relation was a harder task; one that he found out soon he wasn't really concerned about. Girls were always coming and going; always leaving behind a learning or annoying experience. It wasn't like he hasn't loved anyone; he had been really smitten some times but that didn't how he felt in the end. Still, he remained friends with most of his ex-s.
He had never felt the necessity of fill a void or find The Girl that complemented him. There was plenty of time ahead to settle down. His father and grandfather hadn't being ones to marry young, so he never thought he should. He was yet too young to get tied right here and now. He lived the present; moreover, most of the girls were in the same tune, having fun and not looking for a lifetime bond; if they did, they should look to different direction. They always knew what could get from him and from the relationship; he never forced or coerced a thing; and counting some righteous complaints, most of the times their expectations were met.
For long-living, deep bonds, and vivacious challenges he could always count on his grandparents, Gerald, some of his friends… and Helga. She has been the only girl constant in his life: his tormentor; his best friend; his pillar; his parameter; his harder critic and his biggest fan. She has been also the source of his strength and the human being that had exalted the highest, the lowest, the deepest and the darkest instincts in his nature.
Nobody else had ever driven him into fits of rage like her. There were days when he swore he'd cut any tie with her and will never ever see her, or talk to her again. There were also days when she had driven him that mad, that he'd wished have the courage to sew her mouth, slice her throat and throw her body in a bottomless pit. Or simply tie and gag her and leave her in an abandoned building and make it blow.
But she had been also the only person, apart from Gerald and often beyond him, to whom he could rely on when he'd feel to ease his own mind; when he'd been heartbroken; the one who really understand him in sad o depressed times. She has been the one that support him when his grandma had been threatened with to be sent to a nursing home, or when his grandpa had fallen sick. She had been there when he'd found out that his parents would never return. She had cried along him during that endless agony, when he cursed God and reckless parents; when he smashed things and stopped him from destroy memories, and had been there until his last curse was throw away. Then, she had hugged him for hours, silently, mumbling soothing, healing words until the sleep had finally come to bring some rest.
He marveled how a little girl had managed to be always there in his times of greatest need; to provide such comfort and how she'd known the precise actions or words, being so young and so negligently cared at her own home. And over all, how she'd achieved those good deeds, ipso facto, just turning down in a corner or falling from a tree or appearing from behind a trash bin or strolling in his fire escape. Always as if being summoned by some high power; always going away unnoticed after the necessity was over, only to appear the next day as if nothing. Never accepting cheers or taking any credit for her actions.
. .
It wasn't easy to request something as trivial as a date from a girl that special. What if it didn't work? What if it spoiled the friendship, sending her away? Years ago, Arnold had wondered if he really liked the girl or if her close presence was merely a selfish desire; like the lovingness of a mother or a sister. He had often been confused in his younger years, when he started to realize he was constantly watching over her. It had been Lila, his first girlfriend, all sweetness and good spirits, who had mentioned first her disgust by this fact.
It had taken longer than normal for him to acknowledge Lila's words were true. He used to said to himself that his interest was her wellbeing, like everyone else's; or maybe even the sister-like bond due to all her help; but once puberty hit him and sinful thoughts overflowed his mind, he couldn't use that excuse anymore, because he knew no brother could have such desires for his sister.
Has only been once, three years ago that he'd had her in his arms and had kissed her. In that occasion, less than one minute was required to unleash his passion and carry him to an incontrollable level. If Gerald hadn't showed he was sure he'd taken her over in that very spot, in public, in Tina Park. He remembered her willingly concurring, but his memories were fuzzy; probably his mind was playing tricks. He had lost control that bad that not even the threat of her father coming over had turned him down.
Gerald had managed to take him away hastily before anyone noticed his …'strange behavior' and his almost tantrum. They were supposedly to be playing a silly game; he had wanted retaliate one of her tricks, one of those that always ended bringing shame on him, this time hadn't been differently. He'd wanted to hit her back, but have been him who ended burned. Arnold really didn't remember details, just that devastating sensation of …fire…running through his body, like never before. Of course, Arnold knew the difference between that and an ordinary excitement. It was painfully obvious.
Helga had fled from the place, she was not there anymore and the sudden realization that this desire would not be satisfied fell over his form as physical pain. He left immediately with raged mind and aching body with the hope of find her, but instead he'd come across Lila; Sweet-Beautiful-Handy -Lila. His reputation reached the skies after that. And their third dating period had started; their shortest one.
Helga kept herself from his way for a while. They were having their last weeks in high school and everyone was occupied with college paperwork and stuff and she was never available. He had been looking for a chance to talk to her, to know her feelings; but soon realized that it was better that way, letting time go by and cool things down.
. .
By the other hand, there was his guiltiness regarding Lila and the way he'd used her; they went out some weeks but it was pointless and both of them knew that. There was nothing left for them, who had seen everything as a couple. They never really break up that time; all of a sudden she was dating someone else. Not that he cared too much. However, he never forgave himself for his deviant acting and was sure he would defray for it someday. It was probably one of his most remorseful doings.
However the actual adult Arnold sometimes wondered about Lila; the reason behind her acting; her excessive -or better said- sickly niceness towards everybody. It was unnatural, the need to be liked was so strong in her that she simply couldn't turn anyone down, even when it didn't bring any good to her. At some point back then, Arnold had tried helping her with that issue, but Lila never admitted that something was wrong with her acting and called him silly instead. He supposed there was nothing he could do now; it has been years since last time they were close, and besides he wasn't the nosy, good-willed boy he once was.
What actually caused anxiety to him was the realization of how easy had he lost control in front of Helga; he never had lost it that bad before, so never thought it would possibly happen. Not even knew if he could restrain himself next time, that if there'd be a next time. It had been all messed up.
Gerald had being teasing him merciless in private (Helga G. Pataki, of all girls, caused THAT?) although it was fair to say he was really worried about his best friend's welfare. He assured to be present next time he and Helga coincided and managed to avoid personal interaction between them. The experience was that stressing that he'd suggested Arnold to simply evade her thenceforth.
. .
That summer had been kind of hard to him. He discovered that his best female friend was toxic to him. He really missed having her around, but he knew his cravings for her hadn't gone totally away; so he'd hoped it was for the best. It was a bittersweet thought since it there would be no more school together.
Therefore, when he'd realized that they all will be going to Boston for college, he didn't know if he should be happy or sad.
Gerald had advised him that he should take this as a fresh start with her; in a new city and a few friends around. Somehow he hesitated, it was really a good opportunity to a re start, but at the same time, it was a good opportunity to know other people as well. After that summer he thought his mind had cooled down and he came to the belief that his principles were now well settled.
Do eighteen years old boys need to be engaged in serious relationships? Was that healthy? He could look around and find out that most of high school couples didn't last; even Gerald and Phoebe, the cutest couple around, had slipped away eventually, confirming his judgments.
In his observations of life, he'd realized that durable relationships started later in life or at least no too young. If he and Helga started something at this point, the relationship could probably be worn out to the end of college, let alone the beginning of working life. People tended to idealize love and marriage; as if it were a piece of cake to endure years and years together, always in loving company, always smiling and having delicious dinners.
Life wasn't like that; there were routine, jealousy, financial problems, lack of communication, different goals, and external temptations looming over. All that without considering that each one's necessities and personality might change. Too much life ahead together would develop difficulties as tiredness, boredom, disinterest, cheating and hate.
He sincerely believed him and Helga could work something out, not right now but eventually. He really meant it; he visualized themselves together, later in life. He felt like when he had Helga finally, it would be forever. Thoughts of his future included always her, two or three little blond kids and a nice house with a picket fence in the suburbs. He felt as if Helga would always be there, ready for when he decided it was about time. Something in her told him so. The way her eyes shone for him when their gazes met. Her silences and all the words she didn't say aloud in his presence…
He was cut out of his contemplations at the sound of a voice, and turned to his right to see precisely her. Her voice was rough.
"Huh?" he had almost forgotten the surroundings. He realized then that his voice was also hoarse for the lack of use. How long they have been there?
"I said we should go back inside, Football Head," she gestured ever so slightly to the double doors. He followed her gaze just on time to find Wolfgang's tribe moving out. Arnold grunted loudly and voiced his wish to throw those losers over the rail, of course with her help. She laughed half-heartedly and added something spicy. However, as they walked to the hall, he recalled Iggy's words just on time to don't miss the odd acting of them both, his partner and Wolfgang himself. The ex-bully now converted football star rudely unclasped himself from the two girls surrounding him and bored an intense stare on her. Helga's reaction was almost imperceptible: she threw a fleeting look over the beefy boy. It lasted less than a second and Arnold was certain that if it weren't for what he heard earlier he had failed to detect it. Still, the looks interchanged were quite different, where Helga's one seemed out of pity, Wolfgang's eyes held the vile expectation of seeing her set in fire.
. .
Arnold got... confused, then. It has always been in acknowledged in their group that Helga hadn't dated; at least, no boy amongst the gang had ever gone out with her, in a romantic sense, or had known somebody who had dated her. That was an usual topic in their talks. The rest of the girls dated in junior of high school, and everybody knew everybody business, but never Helga's.
The girls used to be discreet regarding her but that indicated nothing; they were a well knitted group of friends and the boys always thought it was just because Helga wasn't popular as a dating prospect. But thinking it over, it really seemed ingenuous from their part (the boy's part) assuming the girl hadn't known the joy of playing around with members of the opposite sex. There lay the reason why Iggy's commentary had attracted such attention. Was it true? And if it was, what else he knew? This reflection led him to shift memories towards the impatient waiting for Iggy the next day at the bar.
. .
However, this night at Rhonda's, Arnold decided to try to get her to the open; of course he had to be careful. She was the skilled one, not him. He asked then about her kind of sedated demeanor and she explained she was tired because the trip, lack of sleep and some other stuff she didn't share. She did share that Rhonda was looking forward for a lively slumber party, which she was kind of dreading.
He got a little concerned because she really looked tired. Arnold halted barely crossing the threshold and seized her by her arm, making her stop altogether. Helga looked at his hand and then slowly drew her eyes up to meet his. Fortunately, the three inches he had over her still made her look up to found his eyes, even when she was wearing heels.
He found strange that she didn't tried to shake his hand off her, as she usually did. However, he didn't let himself to cave in those thoughts because her now electric blue eyes were fixed on him as if searching for something in them, achingly.
He blinked a couple of times and closed his eyes only for the time necessary to change all the air in his lungs. A very known angriness filled him. It was so unfair! Did she do that on purpose? Ha! Of course she did. As ever in life, as ever in the field: if Helga Pataki could control the path of a baseball at her wish in the field, it should be an easier task to control the shade and expression of her eyes to her whim. Damn her!
. .
"You're sure you're … okay?" he'd asked with stressed voice, finally opening his eyes. Her eyes were now fixed in his neck and she let them hang in there for a moment "I mean, you really look absent. There's something -you're … waiting… for?"
Damn. Speak up!
She looked around and shifted uncomfortably for some seconds before looking back at him. Her lips a bitter line, her eyes wasn't that blue anymore, but kind of grayish.
"Not anymore," she faltered "I guess I was expecting some kind of … celestial sign …, but …" she shrugged "there's nothing holding me back - so let's go." her head pointed to the place where the blond bully was perched. The same spot where they have been before. He repeated her words in his mind.
Was she talking about Wolfgang, about him or…?
"I suppose we can restrain time from keep going so let's face it; let's find the princess" She released her arm and turned down the hall.
…Or about Rhonda? … Was it all about Rhonda?
"Ahem… Helga… wait"
"What? Paste for…- What?" She had turned back and looked at him with indolence. "There are a bunch of things to do yet and napping in your company doesn't help!"
It doesn't help.
"…Nothing" he shook his head.
She'd raised her brow and gave him one last look, before saying 'Whatever' and walking away. He'd remained there for a moment, watching her go. Talking to Helga G. Pataki always left him drained. Deeply, deeply drained.
His old phone interrupted his train of memories. He couldn't get it on time and decided to park the Packard near the docks; stepping on the boardwalk, he then bought a Popsicle. Checking his phone then he returned the lost call. It was girlfriend, who wanted to inform him she was ready to come and visit him in Hillwood next Tuesday, to spend the day together, and if he was lucky, maybe the night.
Being an almost two hours trip from New Jersey, the last option was better. Arnold thought he just needed to arrange his duties to be free then, and to book a room in the boarding house. He considered himself an honorable young man and was not that carefree to have a girl to spend the night in his room. The boarding house harbored a teenager besides some older boarders and he wasn't one to raise hearsay around.
The boarding house, it must be said, didn't follow the old operation anymore. Phil and Gertie were still the owners and still ran the place; but they didn't make the hard work anymore. There were some of the old boarders Mr. Huynh and Mr. Potts; Ernie had married some years ago and his wife, Lois, had moved in; while the Vietnamese man was still single; her daughter May, his only family besides the boarders, had married and divorced years ago. She lived in Edison, NJ; and due to her job, Mr. Huynh could enjoy the company of his granddaughter frequently in the Boarding House.
There were another younger couple in there, Antonio and Kate Lopez and their son, Tony Jr. a middle scholar. Antonio and Kate were the housekeepers. They both were in charge of the maintenance, the leaning and the kitchen. Kate was a blonde woman who resembled somehow a younger Suzie and was a really good cooker; his husband was from El Salvador and a very helpful, good tempered man who were joking around with Phil, Arnold and the others boarders all the time. They'd arrived five years ago and had been a right addition to the house arrangement, even when compensating their services absorbed most of the incomes, but the house kept working on and his grandparents weren't stressed.
The others boarders were an old widow, Mrs. Brown and her single daughter, Annie, a thirty-some hard worker woman; they were nice although deadly solemn people. The older took the place as matron of the house, always watching tragic soap operas in the TV; always scolding people around or peeking through the windows, looking for 'news'. She was the exact opposite of Gertie who prized wandering and exploring the neighborhood, wearing costumes and celebrating the wrong festivities, a habit that used to drive Mrs. Brown crazy.
There were always others temporary boarders coming and going. Mr. Smith of course have his room reserved, always paying on time, even when nobody knew if he was still there. Arnold wasn't sure if it was the same Mr. Smith from the old days, because last time he saw him, he was sure the man looked surprisingly young and vigorous, but Arnold had learned long ago that the less he knew about him, the better.
Arnold left those thoughts behind to reflect about the last evening spent at the bar. Iggy arrival was delayed because a car incident; it was a minor thing fortunately; just slight scratches in both cars. Iggy had decided not to call the insurance's people since the offender had asked him that favor and being old Mr. Green, he had submitting. The old man was in friendly terms with all of them.
Mr. Green said he had left his driving glasses at home because it was a fast, short drive, and asked Iggy to fix the damage of his car on his own. Mr. Green wife, Suzie, former known as Kokoschka, had arrived to the place soon later and apologizing to Iggy saying that his husband liked to drive even when he has not license anymore. Iggy didn't found problem helping them, they were reliable, loved neighbors and he didn't want to delay any more the meeting with his friends; who had been sending messages demanding his presence. The Greens had been grateful with him and sent their regards to his friends.
. .
After arriving, Iggy attempted to avoid the talking; it seemed that the expectation caused in his pals had made him think twice before spill the beans about Helga's romantic life and the reason behind his awareness. To say the truth Arnold felt they were invading her privacy, but as a matter of fact, he was just as curious as everybody else.
After an easy work of conviction, the waiting was compensated. Iggy told what he knew. It turned out that back in sophomore year he dated a girl from Lincoln High, arch nemesis of West Hillwood; after some time, she told him that she hated his school particularly because a cold-hearted bitch who had broken her brother's heart.
Iggy didn't give a second thought (there were hundreds of girls in there and the aforementioned brother had a well-deserved fame as lady-killer) until a given day, hanging out with her, they saw Helga jogging in the park. Helga waved him casually, but his girlfriend become crazy and chased after Helga in order to start a fight.
The cool boy said he felt ashamed and flattered at a time. He knew of Sam's jealousy, but never before she'd made a scene; unsurprisingly, Helga didn't refused the match. He was just settling himself to enjoy the cat fight when his girlfriend was out. Helga shoved a confused Sam into his arms and forewarned him to be careful because the Reynolds' siblings didn't seem to know what 'it's over' meant. With that, she put her headphones on and resumed her workout.
His girlfriend made a fit of it so he didn't dare to ask for further explanations right there. He went to Helga later and without great detail she spoke about some 'mistake' involving the mentioned guy. Iggy was surprised. Helga didn't date. Sam informed him that her brother, Jack Reynolds, and Helga had been dating for almost six months before breaking up. According to her, it looked like Jack was really into Helga, but she had end up with him because he was not willing to keep their romance in secret anymore. Sam also pointed out that Helga most be crazy, because a girl dating him would die for show him off.
However, when Iggy went back to Helga (of course he had to go back, you know, there's something called interest in the good name of a friend) with this information, she only smirked and said 'yeah, well, if Johnny Bravo says so…' after some persistent insistence, she had given in, not before warning him "If a word is spread, glasses kid, I gonna take those cute, long locks of yours and gonna twirl them around your neck until your head falls apart. Got it?'
.
Every one observed Iggy's impersonating Helga's ways as he resumed his tale after asking for another beer. According to Helga, there wasn't a secrecy matter but the spark had gone, simple, isn't it? It was interesting at the beginning; nonetheless after a couple of months it all faded away. There was absolutely no interest from her to keep it, but Jack wasn't used to be dumped, the poor boy."
Iggy also commented that his awareness and observations carried him to more information and soon he found himself in possession of more secrets. It seemed that previous to her thing with Jack, she had dated Wolfgang back in eighth grade.
Wolfgang had been freshman at that time and the affair between them had started as accidental buddies in a Halloween prank. Their success and similarities as bullies draw them closer and they started dating around Thanksgiving that year. Iggy said that as far as he knew, Wolfgang had been a decent boyfriend, but then they started having issues because 'the continuous interference from -her ex- and her rejection to cut bonds with the rest of the boys in the gang'.
Apparently Wolfgang, being the Alfa male he was, detested the idea of his girlfriend being one the boys. They had broken up, but the blond haired boy didn't take the rupture well and blackmailed her; he threatened with taking it against her friends and- in fact - achieved some nasty things on them, - under the indifferent gaze of Helga.
At the bar, they then reminded the blond bully being implacable with them merely starting freshman. He and his mob had chased them, had beaten them, threw pranks in the cafeteria, insults in the hallways and or bullied them in the locker rooms and courts. The big boy had always been a bully towards them, but that period had been especially evil. Knowing now that it was to do with Helga's deficient pick, in their actual -induced by the beer- agitated state, they wanted vengeance. It was until someone remembered that such hunt had finished after few weeks, that Iggy explained that the girl had finally taken the problem in her hands.
He made them recall that a threat hanging over Eugene's head never actually took place. Edmund or some other tenth grader arrived, trumpeting that his boss bestowed pardon to the offender and that the humble boy could go in peace.
That fact made them wonder if Helga had finally succumbed to the threats and had accepted Wolfgang back; Iggy again brought the answer. Again rumor had it that Helga stroked-back Wolfgang by flirting with his best pal Ludwig and threatening the blond with became his soulmate's girl if he didn't ceased fire. Apparently she knew too well the big blond because he'd obliged. Soon after that, Wolfgang had become the coach's favorite tackler, and had finally left them alone.
The only-men night reunion had been as tumultuous as the one of the previous week. The the boys eventually changed topic, but not without realizing Helga made a fool of them for so long, and wondering who had been the ex who disturbed Wolfgang that much?
Harold had expressed loudly his frustration in face of his snickering friends. He had always claimed that he was her secret guardian; -since Helga always called him when she was in need of a sidekick- they used to team up in games and projects due to both of them were rude, resourceful and merciless athletes. They even went always together to every high school dance. And now it was obvious his ignorance in the matter.
Gerald asked aloud again about this Helga/Jamie O thing at Christmas Dance. Arnold only rolled his eyes. His best friend never was going to leave it behind. Instead, Arnold's publics wondering were related to the reasons behind Helga's secrecy; because, it was not expected from the most boisterous girl around to keep hidden her romances. In that point Arnold agreed with Miss Reynolds because most girls would make them public.
In other hand, internally, he'd felt kind of funny, for put a name at the feeling , by realizing that Helga had indeed, dated. And more, she had dated apparently, only good-looking, popular guys. The feeling wasn't pleasant at all. In fact it was really uncomfortable. He wished for it to just to get vanished and left everything as before. Fortunately, the beer-induced numbness seemed helpful right there.
The boys had passed on to other themes and eventually the topic was left behind. As promised, nasty Lorenzo arrived at almost eleven and joined gladly the conversation and the drinking. Arnold was surprised that he didn't talk about Helga, since the day before he seemed really appealed by her. Lorenzo smirked and blamed his drunkenness. He said he usually knew when a chase was pointless and that it was better this way because he wasn't one to put up with a braggart like her. He had added something as for himself, something that Arnold hasn't discerned because the dark haired boy had refused repeating.
The booze had ended past midnight; but the last hour was a blur in Arnold's mind. He felt guilty for driving in such state and made a mental note to lessen the alcohol consumption next time. Gerald had been wasted too, but he wasn't the driver, he was just an annoying drive. The fact that the bar was located in the neighborhood was comforting. As usual, he wondered for the safety of some of his friends, who besides beer, had had pot earlier, and stayed in the bar after they left; he hoped they all had arrived to their places safely.
He got into the car again and pulled out from the curb deciding calling Gerald to make plans for the evening, promising to himself for it to be an alcohol-free evening.
Thanks for your reviews. It was a chapter hard to write. :)
Published April 2011
Edited November 21, 2011; April 2014.
