Years Later

***** Authors note: WOW! So much positive feedback. All the great comments really motivated me to knock this chapter out. Thanks for the support guys. Also, the freebee was the first paragraph of the chapter so enjoy. *****

Here is your summary: Flashback! We learned some stuff about Jessie and Helga's relationship. Also we learned about her life in Russia.

*Also, whenever I put a song in my story it's because the song typically shows how that person is really feeling or what their situation is. I always recommend listening to the song when it's mentioned. That's why I always try to name the song and artist.

Please remember that this story is rated M for mature. In later chapters this story will have graphic LEMONS. If you don't like it, you don't have to read it.

I do not own these characters, they belong to Craig Bartlett, and here we go.

I still love you

"I'm sorry." Arnold said to the girl lying on the bed beside him. "It's alright. I'm not going to lie, it hurts a little but I did agree to it." Gloria said as she turned to face him. Arnold was still staring up at the ceiling with his arms folded behind his head. It was quiet in the room, and although Arnold and Gloria had shared many awkward silences in the past, this silence was different. It was comfortable.

Arnold sat up and Gloria did the same. He turned to her and gave her a gentle squeeze. "Thanks Gloria" Arnold said before releasing her. "It's no big deal" She said smiling. Arnold shook his head, "It is a big deal. It's not fair for me to come to you and tell you all about the feelings I have for someone else. Especially considering how we left things." He said with wholehearted sincerity. Gloria looked away from Arnold and then smiled shyly. "How we left things? Arnold, I hurt you in ways you would never deserve and you still found it in your heart to let me be in your life. When you wanted to come over I'll admit that I thought we might- ummm that we might…" Gloria paused for a moment blushing deeply.

Arnold looked confused. He opened his mouth to ask what she meant, until he saw the blush on her cheeks. His own face became bright red and she giggled before continuing. "When I realized that you just wanted to talk, I was disappointed and yet honored that you would come to me. I was relieved that you honestly meant it when you said we could be friends. Even if the topic of our conversation is another girl, I'm grateful to have you here."

A few tears fell from Gloria's eyes and she continued to smile. She closed her eyes but she made no attempt to wipe them away. Her smile remained on her face until she felt the warmth of Arnold's soft lips. Her eyes opened and she looked up, Arnold removed his lips from her forehead and smiled at her. They grew quiet again, another comfortable silence surrounding them. Arnold got up and put his shoes back on. He waved at her and left.

Jessie hung up his phone and put it on the nightstand. He switched on a movie and lay back on the bed. "Hey Helga" he called toward the bathroom. Helga poked her head out from the door and her wet hair dripped onto the floor.

"What did you say?" she called back.

"I want to spend tomorrow with you, just the two of us."

"Okay" she said as her head retreated into the restroom once again.

When she exited the restroom she was in black shorts and a pink tank top. She was rubbing a towel against the side of her head as she walked over toward the bed. "Is something wrong?" She asked as she took a seat at the edge of the bed.

Jessie shook his head and continued to stare at the screen. Helga tossed her towel away and sat beside him. He put one arm around her as she snuggled into his embrace.

"I love you Helga. You know that right?" Jessie asked suddenly.

Helga turned her head and smiled at her boyfriend. "I know." She said simply and kissed him lightly on the lips.

She pulled away and turned her attention back toward the screen.

Jessie stiffened but did the same. He was irritated.

He turned to Helga and kissed her cheek. She smiled slightly.

He found his way to her neck and kissed her again. She swatted him away with a laugh. "Stop, that tickles."

He pulled away and crossed his arms in frustration.

Helga rolled her eyes and sighed. "What's wrong?" she asked in exasperation.

"Nothing" Jessie responded shortly.

"I'm not going to beg, so either tell me or get over it." Helga said looking back at the screen.

Jessie was not in the mood for her attitude. "Is it too much to ask for some attention; for my girlfriend to turn the TV off and show me some affection?" Jessie said angrily.

Helga grabbed the remote and flipped the television off. She crossed her arms and turned to her boyfriend. "Happy now?" she asked sarcastically. Jessie rolled his eyes and turned the light off. He lay down and turned away from the blonde beside him.

Helga felt a little bad. She hadn't meant to be so rude when something was obviously bothering him.

"I'm sorry" she said wrapping her arms around him. Jessie was silent for a moment before turning on his back and pulling Helga into his arms. "Me too" he said and kissed her.

The kiss grew more passionate as their tongues battled for dominance. Jessie slowly allowed his hands to cup Helga's rear. She slid a hand to his neck and they continued their deep kiss.

Jessie slid his thumbs through the rim of her shorts and began tugging them down.

Helga stopped the kiss and pulled away. "Not yet" she said and the two began kissing once again. Jessie slid his hands from her butt to the back of her thighs and allowed his fingers to move her pants and underwear out of the way as he rubbed her tender area.

Helga shot up immediately and adjusted her bottoms.

"What the hell are you doing Jess?!" Helga shouted sitting up. Jessie sat up as well and turned the light on.

"What does it look like I'm doing?! I'm trying to be intimate with my girlfriend!" Jessie shouted right back.

"Crimeny Jess, I'm not ready for that step yet. It's too soon." Helga said lowering her voice a little.

Jessie however did NOT lower his voice. In fact, her response infuriated him and sent him over the edge.

"Too soon? Too soon? Damn it Helga! We've been together for 3 years! 3 full years and excluding the times when we are dancing, you never let me even touch you." Jessie bellowed.

Helga seemed surprised by Jessie's initial outburst but was now growing angry herself.

"Well EXCUSE ME for not wanting to spread my legs for you in a more timely manner!" Helga spat.

Jessie was about to say things he knew he would regret so he tried to hold back his words.

Helga turned away and said, "You never seemed too interested in getting me into bed before. I don't know why NOW you're in such a hurry."

That was all it took. For the first time in the 7 years Helga knew Jessie, she saw him lose it.

"Are you stupid? Tell me, are you? Have you not seen yourself? You're the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen in my life and the way you move when we dance gets me so hard I'm afraid my boner will show through my tights. Of course I want to sleep with, I love you! Normal people want to have sex with the person they love!" Jessie screamed.

Helga stood up from the bed and shouted back at her boyfriend. "Not everybody wants to have sex."

Jessie gave a loud scoff. "Ha! Everyone wants to have sex Helga. If you love someone you want to share that with them. But that's the problem Helga. You don't love me. That's why you never say it back. You love Arnold! Admit it! He makes your girlhood tremble remember? How old were you? 9 when you thought about those things?"

Helga's mouth was wide open. She didn't understand where all of this was coming from. How did Jessie know all of this? Why was he bringing it up?

"Did I bust you on your lie? Are you surprised I know so much? Well I do. I know you still love him and I know you'll never love me no matter how hard I try or how much I love you. I'll never be enough for you Helga!"

Helga was shaking her head and trying to process everything that Jessie was saying.

"I'm not blind Helga. I see the way you look at him. You slept with him on the beach last night. Not me, HIM! And boy, that guy sure likes rubbing it in my face. The way he's all over you and trying to steal you away from me like I never stood a chance. I just want to punch his face in."

Helga finally snapped out of her daze. "Jessie what is wrong with you? You're out of your mind. Arnold doesn't like me like that" she said calmly.

Jessie started to laugh. "Oh my god! THAT'S the only part you want to correct? That's the part you want to tell me I'm wrong about? HA! Well, I'm not wrong. He wants you. You want him. Go, get out! Go be with your cornflower haired, football headed love God. See if I care!"

Jessie stomped into the bathroom and locked the door. Helga stood confused and shaken. She grabbed her phone and called for one of the hotel cabs.

She got in and only one destination came to mind.

"Sunset Arms please."

That's exactly what I needed; someone to talk to and help me put things into perspective. Arnold thought as he rounded the corner to his street. He noticed a mysterious figure seated on his stoop but he couldn't make out who it was in the darkness.

Arnold parked the Packard in front of the boarding house. He took the key out of the ignition and unbuckled his seatbelt; cautiously exiting the vehicle while watching the figure. The figure stood as it watched Arnold. It seemed more surprised at seeing him than the other way around. The shrouded figure waited for Arnold to come closer.

The two stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Arnold's body was tense and he was prepared for a fight if needed. He desperately wished their streetlamp hadn't gone out last week. Finally the figure spoke.

"Crimeny Football head, are you going to invite me in or what?"

Arnold's entire body froze. He was filled with a tingly warmth at the sound of her voice and he leapt toward the door.

"Stand back" he said as he opened the door. A slew of animals came rushing into the house and Arnold stepped inside motioning for his guest to follow.

Some things never change thought the figure as she entered the house, some things never change

Arnold led Helga up to his room. It was late and he didn't want to wake the other boarders by talking in the living room. Arnold was also pretty sure that whatever she wanted to say, she most likely wanted to say it in private.

Once they were inside Arnold hopped onto the bed with his legs crossed. His phone fell out of his back pocket and over the side of the bed, against the wall.

Don't sit on the bed you idiot! What if she thinks you have the wrong idea!

Arnold jumped off the bed and walked toward his wall couch. He sat down and Helga followed silently.

They didn't speak for a while. Arnold was getting incredibly nervous. What if Jessie told her about our war? What if she laughed and came over here to set me straight? What if she hates me?

Arnold's mind was racing and his head was beginning to hurt. He turned to look at Helga for some sign as to what was going on. What happened next paralyzed the blonde boy in his tracks.

Helga's face was dripping with tears.

"Arnold! I don't know what happened!" Helga cried. Arnold stared at Helga dumbfounded and unsure of what to say or do.

"Jessie's never acted like that before." Helga said shaking her head. "He yelled at me and was going on about things that don't even make sense."

Arnold suddenly realized that he was not dreaming. The girl of his dreams was suffering and he wanted more than anything for her to be happy. Arnold reached out and pulled Helga into a tight embrace. He began petting her hair lightly as she cried.

"Shuuuu, shuuu, it's going to be okay Helga. It's okay. Tell me what happened." Arnold cooed gently.

Helga rubbed her face on the front of Arnold's shirt and held his back firmly. "I don't know. We were fine one second and then I barely teased him. Before I knew it he was going on about all kinds of things. I don't even know where all this came from." She sniffled through slight gasps for air.

Arnold held her closer and he laid his head on hers. "What kind of things was he freaking out about?" Arnold asked with genuine concern. It was true that he was in a war for the heart of the girl he loved, but Arnold was still Arnold, and he was worried that something was wrong with Jessie.

"He said I was stupid if I didn't know how gorgeous I was-"

He's right about that

"Then he was acting like a jerk and saying I didn't love him if I didn't sleep with him-"

That bastard! I'll kill him Arnold thought as he shook his head in anger.

"I know right!" Helga said, more to herself than to Arnold's obvious agreement.

"Then he went nuclear and started ranting about how you are some sneaky creep who's trying to steal me out from under him." Helga snorted and Arnold's entire body froze.

"Like YOU would ever be interested in ME!" Helga scoffed.

Arnold's body was tense and Helga, who had been wrapped in his embrace, immediately noticed. "Arnold? Hey Arnold, are you okay?" Helga asked worriedly. She pulled away from him and sat up properly.

Tell her! Tell her right now! Here's your chance, just go for it!

"Ummm… Yeah. Ha ha, the guy is crazy." Arnold said. His entire being was washed in disappointment and he waited for Helga to continue.

"Thank you! That's what I said! Then he just got even angrier." Helga said in frustration.

Helga got up and threw herself on Arnold's bed. Arnold missed her sweet sent as she left his side.

The room grew quiet again as the two merely allowed their thoughts to process.

…

…

…

~Jessie is a friend~

Helga's ears perked up and she waited for a moment.

~Yea I know he's been a good friend of mine~

"Hey Arnold, where's that music coming from?" Helga asked, grabbing the attention of the boy sitting a few feet away. Arnold didn't know what she meant so he walked over and began listening intently.

~But lately something's changed, it ain't hard to define. Jessie's got himself a girl and I wanna make her mine~

Helga's mouth fell open and Arnold's eyes grew wide. "Excuse me" He cried as he leapt onto the bed and threw the pillows onto the floor frantically.

~And she's watching him with those eyes~

Arnold tried to reach the phone but he couldn't see it or touch it. "Get up!" He basically shouted, startling the girl seated on the bed.

~And she's lovin him with that body, I just know it~

Helga got up and Arnold moved the mattress away from the wall. The music only getting louder as Arnold moved things out of the way.

~And he's holding her in his arms, late late at night~

He finally saw his phone and he reached for it as fast as he could. He was trying to answer it before…

~YOU KNOW I WISH THAT I HAD JESSIE'S GIRL! ~

~I WISH I HAD JESSIE'S GIRL~

Arnold answered the phone and put it to his ear, never turning to look at Helga.

"Umm hello?"

"Umm, I'm sure she's fine."

"Don't worry, she knows Hillwood like the back of her hand. I'm sure she probably just went to Phoebe's or something."

"I'll help look."

"I'll call you if I find out anything."

Arnold put his phone down and slowly turned around. Helga was staring at him with an unreadable expression. He began rubbing the nape of his neck nervously.

"Ummm… That was Jessie. He's looking for you. I wasn't sure if you wanted him to know where you were so ummm… yeah." Arnold said looking away shyly.

Helga began shaking her head and then a moment later she was gone. She took off out the door, down the stairs, and onto the street.

By the time Arnold realized she had vanished and made it outside, Helga was long gone and he had no idea which way she went or where she would go. He wanted her to be safe and he secretly hoped he hadn't just sent Helga back into Jessie's arms.

"Arnold Lied!"

"He LIED to me!"

"I can't believe that Arnold lied to me!"

"He lied to my face!"

"He lied to Jessie!"

"Oh my gosh, Jessie!"

"He was right, he was right all along and I didn't believe him! I must be the worst girlfriend ever!"

Helga stopped running and slowed down to a fast paced walk. "If I'm even still his girlfriend that is."

Helga had been running at top speed and she didn't really have a specific destination in mind, so she wasn't exactly sure where she was. It was extremely late at this point; or early if you were just waking up. Helga looked around and realized she was standing in front of PS 118. She walked over to the locked gate and climbed the fence. Once she was inside of the building, she roamed the halls until she found herself in the auditorium.

She took a seat in the front row and pulled out her phone. She needed someone to talk to. But who?

Phoebe? No she's with Gerald right now. Helga thought as she shook her head.

Her eyes widened and she checked her pockets, she still had her calling card in the light jacket she brought with her.

I'll call Olga. No… She's probably got her own thoughts to straighten out right now. Helga smiled slightly to herself. I remember the day Olga first told me how hard it was to be so perfect all the time. I was so mad at her. Then she told me how jealous she was that I did what I wanted and never worried about pleasing anyone. It was a strange compliment but I understood what she meant and I think that's a big part of why I started opening up to her.

I can't believe she slept with Little Miss Perfect! The girl has guts, I'll give her that. It was pretty messed up of Olga to dump Lila like that but, Lev is a good guy. He's funny and sarcastic, he makes good money and he treats her right.

I guess I've grown attached to the dork. It would really suck if Olga hurt him.

Suddenly Helga started tapping on her phone. She went through a rather annoying process but the phone only rang about twice before it was answered by a familiar voice.

Russian:

"Hello"

"Surprise"

"Helga is that you?"

"Yea, it's me Nina. How are you doing?"

"I'm great. Tomorrow is my 6 year anniversary with Sasha so I'm really excited. He said it would be a special night. A night to remember." Nina said obviously swooning at her own words.

"Wow, 6 years already huh? Aren't you tired of him by now?" Helga said before chuckling.

"Very funny. You know Jessie and you will be 5 years next summer. You're not too far behind." Nina shot back playfully.

Helga remained quiet. Nina was going to ask if everything was okay until she remembered something.

"By the way Helga, it's funny that you called me. I was going to call you later to tell you… CONGRADULATIONS!"

"Ummm… for what?" Helga asked. She wasn't sure what Nina was talking about.

"You got the lead in the Companies rendition of CARMEN. Duh!" Nina said with a hint of annoyance.

Helga's heart stopped, and then it began beating so fast she felt as though it would pound right through her ribs and out of her body.

"I got the part?" Helga asked in disbelief

"You didn't know?" Nina asked rather surprised.

Helga shook her head even though Nina couldn't see her. "NO WAY! I GOT THE PART!" Helga shouted. She was over joyed and completely forgot about the reason she had called Nina in the first place.

"I know you're having fun but you should come home right away. Rehearsals start in two weeks and I want to see you before you get super busy."

"I'll be on the next flight out!" Helga said happily

"Good. I'm looking forward to seeing you. Jessie got the male lead and Sasha told him not to long ago. He said he was heading to the airport. Call him and see if he bought you a ticket too. I have to go. Bye!

Nina hung up the phone and Helga's mood fell. She had forgotten about Jessie. He stopped looking for her and just took off back to Russia. It couldn't have been more than two hours since he called Arnold and she had started running. How could he claim to love her and just give up looking for her when he had no idea where she could be?

Helga stood up and walked toward the stage. "Carmen… fitting I guess." Helga said to the empty stage. She climbed onto the stage and slowly walked around, allowing the memories to flow through her. "Romeo and Juliet, pfft. Arnold and Helga, now THAT was a tragedy. They could have made a play about my life living in Hillwood, maybe called it something like 'The Pataki's', THAT would have been a tragedy too." Helga said as she reminisced.

Helga sat on the stage and thought to herself. She couldn't get that ringtone out of her mind. She wasn't sure if it really meant something or not but the way Arnold was acting led her to believe it did. She wasn't sure why she ran away. She had loved Arnold all of her life but had thought she would never see him again and even if she did, she was sure he would never return her feelings.

He never wrote to her or called her. He never visited or asked what she was up to. He forgot about her.

How can I forgive that? How can I overlook it? Why do I want to? Do I still love him?

Then there is Jessie.

The guy started out as a jerk, but Nina was right; once you got to know him he was pretty amazing. Handsome, hilarious, adventurous, competitive, an amazing dancer, and best of all he loved her. He wanted her and waited for her for years. He treated her well and made her happy for years.

But do I love him?

When Helga returned to the hotel Jessie and his belongings were gone. Helga began packing her bags and found a note tapped to her green backpack.

Hey Helga,

Congratulations! You got the part of Carmen. You are officially in a Company show. I'm proud of you. There are a few things I want to say so here goes.

I'm sorry for trying to push you into having sex. I love you. You've never said it and with Arnold hanging all over you I was desperate for at least some sign that I had nothing to worry about. It was wrong and I apologize.

Many years ago on the night we started dating; I read many of your little pink poetry books. Again, I know it was wrong. I was 14 and curious. In my defense, I didn't know what they were until I had already started reading. They all mentioned Arnold. When I realized he wanted you, I was scared that your feelings for him might have resurfaced.

Now I'm done apologizing. I left Hillwood and am on my way back to Russia. I doubt you care, but I also received the lead male role in Carmen. I was worried when I realized you were gone. It was late and I hated myself for upsetting you. I went out searching for you and was so desperate that I even called Arnold for help. I'm sure you're aware of this because he forgot to hang up the phone and I heard him speaking to you.

I'm sure you two had an amazing night together, not to mention all the laughs you both must have had at my expense. I hate you for being with him, I hate you for making love to him instead of me and I hate myself because I still love you. Damn it Helga! How do you do this to me? How can I accept this betrayal? How can I love you this much?

If you decide to come back to Russia, I'll be waiting.

-Jessie

Helga wasn't sure what to do. She needed to talk to Jessie and she needed to talk to Arnold.

The problem was, she still didn't know what to say.

She still didn't know who to choose.

Authors note: Be honest, you thought I made Arnold and Gloria do the naughty! I bet you thought I made Arnold kiss her too! Hahahaha! Arnold wouldn't do those things. (At least not in this fic… yet)

FYI: I always planned for Helga to be sad and turn up at Arnold's house. This was planned long ago.

I know this chapter was short. I was going to make it longer but I thought this would be a good place to end it. Tell me what you guys think will happen next, I'm interested and excited to read your thoughts.

As always please review and comment.