Hey, guys!

Back with another update and I have to say I'm very excited with how this story is coming along and I sincerely hope you guys are still enjoying it. This chapter won't be as long as the last one, given that it was the longest chapter I've ever written in any story, but let's just say it's a nice little set up for something MUCH bigger.

Now then, onto reviews.

Call Me Nettie- That was really fun for me to write. Helga's gradual change is one of the highlights for this story.

Kryten- Thanks! I loved describing the game but it took a hell of a long time haha.

starfiction123- Hey, that's awesome! Thank you for the shout out. What story is it? I want to check it out.

The Rhombus- This story has (and will have) many twists and turns to it. I think for anything 'OOC' to work there has to be a very serious reason or motivation behind it, and Helga certainly doesn't lack either. I set up that moment in the story to further build their relationship and work beyond the 'frenemy' stage they've been in pretty much their whole lives. As you'll see, Arnold's own feelings are beginning to awaken. But will things work out harmoniously in the end? It remains to be seen.

Quis Custodiet- Thank you for your review. I'm always trying to improve as a writer but I'm also happy you've enjoyed many aspects of this story. I always try to write my stories with passion and heart, because readers will notice that and want to keep following the plot. Hey Arnold is the heart of nostalgia for me, and I can only hope this story measures up to so many good ones I've read thus far.

DeepVoice06- 'Dangerous Lumber' definitely served as an influence for the baseball game but with a few added alterations, Lightning Lenny being one of my own creation haha. Helga being the one to rescue Arnold, rather than being the other way around, is one of the themes of this entire story. Arnold can't be there for everyone if he can't even get a hold of himself. But the key here is that she's doing this because Arnold is the only thing she can truly believe in and rely on in her life. Without his kindness and positivity, there's almost nothing for her in Hillwood. It highlights just how selfless she is deep down- she's doing everything for Arnold even with the fear that he'll never love her back. As for where the two blondes will go from here, well you'll find out in this chapter:)

Human Dictionary- I'm glad you liked that line. It makes me happy to push these two together haha.

SakiKitty- Arnold and Gerald are overdue for a talk as you'll see in this chapter. I'll be sure to review your story as soon as I publish this!

AllegroGiocoso- Thank you, my friend for your review despite it not being a familiar series to you! I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far. Actually, the relationship between Arnold and Helga does have similarities with Cera and Littlefoot, except that there's canon romance in Hey Arnold haha. Only so much you can get away with in a little kids series (LBT). I hope you continue to enjoy as you keep reading:)

Laylion4869- Thank you:) that's such a high compliment and it means a lot.

Seriously guys, your reviews and encouragement are amazing and it makes me want to write that much more. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter!

Chapter 10. Unexpected Announcement

The Following Afternoon

Victory was sweet, and an ice cream on beautiful spring day was that much sweeter. Even the Jolly Olly man's usual psychotic ribbing couldn't spoil the atmosphere for Arnold and Gerald.

"Yeah…here ya go ya little squirts…one choco crunch and a strawberry popsicle…"

They took their frozen treats as Arnold handed the man 5 dollars to cover the cost.

"Heard ya did pretty well in that baseball game, yesterday," the Jolly Olly man grumbled in his usual manner. "Hit the walk off against Lightning Lenny, eh?"

"Damn right," Gerald said proudly. "Only person to ever hit the fastball."

"You were probably crowding the plate, kid. You wouldn't have gotten away with it if I had been umpiring let me tell you that."

Gerald frowned.

"You were terrible. You called a strike on Arnold after a pitch nearly hit his head."

"I just calls it like I sees it…now take your ice cream and SCRAM!"

The Jolly Olly man shut his stand, started the van, and drove away, laughing maniacally as he did so, leaving the two boys utterly nonplussed.

"I swear they're gonna find a body in that guy's freezer someday."

Arnold laughed at the joke.

"Helga said something similar awhile back," he observed with a chuckle.

It was then Gerald's tone abruptly changed as his face became slightly lined.

"Speaking of which, I never got to talk to her the other day. We got so caught up in celebrating, it slipped my mind."

"What do you mean?" Arnold asked, raising an eyebrow. "Talk about what?"

Gerald looked away uncomfortably for a brief moment, but eventually came clean. He wouldn't hide anything from his best bud.

"Well…you. When you didn't show up to school or practice before the game, we got worried. Plus, we needed your bat against Lightning Lenny. I offered to check up on you, but Helga insisted that she go instead. When she came back and told everyone you weren't coming, I wanted to know what happened."

Arnold took another bite of his ice cream as they continued to walk down the city block.

"No need to worry, Gerald. I showed up, hit the game winner, and everything turned out fine."

"Man, I know that's not the whole story. Something was going on with you yesterday and once again Helga knows about it but I don't."

"We talked about this already. You don't need to be suspicious of Helga."

"This isn't even about that," Gerald said, the frustration increasing in his voice. "If Helga told you something in confidence…fine, I can deal with that. But you're my best friend. If something's bothering you I want to know about it so I can help. Don't shut me out."

Arnold paused and came to the quick conclusion that he was right. He hadn't been as forthcoming with Gerald as often lately and that was on him. He didn't want to broadcast his problems to the world, but of there was one person he could share them with, it was his best friend. He owed him that much.

"You're right. I'm sorry that I haven't been as open with you. The truth is, I'm still having a hard time. When I didn't show up to school yesterday, it was because I had had a nightmare the night before…"

Gerald could guess what that nightmare had been about, but he let Arnold continue.

"I dreamed that I was walking down the halls of P.S. 118 which were completely empty. I was frantically searching for something but I felt cold and alone, as if I had no one in the world. Then I found my parents waiting for me at the bottom of the steps. I…" he swallowed, trying to dispel the lump in his throat. "I ran to embrace them, but just before I could, they disappeared into thin air. At that point, I woke up."

The black boy stopped eating his popsicle and realized the significance of what Arnold had just told him. Despite being even keeled on the surface, he knew there was also a great deal of turmoil in his best friend when it came to his parents. After all, it was the whole reason he didn't wear his hat anymore. It was the reason for a lot of things.

"I'm sorry, buddy. That's terrible."

"It was," the blond boy replied quietly. "I managed to convince my grandparents to let me stay home for the day by pretending to be sick. I didn't want to do anything but just stay in my bed all day long."

"But you showed up at the last minute," said Gerald. "What changed your mind?"

"That's where Helga comes into this. She came to the boarding house to check on me. I told her about the nightmare and she was sympathetic. But then after I said I was never going to get over the loss of my parents, she changed her tune completely."

Gerald stopped briefly, nearly tripping on curb as he did so.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean she really gave me what for," Arnold said, thinking back on how the blonde girl had not pulled any punches. "But it wasn't the kind of bullying she used to do in the past. Just pure honesty. Helga told me that I needed to face the world, not hide from it. She reminded me that I had never backed down from a problem and that I needed to do this for my own sake instead of someone else's. And what's more, she did it of her own volition- because she wanted to see me back on my feet."

He took the last bite of his ice cream and tossed the wrapper in a nearby trash can.

"She's the entire reason I came down for that last at bat. Took me a couple of hours to realize it, but she was right. I can't let the pain and grief keep me down. I never thought I'd say this, but I owe Helga a lot."

Gerald took this all in, unsure of what to make of it. He was relieved that Arnold had managed to avoid falling back into the rabbit hole of despair, but the wild card in all of this was Helga Pataki. Though less suspicious of her motives, he couldn't help but wonder when she became such a positive force in his best friend's life.

"I believe that's the second time recently she's gone out of her way to help you."

"You still sound like you don't believe it."

"Part of me doesn't, I suppose," Gerald admitted, and they resumed walking back towards Sunset Arms. "You don't forget years of pranks, bad nicknames, and abuse. Helga always bullied people, but you always seemed to spark her wrath in particular."

"I know," Arnold said diplomatically. "Believe me, I remember what she was, and I didn't like it any more than you did. But there's more to her, Gerald. More than either of us gave her credit for and now I feel like I'm seeing her for who she truly is for the first time."

That last sentence cast a minor pall on the black boy's mood. But it wasn't merely his best friend's words that gave him pause, it was the way his eyes lighted up when mentioning Helga…it was a familiar look, one that Arnold had usually reserved for past girls he had like-liked. Ruth and Lila were one thing, but Helga? That was definitely new. He made a mental note of it, resolving to keep his reservations silent for now. He liked seeing his best friend in high spirits, and he wouldn't be the one to ruin that, especially given the tumultuous times he had gone through. He had also made a promise not to press Arnold about the subject of the blonde girl. However, that didn't mean he wouldn't keep an eye on things moving forward.

"Well alright, man. The most important thing is that your up and about and hanging out with us again," he said, drawing an arm around his best bud. "Stinky and Sid were thinking about catching some frogs next Monday. You in?"

"I'm down," Arnold replied with a grin. "I have to help my Grandpa fix the drywall for about an hour after school, but afterwards I'm free."

Their plan seemingly set, the two boys proceeded to make their way back to the boarding house, cracking jokes and laughing along the way. It would be nice to have a day where they could just be kids, without the threat of outside drama that might interrupt them, as soon such instances would be few and far in between.

Still, it had been a crazy enough month as it was, and Arnold couldn't help but wonder what might yet be in store.

Anything was possible in Hillwood.

Monday's were typically an ordinary, non-eventful part of the week. The day after a weekend was never enjoyable- no one liked going back to school after a quiet Sunday, to be reminded of homework, drama, and bothersome teachers. More so, it was a day of monotony. The clock seemed to tick extra slow, at least to Helga Pataki. But she had more reasons than that to dread Monday's, particularly this one.

Sitting at her desk, a few minutes before the start of their first class, she quickly surveyed her surroundings before pulling out her most prized possession from her bra.

The locket that had served as the center of her love for Arnold took on a different meaning as of late. The picture, one she had secretly taken of him long ago, served as a reminder of how much he meant to her. Yet, the possibility of ever speaking her true feelings had always been a tantalizing dream; a fantasy saved for her rituals and her nighttime dreams, a finite fantasy ripped from her every morning by the cruelness of reality. There was no way to achieve that fantasy because a part of her psyche, the one that told her to be mean and nasty, would not allow it. That was the way it had been for years.

Until recently that is. Ever since Helga had decided to sit and talk with Arnold on his stoop the anniversary of the day his parents left, their relationship had noticeably taken a different course. The days of being content to throw spitballs and call him names were few and far in between, and the fantasy of being with the boy she had loved since she was three was closer than ever before. So why did it also seem so far? Why then, was she scared to even look at Arnold at this point?

She supposed it was a combination of various anxieties swirling around inside her. Old leopards didn't change their spots. It was not as if her unpleasant nature had disappeared entirely, and it remained to be seen whether her change could last. It was all a little too good to be true. Anything could set her off at any time, a snide comment from Rhonda or an obnoxious taunt from Harold was all it took to get her blood boiling. Then there was the factor of Arnold himself. Yes, they had been getting along, throwing stinkbombs, winning baseball games, and otherwise interacting like normal human beings but was there enough indication than he felt the same way about her as she had for years with him? Hiding her love, as sad an outcome as that would be, was not quite as frightening as the thought of outright rejection.

Helga gave a tiny, loving sigh, one only audible to herself. She touched the locket with her finger, wishing she could run her hands through his soft, fluffy, yellow hair while embracing him with a tender kiss. It was enough to make her body shudder in ecstasy.

The daydream did not last long as she stuffed the locket back into her shirt, but not before giving a quick glance to the seat in front of her, one that was occupied by her beloved. He was currently chatting with Gerald, laughing at a joke the black boy had just told.

Perhaps the factor that gave most cause for her fear was the fact that she still had not spoken to Arnold since last Thursday when she had gone up to his room to try to convince him to leave his bedroom and rejoin the living. She supposed her words might have had something to do with him coming to save the day, but she didn't want to take any praise for it. After all, he could have just wanted some fresh air...

Come on, Helga, give yourself more credit than that. Would he really have showed up if you hadn't told him to get up off his ass? She chided herself slightly.

Regardless, her actions, along with her post-victory hug had put in her in unfamiliar territory. Helga couldn't help but feel she had showed part of her hand and Arnold's potential reaction was causing her stomach to do backflips. What would he say? What would she do if he wanted to talk or interact with him? Was there any point in pretending to be the slightest bit mean or standoffish? How did one behave when old defenses were no longer feasible but had no idea if feelings would be reciprocated?

We had a moment after we broke away from each other. He was looking at me…in a way I've never seen before. Right? I mean, was I just imagining it?

Her thoughts were interrupted as the bell signaled the start of the school day, but not before Arnold turned around and gave her a smile.

Oh no! It's that ridiculously cute and adorable look he has when he's happy about something. Stay cool!

Helga tried to respond normally. A friendly "Hello" or "What's up" would suffice.

"Something you want, football head?"

Ack! I guess old habits die hard

For some reason, Arnold seemed unsure of what to say, averting his eyes as he struggled to put a sentence together.

"Well…uh- it's about last week. See…what I'm trying to say-"

Helga chided herself as she couldn't keep the blush out of her cheeks, something that was becoming more common around him now. She also noticed Arnold had a rosy tint around his face as well.

What's wrong with me? I never used to get all this gushy around him and now I go red like a little girl if he so much as glances my way?

"Make it quick, hair boy! The bell just rung!"

But what Arnold meant to say she never knew, for Mr. Frank's reedy, cutting voice ended all potential for conversation.

"Alright, settle down," he said in his usual flat tone. "I hope you remembered to complete your assignment on the Iroquois as well as studied for our quiz on the periodic table. But before we get to either one of those, I'd like you to open briefly to page two hundred and five of your math books."

The students complied, and the Monday had started in a typical fashion. However, they had barely even browsed their textbooks, when Principal Wartz's voice echoed over the intercom.

"Attention, boys and girls, faculty and staff. This is Principal Wartz speaking with an important announcement."

Helga frowned. Nothing this pompous windbag had to say remotely interested her. Or anyone else for that matter.

"As some of you will remember, we had an 'April Fools Day' Dance the previous year. Though successful, this caused a number of unfortunate pranking incidents among the student body which were in direct violation of school policy."

The blonde girl practically buried her head in her arms on the desk. The incident on April Fools Day was the last thing she wanted to be reminded of, especially given the circumstances.

"To avoid a repeat performance of such violations, I've decided to alter the details of this year's event. It shall be simply the 'Spring Formal' and only 5th and 6th graders will be eligible to attend. Bringing a date is acceptable, and the formal will take place this Friday evening after school at 7 pm. Suitable attire must be worn. More details will be given by your teachers throughout the week. That is all."

With a small click, the message ended, leaving a silent classroom, the hormones in the atmosphere suddenly becoming much more apparent to everyone in it.

Helga groaned as Mr. Frank tried (in vain) to dissipate the tension with their math lesson. She had never been so grateful to hide her face in a textbook.

Phoebe Heyerdahl had never felt so excited in her life over a school dance. Not to say they had been bad in the past, Dino Spumoni had been an excellent choice in fourth grade, and the fifth grade April Fools Dance had been an incredibly amusing experience. But there was one thing that would set this latest extravaganza apart, she would finally be able to go with Gerald as a couple. The thought filled the young preteen with such happiness, she could hardly focus on her studies, which showed just how animated she was for the coming Friday. By the time the bell rang that afternoon, she was practically racing down the hallway to find Helga. This unexpected event definitely required a girl talk.

Normally, she would have walked home with her boyfriend, but Gerald was catching frogs down by the pond with Stinky, Sid, and Arnold. Such an activity was not her forte, but she also had a hunch this talk would be somewhat uncomfortable for her best friend to have. The more privacy they had, the better.

"Helga!" Phoebe called out to her friend, racing down the steps of P.S. 118 to catch up to her. The blonde had left rather abruptly after school and had much longer legs.

"Oh, hey, Pheebs," Helga greeted normally, but with an air of anxiety that Phoebe failed to catch initially. "You seem rather excited."

"How could I not be?" said the half-Japanese girl, failing to suppress a giggle. "We have another dance this year. Only this time we get to bring a date!"

"Yeah that's great, Pheebs. Whoop dee doo."

"I don't normally look forward to social events such as these, but since Gerald and I have begun our relationship I've always wanted to attend a school function together. I'm going to ask mother for a new dress and-"

She stopped and saw that Helga had a rather glum expression across her face and probably wasn't the least bit interested in upcoming event.

"I take it you do not share my enthusiasm."

"What gave you your first clue?"

In years past, Phoebe would have felt too timid to push the issue further simply to avoid Helga's temper. But she was older and little wiser to Helga's methods of deflection and this was a classic case.

"Forgive me, Helga, but I would figure you of all people would be looking forward to this."

The blonde girl glanced at her but continued to walk nonetheless. She didn't like it when Phoebe became inquisitive like this. Though she was usually spared from aggressive outbursts, there were other ways to get her to drop it.

"Really," Helga said a bored voice. "And what makes you say that?"

"Well as I mentioned before, we're allowed to bring a date. Is there really no one you would want to bring?"

There was no mistaking the blush that entered Helga's cheeks, and Phoebe knew exactly what it stemmed from.

"It's not a matter of 'want' Phoebe. It's a matter of reality. Even if I did give enough a crap about an awkward preteen dance, there's no one that would ask me anyway. These things are usually a bunch of hooey."

Phoebe debated in her head whether to ask her next question but decided in favor of it. The key with Helga was to gently push and prod until she reluctantly revealed whatever she was hung up on. Hopefully, this would have the same effect.

"Well…what about Arnold?"

Helga's eyes practically bulged out of their sockets as she turned around rapidly, placing her hand on her best friend's mouth.

"Mmmmmmpf?"

"Are you crazy?! Don't say his name out loud! Whatever happened to 'ice cream'?!"

Phoebe removed Helga's hand from her face, slightly apologetic.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be careless with mentioning 'ice cream'. But it's an important question and one that has validity."

The blonde girl resumed walking, this time at a much quicker pace, causing her friend to break into a light jog to keep up.

"Helga, please…"

"Eh, I just remembered that Bob needs some help moving back some of the furniture-"

Phoebe bolted into a full sprint, running around and stopping her best friend in her tracks.

"Helga, I'm not usually one to pry but it has not escaped my attention you and Arnold have grown much closer recently and have spent more individual time together."

Helga's bit her bottom lip slightly, her frustration boiling to the surface.

"And if I am? What's the big deal?!"

"Is this not what you've wanted for so many years?"

"First of all, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I've wanted for years. Second, everything you've noticed is just a combination of coincidence and luck. It's not as if there's actually something there."

"I don't agree with that," Phoebe said crossing her arms. "I've seen the way he looks at you. How he reacts to the kindness you've bestowed him and vice versa. And what about the baseball game? You were the first one to rush out and embrace him after the victory and not once did he attempt to pull away."

Helga's unibrow shifted from anger to something a bit more neutral.

"He almost single handedly helped you get your home back," Phoebe continued when there was no response. "You must know that Arnold cares about you."

"He cares about everyone!" Helga cried. "Because that's who he is. He's a friend, a mentor, a sage, and a sap all rolled into one! The single reason that this neighborhood even functions half the time. I'm not special to him."

"Has he restored a home for anyone else? More significantly, did anyone else rescue him from the edge of his own inner demons? I don't know what you would call those, but coincidences? Certainly not."

Again, Helga was at a loss for words and elected not to say anything as they continued down the sidewalk towards her house.

This time, Phoebe did not press the matter as she felt she had made her case well enough. What Helga did was entirely up to her and would be there for her in laughter or tears as she always had been. People had always assumed the worst in her best friend and that had always been a point of contention with many people in their class (her boyfriend being a prime example) but the half-Japanese girl knew better. Deep down, Helga carried a heart of gold and too few people believed that about her person.

Well, perhaps, one person is finally catching on, she thought hopefully.

They strolled casually the rest of the way, mincing small talk, both careful not to trigger an argument with one another, at least until they reached the top step leading to the door of the house.

Helga heaved a big sigh before they entered, knowing Phoebe had her best interests at heart. How many had times had she taken her abuse over the years and stuck by her all the same? She had never "bullied" her the same way as Arnold or any of their other classmates, but often times she had taken their relationship for granted, treating her more like an orderly than a best friend. Phoebe was collateral damage every time her anger and insecurity caused her to lash out against others. She deserved far better, and Helga mentally kicked herself for not realizing it sooner.

"Hey…Pheebs, I'm sorry for uh getting defensive back there. I just-"

"No apology necessary, Helga," said Phoebe, wearing a bright smile. "You don't have to explain yourself, I know how hard this is for you. I only hope that you achieve the goal you've dreamed about for so long."

Her mood lightened considerably, the blonde girl gave her best friend a rare hug (not something she did regularly) which she knew would make her extraordinarily happy.

They were about to enter the door to their new, or repurchased, home when Helga paused as she touched her hand to the knob.

"Er, one more thing. Please don't mention to this dance around Olga. She's leaving the day after the dance and the less she knows about it, the better. I want to get through this week without her fawning over me and getting emotional over her 'baby sister' going to a school dance."

"Lips sealed."

However, Helga had no sooner opened the door and stepped inside the hallway when a rush of arms and blonde hair scooped her up into a tight hug.

"OH, BABY SISTER!"

Helga was being squeezed so tight she could barely breathe, leaving Phoebe utterly perplexed at the scene.

"Ack! What do you want, Olga?!"

"Your dance this Friday," her older sister said in her usual overly sweet tone of voice. "I'm so ecstatic for you Helga!"

"But-"

"Oh, you're probably wondering how we found out," came the voice of her mother, who entered the room, a school newsletter in her hand. She looked noticeably more upbeat, clean, and was not slurring her words. "Your principal sent these out in the mail. Oh, honey this is wonderful!"

"Yeah I'm having the time of my life right now not being able to suck in oxygen," Helga gasped, inducing her older sister to stop breaking her in half.

"Now, we'll have to make proper preparations," Olga continued as she let go of her sister and placed her hands on her sister's shoulders. "First order of business is your dress. I could lend you one of mine what I was your age but I'm not sure if we still have them. It must be the right color with matching shoes. Ohhh! I must show you how to do your makeup! I know you're only twelve, but that's around the time I started, and it never hurts to learn a little early…"

Helga simply gave a pleading look to Phoebe as if to say 'help me' but to no avail, as she was led away by the grip of her stronger older sister into the living room to endure more of what she had tried to avoid from occurring in the first place.

Meanwhile, the half Japanese girl couldn't help but giggle. Helga may have held little enthusiasm for Olga's overbearing ways, but she knew she loved her sister all the same. Above all else, dance or no dance, it was good to see the Pataki household back on its feet.

Cliche as it may be, it looks like there will be a school dance for our favorite kids of P.S. 118. What could possibly go wrong? ;)

I do like throwing curveballs and I've gotten better at it as I've written more fics on this site. So gear up for what happens next, you won't be disappointed!

~The Wasp