Day Twenty-Eight: The Moment Everyone's Been Waiting For

Day Twenty-Eight: If you could redo one moment in your life, which one would you choose and what would you do differently?

Short Man Post # 28, Prompt: Redo Saturday 11:30 a.m.

Recently, there's a lot of stuff I'd like to redo.

I'd tell her how I really felt.

I'd apologize for getting her upset.

I wouldn't let her walk away.

I'd be taking her to prom tonight.

Arnold hated this blog project and his honesty. He just wished he could lie for once on this thing and keep his life simple. He deleted the post and went out towards Gerald's house. He needed time away from him own thoughts.

H-A!-H-A!

"She's still not talking to you?"

Arnold nodded, keeping his eyes focused on the floor, not the fact that Helga was obviously flirting with a senior guy just a few feet away. Brainy offered a sympathetic smile.

The crew of usual suspects: Gerald, Arnold, Brainy, Phoebe and Helga, decided to spend the afternoon at the mall instead of waiting around until it was time to get ready for prom. Helga had been asked by a few random junior and senior boys, but she turned them all down. She still didn't want to go to prom. The only way she would've gone would've been on Arnold's arm, and they still weren't speaking to each other.

"Hey man," Gerald called. Arnold flashed Brainy a 'keep quiet' sign before turning to his best friend.

"Hey, you excited for tonight?"

"Not as excited as the girls," Gerald smirked at Phoebe before turning back to Arnold. "You finally getting sleep?"

"Yeah," Arnold lied. "I slept like a baby last night."

"Great, now you'll be ready to dance the night away!"

"I don't dance."

"That's not true. You know how to tango. You so can dance!"

Arnold laughed before feeling his gaze wander to meet Helga's.

Gerald laughed too, "Ten bucks says there's something wrong with that guy."

"Aw, Gerald, that's mean," Phoebe tried to defend Helga.

"Well, there's something wrong with you too," Gerald pointed at Brainy. "There's nothing even remotely attractive about Helga G. Pataki."

Arnold shut his eyes and tried to steady his breathing. Slapping Gerald to get rid of his anger would not solve anything.

"She's nice, Gerald. You just don't know her like I do," Brainy shot back. "She's sweet and funny and beautiful and. . ."

"Dude, we get the point," Arnold tried to keep his voice level. Listening to Brainy talk about how wonderful Helga was wasn't helping him feel any better either.

"So, what? We're just going to wait until they're done making google eyes at each other?"

"Well, what else do we have to do?"

The four waited for a minute in silence until they saw Helga slap the guy across the face. She marched over to them, laughing. "So, we ready to go?" The guys joined in Helga's laughter.

"What happened?" Phoebe asked.

"It wasn't a big deal, nothing Ol' Betsy couldn't handle. Just another jerk."

"Not all guys are jerks," Brainy offered helpfully.

"This coming from one of their own," Helga dismissed his comment quickly, even though she knew that Brainy wasn't a jerk. Brainy was incredibly sweet.

And Arnold wasn't a jerk either, yet she remained mad at him. It almost seemed like they'd never get past the awkward moment and fight they had yesterday.

H-A!-H-A!

"I can't believe Rhonda talked me into this," Helga whispered to Phoebe.

"I'm glad someone did!" Phoebe replied laughing.

Mr. Simmons' fourth grade class/ Mrs. Jay's English class all stood outside the dance hall, dressed in elegant gowns and stunning tuxedos. Most of the group had dates, whether going as just friends or romantically, but Helga didn't want part of it. She couldn't believe the Princess herself had finally broken Helga down and convinced her to go to prom. Helga told herself that she'd only agreed because Rhonda had been bugging her nonstop and she just wanted to shut Rhonda up.

Helga wanted no part of the pictures or the corsages or anything. She just wanted to blend in with the background and get the night over with. She just had an awful feeling that this night wouldn't go as she'd always hoped.

Helga could hear the pounding techno music from the outside of the dance hall. She could already picture all of the seniors, who were probably drunk, grinding in the middle of the floor.

The fourteen juniors walked into prom laughing and enjoying each other's company, ignoring the fact that the room was slightly foggy and there was a band and a DJ. Why the school felt that the students needed both Helga would never know.

Eventually, Arnold found himself sitting alone at the table with Helga. She was avoiding direct eye contact with him. He couldn't stop staring at her. Arnold knew he was staring. It was painfully obvious, but he couldn't stop. He always thought that she was beautiful, but it just seemed to. . .intensify tonight. He couldn't really think straight when he looked at her.

Her blonde hair had been pulled back, curling the ends and the pieces that fell loose around her face. Her dress was light pink, which Arnold found slightly amusing. It was a strapless, floor length dress that followed the delicate curves of her body.

Helga knew his eyes were on her. She could feel them piercing her unamused expression and see that she was actually enjoying herself. She was alone at a table with Arnold. Perfect time for an apology, she thought when she turned her head back to look at him. He looked amazing in his black tux. He had stripped out of the jacket, revealing a long sleeved white shirt and dark green vest. Helga bit her lip, the vest matched his eyes. Apologize already! She leaned forwards, and the movement made Arnold smile and face her. She opened her mouth-

"Alright, I'm gonna slow it down for a minute. It's the first slow dance of the night," the singer smiled as he stepped onto the stage with an acoustic guitar. He began softly plucking the strings, singing a love song he'd written himself. The rest of the band stood offstage, laughing at their band mate's love song. Helga sat back in the chair, trying to fight the urge to slap the singer off the stage.

"Helga, do you want to dance?"

Helga half-smiled as Brainy held out his hand. "I promise you, I will control myself."

"You're so annoying," she laughed before taking his hand, forcing herself to not look back at the table. She hesitantly wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands slipped around her waist.

"Has anyone told you that you look gorgeous tonight?"

Helga shook her head no as she smiled, "Thanks."

He whispered, "I spy with my little eye someone looking this way with a jealous glare on his face."

Helga forced herself to not turn around. "You keep saying that, but I really. . .I don't know." And he's not speaking to me since I came onto him in my sleep. . .

Brainy knew everything, but he'd never tell Helga that. She'd probably punch him because it was embarrassing. So he'd have to try a different approach. He pretended to think for a second, "Didn't you say he was dense?"

"He's dense as hell," she laughed lightly. Brainy smiled, his new approach was working.

"He just needs someone to smack some sense into him."

"I don't even think he likes me, Brainy. I'll be happy continuing my love for him in secret as usual."

"I know I'm right. And I know you won't like your secret love, not after how close you two became. You guys are almost there. And I'm going to make this happen."

"Why?"

"As painful as it is for me, I know you and Arnold are meant for each other. It's fate, destiny and all that jazz. Just, trust me, okay? It will happen between you two."

"You're sweet, but it's not helping me feel any better about this." The song ended and Helga slowly stepped back, smiling. "I think I'm just gonna leave. Thanks for the dance."

"Helga, you can't-"

But she was gone.

Brainy ran off towards the table, the last place he had seen that football head.

Arnold's eyes followed Helga across the floor as she neared the door.

"Helga's leaving and you're not going to stop her?"

Arnold shook his head no, silent. He still hadn't managed to find anything to say to her since her awkward sleep walking thing. . .

Brainy paused, remembering his new approach to his matchmaking, "Wow. You are just as dense as she said."

"What?" Arnold asked.

"All I'm saying is that Helga's right. You're as dense as could be. I mean, you were dense in fourth grade, and I know things have become obvious over the years after her big confession and everything. And just like two seconds ago, with all the jealousy you felt when she danced with me. And the endless flirting between you two was enough to make me sick. And the whole sleepwalking thing. But here you are, still not really acting on it."

Arnold was shocked at Brainy's outburst. He asked again, "What?"

Brainy smacked his palm to his forehead. "You seriously cannot be this stupid."

Arnold remained quiet. Brainy sighed, "You're in love with Helga."

The silence between the two was awkward as Arnold tried to gather his thoughts. Arnold's ears rang slightly with the pounding music. Was Brainy right? Arnold had realized his crush on her. . .but love?

Everything was happening all at once, but Arnold knew he had to do something. His eyes wandered to the stage and he felt the lightbulb light up above his head.

"Brainy, I need your help."

"Yes!" Brainy smiled, "what is it?"

"Stop Helga from leaving. Bring her to the dance floor. Leave the rest to me." Arnold quickly ran towards the stage. "Hey, guys, can I talk to you for a second?" Arnold asked the band as he picked up a guitar.

Brainy ran through the crowds of juniors, seniors, and certain sophomores as he tried to reach the door. "Helga!"

She stopped walking, "What?"

"This is important. Really important. You have to trust me!"

"Ugh, Brainy. . .what are you doing?" Brainy pulled on her arm, trying to direct her back towards the floor.

"Come with me! I was right!"

Helga tried to stop smiling, realizing what he meant. "When did you get strong?" she asked.

After a few more seconds of struggling, Brainy finally had pulled Helga to the dance floor. Brainy had to keep forcing Helga to stay still and not dart away.

Arnold felt like he was going to faint. He was nervous and anxious, but he knew he had to do this. No turning back now. He awkwardly stepped up to the mike, "Hi, guys. I. . uh, haven't played or sang in a while, so I'm sorry if it sucks. This song was popular when I learned how to play guitar, but it's pretty relevant to my life now. So. . .uh, yeah."

Arnold stepped back for a second before hearing the drummer click his sticks together, counting out the beat. Arnold had never played with the band before, but they said they knew the song. So he had to trust them. His entire love life was riding on their skills.

His eyes met with Helga's and he nodded, surprised to actually hear himself sing the words he knew all too well.

She's cold and she's cruel,

but she knows what she's doing.

She pushed me in the pool

at our last school reunion.

She laughs at my dreams,

but I dream about her laughter.

Strange as it seems,

she's the one I'm after.

Helga froze. Was she dreaming? She suddenly felt a bright light hit her. She turned up to see Brainy waving. She wanted to run, but her body remained in the middle of the floor.

'Cause she's bittersweet,

she knocks me off of my feet,

and I can't help myself,

I don't want anyone else.

She's a mystery.

She's too much for me,

but I keep coming back for more,

She's just the girl I'm looking for.

She can't keep a secret

for more than an hour.

She runs on 100 proof attitude power,

And the more she ignores me

the more I adore her.

What can I do?

I'd do anything for her.

. . .

And when she sees it's me

on her caller ID,

she won't pick up the phone,

she'd rather be alone.

But I can't give up just yet,

cause every word she's ever said

is still ringing in my head.

Still ringing in my head.

She's cold and she's cruel,

but she knows what she's doing,

knows just what to say

so my whole day is ruined.

'Cause she's bittersweet,

she knocks me off of my feet,

and I can't help myself,

I don't want anyone else.

She's a mystery.

She's too much for me,

but I keep coming back for more.

Oh, I keep coming back for more.

She's just the girl I'm looking for,

just the girl I'm looking for.

As soon as Arnold was done singing, he dropped the guitar, ignoring the complaints from the band, jumped off the stage and marched over to Helga. She seemed to be shocked, frozen almost. Arnold shut his eyes and kissed her, forgetting that there were a few hundred people watching and applauding. His hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. Her hands slowly wrapped around his neck.

"Yes!" Brainy cheered.

Gerald stared in shock. He wasn't completely surprised, he knew they had been flirting, but he didn't expect this. Phoebe applauded with the rest of their class.

"I don't believe it," Rhonda laughed. "Brainy was right."

Everyone else in the gym was cheering as the two finally split apart for air.

Helga couldn't find her voice. She could barely stand up straight, her mind spinning with excitement. Is this really happening?

Brainy quickly shut off the spot light and the music returned. Students came to the dance floor, but neither Helga or Arnold moved.

Arnold didn't know what to say. He tried to think of something smooth, but shot all of his ideas down. He gently took Helga's hand and whispered, "Sorry it took me eight years."

All Helga wanted to do was melt into his arms and stay in them forever. It was real. It was happening. Arnold liked her.

"I'm not gonna forgive you that easily," Helga surprised herself with a witty response.

Arnold's smile grew, "I think I could manage to make a few more apologies." He pressed his lips to hers once again.

Day Twenty-Nine: Sunday Shocker

Miss Popular Post #30: OMFG MOST AMAZING THING EVER Sunday 3:04 a.m.

Prom was incredible for like a thousand reasons. I looked good, danced with all the cute boys, and convinced H- to come!

And yes, it's true. There's a new couple in Hillwood. . . and there's a video to prove it! Click this link to see the most romantic thing that's ever happened in real life!

Until next time. . . Miss Popular.

H-A!-H-A!

"Good morning!" a sweet voice called as Arnold's bedroom door flew open. Helga's eyes opened to see Arnold's sleeping face next to hers. His hand was draped around her waist.

Am I dressed? she wondered as she felt her body. Gym shorts and tank top. Phew.

But last night really happened! She could clearly remember the awkward conversation about how far to take their relationship since they had only been together for a few hours. Helga had laughed, she really didn't care what they did, considering the fact that even in sleep she wanted him. But they agreed to take it slow. Or as slow as you can take it when, technically, second base wasn't the issue.

A smile returned to Helga's face as she watched Arnold sleep. Her heart thudded again.

"Arnold, wake up!" Gertie called as she walked over to the bed. Helga quickly shut her eyes and tried to pretend to be asleep. Gertie couldn't help but laugh, "Ah, dear Eleanor, did you enjoy your night?"

Helga sat up in bed and smiled. "Yeah, it was fine," she replied. Arnold suddenly shot up when his hand hit the bed. He rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"Grandma, what are you doing in here?" he asked.

"It's almost noon. I figured you should wake up sometime today," she laughed before shutting the door and returning downstairs.

Arnold fell back in bed, smiling brightly at his sky light. Helga couldn't help but stare at his exposed upper body."Hey, Helga?"

"Yeah?"

"What ever happened to your pink bow?"

Helga ran her hand through her hair and shrugged. "I wore it when I slept walked over here a few days ago," Arnold laughed, "But I put it back in my room. Why?"

"I've just always wondered why you never wear it. I always liked it on you," he shrugged before wrapping her up in his arms and pulling her back on the bed. He kissed her bare shoulder.

"Don't you think we should get up?" she laughed.

"Probably. . . eh, I don't want to."

"Me either."

Helga's phone started ringing. Arnold reluctantly let her go and watched her walk across his room to her bag. "Hello?"

"Finally one of you answers!" Brainy released a sigh of relief, "Gerald's called Arnold like a hundred times. Phoebe was a second away from a panic attack. You're lucky to be answering to me."

"Wait, what? Why is everyone freaking out?"

Arnold sat up, resting his arms on his knees. Helga sat by his side, phone pressed to her ear.

"Arnold's had his phone off all night and we haven't heard from you all morning. We were worried. Well, they were worried."

"There's nothing to worry about. We're both okay."

Brainy couldn't help but laugh, "Just sleeping in after all that passionate sex, huh?"

"Brainy!" Helga screamed. "No. That's not it at all."

Arnold was surprised by Helga's outcry, "What?"

"I'm done talking to you," she said to the phone. "Here," Helga handed the phone to Arnold before picking up her bag and going to the bathroom to change.

"What did you say to her?"

"That you two were sleeping in late because of all the passionate sex you had last night."

Arnold rolled his eyes. "That didn't happen."

"Okay," Brainy replied skeptically. "Well, thank God you guys are finally up. You need to keep your phone on, man. Gerald's been worried."

"Why would he be worried?"

Arnold heard Gerald fight to grab the phone, "Because you're in the evil clutches of Helga!"

"Gerald. She's not evil!"

"You say that now, but just you wait. I know I'm right. . . I'm right, right?"

"Gerald, she never was evil. So, she picked on us, big deal. That was like eight years ago."

"Obviously you've gotten over it."

"Yeah, and you should too. I thought we were all friends now."

"She's not my favorite person to be around."

"Oh, shut up, Gerald. You've tolerated her for like fourteen years, I think you can handle a little bit longer," Brainy snapped before taking back the phone. "Anyways, Rhonda kept calling me saying she wanted to gather everyone up. I really think she just wants to question you and Helga. I'd be careful about what you do today."

"Thanks for the warning," Arnold laughed.

"See you later, Arnold."

"Ok, bye."

"Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. . . break her heart and I will kill you."

Arnold tried not to laugh at Brainy's defensive actions. Until he remembered what happened to Jonah. "Duly noted." Arnold hung up the phone and rested it on his dresser.

He couldn't stop smiling. It actually happened! Helga Geraldine Pataki was his girlfriend! After almost nine years of pure torture for the girl, he finally felt the same way.

A/N: The song Arnold sings is "Just the Girl" by The Click Five.