Sorry for the late update. The past few days have been kind of hectic. The terrible internet service at my house isn't exactly a plus either. Hope you like the chapter :)

Chapter 9: What's On Your Mind?

Mall

It was Christmas Eve, and Arnold and Gerald were spending the day doing some last minute shopping for their families.

"Who'd you get for Secret Santa this year?" Gerald asked his best friend.

Arnold rubbed the back of his neck as he began to explain "We're not doing that anymore. Susie was upset when Mr. Kakoshka kept getting bags of coal."

Gerald gave a dull look after hearing the information and said "Sounds right to me."

"I guess. Do you know what you want for Christmas?" Arnold asked, hoping to finish his shopping soon.

"Check it out man!" the laid back boy said, holding up a magazine clipping to his friend's face.

Arnold viewed the picture to see an add for the latest soundtrack of Pop Daddy. "That's cool Gerald."

"Yeah. So what about you? I hope you don't plan on me following you around town to find another pair of dumb snow boots."

After smiling at the memory of searching town for that one item, Arnold sighed "I wish I could find my dad's journal."

"I'm sorry man. It'll show up." Gerald said, patting his friend on the back.

Lurking from behind a nearby store, a pigtailed girl couldn't help but overhear the conversation that was going on. If only she could find the journal, it would be the perfect Christmas gift to give to her beloved.

Helga leaned against the wall of the last store, hiding from the rest of the shoppers. As she pulled her beloved's picture out of her shirt, she gazed at his sweet face and said…

Arnold my love! Again I have the chance to please you. Here I possess the knowledge to make your happiness complete. If only I could find where this meaningful possession lies. This sacred item which you hold dear to your heart. Oh my beloved I…

A frown formed on Helga's face, as she began to hear heavy breathing from beside her. The mall stopped to stare at the boy who fell unconscious onto the hard floor, and the girl who began marching down the hall past him.

Store

Arnold was standing in the check out line to purchase a new fly swatter for Pookie. Gerald stood beside his friend who he noticed hadn't said much recently and asked "So, what's this about Pataki being on your mind?"

Flashback

Arnold's Roof

"Can I interest you in some apple pie, lady Eleanor?" Pookie asked, eyeing the sweet girl sitting beside her grandson.

Arnold watched Helga cock her brow at the name being given to her and said, "Her name is Helga grandma."

"Oh nonsense. Just because she's off duty doesn't mean we should show her any disrespect." the high spirited lady insisted, handing each pre-teen a piece of pie.

Arnold blushed as he watched the puzzled look remain on Helga's face and said "Uhh sorry Helga. My grandma's kind of…."

"Crazy! There, I said it so she doesn't have to." Phil butted in from behind.

"Eh don't sweat it. Still beats hanging out with Olga." Helga willingly admitted, as she began to take a bite of her pie.

The boarders watched Pookie start to shoot off the remainder of the fireworks.

"Oh they are so beautiful!" Mr. Hyunh exclaimed.

"Oh isn't it romantic Oscar?" Susie asked, while gazing up at the bright sky.

"Eh, I just want some more pie." The greedy boarder said, waving his wife off.

"You already had some ya bum!" Ernie snapped, not allowing him near the table that had been set up on the roof.

While listening to his family bicker, Arnold noticed Helga keeping her full attention on the fireworks.

As he watched her stare into the night sky, he was reminded of another thing Phil said he would notice himself experiencing when a girl had his attention.

You feel like you're floating

Arnold thought back to their last Thanksgiving. Watching her through the window, being welcomed by her family, was a sweet sight. It was touching to see someone who came off as neglected, being treated so well.

Seeing her in that position was almost...relieving. While Arnold longed for an enjoyable Thanksgiving (just because he wanted one), it was heartwarming seeing it happen for Helga, because it was something she needed.

"That was some show!" Helga said, turning to look at the boy with the goofy smile.

Arnold lifted his head from his hand that was propped on his knee. He began to shake it after realizing Helga had become his show. "Huh? Oh yeah, it was cool."

"Well, thanks for having me bucko." Helga said, punching her friend on the shoulder.

End Of Flashback

"Every since that night, I've just gotten a weird feeling in my stomach whenever I think about her. It's not one I want to go away though."

"Whatever you say Arnold." Gerald said, glaring at his friend.

The Arcade

"Since when do you read Harold?" Sid asked his husky friend, who was giving his full attention to the journal.

"Yeah. I don't reckon I recall seeing you spend too much time with books." Stinky agreed.

While the two of them were playing a game of air hockey, Harold was trying to figure out what the extra item Rhonda sent him home with was.

"It's just some dumb book Rhonda gave me…" the frustrated boy began to explain, before being interrupted.

"Rhonda gave Harold a book. Maybe it's a wedding planner." Sid teased, knowing about Rhonda's private feelings for their friend.

"Haha. That really bites Harold." Stinky laughed, not paying attention to the angry look forming on his friend's face.

Harold clenched his fist at the comment and screamed "Stop laughing or I'll pound ya!"

The boys revealed stunned looks on their faces as they watched their friend march out of the arcade.

The Store

"Nice idea getting your grandpa a board game. You think he'll be able to keep his eyes on it?"

"We'll see. I'm going to go home and wrap everything. I'll see you later Gerald!" Arnold anxiously waved goodbye to his friend, as he headed for home.

"Later man." the mild boy replied, while heading for his own home.

Walk

Helga was walking down the cold, icy streets with her hands in her pockets. While she knew what she wanted to get Arnold for Christmas, she didn't have the slightest idea where to start.

Just thinking about him, no matter what state her mind was in, was enough to put her on cloud nine: A painful condition, when she was hit on the head with a golf ball. Her mind went straight to how wonderful it was to have him near her. A social event, when all eyes were on her. At Coach Wittenberg's wedding, catching the bouquet and the thought of one day marrying the love of her life, was enough to distract her from the group of people still remaining there. A stressful situation. After being put to peace with the laughing gas at her dental appointment, the first happy thought that entered her mind was having someone like Arnold in her life.

No matter the severity of the condition or type of situation, he was always on her mind.

The Boarding House

Pookie entered the dining room, dressed as Mrs. Claus. With a plate of chocolate chip cookies to set down, she asked "Where's young Herbie? He and Rudolph should have made it home by now."

Phil took a cookie, ignoring his crazy wife's description of their grandson.

"Get your hands off my plate ya weasel!" Ernie snapped, when seeing a greedy boarder reach for his cookies.

"What? I was just pulling it closer, so it wouldn't fall off the table. Hehe." Oscar laughed to himself.

The boarders then heard the animals racing down the hall, as the door was being opened. "That you shortman?"Phil called out.

"Hey everyone." Arnold said, as he stood in the doorway with a few shopping bags.

"Whatcha got there shortman?"

"Energy drinks I hope! You and Santa will need plenty of it when you're riding Rudolph tonight!" Pookey exclaimed, as she headed towards the kitchen.

A frustrated look formed on Phil's face as he placed his chin in his hand and muttered "We need even more strength to put up with you."

"It's just a few presents. I'll be upstairs if you need me." Arnold said, before quickly racing up the stairs.

"Have fun shortman!"

Walk

After angrily leaving the arcade, Harold began heading for home. The grumpy boy was once again paying his full attention to the strange book.

"What is this stupid thing talking about? Green eye...Green eye v...Green eye vill...oh you're confusing me!"

After shutting his eyes and holding the book at his side to pout, Harold continued to walk until…"OOF!"

"Ow! My head!" the slow boy whined.

"Hey, watch where you're going Pink boy!" Helga snapped, after shaking her head.

Harold continued to sit on the ground, eyeing his angry classmate standing before him. Before she could continue her threat, Helga noticed something in Harold's hand.

Arnold's Room

After wrapping the presents, Arnold laid on his bed, thinking about how Thanksgiving had just seemed like it was yesterday. Not only that, how much he enjoyed himself compared to last year.

Thinking about having such a great time with Helga reminded him of another thing Phil had mentioned…

You're ALWAYS thinking about the one you love

Had his mind been on Helga before, or was this a new thing? The blonde boy began reminiscing about times he not only thought about Helga, but was concerned about her.

When he and Gerald bailed on the play

When Big Patty threatened to beat her up

When he felt guilty for pouring paint on her in class

When he noticed the bus left without her on the way back from the field trip

Were his feelings for her that extreme, or was he just that caring of a person?

Walk

"Gimme that book!" Helga snapped, as she reached for the journal.

"What for?" Harold insisted on knowing. Although he didn't enjoy reading, he wasn't too fond of being bossed around by Helga.

"Because...because everyone's talking about about what a geek you are now." Helga said excitedly.

"WHAT?!" the angry boy shouted, not knowing about this.

"Yeah. You were the last person anyone expected to be a bookworm. Oh well." Helga shrugged her shoulders, hoping to upset her classmate.

Harold slammed the journal into the anxious girl's chest. The force had no effect on her, as she raced down the street with it.

The anxious girl continued her race home with the book until she again bumped heads with someone. "Criminy!" Helga shouted, tired of the surprise encounters.

After vigorously shaking her head, the blonde girl opened her eyes to see Gerald sitting in front of her.

"What's the rush Pataki?"

"I was just uh…" she stuttered, trying to hide the book in her hand.

"Just practicing for a 5k?" Gerald said wittily, that made the anxious girl grunt.

"What do you know Geraldo?!" Helga scowled, while clenching her fists.

The laid back boy then noticed his classmate mistakenly uncovering the item in her hand. An astonished look formed on his face, as he asked "Where'd you get that?"

Phoebe's House

The young Asian girl was spending her vacation getting a jump start on next semester's assignments. While she was quietly reading at her desk, she heard a knock at the door.

"Phoebe dear. Someone's here to see you."

"Okay mother."

The intelligent girl then turned to see a boy she was quite fond of entering the room.

"Why hello Gerald." she blushed.

"Hey babe. Pataki wanted me to give this to you."

Phoebe looked at the item in Gerald's hand and said "Oh my! Did she not wish to return it to him?"

Flashback

Walk

"Where'd you get that?" Gerald asked, knowing how concerned Arnold had been about the missing item.

"None of your beezewax Geraldo!" Helga sneered, as she was preparing to walk away.

Gerald crossed his arms and gave Helga a look implying he knew she had something to hide.

The anxious girl halted, feeling herself beginning to shake. How was she supposed to explain why she had it without admitting she wanted to give it to Arnold?

"Fine. If you must know...Pink boy thought he could humor himself by using this as his winter reading assignment. I showed him he was wasting his time trying by taking it off his hands."

"Okay. How did Harold end up with it?" Gerald couldn't help but ask.

"How the heck should I know? I'm not his stalker!"

Gerald's eyes widened at the emphasis Helga had put behind the pronoun. She instantly caught herself and gulped "I...I mean I'm not his or anyone's stalker."

Gerald watched Helga fan herself, while thinking back to everything Arnold had told him about his night with her. They did run into her an awful lot.

After shaking his head at the nervous girl, he asked "So are you going to give it back to him?"

Helga almost found that to be an insult, as she scowled "Well doi!"

"Okay, he's at home now if you want to take it over there."

Helga stopped a moment to think about where this could lead. If she took it to Arnold, he'd want to know why she felt the need to bring it back. If she said to make him happy, it would open up the 'do you really love me?' door again.

Just as Gerald was about to leave, she exclaimed "Wait!"

End of Flashback

Phoebe's House

What appeared to be a disappointed look was showing on Phoebe's face after hearing the story. "Oh dear. Even with the little progress she's made, I'm afraid Helga still can't bring herself to meet the requirements of what it will take to make her dreams a reality."

"Even if we give it to him, my man's still going to want to know how we found it." Gerald pointed out.

"Although I regret to admit it would involve stretching the truth, perhaps you could return the missing item to his grandfather. Arnold's grandfather could then return it to him, along with a suitable story pertaining to how he came across it." Phoebe suggested.

The Beeper Emporium

Helga made it back to the emporium to see her sister hanging a string of Christmas lights around a pyramid of beepers the family had built. "Oh, it's so beautiful daddy!"

"This should attract plenty of customers!" Bob said proudly.

Helga slowly dragged her feet inside, heading for the stairs until she heard "Hey! Where have you been little missy?"

"Why? Don't tell me we actually had some customers." Helga scoffed, as she turned to face her father.

"Hey! You watch your mouth missy. There will be plenty of customers once everyone gets a load of this new display your sister helped me build." Bob insisted, pointing to the light decorated beepers.

Not impressed by her family's effort, Helga headed for the small space she was sorry to have to call her room.

The Boarding House

"Do you believe Mr. Shortman will be willing to follow through with the plan?" Phoebe asked the cute boy beside her.

"Yeah, Phil's a cool guy." Gerald assured her.

A few moments after knocking, Gerald motioned for Phoebe to stand out of the way of the animals. The door then opened, but no animals poured out. The only one standing there was Phil. "Hey kids."

"Hey Phil. Where'd all the pets go?" Gerald had to ask.

"I'd scram if I were you kids. Pookie's getting ready to test her new sleigh. She's got the animals tied up in the other room."

"If it's alright with you Mr. Shortman, we simply came by to drop this off." Phoebe explained, handing Phil his son's journal.

Arnold's Room

Maybe I do have feelings for Helga. She's shown me she can be nice when she wants to be. I don't like seeing anyone hurt her. She…

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Arnold sat up when he noticed someone entering his room.

"Hey shortman." Phil waved to his grandson.

"Hey grandpa." Arnold sighed, while propping himself up with his hands.

The elderly man walked over to the bed to hand his grandson his cherished item. Arnold's eyes lit with anticipation as he grabbed it and said "Grandpa! Where'd you find it!"

Phil chuckled to himself, as he took a seat beside his grandson and said "Let's just say it found it's way home."

Phil patted his ecstatic grandson's head and said to him "Night shortman."

Arnold changed into his pajamas, thinking about how that was the second Christmas what seemed like a miracle had happened for him. Were they really miracles, or was there an explanation?

The Next Day

Rhonda's House

"Oh these are amazing! They are just like the ones on the cover of Pre-Teen Miss!" Rhonda exclaimed, looking at the new earrings her parents had gotten her.

"Only the best for you pumpkin." Buckley said, while watching his happy daughter try on her new gift.

"Why don't you invite Nadine over darling? I'm sure she'd love to see all your new accessories." Brooke suggested.

Rhonda paused a moment, not knowing if that was the best idea. Every time she had spoken to Nadine since the party, Nadine wanted to know what could have happened to the journal. Now that the book was gone, there was no need to worry however.

"I suppose so."

Gerald's House

"Can I open a present?! Can I open a present?!" Timberly asked, as she anxiously jumped up and down on the sofa.

"Here you go sweetie." Mrs. Johanson said.

"Ooohhh pretty!" the perky girl said, as she eyed doll her parents picked out for her.

"Your turn dear." Mrs. Johanson pointed to her husband.

Martin picked up the closest package to him and said "This one's from Gerald."

The family watched Martin unwrap Gerald's carefully thought out gift and listened to him say "What's this?"

"It's a battery operated light dad! Now you don't have to worry about so much electricity being wasted."

The penny pincher studied the gift until he finally said "Thanks Gerald...how much did it cost?"

The Beeper Emporium

"Merry Christmas everyone!" Olga exclaimed, while pouring egg nog for her family members.

Helga sat on the couch with her arms crossed, not knowing what her family could possibly feel there was to be celebrating. They were living in a failing business with no sign of their lives improving anytime soon.

"Thanks Olga." Bob said, while taking the cup from his daughter.

Miriam (being awake surprisingly) smiled and said "Why don't you tell us more exciting stories from when you were in Alaska sweetie!"

Helga smacked her face at the thought of having to spend the holiday listening to that. The depressed girl stood from the couch to grab her purple jacket, and headed out the door.

As she was opening it, she shouted "I'm leaving…"

Not that anyone cared.

Walk

Nadine was heading down the street to see Rhonda after receiving a call from her. She was still having a hard time believing the book wasn't there, until she bumped into someone…"OOF!

"I'm terribly sorry Nadine." Phoebe said, as she began to straighten her glasses.

"Sorry Phoebe. I was thinking about something, and wasn't watching where I was going." the blonde girl admitted.

"Is something troubling you?"

"Well, I don't know if you noticed the book I was reading at Rhonda's party a couple months ago? I lost it and don't know where it could be."

"If I may ask, what exactly did it look like?" Phoebe was curious to know.

"It was worn out, the pages were colored, and had all sorts of information about what seemed like a hidden village." Nadine explained.

Phoebe's eyes lit, knowing what her friend was referring to. "I regret to inform you the book has not only been found, but returned to its rightful owner."

The Boarding House

"Merry Christmas! Here Herbie. You and Rudolph must be exhausted from your trip around the world last night!" Pookie said, while handing her grandson a cup of hot chocolate.

"Thanks grandma."

"What a loon!" Ernie shouted.

"I want to open my presents!" Oscar begged, as he held out his hands for one.

"Hooray...Coal? How did this happen again?" the immature man whined.

"Don't look at me." the construction worker grinned.

Walk

Phoebe was walking down Vine Street when she noticed someone in the alley. "Helga?"

The blonde girl quickly jumped down from the trash can she had been kneeling on to peek inside the boarding house "Phoebe!"

"What are you doing Helga?"

"Me? Oh I was just uh…."

Phoebe smiled as she placed her hand on her nervous friend's shoulder and said "I'm sure it would mean the world to Arnold if you told him the truth Helga."

Helga then watched her friend continue on her way, rather than stick around to talk some sense into her.

Rhonda's House

"Check out my new earrings Nadine!" the stylish pre-teen said, showing off the ruby heart shaped pieces hanging from her ears.

"They're nice Rhonda."

Rhonda rolled her eyes after seeing the perturbed facial expression her friend was carrying. "Seriously Nadine, would you forget about the book? You can read about that stuff online anytime."

"Actually, Phoebe told me who it belongs to." Nadine admitted, as she sat on her friend's bed.

"And who may I ask would that be?"

The Park

Not having the guts to tell Arnold the truth, Helga began circling the park. Cold as it was outside, it still beat spending the holiday with her unwelcoming family. If she could just bring herself to admit to Arnold everything she had done for him, she'd never have to worry about being alone again. The only problem was, the idea of it seemed too good to be true.

Rhonda's House

"How on earth did you end up with Arnold's dad's journal?" Rhonda insisted on knowing.

"I don't know? I found it at the lake. He must have left it there." Nadine assumed, not knowing what other explanation there could be.

"What was Phoebe doing with it?" Rhonda had to ask, being the gossip queen that she is.

"Helga gave it to her to give back to him."

Rather than asking how Helga came upon it, an evil grin came to Rhonda's face. Having Arnold know Helga did something so caring for him would humiliate her.

A Few Hours Later

The Boarding House

Arnold was sitting in the kitchen, wondering how all his friends had been enjoying their holiday. He got what he wanted, although he still hadn't found out how.

Moments later, he heard a knock at the door.

KNOCK KNOCK

The blonde boy got up to answer it. The pets poured past the visitor who didn't care to move an inch out of the way. Eyeing the girl who stood with her hands proudly on her hips, Arnold said "Oh hey Rhonda."

"Hello Arnold. How are you this evening?"

"Pretty good. Did you enjoy your Christmas?"

Rhonda's smile grew, as she replied "Yes. It was the best! Although I have to ask, why are you not with Helga?"

Arnold lifted an eyebrow and asked "What do you mean?"

"Well, she is the one who found your journal. I figured the least you could do for her is take her on another date."

Arnold ignored the accusation his classmate made about their first night together. All that remained in his head was the thought of Helga finding his father's journal.

The Beeper Emporium

"Jingle bells. Jingle B…" the family's singing was interrupted when they heard a knock on the store door.

"Oh for crying out loud! Who could that be?" Bob scowled. Rather than thinking about customers, he was simply enjoying his time with his successful daughter who always made the worst situations enjoyable.

Bob went to answer the door, seeing Arnold standing outside. "What do you want kid?"

"Hi Mr. Pataki. Is Helga home?"

"Who?" Bob cocked his brow.

Arnold widened his eyes as he replied "Helga? Your daughter."

"Oh right right. No, I haven't seen her." the salesman said bluntly, then shut the door in the young boy's face.

After pitying the home life Helga had to put up with, Arnold began wondering the town, hoping to come across her.

The Park

Helga sat in the cold on the bench Lila had dumped Arnold at. It brought back memories to her. Almost every part of the city brought a memory of her beloved to her. She pulled out her locket to stare at his face, wishing she had the courage to confess her true feelings, without taking them back.

Oh Arnold! When will I find the strength to speak the truth? The courage to show my sensitive side? The ability to…

"Helga?"

The petrified girl instantly shoved her locket back into her shirt and scowled "Stop creeping up on me!"

"Sorry, but I've been looking for you."

Helga gulped at the sound of this, and hesitantly replied "You...you have?"

Arnold took a seat beside his friend and said "Yeah. Rhonda told me you found my dad's journal."

Helga began to clench her fists, knowing Rhonda was just trying to make things difficult for her. "Stupid Princess! I ought to wring her neck!"

"Why Helga? What makes you think I wouldn't want to know sometihng like that?"

"Oh gimme a break Arnold? What makes you think I would want you to know something like that about me?"

A moment of silence occurred, as Arnold considered how insecure Helga had always been. While Helga sat there beating herself up over those words, Arnold rested a hand on her shoulder and said "I have a question. Please be honest."

Helga turned to cock her brow as she said "About what?"

"Getting my dad's journal back was a miracle. Another miracle happened last Christmas that never got explained."

Helga's eyes widened, knowing where he was going with this.

"I searched town for a pair of Nancy Spumoni snow boots with Gerald to give to a man named Mr. Bailey for his daughter. If I did, he said he'd search for my neighbor's daughter Mai. He wouldn't do it when I said I couldn't find the boots. The next morning, Mai showed up at the boarding house."

By the time the blonde boy finished his story, Helga sat frozen. She held the bench with her hands tight, while staring wide eyed, feeling her heart beat wildly.

"Helga?" Arnold asked, wondering if she was okay.

"Well…"

"Yeah?"

"I mean, the fact that I wasn't wearing them at school, being the amazing person that I am, should have been your first clue right there football head! Sheesh!"

Arnold smiled at his friend. The same smile he gave whenever he knew she was just too proud to take credit for anything that would show how soft she truly was.

Placing a hand on hers, he sighed and said "Whatever you say Helga."

Helga could feel her heart fluttering at the touch of her beloved's hand. Hard as she tried to hold back her swoon, Arnold could hear the sweet sound, and easily noticed the pleasurable look his presence brought to her face.