Chapter 10: What The Hell?
They stood in the elevator together, and Helga reached for Arnold's hand and grabbed it firmly. He flinched at first at the sudden contact but then relaxed. Helga's stomach was in knots, it was one thing to have Helga talk with Jean...but to try to get Arnold a legal paying job that will pay him well, exploit his talents, though she doesn't really care to call them that, and have him be near her all the time...what could possibly be better? He would travel with her, be with her, and be there for the entirety of her career. But was this what he wanted? When he first came over last night, her gut was telling her that he wanted to leave...and she couldn't stand the thought of it. But what did he actually want to do, with his life? It was bugging her the more she reflected on it. Back when they were in middle school, he was good at science...maybe a scientist? She knew he felt some type of remorse for the things he had done...but the other side of him...didn't. Which still sent chills down to her spine, how could you possibly enjoy torture? While taking someone else's life? Especially children...but it did really speak to him...and everything he had been through. Arnold was an orphan, and it probably hurt him the most. Was that it? Sure she knew he was hurting, but since they've been together he strayed away from the topic of Phil and Gertie, and all our classmates...and our lives at Hillwood...Why? As far as she knew, those would be good memories to her. The golden days actually. The elevator door opened and Helga squeezed his hand a bit tighter. Arnold then adjusted his glasses with his free hand, and smiled the most dazzling profoundly handsome smile she had ever seen him smile. Her insides were officially melted, and he wasn't even looking in her direction.
"Ready Ms. Pataki?" Arnold said, his voice seductive and enticingly devilish. Her legs almost gave out. God, he really did know how to put on the charm. He let go of her hand as he began walking first. His stride, relaxed and in control. She'd never seen that walk before...Helga blinked the thought away and rushed out of the elevator before it shut, following behind Arnold into Jeans office.
Jean was speaking on the phone with another client as she caught sight of a tall handsome man with blonde hair sleeked back and brilliantly bright blue eyes knocking on the glass door into her office. He was wearing a sharp crisp black suit with a white button down undershirt, and a plain black tie, it completely offset his hair and bright eyes. Her jaw almost dropped, but did not indulge in such foolishness behavior...even though he was gorgeous. She saw Helga standing next to him tapping her foot looking rather irritated. If anyone should be irritated it should be Jean, who the hell did Helga think she was getting upset and snappy with her? Jean pressed the button as she motioned them inside her office.
"Okay, sounds good. Thank you very much, bye." Jean said as she hung up the phone now focusing her attention on both Helga and the handsome man in her office. Jean focused her attention on Helga first her look rather stern and her lips pursed together, Jean was trying to ignore the man standing next to her because if she paid anymore attention to him she would break out into her giddy school girl mode. Which Jean was NOT fond of when it happened in the office unless she was surrounded by her close friends. Jean rose from her chair and began walking around the desk.
"Ms. Pataki, never in my entire year or longer of working with you have you ever missed work...a public appearence or anything. Not only were your fans pissed off and upset, they made me a laughing stock of the day. You could have ruined my job, and do you realize how long I've been working at this job? 15 years, Ms. Pataki...15 years..." Jean said, her voice sharp and upset. She glanced over at the handsome man and she noticed he was strangely observant of his surroundings and her. Helga looked like she had been scolded by an older parent.
"I'm sorry" Helga merely managed to say without looking Jean in her eyes. Jean couldn't stay mad at her thought, Helga was like the daughter she never got to have with her deceased husband.
"Its alright, now onto business. Hello sir, I'm Jean Ms. Pataki's publicist" Jean said offering the man her hand. He smiled a warm, and dazzling smile, and his blue eyes looked right into her, as they firmly gripped hands, his were surprisingly warm.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Arnold" He said, his voice seductive with a devilish smirk on his face. Whoa, who was this guy? Was this the same guy that Helga spoke of earlier? Jean smiled at him as well before walking back behind the desk.
"Please sit, both of you." Jean said as she sat back down in her spot.
"So, Ms. Pataki tells me your interested in applying for a job working for her, is that correct?" Jean said, looking at him now...really...looking at him. No wonder Helga was crazy about him. He had his legs crossed and his body was relaxed, not tense at all like normally when most people walk in her office for an interview.
"That's right, I'm applying to be a body guard." Arnold said matter of factly, his eyes merely focused on Jean.
"Alright, so what makes you think your qualified for the job?" Jean asked, quickly peeking over at Helga and she looked like she was ready to run. Arnold smiled an all knowing smile at her, he was confident.
"Lets just say I've had my share of handling people when they get too close and personal." Arnold said simply, still smirking at her. Helga turned paler, and paler as the interview continued. Jean knew something was going on.
"Okay, would you care to give me a time you successfully broke up a fight?" Jean asked, looking between him and Helga. All the blood was now lost from Helga's face. Arnold still remained calm considering the question.
"Well, when I traveled to Brazil I lived there for about a year or so-" Jean quickly peeked over to Helga, and she looked like she had seen a ghost. Jean refocused her attention back to him.
"Me and a few friends were out drinking one night, and while I was still sober, my two friends began fighting and I successfully broke up the fighting between each other." Arnold said still calm and collected. He was good.
"Okay, and was there ever a time when you've used excessive force?" Jean asked, realizing she was getting somewhere, because Helga's eye started twitching. Arnold still calm, proceeded to answer the question.
"Excessive force? No. However I have used little force when it was necessary." Arnold said matter of factly. Jean could see that Helga was gripping the chair so tightly her knuckles had went white.
"Describe little force?" Jean said, looking back at him. Helga shot up from her seat looking embarrassed before speaking...
"I...I...just remembered that I left my change of clothes downstairs in the limo! Be right back!" Helga said chuckling nervously as she quickly paced and beamed outside the room.
"Now that's much better." Jean said, smiling looking at him.
"Much" Arnold replied to her. He knew this was a chess game of words, and he was determined to win. No matter the cost.
"So where were we? Ah, yes...describe what you mean by little force?" Jean said, now really looking at him. This was a game of chess with there words, and at this point judging by the way Helga suddenly stormed out, something was up and whether Jean admitted it or not...she did care for Helga. Nothing was going to stand in her way of making sure he was everything Helga says he is.
"A little force meaning I have had to restrain someone until the police were called over." Arnold said, knowing he was going to win this game.
"I see, and tell me honestly...why you want this job." Jean said, smirking almost evilly at him. Arnold froze for a moment and his body tensed, and his gaze cast down for a second. What happened to the overly confident man she was talking to? Arnold breathed a heavy sigh.
"Jean, if I may..." Arnold said, looking up at her his face almost innocent and filled with a look she had not seen in years. Jean was taken aback for a moment and it made her think of her dead husband.
"I have known Helga, or Ms. Pataki all of my life...we got separated some bad things happened to both of us, and I need this job because I made a promise to her that I would protect her. No matter what the cost." Arnold said, looking into her his eyes fierce and said all. Jean smiled at him warmly.
"You do love her don't you?" Jean said to him, finally acknowledging defeat in her response.
"I do, and I know you care for her too as well." Arnold said to her as they both exchanged looks that both of them understood, it spoke only of care and love for this one short blonde haired girl named Helga. Arnold curiosity was now piqued by how they met.
"So how did you meet Helga?" Arnold asked, seeming more relaxed and with a hint of curiosity in his voice. Jean smiled at him.
"I met her when she was trying to sell her book she spent several months writing about, and set up a pitiful stand in upper east side, and when I met her she looked awful. Her hair was dirty, parts of her dress was torn, and she just looked down right pitiful. But when she smiled at me and said
"Hey, would you wanna buy my book? I know your probably busy but just read it, promise it'll have you in tears within the first couple of chapters! I'll only charge you $3 for it, I'm sure you use that everyday to park your car when you get to work."
I just scoffed at her, and bought the damned book, but what got me was she was right...it was in upper east side new york so everyone around there had money. But it was like she saw right through me and I realized she was special. So I bought the book, read it and she was right...next thing I knew I was doing anything I could to find her."
Arnold smiled warmly at her, because he knew she was really the only person at a crucial time in her life that was even remotely there for Helga. Somewhat of a maternal model to her, and why shouldn't she be, she was shrewd, mean, and probably liked to keep things in control when she was at work but Arnold could tell she loves feverishly.
"Your hired kid. Your pay will be 7+ million for the entire year, I'll draw up the papers and have you agree to sign them later tonight" Jean said to him still smiling. He rose from his chair, slowly and remaining confident, shook Jeans hand and smiled warmly at her, as she did the same. Arnold proceeded to walk calmly out of the office.
"And Arnold?" Jean said, her voice forcing him to stop mid stride.
"Hurt Helga, and I kill you." Jean said simply. Arnold did not turn around, as the evil malicious sadistic smile returned to his lips.
"I doubt that, Ms. Jean. But warning has been heeded." Arnold said, now walking confidently out of the office his lips still holding the same twisted and evilly sadistic smile as a shadow seemed to somehow be cast over half of his face.
Helga sat waiting outside, tapping her foot nervously. Her eyes were cast down as she was trying to focus in on her thoughts. What the hell was Jean thinking asking him questions like that? Helga just thought she was going to ask him questions like "do you have enough experience? name some references" and stuff like that, not how she was asking him. It was probing, and Helga didn't like it. Sure it made her smile a bit, because Jean was older and did take Helga in her home...but that was a minor detail she just didn't feel like talking about. So, she guessed in a way...she was like the mother she never had.
Helga finally looked up and scanned the room for Arnold, and when there eyes locked for a minute she saw that look on his face...that evil sadistic smile with a dark shadow overcast and it made her loose the blood in her face, it sent a chill down her spine, and her heart fell out of her rear end. The longer they stared at each other his face then began to soften and he smiled warmly at her as he began walking towards her. Helga studied how he walked towards her for a split second...his stride was relaxed, strong, and masculine and...very in control, he didn't move awkward at all, its like he knew how to move his body...oh no, Helga felt her face flush the closer he walked over to her and her mind began to race at the thoughts of last night. Arnold now finally making it over to her, smiled cunningly and rather deviously.
"What are you thinking about Ms. Pataki?" His bright blue eyes gleaming under the strobe light, and his eyes spoke of playfulness. Helgas stomach was in knots, and she turned away from him, and spoke not looking at him. He was just too damn gorgeous, and it made her wonder if all this was really happening.
"So, whats the verdict?" Helga spoke, her face still flushed. Arnold chuckled softly under his breath, and it was like music to her ears...it was rather boyish for him and it made her smile.
"Try 7+ million for the job." Arnold said, now speaking confidently, and smiled at Helga. Helga glanced back at him, and her jaw practically dropped to the ground. She was ecstatic, and shocked at the same time. Since Arnold was so damn tall, he lowered herself to her level so he would be eye to eye with her, smiling happily at her.
"Helga." He said merely, now awaiting her to look at him. Great, now he was at her level so she couldn't escape from him gaze. She turned to look at him, his face mere inches from hers. Her heart began to race, and she had massive butterflies in her stomach, and her mouth went dry, and her knees almost went weak. Arnold's face now turned serious, but loving and gentle at the same time
"I love you, I really want you to know this. I can see the doubt on your face at certain times, and I know you probably think this is a dream for you. Its not, its real and I want nothing else in this world than to be with you. No matter what that takes, I will love you forever and make you the happiest woman on the entire planet. Okay? Will you trust me to love you...Helga? Ms. Pataki?" Arnold said, smiling warmly at her and his eyes had the loving look but the gleam from the light almost made it look like he was going to cry, but he wasn't gritting his teeth like he would if he were to cry. He was serious, and he meant it.
Helga almost wanted to cry, her whole life...she had waited for him...no other man...but him. It was almost too much to handle, and how was he able to read her thoughts like that? He rose from her level, still staring at her and smiling. Helga felt like the world around her had completely disappeared and it felt like just her and him. He cupped her face, and began caressing her cheeks. Helga's body was on fire, as his touch seared her skin.
"Arnold" Helga said, still looking into him, she almost wanted to laugh to keep herself from crying, or having her loose her balance...she just wasn't sure which one.
"I've loved you my whole life, and you never even knew it. I spent my entire life trying to hide it from you...and yet here you are, standing in front of me...and its hard for me to...but, no matter what happens. I have faith in you, and us as a couple. I don't care if you don't want to get married to me or anything, just being with you is enough. I will do whatever it takes for your wounds to heal, I will talk about our memories of home, I'll talk about your family, and you will smile again, and just be...happy. That's all I ever wanted for you, even after we seperated...just, happiness." Helga said, looking away from him and grasped her chest, her heart felt like it was going to explode. She looked back at him, and for the first time since they have been together...He looked like the little Arnold from her childhood girlish days from fourth grade, and it made her really happy. He did not cry, but his eyes said it all. What she would kill to know what he was thinking right now. Arnold took Helga's lips, and they kissed, it felt warm, and full of overwhelming love. It made Helga explode on the inside.
"Ms. Pataki." Jean said standing a few feet from them tapping her foot, looking rather irritated. Arnold broke his kiss with her, and they tapped there foreheads together gently as they exchanged a look of happiness for the both of them. This was real, this was true...and it finally happened, and at this point...Helga didn't care what happened to them, as long as they were together...she believed they could face anything.
Helga broke from him, and ran towards to Jean's office as Arnold strode outside the office and found a patio nearby Helga so he could keep an eye on her. He stepped outside on the patio realizing this was the smoking section for the rest of Jean's employee's. He took out a cigarette and lit it, leaning against the wall and simply watched Helga through the window into Jean's office, his stance looked relaxed, cold and methodical, as he was smoking his cigarette in the shadows, but he became lost in his thoughts of Helga.
"Helga, I'm so damn jealous He is soooooo gorgeous!" Jean almost squealed to her. Helga simply giggled, because she knew Jean only got this way when she was with people she trusted and loved. Sure it seemed uncharacteristic of her, however quite the contrary when Helga and Jean would go out kind of like mother daughter times she was so much fun to be around. Helga blushed at the thought of him.
"Helga, did you guys have sex yet? I mean he looks like he would be a God in bed" Jean said, smiling too widely and her face now curious. Helga looked away and her face flushed. Jeans eyes almost popped out of her head.
"You did not! That's why you weren't answering your phone! You should've said something! Sooooo how was it?" Jean asked inquiring and almost too excited. Helga's smile began to widen.
"Wait before you tell me" Jean said, picking up the phone and began talking to her assistant.
"Nancy, can you cancel all the appointments Ms. Pataki and I have for the day. Thank you." Jean said sternly, and hung up the phone not awaiting for her assistants response. Helga shook her head, knowing where this was going.
"Were going out, I want details of everything. Besides, before I turn you over to Mr. Perfect I want to spend some time with you, and then we can get back to work tomorrow okay?" Jean said, now grabbing her expensive black Dooney & Burke handbag packing her things as she began walking out the office.
As they were walking out of the office, Helga glanced at him and jerked her head as if to say to him silently "Were leaving." He followed swiftly behind her, without saying a word and was right behind her within seconds. Jean turned to speak to Helga, but jumped at the sight of Arnold.
"When the hell did you come back over?" Jean said exclaiming out loud. Arnold merely smiled at her, saying nothing.
"See, I told you he's qualified." Helga said, smiling lightheartedly. Helga knew he was focused on doing his job, judging from his face...he was on alert, and if he was going to do a successful job she needed to have her silent ques like the one they just exchanged.
"You damn right he is, I didn't even hear his footsteps" Jean said not really reading too much into it.
"So I take it your coming with us?" Jean said to Arnold as they proceeded to walk to the elevator. Arnold looked at her, and merely nodded his head once still saying nothing. Helga had never seen him this quiet, and she didn't know how to feel about it. Perhaps he knew he was going to get this way when he starts his job which is why he kissed her earlier. If that was the case, it makes sense. They got into the elevator, Arnold swiftly stepping right behind Helga, still saying nothing merely focused and his actions precise and swift. This was strange, it was like she didn't even hear his footsteps on the elevator floor, how did he do that? Probably some other type of training he had.
"Can we talk about him while he's right there?" Jean whispered to Helga, and Helga giggled at her in response.
"He's my body guard right now, and not my boyfriend so I think its safe to say we can" Helga said, now realizing she just called him her boyfriend. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Suddenly the lights in the elevator began to flicker on and off, and the Elevator started to rock up and down, and it soon came to a stop on the floor level five. Jean started to panic and Helga fell to the floor as she put herself in a fetal position. Jean looked at Arnold and all she saw in the darkness were his blue eyes only this time, they looked evil. At first she didn't see it, but now she did and it sent a chill down her spine.
"Is everyone okay?" Arnold said, his voice deep rumbling and cutting through the darkness. Helga made a wincing noise, as she stayed to the ground of the elevator floor. Jean merely nodded, she got the feeling he could see in this darkness.
"I don't sense any danger, and no ones coming. I'll see if I can restart the elevator, stay calm, and wait here." Arnold said as he swiftly broke the door to the top of the elevator and just like that was gone. Jean couldn't believe how fast he seemed to move, it was almost in human.
"Helga, whats going on?" Jean asked her, but Helga was unable to move.
As soon as Jean asked the question, the elevator lights came back on and they were moving and it took Jean a minute to regain her balance. Arnold didn't climb back inside the elevator, he dropped inside the elevator landing on his feet, quickly shutting the door to the ceiling making it look like it hadn't even been opened in the first place. He then picked Helga up swiftly off the ground cradling her and held her close to him.
"Helga, breathe. I'm here." Arnold said, gently kissing her forehead, and her cheeks. Helga then inhaled a big breath, and clutched onto him and she began shaking. That darkness reminded her when those men raped her and she was caught in the memory and was unable to breathe or move. He began to rub her back, still kissing her lovingly. Jean couldn't take her eyes off of them.
"Nothing will ever hurt you. Helga be strong my love. Can you stand?" Arnold said still cradling her as she was shaking against his body. She nodded her head slowly in response. He kissed her forehead once more before placing her down, and he fell back behind her resuming his original stance, the overcast of a shadow on his face and his blue eyes cutting through the shadow casted on his face. Helga regained her balance, and gathered herself before speaking to Jean.
"Are you okay?" Helga said to her, now seeming perfectly fine. Jean was shocked at what she had just witnessed. The elevator door finally opened, and Jean exchanged a look that said "We are so going to talk about what the hell just happened." look. Helga smiled sheepishly as they walked out the building to the entrance.
-End Of Chapter 10