Chapter 11: Your Life

"Honey, we're home", Arnold called out at the end of the day as he and Helga walked through the big, green door of the boarding house. Lila came rushing out of the kitchen wearing a frilly, pink apron tied around her slim waist. As she wiped off her hands she leaned over and brushed her lips against Arnold's cheek. "So, how was your day?" Arnold asked.

"Oh you know, it was just a typical day of fixing classes, scheduling parent conferences and talking with distressed students, but enough about me. I'm ever so interested in how your first day went, Helga", Lila insisted.

"It was alright. The work was pretty mindless, but I guess it was worth it. Also all the people there seem really nice."

Arnold scoffed. "You're not talking about Ron are you?"

"Not just Ron, but yes, he is included. Not that it's any of your business, Arnoldo", Helga defended.

"Ooh, Ron. Who's he?" Lila asked as she playfully nudged Helga with her elbow.

"You've definitely met Ron, Lila. He's the overly forward guy who works down the hall from me in the corner office. He's my partner on my most recent project", Arnold informed.

"Oh. That Ron. I'm not so sure how I feel about him, but if Helga likes him then I'm sure he's just ever so wonderful."

"I don't like him", Helga grunted. "I don't even get what you two chuckle-heads are droning on about. He seems perfectly fine. Besides, there's nothing going on between us anyway so there really isn't anything to talk about." Helga stomped into the living room and plopped down onto the sofa.

"Whatever you say, Helga", Arnold sighed as he typically did when he knew Helga was lying. He then turned his attention over to fiance. "Well, Lila, I'm going to head upstairs and get out of this monkey suit."

"Alright, just hurry up. Gertie and I are just about done with dinner."

Arnold pulled Lila's firm body into his own by her waist. "Although I think it's really sweet that you're helping my grandma, you really didn't have to."

"I know, but I thought it'd be nice to bond some more with my future grandmother-in-law. It's also great practice for when I start cooking for our own family. Not to mention I was also getting ever so tired of having two breakfasts a day", Lila admitted as she let out a small giggle.

"Aha, I see. Not to sound sexist, but you look really sexy in that apron", Arnold seductively said before beginning to nuzzle Lila's neck.

"Arnold...not now", Lila mumbled, squirming her way out of Arnold's arms and heading toward the kitchen.

"Aw, boo, no fair!" Arnold groaned.

Lila popped her red head out of the kitchen doorway and stuck her tongue out at him then vanished behind the wall.

Helga watched from the living room as Arnold ascended up the stairs after his and Lila's romantic exchange. She felt a sudden ache sting her heart, yet also felt a sense of inspiration. She had a poem built up inside her that needed to be released. She sprung up from the couch and quickly headed for her room when she collided with Arnold in the second floor hallway.

"Hey Helga. Where are you off to in such a rush?"

"N-nowhere. I just thought I-I'd go hang out in my room for a while to, you know, wind down from such a long day", Helga fibbed, fumbling for her words and nervously scratching the back of her neck. All the while she stared at the floor, not even trying to make eye contact with Arnold.

Arnold knew Helga well enough to see that something wasn't right. "Oh. Are you okay? You seem a bit off? Is it because we badged you about Ron? If that's it then I'm sorry."

"What? No. Of course not", Helga sneered. "Am I okay? Of course I'm okay. Why would you ask me such a dumb question?" Helga snapped, turning her body away from Arnold and crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Helga...", Arnold said, placing a hand on her shoulder and turning her around. "Tell me what's wrong. I thought today went well. Did it not?"

"It did. I just... I don't know. I always feel out of place when I get back to this house. I don't belong here. This is your life, Arnold, not mine", Helga said, still keeping her eyes glued to the floor.

"But you are a huge part of my life, Helga. Sure, maybe we haven't seen each other for a while until recently, but that doesn't erase our past. Do you realize how many memories we have together?"

Helga finally lifted her head, looked at Arnold and let a small laugh escape her lips. "Yeah, I guess you're right about that one. We did spend a lot of time together, especially in our days at PS 118."

"Yeah, I mean, come to think of it...we were even each others first kiss. Remember?"

Helga smiled brightly at the sweet memory. "Yeah, I remember. It was in that dumb play Mr. Simmons had us put on."

"Well I'd hardly call Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliette 'dumb', but yes. I still don't understand how you ended up getting that part. How could four other girls, including Lila, back out like that?"

"That's because no one wanted to kiss your football face", Helga innocently joked, gently shoving Arnold's shoulder.

"Ouch!" Arnold gasped, faking offense as he placed his hand on his chest.

The two then began to laugh, and as the cackling died down their eyes became locked on one another. As their gaze continued and the silence prolonged, a strong tension grew between them, and Helga's mind begged her to confess.

"A-Arnold, I-", Helga began, before being cut off by a loud shout from the floor below.

"Come on everyone! Dinner's ready!" Lila called.

Helga's face sunk in disappointment having finally mustered up the courage, only to be shot down by a sign from the universe once again. "Oh, so I guess we should head on down."

"Helga, wait", Arnold said, running ahead of Helga, stopping her on her path down the staircase. "Were you going to say something?"

"N-no. It wasn't important", Helga hesitated.

"You sure?"

"Yeah. It was nothing. Don't worry about it."

"Alright, but you know I'm here if you need me, right?"

"Yes, I know. How could I not know at this point since you keep reminding me", Helga snickered, poking fun at Arnold's kind nature. "So come one, let's head down before your fiance freaks out on us."

Arnold grinned and followed Helga to the kitchen, still wondering what it was that Helga was trying to say. He knew it was something important, but didn't want to force Helga into telling him. He hoped and assumed that in time the truth would come out and everything would make sense.