Hey everyone! School has finally started! I'm posting this in honor of my Birthday 08/24 as a birthday gift to you.. for.. I don't know.. When ever your birthday is. As for how school might effect my writing it will ether make it better or worse.. not in quality but updates. Cause of procrastination and stuff. So we will see how it goes. And thanks so much for all the great reviews on the last chapter It means so much to me that you guys have stayed with me to this point. I can honestly say there aren't many chapters left but at the same time writing this has inspired me to write more so don't think I'm done just yet!
When we last left off Arnold Helga and Gerald had tasted victory over the Evil La Sombra. With what seems to be the last obstacle hurdled can Arnold finally express his feelings?
Chapter 12 Fruitless Confessions
" Huh." Helga said studying her fist, " Never thought old Betsy would take the offensive again." she shook her hand out and then began nursing her knuckles slightly. " She's kinda out of practice."
" He attacked first, technically still defensive." Gerald chimed in out of breath.
The three starred at the unconscious river pirate on the ground. And Arnold finally got a better look at his face. His skin was a dark tan, with scars littered about what exposed flesh there was. His hands in particular. Dark bags hung from his eyes and a scuffled 5 o'clock shadow adorned his chin. Among the charcoal black hairs though were several grays that seemed to draw more attention to his aging face.
" He looks kinda peaceful." Said Helga, and soon the three kids found themselves tilting there head to the side.
" Yeah well he's a dangerous criminal, Gerald help me tie him up."
" Sheesh I'm not saying he's gonna win the nobel peace prize Im just sayin he looked kinda tired."
" Well he's gonna get plenty of time to check up on sleep." Gerald said before looking at Helga with one eyebrow arched, and in a cool tone he added. " In the big house."
Arnold snickered and Helga put on a face of utter unamusement.
" I'll let that one slide, seeing how you saved my life."
" Oh that reminds me." Arnold said tightening the ropes before standing up and walking to the other side of the room to where Noé lay, beginning to stir.
Just as Noé's eyes began to peek open Arnold punched him right in the eye, knocking him out again, before he started tying him up.
" Man. You are violent today."
" He deserved it. But seriously after today, no more resulting to violence."
" Yeah that case is gonna be a little harder made on your end Football Head. You should name your fists." Helga added with a laugh, yet Arnold noticed a small flush on her cheeks, probably the heat. Arnold gave a chuckle before looking down at the face of Noé again. An image flashed in his head of when he had been holding Helga, grabbing her.. kissing-
Arnold stood and with out a thought his foot swung kicking Noé in the ribs, not at full power, but not lightly ether.
" Now I'm done."
Gerald and Helga gave Arnold a confused look, before looking at each other, seemingly having a conversation with there eyes. Leaving irritation to start to show on poor Arnold's already tired face.
" What?!" He said, not used to the moral judgment.
" Its just, well now I've seen it all." Gerald started.
" Yeah never in my life did I think I would see Football head kick a guy while he's down." Helga continued her eyes quickly darting to Noé for a moment before returning to Arnold.
" Not judging ya man, its just out of character for ya." Gerald ended, and Helga silently agreed. Arnold felt his shoulders raise, his fists clenched at his sides, and as he tried to muster a glair he couldn't fight the warming of his checks knowing the real reason behind the kick.
" What? I owed him one." for what he did to Helga. The idea held in his head, his checks not cooling off, as he tied Noé up, leaving a few extra feet of rope. Helga and Gerald followed suit with La Sombra seeming to have accepted Arnold's answer.
" What now? We can't just leave 'em here. They could get free and cause more trouble." said Gerald. Arnold, not really caring for any damages that may be inflicted, dragged the unconscious Noé across the room and pushed him down with La Sombra.
" We gotta get them off this boat some how, and we cant go down the ladder. So we take them up outside and use the boats old rigging to hoist em down, then we just drag them till we get to the rendezvous point."
" If the rigging holds." Helga added examining the old ship.
" It should. Come on Gerald and I will get La Sombra, Helga take N-" Arnold caught himself as an image of Noé on Helga's back flashed in his mind, and the brief idea of Noé waking up. Arnold shook the images and looked to Helga who was starting to pick Noé up, apparently having guessed the end of his sentence. He, without thought grabbed her wrist.
" On second thought Gerald take Noé. We can take La Sombra." Helga just nodded staring wide eyed at him. It unnerved him slightly, but he simply let go of her wrist and began hoisting up the passed out river pirate captain, Helga helping soon after.
" UGH! This Guy smells like piss and tequila." Helga commented. It was true, close up, with all the excitement and adrenaline wearing off La Sombra smelt as though he had never known soap. A pungent oder, sour and musty. Arnold felt like gagging.
" UGh this kid ain't much better." Gerald groaned.
The three made there way up to the top deck, the light that escaped the thick canopy blinding the tree as they dropped the two pirates like bags of rotten potatoes, before Helga ran back alone, much to Arnold's dismay, to retrieve some of there fallen items and there spears.
" Hey man. You ok? " Gerald asked as They began gathering rope from the mast and tying it around what seemed to be the strongest piece of the ship.
" Yeah I'm fine." Arnold lied quickly, he wasn't too far from the truth, but now was hardly the time to hang over details.
" Its just that, ya know, back there during that fight. He really got ya good. Maybe you should take a breather. I think Helga's got some medical stuff she can patch ya up."
" I-" Arnold tried to protest, but decided against it. He had mis understood the question and was now relieved to know Gerald was asking about his physical, not mental well being. Both not in prime shape, but one not really wanting to be the topic of conversation. " Yeah." He said sitting against the side of the ship as Gerald continued working.
" And don't even begin to think that were done talkin, once we're at the rendezvous point you got some explained to do about your reaction to Noé."
Great. You know Arnold was kinda hopping that once he admitted finally that he liked, or rather loved, Helga, that Gerald would take a step back and just let Arnold mess up on his own. Or whatever you would call Arnold's usual way he acts around girls he likes... loves. But it seems his small meddling in the early stages of Gerald's relationship with Phoebe have earned him some meddling in return. Wonderful. Gerald continued working on the rig with some instruction from Arnold and they were soon joined again by Helga, now caring there bags and both the boys spears. Before she could set any of the items down properly Gerald spoke up.
" Yo Pataki, Arnold needs medical attention."
Helga quickly dropped everything before she began tearing through her bag searching for any medical supplies she still had. Arnold watched, and amused smile on his face, pain and worry slowly fading. Helga pulled out some bandages and what looked to be some ointment that the green eyes had made for her. She embarrassedly gestured to Arnold's open plaid shirt, and he removed it, better showing his faded tribal marks and slowly forming bruises. She looked positively frazzled, and Arnold nearly let out a chuckle in response, but instead was met with sharp pain from his left side. He did his best to conceal his pain but he had flinched and short hiss had escaped his mouth. Helga looked up with a nearly red face eyes open in shock and worry. Arnold gave her his best smile before nodding for her to continue.
She was surpassingly gentle, and Arnold found himself relaxing immensely under her soft touch. The occasional pain was felt as she started rubbing ointment in a new spot yet after that pain faded he was met with the rhythmic touch of her finger tips, leaving a trail of heat and tingles where ever they traveled. Arnold couldn't help but close his eyes, letting his head fall back resting against the side of the boat; even the painful spots felt good. Her hand began to stroke over his left pectoral, moving to his shoulder. With out thinking a soft moan rung out in his throat.
Arnold's eyes shot open and his hand flew at his mouth trying desperately to conceal what had happened, but the damage had been done, and he stared at what he could now consider the most flustered Helga he had ever seen. Arnold removed his hand from his mouth almost as quickie as she had removed her hand from him.
"I-" he quickly thought about an apology yet the words couldn't form in his head, the only words he wanted to say, the only ones he felt he could utter, were far from an apology. And although 'Please don't stop' was among a long list of things he wanted to say. ' I love you' was the only one filling his thoughts. He spoke, his voice sounding desperate.
"Helga I-"
" YOU TOO! Quit messing around! Get Arnold fixed up then we gotta get the heck outta here!" Gerald shouted from across the deck, apparently gathering more rope. Arnold felt a twinge of annoyance before glancing at Helga who was looking any where but his face, fumbling around with the bandages. She began with out a word wrapping them around Arnold quickly. And before Arnold could continue, she spoke.
" Its... ok. You don't have to apologize."
Dejected again Arnold simply accepted it, lowing her to continue her work, slightly more ruff then before.
" Right."
It didn't take long for the three to hoist each other along with the two 'captives' off the boat and continue walking. Helga and Gerald carrying la Sombra over there shoulders like a plank of wood. Arnold carelessly dragging Noé behind him, letting Noé's feet drag on the jungle floor. They walked in silence before Gerald started up.
" I don't know about you too. But Arnold just kicked this guys butt. The enemy of his and his parents, along with other peoples, life! Shouldn't we be celebrating?"
" We can celebrate when were safe and back to camp." Arnold said sternly.
" Oh come on foot ball head we gotta do something.. Some kinda hurrah. Your kung fu butt just saved ours back there."
" I know! how bout jolly good fellow?"
And with Gerald and Helga started singing.
" For he's a jolly good fellow!
For he's a jolly good fellow!
For he's a jolly good felloooooooow!
Which nobody can deny!"
The two finished and started whooping and hollering and Arnold couldn't help but chuckle. And soon all three where laughing as they made there way through the recently not as frightening jungle. His two friends where right, this was soon to be the end of there greatest adventure. Sure in retrospect it hadn't been as much of a fight as Arnold had feared, yet he had always feared La Sombra would win. In his Nightmares la Sombra was a relentless demon, hell bent on causing pain and misery in his life, yet in reality he was a mentally ill, tired old man, who could use a few years in the slammer.
"Or the rest of his life." Arnold muttered under his breath.
Just then a rustle was heard in the distance, followed by a broken twig. The three immediately ceased there laughing and readied themselves. Arnold with out a thought dropping Noé and pulling out his sphere. Preparing for the worst.
He was instead met with what looked like 20 or more members of San Lorenzo law enforcement. Aiming there guns at the three teens, yelling what he believed was the equivalent of 'drop your weapons'. Yet he still kept his sphere at the ready, that is until he heard.
"Arnold!?" the voice called out. And Arnold let go of the staff with out hesitation.
" DAD!"
Miles reviled himself amongst the officers with a look of pure joy on his face, before looking at the two bodies the children had been caring.
"You... defeated La Sombra."
" Yes."
" All by yourself?"
" Well no. Gerald and Helga helped."
Miles pulled Arnold into a tight embrace before leaning back slightly, his hand placed lightly on his shoulder mindful of Arnold's new bruises.
" You've been hanging out with your grandmother too long."
Arnold chuckled lightly with his father. The officers took la Sombra and Noé into there custody, relieving Gerald, Arnold and Helga from having to carry them, and with more protection then they have ever had on this wild adventure they made there way back to camp.
Upon arrival Arnold was met with a fierce hug from his mother, who was hysterical, crying tears of joy on his shoulder. He looked over at Helga who was apparently met with the same hysteria that of hazel. As soon as the two 'mothers' calmed down they were brought into camp to receive medical attention and share stories.
Arnold's wounds were by far the worst, Gerald and Helga only having some minor rope burn from being tied up. Though stella tended to Helga's older still healing wounds as well. Miles and stella regaled there running into 4 of La Sombras men before arriving first and gathering up every officer that was not on some other duty. Hazel and Zack spoke of there fight against 14 and hazel painted a colorful image of her swinging on a vine nocking six men over and Zack's amazing kung fu skills. As soon as the treatments were done they headed off to a nice spot where the village people had begun setting up a celebration in honor of the capture of La Sombra.
The party started nearly immediately on there arrival, Helga was haloed off with Hazel only to appear later, the both of them wearing traditional San Lorenz outfits. Arnold felt his heart warm at the sight of her. She looked just as splendid as the first time she had worn the outfit, she walked with a delicate grace, the dress highlighting her movements, she stood nervously in front of Arnold, offering a small smile. Arnold couldn't help but smile back ten fold, possibly the stupidest grin he had ever had stretched across his face. Helga in turn laughed and Arnold joined her. As they laughed the music started and Arnold's dad snuck up from behind pushing them into them towards the roaring fire, the two looked around noticing the dancing locals, and with out words, just smiles, the two began dancing like spazzes.
Arnold felt his heart warm as the two began to do some odd version of swing dancing, awkwardly moving off beet just for the sake of moving. holding each others hands and spinning around as music filled the air and the ever darkening sky. as they slowed down arnold never let go of her hands, even when they had completely stopped he stood there holding them, stroking the tops of her hands with his thumbs. He looked at her face, Her frazzled messy hair framing her face with flowers and ribbons weaved through it. A blush stained on her cheeks that seemed to make her eyes shine even brighter. In that moment he held no fear in his heart.
" Helga I-"
" Look over there!" Shouted Gerald from a distance.
Again... really!? Well whatever, Arnold still had plenty of time. He had looked away and returned to see a slightly scared Helga. Confused he was about to ask why, but she turned her head as did everyone else and there vision followed toward the river bank. Everyone gathered to see groups of La Sombra's men tied up, the symbol of the green eyes painted on there ropes.
" Looks like the green eyes wanted these guys out of there jungle for good." Miles started examining the men. Several officers came over and began collecting and detaining them.
" Dad, how come the green eyes didn't show themselves? I mean, we've seen them. Whats the big deal?"
" We have son, but the locals haven't." Arnold followed his fathers moving gaze to the rest of the party, people had returned to there dancing and feasting as the sky began to grow dark, several men began lighting torches. " You have to understand what a rare honor that was. They have only come this far out once, and that was the day of mine and your mothers wedding. Actually it was here in fact. And we got Abner from this very river."
"Hey Arnold!" Arnold turned to look a few feet away at Helga who was kneeling by the river side... Over a basket? Arnold hurried over just as Helga began pulling something out of it. As arnold reached her he looked down and was met with the vision of Helga holding a new baby piglet.
" They sent a gift.. I think?"
Arnold blushed a bit slightly confused. He remembered from his dads journal that the gift of a pig was to bless a new marriage. Arnold turned to his dad who seemed to be having the same confusing.
" Uhh dad?"
" You got me son. I'm pretty sure what the meaning of the pig is but I'm not sure where it applies to this situation."
Arnold returned his gaze toward Helga who seemed to have grown rather affectionate quickly as she began nuzzling her nose with the pigs. she looked at the medallion placed around the piglets neck and Arnold noticed it boar two symbols incased in a circle. The mark of kindness and the mark of bravery. He examined it closer, his father peering over his shoulder, as Helga continued cooing the baby pig.
"Ah.." Miles said making a noise before quickly covering his mouth.
" What?"
His father looked like he had a little blush, he coughed, clearing his throat."
" Its.. for you two."
Arnold's jaw nearly dropped, his eyes flew at Helga who hadn't looked up, but seemed delighted at the news as she kept playing with the baby pig.
" But... dad... is it.. do they thing... the... same as Abner?"
" Apparently there a little confused." Miles said rubbing his neck before stella joined up behind, miles whispering what had happened in her ear and her mother joining in on the slightly awkward family moment. As Helga sat oblivious with the pig.
" wait what does it mean?" she asked looking up.
" I- I'll explain later." Arnold answered looking away, not able to look at her beautiful face. He instead caught sight of Gerald running over to join them.
" Awesome! looks like were eating pork tonight!" Gerald said as he liked his lips.
" NO bone head!" Helga stood whacking Gerald on the back of the head. " Were not gonna eat it. Its some kinda blessing!"
" Well fine Pataki what do you have in mind." Gerald said nursing his soar head.
" Follow Arnold's lead. We'll raise it. I've been wanting a pet sense Big Bob wouldn't let me keep Phoebe's Kimono dragon."
" This is hardly a Kimono dragon Helga." Gerald said remembering that day, Arnold remembered it too, everyone was grossed out after it ate Arnold's parrot, but Helga seemed oddly pleased, Arnold just attributed it to her old bully tendencies.
" Im sure we'll get along just fine, See it already likes me."
Arnold, letting his embarrassment fade at the meaning of the pig, simply decided to enjoy the moment. He knelt besides Helga and her new pet.
" What are ya gonna name him?"
" Hamlet." She said with a smile. Before Gerald peered over.
" Isn't Hamlet a boys name Pataki?"
" Of course it is Geraldo thats why I.. oh." She said before examining the pig. She smiled slightly embarrassed. " Helena then."
Arnold smiled as he continued to watch Helga tend to her new baby pig. Her hair starting to fall in her face. He found himself lost in her in that moment.
" Wait. Didn't your parents get a pig as a blessing for there we-" Faster then anyone could blink Arnold had jumped up covering his hands over Gerald's mouth, pulling him else where.
"-dding. Dang Man! I could use with a little warning before you attack me."
" I could use with a little warning before you blare off embarrassing stuff." arnold whispered harshly. though the two were far from the other groups of people, arnold always kept in mind that old habit of Helga's to over hear him now and again.
" What? You mean the pig isn't a wedding present?"
" Obviously its just a mistake on the green eyes part. They assumed.. that.. Helga and I we.. were.." the words stuck like glue in his throat. Images of him and Helga wed slowing down his train of thought.
" Ok so it means what it means they just sent it to early."
" GERALD!"
" I mean, you guys are kinda young."
" Technically in there culture we are of marrying age i think." Arnold said rubbing his temples in hopes it would calm his heart or the blush raging on his cheeks."
" And Helga doesn't know the meaning?"
" I guess i forgot that part of my parents story when i was giving her the run down on the journey here."
" So your just gonna let her keep that wedding present not knowing its a wedding present? What is with you!? You seem less Arnold then usual. That fight, you and Pataki, all this adventuring, its got you pretty messed up man."
" I know! I know! I feel like half my brain is at war with the other half."
" Ok lets focus on one thing at a time. You and Helga, have you told her yet."
Arnold simply looked up at Gerald, glaring slightly.
" What? Im just asking? Cause it seemed like ya'll were pretty friendly on the dance floor."
" Well I might have if Someone wouldn't stop interrupting at the worst times."
Gerald just looked at Arnold a little shocked. " Uhh how many times have you tried?"
" As of late I think 3. Four counting an almost kiss... but.. two of those you stopped."
" Ok man I got it... I'll try to read the situation better."
" Good."
There was an air of silence only filled with noise of the party behind them.
" So... an attempted kiss?"
"Gerald!"
" Come on man! I want the details!"
" I swear your like a gossiping old woman." Arnold frowned but Gerald just gave him a look of ' lets hear it', so Arnold released a heavy sigh and tried his best to continue with out his face breaking out in heat again.
" Well... we've already technically kissed but there was no meaning."
" Oh yeah I already know, The play in forth grade, Bay watch CPR, that FTi thing you wouldn't tell me about so I had to look through your journal."
" GERALD?"
" What! So she kissed you, heat of the moment, whatever."
" Well pushing aside the privacy invaded..."
" Hey. Friendship invaded for not telling."
" Whatever. We actually had another one recently. After we got separated at first and before we found you guys with the green eyes."
" Holding out info again.. man.. I'll let it slide. Go on.
" Ok.. so I almost kissed her after my fight with my parents. But we were interrupted by my dad."
" Ok how about your confessions."
" Ah one before the attempted kiss.. she interrupted that one. Then one after the fight with La Sombra while we were on the boat, and she was tending to my wounds. You interrupted that one. And then just now while we were dancing.. you interrupted that one too. " Arnold gave him a dull look.
" Ok man you need to get her ALONE. Just the two of you, and need to make your intent so clear that she just shuts up. Say it fast and say it proud, its like ripping of a band aid."
" You would know..." the dull look on Arnold's face only becoming more dull.
" Hey man.. Don't doubt the master. I got a girl with waaaay less drama then this."
" Right.. Yeah.. sorry. Im just nervous."
" As you should be. Its love, but that doesn't mean ya cant be a man about it."
" You're right Gerald! Im gonna Man up! In fact I'm gonna go tell her right now!"
" You go man!" Gerald's voice fading as Arnold began to stomp away towards Helga who was now sitting with Hazel, the two fawning over there new pet.
" H-Helga!" his voice cracked.
" Hey Arnold! Look how cute Helena is! Think her and Abner wil-"
" I need to talk to you in privet." Arnold winced as soon as the words left his mouth, they were stiff, his voice cracking nearly all the way through. But he stood his ground, a blush growing on his cheeks, back stiff.
" Uhh.. sure Arnold." Helga said a blush on her cheeks. She handed Helena off to Hazel and stood, following Arnold to where he was just with Gerald, Gerald now gone.
He stood for a while facing the jungle, to scared to turn and look at what he new would be a beautiful sight.
" Uh.. Arnold?"
Right! Right! He's gotta Man up! Arnold spun around and was met with a sight that was not merely beautiful, but breath taking.
In a way as literal as it could be.
Arnold began chocking gruffly trying to clear his throat.
" Helga.. " Dammit, his voice cracked again. " I have something... something I need to tell you."
" Me too Arnold."
Wait.. 'HER TOO!' could it be she actually returned his feelings! Arnold felt his heart lighten, a smile growing on his face as he watched Helga stand there, fidgeting nervously with her skirt, feeling as though he understood her nerves. But who cared, this might actually work! He decided to up the ante. Grabbing her shoulders and pulling her close. Her hands finding themselves resting delicately on his chest. He stared deeply into her eyes that both filled him with butterflies, making him weak in the knees, and gave him straight to carry on. He added a ruff deep "Helga" as he pulled her in, as manly as he could muster. Then he tried his best to give a look of pure desire, which in his mind wasn't that hard seeing how much he obviously desired her anyway. She was shocked, nearly frozen. She had made a small squeak when he had pulled her close, but now she just stood there, here eyes wide, cheeks obviously red even given the lack of lighting they were in.
" Helga." He spoke again. " I-"
"IM SORRY." she yelled. Pushing him away, freeing her self from his embrace.
Arnold's smile faded instantly, his shoulders slacked, his eyes wide, and he could feel his right one twitching slightly.
"S..sorry?"
" I should have told you sooner I- Its just with all that was going on, all this excitement.. it didn't seem like a good time."
Arnold perked up again, not as hopeful, but this still had potential to turn out good. And he was determined to stay positive.
" I understand, It has been pretty hectic."
" And this is really.. Really hard for me to say but.."
" Yes?" Arnold's heart raced, he was debating on letting her finish and just kissing her there, as well as a darker much older part of him wanted to just taker her off and ' claim her as his own, but he silenced that part rather quickly."
"... I... I..."
"..."
" IM GOING TO PARIS!"
This was it! He was going to pull her into his arms again and wait... Paris?
" Paris?"
" Yes Paris."
Ok so she was going on a trip, what was the big deal. Was she inviting him too.. was this some kinda weird metaphor, like paris of the mind, which is love, because paris was the city of love? Or was she already planning our honey moon or..
" For-" he began to ask ' for what reason' but was met with...
" For school."
"... what."
" Im going to art school, this trade school for talented kids, its a High School... in Paris."
And then it all sunk in. She wasn't nervous like he was, of expressing a new found love. She was guilty, for destroying there new found friendship. Defeated Arnold just hung his head
" So.. Paris.. as in..."
" Paris france."
" I.. I thought you were going to hill wood high.. like the rest of us."
" Me too, it was a long shot for me to get into this academy, but there was a representative at my show and they told me about it and put in a good word for me."
" But you don't even speak french!" Arnold yelled slightly, feeling betrayed and angry with himself.
"Oui bien sûr que je fais, ma tête stupide de football."
Damn, she spoke it perfectly with out hesitation.
" What.. did you want to tell me? Arnold?"
" Nothing. Have a safe trip."
And with that he walked off angrily, back to his parents, fighting tears, Just as his father began to call out a hurrah in his honor. He couldn't wait to leave this stupid country behind.
Sorry, kind of a sad ending there. Don't worry theres more to come. Will Arnold finally express those feelings?
A special thanks to the people reviewing again. You guys all seriously make my day ever time I get one, and I get more inspired to work not only on this story but several others. And thank you all for being so patient. My computer is having issues so hopefully nothing to serious to keep me from writing the next chapter but just a fair warning.
