I do not own Hey Arnold.

Chapter 12-No Point in Apologizing

Shortman Residence

(Flashback/A few days after meeting Angela)

Hello

Hi Angela, it's Arnold. I was wondering if we could talk.

Ah…Arnold, I was waiting to see how long it would take you to finally call me. I knew your curiosity would get the best of you.

Is that right?

Yes.

How did you know my parents? Other than the fact that your father killed them.

Many of the people in San Lorenzo knew about the first outbreak of the sleeping disease. It didn't only effect the Green Eyes. There were a dozens of cases in the general population. Many people were saved by your parent's antidote. One exception being my mother. My father blamed your parents for her death. He often talked about how your parents stole a relic from him too. He vowed to get back at them. The second time the disease struck, my father knew your parents would come to help the Green Eyes. The price on their heads brought killers from all over the South America. Your parents went from saints to targets marked for death.

Does the name Eduardo Alvarez ring a bell? He was the man that killed my parents.

The name sounds familiar. Please understand that I stayed as far away from my father and brother's lifestyle. I planned to leave San Lorenzo as soon as I had the opportunity.

And that opportunity was the coup?

Yes. My brother was so busy rebuilding my father's empire that he paid little attention to me. With the help of one of the men loyal to my father, I was able to leave the country with my daughter. I changed our names and moved around until I was sure we wouldn't be found. When I heard that my brother finally died, I breathed a sigh of relief. I could finally stop looking over my shoulder. When Alexis called and said that she had almost been attacked, I thought we had become careless and someone recognized us. Imagine my surprise when she told me she was saved by a man name Arnold Shortman. I had to meet you.

Why?

I really doubt there are a bunch of Shortmans in this world. I became curious about you when I saw your company website. Your trainer profile has you as the CEO, hand to hand combat and long range shooting instructor. That is why I asked you that question I did before I left your home.

So…Everything between us is ok?

Of course Arnold. Both my daughter and I are indebted to you for your "actions."

Speaking of daughters, how did you know that Izzy was a Green Eye?

I did grow up in San Lorenzo. I know the tales of the elusive Green Eyes. Those who say they have seen a Green Eye give a description that fit your daughter perfectly. It is said that the Green Eyes have a flawless caramel complexion and Jade green eyes. Then of course, I looked into your eyes. Which made me think about another legend from home.

And that was?

It is said that there was a blonde haired, jade green eyed baby boy born during the eruption of a volcano. His cries were powerful enough to silence not only the volcano, but nature itself. Now guess who was born in San Lorenzo during the eruption of a volcano?

Angela, where are you going with this?

You interest me Arnold. I would like to get to know you better. Maybe we can get together sometime?

I will think about it and get back to you. Is that ok?

Don't take too long Arnold. I am a busy woman.

I won't. Have a good night Angela.

Good night Arnold

(End Flashback)

Arnold paused from reading the numerous files in front of him and rubbed the bridge of his nose with two fingers. He had been reading for over four hours. He spun around in his desk chair to face the large window in his office. The sun was starting set. The day had been unseasonably warm, seeing as it was December. The seven day forecast called for a white Christmas.

It had taken him a few weeks but he finally had full dossiers on Angela, Alexis, Rodrigo and Enrico and his parents. It wasn't that he doubted the things Angela told him, he was never one to just take someone's word, especially a stranger. The sound of the doorbell brought him out of his thoughts. He turned to face his desk, pressing a button that unlocked the front door. He knew it was Gerald.

"Did you get all the information you needed?" Gerald walked into the office and sat down on one of the couches. He had been waiting for weeks to learn about the mysterious Angela. He didn't ask much about the encounter. He knew Arnold would tell him everything when he got information. Today was that day.

"I have been reading for the past few hours. Everything she told me is true." Arnold walked over to the globe bar and prepared a drink for the two of them. Arnold picked a photograph off his desk and handed it to Gerald along with his drink. "This is her."

"I don't believe you!" Gerald said with astonishment in his voice. "Arnold this woman is gorgeous." In Gerald's eyes there would never be a more beautiful woman than his wife. Though, he was secure enough in his marriage that he could openly admit when a woman was attractive. "You actually went out with her?"

"We had lunch a few times while she was in town, nothing serious. Plus, she is five years older than me." Arnold agreed with his friend. Angela was a very beautiful woman. She was 5'8, 125 lbs., with the shape of a coke bottle. She had long black hair like Izzy's with blonde highlights and hazel eyes. The few times that they had lunch, she was the center of attention. Only thing was, her attention was all on Arnold.

"There is no way this woman is forty one." Gerald sat the picture of Angela face down on the table. "It doesn't bother you that her father killed your parents, and her brother killed Izzy's mom."

"Helga's mom killed both my grandparents, and I forgave her." Arnold sat down on the couch across from Gerald. "Not to mention, I did kill her brother.

"So from now on your relationships are going to be based off murders." Gerald couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You're overreacting Gerald. I didn't say that."

"What exactly are your saying?"

"I am saying that I am not going to hold what her family did against her. Just like she doesn't hold her brother against me."

"What about the Green Eyes, this woman's brother literally tried to wipe those people off the planet."

"I get that Gerald. This whole situation is twisted enough as is. The girls are having so much fun with Alexis, I don't want to mess it up." Arnold got up and walked over to the globe. "Do you want another?"

"Sure man." Gerald handed Arnold his glass. "You're a bold dude Arnold, a VERY bold dude."

"If you're so smart." Arnold sat back down across from Gerald. "How would you handle a situation like this?"

"Her father killed your parents. Her brother killed your daughter's mother and committed genocide. You killed her brother, and years later save her daughter. Then you go out on a few dates with her. And you let her daughter babysit your daughters." Gerald took a long sip of his drink. "This story belongs on a talk show."

"Exactly." Arnold said laughing. "Despite our past, there is no hard feelings or ill will."

Gerald stared at his friend of over thirty years. He found it amazing how he could be breaking bones one minute, and be a beacon of forgiveness the next. "So where are the girls now?"

"They are at the mall with Alexis. I think she wants them to help her pick out a Christmas present for me."

"Wait what?" Gerald almost spit out his drink. "Hillwood Mall."

"Yeah, so what."

"Phoebe and the kids are at the mall…with Helga"

Hillwood Mall

"So what do you girls think I should get your father?" Alexis, Izzy and Elise had spent the entire day together Christmas shopping. Since Alexis was traveling home to Arizona the next day, she wanted to spend quality time with the girls she affectionately call her "little sisters." She was trying to find a perfect gift for Arnold but it was proving rather difficult.

Izzy openly admitted that her father respectfully rejected gifts from family and friends. He preferred things be given to charity in his name, and that the less fortunate have a happy holiday. He would always volunteer on Christmas Eve and take Izzy to spend Christmas day with Susie. This was also when she could receive her presents from her father. They never put up trees or decorations in their multiple apartments. Izzy couldn't help but feel that if it wasn't for her, he probably wouldn't celebrate holidays at all.

"Exotic teas might be a good idea. We have tea together almost every morning." Elise said.

"Really. Your father has tea parties with you. That is so cute." Even though Alexis hung out with the girls on a regular basis, she hadn't seen too many daddy daughter moments. She was learning that the two sisters were like night and day. Izzy was a bit tomboyish, where Elise was feminine. Despite their individual personality traits, both girls were beyond adorable. "I don't know if they have a place in the mall that sells exotic teas."

"They do." Elise said. "I will show it to you." Elise grabbed Alexis hand and started pull the woman in the direction of the tea shop.

Izzy lazily followed along. She understood why both Alexis and Elise were adamant about getting her father a good gift. He had saved both of them. They were just trying to show their appreciation. Elise was talking excitedly to Alexis about different teas that her father might like when they reached the store. Izzy wasn't jealous that her sister had a tradition with their father, she welcomed it. She was learning martial arts, and Elise was learning about tea.

A familiar voice called her name before she walked inside with her sister. "Izzy?"

Izzy turned around and greeted her aunt respectfully. "Hello Aunt Phoebe. How are you today?" She walked up and hugged her around the waist.

"I am fine Izzy. It has been a few weeks since I have seen you. How are things?" Between Elise's adoption, school, and martial arts training it had been a while since Phoebe had seen her nieces. At first she thought it was because of what happened between her and Helga. A phone call from Arnold cleared up the situation. Things for both families had been busy the past few weeks.

Their conversation was interrupted by Alexis, who didn't know who Izzy was currently talking to nor did she see the previous exchange of pleasantries. "Izzy, you shouldn't be talking to strangers."

Phoebe replied to the woman's comments harsher than expected. "Excuse me, I am her Aunt Phoebe. I should be asking who you are."

Realizing her mistake, Alexis apologized to the woman. "I am so sorry. Mrs. Johanssen correct? I am Alexis." She stuck out her hand to shake the older woman's hand. Phoebe shook her hand once she realized that she was talking to the woman that Arnold saved.

When Elise walked up to the group she could instantly feel the tension. "Hello Mrs. Johanssen." She said to her aunt. She still wasn't comfortable calling Phoebe her aunt. The same thing went for Gerald, Susie and Derrick.

Even though Phoebe hadn't seen the girls in a few weeks, she was still somewhat disappointed that Elise would not refer to her as Aunt Phoebe. Rather than tell that she could, she decided to let it slide today. "I am going to go out on a whim, and say that you are trying to find a gift for Arnold." She looked at the bags that both Elise and Alexis had in their hands. "He is impossible to buy something for."

"We decide to get him a new tea set and some exotic teas. Alexis said. "It not much, but I hope he likes it."

"He loves his tea." Phoebe looked at both Alexis and Elise, then to Izzy. Are you not getting your father something?"

"You know how my father is about gifts. I couldn't stop these two, but I am going to respect my father's wishes.

"Always the obedient daughter." Phoebe said. Most people got the impression that Izzy had Arnold wrapped around her finger. It was the exact opposite. To Izzy, her father's world was law. Your Uncle Gerald should have dropped off your gifts when went to see your father today. I hope you like….

"Elise! Izzy!" Two young voices called out in unison. Asami and Sakura ran up and hugged their cousins. All four girls started talking excitedly to each other. You would think they hadn't seen each other in years.

"Your twins are adorable." Alexis said to Phoebe, trying to ease whatever tension was left between them.

"Thank you." Phoebe said. "And don't worry, I understand that you were trying to protect my niece." She could tell that her comment got Alexis to relax. "Arnold is not the type to let those two out of his sight easily. He must really like you."

Alexis visibly blushed at her comment. Yes she still had her "hero's crush" on Arnold, but rather than pursue a man fifteen years older than her. She thought it would be better if she helped him with his daughters in her spare time. She wasn't trying to be a mom to the girls, more like an older sister. Since her incident and make out session with their father, they had done several things together. Though she was a college student, if the girls called about anything, she wouldn't hesitate to be there for them. Before she could comment back another voice called out to Phoebe causing the entire group to look at the person speaking.

Helga walked up to the group, while looking in the bags in her arms. "I had the store clerk look long and hard for the jersey your tall haired husband wanted. I am going to have to special order it. But I did get everything else." Helga looked up to the group in front of her. Two sets of eyes she hadn't seen in months were staring at her. One pair with a look of hurt on her face.

"Helga, this is Alexis." Phoebe didn't know how to explain who the woman with Arnold's kids was. She didn't think it would proper to introduce Alexis as the girl Arnold saved. The situation was already awkward.

Alexis reached out to shake Helga's hand. At the same time she felt Izzy grab her other hand and squeezed it lightly. She looked at the young girl and could immediately tell that she was uncomfortable with the woman that walked up to the group. Rather than be rude, she shook hand with Helga. "It was a pleasure to meet you all, but I gotta get these two home before their father starts looking for us."

Helga knew Alexis was leaving because Izzy was uncomfortable around her. "It was nice to meet you Alexis. Merry Christmas girls."

Goodbyes were said quickly. Elise wished Helga a Merry Christmas, where Izzy said nothing. Alexis and the girls headed out of the mall to her car. Once they were inside she decided to ask about what happened in the mall. "Izzy what happened between you and that Helga lady?"

Johanssen Residence

The ride back to Gerald and Phoebe's was a quite one. Even the twins noticed how their cousin acted towards Helga. They wanted to ask their cousin what wrong, but she left too fast. "What was wrong with Cousin Izzy Mom? She doesn't normally act like that."

Before Phoebe could answer the girls Helga spoke up. "Your auntie made the mistake of not answering her calls before I left. She is very mad at me."

"Did you apologize?" Sakura asked. "It's not like Izzy to hold a grudge."

Helga turned around in the passenger seat, looking at her nieces. "I think it's a little late to apologize girls. Sometimes adults make mistakes that they can't make up for." She knew by the way Izzy reacted to her in the mall that an apology or even a grand gesture wouldn't repair the damage. Not to mention that hurting Izzy, even accidentally was a deadly sin in Arnold's eyes. Even if she apologized and Izzy forgave her, Arnold would never trust her around his kids.

"Enough with all this negative stuff. It's Christmas time and everyone should be smiling." Phoebe said, as they pull up to her home. Once everything was unloaded, Phoebe took the twins and started getting them ready for bed.

Helga walked around the living room looking at all the pictures of the Johanssen family. She was happy for Phoebe and Gerald. Everyone knew they were destined to be together. And even though she was accepted as one of the family, she would always be on the outside looking in. She follow the trail of pictures until they led into the hallway. The first door on the right was Gerald's office. He was sitting in the room reading a magazine. She stopped when she saw a picture of Arnold on his bookshelf beside the albums that Phoebe showed her all those months ago. "Can I ask you something?" She said walking into his office.

"Sure, what's on your mind? He put down the magazine and gave Helga his full attention. He noticed her looking at the picture, he already knew what the subject was going to be about.

"Why haven't you tried to talk me into apologizing to Izzy?" Everyone she knew besides Olga had told her to apologize to the young girl except Gerald.

"I am going to assume that not only my wife, but also my kids have told you to apologize."

"Correct."

"And have you done it."

"No."

"Why not?

"Because…"

"Because you are Helga Pataki. You don't apologize to anyone, even if you are in the wrong."

"That kind of harsh Geraldo."

"I didn't mean it in a negative way. What I am saying is that unless someone is in your inner circle, you don't make it a point to show your caring side."

"But she was just a kid, and I…."

"Spare me. I know you thought it was Arnold. Apologizing wouldn't do you any good any way. Isabella is Arnold's daughter, meaning she is already tougher than most adults. She will get over it.

"I figured you would be scolding me about hurting your niece."

"Nope. It's just further proof that you and Arnold will never happen. And more than likely shouldn't happen. Despite what my wife thinks."

Helga felt somewhat offended by Gerald's comment. "It didn't seem like that when you tried that little stunt a few months ago."

Gerald chuckled. "Yeah, I thought that would have worked. Though in the aftermath of the situation, I realized something. You two would never make it as a couple."

"I don't understand."

"Arnold is father first and a business man second. Nothing will ever come before either of those. Why do you think he had been single so long before reuniting with you? Sure, you had feelings for Arnold and enjoyed spend time with him and the girls, but you only got the highlight reel. "

"The highlight reel?"

"Yes, you only saw them when they were having fun. You never saw the hard parts of being a single father." Gerald grabbed a bottle of truth serum and poured himself a glass. He knew what he was about to say next would hurt her feelings. "You are not a parent Helga. Yes, you spend time with the girls but you don't know the first thing about taking care of kids. When it comes to you, everything is all fun and games. Phoebe and I have to lay down the laws, structure, and teach. Sometimes we have to play the bad guy. Sometimes they have us wanting to pull our hair out."

"Do you ever regret having kids?" Helga poured herself a glass. Her conversations about parenting with Phoebe had never gotten this deep.

"Never. You are missing my point. Arnold is doing alone what Phoebe and I are doing together. Along with his career. You are a beautiful, successful woman. You should be with someone like yourself. There is no need for you take on the responsibilities of parent, especially if they kids aren't yours."

"I would have cared for them as if they were my own."

"You'd think that." Gerald laughed at her comment. "But what about when you find yourself questioning knowing who Arnold really is again. I can tell you right now, it would happen again. You think the San Lorenzo is the worst thing he has done? What about when the girls got older and started rebelling? How are you going feel when they openly reject you and say they don't have to listen to you because you're not their mother?"

"What makes you think something like that would happen?"

"I know a guy." They both laughed at the comment. Once their fit of laughter stopped, Gerald became serious again. "What would you do about your job? The position that takes you all over the country to new and exciting places. The job that helps inspire your stories and poetry. Do you want to give that up?"

Helga knew the answer was no. She loved her job despite the fact she had to work with her sister. When she stared talking with Gerald she thought the conversation was going to go in a different direction.

"Gerald?" Phoebe said from the door. The look on her face showed that she had heard some of their conversation.

"Yes babe" He said hesitantly.

"The girls are ready for bed. You should go say goodnight." She said calmly. Gerald kissed her on the cheek as he left the room. Once Phoebe heard the door to the twin's room close, she sat down in her husband office chair. "So what are you going to do now?"

"Go back to how things were." Helga said. "Your husband is right. Arnold is the fantasy of nine year old Helga. Thirty six year old Helga needs to continue on her own path." She held up her glass to Phoebe and finished her drink. "On that note, I am going to go."

Phoebe called Helga a taxi just to be safe and escorted her friend outside. "So are you going to be here on Christmas day right?" She knew all too well that if Helga wanted to she could disappear the next day.

"Of course. You don't think I am going to spend that day with Olga and Miriam do you?" The taxi pulled up and Helga got inside. "Tell your husband I said thanks for the pep talk." Phoebe waved as the taxi pulled off.

Shortman Residence

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Alexis knocked lightly on to Arnold's office door. To try and cheer Izzy up she had taken the girls out for pizza once they left the mall. When Izzy said she didn't want to talk about it, Elise told the story. Once Elise was done, Alexis couldn't help but give Izzy a hug. It was amazing how people let simple misunderstandings turn into damaged relationships. It also explained why it took so long for Izzy to warm up to her.

"Come in." Arnold looked up from his desk to see Alexis walking in with a gift wrapped box in her hands. "Hey Alexis. Where are the girls?"

"They are in their rooms getting ready to call it a night. We did some serious shopping today." She walked up to his desk and placed the box in front of him. "I am leaving in the morning, but I wanted to give you this since I won't see you until after the New Year."

"You didn't have to get my anything Alexis."

"The girls told me how you feel about gifts. I really wanted to get you something though."

Arnold could see the want of approval in the young woman's eyes. "Did you want me to open it now? This was the reason he didn't like getting gifts, he really didn't know how to react to people that got him things. A smile seemed forced and a thank you seemed fake.

"Yes please." She said excitedly. "Just know it's from myself and Elise."

"Well thank you both." Once all the wrapping paper was off the box, Arnold sat at his desk speechless. Sitting on his desk was a Hobnail Cast Iron Teapot with a four cast iron cup set.

"We also got you an assortment of different teas. Elise is going to wait until Christmas day to give that to you." Alexis realized that Arnold hadn't said anything. "Um…Do you like it?" She asked nervously.

Arnold got up from his desk and slowly pulled her into a hug. "I love it. Thank you so much." He kissed Alexis on the cheek causing her to blush. "I can't wait to use it."

"I am glad you like it. I am going to head home now. My flight leaves early in the morning." She started walking towards the officer door. "Arnold?"

"Yes?" He sat back down at his desk.

"You might want to talk to Izzy." Alexis said opening the door to his officer.

"Let me guess, she saw Helga Pataki at the mall."

"Um…yeah. How did you know?"

"Gerald told me she was at the mall at the same time you three were. Is she ok?"

"She seems a little down. I tried to help her feel better, but nothing worked."

Arnold got up and walked over to the door with Alexis. Let me walk you outside and I will go talk to both of them. He escorted her downstairs and outside to her car. "The girls and I did get you and your mother something. It should be there by the time you get home. Drive safe and Merry Christmas Alexis."

"Merry Christmas Arnold." Alexis pulled off into the night.

He watched her car until she turned a corner far down the street. He walked back in the house and headed up to Izzy's room.

Chapter 12 Completed. Please R&R