Chapter 12:

Sorry I haven't updated in a really long time. Between finals and the holidays I've been pretty swamped. I'm on break for a month now though so I should be faster with updates. Also I hope everyone else had a great holiday. Lastly, I know this chapter is really short. I wanted to combine this one and the next one, but I went a little bit overboard on the next chapter and it would have been way to long placing it in with this one. So if this one ends kind of abruptly, that's why.

The next work day proceeded just as it had the day before. Arnold worked on his design proposal, Helga worked on Arnold's filing system, and all the while Ron worked on getting Helga, especially as in approached lunchtime. His would consistently sport his way over to Helga's desk and ask her out to lunch with him. Although a portion of Helga wanted to say yes, she couldn't bring herself to. At least not yet. Arnold, taking notice of Ron persistent behavior, decided to take Helga out to lunch instead as an excuse for her to say no to Ron. He thought he was helping, but all he was doing was toying with Helga's emotions even more.

Finally, however, the clock hit five and it was time to hop back into the car and head home. This time they were in store for a little surprise.

Arnold and Helga raced to the front door. Helga stepped through first and called out, "Honey, I'm home", in a voice that imitated and mocked Arnold's.

Lila poked her head from behind the doorway into the living room. "Hi guys. We have some visitors", she happily informed.

Suddenly a tiny Asian woman popped out into the hallway. She had short, black hair and was wearing a navy blues pants suit.

"Helga!" the woman shouted with glee.

"Phoebe?!" Helga called back, only half sure that she was seeing correctly. This woman had many of Phoebe's features, but still looked so different somehow. She was older, more mature, but that's what age and time will do to you. She also couldn't believe it was really her best friend from high school who she hadn't seen in years was truly there before her.

"Oh my God! I can't believe it's actually you! I almost didn't believe Gerald when he told me you were back in town", Phoebe said as she ran up and wrap her small, thin arms around Helga's skinny waist. "So...wow! How are you?" Phoebe asked as her eyes poked up with curiosity.

"I'm alright I guess. How about you, Pheobs? What have you been up to?"

"I'm good", Phoebe said as she released Helga from her tiny clutches. "I recently got a job at Hillwood Hospital, even though I'm still taking classes to earn my degree so I can be a licensed surgeon. I'll be lucky if I'm out of school this decade", Phoebe joked. "I also just moved into a new apartment with Gerald. Between work, school, the move, and my relationship my life has been pretty hectic to say the least. Don't worry though, I'll never be to busy to see you now that you're back."

"That's great, Phoebe. I'm glad everything is working out for you. It seems to me that everything you'd hoped and planned for in high school is finally coming true", Helga said sincerely, although she couldn't help but be a tad jealous of Phoebe's life and accomplishments. Phoebe was already living out her dreams, and Helga was just beginning to work for them.

"So come on, Helga", Phoebe said, taking a strong grip on Helga's hand. "I want to hear all about what's been going on with you!" Phoebe then dragged Helga into the other room as Lila followed behind them.

Arnold then made his way over to Gerald who had earlier trailed behind his girlfriend and leaned against the banister of the stairs as he watched the two friends get re-antiquated. "I thought we were going to wait to get them together', Arnold softly grumbled in annoyance.

"Arnold, please. I live with the woman. You really thought that it wouldn't slip out? Who cares, anyway?" Gerald replied.

"You don't think it was a bit overwhelming to surprise her like that?" Arnold suggested.

"No, actually I don't. How would it be? They were best friends for years. I'm sure Helga is thrilled to see her. You worry way to much. This is Helga Pataki we're talking about. I think she tough enough to handle seeing Phoebe. Give me a break", Gerald scoffed.

"Yeah, I guess you're right", Arnold admitted in defeat.

"Of course I am. Now let's head into the living room with the girls and have ourselves a little reunion."

The two men walked through the arch that led into the living room and saw the three girls on the sofa. Helga was sandwiched in between Phoebe and Lila as they gossiped. Helga was just wrapping up her story, filling Phoebe in on her life for the passed five years. Phoebes eyes were wide with shock.

"Oh my, Helga. That would have been my last guess as to what you've been up to. I can't believe it", Phoebe exclaimed.

"Yeah, well believe it", Helga stated.

"Helga, can I ask you something, though?" Lila nervously asked in her high pitched voice.

"Sure, what is it?"

"You've been just ever so open about your parents and what led you down that path, but you never said how it happened exactly. Why didn't you just get a job that was more typical, like as a waitress or something? Or did you leave home with the aspiration of becoming an exotic dancer?"

"Lila!" Arnold shouted as her ran up and sat on the arm of the couch beside Lila and put his arm around her shoulders. "We shouldn't be invading in Helga's personal business."

"Not to be rude, but honey, to be perfectly honest you're probably the last person who should be talking, Arnold", Lila timidly confessed.

"Yeah, Arnold", Gerald added, "you ran up to her and pulled her off the stage mid-performance and forced her to live with you. I think you win this year's inference award, buddy."

"I know, I know. You're all right, but all I'm saying is that if she hasn't told us by now then I don't think she wants to", Arnold explained.

"Arnold, it's fine. Would you knock off trying to tiptoe around me? I can handle myself", Helga said, finally speaking for herself in this situation. "If you all want to know how it happened then I'll tell you everything", and just like that Helga began to tell her full story as Phoebe, Lila, Arnold, and Gerald all gathered around.

Hope this was decent, especially accounting for the long wait. So yup, her story will be all of next chapter. See you then hopefully if you're still reading this :)