(A/N: Okay let me explain myself. I know a lot of you are sad face that it's taken me almost two dang month's to update but here's the reason so try not to get too mad, kay? After posting that last chapter, like... a week later maybe I found out I'm pregnant! Yay! Except if any of you knows anything about pregnancy, then you'll know all the awful things the first trimester come with. The morning sickness and extreme exhaustion! I've been unable to concentrate on practically anything at all since all the side effects started :( So don't think I gave up or will ever give up, cuz I won't. To be completely honest, more than half this chapter was already written like a week after I posted the last because that's how excited I was to write it! Since I've felt okay today, I tried my hand at finishing it and managed to in one night which is fairly good if I do say so myself! Well enough wasting your time reading this nonsense, you wanna get to the whole reason you're here! Enjoy this chapter and send good vibes my way to overcome this rough patch so I can push out sooner chapters!)
The 6th grade class of P.S 118 cheered as their returned friend took a bow and settled herself down at the only free desk, which happened to be behind Stinky in the far right corner of the room. The southern boy turned his body around and smiled at the young girl.
"Welcome back, Miss Lila. I have to say I missed your glowing smile and rosy cheeks, heck I reckon we all have!" He said in a warm voice which delighted the girl.
"That is ever so sweet of you, Stinky." She replied gratefully, "I've missed you all ever so much as well!"
Mr. Simmons cleared his voice to get the classes attention again and began to write the day's lesson on the board. "Yes, it is very good to have you back in class Lila! Now everyone get out your history books and turn to page 209 so we can begin today's topic of Greek God and how they shaped religion for around the world!"
Most of the students did not mind this topic and obediently followed his instructions. The overly enthusiastic gentleman started his lesson while the students listened on and took notes that he had periodically written down. Many interesting stories and facts were told about the far away land and their interesting history and lore. There were a few questions, giggles and sounds of awe as the teacher continued on.
Minutes turned into hours and soon half the day's classes were over and it was now time for lunch. The hungry and eager students filed out of the room in route to the old cafeteria. Many were still interested in Lila's time with her family and gathered around her at the table she chose.
"Oh, I had the most delightful time!" She sang with her fingers clasped together. "It was ever so wonderful to see my extended family again."
"What did you do while you were there?" Harold asked curiously.
"Yeah, do you have any color yarns to weave for us today, Miss Lila?" Stinky contributed.
"Well…" The pleasant girl started as she began to shyly play with one of her braids. "As I wrote in my letter, the reason I went away was to help my Aunt May. She had gotten an ever so serious infection after hurting herself in the yard and it needed to be treated right away." The kids all listened quietly as she spoke. "Although many of my relatives live in South Carolina, a lot of them have… rather busy lives and could not take the opportunity to help her. She is my father's precious little sister so he felt obliged to help which I was ever so grateful to join in!"
"Is she feeling better now? Did they clear the infection?" Arnold asked eagerly, gaining the soft girls attention.
"Why, Yes Arnold! She is fit as a fiddle and is back in her field planting daisy's as we speak, I imagine." The young girl replied with a hopeful smile. "I believe she'll be ever so careful this time around."
"Boy howdy, I didn't realize an infection could make you have to stay in a hospital!" Sid called out with a frightened look.
"Of course, Sid! Any infection if left untreated could seriously hurt your body! The infected area needs to be drained from the puss right away and antibiotics given to clear it up" Sheena replied informatively, "You could always ask my Aunt Shelley about it!"
"That is absolutely repulsive!" Rhonda cried in disgust.
"I don't know, Rhonda. It sounds pretty interesting to me!" Eugene disagreed happily, earning a smile from Sheena.
"Well of course you would find it interesting, Eugene! With how much you injure yourself, I'm sure you've had plenty of disgusting infections!" Rhonda replied as she backed away from the small boy before crossing her arms, "And besides, you're a geek! Geeks are always interested in weird things."
Lila listened on as her fellow classmates and friends continued to have side conversations in relation to her topic. Once the voices quieted down a bit, she turned to Arnold who was closely to her left. He was giving her a rather sad face which had her concerned. "Why Arnold, what's ever so wrong?"
The boy rubbed the side of his arm awkwardly. The thought of such a small thing as an infection being enough to emit someone in the hospital for weeks seemed too shocking to be true and it only made him reflect on the importance of safety a little more. His grandparents were always doing miscellaneous things around the house, some more dangerous than the others, and their age made them very susceptible to getting hurt. "I just hope that your Aunt is a little more careful, that's all." He replied, covering up his real concern about his own relatives.
"I assure you, she is ever so fine." Lila smiled back. "Now I am ever so interested in your trip across the sea! Please fill me in on your adventures!"
The class all began to fill her in on the drama that had ensued in San Lorenzo. Her eyes widened at all of the craziness that had gone on, as well as their own dangers that they had faced. "Oh my, you were all held captive by a… river pirate?" She asked; her face full of dumbfoundment.
"And that's not even the worst part! It was all Arnolds fault!" Harold cried out as he angrily looked at the odd headed boy.
Arnold blushed with embarrassment and nodded. "Y-yes… it was all my fault. You see, he was looking for a tribe of people that my parents had helped a long time ago and assumed that I knew where they were. In reality, I knew just as much as he did. He didn't believe me so he locked everyone up." He then turned to his best friend and smiled. "Luckily, Helga and Gerald got me out of there and we found the tribe along with my long lost parents."
Gerald placed his arm around his friend and smiled. "Of course I would help you, buddy. Even if you did keep your plan a secret from me."
Lila noticed that someone in particular was not currently present in the group and she looked around. "Where is Helga?" She asked, slowly rising from her seat to get a better view of the cafeteria. The girl in question was sitting at the farthest table possible, with her head rested on the table. "Is she not feeling well today?"
That was when Arnold noticed that she had no lunch. A large rock fell into the pit of his stomach, causing his nerves to betray him and make his body feel weak. Oh no! I forgot that she doesn't get free lunch and we didn't pack her one! He thought dreadfully. Slowly the boy backed up, "I-I'll go check…" He said nervously; looking between his group of friends.
The girl gave him a curious look before sitting down and accepting his kind gesture. "Sure thing Arnold, I do hope she's okay."
Without a second to pass, Arnold walked over to the girl who seemed to be sleeping.
Helga's stomach growled loudly as she damned everything and everyone around her. Hunger didn't usually bother her but with her meals becoming smaller and smaller, it seemed that her body was finally revolting against her in a painful manner. She moaned softly unaware of the sudden onlooker.
"H-helga?" called out Arnold's voice.
Helga moved her arm a little and looked up at the boy with the oddly shaped head. He would normally be a sight for her sore eyes, however right now she had zero energy to even feel the least bit excited. "What?" She hissed out sharply.
Arnold rubbed the back of his head then looked between his talkative group of friends and the girl before him. "Why didn't you remind me to get you a packed lunch?" He asked with a hushed tone.
"What are you, my keeper?" Helga growled before turning her head and facing away from him. "I'll live."
Guilt continued to eat at the boy as he heard the poor girl's stomach protest loudly. "I've already told you that it's my job to take care of you… why won't you let me?"
"Isn't reminding you to feed me a little pathetic?" She replied, "Besides it's not like this is my first time without a lunch. If you recall, this happens very often. I'm used to it. Now go fawn over Miss Perfect with the rest of the rejects over there and leave me alone."
Arnold frowned and knew there was no use in arguing with her right now. If he continued, it would only draw attention to them and that was the last thing she needed. "Fine…" He whispered quietly before walking off.
As soon as Helga knew he was back in his troupe, she turned her head back into his direction. Everyone seemed so disgustingly happy to have her back and it made Helga's insides churn even more. "Just what's so good about her anyway? She's just you're average, sweet and innocent bimbo. She's not good at sports, is average in class, and just look at them! Fawning over her as if she was one of those side show dogs." She sighed and gazed upon her blond beauty. "Is everything just going to go back to normal now? Sure, Arnold's said wonderful things to me; things too wonderful to be true." She could see how he smiled at her and gave a soft giggle to whatever Lila was saying. "She's everything he wants… not me. He probably just sees me as his next charity case; just another kid in the neighborhood with personal problems that he feels compelled to help. That stupid, selfless idiot…. I wonder how long it will take for him to get sick and tired of me and run back to little Miss Wonderful."
Watching as each kid took turn asking Lila questions, she noticed even Phoebe was entwined with the crowd; giggling and laughing with them all. Her heart began to throb until she decided that enough was enough. Without so much as a glance from anyone, Helga got up and left the noisy cafeteria for something quieter: the empty classroom.
As everyone exited the lunch room and made it into the class, Helga woke up from her small insignificant dream. She had gotten a few looks from various people and just growled at them and showed them her fist before they could even say a word. It didn't take long for everyone to arrive and take their seats so Mr. Simmons could continue with the lesson plan. She listened and took notes best she could but the only thing on her mind was getting back to the boarding house and taking a shower. The smell of soot still lingered in her hair and only made her remember her reality and become nauseous. Even if she did take a shower, what would she change into? All her clothes besides the one on her were gone.
"Alright class," Mr. Simmons spoke as he looked at the large clock above the door and grabbed a large bundle of papers. "It's almost time for Nurse Shelley to arrive. She has given me a few packets to hand out to everyone so please take a stack and pass it to the person behind you.
The class began to talk amongst each other and did what they were told. A hand shot up from the group to grab the teacher's attention. "I apologize Mr. Simmons, but I am ever so lost. You will not be teaching our class?"
Mr. Simmons gasped and placed a hand to his mouth as he realized his mistake. "Oh, I'm so sorry Lila but I forgot to inform you and your father about this extra special class."
"What is it?" She asked wearily to him and the class.
"It's a class about drugs and boobies!" Harold shouted as he stood up.
Mr. Simmons put his hand up to his temple and rubbed the frustration away gently. "No… Harold, it's not."
"It's a class about the natural occurrences of our bodies along with the study of harmful substances we might come in contact with later in the future." Phoebe clarified with a push of her glasses.
"That's what I said!" Harold cried with a pout as he slouched in his chair and mumbled under his breath.
"Oh my… I see." Lila smiled, "That does sound ever so interesting."
Mr. Simmons frowned and rubbed his large bald spot on his head. "Unfortunately Lila, until we get permission from your father we are unable to allow you to take the class." He said apologetically. "But don't worry. I will give you a permission slip before you go home so you can hopefully join us next time. In the meantime, why not go to the library and use this hour to catch up with the material you've missed."
Arnold raised his hand almost as if on cue and stood up. "I'd be happy to give her my notes, Mr. Simmons."
"Very good, Arnold!" The older man smiled. "That would be very much appreciated."
"I'd be happy to give her my notes!" Helga mocked him in a high pitched whiny voice, causing the class to chorus in laughter. She gave the boy a sly smirk and turned away.
Giving her a small scowl, he collected his notebooks and handed them to his newly returned friend. "Here you go, Lila. I hope you can read my hand writing…" He said, a little bashfully.
"Oh don't worry Arnold." Lila replied with a sweet smile as she took the notebooks from him. "Your handwriting is very legible and I'm ever so certain that I'll be able to read it just fine."
Arnold could hear a small growl from Helga's seat and ignored it. If she wanted to be petty and act like a bully for the class's sake, he knew that, that was her choice but she would get no special treatment if that was the case. "Actually, I have a better idea." The young man said as he turned to the teacher. "Since she has missed so much, maybe my notes might be a little confusing for her. Would it be okay if I miss this one class to help her?"
Mr. Simmons face turned a little worried. "Oh that's not a bad idea Arnold but how will you catch up with what you missed? Remember, its recommended that you pass this class not only for your education, but your personal wellbeing as well."
"Don't worry. I'll give him my notes." Gerald chimed in.
With a large grin forming on the older man's face, he turned to Gerald. "Then it's settled. Arnold please accompany Miss Lila to the library and Gerald please take plenty of notes so Arnold won't be behind."
"No problemo, Mr. Simmons" Gerald said as he gave the sappy teacher a thumbs up.
Arnold walked over to the classroom door and held it open for the girl. She smiled softly and walked through it, him following on her tail.
"Looks like the little twerp is still head over heels for her!" Helga laughed out loud in spite of herself as she propped her shoes on her desk and leaned back, "How pathetic." She could feel herself becoming queasy at the thought of them together without her supervision. Should she suddenly become sick and follow them? No, that wouldn't work because the nurse was going to be here any minute to teach, and the substitute nurse probably wouldn't fall for Helga's schemes. Should she suddenly have to use the bathroom? The might work but it would be less suspicious if she pulled that in the middle of class, not the beginning. Ideas began to flow through Helga's head but ultimately she couldn't find a perfect excuse to her liking.
The door opened again and the jolly nurse stepped in and smiled. "I'm sorry I'm late students." She said with a small chuckle. "Someone had a major nosebleed and needed to be cleaned up right away." The woman quickly set her teaching supplies on Mr. Simmons desk, and bid him a farewell as he exited the classroom in route to the teacher's lounge for a much needed break. "Now then, today's class we will be focusing on what to do and what not to do in an uncomfortable situation involving illegal substances…"
Nurse Shelley pulled out a few laminated pictures that looked like they had been photocopied from the school library and secured them to the board for all the students to see. "In this picture, we have a boy asking another boy if he would like some drugs." She explained as she tapped on the picture. "And in this other picture, we can see the boy politely declining the offer. This is the right way to handle the situation." Moving on to the next picture, she pointed out that the boy offering drugs became pushy, "Someone might try to convince you otherwise and tell you that these drugs will make you happy, or smarter or maybe even make other kids like you but under no circumstances should you allow anyone to pressure you into taking drugs, even if you think it will make you look cool."
Helga snorted at the woman's remark. "Or you could just tell them to buzz off or you'll kick them into next week."
Nurse Shelley turned around and looked firmly at the young girl. "Two wrongs do not make a right, Miss Pataki. If the situation gets ugly I must stress that you are to exit that situation as soon as possible and report it to a teacher, police officer or if neither are around, the nearest adult you can find. It's best to be safe than sorry." She finished with a wink, earning a look of disgust from her pupil.
"What if they threaten to kill you with a knife?!" Harold called out from the front of the class.
"Yeah!" Sid agreed as he rose up from his chair to be seen, "What if you can't get away?"
Nurse Shelley calmly placed her hands on Harold's desk. "Then and only then would you be allowed to defend yourself physically; self defense should only ever be used as a last resort."
More questions popped up, one after another as Helga groaned in boredom and casually glanced over at the clock. Criminy, just 47 more minutes to go and I am outta here…
Arnold and Lila entered the quiet library and found a place to sit with little trouble as there were no other students occupying the room, just a silent librarian with his nose in a book. Arnold held out a chair for his female companion politely and she gladly took his offer with a smile. After making sure that she was comfortable, the gentlemanly boy sat down across from her and smiled. "I bet you're happy to be back home." He whispered.
Lila gave a small smile and nodded. "As much as I enjoy seeing my family, being away from kids my age was ever so difficult." She explained.
Arnold tilted his head in interest. "Kids your age?"
"Yeah…" She replied, as she began to twirl one of her braids within her fingers. "All of my cousins are much older than me and it's ever so uncomfortable. We just don't have a lot in common and finding any sort of common ground is… well… rather difficult."
"Oh… I see." Arnold frowned understandingly as he too understood what it was like to be surrounded by adults and being the only child. "I guess it is sorta awkward when you're surrounded by adults all the time." Deciding to give the conversation a happier note, Arnold continued. "But at least you were there to see your Aunt get better, right!" He grinned.
Lila's face expression turned off for a slight second before mimicking his grin. "Right!" She replied happily. "My father and I were very happy to see her and I'm sure she is very happy now!"
Unsure of what to make of the off feeling, Arnold decided to dismiss it and get on with the notes. He pushed it notebook in the middle of the table and waited for her to get out her own supplies in order to copy. "Well, I guess we better make use of the time we have to catch you up on school work now." He smiled, "Luckily most of what we've covered was just a basic refresher from before the summer but there has been a few new things added that might confuse you."
The girl flipped through his pages and began to copy down the things that seemed new or important. "It seems like I have ever so much to catch up on…" She sighed quietly.
Arnold couldn't help but become concerned as the girl in front of him was very rarely pessimistic. "Not too much, Lila. Just a few classes here and there. You'll catch up in no time!" He pushed enthusiastically but quietly enough to not be scolded by the only other person present.
"No Arnold, that's not quite what I meant…" She replied, flipping over a page of her own note book and bulleting a new subject. The two allowed ample time to pass before Lila picked her head back up from her concentration and gazed at the boy with an intrigued look. "I mean the class, Arnold. Everyone seems so… different now."
"What do you mean?" Arnold asked; leaning back in his chair and concentrating on the topic.
Lila nervously began to twirl her braid again in her fingers, "I don't know, Arnold; it just seems that the air around everyone is so much different now… but I suppose that's normal due to all the hardships you all went through while I was gone. I have to say that I'm ever so disappointed to not be able to experience the jungle with you all."
Seeing where she was coming from, the boy couldn't help but frown. If their shoes had been on the others feet, he too would have been pretty bummed to not have been involved with everyone. "I get what you're saying." He replied; scratching the back of his neck. "And unfortunately, we don't have many pictures either as most of our stuff got destroyed on the trip. All we have left are the before and after photos taken at the airport by Mr. Simmons and my Grandpa."
"I suppose I just feel a little… left out, is all." Lila finished before placing her hand on top of the worried boy's. "But don't worry, Arnold. I'm ever so certain that the more time passes around you all; I will get back to where I feel I belong. You all are always so welcoming."
"Right." Arnold agreed, slowly removing his hand from hers. Although he knew that she only liked him, he couldn't help but feel a little awkward and uncomfortable at her bold show of friendly affection. He knew very well that the one Lila like-liked was his cousin Arnie.
A few more silent moments passed while Lila copied down more information. Once in a while she would point out something she didn't understand and the boy would explain it the best he could, causing the atmosphere to go back to normal. Arnold was beginning to recall why he enjoyed the girls company so much. Compared to others, she didn't make him feel silly or judged. She just had this way about her that was so accepting and casual. There might have been a time in his life where he felt lonely or nervous around her; however he couldn't help but notice that those feelings had completely passed and she had just become a normal friend once more.
The quiet in the room started to become a little overwhelming for the boy, even as he pondered to himself. He then realized that after she had come back from her own trip, Lila hadn't talked much about her experiences, especially compared to that of them in San Lorenzo. Figuring a little exchange would be good, Arnold spoke up. "Besides being the youngest there and your Aunt getting better, did anything else happen while you were gone?" He asked as she watched her scribble some things down before giving a small jump to the question but not answering, "Lila?"
"Oh, I'm ever so sorry Arnold," The girl replied as she picked her head up with a small smile, "What was the question again? I seemed to have been very focused on what I was writing and missed that."
"I asked if there was anything you wanted to share about your trip, you know, exciting or something?" He reiterated.
Lila placed a finger on her cheek and tilted her head to the side. "Hmmm, not that I can think of..." She replied before promptly going back to her to work. "It was mostly just family gatherings and recalling old times passed."
"Did you learn any new jokes or anymore funny stories?" Arnold asked, trying to get anything out of her. He couldn't help but feel a little suspicious of her unwillingness to become open with him. Never could he think of a time that she didn't have some fun family story to tell the others, so why not now?
"No, not that I can recall…" She answered as she scribbled more words down in the notebook before turning another page.
"How about-" But before Arnold could continue, Lila interrupted him.
"I'm sorry Arnold, but I think it would be ever so wise if we utilized this time for me to focus on my studies. It's not every day that we're allowed this time during class to catch up and it would make me ever so happy to be at the class's current level." She explained with an oddly firm voice.
Unable to really argue with her, but feeling more suspicious and concerned than ever, Arnold agreed. "Okay. Sorry about that, Lila."
"It is most okay!" She reassured him before continuing her work. "Now, how do you work this equation here? I'm finding it quite difficult to maneuver around these decimals and fractions."
Arnold leaned over the table and began to explain the formula given and started to step her through the process, meanwhile pushing the nagging feeling of uncertainty to the pit of his stomach to contemplate later.
Helga had had enough. She could no longer sit idly by while her soul mate fraternized with the enemy. Raising her hand, Helga proceeded to aggressively insist on needing to use the restroom right there and now, gaining some odd looks from her peers and responding with a growl. Nurse Shelley gladly accepted and offered the young girl a hall pass, knowing full well of her bodily conditions. "Just hurry back as soon as you can. We're going to watching a video soon!"
"Oh joy…" Helga responded before snatching the hall pass out of the large woman's hands and booking it out of the classroom.
As Helga sped on down the hallway, images of possible situations flashed in her mind of how the two of them might be. Them laughing and sharing intimate stories, Them hugging over the turmoil that Arnold had to face in the jungle while we was out gallivanting with her ever so perfect family, Their faces becoming so close as they feel their bodies beginning to yearn for one another until… until… until! Helga couldn't bear the thought of sharing the boy's lips with anyone else and didn't want to waste another second.
"No running in the halls!" A fourth grader shouted at her as she sped past him, almost knocking the poor boy down. No one besides Phoebe had ever been able to compare to her reign of terror when she was hall monitor, especially not some wimpy kid with curly brown hair and freckles.
"Move it or lose it, geek bait!" She shouted back before turning the corner. She was so close to the library she could taste the musty books in her direction. Now all that stood in her way was some wood and glass. Dare she look through the translucent barrier? Anxiety rushed through the young pre-teens body as she placed her back up against the wall next to the door. Her heart pounded in her throat and she could feel her saliva becoming thick and nearly impossible to swallow, but demanding passage through her narrowing throat in which her heart seem to house itself. Steady, Helga ol' girl. I'm sure he's just reading a book while she copies his notes. No funny business, nothing strange… Helga tried to calm herself as she focused on steadying her breathing. After all, this is Arnold we're talking about. He's about as daring as a bowl of pudding. He'd never try anything with precious little Lila, and besides she only likes him, not like-likes him! But it seemed no matter what she said to coach herself before looking into that room; she couldn't seem to stop the quaking within her. If I don't calm down at this rate, I will actually need to use to bathroom so buckle down, Pataki and face your fears. Just peek through that window and we'll feel so much better! Swallowing hard, Helga looked up and down the hallway to make sure she couldn't see nor hear anyone who might catch her before slowly raising her head and peering through the small rectangular window.
"So you see; if you're trying to convert fractions into decimals or the other way around, all you have to do is think of the whole number. One fourth of a dollar is a quarter, right? A quarter is worth twenty five cents so one fourth of one is actually .25. Get it?" Arnold explained as his body stretched across the table as he drew the example on her notebook.
"Wow, Arnold. I never thought of it like that! You're ever so smart!" Lila praised as she took the pencil back from him in order to try a hand at the math herself. "What about other fractions like one fifth or two fifths?" She asked carefully.
"Those are a bit harder but I'll try to give you some good examples…" The boy replied with a little thought. "Let's see… if you do this…"
Helga watched as Arnold stretched his form across the old table as he tutored the charming farm girl and began to grind her teeth. Why did he have to be so close to her? Why did he have to write things down for her? Wasn't she capable of doing her own work? And how was this copying his notes anyway?! It seemed like Arnold was going above and beyond to do all the work for her! As expected from a goody two-shoes like him but… Helga's heart began to slow down as doubt started to creep up from behind her and place its dark moldy hands on her shoulder. She could see their expressions, even from that far away. They looked… happy. It was a different sort of happy compared to him playing baseball with the gang or sharing some advice to another female like Rhonda. She couldn't quite place it but her eyes refused to stare any longer. Prying herself away from the door, Helga sulked her way to the girl's room and buried herself in the stall. Sitting her fully clothed body on top of the gaping toilet, she crossed her arms over her knees and stared down at her feet. What would she do now? Was this the sign to resume status quo and go back to how everything was before? Everything was back to normal. Arnold could now continue fawning over this perfect pre-teen miss and she could go back into the shadows where she belonged… but she also knew that Arnold was always true to his word. I need to be able to trust him but… it's so HARD! She screamed in her head. Stupid feelings! Stupid thoughts! Stupid impulsive actions that only lead to my demise! Curse my wretched soul for pouring myself out to him and leaving myself unguarded! I only have myself to blame for this horrible feeling. Helga felt as a strong tickle inside her nostrils that lead to her eyes becoming moist. Everything felt so stupid. She felt stupid. If I could only learn to trust him then I wouldn't have gone over to the library. I wouldn't have spied on him. I shouldn't HAVE to spy on him! He's never really given me a reason to; I've only ever created reasons to inside my head for my own desires. Arnold wouldn't say or done those meaningful things on a whim… that's not like him and I know it. If ANYONE knows Arnold best, it's the girl who's been stalking him day and night for the last decade! Feeling her self doubt start to chip away, she could feel herself becoming strong again. Arnold isn't about lies and deceit. He wouldn't make up feelings to make someone feel better, or offer his lips to just anyone- nor has he ever. Arnold is MINE and I can't let myself get all girly and mopey over this. No, I'm a Pataki and Pataki's are fighters until the day they die! I worked way too hard to give all this up to little miss perfect and her stupid barnyard stories! Helga's doubt was finally gone and broke away into determination with a slight hint of rage.
The bell for schools end rang and Helga stood up and pushed aside the bathroom stalls door. It's time to take back what's mine and do it the old fashioned way. No tricks and no games! She thought as she pushed through the line of girls that were beginning to flood the bathroom. "Get outta my way!" She shouted at them, earning scowls and hissing remarks but Helga didn't care.
Helga marched her way back over to the library just was Arnold and Lila were leaving the library. He was holding the door open politely for her with that stupid goofy smile on his face that made Helga's blood boil. She could see his face expression change from a glimmering smile to somewhat horrified as she approached them. Grabbing the door out of his hands and slamming it behind Lila's back, she pointed her finger accusingly at Lila's face before using her other hand to grab Arnolds. "Listen sister, I don't know what you think you're doing but it's not working here, you got that?"
"Why H-helga, whatever are you referring to?" Lila stuttered as she looked between Helga's angry expression and Arnolds now panicked one.
"Don't play innocent! You had your chance and you gave it up for some bland, lame brain country hick who collects lint and likes plain flavored gum. Live with your decision and back off!" Helga howled.
Arnold grabbed his hand back once he heard her last remark, causing her to change her glare from her to him. "Helga, you were right there when I offered my help to her when class was about to start, why are you blaming her?"
"Oh don't think you're off the hook either, bucko." She replied; crossing her arms and looking the boy up and down. "I saw the hand you played back in class. I knew what you were up to and you're just as guilty as she is! Offering your help to little miss perfect because you're just that good natured kind of guy but in disguise of getting back at me for my pranks from earlier? I thought you learned from your mistakes of fighting fire with fire! It only leads to you getting burned more."
Lila began to feel hesitant and insecure the more Helga raged and felt herself backing up for her own safety. "Helga, I'm ever so certain this is just a misunderstanding. You should know more than anyone that I've always supported you in your affections for Arnold…"
Hearing Lila's words took Arnold by surprised as he looked between the two females. Had she really known of Helga's feelings for him all this time?
"Yeah well it sure didn't look that why while you two were in the library! Getting all cozy together! I might as well say get a room but hey- looks like you beat me to the punch!" Helga replied, almost immediately regretting her words as she finished speaking them. Crap! I just outted myself! I gotta think of a good lie to get myself out of this!
"Were you… were you spying on us?!" Arnold demanded to know with a very angry and disappointed look on his face. He thought she was finally beginning to lighten up but he guessed he was wrong.
"Oh you'd like that, wouldn't you Football Head!" Helga spat back, still thinking of what excuse to come up with.
"Then how would you know if we were getting cozy, when we definitely weren't?" Arnold asked, still not budging.
"Arnold was just helping me with math Helga, honest." Lila continued to plead their defense.
"B-because…. Because…" Helga hesitated until finding something a little plausible. "Because I had to use the bathroom and just happened to walk by the library and see you two!"
The young man crossed his arms, doubtful of the girl. "Uh huh… You walked all the way to the bathroom near the library when there is a much closer one down the hall from our classroom? Give it up Helga and stop lying already!"
Feeling cornered, Helga's nostrils flared up as he accused her but immediately backed herself up. "I'll have you know that this bathroom happens to be my favorite bathroom because of how unoccupied it normally is! Not like I'm trying to rush back to that joke of a class anyhow, why not take my time!"
Arnold rolled his eyes and sighed in annoyance, still unable to believe her. "Whatever you say Helga…"
The three of them listened to the usual commotion which occupied the halls from the various students gathering their things from their lockers and talking amongst their friends. Lila scratched the side of her arm nervously as she wasn't sure what to do anymore. There was nothing more she could say about Arnold helping her that would calm Helga's rage, and there was no defense that she could give for Helga that would do any good… She felt completely useless in their quarrel and defaulted to her usual smile.
"Thanks so much for the help Arnold." She said to him, finally breaking their awkward silence. "I'll review everything you showed me when I get home. And Helga," She continued, causing the unstable female to glance at her from the corner of her eye. "I'm ever so sorry that you took Arnold helping me the wrong way. He was most gentlemanly and our friendship has and will always be platonic…" Lila slowly backed up as she felt more of Helga's gaze on her, causing her to sweat a little. "I'm not exactly sure what happened between you two over the summer, but I'm ever so certain that you'll be able to work out this little misunderstanding in due time. Well then… I should get going!" and without delay, the delightful girl spun around and casually walked towards the mass of students that eventually blurred her out of the couples sight.
Having a colorful mix of emotions battling it out inside the young man, Arnold turned towards his fuming partner and tried to think of what to say at this point. He was disappointed that she spied on him, angry that she accused not only him but Lila as well who was an innocent in this whole dispute, sad that Helga felt the need to not only spy but lie to him, and frustrated that this all had to happen. He had already said his piece and decided it would be best if they just went home. Maybe the walk would clear his mind of all the negativity and leave him with something more constructive to tell her.
Meanwhile, Helga's feelings of dominance and rage began to subside as it left the two of them standing in the hallway. She regretted the way she went about showing their relationship off to Lila, but at the same time did not. She stood her ground, made her feelings obvious to the both of them and hopefully nothing like this would ever happen again, right? Sure, Arnold was mad but he'd get over it and all in all, this would benefit them both, right? At least, this is what she wanted to believe.
"Let's just go home." Arnold finally spoke, turning away from her and slowly walking towards the schools exit.
Helga didn't respond and hesitated for a moment before reluctantly following suit.