Year 4 (12th Grade)
Chapter 21
Gifts from the Heart and Welcoming the New Year
Thanksgiving is over, it's now December 23rd; it's the final Thursday of school before the Christmas break. It was on this day Arnold almost completely ignored his alarm clock entirely.
"HEY ARNOLD…HEY ARNOLD…HEY ARNOLD…HEY ARNOLD." It shouted over and over and over again.
"HEY ARNOLD…HEY ARNOLD…HEY ANORLD." It kept saying.
Each shout seemed to grow louder and louder until he couldn't stand it anymore. Slowly he rolled over and groaned.
"Alright I'm up, I'm up." Arnold said as he angrily shut off his alarm.
His room once again silent he turned on his back to see the morning sky. It was still dark and the sun hadn't risen yet. Even among the darkness he could easily see the sky was full of clouds. It looked like it would snow soon. The warmth of his bed was incredibly enticing, but he knew he had to get up. He had to go through one more day of school if he wanted to enjoy his break. He stood up from his bed still half asleep made his way for his morning shower. The only other consolation he had was that he couldn't wait to see Helga. Not even an incredibly hot shower could fully shake the sleep from his eyes. It almost put him back to sleep there in the bathroom. He stepped out and yawned the entire time back to his room. Fully dressed and still half asleep he got all of his stuff ready for the day. Though he knew it wouldn't a terribly busy day he still took everything just in case he needed it. The halls of the boarding were completely empty that morning as mostly everyone was still sleeping. He could very clearly hear his Grandpa snoring as he passed his room. He descended the stairs and entered the kitchen. There he saw his parents sitting at the table in their robes; apparently they were still exhausted as well.
"Morning." He said with a yawn.
"Morning Arnold." They replied with a yawn as well.
"What's for breakfast?" He asked.
"It's just serve yourself this morning honey, there's fresh coffee on the counter." Stella told him.
"Okay Mom." Arnold said to her.
Slowly going through the cabinets he pulled out a bowl, a glass, and a box of cereal. He set all of this on the table and went to the fridge to retrieve the milk. As he closed the fridge he glanced over at the coffee pot next to the breadbox.
*Sure why not.* Arnold thought.
Approaching the cabinet again he pulled out another smaller glass and poured himself a cup of coffee. He didn't usually drink coffee, but he felt like he absolutely needed it this morning. Not a word was spoken as he started eating. It quickly became apparent that no one had anything planned for the day. Miles and Stella both nearly fell asleep there at the table. While he was eating his cereal he slowly began to really wake up. His cereal and milk finished he started in on the coffee. The first cup was enough to snap him out of that lazy early morning funk. Just as he finished his first cup he noticed his mother as she got up from the table.
"I'm going back to bed." She said with another larger yawn.
"I'll be up in a minute." Miles said to her.
"Sleep tight Mom." Arnold told her.
"I will Arnold. Have a good day at school sweetie." She said as she kissed him on the head.
"I will Mom." He replied.
After which she disappeared from the kitchen. Arnold cleared the table and went upstairs to brush his teeth. He rinsed with some strong mouthwash which was the last thing he needed to finally wake up. Finished in the bathroom he walked up to his room to get his keys. He climbed down his steps to his Dad in the hallway.
"Goodnight Arnold. Have a good day at school." Miles said to him.
"Goodnight Dad, I'll see you when I get home." Arnold said as Miles entered his room to join his wife.
As his Dad shut the door to his room Arnold felt like he was the only one in the house, even though everyone else was deeply asleep. In total silence he walked back to the kitchen and out into the garage. He opened the garage door and felt a violent gust of freezing cold air rush at him. He stood still for a moment as he recovered from this sudden blast of December air. He shook it off as he climbed behind the wheel of his Impala and drove off to pick up his girlfriend. He knew full well she wouldn't be on the curb waiting for him. Even in the bitterly cold winter winds he didn't mind this at all. Whatever part of him was still asleep was taken away by that rush of cold air that hit him. While driving down the street he took notice that there was no one else out and about so early in the morning, with the exception of the brave souls who were just finishing up their paper routes. Off in the distance he could see Helga's house growing closer. As he drove up to the front door he noticed that there was only one light on in the house. He hadn't even had a chance to shut off the engine when Helga came out and got in as quickly as she could.
"Morning baby." She said as he kissed him.
"Morning Helga." Arnold replied.
"Man its cold this morning." She told him.
"Yeah it is. It looks like it might snow this afternoon." He said to her.
"I'm surprised it's not snowing now." She said laughing.
"So am I." He replied.
"Well let's go Arnold, the sooner we get there the sooner we can get out of school." Helga said.
"You don't have to tell me twice." Arnold said.
He drove off towards the school with great anticipation for starting the Christmas break.
He pulled into the lot to find it packed as usual, it was clear everyone wanted to get here early to either get the day over with or to prevent an accident on the city streets. Arnold found his usual spot and shut off the engine. As quickly as they could the two of them got inside as the wind picked up again. In the safety and warmth of the school they shed their heavy coats. Along with her usual look Helga also had on her favorite long sleeve crimson t-shirt. And of course she still had on her black wool cap; it had come quite in handy on these frigid mornings. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Arnold had once again traded his regular t-shirt for a long sleeve shirt under his plaid shirt. His sleeves of course were still rolled up despite the cold weather. The halls were mostly occupied by the upperclassmen that were able to drive themselves to school. The unfortunate freshman and sophomores would have to suffer a cold bus ride to the school. They found all of their friends waiting outside the classroom door as their teacher had not yet arrived.
"Hey everybody." They both said.
"Hey." The group replied.
Almost on cue everyone in the group let out a big yawn. None of them wanted to wake up either.
"So you guys excited about the break?" Helga asked.
"Of course, I can' wait to get out of here." Harold said rather loudly.
"Yeah, two whole weeks of no school work. That sounds mighty fine to me." Stinky said.
"What about you and Helga Arnold?" Sid asked him.
"Yeah we're excited too." He told them.
"You two got anything planned?" Gerald asked.
"Not immediately but I think we may have some plans before the day ends." Helga told them.
"What about you Pheebs, do you and Geraldo have anything planned?" She asked trying to further the conversation.
"We're like you guys; we don't have anything planned yet either." Phoebe said as she wrapped her arms around Gerald.
The conversation amongst the group then turned to the coming holiday until their teacher rounded the corner and let them in. They continued the conversation in the classroom until the day had officially begun. As each class went by the anticipation became palpable throughout the school. Everyone wanted to get out of there. Even some the faculty became impatient. Lunch came and went just like any other class, plenty of talk and laughter amongst the four close friends. Lunch finished up and they couldn't wait for the bell. One class went by and then the last class of the day and the semester rolled around. However, it would also be Ms. Slovak's last day as their substitute teacher.
They all entered Mr. Davison's classroom again to the sight of their fourth grade teacher Ms. Slovak behind his desk.
"Hey kids." She said to them.
"Hi Ms. Slovak." They all replied.
The bell rang and they all took their seats as the last class of the day began. The class that day consisted of a refresher lesson Ms. Slovak had devised. It was still learning but in a way that was still interesting to them. It flew by just as fast as their other classes had. Just as they final bell of the day rang she stopped her students.
"Hey kids I just want to let you know that this will be my last week teaching you. Mr. Davidson is out of the hospital and will be back after the break." She told them.
They all let out a groan of disappointment.
"Are you still gonna be a substitute teacher Ms. Slovak?" Phoebe asked.
"I am Phoebe, but I don't when I will be able to teach you all again. I may not see you all again before you graduate." She told them.
"You know what we should do. We should take a picture, is that okay Ms. Slovak?" Rhonda asked.
"That sounds wonderful Rhonda." She replied.
At that moment everyone got up and lined up with their old teacher in front of her desk. Rhonda suddenly realized something as she pulled out her camera.
"Oh wait, who are we gonna get to take the picture?" She asked. Helga stepped forward.
"I got it Rhonda." She said.
Helga stepped towards the door and cracked her knuckles. Everyone had no idea what she was gonna do. Without even looking she reached out in the hallway and grabbed the first unfortunate soul who happened to pass by. She felt a shirt collar and immediately clasped her hand on it. She pulled in the poor sap to reveal a rather confused freshman.
"Freshman…I got a favor to ask you." She said in a subdued malevolent tone.
The young man suddenly had a look of fear on his face, he was terrified to ask.
"Uh…o…okay." He replied.
"Relax…all we need you to do is take a picture of all of us." She told him.
The freshman let out a sigh of relief fearing he was going to be hazed. Rhonda handed him her camera and Helga shoved him to the rear of the classroom. Everyone, even Arnold…couldn't help but laugh a little bit at the situation. The young man found a perfect spot and counted down, "Okay…1…2…3…"
*Click*.
"Okay, that's pretty good…now can I get out of here." The freshman pleaded to his seniors.
Rhonda received the camera and looked at the picture of them all. It was rather good.
"Thanks again…your services are no longer needed." Rhonda told him.
The young freshman disappeared just as fast as Helga pulled him in. She showed them all the picture and each of them smiled.
"Oh that's a great picture." Ms. Slovak said.
"If everyone will give me your email address I'll send you all a copy tonight." Rhonda told them.
One by one they each wrote down their address on a sheet of paper that was passed around. Just before they all left she stopped them once more.
"It was really great to see all you kids again. I still can't believe how much you've all grown." She said.
"It was great to see you too Ms. Slovak." The group answered.
"Well don't let me keep you. You all enjoy your break, and if I don't see you again…I wish you all the best of luck with your lives after you graduate." She told them.
"Thanks Ms. Slovak." They all said.
One by one they all gave their old teacher a hug before they left the school. While they were busy taking the class picture the halls had since become almost empty. As they entered the lot, each of them said goodbye to everyone else as they entered their cars. The last to leave as always were Gerald and Phoebe, and Arnold and Helga. They each gave their traditional greetings and they climbed in and drove for home. Arnold arrived at Helga's place a few minutes later.
"Thanks for the ride Arnold." She said as she leaned in for a kiss.
"You're welcome Helga. You want me to get the door for you?" He asked.
"You're sweet Arnold, but I got it. I know you gotta get ready for work soon." She said to him.
"You sure?" Arnold asked again.
"I'm sure Arnold, I'll call you later." She told him.
"Okay Helga." Arnold said as he leaned in for another kiss.
"Bye Arnold." Helga said to him.
"Bye Helga." Arnold told her.
Helga entered her house just as fast as she left it early in the morning. Once he was sure she was inside her house he drove home to prepare for his nightly shift.
His Impala settling outside the garage he walked into the kitchen. There he found his Mom and Grandma at the kitchen table, his Dad and Grandpa putting some last minute decorating on the tree just outside the kitchen.
"Hey everybody." Arnold said to his family.
"Hey Arnold." They all replied.
"So how was school honey?" His mother asked him.
"It was good Mom." He replied.
"So you excited about your break Arnold?" Gertie asked him.
"You bet grandma. I just wish I didn't have to work tomorrow, but what can you do." Arnold said.
"Well at least you're out of school for the holidays." Miles said to him from the foyer.
"Yeah I know." He replied.
"Do you and Helga have anything planned Arnold?" His mother asked him.
"We haven't made any plans so far." He told her.
"I'm gonna go take a nap before I go to work." He told his family.
"Alright honey, just lets us know if you need anything." Stella said to him.
"I will Mom." Arnold said as he started for the stairs.
He climbed the stairs and into the hallway. There he found that his family had been very busy since he left for school that morning. All kinds of Christmas decorations were hung in the hallway. Tiny Christmas trees were laid out on the shelf that housed the phone. Mistletoe could be seen on the door frame of Oskar and Suzie's apartment. Even on the pull cord for his steps there was a small ornament tied to it. Once in his room he set his bag down and set his alarm clock for 4:15, it being the Christmas holiday coming up he felt he should go into work a little earlier than usual. Feeling exhausted from his day at school he laid down and quickly fell asleep. His dreams were that of his and Helga's first Christmas as a couple. They were extremely happy dreams for Arnold. However they were cut short as not only his alarm clock but his phone started ringing as well. He shut off his alarm before he reached over for his phone.
"Hello." He said over the phone.
"Hey Arnold." Helga said to him.
"Hey Helga." Arnold said happy to hear from her.
"I didn't wake you did I?" She asked.
"No Helga you didn't." He told her.
"Well I didn't mean to if I did. So what are you doing?" She asked.
"I'm just talking to you." He said very kindly to her.
"I meant to ask you, do you want to do something tomorrow?" Arnold asked her.
"Sure, but what?" She said.
A moment of silence fell over the phone as he thought about it for a minute.
"How about a movie before I have to leave for work?" He told her.
"That sounds great." Helga told him.
"Okay, a movie it is then." He said.
"So what were you dreaming about?" Helga asked him.
"I was just dreaming about our first Christmas together." Arnold said over the phone.
"Really, I remember that one. I can't thank you enough for the book. It really means a lot to me Arnold." She said.
"You're welcome Helga; I knew you would like it." He said very sweetly to her.
"I do, I love it so much." She said.
"So Arnold, what do you want for Christmas?" Helga asked.
"I don't really want anything. Mostly I just want to be with you." Arnold said.
"Oh Arnold." She said.
"Well it's true." He replied.
"You really are the best Arnold. Are you gonna leave for work soon?" Helga asked.
"Yeah I'm gonna go in a little early to help out my boss." He told her.
"Okay I won't keep any longer than I have to. So we're going to see a movie tomorrow right?" She reminded him.
"Yep, we can work out the details when I get home." He said over the phone.
"Okay Arnold. I'll call you later." Helga said.
"Alright, bye Helga." He said over the receiver.
"Bye Arnold." Helga said as she hung up the phone.
Arnold placed the phone back on its cradle, picked up his keys and walked downstairs to his car. Just as he opened the kitchen door he was stopped by his parents.
"Hey Arnold, come here a minute." Miles said to him.
"What's up Dad?" Arnold asked him.
"You're mother and I were thinking, why not invite Helga and her family over for our New Year's Celebration this year." He said.
"You sure it's okay Dad?" Arnold asked.
"Sure sweetie, why not. They've only been here only one other time." Stella said to him.
"That sounds great Mom. I'll ask her when I get home tonight." He told her.
"Tell her we start the party about seven or eight in the evening." Stella told him.
"I will Mom; I'll see you guys later." Arnold said as he started again for the garage.
That night the store was even more packed than usual. People constantly coming and going, the register repetitively opening and closing almost rhythmically. Arnold was asked for help every ten to fifteen minutes. Not even his first Christmas at the store was this busy. But fortunately for Arnold he didn't mind it and he eventually found a groove which made his work not seem as busy. The closer his shift got closer to finishing, the less people were in the store. Finally he clocked out at his normal time and the store was almost empty. He took care of a few last minute chores before he left. But not before he took one last look at the display of fountain pens. The pickings were a little slim but his boss soon ended that.
"Here you go Arnold, could you refill these before you go?" Mike asked him.
"Sure Mr. Franks." Arnold said as he opened another box of pens.
"Arnold I just want to thank you again for being such a great employee. Here's your bonus, you've earned it." Franks said as he handed him a check.
"Thanks Mr. Franks." Arnold said grateful for his bonus.
He started to re-stock the fountain pens when one in particular caught his eye.
"What's up Arnold, you find something you like?" Franks asked him.
"Yes sir I did." Arnold said as he showed his boss the pen.
"For your girlfriend I assume." Franks said to him.
"That's right." He said.
"You want a gift box to go with that?" His boss asked.
"Sure Mr. Franks, you can just take it out of my paycheck." Arnold told him.
"No Arnold…you can consider it part of your bonus as well. You go ahead and take it." Mike said to him.
"Are you sure Mr. Franks?" He asked.
"I am Arnold, like I've told you before you're the best employee I've ever had. You've earned that. Now go on home, I'll see you tomorrow." Franks said to him.
"Thanks again Mr. Franks, I'll see you tomorrow." Arnold said as he left the store.
He entered his car and drove for home.
Arnold entered the kitchen through the garage where his family was busy talking at the kitchen table.
"Hey everybody." He said to them.
"Hey short man, how was work?" Phil asked him.
"It was hectic grandpa. But something great came out of it." He told them.
"What's that dear?" Gertie asked him.
"I found the perfect gift for Helga, check it out." Arnold said.
He gave the pen first to his mother who then passed it around the table.
"It's beautiful Arnold." Stella said as she handed it to Miles.
"Wow, that's great Arnold." His father said as he gave it to Gertie.
"Great job Arnold, you really picked out a nice one." His grandma said.
Phil leaned over to see what it was.
"That's amazing Arnold." His grandpa said in his usual jovial voice.
"Thanks everyone, I just know she's gonna love it." Arnold said as he received his gift for Helga.
"It's really beautiful honey. We saved you some dinner in the fridge." Stella told him.
"Thanks Mom, I'm gonna go eat upstairs." He said as he walked over to the fridge.
"Okay Arnold just let us know if you need anything." Miles said to him.
"I will Dad." Arnold said as he started up the stairs.
He climbed the steps to the hallway, his sense still bombarded by the amount of decorations in the hallway. Making his way through the mass of Christmas trees, red, white, and green streamers, ornaments and potpourri bowls he was able to reach steps to his room. He pulled up his computer chair and put on some music while he started eating. All the while he ate he looked at the pen knowing in his heart he found her the right gift. Once he finished eating he took his dishes back down to the kitchen. After which he walked straight to the bathroom for his nightly shower. Feeling refreshed and tired from his work that night he slowly returned to his room and sat on his bed. Not a minute later his phone rang.
"Hey Helga." Arnold said over the receiver.
"Hey handsome, how was work tonight?" She asked.
"It was crazy tonight, but it wasn't too bad." He replied.
"That's good to hear. So are we still planning on going to a movie tomorrow?" She asked.
"You bet, oh that reminds me. My parents and I were wondering if you and your family would want to join us for our New Year's celebration this year?" He asked.
"That sounds great Arnold. But Miriam is asleep on the couch again, and Bob is knee deep in his favorite TV shows. I'll ask them tomorrow." Helga told him.
"Okay well there's no rush, after all its still a little over a week till New Years." Arnold told her.
"Well let me tell you, even if my parents don't want to come…I will." She said.
"Won't your parents get mad at you if you do?" He asked.
"I don't care; I'm not spending New Year's Eve without you." Helga lovingly told him.
"Okay Helga. So what time should I pick you up tomorrow?" He asked.
"You start work at 5 right?" Helga said.
"Yep." Arnold replied.
"Well, how about two o'clock then." She told him.
"Sounds great Helga." He said.
"Alright then, you must be tired so I won't keep you any longer. Goodnight Arnold. I love you." She said very softly to him.
"Goodnight Helga, I love you too." Arnold said with the same tone.
As he hung up the phone he remembered her gift was still on his desk. He walked over to pick it up and admire it one last time before he put it away for the night. He placed it in the same drawer where he placed the necklace he bought on their first Valentine's Day. The pen secure in his desk he collapsed on his bed and set the alarm for ten o'clock the following morning. He soon fell asleep dreaming of their first Christmas together.
The next morning was just like any other, except it was Christmas Eve. He had a quick lunch at home and promptly left in time to pick up Helga for their afternoon movie. It was yet another addition to the starting to get old "EVIL TWIN" Series. And just like their first date, it wasn't the greatest movie they'd ever seen. But it didn't matter. The entire time they had their arms around each other. To them it was just like being home. Arnold felt so comfortable with Helga, and she with him. In his arms was her favorite place to be in the entire world. She often fell asleep there in his arms, and the movie was no different. All in all it was a horrible two hour movie, though neither of them had noticed. He promptly dropped her off and proceeded straight for work. That night was just like the previous night, incredibly busy with all the last minute shoppers desperate to get that last minute gift. Arnold was kept very busy throughout the whole night. Nine o'clock rolled around and was time for Arnold to leave. Just as he started for home he was stopped by his boss.
"Hang on Arnold." Franks said. Arnold turned to see what he wanted.
"I don't want to see you back here until after New Year's understand. I'm going on vacation again next week, and I'm giving you the week off as well." He told him.
"Are you sure Mr. Franks?" Arnold asked.
"I am. You enjoy your time off." Mike said to him.
"Thanks Mr. Franks." Arnold said.
"You're welcome Arnold, Merry Christmas." He said to Arnold.
"Merry Christmas Mr. Franks." Arnold said as he stepped out onto the street.
With the knowledge of additional time off Arnold took a minute to take in the sights of the city. There were almost no cars on the street, parked or otherwise. The cities Christmas lights off in the distance could be seen flashing different shades of green, red, and white. The air had an unusually cold and harsh bite to it. The entire city smelled crisp and clean, just as winter should smell. The moon in the sky reflected an almost harvest shine to the city streets below. The concrete and steel gave the city a sort of pale blue, white silver shine to it. As he stared at the moon the clouds rolled in and it started to snow. It was falling slow and gracefully at first and as Arnold neared home it fell heavier and faster. It was beautiful to him to see the city like this. But he knew he had to get home. His car settled in front of the garage he entered the house from his last night of work until the new year. Once inside he found everyone in the boarding house around the Christmas tree drinking eggnog and talking.
"Hey Arnold, Merry Christmas." They all said.
"Hey everyone, Merry Christmas." He replied.
"Hey sweetie, how was work?" Stella asked him.
"Hey Mom, it was crazy tonight." He told her.
"Well I'm just glad you're home. Your dinners in the fridge." She told him.
"Thanks Mom. I'll be upstairs if anyone needs me." He said as he started up the stairs.
"Alright Arnold, let us know if you need anything." Stella said.
"I will Mom." He said.
He left his both his family and his extended family because he still had Helga's gift to wrap. Alone in his room he ate his dinner in silence and then wrapped Helga's gift. He finished his meal, took his dishes back to the kitchen, and went for his nightly shower. Eager for Christmas, he sat down on his bed and placed Helga's gift on the shelf next to his bed. No sooner than he set it down his phone rang.
"Hello Helga." He said into the receiver.
"Hey Arnold, how was work?" She asked.
"It was crazy tonight, but Mr. Franks gave me the week off. So we should be able to spend a lot of time together…especially New Year's." Arnold told her.
"That great to hear Arnold, and I asked my parents about joining your family for New Year's and they said yes." Helga said with a great sound of joy in her voice.
"That's great Helga." Arnold said.
"Yeah it is isn't it, so what time are you coming over tomorrow?" She asked.
"I'll probably show up around noon, if that's okay?" He asked.
"That sounds great Arnold." She said to him.
"I can't wait to see you Arnold." She said.
"I can't wait to see you either Helga." He told her.
"I'll let you go Arnold; I know you must be tired. Goodnight Arnold, I love you." Helga said to him.
"Goodnight Helga, I love you too." Arnold said as he hung up the phone.
After he set the phone back he set his alarm for ten o'clock the following morning. Though it would be Christmas he still wanted to get a little extra sleep. He couldn't wait for the next day.
10 o'clock a.m., Christmas morning. Arnold practically sprang out of bed, eager to give Helga her gift. After a quick shower and a change of clothes he went downstairs to join his family. He greeted them all with his usual holiday cheer. Once he arrived they all gathered around the tree and opened up their presents. There was much talk and laughter all throughout the house. Once all the gifts were opened the boarding house sat down for their traditional Christmas lunch. They all finished eating right around the time Arnold was going to leave to see Helga. Just as always he was stopped by his mother on his way out.
"Are you going out Arnold?" She asked him.
"Yeah Mom, I'm gonna go give Helga her gift." He told her.
"Alright, well bundle up honey it's supposed to be really cold today." She said to him.
"I will Mom." Arnold said as he reached for an extra coat from the rack by the front door.
Once his mother was satisfied he was protected from the cold he left the old brick house on his way to see Helga, but unknown to him at the time, Helga was on her way to see him too. On his way to her house he had to turn a corner, just at that moment he had an all too familiar run in, with of course Helga. Instead of anger and confusion Helga was ecstatic to see him.
"Hey Arnold, Merry Christmas." She said as she stood up.
"Hey Helga, Merry Christmas to you too." Arnold said as he kissed her.
"I got you something." He said.
Arnold quickly gave Helga her gift as he eagerly wanted to see her reaction. Her gift had been wrapped in metallic wrapping paper of alternating stripes of gold, red, and green. It had a silver bow on which gave the package a very nice overall look.
"I have something for you as well football head." Helga said very lovingly as she handed him a rather heavy box.
Her gift to him was wrapped in blue paper with a sky blue bow on it. It looked a little odd for Christmas but Arnold didn't care.
"You didn't have to get me anything Helga." Arnold told her.
"Yes I did, it's the very least I could do. You've given me so much and I just wanted to return the favor." She explained.
"Well go ahead, open it." Helga told him.
Arnold slowly began to unwrap the box which felt like solid wood. The wooden box had a dark shade of brown stained on it and no markings on the outside. He slowly opened it to reveal an old compass. It looked like an anchor with the compass mounted in the center. The anchor was made of 10 ct. rose gold set on a navy blue velvet lining. He couldn't believe what she had given him.
"Helga…this is amazing…where did you find this?" He asked her.
"Oh there's this little place I know on the other side of the city, so you like it?" She asked him.
Arnold is practically speechless.
"I…I love it. Thank you so much." Arnold said as he kissed her again.
"Thank you so much." He repeated.
He couldn't lift his eyes from it. He knew at that moment that she had put a lot of thought into this gift.
"Helga…I...I don't know what to say. This is the most beautiful compass I've ever seen." He told her.
"Well I know how much you like to travel so I thought what would be the perfect gift for you. Naturally I thought of a compass, but finding the right one was a major task." She explained.
"I seriously cannot thank you enough Helga, this is…this is the greatest gift anyone's ever given me." He said as he kissed her again.
"Come on, open yours up, I think you'll like it as well." Arnold said to her.
Helga began to unwrap her gift expecting another piece of jewelry considering the shape of the box. However, she had a confused look on her face when she saw not a black velvet case…but a lacquered rosewood box. She slowly opened it to reveal a maroon velvet lining holding a fountain pen. But not just any fountain pen. This one had a 24 ct. gold nib, clip, and other trimmings on top of a turquoise and gold flake casing. Much like Arnold, Helga is left speechless. She gazed at the pen, up at Arnold, and then back at the pen. Her eyes are beginning to water. To her, it shows that Arnold truly knows her. That he truly understands what she likes and loves to do. This simple gift, nothing more than a pen to anyone else…reaffirms in her the belief that they are meant for each other.
"Arnold…I…I…" She started to say.
"I know how much you love to write so naturally, I thought of a fountain pen." He told her.
"Arnold…I love it so much…thank you." She said as she throws herself on him.
"Thank you Arnold…I love you so much." She whispered in his ear as she can't contain herself anymore and starts to cry.
"I love you too Helga." Arnold told her.
She kissed him with the same strength and passion that she did on any other occasion. But this was somehow different. It was like she couldn't find the right words thank him enough for everything he's done for her. So she found it easier to express this gratitude through her kiss and embrace. As he pulled away she could still feel his arms around her. Arnold reached up to wipe her tears away, even though they were tears of joy he didn't like to see her cry. She gave him another quick kiss before she looked back at her pen.
"I really do love it Arnold, thank you so much." She said.
"You're welcome Helga." He said.
Gifts exchanged, kisses shared, the two of them spent the rest of the day together. They would spend a few hours at Arnold's and then switch over to Helga's. Arnold left that afternoon about six o'clock and went home. His parent's welcomed him home as always and he spent the rest of the afternoon marveling over the compass Helga had given him. Arnold thought the same as Helga did about her pen. A gift like that can only come from someone who truly knows and understands you.
*We were made for each other.* Arnold thought as he looked at the anchor.
The rest of the days leading up to New Year's they spent at much with each other as they could. During the week, it started out with them meeting up with Gerald and Phoebe, and ended with the entire gang getting together at the arcade on the last Thursday in December. The only other thing left in the year was Arnold's family New Year's Eve Celebration. Though he had spent the entire week with her, he couldn't wait to see her that night.
New Year's Eve, the final Friday in December, its eight o'clock in the evening and the party is well under way at the old vine street home. The boarder's each had their own way ringing in the New Year. Arnold and his family had a great setup. The kitchen had basically been converted into an all you can eat buffet with plenty to drink, Alcohol for the adults and sparkling grape juice for Arnold and Helga seeing as how they would be the youngest in the whole house. The Pataki's arrived at eight thirty and Arnold couldn't have been more excited to see her.
"Hey Helga, glad you could make it." Arnold told her.
"Hey Arnold, thanks for inviting me." She said to him.
"Thanks for inviting US." Bob emphasized to Helga.
"Whatever Bob." Helga said to him sounding annoyed.
"All the same were glad you decided to come." Miles said to him as he and Stella joined him.
"Well don't stand there out in the cold, come on in." Stella told them.
"Well thanks a bunch, something smells great." Miriam said as she entered the house.
Helga and her family entered the house and joined the party that had already been started. Bob and Miriam joined the rest of the boarders who were all in the living room watching the celebration on TV. Helga was never away from Arnold for more than a minute. She was always by his side. All throughout the night the adults were busy in the house talking, laughing, and generally having a good time. Arnold and Helga had relocated to the roof ten minutes before midnight. They sat down on the edge of the rood and Arnold takes her hand.
"Helga I just want to thank you again for the compass." He told her.
"Don't mention it Arnold, and thank you again for the pen. It's very beautiful." She said.
"You're welcome." Arnold said as he kissed her hand.
Arnold kissed her hand, and not a word was spoken between them. They didn't need to say anything. They could see in each other's eyes. The love between them was so strong that it could be felt, by anyone. It was that strong. The sound of the citizens of the city celebrating could be heard all the way from his roof. The cold air reminded them that it was in fact still winter. Helga moved in as close as she could to Arnold, and he in turn wrapped his arms around her to shield her from the cold. What seemed like an eternity in each other's arms was in fact only nine minutes. Their silence interrupted by the adults who had decided to move the party to the roof. They stood up off the edge of the roof to join everyone else in the final countdown officially ringing in the New Year. Second by second Arnold and Helga's anticipation grew because they knew the proper tradition to on New Year's Eve. Miles had brought up with him a radio so they could hear the broadcast, but it wasn't really required since they could hear it from their house. Finally the countdown reached the last ten seconds. Everyone except Arnold and Helga joined in.
"Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one…Happy New Year." They all shouted.
Miles and Stella, Phil and Gertie, and Bob and Miriam all kissed the second the countdown ended. Helga felt Arnold grab her hand and she turned to look at him.
"Happy New Year Arnold." She said to him.
"Happy New Year Helga." He replied.
Arnold leaned in for their first kiss of the New Year. Helga let go of Arnold's hand so she could wrap her arms around him, and he did the same to her. There on the roof of the old vine street house, Arnold and Helga rang in the New Year with their arms around one another, and love in their hearts. They soon became completely oblivious to the fireworks that were being launched from the barges down on the river. The entire night sky wet from solid black to multiple colors. Blues, reds, greens, purples, pinks, oranges, whites, and yellows filled the sky. Sounds of the crowds cheering and singing could be heard for miles and was just reaching the ears of the boarders as they finished their kiss.
"Thank you Arnold." Helga told him.
"For What?" He asked.
Helga simply replied, "For everything."
After that the party began to die down. Helga and her family went home, Arnold went to bed. Christmas and New Year's happened better than he could ever have imagined. But with the entrance of the New Year also meant they had another holiday to celebrate. It had become Arnold's favorite holiday since he and Helga had been dating. Much like the party on the roof…he couldn't wait for it.