~ Hello everyone! Sorry again for this taking so long to get out, but it's been a little rough lately and writing has been hard. Doesn't help I've been sick these last few weeks and slowly working things out as well. Normally I like to write when I'm sick, but it's hard to type when you are puking your brains out. But after reviewing everything that I have right now, I have come to the decision that this story will be ending soon. I am still working out the last few details for the final part here and I still haven't decided on how many more chapters that I will be doing, but that decision will be coming soon. So right now, sit back, relax, grab a cold drink and enjoy! ~

Hey Arnold Chapter 25 – Winter Nightmares

Arnold looked out the window, seeing the snowflakes begin their dance down to the ground. It was still early December and they didn't have much time before Christmas was upon them. He took a sip of his coffee as his eyes scanned the area.

They already knew of Lila's escape from prison a few months ago, and the police still could not find her. He was annoyed by that fact, but he was more concerned for his family's safety. Helga was just finishing her first trimester with their second child and she was more vulnerable than ever.

"Arnold come sit down and eat. You keep worrying that something is going to happen" Helga said as she patted at his seat. He looked back and saw both her and Gabriel smiling at him as the young son popped another piece of pancake into his mouth. Arnold could only smile back as he let out a breath and moved to the table, sitting with his family.

They unfortunately had to put their wedding on hold until Lila was found. They were not going to take any risks, especially with her. He didn't like it and neither did Helga, but it was the only way to make sure everything was going to be ok.

Arnold heard a knock at the door, causing him to snap back to reality for a second. He walked down the hallway and saw it was Captain Fisk through the peephole. He quickly opened the door and ushered him in. He carried a small binder with him that contained a good amount of papers. Arnold put his coat away and led him to the kitchen, pouring him a cup of coffee. Captain Fisk greeted Helga and Gabriel as if they were his own family, treating them with nothing but respect and love.

"Well Staff Sergeant, we need to go over some paperwork here for your packet. If we can get through this by today, I think I can get everything done before the Christmas exodus" Captain Fisk said with a smile.

"Ok then, let's get to it then" Arnold said with a grin on his face. Helga took Gabriel into the living room and put the TV on for his morning cartoons. She sat down on the couch and pulled out her book, occasionally looking down to make sure Gabriel was still there.

It took them a little over an hour to go through the paperwork, but once they were finished, it was a sigh of relief. It was the last bit that Arnold had to do in terms of paperwork. He never felt so relieved that another chapter of his life was coming to an end.

"So any news on Ms. Sawyer?" Fisk asked as he took another sip of his coffee. Arnold shook his head.

"No, it's just like she disappeared off the face of the planet. But I know she is around. Don't ask me how I know, but I do. It feels like anytime we go out, were being watched, like our every move is being tracked" Arnold said as he took another swig of his coffee. Fisk could only nod in agreement.

"Hopefully it won't be much longer and you can put this whole situation behind you. But keep your eyes open. Just because they can't be seen, doesn't mean they aren't there" Fisk said as he took another sip. Arnold could only nod. He knew better than to let his guard down, and he wasn't about to start now. Fisk finished his coffee and set the cup on the table.

"Well, I need to get back to the office, better beat this storm in before it gets too ugly out there" Fisk said as he stood up. Arnold smiled as he walked him to the door, getting him his coat. The snow outside had picked up a little, making Arnold smile. He shook Fisk's hand as he barely stepped outside with him.

"I'll let you know how everything goes. Thanks for the coffee Shortman" Fisk said as he walked out onto the sidewalk and to his car. He gave a small wave as he saw the car pull off and head down the road. Arnold stood out there for a second, scanning the area. He noticed a small beige color car across the street. Something felt off about that car. A minute later, the car started and took off down the street. Arnold took in a breath of cold air as he saw the car leave.

'You can run Lila, but you can't hide forever' Arnold thought to himself.

He quickly retreated inside back to the warmth. Helga looked up from her book and smiled. Arnold came and sat next to her on the couch, wrapping his arm around her as she sank into his body.

"You know it is almost Christmas and we haven't even put up a tree yet" Arnold said as he looked at his phone.

"Also, we haven't even done Christmas shopping, either. We are so late on the curve here" Helga said as they both chuckled, leaning over and kissing Arnold. Arnold smiled as he thought about what she just said.

"So I guess that means we can go shopping today then huh?" Arnold said with a smile. Helga could only nod. They quickly got up to go and get changed and get ready for the day. Helga took Gabriel upstairs to go and find him some good clothes to wear while Arnold hopped in the shower real quick. Soon all of them were ready to go. Arnold helped Gabriel throw on his winter jacket, knowing that they would probably be playing in the snow later with his son. Helga had gotten all of their items laid out and moved them to the couch. They finally locked up the house and headed for the Packard. Helga quickly strapped Gabriel in as Arnold started the old car and gotten the heater working. It didn't take long for them to be out on the road.

Soon they reached the mall. As it always busy this time of year, this day was no exception. Arnold quickly parked and helped Gabriel out of his seat. They smiled as the cool breeze came in, moving snow across the parking lot. They quickly headed inside to the warmth of the mall.

They walked throughout the mall, checking the different stores for anything they could get friends and family. It was good for them to finally get out and be a family together. Their work schedules were keeping them from that, but now it was time for them to be a family.

"Arnold, my man. Over here" A voice called from near the food court. Arnold looked over and saw Gerald and Phoebe. He waved and pointed them out to Helga. They walked over and gave them a hug. Now they actually had a chance to meet Sophia, their little baby girl who was born a month ago. She was sleeping comfortably in Phoebe's arms.

"Wow man, she's beautiful. Congratulations" Arnold said as he gave Gerald a hug.

"Yea man can't believe that at all. So what's going on with you man, looks like you guys need to do some Christmas Shopping as well?" Gerald asked as Arnold nodded. He missed Gerald, and their little group that they had. But everyone had their own lives to live.

"Yea. Been putting it off for a while now and need to get it done. Wanna go pick out something for the ladies?" Arnold asked as he looked back over at Phoebe and Helga, who were now sitting down and catching up.

"Yea that sounds good. Ladies, do you mind if us guys go and get some other gifts. Plus we need to be guys for a while" Gerald said with a smooth talk. Phoebe just rolled her eyes and giggled as they both nodded. Arnold walked over to Helga and Gabriel, giving them both a hug and a kiss.

"I won't be gone too long. You mind watching Gabriel?" Arnold asked with a smile. Helga just kissed him.

"We will be fine. Go have fun" Helga said as Arnold kissed her again. They broke apart as Arnold and Gerald walked off into the mall, doing guy things as always. It took them a second to get clear of them, but they could finally catch up.

"Arnold, what has been going on man? You have been so distant lately" Gerald asked as they walked. Arnold could only nod.

"Yea, I know. Unfortunately I have been keeping an eye out for Lila. Man I swear her and this guy Kevin are out for blood. They just wanna follow us everywhere we go and it's been killing us" Arnold said as he brushed his hand through his hair.

"I understand man; we have all been keeping an eye out. I just never thought Lila was like this. She used to be so sweet and wonderful in school, but now, I don't even know any more man" Gerald said as he patted Arnold on the back.

"Yea, but enough about her. We got to get some shopping done right?" Arnold said with a smile. Gerald nodded as they both headed into the jewelry store. They were in there for a good 20 minutes as their presents were wrapped, which they hid in another bag they both had. They hit a couple of other stores and were able to knock out the majority of the shopping that they needed to do.

"Arnold, I swear you know how to manage everything, but this makes you like a king to shop with" Gerald said as he repositioned his bags into one arm. Arnold gave a small chuckle as he checked his phone.

"Well that is one good thing about being on your own, you learn how to shop correctly" Arnold said as he put his phone back and took a look up ahead. His eyes went wide as he stopped and moved over to the side. Gerald gave him a puzzling look.

"What is it Arnold? It looks like you have seen a ghost or something?" Gerald said as Arnold motioned his head forward, not wanting to reveal anything within the busy mall. Gerald looked ahead and noticed there were people watching them, but one was definitely smaller, more feminine like than the other one behind them.

"Is that? It can't be" Gerald said as he blinked and shook his head, making sure that he wasn't seeing things.

"Yea, it's her. That's Lila" Arnold said as his eyes narrowed. He was about to say something when she held up one finger, bringing it to her lips, telling him to stay quiet. He only nodded, knowing that this was getting dangerous real quick. She pulled a note from her coat and placed it in the fake bush that they were standing at, giving him a smile as she blew him a kiss. Arnold could only stand there. Then two turned around and left as the men were standing there waiting to see what was left behind.

They quickly walked up after the other two had left out the door and faded into the crowd of people. Arnold noted the scent. It was the perfume that Lila always wore back in high school. It was a smell he could never forget. He quietly grabbed the note and opened it, seeing her penmanship was a perfect cursive writing. He took in a breath and read it, with Gerald reading over his shoulder.

My Dearest Arnold,

I don't understand you anymore. What happened to the beautiful young man I once knew? The man in high school who made sure to always say hi to me every morning on our way to class. You have grown soft, weak, and nothing but a mindless piece of trash. I did escape out of prison. For you, Arnold. See, unlike you, I finish what I start. You have not seen the last of us. Kevin says to tell Helga Hi. He will be seeing her real soon and taking real good care of her. Like a real man would do. As for me, I will make sure you are buried into the ground. I will make sure you understand that you could have done a lot more with your life than what you were led to believe. Take care Arnold, we will see each other soon my love.

Your childhood Love,

Lila

Arnold looked at the note in fear, unsure of what he had just read. It was something that he himself was not able to comprehend. She had finally snapped, aware of the consequences that were bestowed upon her. Gerald looked just as terrified as he did.

"Wow man, I can't believe she is taking it that far. I think she has finally lost it" Gerald said as he read the note over again.

"Yea man, this is what we deal with. Ever since I came back, nothing is ever the same anymore. Sometimes I wonder if it was right to ever come back" Arnold said as he rubbed his temples with his finger.

"Don't ever talk like that man. If you never came back, you would have never fallen in love with Helga, and Gabriel would not be here either. Just imagine what would have happened if you never came home. It would be horrible" Gerald said as he put his hand on Arnolds shoulder. Arnold let out a sigh as he nodded.

"Thanks, Gerald. I knew I could count on you. Let's finish up and get back to our families" Arnold said as Gerald agreed. They hit a few more stores along the way, making sure to put what had just happened behind them. There was a problem though, and Arnold was the only one aware of it. He knew what that message meant, and he did not like it one single bit. His mind would be watching everything to make sure he didn't miss anything. They quickly walked back and saw their ladies still chatting away, making them both smile. Arnold smiled as they walked up and kissed both of their girls, finally getting some lunch and sitting down as a group.

They sat and talked for a while, laughing and smiling as they did when they were teens still in school. Arnold was glad that they were able to see each other, but soon it was time for them to head out and back home.

"We will probably be putting up the tree and everything within the next week, and we would love to have you guys over for Christmas Dinner" Helga said with a smile.

"That sounds great Helga; it would be good to have everyone back at the boarding house. Just like old times" Phoebe said as Sophia smiled and flailed her arms. They all hugged good bye and headed back out of the mall and into the cold. Helga quickly got Gabriel strapped into his seat as Arnold put away the gifts. Arnold quickly got in and got the heater running. He sat there for a second, wondering what could be going on with Lila to cause her to go like this.

"Arnold, you ok? What's going on?" Helga asked him as she saw the look on his face, making her very concerned. He didn't say anything at first, only taking slow deep breaths. He reached into his coat and pulled out Lila's note and handed it to her.

"I got a bad feeling about this" Arnold said as he put the car in drive and started off down the road. Helga looked in shock as she read the note.

"Is she? She can't be serious?" Helga asked with a concerned tone, her eyes wide with fear.

"She is Helga, Gerald and I saw her leave that note, along with Kevin. They are serious enough to risk getting spotted and arrested again to make sure we know that they are there" Arnold said as he took a right hand turn. Helga tuned and looked out the window as the scenery passed them by. She shook her head and let out a sigh.

"This just gets better and better" Helga said as they merged onto the freeway and headed back to home.