A/N: (Hey everyone! HoshiAM here bringing you the next chapter to High School Drama. Finally I was able to kick off some writer's block and get back into writing. Thanks for the reviews and for liking this story so much. I'm glad you're enjoying it so without further ado here's some more drama for you. Enjoy and don't forget to leave a review in the end!)
Summary: Helga leaves when she barely starts fifth grade, just to return four years later when sophomore year has started in High School. There she gets to live the drama a regular teenager goes through…couples, drugs, parties, homework, dances! Everyone is back but acts in a different way, will Helga be able to survive being back in Hillwood?
Chapter 28: Deep Trouble
Arnold stuttered, "Lila…I think…we…should…"
"I think we should seek help from the school counselor on your addiction," Arnold finished.
Lila shook her head, "I don't have an addiction."
"You need help and I don't think I can be with -"
Suddenly the bell rang cutting Arnold's sentence off. He looked away from Lila who was scowling at him and turned her hands into fists. Everyone was already inside but except them who were still arguing. Arnold didn't want for things to get out of hand but he was glad the bell had rung.
"You can't be with me?" Lila asked through her gritted teeth. "I made one mistake Arnold and you want to throw away everything we have?"
"You're not the same girl I fell in love with," Arnold whispered to himself then cleared his throat. "Class started we need to go inside."
Lila grabbed his arm, "You can't ignore this conversation Arnold. I'm not done talking to you."
"We'll talk later," Arnold said walking inside the classroom.
"When Arnold? It's never a good time with you anymore," Lila argued crossing her arms.
"Lila and Arnold please take your seats," Mr. Manning ordered getting up from his desk.
Mr. Manning their World History teacher was chubby with thinning black hair he combed over to the side. He always wore white polo shirts with grey slacks and brown dress shoes. It seemed he always wore the same clothes every day but only he knew what was inside his closet.
Class had already started but to Helga it didn't matter because it was extra minutes on her watch. She needed to squeeze as much study time as possible before her big Spanish test. If only she had studied and paid attention during class, but her mind like always was drifting somewhere else. Almost like right now when she heard Arnold's name. She glanced up from her book to see Arnold walk past Lila and take his seat.
The desks were split in two sections which made both sides face each other. Mr. Manning loved this layout because it allowed him to be in the center of the aisle. He easily addressed and observed what each student was doing. Helga was on the other side facing the door and Arnold was on the side facing the wall. They could both look at each other from across the room, but both were avoiding each other's gaze. On Helga's side there was Eugene, Sheena, Gerald, Nadine, and Stinky. Arnold's side included Lila, Rhonda, Phoebe, Sid, and Harold.
Helga ordered herself to stop peeking at Arnold and concentrate on her textbook. It was far more important to pass her Spanish test than continuing to yearn over Arnold. He obviously still had issues to discuss with Lila since they were taking their sweet time outside. There was no more reason to get involved into their conversations. She had done her homework of informing Arnold the truth so she did her good deed.
It was her fragile heart that still cared for him and wanted to see him happy. Helga knew that Arnold didn't belong with Lila, but she couldn't just stand around, and watch as Lila continued to deceive him. Now only time could predict the outcome of all this insane drama. Helga wanted to forgive Arnold but his scorching words were burned inside her soul. The words that she shouldn't get her hopes up because he was deeply in love with Lila. Those words always made her change her mind when she wanted to forgive him.
"All right class, I will begin by passing back your tests from last week," Mr. Manning announced shuffling through papers on his desk. "There's nothing to celebrate about since most of you failed to pass. I'm disappointed in many of you who didn't bother to study for such an easy test."
"Yeah right, if you count essay questions as easy," Gerald muttered whose desk was next to Helga.
"Except for Phoebe who got the highest grade in the class," Mr. Manning commented giving Phoebe her test back. "Good job."
Phoebe smiled while mostly everyone shrugged off the compliment. Of course, Phoebe was going to get the highest grade. She was the smartest in the gang and was always reminding everybody to study. Helga smiled at her friend but quickly frowned when Mr. Manning placed her test on the desk. There was big fat red D on top and Helga quickly turned her test over so nobody could see it.
"I don't understand why so many of you failed the test," Mr. Manning wondered standing in the middle. "I specifically notified you of the type of questions and we reviewed, so what happened?"
Everyone stood silent avoiding Mr. Manning's judging stare. Helga tried to ignore his voice and concentrate on her Spanish notes. She might've barely passed her World History test but she needed to ace her Spanish test. In all her classes she was average but she needed to keep her grades up.
"Maybe it was the essay questions that threw us off," Rhonda pointed out as some started to nod and agree.
Mr. Manning stared at Rhonda then smirked, "Well since all of you love essay questions so much then by Friday, I want a five page essay on the chapter the test was based on."
Everyone groaned and complained as Mr. Manning went back to his desk to get his textbook. Helga continued to disregard the noises around her and opened her World History textbook. She placed her Spanish textbook on top and continued to study. Luckily, her desk was in the third row with Sheena in front of her to cover her doings.
In a quick second, Helga couldn't help but glance over at Arnold who was looking in her direction. Their eyes locked and she wanted to avert her gaze back to her books but she froze. It reminded her of the time they stared at each other during their Biology class and she interrupted the moment.
Of course, Helga loved to get lost in Arnold's tempting gaze but she needed to control herself. She rolled her eyes at him and kept focused on her notes. Helga didn't care if she burned a hole through her desk, but she ordered herself to not look in Arnold's direction.
"Now let's continue where we left off last Friday," Mr. Manning said flipping through his textbook. "I assume everyone read the assigned reading."
There was no response so Mr. Manning continued, "Excellent then someone please explain the Magna Carta?"
Again everyone stayed silent and glanced at one another. Phoebe immediately raised her hand like always ready to answer any tough question.
"Anyone? Anyone?" Mr. Manning asked looking around the classroom. "Anyone besides Phoebe? Hmm, Stinky! What was the Magna Carta?"
Stinky straighten up as he shrugged his shoulders, "I reckon it's an important document in the past?"
Mr. Manning sighed, "Yes what else? Harold?"
"I don't know," Harold admitted staring at his desk ashamed.
"This is why many of you failed your test," Mr. Manning pointed out angrily. "You're not reading nor studying. Helga!"
Helga's body jolted surprised at the mention of her name. She tried to cover her notes and Spanish textbook by placing her arms on top of it.
"Yeah?" she asked innocently.
"You better have your World History book out and be paying attention," Mr. Manning warned tapping his textbook impatiently. "What is the Magna Carta, Helga?"
Helga froze rambling her brain for an answer. She didn't read her textbook during the weekend. Nope, throughout the whole weekend she kept reliving the moment when Arnold apologized to her at the movies. He was such a big distraction and at the moment, she didn't dare glance at him. She was in the spotlight and she needed to come up with a response quickly. Helga glanced at Phoebe who was pointing at her notebook where she had written in big letters the answer.
"Um…the Magna Carta is…" Helga paused trying to read Phoebe's notes.
"Don't look at Phoebe, Helga!" Mr. Manning scolded looking back at Phoebe who had placed her notebook down. "Look at me! What is the Magna Carta?"
Helga stared at her desk responding slowly, "An important document that refined -"
"I'm disappointed in all of you for not knowing the answer to a simple question," he yelled slamming his textbook closed. "You better start improving in my class or I'll flunk all of you. Phoebe? The answer please."
Phoebe cleared her throat, "The Magna Carta is a charter signed by King John in 1215 which granted political liberty in England by limiting the King's power."
"Thank you Phoebe," Mr. Manning uttered sighing relieved. "Okay let's turn to page 88 and Eugene begin reading from the top."
"That's my babe," Gerald muttered winking at Phoebe who blushed.
"Too bad he didn't pick you," Helga whispered turning over her Spanish notes.
"That's because I'm too special," he whispered back.
"Or too dumb," Helga noted still not glancing at him.
"You couldn't answer the question either."
"At least I tried," Helga replied writing Spanish words on her notebook. "Now shush."
Gerald scoffed starting to pretend he was taking notes but he began doodling. Helga tested herself by writing out Spanish words to check her spelling. Eugene finished reading and Mr. Manning called out Arnold to continue. Helga looked up to see her football headed love read out loud. She listened intently to each word emerging from his lips. If he was the one teaching the class then definitely Helga would always pay attention.
She started to wonder what he wanted to talk about before class commenced. Perhaps, if she would've swallowed her pride then she would've known what he wanted to say. He probably wanted to apologize again for his stupid mistake. The apology was starting to drag out and Helga needed to decide if he deserved her forgiveness.
Arnold concluded his reading and Mr. Manning started to explain details on the reading. Everyone needed to take notes but Helga pretended she was listening. She made a mental note to catch up on the reading later. Fortunately, she had Phoebe by her side, to cram some knowledge into her brain.
Gerald crumbled up his paper with all his doodles then started doodling again on a fresh sheet. He glanced at Helga and tossed her a folded note when Mr. Manning turned away. Helga glimpsed at him confused then stared at the folded note like it was about to explode.
"What the hell Geraldo?" Helga whispered glaring at him.
"It's not mine," Gerald mumbled back pretending to listen to the lecture. "But it's for you."
Helga felt her stomach drop making her mind go into overdrive. Who could possibly be sending her notes during class time? It couldn't be Phoebe because she was across the room. Helga's heart leaped when she wondered if it could be a letter from Arnold. He probably got tired of apologizing in spoken words, so he turned to writing an apology. She took a peek at Arnold but he wasn't looking at her, instead he was taking notes.
The curiosity inside was gnawing away for her to open the letter. She wanted to ignore it because the sender was probably waiting to see her reaction. Could it be a long letter? A small request? Not being able to take it anymore, Helga reached for it and unfolded it. She skimmed through the words and felt shocked at the sender's name.
WE SERIOUSLY NEED TO TALK! SEE ME AFTER CLASS! - RHONDA W. LLOYD
Helga's eyes scanned for Rhonda across the room and finally stared her down. Rhonda smiled and waved at her by wiggling her fingers. She raised her eyebrow at Helga and frowned pointing to her watch. There were still thirty-two minutes of class left and Rhonda was already counting them down.
What on earth did Rhonda W. Lloyd have to discuss with Helga G. Pataki? Was she going to offer fashion tips? Maybe she was going to give Helga a million dollars? Or she just wanted to make Helga's life miserable? Well, she was too late because Helga's life was already miserable.
"Remember I want your essays on Friday," Mr. Manning reminded walking to his desk. "Let's try to put some effort people."
The bell rang ending the torture of World History class but a new torture began for Helga. It was hard to study for the Spanish test since she read Rhonda's note. So many pondering thoughts but Helga didn't want to stay to find out. She wanted to avoid Rhonda by sprinting out the door. Fortunately, luck was on Helga's side because Nadine was delaying her with pointless banter.
She gathered her things and walked out the door. If Rhonda needed to talk to her then she could find her on her own time. Helga had more important things to do anyway. She had a Spanish test in a few minutes and she felt ready. Ready for anything except to know what Rhonda wanted.
"Helga wait up!" a voice called out behind her.
Helga felt chills up her spine at the sound of his voice. She didn't want to look back to acknowledge Arnold who caught up to her.
"What do you want football head?" Helga asked frustrated.
Arnold sighed shaking his head, "You know what? Forget it! Forget everything I've ever told you."
Helga gasped, "Well excuse you!"
Arnold continued to walk leaving Helga behind with a stunned look on her face. She froze watching him blend into the massive crowd of students. He spoke to her angrily and told her to forget everything. Did that mean to forget his apology? Was he going to stop looking for her to apologize? Arnold made a mistake but Helga made a big mistake of pushing his buttons.
"Hold it right there Helga!" Rhonda warned finally catching up to her.
Helga resumed walking slowly as she looked back to see Rhonda, "Hello Princess, you honor me with your presence."
Rhonda laughed, "Please let us save pleasantries for some other time."
"Oh where are my manners?" Helga said sarcastically.
"I know what you did."
"Crud, that I wasn't paying attention in History class," Helga replied hitting her forehead. "I'm sure everybody knows that."
"I can't be wasting any time here!"
"And I don't have any time to hear you out!"
"After school at the downtown library 4:00," Rhonda stated stopping Helga from walking any further. "You're going to want to be there because if you don't show up Helga. Be sure to face the consequences."
Helga pulled her arm away from Rhonda's grasp, "Or what? I'm not scared of you Rhonda so bring whatever you have."
"I know you were at my house so if you want me to not press charges of trespassing," Rhonda whispered in Helga's ear. "You'll come to see me."
Helga glared at her, "You're unbelievable."
"Come alone," Rhonda added then smiled. "Good luck on your test."
Time was still ticking away and everyone was walking past Helga but to her time had frozen. Everything was starting to fall apart and it was all her fault. She should've never told Arnold anything. No, maybe she should've never followed Lila into the bathroom. If only she could go back to the past and prevent it. No, go further into the past and never bother to come back to Hillwood. She sure would've avoided this entire dilemma.
"Helga you're still here," Phoebe noted looking at her confused. "Aren't you going to be late for class?"
"I'm in deep trouble," Helga muttered still not looking at Phoebe or moving.
"What kind of trouble?" Phoebe asked bewildered pulling Helga's arm to resume walking. "Talk to me Helga."
"Rhonda knows, she knows," Helga stuttered still in shock. "She knows we were at her house Phoebe and she says she wants to press charges."
Phoebe's eyes widen and gasped, "But how did she…the security cameras. Why didn't it cross my mind?"
Helga laughed nervously, "Because we were so focused on Lila's picture."
"What does she want?"
"For me to meet her in the library after school," Helga answered worried. "She wants to talk and I'm sure it's not going to be about exchanging fashion tips."
"Helga!" Phoebe shouted stopping abruptly then grinned. "We have something incriminating against Rhonda too."
Helga smiled, "Doi! The picture with Mr. Harris! Why didn't I remember it just now?"
"Perhaps Rhonda knows about the picture and she wants it back," Phoebe remarked resuming to walk again.
"She played the blackmail card with me once but now it's my turn," Helga said recalling the time when Rhonda threaten to expose her secret to Arnold. "Give me the picture Phoebe. She's going down at 4:00."
"No," Phoebe replied shaking her head.
"Phoebs, what the hell?" Helga grumbled stunned at Phoebe's response.
"I want to go with you."
"Rhonda told me to come alone."
"I'm coming along Helga," Phoebe declared sternly. "Remember I took the picture so she's going to have to talk to me too."
"But Phoebs…"
"No buts Helga," Phoebe said grabbing her hand. "We will face this together and hopefully everything will go back to normal."
Helga turned away closing her eyes, "Everyone's changed for the worst. I don't think anything will be normal again."
Phoebe sighed, "We just have to hope for the best."
"I don't want to look on the bright side right now," Helga grumbled frowning. "I pushed Arnold away."
"What do you mean?"
"I think he's mad at me," Helga assumed chuckling. "But there's no way Phoebs that I'll go looking for him."
Phoebe shook her head, "Right now let's worry about this debacle with Rhonda. You can focus on Arnold later."
Helga nodded and they continued to walk towards the main building. It was already late and the courtyard was starting to become empty. They both needed to rush to their classes but suddenly Helga's cell phone started to vibrate. She stopped to take it out and check who could be calling. It wasn't a call but a text message which Helga quickly read it.
"I'll meet you at your locker after school," Phoebe called starting to walk away.
"It can't be!" Helga shouted still staring at her cell phone.
Phoebe ran back surprised, "What is it Helga?"
"There's going to be trouble," Helga remarked upset as she shook her head. "Lots of trouble."
What kind of trouble is coming up? Who knows? Only one way to find out and it's waiting for the next chapter. Sorry for taking long on doing my updates but hey, life gets in the way. So remember to enjoy the moment and hope y'all enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to leave a review! This is HoshiAM saying, thanks for reading :).
Stay tuned for Chapter 29: The Blackmail Card!
