Arnold and Helga are enjoying another study date and Arnold was working on an assignment, he's very tense and frustrated with his assignment. Helga who is done with her work looks over at Arnold from where she's laying on his couch flipping through a book. She chuckles to herself and walks over to him and puts her hand on one hip looking down at him. Arnold feels her presence of course but doesn't look up.
"Hair boy...I think you need a break."
He shakes his head and puts his hand on his forehead. "No...I can't..." He stopped talking feeling her hands on his shoulders giving him a massage. He moaned as he felt all his tension subside. When she stopped he peered up at her.
"Thanks...I needed that." He stared at her and shook his head. "How is it that you're done with all your work and I'm over here struggling."
She shrugged with a small smile. "Natural gifts from God can't be explained Arnoldo..." She started laughing at her own statement. "I'm just kidding..."
He laughed. "No you're not..." He said with sly smile.
She laughed but didn't say anything.
He put his pen down and turned and stared at her; his expression became more thoughtful. "So what do you want to be?"
"Huh?"
"Like when you get older...all this talk in school with career week has that on mind more than ever...I mean...do you still want to be a writer?"
She started fidgeting a bit and then went and sat down on his couch. She shrugged when she made eye contact with him. "I'm not so sure anymore..."
Arnold was a little taken aback by her response, but at the same time he found it somewhat comforting.
"Well I have no idea...But I'll figure something out-"
Helga frowned. "Sure you have ideas...Arnold you're good at lots of things and have tons of hobbies."
He tilted his head to the side. "Yeah and that's the problem..."He shrugged. "But...at our age I guess it's not really a problem...I'm starting to think...especially after hearing you say you're not sure anymore. You always seem to have everything together and are so focused...it makes me feel a little less insecure about my own indecisiveness..."
Helga looked at him and rolls her eyes. "Well I'm glad my lack of direction about my future makes you feel better about your typical wishy washy football headed ways." She said with great sarcasm.
Arnold stood up with a mischievous expression on his and picked her up like she was light as a feather and threw her slightly up in the air and caught her.
"Arnold...you promised you would keep your hands to yourself."
"Right...as in tickling..."
And then he started spinning her around several times until he himself felt dizzy and fell over making sure to land on his bed.
"Hair boy...I'm gonna clock you."
"Oh I thought you said I'll never met ole Betsy and the five avengers..." He said slightly imitating her tone.
Helga scowled and because she was trying to hold in a laugh there was a hint of a smile on her face."Well...I just renamed them...so be prepared to met..." She lifted her left fist with a intense glare. "Warning." And then lifted her right fist. "And consequence." She made an obviously bad attempt at hitting him and he easily ducked.
"Ugh I'm dizzy as Eugene...after a walk down the block." Her joke pointing out Eugene's inability to walk down the street without falling.
Arnold chuckled. "Me too..."
"Yeah and it's your fault." She said poking his arm roughly.
"I'm so sorry." He said with blatant insincerity.
"You jerk." She said with a short laugh.
Helga laid down and rested her head on Arnold's stomach. Arnold began playing in her hair and then started giving her a scalp massage making her close her eyes. He listened to her sigh and moan softly as his hands massaged her scalp and ran through her hair.
"Arnold."
"Hmm?"
"I know I said this before but just as a reminder...please don't ever change...well I mean grow and become more wise...but stay you...don't let the world harden you...like it did to me once.."
Arnold cupped her face so he look in her eyes upside down. "You were always tough...you had to be and still do...but if you were hardened you wouldn't have been able to do nice things for people...and you wouldn't be able to love me."
Helga smiled genuinely and then smirked. "So arrogant...who says I love you football head." She said obviously joking.
Arnold didn't laugh he just stared at her. "Your eyes."
Helga was having girl time with Phoebe on a Friday night and they started to get into a more serious conversation.
"Phoebe how is it that you just know what you're going to be for the rest of your life?"
Phoebe fidgeted with her glasses a little bit while thinking. "Well I've always been highly fascinated by all things science and the human body is also incredibly intriguing. Whenever I started thinking about potential careers even as far back as in the 4th grade I could not picture myself in any other profession."
Helga sighed. "Arnold asked me about this and it's just been on my mind ever since...Why can't I be so sure about my future?"
"Helga, please do not compare yourself to me or to anyone. You know exactly who you are and you have so many skills that I don't possess…you have very board options to choose from…"
Helga nodded but still sighed. "I have a hard time making decisions, I mean I haven't been able to come up with a definitive one regarding Bob."
"Helga that's a very difficult decision to make, I wouldn't be able to handle half of the things that you've experienced. You're so strong Helga, I've always admired that, never forget that."
Helga smiled and then got up to give Phoebe a hug which was reciprocated.
Helga decided to put off thinking about Bob and focus more on her future. She listened to what Phoebe said, but she was still inspired to make steps to figure out what she wants for her career or at least a better networking avenue. She started researching different entry level jobs for high school students. She looked into almost every field reading as much about them as she could.
It's now 12:45 and Helga looks at her phone seeing that she got a text earlier from Gerald; who had decided to ask everyone to come down to Gerald field to hang out and have some fun.
Gerald - 'PATAKI BE AT GERALD FIELD AT 2:30.'
Helga – 'For what? And Geraldo why are you yelling gees.'
about 5 minutes later
Gerald – 'Just be there.'
Helga – 'Maybe I will maybe I won't.'
Gerald – 'Whatever Pataki see you at 2:30.'
Helga – 'Maybe…'
Gerald – 'You just have to get the last word huh?'
Helga – 'Look who's talking…'
Gerald – ' lol Touche'
Helga got a knock on her door. "Yes?"
"Can I come on in?"
Helga groans softly. "I guess…" She mumbles and gets up to let Miriam in.
She opens the door to see Miriam is holding a large box. She eyes the box and Miriam; who is really dressed up since she's had meetings for work.
"Hi Helga, how are you today…you've been in your room all day so far."
"Oh I'm fine; I've just been doing some research and writing stuff."
She cups Helga's face a little. "Oh that's wonderful dear, you're such a smart girl."
"Um…thanks mom…so…" She says awkwardly.
"Oh Helga, I got you a present." She informs her with a huge smile.
"For what…my b-day passed a while ago and-"
"I don't need a reason to give my beautiful intelligent daughter a gift."
She headed the box to Helga and rather awkwardly Helga took it. She opened the box there were a few different items. Helga sat down on her bed and looked at each. The first one she saw was a tote bag that said the words 'shut up and write.'
A t-shirt with the Shakespeare quote 'This above all: to thine own self be true."
A smaller box with bracelets with quotes that say; 'blessed', 'loved', 'be kind.' 'you go girl', 'faith', and 'courage'.
Also there was a jewelry box with a silver earrings and a necklace with her name on it.
She saw a card at the bottom and opened it, it was basically a rather blank card but Miriam filled it up with her own large personalized handwriting.
'Helga, you have the gift of writing not I, but I just wanted to let you know that I am sorry. I'm sorry for causing you to feel any pain or unhappiness. Bob hurt all of us, but he especially hurt you and I should have been more sensitive to your plight. I miss being able to sit down and talk about our separate days. I miss you shyly coming into my room and asking if I need help with work. I miss hearing your voice, seeing you laugh and smile. I miss you Helga and I love you.'
- Love, Mom
Inside there was a visa gift card with $500 dollars on it.
Helga up looked up at her box with her mouth slightly open. "Why did you get all this for me?"
Miriam smiled and sighed. "First just because I love you, but also because I know that I really hurt you and I wanted to give you something to make you happy."
Helga couldn't help but smile brightly. "This is all…really great mom…but the money can you-"
"Don't worry just enjoy it."
She smiled broadly. "Thank you...really... I love everything."
"You're welcome Helga."
"Mom…" she started looking down at her hands.
"Yes sweetie?"
"Are you still talking to Bob?"
Her smile faded. "No." She said firmly.
Helga looked up in surprise and Miriam felt the need to explain. "I realized that he had me fooled…he is still the horrible man that he was before…" Miriam stated now looking longingly out the window. "I was really hoping that he would have changed and felt some remorse but…" She shrugged and started balling. Helga was stunned to hear her say those things and to see her crying, but she got up and hugged her. They didn't say anything else but just held that embrace for several minutes.
Helga looked up at her wall clock; she didn't realize how much time had passed by. She shot up and hugged her mom again. "I love you mom, thank you again."
"I love you too and thank you." Miriam kissed the top of her head.
"Well Gerald asked me to meet him at Gerald field so I have to get ready to go."
"Oh alright dear, you have fun, tell your friends and especially Arnold I said hello." Miriam left the room and closed the door.
Helga went to change into her more athletic clothes and walked down to the field. Soon as she rounded the corner BAM! She felt something it hit her on the forehead; hard, very hard.
"Is she okay?" Phoebe asked with concern standing behind Gerald.
"I don't know...but remember when she lost her memory before..." Gerald said wearily.
She opened her eyes halfway and now she was on the ground on her back; the whole gang over her talking. Helga was so surprised to see Rhonda there; who was standing next to Curly that she didn't focus on what they were saying.
"Arnold, looks like you done got that case of dangerous lumber back, but this time you beamed your own dang girlfriend with a baseball, she looks like she's in a pain too. I mean look at the lump on her forehead."
"Stinky shut up."
Arnold leaned over and lifted Helga's head and then picked her up and taking her over to the bench.
"Helga…Helga…? Are you okay? Can you hear me?"
Her eyes were still half open and then they widened from his touch and voice. "Yeah I hear you, but what just happened?"
"Um…"
"Arnold was doing some practice swings and hit you with a baseball." Harold told her.
"Thanks Harold."
Helga started laughing. "Arnold…is that true?"
"Y-yes…"
She touched her forehead. "Well you know what this means…." She stared at Arnold who looked concerned and confused. She smiled at his expression because she thought it was so cute. "I'm gonna kick all you boys butts…especially you football head...you all won't be able to forget the day that you played against Helga G. Pataki" She stood up abruptly. "Everyone get in their positions. Hurry up! Move it move it move it!" She yelled while clapping her hands.
"But Helga this isn't a real game, we're just playing around." Sid said to her.
"I don't care...I'm still gonna give you all hell." She said with a wicked laugh.
"Man Pataki...I always knew you had a hard head, but damn your head must be made of steel."
Helga huffed, but then shrugged. "I'm going to take that as a compliment I'm sure it was meant to be Geraldo." She said with raised eyebrows.
Arnold ran in front of her. "Are you sure you're okay?" He asked taking both of her hands."Don't you want to go home and lie down or something?"
Helga smiled. "No, I'm just fine…hey and the bump adds to my beauty wouldn't you say?…" She said while making a goofy face.
Arnold laughed and squeezed her hand a little bit before running to his position to start the game.
After the gang was done with baseball they sat around on the bleaches drinking yahoo sodas, cracked jokes and just talked. Suddenly they saw Veronica Sawyer rounding the corner and walking over to them. Sid immediately got up to jogged over to her and gave her a hug and a rather bold kiss.
"What the-" Harold started.
"Hell?" Stinky finished.
"What's wrong bubba?" Gerald asked Harold.
"I didn't know Sid was dating Veronica…"
"Yeah how did we not know that... I mean we usually know everything that goes on at Hillside." Stinky stated.
"Yeah." Harold added.
"I guess you missed this…" Gerald said motioning towards Sid and Veronica.
Veronica and Sid parted and she walked over to the group heading straight for Arnold and Helga.
"Hey guys." She said greeting everyone but looking straight at Arnold.
"Hey Arnold, I wanted to thank you for what you did for my cousin…she acts like a bitch, but I'm glad you were there to stop it and give her some advice. I think she's actually taking it for once…."
Arnold smiled. "You're welcome…I hope she takes it…I really do."
Veronica made eye contact with Helga. "You're a lucky girl…he's a nice one."
"I know..." She said with a smile and a eye roll.
"I'm lucky." He said putting his arm around Helga and Veronica nodded in agreement; making Helga blush.
"Veronica did you hit your head like Helga did?" Stinky asked. Veronica gave him a confused expression and looked back at Helga who was just shaking her head.
"No I didn't hit my head." She replied.
"Well what could possibly make you want to date Sid?" Stinky asked jokingly
Sid sucked his teeth. "Stinky green isn't a good color for you sir."
"Says you. I'll have you know that Gloria tells me every color looks good on me Sid."
Sid was going to say something, but he just laughed instead at the faces Stinky was making while raising his eyebrows.
After that Arnold took Helga to the boarding house to put ice on that bump, even though she kept insisting that she didn't need it.
He place an ice pack on it and held in there until Helga took out of his hand and it held it there herself.
"Oh Eleanor!" Gertie greeted.
"Hi grandma Gertie." She stated with a big grin.
"Oh Eleanor you get more lovely by the day." She declare in very cheerful voice.
"Yeah she does." Arnold mumbled but Helga heard him and was now blushing due to the compliments for them.
Gertie started taking out food, which they assumed to fix a meal.
"Oh goodness look at the time...I forgot I needed to cook super for tonight...sorry looks like we'll have a late dinner tonight Kimba."
"That's okay grandma."
"Hey grandma Gertie do you need any help?" Helga asked.
"Why yes, sure thing kiddo, come over here."
Helga tossed the ice pack to Arnold and walked over next to Gertie.
Arnold leaned up against the wall watching Helga and his grandmother, it was crazy how natural they were around each other and how much chemistry they had. He smiled a little bit and then left to go up to his room.
The next day Helga got a call from a company to schedule a job interview, since she wasn't doing anything she decided to go in today for their open slot. She walked in her closet and pulled out a simple black knee length shirt and a white blouse and black flats. She brushed her hair back into a neat low bun. The position was a secretarial assistant.
Even though Helga didn't have any experience for this particular job, they were impressed with her computer skills, professional appearance, communication skills and confidence; she was asked if she would accept the job immediately after the interview and she did. She walked out of the office with a huge smile and as she was walking down the hall she bumped into Arnold.
"Helga?" He looked her up and down; enjoying the view in front of him, but confused as to why she was there. "What are you doing here?"
She grinned and then shook her head. "No...I had job interview."
His eyes got big. "You had a job interview here? Here? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to jinx it." She shrugged slightly.
Arnold nodded. "Well why didn't you ask me to help you with an interview before?"
"I didn't plan to apply here…and besides I don't want to get an interview because I know someone here…but on my own merit."
Arnold smiled. " So how was the interview?"
Helga's eyes lit up a little bit. "I guess it went well since I got a job."
A huge smile appeared on his face as he scooped her up into a big hug. "Congratulations." He said kind of loudly. He pulled back to give her a kiss, but he stopped when he heard someone coming down the hall. They parted with an awkward smile while the person walked by.
But as soon as the coast was clear he pulled her close and began kissing her again.
When he pulled away he put his hands on her hips. "So this means I get to see you dress like this all time while I'm at work...I don't think I can handle that."
Helga giggled and then put her finger in her mouth with seductive expression. "Why do I turn you on...football head?" She asked in a soft flirtatious tone.
Arnold shifted awkwardly. "Don't do that to me Helga...I'm at work."
Helga just giggled.
Well…uh… I need to get back in there…my boss is probably looking for me….but you definitely deserve…" He stopped talking and just smiled.
"What?"
"N-nothing I was just thinking out loud I guess." He frowned slightly. "How are you getting home?"
"The bus..." she said with a shrug.
Arnold's face dropped slightly and she noticed; she also knew what he was thinking. "Arnold I'll be fine." She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry."
"I can't help it..." He said softly. "Text me when you get home."
"Okay." She tapped his nose with her index finger and with a small wink she walked away. He watched her as she walked away, checking out her slender curvy figure in that skirt. "please give the strength..." He said under his breath as he watched Helga. Arnold had never had such an strong desire to get physical with girl, he never really had that desire with Lila or any other girl. But with Helga the desire was strong and was always there, his respect and love for her is just as strong as his attraction so he never push things too far when they made out, because he prided himself on being a gentlemen. But also because he knew the horrible pain she's suffered in the past and he didn't want to contribute to that, by moving too fast.
Helga drove him crazy in a lot of ways. For one thing, it bothered him that she wouldn't let him protect her the way he wanted to. She found it coming from anyone to be somewhat stifling, but she also just wasn't use to being protected. Arnold's wish to be her 'knight in shining Armour' had increased sharply since their relationship began, as a result when he went back to his desk he worried constantly about her getting home safely. Despite his wish, she consistently prevented him from playing that role in life; which frustrated Arnold a little. They even had a few arguments about this, but Arnold couldn't help and also had no choice but to respect her stance and admire her strength.
Instead of going home like she told Arnold she was going, she decided to the diner to talk to Tiffany; in order to let her know that she found a job. Tiffany was persistent with telling Helga to find something better and she even attempted to help her find contacts.
She walked in her eyes darting around to find Tiffany and she saw her in the back so she quickly headed back there.
"Hey Tiff."
She turned around surprised to see her. "Hey H.P. what are you doing here you're not scheduled to work today..."
"I know...but I have some news."
"Good news or bad news."
"A little bit of both depending on how you look at it."
"Okay what?" Tiffany asked.
"I found a job."
Tiffany stared at her blankly at first and then slowly her eyes got bigger; almost like a slow reaction you see in movies. "Helga that's great!"
"Well yeah, but haven't put in a notice or anything and I'm suppose to start tomorrow-"
"Don't worry about it, I've interviewed some new people and we've had plenty of extra help." Helga nodded as she noticed her hours at be somewhat less within the past few weeks.
"What about the boss?"
Tiffany smiled. "I spoke with her about you." She put her hand on Helga's shoulder. "It's cool...so tell me what's the job?"
"Secretary assistant and guess what?"
"Great and what?"
"Arnold works there." Helga said with a wide grin.
"Arnold your boyfriend?"
Tiffany's smile got wider. "Lucky girl."
Helga's posture slacked slight as she looked at Tiffany. "I'm really going to miss you." She said with sad eyes.
Tiffany's expression grew sad as well, but she put her hands on her hips. "Now...don't you dare make me cry...big girls don't cry...especially not here." She said with a laugh.
She smiled and then hugged Helga. "I'm going to miss you too Helga...but you can come and see me anytime...I know your skinny butt loves to eat." She poked Helga's stomach a little. That was the first time Tiffany said her name since she met her.
"I will definitely visit."
"You better." She said firmly and then waved Helga goodbye.
The ending of their junior year was nearing and because of that Gerald tried to spend as much time with Phoebe as possible; because of the fact that Phoebe would be leaving Hillwood for the entire summer. It was as if Gerald and Helga were competing for her time; although Helga being in her own relationship knew when to back off and let them have their own time.
Gerald took Phoebe to her favorite place to eat although it was far from his favorite since they didn't serve meat.
This place happened to have a live band there today which had a mixture of a old fashion doo wop and contemporary style and Gerald immediately started dancing with Phoebe spinning and twirling her around. She giggled bashfully when she noticed people watching them with admiring smiles. She made eye contact with Gerald who seemed to be in his own little world unaffected at all by onlookers so Phoebe decided to let herself go and she joined his world as they danced for a good 20 minutes before finally sitting down to eat.
After they finished eating, the band was so impressed with Gerald's dancing and how he seemed to enjoy their music a lot that they asked him to join them. He didn't hesitate to; which didn't surprise Phoebe who just watched excitedly.
As they were singing a song they gave him a copy of the lyrics and showed him where to start.
'Sweet little girl from the ninth ward of New Orleans
The way she dancing, you could see her from Tennessee
Up under that red dress are legs long as the bayou trees
She got a golden smile, I know she's the one for me in the room
and even though he wasn't familiar at all with the song he easily caught on to the melody and rhythm singing it perfectly.
She's a-twistin' and a-groovin', shakin' and a-movin'
She don't know what she doin' to me, I
Love the way that you dance, and honey, I've got a question:
Baby, would you be my queen?
All right now
He could help but make eye contact with Phoebe who even though she was bit shy sometimes she stood up and started dancing.
Her name was Phoebe was her name, I could never forget
He even changed a lyric to her name instead of Eartha which was written on the page. The band chuckled a little at that and looked out at Phoebe in the crowd.
'Just like the way she dipped on the bronze-tiled floor
Honey was movin' with ease, each and every step
So good that baby had my eyes at her glow
No shiny jewelry, still the brightest thing illuminatin' the room
That girl is twistin' and a-groovin', shakin' and a-movin'
She don't know what she doin' to me, I
Love the way that you dance, and honey, I've got a question:
Baby, would you be my queen?
Ooh, ooh, baby
Ooh, ooh, baby
Ooh, ooh, baby
Ooh, that baby got a golden smile, I know she's the one for me in that room.' Everyone from the band shook hands with Gerald and all the customers clapped as he walked off the small stage and took a small bow. Phoebe watched him and admired his always cool demeanor, she was a bit envious at how he hardly ever got flustered or anything when unexpectedly being asked to do something in front of a crowd.
When he walked back to the table with Phoebe smiled as she knew one thing that could make Gerald bashful and dare I say blush a little bit; a gentle kiss on the cheek from her and she sat back at watched as he turned the color of his shirt.
Helga had her first day at her new job and she loved it 100% better than working at the diner; the people, the work itself was all more challenging in a positive way. During her break, instead of getting something to eat she went to a department store, she didn't plan on buying anything necessarily, but she saw a perfect jazz collection album on vinyl and couldn't resist picking it up for Arnold using the visa card her mother gave her. The cashier told her that was a rare copy that she was lucky to get her hands on it; which made her feel happier about her purchase.
After her shift was over she waited a few minutes for Arnold who came to pick her up; even though they worked in the same building they still had different schedules. When she got inside she noticed that he eyed the bag in her hand.
"What's that?"
"I got you something... it's nothing spectacular-"
"Helga let me see what is before you try to downplay it." He said with a smirk.
She handed the bag to him and he took it out. "A record." He eyed the title of and then began reading the musicians and songs featured his eyes were full of excitement.
He gave her a warm smile.
"I thought you might like that, since you love jazz so much."
"I do, thank you." He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek and on her neck. He held eye contact with her for a few seconds and then positioned himself to get ready to drive. Instead of dropping her off at home like he typically would he took her to the boarding house. When they got inside, Arnold ignored her questioning him, he led her towards his room without answering her; which only increased her curiosity and as a result her comments became more snarky.
When they got to his door he suddenly covered her eyes with his hands.
Helga giggled and she spoke in a sweeter but also kind of nervous voice. "Arnold what's going on? Why are you covering my eyes...I've seen your room before goofball." He moved her over to what he wanted her to see and then Arnold removed his hands from over her eyes.
There on his wall was a framed picture with three separate drawings and those three sketch drawings were of her. The first one he drew her with her hair up in a messy bun, wearing leggings and a baggy shirt on her shirt were the words 'boss'. The expression on her face was a hint of both a scowl and a smug grin and she had a baseball mitt in one hand and a baseball in the other. The second she was sitting at a desk wearing causal clothing with her hair in a single ponytail; her expression was dreamy and thoughtful as she had a pen in her hand concentrating on her writing. The third picture she was standing in a dainty yet sexy pose wearing a red dress with her hair down cascading over one eye, she had rosy cheeks and a bashful but warm smile.
Over the framed drawings were the words 'She is my definition of beauty.' which was written on a label that blended perfectly with the frame and was written in pink and purple ink.
Helga stood there staring at the pictures, wondering when he done this and just overcome with warmness as she had never seen herself captured this way before, it rendered her speechless. After a few moment she turned around and made eye contact with him.
Arnold smiled at her expression which was doe eyed, he thought she looked so cute and he had gotten flowers for her; red daises to be exact. He picked one of them up and put it in her hair; then kissed her tenderly on her forehead, then her nose and her lips.
Arnold wanted to say something deep and insightful spontaneously to impress her or to just make her smile, but then after a while he realized that he was putting that pressure on himself for no reason. Helga smiled because whatever he said however he said it was truthful and real. So as he was looking at Helga standing there staring at the drawing of her likeness he started thinking about an earlier conversation and that inspired his next statement. "All I know for certain about my future..." He pointed to the drawings. "Is that without a doubt I want and need her in it."
The song Gerald and the band sang is by Leon Bridges called Twistin' & Groovin.
