Stephanie walked up to Curly's doorstep to ring his doorbell. Waiting for someone to answer the door she shifted her feet around as she glanced around the neighborhood. Dogs could be heard barking. Kids laughing elsewhere. The chill in the air that felt like was freezing her hair on the spot. Sighing, she knew she should of called ahead, but felt she would of lost her nerve. Hearing the sound of someone approaching the door she was greeted by, Curly in the process of still placing his sweater on.

"Hey Steph. Did we have something planned?' He wondered as he opened the door wider for her to come in.

Stepping inside she did a slight inspection of his place before turning around to face him. "No. This is an unplanned visit." Her head went down nervously. "I need to talk to you about something."

With a wave of his hand he had her sit in the living room. Waiting for her to sit down he offered her something to drink, something she declined. Sitting down, Curly saw her appearing too down. "What's the matter?"

"My father is being ordered to move. On January 2nd we are out of here." Stephanie hated living in a military family at times. There were times you would be in a location for a long length of time. Other times it was for a short time. At least she had a couple years in Hillwood. "We are heading to Hawaii."

"At least it is a beautiful location." He told her trying to let her see the brighter side.

Her head turned to him. "It is. I can still go to the party at least if you still want to be my date one last time." She hoped he would say yes.

"I would really like that. Do you need any help packing?" He offered.

Shaking her head, Stephanie looked upstairs. "No, but I wouldn't mind one thing though."

"And that is?"

"To sleep with me." She turned her gaze back to him. She was imploring him.

Curly was slightly tempted as a man, but he honestly couldn't. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I really like you."

"I love you." She had to say it finally. "Forgive me, but I had to say it."

"My feelings aren't the same. I want you to have your first time with a guy who loves you back. I will feel like a heel if I did that. As attractive as you are, I just can't. I'm sorry." Curly took her hand hoping she would understand.

Leaning forward she kissed him. "I forgive you. I'm happy you are honest."

"I always will be." Bringing her into his arms, Curly held her close to him finding this to be the cleanest break of his life.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

New Years Eve was here and Rhonda was already bored at the party she was at. Bradley constantly leading her around. His friends doing lame stunts that she couldn't even laugh at. She tried to enjoy herself, but even as the girls were speaking about fashion and make-up, Rhonda forced herself not to yawn. This is how she was not so long ago. This was her life and it was all about fashion. As they talked, Rhonda glanced over to a painting that lent her some inspiration. Inspiration that would lead to art in another form. She knew it has been explored in the avenue she was thinking about, but this time it brought an actual gleeful smile to her face. She wanted to draw out her idea before she forgot.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Helga was speaking to Stephanie and Phoebe on the other side together about her plans about moving. As they were talking, Arnold and Gerald approached Curly as he busily drank his punch. His mind looked elsewhere. Arnold noticed it had been since the announcement of, Rhonda's upcoming marriage.

"How's it going, Curly my man?" Gerald cooly wondered as he sat down beside him on one side.

Curly shrugged as his eyes stayed on the girls. "Is it bad I'm not really sad to know she's going?"

Arnold was a little bit. "A little. She's a sweet girl."

"Yeah she is, but I'm not in love with her. I was looking to break up with her at some point." Lifting his drink, Curly was being much too casual now.

Gerald never liked to ask this question in Arnold's presence, but he did. "You aren't waiting for, Helga still. Are you?"

"No. Helga belongs to Arnold. I love her, and I will always love her, but I knew even that wasn't forever. We want the best for the other." Responded Curly.

Arnold wondered if it was decent to broach him on another subject. "What about Rhonda?" He noticed a pause in him. "You seem to be taking that badly."

He snorted at that. Curly still had no clue how he felt for her truly. "I feel bad for her. She shouldn't do what she is doing. She should marry for love. Marry someone who chose her just as she chooses him. I'm uncomfortable with the idea of her being off with this guy alone at some party. She could be in danger like she almost was at the frat party and another party in the woods."

Arnold and Gerald looked confused seeing they didn't know any of that. "What are you talking about?" Gerald inquired almost too softly.

Curly glanced down. "She called me for help when her own friends didn't want to help her. Her own parents didn't either. She was almost raped in the woods by this doof. I got there in time at least, and she broke her hand punching him out. That's the huge reason why she cut it off with those so-called friends. That's why the whole change in attitude from her."

Arnold placed his hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you were there for her."

"Same here."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Bradley saw her alone at a patio setting doing something on a pad of paper. His face was set in stone while all his friends were laughing all around him. Never had he met a girl who wasn't interested in him. It displeased him knowing that she should be excited. Even if this was a marriage of convenience, she should be selling this much better.

Quickly he walked over to where she sat to see it was a sketch of some type of weird looking dress. Grimacing, Bradley sat down beside her to call for her attention. "In order to make this work we need to sell this. Do you want to be the laughing stock of our society when word gets out?" He hissed out.

"In the past I would of cared, but now all I care about is other things. There is things of much more importance than just money." Rhonda bit out. She didn't care for his tone.

"Well you are making a mockery of the both of us. No one believes me that we are engaged."

"Show them my ring."

Taking her hand a bit too roughly, Bradley forced her attention to him. "I'm sorry to be rough. I'm not like that." His insides reeked of what he just did. "I just wish for you to try to sell this."

Rhonda glared at him. "You are hurting me." She bared her teeth. "Let go."

Doing so, Bradley spotted the red mark that he caused. He whimpered at what he just did. More gently this time he raised her hand up to kiss her wrist. "I apologize for that. You may hit me if you wish. I've never done anything like that in my entire life." He spoke truthfully.

"Why did you agree to this whole thing?"

It was time for him to really speak in truth. "I remember you from so many parties. You have always had an escort with you. I always loved how dark your hair is. How your brown eyes seemed to sparkle. That cocky smile she held. The way you walked it always appeared like you were floating. I never had the guts to approach you, but I do have this favorite dress that you wore. This red sweetheart dress with this black lace trim on the bodice. You seemed like you were shining." He sighed. "When I was approached and was informed who I will be betrothed to, I said yes."

Rhonda glanced away towards the party full of stupid people. She had no idea if he was telling the truth or not. She did know that she didn't want this arrangement. "I never met you before until that day. This isn't in my plans at all. I want a marriage built on love and not an arrangement. Do you understand?"

"I do, but I'm hoping if you get to know me much better you will learn to love me. I know I looked past your lack of make-up after the first few times to find I enjoyed it better." Bradley took her hand gently in his. "Is there anyone else you can think of right now who can promise to make you happy right now?"

She wanted it to be Curly, but he could do so much better than her still. "No, but we are still so young." Her eyes went down. "This may work for my parents, but it doesn't work for me. I desire love."

"Same here." He needed those eyes back on him. Guiding her face gently towards him, Bradley thought she looked like a mysterious beauty. "I'm really not that bad."

Hearing the countdown begin to happen, Rhonda's heart seized. Her feet wanted to run. She didn't want her first kiss of the year with him. Perhaps if she imagined him to be someone else it won't be so bad.

So hearing it reach to one, Bradley's lips made contact with hers.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Everyone shouted at once. As some began to sing, most kissed.

Kissing her Football Head, Helga smirked at her love. "Happy New Year."

Holding her, Arnold gave her another kiss. "Happy New Year, Helga. Thank you for coming back. Let me have plenty of new year's with you."

"Wish granted." Giggling, Helga loved how he picked her up.

Gerald and Phoebe were half dancing and half kissing. Looking over to his friend, Gerald gave him a thumbs up. They both hit their treasure.

Sid was drinking punch when Katrinka neared him. He looked away from her pretending not to see her. In all these years she hadn't changed her look quite so much. Still he felt like a cad with how he was acting. "Uh, happy new year, Katrinka."

Grinning with delight, Katrinka grabbed Sid by his collar to plant a big kiss on him. Pulling him away, she whispered, "Happy new year, Sid."

His eyes were two different sizes right now as he went to down all his liquid. While the kiss wasn't bad, Sid just wasn't into it. Looking around he knew he wasn't the only lonely person in the party without someone.

"Curly, I want you to promise me that you'll remain yourself." Stephanie told him as she held him. "Also that I'm happy I finally approached you."

"I promise." He didn't know how to be anyone else anyhow. "Also I'm glad you did too. I want you to take care of yourself always."

"I will." Getting on her toes she kissed him. When the kiss ended she placed her head against his chest to enjoy the sound of his heartbeat.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Rhonda stepped into her home. The house was quiet as she went to the kitchen to grab a water to bring up. She never had to sneak in like most teenagers did. She just walked boldly in due to the fact her parents didn't care.

Ascending the stairs she reached the second floor to make her way to her bedroom. Opening the door and automatically stripping her clothes off, she then went into the bathroom to wash up. She did her usual routine, dried up, placed her pajama's on, and headed out the room only stopping when she noticed something on her balcony.

Leaving the warmth of her room to snatch the stuffed giraffe from the railing, Rhonda brought it inside to find a note attached.

Happy New Years, Rhonda.

She knew it was from Curly as she placed it on her bed. Going to draw the curtains closed she returned to her bed to slip under the covers, take her giraffe, and cuddle up with it for the night.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Everyone was asleep in the boarding house by now except the owner of the bare feet making their way up to Arnold's room. Quietly she unlocked his door with the provided key from earlier to slip inside. Closing it behind her gently, Helga locked it behind her. She smiled ahead of her as Arnold approached her. She was ready. She watched as he extended his hand out for her to take, and she did with no hesitation.

Being led to his bed, Arnold turned to her to kiss her. They were both excited and nervous even as his hands went up her nightshirt to slip down her underwear. Both their breathing increased as adrenaline kicked in at such a simple movement.

Kicking her underwear away from her, Helga loved how he picked her up so easily to place on his bed. On her knees, Helga and him continued to kiss even as she moved his shirt up. The only reason to separate was for him to get it over his head. With that off, he also tossed it aside to continue kissing his sweet, Helga.

Their eyes met. His hands brushed down her sides as he kept her gaze. She was correct, this is when it truly matters. Those few times with Rhonda, erased. Making love to his angel right now will be his official first time.

Lifting her nightshirt up, Arnold wanted to examine her after he removed the offending piece of fabric away. He lifted it over her head and tossed that aside too. He loved her touch against his skin and loved the silkiness of hers. The room seemed wrapped up in her scent. Her aura. Just the way he loved it.

Helga brushed his waistband down to give him a hint to remove the rest of his clothing. She was both patient and impatient now. She wanted to savor this moment, but also delve in quickly. Her thoughts were heady in their lust as she watched him leave the bed momentarily just to return just as fast. It was like they never wanted to separate. His kisses fueled more hunger within her even as he kissed down her neck. He nibbled. He suckled. He kissed to the point she had no idea she was lying down till he was hovering over her.

His eyes scanned nothing but perfection. Smooth. Toned. Perfect, round petite breasts. A stomach any female will die for, and those legs. He loved how in any light she seemed to glow. "Gorgeous." He breathed out huskily as he lowered himself to kiss her.

Her hands danced against his muscles. She loved how he sculpted his body so perfectly. Feeling his lips move from hers to do their pleasurable travel down her body, Helga moaned lightly. The way he touched her had her feel such an exhilaration along with tiny butterflies fluttering within her. Feeling his tongue tease her chest had her loving it more due to just their skin contact.

Arnold's eyes went up to her face loving how she was enjoying herself. A small smile played on his face as he lowered himself down. He wanted to spend a lifetime on her chest, but he finally had her in his bed laying naked. "How you torment me in the most perfect way, Helga."

She snickered at that until she gasped at the latest sensation prompting her to mewl out. This really was getting her girlhood trembling. She was already reaching her edge. "Arnold, please I need you." She breathed out.

He'll devote more time to that on a future date. Now he wanted to heed her beckoning as he reached out for some protection. Ripping the wrapping off he placed it on. He honestly didn't want to, but they weren't ready for that part. Still he wanted to be fully natural with her.

It naturally hurt her. His kisses eased her body while it also inflamed it. She was happy it was him doing this as she met him. Her moans, the other strange sounds one makes while in the act, continued to her enjoyment. The pain of him breaking her barrier was obvious, but the relief after it was done brought in another fevered excitement.

He continued to look down to her. He kissed her. He separated long enough to watch her from afar till he needed another kiss. Their panting increased. He was close, but he could feel her getting closer. He wanted this part to last forever, but even he knew that was impossible. Repeats: Yes.

Hearing her release had Arnold feeling like she just sung a choir. It was such beautiful music to his ears. He loved that tired, but satisfied smile on her face even as he soon followed. His smile was just the same. He kept himself still. He didn't want to part from her body. He wanted to remain like that forever. His eyes drifted down to see her body glistening and he was sure his did too.

Helga loved when he finally came to lie down beside her. Their kisses were always of love and deep satisfaction. She lovingly touched his face. "I love you."

"I love you too." Kissing her, Arnold loved when she cuddled up against him to fall asleep in his arms. "I want this for the rest of our lives."

She hummed. "Same here." Smile on her face, Helga had no idea when she fell asleep, but she did dreaming of her wedding to her, Football Head.

OOOOO

In the still early morning, Helga opened her eyes to find his arm around her. It was such a strong comfort to feel. He exuded love. He exuded safety. Glancing at the time she knew she had to get to her bedroom before anyone else got up. So very slowly she began to remove his arm from around her only for her to squeak when he mumbled.

"Stay." He begged sleepily.

She loved having him spoon her. "I need to get out of your bedroom before everyone gets up. Do you want this to get back to my parents?" She whispered.

He thought about it. He didn't want her to leave, but he unhappily let go. "Just remember that in the future, I'm keeping my arm around you."

"Deal." Kissing him, Helga slipped out of bed to grab her clothes.

Arnold's eyes opened up. Such perfection still even in the morning light. No flaws. "My angel." He moaned out.

Snickering, Helga placed her underwear on before putting her nightshirt back on. Walking back to him she placed a kiss on those sweet lips. "My Football Head."

With another kiss, she quietly left his room to head to the bathroom to clean up the evidence. After she slipped back into the room she was using. With another smile she drifted back to sleep happily.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Rhonda spent the late afternoon busy drawing sketches out in the garden. Nature was her inspiration. No one disturbed her out here, not even her own parents. A smile was playing up on her face as the creative continued to take shape. Tomorrow when the stores are open she'll have to go to a craft store. Perhaps go to another avenue.

As she drew, a shadow fell over her. "Yes?" Her tone distracting.

Curly examined the detail of her drawing. "That's cool. That is a different bit of fashion."

She smiled as she continued to color it in. "I hope so. I want it to be purely organic. I need to test out my theory by heading out to grab some wire to twist it into these shapes."

Sitting beside her, Curly couldn't help but admire it. "If you need wire and pliers, I don't mind if you use it to do this."

She turned her head to find his own face was close to her own. Her breath caught. "I would actually appreciate it."

He felt his blood boil in such a different way being this close to her. "My pleasure."

"How was the party?" She needed to change the subject.

"It was fun. Pity you weren't there. How was your party?" Curly hoped it was terrible. He felt bad for thinking this, but he wanted it to be so.

"Boring at first, but Bradley sat down to talk to me. I mean to really talk to me and he listened. It wasn't that bad, but still I wish I was with you guys." His proximity was making her want to kiss him. "Did Stephanie have fun?"

Curly felt disappointment at hearing her liking the part of the guy paying attention to her. "It was a good last time with her."

She blinked. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"She's moving to Hawaii. Her father will be stationed there. They are moving tomorrow and I did offer to help them pack, but she declined." He shrugged. "That relationship wasn't meant to be."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not. She's a nice girl and she improved in her constant need for approval. That wasn't her fault given her upbringing. We didn't have too much in common. I know that she'll go through with her dream of helping out Veteran's in the future. She said they deserve someone who cares." He smiled at that. Since she had knowledge, he knew she could do it.

Rhonda admired that. "That's a great thing to want to achieve."

Pointing to her drawing, Curly had to inquire. "And what about this?"

"Creating art out of fashion. Make it organic. Make it at least safe for the environment. I will need Sheena, Nadine, and Helga's help there. Most likely Phoebe's. I just want to not to rely on my parents. I want to make it on my own." She smiled lovingly at her drawing. "Helga and Phoebe for media help. Sheena and Nadine for environmental. I can do the sewing and creating."

Leaning forward, Curly kissed her cheek. "I know you can do it." He whispered in confidence.

Rhonda's heart pumped wildly. How she wanted to kiss him. How she wanted to hold him in her arms and never let go.

Historia70 wrote out the part of Arnold and Helga's first time together. Thanks girl.

I'll let everyone guess about the whole Rhonda situation for now.

Another thing to add is this. Since both of us have been sick we will be desperately trying to catch up on our writing. My co-writer is better but it is me that is just laying here like a zombie. Bye for now.