Call me by my name part 8

Arnold rushed through the crowded halls. Maybe if he gave Helga her writing back, she'd actually want to talk to him. He needed to understand what was going on with him and her. He could almost spot her blonde pony tail. It kept coming in and out of view. 'Man is she fast.' He took the risk to yell out for her. "Hel-woah!" But Rhonda had stopped him. "Arnold! Just the guy I wanted to talk to!" "Uh, sorry Rhonda, I'm kinda in the middle of-" "But it's an emergency!" She stressed. The boy took one more glance at the now disappearing pony tail. He sighed. "Ok, Fine." Rhonda pulled him over to her locker. "Ok, so... how do you get someone's attention?" She blurted out desperately. Arnold gave her a dull look. "Trust me, everyone knows who you are." "Please, I was crowned homecoming queen for a reason Arnold. I'm not worried about THAT! I can't get Nadine to talk to me!" "Oh. That is weird. Y'all are usually like, inseparable." "This morning she didn't answer any of my texts, and every time I try talking to her she just walks away barely saying a word!" Arnold blinked. Sounded a lot like the situation he was in. Rhonda noticed Nadine making her way through the halls. "Quick, pretend like you love talking to me!" Arnold raised his eyebrow. "What?" As Nadine passed them, Rhonda playfully pushed Arnold's shoulder. "HAHAhaha oh Arnold! You are so funny!" "Uh heh heh... yeah.." Arnold tried to play along but It was just all to quick for him. Besides, he had someone else on his mind. And no matter how hard he tried to get her out of his head, it was just no use. She was even stubborn in his imagination. Rhonda's eyes narrowed. "Ugh, see? She didn't even turn her head! I know she heard me! What do I need to do to get her to speak to me?" Rhonda pouted. Arnold heard the 'you're almost late' bell ring. "Listen, I need to get to class and so do you... but all you can really do is.." He looked at the paper clutched in his hands. "Return what was lost, and tell her... the truth." Rhonda seemed a little confused. "But she didn't lose any-" "Sorry gotta go!" Arnold maneuvered away from Rhonda. Rhonda sighed. That night was crazy for her.

-flashback-
She practically stayed on her balcony the whole night. With Nadine. Playing I spy. It was Rhonda's turn in the game. "I spy something..." she looked at the tree in front of her. "leafy." Nadine chuckled. "Uh, the tree?" "Yep," Rhonda sighed. Nadine could tell Rhonda wasn't happy. But she went along with the game hoping somehow she could cheer her up. "I spy...something that's-" "he's not coming, is he?" Nadine frowned. So much for trying to cheer her up. "I'm sorry, Rhonda. You don't deserve someone who leaves you hanging. You're... too good for him." Rhonda let out an even bigger sigh. "You don't get get it. This was my last chance." Through Nadine's eyes, Rhonda looked like a lost puppy. All of a sudden, a song from inside the house hit Nadine's ears. Linger. It was a really good song. It was their song. "Rhonda." She pointed up. "Listen." It brought so much joy into Nadine's eyes to see her friend's depressed face morph into an exited one. Before Nadine knew what she was doing, her hand fell on Rhonda's. Rhonda blinked. For the first time, Rhonda saw Nadine in...a different light. "Let's dance," Nadine softly suggested. Before Rhonda could answer, both of her hands were pulled away from the railing. Nadine started dancing with Rhonda's arms. She was just going for it. Her eyes were closed. She didn't care. She wanted Rhonda to have a good time. Rhonda realized what she was doing and smiled. She slowly began to dance along with her. But Nadine took the lead as soon as she heard the chorus.

But I'm in so deepppp.

Nadine started to jump around like know one else was watching. Causing Rhonda to snicker and eventually join her.

You know I'm such a fool for youuuu.
You got me wrapped around your finger.
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to-
Do you have to-
Do you have to let it linger?

Her whole life, Nadine felt wrapped around Rhonda's finger. Little did she know that tonight she had Rhonda wrapped around her own.

They danced for the rest of the song and finished by laughing and falling into a hug. Rhonda shifted to look at her. Her smile seemed to not want to go away. Neither did Nadine's. Now was the time. Nadine had to tell Rhonda how she felt. She just had to. "I know I might regret saying what I'm about to say, but... your just so beautiful." Rhonda felt a blush creep into her cheeks. "Oh. Thank you. Why would you regret saying that?" She giggled. Nadine's face was still warm, but it was also serious. "Because... I... I like you." Rhonda blinked. "W-what do you mean?" The both retreated their arms. Nadine all of a sudden felt cold. She looked away. "Uhh, nothing." She whispered, folding her arms. Rhonda just stared. Nadine hesitatingly made her way up to her eyes again. "I'm sorry." She whispered. Though it was Rhonda who felt extremely embarrassed. This was a strange feeling for her. She had never felt this way with any of her boyfriends. But instead of accepting that this felt better or even right, she switched it around. This was wrong. They were both girls. What would everyone think at school? What would her parents think? She felt annoyance rise in her body. "I don't like girls Nadine! I-I don't like girls. I CAN'T like girls... this is- why did you stay out here the whole night with me if you knew I was waiting for a guy?!" Nadine felt her heart sink. "Well, I-" "Nadine, what made you think I was-" "I wasn't planning on telling you! It just happened! I'm sorry, okay! I was fine with you being with him, but when he didn't show up I just... realized I couldn't hide it anymore." "But I don't like you." Rhonda insisted. Nadine frowned. Once again, Rhonda was not understanding. "That's not the point. I get that you don't like me, I accept that. I just needed you to know regardless." A tear rolled down her cheek. "You didn't have to yell at me though." Rhonda saw the affects her words had on Nadine. She immediately regretted freaking out. But before she could apologize, Nadine ran back inside. The day after, Rhonda wouldn't stop calling Nadine. And she'd decline every single one. -end of flashback-

Rhonda's eyes met the back of Nadines head making her way into the girls bathroom. She felt her feet stomp quickly towards the bathroom. She was determined to get her attention. She kicked the door open and looked around. She peeked at the cracks and found Nadine shoes. The nervous girl turned to the sinks and took a breath. 'Ok, Arnold says to return what was lost and tell her the truth. What the hell does that even mean?' She stared at Nadine's stall through the mirror. She could feel her whole body shake. This had to work. 'Maybe our friendship is what is lost. The fact that I took her for granted? And because of that, I'm creepily standing in this bathroom waiting for her to finish peeing like a freak just to talk to her.' Her thoughts paused when she heard a flush. Nadine exited her stall and stopped in her tracks as soon as she saw Rhonda. But she some how got her feet to work again and made her way to the sinks. Rhonda glanced over. "Oh! I didn't see you there Nadine," She smiled. Nadine didn't answer as she turned the sink on. 'Dammit, Return the friendship Rhonda!' The girl inwardly growled. "I was just thinking about that blue butterfly we saw at my party. What did we name it again? Hope?" Nadine didn't look up. But she couldn't hold her tongue any longer. "I thought you didn't like bugs." She answered with a monotone. Rhonda nervously giggled. "Don't you mean insects?" Nadine pretended she didn't hear Rhonda, but was secretly surprised. 'Guess she listens to me after all.' Rhonda watched Nadine as she finished washing her hands and reached for the paper towel dispenser. But it was on Rhonda's side. And... Rhonda didn't seem to move. Nadine stared at her. "Do you mind?" Rhonda frowned. "I need to tell you the uh... truth." For some reason, Nadine really wanted to hear what ever the 'truth' was. "...ok. What is it?" Her voice came out softer than she anticipated it to be. To be honest, Rhonda didn't really know what the truth was. Until It spilled out. "Well, the truth is... that I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't appreciate the person that was in front of me this whole time. I'm sorry that I yelled at you. I just freaked out. I was confused. But you made me realize why I hated being with boys." Nadine blushed. "Why do you hate-mmm" Rhonda's lips kissed hers. And for once, kissing felt right. That was the conformation she needed. Rhonda pulled away and looked into Nadine's eyes. "Because I'd rather be with you." The girls stared at each other, both unable to to conceal their smiles. Thanks to Arnold's unintended love advice, Rhonda finally understood herself and the way she felt about Nadine. A huge weight had been lifted off of her.

As for Arnold, the weight just seemed to keep piling on. He was in gym. Doing sit-ups. With Gerald. Gerald stood on Arnold's feet with his arms folded. "That's it. What is wrong with you?" Arnold had been breathing a little to much. And he had only done 3 sit ups. He laid back on the ground. "What you mean? I'm fine," he breathed. Gerald rolled his eyes. "Well, you don't sound fine." Arnold just closed his eyes. Trying to soak up what little energy he had left. When did life become so complicated? Gerald still wasn't getting the answer he was searching for. "Dude. You've been acting weird for a while now. If something is bothering you, you know you can tell me." Arnold opened his eyes. "You really wanna know?" "Yes!" Arnold shook his head. "Trust, me you don't." "Ughhh. Stop teasing me, and tell me already!" Gerald groaned. Arnold sat up. "Even if I was going to tell you, I'm not doing it in here." "Fine let's leave." Arnold blinked. "Wha- but we're not allowed to-" "We'll just say that we're getting water. Come on get up." He said, helping Arnold up.

When Arnold and Gerald reached the water fountain, Gerald to a breath. "Okay, so I know I haven't been the best friend lately, but I swear am 100% ready for anything you- what are you doing?" Arnold lifted his head up from the water fountain that was now on. "Getting water," he answered, wiping his mouth. "We aren't here for water Arnold. We are here to figure out what is bothering you, so I can can feel like a supporting friend," Gerald explained. It was true. He let his buddy down by ditching him, causing Arnold to unknowingly eat pot brownies and end up all the way at Slausens. He had to make it up to him. And becoming a good listener was a start. The only problem was, he wasn't very good at it yet. "So go ahead. I'm all ears." Arnold looked down. And took a few seconds to himself. Eventually, he sighed. "It's about Helga." He whispered. "Oh great! What did she do this time?" Gerald growled. "Nothing. It's hard to explain." "Did she embarrass you again or something?" "No, she-" "Someone needs to teach her a lesson becau-" "No. look, I saw a part of her that I never realized she had and-" "You mean she got even more angry? Is that even possible? Don't take it personally Arnold, nothing can change that witch of a person." Arnold's eyes narrowed. "She's not a witch." "And why are you defending her?" "BECAUSE I LIKE HER GERALD!" And just like that, Gerald became a statue. "You...I'm sorry I'm must have heard you wrong. You like who now?" "...Helga." "...Helga?" "Yes." "Uh, no you don't," he chuckled. "But I do." They both stared at each other. "We are talking about the same Helga, right?" Gerald questioned. Arnold groaned as he covered his face with his hands. "I knew you wouldn't get it." "Bro. This is the same girl who poured her snow cone down the back of your shirt because you complained about being too hot on snow cone day." Arnold folded his arms. "I know." "Now every year, on snow cone day, she finds you just to-" "I know." "Just to what?" "I already know!" "FINISH THE SENTENCE! SHE FINDS YOU JUST SO SHE CAN DO WHAT ARNOLD?!" "SO SHE CAN POUR IT DOWN MY BACK! I KNOW GERALD!" "...And yet you supposedly 'like' her." "You don't get it! Trust me, I know it sounds crazy! I've been freaking out for the last few days! God, I need more water!" Arnold pushed the button back on and leaned to take another sip. Gerald immediately jammed his finger into the nozzle. Causing a water to splatter all over Arnold's face. "Hey! What's wrong with you?!" "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with her?! That. Right there. That's what she used to do in 4th grade. Don't tell me you don't remember." Arnold aggressively wiped his face. "Of course I remember, that's why I'm freaking out Gerald! You promised you'd be a 'good friend', But all you are doing is spraying water at me!" Gerald blinked. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll help you buddy, come on." He grabbed Arnold's arm. "Where are we going now?" "We're ditching. School is the last place to need to be right now. I'll buy you a burger and we will figure this thing out together. I promise. You can count on me."