Guess who is back writing again? After SIX full years without opening FanFiction, I am back. My life progressed a lot since I last logged onto this website. I finished school, got a science degree, moved across the country and got an adult job with real adult bills and problems. This website always held a place in my heart since I began reading and writing at the age of 12. I always was reading and writing on this website to the point my mum thought I was on one of those 'dangerous online chats'. Also, FanFiction has become a more popular topic for writers and even movies in recent years. When I was younger, I would have never spoken a word of my hobby to anyone. Now, I speak freely about my stories and reading to my partner and friends.
I always knew I had to finish this story (even if some of my readers disappeared like I had done).
Also, in other news, we had received another addition to this story since I left all those years ago, The Jungle Movie! I had signed that crazy petition all those years ago in the hope that someday we would get closure. So, I figured, hey if they can finish the story from nearly 20 years ago, I think I can finish mine!
This chapter is a lot longer than any other, as I had a lot of time to make up for!
"Helga, what do you think you are doing!?" Arnold's voice echoed between Rhonda and I. Rhonda smirked at me pushing me off her. Criminy Hairboy, I can fight my own battles. I may be pregnant, but I am not weak. The fight may have injured me though, as I began to feel a pain form in my side. The adrenaline rush I felt from the fight has begun to fade.
"Is this the 'boyfriend', Arnold I didn't know your standards sunk so low after Lila. Crazy, how you seem to move on so fast from girls isn't it? We all know why she dumped you anyways" Rhonda raises her eyebrow and crossed her arms staring between Arnold and I. Arnold looked at Rhonda sternly making sure that she didn't say another word.
Lila. How I hate that name. Hey princess, who cares about Lila! I swear Rhonda always has to bring up Lila to me, I understand they have become 'besties' these past few years but please girl give it a rest - though I am very interested to know why Arnold and Lila broke up , why Rhonda thinks it's something I need to know and why Hairboy is looking stranger than usual.
"Who cares why I broke up with Lila Rhonda, that was a long time ago." he glared at her.
"Helga, please tell me you did not start this!?" He turns to glare at me again. Wow Arnoldo, blame me for this mess and Rhonda's problem with me. I am the innocent one here. Although, the pain in my stomach has grew stronger, I pushed this worry to the back of my mind. I will return to it later.
"Princess..." I began. Arnold sighs placing his finger on his nose and closing his eyes. He knows I am making this worse for everyone.
"Rhonnndaa, was more than keen to make you her next soup of the day. Criminy Hairboy, I was just putting Princess in her place".
"Well Helga is claiming that you are her other half!" Rhonda smirked placing her hand on her hip.
"And would there be a problem if I was?" I raised my eyebrows shooting a quick eye glance to Arnold to back me up. I am his girlfriend after all, he wouldn't still have a problem with me and... the baby... would he?
Before anyone could answer, I felt the pain growing worse, to be honest I didn't know if it was the baby or gas at this point. I felt my arm hair begin to rise and a cold sweat form on my neck and back. I really do not feel good. Helga ol girl, do not break, this pain will go away.
Arnold glanced over and back between Rhonda and I, unsure whether to confirm whether we are an item, knowing very well that this would lead to revealing he, the boy wonder of this town and school got the one and only me, Helga Pataki, pregnant. Hair boy, you should be privileged to have gotten that close to me.
"Well Rhonda see, me and Helga - "I can't take this pain any longer. I drop to the ground with a thud hitting my head on the cold school hallway floor, falling between Arnold and Rhonda. A crowd began to pay attention to us suddenly.
"Helga are you… someone call 911!" Arnold shrieked kneeling beside me. He gripped my hand and kissed my head. My brain naturally let out that girlish sigh...HELGA THIS IS NOT THE TIME!
Suddenly clapping emerged from above, Rhonda smiled to herself and continued to gently clap her hands. "Bravo Helga." she laughed dipping her clapped hands toward me. "You really are the actress; this has to be worse than your performance as Juliet" she walked back to her locker and removed her Biology book.
Suddenly, Arnold jumped up and slammed her locker closed. "Do NOT speak to her like that! And since I don't think any of you bone heads rang an ambulance for Helga… "he glared around the hallway to our classmates who formed a group. He turned to Rhonda and through gritted teeth began to speak again "...I think Rhonda will offer to get the nurse, won't you Rhonda?". Rhonda looked Arnold up and down and went to speak holding her hand up to Arnold. Dropping her hand slowly she turned and walked in the direction of the nurse's office.
"Helga, you are fine, but I have contacted your doctor and they will schedule an emergency scan to check up on the baby later today" she smiled like she just sucked on a sour sweet. This woman just loves to tease me with her know it all personality.
"Are you sure she is okay?" Arnold squeaked from the doorway, ensuring he always maintained a quick exit route if I got angry at him. He didn't need to worry; I am quite comfortable on this first aid bed.
"I am concerned about the pain that brought her here but a quick check up should clear your worries, Arnold dear" Arnold dear? He is yet again the reason I am here; I would not have fought with Rhonda without Arnold's input. I would not be in pain right now without his input. Finally, I would not be pregnant without his LITERAL input in the situation.
"See Football head, I told you I did not need to come here again. I do not like making this a habit" I rolled my eyes turning to stare at the ceiling. "No offence" I raised my hand in the direction of the nurse.
"None taken Ms Pataki. Helga, can I ask you a question in relation to your pregnancy. How far along would you be as of today?" She questioned with a tone like she knew already knew the answer. Why would she ask me that? I am 9 weeks. It has been 9 long weeks since I took that damn test.
*Start of Flashback*
"Do you need any help miss?" this chirpy voice echoed the aisle that I was standing in. No, I do not want your 'help' miss chirp ball.
"Eh no, thanks…" I turned away quickly. I heard chirpy bird scoff and walk back towards the check out. She didn't need to have an attitude; it is not my fault I want privacy from you. I picked up the bright pink box from the shelf, I had thrown it there once I sensed that I was going to be interrupted. The box read in bold white letters 'PREGNANCY TEST – 99% RIGHT FIRST TEST'. I am 99% sure I am going to lose my mind. I am only late a few days, but I knew something was up when I didn't feel my normal surge of hunger or bloating last week. I am 99% sure that this will all be a joke and I will go home, and Ms Flo will arrive laughing at me and my worry. Pataki's do not worry; we are like stone – no feelings and can stop any obstacle. Well…at least Miriam and Big bob do. Olga is a recipe of emotions, taking credit for our lack thereof.
I walk towards the register and place my test onto the counter. I hear a chuckle and look up to see Ms Chirpy displaying a thrilled expression. I am 99% sure that I want to smash her face in.
"Anything else? We have a good selection of prenatal vitamins at the back if you would like some help?" She smiled turning to her co-worker, who was horrified by her immaturity.
"No thanks but I think there is a few tweezers over there for you -" I smiled expressing amusement at what I was going to finish with "- for whatever is stuck up your ass!" I turned and began walking out of the shop, with the mindset that I am intentionally not going to pay Ms Chirpy.
"Miss, you haven't paid!" the co-worker shouted as I continued to walk out the door.
"I think your friend has me covered" I stuck up the middle finger walking out the door. That line was awful – it wasn't even a good comeback. Tweezers Helga? You are losing your touch.
Once home and in the bathroom, I rip open the test box throwing the instructions on the floor. I don't need to read them. Pee on the stick – straightforward right?
After I complete the task, I sit and wait. I flipped the test over as I will surprise myself with the result in a couple of minutes.
I hope this test reads negative. I hope I can forget this entire situation and go back to watching Football Head from a distance and pretend we never…got it on…at that party. I am 99% sure that the alcohol consumed affected our (Arnolds more so) judgement. I am 99% sure if he remembered what happened he would kindly reject me in the sweet manner that he projects. I am 99% sure that this test is garbage and that I am just overreacting.
I turn the test over and the blood drains from my body. With one word displayed it could only mean – I am 99% sure that I will need to buy another test.
*End of Flashback*
"Right, it has been 9 weeks since I found out" I shrugged, I looked over to Arnold who was staring at the figure example of the male and female reproductive organs. Hair boy get your hormonal ass back to this reality. My hormones are sending me through the roof, I don't know if it's the example figure or Arnold, but I think the janitor closest will be hit after this. I think back to our earlier discussion on how we would try again tonight.
"Since you found out?" She raised her eyebrow at Arnold, who was still staring at the figure.
"Lady, do I have to spell it out. Y-E-S, since I peed on that baby stick." I yell throwing my hands up in the air, alerting Arnold to his surroundings. He finally paid attention to what was going on.
"If you don't mind me asking, when did conception occur?" She pulled up a clipboard with what I can assume my health file. Lady, I don't think you can ask minors these questions.
"I don't think this is appropriate - "Arnold began softly like he had read my mind. I would be in so much trouble if he could read my mind…hopefully not big trouble…focus Helga.
"Arnold the lady is trying - but slowly - to get a point across. The sooner we answer the sooner we go!" I said cutting him off. I stand up walking toward Arnold, placing my hand on his, squeezing it reassuringly
"About 11-12 weeks ago, we think…" Arnold sighed, relieved that his part was complete. Football head, if telling someone when the last time you sex had is going to be an issue what will happen the next time, we... may... do it and have to discuss.
"I thought so, Helga dear since we can't define a confirmed date for your conception date. Realistically you are now 13 weeks. This dates to your last period." The nurse smirked at me as she sat back into her hospital hard chair. I hope someday that chair falls from under you. I look over at Hair boy and he is red as a cherry.
"Football head, why have you gone so pink? You remind me of a watermelon slice now." I chuckled which resulted in receiving a glare from Arnold. Watermelon, Helga you're good.
"Yes, my dear, if you can't handle a little period talk - I cannot wait for see you in the labour ward with Ms Pataki"
"Am I required to be there, like the entire time?" Arnold spoke softly avoiding eye contact with me.
"Are you serious Hair boy?" I grabbed his collar pulling him closer so that we are face to face. "You did not watch the trailer only to skip the movie" I narrowed my eyes letting go of his collar.
"You are a very cute couple indeed" the nurse smiled with a grin that was not reassuring of her statement "I'm sure you will be in the room and everything will work out okay".
"I have a question, how exactly does labour work? Are we talking going into hospital out the same day?" Arnold asked again. I let out a huge sigh, did this guy see any sex education video or is he just extraordinarily dim-witted today.
"Arnold, labour can be very long or short. What happens is that Helga will begin to feel contractions... "my eyes began to narrow as I stared intently in the nurse's direction. "and her cervix will begin to open from 1cm all the way to 10cm". Tears began to form in my eyes, 10cm? I stared at Arnold with only one thought going through my mind - I conceived a child with a football head.
I felt a tear roll down my cheek which alerted the nurse to stop speaking. She got up from her chair and knelt beside me taking my hand into hers. "Don't worry miss Pataki, it's natural and you will have Arnold's support from the beginning to end. Right, Arnold?" She looked over at Arnold who cautiously placed his hand on my shoulder. I pulled my hand away sharply from the nurse.
"Criminy, I DONT care about his support. Stupid boy, he cringes at periods. I am not crying over that. I am shaken up because I will have to push a spawn of that football head out of my girlhood." I began to sob through my chuckles.
Arnold's POV
I walked out of the nurse's office, trailing a few steps behind Helga as she walked quickly through the hallways avoiding eye contact with our classmates. They stayed for the after show I see, probably hoping Helga would try a rematch with Rhonda again. I have been avoiding Rhonda for weeks. I am guessing you are wondering why? It is something I will discuss later, when my girlfriend is not angry and hormonal.
All that talk about labour and periods made me realize how little I know about pregnancy, birth and what Helga is going through. I really thought that Health Class and the information at the clinic would be all we needed to know. We didn't even know how the dates worked when it came to how far along Helga is. I want to read up on this for both of our knowledge, the books are no good sitting under my bed for much longer.
Suddenly, we stopped abruptly at a familiar locker - Helga's locker. She opened it up, which resulted in numerous items falling to the floor; a few items caught my eye as they hit the ground.
"Shaving cream?" I raised my eyebrow at her. She lifted the can from the floor and began shaking it furiously. She began to giggle and open the lid, coating my nose in a thick layer of shaving cream. Before I could point this action out to her, she began to speak.
"Miriam's meal of the day when she had too many 'smoothies' "using her hands to emphasize the smoothie's part. I feel insensitive as I always forget about Helga's upbringing.
"What about this!?" I yell quickly changing subject and lifting a packet of cigarettes from the floor. I am not happy as I did not know Helga smoked or is smoking. I thought she would know better with everything going on right now.
"Me and Phoebs tried to start smoking, it was our version of rebellion against our folks…we would always sneak off to Tina Park to try start our grown-up life" she looked down at the box smiling to herself. "I wouldn't recommend them though Football head, especially now!" she chuckled gesturing to her belly.
She continued to investigate her locker for something. It was like she didn't want me to see what she was looking for. I turned around looking back to where we came from, only to see Rhonda at the end of the hallway. She smirked at me reaching for her phone in her pocket and began typing. I turn back to Helga quickly, hoping that she didn't notice Rhonda as I had.
"Oh, what is that?" I grab a golden object from Helga's hand before she placed it in her pocket. It was a golden love heart. I turned it round to see a picture of me in it. I was very much younger. I looked up to Helga who looked like she wanted to kill me.
" Hairboy, that is not yours to take" Well Helga, there is a picture of me in the love heart locket, so U think this pretty much counts the same as if you name is on it you can keep it.
"Helga there is a picture of ... Hold on a second, sorry" My pocket began to buzz, I lifted the phone out and opened the notification that flashed across my screen.
'I see it's true then. Meet me outside in 10 mins and you know EXACTLY why I am asking you to." I looked over at Rhonda who had already begun walking towards the entrance.
"I - I have to go...Grandpa needs me to help with Grandma, something about the rising of the Apple Tree being a satellite for the Martians" I lied very badly. I sensed she knew my bullshit.
"What about our appointment? I am not going through that on my own" she crossed her arms raising her voice at me. "Beside that Arnold, have you forgotten something? We live together now! Does that not mean if it is your problem, it is also MY problem!?" She turned to her locker lowering her head, avoiding eye contact.
Yes, you would be right Helga, but I cannot have you see Rhonda again. We avoided a major unfolding of events and I would like it to stay that way. The guilt begins to burn my mind as I rattle my thoughts for a good excuse.
"I-I think I will sort this on my own, why don't you catch up with Phoebe and I'll meet you later?" I kissed her on the lips, pulling her closer to me. I felt her soften under my touch, bringing her hands up to my cheek. I pulled away and kissed her forehead.
"I promise, see you soon" I hold her cheeks, looking into her eyes. I let go and turned away, returning down the same hallway following Rhonda's footsteps. As I walked away, I could faintly hear Helga mutter under her breath something that increased my already large feeling of guilt.
"How could you be so stupid Helga? After all this time, he didn't notice the locket..."
As I walked down the hallway, I passed the nurses office again. She waved at me through the glass of her office and smiled reassuringly. Helga really doesn't like that woman; I think she's very nice and informative. Helga doesn't understand nice, I can't blame her though. No one has ever been nice to her without an agenda. It is something that she would have to learn when we have the baby, I guess.
I opened the school entrance door of PS 118, only to see Rhonda at the bottom of the steps. She smiled when she seen me and gestured me to follow her to side alley. This alley is always known for the most romantic high school moment, not that I have used it very often, only with Lila who we all know 'ever so' liked me but not enough to use this alley efficiently. I am a good guy, so no means no. Personal information like that I like to keep to myself (with the rare occasion I tell Gerald).
Once around the corner, Rhonda turns around and before I have time to react, she kisses me on the lips forcefully. I push her away immediately and wipe my mouth. She smiled and leaned against the wall, holding her hand out to mine. I stood back ignoring her gesture and shot a look that tainted her composure slightly, which she quickly recovers from.
"Rhonda... what are you- "she placed a finger over my mouth making shushing noises as she did so. She removed her hand and I stood back further from her, ready to leave before this ended the way I knew it would if we had to continue arguing in the hallway earlier. I try to look at the good in a lot of people, but Rhonda is not making the cut now.
"So Arnold , rumours spread fast around our school as you know... and I hear you and Helga did a lot more than make out at my party" she looked at her nails smirking deviously "Let me guess you haven't told your new lover that the night of my party, she wasn't the one you left Lila for... or the only one that you got with that night?" Rhonda looked up and smiled at me evilly.
Nice one, Arnold. Try find the 'brightside' of this one.
Please leave a review See you soon xox