Author's Note: Thank you for tuning in to Chapter 14! What is the Pataki's reaction to the couple?! This one is a long one so hang on! Like always, Hey, Arnold! and ALL characters mentioned belong to Craig Bartlett and Nickelodeon.

Ps. New character intro in this one

Disclaimer: Watch out for a time skip! Not a big one, but still!

ONWARDS!

Chapter 14: Do You Think We Are Crazy?

"What the!" Bob exclaimed as he observed the young couple.

"Mr. Pataki. We are back early from our camping trip. Helga injured her ankle and needs immediate medical care!" Arnold explained as he tried to step inside the house.

Bob held out his hand and blocked them from coming in. "Whoa, Whoa, Whoa there mister! Camping?! Since when do I give you permission to take my daughter camping, huh?!"

"Dad! I told you like a million times that I was going to go camping with my friends. You never bothered to ask me for details!" Helga cried out bitterly.

Olga and Miriam now joined them at the foyer, looking startled by their ragged appearance.

"What happened, baby sis?" Olga asked worriedly.

"I slipped down a slope, okay? No big deal!" As Helga uttered those words, Arnold took the opportunity and aided her inside the house. They stood uncomfortably as her family observed them, looking up and down.

"So, orphan boy here is your friend again?" Bob asked irritatingly, crossing his arms and looking up and down at Arnold.

Helga rolled her eyes, "He's my boyfriend, dad. Arnold is my boyfriend." The sudden announcement produced her family to stare wide-eyed between her and Arnold.

'Phew! that felt good to say!' Helga thought as she observed her dad narrow his eyes at the young man, who looked too startled and frozen in place by the questioning glares from Bob. The couple's physical proximity was probably not helping at calming Bob's unforeseen display of anger, but it was unavoidable as her injured foot prevented her from standing by herself.

"I'll just help her up the stairs-." Arnold announced before Bob blocked access to the stairs.

"Boyfriend?!" Bob exclaimed bitterly, "You think I'm going to let you take my daughter up to her room? You sure got some nerve-."

"Daddy, come here. Let me make you some chamomile tea for your nerves." Olga intervened and tucked her arm under Bob's, using the sweetest voice she could muster while turning him away from the couple. She looked back at the nervous couple and winked, prompting them to be on their way.

When the pair reached her room, Arnold helped Helga sit on the bed. He knelt in front of her on the floor and took off her muddy boots. He placed her foot on top of his leg and studied the inflamed ankle. Thankfully for them, Miriam walked in shortly after with an ice pack and some bandages.

"Umm, here. Olga said you might need these." Miriam said as she placed them on the bed next to them.

"Thank you, Mrs. Pataki. This is just what we needed." Arnold smiled wide as he reached for the ice pack and placed it over her swollen ankle.

'Oh, sweet mercy! Arnold tending to my injured foot! Heal my bruised and battered heart with your careful attentions, my love!'

"Helga?" Arnold repeated while he observed his girlfriend dreamily stare down at him.

"Yes, my love?" Helga murmured dreamily and then blushed red at the realization that she'd called him that out loud. Luckily, Miriam had left the room and Arnold proceeded to conceal the smile that had settled on his face as soon as he heard her address him as 'my love'. He looked down, biting the inside of his cheek and pretending to be immersed in the care of her ankle before looking up at her once more.

"I said, does it hurt?" Arnold asked again.

"Huh? No, Its fine." Helga crossed her arms and looked around nervously. She jumped slightly as her eyes met the angry gaze of her dad, who's fiery eyes settled on the couple.

"Dad? What are you doing standing there?" Helga asked.

Arnold turned around to acknowledge the older man gazing through the slightly opened bedroom door.

"Just making sure he doesn't overstep." He opened the door wider and glared at Arnold. Arnold stood up carefully, offering a weak and nervous smile.

"Daddy! Your tea is getting cold!" Olga intercepted once again, assessing the strange mood that had settled in again. "Oh, and dinner is about to be ready. Arnold, would you like to stay for dinner? We are so grateful for your help. Please say you will!" Olga smiled bright as she reached to pull her dad out of the room.

"Dinner!?" Bob cried out indignantly.

"Oh, I couldn't. I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome." Arnold stated, looking at Bob wearily.

"Nonsense! I'll bring you a fresh change of clothes. You two might need a shower first." Olga winked.

"Separately!" Bob added threateningly as he gave into his older daughter's shoving.

Helga stared in shock at her doorway and looked up at Arnold.

"I am so sorry about them." She cried out apologetically before rubbing her forehead in frustration. She'd never seen Bob lash out like this because of her. Was it jealousy he was feeling for her? She could not believe that her dad would care enough to show feelings like a jealous dad would.

Arnold smiled and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "It's okay. We came in unannounced and it was shocking for him."

"I'm so sorry he called you…that." Helga said apologetically. The couple looked at each other, knowing the word she was referring to. 'Orphan'.

"It doesn't hurt me anymore. I am not, I never was. And even if I was, there's nothing to be ashamed of." Arnold stated proudly.

At the dinner table, Bob spoke little words and continued with his somber and grumpy mood. The couple had showered, separately, and Arnold had finished treating her ankle with a bandage. He wore a loose grey t-shirt curtesy of Olga (who'd probably convinced Bob to borrow), as well as some loose-fitting sweatpants. Helga also wore comfortable sleepwear attire and sat in silence as Olga led the conversation, asking Arnold a thousand questions about San Lorenzo, his parents, and their research. A natural at conversation, it was not hard for Olga to lighten the mood.

After dinner, the family sat around in the living room.

"Oh, Dear, while you were away on your little surfing trip, this letter arrived, let me show you." Miriam stood up and staggered towards the foyer. When she returned, she presented the letter addressed to Helga.

Helga looked at the sender and gasped. "It's from Hillwood University!" She announced as she ripped open the letter.

""Dear Helga Geraldine Pataki, on Behalf of the Admissions and Financial aid Committee, it is our pleasure to offer you full-ride admission to Hillwood University's acclaimed literature program!"" Helga stood up on her good leg as she read the letter, her face gleaming with happiness.

"Helga! That's great!" Arnold jumped from the couch and embraced her.

"Literature program? What the heck are you gonna be? A librarian?" Bob intercepted.

Arnold stared in shock at the older man sitting on his loveseat with his legs resting on a cushion, and in a moment of pent-up resentment, he failed to conceal his glare. "Mr. Pataki, Don't you see? Helga is going to college! And it is a full ride scholarship too!" Arnold cried out in frustration. What was wrong with them? Why couldn't they see the amazing achievement that their daughter had made? She deserved to be cheered on, celebrated, and encouraged by her parents. Instead, he felt that even now, in this moment where great celebration should ensue, a normal reaction for them was to give out half-hearted compliments.

"Oh, that means I don't have to pay nothin', right?" Bob snickered with satisfaction.

Arnold felt his face heat up with fury. Attuned to his body, Helga reached out and grabbed his hand. He looked down at her and observed as she silently pleaded him to calm down.

"That's great dearrrrr. We should celebrate….with a smoothie!" Miriam offered, heading straight towards the kitchen.

"Oh, I'm just so proud of you baby sis! You are all grownup!" Olga reached over and engulfed her sister in a hug, her mascara already running down her face like clockwork. "I wish I could keep you to myself and turn back the time to when you still wore that cute bow of yours. I guess all I can do is watch as you spread your wings."

"Gee, thanks Olga." Helga returned the hug and genuinely felt grateful that at least one member of her family knew how to be happy for her. For the first time in a long time, she felt that Olga was watching out for her and keeping her best interest in mind, as any older sister should. She'd shown her care not only in her sincere congratulations, but in the effort she'd made so Arnold could feel comfortable around her family.

Arnold announced his departure not long after Miriam begun a drunken one-man show in the living room. He helped Helga stand up and she asked to be helped to the foyer, ignoring her dad's complaints.

"You can say bye to him here!" He tried but was distracted as Olga reached over to massage his shoulders.

The couple stood close together in the foyer. Helga reached to wrap her hands around his neck drawing him near. She leaned in and whispered into his ear, "My bedroom window." She suggested as she pulled away. He stood for a moment, assessing her request and smiling brightly as he understood what it meant.

'Another night in her arms.'

As soon as he left her stoop, he breathed out a sigh of relief. He had survived Bob Pataki. He mentally patted himself in the back and then jumped for joy as he remembered her brazen suggestion just a moment ago. He walked back to his car and drove a few times around the block. He parked a few blocks down the road and walked back to her house. He Hesitated for a few moments before reaching for a small pebble and throwing it at her window. His heart was beating loudly at the excitement of seeing her again.

'What is wrong with me? I miss her so much and I already want to see her again.'

As she opened her window, he finished climbing up the tree adjacent to her room and used the branch to reach her window still.

"I remember this being easier when I was 11." Arnold chuckled quietly as he stepped inside her familiar room and wrapped his arms around her once again.

"Shhh, come here." Helga prompted, leading him to the bed as discretely as possible. They laid together and she placed her head on his chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart.

"I couldn't let you go just yet." She whispered. "Not when we cut our trip short."

"Same. Do you think we are crazy?" He asked, a genuine concern filling his voice.

She giggled and nestled closer to him.

"I hope so." She replied.

"I love you." He stated, caressing her long strands of hair.

"I love you too." She whispered back.

One Year Later, March 26:

Helga descended the stairs of the 'Literature Hall' at Hillwood university. She had just finished attending the last class of the day. After attending classes in 2 crowded lecture halls and completing 3 exams, she was ready to call it a day and go out for ice cream sundaes with Arnold. After all, it was her 20th Birthday and she planned to enjoy herself and spend the day with him. Unlike last year's silent but pleasant dinner affair at Chez Paris with her football-headed prince, Helga planned to go all out today and even splurge on a Pastrami sandwich or two.

Reaching to retrieve her phone from her messenger bag, she dialed Arnold.

"Helga." He answered.

"Hey…You busy? I just finished class and I was thinking we can meet earlier and get some ice cream and then catch a movie at the Kiska?" Helga enquired, shuffling her feet against the pavement. It still felt surreal that even after more than one year of dating, she could just dial his number and he would pick up. Prom, graduation, his birthday, thanksgiving, Christmas, and everything else they'd shared together in the space of one year still felt new. He made every moment seem new, brilliant, tender…

She felt her heart beat as she waited for his answer, aware that she was holding on to the strap of her messenger bag a little too tightly. After a long pause, it came,

"…Sorry, Helga. I'm still stuck in lab today. I have 2 more exams to go and then my dad is arriving from his visit in San Lorenzo and needs a ride from the Airport. Do you think we can celebrate this weekend instead?"

She felt a pang of disappointment as he uttered those words but tried to keep a cool front, "Ah, Yeah. It's fine. I'll just call Phoebe and meet up with her instead…" She explained.

"Helga, I'm so, so sorry. I promise to make it up to you this weekend, okay?" He begged.

"Fine! But it's going to cost you, got it? Nothing on the cheap side, Arnold-o!" She shouted before hanging up, unaware of the attention she was attracting from passersby on campus.

She dialed Phoebe next and received a similar response, "Sorry Helga, I still have 3 more classes to get through and then after I have my internship and have to practice my mock- dissertation."

'Okay. This is fine. I've spent most of my birthdays by myself anyway. What's the big deal? I think I'm getting spoiled. Yes, that must be it. I get a little attention from my prince and suddenly I expect him to spend every birthday with me. Get it together, Helga-girl!'

So, she did the next best thing she could think of; she rode the bus straight to her favorite sandwich restaurant, Sub King, and prepared to order 2 giant-sized pastrami on rye sandwiches with extra mustard.

She entered the small homey-shop owned by Linda, an older Italian lady she'd become acquainted with over the years, and her middle-aged son. When she walked in, she noticed a tall man dressed in an expensive business suit looking at the menu hanging above the cashier.

'Huh? What's that big shot doing in a place like this?' She distractedly asked herself as she waited patiently behind him.

"…I'll get the Pastrami on Rye, extra mustard." The tall, brown-haired man ordered as he pointed at the menu.

Helga looked wide-eyed and approached the man as he took out his wallet and handed the money to Linda, "Did you just say pastrami on rye with extra mustard?" Helga intercepted.

The man stared at the blonde for a few moments, looking slowly up and down her frame. "Uhh, yeah? It's a classic-."

"That's MY favorite sandwich combination too! I've never met anyone who liked pastrami on rye with extra mustard!" Helga exclaimed excitedly. She was aware that talking to strangers was out of her comfort zone and to find herself talking to a fancy businessman like him was an unusual feat of its own. Still, the coincidence was uncanny.

The man reached out his hand and flashed an all-white tooth smile, "Miles." He offered.

Helga looked down at his hand and back up at him, his brown eyes and brown hair suited him nicely. He was quite handsome, and different from a lot of her own acquaintances. She reached her hand over and shook hands with him. "Helga."

"The usual?" Linda, the older lady at the counter asked while grinning at her most loyal customer.

"Yeah, make it two today, will ya' Lin? It's my birthday today." Helga smiled back, handing her a twenty.

"So, I take it you come here a lot?" Miles asked while leaning his elbow against the nearby counter, flashing that toothy grin again.

"Huh? Umm, yeah, you can say that." Helga smiled hesitantly, unsure of how to respond. She was not used to talking to new people, let alone random men in sandwich shops.

"And it is your birthday? It's just one coincidence after another, isn't it?" He added confidently.

Confused at his words, Helga raised an eyebrow and turned her attention to the napkin holder in front of her, nervously picking at the napkin.

'How long is the stupid sandwich gonna take? Ah, what the heck! I need to make new friends now that I am in college anyway!'

"Heh, so what is a fancy businessman like you doing in these parts of town?" She asked, ignoring his previous comment and turning her body to face him.

"To be honest, I'm not so sure about that myself. I just moved out here and I am taking over my dad's business. Everything else is just kind of up in the air right now." He explained with a soft smile plastered on his face.

"Oh, dad's business huh? Must be a heck of a business if you gotta' be suited up like that." She responded jokingly.

He responded with a loud laugh and leaned in close to her, "What about you? You gonna tell me how a girl like you finds herself alone on her birthday at a shabby sub place?"

At his words, Helga felt herself freeze up. Was he flirting? She couldn't tell. She prided herself for being observant and quick to learn, but when it came to overconfident businessmen like the man sitting in the stool next to hers, she was a lost cause.

"Hmm, this place might be what you call 'shabby' but to me is one of the best places around." She counteroffered.

"One pastrami on rye, extra mustard!" Linda announced from the counter, glaring their way.

Miles stood up and reached for the brown sandwich bag.

"Two giant-sized pastrami on rye, extra mustard!" Linda shouted again, interrupting miles from speaking to Helga again.

Helga walked up to the older lady at the register and reached for her sandwiches as well, "Geez Lin', I can hear you, ya know? Do you need me to adjust your hearing aid again?" Helga exclaimed as she leaned in closely while she asked the question. It was not an uncommon occurrence for Helga to aid the older woman with her shop and other necessities.

"I don't trust that fellow." Linda whispered as she pointed her chin in his direction. Helga raised an eyebrow questioningly and turned around to acknowledge the tall man once more.

"So, uh, Helga. Got any plans? besides eating your sandwich of course." Miles asked as he held the door open and watched as she walked ahead.

"Huh? not really. But it's getting late and I should be heading home." She stated while she looked up at the golden sky and sun setting.

"Is there a chance we can meet again?" Miles asked, stepping closer to her.

"Hmm, well it seems coincidences work in our favor so heck, maybe?" She offered while shrugging, giving him a small smile before walking away.

Miles stood on the sidewalk as he observed the curvy blonde stroll away. He observed how the gentle sway of her hips was emphasized by her tight blue jeans and her blonde hair swayed gently in the wind. As soon as she was out of view, he sneered slightly before throwing away the brown sandwich bag with the contents still inside.

"Helga Pataki. Found you."

Helga descended the bus stairs and walked over to her house, sighing out loud as she remembered how busy everyone around her was nowadays. Her old friends had been kept busy because of college and jobs. Rhonda spent most of her time travelling and vlogging her life to strangers on the internet. Nadine and Phoebe were the busiest, nerding out at their intense bioengineering programs and Sheena was the first of the crew to get married at twenty years of age. The guys were equally as busy with college. Her mind kept flowing back to her conversations today with Arnold and Phoebe, 'Am I annoying them? Maybe I do need to make new friends.'

She sighed as she stared up at the familiar brick building she called home. As soon as she opened the door of her house, she was greeted with a rain of confetti and loud screams.

"SURPRISE!" Her old crew and her family screamed in unison as soon as she opened the door. She looked around at the familiar faces crowding around the small space at the foyer.

"What the-!" The blonde girl looked around at her friends and couldn't help but smile wide at the unforeseen surprise.

"Happy Birthday, Baby sister!" Olga jumped into her arms and the people around her followed the same, extending similar congratulations and pulling her in all different directions.

As she stood listening to Rhonda go on and on about her recent trip to the Bahamas, Arnold approached her.

"Happy Birthday, Helga." Arnold murmured in her ear and she turned around and smiled wide as she took in the sight of her handsome boyfriend. He gleamed and then leaned down to gather her in his arms. The pair stood embracing for a moment and in disbelief, she asked, "I thought you were busy with school today!"

"I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world." He stated while caressing her cheek.

"What about your dad?" She asked.

"No worries, he's not coming back today." He smiled and then pointed at her brown sandwich bag, "Pastrami?"

"Yup! If I'd know you were planning all of this, I wouldn't have bought two of them!" She exclaimed as an embarrassed blush settled on her face.

"It was actually Olga and Lila who planned the whole thing. I just helped with the decorations." He explained as he pointed at the frilly assortment of garland decorations, rose gold party balloons, and Birthday banners all around.

"Of course," She slapped her forehead. Arnold knew better than to throw her a surprise party.

As if sensing her thoughts, the blond man stepped closer and smoothed her bangs, "Hey, your sister really cares about you. She kept gushing about this for weeks. Lila too, I might add." Arnold raised his brow quizzically as he remembered his enthusiastic friend dragging him from store to store.

"Hm, sometimes I cant tell if she enjoys seeing me suffer or if she truly thinks we enjoy the same things." She paused. "But I gotta give it up to her and Lila, it's not half bad." She smiled and looked around at her friends and family socializing in the living room. She paused and froze at the realization that this was the first birthday party she'd ever had. She'd had small celebrations with just her and Arnold when they were young, and just last year he'd organized a whole private celebration at Chez Paris shortly after their camping trip, but never a party of this magnitude.

"What's wrong?" Arnold asked, seeing the changed expression on her face.

Helga locked eyes with his and struggled to verbalize her thoughts out loud. "It's…nothing. I'm happy." She simply smiled, her eyes gleaming and looking into his.

For the next few hours, she spent all of her time trying to keep up with her old friends, talking about old times and new, and drinking from the champagne her sister had purchased.

Phoebe stood next to Gerald and Arnold, observing the young blonde being pulled in all directions.

"She's popular tonight." She smiled contemplatively.

"Phoebe!" Helga ran across the rooms as soon as she was able to free herself from the endless chatter, "I thought you were busy today!" She exclaimed and the pair of friends embraced each other.

"Helga!" Phoebe paused as she observed the unusual energetic display of affection coming from her friend. "Are you drunk?"

"Drunk? If I was drunk, would I be able to do this?" Helga grabbed Arnold by the collar and passionately kissed him in the middle of the room.

Gerald and Phoebe stared wide-eyed at the sudden display of passion coming from the blonde girl. Helga pulled away and Arnold stood frozen in shock and looked at Gerald and Phoebe, discretely muttering, "Yup, she's definitely drunk."

The house party became livelier as the guests drank, socialized, and danced to the upbeat hip-hop music. Even though it was a Thursday, Helga celebrated like there was no tomorrow. Arnold tried to keep up with her and observe her closely as she happily danced with Rhonda, drunkenly sang a karaoke song with Nadine, and caressed Sheena's pregnant belly.

"Ah, I'm sorry Sheena. She's had a little too much to drink." Arnold spoke apologetically as his girlfriend caressed Sheena's baby bump.

"I want one of these soooo bad." Helga cried out as she placed her ear to Sheena's belly, looking up at Arnold's face despondently.

Sheena looked down at her friend and smiled kindly, "It's okay, Arnold. It appears Helga is fond of having a baby."

"Oh, Can we Arnold? Can we?" Helga jumped in place excitedly, before tugging at his arm and giving him a puppy-eyed-look.

Arnold turned about 100 different shades of red and stood in place, stunned. During their short one year and four months of being an official couple, his girlfriend had never brought up the subject of babies or having a baby. He knew that in her drunken state she was saying things she didn't mean, but her excited expression and her exasperation made him wonder if perhaps this is something she did want or would want in the near future. Either way, having a conversation such as this one next to their childhood friend was far from the proper way to address it.

"I think, Helga, that we should go to the kitchen and get you a nice, big glass of water, what do you say?" He suggested and offered her the most convincing smile he could muster as he grabbed her hand, guiding her towards the kitchen.

He led her into a chair and went over to grab a glass of water. As he turned around, he noticed her dreamily looking at him.

"Criminy! I cant make up my mind!" She cried out dramatically as she placed her head down over her arms on the table.

"What do you mean, Helga?" Arnold asked as he held out the glass and prompted her to drink. He took in her flushed face and dazed look. 'Yup, she's still drunk.'

"I was trying to decide which side of you I like more. Your backside is spectacular but then you turn around and I see your face! Oh, how I wish I could savor this moment, my prince! If only you knew how much you make my heart beat for you!"

'Yeah, definitely still drunk.'

"Helga." He stared tenderly into her eyes, placing his hands over his knees to be at eye level with her. "Helga, you are so sweet…and so drunk. You are going to regret this so bad tomorrow." He smiled teasingly and pinched her nose.

"Why-why would I regret this? I love you, Arnold. I've always loved you ever since I laid my eyes on your stupid football head! Oh, Arnold, cant you take me to my room right now? Please make love to me." She reached and wrapped her arms around his neck. She started to dazedly lean in to kiss him, but he stopped her. Barely.

He became aware that his body was responding to her pleads. In a normal situation, it didn't take much for the blonde to seduce him. In fact, she would say the word and he would happily oblige her every craving on an almost daily basis. Hearing her spew out her love confessions so openly made his brain feel foggy and overwhelmed by her intense displays of affection. He observed her pleading gaze and felt that he was on thin ice. Who knew this side of her would have him weak at the knees? One thing he knew for sure, if Helga Pataki tried one more time to seduce him in her kitchen with about 20 guests no more than a few feet away, he would have no choice but to take her right then and there. Being the gentleman that he was, however, he gathered all the strength he had in him and pulled away, creating some distance between them.

"Drink the water, Lovely C." He prompted once again, clearing his throat and looking around nervously.

Luckily, Olga entered the kitchen a few moments later and exclaimed loudly, "Oh there you are, lil'sis! What are you two sillies doing here? There's a whole party going on out here!"

"We'll be right over, Olga. I was just helping your sister get some water." Arnold explained as he observed the blonde girl chugging down the rest of the water.

"Ah, that hits the spot. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's hit the dancefloor!" Helga shouted while standing up and running towards the living room with her sister.

Author's note: A LOT happened in this chapter. Originally, I had planned to split this one up into two chapters since a lot happens, but I really wanted to put out a longer chapter this week!

If you are wondering why I decided to skip forward one year, my reasoning is that I wanted this fic to turn into more of a college-type fic. I think I've told everything I wanted to tell about their highschool life and I know some wonderful writers that already told wonderful tales of prom/graduation/etc. and that I know the fandom has enjoyed reading about. I might still bring up those moments during flashbacks but yes, a slightly more mature theme is what I am aiming at (while hopefully keeping all the heartwarming, lighthearted topics that we love to explore).

Also, one of my greatest weakness is timeflow. Im trying to get better, but if you are confused about why suddenly Helga is 20 (?!), basically she was about to turn 19 right after their camping trip ( March). Skip forward 1 year, and now she is just turned 20! Arnold is about 5 months younger, so yes, he is still 19 right now!~

Lovely C- Arnold calls Helga Celine sometimes, in case you got confused about the 'Lovely C' nickname.

PLEASE review, share, favorite, etc. I thank you so much for your support!