Hi everyone. So, there is a song in this story that I HUGELY encourage everyone to listen to while you are reading it, just so everyone can feel the vibe. You'll know which one I'm talking about when you come across it.
Responses to reviews:
Krysten: LOL. Naming this character as Robert Dole was purely by accident. I knew I heard the name from somewhere, but I couldn't remember where, but I thought it was catchy, so I named him Robert Dole. Cre8ivelybankrupt87 then later told me who Robert was and I was surprised I named this character after a Democratic candidate.
Veganmama: I was inspired by TJM when Lasombra's men began to die. Hey, I did say throughout the story that someone was going to die. I just never said his name, lol. But I get your point, I'll put in a warning next time.
Yes, that was still unresolved by chapter 48, among other things, which you will soon find out.
Yeah, the adult have been pretty useless in this story, lol.
Cre8ivelybankrupt87: Ah ok. Nah, there won't be any alternate reality or DC insurrection.
Lol, yes she would be proud. Nah, Von Scheck is just a corrupt businessman.
Yes, that's why I thought it was appropriate to demonstrate Dole's suicide. TJM didn't fare any better in that regard. You actually saw one of Lasombra's men die right in front of us!
Yeah, I figured Helga would have found that entertaining, while Rhonda didn't.
She really does! That's twice the neighbourhood was under threat under her watch. I don't think she'll be reelected again after this, lol.
Nope, he doesn't. Rodrigo can be very intimidating if you push his buttons, more so than Helga.
Almost a week later...
Rodrigo was at home in his room, unpacking. Well, he was trying to unpack. After his release from jail, he and the rest of the gang had been busy resting after their ordeal. For most, they were also occupied on having to help their parents unpack everything. Arnold and Helga were no exception, especially Helga since Bob, annoyed that he and the rest of the family had to pack everything while she didn't, was now forbidden to step out and help them unpack.
But for Rodrigo, he was too preoccupied with his own thoughts and feelings to really unpack his stuff. He had tried a few times on that day, but kept getting distracted, which only served to dampen any energy or motivation to move around.
When he first saw Helga and Arnold kiss on the FTI balcony, he had to quite literally swallow and repress all feelings of anger, hurt, pain, jealousy inside him, refusing to let them cloud his judgment at such a critical time. Even after they succeeded and they were all arrested, Rodrigo still had to resort to repressing the level of pain and hurt, although during those two days when he was incarcerated, he slowly allowed them to surface; hence why he was quiet throughout that time. It was only when he arrived home did he finally allow them to surface in full force and when that happened, well, let's just say that he was glad that he was alone in his room.
Now, he felt utterly drained and exhausted. Instead of unpacking, with extreme sadness, he opted to repeatedly listen to one of Dino Spumoni's hits, I miss you.
"Another morning asks me how am I going to fill this emptiness that you left behind." Rodrigo began to sadly sing to the lyrics. "I sense the day promised to be long and I no longer have anyone to pass the time with."
"It all seems fake, I am at a loss of words. What is to become of me?" He continued to sing. "I keep this hope to see you again in the near future. I wait for you as if you are coming back."
"I miss you, I miss you. These souvenirs do not cease to haunt me. I miss you, I miss you." He then began to shout out the pain that he was feeling inside.
After the song was over, Rodrigo then stood up from his bed, feeling more empty, sad and frustrated than ever. The song somewhat helped in channelling his anger and pain out, but it did not erase them.
When he and his parents got home from the Police department, he told his parents what happened between him and Helga. Naturally, his parents were surprised and disappointed. Alfonso, knowing his son needed helped on battling this emptiness and loss, offered him some encouraging advice, which didn't really help. Rodrigo knew that time will eventually heal all wounds, but that phrase merely served to inflame him. Paradoxically, he didn't want to move away from the pain that he was feeling. That emptiness, that loss, that anger, that sadness; it was his only connection that he had left with Helga.
Worst of all, Rodrigo especially felt embittered that after everything he had gone through, he came out with less than what he came in. He managed to save his house and all of the residents', but it came at a serious personal cost. Only Arnold gained from this, much to his fury.
It also certainly didn't help him imagining Helga and Arnold spending some time together. The football head was scheduled to head back to San Lorenzo within just a few days. It was obvious Helga would want to spend as much time as possible with Arnold before he left. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't get his mind away from that thought, of them, talking, smiling at each other, holding hands, leaning forward to ki-
"That's it! I can't take this anymore!" Rodrigo then angrily shouted as he stood up. "How long must I endure this?! I don't want this to drag on! This is my last year in high school and I want to make the best of it, not mope around in my own self-pity!"
Frustrated, he got up and decided to go for a walk to clear his head. He grabbed his phone and headphones and went outside.
He had no idea where he was going and he didn't care. He just wanted to get some air and be at peace, even if for only a few minutes. Putting some energetic music, he put his headphones on and listened to the roaring beats of hard rock and reggaeton. It took him some time, but as he continued strolling around the neighbourhood, focusing on the fresh air and music, he started feeling a bit better. Slowly, he started feeling his sadness dissipating, at least to some extent. He even started singing, very softly, to the music.
"La la la la, bum bum bum bum." He sang and hummed just as he was about to turn a corner when suddenly,
"Of!" He and someone else exclaimed as they collided with each other and fell on the floor.
Not again. He annoyingly groaned in thought as he rubbed his head.
"Alright, who is it this time?" He said to himself as he looked at the person he collided with.
"Phoebe?" He said, surprised. "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"
"Oh, Rodrigo. I'm sorry, I didn't see you either." Phoebe said as she tried to look for her glasses that had fallen off.
"It's okay. Here." Rodrigo said as he grabbed her glasses and gave them to her.
"Thank you." She said as she put them on and Rodrigo helped her up.
"What are you doing here?" He asked her.
"I was on my way to see Gerald." She replied. "I was a running a bit late, so I was rushing to get to his place on time and didn't see who would be on the other side."
"Oh." Was all Rodrigo said.
As late as Phoebe was to meet up with Gerald, she couldn't help but notice the sad look on Rodrigo's face and thought that perhaps he needed someone to talk to. By then, everyone knew what had happened between him and Helga.
"Um, how are you feeling about...you know?" Phoebe then cautiously asked him, specifically referring to his situation with Helga.
"Honestly, not very good." Rodrigo sadly responded as he slumped down a bit. "I went out to get some air in the hopes it would make me feel better. I got so caught up with my music that I also didn't see you coming."
"Oh." Phoebe said. "I'm so sorry, Rodrigo." Feeling genuinely sympathetic to his situation. "I know you and I had our differences this summer. But, for what it's worth, this wasn't what I wanted to happen. I was really happy for you both."
"Thanks, Pheebs." Rodrigo just softly replied, devoid of any energy. "As was I."
"I really wish there was something I could do." She continued.
Phoebe felt truly bad for what happened between Rodrigo and Helga. Like the Latino kid, she felt he got the short end of the stick after everything that happened this summer. After her talk with Helga, she understood why Rodrigo had to let her go and only wished there was something she could do help alleviate the pain that was consuming him. She figured that out of everyone, he deserved some happiness after this brutal episode.
"It's okay. I'll live." Rodrigo just sadly responded. "At least Helga still has some time to see Arnold before he heads off." He then remarked.
"Um, well um, kind of." Phoebe then hesitatingly said. "Or rather, not really."
"What do you mean?" Rodrigo asked, still devoid of any energy and enthusiasm, but noticing Phoebe's hesitation.
"Well um, ever since you guys were released from prison," Phoebe than began to nervously explain, "they haven't really seen or spoken to each other since then."
"What? Why?" Rodrigo then asked, as if the shock had sprang him back to life.
"It's just that well," Phoebe tried to find her words in order to explain, "everything just happened so fast. You guys only broke up with each other not even 24 hours before Helga kissed and got together with Arnold. She wasn't expecting that to happen at all, at least not that fast. That and there was also the task of trying to stop Von Scheck. It just took a lot out from her. In addition to that, she is also finding it awkward on reestablishing a relationship with Arnold after a three year absence, not to mention that, well, she is still feeling guilty and is a bit conflicted. She said she just needed time."
"But Phoebe, it's been almost a week!" Rodrigo exclaimed. "What is she waiting for? Arnold is scheduled to head back to San Lorenzo in only a few days. After that, he's gone! She needs to push away that awkwardness and talk to the guy."
"For once, I agree with you, Rodrigo." Phoebe said. "I tried explaining that to Helga, but she insists on taking it at a slow pace. While I never really pushed her to do anything she didn't want to do, I fear that if someone doesn't, she will lose a great opportunity to rekindle her relationship. She won't get that chance again for at least another year."
"Oh my goodness!" Phoebe then exclaimed in shock when she realized just who she was talking to. "I'm so sorry, Rodrigo. I-I-I shouldn't be discussing this with you. I know you are still reeling from the break up. Please accept my apologies. I didn't mean to make things worse for you."
"No Phoebe, it's okay." Rodrigo assured her. "I'm glad you told me this. Yes, it hurts hearing about it, but I need to know this. To be honest, this concerns me."
"May I inquire as to how?" Phoebe politely asked.
"I didn't break up with her Phoebe just so she can still feel awkward and have a long-distance relationship with the guy while they are in the same city!" Rodrigo began to angrily explain. "I understand this all a lot for her to take, but frankly, I don't care. I broke up with her so she can be with him. So, what is she waiting for? She's not nine anymore, wondering if whether or not the football head likes her. For Pete's sake, he made out with her on the same balcony that they did seven years ago, right in front of me! Frankly, finding that she is still maintaining her distance, for whatever the reason, is infuriating. It makes it look like what I did for me, what I sacrificed, because that is what I did, was for nothing! What was the point of me ending things with her if she still doesn't yet can't fully be with him?"
Phoebe said nothing and was just taken aback by Rodrigo's sudden anger. But, she couldn't hold it against him. He had every right to feel angry.
"I'm sorry, Phoebe." Rodrigo then said. "I wasn't yelling at you. I'm just finding all of this really...hard to cope with."
"It's okay, Rodrigo." She assured him. "I understand."
"And it's not just that." Rodrigo continued. "If Helga doesn't reestablish her relationship with Arnold by the time he leaves," Rodrigo began to explain, "I'm afraid it could steer her back...to me. Think about it; I am here, while Arnold is thousands of miles away. I'm not trying to toot my horn. I'm just saying that it could increase the possibility. And if that were to happen, I...I can't say that I'll be able to say 'no' again to her." He sadly continued. "I really don't want to go through all of this again. For my sake and for hers."
"That's why she needs to work it out with him, now!" He then firmly exclaimed.
"But what can we do?" Phoebe asked him. "You know how Helga can be when she sets her mind to something."
"Then we'll have to push her off of it." Rodrigo then remarked. "We just need to think of something, a scenario that would entice her to let go of me, let go of that guilt, of that fear and just fully embrace... him." He swallowed hard when he said.
"Do you have any ideas?" She asked him.
Rodrigo said nothing and just began to think, and think, and think until it finally hit him.
I know! He excitedly exclaimed, but then quickly slumped when he realized that he must do. Ah man, I really, really do not want to do this! But...I have to.
"Actually, I think I may know a way." He said. "But, I'm going to need your and Gerald's help. I know you were on your way to see him, but can I tag along and explain to you both my plan? We need to plan this right away before it's too late."
"Oh, sure." Phoebe agreed.
"Great. Let's go." Rodrigo said as both teens then began to run towards Gerald's house to put his plan into action.
The next day...at night...
It was 9pm by the time Rodrigo, Arnold, Helga, and everyone else were in downtown and had arrived to a night club. Unlike the club that Rodrigo and Arnold went to back in March, this was an international music club and did not only play Latin music.
"Alright! Ready to have fun?" Rodrigo asked everyone.
Gerald and Phoebe just smiled and happily nodded.
"Um well, I guess." Arnold, unsure why it was decided to go a club and celebrate.
"Oh yes, very much so!" Lila excited exclaimed, with Stinky right next to her.
Despite the new couple coming from the countryside, both were excited to try the club scene.
"Ooh yes! I am so down to dance and fun tonight!" Rhonda also excitedly exclaimed.
Helga said nothing and just frowned, annoyed on having been forced to go, as well being suspicious as to why Rodrigo dragged her and everyone there.
Everyone else were also there, although not everyone was excited. Peapod Kid, Brainy and Park were there and excited, but Sheena, Harold and Patty were a little apprehensive about it. Clubbing was never their thing and they weren't sure what to make of it. Sid was also there, with Carmen and both were excited. Even Eugene and Nadine made it. Despite still wearing their casts, they felt confident enough to attend.
"Hmph! I really don't see why I had to be dragged here, Roddy," Curly remarked, annoyed.
"My thoughts exactly." Helga dryly remarked.
"You'll both see." Rodrigo said to them with a confident smile. "After everything that happened between us and Von Scheck, everyone deserves to relax and have fun. I promise it'll be a night neither of you will forget."
Despite some of their reservations, everyone took his word for it and just went along with it.
After forming and waiting in line, they eventually made it inside the club. Quickly becoming dark, the area then suddenly when bright with the various lights of many colours flashing randomly around, while beats of the music began to pound the walls and their hear drums. Even though it was still early by clubbing standards, there were already a lot of people inside, happily dancing without a care in the world. While some of the gang began to immediately feel the music circulating inside them and began to dance, others were still reluctant.
"Alright, I'm going to wallow at the bar until this is over!" Curly annoyingly yelled through the loud music.
"Curly, this is a non-alcoholic club!" Rodrigo said to him.
"Ugh!" Curly just groaned. "What kind of a club is this?! What club doesn't serve alcohol?!"
"Curly man, just relax!" Gerald then said to him. "You got live music and beautiful women to dance with. You don't need alcohol to have fun."
"Hmph!" Curly just humphed. "I'm still not seeing why I was dragged here!"
"You will soon!" Rodrigo said. "But for now, just have fun!" He said as he then gave Curly a pat on the back.
Rodrigo then courteously gestured to Rhonda to ask her if she wanted to dance with him. Delighted, Rhonda gladly accepted and both then went to the dance floor, followed by Gerald & Phoebe, Sid & Carmen, Lila & Stinky, and a reluctant Patty & Harold, as well as Arnold & Helga. Peapod Kid, Park, Brainy and Sheena also followed them. Eugene and Nadine stayed by the sidelines, not wanting to risk getting injured on the dance floor. Curly stayed behind and just rolled his eyes and went somewhere else.
With everyone else having fun and the vibrant music playing a rather catchy song, Sheena, Party, Harold and Arnold slowly began to start feeling the music and began to enjoy themselves. Even Rodrigo, despite hes still fresh wound of losing Helga, began to also have fun while he danced with Rhonda.
Helga however, was still struggling with that part; having fun. Apart from the fact that she hated loud, obnoxious music, she was still struggling on coming to grips with her and Rodrigo breaking up. Even with Arnold being right beside her, she found it hard seeing Rodrigo dance with someone else other than her, even if it was strictly friendly. Worse, she didn't know why he organized this whole thing; what was he planning. That unknown was also causing her to feel very agitated.
"Helga, are you having fun?!" Arnold then asked her when he noticed her frown as he continued to dance from side to side.
"Not really!" She said to him as she awkwardly tried to dance with him. "To be honest, I'm hating this right now!"
"What's wrong?!" He asked. "Is the music too loud?!"
"That and..." She began to say, but then looked towards Rodrigo for a bit before then turning back to face Arnold. "Never mind!" She then loudly grumbled and continued with her awkward dancing.
But Arnold knew what was troubling her and just sighed a bit, even while dancing to the beat. He too was suspicious as to why Rodrigo had invited them and everyone to a club. Frankly, he was surprised when he received a text message from Phoebe about this plan. He thought Rodrigo wouldn't want to have anything to do with him for the rest of the summer.
The tone of the music then changed to a more Latin flavour. Rodrigo immediately felt the beat of the music and began to feel a surge of energy coming to him. Letting Rhonda go, he then began to dance by himself, but he was soon joined by almost everyone else, except Phoebe and Gerald who were still dancing together and Arnold and Helga who were still awkwardly dancing with each other. Curly remained by the sidelines, impatiently waiting when he can go home. Nadine and Eugene were also by the sidelines, but nevertheless tried to have fun by moving part of their uninjured bodies to the beat of the music as best as they could.
Feeling the music and completely enjoying themselves, everyone began to imitate Rodrigo's dance move as he took a few steps forward and then back and twisted around in almost perfect sequence, as if they all had been practising for it. With all past woes finally being amended, the group was able to once again find its camaraderie and cohesion.
For Helga, the music was a bit better, but it didn't make things less awkward for her, not to mention that the music wasn't particular a song you can dance with someone while facing each other, even with her experience. Nevertheless, she opted to try and moved her shoulders while being close to Arnold as the football head did the same. She then looked towards Rodrigo who seemed to be completely oblivious to his surrounding as he continued to happily dance with all of their friends by his side or behind him as they swung side to side.
At least he is having fun. She annoyingly thought to herself.
Finally, after a bit more than an hour of 'trying' really hard to having fun, Helga finally lost her patience. Stopping immediately, she then stomped towards Rodrigo who was still with everyone else. Arnold also stopped dancing and watched as Helga walked away and towards the Latino kid. Once she arrived, she immediately grabbed him by the shoulder and forcefully turned him to face her, almost startling him.
"Okay Latino boy, spit it out! Why are we here?!" She demanded.
"To have fun, duh." He merely replied.
"Don't play dumb with me!" Helga retorted. "I know you organized this whole thing for a reason. If you don't tell me right now what the reason is, I'm outta here!"
"Okay, okay!" Rodrigo then relented. "You're right. I did plan this event for a reason!"
Rodrigo then gestured to her to give him a minute as he then left the dance floor. Helga stood there with her arms crossed as she saw him approach Curly, Eugene and Nadine and asked them to head to where everyone else was. Despite being confused, they nevertheless complied. Helga continued to watch him, with Arnold arriving beside her as the Latino kid then headed to where the DJ was. After getting his attention, he said something to him. Whatever he said to him, it had something to do with everyone because the DJ then turned his head to where Helga, Arnold and everyone else was and a big smile soon appeared on his face. He then turned back to face Rodrigo and nodded.
Helga continued to patiently wait for Rodrigo to implement whatever he was planning. Before long, the current song stopped, but instead of another song immediately following it, the DJ stopped the music. Rhonda, Peapod Kid, and everyone who were dancing then stopped once the music died.
"Alright y'all, how's everyone doing tonight?!" The DJ then began to speak through his microphone.
Everyone in the club screamed and yelled in approval.
"I can't hear you!" The DJ said to everyone, to which everyone screamed even louder.
"Much better." The DJ said. "Alright listen up y'all, we have a few very special guests here tonight, which I have the honour to introduce everyone here to. Many of you may know about the recent corruption scandal that rocked our beloved city this summer that almost ended up destroying our historical district, courtesy of Von Scheck."
"BBOOO!" Everyone at the club booed and kissed at the mere mention of Von Scheck's name.
That part also got Arnold's, Helga's, and everyone else' attention and most became a suspicious about what this was all about.
"Quite right." The DJ agreed with everyone's booing and hissing. "Well, I would like to introduce everyone here to the people who are responsible for putting that crook away and for cleaning up our city. One person in particular needs no introduction. He has made quite a name for himself. C'mon, you all know him! Please give it up for AARNNOOLLDDD SHORTMAN!"
Suddenly, a series of white lights turned on and pointed right smack where Arnold was, making his presence known to everyone. Everyone else at the club then suddenly led out a cheering roar and clapped their hands in approval. The quick announcement gave Arnold, or anyone, no time to prepare themselves for just suddenly being put on the spotlight like that.
"Um, hi everyone." Arnold nervously smiled and waved.
"To his side, we have the fiery, free-spirited, loyal friend and soon to be illustrious writer, Helga G. PATAKI!"
Another white light then suddenly turned on and aimed right at Helga, allowing everyone to see her. As with Arnold, everyone at the club continued to cheer and clap. Helga, despite being utterly surprised by this, said nothing and just looked around with her usual stoic, stern face. In the end, she just raised her hand and made a little wave.
"Next up we have Arnold's best friend and right-hand man. Please give it up for the cool, street-smart, Gerald JOHANSSEN!"
Another white light suddenly turned on and aimed right at Gerald, while the crowd continued with their thunderous cheers and applause.
"How y'all doing?" Gerald just confidently said as he smiled and waved at everyone.
"Up next is we have here the most intelligent person there is! Please give it up the highly gifted, Phoebe HEYERDAHL!" The DJ continued to speak.
Another white light burst on and lit Phoebe who was standing right next to Gerald. Surprised, Phoebe just shyly waved.
"Now for this next person, she needs no introduction." The DJ continued. "She used her fame to help an entire city become aware to the corruption that was going on inside City Hall. She was responsible for uniting all of us to stand firm and fight it! She is the most beautiful, the most famous self-made celebrity Hillwood has ever produced, Rhonda Wellington LLOYD!"
"Oh well, thank you." Rhonda delightfully said to everyone, enjoying the attention as she blew air kisses. "I did what I felt I had to do; for the common good."
"Next we have another gifted person." The DJ then continued. "He, along with Phoebe, led the charge into finding out all of Von Scheck's dirty laundry and exposing it to the world. Please give it up for Thaddeus "Curly" GAMMELTHORPE!"
Another white light turned on and illuminated Curly.
"Finally, the recognition that I deserve." Curly arrogantly remarked with his arms crossed. Nevertheless, he then let out a small smile and waved.
"Next up we have someone who has a passionate and a gift for some of nature's animals that would send most of us running for the hills. But not this person. Please give it up for NADINE!
Another white light turned on and illuminated Nadine.
"Oh, um, hi." Nadine shyly said and waved at everyone with a smile.
"Next we have someone whose cheerful and optimistic personality has always brought smiles to other people's faces. He is the person who will never allow life to get him down. Please give it up for Eugene HOROWITZ!"
Another white light turned on and illuminated Eugene.
"Oh um, hello everyone." Eugene pleasantly said and waved.
"Next we have someone whose beauty and sweet personality has rang through. Please give it up for Lila SAWYER!"
"Oh, I'm ever so grateful!" Lila exclaimed as she took a bow.
"Next up we have someone whose bravery has become renowned. Please give it up for SID!" The DJ then said.
"Hi!" Sid said as he smiled and waved.
"Next we have another beautiful lady whose physical strength and big heart would put any man to shame. Please give it up for Patricia "Patty" SMITH!"
"Hi everyone." Patty softly said as she smiled and waved.
"Next we have someone who has the courage, the strength to show everyone that it not a sign of weakness to show your sensitive side. Please give it up for Harold BERMAN!"
"Oh um, hi." Harold nervously said as he waved.
"Next we have someone whose fondness of lemon pudding is almost as great as his love for his friends and neighbourhood. Please give it up for Stinky PETERSON!"
"Hi everyone." Stinky said as he waved and smiled.
"Next we have someone who has the passionate and courage to not only stand up against corruption, but also against pollution and climate change. Please give it up for SHEENA!" The DJ then announced Sheena.
"Oh why thank you." Sheena gratefully said with a smile and waved.
"Now for this next person, he is as dedicated to his studies and extracurricular activities as he was to stopping Von Scheck. Please give it up LORENZO!"
"Oh um, gracias." Lorenzo said as he waved.
"Now this next person is renowned for never showing his eyes. He is as cool as he was skilful to sneak his way inside the FTI building. Please give it up for Peapod KID!" The DJ announced.
"Oh, thank you, thank you very much." Peapod kid said with a smile.
"Next we have someone who took great care to hide many of his peers from being bullied and thrown into trash cans when they were in the fourth grade. Please give it up for PARK!"
"Oh why, thank you." Park said with a smile and took a few bows in respect.
"And finally," The DJ said he then wiped some sweat from his forehead, "this next person has the skill to covertly hide without being seen. He is a man of few words, but has helped everyone throughout the years. Please give it up for BRAINY!"
"Uh, thank you." Brainy wheezed as he merely waved.
Throughout the time the DJ was introducing everyone, the crowd continued to cheer and applause with an ever growing intensity.
"Alright, alright settle down everyone." The DJ then said, prompting everyone to stop clapping and turn to face him. "There is a certain someone here who has something to say to his friends. I now pass the microphone over to Rodrigo Castile!"
That stunned everyone, including Phoebe. This wasn't what they agreed on. When Phoebe agreed to the plan, Rodrigo only informed her about going to the club in order to get Arnold and Helga to dance together so as to get them to rekindle their relationship. No where did he ever mention about putting her or their friends on the spotlight like that. Not that she was angry with him; just surprised. Hence, she was curious, if not a bit nervous as to what he was going to say.
A white light then turned on and illuminated Rodrigo who was almost right next to the DJ.
"Thanks man." Rodrigo said as he then turned to face his friends who were all eagerly staring back at him.
"Arnold, Helga, Phoebe, Gerald, Rhonda, Stinky, Sid, Harold, Patty, Sheena, Nadine, Lila, Peapod Kid, Park, Brainy, Lorenzo." He began. "You're actions over this past month and indeed, throughout your entire lives have been an inspiration to an entire generation of people." He referred to anyone listening. "Your lives, your triumphs and falls, your stories have given us many lessons, taught us about what was right and wrong. But more importantly, you gave us hope."
A few claps and cheers were heard throughout the club.
"You may not know, but one day, many people will right poems, songs, stories, even works of art about all of you." Rodrigo continued.
That news surprised everyone, but no one said anything and just continued to listen to him.
"Arnold, Helga." Rodrigo then addressed the newly reunited couple, "your story, your relationship, your love for one another has become ideal for not only what love really is, but also of what it should be. It is clear that the two of you were made for each other. You have your disagreements, but you also compliment each other. It is not perfect, by that's why your relationship is so inspiring. It allows everyone to relate. Because of the challenges you faced, your love has not only overcome them, but it has thrived. That's why for many of us, it has inspired hope in us; hope that one day, all of us may one day find an Arnold or Helga in our lives."
More cheers and applause were then heard. But, Rodrigo wasn't done.
"Helga," Rodrigo then solely addressed her, causing her to tense up,
"WWHHOOOOOO! YYYAAAAYYY!" But he was cut off when the crowd then suddenly led out a roar of cheers and applause the second Rodrigo said her name.
"HELGA! HELGA! HELGA!" The crowd began to chant.
Helga looked around, uneasy at the amount of attention she was getting. She then turned to her friends and saw that they too, including Arnold were also cheering and clapping. After the crowd died down a bit, Rodrigo continued.
"I will not go into any details about your private life. But, I just want to say that no other character in this universe has endured so much, fought so hard, preservered, and has earned not only our most profound respect, but our love. Never was so much inspiration owed by so many to one extraordinary person. Indeed, no one else here deserves more than you to live in peace and happiness."
Helga, touched by his words, said nothing and just looked at him with an emotional stare.
"You know, I really do think they outta do a show about you and your life." Rodrigo suggested with a smirk.
"Pfft ya right!" Helga just scoffed. "In your and everyone's dreams."
Arnold and Helga, completely stunned by Rodrigo's touching words, knew not what to say. Helga especially was having a hard time absorbing his words. In truth, she didn't like it. It was as if he was saying...goodbye. Arnold was just confused. He would have never have expected Rodrigo to do something like this, especially after what happened between them. He didn't know if he was being genuine or if this was some sort of trick. Whatever the case, this was really a...nice gesture.
"Arnold, everyone," Rodrigo then addressed all of his friends again, "don't think for one second that your stories ends here. It didn't even end on that fateful summer in San Lorenzo. Your stories will continue to be known for many, many, many more years, and they will continue to inspire more and more people. Your lives still have a lot to tell. And as long as we continue to be inspired, your legacy will live on, through us."
Everyone in the crowd then began to cheer, hoot and applaud.
"Viva Hey Arnold y sus amigos!" (Long live Hey Arnold and his friends!) Rodrigo then shouted.
"VIVA ARNOLD!" Everyone then roared and began to cheer and clap ever more loudly.
Suddenly everyone then starting creeping towards them and before anybody knew it,
"He-whoa! What are you doing?!" Helga began to yell when suddenly random people grabbed her from her legs and began to lift her and all of her friends up onto their shoulders and paraded them.
"ARNOLD, ARNOLD, ARNOLD, ARNOLD!" The crowd began to chant as they held Arnold and everyone up high for everyone to see.
The crowd even picked up Eugene and Nadine, albeit ever so carefully and tried not to touch their injuries.
"Yes! Worship those who are superior to you!" Curly shouted at the crowd as they lifted him. "Bow down before me!"
Rodrigo stayed by the sidelines and just watched. He was careful not to get to close to them so as to allow his friends to have the spotlight that they deserved.
All of his friends, amazed at what he did, fully enjoyed being on the spotlight and absorbed all the attention and love they were getting. Even Helga couldn't help but feel appreciated, even while being a bit uneasy of perhaps accidentally being dropped onto the floor. Luckily that never happened. Eventually, the crowd then lowered them down.
"Alright, alright give it up one more time for Arnold and his friends!" The DJ said, to which everyone clapped and cheered one more time.
"Now before we continue on with the party," the DJ continued, "There is just one more that we need to do, and that is to allow Arnold and Helga have frist dance together as a reunited couple."
"WHAT?!" Both Arnold and Helga exclaimed in utter shock at the news.
Rodrigo just smiled and chuckled at their expense.
When Rodrigo went over to Gerald's house with Phoebe to discuss about his plan, he initially only wanted Arnold and Helga to go the club to their dance. Phoebe however, expended on that idea and thought that perhaps, everyone should go to the club. Not just to support Arnold and Helga, but also to celebrate their victory over Von Scheck, and also to heal any lasting wound over their recent civil war. Rodrigo agreed to it, but privately he also expanded on it. Once they chose a club they were going to, Rodrigo contacted the DJ that was scheduled to perform on the day they were going and asked him if he can introduce Arnold and everyone else. Because of what they did to finally put Von Scheck in prison and dismantle a corrupt multi-billion dollar company, Arnold, Rodrigo and everyone else became celebrities over night. The DJ, hearing of them on the news, excitedly agreed. However, Rodrigo made it adamant that he could not call out his name; only his friends. The DJ, although a bit confused as to why Rodrigo did not want to share in the spotlight with his friends, nevertheless agreed.
"So please, let's make room for them on the dance floor." The DJ instructed to which everyone, including their friends complied and began to move away, creating this big circle around both teens.
No no no no no! Helga frantically thought. I-I-I can't! I can't do this. Not in front of everyone!
Feeling like a panic attack was coming on, she hastily looked around to find Rodrigo. Eventually, she found him, in front of the crowd and began to scowl at him. While she appreciated his words, she was angered at him for putting her on the spotlight like that.
Arnold meanwhile just nervously looked around as the crowd made enough space for them to dance.
"Um Helga, are you r-" Arnold began to say but then saw Helga stomping away.
Rodrigo saw Helga angrily walking towards him. In truth, although he wasn't surprised that she would be angry with him, he was a bit surprised that she was leaving Arnold and the dance floor to chastise him for this little stunt. He figured she would do it after the fact. Nevertheless, Rodrigo remained firm and unfazed as Helga walked up to him and spoke to him in Spanish,
"¡Hoy! Que pienses que estas haciendo?!" (Hey! What do you think you are doing?!) She softly exclaimed, enough for him to hear her, but not enough for everyone, especially Arnold who knew Spanish, to hear them.
"Lo que se tiene que hacer." (What needs to done.) Rodrigo unfazingly and softly replied back.
"¡¿Como te atrevés ponerme en esta posición?! Estas intentando a humillarme?" (How could you put me in this position?! Are you trying to humiliate me?" She angrily asked him.
"Nada de eso." Rodrigo replied. "Mira, Phoebe me contó que todavía te estabas sintiendo culpable, y por eso, te estas previniendo a empezar realmente tu relación con Arnold. Y yo pensé que tu necesitabas un poco empuje." (Not at all. Look. Phoebe told me that you are still feeling guilty and because of that, you are preventing yourself from really starting your relationship with Arnold. So I thought you just need a little push.)
"Oh, ahora tu y Phoebe son amigos?" She rhetorically retorted. "Y que pasa si yo todavía tengo...un poco de duda. E-Es bastante de tomar! Y yo necesito tomar cosas despacio!" (Oh, now you and Phoebe are friends? So what if I may still have some...doubt. I-It's a lot to take! And I need to take things slowly!)
"Helga, ya paso una semana y ni todavía has pasado tiempo con el. Que esperas?" Rodrigo asked her. (Helga, it's already been a week and you still haven't spend any time with him. What are you waiting for?)
"Mira Rodrigo, gracias por tu esfuerzo, pero esto ya no es tu problema...yo ya no soy tu problema." She finished that last part with a sad tone. (Look Rodrigo, thanks for your effort, but this isn't your problem...I'm no longer my problem.)
Rodrigo however, was having none that of it.
"¡Tu si eres MI PROBLEMA!" Rodrigo angrily shouted at her as he also grabbed her arms. "Tanto como novia que como amiga. Y esto SI me preocupa. Yo no rompí cosas con tigo simplemente para verte niegandote a ti mismo a estar con la persona que tu realmente amas!" (You are MY PROBLEM! Whether as my girlfriend or a friend. And this DOES concern me. I didn't break up with you just so you can just deny yourself from being with the person you really love!)
Helga, surprised by Rodrigo's sudden aggression and stunned by his words, said nothing and just continued to stare at him.
"Helga," Rodrigo then calmly continued, "tu esperastes tres años por el. Por tres años , tu esperaste para estar con el otra vez. Ahora mira. El regreso. El ya esta aquí! Te esta esperando. Tu realmente vas a gastar este momento simplemente porque tienes, que, duda?" (Helga, you waited three years for him. For three years you waited to be with him again. But now look. He came back. He is here! He is waiting for you. Are you really going to waste this moment simply because you have, what, doubt?)
Even while Rodrigo still held onto her arms, Helga turned her head to face Arnold, who was still there, just standing and calmly looking at them. She then turned back to face Rodrigo.
"Rodrigo, I...I…" Helga began to stutter, but then mustered her courage to continue what she had to say, "La verdad es, lo que tu y yo tuvimos, era real. Créeme, era real. Y-Y no te quiero soltar. Todavía no estoy li-" (Rodrigo, I...I...The truth is, what you and I had, it was real. Believe me, it was real. A-And I don't want to let you go. I'm not yet read-)
"¡Me tienes que soltar!" (You have to let me go!) Rodrigo then firmly, but with a hurtful tone, exclaimed at her, startling her.
Rodrigo had to use every ounce of strength to not fall to pieces right there on the dance floor when he said that. He was hoping to avoid having to do this, but realized that he needed to say this to her directly at her face. Helga, to her dismay, could tell how much this was hurting him.
"Helga," Rodrigo continued to speak, if not plead with her, "todos sabemos que tanto amas Arnold. Siempre lo amaras. Tu y Arnold son destinados a estar juntos. El esta allí, esperándote. No tengas miedo, Helga. No lo peleas. Al contrario, absorbalo. Esto siempre era tu destinado." He continued as he finally let her go. "Bueno, puede ser destino, si lo aceptas." (Helga, everyone here knows how much you love Arnold. You and him are destined to be together. He is there, waiting for you. Don't be scared, Helga. Don't fight it. On the contrary, take it in. This was always your destiny. Well, it can be your destiny, if you accept it.)
Helga said nothing and just continued to stare at Rodrigo with a bewildered, if not still frightened look. Even though she knew who she wanted to be with, she still held feelings for him and that wasn't something she was able to just let go. There was also something else. In truth, she was scared. Scared that, if she were to let him go, she may never see him again. Given how heartbroken he was, Helga had to accept the possible reality that they may never be able to reconcile and become friends again. If they did, it would be up him, not her. It was a serious risk, but it was one Helga had to take in order to fully let him go and be able to embrace Arnold again.
To make matters worse, being with Arnold, as per experience, was no guarantee either. What if things don't work out? What if he leaves her again? What if she cannot tolerate this long-distance relationship? How will she cope if she were to lose him again, even more so if Rodrigo was no longer there to help her? These were questions and worrying thoughts that plagued her. She had no idea how things will turn out, which only served to increase her anxiety and fear.
As Helga continued to stand there, she then turned back around to face Arnold who, by some miracle, was still there, calmly waiting for her. It was then Helga realized that Rodrigo was...right. Arnold had finally come home and she only had to go over there and embrace him without issue, without hesitation, without guilt. More over, if she had learned anything from all of this, it was that there was no guarantee in anything. That's why she had to take this chance! This was the guy whom she loved since she was a child. It was her dream to be with him. It still is. While she was confident in that she could have gotten over him, she was not so sure if she ever wanted to. Actually, she didn't want to ever get over him. She never wanted to let him go!
Turning back to face Rodrigo, Helga just gave him an emotional and tearful look before then leaning forward and hugged him, embracing him one last time before they may...possibly...go their separate ways.
"Thank you." She softly and tearfully said to him as she continued to hug him.
No amount of thanks, or gratitude will ever be enough for what Rodrigo did for her. Yet, that was all she was able to give him, a hug and a simple 'thank you'. To any person who truly cared for anyone, that was enough.
Rodrigo said nothing and just emotionally hugged her back, also embracing her one last time.
"Go." He then said to her, as he let her go. "You'll be fine." He said with a smile.
Helga let out a small smile before then turning back around and walked back towards the dance floor.
"Helga, are you okay?" Arnold asked her.
"Yeah, I am." Helga said as she took a deep breath. "C'mon football head, let's get this over with." She then said to him as she got ready, facing him.
"Well alright, let's get this special dance underway!" The DJ then said through the microphone. "Here's a special song for this special couple."
The 'couple' then got ready and waited for the song to begin.
"Uh, Helga? Do you know what song we will be dancing to?" Arnold softly asked.
Helga was surprised by Arnold's question, as she realized that she hadn't thought about that either and with Rodrigo, you do not want to let your guard down like that. With a stern but confused look, Helga just shook her head.
The awkward couple got into position, holding hands on one end, while wrapping their hand arm around in each other with the other. They didn't have to wait for long for the song to start. All the lights around the club immediately went out, except for one white light that shined right on top of them. Then, a soft, but romantic piano tune was heard, revealing it to be Michael Buble's song, You and I.
Here we are
On earth together
It's you and I
Upon hearing the lyrics, Arnold and Helga began to slow dance while everyone else went completely quiet and watched them.
God has made us fall in love
It's true
I've really found
Someone like you
However, despite the romantic song and scene, it was soon realized that both were still not comfortable with each other. There was a certain distance between them. It had been so long since they were together, not to mention that their relationship had virtually stopped frozen during the last three years that everything now felt so new, as if they had never felt or done this before and just like the first time, it was making them both nervous. It wasn't helping that everyone was watching them.
Will it say
The love you feel for me
Will it say
That you will be by my side
To see me through
Until my life is through
However pretty soon, with the help of the music and lyrics, the couple began to feel comfortable around each other. Ignoring the stares from their friends and strangers, slowly, that awkward gap between them began to close...
Will cause in my mind
We can conquer the world
In love you and I
You and I, you and I...
Then they both looked into each other's eyes and began to remember what was it about the other person that made them fall for them in the first place. Soon, they became lost in their own world, a world where it was only just them, where only they mattered to each other. It was then that they realized the futility of it all. As much as they tried not to, both couldn't help but find their way back to each other. While emotionally, tearfully, yet lovingly looking at each other, it was then that Helga became fully immersed with Arnold. Finally hit with the realization that he was indeed here, with her, in her arms again, she could no longer stand it and quickly leaned in and kissed him. Arnold too, overcome with feelings of warm, love and happiness on having her in his arms again, reciprocated and pulled her closer to him, briefly stopping their dance and just stood there while fully embracing each other without any guilt, remorse...or regret.
I am glad
At least in my life
I've found someone
That may not be here forever
To see me through
But I found my strength in you
As they continued to kiss each other, Helga, completely into her own deep, emotional affection for him, the boy whom she knew from the moment she first laid eyes on him, knew, just knew she would want to spend the rest of her live with, let out a few tears. But, they were not yet of profound happiness on finally having Arnold in her arms again. No, they were for what she was still feeling for Rodrigo. Even now, she was still emotionally conflicted, causing her to feel guilty again However, she now knew what she must do. But, for a moment, she couldn't bear to do it.
Yet, with each passing second, she grew more and more determined on what she must do. But each time it caused her only more guilt and more pain. As she continued to kiss Arnold, she used the touch of his lips and arms around her to propel her, to support her in her task, even if it caused more more tears to flow down.
As Helga continued to dance with her eyes closed, she then began to imagine Rodrigo in her mind, standing and smiling right at her. Then, as if losing control of her own mind, the imagined Rodrigo then opened and extended his arms while giving her an innocent smile, physically gesturing her to come to him. However, Helga did not 'move' and just continued to stare at him with a tearful look. With real and imagined tears running down her cheeks, she took one last look at him, at his smile, at his eyes...
Finally, after a very brief but fierce internal struggle, with just one push, as she grind her teeth with her eyes still tightly closed and only allowing Arnold's touch and smell to help guide her, she did it. With just one big push, the Rodrigo in her mind, like a cloud of dust, began to disintegrate, first from his feet, then legs, then torso, then his arms. Helga took one quick look at his smile before finally, his face turned into dust and disappeared, forever carried away from her heart. No longer was he hers to like 'like' , no longer was he there by her side to hold and caress his hand. No longer was he there to feel the sweet touch of his lips. That was now over. All she felt now was just...emptiness.
Feelings utterly exhausted, Helga then suddenly stopped kissing Arnold and moved a bit away from him in order to catch her breath. For a few brief seconds, she felt the raw pain and loss of what she just did. However almost immediately, as she looked up into Arnold's eyes again, it soon became filled with all the love and affection that she had for him and he in turn.
"Helga, are you okay?" Arnold asked her when he noticed how exhausted and hurt she looked.
"Yeah..." She said to him while still breathing heavily. "I am now." Before she then leaned forward again and embraced him with another loving and tender kiss as they continued to slow dance.
Cause in my mind
You will stay here always
Just then, a cloud of sparkly whit pixy dust appeared of out nowhere and started to circle the couple as they continued kissing and twirling around. This cloud of dust continued to circle around them, until it virtually covered them...
In love you and I
Just as quickly the dust settled, revealing to everyone Arnold and Helga as they were when they were 11 years old. The couple didn't realize what had happened and just continued to slow dance while holding on to each other tightly.
Having been reverted back to preteens, Arnold was now a lot shorter, had his little blue hat, red and white shoes, blue jeans, a long red stripped shirt, with a green shirt and a dark blue jacket. Helga had also reverted back to her 11 year old self, but was now taller than Arnold, who had to bend a bit in order to hug and dance with him. Her pink bow was now magical on her head again, with her red and white shoes, pink and white dress.
You and I, you and I
You and I
But the pixy dust did not disappear. It had merely moved away from Arnold and Helga and now began to swarm around the entire club, transforming everyone who was present how they were six years prior. For their friends, they all reverted back to their 11 year old selves.
Gerald shrank a bit, his famous Afro hair grown taller and now had his famous red long-sleeved shirt with the number 33 on it, blue pants and red boot-like shoes. Phoebe also shrank back to her 11 year old size, had a light blue dress, white t-shirt with a blue sweater, green and blue shoes, as well as blue hair band that tied her hair.
Rhonda also shrank and now had her red fashionable shoes, black pants, long blueish shit, red jacket, gold necklace, with shorter hair. Her best friend Nadine also shrank with her now having a short black dress, turquoise shirt, grey boots, with her spider-like hair that were held with turquoise clips.
Harold also shrank a bit, at least vertically, but expanded horizontally, especially around his waist. His blue hat appeared, with black and blue shoes, grey short, white shirt and blue short-sleeved jacket. Big Patty didn't really shrank much, but now had her blue bow, blue sweater and dress.
Curly also shrank and now had his moe-like hair style again, yellow and orange shirt, brown shorts and red and white shoes. Sid also shrank, retained his green baseball cap, but now had a green shirt, black jacket, jean shorts and his prized white Winklepicker Beatle boots. Stinky didn't really shrank much either, but now had his long buzz cut hair, his brown and green sleeveless shirt, blue jeans and brown shoes. Lila also reverted back to her 11 year old self, now having her two pigtails, green cow-girl long dress and brown cow-girl boots.
Peapod Kid, Park, Lorenzo, Brainy, Sheena also reverted back to their 11 year old selves.
When the pixy dust reached Rodrigo, it went around him and for a time, completely disappeared from the scene...
In my mind
We can conquer the world
Despite their transformation, everyone continued to watch Arnold and Helga slow dance who were now smiling and lovingly holding each other tightly with their eyes closed.
In love you and I
You and I, you and I...
The song finally ended, but Arnold and Helga, who were completely lost in their own world, continued to slow dance for a bit before finally stopping. Once they did so, they and everyone else immediately reverted back to their original adolescent self. Rodrigo instantly reappeared. However, both Arnold and Helga continued to hug each other and made no attempt to let go, not yet anyways. Everyone else said nothing and just continued to silently watch them. After some more time, they finally pulled a bit away from each other while lovingly smiling at each other.
"Well, that was beautiful!" The DJ then declared. "Please give it up for Arnold and Helga!"
Their friends and the crowd let out a roaring cheer and whistle. Their friends then went over to them to congratulate them.
Rodrigo stood by the sidelines throughout and made no attempt to approach them. Having watched them dance and with each passing time, felt his energy, passion and just his life being sucked right out from under him. The more he looked on, the more unbearable it became. Once their dance ended, no longer able to tolerate it, Rodrigo looked down in utter sadness, sighed, turned around and walked away...
Gerald was busy happily clapping and padding Arnold on his back when he turned around and saw that Rodrigo was no longer in his spot. Noticing his absence, he turned behind him and just barely saw him walking away, towards the exit. While everyone else continued to cheer and applause, Gerald began to leave the crowd and headed straight for the exit. Phoebe saw Gerald leave but was too far away to ask him where he was going, although she kind of had a good idea...
Phoebe just sadly sighed, feeling terrible for what Rodrigo must be going through at that moment. She can only hope that with time, he can move on.
Gerald continued to struggle on trying to get past the huge crowd that had gathered to watch his best friend and now girlfriend again dance. Because of the huge noise everyone was making, he didn't make any attempt to call to Rodrigo. By the time he finally got out of the club, he saw Rodrigo heading to the parking lot. Gerald then quickly ran up to him in order to catch him before he got into his car.
"Rodrigo!" Gerald called out to him just as Rodrigo was about to open the car door.
Rodrigo turned around when he heard Gerald call out his name.
"Hey, where are you going?" Gerald asked him as he rapidly approached him.
"Oh um, I'm not really in a partying mood anymore, Gerald." Rodrigo just sadly replied back. "I kind of lost all of my energy and enthusiasm. So, I think it's best if I just head home."
"Well um, before you go," Gerald then said. "I just wanted to say thank you for getting everyone to recognize us what we did. And especially that speech you made; it meant a lot. Thank you."
"Oh. No worries." Rodrigo just softly said, with almost no happy tone in his voice.
"But also, what gives man?" Gerald continued, now frowning at him. "Why did you only recognize us, but intentionally left yourself out like that in front of everyone?"
"Because this is not my story to tell." Rodrigo gave a rather Laconic reply.
"What?! That's ridiculous!" Gerald exclaimed. "We all did our part, yes. But, you deserved a bunch of the credit for saving the neighbourhood and for exposing Von Scheck's corruption! I know you've only been living here for only about a year, but that doesn't mean that you are not part of our group, or a part of this city, or even this universe might I add. After everything that has happened since you arrived, especially this summer, the imprint you had upon everyone has been huge! As far as I am concerned, you are a part of this world, and a part of our lives now. Your story is our story and it's not just me saying that."
"Thanks Gerald. That means a lot." Rodrigo said with a small smile. "But, I'm still not sure." He then shrugged. "I just feel that, I don't yet belong in this story, or this universe. I just don't think it doesn't really depends on us. I mean, it's nice to hear that everyone here now accepts me and I'm grateful for that. But ultimately, I think it depends on those who are reading our stories, or rather this entire story," he referred to the readers, "that will determine whether or not I truly belong here. It's up to them to see if I have a place here. Until then, I didn't think it was fair to get any credit in a world I do not yet belong in."
"Okay..." Gerald said, looking at bit confused, if not a bit weirded out as to what he meant by that.
"Besides, after the way I took the credit in beating Caesar," Rodrigo continued, "I figured it was just best if I didn't really occupy the spotlight this time."
"Well that, I can't really argue with you." Gerald joked, trying to get Rodrigo at least smile a bit.
Rodrigo did let out a small chuckle and a very small smile
"Anyways, I know what you did for Arnold and Helga took a lot, and I mean A LOT of guts." He continued. "But, why did you do it?" He asked.
"What? You mean the dance?" Rodrigo asked.
"Not that. I mean why did you break up with Helga?" Gerald clarified his question. "Why did you just let her go like that? You know she really likes you."
Rodrigo said nothing and after a few moments, simply looked away in utter sadness. And that was when it hit Gerald.
"Oh..." Gerald then said, shock that what he just realized. "You...fell for her. You fell in love with her."
"Yeah." Rodrigo softly and sadly admitted.
"Oh man, I'm really sorry, Rodrigo." Gerald sympathetically said to him.
"So am I." Rodrigo said back
"But, that doesn't make any sense." Gerald then said, now even more confused. "If you love her, why didn't you fight for her? You saw how she felt about you when you kissed her after you and Arnold apologized to each other. She practically went over heels for you. I know I would have never let Phoebe go without at least fighting to keep her with me."
Rodrigo just sadly sighed.
"Gerald," Rodrigo began to say to him, "love is inherently a selfish thing. We love someone because they make us realize what we never had. That's why we fight to keep the other person; to fight back against that constant reminder of what we never had. We love that person because he or she is able to cover up what we lack. That's also why couples sometimes argue or fight or disagree; because we are too busy trying to look for our own interests, our desires. You yourself said it; you would have fought for Phoebe if she was being led away from you and that's nice because it shows that you love her. But you never stopped to think what Phoebe wants, or even she what needs. What if she found someone who could make her more happier than you ever could? What if she wants to break up with you because you are not letting her achieve her dreams? Are you willing to trample on her happiness just so you can be happy?"
When Gerald said nothing, Rodrigo sadly continued.
"That's the hardest part about love; you have to push away your own selfish wants and desires and look at what's best for the person that you claim to love. That's why I let her go. I knew she would be way more happier being with Arnold than with me. There was no way I would have ever been able to give her what she always wanted; what she always needed. I was foolish to think I ever could. Only Arnold can give her that, because she loves him. I couldn't stand in the way of her dreams coming true. I wasn't her dream. Arnold was. Because I love her, that's why I did what was best for her, not for me."
Gerald initially said nothing and just stared at the Latino kid with a stunned look on his face.
Dang, that's deep. He thought. Never thought about it that way. Even now, this kid is still able to impress.
"I see." The African-American teen said, understanding his point of view. "I know this may not seem much, but is there anything I or any of us can do?" He sympathetically asked.
"Actually, there is something you can do." Rodrigo said to him. "You cannot tell Helga or anybody else about anything that we just spoke about it. Not even to Phoebe." He firmly said to him.
"I won't." Gerald promised him, but Rodrigo wasn't satisfied with that answer.
"I mean it, Gerald." Rodrigo said to him. "You are to take this to your grave. I don't want to give Helga any more reasons to doubt her relationship with Arnold. The decision has been done. It's over now."
"Alright, alright, I won't tell anyone. I promise." Gerald re-affirmed again.
"Good." Rodrigo said. "Anyways, I gotta get going. Enjoy the party." He said as he then opened the door to his car, got inside and turned on the ignition.
"Rodrigo, you know if you need to talk to someone or just hang out," Gerald then said, "just to help you with this, you can always come to any of us. We have your back. You know that right?"
Rodrigo just smiled at him.
"Thanks, Gerald. That means a lot. That's good to know. See ya."
Gerald just stood there and watched Rodrigo leave the parking lot with a strong sympathetic look. He felt really bad for the guy and personally didn't think he deserved this. Nevertheless, despite his reasons, it was still his decision to end things with Helga. Whatever path laid ahead for them, he just hoped they will be able to make it through and come out alright.
Once Rodrigo disappeared, Gerald let out a sigh and walked back into the club. After getting checked in again, he managed to get inside and find his friends. As he approached them, he saw that Phoebe was with Helga, who seemed to be looking for someone.
"Hey, have you seen Rodrigo?" Helga asked Gerald. "I can't seem to find him."
"Uh ya, I've seen him." Gerald then nervously replied and tried to come up with an excuse. "He just left."
"Just left?" Helga asked, surprised. Phoebe said nothing but looked on.
"Yeah, something came up and his folks asked him to come home right away." He said to her, obviously lying.
Helga obviously didn't buy that story. She could instantly see that Gerald was not telling her the truth. After giving him a suspicious look, she then attempted to walk out of the club in the hopes of finding Rodrigo. However, Gerald then immediately pulled his arms out right in front of her, surprising her and blocking her way.
"Helga," Gerald then addressed her with a serious tone in his voice, "it's best if you just stay here. Rodrigo is going to need some space for a while."
Helga said nothing and merely gave Gerald a bit of an irritated glare for daring to intervene in her business. For a moment, there was an intense standoff between them, with neither of them backing down. Yet, Gerald was adamant on making sure Helga was going to give the poor guy some space to breathe in order to cope with this and was not going to back down, even if Helga threatened him. Phoebe said nothing and just looked on with growing uneasiness, unsure if she should intervene or not. Eventually, Helga took the hint and relented and while still frowning at Gerald, merely turned around and walked back to where Arnold was.
Once Helga went back to their group, Gerald put his arm down.
"Is Rodrigo going to be alright?" Phoebe asked him.
"right now, no." Gerald replied. "But he will be eventually."
While all of this was going on, Rhonda looked on by the sidelines with growing concern. Although she couldn't hear what Gerald and Helga were saying to each other, she had a big hunch that it had to involve Rodrigo somehow. Although she didn't see Rodrigo leave, she could only imagine how he must be feeling.
Poor Rodrigo...She sadly sighed in thought.
"Rhonda!" Nadine then called out to her, making the socialite snap right out of it.
"Huh? What?" Rhonda startlingly remarked.
"Are you okay?" Nadine asked. "You seem distracted."
"Yes, I'm okay." Rhonda replied, focusing her attention back at her best friend. "I'm sorry Nadine, you were saying?"
Despite her little standoff with Gerald, Helga knew what Rodrigo attempted to do for her and Arnold and not wanting to lose the momentum, had to somewhat force herself to have some sort of fun. Thankfully, Rodrigo's latest stunt seemed to have worked, as it finally eased any awkward tension between the reunited couple. Arnold's and Helga's special dance reinvigorated confidence in their relationship again and remained virtually inseparable throughout the night. None shied away from becoming affectionate with each other, whether in private or quite literally in the middle of the dance floor. Helga no longer cared who was watching or what people thought about them. None of that mattered. Arnold was back in her life and in her arms and that's all that mattered to her. As a result, quite surprisingly, she actually had fun.
By the time everyone left the club, it was well past midnight. Almost 1 a.m. to be exact. Despite the little standoff between Helga and Gerald, both teens, as well as everyone seemed to have fun.
"Well, this is where I depart." Curly then said to everyone, prompting everyone to stop.
"It is?" Arnold asked.
"Yeah. I live across town, so I need to catch a different bus." Curly explained.
"Oh. Will I see you at the airport?" Arnold asked.
"Pfft, as if." Curly dismissively remarked. "I've wasted enough of my summer time helping you blocks in saving your destitute homes. I would like to spend my last few days of summer doing more 'constructive' things." He said.
"Oh." Arnold said, feeling a bit disappointed
However, Curly then approached Arnold and with a genuine face, extended his hand.
"It was great seeing you again, Arnold." He genuinely said. "Take care of yourself."
Arnold smiled and shook his hand.
"Same here, Curly. You too. And thanks for all your help. We couldn't have done it without you." Arnold said.
"Pfft, of course you wouldn't. I am a genius after all." Cruly snobbed.
"More like a crazy genius." Helga softly commented.
Curly then walked towards the other person whom he wanted to say his goodbye.
"It was a pleasure working with you, Phoebe." Curly said with a smile as he extended his hand.
"Likewise, Curly." Phoebe said with her own smile and shook his hand. "You take care of yourself."
Next, Curly went to Gerald.
"No hard feelings, Gerald?" He asked him.
"Nah man. It's all good." Gerald said as he extended his hand, to which Curly shook it.
He then went over to Helga. He didn't say anything to her other than give her a smile and extended his hand.
Helga also didn't say anything and with a stern face, just shook his hand.
"Take care of yourself, Helga." He said to her.
"You too..." She said to him, "you twisted little freak." She smirked.
Instead of taking offence to that, it made Curly smile even more.
He then bid his goodbyes to everyone else until there was only one person left.
"Well my cherie, I guess this is where our paths diverge." He said to Rhonda.
Rhonda, not really amused, simply rolled her eyes and awaited another irritating gesture from him. Yet despite that, deep down, she was going to miss him...a bit.
Curly, unfazed, smiled at her and as a simply friendly gesture, extended his hand.
"It was great seeing you again. Take care, Rhonda." He then said to her.
Surprised at Curly's genuine mention of her name and realizing that this may well be the very last time she will ever see him, she let go of her annoyed facial expression and shook his hand.
"Same to you, Curly." She said to him. "Thanks for everything. Take care of yourself."
Curly just smiled.
"If you are ever ready to act like a descent person and stop your inappropriate remarks at me," she then said to him with a rather stern tone, "you can keep in touch with me."
"I'll do that." He said to him with a smile.
"Hey um, do me a small little favour, would ya?" He asked of her.
"What?" She asked him with a bit of a suspicious look.
"Rodrigo, he uh, is feeling a bit down." Curly sympathetically said. "Help him out whenever you can, would ya? Especially since, you know, blondie over there went all haywire and broke his heart." As he pointed to Helga.
"WHAT?!" Helga angrily exclaimed at him, prompting everyone to immediately tense up and feeling incredibly awkward, nervously looked at her.
"Now you listen here you insignificant little slim ball! I did no such thing!" She furiously yelled at him as she stomped her way towards him.
"Helga, don't! It's not worth it!" Phoebe then cried out as she instantly moved in her path and restrained her.
"Yeah Helga. It's over and done with. No need to get upset over this." Gerald said, also restraining her.
As angry as Helga was at him, she knew her friends were right and after initially trying to get past them, eventually stopped on trying to get to him. After giving him a quick glare, she walked away.
"Whoa, touchy." Curly commented.
"Anyways." Rhonda then said, getting his attention. "Yes, I promise that I'll help him out." She said to him.
Helga said nothing and with a glare, simply let out a soft humph and crossed her arms.
Curly let out a small 'thank you' smile.
"Anyways, I'd best be off." He then said. "Toodles. Let me know when the next adventure is." As he then began to walk away while waving at everyone.
Despite the serious tense moment, everyone nevertheless smiled and waved him goodbye. Once he was out of sight, Brainy then spoke up.
"Uh, I have to get going too." He wheezed to everyone. "I have another bus to take."
"Will I see you at the airport?" Arnold asked him, to which Brainy nodded.
"I'll be there." He wheezed.
"Well alright. Have a good night." Arnold said to him.
"You too, Arnold." He wheezed to him, but he then walked towards Helga who was still fuming over Curly insensitive comments.
"Helga." He addressed her and extended his arms.
"Night, Brainy." Was all she said to him as she hugged him. However, Brainy then whispered something to her ear.
"Everything will be alright." He whispered. "You and Rodrigo will get through this."
Helga didn't say anything, nor did she reveal anything in her face. She just continued to hug him while she listened. They then let go and after saying his goodbyes to everyone else, departed to get head home.
Taking the last train home, everyone was still hyped up from the partying and continued to excitedly talk among themselves. Gerald and Phoebe were talking to both Helga and Arnold, who were quite intimately leaning against each other and holding hands, looking happy. Helga was especially enjoying the moment as she tightly held onto Arnold's hand, with the occasional kisses on his cheek. Gerald and Phoebe said nothing about the strangeness that they felt on seeing Arnold beside Helga so soon after she ended things with Rodrigo. It merely served as a rather sad reminder of what could have been something...special. Nevertheless, Gerald and Phoebe were extremely happy that Arnold and Helga were together again. Like Rodrigo, they too felt that they were meant for each other.
Rhonda meanwhile, while busy talking to Nadine and Sheena, was also texting someone.
At Rodrigo's house...
Rodrigo was at home and still awake, lying on the couch while annoyingly and randomly flipping through the channels on TV, trying to find something that would catch his attention. Just then his cell vibrated.
Rodrigo sighed and groaned in annoyance.
I swear it better not be Helga! Rodrigo angrily thought as he grabbed his phone to see who texted him.
To his surprise, it was a text message from Rhonda. Rather curiously, he unlocked his cell to read it.
Rhonda: Hey, thank you, for what you did and said back there.
Rodrigo: You're welcome.
Rhonda: I also just want to say that...I forgive you. I hope you feel better soon and just know that I'm here for you. xoxoxoxo
When Rodrigo read her message, for once, something genuinely made him smile.
Rodrigo: Thanks Rhonda.
Rodrigo: xoxo...
The song that Rodrigo was singing at the beginning of this chapter was not one of Dino Spumoni's songs. That song was actually from the French singer Maitre Gims, Tu vas me manquer ( I miss you), which I translated into English. I liked the lyrics and they were a good fit on how Rodrigo was feeling.
I chose Michael Buble's song, You and I, because of the music. It had a romantic, smooth jazz tone to it, which fitted perfectly with the theme of Arnold and the TV series.
