CHAPTER 32: RETURN OF THE FREAK, PART 2
Moments ago, the Hillwood Heroes had faced one of the worst attacks upon their city that they had ever faced: The escaped crime boss 'Little' Nicky Russotti had assumed control over the local crime branches in Hillwood and launched an attack on the city. His one and only goal was to distract the Hillwood Heroes in order to abduct Thaddeus 'Curly' Gammelthorpe, better known as 'The Freak', to get revenge over the death of his son.
Moments ago, the Hillwood Heroes had successfully fought off this attack, with the Green Eye personally protecting the Freak from any attack and the remainder of the team defending the streets. When forced to save the Freak, the Green Eye found himself facing against not any of 'Little' Nicky's men, but, instead, the reanimated body of Rhonda Lloyd. Despite this challenge, and arriving after she had done her damage, the Green Eye successfully prevented the Freak's death.
Moments ago, the Green Eye had learned that Rhonda had not just tortured the Freak, but also given him an injection of his blood, giving him the powers of the Spirit Master. Having just recovered from an invasive back surgery with the aide of his new healing powers, the Freak has returned, and with all the Green Eye's powers.
In just one short night, the entire world of Arnold Shortman has just turned upside-down.
"What? What do you mean, 'not him'? What's going on?" G-Funk asked.
"You don't get it. Rhonda, when she left, she took a sample of my blood. I didn't think about it until now, but, she used it on-" Green Eye began to say.
"Curly." A voice said.
All heads in the Hillwood Heroes' base turned to the voice, coming into contact once again with the body of Rhonda standing before them. Their first reaction was to fall back and hold up their weapons, expecting a fight to come from her, but none found such an event to unfold.
Of all the reactions that came about from the dumbfounded Hillwood Heroes, the most notable one came from Buckley Lloyd, unmasked from his alter-ego of Valiance. Looking upon his daughter once again, he could sense that there was something different from her; something that was missing when he had first brought her back he sensed was returned and back.
"Rhonda?" Buckley asked.
Instead of appearing elated or happy to see her father again, Rhonda simply nodded to him, appearing impartial about their reunion.
"Dad." Rhonda said.
"Rhonda, how did you... get in here?" Green Eye asked.
"I gave her some help." A voice said.
The source of the new voice revealed itself literally out of thin air, turning visible to the Hillwood Heroes when it was once invisible. The new entry was a slender, vampire-like man flying in the air; his skin a palish blue, his coat a snow white with blood red interior, and sleek black hair that curved above his head like a pair of devil's horns.
Seeing such an apparition floating in the air before them, the Hillwood Heroes were driven even further into fear, all giving panicked shouts.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT THING?!" G-Funk shouted.
The apparition landed itself on the ground, setting its boots firmly down to find their footing. Holding its hands to its sides, a black ring appeared around its midriff, splitting into two rings that went in opposing directions over its body. When the rings reached the top and bottom of its body, the being's form changed to that of a man, and this specific man was quickly found to be...
"Vlad Masters?" Buckley asked.
"I told you, Mr. Lloyd. I can walk through walls." Vlad said.
"Okay, like, is somebody gonna explain what the hell's going on here? I'm really confused." Star of David said.
"I'll get the easy parts out of the way. When your colleague, Mr. Lloyd here, used Mr. Shortman's blood to bring back Rhonda, it didn't completely resurrect her. All you did was reanimate her body. Her soul had already moved on to the afterlife. I had to bring her out to pay you a visit in hopes that you would give up your little episode of cheating death, but, sadly, that didn't quite pay off. Without a soul to operate it, the body was left to run off pure emotion and instinct, playing off whatever it last remembered or felt. Unfortunately, that happened to be most of the abuse Rhonda here had endured under her assault by 'The Freak', as you so like to call him, and, after another little venture into the other side, I returned her soul to her body. So, now, she's fully back for good. You can rest assured that problem is over. It seems now, you've realized the new problem on your hands, and I don't think I have to tell you that this one is far worse."
"Curly has my powers. He's a Spirit Master now." Green Eye said.
"Correct. No thanks to the recently un-deceased Ms. Lloyd here."
"I... I wouldn't have done it if I had control over myself. I just knew that whatever that formula was, it made me hurt so bad, and... and I wanted him to hurt, too." Rhonda said.
"Okay, okay. We know what to do now. We go find him, and we put him down for good." G-Funk said.
"No, we don't. We can't." Green Eye said.
"What?!" The Hillwood Heroes asked in unison.
"Uh, Hey Arnold, I don't know whether or not you noticed, but Rhonda was bad enough of a problem with your powers. Curly's got all that now, and he's way, way worse, and you don't wanna do anything?!" G-Funk asked.
"We don't have a choice. If we were to do anything now, none of us are in any condition to be fighting, especially not him. We'd all be getting ourselves hurt, or killed. We need a concise plan and idea of what to do, and we're not gonna get it tonight." Green Eye said.
"And what if he just decides to run after us and kill us all in our sleep tonight?"
"If he wanted to go after any of us, we would've seen it on the news already. Besides, the National Guard's on every corner of the street. Even if he does have my powers, and even if he went after us, a manhunt for him'll be put out faster than he can make it anywhere, and they'll catch him and fight him instantly."
"And would that manage to stop you?"
The Green Eye prepared himself for an answer, but quickly stopped himself before he could speak; the question of his capabilities leaving him contemplating the scenario.
"It doesn't matter. He's right; you need to rest yourselves. Compared to what you've made headlines for yourselves before, I don't think you'll have an easy time with him." Vlad said.
"Alright, so, what about you?" Bad Boy asked.
"Yeah. Aren't ya gonna give us some help?" Dirt Man asked.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have the time to offer you any help. I've got my own affairs." Vlad said.
"WHAT?!" The Hillwood Heroes shouted.
"So what the hell was the point of you coming here?" Buckley asked.
"I came to let you know that the threat of Rhonda is over, and you can focus your attention on your new issue at hand, but also to give you specifically a warning, Mr. Lloyd. I told you not to go tampering with nature. You did not listen. Now, you see firsthand the consequences that come with your decisions. You've endangered your city, and you have to deal with the threat yourself." Vlad said.
"And exactly why can't you help us?"
"I told you, I have my own affairs. There are things in the supernatural that you are not prepared to deal with, and the one who used to protect you from these threats no longer fights back against these forces. The responsibility of keeping them back now lies on my shoulders alone."
"What kind of threats? Something more dangerous than the Freak? More dangerous than the deadliest man on Earth having the abilities of the most powerful superhero on Earth?"
"Yes. Far more dangerous. And, believe me, Mr. Shortman is not anywhere near close to the most powerful. There are more powerful forces in this world."
"Like what?"
Vlad changed himself back to his ghost form, aiming his hand to a nearby vehicle parked among others. Firing an ectoplasmic blast out of his hand, the vehicle melted in an instant; the superheated plasma liquefying the metal build into a puddle within a matter of seconds.
"Like me. Consider this your final warning. The next time we meet, it won't be under pleasant conditions or even business conditions. If I meet you again, it'll be to stop you for good." Vlad said.
"Fine. It doesn't matter, anyway, I have Rhonda back now, which is all I-" Buckley began to say.
"I'm not staying, dad." Rhonda said.
Hearing his daughter's voice once again was a relief to Buckley's soul, giving him the sense of accomplishment that he had at last brought her back to life, but the words that left the mouth of his daughter brought that same sense to a halt. Starting to feel a sense of panic, he inquired why she would say these words.
"What?! After everything I've done to bring you back?!" Buckley asked.
"Yes, after everything you've done. You experimented on people, hurt so many people that were my friends, and you did it all because you couldn't let me go. I told you, I was at peace. I only wanted you to be happy." Rhonda said.
"What would've made me happy was if you were back with me again. You and your mother died. I... I couldn't be alone for that long. Valiance is all I had for myself, but I couldn't just be content with that. I needed to live on another way. I had that chance with you before, but I failed you. I needed you to live again. I needed you to really be alive again."
Buckley grabbed his daughter's hands, holding them tightly in his own.
"Please. Don't leave me. Stay. We can make it work again now. I wasn't a good father to you before, but I'll do it right this time, I swear. I've been working so hard to get that chance again. You're all I have left." Buckley said.
Her father's speech was sincere and heartfelt, hitting deep into the hardened shell that overcame Rhonda's heart. Sharing an unconditional love for her father, and knowing well that every effort he made was to give her another chance at life, this speech would have been enough to make her stay, and would've worked very well...
...if not for the fact that he violated the laws of nature and betrayed so much trust to get where they were now.
Releasing her father's hands, Rhonda coldly set them away.
"I'm sorry. I can't do it. You brought me out of a peaceful rest and you made things so bad here. You should know that you brought this on yourself. I'm alive now and I'm not going anywhere; that should be content enough for you." Rhonda said.
Rhonda prepared to leave the Hillwood Heroes' base, turning to leave this part of her life behind for good. Before leaving for good, Rhonda also took a stop to Insect Girl and the Star of David, sharing a last goodbye to the two people that had the most impact on her life.
"Well... I guess I get a proper goodbye this time, huh?" Insect Girl asked.
"Looks like it. Sorry I missed the first one." Rhonda said.
The two best friends shared a laugh and a hug, each letting out some tears as they bid each other a true last goodbye. Having given her departing remarks to her best friend, Rhonda moved on to the Star of David, needing to settle the last remnants of the relationship they started once before.
"So, uh, I don't really have a lot to say... I mean, you were cool and all, but... I don't think we were much when we were dating, you know? No, wait, I'm sorry, that was kinda stupid, I mean-" Star of David stuttered.
"It's okay; you're right. We had some fun, but it just wasn't meant to be. I do remember hearing you talk about 'Big' Patty, and seeing how well you guys were together for a while. Just do me a favor, give her a call sometime, okay? I think you guys could make it work." Rhonda said.
Though a fit of nervousness fell over him, the Star of David eventually gave a nod, agreeing to her request.
"Yeah, sure. I'll do that." Star of David said.
"Yeah. You guys take care of yourselves." Rhonda said.
Before turning to leave Hillwood at long last, she gave one last look to the Green Eye; a task not so easy for her. Just as facing him was a challenge for her, looking at Rhonda was nearly impossible for the Green Eye, leading him to turn away instantly in shame and humiliation.
Though unable to face looking at Rhonda any longer, the Green Eye felt a gentle hand lay on his shoulder, giving him a small sense of comfort from his once-victor.
"Hey Arnold... I'm really sorry. I know that probably doesn't mean much to you, but, I really do regret what I did." Rhonda said.
"It's okay. It's not your fault." Green Eye said.
"No, it's not okay. I... I did something to you that I can't make up for. But... I saw what you did after. I mean, I sensed it, like you can sense other people. That's not the way to fix things, and you can't hide things from Helga like that."
"If you read me, then you should know that I'm not hiding it anymore. I'm going to tell her the moment she gets home."
Rhonda gave a nod, sharing agreement with his sentiment.
"I know. Goodbye, Arnold." Rhonda said.
Joining with Vlad Plasmius near the exit, Rhonda held his hand, allowing him to turn them both intangible. Stepping through the doors of the base of the Hillwood Heroes, Rhonda disappeared once and for all from the lives of the group, never to be seen again, and no longer existing, just as when she was dead.
Most took away from the event a mixed feeling of emotions that none could clearly work through, but the one with the most distinct reaction was Buckley Lloyd. Having succeeded in his mission to resurrect his daughter, he was left with her no longer wishing to be part of his life; leaving him for good and never forgiving of his crimes.
The others are overwhelmed with their own emotions, but Buckley is left with none of his own; his mind and heart empty. Processing that emptiness in whatever way he could, he continued to stand in place with his eyes going in a thousand-mile stare, the mind behind his eyes going completely blank of feeling.
Acting out of concern for her best friend's father, Insect Girl reached out for Buckley, hoping to give him some degree of comfort from his own thoughts.
"Leave me alone." Buckley said.
Unable to reach him at this point in time, Insect Girl backed away, leaving him alone as requested. Wishing to keep her friend away from such a monster of a man, Flower Child pulled Insect Girl away, keeping her back with herself and the Mauve Avenger, among people she trusted the most.
"Just stay away from him. You know what he did, why bother trying to help him?" Flower Child asked.
"He's still a person. He still needs to connect to somebody. Rhonda was my best friend, it's the least I can do for her now." Insect Girl said.
The Green Eye seemed to have a look of both relief and distress paradoxically coexisting on his face; happy to see his issue of Rhonda had been solved, but worried of how he would see to the new issues that had fallen on his hands. Trying to offer support to his best friend again, G-Funk patted him on the back, giving a light-hearted joke to ease his tension.
"Well, just another little delay in the whole 'gettin-outta-Hillwood' process. That's cool." G-Funk said.
"No, Gerald, you don't have to stay for this, I can-" Green Eye began to say.
"Don't even say it, Arnold. Ain't no way I'm gonna let you take on this guy all by yourself again, especially not when he's got all your superpowers. I'm gonna help you nab this sucker, any way I can. Besides, I'll be a little more able to leave when I know he's down for good."
Gaining the support of his best friend once again, the Green Eye let out a smile; more much-needed relief coming to his face.
"Thanks, Gerald. I owe you big-time when this is all over." Green Eye said.
"Hey Arnold, don't sweat it. We're best buds; we don't owe each other nothin'. But, I'm curious, what was that whole thing you were sayin' you were gonna tell Helga?" G-Funk said.
Before able to answer the question, the thought that Helga could be endangered by this new threat of a super-powered Freak would be more than deadly to her; a fact that he absolutely could not accept. What relief he got from his friend's support was soon gone, leading him to panic.
"Damn! I can't let Helga come back now! Curly almost-" Green Eye said.
"Hey, whoa, relax, man, didn't you say she was out of town or something?" G-Funk said.
"Oh... Yeah, I did... I almost forgot. Even so, I'd better tell her to stay up longer, just in case."
Taking out his cell phone, the Green Eye dialed Helga's number, waiting through the sound of the dial tone to come to an end, with her voice following through. Soon, the dial tone came to an end with a voice on the other end, but who he heard was not Helga, but, instead, his father.
"Hey Arnold, what's up?" Miles asked.
"What-? Dad? What are you doing with Helga's phone?" Green Eye asked.
"She put it on charge before she stepped into the shower, she told me and Stella to take messages for her."
"Wait, you mean she's there? With you?"
"Yeah, she told me you said it was okay for her to come back. I know that whole thing on the streets was kind of scary, but, if you okayed it, then I guess that means-"
"What?! No! I didn't tell her that!"
"You didn't?"
"No!"
"Oh... Oh, no... Arnold, I'm sorry, I didn't- Look, I'll just send her back to the hotel right now, I can-"
"No, no, don't do anything. I'll handle this. Just wait for me to get back."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. Trust me."
"Alright. We'll see you when you get home, son."
Hanging up the phone, the Green Eye held back a sense of fear and distress; his face going pale and his stomach churning on itself. Not understanding the context of his best friend's conversation, G-Funk asked for answers his questions regarding the conversation, still showing strong his concern for the Green Eye.
"Hey Arnold, everything cool?" G-Funk asked.
"I have to go. You and everyone else get some rest. We've got to deal with Curly tomorrow." Green Eye said.
Without saying anything else, the Green Eye quickly rushed back home, leaving the Hillwood Heroes behind in a state none of them properly knew how to handle, and with no leader to guide them. For now, all they can do is rest as ordered, in hopes that they would be ready for the mission to come tomorrow.
As for the Green Eye, all he hopes for is that he will be ready for what will happen tonight.
Out of costume and expedient to reach his destination, Arnold Shortman headed his way to the Sunset Arms Boarding Home, preparing himself to confront Helga and tell the truth regarding his infidelity during her absence, as well as the event which led to the infidelity itself. However, though he tries to focus his mind on the important task at hand, the streets of Hillwood catch his attention far more.
As a result of 'Little' Nicky's attack on the city, the National Guard was deployed on the streets of the town; all soldiers armed to the teeth in readiness for any new threat that would come the way of the city. Of the citizens observing the deployed troops, Arnold noticed a look of fear in their eyes; a far cry from the wonder and joy they get when they view the Green Eye or any of the Hillwood Heroes.
The thought of fearing men meant to protect the citizens gave some concern in his heart, but there was no time to dwell on such concerns. After all, these are soldiers who took a vow to protect their fellow citizens, and there is surely no dishonor in that. Besides, there is the more important priority for Arnold to focus on:
Helga.
Stepping to the Sunset Arms Boarding Home, Arnold stepped back inside his home, heading to the stairs to make his way to his partner up in his room. Along the way, he took notice of the Grossman family sitting together at the couch; the parents holding their children as they cuddled up in their laps.
"Mommy, Daddy, why are their so many soldiers on the streets? Are we in the middle of a war?" William asked.
"No, no, Will, we're just... The city needs some help to deal with those bad people on the TV. They'll keep us safe." Goldie said.
"But aren't the Hillwood Heroes supposed to keep us safe?"
The mother had no answer for her son; having no idea of the answer nor even what response to give to signify that. Instead, the only thing the mother could do for her child was to hold him as close as possible, giving him a place of warmth and security against the urban chaos unfolding outside.
Just as dissatisfied with the lack of an answer, Arnold continued his way up the stairs. While making his way up the stairs, he also found himself bumping into Chris, nearly knocking two bowls of noodles out of his hands. Fortunately, neither bowl had lost any of their contents; Chris' fast reflexes saving the food.
"Whoa, sorry about that." Arnold said.
"It's okay, no harm done. Man, where were you out there? Didn't you see all that crazy stuff going on?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, I just... had to make sure something was alright at work. It was to help protect people, trust me."
"If you say so. You want some noodles? I cooked some for me and Aaliyah."
"No, thanks. You two starting to be friends?"
"Heh. I guess so. Her and I are pretty much the most calmest people here right now."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, you know Aaliyah. She lived in Palestine for most of her life; pretty nightmarish stuff going on there. Plus, I've spent some time with some extended family back in Korea. Being trapped on a peninsula with a totalitarian dictatorship standing between you and the mainland, with another powerful communist regime right below you... pretty scary situation. But this isn't so bad. We've got soldiers protecting us, on top of the Hillwood Heroes. We should be alright."
Knowing of Chris and Aaliyah's pasts with unstable or unsafe countries for homelands, seeing the opposite reaction from two of the boarders gave him an unsettled reaction. Still, there was no real time to focus on this concept; there was much to say to Helga now.
"Sure you don't want some ramen noodles, man? They're real good, and they cook in, like, less than a minute. Half my college buddies practically run off it." Chris offered.
"N-No, thanks, Chris. I'm not hungry. You and Aaliyah just be safe, okay?" Arnold asked.
"Way ahead of you, partner."
Bidding his passing greetings to Chris, Arnold made his way up the stairs to his bedroom at last, preparing himself for an uncomfortable talk with Helga regarding his actions in her absence. Though he was not sure what challenge would come first, he soon found it appearing just on the right time: Unexpectedly.
Feeling a pair of arms wrap around his stomach and a kiss on his neck, Arnold found Helga, dressed in naught but a bathrobe, giving him a welcoming greeting back, gaining a surprise out of the football head.
"Now, how is it you can notice 20 different guys taking you on at once, but you never seem to notice me when I'm sneaking up on you? Mind you, I'm not complaining; I like making you jump like that." Helga said.
"I've trained myself to not register your mind when I sense people's emotions. I respect your privacy, Helga." Arnold said.
"Mmm, a gentleman, even with your super mind-powers. Well, I've been missing you for a while, so, I think it's about time for that 'gentleman' act to come to a pause now, don't you think?"
Helga grabbed his shirt and pulled it off him down his back, each suction sending sensations down his spine and making him quiver in his breath. The act led him wanting nothing more than to continue their activity further, but the guilt in his own heart prevented him from doing so, putting his feelings of pleasure aside to talk.
"Uh, wait, Helga, I wanna talk to you for a second." Arnold said.
"You can save the talking for when I sit on your face. Of course, that's after I get to see the old 'football head' again." Helga said.
Helga began unbuckling Arnold's belt, pulling his pants to the ground. Though frustrated with Helga's ignorance, he still tried to push on his soft approach.
"Helga, will you please just listen for a second?" Arnold asked.
"Tell you what, you can use your mouth when I start using mine. I won't have anything to do but listen to you, but I doubt you'll be doing a lot of talking while I work." Helga said.
Helga reached down for Arnold's underwear, preparing to remove the last garments and ease her access to the protected goods underneath. Losing his patience with Helga over her brash efforts of foreplay, Arnold grabbed her and dragged her to the bed, throwing her onto it. Though the act was surprising to Helga, she mistook the gesture as his own act on her engagement.
"Oh-ho-ho, finally starting to show some dominance? I like where this is going." Helga said.
"Helga, please! Will you just stop for a minute?! There is something I have to tell you."
"Jeesh, okay, football head. What's the big deal?"
"Well, first of all, why the hell would you come back now? Didn't you see anything on the news?"
"Of course I did. That's why I came back."
"What?"
"You're going through of crazy stuff right now, and, whatever's going on, I don't want to be away from you. When I agreed to marry you, that means I agreed to love, comfort, and honor you, for better... or worse. Whatever's gonna happen, I want to be there for you."
The reasoning behind Helga's return gave Arnold a mixed feeling; an admiration for her in one part of his heart, but anger in another over endangering herself so needlessly.
"But that also means I'm supposed to protect you. If what I have to do to do that is to send you away until this blows over, then that's what I'll do. Pack your bags, you're going back to Seattle right now." Arnold said.
"No, Arnold. I don't care what's going on now. I want to be here with you and help you in the way I know I can. There's nothing that can keep me away." Helga said.
"It's Curly. He's back."
The name drop of the man who shot her through the heart gave Helga a shock to her system; her determination starting to drop in spades.
"What? What do you mean, 'he's back'?" Helga asked.
"His spine's been fixed and he has my powers. He's gonna come after me, and he's gonna go through you again to do it, just like last time. I know it." Arnold said.
"...Oh... Oh, god..."
"Pack your bags. I want you out of harm's way until I get him."
"...No."
"What?!"
"I told you, I'm not leaving for any reason. I'm staying here with you."
"Do you not remember what he did to you last time, Helga?! How you nearly died in my arms?! Do you think I want to do that all over again, and not have you come back?! Or have someone else die in your place so you can live?! Is that what you want?! IS IT?!"
The enraged scream coming from Arnold began scaring Helga, leaving her to cower against the bed. Realizing the reaction that he was sending to his partner, Arnold began to realize his mistake, holding his head down in shame and turning away from her, breathing deeply to try to stave his anger.
"I'm sorry, Helga. I shouldn't have yelled like that." Arnold said.
"N-No, it's okay. You're right. I really shouldn't be here, but... I just can't leave. Especially not after seeing you like this. You need someone. You need me." Helga said.
Stepping off the bed and approaching Arnold, Helga took his hands in hers, gently leading him to the bed. Seating the two onto the mattress, Helga began rubbing his shoulders, gently massaging him to calm his nerves and anger from the stress his mind was forced under. The efforts seemed to work; Arnold's breathing slowing and his mind slowly giving into her soothing touch.
"That's it. You need this. Just don't focus on anything else but me. I'm your temple. I'm your sanctity. I can be your escape from this mess. You're safe with me." Helga said.
Despite the gentle words giving Arnold a sense of peace from the troubles in his own life, there was still one trouble still biting at his mind; one still preventing him from being unable to fully accept her acts of love. The guilt of his infidelity with Lila still tore him apart, and left him feeling all the dirtier for being in the arms of Helga.
Unable to accept her motions any further, Arnold stood up, removing her hands from his skin.
"Helga... that's not all I had to tell you. While you were gone, something... really bad happened. I did something really bad." Arnold said.
"What? What happened?" Helga asked.
"It was when... What happened was... Rhonda came back. Buckley took my blood and he put it in her, and it brought her back, sort of. Her soul wasn't in her body, and she was running off pure instinct. She had this... connection with me, and it made her obsessed with me. She started playing these games with me."
"Arnold, this is all... I don't... What exactly happened to you?"
With no easy way to say what needed to be said, Arnold let out a deep breath, ready at last to say it, or at least as ready as he could be.
"I... I was raped." Arnold said.
The revelation caused Helga to jump back in a gasp; tears beginning to come out of her eyes.
"Oh, god... Are you serious?" Helga asked.
"Yes. It was Rhonda, before she... returned to normal again." Arnold said.
"Oh, Arnold..."
Helga tried to reach in for a hug, but Arnold stopped her one last time.
"No, please, I'm not done. That wasn't all. When it happened, I... I didn't have any idea what to do. I didn't want you to know about it because I didn't want you to see me as weak or pity me, and I didn't want anybody to know about it, so I tried to tell somebody that wouldn't share it with anyone else: Lila. I'm not completely sure why I picked her, but... it seemed like there was something there, that old thing we had from the past, something that I could lend some trust in her with. It... happened so quickly. I had sex with her." Arnold said.
Helga turned to further shock; her emotions confused and unable to take one form.
"She was throwing herself onto me, and... and I tried to justify it that I would hurt her and not you. That I could let that hurt out without it harming you. But... when I came, I saw something in her mind. She was molesting this little boy at her church, this child named Joey, and she was pretending he was me. She had this strange focus on me in her head, like I was some kind of escape from her own problems." Arnold said.
Unable to take any more, Helga planted her face into her hands, crying from hearing the story. Embarrassed to have shared such a stain on his life, Arnold turned away from her, not willing to look her in the eye. The dirty feelings of guilt did not dissipate, but instead increased inside.
"I'm sorry, Helga. It was my fault. I should've buried whatever we had in the past. I just... I don't know what it was. She was still my first love, and I just couldn't get that out of my head." Arnold said.
Hearing Arnold share this one fact, Helga's mind was instantly thrown back to a point in time long ago, remembering what caused this very emotion in her lover:
"Arnold... Loves... Helga." Helga wrote aloud.
Surrounding her words within the shape of a heart and drawing an arrow through said heart, her drawing was now complete. With her work of art complete for her to gaze upon, Helga sat herself back and did exactly that; fantasizing over the days on when Arnold would finally be hers.
Though, her fantasy cannot last forever, and an imminent danger comes around the corner for Helga. Voices began to crawl up the alleyway, growing louder and louder by the second; the voices carrying with them a group of children coming near and dangerously close.
"She mixed navy blue with black. What was she thinking? Totally outrageous." Rhonda said.
Letting out a loud gasp, the frightful Helga began to panic and let go of all capability to rationally think. Unable to let anyone see the mural that she had crafted in chalk, Helga sought to hide her work, but not in the most efficient way, instead causing herself a new problem.
Wiping off her own name, Helga quickly wrote 'Lila' in her place, changing the message of the writing to convey not her fantasy, but her nightmare. With her work done, Helga dashed out of the alleyway and out of sight, unable to let anyone see her or realize the truth behind her drawing.
Rhonda, as planned, did not notice her departure, and only led on the group of others, Nadine and Lila, down the alleyway. Not as planned, however, Rhonda did spot the writing on the wall, sending the wrong message towards the others and bringing more troubles for Helga than she had imagined.
"Hold up, girls. 'Arnold loves Lila'?" Rhonda asked.
Reliving this moment of her life, Helga felt a sense of guilt come over herself, blaming herself for Arnold's position. If only she'd have never cowered out of that situation and written Lila's name, Arnold would never have any feelings for Lila at all, and he would only love her, wouldn't he?
Wanting to leave the room, Arnold collected his clothes, preparing to head back downstairs.
"I know, you don't want to look at me right now. I wouldn't want to, either. I'll leave you." Arnold said.
Not willing to let him pay the price for her own mistake, Helga grabbed hold of Arnold's hand, preventing him from leaving.
"Just tell me one thing. Do you still love her?" Helga asked.
Unlike the last questions, this one was nowhere near difficult; answered quickly and easily with a sharp...
"No." Arnold said.
Nodding at the answer, Helga pulled on Arnold's arm, leading him back to bed. Laying him down on the bed, Helga spooned herself on his back, continuing to rub at his back and caress his body with her touches slowly healing his mind from the trauma it was put under.
"Don't worry about it anymore. As long as you still love me, you're mine. As long as I love you, I'm yours. You told me the truth about a mistake most men wouldn't. You're not to blame. I'm to blame. I wasn't there to help you when you needed it. I won't leave you again. I'll be right here where you need me. I love you." Helga said.
Letting himself be vulnerable to Helga once again, Arnold began to cry in her hold; an act that he almost never carries out, not even to her. The guilt still continued to bite at his stomach, but it subsided with each second of Helga's hold, giving him the warmth and safety needed to overcome his pain.
The two do not fulfill their carnal knowledge; instead only Helga continuing to hold him as they laid in bed. They came close to falling asleep, and to a gentle move to sleep at that, but not without one last thought coming to Helga's mind, giving her a bad dream to come and more trouble to arrive in reality soon.
Once again, the memory of her erasing the chalk drawing, replacing her own name with Lila's, replayed in her head, obsessively reminding her of the mistake that has led to this low point in both of their lives. The guilt strikes Helga hard, and, though she commended Arnold for sharing the truth, she blames herself for her double-standard; not sharing her own admission of guilt.
As Arnold cries in bed, so does she.