Author's Note: Hey, everyone! It's been a while, hasn't it? I missed the upload last week because I had family coming in to visit and amongst work and taking them around town, it became impossible to sit down and edit. Even now, I feel like this chapter was hastily edited but I will come back and make corrections. I'm so happy I was able to complete this chapter. I hope you enjoy it! Most characters, (except Miles V., Lilith, Rosey, and Laura) belong to the master Craig Bartlett and Nickelodeon.

Disclaimer: This chapter contains semi-explicit descriptions of sex and lovemaking between two consensual adults. (angry sex FTW!)

'thoughts look like this'

Now, ONWARDS!

Chapter 26: The Stars Spell Your Name

Friday Jan 20th, 1 day before Stinky's Wedding:

Helga dragged her navy duffle bag down the stairs as Miles prepared the car outside. The cold morning air hit her face and ruffled her hair as soon as she opened the front door. She scowled as she dragged the bag down the few steps of her stoop.

"Hey! Oh, let me get that for you. A fair lady shouldn't carry heavy stuff." Miles beamed as he took the bag from her hands and threw it in the trunk of the small convertible car.

"Looks like a tight squeeze in there. How many bags are you bringing? We are only staying there for a couple of days, ya know?" Helga lifted her eyebrow as she observed the suited man struggling to close the truck.

He clicked his tongue and reached to ruffle her bangs, "Oh, you unpretentious girl. I need a suit change every 4 hours. It's part of my aesthetic to look immaculate. As a businessman, it is crucial to look imperial at every turn."

She scoffed and moved his hand away, "You really are taking this whole businessman thing seriously. It's a farm, for Pete's sake! You aren't gonna find any business partners there."

"Helga, Helga." He shook his head from side to side. "There is always potential for growth. Capitalism has the potential to turn even the lowliest farm folks into business moguls."

Helga made a disgusted face and opened the passenger door. 'Please let these 3 hours pass by quickly.' She prayed as Miles turned on the engine.

A little more than an hour on the road, in the middle of flat desert landscape, the small luxury convertible started to rattle before a loud thump sound awoke Helga from her restless nap. She looked over at Miles.

"Uh-oh. Looks like we have a flat tire." He stated.

"Great." She stated sarcastically before opening the door and exiting the vehicle. "Please tell me this car carries a spare tire."

Miles joined her as they observed the deflated tire and then he pointed at the trunk. "Yeah, but the problem is…well, I've never changed a tire." He spoke glumly.

"Good thing you have me. If there's one thing I've learned from Bob is how to be a real man's man." She rolled up her sleeves before muttering, "…and even that wasn't good enough for him."

"Thanks a lot for giving us a ride, Arnold." Sid settled into the back seat of the ancient olive car that had over time, become as much a part of Arnold as his signature blue cap.

"Not a problem, Sid. Are you both comfortable back there?" From the driver's seat, Arnold turned around and observed as Sid and Sid's girlfriend, Laura, sat next to each other. The petite brunette and his blushing friend could hardly keep their hands from each other; blushing bright red and pulling their hands apart as soon as Arnold faced them.

"Thank you, Arnold. We are comfortable." Laura smiled shyly.

Lilith, who was sitting next to Arnold in the passenger's seat, giggled and smoothed her bright yellow mini skirt before placing her heart-shaped sunglasses over her eyes. "You two are the most adorable couple ever. How long have you been dating?"

"Just over a week." Laura stated, an embarrassed blush settling on her face. Sid patted her hand, recognizing how nervous his girlfriend must feel around his friends.

"A week!" Lilith's head snapped and turned to look towards the back seat, smiling widely. "How amazing! You are in the honeymoon stage." She stated dreamily.

Laura chuckled, "And you?"

"Me?" Lilith paused. "Oh, you think Arnold and I-."

"We are not dating." Arnold interrupted.

Sid sent him a sympathetic gaze, a bit startled at how fast his friend had responded. It was clear Arnold wanted that distinction made and spent no time correcting anyone who would confuse his relationship with Lilith.

"Y-yeah. We aren't dating." Lilith added softly.

"Oh." Laura looked between Lilith and Arnold. "I'm so sorry I-I assumed."

"It's okay." Arnold responded. A short awkward silence ensued.

Cement roads and the ever-present city rustle and bustle transitioned into wide open mountain spaces, green lakes, and then into flat dessert landscape all around. The small group grew comfortable and conversed effortlessly while Arnold drove towards Arkansas.

After almost an hour on the road, the groups found themselves driving further and further away from civilization. It came as a surprise when they noticed a stopped black car on the side of the road in the middle of the increasingly hot weather.

Arnold got ready to stop and ask if they needed help.

He did not expect, however, that he would encounter the very girl that had assaulted his dreams over the last week and a half. Helga Pataki kneeled on the side of the small luxury car. Her blackened fingers expertly maneuvered the lug wretch as the suited man stood by observing her. Noticing the green car pull up next to them, she came up to a stand and smoothed down her casual mid-thigh slip dress and turned around. Her heart skipped a beat as she stood staring directly into the emerald irises of the man she'd tried so hard to avoid during the last week and a half.

"Helga?!" Sid exclaimed as he exited the vehicle and joined the couple standing outside the scorching hot day.

Arnold finally reacted and joined his friend and the couple outside. Miles stared down the length of his nose at Arnold, a contempt gaze on his eyes. Arnold returned the same threatening gaze before turning to look at the blonde girl wiping the sweat off her forehead. Noticing a small smudge of black motor dirt on her forehead, he resisted reaching over and wiping it. Their eyes met once again. His gaze travelled down the length of her body, from her skin-tight slip dress to her casual black Dr. Marten's. He noticed her bruised knees.

"You were changing a tire?" He asked without a greeting, a concerned expression settling on his face. His blazing gaze suggested he was what…angry? He sent another threatening stare to Miles, who'd laggardly stood at her side without any intent of offering help.

"Y-yeah. We had a flat tire but it's all done! Good now!" She patted the hood of the car, her rapid speech and nervous movements suggesting she was trying a little too hard to sound casual.

"Are you two heading to Stinky's wedding too?" Sid joined in.

Helga nodded, barely registering Sid had been there the whole time. "Yuuupp! We are driving! Whew! It's hot out here." She fanned her face nervously.

"You could get dehydrated standing out here. Do you have water?" Arnold asked.

Sid looked awkwardly between the two. If he didn't know any better, their interactions sounded as casual and intimate as one would imagine a couple to sound like.

"Y-yeah-." She was interrupted by a loud popping noise followed by a cloud of smoke emerging from the hood. The group of three realized that Miles had gone ahead and turned on the vehicle while the three conversed.

"Shoot." They heard Miles mutter and then curse. He slammed the door of his car while he reached for his phone and dialed a number.

"Oh my, is everything okay over there?" Lilith asked from the passenger's seat, lowering her sunglasses.

The group moved away from the cloud of smoke. Helga locked eyes with the strawberry blonde sitting comfortably at the passenger seat of "Phil's Spaceship" as she'd nicknamed. She nodded her head in greeting before turning her attention to the smoking car.

"Mr. Jones called the towing people to come pick it up." Miles muttered nervously.

"Great! All settled then! We are fine, as you can see." Helga smiled nervously.

Arnold and Sid observed as the smoke continued to emit from the car.

"It doesn't look fine and it's mighty hot outside." Sid offered, shaking his head.

"When was the last time you changed the oil on that car?" Arnold asked as he registered the smell of burned oil in the air.

"Oil? Mr. Jones, my butler, takes care of such trivial matters." Miles scowled and then he kicked the side of his car in frustration, cursing under his breath as he raked his fingers through his hair.

Helga looked helplessly at Miles and then turned to find Arnold observing her pensively.

"Well, we are all heading the same way. I can take you guys there." Arnold suggested.

"No! I mean, don't be silly! You hardly have enough space back there. We don't want to make your guests uncomfortable."

"Why, Gee, Helga, Thanks for your concern but Laura and I don't mind at all." Sid smiled.

Helga stepped back, "I'm sure that it won't be too long until the tow truck-."

"Two hours." Miles intercepted.

"R-right. T-two hours." Helga stated weakly.

Arnold observed as dread filled her face. He knew her well enough to know exactly how she felt about being in this situation.

"It looks like you have no choice. If you stay out here, you will burn to death under the sun. Waiting in that car is not an option." Arnold pointed at the car still emitting a dangerous level of smoke.

"The man is right, Helga." Miles added.

Helga frowned, surprised the two men were agreeing in this regard. She stomped over to the trunk, opening it to retrieve her duffle bag before resigning to her fate.

Arnold smiled as he observed the stubborn girl retrieve her bag and stomp over to the olive car. He took the duffle bag from her hands and she felt a tickle of electricity as his hand brushed hers. Without a word, he opened the trunk and placed her duffle bag inside as Miles threw his bags in as well.

Settling into the back seat was the most awkward affair. The two couples in the back seat shuffled around nervously as they settled in.

"Oh, my. Should I move to the back? Maybe we can trade places, Sid?" Lilith commented worryingly as she observed the couples struggling.

"W-we're fine." Laura murmured as she sat, squeezed between Helga and Sid.

Arnold was silent for the majority of the drive. An almost eerie silence filled the space. Helga met his eyes through the dashboard mirror a few times. It was easy to tell something was bothering him. This became apparent as soon as Miles, sitting closest to the left window, placed his hand on Helga's thigh, "You comfortable, babe?"

Arnold placed his foot on the break as soon as he caught the man touching her thigh through the dashboard mirror and heard him address her as 'babe'. The car came to a complete stop and involuntarily forced their bodies to lean forward. Lilith looked questioningly as Arnold's darkened mood filled their space.

"Everything alright, man?" Sid asked.

After a few moments, Arnold breathed out, a deceitfully calming voice came out. "We need gas, lets pull over at the next town."

Deepening her scowl and silently sending Miles a death glare over the use of the endearment he'd never dared use until apparently now, Helga moved his hand away.

"I'm fine." She forced out between clenched teeth. If they were anywhere but here, Miles Vermicelli would be finding himself getting a piece of her mind by now. Unfortunately for her, the man realized Helga was too uncomfortable to start a fight and decided it was a good time to start with the endearments, something he'd never ventured on doing until now.

They arrived at the small, rundown gas station complete with a tiny family-ran grocery store located next to it. While Arnold filled his tank, the women walked over to the side of the store to use the restrooms. Miles stood nearby smoking a cigarette while talking with someone on the phone. Sid came out with a bag full of snacks.

"Sid." Arnold walked over to his friend. "Mind if you finish filling the tank while I use the restroom?"

"Not at all man. Go for it."

Helga was exiting the tiny restroom when she opened the door and came face-to-face with Arnold. Her heart did a little backflip at his unexpected appearance. The hot dessert wind tousled his blonde locks and blew at the collar of his plaid shirt . He stood leaning against the wall, his emerald irises meeting her ocean blue ones. She felt a bit unnerved by his stern features.

"He calls you babe now? Is that a ring I see? I guess a week is all it takes for things to change…" He stepped closer to her, a sad smile replaced his sternness and the tension she felt was replaced by a deep-seated sense of longing.

"Arnold." Was all she managed to murmur. He grabbed her wrist and led her to the back of the store. Placing his hands on either side of her and trapping her against the wall, he leaned down.

"Is this really happening? Are you really going to do this? What about last week? Did that night mean nothing to you? Is that why you didn't come to Slausen's, because you regretted it?" Arnold pleated, furrowing his eyebrows.

Helga looked up at him, the closeness of him wasn't helping her focus. She'd thought of a million ways in which this would go down. She knew at some point she'd have to do this, but dammit if it killed her more than ever. His proximity was simply eroding her rationale.

"You know it's been over. Y-you betrayed me-."

"Helga, we went over this. I know you also don't believe that and frankly that excuse is getting tiring." He swallowed a lump on his throat. He stepped back a bit, aware that his imposing height might be constricting her.

"Well, guess what, bucko, It is too late, okay?! We've been over this a million times and it always comes out the same!" Before he could react, they heard footsteps approaching followed by a feminine voice.

"Arnold?" Lilith called out.

"And then there's her. Bringing her as your plus one?" Helga asked pointing her chin at the direction of the voice, a flash of sadness glimmered in her blue irises and then she walked away, leaving him in a turmoil.

The rest of the ride to Stinky Farms was a silent affair. The only people that were in high enough spirits to talk the whole way were Lilith and Laura. The two became close friends as they conversed and laughed throughout the ride. Helga looked over at Lilith, observing how the cheerful woman so easily made friends with everyone around her. Even Miles and Sid would chuckle at her jokes and charming way of talking. She observed Arnold, and then Lilith. Objectively, they made a picture-perfect couple. She remembered running two miles, barefoot, to his home only to find him with Lilith. The memory brought back a wave of embarrassment and shame. No sane girl would run barefoot to profess her love to a man after just getting engaged to another.

'She's pretty and charming…and probably not crazy.' She thought ruefully.

"Welcome, Welcome!" Stinky greeted as the group made their way out of the vehicle. The Peterson family quickly surrounded the vehicle and aided them with their bags.

"Stinky!" Sid ran to hug his friend.

Arnold also embraced his friend and offered his congratulations. "Hey, Stinky. I see Stinky farms is doing better than we ever could have imagined. Congrats man!"

"Why, thank you, Arnold. I'm glad ya'll made it out. I introduce to you all my lovely bride-to-be, Rosey Jones." Stinky proudly wrapped his arm around the medium-height woman standing next to him. Her radiant, white smile and ebony skin seemed to glimmer under the sunlight.

"Welcome, ya'll. Stinky has told me so much about every one of you." Rosey smiled.

"Woah, you're pretty." Lilith stated dreamily and Laura nodded in agreement.

Rosey shyly placed her hands over her cheeks, "Oh, that's too kind of you."

"She is lovely, aint she?" Stinky agreed as a proud grin settled on his face.

"Let me show ya'll your rooms. I reckon you should be tired from all that drivin'." Stinky's father led the group inside the old Stinky B&B.

The bed and breakfast was a white Victorian farmhouse located next to the main house, home of the Petersons. The surrounding open fields provided space for cows to roam and vegetation to grow. A bright, red barn was located up a hill away from the main premises.

The bed and breakfast featured wood floors and oak furniture with worn ornamental carpets and wallpaper. The low lighting provided a warm, cozy atmosphere nurtured by generations of Petersons. The old man led the way up the narrow, squeaky stairs. He stopped at the first door and signaled vaguely inside the room.

"You can take any of the three rooms down the hall here. Each bedroom has a queen size. Dinner will be at 6pm and I reckon you'll be hungry soon. Martha will bring you some snacks in the meanwhile. Oh, the cans are by the stables yonder. I'd say about a 5-minute walk."

"Mr. Peterson?" Arnold asked as soon as the older man finished his thorough explanation. "Did you say there are three rooms available?"

Peterson nodded his head, "Yup. For you and yer plus one. I hope you don't mind it. We here countryfolk like to make as much use of our space. You don't mind sharing, do you?"

Noticing his concerned attitude, no one dared to speak up. The three couples stood awkwardly in the hallway until they heard his footsteps receding down the stairs and the front door shut close.

"Great. Now what are we supposed to do?" Helga asked, flailing her hands around.

"Laura and I will take the first room, I suppose." Sid rubbed at the back of his neck as a deep blush settled. He smiled nervously as the petite brunette nodded quietly, smiling back at him.

"Umm, well…" Lilith began.

"Naturally, me and MY fiancée will take the second room." Miles interrupted.

Helga and Arnold's head snapped up. Helga glared as she took in the casual way he spoke, the possessiveness in is voice.

Arnold stood still, his clenched fists suggesting he was trying to not react. His eyes, however, failed to conceal his blazing fury. This encouraged Miles to keep going.

"Oh, yeah. You haven't told them the good news yet, Helga? She and I are engaged to be married this may." Miles cocked his head to one side, smirking proudly as he observed Arnold's reaction.

Helga lifted her duffle bag and proceeded to silently stomp away towards the room at the end of the hallway. The group observed her for a few seconds before Miles reacted again.

"She's a feisty one. But I assure you, she is as dangerous as a small puppy." He expressed, half-jokingly. His statement caused a few anxious laughs.

Arnold flinched at his words. 'How dare this man speak about her like that?'

"Congrats. I'm sure you will be very happy." Laura offered hesitantly.

Sid Stared at Arnold apologetically. After knowing Arnold for years, he knew when something was bothering him. It seemed that not having Gerald around to help him out was really placing Arnold in a difficult situation. Sid could only hope he'd be able to be there for Arnold as Arnold had been for him all of these years.

Dinner was a lively affair. After the couples rested and refreshed themselves, they joined the rest of the family and guests at the main house. The house was bigger and more embellished with a mixture of Victorian and country decorations and taxidermy. Stinky and Rosey sat at the head of the large table as they toasted with their guests. After dinner, most guests retired for the night to prepare for the main ceremony the morning after. Some guests stayed to mingle and enjoy the live music and spirits offered by the family.

"Hey, dudes." Stinky approached Sid and Arnold, who parlayed on the main porch of the house.

"Hey, Stinky." They spoke in unison.

"Congrats on the marriage, man. She looks like a nice person. What'd you do to make her notice you?" Sid teased.

"Why, thank you Sid. I'll take that as a compliment on account of I did it all with my own, simple charms." Stinky stated proudly.

"She's lucky to have you as well, Stinky. You are a hardworking man with a big family full of heart." Arnold pitched in, remembering the warm welcome from the many Petersons.

"Hospitality and love are what us Petersons do best at. Oh, speaking of which, there's the little lady!" Stinky waved as Rosey approached and embraced her future husband to be.

"I'm so glad to finally meet Stinky's childhood friends. He's told me so much about you two. It's too bad I won't be meeting the other two, Gerald and Harold, right babe?"

"R-right." Stinky stated hesitantly, aware that Harold's name might bring up some bad memories.

"You didn't invite him, Stinky?" Arnold asked calmy.

"I just couldn't, Arnold. Not after what he's done." Stinky explained remorsefully.

"But he's still your friend, and this is your wedding. Why didn't you make an exception?" Arnold asked, furrowing his eyebrows as the feeling of guilt invaded his mind. He couldn't help but feel some guilt knowing he'd potentially caused irreparable damage between his friends.

"Because, Arnold, a friend that hurts one of us intentionally as he's done is a friend that hurts all of us." Stinky explained, reaching over to pat Arnold's back.

"Gee, Stinky…thanks. You too, Sid. I know that Harold has been bothering you the most. Thanks for sticking up for me till now."

"Don't mention it, Arnold...Are you okay, by the way?" Sid asked hesitantly.

Arnold looked between each one of his friends. Before he could answer, Rosey reached to kiss Stinky's cheek and said her goodbyes to the men, making an excuse to turn in for bed so the men would have some time alone.

"I-I'm okay. Why?" Arnold gave a little smile, feeling the weight of his words as they lingered in his lips. He was definitely not okay.

"Because now Helga is with that other dude and engaged? He's a crook, dude!" Sid expressed angrily.

"I know…" Arnold placed his hands in his pockets, looking down at the floor.

"I noticed she don't look very happy. Willikers, I cant imagine a more uncanny couple." Stinky added, shaking his head.

"I know! But what am I supposed to do now? She won't leave him. I tried giving up, I tried fighting for her. She's going through with this whole sham!" Arnold flailed his arms in frustration. His friends stared at him for a few moments, surprised by his admission.

"Boy, Howdy, you do still like her." Sid remarked dumbfoundedly, confirming his thoughts about Arnold and Helga.

"Did you try fighting harder for her?" Stinky asked.

"How much harder should I have to fight? I don't want to force her to be with me either. If she comes, it has to be out of her own admission."

"I feel for you, Arnold. I really do." Stinky shook his head.

The group of three stayed outside until nightfall catching up and talking about plans after graduation. Stinky was the first to turn in for the night, nervous that his big day was coming in just a few hours. Arnold and Sid gave him a little pep talk and then walked back into the house, observing as the few lively guests mingled and drank beer and whiskey.

Arnold searched the room until he found his cheerful friend talking with Laura and a couple of older ladies at a large couch in the living room. She was the center of attention as she chatted away and made the women around her laugh out loud. Laura caught sight of Sid and then excused herself before walking away with him. Arnold approached Lilith hesitantly, aware that he'd been the worst possible friend.

"I might be the worst friend ever. I'm so sorry for leaving you alone." He stated remorsefully.

Lilith threw her head back laughing, "Don't be silly. I'm having a great time listening to the old tales of the Peterson women. Did you know? There's a headless man that haunts the barn at night."

Arnold laughed and helped Lilith to her feet. "Have you been drinking?"

"Only about 5 bottles. The Petersons are very persuasive." She whispered teasingly.

"Jeez, would you like to head in first? I feel I should stay a while to help Mr. Peterson clean up."

Before he turned his body away, Lilith caught his arm. He observed her brown eyes pleading.

"Will you walk me to the house? I'm still spooked by all the stories, you see."

"Oh, of course." He offered.

They walked together, observing the growing numbers of stars in the night. The country was a sanctuary, a nursery for stars. They observed in awe as they made their way to the guest house.

"Ouch!" Lilith yelped as she tripped over a small boulder. Arnold quickly reached down to catch her before her body tumbled to the ground.

"Lilith! Are you okay?"

She looked up, observing as his green eyes showed his open concern for her. She wanted those eyes on her only. She didn't want him looking at anyone else. She was selfish, perhaps, and maybe a little drunk, but she didn't care. She didn't want him chasing after another woman. She'd tried to make her way into his heart, to make him see she was a woman…Plain and simple. Not a girl, not a peer, not a student.

Before he turned his head away, Lilith reached the back of his head and drew his head down to meet with hers. She tiptoed and brought her own face up. In an instant, her lips touched his. Arnold stood frozen as she proceeded to meld her lips with his. She felt the softness of his lips along with his hesitancy to respond. He stood still for a few moments, not responding, not rejecting. He finally placed his hands on her waist and she felt his arms push gently away. She felt as he pulled himself away from her, stepping back.

Arnold observed her for a few moments, "Why did you kiss me?" He asked softly.

"You know why…" She explained carefully, lightly kicking the loose pebbles of dirt with her foot.

"Lilith, you know I don't feel the same. I'm sorry if you misunderstood my intentions."

"I know! Okay? I know! I just thought that maybe…that maybe If I kissed you, you would change your mind somehow." She spoke softly.

She heard him sigh out loud and looked up, hesitantly meeting his gaze. He didn't look angry, that was a good sign at least.

"I knew this whole trip was a bad idea. And it doesn't make it better that we have to share a bed, but please know that I didn't plan these arrangements. If I'd known, I would have never brought you here-."

"I know! You think I'm stupid? It's obvious you don't like me, anyone with a set of eyes could see that! You don't have to state the obvious. I know what I did despite these things and I wont regret it!"

Arnold observed the tenacity in her and could not help but feel admiration and perhaps a little guilt. Maybe he'd been too harsh on her. He nodded slowly, unsure of what to say next.

"Right, and as I stated before I thank you for feeling this way but I don't deserve it. Perhaps in another world, another time I would be able to reciprocate your feelings. I'm sorry."

"I get it." She stated remorsefully, crossing her arms over her chest and turning her face away from him. "I can walk the rest of the way from here."

Before he could say anything else, she turned her back to him and walked steadily towards the guest house. He frowned and slumped his shoulders in resignation.

'What is wrong with me?'

Helga stood with a blank expression on her face as she observed the large taxidermy deer in the hallway of the living room. No doubt this was one of Stinky's creations as she observed the shiny lifeless black eyes staring back. She morbidly wondered who had more life in it, her...or the dead deer.

"Well, at least he was stitched with loving hands." She remarked.

"They're great, aren't they?"

Helga turned her head to find Rosey standing beside her, pensively observing the same stuffed deer as she.

"Yeah, not bad at all. Can't say the same about his roller-skating skills, though." Helga added casually.

Rosey laughed, her laugh rich and warm. Helga noticed how her eyes lit up as she smiled, she intently concluded she liked her.

"You are Helga, right? Stinky has told me so much about you."

"In that case, I should start apologizing. I treated him horribly. I'm actually surprised he invited me to his wedding!" Helga scratched her head pensively, a light smile glazing her lips.

"I can assure you he remembers you fondly. He has me in stiches every time he tells me about your times at PS118. We are so glad you were able to make it. I've wanted to meet the famous Helga Pataki, and I can tell you that your reputation precedes you."

Helga smiled even bigger, "Huh, now you've caught my attention. Wanna grab some punch with me?"

"Yup, as long as we don't approach the porch. Stinky thinks I've gone off to sleep."

Before they realized, the two women found themselves immersed in conversation. Sitting at a settee in a corner of the living room, they laughed and shared stories about Stinky and the rest of the PS118 crew. As the night progressed, Helga got to know Rosey's life story as well.

"So wait, your family is not attending your own wedding?" Helga asked as she averted her gaze from the pastry she held and stared at Rosey worryingly.

Rosey fidgeted with her fingers in her lap, "Yeah. My family…they do not agree with my decision to marry Stinky. They think…that he is below me."

"Stinky Peterson may be a country bumpkin but he's a rich country bumpkin. He's done pretty good for himself since he moved his farm back to Arkansas." Helga stated with sisterly-like pride.

Rosey sighed out loud, keeping her gaze on her lap, "They don't see that. They think he's lowly. They were proud of me because I was the first black woman in the family to go to college. Now they are…disappointed."

"And you are okay with them being disappointed?" Helga stared, wide-eyed.

"Well, no. It hurts me…but I love Stinky and if they can't see that, then I guess it is their loss." Rosey stated tearfully. Helga could see the determination in her eyes.

"Their loss, huh..." She thought pensively.

It was close to 10pm when Helga and Rosey went their separate ways. The guests had grown fewer and fewer, probably off to bed to prepare for the big day happening the next morning. She walked around and observed as Miles conversed with a group of men. He held a beer in his hand and talked enthusiastically about some overseas investment he had. She observed how his arrogant posture drew men and women into his dwelling, curious about what the suited 'city-dweller' had to say.

Helga turned away and decided to retire for the night. The night was warm and all around her she heard the distinct sound of crickets and other nightly critters all around. She heard a dog howl in the distance and observed as the night sky glimmered with bright stars. Her mouth opened slightly as she became enthralled by the nightly surroundings. She stood staring up at the sky for a few moments before she heard voices nearing her. She paused, recognizing the voice of Arnold, followed by another feminine voice responding to him. She panicked, running behind a nearby bush and instantly questioning her actions,

'Wait, why am I hiding?'

"Ouch!" Helga peeked and observed as Arnold reached for Lilith before she fell over.

"Lilith, Are you okay?" She heard Arnold call out. A few seconds passed and then she observed as the blonde woman wrapped her arms around Arnold's neck and the two shared an intimate kiss.

For a moment, Helga thought the darkness of the night was playing tricks on her vision. She observed as Arnold pulled away. She couldn't hear what he told the strawberry-blonde girl. She felt the ground under her feet evaporate, a cold-dreadful feeling swept through her.

'Why am I like this? What do I expect would happen? The two are sharing a room for cripe's sake!'

Helga stayed hiding for a few moments, struggling to hear what they said. She watched as Lilith stomped away.

When she arrived to the bedroom, Helga slumped her shoulders, sighing out loud. Perhaps if she resigned to her fate, everything would be much easier instead of fighting with her own heart. She stared at the bed before dropping her body onto it. She tried to shut it all away. She turned and shuffled uncomfortably as she tried to erase the image of Lilith kissing Arnold. Intrusive images on his lips on her own haunted her memory. She remembered the feelings of his lips, the tenderness and passion he'd shown her time and time again. Was he going to give this to someone else now?

Before she could sink further into her own despair, Miles strolled into the bedroom.

'Shit, I forgot I was sharing a room with the dude.' She sat upright as she observed Miles shut the door behind him. He leaned his body on the dresser adjacent to the door and crossed his arms over his chest,

"I thought you'd be asleep by now. Did you have fun?"

"Y-yeah. I was spending time with Rosey." Helga stood from the bed. His eyes roamed her figure, and she felt a wave of unpleasantness wash over her as she shuffled uncomfortably on her feet.

"Um, you know what, I think I'll sleep on the couch-." Before she could finish her sentence, he grabbed her arm and pulled her body to his. He lifted her chin, prompting her to look up at him.

"You know, you looked real pretty tonight…with those little pigtails you wear. I always thought you looked prettiest when you wear your hair like that."

She caught a whiff of the alcohol on his breath. She shook herself loose from his grip, "Miles, have you been drinking tonight?"

"Hey, we aren't talking about me right now. We are talking about you. I just gave you a compliment. What do you say? Don't I get a thanks, at least?" His voice speech grew more tense, more pressured as he walked towards her.

She started to walk backwards, holding her hands in front of her defensively. "Yes, T-Thank you-."

"Because I was even willing to forgive you when I saw the football-headed man climbing from your bedroom window last week. You wouldn't dare betray me again tonight, would you?" His hazy brown eyes settled on hers, the ominous warning in his voice alerting her that he was not in the right state of mind.

"O-of course not, Miles. But why don't you sit down-."

He reached over again, embracing her close to his. She closed her eyes and placed her hands on his chest, bracing for whatever was to come.

"The first time I saw you, you had that big pink bow and these pigtails…you talked to me, do you remember what you told me? Wait, you don't even remember me, right?" He begun to lower his head down.

Helga panicked and tried to push him away. Just when she thought his lips would glaze her own, she felt his head rest on her shoulder. The weight of his body started to weigh her down. She struggled to keep him from falling on the ground. Realizing he'd passed out, she grunted as she guided him towards the bed and dropped his body on it. She stood by observing as his features relaxed and a low snoring sound emitted from his lips.

"I need some air." She murmured before she turned her body and shut the bedroom door behind her.

The loud sounds of crickets and other nocturnal creatures invaded her hearing as she took in the dark surroundings of the countryside. She looked up at the illuminated night sky. A million stars shone brightly,

"The milky way, huh? If something this pretty exists, then perhaps pain like mine is a byproduct of it." She inhaled as she stared at the millions of stars shining brightly above her. The sound of her footstep against the dirt road was one amongst all of the nightly activity of the natural surroundings all around her.

Before she knew it, Helga found herself inside the red barnyard. She lifted her night lamp as she observed the sleeping horses in the stables. A giant sack of hay lay in the middle of the room. She looked up and noted a large opening at the top of the barn, with views of the many stars in the night sky. She smiled as she reached her index finger and started tracing his name in the night sky. She could almost swear the millions of stars spelled his name and, in that moment, she couldn't help but call out to him.

"…Arnold…"

"Yes?" She yelped at the sound of his voice directly behind her. She turned around and Arnold stood in front of her, the starry night sky illuminated his features. She felt her heart beating wildly inside her chest, and she held her hand close to it.

"I-I mean, Criminy, Arnold-o! What are you doing standing there? You trying to give me a heart attack?" She furrowed her eyebrows before defensively crossing her arms.

"I came to put away these." He held up the plastic chairs he held on each arm. She noticed his rolled sleeves and flushed cheeks. Of course the football-head would offer his help cleaning up after the dinner party.

He walked over and leaned the last of the chairs against the wall. He turned to look at her once more.

"What are you doing up so late?" He wiped the sweat from his forehead before he sat atop of a stack of hay. She observed as he brought a water bottle up to his lips and felt her own lips dry as she observed his Adam's apple move with each drink he took.

Arnold lifted his eyebrow, observing as the blonde woman stood at the center of the room. Helga finally snapped out of her reverie, furrowing her eyebrows once more.

"I came to take a stroll, obviously. It was too hot in the room, so I thought I'd go for a walk, but now I am going to head back, but not that it's any of your business." She started to walk away from him, feeling her wobbling legs drag her away.

"Helga." He called out.

She froze in place and then mentally cursed as she realized how little control she held over her own body. When it came to him, all it took was hearing her name on his lips to freeze her in place.

Without turning around, she felt his presence come directly behind her. She felt a shiver at the simple thought of his body so close to hers. She braced for his next move, pleading to God nothing would come of it; pleading for everything to come out of it.

Her prayers were answered as she felt his hot breath glaze her neck. She closed her eyes and felt the warmth of his body finally contact hers.

Subtly, she felt his lips touch her neck. She sighed at the contact. That was enough to ignite in her a flame that'd never truly died. She leaned her body back and let his arms embrace her, wrapping around her waist and drawing her flush against him. She melted as his strong arms wrapped around her, securely holding her against him as his lips continued to gently kiss and nip at her neck and shoulder.

"Come with me." He whispered in her ear as he turned her body to face him. Her blue eyes met with the depth of his evergreen eyes. "Do you think you would keep me away?" He smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

She realized how much she'd hurt him, and in that moment, she could think of nothing else but easing his hurt away. She hated thinking she'd brought him pain, and the two polarities in her fought to push him further away and at the same time, reach out and soothe the hurt in him.

"You should stay away." She warned weakly and then sighed as his lips covered hers. She resigned as their tongues twirled and lips mended together. The familiarity and comfort of their lips meeting once again rocked them to the core.

"Or else?" He narrowed his eyes as he bit gently at her bottom lip. Helga felt the wetness of her inner thighs and the uncomfortable pulsing increasing.

"Or else…" She started weakly. She pushed him against the wooden planked walls of the barn. She pulled open his plaid shirt, and a dozen buttons flew throughout the room.

He observed as his eager, blonde angel captivated his every sense. Helga was as fierce and full of passion as she'd always been, and it filled him with joy knowing he could bring her to this state. Her hands explored his chest as her lips took one of his taunt nipples in between her lips and she bit gently. "Or else, we'll end up in flames again…" She whispered.

He groaned and yanked at her ponytails, forcing her to look up at him, "If it's with you, I'd burn a thousand times rather than having to spend the rest of my life without you."

"Arnold…" She couldn't finish her sentence as he leaned down and assaulted her lips once more. Their eager hands groped, stroked, and caressed one another as their mouths filled in for them.

"Damn you." She cursed angrily as he pushed her against the wall and lifted her leg off the ground. He ground his erection against her, and she moaned as she reached down to feel him.

"Does it make you angry? Knowing you are mine?" He smirked as she furrowed her eyebrows and freed his erection from his jeans.

"Shut up, football head. Just take me, please take me." She demanded as she stroked his erection, up and down.

He threw his head back at the intimate contact of her hands on his member. He caressed her cheek before reaching down to possess her lips once again. His hand found her center and then she felt him rip at her lacy, white underwear. With nothing else standing in their way, he pushed his fingers inside of her, thrusting in and out. She gasped and moaned. Arnold observed her face as he invaded her warm core. He pulled his fingers out and held them in front of her mouth, prompting her to suck.

"Taste yourself on my fingers. Look how wet you are for me."

She obliged and sucked eagerly at his long fingers, never taking her eyes away from his. She watched as his pupils dilated as she twirled her tongue around his fingers, tasting her intimate juices.

"Fuck, Helga." He cursed and then took his member and guided himself inside of her. He groaned loudly and she held onto his shoulders as he lifted her off the ground and started a relentless rhythm. She felt the blissful invasion push her over the edge and take her into a land of ecstasy. His agile body continued to thrust in and out. She felt as the length of his hard member invaded her intimate opening over and over. Her slick entrance wrapped around tightly.

At the height of their lovemaking, the couple heard strange footsteps approached the barn. A panicked look on her eyes prompted him to settle her back down onto the ground gently.

"Shhh, come here." Arnold hastily held her hand and then led her to the nearby storage closet near the wall.

"Hello, anybody there?"

Author's Note: Welcome to the end of the chapter! I'd love to know what you think. Oh, I've also always wanted to have an angry sex scene. I thought Shortaki would be perfect for this, don't you?

A LOT of music inspired this chapter: To name a few "Untouchable" and "Illicit Affairs" By Taylor Swift.

"Don't call me kid don't call me baby

Look at this godforsaken mess that you'd made me.

You showed me colors you know I cant see with anyone else."

- Illicit Affairs

Till next time! Don't forget to Review, Fave, Share, etc, Thank you!