{Author's Note: Esmeralda, thank you for the review. Arnold was only upset at whoever it was that started the rumor. It wasn't her because she was also a victim and would never do something like that. Also, on their way to class he was only wondering in his mind who started the rumor.}

They sat down across from each other and ate their lunches for a few moments in silence. Arnold was eating his salad and rested his head on his hand. Helga looked up from her pastrami on rye and frowned at his expression. She hated to see him this way.

Man, why can't Rhonda mind her own business?Helga thought groaning out loud.

Arnold looked up from his salad for a moment and then looked back down.

"I can't believe Rhonda Lloyd would stoop so low. I mean-yeah she's obnoxious, but never this much." Helga said rolling her eyes.

Arnold jerked up in his seat. "Wait, you mean...Rhonda started this whole rumor?"

"You mean...you didn't know from the start? C'mon football-head, she's the only person I know who would be capable of such a thing. She's always looking for something or someone to gossip about."

He sighed and shook his head. "Am I really that dense Helga?"

She smirked. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

Arnold shook his head. "No, I'm good. So...how are we going to stop her from going even further? I mean, the whole school including your ex boyfriend knows."

Helga frowned and groaned. "Oh brother...that's just terrific!"

"Yeah and to make matters worse, he called me a little runt and said that we were responsible for the picture going around because he thought you were using me to make him jealous or something."

"Ugh, as if! I can't stand that guy."

"You won't seriously fall for him again like usual right? I saw what happened-"

"I know what you saw, we already established that, doi! After going back and fourth, I've decided that him and I have broken up for good."

"Is that so?" A familiar voice said behind them.

They both jerked their heads around and frowned at Danny.

"What are you doing here Dannieell?" Arnold teased and stuck his tongue out.

"You be quiet before I pound that football-head of yours flat!"

"Oh yeah-" Arnold started but then Helga cut him off.

"Stop arguing you two! It's pathetic. Now Danny, what do you want? Don't try to get back with me because it's not going to work."

"I bet I can make you fall for me again just like that!" Daniel said, snapping his fingers.

"Yeah right-" She began but then he pulled her in for a kiss. Helga gasped and pushed him away. Arnold growled and jumped on his back.

"Get away from her you jerk!"

Daniel got him off of his back and began to punch him in his stomach.

"OOF!"

"Somebody help!" Helga yelled and the librarian ran over to break them up.

"You boys knock it off!" The librarian yelled after they had been separated. "You're lucky I won't be banning you two from this place!" She walked away and the two boys were panting heavily. Arnold glared back at Daniel while being pulled out the door by Helga.

"Okay. What is up with you Arnold?! You shouldn't have done that! I have enough problems already! And so do you!"

Arnold sighed and the anger melted away from his face. "I don't know. But I couldn't just sit there and let him kiss you without your consent."

"I understand that part, but you have never gotten physical like that since you took karate lessons. I know that I may pick on you and everything but Daniel would've killed you. Or have gotten you expelled."

"I'm sorry Helga. From now on I will restrain myself. However, I always want to be there to protect you because you're my friend. And I don't like to see my friends uncomfortable."

Helga forced a small grin on her lips. "R-right. F-friends...heheh."

He looked over at her blankly.

"You alright Helga?"

"Y-Yeah Arnold. It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

He shrugged, deciding not to press on about it. Meanwhile Helga was trying to fight the pain she was feeling.

Of course he doesn't feel that way about me. I'm just his 'friend.' How stupid was I to think I may ever have a chance with him. Oh well. At least we are spending time together now. I should be happy. Right?

Next Chapter: Hanging Out.