Hi Everyone! Thought I would post a new story earlier, since I won't be around this long weekend. Happy Holidays! So this chapter takes place the first week after Rhonda's Halloween party. What happens to Rodrigo's and Helga's friendship when rumors start to spread about them again? How does it affect them?
The first week after Rhonda's party, Rodrigo felt it to be like any other day as he entered school. As he was making his way toward his locker, a friend of his came by to greet him.
"¿Oye ese, cómo estás? (Hey ese, how are you?)
"Hey, chev ¿y tú? (Hey, good and you?)
"Bien. Escuche, hay una fiesta que va ocurrir en dos semanas desde hoy, en un sábado. ¿Puedes venir?" (Good. Listen, there is a party happening two weeks from today, on a Saturday. Can you make it?)
"Si, claro. Gracias por la invitacion ¿Puedo traer alguien con mijo?" (Yes, of course. Thanks for the invitation. Can I bring someone with me?)
"Si, si, mientras es una mujer." (Yes, yes, so long as it is a woman) his friend said while smiling.
"Es una mujer. Gracias Javier. Nos vemos pronto." (It's a woman. Thanks Javier. I'll see you soon)
Sweet! I'll invite Carmen this time. Rodrigo thought happily.
When his business class started, he quickly made his way to seat beside Carmen in order to ask her out to the party.
"Hola Carmen ¿Cómo estás? (Hi, Carmen. How are you?) Rodrigo asked her.
"Hola Rodrigo. Bien ¿y tú?" (Hi Rodrigo. Good and you).
"Bien. Mira, un amigo me invitó a una fiesta que va ocurrir en un sábado, dos semanas desde hoy. Estaba pensando si querias ir con mijo?" (Good. Look, I was invited to a party that is happening on a Saturday, two weeks from today. I was thinking if you wanted to come with me?) Rodrigo asked her.
Carmen simply just looked at him with a confused expression; clearly not the face he was expected.
"¿Umm, perdón Rodrigo, pero que dice Helga sobre estó?" (Sorry Rodrigo, but what does Helga have to say about this?"
Now it was Rodrigo's turn to give a confused expression.
"¿Helga? Ella no tiene que ver nada con estó. ¿ Por qué preguntas?" (Helga? She has got nothing to do with this. Why do you ask?)
"Peguntó porque pensé que ustedes son novios." (I asked because I thought you guys were dating.)
"¿Que? Pero te dije en la fiesta que solo somos amigos. Ella no es mi novia. Soy soltéro" (What? But I told you at the party that we are only friends. She is not my girlfriend. I am single.) He responded back.
"No es solo yo que pienso eso. Todo la escuela esta hablando tambien. Hay rumores que ustedes estan saliendo juntos." (It is not just me that thinks that. The whole school is talking about it too. There are rumors that you guys are dating.) Carmen explained.
"Son rumores, no mas. Te estoy confirmando que no estamos saliendo juntos. ¿Tu pienses que voy a engañar a usted y Helga? Especialmente Helga?" (They are only rumors. I am confirming that we are not going out together. Do you think I would actually lie to you and Helga? Especially Helga?) Rodrigo asked, now getting a little irritated.
"Lo siento Rodrigo, pero no me siento comodo en ir juntos a está fiesta." (I'm sorry Rodrigo, but I'm not comfortable in going with you to this party together.) Carmen confirmed.
Rodrigo was stunned. These rumors just cost him a potential date with Carmen! However, not wanting to push her, he only said,
"Ok, no te preocupes." (OK, don't worry about it).
Just then the teacher entered the class and quickly began his lecture for today.
I cannot believe that because of these stupid rumors, I got shot down by Carmen! Seriously? What else can go wrong to today?! He thought bitterly.
When lunchtime came, Rodrigo made his way to their usual sitting area, sat down and started eating; still irritated by Carman's rejection over some rumors, he failed to notice his friends' concerned face.
"Hey Rodrigo, we just heard. Is it true that you and Helga are now dating?" Gerald asked, but with a concerned face.
"No Gerald. We are not dating. Who the hell came up with that stupid rumor? Was it because of the dance that we did together at Rhonda's party? Jeez, it was only a dance!" Rodrigo said.
Now his friends' were even more concerned.
"Rodrigo, if you guys are not dating, then you should really speak with Helga about this before she hears them." Rhonda said to him with a concerned tone.
"Why? She knows the truth. You know that she is not the type of person that cares about what other people think, so I doubt she is going to buy into these dumb rumors." Rodrigo said.
"She will take this rumor personal, Rodrigo. You didn't hear what happened when I invited her to my party a few weeks ago?" Rhonda asked.
When Rodrigo shook his head, Rhonda began to explain.
"When I invited Helga to the party, I told her that as part of the requirement, she needed to bring a date with her. She completely blew up on me and stormed out. I had to go and find her in order to explain to her that by 'date', I didn't mean that she needed to bring an actual date. It could just be a friend. We all know that she and Arnold are in a long-distance relationship, and so even bringing up the topic of dating someone to her, even as a joke is a slap to her face and to their relationship. Which is why you should really try to explain this to her and confirm with her that you did not spread these rumors Rodrigo."
"Rhonda, I really think you are overacting about this. These are only rumors and Helga should know me by now that I would not even try to spread these types of rumors. I know she at least trusts me on that." Rodrigo said.
However, after seeing that his friends were still concerned, he then added,
"Alright, alright. I'll go and talk to her before our history class starts, if that'll make you guys feel better. But I still think you guys are over-reacting."
Before history class started...
Rodrigo made it to their history class a little early. The teacher hadn't even arrived yet. As he was making his way to his usual sitting spot, one of the male students who sits in the middle of the classroom, approached him and started asking him about yesterday's homework. As he conversed with him, he had his back turned towards the door and did not see Helga coming in.
Helga entered the classroom quietly but with a furious scowl to her face. She had heard the rumors and she was looking for Rodrigo, ready to explode at him.
Who the hell does think he is? How dare he spread these rumors about us! She thought.
She saw him talking and immediately stormed towards him. Without even knowing that she had entered the room, Helga quickly and violently grabbed his shoulder, twisted it so he can turn around, then grab his collar. She was so furious at him that, without thinking, she took a swing at him. Rodrigo just barely was able to dodge it, only allowing Helga to hit his hat and knocking it off to the ground. She then immediately started yelling at him in front of the whole classroom.
"You idiot! Who the hell do you think you are?! How dare you spread false rumors about us, all because of a few stupid dances?! You think I am just some skank that you can just show off to your pals?!"
Is she serious about this? Does she actually think I would spread these stupid rumours about us? Is she actually acting like this in front of everyone?! Rodrigo thought with extreme irritation.
"Helga! I wasn't the one who spread these rumors..." Rodrigo attempted to explain, but was cut off by Helga.
"Ya, right! Like I'm supposed to believe that! You're trying to make a fool out of me in front of everyone! You men are all the same; a bunch of liars!" She yelled at him while looking at him with deadly eyes.
All the students in the room just stood by silently, still completely in shock at what was happening. If any of them had heard the rumors, then it is confirmed that they definitely were not dating.
By this point, as he was being shaken and humiliated in front of everyone, Rodrigo was losing his patience.
"Helga, I'm telling you the truth! I would never start these rumors. And how dare YOU accuse me of that without even talking to me about this?! Now let me go!" He yelled at him, as he tried to get her off him.
"Or else what, bucko?! What are you going to do about it?!" She taunted him as she shook him violently.
"If anyone is humiliating you, it is yourself. Now let go!"
Rodrigo then lifted his arms and hit her arms from above, causing her to let go, which he then instantly and very hard, pushed her, while also tripping her, causing her to fall. She would have fallen completely to the ground, had it not been for the desks which she managed to grab and lift herself up. Furious, Rodrigo then launch himself towards her, grabbing her shirt, just as she was about to throw a punch at his face, when the teacher came in and yelled at them, stopping them dead in their tracks.
"Rodrigo! Helga! What are you doing?! Stop this, right now!"
The teacher had seen Rodrigo push Helga to the floor, but did not see Helga grabbing him.
"Rodrigo, you know better than to touch someone! You go to the principal's office right now!" The teacher said to him.
"But I didn't do anything. Helga just launched herself at me and started yelling at me and she grabbed me first." Rodrigo explained.
"Right now I said!" The teacher retorted back.
Just then the male student that was talking to Rodrigo spoke up in his defence.
"Sir, Rodrigo's right. Helga entered the room and started acting all crazy and just grabbed him and starting yelling at him about some stupid rumor of them dating. He tried to explain that he didn't cause the rumor but Helga wouldn't listen."
The other students then quickly spoke up as well, defending Rodrigo.
"Fine, both you and Helga are going to the Principal's Office right now."
At the Principal's Office...
Rodrigo waited for Principal Miller spoke to Helga first about their fight. After about 20 minutes, Helga exited his office, and then walked outside of the room without even looking at Rodrigo.
"Mr. Castile? Come in." Principal Miller said.
Rodrigo got up and went inside his office and sat down. Principal Miller then asked him what happened, to which he told him everything, the rumors about them dating, how Helga took it personally, and her assuming that he spread the rumors.
"Mr. Castile, despite that Helga started the fight; I was informed that you were about to start a fist fight with her. Is that true?" He asked Rodrigo.
"Yes sir. But it was only for self-defence." Rodrigo explained.
"Be that as it may, you know better than to put your hands on anyone. You are very lucky that Ms. Pataki will not be filing a harassment case against you."
Rodrigo was about to protest, but he decided against it and simply said, "Yes, sir."
"And because you were about to get involved into a fight, you will have detention today with Ms. Pataki. By tomorrow I will make a decision as to what course of action we will do in regards to your behaviour, which may include suspension, as well as a report on your record."
"Seriously? Even if she started it?" Rodrigo bitterly asked him.
"Yes, Mr. Castile. Fighting will not be tolerated in this school, regardless of who started it. Don't think that I am not aware of your previous scuffle with Roger and the other 12th graders a few weeks ago. I let that go only because that student you pushed did not suffer any serious injuries and since you are new to this school, I did not want you to start your first year with us with a bad record. You will not be given a second chance. Do I make myself clear?" Mr. Miller said with a raised voice.
"Yes, sir" Rodrigo said with a soft and defeated voice.
"Ok. Your detention will be in Room# 310 after class. Report there." He said and gave Rodrigo a note to hand in to the teacher that will be supervising the detention in that room.
Rodrigo left the office completely hurt and utterly furious at Helga. He had never been in this much trouble at any of his other schools. The times when he was, they were usually in defence of classmates, or for good causes, such as the lack of books at his former school's library, which he and other students organized an illegal protest for. For that, he merely got a slap in the hand, but was let go with no serious imprint on his record.
I cannot believe that after only being here for two months, I may get suspended, all because of her! I cannot believe that she just blasted at me like that, accusing me of using her as a trophy! This is the last straw! I've had it with her! She can go to hell! He angrily thought.
Room#310...
Rodrigo entered the room, gave his detention note to the teacher and sat on the opposite side of the room, far from where Helga was already there. Rodrigo that made up his mind that after detention, he was going to have a serious talk with her and even end his friendship with her.
However, five minutes into their detention, the teacher was called to go help in another detention room.
"I have to go to another for a few minutes. Can I trust you both to still be here when I return?" She asked.
"Yes, ma'am" Rodrigo responded.
Helga said nothing and merely looked away. She had been frowning and scowling the whole time she was there.
Once the teacher left, Rodrigo decided he will just talk to her now. He waited for a few seconds. Then, he immediately stood up, walked closer to Helga, sat down beside her and started yelling her.
"What the hell is your problem, Helga?! Why did you make such a big deal out this?! Do you actually think I would be stupid enough to spread such stupid rumors about us, knowing full well that it was going to upset you?! That is not what friends do! Despite what our friends said, I really did not think that you would be so upset over some stupid rumors and worse, accuse me of them without letting me explain! You never even gave me a chance!"
Helga said nothing and merely looked straight towards the blackboard, still frowning.
"Because of you, I may get suspended for a fight that you freaking started! Because you were not able to control your temper and you simply rushed into stupid conclusions!"
When Helga still said nothing, Rodrigo then lost it.
"Ya great, go ahead; ignore me, ignore what I say, ignore everyone! That's what you do best. No wonder you are alone! That is what you always do! You don't care about anyone other than yourself! You don't care what you just did to me! That is why Arnold left Hillwood. He didn't leave because of his parents; he left to get away from you because he couldn't stand you anymore!"
It took Helga every ounce of her strength not to show just how much that last remark stabbed her right in the heart. The only reaction that she was not able to control were her pupils dilating, which Rodrigo didn't notice. She said nothing. She just continued to sit there, staring at the blackboard, still frowning.
Rodrigo had wanted to tell her that their friendship was now over, that she should never approach him, nor contact him ever again. However, despite how angry he was at her, he could not pull himself to tell her that. Something prevented him from doing so, but he did not know what.
After some silence, Rodrigo simply stood up and walked back to his seat and slugged down.
This is the worst day of my life! Who the hell has time to put up with her antics! No one! I can't believe I actually tried to be her friend, to help her out, only to get chewed up like this! He thought bitterly.
Once their detention ended, Rodrigo instantly got up and walked out, not noticing that Helga started walking the opposite way that he was going. He didn't care.
He took the bus home that afternoon feeling completely demoralized and depressed. His parents were not going to take this well. Chances are they were going to ground him.
When he arrived back, his parents greeted him normally, much to his surprise. He thought the principal was going to immediately call them about his fight. Although relieved, he was still sure that tomorrow Principal Miller was going to call them the next day, after he made his decision to suspend him or not.
Rodrigo went to bed that night knowing he was not going to sleep well, dreading tomorrow's decision.
The next day...
Rodrigo went to his home class and sat down without greeting Sid and Harold.
"Hey Rodrigo, tough day today?" Sid asked.
"Ya...tough day." Was all he could respond.
Just then, Principal Miller made an announcement to Rodrigo's home class, asking for him to come to his office.
Rodrigo simply got up and walked towards the exit, with all eyes staring straight at him; as if this was the last time they were going to see him.
When he arrived at Principal Miller's office, he closed the door and sat down.
"Well Mr. Castile, I've made a decision and you will not be suspended for yesterday's fight." The Principal bluntly told him.
"Really? Thank you, sir" Rodrigo said happily.
"Well, don't think me. Helga came by my office yesterday and confessed that she was trying to provoke you into a fight. She told me that you were minding your own business when she came to the room and started making racist remarks at you, and even threatened you. So, based on that confession, as well as with my investigation, you are free to go with no negative notes on your record." He explained while smiling.
Rodrigo just sat there, completely stunned that Helga just took the fall for him. "She confessed?" Was all he could say.
The Principal just nodded.
"Well...thank you, sir."
As he was about to walk out of his office, Rodrigo stopped, turned to face Principal Miller and asked him,
"If I may ask sir, what's going to happen to Helga?"
The Principal was a bit surprised for Rodrigo to ask him that. He hesitated for a while if he should tell him or not. Eventually, he relented.
"Well Mr. Castile, this is not the first time that Helga has been brought to my office. If anything, the last time she was here I made it completely clear to her that this was going to be her last chance and if she picked a fight with anyone again, she will be expelled. Unfortunately, that's what is going to happen."
Rodrigo's heart sank and his stomach made this serious twist that he felt like puking.
Expelled?! No, no, no, no that can't happen. I can't allow that! He thought.
Rodrigo then closed the door behind him, then sat down again and said,
"Sir, please I beg you to reconsider that decision."
"Pardon me?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Sir, Helga was upset about those rumors that we were dating. We're not dating. We're actually friends, sir. She got upset because the one person whom she loved left Hillwood two years ago and it has been hard for her since. These rumors unfortunately pressed the wrong button and she took it personally." Rodrigo explained.
Seeing as how the Principal was not convinced, he continued.
"Sir, I know Helga is a difficult person to deal with, but she has...issues at home and a lot of stuff to deal with, more than the typical teenager. I know this because she told me and our friends have also told me this. If you expel her, it will not make things any better. Quite the contrary, it will make things worse for her because then she will really be alone. At least here, she has friends, friends whom she can count on and whom will always be there for her, even me."
"I know that she made those racist remarks and that she threatened me, but I also know that she did not mean them. I know that what she did was wrong and she should be held responsible for it, but I don't think expelling her is the right course of action. I'm sure you can see on her record that despite getting into fights, she is not a delinquent. She is smart and honest. She can be aggressive and tough, but she does not do drugs, she does not steal or hang out with the 'wrong' crowd. I know that deep down she is a good person. She just needs more...time to recognize that."
Seeing as how the Principal was still not convinced, he then added rather jokingly,
"Hey, I'm the guy she swore at and almost punched so at least that counts for something, right?" He said while nervously smiling at the Principal.
The Principal stood motionless. He was really surprised that this teen would defend the person that almost got him suspended. Indeed, he was actually going to suspend Rodrigo, had it not been for Helga's confession. Yet he couldn't dodge from his wisdom. It is true that despite Helga being an aggressive person; she was not a bad kid. She did well at school and most of the fights that she got into were because other kids were provoking her, albeit she would be the one that would strike them first. If anything, the problem laid right there. Helga never tried to defend herself in front of him. If anything, her usual cynical remarks or sarcasms were what often sealed her fate, resulting in her either getting the full blame or partial.
With her fight with Rodrigo, she initially told the principal what happened and that was it, but it was rather vague and he interpreted it as both of them fighting. She made no attempt to explain to him why she did, or why she should be given another chance. It was only when she went to see him the second time did she provide more detail and gave ample reasons for trying to provoke him to fight, although she tweaked so as to make it look like it Rodrigo was completely innocent. She explained to him that when Rodrigo launched himself towards her, he was only defending himself from her. He was not attacking her. The Principal was initially not going to expel her, but after her confession, it was too much for him to let it slip.
After some careful thought, he relented.
"Ok, Mr. Castile, You convinced me. I will give her this one last chance. But as you said, she needs to be held accountable, so I'm afraid she will be suspended for three days. Ok?"
"Thank you, sir. Thank you." Rodrigo said, trying not to sound emotional.
"Well, since you are her friend, can I count on you to get her homework from her class and bring them to her?" Mr. Miller asked.
"Yes, sir, I can and I will." Rodrigo confirmed.
"Very well. Here is a list of her classes. Try going to them and inform the teacher that you are there to get Helga's homework and assignments." He said smiling.
Rodrigo took the list and headed off towards his next class, feeling relieved and just...not happy, but feeling warm.
I can understand why Phoebe always defences her. He thought.
As he was about to leave the office, Principal Miller then said to him,
"You know, Ms. Pataki is very lucky to have you as a friend. I hope she sees that."
"I think she does sir. Thank you." Rodrigo responded back with a smile.
Throughout the rest of the day, Rodrigo went to his class, but also stopped by Helga's class to pick up any homework and assignment. What Helga did for him, despite knowing that she was going to get expelled, was incredible. He cannot thank her enough. She truly did care for her friends. It was not as if his other friends back in L.A. would not stand up for him; it is just that he never expected anyone to make such a big sacrifice for him. With Helga, it was different. She really did come through and showed that she really did value their friendship. She was willing to get expelled and sacrifice whatever little happiness she had to make up for what she did to him.
When school ended, Rodrigo made a quick dash towards Helga's locker, knowing that Phoebe was going to be there. As predicted, when he arrived, he saw Phoebe with Gerald, with the former looking visibly upset.
"Hey guys." Rodrigo said, trying not to smile too much.
"Hey Rodrigo. Have you heard? Helga got expelled over yesterday's fight. Apparently that was her last chance." Gerald said.
"I know. Principal Miller told me. She took the fall for me guys. She told the principal that she started the fight and was provoking me. She took the full blame for it and she got expelled for that. But I managed to convince him to give Helga one more shot. So he reversed the expulsion for three days of suspension. I just picked up all of her homework and assignments so I can tell her the news." He explained.
"Really?! That's wonderful news, Rodrigo. How did you manage to convince him to give Helga another try?" Phoebe asked him, now smiling for joy.
"I told him that Helga is not a bad person. She well in class, doesn't mix with the wrong crowd. She just has issues. Plus that fact that I would defend her, despite what she did, made it more convincing." He explained.
Phoebe was so thankful that she launched herself towards Rodrigo and gave him a big hug, to which he responded back.
"Thank you Rodrigo! You have no idea that this means for Helga, and to me!" She said.
"You did well, kid. I only used to say this to one person, but you are also one bold kid." Gerald said smiling.
Despite his conflict with Helga, even Gerald was a bit saddened by the news of Helga being expelled. He knew as well that this was going to make things worse for her, but was glad that Helga was getting another chance.
"Thanks, guys. I'm happy too."
As Rodrigo rode the bus home, he kept on rewinding what Principal Miller to him about Helga. However, he then thought of something that made his smile disappear.
What if Helga does not want to be friends anymore? Just because she stood up for me, does not mean that she will want to have anything to do with me, especially after what I said to her about...Arnold. He thought sadly.
I can't give up. Helga did not, so I'm not going to give up. Even if she doesn't forgive me, I'll earn her forgiveness and trust again, for as long as it takes. I'm not going to give up on her.
Once he got off, he walked towards her house, went up the stool and knocked on the door. As he waited, he dropped his smile and thought about what he was going to say to her.
Should I just say thank you? Should I just hug her? Is she even going to allow me to talk to her, or will she just slam the door at my face? He thought. She'll probably just slam the door at my face.
Just then, the door swung open and Helga appeared which, to her surprise, saw Rodrigo standing there.
"Hey" he said.
"What do you want Rodrigo?" She coldly asked him, whiling frowning at him.
"Principal Miller told me what you said to him after detention. I know what you did for me." He said.
"Ya, so?" she asked defensively, but Rodrigo was undeterred.
"I spoke to him and I got him to reverse his decision to expel you from Hillwood High school. You won't have to move to another school, but you are suspended for three days unfortunately."
Helga then eased up a bit, surprised at the revelation. She dropped her frowning face for the time being.
"Listen, it's a little cold out here, can I come in for a second?" Rodrigo asked.
Helga stepped aside and allowed him to enter her house. She then closed the door behind him. She was home alone. Big Bob was still at work. Miriam had actually gone for a job interview at a local TV station and Olga went to another acting interview.
After some initially silence, Rodrigo then asked her,
"Why did you do it?"
"I think you know why" she calmly responded back with her arms crossed.
Ya, I do know why. That was a stupid question. He thought.
Again, there was silence between them. Rodrigo thought about what else to say to her. He knew she was not an emotional type of person, at least not on the outside, but he wanted to let her know just how much this meant to him.
"I just wanted to say thank you for what you did. You didn't have to do it, especially if this was your last chance. I just wanted to let you know how much I really appreciate what you did. No one has even done that for me before. I'm truly sorry that I doubted how much you cared about our friendship. And I'm really sorry about what I said about Arnold...leaving you."
Rodrigo started to look away, as guilt started to overwhelm him, knowing full well that that remark had hurt her deeply. But he gathered what strength he had, sucked it up and continued with what he had to say.
"I knew that was a serious low blow but that's why I said it. I wish I could say that I didn't mean to hurt you, but at that time, that's what I was trying to do. All I can say is that I'm really sorry for saying that. I don't expect you to forgive me right away, but I wanted to let you know that I will fight every inch in earning your forgiveness and trust again." He said.
Yesterday, after he made that remark, Helga had to use every ounce of strength and more, to allow her to go home without falling into pieces. Once she arrived home, she quickly entered her house, went up stairs, went to her room and collapsed on her bed, sobbing. She knew the real reason why Arnold left and it wasn't because of her. She knew Rodrigo only said that to her because he was angry and he did not mean it. Yet, it was still a knife to her heart, especially if this came from someone whom she considered a friend. It still hurt. Yet, she also knew that she had it coming. She couldn't blame Rodrigo for saying that, not after what she did to him in front of everyone, accusing him of spreading rumors without even giving him the benefit of the doubt. Her anger caused this; it almost cost her a friend.
"You're right; that did hurt." She said while coldly looking at him. But then she made a little smile and added, "But I guess I can forgive you for that. I'm...sorry too."
To his surprise, Helga then extended her hand. Rodrigo, getting a bit overwhelmed, and despite that she was not a hugging person, quickly just launched himself towards Helga and gave her a big hug. Because he wrapped his arms around hers, she wasn't able to hug him back.
For the second time, his hug caused her heart to skip a beat, but for the next few seconds, she made no attempt to get out. Actually, it felt...nice, it felt warm. All she did was smile at the gesture.
After 5 seconds, she gently started pushing him away and said,
"Alright alright, enough of the mushy stuff. I forgive you; you forgive me, so let's just move on."
"Ok." He responded back, smiling. "Oh I almost forgot. I managed to go to all of your classes and get your homework and assignment for today."
He went to his backpack and got out all of her papers and gave them to her.
"Well then, Latino boy, I guess your punishment for getting me suspended is to get my homework and assignment for the next three days." She said jokingly with a smile.
"I plan on doing that. It's the least I can do." He responded back.
Again, silence started permeating the house.
"Well I guess I better get going. I got homework. I guess I'll see you tomorrow after school, Helga." He said.
"Ok"
He grabbed his pack and starting exiting the house. Just as he was going down the stoop, Helga then said to him but nervously,
"Hey, umm...do you want to do our homework together?"
Rodrigo turned around and then jokingly asked her, "you mean as a date?" while smiling.
This guy really likes to push things, doesn't he? She thought.
"Ya sure, whatever floats your boats." Helga responded back while rolling her eyes.
"Sure."
With a smile, he then walked back inside her house.
Later the evening...
Well football head that was the whole ugly story of today's event. I'm now stuck at my room for three full days, with boredom threatening to drive me insane. I can't say this was my proudest moment, but you know just how much of a sensitive topic it is for me. Apart from the fact that no one else knows about our relationship status, I guess it is also because I have never really come to terms with it. Every mention of the word 'dating' to me was a reality check, a fact that up until now, I was unwilling to admit. But after what happened with Rodrigo and what he did for me after, I knew that I was no longer able to ignore it. I have to accept it for what it is.
Speaking of which, I was surprised at what Rodrigo did, in convincing the principal to give me another chance. I, for sure thought that I had to go to another school, much to my dread. Thankfully, I can return to that old dump of a school and graduate. Three days suspension is a small price to pay.
In a weird way, despite the huge risk and the hurt it caused, I am glad this happened because it showed me that Rodrigo is a person whom I can count on. I know that he was furious at me, and he had every right to, but he pulled through, just like I did for him. It strengthened our friendship. But I'm certainly going to make sure we do not go through that again! God that was an emotional roller coaster!
I hope you are keeping yourself busy on your end; I will try and do the same before I end up killing myself.
Your imprisoned mate,
Helga G. Pataki