Author's Note: Hello to all my lovely readers, I'm so glad you are still here. Enjoy! Please read the Author's Note on the bottom and Follow, Favorite, and Review 333
TW: Please let me know if you see any TWs that need to be added to this chapter and I will do so.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Hey Arnold Characters, Doi!
The Prequel
Helga leaned against her locker. School had been in session for two weeks and she hated every minute of it, especially this week which was the week of Valentine's day. Helga bit her lip and thought about the stupid teens who bought stupid roses for their stupid sweethearts. She leaned off her locker and stomped to class and as soon as she entered the room she was reminded that it was Thursday, and not just any Thursday, no it was two days before Valentine's day. She was reminded by the flower delivery team also known as Eugene and Sheena who delivered each rose with a song. She sighed as the pair delivered Rhonda Lloyd another rose, song, and dance. The pair went above and beyond with this delivery as Eugene leaped on a nearby desk and spun off losing his balance into Sheena's arms who slid across the floor to catch him. Out of breath said he was okay and handed Rhonda another rose. The princess had over a dozen roses on her desk from this morning alone. The duo let Rhonda have the basket they were carrying the roses in since most of them were for her anyway.
Helga walked over to the ravenette. "So Rhonda, who's going to be the lucky suitor?" She arched a brow.
"I don't know yet." Rhonda bit her lip and looked across the room to Nadine who was laughing with Brainy at their desk. "Who I'm waiting for hasn't sent a rose yet." She rolled her eyes.
"You either, Princess?" Helga crossed her arms over her chest.
Rhonda Gasp "Oh, Romeo hasn't sent Juliet a rose?" She teased.
"No" Helga leaned on Rhonda's desk.
"If you scowl any longer your face will get stuck like that." Rhonda waved the rose she was smelling.
"Whatever." Helga sucked her teeth.
'Well, I for one, am not going to wait until Valentine's day to be asked out." Rhonda lowers a brow.
"Alright Princess" She arched a brow. "So, you're going to ask them out?" She gave a proud smile.
"No, way." Rhonda tossed her hair over her shoulder, "I don't do the asking." She stood up and placed her hand on her hip, "as you can see I get asked." She gestured to the roses on the table. "I just have to put on the charm that's all."
Helga snickered, "Good luck, snobby beauty." She teased.
"Whatever Pataki." She smirked. "Don't need it." Rhonda sat back down as the bell rang.
Helga sat at her desk, took out a notebook and pencil to write a poem. She was interrupted by her beloved who walked in, called her name and waved before sitting at his desk in front of her. She watched the back of her boyfriend's wide head. She thought, how could a head so wide be so dense. She grinded her teeth and pulled on both sides of her pencil until it accidentally broke. She looked over to Rhonda who was putting her plan in action with the third layer of lip gloss. The ravenette adjusted her shirt that hung off her shoulder. Helga thought maybe she should take a page from Rhonda's book and instantly shook her head.
After class Helga had two classes without her boyfriend and she looked at the clock that would free her for lunch, so she could talk to Phoebe. Rhonda stared at the clock in her class as she adjusted her push up bra. Once the bell rang both girls exited their classrooms and went on their missions. Rhonda walked over with her basket of roses to Nadine's locker which was next to hers. Rhonda was sold the locker next to her Nae Nae after paying a fellow classmate a pretty penny .
"Nae Nae" Rhonda batted her eyelashes.
"Yes Rho." Nadine smirked.
"So, Valentine's Day is coming up." She leaned against the locker.
"I heard." Nadine teased.
Rhonda rolled her eyes "You haven't sent me a rose," she pouted.
"Was I supposed to?" Nadine arched a brow.
"It would have been nice is all." Rhonda rubbed her left hand down her right arm.
"I mean you could have sent me a rose too." Nadine leaned against her locker to face her.
"I guess that's true." Rhonda slumped her shoulder and looked down, "I didn't think you would like one."
"You're not wrong since picking flowers is basically killing them." Nadine looked at Rhonda's sad eyes, "Awe, Princess" Nadine lifted her chain to face her.
"Nae Nae." Rhonda rubbed her hand against Nadine's.
"You're impossible." Nadine intertwined her fingers with Rhonda's.
Rhonda bit her lip, "but, you like it, right?" she smirked.
Nadine giggled, "maybe."
Rhonda cleared her throat, "I wasn't sure if you would accept a rose from me." She softened with her confession.
"Why wouldn't I accept a rose from you?" Nadine said with curious eyes.
"You were mad at the New Year's eve party." She glanced at Nadine.
"I wasn't mad, Rho." She sighed, "I just wanted some clarification."
"I get that." Rhonda looked down at her shoes.
"After New Year's Eve, we've been hanging out all winter break, so it seems clear to me." She licked her lips. "Unless there is something else you want to tell me?"
"No." Rhonda brushed her hair behind her ear.
Nadine caressed her cheek, "stop worrying so much." She assured her.
"I can't help it." Rhonda whined.
Nadine laughed softly. "Rhonda, I left my chemistry book in your locker. Can you get it for me?"
Rhonda whined, let go of Nadine's hand, and turned to her locker. She opened the locker to find a small plant."What is this?" Rhonda questioned.
Nadine leaned over with a smile. "It's a plant, a succulent to be exact." She leaned closer to where Rhonda was standing. "Roses die when picked or cut, but succulents can live forever with a little acknowledgement, love, and attention." She stared into Rhonda's eyes. "I thought a succulent suited you better than a rose." She looked at her basket, "In a world full of roses you should always pick a succulent." She smirked.
"So, what are you saying?" Rhonda bit the side of her lip.
"Will you be my Princess?" Nadine smirked.
Rhonda bounced up and down. "I'm already your princess" she beamed.
"I know." Nadine smiled " Miss Rhonda Wellington Lloyd, will you be my Royal Valentine?"
Rhonda bit her lip and nodded "Yes!" She hugged Nadine with the succulent in one hand and the flowers in the other.
After their embrace Nadine put her book in her locker and Rhonda noticed a yellow rose. Nadine saw Rhonda face change and exhaled. "What's wrong?" Nadine questioned.
Rhonda crossed her arms. "Who gave you a rose?"
"Are you serious?" Nadine giggled.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Rhonda said.
"Because you have a basket full of roses." Nadine gestured to the basket.
"Yeah, but I don't care about any of these boys." Rhonda said
"Do they know that?" Nadine questioned.
"I didn't say yes to any of them." Rhonda crossed her hands over her chest.
"Rho, it's a yellow rose." Nadine said with a smile.
"Your point?" Rhonda rolled her eyes.
Nadine giggled, "yellow stands for friendship."
"So." Rhonda lifted her nose in the air.
Nadine laughed, "it's from Sheena and we're just friends, Rho."
"You promise?" She nibbed the side of her lip.
"I promise." Nadine intertwined their fingers once again.
"Okay." Rhonda said softly.
"Trust me, you're my only princess."
Rhonda blushed and swung their hands "Okay."
The two walked hand and hand to the lunch table.
Across the courtyard at Helga and Phoebe's table Helga caught the end of Nadine and Rhonda's display. She shrugged her shoulders before picking at her pasta with her fork. Helga got lost in her deep thoughts about her beloved and let out a sigh.
Phoebe observed her best friend's face that read a mixture of anger and annoyance that were covered by confusion and sadness. This array of emotions she knew very well from her friend. Phoebe has known Helga all her life and knew her emotions better than Helga knew them herself on most days. Phoebe was very aware that if Helga didn't bring up the subject she would have to tread lightly for her friend to open up to her.
"How are you today, Helga?" Phoebe asked with a sweet smile.
"Phoebe." Helga sighed "That dork face of mine didn't send me a rose." She stabbed her fork into her pasta.
"Perhaps, it's not Arnold's way of expressing his desire for you." Phoebe said as she opened her chocolate pudding cup.
"So, Tall Hair Boy, didn't give him any pointers? Jeez!" She shoved a bit of pasta in her mouth. "Because he bought you a bunch of roses." She chewed aggressively.
"Perhaps Arnold thinks it's not your way of accepting his desires for you."
"If you say perhaps and desire one more time, I am going to stab you with my fork." She pointed her fork for good measure.
"Noted" Phoebe took a bite of her pudding. "I didn't think you were into Valentines day, Helga."
"I'm not." She crossed her arms "I'm more into February 15th."
"Presidents' day?" Phoebe questioned.
"Presidents' day?" Helga arched a bow.
"Yes, this year February 15th is presidents' day although it falls on the third monday so it varies. Last year it was February 17th."
Helga looked at her friend with a blink expression. "No, Phoebe I don't care about stinking Presidents' day. I care about half price candy." Helga shook her head.
They sat quietly for a moment as Phoebe picked her next words carefully. "I hate to ask, but why are you upset that Arnold didn't ask you out?"
"I don't know." She huffed, "Arnold and I are officially dating, so aren't you supposed to be excited about Valentine's day?"
"Not exactly." Phoebe chose her next words carefully. "Some people choose to not celebrate the holiday because of commercialism." She thought a bit more, "some people feel really pressured by the day, especially if you don't have a partner. Some people feel the day doesn't value all types of love." She placed her spoon in her pudding. "Some people feel pressured even if they are dating someone." She stirred her pudding.
"Then why do you celebrate it?" Helga arched a brow.
"I like cute dates no matter the day." She took the last bit of her pudding.
"Especially dates with Tall Hair Boy." Helga smirked.
"Yes, especially dates with Gerald." She smiled warmly.
"I want cute dates with my dork." Helga stood up.
"And you should have them." Phoebe cheered her on.
"Yeah." She put her hands on her hips, "this time I'm not waiting for him to ask me!"
"What are you planning to do?" Phoebe said, a little concerned.
Helga took out a piece of paper and wrote on it with her trusty purple pen. She walked away and grabbed a pink rose off of Rhonda's lunch table. She ignored the protest from the princess and continued her walk. She kept telling herself she could do this all the way until she approached her beloved's locker and exhaled.
"Here, FootBall Head" She handed him the folded paper.
Arnold took the paper with confusion. "Helga are you okay?" he asked warmly.
"Just read it, Hair Boy." she smacked her lips and crossed her arms.
"Did I do something wrong?" He stepped back a little.
"Just read it already." She snapped. Helga calmed herself once the steam of pink rose broke in her hand from how hard she squeezed it.
"Okay." Arnold held his hand up in defense. He unfolded the paper and read it slowly. "Be my stupid Valentine or I'll pound you."
Helga put her hands on her hips, "so?"
"Well, I don't want you to pound me." He arched a brow. "But do I have to be your stupid Valentine?" he teased.
"Arnold?" She moaned.
"Sure Helga, I'll be your stupid football headed Valentine." He shook his head.
"Awe, you added football headed." She kissed him on the top of his head.
"Yeah, I thought you would like it" He teased.
"Good" Helga handed him the rose and walked to her next class.
Gerald walked up, "mmm mm mmm, she beat you to the punch." He pointed to the rose.
"Yeah" Arnold sighed, "It's okay, I still have time to do something special for her." He thought intensely. "I hope."
"Whatever you say, Mr. Helga G. Pataki," Gerald teased.
"Ha Ha, Gerald." Arnold closed his locker.
"She even gave you a rose." He shook his head, "a pink rose at that."
"What's wrong with roses?" Arnold said seriously. "Men can receive flowers too, Gerald."
Gerald held his chin and thought about it. "You're right!"
"I am?" Arnold said, surprised.
"Yeah, why doesn't Phoebe buy me a red rose?'
"Are you mocking me?" Arnold questioned.
"No Arnold, I'm serious. Is it too much to ask for my door to be opened, or my chair to be pulled out." He said more as a statement than a question.
"So, it's okay for you to receive a red rose, but not okay for me recieve a pink one?" Arnold questioned.
"Yeah" He cleared his throat, "because red is my color, so if Phoebe gave me a red rose then it shows she appreciates me. But, pink is Helga's color."
"So?"
"So, it shows that she is marking you." Gerald teased.
"Well, it's not that many blue roses, Gerald." Arnold rolled his eyes as they walked to class.
"Very True," Gerald nodded.
"Okay, so we can drop it, now?" Arnold questioned.
"Yeah, but don't get mad, man-" Gerald stopped at the entry of the classroom.
Arnold sighed facing his friend outside the classroom. "Yes, Gerald?"
"Were you going to ask Helga G. Pataki on a date?" He arched a brow.
"Of course, I was." Arnold said, offended by the assumption that he wouldn't.
"Well, why haven't you?" Gerald said.
"I was waiting for the perfect time." Arnold admitted and slumped his shoulders.
"A word of advice, there's no perfect time." He smiled, "you take the moments you have and make them special."
"Been spending time with ?" Arnold teased.
"No, I heard it in an old hippy movie." Gerald walked into class and Arnold walked in behind him shaking his head.
School flew by with Rhonda, Helga, and Arnold, thinking about the events from earlier that day. They all went to their separate homes thinking about their dates tomorrow.
The next day Helga, Phoebe, and some other girls from the school were invited to Rhonda's Pre Valentine's Day Celebration: The Prequel. Helga swore she only agreed to go because Phoebe promised there would be free stuff, and snacks and knew she was a sucker for those things. Helga moaned the whole way to Rhonda's house and made it clear she found it ridiculous for someone to throw a Pre Valentine's party. She laughed and said the princess would throw a party for going to the grocery store and people would show up. Helga shook her head knowing she would be one of the people to show up. She wouldn't admit it, but she was glad to get some ideas of how a real Valentine's date should go. She has been on a Valentine's date with Arnold before, but not as herself. Helga only dated Arnold in the fourth grade by impersonating his penpal Cecile. Helga wondered if that was a real date. It felt pretty damn real to her, but Arnold didn't know he was on a date with Helga G. Pataki. Helga still hasn't told him and wasn't sure if the dense love God of hers had figured it out himself. Helga sighed and thought that real dates had to be different, and she was nervous to find out how different a real Valentine date could be.
Once they arrived at Rhonda's house the princess did not disappoint with red, white, and pink balloons. There were heart shaped sandwiches, cookies, and cake. There was cherry italian cider, sparkling water with fresh lemon twist, and Champagne which Helga swallowed the lump in her throat when she saw it.
"Helga, Phoebe." Rhonda greeted the girls. The princess was wearing a red pleated skirt and matching tank top.
"You outdid yourself, Princess" Helga said with a smirk.
"It was nothing, truly," Rhonda tossed her hair over her shoulders.
"Everything looks lovely Rhonda." Phoebe said with a meek smile.
"Thank you darling." Rhonda placed a hand on Phoebe's shoulder.
"So, when is everyone else getting here?" Helga questioned looking around the room.
"They'll be here soon. You know how The Elites are."
"You invited The Elites?" Helga tossed her head back.
"Of course, I'm an Elite." Rhonda smiled.
"Don't remind me." Helga rolled her eyes.
"It will be fun." Rhonda beamed.
"Doubt it." Helga crossed her arms over her chest.
"Get something to drink and come to the living room." Rhonda waved her hand for them to follow.
"I see you offered more than Champagne this time." Helga said relieved.
"Last time I did have water in the ice chest, but so many people went home sick I thought I would add other sparkling options." Rhonda smirked, "Besides, the champagne is for a special occasion this is The Prequel, the occasion before the special occasion, darling."
Helga took a sip from her sparkling water remembering how sick she was that night. "Why The Prequel?" Helga questioned
"I created the prequel to help us get rid of some of the pre valentine jitters."
"I don't have Pre Valentine Jitters." Helga took a seat on the couch and sipped her water trying to seem convincing.
Phoebe and Rhonda smiled at each other and back at Helga unconvinced. "Everyone comfortable?" Rhonda asked once they all were in their seats and Phoebe nodded.
Helga looked around,"everyone? We're the only ones here."
"Your comfort matters." Rhonda smiled.
The doorbell rang and the butler announced the two girls, "Miss Ruth and Miss Summer." The butler said.
Helga's eyes widened seeing Ruth P. McDougal, Arnold's 4th grade crush, and Summer B. Anderson ironically Arnold's summer fling walked into the living room.
Ruth was a six grader that Arnold pinned over when he was in the 4th grade. He even asked her to be his Valentine anonymously which made Helga impersonate his pen pal Cecile in hopes of stealing his heart. Ruth didn't give Arnold any attention, thought he was the waiter, and ironically left with her actual waiter for the evening. Summer, on the other hand, was Arnold's six grade summer fling when he was in the 4th grade. The girl used the boy pretending to like him all to trick him into building her a sand castle to win a contest to be on Babewatch. Helga was the last girl standing in both situations, but she still didn't like Ruth or Summer. And when Summer transferred to the school last month instantly becoming Ruth's co lead of The Elites, Helga hated them and The Elites more.
"Hey Rhonda." Ruth and Summer said, completely ignoring Helga and Phoebe even when Rhonda introduced them.
"Hello Ladies." She smiled and tossed the girls drinks with her own.
As the party went on The Elites had a lot to say and none of it was nice. Helga listened to them complain about the food, the music, the games, the decorations, and anything really. Helga was sarcastic, but she didn't talk crap about food, not even the cafeteria garbage. Helga thought with a mother like Miriam who forgot to feed her or couldn't cook to save her life, how could she complain about a free meal or a meal at all. The only exception was when Sheena offered her health crap, but beside that no complaints. Helga felt bad for the Princess, because despite how she might get on her nerves, Rhonda always did her best to please her guests.
"Okay, so let's dish." Rhonda said with a smirk.
"About what?" Helga said with her arms crossed.
"About everything like hair, nails, outfits, gifts-"
"Dates?" Summer interrupted.
"I'm curious, who did you say yes to Rhonda?" Ruth asked.
Rhonda tucked a hair behind her ear, "is that really important?"
"It's just that all the boys seem heart broken, so who could your date possibly be?" Summer arched a brow.
"You would know about breaking hearts, wouldn't you?" Helga sucked her teeth.
"Excuse me?" Summer said.
"You're excused." Helga rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, who did you say yes to?" Ruth asked
Helga saw Rhonda bite her lip nervously and decided to speak up. "I think if Rhonda wanted you to know she would have told you." The room went quiet and Helga could see Rhonda twirling her black locks around her finger. Helga bit her lip and softened at the realization that Rhonda didn't want any tension.
Helga sighed, "We all know Rhonda loves to talk." She gave a small smile and all the girls including Rhonda laughed.
"True, I do love to talk." Rhonda said proudly. "So, what is everyone going to wear?" she asked.
"I'm planning to wear a blue baby doll dress," Phoebe said.
"I'm going to wear a black skirt, white stockings, and a red and white striped shirt." Ruth said
"I'm going to wear red shorts and a long sleeve white shirt," Summer said.
"I am going to wear a full red sparkling gown." Rhonda beamed.
"What if your date takes you bowling, Princess?" Helga arched a brow.
"Please Pataki, my date knows me better than that." She huffed.
"You've bowled before." Helga arched a brow, "you were on a bowling team." She added.
"That's when bowling was cool." She flipped her hair. "Fine. I'll wear a red velvet dress with a red cardigan for flexibility." She smirked.
"Ya'll do know that it's still cold outside, right?" Helga arched a brow.
"It's better to look good than to feel good, Helga."Rhonda smirked, "besides I said that I'm wearing a cardigan. A very expensive one I may add." The ravette smiled proudly.
Helga rolled her eyes, "whatever Princess."
"Pataki, you didn't tell us what you're going to wear?" Rhonda said, applying a layer of lip gloss.
"I don't know." The blonde leaned back crossed her arms.
"You can't be serious?" Rhonda puckered her lips. "This is your first official Valentine's day." she looked in her compact mirror.
"I know." Helga hissed, "I just don't know what to wear."
"You want me to help you?" Rhonda closed her mirror putting it back in her purse.
"No, if I wanted help from royalty I would call Queen Olga herself." Helga rolled her eyes.
"That's a great Idea." Rhonda jumped up and clapped her hands.
"Excuse me?' Helga arched a brow.
"I mean Olga has had her fair share of suitors." Rhonda beamed.
"Whatever, I already have, Arnold." Helga cut her eyes.
"Arnold, why does that name sound familiar?" Ruth interrupted.
"You're joking right?" Helga raised a brow.
"Arnold, that's the kid with the funny head" Summer shrugged.
"Oh." Ruth said uninterested.
"Hey, you don't get to talk about his head." Helga gave Ruth and Summer a death stare
The room went silent and Summer rolled her eyes. Phoebe cleared her throat and looked around the room at the four girls' faces.
"I don't think there's anything wrong with dressing up for your mate," Phoebe added softly.
Helga sucked her teeth and looked at the wall, "I'll think about it."
"Goody." Rhonda clapped her hands again. "Take lots of pictures." she insisted.
"Don't push it, Princess" Helga smirked.
"So, what about gifts?" Rhonda applied her red nail polish.
"Don't be silly Rhonda, we don't give gifts. That's the boys job." Ruth and Summer said simultaneously.
"I don't see anything wrong with giving your partner a gift," Phoebe added.
"What are you getting Gerald, Phoebe?" Rhonda blew on her nails with excitement.
"I ordered him a custom gold pic with a Pop Daddy handle." Phoebe said proudly.
"Very nice." Helga nodded. "Where did you get that kind of dough?"
"I invest in stocks." Phoebe said nonchalantly and the group looked at her with curious eyes. "I'm kidding." She giggled. "I save."
"What about you Pataki?" Rhonda asked, spreading her fingers to look at her nails.
Helga laughed, "Are we in a beauty salon."
"Of course, not." Rhonda fluttered her eyelashes, "I'm making sure this red will work for tomorrow before I have them done at the shop."
"You're still going to the shop?"
"Duh. You can't go on a date with self painted nails." Summer and Ruth added
"I guess" Helga lowered her brow.
"So, what do you think Arnold is going to get you?"
"He better get me nothing." Helga said.
"Excusez-moi?" Rhonda tilted her head with her hand on her chest.
"Arnold and I have a no gift policy, until I say otherwise." Helga said proudly.
Ruth and Summer tilted their heads "What a foolish way to lose out on a gift." They said.
"Gifts are only one form of affection." Phoebe added.
"Whatever." The girls rolled their eyes. They both looked at Helga and smiled "You know Pataki, is it?" They asked in unison.
"Okay, Children of the Corn." Helga laughed and snorted. "Are you two apart of a choir?" Helga said sarcastically.
"No, why?" They said in unison.
"Never mind." Helga shook her head. "Call me Helga." she rolled her eyes.
"You know Helga, you could be an Elite since your family has money." Ruth said. "They do still have money, don't they?" Ruth said, placing her finger on her chin.
Helga breathed deeply and sighed. "That's none of your business." Helga hissed.
"Easy Girl." Summer said mockly. "We're all friends here." She added.
"Right, as your friend we're trying to help you out." Ruth gave a sly smirk. "You just have to change your style a bit and maybe pluck your eyebrow." Ruthed said and her and Summer laughed.
Rhonda and Phoebe swallowed the lump in their throat, "How about I get us more snacks." Rhonda jumped up.
"Please don't, those snacks are terrible." The Elites said.
"I never." Rhonda stuck her nose in the air."
"Ya'll are terrible." Helga said.
"Excuse me?" The Elites questioned.
"You heard me." Helga smacked her lips. "Why would I want to be popular? So, I could dress, act, and talk like a clone." Helga looked over at Rhonda, "and be told who I can and cannot date."
"We never would tell someone who they could date." They said with a sly smirk. "We only make a strong suggestion." They added.
"Why should anyone take suggestions from you two?" Helga questioned.
"Because we're Elites" They said with confidence.
"More like Elitettes" Helga teased.
"Pardon me?" The Elites questioned.
"Are you turkey?" Helga snickered.
"What?" The Elites asked confused.
"Elitettes, since you sing everything together." Helga rolled her eyes.
Helga didn't care about being popular or being part of a clique, especially the most stuck up group on campus. Ruth and Summer were two years older than the PS. 118 gang except for Harold, so they would be graduating soon. There was a rumor that Rhonda would replace Ruth after she graduated. Helga didn't understand why Rhonda cared so much about the group and what they thought of her. Rhonda always cared about fashion and being popular, but popular on her own terms. It was different with The Elites and no one knew why and Rhonda didn't explain either.
Ruth laughed "Helga?"
"Yeah?" Helga looked at her from the corner of her eye.
"As I was saying, being popular takes practice." She smiled, "take Rhonda for instance, she's rich, pretty, and popular. But, will never be the leader of The Elites if she continues to hang with people who don't meet the requirements."
"Requirements?" Helga jerked her neck.
"Yes, pretty, popular, and rich." They swung their hair in unison, "Rhonda insisted to hang with people like Nadine. We understand that they've been friends forever, but Rhonda has to admit she has outgrown her." Ruth takes the final sip of her drink.
"We all have to make sacrifices to get what we deserve" Summer added.
Helga looked at Rhonda who was messing with her hair instead of looking in the girl's direction. Helga crossed her arms and watched the smug look of The Elites' faces. Phoebe places a hand on her friends knee giving her a knowing look. The shorter girl rubbed her friend's knee to try to soothe her.
Ruth grabbed another glass from the waiter. "Really Helga," Ruth sighed, "Nadine would be okay, hmmm if it wasn't for the bugs, plants, and other things, but hanging with people like Brainy, Sheena, and Eugene." Both girls laugh, "How low can you get?" Ruth said.
Helga bit her lip until she couldn't take it anymore. "Hey, Beavis and Butthead!" Helga pointed, "Does Ol' Betsy meet your requirements?" Helga balled her fist in their face.
"Now now." Rhonda held Helga fist. Phoebe pattied her friend's arm to soothe her.
"Whatever." The two girls said, "we have more important things to do anyway." They stood up, "think about it Rhonda, it's almost time for you to take your position." The Elites walked away smug, but quickly.
Rhonda, Phoebe, and Helga sat in silence. Phoebe looked at Helga and she sighed as she knew what her shorter friend meant with her eyes. She's come to know whenever Phoebe would look at it was either to calm her or try to get her to offer an olive branch. Helga didn't want to offer an olive branch because she didn't really mean it. She didn't even stand up and positioned herself to hit the girls, but she thought of Arnold saying to show people who she was. So she took a deep breath and exhaled.
"My apologies for busting up your party." Helga said "But, I think the party just got better if you ask me." She smirked.
"You're right, Pataki." Rhonda smiled, "I really should stop hanging with them."
"Why don't you?" Helga asked.
"When you're as rich as I am, it's hard to know who your real friends are."
"I get that." Helga said.
"And everyone from P.S. 118 is so scattered." Rhonda added.
"Well, to play devil's advocate if you hang around girls who talk about all your friends then it's hard to keep them." Helga shrugged.
Rhonda sighed, "you're not wrong."
"Well, at least you have Nadine." Helga said.
"Yes, Nadine." Rhonda brushed a hair behind her ear. "Nadine is more than a friend." She bit her lip and tensed up a bit.
"She is your best friend?" Phoebe offered with a smile.
"Yeah." Rhonda smiled warmly. "Nadine didn't even come today because Ruth and Summer were." Rhonda Sighed.
"I don't blame her." Helga said.
The girls set in silence as Rhonda looked like she had a lot on her mind.
"I'm your friend, Rhonda." Phoebe held the ravenette's hand.
They both looked over to Helga. She shook her head and sighed, "look, this doesn't leave this room," She smirked, "I'm your friend, Princess. I always have been" she shrugged.
"Awe, that makes me so happy." A tear filled Rhonda's eyes.
"Oh my God! Don't be a sap," Helga teased.
It was too late, Rhonda already started to hug her and Phoebe.
"Princess" Helga said and the two girls looked at her "You are Rhonda Freaking Wellington Lloyd. You were self proclaimed miss popular before those girls knew what cool was. Don't let them come into your house, insult your party, and get away with it. You hear me?" Helga said proudly.
Rhonda wiped her face and nodded, "I know." she smiled softly. "You think that our dates are as worried about tomorrow?"
Helga knew Rhonda was changing the subject to avoid telling her everything. Since Helga wasn't one to push unlike her loveable boyfriend. She huffed and answered the question. "Please, the football head is probably in lala land."
The girls continue to talk and laugh throughout the night. Rhonda had dinner prepared by her cook. They enjoyed each other's company, until Rhonda held a car to take Phoebe and Helga home.
Later that Evening, Gerald met Arnold to play catch at Gerald's field . The two were throwing the ball back and forth. But, Gerald could tell Arnold had a lot on his mind. Gerald continued to throw the ball waiting for his friend to open up on his own, but after a few moments of Arnold standing with the ball or missing the ball all together Gerald decided to ask his friend what was wrong.
"Wass up, man?" Gerald threw the ball.
"Nothing." Arnold caught the ball and stood with it.
"You sure?" Gerald held out his glove.
"It's just-" Arnold let out a sigh.
Gerald walked over to Arnold and they sat on the bench.
"Helga has this no present policy." Arnold sighed, "I'm afraid that if I get her anything she might actually get mad." Arnold rubbed the back of his neck. "But my Dad, Grandpa, and Mr. Potts said that a girl always wants something even if she says she doesn't."
"Mmm mm mm, That's a tough one." Gerald shook his head. "I thought Valentine's day was hard enough, but you and Helga managed to make a hard thing even harder."
"Helpful Gerald," Arnold shook his head.
"Maybe get her something small." Gerald sat with his thought before he continued. "Get her something that is thoughtful, but you would get on any other occasion." He bit his lip and thought some more. "You know, a gift that says I was thinking of you." He shrugged.
"Like what?" Arnold raised a brow.
"Look man, I can't give you the blueprint and build the house for you." He laughed. "Come on let's keep playing. It's better if you take your mind off it." He smiled at his friend's worried face "You can come back to it with a clear mind." Gerald said and took his stance on the other side of the field.
The friends threw the ball back and forth as they laughed and joked about school, their girlfriends, and some of the old gang until the sun set. Arnold seemed like he finally relaxed so the boys decided to walk home to get ready for their big day tomorrow.
"Do you know what you're going to wear tomorrow?" Gerald asked.
"I have no idea." Arnold slumped his shoulders.
"Hey, it's okay. There is no need to stress over it." Gerald said
"Easy for you to say. I'm sure you have your whole outfit planned." Arnold retorted.
"Of course, I'm going to wear a red blazer with a black hooded and white jeans." Gerald beamed.
Arnold nodded, "very nice."
"Plus, I'm finally letting Jamie O cut my hair."
"Really?" Arnold looked with wild eyes.
Gerald laughed, "why so surprised?"
"I never thought you would cut your hair." Arnold admitted.
"Me either, but I'll be turning sixteen this year, so I thought I should try something new." He cleared his throat, "plus, I want to look really nice for Phoebe."
"Phoebe loves you, so I'm sure she'll love any version of you." Arnold said
"Like Helga loves you." He smirked, "I'm sure she'll be happy no matter what you two do tomorrow."
"Okay, I see your point." Arnold punched Gerald lightly on the shoulder.
"Because I'm a ladies' man." Gerald lightly punched him back.
Arnold laughed "Since you and Phoebe don't have a no gift policy, what are you getting her?"
"I was thinking of a pink tie with little glasses." Gerald teased.
"Really?" Arnold arched a brow.
Gerald placed his hand on his stomach and laughed, "of course not."
"Good" Arnold shook his head.
"I'm getting her an electric pocket organizer, and one of those big calendars that you can hang on the wall. It's not the most romantic gift to some girls, but to Phoebe it will be perfect." Gerald wiggled his brows.
"I agree." Arnold said with a proud smile.
The two reached the corner where they would part ways to their separate homes. They did their signature handshake and Gerald assured his friend everything will be fine. Arnold repeated Gerald words all the way to the boarding house.
Author's Note: Please Follow, Favorite, and Review
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Chapter 5 Release Date: March 26! Helga and My Birthday. Feel free to leave a lovely review as an early birthday gift :)
I appreciate you all so much 333