Disclaimer: Hey Arnold!, Who wants to be a Millionaire are not mine.
Chapter Three
Boys' and Girls' Night Out
Arnold plopped down his bed. It was a tiring day but what weighed more were the thoughts in his head.
He wasn't able to talk to Helga like he planned. It seems that Helga was avoiding him. And even if he were able to get her alone with him she wouldn't talk much. The Helga that he laughed and teased with wasn't coming out.
RING! He sighed and turned over to get closer to the phone, which was by his bed. "Hello" he muttered unenthusiastically.
"Hello to you too" a sarcastic voice replied.
"Hey, Gerald."
"What is wrong with you man? You sound like your pet just died?"
Arnold sighed. "No, I'm just tired. We pretty much went everywhere today."
He heard Gerald chuckle. "But it was great, right?"
"You're right." He paused. "Is everything settled?"
"Yup, all our male classmates are coming. Even Curly and Brainy."
"Great. So what are Phoebe's plans? I hope she isn't alone tomorrow night"
"She's having a sleepover in Helga's hotel room. She was pretty excited about it."
Arnold smiled. "That's good." He paused again. "Is Stinky bringing the cards?"
"You bet. Well, see you tomorrow night, my man. Good night!"
"Good night, Gerald. See you tomorrow!"
They both hung up.
Arnold faced the night sky. He didn't much like keeping secrets from Gerald but he didn't understand and also he was having doubts about this. Maybe Gerald was right. Maybe Helga changed for the best. Maybe he should just ask how she's doing.
"Okay gentlemen, the name of the game is Old maid," Stinky said while performing Las Vegas style shuffling.
"Aww, Stinky that game is for sissies! Can't we play something like poker or blackjack?" Harold exclaimed.
Stinky stopped shuffling and glared at Harold. "My cards my game."
Harold just exclaimed another, "Aww!"
"Where have I heard all these before," Sid muttered to himself. The others either just rolled their eyes or groaned.
There they were sprawled all over Arnold's room. Stinky, Harold, Sid, Eugene, Iggy, Arnold and Gerald were sitting by the table ready to play cards. Brainy just watched them play while Curly was watching T.V. with Park, Peapod kid, Iggy and Lorenzo. An occasional outburst from Curly was heard. And guessing from his shouts of, "It's fish, stupid! FISH! Pisces is fish! Don't use your lifelines!!" and "Are you insane?! It's De Maggio. Everyone knows that!" you could conclude that it was the Millionaire show.
Arnold sighed.
"I guess something's never change, huh Arnold. Anyway, the right answer was fishes for Pisces. The picture of Pisces shows two fishes..."
Sid, who was at Gerald's right, laid a hand on his shoulder. "Gerald, you have been around Phoebe way too much. You're starting to sound like her."
The others grinned while Sid continued to look at Gerald. He just raised an eyebrow. He stopped looking at Sid and looked at everyone (almost everyone) on the table. "Anyway, before I was rudely interrupted. It seemed like nothing changed at all."
He stopped as heard Curly yell something that wouldn't suitable for polite company. He cleared his throat; "It just seems like we just matured a little instead of being 27 year olds." He stopped as he remembered something. "But one person that really changed was Helga Pataki."
This caused a blanket of silence to cover the room. Arnold began to feel a bit apprehensive.
"What changed in Helga, Gerald?" Stinky asked.
Gerald momentarily grinned like he kept the biggest secret in the world (he kind of did) then became a bit shocked, "You don't know? She was in the reunion."
"She was?" Harold asked.
Silence came again.
Gerald chuckled. Arnold just groaned. Harold couldn't take it anymore and stood up and stomped his way to Gerald. "You better tell, Gerald or I'm gonna..."
Gerald grinned. "Have any of you seen a tall woman with her long blonde hair pinned to her sides? A lady wearing a pastel pink dress?"
"I did," Stinky said. He stopped then looked bewilderedly at Gerald, "You don't mean that..."
Gerald nodded.
"What are you guys talking about?" Park asked. Curly was getting a bit scary so he decided to listen to what the guys were talking about.
"Helga became the most beautiful, sexiest girl and ah know all about females," Stinky said.
"Oh yes we do know you're a specialist in females. How many have you dated since graduating grade school? 1000? 2?" Sid remarked.
"Uhuh," Brainy agreed. Stinky glared at the both of them.
Arnold was a bit proud for Helga. Before they would tease her physical appearances but now...
"...and she's got two eyebrows..." Stinky was continued ignoring Sid's comment. 'Oohs' and 'Aahs' followed.
Arnold groaned. It wasn't nice to just talk about her physical appearances. What's inside is more important and Helga...
He sighed. "Well, let's start playing now guys. How does poker sound?"
"All right! Poker!" yelled Harold.
They stopped talking about Helga and started playing.
"OW!"
Phoebe immediately went to Helga's side. "What happened, Helga?"
"I bit my tongue."
Phoebe calmed down, "Oh, then somebody must be talking about you"
Helga clicked her tongue. "That somebody must be talking about me so much my tongue hurts so much."
Phoebe smiled. "It must be Arnold."
Helga suddenly went into defensive measures. She drew away from Phoebe and glared at her. "Will you stop setting me up with Arnold, Phoebe?! I've long ago stopped considering him romantically!" She calmed down a bit and slouched the headboard of bed. "Just drop it, Phoebe, please."
Phoebe couldn't find any words to say. Hearing from her best friend that she has given up her feelings seemed totally impossible. She has come to depend on Helga's constant and undying love but now...
"Is this some sort of daytime drama? What's with all the pensive atmosphere?" a condescending voice asked.
Both girls turned around and saw Rhonda with a sleeping bag. And behind her they could see Nadine, Lila, Sheena and Patti all armed with sleeping bags and backpacks. All four girls waved at the two of them.
Rhonda was still the most fashionable (according to herself) around wearing the latest in sleepover wear. She grew her black hair only until her shoulders. Lila cut her curly hair short like Rhonda. She was wearing the simple nightgown. Patti built became a bit more feminine (although she was broad shouldered) and she was wearing her short hair long. Nadine now lets her long blonde hair loose in and tied in loose pigtails while Sheena let her long brown hair loose. Both girls were wearing pajamas.
"How did you get here?" Helga asked.
All four unexpected guests gaped at Helga. "Helga G. Pataki!" Nadine exclaimed.
"In the flesh."
"I'll say. What happened to you? Did you have a plastic surgery or something?" She stopped and bit her lip. She looked at the shocked face of Helga and, "I-I'm sorry, Helga. You see I promised Chaim I'd try to change if he would try and keep in shape and..."
Nadine elbowed her. "You're babbling again," she whispered. Out loud she said, "We're glad you're back Helga. When Sid said that Phoebe was in this hotel visiting a friend of hers we thought we'd spend it with you since the guys are having a boys night out."
"Yes! It would be ever so fun to have our own night! A girls' night out!" Lila put in.
"We thought we would get to know you're friend and have fun together," Sheena added.
"But since we already know you we should just have fun," Patti said.
"To answer you're question. I happen to own this hotel. I've got tons of hotel chains around the States," Rhonda stated.
She gestured to the four at her back. "We've entered to the special entrance so nobody would see us walking in our sleepwear."
Helga bit her lip and looked at them. Well, part of her did miss them and having a girls' night out would be fun. Besides, she was curious as to what happened to them like how Harold ever got Rhonda to marry him...
"Come in guys," was all Helga said.
Phoebe grinned. "Yes, so we could start the girls' night out!"
Everybody went to work in adjusting the room so they could have enough space for 7 young women.
Iggy was getting a bit bored watching Curly yell at the contestant. Even though he was only half-watching the game and half-listening to the poker game that was still underway he was getting tired of it.
He left his seat near Peapod kid or by his real name Peracles (he was really ashamed of his real name that's why he gave a different nickname but that was before although it sort of stuck to everybody to call him Peapod kid) and looked at Arnold's room.
It would seem that thirteen grown men on one room would seem a tight fit they fit in snugly. Arnold's room was still like before, even his electronic remote still works when you want the spotlight lights. Even now he still can't believe Arnold was a whiz in electronics. Man, Arnold would seem even cooler than he is. Even when they were still young.
He noticed that his bookshelf had more books than the last time he went here. It was then he noticed the titles. All of them seem to be descriptive nouns. Curious he stood up and went to the bookshelf and since everyone was so absorbed with what they were doing they didn't notice Iggy as he walked across the room to Arnold's bookshelf.
Iggy took one of the books with a title called: Innocence. He thought it sounded like a romance novel. But Arnold reading ROMANCE novels? He shook his head. Couldn't be.
He flipped through one of the pages and stopped. He read one paragraph and raised an eyebrow. It was a romance novel. But he was still doubtful. Maybe it was someone else's book.
He took another one. This time it was: Determination. Like before he flipped through a random page and read. It is a romance novel.
Without returning the book, Iggy turned to Arnold who was a bit somber because Brainy was winning all of the chips... "Hey, Arnold!" he began. He paused to think about what he was saying. From experience he always think things over what to say or do. "You're making your own library?"
Arnold looked at him and took a brief glance at the bookcase beside him. Iggy also took a glance and noticed that most of Arnold's books were from the same author. A guy wrote these?
He didn't notice that Arnold quit the card game and went to him. "Uh yes. Would you like to borrow some?"
Iggy was surprised. "Borrow?"
"Sure, Gerry's a very good author."
"But these are romance novels, Arnold."
He wasn't fazed by that comment. "I know it seems like one of those trashy romance novel but its not. Its wholesome I promise you. You just probably happen to read the romantic part."
Iggy was relieved. "I guess, coming from a guy author."
"Yeah, Gerry Pataki is a great author."
Iggy looked at the book at Arnold's hand then at the others. "W-well, okay. Just don't tell the others about it."
It was all-familiar but both guys grinned. "Sure. Why don't you start with Innocence. You'd love Lester."
Iggy nodded and then noticed the name of the author. "Gerry Pataki?"
"Maybe it some relative of Helga or maybe its not. I mean there might be hundreds of Patakis in America."
"...I was so devastated when I found out that my dad went... ow! What was that for Nadine?!" Rhonda stopped filing her nails and glared at Nadine who was at her right lying beside her.
There were sleeping bags that were arranged side-by-side so that it looked like one huge bed on the floor. Rhonda was filing her nails and on both side of her were Nadine and Patti. Both girls were being primped. Lila was doing Patti's hair while Phoebs was doing Nadine's. Helga was on her bed, her hair being done by Sheena.
Nadine groaned. "Just get to the point Rhonda. We would each like to tell Helga what's been happening to our lives as well."
Rhonda scoffed. "Okay, okay! Sheesh!" She began filing her nails again as she continued, "I did like Harold while we were still in fourth grade but I just tried to forget about him since he was so uncool then. But as the years go by and we were still in the same school, little by little I fell in love with him. Sure he was a bit of a pig and immature but what amazed me was he prized the simple things-you know food. And knowing me I've been so materialistic all my life."
She paused as she turned around and gave a small smile to the two girls at her side-Nadine and Patti. "It isn't that I've had people around me to help me change for the better but for me it's hard to change. I've been surrounded with wealth and fame all my life but when I see Harold enjoying a Mr. Fudgie bar I was curious as to what was so...fulfilling about it. And when later on I learned that my dad and mom's business was nearly bankrupt it was Harold who helped me by giving me a snow cone."
Tears began to break free from her eyes. She stopped as she wiped them away. "He was going to eat it but he gave them to me! It was the most touching gift anyone has given me." Rhonda just broke down and cried. Patti and Nadine tried to soothe her.
Patti looked at Helga, "I know it sounds weird but it really means so much to Rhonda."
Helga gave a small smile and nodded at Patti. "I know what you mean Rhonda. I've been through it myself also."
She remembered the little boy who offered her a brief shelter in the rain and complimented her bow. The same boy who gave her his crackers because another little boy took hers. The same boy who in almost all of her life had been the nearest friend she has ever got, well except for Phoebe.
The girls had talked all about their lives but they still weren't tired. They weren't worried about work tomorrow because as Patti explained to her while they were doing makeovers with each other, "Ever since the 5th reunion we've made it a tradition to have sleep-overs during the weekend. So every reunion we always asked for a sick day or time off on Mondays."
Sheena was performing her about 17th hairstyle on Helga. "Gosh, Helga, I really like your hair. Maybe I could become your personal hairstylist."
"Oh please, Sheena, Helga does not need a personal hairstylist. Her boss would likely fire her for appearing every single day in a different hairstyle. Upstaging a boss is not a good thing. I should know. I am one," Rhonda explained.
"Well, maybe Helga you could call me whenever you have a date or party to attend. I have a hairstyle in mind that would be great with your long hair."
Rhonda was about to say something when Lila thought it best to but in, "Speaking of dates, are you ever so sure, Helga, that you don't have any boyfriends yet."
Helga shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think I would ever find a boyfriend but hey, how come I'm suddenly under interrogation here. How about you gals? How come I haven't seen any children running around?"
Rhonda, Phoebe and Sheena blushed. Nadine, Lila and Patti grinned.
"Childbirth would devastate my hourglass figure," Rhonda quickly answered.
"Maybe in five years time," Phoebe replied.
"After we get married," Sheena answered.
With these short answers Helga decided to drop the subject.
Arnold took a sweeping glance along his room and silently groaned. Now he knew where the stereotype of messy bachelor pads came from. His room was a disaster much more after the guys offered to help clean the room.
"Much obliged Arnold, for the time and the book. I promise to return your book as soon as I finish it," Stinky said.
"It's Gerry Pataki, isn't it?" Park asked.
"Do you think Helga's related to the author?" Sid asked Harold.
"It's not like I know him," Harold retorted.
"Man, you are spending too much time with your wife. You're starting to sound just like her," Sid exclaimed.
"You and Gerald are giving us married guys a bad name," Peracles said. He received two glares.
They were all standing near the door and about to leave.
Arnold sensing another tumble broke in, "Guys, guys."
Curly also decided to help Arnold and diverted the conversation. "The book was really good Arnold. Since when did he start writing? The way he combined the Elizabethan style and the modern style is simply amazing."
Arnold grateful for the change shrugged. "I just saw his books when I was really bored in the public library. He didn't put anything about himself at the back of his book, so I can't tell."
After a few more discussions the guys left and Arnold found himself stuck again with a room that looked like a hurricane went through.
Helga gazed at the neighborhood in her balcony. It was nearly midnight but it was only a bit cold. Besides, she was wearing a robe on top of her pajamas.
She looked at the neighborhood at night. It wasn't any picturesque nature but somehow it made her unwind. Things were pretty hectic and just looking at night would make her relax. She really needed to relax, especially at this time.
She heard the sliding door open then close. She then felt a presence that positioned near her. "It's a beautiful night."
Helga was totally relaxed that she didn't thought about her words,
"That's a pretty used up cliché."
Lila giggled. "You're right."
Silence.
Helga still didn't turn around to look Lila, just at the scenery around her.
"You know, Helga, we are really proud of you."
"Explain."
She felt Lila move. "You're gentle and oh so sweet. You hear and really listen to our stories. You don't put us down." She paused. "You're our friend, you know."
Helga finally faced Lila, "I noticed that you didn't use the word become when you said I am your friend."
Lila smiled at her. "You were always our friend, Helga. Even if you were a bully before, you are our friend."
Helga looked at her and gave a small smile. Then both gazed again at the night sky.
Phoebe and Nadine were lying perpendicular to Helga's bed, letting their nails dry. They were also watching Lila and Helga outside in the balcony, which was on the extreme left of Helga's bed.
"It was a real surprise that Helga came back." She stopped. "It's not that I didn't want her to come back but she left so suddenly..."
Nadine heard a sigh. "Yes I know." A pause. "But I'm really grateful she came back."
In her mind Phoebe relived one scene after Helga went to the balcony. The others were all talking how they all like the Helga. Back then Phoebe held back what she knew of the young woman. She knew this was really the real Helga. This was the Helga she saw all those years ago but now she did change but it wasn't good. It was like a part of Helga died.
Even during normal life Phoebe's brain worked at tremendous speeds. It was the case now as she recalled one time when Helga told her about her obsession with ice cream. She knew ice cream was a code for something else (much later on she found out it was Arnold). That was when she first exhibited a listless soul. It was also then that something died within her. Could it be because of Arnold that Helga became the woman she is today. It couldn't be the only reason but it must be one of it.
She looked at the balcony and saw Helga and Lila talking and sometimes laughing. Should she ask her what is wrong with her?
"You know guys, I've always wondered how you guys handled being...you know behind your best friends?" Sheena suddenly asked.
Phoebe broke from her reverie and looked at Sheena, who was at the top of their heads. Nadine had to roll her eyes upward to see Sheena. "Us shadows stick together," Nadine replied. Phoebe nodded.
A very frustrated groan interrupted them. "That is it! I have had it with this heavy atmosphere! Just because we're glad that Helga's reachable now doesn't mean we have to be so lovey-dovey to each other. I want my typical pillow-fight-freeze-our-underwear-gossip-about-boys-compare-fashions-gossip-about-other-things-slumber party!" Rhonda exclaimed.
"Breathe, Rhonda," Sheena soothed.
Rhonda faced her ready to make a comeback when somebody called her name. "Hey, Rhonda!"
Rhonda turned to face Phoebe when a pillow slammed into her face. A surprise 'Oof!' was Rhonda's reply.
Giggles. Then chaos began. Pillows (which were ordered by Rhonda) went flying in the air and landing on a person and sometimes furniture. Lila and Helga were so deeply involved in their conversation that when they came in they didn't notice the pillow fight. Which lead to both of them being pummeled by 5 pillows at once. The force was so great that they staggered backwards.
The four ladies watched the two recover and were waiting for their reaction. The two ladies straightened up and looked at each other then at the four. Without warning the two newcomers took one pillow in each hand and started attacking their attackers.
It was nearly 2:00 am when Arnold finished cleaning his room. He laid down his bed very exhausted. A dark blanket with shining stars greeted him as he relaxed himself. Part of him worried about the dirt his clothes are giving the bed but he was just too tired.
He recalled everything that happened this night-last night to be exact it was already early morning. It was really fun coming home again. He'd seen many exotic things but nothing really compared to coming home. Even after...
He sighed and tried to remember again what they did last night. He gave a small smile when after Iggy noticed his collection of Gerry Pataki's books. The others were interested and pressed Arnold to let them see the other books.
His books weren't really a series. It was only linked through the characters that somehow met each other through the story. And it was really all-around. It had a good amount of action, comedy, drama and a dab of romance. If the guys liked the book so much what would the girls think?
Phoebe would probably brush it off. She would probably like a medical book but then again Phoebe did change a lot. He recalled seeing her for the first time and then a thought struck him...
"I would like to re-introduce you to Helga Geraldine Pataki"
His eyes grew large. Helga GERALDINE Pataki! Gerry Pataki! Could she have written it?
I'm sorry to Peapod kid fans if you didn't like the name. It was the first name I came up with. No offense to all Peracles' out there!
Is it too corny? Too dramatic? Please tell me. Thanks.
Chapter Three
Boys' and Girls' Night Out
Arnold plopped down his bed. It was a tiring day but what weighed more were the thoughts in his head.
He wasn't able to talk to Helga like he planned. It seems that Helga was avoiding him. And even if he were able to get her alone with him she wouldn't talk much. The Helga that he laughed and teased with wasn't coming out.
RING! He sighed and turned over to get closer to the phone, which was by his bed. "Hello" he muttered unenthusiastically.
"Hello to you too" a sarcastic voice replied.
"Hey, Gerald."
"What is wrong with you man? You sound like your pet just died?"
Arnold sighed. "No, I'm just tired. We pretty much went everywhere today."
He heard Gerald chuckle. "But it was great, right?"
"You're right." He paused. "Is everything settled?"
"Yup, all our male classmates are coming. Even Curly and Brainy."
"Great. So what are Phoebe's plans? I hope she isn't alone tomorrow night"
"She's having a sleepover in Helga's hotel room. She was pretty excited about it."
Arnold smiled. "That's good." He paused again. "Is Stinky bringing the cards?"
"You bet. Well, see you tomorrow night, my man. Good night!"
"Good night, Gerald. See you tomorrow!"
They both hung up.
Arnold faced the night sky. He didn't much like keeping secrets from Gerald but he didn't understand and also he was having doubts about this. Maybe Gerald was right. Maybe Helga changed for the best. Maybe he should just ask how she's doing.
"Okay gentlemen, the name of the game is Old maid," Stinky said while performing Las Vegas style shuffling.
"Aww, Stinky that game is for sissies! Can't we play something like poker or blackjack?" Harold exclaimed.
Stinky stopped shuffling and glared at Harold. "My cards my game."
Harold just exclaimed another, "Aww!"
"Where have I heard all these before," Sid muttered to himself. The others either just rolled their eyes or groaned.
There they were sprawled all over Arnold's room. Stinky, Harold, Sid, Eugene, Iggy, Arnold and Gerald were sitting by the table ready to play cards. Brainy just watched them play while Curly was watching T.V. with Park, Peapod kid, Iggy and Lorenzo. An occasional outburst from Curly was heard. And guessing from his shouts of, "It's fish, stupid! FISH! Pisces is fish! Don't use your lifelines!!" and "Are you insane?! It's De Maggio. Everyone knows that!" you could conclude that it was the Millionaire show.
Arnold sighed.
"I guess something's never change, huh Arnold. Anyway, the right answer was fishes for Pisces. The picture of Pisces shows two fishes..."
Sid, who was at Gerald's right, laid a hand on his shoulder. "Gerald, you have been around Phoebe way too much. You're starting to sound like her."
The others grinned while Sid continued to look at Gerald. He just raised an eyebrow. He stopped looking at Sid and looked at everyone (almost everyone) on the table. "Anyway, before I was rudely interrupted. It seemed like nothing changed at all."
He stopped as heard Curly yell something that wouldn't suitable for polite company. He cleared his throat; "It just seems like we just matured a little instead of being 27 year olds." He stopped as he remembered something. "But one person that really changed was Helga Pataki."
This caused a blanket of silence to cover the room. Arnold began to feel a bit apprehensive.
"What changed in Helga, Gerald?" Stinky asked.
Gerald momentarily grinned like he kept the biggest secret in the world (he kind of did) then became a bit shocked, "You don't know? She was in the reunion."
"She was?" Harold asked.
Silence came again.
Gerald chuckled. Arnold just groaned. Harold couldn't take it anymore and stood up and stomped his way to Gerald. "You better tell, Gerald or I'm gonna..."
Gerald grinned. "Have any of you seen a tall woman with her long blonde hair pinned to her sides? A lady wearing a pastel pink dress?"
"I did," Stinky said. He stopped then looked bewilderedly at Gerald, "You don't mean that..."
Gerald nodded.
"What are you guys talking about?" Park asked. Curly was getting a bit scary so he decided to listen to what the guys were talking about.
"Helga became the most beautiful, sexiest girl and ah know all about females," Stinky said.
"Oh yes we do know you're a specialist in females. How many have you dated since graduating grade school? 1000? 2?" Sid remarked.
"Uhuh," Brainy agreed. Stinky glared at the both of them.
Arnold was a bit proud for Helga. Before they would tease her physical appearances but now...
"...and she's got two eyebrows..." Stinky was continued ignoring Sid's comment. 'Oohs' and 'Aahs' followed.
Arnold groaned. It wasn't nice to just talk about her physical appearances. What's inside is more important and Helga...
He sighed. "Well, let's start playing now guys. How does poker sound?"
"All right! Poker!" yelled Harold.
They stopped talking about Helga and started playing.
"OW!"
Phoebe immediately went to Helga's side. "What happened, Helga?"
"I bit my tongue."
Phoebe calmed down, "Oh, then somebody must be talking about you"
Helga clicked her tongue. "That somebody must be talking about me so much my tongue hurts so much."
Phoebe smiled. "It must be Arnold."
Helga suddenly went into defensive measures. She drew away from Phoebe and glared at her. "Will you stop setting me up with Arnold, Phoebe?! I've long ago stopped considering him romantically!" She calmed down a bit and slouched the headboard of bed. "Just drop it, Phoebe, please."
Phoebe couldn't find any words to say. Hearing from her best friend that she has given up her feelings seemed totally impossible. She has come to depend on Helga's constant and undying love but now...
"Is this some sort of daytime drama? What's with all the pensive atmosphere?" a condescending voice asked.
Both girls turned around and saw Rhonda with a sleeping bag. And behind her they could see Nadine, Lila, Sheena and Patti all armed with sleeping bags and backpacks. All four girls waved at the two of them.
Rhonda was still the most fashionable (according to herself) around wearing the latest in sleepover wear. She grew her black hair only until her shoulders. Lila cut her curly hair short like Rhonda. She was wearing the simple nightgown. Patti built became a bit more feminine (although she was broad shouldered) and she was wearing her short hair long. Nadine now lets her long blonde hair loose in and tied in loose pigtails while Sheena let her long brown hair loose. Both girls were wearing pajamas.
"How did you get here?" Helga asked.
All four unexpected guests gaped at Helga. "Helga G. Pataki!" Nadine exclaimed.
"In the flesh."
"I'll say. What happened to you? Did you have a plastic surgery or something?" She stopped and bit her lip. She looked at the shocked face of Helga and, "I-I'm sorry, Helga. You see I promised Chaim I'd try to change if he would try and keep in shape and..."
Nadine elbowed her. "You're babbling again," she whispered. Out loud she said, "We're glad you're back Helga. When Sid said that Phoebe was in this hotel visiting a friend of hers we thought we'd spend it with you since the guys are having a boys night out."
"Yes! It would be ever so fun to have our own night! A girls' night out!" Lila put in.
"We thought we would get to know you're friend and have fun together," Sheena added.
"But since we already know you we should just have fun," Patti said.
"To answer you're question. I happen to own this hotel. I've got tons of hotel chains around the States," Rhonda stated.
She gestured to the four at her back. "We've entered to the special entrance so nobody would see us walking in our sleepwear."
Helga bit her lip and looked at them. Well, part of her did miss them and having a girls' night out would be fun. Besides, she was curious as to what happened to them like how Harold ever got Rhonda to marry him...
"Come in guys," was all Helga said.
Phoebe grinned. "Yes, so we could start the girls' night out!"
Everybody went to work in adjusting the room so they could have enough space for 7 young women.
Iggy was getting a bit bored watching Curly yell at the contestant. Even though he was only half-watching the game and half-listening to the poker game that was still underway he was getting tired of it.
He left his seat near Peapod kid or by his real name Peracles (he was really ashamed of his real name that's why he gave a different nickname but that was before although it sort of stuck to everybody to call him Peapod kid) and looked at Arnold's room.
It would seem that thirteen grown men on one room would seem a tight fit they fit in snugly. Arnold's room was still like before, even his electronic remote still works when you want the spotlight lights. Even now he still can't believe Arnold was a whiz in electronics. Man, Arnold would seem even cooler than he is. Even when they were still young.
He noticed that his bookshelf had more books than the last time he went here. It was then he noticed the titles. All of them seem to be descriptive nouns. Curious he stood up and went to the bookshelf and since everyone was so absorbed with what they were doing they didn't notice Iggy as he walked across the room to Arnold's bookshelf.
Iggy took one of the books with a title called: Innocence. He thought it sounded like a romance novel. But Arnold reading ROMANCE novels? He shook his head. Couldn't be.
He flipped through one of the pages and stopped. He read one paragraph and raised an eyebrow. It was a romance novel. But he was still doubtful. Maybe it was someone else's book.
He took another one. This time it was: Determination. Like before he flipped through a random page and read. It is a romance novel.
Without returning the book, Iggy turned to Arnold who was a bit somber because Brainy was winning all of the chips... "Hey, Arnold!" he began. He paused to think about what he was saying. From experience he always think things over what to say or do. "You're making your own library?"
Arnold looked at him and took a brief glance at the bookcase beside him. Iggy also took a glance and noticed that most of Arnold's books were from the same author. A guy wrote these?
He didn't notice that Arnold quit the card game and went to him. "Uh yes. Would you like to borrow some?"
Iggy was surprised. "Borrow?"
"Sure, Gerry's a very good author."
"But these are romance novels, Arnold."
He wasn't fazed by that comment. "I know it seems like one of those trashy romance novel but its not. Its wholesome I promise you. You just probably happen to read the romantic part."
Iggy was relieved. "I guess, coming from a guy author."
"Yeah, Gerry Pataki is a great author."
Iggy looked at the book at Arnold's hand then at the others. "W-well, okay. Just don't tell the others about it."
It was all-familiar but both guys grinned. "Sure. Why don't you start with Innocence. You'd love Lester."
Iggy nodded and then noticed the name of the author. "Gerry Pataki?"
"Maybe it some relative of Helga or maybe its not. I mean there might be hundreds of Patakis in America."
"...I was so devastated when I found out that my dad went... ow! What was that for Nadine?!" Rhonda stopped filing her nails and glared at Nadine who was at her right lying beside her.
There were sleeping bags that were arranged side-by-side so that it looked like one huge bed on the floor. Rhonda was filing her nails and on both side of her were Nadine and Patti. Both girls were being primped. Lila was doing Patti's hair while Phoebs was doing Nadine's. Helga was on her bed, her hair being done by Sheena.
Nadine groaned. "Just get to the point Rhonda. We would each like to tell Helga what's been happening to our lives as well."
Rhonda scoffed. "Okay, okay! Sheesh!" She began filing her nails again as she continued, "I did like Harold while we were still in fourth grade but I just tried to forget about him since he was so uncool then. But as the years go by and we were still in the same school, little by little I fell in love with him. Sure he was a bit of a pig and immature but what amazed me was he prized the simple things-you know food. And knowing me I've been so materialistic all my life."
She paused as she turned around and gave a small smile to the two girls at her side-Nadine and Patti. "It isn't that I've had people around me to help me change for the better but for me it's hard to change. I've been surrounded with wealth and fame all my life but when I see Harold enjoying a Mr. Fudgie bar I was curious as to what was so...fulfilling about it. And when later on I learned that my dad and mom's business was nearly bankrupt it was Harold who helped me by giving me a snow cone."
Tears began to break free from her eyes. She stopped as she wiped them away. "He was going to eat it but he gave them to me! It was the most touching gift anyone has given me." Rhonda just broke down and cried. Patti and Nadine tried to soothe her.
Patti looked at Helga, "I know it sounds weird but it really means so much to Rhonda."
Helga gave a small smile and nodded at Patti. "I know what you mean Rhonda. I've been through it myself also."
She remembered the little boy who offered her a brief shelter in the rain and complimented her bow. The same boy who gave her his crackers because another little boy took hers. The same boy who in almost all of her life had been the nearest friend she has ever got, well except for Phoebe.
The girls had talked all about their lives but they still weren't tired. They weren't worried about work tomorrow because as Patti explained to her while they were doing makeovers with each other, "Ever since the 5th reunion we've made it a tradition to have sleep-overs during the weekend. So every reunion we always asked for a sick day or time off on Mondays."
Sheena was performing her about 17th hairstyle on Helga. "Gosh, Helga, I really like your hair. Maybe I could become your personal hairstylist."
"Oh please, Sheena, Helga does not need a personal hairstylist. Her boss would likely fire her for appearing every single day in a different hairstyle. Upstaging a boss is not a good thing. I should know. I am one," Rhonda explained.
"Well, maybe Helga you could call me whenever you have a date or party to attend. I have a hairstyle in mind that would be great with your long hair."
Rhonda was about to say something when Lila thought it best to but in, "Speaking of dates, are you ever so sure, Helga, that you don't have any boyfriends yet."
Helga shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think I would ever find a boyfriend but hey, how come I'm suddenly under interrogation here. How about you gals? How come I haven't seen any children running around?"
Rhonda, Phoebe and Sheena blushed. Nadine, Lila and Patti grinned.
"Childbirth would devastate my hourglass figure," Rhonda quickly answered.
"Maybe in five years time," Phoebe replied.
"After we get married," Sheena answered.
With these short answers Helga decided to drop the subject.
Arnold took a sweeping glance along his room and silently groaned. Now he knew where the stereotype of messy bachelor pads came from. His room was a disaster much more after the guys offered to help clean the room.
"Much obliged Arnold, for the time and the book. I promise to return your book as soon as I finish it," Stinky said.
"It's Gerry Pataki, isn't it?" Park asked.
"Do you think Helga's related to the author?" Sid asked Harold.
"It's not like I know him," Harold retorted.
"Man, you are spending too much time with your wife. You're starting to sound just like her," Sid exclaimed.
"You and Gerald are giving us married guys a bad name," Peracles said. He received two glares.
They were all standing near the door and about to leave.
Arnold sensing another tumble broke in, "Guys, guys."
Curly also decided to help Arnold and diverted the conversation. "The book was really good Arnold. Since when did he start writing? The way he combined the Elizabethan style and the modern style is simply amazing."
Arnold grateful for the change shrugged. "I just saw his books when I was really bored in the public library. He didn't put anything about himself at the back of his book, so I can't tell."
After a few more discussions the guys left and Arnold found himself stuck again with a room that looked like a hurricane went through.
Helga gazed at the neighborhood in her balcony. It was nearly midnight but it was only a bit cold. Besides, she was wearing a robe on top of her pajamas.
She looked at the neighborhood at night. It wasn't any picturesque nature but somehow it made her unwind. Things were pretty hectic and just looking at night would make her relax. She really needed to relax, especially at this time.
She heard the sliding door open then close. She then felt a presence that positioned near her. "It's a beautiful night."
Helga was totally relaxed that she didn't thought about her words,
"That's a pretty used up cliché."
Lila giggled. "You're right."
Silence.
Helga still didn't turn around to look Lila, just at the scenery around her.
"You know, Helga, we are really proud of you."
"Explain."
She felt Lila move. "You're gentle and oh so sweet. You hear and really listen to our stories. You don't put us down." She paused. "You're our friend, you know."
Helga finally faced Lila, "I noticed that you didn't use the word become when you said I am your friend."
Lila smiled at her. "You were always our friend, Helga. Even if you were a bully before, you are our friend."
Helga looked at her and gave a small smile. Then both gazed again at the night sky.
Phoebe and Nadine were lying perpendicular to Helga's bed, letting their nails dry. They were also watching Lila and Helga outside in the balcony, which was on the extreme left of Helga's bed.
"It was a real surprise that Helga came back." She stopped. "It's not that I didn't want her to come back but she left so suddenly..."
Nadine heard a sigh. "Yes I know." A pause. "But I'm really grateful she came back."
In her mind Phoebe relived one scene after Helga went to the balcony. The others were all talking how they all like the Helga. Back then Phoebe held back what she knew of the young woman. She knew this was really the real Helga. This was the Helga she saw all those years ago but now she did change but it wasn't good. It was like a part of Helga died.
Even during normal life Phoebe's brain worked at tremendous speeds. It was the case now as she recalled one time when Helga told her about her obsession with ice cream. She knew ice cream was a code for something else (much later on she found out it was Arnold). That was when she first exhibited a listless soul. It was also then that something died within her. Could it be because of Arnold that Helga became the woman she is today. It couldn't be the only reason but it must be one of it.
She looked at the balcony and saw Helga and Lila talking and sometimes laughing. Should she ask her what is wrong with her?
"You know guys, I've always wondered how you guys handled being...you know behind your best friends?" Sheena suddenly asked.
Phoebe broke from her reverie and looked at Sheena, who was at the top of their heads. Nadine had to roll her eyes upward to see Sheena. "Us shadows stick together," Nadine replied. Phoebe nodded.
A very frustrated groan interrupted them. "That is it! I have had it with this heavy atmosphere! Just because we're glad that Helga's reachable now doesn't mean we have to be so lovey-dovey to each other. I want my typical pillow-fight-freeze-our-underwear-gossip-about-boys-compare-fashions-gossip-about-other-things-slumber party!" Rhonda exclaimed.
"Breathe, Rhonda," Sheena soothed.
Rhonda faced her ready to make a comeback when somebody called her name. "Hey, Rhonda!"
Rhonda turned to face Phoebe when a pillow slammed into her face. A surprise 'Oof!' was Rhonda's reply.
Giggles. Then chaos began. Pillows (which were ordered by Rhonda) went flying in the air and landing on a person and sometimes furniture. Lila and Helga were so deeply involved in their conversation that when they came in they didn't notice the pillow fight. Which lead to both of them being pummeled by 5 pillows at once. The force was so great that they staggered backwards.
The four ladies watched the two recover and were waiting for their reaction. The two ladies straightened up and looked at each other then at the four. Without warning the two newcomers took one pillow in each hand and started attacking their attackers.
It was nearly 2:00 am when Arnold finished cleaning his room. He laid down his bed very exhausted. A dark blanket with shining stars greeted him as he relaxed himself. Part of him worried about the dirt his clothes are giving the bed but he was just too tired.
He recalled everything that happened this night-last night to be exact it was already early morning. It was really fun coming home again. He'd seen many exotic things but nothing really compared to coming home. Even after...
He sighed and tried to remember again what they did last night. He gave a small smile when after Iggy noticed his collection of Gerry Pataki's books. The others were interested and pressed Arnold to let them see the other books.
His books weren't really a series. It was only linked through the characters that somehow met each other through the story. And it was really all-around. It had a good amount of action, comedy, drama and a dab of romance. If the guys liked the book so much what would the girls think?
Phoebe would probably brush it off. She would probably like a medical book but then again Phoebe did change a lot. He recalled seeing her for the first time and then a thought struck him...
"I would like to re-introduce you to Helga Geraldine Pataki"
His eyes grew large. Helga GERALDINE Pataki! Gerry Pataki! Could she have written it?
I'm sorry to Peapod kid fans if you didn't like the name. It was the first name I came up with. No offense to all Peracles' out there!
Is it too corny? Too dramatic? Please tell me. Thanks.