Hi, again! My deepest apologies everyone!! I promised in chap 4 that I would send the next chapter on Thursday but I went somewhere and also had an idea in the story and because of that idea I had to do some research. It just took me this night to finish it so here is chapter 5.
Further note. PLEASE READ THIS!! There's a scene here that is not suitable for very young readers. No, its not sexual, its about abusive relationships. Please be gentle about the reviews on this one this is really just my first try. Thanks so much guys!!
Oh, I'll try to get the next part tomorrow. Hopefully, everyday I'll sent out the next parts.
Chapter 5
Happy Memories and Bitter Tears
Helga came back the next day in the park to continue her story. She didn't want to risk running to Arnold again so she came back to the bench where she sat yesterday but then again, it seems the Fates seem to enjoy taunting her. Sooner or later he would show up here. She gave a sigh.
A slight breeze was blowing as she sat across with her feet on the bench. She folded her long legs with a slight angle so that she could support her notebook as she writes. This was a great place to write a story. No tension, stress or football headed snoops.
She was about to write when her cell phone rang. An exasperated sigh and a thought, 'Why me?' was what she did as she fumbled in her bag for her phone. "Yes?"
"Can you ever say 'Hello?' like any normal human being?" an older female voice asked.
"Am I a normal human being?" Helga retorted.
"Got me there."
"So am I going back?" she asked, hopefully.
The other female chuckled. "Oh no, you don't. You're staying there for two weeks and that's that. I just called to check up on you. I can't have my personal secretary having a rotten time, you know."
The other person on the line was the boss of Helga, Victoria Kert. They have been working together this past 17 years and developed a close relationship over the years.
Helga answered slowly, "Well, I am having a good time catching up with my classmates. And I found myself a bit saddened by leaving them." She hesitated. "I guess we grew closer."
"Good!" A pause. "So have you seen your sweetheart yet? I am dying to know what type of man my secretary likes."
Helga sighed. "I told you before I don't have any sweetheart, beau, boyfriend, love or whatever."
"Oh come now, Gerry, you must have a boyfriend stashed up in your old neighborhood."
Again Helga denied it. Ever since she left her old neighborhood she never told a soul about Arnold. Not even to her close friend.
Helga tried to change subject by asking about the work that's been going on but Vickie always gave short answers, which meant that she didn't want to talk about it now. And the underlying meaning of that was she has to have the best time here and now.
"I know I'm being a pain but for me what you really need is a boyfriend. You need someone who worships the ground you walk on, who gives you flowers and sweets, who takes you on romantic dates or walks in the park, someone who..."
An exasperated sigh. "Look, Vickie, I'm okay with my status in life. I don't need having another person with me who I have to share everything with and besides, you're single too you know."
"But that's beside the point, I like going out while you don't. Come on, why don't you go out with one of you're guy classmates. Just a friendly date. What harm would that do? He would give you flowers and candies..."
"Sheesh! I hate to burst your little romantic fantasies but I am currently working on a story right now if you do want to read the next book I would really appreciate it if I could go back."
"Oh, I'm really sorry. I'll call again soon."
"Right."
"And don't forget about dating!"
Helga thought, 'Darn, I thought she would forget.' "Sure." They both hang up.
She started her novel again.
From the conversation it would seem that her boss was kind, friendly and a hopeless romantic. She was but catch her on a workday she becomes Attila the Hun. And she's not the worst; to go to Vickie you have to go through Helga, which was like going through a 50-ft wall.
Arnold was about to close the door of the boarding house when a male voice called out to him. "Hey, Arnold!"
Arnold turned around and smiled at the man who called him. "What is it, Mr. Green?"
A gray-haired Mr. Martin Green fully emerged from the kitchen. He was still the same as 18 years ago except for a few wrinkles and a head full of gray hair. "Kakoshka called and asked if you could come to his son's birthday next Thursday. He said to make it expensive."
Arnold grinned. Mr. Kakoshka never did fully changed. "I'll call him back tonight. Did he say what time he will come home from work?"
Martin scratched his head. "Uh, I think 7:30."
"Okay, I'll call him then. See you later, Mr. Green."
"Wait, Arnold! Could you stop by the shop and pick up the beef I need for the soup?"
"Sure, Mr. Green. Bye!" He went out to a fresh Tuesday morning.
Phoebe was boarding her Lexus jeep when she saw Arnold walking across the street. "Good morning Arnold!"
He turned around and smiled. "Good morning to you too, Phoebe! Off to work?"
She nodded. "I still got some time. Can I talk to you for a sec?"
Puzzled, he crossed the street to where Phoebe was. "Sure."
He leaned on the side of the jeep and faced Phoebe. "What is it you want to talk about?"
It was then she noticed he was carrying some kind of book. She became serious. "Have you talked to Helga yet?"
"Talked about what?"
Phoebe rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, "This is why he never found out Helga's secret." She faced him and said, "Why she developed an anti-social behavior."
"Oh." A pause. "You knew? How come you never told her?"
"My work caught up with me and besides you don't have to work this week. So have you talked to her?"
He sighed. "I did but she wouldn't listen to me. She always listens to me before now she totally shut me out and I don't like the feeling." He put his book at the crook of one arm then folded his arms together and stared at the sidewalk.
She placed a hand on one of his arms. "Don't give up. She'll come around sooner or later."
He unfolded his arms. "I didn't say I'd given up. I just said I didn't like the feeling."
Phoebe's eyes widened then she secretly smiled. Maybe...
She brightened up, "Excellent, Arnold. Tell me what's wrong with her if she tells." She looked at her watch. "I have to go. Ja' ne!"
He stood up and waved. "Uh see you too, Phoebe."
She waved and climbed aboard. She checked her passenger seat for her things then started the car. She waved again as she drove off.
Arnold waved back and began to resume his walk to the city park.
Helga was writing on the bench when she felt the familiar presence. She still continued writing as she greeted, "Are you some kind of boss, Brainy? You should be at work this time."
He sat at the spot near her back. "Uh, actually you know my boss: Dr. Bliss."
Helga stopped writing and sat upright and faced him. "Dr. Bliss?"
He nodded. "She says, 'Hello', by the way."
"Is she okay? Does she own a clinic or something?"
"She's fine. She owns the local psychiatric clinic for all ages although she still practices child psychiatry. She missed you and she was wondering what happened. How come you didn't communicate with her all these years."
"Could you do me a favor, Brainy?"
"Uh, what?"
Helga smiled. "Could you set me an appointment with Dr. Bliss? It's really important."
Brainy smiled too and nodded.
He went near the end of the park. He saw his landmark tree on a small hill and took a glance on his favorite bench, which was a bit further. To his surprise he saw someone, actually two someones sitting on it-Helga and Brainy.
He continued to walk but stopped when he reached the tree. He hid behind it and watched the two. Because of the distance between the tree and bench he couldn't really hear what they were saying. But he did notice Helga's facial expression-she was happy.
Suddenly, Helga glanced up. Arnold quickly ducked behind the tree. He hoped she didn't see him. He waited for the inevitable yelling but nothing. He took a quick glance and saw they were talking again. He breathed a sigh of relief.
He came here to read a book and this was the perfect place so he isn't leaving. He'll just read on the tree branch. Arnold placed the book on the back of his pants and jumped a little and grabbed the sturdiest tree branch. He pulled himself up.
Arnold leaned on the tree and settled on the branch then opened his book. He'll just ignore them, even though he could still see them.
He took a quick look at the two and noted their distance to each other. He went back to his book again. Suddenly, the myths and legend of Eurasia didn't seem as interesting as it was before.
'I am not jealous. I am not jealous. I am NOT jealous.' He chanted in his mind. The book was beginning to be torn by his hands. He took another quick look at the pair. 'Darn it! I am jealous!"
He placed his book on his chest and covered his hands. This wasn't all that he planned. He was suppose to just help her heal, become close friends, joke about good times then leave to go to the next site. He wasn't supposed to feel this way now. He could brood about her when he is on another continent, not now.
Arnold took a deep breath. He could handle this. The only thing that should matter now is Helga. He opened his book and tried to force himself to focus on the book.
He was successful. Although, it was too successful because later on he fell asleep.
'Why do I feel so heavy? Where am I? I guess Helga must have told everyone about what happened. I feel like my world is over. Hold on! That happened 15 years ago. I'm an archeologist now and I came back to visit old friends. Right, it was probably me reliving one of my memories.'
'The reason why I probably felt my world end was because I saw Helga and Brainy talking and Helga seems happy. I guess, Brainy was successful at something I failed: to make Helga happy. Even though I can't take seeing them and him making Helga smile I have to happy for her. Yes. I'll just go to Mr. Green's shop then read the book at home on the roof. Yeah, that's what I'll do. I'll just leave...'
He realized he was on the tree branch the second he felt himself fall. 'This is going to hurt.'
Helga was busy scribbling. She was enjoying the peace after Brainy finally left her. It wasn't that she wanted him to leave but she really needed to write now because she had an inspiration. She didn't question the source but went right through it.
Suddenly she was startled first by a thud, an "Oof!" and then an "Ouch!" Irritation was the first reaction but when she saw a familiar body lying face down worry took over.
She went to him and set aside her notebook on the ground. "Arnold, are you okay? Can you feel every part of your body? Can you move everything?"
He was still a bit dizzy but he felt fine, other than the throbbing pain in his chest that is. He was about to turn his head to face her but Helga suddenly exclaimed.
"Don't move your head! You might have some broken bones."
She was worried and despite the pain, he loved every minute of it. He turns his head again despite Helga's protests. "Helga, I'm fine. I just fell from a tree branch. I got a little winded, that's all."
He began to sit up and wordlessly Helga helped him. In the process her eyes roved throughout his body checking for anything that would be out of the ordinary. She looked at his face, picked up her notebook and pencil, and began to go back to the bench, "Let's sit down on the bench. That is where you should have been reading earlier. You never grow up do you, football head? Reading on top of the tree." She scoffed.
He was confused. How did she know he was reading a book? He then noticed the book that was on his lap and is now a few feet away from him. She must have noticed the book. He glanced back at her. Nothing escapes her.
"Are you coming or not?" There was irritation on her voice but also a hint of worry.
"Uh, sure." He took his book and followed her on the bench and sat down, a little bit far from her.
Silence.
Arnold spun his book and spun it between his two fingers. "I'm really sorry about yesterday We were worried about you, that's all."
She looked at him quizzically. "About what... oh yesterday. It's no big deal. You don't need to worry yourself to death, Arnoldo, I've forgotten about it."
He stopped twirling the book and looked at her, quite surprised. He never knew she forgave so easily. Well there were times she did forgive the others, well eventually.
Silence again.
This time the phone broke the silence. "Yes?"
"Helga? C-could you come o-over?" A trembling female voice asked.
Helga's eyebrows knitted in worry. "Sure." She said a bit worried and confused. What could be...? Her eyes widened. It's probably him. Nothing totally frightens Lila except him. "I'll come as soon as I can." Her voice softened. "Just calm down and don't open the door to anyone except me."
"O-okay. Thank you ever so much, Helga."
Helga hanged up.
"What's the matter, Helga? Who called?"
She had forgotten he was there. "Oh, just Lila. She..."
She stopped and looked at him thoroughly. It was after all Arnold's job to be the soother or adviser to everyone. Why not he be the one to go to Lila's place and comfort her. And besides he is much better friend than she ever will be.
"She what, Helga? Is something wrong with her?"
No, she can't do that. Lila never told Arnold in the first place and she called her. She forced herself a smile and replied to him before he did worry himself to death. "It's nothing that another female companion won't cure, Arnoldo." She paused as she grabbed her stuff. "I have to go to her now. See you soon, football head!"
He was a bit confused but was able to utter, "Okay, Helga. Bye!"
Helga looked at the middle class apartment in front of her. This was where Lila said she lived when they talked on the balcony during the slumber party. It was much better than the old dump she lived in during grade school. I guess an RN does have a good salary.
As she quickly went inside and rode inside the elevator, Helga remembered that night when Lila talked about what she had been doing since Helga left. At first Helga was surprised why she didn't told her story with the other girls but later on she found out.
It seems that during her high school life Lila fell in love with one the students in college. He was perfect. He was smart, popular and was great in sports and his name was Brent. He was taking Political Science. It was only near their prom that she found out he liked her too and asked her out. The days that followed they dated most of the time, when their studies would permit them, of course. Lila was assured he was the one. He was attentive to her and sweet but one downfall was his jealousy. It wasn't extreme that Lila never had a guy friend it was extreme in the sense he would nearly twist her arm or he held her to hard. She should have paid more attention to those first signs but she didn't. Lila love and forgave him.
They went to the same college and continued their relationship. Lila was in bliss. She was getting good grades on her courses, had a wonderful boyfriend and she just paid her and her father's last bill with her after school job. It was after that when Brent became suddenly possessive and hurt her even more than before. His jealousy flared up and she wasn't allowed to even speak to another guy not even a teacher.
She tried to talk to him about this, gently at first but he denied everything and even made her seem like she was the one at fault. She became quiet about this and just learned to forget about it some more. It was only then one night when he nearly...
Helga shivered at that memory. Lila had been through so much just for the sake of love. It would make another person believe in the magic of love. It didn't even faze her a bit she didn't believe in love a long, long time ago.
When it was Lila's floor already she got out. She scanned the numbers until she came to the right one. She knocked. "Lila, it's Helga."
A shuffle was heard and then stopped. She must be looking through that peephole. A breath was released as the door was opened. And then Helga found herself ran over and hugged by a sobbing Lila.
Gingerly, she closed her arms around the woman and led her inside the apartment. Helga closed the door and sat down in the sofa with Lila still clutching and crying to her. She couldn't find any words to say to her. Arnold was much much better in this than she does. She never really knew Lila that much. But why call her of all the people?
Lila slowly pulled away from Helga, brushing her tears and sniffing. Helga took out a tissue from her small bag and gave it to her. A mumble of 'Thanks' was heard.
While Lila was drying her tears Helga really looked at Lila. Her usual clean appearance was gone. Her hair was like a crow's nest and her clothes were rumpled and she was shaking.
"Pull..." she began to say but changed her mind. "Calm down, Lila. He isn't here. I'm here."
If she was surprised that Helga knew the reason she called her she didn't gave any indication. "I'm ever so sorry, Helga. It's just that... he called so ever so suddenly and then... I just finished putting back the pieces of my life and then this!"
Helga could feel another crying fit she slowly reached out and touched one of Lila's hands. "You have to stop cowering to Brent, Lila. Your relationship with him is over. He can't hurt you now. You need to stand up to him when he comes."
Tear filled eyes looked at her, "I know. It's just that all those years of loving him... he wasn't all that bad. I know he loved me but all the pain... and then when he nearly..." She cried much harder. "I can't face him now! Helga, please don't make me face him!"
Helga waved her off, "You have to face him, Lila." Her stern voice softened, "Don't worry, if he so much as touch you I'll set him straight." For effect she cracked her knuckles.
Lila clasped her hands tightly and became silent. Helga looked at her and became worried. Maybe that crack about setting him straight was a bit harsh. Criminey! She wasn't good at this.
And then Lila looked up to her and gave a shaky smile. "This was why I called you, Helga." Her eyes became full of tears again as she hugged her, this time much more stronger. "Even during grade school I always looked up to you as a source of strength." A pause. "You know, you're ever so lucky that the one man you fell in love was gentle. Sometimes I ask myself 'Why didn't I like-him-like him?' But I just didn't. Maybe he was meant for you."
No answer. Puzzled, Lila looked at Helga and saw that her face was a bit blue. She quickly released her. "I'm ever so sorry, Helga!"
Helga wheezed and tried to bring as much air as she could to her lungs. "I'm...wheeze okay...wheeze."
"Gosh, Helga, you sound like Brainy and Eugene combined!" Lila innocently said.
Helga began to laugh (although it hurt much when she laughs) and Lila who had no idea at first what she said was a joke begun to laugh too.
I do not hate Lila. It just happens that she was the perfect character for that part so please don't tell me why it had to be her. Oh and B.18 I did plan on making Arnold jealous of Brainy although about the baby... you'll just have to wait and see...
Please send reviews and constructive criticisms!!
Further note. PLEASE READ THIS!! There's a scene here that is not suitable for very young readers. No, its not sexual, its about abusive relationships. Please be gentle about the reviews on this one this is really just my first try. Thanks so much guys!!
Oh, I'll try to get the next part tomorrow. Hopefully, everyday I'll sent out the next parts.
Chapter 5
Happy Memories and Bitter Tears
Helga came back the next day in the park to continue her story. She didn't want to risk running to Arnold again so she came back to the bench where she sat yesterday but then again, it seems the Fates seem to enjoy taunting her. Sooner or later he would show up here. She gave a sigh.
A slight breeze was blowing as she sat across with her feet on the bench. She folded her long legs with a slight angle so that she could support her notebook as she writes. This was a great place to write a story. No tension, stress or football headed snoops.
She was about to write when her cell phone rang. An exasperated sigh and a thought, 'Why me?' was what she did as she fumbled in her bag for her phone. "Yes?"
"Can you ever say 'Hello?' like any normal human being?" an older female voice asked.
"Am I a normal human being?" Helga retorted.
"Got me there."
"So am I going back?" she asked, hopefully.
The other female chuckled. "Oh no, you don't. You're staying there for two weeks and that's that. I just called to check up on you. I can't have my personal secretary having a rotten time, you know."
The other person on the line was the boss of Helga, Victoria Kert. They have been working together this past 17 years and developed a close relationship over the years.
Helga answered slowly, "Well, I am having a good time catching up with my classmates. And I found myself a bit saddened by leaving them." She hesitated. "I guess we grew closer."
"Good!" A pause. "So have you seen your sweetheart yet? I am dying to know what type of man my secretary likes."
Helga sighed. "I told you before I don't have any sweetheart, beau, boyfriend, love or whatever."
"Oh come now, Gerry, you must have a boyfriend stashed up in your old neighborhood."
Again Helga denied it. Ever since she left her old neighborhood she never told a soul about Arnold. Not even to her close friend.
Helga tried to change subject by asking about the work that's been going on but Vickie always gave short answers, which meant that she didn't want to talk about it now. And the underlying meaning of that was she has to have the best time here and now.
"I know I'm being a pain but for me what you really need is a boyfriend. You need someone who worships the ground you walk on, who gives you flowers and sweets, who takes you on romantic dates or walks in the park, someone who..."
An exasperated sigh. "Look, Vickie, I'm okay with my status in life. I don't need having another person with me who I have to share everything with and besides, you're single too you know."
"But that's beside the point, I like going out while you don't. Come on, why don't you go out with one of you're guy classmates. Just a friendly date. What harm would that do? He would give you flowers and candies..."
"Sheesh! I hate to burst your little romantic fantasies but I am currently working on a story right now if you do want to read the next book I would really appreciate it if I could go back."
"Oh, I'm really sorry. I'll call again soon."
"Right."
"And don't forget about dating!"
Helga thought, 'Darn, I thought she would forget.' "Sure." They both hang up.
She started her novel again.
From the conversation it would seem that her boss was kind, friendly and a hopeless romantic. She was but catch her on a workday she becomes Attila the Hun. And she's not the worst; to go to Vickie you have to go through Helga, which was like going through a 50-ft wall.
Arnold was about to close the door of the boarding house when a male voice called out to him. "Hey, Arnold!"
Arnold turned around and smiled at the man who called him. "What is it, Mr. Green?"
A gray-haired Mr. Martin Green fully emerged from the kitchen. He was still the same as 18 years ago except for a few wrinkles and a head full of gray hair. "Kakoshka called and asked if you could come to his son's birthday next Thursday. He said to make it expensive."
Arnold grinned. Mr. Kakoshka never did fully changed. "I'll call him back tonight. Did he say what time he will come home from work?"
Martin scratched his head. "Uh, I think 7:30."
"Okay, I'll call him then. See you later, Mr. Green."
"Wait, Arnold! Could you stop by the shop and pick up the beef I need for the soup?"
"Sure, Mr. Green. Bye!" He went out to a fresh Tuesday morning.
Phoebe was boarding her Lexus jeep when she saw Arnold walking across the street. "Good morning Arnold!"
He turned around and smiled. "Good morning to you too, Phoebe! Off to work?"
She nodded. "I still got some time. Can I talk to you for a sec?"
Puzzled, he crossed the street to where Phoebe was. "Sure."
He leaned on the side of the jeep and faced Phoebe. "What is it you want to talk about?"
It was then she noticed he was carrying some kind of book. She became serious. "Have you talked to Helga yet?"
"Talked about what?"
Phoebe rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, "This is why he never found out Helga's secret." She faced him and said, "Why she developed an anti-social behavior."
"Oh." A pause. "You knew? How come you never told her?"
"My work caught up with me and besides you don't have to work this week. So have you talked to her?"
He sighed. "I did but she wouldn't listen to me. She always listens to me before now she totally shut me out and I don't like the feeling." He put his book at the crook of one arm then folded his arms together and stared at the sidewalk.
She placed a hand on one of his arms. "Don't give up. She'll come around sooner or later."
He unfolded his arms. "I didn't say I'd given up. I just said I didn't like the feeling."
Phoebe's eyes widened then she secretly smiled. Maybe...
She brightened up, "Excellent, Arnold. Tell me what's wrong with her if she tells." She looked at her watch. "I have to go. Ja' ne!"
He stood up and waved. "Uh see you too, Phoebe."
She waved and climbed aboard. She checked her passenger seat for her things then started the car. She waved again as she drove off.
Arnold waved back and began to resume his walk to the city park.
Helga was writing on the bench when she felt the familiar presence. She still continued writing as she greeted, "Are you some kind of boss, Brainy? You should be at work this time."
He sat at the spot near her back. "Uh, actually you know my boss: Dr. Bliss."
Helga stopped writing and sat upright and faced him. "Dr. Bliss?"
He nodded. "She says, 'Hello', by the way."
"Is she okay? Does she own a clinic or something?"
"She's fine. She owns the local psychiatric clinic for all ages although she still practices child psychiatry. She missed you and she was wondering what happened. How come you didn't communicate with her all these years."
"Could you do me a favor, Brainy?"
"Uh, what?"
Helga smiled. "Could you set me an appointment with Dr. Bliss? It's really important."
Brainy smiled too and nodded.
He went near the end of the park. He saw his landmark tree on a small hill and took a glance on his favorite bench, which was a bit further. To his surprise he saw someone, actually two someones sitting on it-Helga and Brainy.
He continued to walk but stopped when he reached the tree. He hid behind it and watched the two. Because of the distance between the tree and bench he couldn't really hear what they were saying. But he did notice Helga's facial expression-she was happy.
Suddenly, Helga glanced up. Arnold quickly ducked behind the tree. He hoped she didn't see him. He waited for the inevitable yelling but nothing. He took a quick glance and saw they were talking again. He breathed a sigh of relief.
He came here to read a book and this was the perfect place so he isn't leaving. He'll just read on the tree branch. Arnold placed the book on the back of his pants and jumped a little and grabbed the sturdiest tree branch. He pulled himself up.
Arnold leaned on the tree and settled on the branch then opened his book. He'll just ignore them, even though he could still see them.
He took a quick look at the two and noted their distance to each other. He went back to his book again. Suddenly, the myths and legend of Eurasia didn't seem as interesting as it was before.
'I am not jealous. I am not jealous. I am NOT jealous.' He chanted in his mind. The book was beginning to be torn by his hands. He took another quick look at the pair. 'Darn it! I am jealous!"
He placed his book on his chest and covered his hands. This wasn't all that he planned. He was suppose to just help her heal, become close friends, joke about good times then leave to go to the next site. He wasn't supposed to feel this way now. He could brood about her when he is on another continent, not now.
Arnold took a deep breath. He could handle this. The only thing that should matter now is Helga. He opened his book and tried to force himself to focus on the book.
He was successful. Although, it was too successful because later on he fell asleep.
'Why do I feel so heavy? Where am I? I guess Helga must have told everyone about what happened. I feel like my world is over. Hold on! That happened 15 years ago. I'm an archeologist now and I came back to visit old friends. Right, it was probably me reliving one of my memories.'
'The reason why I probably felt my world end was because I saw Helga and Brainy talking and Helga seems happy. I guess, Brainy was successful at something I failed: to make Helga happy. Even though I can't take seeing them and him making Helga smile I have to happy for her. Yes. I'll just go to Mr. Green's shop then read the book at home on the roof. Yeah, that's what I'll do. I'll just leave...'
He realized he was on the tree branch the second he felt himself fall. 'This is going to hurt.'
Helga was busy scribbling. She was enjoying the peace after Brainy finally left her. It wasn't that she wanted him to leave but she really needed to write now because she had an inspiration. She didn't question the source but went right through it.
Suddenly she was startled first by a thud, an "Oof!" and then an "Ouch!" Irritation was the first reaction but when she saw a familiar body lying face down worry took over.
She went to him and set aside her notebook on the ground. "Arnold, are you okay? Can you feel every part of your body? Can you move everything?"
He was still a bit dizzy but he felt fine, other than the throbbing pain in his chest that is. He was about to turn his head to face her but Helga suddenly exclaimed.
"Don't move your head! You might have some broken bones."
She was worried and despite the pain, he loved every minute of it. He turns his head again despite Helga's protests. "Helga, I'm fine. I just fell from a tree branch. I got a little winded, that's all."
He began to sit up and wordlessly Helga helped him. In the process her eyes roved throughout his body checking for anything that would be out of the ordinary. She looked at his face, picked up her notebook and pencil, and began to go back to the bench, "Let's sit down on the bench. That is where you should have been reading earlier. You never grow up do you, football head? Reading on top of the tree." She scoffed.
He was confused. How did she know he was reading a book? He then noticed the book that was on his lap and is now a few feet away from him. She must have noticed the book. He glanced back at her. Nothing escapes her.
"Are you coming or not?" There was irritation on her voice but also a hint of worry.
"Uh, sure." He took his book and followed her on the bench and sat down, a little bit far from her.
Silence.
Arnold spun his book and spun it between his two fingers. "I'm really sorry about yesterday We were worried about you, that's all."
She looked at him quizzically. "About what... oh yesterday. It's no big deal. You don't need to worry yourself to death, Arnoldo, I've forgotten about it."
He stopped twirling the book and looked at her, quite surprised. He never knew she forgave so easily. Well there were times she did forgive the others, well eventually.
Silence again.
This time the phone broke the silence. "Yes?"
"Helga? C-could you come o-over?" A trembling female voice asked.
Helga's eyebrows knitted in worry. "Sure." She said a bit worried and confused. What could be...? Her eyes widened. It's probably him. Nothing totally frightens Lila except him. "I'll come as soon as I can." Her voice softened. "Just calm down and don't open the door to anyone except me."
"O-okay. Thank you ever so much, Helga."
Helga hanged up.
"What's the matter, Helga? Who called?"
She had forgotten he was there. "Oh, just Lila. She..."
She stopped and looked at him thoroughly. It was after all Arnold's job to be the soother or adviser to everyone. Why not he be the one to go to Lila's place and comfort her. And besides he is much better friend than she ever will be.
"She what, Helga? Is something wrong with her?"
No, she can't do that. Lila never told Arnold in the first place and she called her. She forced herself a smile and replied to him before he did worry himself to death. "It's nothing that another female companion won't cure, Arnoldo." She paused as she grabbed her stuff. "I have to go to her now. See you soon, football head!"
He was a bit confused but was able to utter, "Okay, Helga. Bye!"
Helga looked at the middle class apartment in front of her. This was where Lila said she lived when they talked on the balcony during the slumber party. It was much better than the old dump she lived in during grade school. I guess an RN does have a good salary.
As she quickly went inside and rode inside the elevator, Helga remembered that night when Lila talked about what she had been doing since Helga left. At first Helga was surprised why she didn't told her story with the other girls but later on she found out.
It seems that during her high school life Lila fell in love with one the students in college. He was perfect. He was smart, popular and was great in sports and his name was Brent. He was taking Political Science. It was only near their prom that she found out he liked her too and asked her out. The days that followed they dated most of the time, when their studies would permit them, of course. Lila was assured he was the one. He was attentive to her and sweet but one downfall was his jealousy. It wasn't extreme that Lila never had a guy friend it was extreme in the sense he would nearly twist her arm or he held her to hard. She should have paid more attention to those first signs but she didn't. Lila love and forgave him.
They went to the same college and continued their relationship. Lila was in bliss. She was getting good grades on her courses, had a wonderful boyfriend and she just paid her and her father's last bill with her after school job. It was after that when Brent became suddenly possessive and hurt her even more than before. His jealousy flared up and she wasn't allowed to even speak to another guy not even a teacher.
She tried to talk to him about this, gently at first but he denied everything and even made her seem like she was the one at fault. She became quiet about this and just learned to forget about it some more. It was only then one night when he nearly...
Helga shivered at that memory. Lila had been through so much just for the sake of love. It would make another person believe in the magic of love. It didn't even faze her a bit she didn't believe in love a long, long time ago.
When it was Lila's floor already she got out. She scanned the numbers until she came to the right one. She knocked. "Lila, it's Helga."
A shuffle was heard and then stopped. She must be looking through that peephole. A breath was released as the door was opened. And then Helga found herself ran over and hugged by a sobbing Lila.
Gingerly, she closed her arms around the woman and led her inside the apartment. Helga closed the door and sat down in the sofa with Lila still clutching and crying to her. She couldn't find any words to say to her. Arnold was much much better in this than she does. She never really knew Lila that much. But why call her of all the people?
Lila slowly pulled away from Helga, brushing her tears and sniffing. Helga took out a tissue from her small bag and gave it to her. A mumble of 'Thanks' was heard.
While Lila was drying her tears Helga really looked at Lila. Her usual clean appearance was gone. Her hair was like a crow's nest and her clothes were rumpled and she was shaking.
"Pull..." she began to say but changed her mind. "Calm down, Lila. He isn't here. I'm here."
If she was surprised that Helga knew the reason she called her she didn't gave any indication. "I'm ever so sorry, Helga. It's just that... he called so ever so suddenly and then... I just finished putting back the pieces of my life and then this!"
Helga could feel another crying fit she slowly reached out and touched one of Lila's hands. "You have to stop cowering to Brent, Lila. Your relationship with him is over. He can't hurt you now. You need to stand up to him when he comes."
Tear filled eyes looked at her, "I know. It's just that all those years of loving him... he wasn't all that bad. I know he loved me but all the pain... and then when he nearly..." She cried much harder. "I can't face him now! Helga, please don't make me face him!"
Helga waved her off, "You have to face him, Lila." Her stern voice softened, "Don't worry, if he so much as touch you I'll set him straight." For effect she cracked her knuckles.
Lila clasped her hands tightly and became silent. Helga looked at her and became worried. Maybe that crack about setting him straight was a bit harsh. Criminey! She wasn't good at this.
And then Lila looked up to her and gave a shaky smile. "This was why I called you, Helga." Her eyes became full of tears again as she hugged her, this time much more stronger. "Even during grade school I always looked up to you as a source of strength." A pause. "You know, you're ever so lucky that the one man you fell in love was gentle. Sometimes I ask myself 'Why didn't I like-him-like him?' But I just didn't. Maybe he was meant for you."
No answer. Puzzled, Lila looked at Helga and saw that her face was a bit blue. She quickly released her. "I'm ever so sorry, Helga!"
Helga wheezed and tried to bring as much air as she could to her lungs. "I'm...wheeze okay...wheeze."
"Gosh, Helga, you sound like Brainy and Eugene combined!" Lila innocently said.
Helga began to laugh (although it hurt much when she laughs) and Lila who had no idea at first what she said was a joke begun to laugh too.
I do not hate Lila. It just happens that she was the perfect character for that part so please don't tell me why it had to be her. Oh and B.18 I did plan on making Arnold jealous of Brainy although about the baby... you'll just have to wait and see...
Please send reviews and constructive criticisms!!