Swept Under The Rug
by Angela Marcisak
DISCLAIMER:(You know the drill!)I do not own Hey Arnold,and have nothing to do with owning it!This is just a harmless fanfic written by me,a harmless obsessed fan,so please,don't sue me!
CHAPTER 4-The Party
After three continuous minutes of holding Arnold in her warm embrace,Helga finally let go.Geez,I thought he would want to pull away a long time ago...she thought.Arnold looked at her with a small grin and rubbed his face with the sleeve of his sweater."Heh...sorry about that...I can be a little overemotional sometimes..."Helga stated shyly,a crimson blush spreading across her cheeks."It's okay,"Arnold replied."After all,this seems like a right moment to be emotional...don't you think?"Helga looked behind her and saw everyone had left the two.Bob,Miriam,the boarders,and the PS118 gang were too busy dancing and making small talk to put up with the display of mushiness Arnold and Helga were showing."Uh...yeah...*sighs,shaking her head*So,wanna go join the crowd?It's a little boring just standing here."Helga declared.Heck,it must be boring if we're the only ones...."Sure,let's go get something to eat.I'm starving!"Arnold and Helga walked over to the snack tables,laughing as they rubbed their stomachs in unison.
What a Kodak moment!Helga thought to herself,smiling faintly.She was sitting on a side bench in midway conversation with Arnold,talking about how much she was going to miss everyone in Hillwood when she moves.Other than that,the party was in full swing.Rhonda and Nadine were tearing up the dance floor with their stylish moves,and Curly was being cheered on by many others for his talented show of breakdancing.Lila was sitting with Stinky and Gerald was occupying his own time by charming Phoebe."Man,some party,huh?"Helga added,glancing at Curly,who was putting on a helmet for his next breakdancing act."I wonder who put this all together...it was probably Phoebe.You know Phoebe,always doing good deeds for everyone..."Helga smiled dazily at the thoughtful act of kindness her best friend had given her.She knew it had to be her!I mean,come on,Helga thought,she's been my best bud for more than five years,it had to be her...Helga was interrupted by a comment by Arnold.He took a deep breath of air and began to speak.
"It wasn't Phoebe,Helga.It was me."Helga looked at Arnold,a solemn,shocked look spread wide across her face."R-really?"Arnold silently nodded his head in response.Helga couldn't believe what she had just heard.Arnold?Throwing a party for her?Helga?"B-but why?"she shakily responded."I mean,after all the years I treated you lower than dirt,and you throw me a party?It doesn't...it doesn't make sense."Arnold stared at her for a few moments,trying to come up with the right answer for why he had committed such a kind deed.And there it was again.That stare.That's the third time I've seen him stare at me that way....but why?Arnold took another breath of air and started to speak once again."You see,Helga,ever since you've always been mean to me,I used to never understand why.I always used to think you never had an ounce of decency in you.But then I thought of all the nice things you've done for people,like how you found my hat for me,and how you helped us out by building a float.I realized,every person has a soul.Every person has feelings.And I know,you're not as tough on the inside as you are on the outside.Actually,I think you're a really nice person sometimes,and I like you for that.All you have to do is show it more often,and people will notice you more often too."Arnold smiled at Helga,but his smile faded away soon after.Helga sat there crying softly,several tears rolling down her cheeks."What's wrong,Helga?"Arnold put a hand on her shoulder for comfort."No one's e-ever done something this nice for me before...not even my parents..."Helga said,sniffing loudly.I need a Kleenex,she thought.Arnold looked at Helga,dumbstruck with curiosity."You mean...haven't your parents done anything nice for you?"Helga scoffed and turned her head."As if!They're always swooning over Olga.They never pay any attention to me,and Miriam,"Helga looked angrily at her smoothie-holic mom while she said this,"never even packs me a lunch for school.Always leaving me in the dust for Olga."Helga took a deep sigh and turned around and looked back at Arnold."But,what the hey,I guess I was just meant to be a loner all along,huh?"She wiped a few teardrops that had fallen from her eyes with the back of her hand."Helga,everyone has to be cared for.That's the way of life.There's always someone who cares about you,even if it's not your parents.I think it's downright cruel for them to treat you like that."Arnold took her hand and looked deep into Helga's eyes.Just then,Helga's heart began to flutter wildly like a cluster of butterflies in migration."Helga...I just want you to know,no matter what happens,or how far away you go,I'll always care about you.You don't have to worry,because I'll be keeping you in my heart.I sure hope you'll do the same,won't you?"Arnold looked thoughtfully at Helga while he said those very words.I can't believe it!she thought.Arnold actually cares about me!She felt her heart beat rapidly increase every second she looked into Arnold's eyes,and at the same time,hoped this wouldn't cause her to faint on the spot.Helga took a gasp of air,and with this,she said,"Sure,Arnold....you know I always will....."Arnold and Helga smiled at each other,then took a quick glance at the others enjoying the party.Curly was finishing up his breakdancing routine,receiving a round of applause from numerous people."Thank you very much,"Curly stated in his best Elvis impression.He walked over to the table and grabbed some punch.
Meanwhile,Grandpa walked over to Brainy,who was currently running the position as DJ,believe it or not.Taking off his headphones,Brainy turned to look at Grandpa."Okay,Boony--""Uh...*wheeze*it's Brainy..."he corrected Grandpa."Sorry,Billy....anyways,could you by any chance play a love song for the kids?Arnold and the girl with the one eyebrow look like they need something to dance to.I haven't seen them on the dance floor all night long!"A pang of jealously shot through Brainy's heart like a bow and arrow.It's Helga,not the girl with one eyebrow!Brainy thought,giving Grandpa a thumbs up while putting on a CD.Man,does this guy need a new hearing aid....Brainy pushed a few buttons and the song began.The lights dimmed to a dark pink while the boombox played "This I Promise You" by *NSYNC.Arnold and Helga looked over to the dance floor and spotted few couples slow dancing to the music.Gerald and Phoebe looked like they were enjoying themselves,while Lila and Stinky stumbled quite a few times,quietly laughing at their inability to dance.Arnold nervously tugged at his collar a few times,and finally spoke to Helga."W-would you like to dance?"Helga's eyes popped wide open in surprise,staring shockingly at Arnold.A few moments later,she loosened up."Sure!I'd love to."
Arnold and Helga walked over to the dance floor and held each other close while dancing."I'm having a really great time tonight,"Helga added,smiling happily at Arnold."I am too,"Arnold replied.The end of the song was nearing,whilst Brainy sat in the DJ box,sighing to himself.Well,here's my chance.Better late than never.Brainy stepped out of the box and walked down over to where Helga and Arnold were dancing."Uh...*wheeze*can I...uh...*wheeze*uh..."Helga smiled happily at Brainy,then to Arnold.He nodded his head assuringly and walked back over to the bench."Sure,Brainy,I'll dance with you."Helga and Brainy danced to the remainder of the song,Brainy's thoughts trailing away for miles.The song went on:
"And I will take you
In my arms
And hold you right
Where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
Ooh,I promise you..."
The song had finally ended,and the lighting effects had returned to normal."Thanks,Brainy...you're a good dancer."Helga gave him a small kiss on the cheek.With that,Brainy collapsed on the floor."Well,I guess Brainy's got a little crush on ya,Helga!"Stinky replied,dragging Brainy into the kitchen to search for an ice pack.Helga smiled and shook her head,then walked back over to Arnold.They talked for the remainder of the party.
A few hours later,everything was coming to a close.Rhonda,Sheena,Nadine,and the rest of the gang thanked Arnold for the party he had thrown,and left soon after.Curly was the last one to leave,seeing he had to apply an ice pack to his head.Apparently,something had been wrong with his helmet,and a large lump was growing on the surface of his scalp."Thanks,Arnold,great party...."Curly rubbed his head in pain,then left the party in a hurry for more ice.All who were left at the boarding house were Arnold and Helga."Arnold....I..want to thank you so much..for what you did...it was really sweet of you.."Helga stared down at her shoes shyly,not wanting to go overboard with her emotions as she had done earlier."No problem,Helga.I was glad to do it.I'm glad you had a great time.""Oh yeah,"Helga added,"One more thing before I forget.I--"She was cut off by Bob and Miriam yelling at her from outside the door."Come on,Olga!We gotta go home and pack!Tomorrow we're leaving!"Helga looked at her parents wide-eyed,tears slowly welling in her eyes."T-tomorrow?!""Yeah,tomorrow!Now,hurry up and say bye to Alfred!"Helga looked back at Arnold,tears rolling down her cheeks.Arnold wiped the tears from her eyes,and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.He knew exactly what she was going to say."Don't worry,Helga...everything will be fine...I'll round up everyone to meet you at the airport tomorrow.We wouldn't want to leave you without one final goodbye."Helga smiled faintly and hugged Arnold tightly."Thanks,Arnold..."she whispered in his ear.He was about to return the gesture when Helga's parents beeped the horn numerous times,urging Helga to get in the car."I..I gotta go."she quietly mentioned to Arnold."I'll see you tomorrow...."Helga ran out the door and jumped in the Pataki family car.She faintly smiled and gave a wave to her football-headed friend.After that,she had gone home.
Arnold took a deep sigh and walked up the hallway to his room's entrance."Where ya goin',shortman?"Grandpa sounded after him."To my room,Grandpa."Arnold opened the door,walked in,and slammed it shut.He grabbed the remote to his new age room and tuned his radio in to some music.He usually preferred jazz,but wasn't really in the mood today.He put it on a pop channel and flopped down on his bed,awaiting the song that was to be played next.Surprisingly,it was *NSYNC once again.I've heard too much of *NSYNC for one day....Arnold thought.He was about to change the channel,when he heard the songs beautiful melody.Might as well listen to the lyrics...He laid on his back and began to listen.
"There's a thousand words that I could say
To make you come home
Seems so long ago you walked away
And left me alone
Now I remember what you said to me
You've been actin' so strange
And maybe I was too blind to see
That you needed a change
Was it somethin' I said
To make you turn away
To make you walk out and leave me cold?
If I could just find a way
To make it so that you were right here
Right now
I've been sittin' here
Can't get you off my mind
I've tried my best to be a man and be strong
I've drove myself insane wishin' I could touch your face
But the truth remains you're gone...."
Arnold wanted to listen to the rest of the song,but just couldn't.It was too powerful,too overwhelming.Why was there always a song for every moment?This song reminded him too much of Helga.It was true.He couldn't get her off his mind.He wished he was there to touch her face.But at least she wasn't gone yet.Not until tomorrow....
Arnold sighed deeply,burying his face in his pillow.He softly cried himself to sleep.Though he didn't know why....
END CHAPTER 4
by Angela Marcisak
DISCLAIMER:(You know the drill!)I do not own Hey Arnold,and have nothing to do with owning it!This is just a harmless fanfic written by me,a harmless obsessed fan,so please,don't sue me!
CHAPTER 4-The Party
After three continuous minutes of holding Arnold in her warm embrace,Helga finally let go.Geez,I thought he would want to pull away a long time ago...she thought.Arnold looked at her with a small grin and rubbed his face with the sleeve of his sweater."Heh...sorry about that...I can be a little overemotional sometimes..."Helga stated shyly,a crimson blush spreading across her cheeks."It's okay,"Arnold replied."After all,this seems like a right moment to be emotional...don't you think?"Helga looked behind her and saw everyone had left the two.Bob,Miriam,the boarders,and the PS118 gang were too busy dancing and making small talk to put up with the display of mushiness Arnold and Helga were showing."Uh...yeah...*sighs,shaking her head*So,wanna go join the crowd?It's a little boring just standing here."Helga declared.Heck,it must be boring if we're the only ones...."Sure,let's go get something to eat.I'm starving!"Arnold and Helga walked over to the snack tables,laughing as they rubbed their stomachs in unison.
What a Kodak moment!Helga thought to herself,smiling faintly.She was sitting on a side bench in midway conversation with Arnold,talking about how much she was going to miss everyone in Hillwood when she moves.Other than that,the party was in full swing.Rhonda and Nadine were tearing up the dance floor with their stylish moves,and Curly was being cheered on by many others for his talented show of breakdancing.Lila was sitting with Stinky and Gerald was occupying his own time by charming Phoebe."Man,some party,huh?"Helga added,glancing at Curly,who was putting on a helmet for his next breakdancing act."I wonder who put this all together...it was probably Phoebe.You know Phoebe,always doing good deeds for everyone..."Helga smiled dazily at the thoughtful act of kindness her best friend had given her.She knew it had to be her!I mean,come on,Helga thought,she's been my best bud for more than five years,it had to be her...Helga was interrupted by a comment by Arnold.He took a deep breath of air and began to speak.
"It wasn't Phoebe,Helga.It was me."Helga looked at Arnold,a solemn,shocked look spread wide across her face."R-really?"Arnold silently nodded his head in response.Helga couldn't believe what she had just heard.Arnold?Throwing a party for her?Helga?"B-but why?"she shakily responded."I mean,after all the years I treated you lower than dirt,and you throw me a party?It doesn't...it doesn't make sense."Arnold stared at her for a few moments,trying to come up with the right answer for why he had committed such a kind deed.And there it was again.That stare.That's the third time I've seen him stare at me that way....but why?Arnold took another breath of air and started to speak once again."You see,Helga,ever since you've always been mean to me,I used to never understand why.I always used to think you never had an ounce of decency in you.But then I thought of all the nice things you've done for people,like how you found my hat for me,and how you helped us out by building a float.I realized,every person has a soul.Every person has feelings.And I know,you're not as tough on the inside as you are on the outside.Actually,I think you're a really nice person sometimes,and I like you for that.All you have to do is show it more often,and people will notice you more often too."Arnold smiled at Helga,but his smile faded away soon after.Helga sat there crying softly,several tears rolling down her cheeks."What's wrong,Helga?"Arnold put a hand on her shoulder for comfort."No one's e-ever done something this nice for me before...not even my parents..."Helga said,sniffing loudly.I need a Kleenex,she thought.Arnold looked at Helga,dumbstruck with curiosity."You mean...haven't your parents done anything nice for you?"Helga scoffed and turned her head."As if!They're always swooning over Olga.They never pay any attention to me,and Miriam,"Helga looked angrily at her smoothie-holic mom while she said this,"never even packs me a lunch for school.Always leaving me in the dust for Olga."Helga took a deep sigh and turned around and looked back at Arnold."But,what the hey,I guess I was just meant to be a loner all along,huh?"She wiped a few teardrops that had fallen from her eyes with the back of her hand."Helga,everyone has to be cared for.That's the way of life.There's always someone who cares about you,even if it's not your parents.I think it's downright cruel for them to treat you like that."Arnold took her hand and looked deep into Helga's eyes.Just then,Helga's heart began to flutter wildly like a cluster of butterflies in migration."Helga...I just want you to know,no matter what happens,or how far away you go,I'll always care about you.You don't have to worry,because I'll be keeping you in my heart.I sure hope you'll do the same,won't you?"Arnold looked thoughtfully at Helga while he said those very words.I can't believe it!she thought.Arnold actually cares about me!She felt her heart beat rapidly increase every second she looked into Arnold's eyes,and at the same time,hoped this wouldn't cause her to faint on the spot.Helga took a gasp of air,and with this,she said,"Sure,Arnold....you know I always will....."Arnold and Helga smiled at each other,then took a quick glance at the others enjoying the party.Curly was finishing up his breakdancing routine,receiving a round of applause from numerous people."Thank you very much,"Curly stated in his best Elvis impression.He walked over to the table and grabbed some punch.
Meanwhile,Grandpa walked over to Brainy,who was currently running the position as DJ,believe it or not.Taking off his headphones,Brainy turned to look at Grandpa."Okay,Boony--""Uh...*wheeze*it's Brainy..."he corrected Grandpa."Sorry,Billy....anyways,could you by any chance play a love song for the kids?Arnold and the girl with the one eyebrow look like they need something to dance to.I haven't seen them on the dance floor all night long!"A pang of jealously shot through Brainy's heart like a bow and arrow.It's Helga,not the girl with one eyebrow!Brainy thought,giving Grandpa a thumbs up while putting on a CD.Man,does this guy need a new hearing aid....Brainy pushed a few buttons and the song began.The lights dimmed to a dark pink while the boombox played "This I Promise You" by *NSYNC.Arnold and Helga looked over to the dance floor and spotted few couples slow dancing to the music.Gerald and Phoebe looked like they were enjoying themselves,while Lila and Stinky stumbled quite a few times,quietly laughing at their inability to dance.Arnold nervously tugged at his collar a few times,and finally spoke to Helga."W-would you like to dance?"Helga's eyes popped wide open in surprise,staring shockingly at Arnold.A few moments later,she loosened up."Sure!I'd love to."
Arnold and Helga walked over to the dance floor and held each other close while dancing."I'm having a really great time tonight,"Helga added,smiling happily at Arnold."I am too,"Arnold replied.The end of the song was nearing,whilst Brainy sat in the DJ box,sighing to himself.Well,here's my chance.Better late than never.Brainy stepped out of the box and walked down over to where Helga and Arnold were dancing."Uh...*wheeze*can I...uh...*wheeze*uh..."Helga smiled happily at Brainy,then to Arnold.He nodded his head assuringly and walked back over to the bench."Sure,Brainy,I'll dance with you."Helga and Brainy danced to the remainder of the song,Brainy's thoughts trailing away for miles.The song went on:
"And I will take you
In my arms
And hold you right
Where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
Ooh,I promise you..."
The song had finally ended,and the lighting effects had returned to normal."Thanks,Brainy...you're a good dancer."Helga gave him a small kiss on the cheek.With that,Brainy collapsed on the floor."Well,I guess Brainy's got a little crush on ya,Helga!"Stinky replied,dragging Brainy into the kitchen to search for an ice pack.Helga smiled and shook her head,then walked back over to Arnold.They talked for the remainder of the party.
A few hours later,everything was coming to a close.Rhonda,Sheena,Nadine,and the rest of the gang thanked Arnold for the party he had thrown,and left soon after.Curly was the last one to leave,seeing he had to apply an ice pack to his head.Apparently,something had been wrong with his helmet,and a large lump was growing on the surface of his scalp."Thanks,Arnold,great party...."Curly rubbed his head in pain,then left the party in a hurry for more ice.All who were left at the boarding house were Arnold and Helga."Arnold....I..want to thank you so much..for what you did...it was really sweet of you.."Helga stared down at her shoes shyly,not wanting to go overboard with her emotions as she had done earlier."No problem,Helga.I was glad to do it.I'm glad you had a great time.""Oh yeah,"Helga added,"One more thing before I forget.I--"She was cut off by Bob and Miriam yelling at her from outside the door."Come on,Olga!We gotta go home and pack!Tomorrow we're leaving!"Helga looked at her parents wide-eyed,tears slowly welling in her eyes."T-tomorrow?!""Yeah,tomorrow!Now,hurry up and say bye to Alfred!"Helga looked back at Arnold,tears rolling down her cheeks.Arnold wiped the tears from her eyes,and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.He knew exactly what she was going to say."Don't worry,Helga...everything will be fine...I'll round up everyone to meet you at the airport tomorrow.We wouldn't want to leave you without one final goodbye."Helga smiled faintly and hugged Arnold tightly."Thanks,Arnold..."she whispered in his ear.He was about to return the gesture when Helga's parents beeped the horn numerous times,urging Helga to get in the car."I..I gotta go."she quietly mentioned to Arnold."I'll see you tomorrow...."Helga ran out the door and jumped in the Pataki family car.She faintly smiled and gave a wave to her football-headed friend.After that,she had gone home.
Arnold took a deep sigh and walked up the hallway to his room's entrance."Where ya goin',shortman?"Grandpa sounded after him."To my room,Grandpa."Arnold opened the door,walked in,and slammed it shut.He grabbed the remote to his new age room and tuned his radio in to some music.He usually preferred jazz,but wasn't really in the mood today.He put it on a pop channel and flopped down on his bed,awaiting the song that was to be played next.Surprisingly,it was *NSYNC once again.I've heard too much of *NSYNC for one day....Arnold thought.He was about to change the channel,when he heard the songs beautiful melody.Might as well listen to the lyrics...He laid on his back and began to listen.
"There's a thousand words that I could say
To make you come home
Seems so long ago you walked away
And left me alone
Now I remember what you said to me
You've been actin' so strange
And maybe I was too blind to see
That you needed a change
Was it somethin' I said
To make you turn away
To make you walk out and leave me cold?
If I could just find a way
To make it so that you were right here
Right now
I've been sittin' here
Can't get you off my mind
I've tried my best to be a man and be strong
I've drove myself insane wishin' I could touch your face
But the truth remains you're gone...."
Arnold wanted to listen to the rest of the song,but just couldn't.It was too powerful,too overwhelming.Why was there always a song for every moment?This song reminded him too much of Helga.It was true.He couldn't get her off his mind.He wished he was there to touch her face.But at least she wasn't gone yet.Not until tomorrow....
Arnold sighed deeply,burying his face in his pillow.He softly cried himself to sleep.Though he didn't know why....
END CHAPTER 4