Chapter Two
I'd awoken that morning with a nasty headache. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. I'd taken some Advil to numb the pain, but it hadn't done any good. This migraine was overwhelming me. It just would not go away.
I glanced across the room to Phoebe, and in that instant, our eyes met. Quickly I averted my eyes, turning them now downcast. I was so ashamed of my selfish greed, and yet, this flame from within would not die out.
It was foolish of me to believe we'd be best friends forever. And the saddest part of all was, I was the one to end our friendship in the first place.
Of course, Phoebe didn't know it was over. She didn't know what to think.
Maybe I should talk to her. Explain, possibly work things out between us, get it back to the way it used to be…
No. Things would never be the same. Accept it, Helga! Things change! Let it go and be done with it!
Somehow, my heart took a different approach.
But…she's my best friend! You can't just sit there and watch your friendship fall apart! You have to do something! Talk to her!
Oh, yeah? Watch me!
Some friend I am.
It had all been a matter of time.
"Helga?"
That voice. I knew that voice. Such a beautiful tone, so deep and articulate. How my heart aches for your every breath, to feed upon your glorious existence. Your words cause my body to melt; your presence makes me crumble.
I looked up into his eyes, so filled with concern. Is it even real? How could it be? Arnold, how could your magnificence possibly be?
Oh, but you feel so true to me. I can see it in your eyes, the love you possess so genuinely. How can you feel any compassion for someone as cruel as me?
But oh, how I long for that empathy. How I wish your love could be more out of passion and drive and romance. Such a childish fancy I dream, but oh, how I yearn for it to be real.
Does your heart reach out for me as mine does you? Obviously not, though this desire does not subside. Why can't I just get over you? What makes moving on so difficult? I should just blow you off, but I can't.
Not now. Not ever.
I grimaced, clenching my fists into two tight balls of fury. Arnold got the hint, but he didn't back off. Much.
"What do YOU want, football head?" I jeered.
Inside I scream for your touch, to hold you and keep you forever. Yet this fantasy will only be just that; a fantasy.
Arnold sighed now, obviously regretting ever even attempting to approach me.
"Well, I just noticed that you haven't been talking to Phoebe all day, and I wanted to know if there was something wrong. You and Phoebe aren't fighting, are you?"
Oh, yes, don't give up hope, my love! Keep persisting! Try to get it out of me, please!
I scowled. "For your information, Arnold-o, Phoebe and I are NOT fighting. I've decided to end the friendship. For good. Now if you'll excuse me, I have lunch to attend to."
I went back to eating, jabbing the stale bread with my fork.
Arnold was in a state of shock. "You just ENDED it? WHY?! Didn't you even give her a reason, or anything?"
I looked up at him sympathetically. Why was he exhausting himself with my problems? He shouldn't get so involved; he needs to learn how to butt out once in a while.
"Look, Arnold-o, the friendship should have ended a long time ago. We were kidding ourselves to think we could form a friendship in the first place. We are complete opposites, and frankly, I'm getting kind of sick of it. Besides, Arnold, now that she has Gerald, we're bound to drift apart. Phoebe's going to become more independent, and sooner or later, I'll be in second place. There's nothing more to say, so don't bother me again about it."
There was a sad look on his face as I got up and left him there. Was it all starting to sink in? Would his relationship with Gerald soon take a dive as well? If that were so, there was no hope for anyone anymore. Friendship as we know it will seize to exist.
In a way, I was happy for her. To finally be free of my grasp. I wished her the best of luck with Gerald. At last she would gain her independence and find a bond she was more deserving of.
I did not do this to hurt her. Not in the least.
In all honesty, I did it to help her. To save her.
Swiftly I dumped my tray, while whispering a silent plea for my childhood friend.
"Poor, sweet, innocent Phoebe. You've lived so long trapped within this cage. Now is your chance to soar once again. Dear Phoebe, I hope you spread your wings. Take this opportunity, please."
Just as I was making my way out of the cafeteria, distracted by my thoughts, it hit me. Literally.
I fell to the ground, unyielding to whomever this new enemy was.
"Hey, watch where you're going you clumsy oaf!" I raged, shaking my fist at him.
Suddenly my face sagged and my anger softened. I scanned this face for recognition, not believing my eyes.
"B-Brainy?" I stammered.
Author's Note: Ooooh, I'm evil!!! I'm ending it at a cliffhanger! Man do I hate those! Heehee! Well, this chapter revealed QUITE a bit…keep in mind that I knew this would be something about Phoebe…but oh, I loved that she ran into Brainy…*smiles* her reaction kinda makes ya wonder…
I'll try to have Chapter Three up soon…but no promises! I haven't even started it yet. Gaaaaah. R&R!!!
