A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, thank you very much. Oh yeah...in case I didn't before, here is my disclaimer: I don't own Helga or Arnold or any other familiar names you see here. And:

~Silent~Saturn~ - I didn't mean for it to be a cliff hanger. But that's OK...

Sorry if this chapter is confusing. I tried jamming a lot of things together. Have fun!

Chapter Six: And Then...

The next day, around five, Helga stood in front of her full-length mirror in a short red dress that went down to the middle of her thighs. It was satin and flattered her figure wonderfully. The straps were wide and the front of the dress made a big square. She never thought she would have the opportunity to wear it. She twirled around and smiled. Her hair was up perfectly and she was all dolled up. Boy, she glittered.

Quickly, she slid down the banister and showed off her skirt to everyone in the living room (which just happened to be...everyone). Everyone complimented her, even Big Bob. He got out of his TV zone and smiled at her daughter and called her Helga.

Helga leaned against the door while sitting on the ground. She checked a checklist in her mind of everything that was in her purse. Lipstick, mirror, advil (because of her headache), powder, and cell phone.

Suddenly, just as she thought she was going to doze off, the doorbell rang. She nearly jumped up and opened the door smiling. "Took you long enough," she said softly.

"I'm early by ten minutes. I couldn't wait." He grinned and looked her up and down. "You look...stunning."

"Thank you." She turned around and was about to bid her family farewell, until Olga opened her big mouth.

"Helga, you must show us how you and Arnold look together!" Olga squealed.

Helga stomped her foot and groaned slightly. "I think we really have to go..." she lied. How she despised the way Olga squealed.

"No, c'mon Helga. I'll get a picture," said Mariam.

Helga stuck out her tongue and sighed. She and Arnold walked into the living room. Then she finally got a good look at him. He was wearing slacks and a neat white shirt with his varsity jacket on over it. Oh yeah, and as usual, he wore his little hat.

"Oh," cooed Olga – her mascara running, "my lil sis has grown up. Oh this is so sweet," she began to break down crying.

"Okay, now get together for a picture!"

Helga and Arnold put their arms around each other and smiled.

"Perfect. Aren't you two just the cutest couple?"

Arnold blushed slightly even though he and Helga were "Just Friends". Helga knew that, and he knew that. They set that border line back in 9th grade.

***

*flashback*

"Helga, I like the way you've been treating me after the summer. You've changed a lot."

"I guess so..."

"I mean, you don't call me names anymore. And I really appreciate that."

"Well, it was really childish of me anyway." Besides, there are other ways to show how much I love you

Arnold took her hand. Helga's mouth slightly opened. Her heart pounded so hard that she thought it was going to explode. "Maybe we can be friends now. Truly friends."

Helga smiled. "Okay. Then promise me, we'll always be friends. And stay friends." She smiled.

"I promise."

They shook hands. Helga thought she was going to faint.

(A/N: I know, it's kinda corny...but...I needed to get the point across)

***

Arnold and Helga arrived at the party. The street was crowded and music boomed through the whole house. It was very surprising that Harold would have a party. But, of course, it was because his parents were out of town.

"Hey Arnold, hey Helga. Glad you guys could come!" Harold said, greeting them at the door. "Over in the kitchen I have food for all of you guys."

"And did you make it all by yourself?" asked Helga sarcastically.

"No, in fact, Patty helped me." He blushed violently.

"Aww, that's so sweet. Are you going to give her your varsity jacket for football?" she asked curiously.

"No...not now." He grinned sheepishly. "Well, come on in! Stop getting the cold air in!"

Helga and Arnold walked in and got excited. Everyone in there was so lively. It sent chills down Helga's spine. "Did you eat dinner yet, Helga?" asked Arnold.

Helga shook her head.

"I didn't either. And I'm starving. Let's go get something to eat, okay?"

"All right."

Then he guided her into the kitchen. "Let's see, there's chips and salsa, sandwich squares and chips..." he took one of each and just ate them in one bite. "Don't you want some?"

Helga shook her head. "Nah...I'm not really hungry."

"Not hungry?"

"Yeah. I don't know why though. But....well...maybe my appetite will kick in later."

Arnold took more sandwich squares and shoved them in his mouth. "Let's go see who else is here." he smiled.

"Sounds good to me." She put out her arm. Again she linked hers with his and they walked to the living room where everyone was dancing. They saw Phoebe and Gerald dancing together. Arnold winked and pointed at Gerald. Helga saw Lila and Brainy sit on the couch with their legs crossed with each other's. But she kept Arnold occupied so he wouldn't see.

"Oh Harold," Rhonda sang, pulling Harold close to her. "Don't you want to dance?" She smiled.

"Excuse me, Rhonda. But Harold is dancing with me," said Patty with her stiff upperlip.

"O-oh sorry, Patty," mumbled Rhonda. "But I-,"

"You thought I was in jail. Well, I never was. Now get away!" She commanded.

Rhonda walked away and danced with Lorenzo instead. "Thanks hunny," smiled Harold, kissing Patty.

Suddenly a slow song played. Arnold let go of Helga's arm and bowed slightly. "Would you do me the pleasure and dance with me?"

Helga giggled. "I would love to." She put her arms around his neck and he held her waist. They danced cheek to cheek.

While they danced, Helga saw an envious look on Lila's face. Eat your heart out.

Arnold twirled Helga and dipped her. "This is so much fun," whispered Helga.

"A lot of fun...especially with you."

This night is turning out to be perfect, thought Helga.

The music died and Arnold and Helga were still moving their feet with their arms wrapped around each other. "Arnold," said Helga softly. "The music stopped."

Arnold let go of her slowly and smiled. "Sorry...I just....I was just...." Caught up in the moment. SAY IT! He thought. "I was just caught up in...a deep thought."

"Oh...I see," said Helga disappointedly.

"Let's get away," whispered Arnold.

"Where?"

"Outside. In his backyard."

"Okay," said Helga. Chills went down her spine again.

Together they walked out into the backyard and sat on the lawn chairs. "Bbrr," shivered Helga. "It's really cold out here."

Arnold took off his varsity jacket and put it around her shoulders. "Here. Keep it."

"Keep it?" asked Helga astonishedly.

"Yup. Keep it." He grinned and leaned towards her. Just then, Helga turned the other way and vomited. "Oh my God. Helga, are you okay?"

Helga groaned. "Yeah, I think I'm okay...I just feel a little light-headed."

"Did you even eat lunch?"

Helga shook her head. "I wasn't hungry for the last couple of days..."

"So you skipped?!"

"Not like Bob or Mariam noticed. But I'm sure I'm fine, Arnold. Don't worry."

Arnold put his hand to her forehead. "No, no you're not, Helga. You've got a fever too."

Helga was keeling over. Her stomach was hurting again.

"Helga, I'm taking you home..." stated Arnold.

"No, Arnold...that's okay. I'll be okay!" Helga resisted.

"You will not. I will not feel better unless you're safe at home. Now get up."

Helga got up but collapsed back on the chair. "I can't," she whined.

Arnold quickly put both of his hands under her and lifted her up. "I'm getting you home even if it's the last thing I do."

A/N2: Hope you enjoyed chapter six. Don't forget to review! *wink*