Chapter Six: Please Forgive Me

A.N Please excuse me if I have any spelling errors. Or grammatical errors. Or if it doesn't make sense! SORRY!!!! And um…There's another chapter left. This is my disclaimer I keep forgetting : I do not own Hey Arnold or any of the known characters in this story. Thank you!

"No…no, Arnold. Pleeaassseee…" Helga moaned. She suddenly awoke. Another bad dream. Well, not exactly bad. Just haunting. She was caught in chains, and he didn't care to look at her – he just walked away. Helga glanced at the clock. It was six in Saturday morning. She knew she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep. Why even bother trying? She just groaned and walked out of her room and to the kitchen. Where she made a cup of coffee.

She was lucky that Lila was really oblivious. Helga and Arnold were always meeting each other after work hours, and during lunch hours. Just being…friends. Nothing more. And still, he was getting married in two weeks.

***

"Helga – I'm sorry – Come back…I need you…" Arnold said in his sleep, tossing and turning in his sheets.  "Don't leave me – I love -," Suddenly he woke up. He looked at Lila, who covered her head with her big pillow. He buried his face in his hands and counted to ten. "I can't believe I had that dream," said Arnold to himself. It seemed so real…like he could actually touch her skin, feel her warmth…taste her lips. How he wished it was like before – like they were still in High School.

It was all because of his friends. "No, Arnold…she's ruining your rep. Get with Lila. You've been with her too long. It's not healthy."

Arnold shook his head. Stupid. That's what he was. Stupid. If only he stayed with her – made it work…he would be engaged to the most beautiful, talented…wonderful girl in the world. And not miss "ever so sorry".

That afternoon, Lila and Helga went to see how Lila looked in her wedding dress. Helga wouldn't've gone. It was all Lila's fault. She whined…complained…so Helga had no other choice but to go along with her.

"So I said to him, don't you sell that goat!" Lila joked. She and the dressmaker both laughed histerically.

Helga groaned and shook her head slowly.

Lila spun around and showed it off for Helga. "Well, what do you think, Helga?"

Helga couldn't believe her eyes….the dress was so ugly. Actually, not that ugly. But Helga knew she wouldn't be caught dead in that dress.

The top of her shoulders were big and puffy and looked like balloons squeezing her. The sleeves clung to her arms. She exposed no chest. It was like she was ready for winter. There was a high collar, and the dress eerily poofed out from all sides. Unnaturally.

"It's like nothing I've ever seen before."

"Thanks ever so much…I designed it myself." She smiled.

Helga grinned. She had to admit, that even in that dress, she still glowed the way she used to.

"Helga, say you'll come over for a brunch tomorrow morning at the Sheraton Club," said Lila as they walked out the door of the Bridal Apparel.  "My Dad is going to be there too along with my stepmom. With Arnold's grandparents! It's going to be a small little get-together. With the whole family! And the way you've been helping us…you're practically family!"

"What?"

"Please? I mean, you mean so much to us…living so close, and helping us with the wedding. I just want to say thank you."

"Saying it is enough – really."

"No…I insist. A nice brunch. On the house!" 

Helga let out a light sigh. "Okay then."

Lila hugged Helga so hard, she could've sworn she would blow. "It's at 10 o' clock. Kay?"

As you see, I'm writing again…now the real confusing about…"love"…is that Arnold's (the guy whom this column is mainly about) fiancee asked me to go to their family get together! Family? You heard right! After falling for him, and being pulled into the death chamber (Bridal Apparel Shop to look at her new dress) and hating her dress and cursing her ever since High School – this is what I get? A heartful invitation? Love is like Life…Full of bumps.

"You invited Helga?" Arnold asked blankly while he and Lila sat in front of the TV…awaiting his new commercial airing.

"Yes. I mean she's ever so kind! I think that's the least I can do. Besides, the Bridesmaids won't be here until closer to the wedding and all."

"But I thought it was just for you, me, my grandparents and your father!" Arnold complained. He was already facing his future in-laws, he couldn't possibly bare being with his former girlfriend all at the same time! It's chaos. It's just too much pressure for a guy like him.

"Please, Arnold? She already said yes and everything!" Lila cooed.

Arnold sighed. "Okay..okay…"

"You're a prince," Lila said, hugging him.

Arnold smiled goofily. "Thanks, A…er….Princess." He mumbled. He used to call Helga "Angel". Because that's what she was…an angel. Only when she was happy – and Arnold used to think he drifted into heaven whenever they kissed…and that one time when she wore a long white dress with speghetti straps to one of the dances. How elegantly she walked – from then on, he knew that she was a changed person. No more unibrow, angry Helga. More like a more sophisticated Helga. The woman he dreamed about. It was all over now.

***

Helga couldn't really decide what to wear. What's fit to be in a brunch? Helga imagined it as formal, yet sundressy. So, obviously, she couldn't figure it out.

"Here goes nothing," said Helga. She stuck her hand in her closet and pulled out anything she could get a grasp on. To her luck (if you call it luck) she pulled out a white tanktop and dress pants with a pink sunhat (a/n is that what it's called? Those hats with the big circle around it?).

Helga learned to dress to impress.

She went to the Sheraton Club and to their dining hall. It seemed very exclusive. Like the only people who were accepted were snobby tennis players and old, rich golfers.

She walked in and looked around.

"Helga! Over here!" Lila exclaimed, waving her hand in the air.

She was wearing a short green sundress. With fruite patterns on it. Arnold wore a nice shirt with a sweater and jeans.

He was flabbergasted once he saw Helga walk towards them. Wearing white…it brought back the memories of when she was walking to his car…all dressed up. He remembered that he took her in his arms and…

"Arnold, say hello to Helga, dear."
Arnold woke up into reality. "Hey Helga," he said, getting up from his seat. He pulled out the chair next to him and let her sit. "As you know, this is Grandpa…and this is Lila's dad, and stepmom, Maggie."

"Hi sir…" Helga said. "Hi Maggie. Hey Phil. Where's the wife?"

"Oh, you know Pooky," said Grandpa. "She's off chasing the cats."

Helga grinned. "It's great to see you again."

Grandpa scanned Helga up and down. "You've grown up. I don't think if Arnold knew you would turn -,"

Arnold jabbed his Grandpa's stomach with his elbow and coughed loudly.

Maggie changed the subject. "Heard so much about you, Helga." She put out her hand.

Helga shook it. Maggie looked like a wholesome woman. A woman who was powerful. And who was a country girl. Like a Southern Belle. "Oh really?"

"Yes. Sure did! So you're going to the wedding?"

"Um…yes…probably."

Grandpa gacked.

"You okay, Grandpa?" Arnold asked.

"Yeah…" Grandpa said, patting his heart.

A long-nosed man walked to them with a tray of pancakes, eggs and toast, bagels with cream, waffles, hash browns, and omlet. He handed Grandpa the pancakes, Arnold the hash browns, Lila that bagels with cream, Lila's Dad with the omlet, Helga with the waffles and Maggie with the eggs and toast.

Over breakfast, they talked about Lila's dress and Arnold's tux…about the Bridesmaid dresses. Everything about the wedding.

"That was delicious," said Grandpa. "Far better than your Grandma's cookin'. That old cooky…"

Arnold smiled. "Glad you guys enjoyed it."

"Very much, thank you Arnold," said Maggie. "Now, Lila…your father and I are just dying to see your wedding dress!"

"Oh yes! I just have to show you around the big house Arnold got for the two of us. And the reception hall, and," she squealed, "We have ever so much to catch up on! Just ever so much!"

Maggie and her husband got up from their seats. "Aren't you and Helga and Phil coming along?" Her father asked Arnold.

Arnold put his hand out and shook it side to side. "Nah…I think I'll show them around the Sheraton Club."

"Okay, Arnold," said Lila. "I'll take my parents. Bye!"

Arnold waved. Once they left the room, he groaned.

"Don't like the future inlaws?" Helga asked.

"That's an understatement."

Helga smiled. "So you're going to show me and Phil around the club?" She got up from her seat.

"Yeah." He and Phil got out of their seat as well.

"Well then, lead the way," Helga said, walking out of the room.

Before Arnold could go, Phil pulled him back. "Arnold, Helga's grown you know."

"Yeah, Grandpa."

"And you're engaged…"

"Yes Grandpa," said Arnold wearily.

"Don't do anything stupid, Shortman." He patted his back and walked out to the parkinglot.

"Where are you going?"

"Back to the hotel. Gotta do some business." He winked.

Arnold shook his head slowly and walked out as well, to see Helga standing at the other side of the corridor, leaning against the wall, staring out the window.

The light of the sun made her glow and sparkle. The way her hair was so perfectly straight under her hat and her emerald eyes shining like diamonds…the way she stood there, writing poetry in her head just from looking at the scenery. The way she was made Arnold melt. Like the old times.

He walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Ready?"

Helga smiled and nodded.

They walked out to the perfectly green grass and walked around while the cool wind blew through their hair. "Is this an exclusive club?"

"Oh yeah." Arnold said. "Expensive too. Over here we have golfers. Actually, we're stepping on their game. Let's move to the cement walk, shall we?"

They walked on the cement path. "I remember when Big Bob always played at that club. Golf. Golf. Golf." She smiled and looked up. "No matter what he did, I still despised golf. And I still do."

"Yeah. This is really not my place. I mean, I don't even come here, in other words…I practically give them my money. I don't play any of these sports. It's just…well…boring here."

"I know what you mean. Just walking around here makes me yawn." She tilted her head back, and yawned. Then the wind lifted her hat off her head and blew away from her. "Omigosh! My hat!" Helga exclaimed, trying to run after it, but suddenly fell because the right heel of her shoes broke off. "Ugh!" She groaned, on the ground.

"Are you okay, Helga?" Arnold asked, kneeling on the ground.

"Yeah. I guess so." She sat up. "But my hat…"

Arnold got up and chased her hat down. The wind eased and let the hat land on the grass. Arnold pounced on it and got dirt and grass stain. At least he caught it. The scent of the hat smelled like roses…what wonderful hair she has.

He walked to Helga, whom was still sitting on the cement, staring at a scrape on her knee.

"Are you okay, Helga?" Arnold asked softly, bending over with her hat.

"It's just that it kinda hurts when I bend my leg." She tried bending it and groaned in pain.

"Here, let me help you up," said Arnold. He put his arms under her legs and under her arms and lifted her up.

Helga couldn't believe that he was carrying her like that. The last time he did was after a big party, when she was too tired to stay awake. He carried her into the Club's lobby and let her down on a velvet sofa.

"Just stay there…I'll get a first aid kit," said Arnold, walking away to the front desk.

Helga stayed there. Obeying Arnold. She can't let anything happen…but what could happen anyway? He's just going to give her a bandaid.

Soon enough, he came back and had a little white box with him. He put aside her hat and sat next to her. He opened the box and took out a little antibiotic spray. "This'll hurt…just stay still."

He sprayed it on her wound, and Helga didn't even whimper. She only drew in a sharp breath.

"Very strong."

"Not when it comes to breaking up," she said under her breath.

Arnold tried to ignore what she said and put on a bandaid. "There. All better. And I'm sorry about your pants. I can pay for new ones."

"No, that's okay," Helga said, sitting up right. "Thanks, Arnold."

"No problem," he replied. Their eyes met. It was the first time in a long time he was able to see her so closely…without anyone around. "Um…here's your hat," mumbled Arnold. He reached over to get her hat. He leaned in and placed it on top of her head.

"Thanks again, Arnold," she muttered gently. She was afraid to draw in her breath…or even move. She wanted more.

They were stuck like that. Just staring into each other's eyes.

"Do you remember the last time we were this close?" She asked softly.

"Over ten years ago," replied Arnold. He leaned his face in closer. And suddenly their lips met.

They did not know what had gotten into themselves. Nothing stupid, eh? Phsaw.

Soon enough, they couldn't stop. Sparks flew…chills ran down their spines. A tingling sensation all over their body rose. When was the last time they had such a kiss…so wonderful…so soft. So perfect? When they were together.

Helga drew back. "Arnold, you know we shouldn't have done that." She looked down, touching her lips.

Arnold put his hand on his forehead and groaned. "You're right…you're right. It's just I couldn't help it. It seemed that – it was like-,"

"Like we were still together?" Helga interjected.

"Yeah."

"Well we're not." She bit her lip. Don't cry, she thought. Please don't. "Arnold…"

"Yes?"

"Why are you and Lila going to work out?" She sniffed. "And we…we…" a tear fell down her cheek. "Didn't? What did I do so wrong?"

Arnold was shocked at Helga's question. "Helga, it wasn't you…"

"Then why did we break up?" She started to cry. Had she ever cried in public before?

"I just couldn't stand being without you for college."

"But there were vacations…and…" She couldn't stop herself. Her words didn't make sense anymore. "I loved you, Arnold. Why won't you tell me why?"

"Because everyone thought we weren't good enough."

"Oh so just because of everyone else's expectations, you broke up with me?"

"They saw me with Lila. And I began to see that too…but then I hated breaking up with you, Helga. You were my girl…"

Helga cried even more. "Shallow bastard."

"Long-distance relationships didn't work either! But…c'mon, Helga."

Helga got up and started walking away.

"Let me drive you home," Arnold offered, getting up. "Please?"

"I can take a cab," she said trying to stay strong. "I don't think I should keep seeing you for lunch anymore."

"What?"

Helga put up her hand in front of Arnold. "Just leave me alone, please." She left.

Arnold sighed and buried his face in his hands. "I'm so stupid."

Who ever knew…I shared the best kiss ever with him and he goes and breaks my heart again.

"I told you not to do anything stupid, Arnold!" Grandpa shouted from the reciever.

"I know, Grandpa…I know!" Arnold groaned.

"I can't believe you let her go again. I thought you had more sense."

"What?"

"All day all you could blab about was Helga Helga this…Helga that. And you had the best time with her, and you dump her all over again. Agony. Agony!"

"I just – told it like it is. She wanted to know…and I guess I didn't know what to do."

"Arnold! When women want to know the truth – you don't tell them the truth! You tell them something like the truth. Maybe even part of the truth. But not the whole dang thing!"

Arnold let out a shaky breath. "Okay, Grandpa. I just don't know how I'll face her…"

"Say you're sorry…that always works. And tell the truth. You miss her."

"I do. I miss her deeply…and I guess I…"

"Love her?"

A/N:: Hope you enjoyed it! Please r/r!