Love's Follies

Shall We Dance?

The dance was held in the school's gym. Arnold and Helga didn't have far to walk once they got off the bus. There was a big white banner out front that Harold and Eugene had painted earlier that day. Skool Dance Nite The 'e' had a runny end because Eugene had fallen of the ladder when painting.

Helga frowned when she read the banner, "Yep. Harold and Eugene wrote it alright."

Arnold couldn't help but smile. It was true, one could tell it was their handiwork. "So, do you wanna go in now?"

"No Arnoldo!" Helga snapped sarcastically, "I want to stand out here all night!"

Arnold contemplated letting her do just that but sighed and led her in anyway. The gym was decorated with red and pink hearts and balloons, streamers, and glittery signs. "Hmph, who put up all this junk? Rhonda and Lila?"

Arnold sneered, why did Helga always have to be so mean? Oh well, he had made up his mind to have fun, and he was going to do just that…somehow.

"Hey Arnold!" a familiar voice called. Turning, Arnold saw Gerald approaching with Phoebe.

"Hey Gerald."

"Hi Phoebs." Helga nearly smiled at the sight of her friend, Phoebe was obviously thrilled to be at the dance with Gerald.

"So are you two having a good time?" Phoebe shyly asked.

"Actually, we just got here." Arnold answered.

"Oh." Phoebe glanced at her friend. Helga didn't have on too sour of a face, so the night couldn't be going too badly.

"Well," Gerald sighed as the music started, "I guess it's time to get down to some tunes."

Phoebe blushed and tugged Gerald's sleeve, "Shall we dance?"

Gerald couldn't hide his red cheeks as he nodded. They both headed out onto the dance floor. Helga and Arnold stayed behind.

Criminey! When the heck is this dense spit wad gonna take a hint?! Helga thought to herself. The music continued to play while they both scanned the gym.

Suddenly Arnold's eyes fell on a sight that made them flash red. It was Lila, the girl he liked liked, and---ARNIE! Some cousin! Arnold huffed, How can he just waltz into town and steal my girl like that? Then Arnold realized the horrible truth, Lila wasn't his girl. She had been once, but that was before he'd realized how much he really liked her.

Arnold knew he had to get over to where they were dancing. If he couldn't talk to Lila then the whole night was shot. Helga certainly wasn't about to be his dream date. At least Lila would be nice to him.

Now how to get over there? He'd need a legitimate excuse. "Uh Helga?"

Helga glared down at him, "What is it Hair Boy?!"

Knowing he would hate himself in the morning for this he asked, "Would you like to dance?"

Helga's eyes looked like they would pop out of her sockets. "Really?"

"Yeah."

Debating over her reputation was over. Helga WANTED to dance with Arnold and no worries over her 'tough girl' image were going to stop her. "Sure Football Head, I mean, this IS a dance after all."

Just as Arnold feared, a slow song came on. Lila and Arnie danced closer, but it seemed that Arnie was starring at them.

Helga noticed this and cringed. Last time Arnie had visited he had fallen for HER! His incessant reading of labels had nearly driven her nuts until he finally had to leave and head back to the country. Alas, Helga sighed, parting is such SWEET sorrow!

"Oh look Arnie," Lila smiled as the two approached, "It's your cousin and Helga."

Arnie flashed Helga a quick smile. She winced at the slight grimace on his pasty face. Why do I always attract the weirdoes? Helga grumbled, she could almost fell Brainy's eyes on her.

"Hi," Arnold beamed at Lila, "so how are you enjoying the dance?"

"It's just ever so nice Arnold." she chirped.

Helga growled in a low tone as Arnold danced with her, but focused all his attention on Lila.

Be nice Helga, maybe then he'll finally notice you. An inner voice told her. Giving in she looked down at Arnold, "Look, I know you think I'm just coming out of pity for you but---thanks for taking me to the dance. Being here with you really isn't that bad. It's actually kinda…nice."

Arnold shifted his eyes up to Helga for a moment, "Huh? Did you say something Helga?"

THAT. DOES. IT. she screamed at herself, "Just forget it Arnoldo! I wish I never came!" she shoved past him and headed towards the door.

Arnold stared after her in surprise. He turned to find Lila and Arnie glaring at him. Even Phoebe and Gerald were giving him disapproving looks from across the dance floor.

Sighing, Arnold dragged himself over to Gerald, "What did I do?"

"Man Arnold," Gerald exclaimed, "you don't invite one girl to the dance and then spend the whole time checking out another girl! That's not bold man, it's stupid! Even if it IS Helga Pataki!"

Phoebe nodded.

Arnold was about to object, he hadn't invited her. But then he remembered the rumor Sid had started. As far as Helga knew, he had been planning to invite her. "You're right Gerald. What should I do?"

Gerald slapped his forehead and shouted, "Go after her!"

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