For Her

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A sequel to "My Muse", written by Miss Matched

Dedicated to Starry Nights, for being so encouraging.

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All standard disclaimers apply. Characters from "Hey Arnold" are copyright Craig Barlett and to whomever else they're copyrighted to. Original characters are original, and the author would like sole use of them, unless contacted for permission. All poetry/music in this fanfiction are also original, and once again, may only be used with permission. Thus ends this huge disclaimer. And also in this disclaimer, I shall apologize for the other one. Ice cream is the devil, but pizza's an angel. That and pasta. Mmmm. I doubt anyone's actually reading the disclaimer. Yay!

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Chapter Five: Follow Your Heart

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Point of View: Phoebe

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Life kind of has a funny way of repeating itself. Murphy's law, I suppose. If any bad can happen, it most certainty will. And so I go through the same cycles day in and day out. I've worn myself into a rut, but I can proudly call it my own. A rut filled with awards, scholastic achievements and other sources of pride. Seemingly addictive, I suppose I can conclude. I remember back to fourth grade when I actually cheated to get a poetry award. Yet this was what my expectations of myself were, perfection.
One thing in my life that was spontaneous was my best friend, Helga. She could be about as friendly as a rock, but then there were times when she'd open up. If I scoured the world for a better friend, I would most assuredly turn up with none. But even though, sometimes I felt as if I was going no where. The only guy I'd even liked went out with a girl who was new to our school in sixth grade. I was crushed, and felt even more left out then ever. In my mind's eye, there was no one more perfect for Gerald then me. But, of course, my mind's eye is partial.
And then seventh grade, this year, someone likes me. He had the courage to tell me to my face even. I couldn't believe someone as popular and cute as Nick would even think of me. With his brown hair, and clean cut good looks, I couldn't say no. And I had managed to forget about Gerald. Until...

"Yes" My homeroom teacher was talking to someone at the front of the room, and I didn't bother looking up from my book. Flipping another page, I could feel that someone was watching me. One of those sixth-sense feelings. Marking my page in the book, I looked up.
"Phoebe," Mr. Wyatt began, looking at me through his thick glasses. "Please talk to Mr. Johansen outside the room"
I looked over, stunned, as I saw Gerald leaning against the door frame. I nodded. "Hai", I said nervously, ignoring the strange looks people were casting my way. I got out of my seat, and walked out of the room, keeping my gaze down at my feet.
"Phoebe? Can you look up at me?" Gerald asked kindly.
I blushed faintly, "Gomen nasi"
"Phoebe, please, stop with the Japanese"
I blushed again, looking up "Gom... I mean I'm sorry. I didn't even know I was doing it." I paused for a moment "What do you need, Gerald?"
He cleared his throat "I shoulda said this a long time ago, and I've regretted it... I like you Phoebe" He must have noticed my bug-eyed trance, because he quickly continued. "I know you're going out with Nick, and I wish you two the best of luck... but I just had to let you know. I'm sorry."
"Gerald..." I trailed off, tears forming in my eyes, "I'm... confused... I've always liked you but..." I trailed off.
"But there's Nick" He finished for me. "It's fine, Phoebe, I'll wait for you." He stiffly shook my hand. "Bye" And with that, he walked off. I leaned up against the door frame for support. He liked me. Wonder of wonders, I had two men who liked me. While my mind was telling me to revel in the power of it, my heart told me only of sorrow. And like a fool, I followed my heart.