Near and Far
Epilogue
"I still can't believe she did that."
"It's sad, really. Can't believe she snapped like that."
Arnold shook his head. "Can't say that I didn't see it coming though."
"So she grabbed his hair?"
"And wouldn't stop pulling." Arnold affirmed. "Death grip, that girl has."
Helga laughed, "So how exactly did you get Lila's paws out of Stinky's hair?"
"I think I clawed her." He admitted. "And then she cussed at me. I kinda feel bad for her, I hear her home life isn't too good right now, and she's pretty much been near the breaking point."
Helga shook her head. In the weeks of healing, she'd put her anger for Lila aside. Now she only felt pity.
"But I was thinking," Arnold continued as he walked home. It was a mild December day, and all traces of snow had melted away with the morning sun. "There's only one girl that I wouldn't mind yanking my hair."
Helga laughed, pulling her coat around her a bit tighter. "And that would be..."
"You." He answered.
"I'll make sure you live to regret saying that Arnoldo. I'll tear all your hair out, and you'll be the baldest football head that ever lived." She snickered. "And whenever you kneel down, people'll mistake your head for a ball, and they'll punt and..." She reached up and yanked on his hair. "And you'll regret trusting me!"
"Whatever you say Helga." He laughed, puffs of cold air let loose from his mouth. Helga watched as they expanded and floated away with an amused expression on her face. She looked across the street. Phoebe was there, arm up, looking at her watch.
"Later, Arnold." Helga said, patting him on the back.
"Huh? Oh. Later." He called back as she crossed the street.
Phoebe blinked and looked up from her watch as Helga stood in front of her.
"Waiting for someone?" Helga asked, looking at Phoebe's purple watch.
Phoebe nodded. "Yes, Gerald in fact." She noted Helga's disturbed look, "No, no, it's not what you think. We're going to talk. Well, I'll do most of the talking."
"Way to take the initiative!" Helga smiled. "I guess I'll be going, then."
"Wait!" Phoebe called as Helga turned to go, "There's one thing I need to know...."
"Shoot."
"How's it like to be back to normal?
Helga scoffed, "It's gettin' there, Pheebs." She looked back at Arnold, "But some things... well, I don't like normality on some things. Got that?"
"Noting!"
"'Atta girl." With a laugh, Helga turned to walk home. Maybe she'd found her in between... for now at least. Maybe right here was her destiny. Not too near, and not too far away.