Chapter Three
Yo Quiero...
Helga must have fallen asleep on the table because she wasn't quite thinking rationally anymore. Her thoughts were somewhere else...far off, and materializing into the unreal substances known as dreams.
She was dreaming, wasn't she? It seemed so real though. It felt so real. It couldn't be a dream, but something was different... She was in a room, Arnold's room in fact. They were both sitting together on his fold-out red leather couch. Helga was sitting with her legs up, crossed Indian-style, and Arnold was just lounging. He had that same beautiful smile on his face, his eyes were half open as he looked at her. And Helga was looking right back, their eyes showing one another's reflection. The weird part was, it was them back in eighth grade, right before he died...
Helga was still wearing her trademark pink outfit and pigtails, and Arnold had on his same stupid blue hat and blue sweater over his red plaid shirt...
"Helga, did I ever tell you how much you mean to me?" this dreamy Arnold asked out of nowhere, looking quizzically at her. It looked like he was leaning towards her, leaning into her.
Helga was surprised at the question. Her eyes widened at bit. "No...Arnold...you mean everything to me. Everything. Please don't go away..." But with those words said, bitter irony saw to it that Arnold was already fading. It was as though they were floating away from each other, and Helga was holding out her hands, trying to grab hold of his but his grasp never made it within her own...
Arnold...
"What light through yonder window breaks? 'Tis the east, and Helga, my sweet, is the sun!"
Helga startled awake, lifting her head up from her book. She looked directly at Curley who had been tugging on her hair in order to wake her up. Helga furiously pulled the strand of blonde hair out of his grasp and tucked it forcefully behind her ear once again.
"Ugh...what're doing?" She wiped spittle from her face, vaguely recalling the dream, which was slowly slipping out her head; like sand through open hands.
"Class is over, my queen. It is time we depart." He said the last bit over- dramatically, looking crestfallen at the very idea of having to leave her.
Helga looked at him skeptically. "Well, unless my memory precedes me, we both have lunch next period anyway, Thadius, so I'm stuck with you for another forty minutes." Curley looked absolutely delighted at her reference to his real name, and at the prospect of being able to spend more time with her.
"You are so very right, Helga! Let us feast away!" Curley was up in an instant, gathering Helga's stuff before she could protest. She sighed as she slowly trudged after him, following him out of the library and down the stairs into the cafeteria. It was filled with the same noisy people. The people Helga so much despised.
[Why are they so loud...?]
Curley led Helga over to the table that the two sat at everyday. At it sat the same people that were there everyday. The people Helga "knew", and yet didn't simultaneously. Eugene was there. His red hair was a wavy mess around his baby blue eyes, attracting female attention even more if such a thing were still attainable. He had his guitar in his lap as always, a permanent asset, and was serenading a ninth grader who looked positively delighted at the attention. Nadine sat next to Stinky—er—Topher, both of whom were deep in conversation. Sheena sat next to Nadine, eating a home- made lunch of the healthiest foods that of which had been customary of the tree-hugger as long as Helga had known her.
Helga sat down next to a gothic-looking girl while Curley flounced off to get both of their lunches. The girl was furiously writing in small notebook; some sort of poem it appeared. Her wrists were bedecked in all sorts ofjewelry. Mostly spiky, colourful bracelets.
"Hey Lila," Helga greeted her friend, and the redhead looked up, grinning at Helga, her shiny black lipstick contrasting wildly to her white teeth.
"Hello Helga...I'm just writing my latest poem," Lila said, brushing her now long dark red hair out of her eyes. "Why are you in your Gym clothes?" Lila raised a pierced eyebrow.
[Why didn't I think about Lila?] Helga wondered. Probably because Lila is more of a friend to Helga than anyone else, and not someone she would cruelly amuse her thoughts with. Lila had definitely changed the most out of anyone since middle school. She was no longer the cute little girl in the green dress. Lila had actually worn that outfit up until eighth grade—until Arnold's death. Many people thought that Lila was most deeply affected by the death of Arnold. In fact, the two had actually been dating when it had happened, but Helga wasn't stupid. She was sure that Lila was broken up about it, but there was no way in HELL that Lila could have been suffering more than Helga was. No way. Helga shrugged at Lila's question. "Me and a water fountain had a little disagreement."
Despite all that, Helga liked Lila, especially the new Lila, which wasn't so fucking happy all the time. They were pretty close, closer than Helga was to anyone else. Lila's dark eyes looked upon Helga curiously for a moment, but they averted back to the poem she was working on.
Curley returned quickly, setting down a bowl of chili and a Coke in front of Helga, who began to eat it with disdain. Cafeteria food had never been her favourite.
[Is this stuff alive....?]
Helga's mind was still wandering, thinking about Brainy and if she'd actually go meet him. She decided she probably would. Big Bob wanted her home right after school to listen to his latest ad campaign, something Helga would be more than willing to miss. So it was decided. She'd meet Brainy. At the thought, Helga looked around the cafeteria, trying to spot him, but no such luck. He was nowhere to be found. Where else could he be? The library perhaps? But Helga had just been there...
"What is troubling you, Helga? Your brow is furrowed which isn't very becoming to your delicate features," the voice of Thadius rang out.
Helga scowled. "Nothing, Curley. Nothing at all." She raked her hands through her hair, which looked ery messy, but would probably still be appealing to the fellow male—it was obviously appealing to Curley, although anything about Helga was appealing to him. Helga had actually developed into a beautiful, young woman despite her outlandish statements when it came to clothing and makeup.
Eugene's voice sounded from across the table next. He was carelessly strumming a few chords on his guitar. "You guys hear about Pheobe Hiyerdahl's party this weekend at the lake?" His freckled face broke into a grin. "She says anyone's invited, but then that's Pheobe. She's always nice to everyone." Just then, he reached over to grab his Dr. Pepper, and ended up spilling it all over his end of the table. The ninth grade girl jumped up in alarm, but she giggled as though Eugene's clumsiness was the hottest thing on the planet.
Helga raised her eyebrow once again. Pheobe having a party? That wasn't like Pheobe, but then again her former friend had changed quite a bit.
[You don't do parties, Helga...they're just full of a bunch of stupid people getting drunk and making out.]
[Yeah, but this is at a lake...]
[So they'll be getting drunk and making out in a lake. Same difference.]
[Shut up...]
Helga's thoughts raged on inside her head, wondering whether she would go. Perhaps she'd give Pheobe a call. She hadn't talked to her in a quite awhile. The small Asian girl was the most popular thing in tenth grade these days, but Helga knew the real Pheobe behind all that popularity. Maybe she would make an appearance.
Then Helga's thoughts wondered back to Brainy as she continued eating her chili. The bell for the end of lunch sounded and Helga stood up, handing her bowl to Curley, who obediently left to throw it in the trash. Helga took a swig of her Coke as she wandered out of the mess hall, and to her next class, which was Chemistry.
The blonde girl with the ever-present scowl on her face took her usual seat in the back of the class. She'd just opened her book to begin reading it again when she felt a shadow over her. This just wasn't her day for privacy. "Whaddaya want?" she sighed, not bothering to look up.
"Hey there, Helga-baby. Why don't you put that book up for once?" Came the smooth voice of Gerald Johannson. "That's all you ever do in this class and last time I checked it was called Chemistry not English."
Helga didn't bother hiding her surprise as she looked up at the smiling face of Arnold's old best friend. Helga had once been good friends with him, too. She was aware that they were in the same Chemistry class together, but he hadn't so much as said a word to her all year. Gerald had grown into quite a ladies' man over the years. With his chiseled features and built body, every girl in tenth grade wanted him, but only one girl had him at the moment. And that was Phoebe. Big surprise. Considering she had been the object of his affection since grade school, it was no shock to anyone.
"Uh...hey Gerald..." Helga stammered, putting her book away as Gerald pulled up a seat and straddled it, casually resting his arms on the back of the chair. The same old Helga suddenly returned in full though. "Don't just think we're going to start getting all chummy again because you think that I should be grateful that a big-headed jock like you has decided to grace me with your presence. Please..." Helga snorted, crossing her arms over her chest and looking away. All of that had tumbled out of her mouth in one long string of angry words.
"Ooo...ouch," Gerald said, wincing at the comment. "You still know how to dish it out, Helga, but that's not exactly the reason I came."
"Well what is it then? Are you finally coming forth to confess your undying devotion for me?" Helga joked, cocking a sarcastic eyebrow.
Gerald let out a cool, nonchalant laugh, and shook his head slightly. "Actually, I just wanted to make sure that you're coming to Phoebe's party at the lake...you ARE coming aren't you?" Gerald looked dead serious. Helga noted that his appearance had changed considerably since grade school as well. He was no longer "Tall-Hair-Boy" as she had so graciously dubbed him. He had it long and in cornrows now. His left ear was pierced with a spacer through it so that he had a gaping whole in the lobe, that of which Helga thought was pretty cool, though she would have told him right off that it looked dumb. His style of dress was pretty casual, mostly big pants and basketball jerseys. Gerald was still looking intently at Helga as she bit her lower lip.
"I dunno...why would Phoebe want me there anyway? It's obvious she doesn't give a damn about me." Helga looked a bit sullen as her gaze shifted towards the floor. The bell would be ringing any minute.
"Are you really that dense, Helga?" Gerald asked, trying to maintain her gaze that kept shifting away. His voice suggested incredulity, as though he couldn't believe the words were coming from Helga herself. "Phoebe misses you, and I see it's a helluva lot more than you realize."
Helga let out a rueful laugh. "Misses me, eh? Is that why she decided to become Ms. Popularity and never talk to me anymore? Wow...I'm SO sure she misses me." The stinging sarcasm in Helga's voice was undeniable.
Gerald still looked quite serious. "Helga...I KNOW she misses you. Though she doesn't flat out admit it, she always talks about you in that subtle way of hers. She's losing it without you. She even dropped hints about hoping that you'd be at her party. Phoebe hates the person she's become, Helga. YOU need to help her find herself again..." Before Helga could retort, Gerald stood up, smooth and composed as ever, and walked over to join his jock friends, slapping fives.
Helga was stunned. Phoebe missed her?
[Whatever...Probably some cruel joke.]
But Helga knew Gerald better than that. He wasn't lying, she could tell. Helga had the uncanny ability to see through others and she was certain that Gerald was telling the truth. Helga missed Phoebe,too. No doubt about that. They had been the best of friends... Helga shook her head.
[Things can never go back to the way they were, Helga...you know that...]
Helga nodded slowly as if agreeing with herself. Though she still in some small part of her mind wanted to go to Phoebe's party. She wanted to laugh and talk with her old friends. She wanted things to be like they were before. Helga stopped her silly daydreaming immediately. Her stupid girlish notions.
[It can NEVER happen. Arnold is dead, Helga. Things will NEVER be the same.]
Helga spent the rest of the class doodling in her Chemistry notebook, waiting for an eternity it seemed for the bell to ring. Her mood had gone from sullen to miserable in 3 seconds flat and it certainly wasn't picking up anytime soon.
The bell finally sounded and Helga scrambled to get out of class. She was then shoved into the masses of students, milling around to their classes like heards of cattle.
[Note to self: Get a cattle prod...] Helga walked to her next class, with a much too gleeful smile on her face. It was funny how such a perverse thought could cheer up Helga Pataki so effectively.
The day passed agonizingly slow as Helga waited for the final bell to sound so she could get out of that horrible place and meet up with Brainy. She wanted to see what his deal was. How he had showed up out of nowhere. Why he wanted to meet her so badly. How he'd turned so incredibly sexy all of a sudden...
The last class of the day was Spanish, and thankfully Lila was in that class with her. The gothic, but still adorable redhead had saved a seat for Helga in the back. Helga sat her stuff down and then looked over at Lila.
"Can I ask a favour?"
Lila nodded, her large pretty eyes showing interest. "Sure Helga. What's up?"
Helga sat down and began explaining the story of what Gerald had said and Phoebe's party. "And so..." Helga concluded, "...I was wondering if you would go to the party with me."
Lila looked a bit hesitant, fidgeting with her bracelets before finally answering . "I don't know, Helga. Phoebe and I were never very close...plus I look horrible in a swimsuit." She grinned.
Helga groaned melodramatically, throwing her hands up in a defeated sort of gesture. "It doesn't matter! Everyone will be there anyway. I just can't deal with going there all by myself and facing Phoebe alone, OK? And you look fine in a swimsuit. You're as skinny as a pole!"
"At least you have boobs..." Lila grumbled and Helga chuckled as the bell rang for class to begin.
Lila discreetly passed Helga a note at the beginning of class before their teacher, Mrs. Garcia, walked into the room.
It read:
Helga...just wondering if you wanted to come over after school. We could go shopping for swimsuits for the party....?
Helga was about to reply saying that yes she would love to, but she suddenly remembered her former plans. Helga wrote back:
Can't. I'm meeting a guy after school.
Lila read the note and gave Helga a look of astonishment, her mouth dropping open and her eyes furtively glancing from the note over to Helga. Helga returned the look with a sly grin, and then turned to face Mrs. Garcia as she went over how to conjugate verbs.
Chapter Three is now REVAMPED. I am so on a roll...Read and review please.
Helga must have fallen asleep on the table because she wasn't quite thinking rationally anymore. Her thoughts were somewhere else...far off, and materializing into the unreal substances known as dreams.
She was dreaming, wasn't she? It seemed so real though. It felt so real. It couldn't be a dream, but something was different... She was in a room, Arnold's room in fact. They were both sitting together on his fold-out red leather couch. Helga was sitting with her legs up, crossed Indian-style, and Arnold was just lounging. He had that same beautiful smile on his face, his eyes were half open as he looked at her. And Helga was looking right back, their eyes showing one another's reflection. The weird part was, it was them back in eighth grade, right before he died...
Helga was still wearing her trademark pink outfit and pigtails, and Arnold had on his same stupid blue hat and blue sweater over his red plaid shirt...
"Helga, did I ever tell you how much you mean to me?" this dreamy Arnold asked out of nowhere, looking quizzically at her. It looked like he was leaning towards her, leaning into her.
Helga was surprised at the question. Her eyes widened at bit. "No...Arnold...you mean everything to me. Everything. Please don't go away..." But with those words said, bitter irony saw to it that Arnold was already fading. It was as though they were floating away from each other, and Helga was holding out her hands, trying to grab hold of his but his grasp never made it within her own...
Arnold...
"What light through yonder window breaks? 'Tis the east, and Helga, my sweet, is the sun!"
Helga startled awake, lifting her head up from her book. She looked directly at Curley who had been tugging on her hair in order to wake her up. Helga furiously pulled the strand of blonde hair out of his grasp and tucked it forcefully behind her ear once again.
"Ugh...what're doing?" She wiped spittle from her face, vaguely recalling the dream, which was slowly slipping out her head; like sand through open hands.
"Class is over, my queen. It is time we depart." He said the last bit over- dramatically, looking crestfallen at the very idea of having to leave her.
Helga looked at him skeptically. "Well, unless my memory precedes me, we both have lunch next period anyway, Thadius, so I'm stuck with you for another forty minutes." Curley looked absolutely delighted at her reference to his real name, and at the prospect of being able to spend more time with her.
"You are so very right, Helga! Let us feast away!" Curley was up in an instant, gathering Helga's stuff before she could protest. She sighed as she slowly trudged after him, following him out of the library and down the stairs into the cafeteria. It was filled with the same noisy people. The people Helga so much despised.
[Why are they so loud...?]
Curley led Helga over to the table that the two sat at everyday. At it sat the same people that were there everyday. The people Helga "knew", and yet didn't simultaneously. Eugene was there. His red hair was a wavy mess around his baby blue eyes, attracting female attention even more if such a thing were still attainable. He had his guitar in his lap as always, a permanent asset, and was serenading a ninth grader who looked positively delighted at the attention. Nadine sat next to Stinky—er—Topher, both of whom were deep in conversation. Sheena sat next to Nadine, eating a home- made lunch of the healthiest foods that of which had been customary of the tree-hugger as long as Helga had known her.
Helga sat down next to a gothic-looking girl while Curley flounced off to get both of their lunches. The girl was furiously writing in small notebook; some sort of poem it appeared. Her wrists were bedecked in all sorts ofjewelry. Mostly spiky, colourful bracelets.
"Hey Lila," Helga greeted her friend, and the redhead looked up, grinning at Helga, her shiny black lipstick contrasting wildly to her white teeth.
"Hello Helga...I'm just writing my latest poem," Lila said, brushing her now long dark red hair out of her eyes. "Why are you in your Gym clothes?" Lila raised a pierced eyebrow.
[Why didn't I think about Lila?] Helga wondered. Probably because Lila is more of a friend to Helga than anyone else, and not someone she would cruelly amuse her thoughts with. Lila had definitely changed the most out of anyone since middle school. She was no longer the cute little girl in the green dress. Lila had actually worn that outfit up until eighth grade—until Arnold's death. Many people thought that Lila was most deeply affected by the death of Arnold. In fact, the two had actually been dating when it had happened, but Helga wasn't stupid. She was sure that Lila was broken up about it, but there was no way in HELL that Lila could have been suffering more than Helga was. No way. Helga shrugged at Lila's question. "Me and a water fountain had a little disagreement."
Despite all that, Helga liked Lila, especially the new Lila, which wasn't so fucking happy all the time. They were pretty close, closer than Helga was to anyone else. Lila's dark eyes looked upon Helga curiously for a moment, but they averted back to the poem she was working on.
Curley returned quickly, setting down a bowl of chili and a Coke in front of Helga, who began to eat it with disdain. Cafeteria food had never been her favourite.
[Is this stuff alive....?]
Helga's mind was still wandering, thinking about Brainy and if she'd actually go meet him. She decided she probably would. Big Bob wanted her home right after school to listen to his latest ad campaign, something Helga would be more than willing to miss. So it was decided. She'd meet Brainy. At the thought, Helga looked around the cafeteria, trying to spot him, but no such luck. He was nowhere to be found. Where else could he be? The library perhaps? But Helga had just been there...
"What is troubling you, Helga? Your brow is furrowed which isn't very becoming to your delicate features," the voice of Thadius rang out.
Helga scowled. "Nothing, Curley. Nothing at all." She raked her hands through her hair, which looked ery messy, but would probably still be appealing to the fellow male—it was obviously appealing to Curley, although anything about Helga was appealing to him. Helga had actually developed into a beautiful, young woman despite her outlandish statements when it came to clothing and makeup.
Eugene's voice sounded from across the table next. He was carelessly strumming a few chords on his guitar. "You guys hear about Pheobe Hiyerdahl's party this weekend at the lake?" His freckled face broke into a grin. "She says anyone's invited, but then that's Pheobe. She's always nice to everyone." Just then, he reached over to grab his Dr. Pepper, and ended up spilling it all over his end of the table. The ninth grade girl jumped up in alarm, but she giggled as though Eugene's clumsiness was the hottest thing on the planet.
Helga raised her eyebrow once again. Pheobe having a party? That wasn't like Pheobe, but then again her former friend had changed quite a bit.
[You don't do parties, Helga...they're just full of a bunch of stupid people getting drunk and making out.]
[Yeah, but this is at a lake...]
[So they'll be getting drunk and making out in a lake. Same difference.]
[Shut up...]
Helga's thoughts raged on inside her head, wondering whether she would go. Perhaps she'd give Pheobe a call. She hadn't talked to her in a quite awhile. The small Asian girl was the most popular thing in tenth grade these days, but Helga knew the real Pheobe behind all that popularity. Maybe she would make an appearance.
Then Helga's thoughts wondered back to Brainy as she continued eating her chili. The bell for the end of lunch sounded and Helga stood up, handing her bowl to Curley, who obediently left to throw it in the trash. Helga took a swig of her Coke as she wandered out of the mess hall, and to her next class, which was Chemistry.
The blonde girl with the ever-present scowl on her face took her usual seat in the back of the class. She'd just opened her book to begin reading it again when she felt a shadow over her. This just wasn't her day for privacy. "Whaddaya want?" she sighed, not bothering to look up.
"Hey there, Helga-baby. Why don't you put that book up for once?" Came the smooth voice of Gerald Johannson. "That's all you ever do in this class and last time I checked it was called Chemistry not English."
Helga didn't bother hiding her surprise as she looked up at the smiling face of Arnold's old best friend. Helga had once been good friends with him, too. She was aware that they were in the same Chemistry class together, but he hadn't so much as said a word to her all year. Gerald had grown into quite a ladies' man over the years. With his chiseled features and built body, every girl in tenth grade wanted him, but only one girl had him at the moment. And that was Phoebe. Big surprise. Considering she had been the object of his affection since grade school, it was no shock to anyone.
"Uh...hey Gerald..." Helga stammered, putting her book away as Gerald pulled up a seat and straddled it, casually resting his arms on the back of the chair. The same old Helga suddenly returned in full though. "Don't just think we're going to start getting all chummy again because you think that I should be grateful that a big-headed jock like you has decided to grace me with your presence. Please..." Helga snorted, crossing her arms over her chest and looking away. All of that had tumbled out of her mouth in one long string of angry words.
"Ooo...ouch," Gerald said, wincing at the comment. "You still know how to dish it out, Helga, but that's not exactly the reason I came."
"Well what is it then? Are you finally coming forth to confess your undying devotion for me?" Helga joked, cocking a sarcastic eyebrow.
Gerald let out a cool, nonchalant laugh, and shook his head slightly. "Actually, I just wanted to make sure that you're coming to Phoebe's party at the lake...you ARE coming aren't you?" Gerald looked dead serious. Helga noted that his appearance had changed considerably since grade school as well. He was no longer "Tall-Hair-Boy" as she had so graciously dubbed him. He had it long and in cornrows now. His left ear was pierced with a spacer through it so that he had a gaping whole in the lobe, that of which Helga thought was pretty cool, though she would have told him right off that it looked dumb. His style of dress was pretty casual, mostly big pants and basketball jerseys. Gerald was still looking intently at Helga as she bit her lower lip.
"I dunno...why would Phoebe want me there anyway? It's obvious she doesn't give a damn about me." Helga looked a bit sullen as her gaze shifted towards the floor. The bell would be ringing any minute.
"Are you really that dense, Helga?" Gerald asked, trying to maintain her gaze that kept shifting away. His voice suggested incredulity, as though he couldn't believe the words were coming from Helga herself. "Phoebe misses you, and I see it's a helluva lot more than you realize."
Helga let out a rueful laugh. "Misses me, eh? Is that why she decided to become Ms. Popularity and never talk to me anymore? Wow...I'm SO sure she misses me." The stinging sarcasm in Helga's voice was undeniable.
Gerald still looked quite serious. "Helga...I KNOW she misses you. Though she doesn't flat out admit it, she always talks about you in that subtle way of hers. She's losing it without you. She even dropped hints about hoping that you'd be at her party. Phoebe hates the person she's become, Helga. YOU need to help her find herself again..." Before Helga could retort, Gerald stood up, smooth and composed as ever, and walked over to join his jock friends, slapping fives.
Helga was stunned. Phoebe missed her?
[Whatever...Probably some cruel joke.]
But Helga knew Gerald better than that. He wasn't lying, she could tell. Helga had the uncanny ability to see through others and she was certain that Gerald was telling the truth. Helga missed Phoebe,too. No doubt about that. They had been the best of friends... Helga shook her head.
[Things can never go back to the way they were, Helga...you know that...]
Helga nodded slowly as if agreeing with herself. Though she still in some small part of her mind wanted to go to Phoebe's party. She wanted to laugh and talk with her old friends. She wanted things to be like they were before. Helga stopped her silly daydreaming immediately. Her stupid girlish notions.
[It can NEVER happen. Arnold is dead, Helga. Things will NEVER be the same.]
Helga spent the rest of the class doodling in her Chemistry notebook, waiting for an eternity it seemed for the bell to ring. Her mood had gone from sullen to miserable in 3 seconds flat and it certainly wasn't picking up anytime soon.
The bell finally sounded and Helga scrambled to get out of class. She was then shoved into the masses of students, milling around to their classes like heards of cattle.
[Note to self: Get a cattle prod...] Helga walked to her next class, with a much too gleeful smile on her face. It was funny how such a perverse thought could cheer up Helga Pataki so effectively.
The day passed agonizingly slow as Helga waited for the final bell to sound so she could get out of that horrible place and meet up with Brainy. She wanted to see what his deal was. How he had showed up out of nowhere. Why he wanted to meet her so badly. How he'd turned so incredibly sexy all of a sudden...
The last class of the day was Spanish, and thankfully Lila was in that class with her. The gothic, but still adorable redhead had saved a seat for Helga in the back. Helga sat her stuff down and then looked over at Lila.
"Can I ask a favour?"
Lila nodded, her large pretty eyes showing interest. "Sure Helga. What's up?"
Helga sat down and began explaining the story of what Gerald had said and Phoebe's party. "And so..." Helga concluded, "...I was wondering if you would go to the party with me."
Lila looked a bit hesitant, fidgeting with her bracelets before finally answering . "I don't know, Helga. Phoebe and I were never very close...plus I look horrible in a swimsuit." She grinned.
Helga groaned melodramatically, throwing her hands up in a defeated sort of gesture. "It doesn't matter! Everyone will be there anyway. I just can't deal with going there all by myself and facing Phoebe alone, OK? And you look fine in a swimsuit. You're as skinny as a pole!"
"At least you have boobs..." Lila grumbled and Helga chuckled as the bell rang for class to begin.
Lila discreetly passed Helga a note at the beginning of class before their teacher, Mrs. Garcia, walked into the room.
It read:
Helga...just wondering if you wanted to come over after school. We could go shopping for swimsuits for the party....?
Helga was about to reply saying that yes she would love to, but she suddenly remembered her former plans. Helga wrote back:
Can't. I'm meeting a guy after school.
Lila read the note and gave Helga a look of astonishment, her mouth dropping open and her eyes furtively glancing from the note over to Helga. Helga returned the look with a sly grin, and then turned to face Mrs. Garcia as she went over how to conjugate verbs.
Chapter Three is now REVAMPED. I am so on a roll...Read and review please.