Love me when I'm gone
Chapter 4:
when I get the strength to leave You always tell me that you need me And I'm weak cause I believe you And I'm mad because I love you So I stop and think that maybe You can learn to appreciate me Then it all remains the same that You ain't never gonna change
~Ashanti, Foolish
The next day Chad wandered downstairs. The minute his foot hit the hardwood floor the smell of pancakes filled his nose. He walked into the dining room where Helga was eating quietly. " Hey where's mine?"
" Still in the bowl in the kitchen. There's some batter left. Make your own."
" Come on Helga make me some."
" No. I'm not your mother."
He grabbed her arm and pushed her against the wall.
" Don't you dare talk to me like that do you understand?"
She was breathing heavily so she didn't answer. He wrapped his fingers around her throat and squeezed , " do you understand me?"
She tried to pry his fingers off her neck causing him to squeeze harder, " Do you understand me?"
She nodded slowly.
" Good. Now go fix my breakfast."
He released her and she stumbled towards the kitchen. After she gave him his plate she sat down to finish her own.
" So what happened last night? I was ready to leave." Chad asked between bites.
She said nothing and he kicked her shin.
" Answer me!"
" I was tired and not really hungry."
" Your door was locked."
" Sorry force of habit."
The doorbell rang Helga jumped to answer it.
" Ar….Arnold? What are you doing here?"
" Well I called your hotel and they told me you didn't come in last night. So I thought you might be here."
She shut the door behind her, " If chad catches you he's gonna kill me."
" Why?"
" He's really jealous."
" Well anyway I was wondering if we were still on for tonight."
" Tonight? I don't know Arnold chad might get mad at me…"
Arnold stared hard at the cuts on her face.
"What…" she asked.
He ran his fingers across the cut in her cheek.
" What happened?"
" God why does everyone ask me that?"
" I'm just worried about you."
" I really do appreciate it but I can take care of myself."
" Helga!" Chad yelled.
" It's Chad I've got to go. I'll call you tonight."
" Helga wait!"
But she was already inside and shutting the door.
" Who was that?" Chad asked.
" Ar…a camp fire lass selling chocolate turtles."
" Did you get some?"
" No um I didn't have my money with me."
" We'll just get some next time around."
Helga nodded. She hated lying but if she didn't Chad would be so angry. She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall trying to figure out how to go on that date with Arnold.