Love me when I'm gone

Chapter 11:

Lookin out my window knowing that I should know even when I pack my bags there something always holds me back.

~Ashanti, Foolish

* Author's note: this is the very last chapter!!

Arnold stood motionless in front a full body mirror. Helga's words still rang loud in his ears. He still couldn't believe Helga wasn't staying in the city. He adjusted his necktie. "Was it something I said?" he said to his reflection, half hoping for an answer, " why won't she stay here?"

"Maybe because you haven't told her how you feel," said a voice behind him.

He whorled around and saw Gerald leaning against the doorframe, his arms folded across his chest and a slight grin parted his lips. Arnold plopped down on a nearby stool, " Gerald I can't do that."

" Then how do you expect her to stay if she doesn't have a reason? Listen Arnold…you're my best friend and there is only so much I can do for you. I can tell you to talk to her but I can't make you do it. Only you know how you feel and only you can tell Helga."

" Tell me what?"

They turned to look at Helga. She was so dazzling despite the tiny bulge from the bandage on her stomach. Her blonde hair was curled at the ends and tucked in her hair was a pink flower. Her light pink off the shoulder dress exposed bruises that were a few days old but still she was beautiful.

" How beautiful you look…"

" Well thank you."

Arnold stood, " Gerald don't say anything."

He nodded. Arnold walked over to Helga. He wrapped his arms around her and they headed for the gym part of the recreation center.

" So Helga what are you thinking about?"

She sighed, " oh nothing."

He knew she was lying. " How can I tell him I love him?" she asked herself, " Besides I think I still love Chad."

Arnold knew deep down in his heart she was thinking about Chad but he kept that opinion to himself. After the wedding, everyone was dancing Arnold danced with Helga. He was trying to come up with a way to tell her how he felt. While she was trying to him how she felt. The hours slowly slipped by as Harold and Rhonda opened their gifts. After thanking half the group for over a dozen toasters, blenders, and mini vacs, it was time for them to leave on their honeymoon. Amid the debris of popped balloons, confetti, and empty plastic cups stood Arnold and Helga staring at each other in an awkward silence.

" Well my flight is in about an hour I better get going."

" Yeah you better get going." he said sadly

She nodded then walked out the door. Arnold watched her stroll down the sidewalk. He was tempted to call after her but stopped, " This was mistake."

*****

" Awww Helga, are sure you won't stay a just few days longer?" Phoebe said hugging her.

" I can't Phebs. L.A. is my home and I miss it."

" You know who to call if you ever need anything." Gerald said patting her back gently.

Helga smiled, " Thanks Gerald I'll remember that."

She turned to Arnold, " Goodbye Arnold."

" Don't say Goodbye, They're forever. Just say see you later."

" Okay see ya later."

He smiled, " That's better."

" THIS IS THE FINAL CALL FOR FLIGHT NUMBER 231 TO LOS ANGELES."

" That's my flight. I better go. Come out to LA sometime and we'll have a blast okay."

She turned and walked down the terminal. " Dude why are letting her go?"

" You heard what she said."

" If you love her as much as you say you do then go after her."

" Your right. Helga…Helga!!"

" I'm sorry sir you can't go through without a ticket!" the attendant said holding him back.

She turned and waved one last time then boarded the plane. Behind her was mysterious man in a baseball cap. He sat beside her, " Helga…"

She looked in the seat beside her. Chad removed his baseball cap and said, "Helga…we need to talk."

Foolish

The end