A/N: Sorry for the long hiatus...we've had all kinds of screwy computer problems and so--no Internet for me. I tried explaining to the computer in a calm and diplomatic way that I was greatly displeased with it, and would put my foot through the monitor if some compromise could not be reached. Unfortunately, the computer was too selfish to see my point of view. Very frustrating; arrrrrggh! Ah well, here's a bit more of the story.
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He stood, hands in his pockets again, talking to her. It wasn't as painfully awkward as he had expected. Of course, it helped that he was no longer in 'love' with her.
For that matter, he wondered why had he ever been in love with her? Oh, she was as smart, and sweet, and pretty as she had always been. She had also stopped punctuating each sentence with an 'ever-so-much', which was refreshing...although one slipped out from time to time in their conversation, and sent a slight grating feeling through his head. Funny...as a kid he used to think that was so cute and nice. Back then, he had never realized she had about as much personality as carpet lint.
In any case, she seemed happy and normal now. He was glad, for everyone's sake.
"Wow, Lila...I can't believe you're getting married! When's the big day?"
She smiled joyfully, and twisted the ring on her finger. "To tell the truth, we haven't completely decided yet. But it'll be some time next year, and I'm ever-so excited about it!"
Grate, grate.
"Well, congratulations to you and Stinky!"
They would probably have a pleasant little farm out in the pleasant little country, he decided, and raise horses and pumpkins, or something along those lines. That seemed...appropriate. Stinky had always had a 'thing' for her, he remembered.
"Thank-you, Arnold. I really appreciate it. Oh--and I must say, I'm happy for you, too." Lila said.
Arnold didn't understand that last part. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Lila's brow wrinkled in confusion, then she leaned in a bit as if she was about to discuss some great secret. "For you and Helga. I...I'm certain I saw you come in together, and I merely assumed the two of y....."
"What? Oh, no...nothing like that!" he said quickly. "We're just--y'know, friends."
Is that what we are? Since when?
Her cheeks turned red. "Oh, dear...how rude of me! I'm ever-so sorry I said anything! It isn't even any of my business--I just didn't think....and I was oh-so delighted...how ever-so sweet, since she used to have that little crush on you...and I always thought you'd be such an oh-so-cute cou......Oh, Arnold--I'm Ever-So SORRY!!" she said in a voice bordering on hysteria.
"Lila! Lila.....stop it! It's OKAY." He never knew quite what to do when people got frantic and upset like that, and apparently Lila Sawyer was 'ever-so' worse than some.
She covered her mouth with her hand, and calmed down. "I know....I just....I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so nosy. You must be absolutely embarrassed and insulted."
"Not at all. Don't worry about it--it doesn't bother me."
And why do you think that is?......
Boy, that subconscious of his could be irritating when it wanted to be.
"...Anyway, I'm certain I'd better go check on Stinky. I'm afraid he may be rambling on about lemon pudding again." She patted his shoulder and turned away with a smile. "It was ever-so wonderful to see you again, Arnold."
"Yeah. Ev...um, nice talking to you too. See you later, Lila."
Now that she was gone, Arnold lost himself in thought again. He did that occasionally, when he wasn't sure how he felt about something and hoped that mulling it over in his mind might help. He knew it made him look a little spaced-out, but at least it wasn't as if he was talking to himself...not yet, anyway.
Well, that was a little...strange, he thought. I can't imagine why someone would just jump to such a conclusion. Kinda absurd--not to mention presumptuous.
(Maybe. But you weren't embarrassed or insulted by the idea, were you?)
No, not really......hey! Who asked you?
Stupid voice of reason.
His thoughts were rudely interrupted by the screeching sound of microphone feedback. All eyes turned to the small stage, where the emcee, or deejay, or whoever it was stood, preparing to make an announcement.
"HEYYYY...all you CRAAZY cats and chicks!" said the speaker loudly in an irritatingly cheerful voice. " Hope you're all having a FAB-Yoo-Luss time here at th...(here the microphone screeched again, and his voice was drowned out for a few seconds)...ve-Year Re-YOON-Yun! I'm afraid this CRAAZY little shindig is startin' to wind down...but before you say good-bye, how about we finish off the rest of the evening with a little CRAAZY footwork? So for the next half-hour.....every guy grab a gal and let's see some CRAAZY dance moves out there on the floor!..."
(If that idiot says 'CRAAZY' one more time...I'm gonna deck 'im! thought Helga.)
"...Everybody BOOGIE!!!"
A fast song started playing, and a few people led their partners out into the middle of the room to dance. Arnold laughed slightly, recognizing the sound of a tango. How long since he had heard one of those? How long had it been since he had even tried doing a tango? Yeeeears. Not since that April Fool's joke he had played on Helga...
He furrowed his brow, remembering. It wasn't the greatest memory in the world--he'd been pretty mad at the time, and the whole thing had been an elaborate plot for revenge. One that made him feel slightly guilty.....although...she had deserved it. And, he admitted, it had been pretty funny forcing each other into the swimming pool--and then when that turtle.....
He chuckled at the mental image. For no reason at all, he happened to glance over at the opposite wall of the room. His gaze caught on a blonde in red, sitting by herself at one of the tables as the people around her stood to dance. She looked unbelievably bored. Even...sad.
Arnold watched her for a moment. Unaware it was doing so, his mouth crinkled into a small smile.
Why not?
He walked over to her...
"Er...Helga?"
... and she looked up, slightly startled by his approach.
"Listen--I'm not really that good at this kind of thing, but...well......would you like to dance?"
She stared at the outstretched hand; then her eyes slowly traveled up to his face, curiously searching it for a long time.
Finally she smiled back, that same bright smile as before. She took his hand.
"Sure."
