Chapter 7


"Arnold? Before you go I want you to-" Helga started and blushed as she pulled out a small box. "I know it's suppose to be a secret, but I want to give you this." Helga handed him the gift. Arnold took it and slowly tugged on the pink bow.

"Helga? What is it?" Arnold dropped the ribbon on the ground and opened the small box and pulled out the carefully folded card and read. As his eyes moved left to right, Helga grew nervous. "Helga. Do you really mean this? Do you-" he started and pulled out the chain with the key on it.

"I- it is true, what it says." Arnold looked down at the ground with his jade eyes. "What is it? You don't like it?"

"I do, but I wish you could tell me to my face." He said and handed her the note.

"You want me to read it? Out loud?" He nodded. "Alright." Helga unfolded the note. "What this real?" she started to read-

"How do I tell you how I feel?
To tell you the truth
What is real?

Will you listen to tone of my voice?
Listen to the words?
It's your choice.

Where will I start?
How to begin?
To speak from my heart

Can I come out and say it?
Can I be bold for once?
Or should I just quit?

What I am ready to say
Can be ignored
But you will hear it on this, Christmas day.

I want to be near you
Not less than a friend
No more than a best friend

I am caught in between
I know you don't care
The point that I make just cannot be seen

I have told you what I feel
Now you tell me
Is this real?"


As Helga finished reading she looked up at Arnolds eyes, "What?"

"Nothing. It was perfect." He said as he put the chain on. "I cannot believe- you don't hate me. I knew we were friends. Thank you, Helga." He said and hugged her.

"Friends-" She hesitated. "Yep. I have decided that you are an okay guy." Arnold was so dense some times. 'I love you- cant you see that?' She thought. "Today is our last day. We have to say our good-byes and meet Jake in this room at seven tonight."

"Okay, I'll see you then." Arnold picked up the ribbon and left for his room. He peeped his head back in, "don't try, jumping again." He said and left once more.

Helga smiled at his thick headedness.