Chapter 8
It was nearing seven and Helga hadn't run into Arnold yet, 'Come on Helga ol girl, he wasn't really going to come with you. He just did not want you to kill yourself.' Helga thought.
Helga had told made up an excuse to tell everyone for leaving, but she told Phoebe the real story and Phoebe understood. "I hope you find what you are looking for." Helga recalled her saying before she hugged her best friend and headed for the elevator.
Helga entered the elevator, peering down at the floor. She turned to press the button with the ten on it. She froze when a soft voice spoke.
"Going up?"
"Arnold!" Helga let out a breath of relief, "How many times must I tell you that I hate when you sneak up on me!"
"Sorry Helga, but it's fun." He said, "What are you so jumpy for? I won't hurt you," he asked
"Oh, I don't know, Arnoldo, could it be that I was worried that you would not come, or that two men have found me and told me that I must leave the only life I knew for one that I don't remember!" she shouted, finally able to vent about the whole ordeal.
"Why, wouldn't I come? Do you think I am like that?" he looked at her with a serious glare. Helga froze, she did not like that look, and she tried to speak, to tell him that she never wanted to hurt him. But no words came. "Well?"
"No, I- it's just that, you and I have never gotten along, and this what the perfect opportunity to screw me over." She answered. It must have been a good answer because the look of seriousness had faded.
He stepped close placed his arms around her, Helga though he was going to hug her, but instead he pressed the stop button. "Helga. I don't want you to think that I am looking for the chance to "screw you over" I really just what to protect you, you have to know that I-I don't want you to get hurt." He looked at her cerulean eyes. "So don't for one minute think that I would leave you, I never will- This journey is yours, I understand but, I- '
"Arnold, stop. Just don't say these things to me. You know that eventually I will have to let you go, and you will have to let me go, do make promises you cannot keep." Helga said and pulled out the stop button.
There was nothing but silence for the rest of the trip. The tenth stop came up and they exited. I was seven-o-one. Helga walked to her room and Arnold followed.
-Moments before departure- Arnold is waiting out in the hall-
"Oh no!" Jake said, "He cannot come."
"Well' I will not go unless he comes." Helga threatened. "After all a gal's gotta have her body guard."
"Alright." Jake gave in too easily. "But on one condition." Here is comes. "He is not to speak or touch you." Helga lifted one eyebrow (she has two).
"Touch me?" Helga blushed.
"You are the princess, you have obligations." Jake looked at Tim who was standing in the dark.
"M' lady, you are to be wed to the prince of Eurasia. " Tim said without hesitation.
"Marriage?" Helga was not ready to be married to a stranger. And besides she was in love with Arnold. How could life be so malicious? She let the thought slip as she called for Arnold. He entered. "You may accompany us." Helga said in a sort of 'I'm better than you' voice.
"Yes, m' lady." Arnold gave a bow, knowing what Helga was hinting at.
"Lets go." Jake said
"How?" Helga asked, "Are we going to fly?" she asked with mockery.
"Yes." Tim said.
