Disclaimer: Sue me. I don't care. You couldn't possibly make this week
worse than it already is. You'll waste your money and my time however,
because I don't own anything, especially Hey Arnold. I do, however, own the
poem in this story. If you take it, I will hurt you. You will feel this
week. That is a very bad thing for you.
****************Flashback******************
Arnold dragged himself down the hallway of the high school, barely alive. The brutality of senior year was finally beginning to kick in, and all Arnold wanted to do was return to the boarding house and sleep. Unfortunately, that sweet escape would have to be put off, because he had three essays due tomorrow and two tests. When he came to his locker, Arnold placed his head against it and closed his eyes in exhaustion. His ears filtered the sounds around him, alerting his mind only when a familiar sound crossed his path. A boisterous laugh followed by a quiet giggle, coming closer to Arnold with every step.
Arnold managed to lift his head from its resting place and smile wanly at his best friend Gerald, and Gerald's girlfriend, Phoebe. His mind could still barely grasp the energy that radiated from the two, energy that was derived from being near the person that they loved. "Hey guys. How was your day, Phoebe?" Arnold said, nodding toward the petite Asian.
"It went very well, Arnold. I received an A on my biology exam, and was able to turn my ten-page essay on the motif of redemption in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel, Crime and Punishment." Arnold just stared at Phoebe in amazement. He had barely remembered what motif was, and his essay had only been three pages. Gerald just gazed at his girl with a lovesick look on his face.
"Well, I am almost ready...oh nuts!" Arnold cried, slapping his hand to his forehead. He looked at the two in front of him with a look of regret on his face. "I am not gonna be able to walk home with you two today. I forgot that Mr. Simmons wanted to talk to me about something." Mr. Simmons was in charge of the Big Brother program that Arnold had joined to gain volunteer experience as he helped a fourth grader with school. It would also help him gain experience in a classroom setting, which was useful, because Arnold was planning to become a teacher.
Arnold walked out of the school with Gerald and Phoebe, and parted ways as they headed toward Phoebe's house, and Arnold headed in the opposite direction, towards P.S. 118.
As Arnold was approaching Mr. Simmons classroom, a young, blond- haired woman walked out, clutching a pile of books and muttering to herself. Arnold was startled to realize it was his old elementary bully, Helga Pataki. I hope she isn't a part of the Big Sister Program with Mr. Simmons, Arnold thought, a little worried. He and Helga had barely spoken since elementary school, only when he and Gerald had encountered Phoebe and Helga somewhere. Since Gerald and Phoebe had begun dating, his contact with her had disappeared.
Arnold breathed a sigh of relief when Helga hurried the opposite way down the hall. He waited to make sure she wouldn't come back, and then strolled into Mr. Simmons' classroom, instantly flooded with memories of fourth grade.
Mr. Simmons was sitting at his desk and looked up when Arnold walked in and glanced around the classroom. "Ah, Arnold," he squealed in the same tone that he had used when the gang had been in fourth grade. "I am so pleased that you were able to make it. I needed to give you these papers to fill out for our special program. The papers are just making sure that you will be careful with our special child, and you will concentrate on teaching our special buddy while making sure he understands the concepts well enough to do well on the special "learning experiences" (tests). Mr. Simmons rummaged around his desk, grown messier over the years as he filled it with "special" papers from his children. He picked up a pile of papers and flipped through it, finally snatching a few papers out.
"A few of the papers will need essay answers, so I will expect the papers returned as soon as possible. I understand high school is a lot tougher than elementary school, so I won't expect it right away, okay, Arnold?" At Arnold's nod, Mr. Simmons handed him the pile and glanced at the clock. His face blanched. "Oh dear! I have a meeting with Principal Wartz that I am late for! I will talk to you later, Arnold!" With that, Mr. Simmons raced out the door, and Arnold followed, trying to repress a laugh.
~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~Later that night~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~
Arnold wearily looked up at his clock, wincing when he realized it was already midnight. These late-nighters are going to kill me, he thought, grimacing. Deciding to clear his head before he started to study for his Calculus test, Arnold grabbed the stack of papers Simmons had given him. He flipped through it, signing the few places that required his John Hancock and ignoring the essays. He would finish them later when his mind was clearer. As Arnold flipped to the last page, he was startled to see a note to Mr. Simmons written in the neatest cursive Arnold had ever seen. Recognizing that Simmons had accidentally given him the note, Arnold was about to put it down when he noticed the signature at the bottom.
Helga G. Pataki
His curiosity peaked, Arnold decided to read the note. Most of the information was fairly boring, stuff that Helga had been doing during school, etc. However, the final few sentences caught his attention.
I wrote this yesterday, Mr. Simmons, and knew you would enjoy it.
How I long for the sweet summer breezes
of days long gone.
When the clouds in the sky
were colorful characters,
and ice cream dribbled slowly
down my hand.
When life was slow and simple,
and the joy of my love was the
balm of my existence.
Now the winter blows fiercely in,
chilling my blood.
Instead of innocence, the clouds
become terrifying spectres of black.
Ice cream has been replaced
by headache pills.
Life hustles along
at a busy pace, always moving
never slowing.
Simplicity is all too often
misplaced,
given away in the elusive search
for a distant love.
I know you always enjoyed my poetry, and I thought you would enjoy my journal/poetry site. I also think it would help you with the recommendation letter to Brown for my character recommendation. The site address is (A/N: this is NOT a real website).
There were a few more sentences after the URL, but they failed to hold Arnold's attention. His mind was driven with the curiosity to look deeper into the soul of the person who had written the poem. He could scarce grasp the idea that Helga, the girl who scorned any emotion other than anger in elementary, could have such a depth as to write the heartfelt words he had just read. Eagerly, Arnold logged onto the website, anxious to read more.
****************End Flashback******************
A/N: I hope that this explains how Arnold managed to stumble onto Helga's online journal. Before you say anything, I can't remember if you need character recommendations for college, as I only applied to the one I wanted to go to. I decided that since you need character references for some jobs, you could need them for some colleges too. The purple monkey agrees with me. So it will work. Anyways, I know that this chapter is really short, but I really couldn't see adding anything else to it. The flashback just decided to be its own chapter. I am pretty sure the next one will be longer, as we will (hopefully) go back to present-day. I'm not really sure. This story has a life of its own. Just like my monkey. Yeah, I know I am rambling. It is two-o'clock in the morning. Rambling is kind of what I do. Oh and yeah:
blazing wickedness – thanks for the review. I am glad you liked it.
PopStarOE: I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you. You have been a very faithful reviewer, and I love ya for it. I am not sure about the boy and whether or not he is going to have a name. Like I said, the story has its own life. So we will see.
Tinánia Legolinde: I am glad you liked that Helga didn't die. I hope she doesn't/ Don't know if she will or not. If she does die though, she will definitely be going to Heaven. Thanks for all of your constant reviews – I love ya for them!!
Writer4Christ: *blushes* Thanks! I like compliments! You are sweet!
IceSugarHigh: I'm glad you liked it. I'm glad it was emotional. I was shooting for that. I like knowing when I reach the goals I strive for. Thanks!
JediWanda: Well, the update took a bit longer than expected. Sorry. I am glad you liked it :-D
Miah The Storm Wolf: Wow. What a compliment! Thanks!
Harpiebird: Once again, what a nice compliment! Thanks! (I was crying while I wrote it, so I am glad you cried while you read it. It is nice to know I am not crazy). I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
InuyashaGrl13L: Here's the update. Thanks for reviewing.
Ok, I have to stop now. It is three in the morning and I am almost dead. I need to post this and then fall into bed, so everyone I missed: I REALLY REALLY REALLY enjoy the reviews and compliments!! I will try to mention you next chapter ( :'( ) I really do love you all!!!!!!!!!! Please keep reviewing!!!
****************Flashback******************
Arnold dragged himself down the hallway of the high school, barely alive. The brutality of senior year was finally beginning to kick in, and all Arnold wanted to do was return to the boarding house and sleep. Unfortunately, that sweet escape would have to be put off, because he had three essays due tomorrow and two tests. When he came to his locker, Arnold placed his head against it and closed his eyes in exhaustion. His ears filtered the sounds around him, alerting his mind only when a familiar sound crossed his path. A boisterous laugh followed by a quiet giggle, coming closer to Arnold with every step.
Arnold managed to lift his head from its resting place and smile wanly at his best friend Gerald, and Gerald's girlfriend, Phoebe. His mind could still barely grasp the energy that radiated from the two, energy that was derived from being near the person that they loved. "Hey guys. How was your day, Phoebe?" Arnold said, nodding toward the petite Asian.
"It went very well, Arnold. I received an A on my biology exam, and was able to turn my ten-page essay on the motif of redemption in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel, Crime and Punishment." Arnold just stared at Phoebe in amazement. He had barely remembered what motif was, and his essay had only been three pages. Gerald just gazed at his girl with a lovesick look on his face.
"Well, I am almost ready...oh nuts!" Arnold cried, slapping his hand to his forehead. He looked at the two in front of him with a look of regret on his face. "I am not gonna be able to walk home with you two today. I forgot that Mr. Simmons wanted to talk to me about something." Mr. Simmons was in charge of the Big Brother program that Arnold had joined to gain volunteer experience as he helped a fourth grader with school. It would also help him gain experience in a classroom setting, which was useful, because Arnold was planning to become a teacher.
Arnold walked out of the school with Gerald and Phoebe, and parted ways as they headed toward Phoebe's house, and Arnold headed in the opposite direction, towards P.S. 118.
As Arnold was approaching Mr. Simmons classroom, a young, blond- haired woman walked out, clutching a pile of books and muttering to herself. Arnold was startled to realize it was his old elementary bully, Helga Pataki. I hope she isn't a part of the Big Sister Program with Mr. Simmons, Arnold thought, a little worried. He and Helga had barely spoken since elementary school, only when he and Gerald had encountered Phoebe and Helga somewhere. Since Gerald and Phoebe had begun dating, his contact with her had disappeared.
Arnold breathed a sigh of relief when Helga hurried the opposite way down the hall. He waited to make sure she wouldn't come back, and then strolled into Mr. Simmons' classroom, instantly flooded with memories of fourth grade.
Mr. Simmons was sitting at his desk and looked up when Arnold walked in and glanced around the classroom. "Ah, Arnold," he squealed in the same tone that he had used when the gang had been in fourth grade. "I am so pleased that you were able to make it. I needed to give you these papers to fill out for our special program. The papers are just making sure that you will be careful with our special child, and you will concentrate on teaching our special buddy while making sure he understands the concepts well enough to do well on the special "learning experiences" (tests). Mr. Simmons rummaged around his desk, grown messier over the years as he filled it with "special" papers from his children. He picked up a pile of papers and flipped through it, finally snatching a few papers out.
"A few of the papers will need essay answers, so I will expect the papers returned as soon as possible. I understand high school is a lot tougher than elementary school, so I won't expect it right away, okay, Arnold?" At Arnold's nod, Mr. Simmons handed him the pile and glanced at the clock. His face blanched. "Oh dear! I have a meeting with Principal Wartz that I am late for! I will talk to you later, Arnold!" With that, Mr. Simmons raced out the door, and Arnold followed, trying to repress a laugh.
~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~Later that night~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~
Arnold wearily looked up at his clock, wincing when he realized it was already midnight. These late-nighters are going to kill me, he thought, grimacing. Deciding to clear his head before he started to study for his Calculus test, Arnold grabbed the stack of papers Simmons had given him. He flipped through it, signing the few places that required his John Hancock and ignoring the essays. He would finish them later when his mind was clearer. As Arnold flipped to the last page, he was startled to see a note to Mr. Simmons written in the neatest cursive Arnold had ever seen. Recognizing that Simmons had accidentally given him the note, Arnold was about to put it down when he noticed the signature at the bottom.
Helga G. Pataki
His curiosity peaked, Arnold decided to read the note. Most of the information was fairly boring, stuff that Helga had been doing during school, etc. However, the final few sentences caught his attention.
I wrote this yesterday, Mr. Simmons, and knew you would enjoy it.
How I long for the sweet summer breezes
of days long gone.
When the clouds in the sky
were colorful characters,
and ice cream dribbled slowly
down my hand.
When life was slow and simple,
and the joy of my love was the
balm of my existence.
Now the winter blows fiercely in,
chilling my blood.
Instead of innocence, the clouds
become terrifying spectres of black.
Ice cream has been replaced
by headache pills.
Life hustles along
at a busy pace, always moving
never slowing.
Simplicity is all too often
misplaced,
given away in the elusive search
for a distant love.
I know you always enjoyed my poetry, and I thought you would enjoy my journal/poetry site. I also think it would help you with the recommendation letter to Brown for my character recommendation. The site address is (A/N: this is NOT a real website).
There were a few more sentences after the URL, but they failed to hold Arnold's attention. His mind was driven with the curiosity to look deeper into the soul of the person who had written the poem. He could scarce grasp the idea that Helga, the girl who scorned any emotion other than anger in elementary, could have such a depth as to write the heartfelt words he had just read. Eagerly, Arnold logged onto the website, anxious to read more.
****************End Flashback******************
A/N: I hope that this explains how Arnold managed to stumble onto Helga's online journal. Before you say anything, I can't remember if you need character recommendations for college, as I only applied to the one I wanted to go to. I decided that since you need character references for some jobs, you could need them for some colleges too. The purple monkey agrees with me. So it will work. Anyways, I know that this chapter is really short, but I really couldn't see adding anything else to it. The flashback just decided to be its own chapter. I am pretty sure the next one will be longer, as we will (hopefully) go back to present-day. I'm not really sure. This story has a life of its own. Just like my monkey. Yeah, I know I am rambling. It is two-o'clock in the morning. Rambling is kind of what I do. Oh and yeah:
blazing wickedness – thanks for the review. I am glad you liked it.
PopStarOE: I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you. You have been a very faithful reviewer, and I love ya for it. I am not sure about the boy and whether or not he is going to have a name. Like I said, the story has its own life. So we will see.
Tinánia Legolinde: I am glad you liked that Helga didn't die. I hope she doesn't/ Don't know if she will or not. If she does die though, she will definitely be going to Heaven. Thanks for all of your constant reviews – I love ya for them!!
Writer4Christ: *blushes* Thanks! I like compliments! You are sweet!
IceSugarHigh: I'm glad you liked it. I'm glad it was emotional. I was shooting for that. I like knowing when I reach the goals I strive for. Thanks!
JediWanda: Well, the update took a bit longer than expected. Sorry. I am glad you liked it :-D
Miah The Storm Wolf: Wow. What a compliment! Thanks!
Harpiebird: Once again, what a nice compliment! Thanks! (I was crying while I wrote it, so I am glad you cried while you read it. It is nice to know I am not crazy). I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
InuyashaGrl13L: Here's the update. Thanks for reviewing.
Ok, I have to stop now. It is three in the morning and I am almost dead. I need to post this and then fall into bed, so everyone I missed: I REALLY REALLY REALLY enjoy the reviews and compliments!! I will try to mention you next chapter ( :'( ) I really do love you all!!!!!!!!!! Please keep reviewing!!!