Chapter 4:"A little Refreshment."
She splashed more water on her face. "My, what will I say to Gerald? There must be another way to cover it up- but how?" My, oh my! Such a hot weather! Why can't this school afford some air conditioners, she thought. Phoebe looked at her reflection once more, and smiled whole-heartedly of her imagining the pleading Gerald. Just seeing Gerald plead makes her heart melt. So adorable...so intelligent of many urban legends...so--- wait! Was this a crush?
All she could do was blush incredibly at this thought.
. . . I think I've got it! Arnold 'plus' thinking about Helga 'equals' something far more important than anything else- right? No, no, no, that can't be! What is more important than anything? Usually to Arnold, it would be...him to make Lila like-like him in return. But wait, if Helga is in this situation...would it be...
No.
...........................................................................................................................................
"Gerald, just hope that your thoughts are far more crazy than the truth," he said to himself.
Once he opened his eyes from the deriding tears, he saw a petite figure come towards a taller figure. Rubbing his eyes to decipher, his ears perked up to listen:
"Mr. Simmons, I'm afraid Helga and Arnold aren't here to help out in our group. Since they are sick, I was wondering if you could extend our project."
He smiled, "Well of course Phoebe. I understand. I hope you inform Arnold and Helga into making up even if they are sick."
"Yes sir. I'll keep that in mind, "she replied. Good, that trouble's done for now, she thought with a sigh of relief.
She returned to her seat with an inkling of a smug face. Finally, she turned to Gerald, "Should we start?"
. . . "What? I-I-I do understand Helga. I just need time to seep that in," stumbled Arnold. Oh yeah, now look what you've got yourself into- you're confused! Arnold thought empty headed.
Helga could only shake her head in rebel, "Don't lie to me football-head. I know who's confused and whose not. I've known you ever since pre-k, and by the look in your face, you're nothing but confused." She sighed, "Listen, maybe we can talk another time. It's so hard to say."
A warm hand clasped around hers, "Helga, I know it must be hard to say, but keep in mind you can't keep your feelings, and everything you keep inside forever."
Voluntarily, a mused smile swept in her face, and then, turned into a frown.
"Yeah, I know Arnold. But, you...you just wouldn't understand."
Somehow, he respectively tightened his grip around her hand, "Trust me, I will. If you can understand your feelings, what makes you think I can't understand yours?"
"Because, these feelings are hard to explain!" She quickly stood up, unleashed her hand away from his, and went towards her opened window. The only movement she could have was her pacing. Where else should she go? It's scorching hot out there. Plus, the cool air conditioner stood beside the window. A little cool air might help...I guess.
Simultaneously, Arnold followed Helga. Thoroughly, he gazed closely at her eyes; you can see is her many emotions. But how can a girl like her not show these many emotions in all these years?
"Helga, look at me," he kindly demanded. Once she didn't, he had the courage to shift her gaze by gradually hauling her shoulders to his attention. "I'm not leaving this house until you tell me the truth. I don't care if I have to stand in your stoop all night and day. No matter what you say or do- I'm not leaving. We have all the time in the world. How can hide the truth of yourself, and you still go on through life so easily? You may know that there are many questions inside of me; however, I just want to hear from you. Deep inside, I know you want to tell me as much as you can. Please, since it is all that's worth from me getting out of your house, all I'm asking is to open up and let me see who you are."
Helga couldn't help but want to wax her ears, and have him repeat this a million times. "Do you really care for me that much, Arnold?"
"I care for everyone. No matter who they are, whoever they are, wherever they came from: I care for anyone." He finally released his hands from her shoulders, "Including you." ............................................................................................................................................ Out of nowhere, the bell rang loudly at P.S. 118. Of course, since days in school go so fast, the whole school ended their 'quick' day again. "Class, class! One quick announcement before you leave!" Mr. Simmons professed. The class, somewhat stopped, however, by the looks in their faces you can realize how desperately they wanted to escape.
"We're listenin'; we're listenin'!" Assured the desperate Harold. His palms sweated just thinking when will those hands of his ever handle some delicious fudgy bars.
"Okay! Some of you suggested if I extend this project of yours. And since this is your last major assignment upon your grade, I will extend this project until next week."
Everyone sighed, and then cheered with- "'Yey!' 'Yahoo' or 'Yeah right's". Yes, nearly all the class found this project rather much in their interests. Who would want to leave their friends for a complex mall?
. . . "Bow howdy! When does Mother Nature give us a break from all this darn heat?" said Sid. For the fiftieth time of that day, he swept the perspiration from his hair. "Hey guys, why don't we go to Slaucen's for some ice cream, eh?"
"Yeah, I g'ree with ya Sid. On account of the heat--- Whooie!" agreed Stinky who blew some air up his face. Even if it wasn't much of help, at least he made some cool air for him in a span of a mile second.
"Did someone say ice cream? Where? Where? WHERE???" Harold, on the other hand, wasn't paying attention for he was busy envisioning himself swimming in a pool of chilly, cherry smoothies, and other delectables floating around. He began drooling, "Ice cream...."
Stinky and Sid snickered.
"Snap out of it Harold! We're already goin' there. So don't drool," Sid guaranteed with more laughs.
. . . "Hey Gerald!" Phoebe called a distance from the curb where Gerald was standing. Once she caught her breath, she weakly asked, "Gerald? Might I ask if we go later to Arnold and Helga?"
Gerald raised an inquisitive point, "Why? This project is the last major grade in our records. Can't we get an early start off this? Maybe just some plan ----"
Instinctively, she got hold of the hem of his shirt, "I could really have some ice cream right now! Aren't you dehydrated of this unpleasant heat? Don't worry, we'll get a hundred percent on this project with Arnold and Helga in our group. They're one of the most conscientious people in our group, and I promise you, that we won't let ourselves down---
"Wait! When was Helga 'conscientious'?" bombarded Gerald with chuckles.
Finally, she released herself from him and quickly walked away. She knew what she said to Gerald wasn't going to easy but at least it was worth a try.
"Phoebe!! Wait! I didn't mean to ---- " Suddenly he gone to mocking Helga even as he ran after her. Once he retrieved her attention by catching her small hands, he calmly said with a more serious tone, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so stupid. But, really- why would you say Helga as a hard-working person when I don't see she is?"
"Because, I know Helga much more than anyone does! If you were in my shoes, what you say would be incorrect and... hurts."
Right now, she felt like crying. Nobody messes with her friend. If only she had much more courage to stand up to counter Gerald with words instead of crying... just like Helga. That's why she idolizes Helga. Somehow, Gerald retraced the look in her nearly watery eyes. His sudden move was gripping her hand tighter.
"Don't cry Phoebe. I'm sorry to be a fool. Nobody should underestimate and make fun of a best friend of yours. You may know Helga much more than I do. But maybe if you tell me why would Helga be what you say she is, my view would change about her. Right?"
Phoebe sighed, "Yes. I definitely understand what you mean. Apparently, even if I want to elaborate on that, I cannot. Maybe, Helga would show you that effort."
"Why can't I hear from you?" Gerald asked.
"From a swear to my friendship with Helga, if I ever share anything about her, it would break us apart. Nearly everything about Helga is in secrecy. I'm sorry, I can't tell you without her consent," explained Phoebe.
Before Gerald could even respond, Phoebe tugged Gerald's hand and pointed what was in front of them. With a smile in her face she said, "Here we are!" Gerald, said with amusement, "Hey! You tricked me! Eerr.."
He stood where he was even if she began walking to the entrance. Sure, Phoebe is smart and all, but whoa, she is one slick girl to be with, thought Gerald. He looks at her one more time, smiles covertly, and begins retracing her steps.
"Still...it just makes me like her even more."
. . . . . .
For the last 10 minutes neither of them spoke. One was expecting the other to speak but to no avail, both weren't ready. One wasn't ready to hear her explanations and the other merely apprehensive to write more poems in her pink book. The anxiety was weighing on both of them; though, neither not fully prepared. Then, out of the blue---
"OH CRIMANY! What's the deal with this? What the heck do you wanna hear from me? I can't stand myself any LONGER!" yelled the overly impatient Helga. By the looks of it, you could see the same look she gave to him two days ago... confessing her whole soul to the heavenly angel in front of her.
That made Arnold give a couple of seconds to gain the most important question, "Fine, when did this all start?"
"What d'ya mean?" she inquired.
"When did you start loving me?"
With that, silence began once more. But this time, Helga walked over to the loveseat and slouched as she revitalized those memories. Inhaling and exhaling, she did the best explanation she could get so far.
"Helga, where you goin'? Didn't we have a dea-"
However, even as she darted to her bedroom, she cried out,
"I know, I know! I just need to refresh my memories! Hang on!" Whispering lower, "Now...I placed them here yesterday-- where is that. . . ah-ha!"
She went to the living room with a huge box. Then, carefully revealed some of the contents. Holding some aged books and a fragile piece of paper that looked laminated in some fantastic way, Helga explained cautiously, "To make it easier football-head, you might wanna read some of this after I explain or somehow explain everything."
She paused hopefully to see the reaction on Arnold's face. Somehow, she could find the only word that was written in his oblong face-- Crazy. So to prove him wrong, she kept on with her cleverness and secrecy. "I know, once you get out of my house, you'll be coming right back at me asking for clearer explanations. I don't want anyone to suspicion anything out of the ordinary. So instead, consult the 'evidence' before you ask me."
Finally, she beckoned his hands for an answer. He took a step forward, still having his eyes locked at hers, and slowly asked, "Even if I may seem to think of you as crazy, you should keep in mind that everyone's crazy once in awhile."
"Once in awhile? Arnold, this 'craziness' or 'devotion' or whatever you wanna call it, has been part of my whole life. It's okay if you call me crazy," she said once both of them sat down, "but all the 'craziness' is due to---"
"Love," Arnold completed.
He's taking it so coolly yet; he doesn't seem to be asking to many questions. Just waiting...but how should I start? Gosh, if only I planned this out before, thought Helga.
Somehow, unbelievably her light bulb illuminated. "If you're what people say as a 'bold-kid', give me the reason why you're in this world?"
He looked closer to her and eyed her in victory, "Our parents."
Instantaneously, she raised her finger and pointed, "Ah, ah, ah- nope. Surely, I knew bold people like you have weak points."
"What? It's our parents...unless, you wanna say some God. W--- "
She folded her arms in a mature way and impressively said, "It pains to know that you have no idea in the cycle of life. If your parents were here right now, they would be devastated on knowing their only son has no clue on what they've given to him."
Arnold frowned in sadness with regret and pity. If only he had his parents in his life again, he'll know for sure.
"Arnold, even if your parents aren't here, you should be proud that they have given you something I have never got in my life...something every kid appreciates."
Still, he had no answer but asked,
"What? What is it?"
She splashed more water on her face. "My, what will I say to Gerald? There must be another way to cover it up- but how?" My, oh my! Such a hot weather! Why can't this school afford some air conditioners, she thought. Phoebe looked at her reflection once more, and smiled whole-heartedly of her imagining the pleading Gerald. Just seeing Gerald plead makes her heart melt. So adorable...so intelligent of many urban legends...so--- wait! Was this a crush?
All she could do was blush incredibly at this thought.
. . . I think I've got it! Arnold 'plus' thinking about Helga 'equals' something far more important than anything else- right? No, no, no, that can't be! What is more important than anything? Usually to Arnold, it would be...him to make Lila like-like him in return. But wait, if Helga is in this situation...would it be...
No.
...........................................................................................................................................
"Gerald, just hope that your thoughts are far more crazy than the truth," he said to himself.
Once he opened his eyes from the deriding tears, he saw a petite figure come towards a taller figure. Rubbing his eyes to decipher, his ears perked up to listen:
"Mr. Simmons, I'm afraid Helga and Arnold aren't here to help out in our group. Since they are sick, I was wondering if you could extend our project."
He smiled, "Well of course Phoebe. I understand. I hope you inform Arnold and Helga into making up even if they are sick."
"Yes sir. I'll keep that in mind, "she replied. Good, that trouble's done for now, she thought with a sigh of relief.
She returned to her seat with an inkling of a smug face. Finally, she turned to Gerald, "Should we start?"
. . . "What? I-I-I do understand Helga. I just need time to seep that in," stumbled Arnold. Oh yeah, now look what you've got yourself into- you're confused! Arnold thought empty headed.
Helga could only shake her head in rebel, "Don't lie to me football-head. I know who's confused and whose not. I've known you ever since pre-k, and by the look in your face, you're nothing but confused." She sighed, "Listen, maybe we can talk another time. It's so hard to say."
A warm hand clasped around hers, "Helga, I know it must be hard to say, but keep in mind you can't keep your feelings, and everything you keep inside forever."
Voluntarily, a mused smile swept in her face, and then, turned into a frown.
"Yeah, I know Arnold. But, you...you just wouldn't understand."
Somehow, he respectively tightened his grip around her hand, "Trust me, I will. If you can understand your feelings, what makes you think I can't understand yours?"
"Because, these feelings are hard to explain!" She quickly stood up, unleashed her hand away from his, and went towards her opened window. The only movement she could have was her pacing. Where else should she go? It's scorching hot out there. Plus, the cool air conditioner stood beside the window. A little cool air might help...I guess.
Simultaneously, Arnold followed Helga. Thoroughly, he gazed closely at her eyes; you can see is her many emotions. But how can a girl like her not show these many emotions in all these years?
"Helga, look at me," he kindly demanded. Once she didn't, he had the courage to shift her gaze by gradually hauling her shoulders to his attention. "I'm not leaving this house until you tell me the truth. I don't care if I have to stand in your stoop all night and day. No matter what you say or do- I'm not leaving. We have all the time in the world. How can hide the truth of yourself, and you still go on through life so easily? You may know that there are many questions inside of me; however, I just want to hear from you. Deep inside, I know you want to tell me as much as you can. Please, since it is all that's worth from me getting out of your house, all I'm asking is to open up and let me see who you are."
Helga couldn't help but want to wax her ears, and have him repeat this a million times. "Do you really care for me that much, Arnold?"
"I care for everyone. No matter who they are, whoever they are, wherever they came from: I care for anyone." He finally released his hands from her shoulders, "Including you." ............................................................................................................................................ Out of nowhere, the bell rang loudly at P.S. 118. Of course, since days in school go so fast, the whole school ended their 'quick' day again. "Class, class! One quick announcement before you leave!" Mr. Simmons professed. The class, somewhat stopped, however, by the looks in their faces you can realize how desperately they wanted to escape.
"We're listenin'; we're listenin'!" Assured the desperate Harold. His palms sweated just thinking when will those hands of his ever handle some delicious fudgy bars.
"Okay! Some of you suggested if I extend this project of yours. And since this is your last major assignment upon your grade, I will extend this project until next week."
Everyone sighed, and then cheered with- "'Yey!' 'Yahoo' or 'Yeah right's". Yes, nearly all the class found this project rather much in their interests. Who would want to leave their friends for a complex mall?
. . . "Bow howdy! When does Mother Nature give us a break from all this darn heat?" said Sid. For the fiftieth time of that day, he swept the perspiration from his hair. "Hey guys, why don't we go to Slaucen's for some ice cream, eh?"
"Yeah, I g'ree with ya Sid. On account of the heat--- Whooie!" agreed Stinky who blew some air up his face. Even if it wasn't much of help, at least he made some cool air for him in a span of a mile second.
"Did someone say ice cream? Where? Where? WHERE???" Harold, on the other hand, wasn't paying attention for he was busy envisioning himself swimming in a pool of chilly, cherry smoothies, and other delectables floating around. He began drooling, "Ice cream...."
Stinky and Sid snickered.
"Snap out of it Harold! We're already goin' there. So don't drool," Sid guaranteed with more laughs.
. . . "Hey Gerald!" Phoebe called a distance from the curb where Gerald was standing. Once she caught her breath, she weakly asked, "Gerald? Might I ask if we go later to Arnold and Helga?"
Gerald raised an inquisitive point, "Why? This project is the last major grade in our records. Can't we get an early start off this? Maybe just some plan ----"
Instinctively, she got hold of the hem of his shirt, "I could really have some ice cream right now! Aren't you dehydrated of this unpleasant heat? Don't worry, we'll get a hundred percent on this project with Arnold and Helga in our group. They're one of the most conscientious people in our group, and I promise you, that we won't let ourselves down---
"Wait! When was Helga 'conscientious'?" bombarded Gerald with chuckles.
Finally, she released herself from him and quickly walked away. She knew what she said to Gerald wasn't going to easy but at least it was worth a try.
"Phoebe!! Wait! I didn't mean to ---- " Suddenly he gone to mocking Helga even as he ran after her. Once he retrieved her attention by catching her small hands, he calmly said with a more serious tone, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so stupid. But, really- why would you say Helga as a hard-working person when I don't see she is?"
"Because, I know Helga much more than anyone does! If you were in my shoes, what you say would be incorrect and... hurts."
Right now, she felt like crying. Nobody messes with her friend. If only she had much more courage to stand up to counter Gerald with words instead of crying... just like Helga. That's why she idolizes Helga. Somehow, Gerald retraced the look in her nearly watery eyes. His sudden move was gripping her hand tighter.
"Don't cry Phoebe. I'm sorry to be a fool. Nobody should underestimate and make fun of a best friend of yours. You may know Helga much more than I do. But maybe if you tell me why would Helga be what you say she is, my view would change about her. Right?"
Phoebe sighed, "Yes. I definitely understand what you mean. Apparently, even if I want to elaborate on that, I cannot. Maybe, Helga would show you that effort."
"Why can't I hear from you?" Gerald asked.
"From a swear to my friendship with Helga, if I ever share anything about her, it would break us apart. Nearly everything about Helga is in secrecy. I'm sorry, I can't tell you without her consent," explained Phoebe.
Before Gerald could even respond, Phoebe tugged Gerald's hand and pointed what was in front of them. With a smile in her face she said, "Here we are!" Gerald, said with amusement, "Hey! You tricked me! Eerr.."
He stood where he was even if she began walking to the entrance. Sure, Phoebe is smart and all, but whoa, she is one slick girl to be with, thought Gerald. He looks at her one more time, smiles covertly, and begins retracing her steps.
"Still...it just makes me like her even more."
. . . . . .
For the last 10 minutes neither of them spoke. One was expecting the other to speak but to no avail, both weren't ready. One wasn't ready to hear her explanations and the other merely apprehensive to write more poems in her pink book. The anxiety was weighing on both of them; though, neither not fully prepared. Then, out of the blue---
"OH CRIMANY! What's the deal with this? What the heck do you wanna hear from me? I can't stand myself any LONGER!" yelled the overly impatient Helga. By the looks of it, you could see the same look she gave to him two days ago... confessing her whole soul to the heavenly angel in front of her.
That made Arnold give a couple of seconds to gain the most important question, "Fine, when did this all start?"
"What d'ya mean?" she inquired.
"When did you start loving me?"
With that, silence began once more. But this time, Helga walked over to the loveseat and slouched as she revitalized those memories. Inhaling and exhaling, she did the best explanation she could get so far.
"Helga, where you goin'? Didn't we have a dea-"
However, even as she darted to her bedroom, she cried out,
"I know, I know! I just need to refresh my memories! Hang on!" Whispering lower, "Now...I placed them here yesterday-- where is that. . . ah-ha!"
She went to the living room with a huge box. Then, carefully revealed some of the contents. Holding some aged books and a fragile piece of paper that looked laminated in some fantastic way, Helga explained cautiously, "To make it easier football-head, you might wanna read some of this after I explain or somehow explain everything."
She paused hopefully to see the reaction on Arnold's face. Somehow, she could find the only word that was written in his oblong face-- Crazy. So to prove him wrong, she kept on with her cleverness and secrecy. "I know, once you get out of my house, you'll be coming right back at me asking for clearer explanations. I don't want anyone to suspicion anything out of the ordinary. So instead, consult the 'evidence' before you ask me."
Finally, she beckoned his hands for an answer. He took a step forward, still having his eyes locked at hers, and slowly asked, "Even if I may seem to think of you as crazy, you should keep in mind that everyone's crazy once in awhile."
"Once in awhile? Arnold, this 'craziness' or 'devotion' or whatever you wanna call it, has been part of my whole life. It's okay if you call me crazy," she said once both of them sat down, "but all the 'craziness' is due to---"
"Love," Arnold completed.
He's taking it so coolly yet; he doesn't seem to be asking to many questions. Just waiting...but how should I start? Gosh, if only I planned this out before, thought Helga.
Somehow, unbelievably her light bulb illuminated. "If you're what people say as a 'bold-kid', give me the reason why you're in this world?"
He looked closer to her and eyed her in victory, "Our parents."
Instantaneously, she raised her finger and pointed, "Ah, ah, ah- nope. Surely, I knew bold people like you have weak points."
"What? It's our parents...unless, you wanna say some God. W--- "
She folded her arms in a mature way and impressively said, "It pains to know that you have no idea in the cycle of life. If your parents were here right now, they would be devastated on knowing their only son has no clue on what they've given to him."
Arnold frowned in sadness with regret and pity. If only he had his parents in his life again, he'll know for sure.
"Arnold, even if your parents aren't here, you should be proud that they have given you something I have never got in my life...something every kid appreciates."
Still, he had no answer but asked,
"What? What is it?"