Beyond the Distant Sky
Chatper 1 / Prologue: Lighting Strikes Twice
It was late afternoon, and the wind was whopping wildly making trees dance like mad while the dark overcast clouds appear to rumble in silent anger. I know its not a good day to take a short stroll where anytime now I can expect a heavy downpour of a strong storm.
But I didn't care. I just wanted to move, let my thoughts drift freely instead of bottling them all inside. These strolls were one of my few luxuries in life and I don't think I will give it up for a damn storm.
As if on cue, lighting flashed from the heavens and hit the tree. I froze at the sight but after a few seconds my mind sank back to its miserable state and I resumed my walk without caring about any further interruptions. After all lightning never strikes the same place twice right?
For some reason I came to stop by a familiar bridge. I rest my elbows on the bridge and look down at my sad face. I hate that face and everything that it represents. My face has not changed that much since my childhood days. I still had a shadow of that damn unibrow that no amount of plucking can completely eradicate. My ears still stuck out like Big Bob's. And I still wear that all too familiar scowl day in day out. Perhaps the only salvation I had was that I was not really plagued with that much acne unlike many of the teens around my age.
I sigh as the first raindrops distort my image until it was completely lost in a haze of color. Without further warning, the clouds opened and huge pellets of rain came rushing from the sky eager to meet the dusty ground. In a few seconds, the rain has drenched me all the way to the pores of my pale skin. But for some odd reason I didn't' really take heed as I was lost in a jumble of thoughts.
Tomorrow, I will graduate middle school. That in its way troubled me. It's not because I had academic problems. It came as a dull surprise when I found that I belonged to the top fifteen students of my batch and I will be receiving second honors. And somehow, I just got irritated when I found out I was going to get the Literary Award for 'outstanding' works.
In my opinion, all those literary works were all crap. There is a saying that people pour their thoughts and emotions on a literary work. In doing so, they free themselves from the chains that trouble them. I wrote ever since I could begin to comprehend my emotions... I wrote and wrote... but I never felt free.
Instead, I felt more trapped than ever.
I wrote about many things. I wrote about my family that thinks I'm invisible or worst a mere shadow of my perfect big sister. I wrote about the pressures of trying to be accepted while trying to keep up with my tough girl façade. But most especially I wrote about Arnold.
A tear rolls down my cheek but I didn't even feel it since the rain hammered so hard on my face. And for that I am grateful, that I couldn't feel the expression of my sadness.
For fourteen years I nourished a flame for a certain person with undying devotion. Something about my devotion both thrilled and frightened me to no end. Ever since I gazed at his emerald eyes through my rain soaked eyelashes back in preschool, I felt my heart beat for the first time. And for some time Arnold kept my heart beating, hoping against all that one day his may beat in tune with mine. Every passing day, my heart weakened yet I still held on to some shred of hope for that day to come.
But that day never came. And I'm beginning to realize that it might never will.
I've been thinking a lot more lately than what can be considered as healthy. Something about the closure of my childhood as signaled by the end of middle school, made me wonder if there are other parts of my life that needed some finality. Perhaps it is wrong for me to say that it is only now that I have entertained such thoughts. Ever since the flame began, I have always wondered if playing with fire was the right thing for me to do.
I understand exactly why I have never been able to let go completely. When it came to Arnold, I have always been torn. Torn between love and hate.
I know a lot of people care about him and some really do love him. They love him for his unnerving optimism that could outshine even the darkest night. They love him for his unyielding devotion to a friend that is in need for help. They love him for his ability to blend in with any crowd without losing your individuality.
But me...I love him for him.
I love the Arnold for the "him" that surpasses any description but can only be understood by raw emotion. I love Arnold...without enough reason to do so other occasionally catching glimpses of his soul as I ran away from him.
Yet I hate Arnold too.
I hate him because of what I have become. In my devotion, I am a slave for this one-sided love. I hate him for the times that I let my mind wander and imagine what I could have been without him. I hate him because of what I am now.
Has it been my choice all along? Have I subconsciously chosen to love and hate someone at the same time? Deep in my heart I could not blame Arnold for anything. I can only blame myself. And so there begins that vicious cycle of love, hate and self-loathing. I wish that cycle could end.
My hate is now focused on the fact that Arnold and I have been drifting away further away from me as the years began to mature. And I am afraid that I might lose him soon.
People I know are changing so fast that I can hardly keep up with them. Everyone seems to be in a rush to enter high school, the threshold of maturity. My mind cuts back to a scene from earlier in the day where we were practicing our pre-graduation rites. Everyone was busy chatting with someone or just plain jumpy.
Rather than joining in the merriment, I watched from a distance as a barrage of people with happy smiles on their faces rushed back and forth. Familiar people that I have watched grow from little brats to hopeful young adults. I've seen all these people change, some for the better some for the worst. But I find it funny that no one knows how much I have been changing these years. Not even you...
Of course there are a few people, who I kept close contact with. I've grown more subdued and reclusive through the years. I really don't speak unless spoken to. I don't bother confiding with anyone anymore and for some reason I feel that is partly to blame on why I have such a miserable state. But running away to be by yourself is better than being left alone and ignored. However I still had those moments where I erupt like a volcano and people run away from me.
And those 'moments' appear to be happening a lot more lately.
All of the people I know had this gleam in their eyes this morning. As if they were about to embark on some wonderful adventure. Logically, I understand why Arnold and the others must feel excited about tomorrow.
Whenever I think about tomorrow, I can't really see myself in that day. I can't seem myself in high school. I can't see myself at the prom. I can't see myself entering a nice college and getting a degree. I can't see myself as a successful career woman with a great family. I can't see myself happy. I can't see beyond today and that has always troubled me.
Tomorrow, I graduate and take one step closer to adulthood. But I'm neither happy nor excited. It comes with a fitting irony that this day is as dark, gloomy and wild as my emotions. Nonetheless a part of me wishes that I too can be happy... Deep down...I want things to be different. I want...
CRACK!!!
My whole body freezes at the sound and from the corner of my eye I see lightning strike a nearby tree and cut it in half. In a fraction of a second another sound pierced through the stormy afternoon.
SCREECH!!!
Every fiber in my body screams that I head for cover as fast as I can. My heart began to beat so fast pumping adrenalin to my veins and my knees began to tense ready to spring into action. Somehow my brain appears to be idle...And I disregarded all the immediate flee signals coming from my other senses except one.
All of a sudden a harsh bright light that offered warm solace seemed to wash over me. And the only thing I can think of is going into the warm inviting light that seems to promise to take me away from everything else that can hurt me in this world.
That was all I can think of before the light was snatched away from me and I was thrust into darkness.
-------0000000------
"Owww..." I groan and roll over to bury my face deep in the pillow. There was too much morning light streaming from the window that my head began to hurt rather than feel refreshed due to long sleep. After what seemed to be eternity, the dull ache in my head subsided and I steeled myself to open my eyes once again.
My vision appeared to fluctuate for a moment, but then slowly it cleared and much to my surprise the light was not that harsh as it seemed. I push myself up in the bed to catch a glimpse of the outside world. It seemed like a perfect day. The sun was up and about, the air was not dry but refreshingly moist and the world seems to be at ease.
It was perfect until I remembered what day it is.
With a frown, I check the clock beside my bed and it said 9:30 AM. Damn, that doesn't give me enough time to lounge around and relax before the stupid graduation rites at 11 AM. Well at least, I will have enough time to go grab something to munch on and to freshen up before I set off for school.
I look down and I realize that I was still wearing my day clothes and I didn't bother to change into anything else before I slept. Then my stomach grumbled and I feel oddly disconcerted on how hungry I feel.
"Must have been last night..." I plodded barefoot across the room. The door to my room was left wide open and I wonder who the hell tried to invade my privacy this morning. But then my stomach grumbled again and I just walked through the open door.
The house appears to be normal...that is it was quiet as if nobody lived there. Of course by this time Big Bob would probably have left for work. Even if he was a pathetic excuse for a father, the man certainly was prompt in trying to make his "cellular" empire a reality. Yep, cellular empire... Big Bob traded the beeper for a mobile phone in hopes of keeping up with the latest trend in telecommunications.
Miriam, on the other hand, was stuck at home drowning herself in another one of those damn smoothies while watching endless soap operas that the TV networks show in order to mind control the numerous mindless masses.
When I got down the stairs, I confirmed that the typical Miriam scenario was taking place. There she was slouched on the couch watching TV with a glass of smoothie she held lopsidedly. That was normal for Miriam, I took a slight pause when I realize that there were tears were streaming down her cheek. Nah...probably another one of those boring telenovelas they show all day all night on TV.
"You better stop watching those soaps, Miriam." I scoffed as I headed for the kitchen. "It's bad for your health."
When I got to the kitchen, as usual there was no food set on the table. I sighed and reached for the kitchen cabinet to get the cereal when the doorbell rang. I pause for a moment, wondering who on earth could be the visitor...and I shudder to think that it might be my big sister Olga. But then considering I couldn't hear any excited teetering form the outside, I doubt that it was hear.
"It's probably the mailman." I grit my teeth when the doorbell rang again. "Miriam!" I yelled as loud as I can hoping that she can get out of her drunken stupor. "Aren't you going to get the door?"
Still no response.
"Why must I do everything around here?!" I stomped my way towards the living room before I heard a click and the door opened. I tensed myself reading ol Betsy for whoever might be entering uninvited.
"Hello?" A familiar voice drifted through the house and I felt my heart stop.
"Arnold?!" I hear myself shriek before I clamped my hand in my mouth. Stupid! Stupid! Why did I do something stupid as calling his name out!?
Thankfully he didn't seem to hear me. I quickly hide myself from him while trying to see as much of him at the same time.
"Hello?" Arnold entered our living room and a part of me wanted to yell at Miriam to get herself up and about.
Again, no response from Miriam.
I steeled myself mentally and stomped back to the living room. And there he was with his back to me, his blonde hair a little disheveled and on his hand was a small package wrapped in checkered tablecloth.
"Good Morning Ma'am." Arnold laid the package in the table in front of Miriam. Man...she really must be out of it considering she hasn't even acknowledged Arnold's presence even if he was right in front of her. "Grandma asked me to bring you some of tea and cookies that she baked. We hope you are doing well."
I furrowed my brow puzzled at what Arnold had said. Well? Since when was Miriam sick?
An odd silence hung over the room as once again Miriam failed to respond. Arnold cleared his throat a little. "Well, I guess I better get going."
Arnold whirled around and I blinked considering he was looking directly at me. "Umm...Hey Arnold." I mutter sounding a little confused.
But he ignored me and I felt a strange pinch in my heart that was quickly replaced by white hot anger at being ignored straight at your face coupled with a strange sort of disorientation.
Without even bothering to look at me again, he quickly strode to the door and opened it. I ran as fast as I could before the door could close on me. "Arnold!"
But when I got out, I saw that Arnold broke into a frantic run, even ramming on some kids without bothering to help them up.
My eyebrows shot up looking at the fallen kids. Now wait a second... That certainly isn't your normal Arnold behavior. Something must definitely be up.
Without thinking, I ran after him hoping to find out what's wrong. As I followed him I feel a strange chill creep up to my spine, for no reason, as if I was approaching an impending doom. I shook the thought away and concentrated on running as fast as I can to keep up with Arnold.
In what seemed like ages, Arnold finally slowed down to a walk and I was able to reach him. "What the hell is wrong with you today, football head?!" I panted in frustration after running something that felt like a mile.
Arnold didn't say a single word but breathed in short gasps. I walked beside him and I was surprised to see tears streaming down his red puffed cheeks. He put his hand on his eyes and for a moment seemed as if he was going to scream in frustration. Instead he gave a small whimper and began to walk for ward.
"Arnold?" Now I was really confused. This certainly is not turning out to be a normal day. What the hell is going on around here?! Here I am with so many questions and yet everyone seems to be ignoring me!
For the second time that day, I felt an odd chill run down my spine and jolted me out of my thoughts. I take a look around me and I found out that Arnold has led me to the cemetery. Then some sort of strange vertigo hit me as fast as lightning and I feel like I was about to throw up on an empty stomach. For a short while, I stood motionless trying to catch my reeling senses.
Then I gulped down the fear that was staring to form itself on my throat and followed Arnold into the cemetery. It was quiet but that was to be expected. The only thing I can hear was the rustling of the dried leaves that carpeted the ground. The silence was so uncomfortable that I thought the wind was directly whispering strange nothings into my ear.
"Arnold?" I asked as I stared at his back while he sobbed in front of a fresh grave.
I wanted to run. I wanted to get the hell away from there as fast as I can! Every single piece of logic told me that if I wanted to keep my sanity I better get away from that place. But I didn't follow, instead I walked forward to read the gravestone Arnold faced.
Helga G. Pataki
And I screamed in silence.
-------0000000------
A/N: So how was that folks? It's been a long time since I wrote a fanfiction for Hey Arnold. I had high hopes for my first fic but somehow I never got around to finish it. So here I am again with a new story that is loosely based on a book I've read a long time ago. I won't tell you now so as not to spoil the next part of the story.
Although this chapter, or rather the prologue is a little long, except that the next chapters will not be as long as this one because I normally can't write beyond 3 pages...hehehe. Anyway I hope to get the second chapter out hopefully within a week's time.
I apologize for the grammatical errors and some lack of context in the story...I never really am that good in writing. But I'll re-edit the chapters once I find enough time to do so.
Until then please read and review.
Hey Arnold does not belong to me, rather it is the masterpiece of Craig Barlet.
It was late afternoon, and the wind was whopping wildly making trees dance like mad while the dark overcast clouds appear to rumble in silent anger. I know its not a good day to take a short stroll where anytime now I can expect a heavy downpour of a strong storm.
But I didn't care. I just wanted to move, let my thoughts drift freely instead of bottling them all inside. These strolls were one of my few luxuries in life and I don't think I will give it up for a damn storm.
As if on cue, lighting flashed from the heavens and hit the tree. I froze at the sight but after a few seconds my mind sank back to its miserable state and I resumed my walk without caring about any further interruptions. After all lightning never strikes the same place twice right?
For some reason I came to stop by a familiar bridge. I rest my elbows on the bridge and look down at my sad face. I hate that face and everything that it represents. My face has not changed that much since my childhood days. I still had a shadow of that damn unibrow that no amount of plucking can completely eradicate. My ears still stuck out like Big Bob's. And I still wear that all too familiar scowl day in day out. Perhaps the only salvation I had was that I was not really plagued with that much acne unlike many of the teens around my age.
I sigh as the first raindrops distort my image until it was completely lost in a haze of color. Without further warning, the clouds opened and huge pellets of rain came rushing from the sky eager to meet the dusty ground. In a few seconds, the rain has drenched me all the way to the pores of my pale skin. But for some odd reason I didn't' really take heed as I was lost in a jumble of thoughts.
Tomorrow, I will graduate middle school. That in its way troubled me. It's not because I had academic problems. It came as a dull surprise when I found that I belonged to the top fifteen students of my batch and I will be receiving second honors. And somehow, I just got irritated when I found out I was going to get the Literary Award for 'outstanding' works.
In my opinion, all those literary works were all crap. There is a saying that people pour their thoughts and emotions on a literary work. In doing so, they free themselves from the chains that trouble them. I wrote ever since I could begin to comprehend my emotions... I wrote and wrote... but I never felt free.
Instead, I felt more trapped than ever.
I wrote about many things. I wrote about my family that thinks I'm invisible or worst a mere shadow of my perfect big sister. I wrote about the pressures of trying to be accepted while trying to keep up with my tough girl façade. But most especially I wrote about Arnold.
A tear rolls down my cheek but I didn't even feel it since the rain hammered so hard on my face. And for that I am grateful, that I couldn't feel the expression of my sadness.
For fourteen years I nourished a flame for a certain person with undying devotion. Something about my devotion both thrilled and frightened me to no end. Ever since I gazed at his emerald eyes through my rain soaked eyelashes back in preschool, I felt my heart beat for the first time. And for some time Arnold kept my heart beating, hoping against all that one day his may beat in tune with mine. Every passing day, my heart weakened yet I still held on to some shred of hope for that day to come.
But that day never came. And I'm beginning to realize that it might never will.
I've been thinking a lot more lately than what can be considered as healthy. Something about the closure of my childhood as signaled by the end of middle school, made me wonder if there are other parts of my life that needed some finality. Perhaps it is wrong for me to say that it is only now that I have entertained such thoughts. Ever since the flame began, I have always wondered if playing with fire was the right thing for me to do.
I understand exactly why I have never been able to let go completely. When it came to Arnold, I have always been torn. Torn between love and hate.
I know a lot of people care about him and some really do love him. They love him for his unnerving optimism that could outshine even the darkest night. They love him for his unyielding devotion to a friend that is in need for help. They love him for his ability to blend in with any crowd without losing your individuality.
But me...I love him for him.
I love the Arnold for the "him" that surpasses any description but can only be understood by raw emotion. I love Arnold...without enough reason to do so other occasionally catching glimpses of his soul as I ran away from him.
Yet I hate Arnold too.
I hate him because of what I have become. In my devotion, I am a slave for this one-sided love. I hate him for the times that I let my mind wander and imagine what I could have been without him. I hate him because of what I am now.
Has it been my choice all along? Have I subconsciously chosen to love and hate someone at the same time? Deep in my heart I could not blame Arnold for anything. I can only blame myself. And so there begins that vicious cycle of love, hate and self-loathing. I wish that cycle could end.
My hate is now focused on the fact that Arnold and I have been drifting away further away from me as the years began to mature. And I am afraid that I might lose him soon.
People I know are changing so fast that I can hardly keep up with them. Everyone seems to be in a rush to enter high school, the threshold of maturity. My mind cuts back to a scene from earlier in the day where we were practicing our pre-graduation rites. Everyone was busy chatting with someone or just plain jumpy.
Rather than joining in the merriment, I watched from a distance as a barrage of people with happy smiles on their faces rushed back and forth. Familiar people that I have watched grow from little brats to hopeful young adults. I've seen all these people change, some for the better some for the worst. But I find it funny that no one knows how much I have been changing these years. Not even you...
Of course there are a few people, who I kept close contact with. I've grown more subdued and reclusive through the years. I really don't speak unless spoken to. I don't bother confiding with anyone anymore and for some reason I feel that is partly to blame on why I have such a miserable state. But running away to be by yourself is better than being left alone and ignored. However I still had those moments where I erupt like a volcano and people run away from me.
And those 'moments' appear to be happening a lot more lately.
All of the people I know had this gleam in their eyes this morning. As if they were about to embark on some wonderful adventure. Logically, I understand why Arnold and the others must feel excited about tomorrow.
Whenever I think about tomorrow, I can't really see myself in that day. I can't seem myself in high school. I can't see myself at the prom. I can't see myself entering a nice college and getting a degree. I can't see myself as a successful career woman with a great family. I can't see myself happy. I can't see beyond today and that has always troubled me.
Tomorrow, I graduate and take one step closer to adulthood. But I'm neither happy nor excited. It comes with a fitting irony that this day is as dark, gloomy and wild as my emotions. Nonetheless a part of me wishes that I too can be happy... Deep down...I want things to be different. I want...
CRACK!!!
My whole body freezes at the sound and from the corner of my eye I see lightning strike a nearby tree and cut it in half. In a fraction of a second another sound pierced through the stormy afternoon.
SCREECH!!!
Every fiber in my body screams that I head for cover as fast as I can. My heart began to beat so fast pumping adrenalin to my veins and my knees began to tense ready to spring into action. Somehow my brain appears to be idle...And I disregarded all the immediate flee signals coming from my other senses except one.
All of a sudden a harsh bright light that offered warm solace seemed to wash over me. And the only thing I can think of is going into the warm inviting light that seems to promise to take me away from everything else that can hurt me in this world.
That was all I can think of before the light was snatched away from me and I was thrust into darkness.
-------0000000------
"Owww..." I groan and roll over to bury my face deep in the pillow. There was too much morning light streaming from the window that my head began to hurt rather than feel refreshed due to long sleep. After what seemed to be eternity, the dull ache in my head subsided and I steeled myself to open my eyes once again.
My vision appeared to fluctuate for a moment, but then slowly it cleared and much to my surprise the light was not that harsh as it seemed. I push myself up in the bed to catch a glimpse of the outside world. It seemed like a perfect day. The sun was up and about, the air was not dry but refreshingly moist and the world seems to be at ease.
It was perfect until I remembered what day it is.
With a frown, I check the clock beside my bed and it said 9:30 AM. Damn, that doesn't give me enough time to lounge around and relax before the stupid graduation rites at 11 AM. Well at least, I will have enough time to go grab something to munch on and to freshen up before I set off for school.
I look down and I realize that I was still wearing my day clothes and I didn't bother to change into anything else before I slept. Then my stomach grumbled and I feel oddly disconcerted on how hungry I feel.
"Must have been last night..." I plodded barefoot across the room. The door to my room was left wide open and I wonder who the hell tried to invade my privacy this morning. But then my stomach grumbled again and I just walked through the open door.
The house appears to be normal...that is it was quiet as if nobody lived there. Of course by this time Big Bob would probably have left for work. Even if he was a pathetic excuse for a father, the man certainly was prompt in trying to make his "cellular" empire a reality. Yep, cellular empire... Big Bob traded the beeper for a mobile phone in hopes of keeping up with the latest trend in telecommunications.
Miriam, on the other hand, was stuck at home drowning herself in another one of those damn smoothies while watching endless soap operas that the TV networks show in order to mind control the numerous mindless masses.
When I got down the stairs, I confirmed that the typical Miriam scenario was taking place. There she was slouched on the couch watching TV with a glass of smoothie she held lopsidedly. That was normal for Miriam, I took a slight pause when I realize that there were tears were streaming down her cheek. Nah...probably another one of those boring telenovelas they show all day all night on TV.
"You better stop watching those soaps, Miriam." I scoffed as I headed for the kitchen. "It's bad for your health."
When I got to the kitchen, as usual there was no food set on the table. I sighed and reached for the kitchen cabinet to get the cereal when the doorbell rang. I pause for a moment, wondering who on earth could be the visitor...and I shudder to think that it might be my big sister Olga. But then considering I couldn't hear any excited teetering form the outside, I doubt that it was hear.
"It's probably the mailman." I grit my teeth when the doorbell rang again. "Miriam!" I yelled as loud as I can hoping that she can get out of her drunken stupor. "Aren't you going to get the door?"
Still no response.
"Why must I do everything around here?!" I stomped my way towards the living room before I heard a click and the door opened. I tensed myself reading ol Betsy for whoever might be entering uninvited.
"Hello?" A familiar voice drifted through the house and I felt my heart stop.
"Arnold?!" I hear myself shriek before I clamped my hand in my mouth. Stupid! Stupid! Why did I do something stupid as calling his name out!?
Thankfully he didn't seem to hear me. I quickly hide myself from him while trying to see as much of him at the same time.
"Hello?" Arnold entered our living room and a part of me wanted to yell at Miriam to get herself up and about.
Again, no response from Miriam.
I steeled myself mentally and stomped back to the living room. And there he was with his back to me, his blonde hair a little disheveled and on his hand was a small package wrapped in checkered tablecloth.
"Good Morning Ma'am." Arnold laid the package in the table in front of Miriam. Man...she really must be out of it considering she hasn't even acknowledged Arnold's presence even if he was right in front of her. "Grandma asked me to bring you some of tea and cookies that she baked. We hope you are doing well."
I furrowed my brow puzzled at what Arnold had said. Well? Since when was Miriam sick?
An odd silence hung over the room as once again Miriam failed to respond. Arnold cleared his throat a little. "Well, I guess I better get going."
Arnold whirled around and I blinked considering he was looking directly at me. "Umm...Hey Arnold." I mutter sounding a little confused.
But he ignored me and I felt a strange pinch in my heart that was quickly replaced by white hot anger at being ignored straight at your face coupled with a strange sort of disorientation.
Without even bothering to look at me again, he quickly strode to the door and opened it. I ran as fast as I could before the door could close on me. "Arnold!"
But when I got out, I saw that Arnold broke into a frantic run, even ramming on some kids without bothering to help them up.
My eyebrows shot up looking at the fallen kids. Now wait a second... That certainly isn't your normal Arnold behavior. Something must definitely be up.
Without thinking, I ran after him hoping to find out what's wrong. As I followed him I feel a strange chill creep up to my spine, for no reason, as if I was approaching an impending doom. I shook the thought away and concentrated on running as fast as I can to keep up with Arnold.
In what seemed like ages, Arnold finally slowed down to a walk and I was able to reach him. "What the hell is wrong with you today, football head?!" I panted in frustration after running something that felt like a mile.
Arnold didn't say a single word but breathed in short gasps. I walked beside him and I was surprised to see tears streaming down his red puffed cheeks. He put his hand on his eyes and for a moment seemed as if he was going to scream in frustration. Instead he gave a small whimper and began to walk for ward.
"Arnold?" Now I was really confused. This certainly is not turning out to be a normal day. What the hell is going on around here?! Here I am with so many questions and yet everyone seems to be ignoring me!
For the second time that day, I felt an odd chill run down my spine and jolted me out of my thoughts. I take a look around me and I found out that Arnold has led me to the cemetery. Then some sort of strange vertigo hit me as fast as lightning and I feel like I was about to throw up on an empty stomach. For a short while, I stood motionless trying to catch my reeling senses.
Then I gulped down the fear that was staring to form itself on my throat and followed Arnold into the cemetery. It was quiet but that was to be expected. The only thing I can hear was the rustling of the dried leaves that carpeted the ground. The silence was so uncomfortable that I thought the wind was directly whispering strange nothings into my ear.
"Arnold?" I asked as I stared at his back while he sobbed in front of a fresh grave.
I wanted to run. I wanted to get the hell away from there as fast as I can! Every single piece of logic told me that if I wanted to keep my sanity I better get away from that place. But I didn't follow, instead I walked forward to read the gravestone Arnold faced.
Helga G. Pataki
And I screamed in silence.
-------0000000------
A/N: So how was that folks? It's been a long time since I wrote a fanfiction for Hey Arnold. I had high hopes for my first fic but somehow I never got around to finish it. So here I am again with a new story that is loosely based on a book I've read a long time ago. I won't tell you now so as not to spoil the next part of the story.
Although this chapter, or rather the prologue is a little long, except that the next chapters will not be as long as this one because I normally can't write beyond 3 pages...hehehe. Anyway I hope to get the second chapter out hopefully within a week's time.
I apologize for the grammatical errors and some lack of context in the story...I never really am that good in writing. But I'll re-edit the chapters once I find enough time to do so.
Until then please read and review.
Hey Arnold does not belong to me, rather it is the masterpiece of Craig Barlet.
