Hi everyone, I'm back and I have to say I'm beginning to feel more comfortable with my writing. Yay! I'm not incredibly crazy with this chapter, but I felt the story would be missing something without it. In this chapter I came up with the brilliant idea to make the character's thoughts in italic. It took me a little while to think of that. Oh well, better late than never. And also this chapter is officially chapter 2. PLEASE READ & REVIEW, a big thank you goes out to all those who have reviewed.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hey Arnold! All those privileges belong to Craig Bartlett.
ahhelga- thank you for the wonderful review
tohardtopick- at first I thought your screen name was toothpick, but now I know better. I like it anyway. I wasn't really trying to go for depressing in this fic but I guess it did sound that way. I'm really trying to get into the character's minds.
Professor Rose Thorn- Woohoo! My first long review! Thank you so much for showing belief in my writing. I truly appreciate it. I'm definitely going to use your advice, my new outlook on writing.
Helga243- I'm glad you liked it. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much.
Gypsy Alexa- Me too, sigh, me too. But Helga is tough like that.
CrazyLake42- Well let's hope this story isn't left unfinished. Review again! Thanks!
helgoth11- Thank you that was sooo nice!
Felidae - cool name, I hope that idea isn't played out. I don't think I've read anyone else's story with this topic. I really try to make my writing not confusing to the reader. I hope I can continue to do this.
Miah The Storm Wolf- I hope its long enough now, sorry for the shortness before. Thanks for tell me the meaning of my name. Hmmmmmmmm… Helper of men, interesting……..
sabrinatheanimatedseriesfan- My very first reviewer! Thanks for checking my story out.
Chapter 2: Not Close Enough
"C'mon man, time to wake up," urgency filled Gerald's voice, "We're gonna miss the bus." Furiously, he shook his friend out of his deep sleep. Man, he must be having some awesome dreams. Arnold lifted his head sluggishly to meet the begging eyes of his best friend. Not now, I was having the greatest dream about Helga… Gerald shook Arnold again, but this time with more force.
"Let me go back to sleep," Arnold pleaded. Slowly, he set his head back into the cozy groove of his arms.
"No way, I am not going to walk home because you don't want to get your lazy butt up. Now get up, we're going to miss the bus!" Gerald shoved Arnold out of his chair causing him to land with a thud on to the linoleum floor. Annoyance quickly piled itself into Arnold's green eyes as he penetrated Gerald with an accusing stare.
"You'll thank me later. Oh, and wipe that drool off your face," Gerald laughed offering a hand to help Arnold up. Ignoring Gerald's proposal of truce Arnold used the help of a desk nearby to raise him to a standing position.
"I seriously doubt that. How long have I been asleep?" Arnold asked using his sleeve to wipe the dried saliva off his face. Gerald began walking hurriedly out of the classroom trying to raise his chances of catching the bus, Arnold trailed behind him.
"Long enough," Gerald answered not bothering to turn around.
"How long, for real Gerald?"
"Most of the day, I guess."
"What!? Did I miss anything? How come no one woke me up?" Arnold cried, raising his speed to a jog, not wanting to fall far behind. Soon, he matched Gerald's paces with his own quick strides.
"Can we talk about this later?" Gerald requested, but seeing Arnold's face form into a mixture of displeasure Gerald realized Arnold would not accept this agreement. Gerald sighed giving in reluctantly, "Mr. Simmons's was goin' to wake you, but then he decided not to. I think he thought you needed the sleep and he told the class not to mess with you or he'd make us eat tofu for lunch. You didn't miss much. All we did was go to the park to look at bugs. Man, you should have seen Nadine. I've never seen a girl who knew so much about insects. Ugh!"
"Aw… I wished someone would of woke me up."
"We need to hurry," Gerald said wanting to end this conversation topic.
Hearing the bus's engine begin to roar Gerald and Arnold began running the rest of the way outside. Between breaths Gerald told Arnold, "If I miss that bus its all gonna be your fault!"
"Thanks Gerald," Arnold responded without processing what Gerald had told him. Long ago, he learned that Gerald didn't mean half the things he said.
The school bus began pulling out of the parking lot leaving two tired occupants behind.
"Hold up! Hold it! Wait a minute!" screamed Gerald trying to capture the attention of the bus driver. Picking up small rocks, he began throwing them at the blue bus. Embarrassment showed itself in Arnold's cheeks. Never did he believe Gerald would become so desperate. Across the street people watched the scene with incredulous amazement. Oh well, I really don't feel like walking either. Guess you got to do what you got to do. Picking up a large rock, Arnold tossed it towards the bus.
Crack!
Immediately, the bus came to a stop. Aw… shoot! Arnold thought.
"Very smooth," grinned Gerald, "all I wanted was to get the driver's attention, not break a window."
"Shut up Gerald! I didn't mean-"
"Sure you didn't."
Beep! Beep! Beep! The bus slowly reversed coming to a deafening halt near Arnold. Gerald sauntered to the door, Arnold followed behind him not letting his eyes look up. Gradually, the doors opened revealing an overweight man behind the wheel showing a disgruntled look on his round face.
"Get in," the driver said calmly hiding the anger in his deep-set eyes.
"Thank you, sir for, er, coming back," Gerald replied. Irritation filled the driver's pudgy face telling Gerald this wasn't the right time to start making a peace agreement. Maybe I should find a seat now. Gerald found no empty seats, but he did see Pheobe Hyerdahl sitting alone in the back. Alright, time for the Love Master to make his move. He quickly made himself comfortable next to Pheobe's small frame.
Arnold still waited outside the bus, afraid to step in.
"C'mon kid, you wanted on so bad, so get on," demanded the bus driver. Cautiously, Arnold moved forward ignoring the driver's angry glare. Scanning the area Arnold observed that in every seat there was at least two people. Where am I supposed to sit? His eyes turned to downward. On the floor, I guess.
"Find somewhere to sit or walk home. I don't have all day," grumbled the driver. Some of the kids had started to whisper amongst themselves and snickering followed the insistent whispers. Probably laughing at me, Arnold thought. He saw Gerald who started mouthing words to Arnold he couldn't understand. Looking past Gerald he saw Helga sitting by herself, gazing out the window. Thank you, thank you, but I don't know whether I should be happy or scared, Arnold wondered.
From watching squirrels gather food Helga looked up to see Arnold moving towards her direction. Is he going to sit with me? Oh, what a thought, what a wonderful thought. Gasp! He is, of course he is, this is the only place left to sit.
"Can I sit here?" Arnold asked. Let her say yes, please say yes. To Helga, Arnold's voice held a hint of nervousness.
"It's a free country; just don't get too close,'' Helga answered returning her attention to the squirrels. Get close, oh please come close, Helga thought pleadingly.
"Thanks, I guess. I'll try not to get in your breathing room." Helga moved her books making room and Arnold sat on the edge of the seat.
"That's right hairboy, you better stay over there." Look what I've done to him. He's scared of me. These thoughts frustrated her, what can I do to show him I care?
"So, how was your day?" Helga attempted. She noticed Arnold had raised an eyebrow and was looking at her incredulously. Wait, no, that sounded too corny. She added promptly, "Oh yeah, that's right, I forgot, you didn't do anything today because you were sleeping like a little baby!" She faked a laugh trying to sound amused with her joke.
From behind them Harold Berman, the class bully, overheard and shouted to everyone on the bus, "Ha! Ha! Helga called Arnold a little baby!" Laughter overcame all of the student's faces except Helga's. She had already finished teasing Arnold and resumed watching the squirrels.
How can she be so mean? I didn't even do anything to her! Raging emotions sated Arnold.
Helga stole a glance at her beloved, but turned back to the window when Arnold returned her glance with a watchful eye. He noticed her looking at him and for a second Arnold caught a glimpse of sorrowful, regret in her dark, blue eyes.
A/N: OK this was chapter 2. Give me your thoughts. Tell me what you like and what you don't like. I'm trying to become a more efficient writer, so give me your criticism and opinions. Thanks for reading.