Hello, okay I'm updating fast. Isn't it great? Does everyone remember the whole dream sequence Between Helga and Arnold? Alright, well, I think it should be coming into play although it may not be directly. I don't know. I could be wrong because I might change again what I have planned. Okay this chapter is going to be a tad bit short, but it gets more into Brainy's opinions. I don't want you to think he is this horrible person or anything like that. Well thanks for stopping by and when you're done reading don't forget to review.
Disclaimer: I'm getting tired of saying this, but I don't own Hey Arnold!. You already know who does.
Thanks to those who reviewed this chapter:
RuffMaster- Glad you understood. The word "false" really plays into Helga's state of mind and her feelings towards Arnold. Don't worry in the next few chapters it will either get really confusing or it'll explain everything. I haven't checked your story yet, but I will.
Ms. Frosty- The word sweet never came to mind when I was writing that chapter, but I see how it could. I happy to see your perspective of my writing. :) Lila is really starting to get in the way, but it doesn't look like she'll be leaving the picture anytime soon. It's great that you could see Helga's emotions through all the trauma of the situation. I will definitely keep the story up until it is finished although I have no idea when that will be.
Queen Artemis- I feel so bad, I must make you cry at all of my chapters. :) But again I suppose it's good that it affects you in that way. I'm glad that you thought it was well written. I was a tad bit concerned when I read over it if there was overwhelming details or not. I read the last chapter of your story and I must say it was fantastic. Good job!
Estel fuga- You made me cry as I read your review. It was so sweet. I'm so happy that my writing makes you smile. That's some of the reason why I do it. I love bringing joy to others. I think we are all truly fortunate to be able to share are experiences with others through words. Love from anything and from anyone (not necessarily a lover) can carry you easily through life. I wish I could be in St.Jordi to see all those all that happening. I think it's funny about what you said in the end. I am probably going to start soon too. But, yeah, moving on Love is truly a magical thing that should never be taken for granted.
Chapter 10: Unexpected
Near the back of the classroom Brainy sat hushed. Engulfing his narrow head his arms only comforted him slightly. In the front, Helga's desk waited for its occupant, but with no such fortune.
Class had just begun and already Brainy begged for it to end. He could not sit there only to heed his teacher's endless list of algebra terms. All he could take diligence to was Helga and her empty seat. He knew he was the reason for her abrupt absence. He was the reason for the destruction of her overcast soul to begin with.
"Miss Pataki, Helga Pataki, Helga," Ms. Lockhill's voice resounded through Brainy's ears as the ancient woman called for attendance, "Has anyone seen Miss Pataki?"
At the query every student's eyes cast their apprehending vision towards Brainy.
"I saw her this morning," a tall girl named Sheena stated as she stood to sharpen her pencil. Some other classmates nodded their heads in agreement.
"She was in the bathroom earlier," Rhonda answered filing her pink polished nails.
"This mornin' her an' Brainy were in this here classroom over yonder," Stinky said pointing his lengthy finger to the back. Again, everyone watched Brainy intently.
"Thank you Stinky. Brainy do you know where Helga is?" Ms. Lockhill inquired, impatience lining her voice.
"Un-uh," Brainy wheezed shaking his head. After running from him this morning he had no idea as to where Helga could be.
"Well, okay, I suppose I'll just mark her absent then," Ms. Lockhill improvised, checking her roll sheet with a red pen sitting next to her.
Guilt treaded Brainy's psyche, generating heaviness in his upper half. Easing his head gently, he laid it upon his good arm. His other still pulsed with agonizing pain where Helga had punched him. Confusing contemplations overwhelmed his thoughts. Nothing but love occluded his heart for Helga. But how could he love her when he had come so near to hurting her? When he saw the infamous locket plummet from her hand raging emotions had sated him. I…was just…so… (cough)…scared. His sudden actions against Helga felt as uncontrollable as a drunken man spinning in a wide circle. Fear of never holding her in his arms clouded his head causing him to close eyes attempting to shut out the depressing thought from surfacing again. Then, anger surmounted him. He would not allow that to happen. I…won't…let Arnold…take …(wheeze)… her away. If…I… can't have…her,…no one…will.
"Brainy, sit up please or leave the classroom," Ms. Lockhill announced as she wrote an equation on the chalkboard. Snickers came from some as Brainy monochromatically straightened into his seat. He could not care less because in his mind he was strategizing a scheme of how to earn back Helga's sacred heart.
~*~*
Fleeing down the hallway Arnold trailed after Lila. Horrible feelings submerged his body for abandoning Helga, but he had no other choice. Lila was his girlfriend and he could not deny her. That meant when he mistreated her he had to console her dejected emotions. But who he honestly desired to console was Helga.
Even with that realization his weary legs still continued to pursue Lila. They wouldn't slow until he reached her. If the brunette had arrived moments later Arnold wouldn't have had to chase her. I wouldn't be having this problem right now. He concluded fate had embodied a role as the humorist in this savage turn of events towards his frazzled life.
"Lila!" Speed gorged Arnold's veins as he came into stride with Lila's abbreviated paces. Adhering to her walk she disregarded his plea.
Seizing her left hand Arnold coerced her to stop. Two honey eyes fluttered to peer at him. They held no anger, but remorse. No explanation he could tell her would constitute her understanding as to why Arnold had fondled Helga. She foresaw no optimistic resolutions to this crisis; all she could envision was a dismal ending.
"I am not in an ever so good mood to talk to you right now," she stated thrashing her hand away from him. Though Lila was free from his grasp her walk did not resume.
"Please don't be mad. You weren't supposed to see that," Arnold replied, wincing slightly at his arrant selection in words.
"Do you mean if I hadn't ever so interrupted you and her then you would have never told me?" Folding her arms she pointed an accusing glare at him.
Arnold contemplated the question, but discerned he could develop no plausible defense. "I don't know, Lila."
"Did you even think of how this would ever so affect me?"
"No and I'm sorry." Words were now seeking access inside his paralyzed mind, "I didn't want to hurt you. You have to believe me."
"I wish I could, Arnold. I ever so wish I could," Lila spoke spinning on her heel away from him, "You'll have to come up with an ever so better answer than that."
"Like what?"
"Like why were you holding on to Helga?!" Silence answered her. She knew the correct answer, but she still wracked her thoughts for another possible solution.
"Because-." Arnold couldn't tell her the truth, "I need to go to class."
"Are you not telling me because you ever so like her the way I like you?" In Lila's voice an apprehending softness gradually presented as she took a step towards Arnold. The question came abruptly, but she felt no hidden pain from it. In the back of her mind the query had always been there and now it surfaced through her lips.
Staring into Lila's eyes Arnold could distinguish the calm brunette wanted to know the genuine truth. Lies weren't benefiting him anymore because instead of hurting her they now in return marred him.
"Tell me, Arnold," Lila commanded her impatience propagating, "I need to know. If I'm ever so right I will not be upset. I promise." Only containing Arnold, her vision narrowed him into a corner for his answer.
In his throat Arnold felt his voice traveling upwards into his mouth. Lila was being lenient with him creating an easygoing atmosphere for his explanation. Arriving at its destination, his voice pushed consistently at his lifeless tongue.
"I do, I mean, yeah, I like her a lot. I like her so much I think I love her." Arnold had not wanted to divulge so much, but the words slipped through his lips so easily he could not hinder them. He savored an ever lasting relief that swept through his body. It feels so good to have someone else know. He did not extricate how much longer he would have been able to keep the truth from radiating to someone else.
"I wasn't ever so expecting that," Lila said remaining still. Mirthless feelings crept into her legs causing them to sway slightly. "I need to sit for a moment." Arnold hurried to her side aiding her as she slowly descended to the floor.
"Are you okay? Do you want me to get the nurse?" Anxiety spread into Arnold's limbs as he looked upon the fragile girl sitting with her legs bended, crowding her chest.
"No, that won't be needed. I'm ever so alright, I think," Lila informed him. Anger did not take place in her heart. She kept reminding herself that she already expected this, but it proved difficult to hear the truth aloud.
"I'm so sorry Lila. I shouldn't have told you."
"Yes you should have. I'm ever so happy you did." Her gaze drifted upwards to see his startled expression.
"But why Lila? I thought you'd be so angry with me," Arnold conversed, as he lowered himself to sit beside her.
"Because I didn't want to be lied to. We wouldn't have been able to stay together very long with you not telling me," Lila replied, closing her fingers into his.
"Thanks for understanding, Lila. You're the greatest." Gently he kissed her cheek and rose to a level of standing, "Does this mean you don't like me like me anymore?"
"I suppose it does," she answered moving her lips into a fixed smile. Obvious sorrow overwhelmed her body, but she chose to screen it. It wouldn't achieve any good to confide in him. No matter what she could say, he would never return her feelings.
"We're still friends, right?" Arnold's brow rose, desiring to hear her agree.
"Of course, silly," Lila answered, "Oh and tell Helga I'm sorry if I ever so hurt her."
"Sure Lila," Arnold grinned, but secretly he worried if Helga would even speak to him now that he had Lila's permission, "I'll see you later."
"Okay, bye and good luck," Lila whispered the last part to herself as she watched intently as Arnold ran away from her and after another girl she barely knew.
A/N: Lila isn't that bad. I really did not want to make her mean. Deep down, I think she is just annoying. The dream will probably become evident in the next chapter or later ones. I'm not even sure even if it should be that symbolic though. Well thanks for reading and I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. I had fun writing it. Please don't forget to review and leave me suggestions.