Chapter 5: A Night to Remember

"Alright people, let's party!"

People were everywhere. Music playing on the loudspeaker. There was even a stage where a band was playing. There were food and drink stalls anywhere you turn and lots of lanterns to give enough glows to make a romantic ambience along the beach. Many couples were walking along the shore holding each other's hands. A big bon fire blazing in the middle. There were people dancing around it, as if dancing some sort of ethnic dance. Some were taking a nice swim in the water. This party sure is a blast. Everyone seems having fun…but not Arnold.

When Helga turned him down yesterday, he doesn't feel like coming. His grandpa just forced him to. Whatever he does, he just can't bear the sadness and pain he's feeling inside. The party before him doesn't seem to cheer him up. He's been thinking of Helga since last night. How he would lovespend this evening with her. But no, she will be spending it with someone else. He knew he would see them here having a great time together. And he could feel the jealousy coming his way again. It's been two days since he realized that he's in love with Helga. He reallywanna tell her how he really feels, how much he loves her. But he can't. He's just too scared to get hurt once again.

He has seen Helga and Matt several times tonight. He could see them having fun. Dancing and talking and laughing, and at times even flirting. He knows that if Helga's happy, he should be happy for her as well. But it's killing him seeing them together.

When the music turns mellow and the band started to sing a romantic song, the mood got sweetens. Many couples, including Phil and Pookie, Oscar and Susie, Bob and Miriam, and even Ernie and Mr. Hyun with their dates, made their way in front of the stage to took advantage of the moment, dancing gracefully with their love one. There were even few who were kissing. Helga and Matt do the same thing too (they were only dancing, forget about the kiss) and, as expected, it crushes Arnold's heart. How he wishes to be in that position. He had really wanted to approach Helga and asked her to dance, but it would be totally rude if he will do that in front of her date. And since it was obvious that she's enjoying herself a lot. He doesn't want to spoil her moment. He's not that type of person.

"How come you're not dancing short man? You're just standing there the whole time." Grandpa and grandma approached him while dancing.

"I'm not in the mood, grandpa. And besides, I have no one to dance with."

"Well, there are lots of lonely and single girls out there. Hoping that someone will dance with them. Why don't ya try to ask one?" He pointed out some of the girls who were standing, and some were sitting on the side. Watching the couples and were obviously looking envy.

"Thanks grandpa, but I'm ok. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." He smiled at his grandparents. Then the music turns into a different tune…dirty dancing, and grandpa and grandma dance along with it. "Oh Pookie, you sure know how to have fun."

He turned his eyes again to Matt and Helga and they were still dancing. But this time, the sight is unbearable. He really can't stand the jealousy crawling all over his body so he stomped away. If he will stay there for another second, he's sure he would die.

When Helga and Matt finally had enough with each other, they went back to their sits. They were trying to have some rest from the series of dancing they had, especially that last one. He then grabbed Helga's hand and dragged her gently out of the party.

"C'mon, I know a better place to relax."

"Really? Where?" asked Helga. She doesn't even try to struggle. She just let him.

"Just wait and see."

Matt brought her to the other side of the beach, far enough from the site of the party. She could hardly hear the sound of the music and the noise of the people. The place sure is beautiful and cozy. The night sky's full of stars shining with the vivid full moon and there reflections could be seen in the water. There were huge rocks half-buried in the sand everywhere. They sat behind one of the biggest rock, facing the water.

"You're right, this sure is a much better place." Said Helga as she rested her head on the rock.

"See, I'm glad you like it. This is where I usually go to relax whenever I'm in this beach."

"You sure know this place well."

He smiled at her and reached for her hands. "I wanna tell you somethin'."

"Is that why you brought me here?"

He nodded. He looked straight into her eyes. "I love you Helga." He finally said then lowered his head to kiss her but she avoided it.

"Matt, you know how special you are to me but I can't accept you're love."

"Why not?"

"Because my heart has already been occupied. And I don't think he could ever be replaced." She finally admits.

"Is it him, Arnold?"

"Uhm, he already stole it the first time I met him."

Meanwhile, without them knowing it, Arnold was watching them and he could clearly hear everything. He was there even before they arrived. That's where he went to release all his pain when he saw Matt and Helga dirty dancing. When he noticed them coming by, he immediately hid himself behind another huge rock.

Upon hearing those words, Arnold was stunned. He could not believe what he just heard. Helga just said that she loves him. Well, she didn't actually mentioned "love", but that's what it means anyway. He could feel his heart jumping in enjoyment.

"I'm sorry Matt." She lowered her head.

"No, don't be. You've done nothing wrong." He took her chin up to see her face. "I'm still glad I met you. He sure is lucky to have someone like you to love him."

"He doesn't know."

"Then why don't you tell him?"

"Cause I don't want to, ok!"

"Why exactly?" Arnold was listening so hard. He also wants to find out. 'Yeah Helga, I also wanna know why."

"I don't think he feels the same way."

"But why?"

"Because I never show him my true feelings. And I don't want him to know either. That's why I'm always acting mean around him so that he would never find out."

"But why does youneed to hide you're true feelings?"

"Because I'm scared."

"Scared of what?"

"Scared that he might not love me back. I'm scared that I might not able to stand the pain of rejection. I told you he already likes someone else. And being his friend is good enough for me and I can't afford to lose that." She turned her gaze across the sea then back at him. "You know how much it hurts me to be mean to him? It's as painful as when I see him looking at Lila with his eyes full of affection. It's like tearing my heart apart. But I have no choice." She's near into tears.

Arnold's heart was also breaking. He never realized that Helga's also suffering because of him.

"So, you will stick to that?" he asked. She just nodded.

"You know what, if you really love him, you should tell him."

"Didn't you hear me? I said I'm afraid!" she almost yelled.

"But there's nothing harm in trying. All you have to do is to set your fears aside. You can never hide from him the truth forever. And you'll never know, he might feel the same way too."

"Now that's stupid."

"You won't find out unless you try." He paused. "And if you really believe that you two are meant for each other, you better not stop believing. You must do something about it."

This hits Helga. He's right, she can never hide the truth forever. But she don't think she have the guts to tell him. She needs to think it over.

"I have to go. You need time to think, and the best place to be is here." He rose to his feet and looked at her.

She smiled at him, so glad to have someone like him. "Thanks."

Arnold was still in deep amazement. This sure is one hell of a night. And from what he heard, he now decided to admit his love to Helga. This is do or die. When Matt was finally out of sight, he revealed himself to her. He tapped her on the shoulder and that really scared Helga the great deal. She screamed and jumped several feet away from him.

"Helga it's me, Arnold."

"Arnold? W-what are you doin' here? H-how long have you been standing there?"

"Actually, I was here before you even got here and I heard it all."

"You…you do?"

"Yes." He was coming closer and closer to her. When he's near enough to reach her, he grabbed her hand and drew her closer to him. Their bodies collided. He put his arms around her waist. Her hands were on his chest. The moonlight was enough for them to see each other's face. He was looking into her sparkling eyes. And then he leaned forward. His lips met hers. A kiss. It was gentle, enough for her to feel his affection.

"I love you Helga." He finally said. They were still in each other's arms. Her gaze softened. She was shocked with his sudden actions but now that he finally say the words she's been dying to hear, it's time for her to confess as well.

"I love you too Arnold."

He smiled and kissed her again, but this time, more passionately and longer. They released to grab some air and then looked at each other deeply.

"No more secrets, ok?"

"No more secrets." She promised. They hugged, feeling each other's warmth for they knew that this moment would last for lifetime. A night to remember. And of course, the best summer ever.

Helga stared to where Matt disappeared and smiled.

'Thanks Matt, or should I say, Cupid.'

THE END

Finally, my first fanfiction's already done. So, what do you think? Was it bad or good? Pls. tell me, I really wanna know what's wrong with my writing and how can I improve it. I would love to hear lots of advice from you guys. Tnx alot!