Title: Helga's Most Brilliant, Ingenious, Stupendous, Plan EVER!
Author: TheyCallMeHelga
Genre: This story has everything! It's got romance! It will make you laugh, make you cry. There's adventure and drama! Even a little mystery…. Maybe even MORE than a little…This story is so super duper genius it will make your head spin!
Summary: Helga comes up with an ingenious plan to get Arnold to fall in love with her. What is it and how will it all work out?
Disclaimer: Characters aren't mine, but the story is!
Thanks everyone for reviewing! Thank you especially to The J.A.M aka Numbuh ii for searching for San Lorenzo. I didn't realise that Ecuador was South not Central. I'm sorry, however, cause I'm being lazy and not changing it to a Central American country and just leaving it as Ecuador. :P I hope that doesn't bother anyone…
So here's the next chapter!
Chapter Five: (I don't have a title for this chapter so I'm holding a competition as to who can come up with the best title. The winner will get to…well, tile the 5th chapter! I haven't thought of anything else yet…hehe, I will think of something eventually!)
She grinned to herself, mischievously. Yes, she knew a way to get Arnold what he wanted!
Helga rushed home that afternoon without bothering to answer Arnold's pleas to "Wait up!". Running through the doorway she entered Bob's study without knocking. He didn't notice. He was sitting at his desk typing on his computer.
"Dad?" She asked.
He continued to type.
"Dad."
He still didn't notice her. She frowned and rolled her eyes.
"Dad!"
"What?" He finally looked up from the computer screen and noticed her standing next to him. "What is it Olga?"
"It's Helga, dad." She gave him a bored expression. She'd been through this with him a million times.
"Yeah. Right, kiddo," He said, disinterested, turning back to his computer. "What do you want, I'm kinda busy here."
"Nothing much. I just need some money, that's all."
"Money? Yeah sure. How much do you need?"
"Um…" she began, with apprehension. "Enough for some plane tickets to Ecuador."
"Ecuador! What the-?" Her answer definitely got his full attention. Whenever it came to money Bob was all ears. "You're going to Ecuador? What for?"
"Um…well, it's… I, that is to say…" She twiddled her thumbs nervously. "I have to go there with Arnold to find his parents. They've been missing for almost nine years now and-" She added, speaking very quickly, however Bob cut her off.
"Wait a minute!" He said, giving her an adamant stare. "You mean to tell me that you and that football-headed kid are going to Ecuador? ALONE?"
"Um…" Her brow creased fretfully.
"Sorry, girl. That ain't going to happen." He said, shaking his head. Helga looked down at her sneakers and felt her whole world crash around her. That was it. There was nothing else she could do. She would just have to say goodbye to Arnold's love forever… "I'll have to come with you."
What? Did she hear correctly? Did Bob just say that SHE was going to Ecuador? She looked back up into her father's eyes.
"Oh, Dad! Do you mean it?" She asked with a silly grin on her face, beaming.
"Of course I mean it." He smiled. "Heck, I need a vacation!"
Helga threw herself at her father. "Oh! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She squeezed him tightly.
"Aw, shucks kid." He said once she finally let go of him, enabling him to breathe again. "Now you run along, I'll book us some tickets. Ecuador, here we come!"
Helga went into her bedroom and snuck into her cupboard, pushing her way through her dresses and jumpers to her "Arnold Shrine". She gazed up at it with adoration and exhilaration in her eyes.
"Oh Arnold, my love! I am finally able to give you your heart's desire! And hopefully you will see past my belligerent façade and see what a kind and generous person I truly am. We will be together in Ecuador and if I am brave enough I will open my heart to you. Oh, my dear Arnold, give me courage!"
……
Helga practically skipped all the way to Arnold's house, she was so happy. She rang the doorbell and was greeted by more stampeding animals plus Arnold's grandfather.
"Hello there, you must be Arnold's friend," Phil greeted. "Here come inside."
He led her through the house into the kitchen and motioned for her to take a seat. As she did so Phil moved to the bottom of the stair case.
"Hey, Arnold!" He shouted up the stairwell. "Your friend is here! The one with the blonde hair and one eyebrow!"
Helga shot him an infuriated look which he didn't notice. Phil turned back into the kitchen, humming to himself, as he inspected the refrigerator for something to eat. Arnold came trotting down the stairs a moment later and entered the room.
"Helga," He started when he saw her. "I've been meaning to talk to you-"
"Save it Arnold," She cut in. Whatever he was going to say, she didn't want to hear it. What she had to say was far more important "Listen, I have great news! We're going to Ecuador!"
"Hang on, we're WHAT!" His jaw hung open in astonishment.
"Arnold, you're going to Ecuador?" Phil asked with amusement, looking up from the fridge. "How come you never told us?"
Arnold looked bewildered
"Grandpa, I-" He was so stunned he didn't even know what to say.
"Well, Bob's buying us tickets so you better get packin'," Helga interrupted. "I think we leave on Wednesday."
"Wednesday?" Arnold looked back at Helga, his bewildered expression still crisp on his face. "But today's Monday! That's in two days!" Suddenly he stopped as a realisation occurred to him. "Wait, what about my grandparents? I can't leave them."
What? Helga didn't know what to think. Didn't Arnold want to go to his parents? And now he was being all noble and thinking about how his grandparents would feel. Does he EVER think about himself? Does he EVER do anything without thinking how it would affect other people first?
"But Arnold, we'll be finding your parents," she said, finally. "Isn't that what you want?"
"I know but," Arnold looked over to Phil, who was cutting up tomatoes by the sink and was pretending that he wasn't listening to a word of their conversation. "My grandparents have always been there for me my whole life. I can't just turn my back on them."
Helga nodded in understanding.
"Well, I'm sure I can get Bob to buy extra tickets," she looked at him hopefully.
"Aw, don't bother with two extra tickets, "said Phil, looking up from his tomatoes. "One will do. Pookie has to stay and mind the boarding house, collect the rent and all that. I'll come and keep an eye on Arnold."
"All right then," she nodded. "I'd better go and tell Bob." Helga stood up and began to head for the door. However, she felt a hand grab her arm gently and spun her around.
"Helga, wait!" Arnold had a desperate look in his eyes. "I need to ask you someth-"
"I'll see you tomorrow, football-head," she interrupted. "Bye Phil." She freed herself from his grasp and left the house. She couldn't face him just yet. No, it had to wait a little longer.
…..
Helga slept soundly that night, confident that her plan was running smoothly. However the same could not be said for Arnold. He lay in bed, restlessly, tossing and turning for hours. No matter how tired he was he couldn't get to sleep. He had a lot on his mind. The day had been far too strange, a good kind, but still strange. He would never have guessed when he woke up that morning that he would be presented with his father's journal, information on his where-about, and tickets to get there all in one day! And what made this strange day even more perplexing was that this was all given to him by none other than Helga G. Pataki!
She was so peculiar and complicated; Arnold didn't know where to begin. She was tough, she was a bully, she pushed him – and anyone else who got in her way – around. She was vicious, she was aggressive, she was selfish and mean. But Arnold knew there was more to her than that. She had a sense of humour, she was funny, she could laugh at herself as much as she could laugh at others. She also had her moments when she wasn't only thinking about herself. She was good to her best friend, Phoebe, she helped him save the neighbourhood, and now this; helping him find his parents.
What was that about?
Obviously he knew she had a heart, she wasn't as mean as she pretended to be. She cared for him, but love? His mind trailed back to the moment they shared on the roof of the 'FTI' building. No, he thought, shaking his head. She couldn't possibly love him. He knew it was all in the heat of the moment, as crazy as it sounded, it had been a crazy day for both of them. No, he repeated to himself, she was simply doing what she thought was right. With that he realised they had more in common than he first thought. Of course she played it our differently but they both had the same cause.
Arnold smiled at the thought. He never thought it likely that he and Helga could be so similar, until now. He sighed and looked up through his sky-light, up at the stars. Somewhere, out there, were his parents and he and Helga were going to find them.
Arnold rolled over to a more comfortable position. He closed his eyes and soon sleep seized him, a smile still playing on his lips.
…..
"Arnold."
"Hey, Arnold!"
"Arnold, man!"
"Wha-?" Arnold was pulled violently out of his daydreams and back onto the bus where he was sitting, gazing out the window. He looked up and noticed his best friend, Gerald, had come and sat down next to him. "Oh, hey Gerald."
"Arnold, what's with you today?" He asked with concern and searched Arnold with a curious look. "I've been calling your name for five minutes."
"Sorry," Arnold apologised, shaking his head. "It's just I have a lot on my mind. A lot of stuff has been going on."
"Hey, man." Gerald said, slightly annoyed with a hint of hurt in his eyes. "What aren't you tellin' me?"
Arnold looked away, avoiding his gaze. He was still so confused how could he even begin to explain? "It's kind of complicated…"
"Come on, Arnold. It's me – Gerald – your best bud. You know you can tell me anything." He gave Arnold a look and he knew this was something he couldn't keep from his best friend.
So, with a sigh, Arnold told him all that had happened the day before.
"Dude…" Gerald said finally once Arnold completed his retelling of the strange events. Gerald looked at his best friend in disbelief. "You're going to Ecuador? To find your parents? With HELGA?"
A few people on the bus turned to face them and shot them curious looks.
"Gerald! Not so loud!" Arnold shushed him, glancing nervously at the students around them.
"Sorry dude. But, yeesh, you weren't kidding when you said a lot's been goin' on. This all happened yesterday?"
"Yep."
"And all because of Helga?"
"Yep."
"Wow…Arnold, my man." Gerald let out a low whistle, still in complete astonishment. "You're FINALLY going to meet your parents! Now THAT's exciting news, the only thing happening at my place is Jamie's lost another baby tooth."
Arnold laughed cheerfully.
"Um, Arnold?" Gerald turned his faced to Arnold seriously.
"Yeah?"
"Now, I don't mean to burst your bubble, but, WHY is Helga doing this for you? She hates you! What if it's some kind of trap!"
"Gerald-"
"I mean it Arnold! I saw it in a movie once."
"Gerald," Arnold rolled his eyes at his friend's paranoia, "it's not like that. Helga's… alright…"
"Alright?" Gerald gasped. He gazed at Arnold with deep concern. "Arnold, did you hit your head on something?"
"Gerald," He snapped and shot him a stern look. He was beginning to feel exasperated. "Don't you remember? She helped us save the neighbourhood, right?"
"Yeah…which, by the way, I still don't get. I thought she was going to get rich off the whole deal?"
"Helga is doing what she feels is right. She came across the information on my parents and, - just like when she helped us save the neighbourhood, - she's now helping me find my parents because it's the right thing to do." He fixed Gerald with a determined stare, as if daring him to continue to argue his point, but Gerald gave a defeated sigh, he knew Arnold too well and he knew when to quit.
"Alright, whatever you say Arnold." He said, hiding his scepticism and eased back into his seat. "So when do you and Helga leave?"
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow!"
"Yep."
"What about school?"
"Well…" Arnold shifted uneasily. "I thought you could-"
"I know, I know. I'll get you your work. What are best buds for?"
"Thanks Gerald." He smiled at his best friend gratefully.
"You owe me now, you know?"
"I know."
…..
Helga sat alone, near the back of the bus, away from the student body and, most importantly, Arnold and Gerald, so she had no clue they were talking about her. Her mind was off in its own little world, set on one thing. One person actually. You can guess who, and I'm pretty sure you would be right.
She had her little pink book lying open in her lap. Taking a pen out she began to write, focusing her thoughts intensely on her writing, her mind far way in her own world.
'Oh Arnold, my love! My heart doth swoon as I ponder our forthcoming quest. We shall journey together across the ocean into unknown lands, but with you by my side I am able to conjure the strength deep within me and fight to find your hearts desire. And I doth pray that you, in turn, will return the favour and present to me my own heart's longing and confess your newfound undying love for me! Oh Arnold!"
"…My beloved!" She whispered wistfully to herself as she dreamed of his cornflower hair and his bright blue eyes…
…until…
Hhhh…. Hhhh…. Hhhh…
Creeping up from behind, Helga felt a warm breath on her neck... She shuddered.
Urgh! She rolled her eyes in utter frustration.
PUNCH!
POW!
CRACK!
"Doi!" She watched the body fall limply back onto the seat behind her. Eyes closed and mouth hanging open, his face held a dreamy dazed gaze.
Luckily the bus had reached PS 118 and Helga was able to escape from her unconscious stalker.
Thank GOD I took those defence classes. She thought angrily as she pushed her way to the front of the bus. Stupid Brainy, interrupting my most precious thoughts! YEESH! He needs to learn some social skills!
"Outta my way, Stinko!" She shoved Stinky aside roughly, who had been in front of her, and hopped off the bus. Gazing around her eyes zoomed in on the only person they ever seemed to really see. "Hey Football Head!"
Arnold turned around and shot her an irritated look at the mention of his nickname. It wasn't that much like a football…was it? Despite his irritation he reminded himself that deep down Helga had a good heart and was currently helping him and allowed himself to smile at her.
"Hey Helga," he greeted her cheerfully. "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow."
"Yeah," she replied coolly, her exterior surprisingly calm whilst inside her heart went all smooshy. He said he's REALLY looking forward to it! Well, you'd go all smooshy too if he said that to you. "About that, tomorrow Bob and I will meet you and your grandpa at the airport at 6am. I know our flight doesn't leave till seven, but they always say to be there an hour early and I want to get in some good duty-free shopping. Bob also has the hotel bookings under control…at least, I think he does. Whoever he was talking on the phone to when he was enquiring about the rooms couldn't speak English so there was some confusion, but I think he got the message across and it's all sorted…um…" Helga had only just noticed Gerald standing next to his best friend and he was staring, transfixed, at her.
His eyes wide, mouth hanging open and standing completely still. He wasn't even blinking!
"Hey Cornball," she looked back at Arnold and jabbed her thumb in Gerald's direction. "What's wrong with Hair-boy here? Is he having a mental collapse or something?"
"Uh…" Arnold looked over at his friend and gasped. "Gerald! Snap out of it man!"
He grabbed hold of Gerald's shoulders and shook him. This seemed to work.
"I…I'm fine, Arnold." he blinked a few times, as thought awakening from a dream. "I think I might just visit the nurse…" He wandered away still in a trance-like state.
"Is he alright?" Helga asked Arnold, slightly worried. Not that she cared about Gerald, but that boy was just getting weirder and weirder.
"He'll be fine," Arnold replied, brushing off what just happened to Gerald. "He just… he thinks underneath your sudden interest in helping me find my parents that you have hidden motifs or something."
He let out a loud laugh.
"Hehe," Helga laughed nervously as she fiddled with one of her pig-tails. "Imagine that…"
"He can be paranoid sometimes," Arnold said, grinning, once he caught his breath.
"I'll bet…" Helga trailed off as she regained her composure. "Well, I'll see ya later, Arnoldo."
…..
Well, what do you think! Our favourite couple will be heading for San Lorenzo! WAHOO!
Thanks again everyone for reviewing, please keep it up! You guys give me the motivation to continue:D:D And don't forget to try the "5th Chapter Title Competition"!