Hey, I'm back! Hope you enjoy chapter 2!

Road Trip: It's a combination of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, a bit of When Harry Met Sally…, and a just a pinch of Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion, all Hey Arnold-ized.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hey Arnold-but maybe someday I can buy the rights from good ol Craig…hey I can dream, right?lol

Chapter 2: The Talk on the Phone

" Helga, is it really you?"

Arnold was shocked. He hadn't seen Helga since…well high school, and they had had zero contact over the years with each other.

" Yes, it's really me. I know…I know…we haven't spoken in years…" Helga's soft voice continued.

" Ages." Arnold replied, his mind a blur.

" I'm sorry if I'm calling so late. It's just, I had to help Daniel with his homework and then-"

" Who's Daniel?" Arnold asked curiously.

"My…my son." Helga said quietly, trailing off.

Arnold was silent. He remembered. Tom, Helga, junior year, the prom night, the heartbreak…he remembered it all, so clearly. Too clearly.

" Arnold, are you still there?" Helga's voice sliced throughArnold's thoughts, bringing him back to what was at present.

" Yeah. So, how is Daniel?" Arnold quickly asked, trying to concentrate.

" Oh, he's good. He's doing well in school. I can't believe he's going to be 10 soon…the years just fly by, don't they, Arnold?"

" Yeah-they go so fast. Hard to believe that our 10 year class reunion is just around the corner…"

" That's why I called. I need to…I was wondering…could you…" Helga hesitated.

" What, Helga?"

" Are you going to go…you know, to the reunion?" Helga said the words in a rush, then silently waited for Arnold to answer.

" Funny thing you should ask, I was just debating that when you called." Arnold said, a tiny smile on his face.

" Because, if you are, I was wondering if you could do a small favor for me…"

"What?" Arnold asked, wondering what favor he could possibly do for a girl he had known years ago and hadn't seen since.

" Big Bob is, well, I got a call from Olga. He's in the hospital, and he's not doing too well. I'm not quite clear on the details yet, but Olga says it's really serious, and that I should come home ASAP, just in case…" Helga trailed off again.

An awkward silence fell then. It only lasted for a few seconds, if that, but to Arnold it seemed like minutes, hours, even days before Helga finally continued.

" Arnold, I don't have that much extra money lying around, and I don't want to expect Miriam or Olga to pay my airfare and whatnot. They've got enough to worry about right now. I need to get from Queens, NY to Hillwood, WA and soon. I know the reunion is still about 3 weeks away, and I don't want to impose, but…are you going? You're the only person who lives in New York City from Hillwood that I know, and I hate to travel alone, and if you are going, could I possibly go with you? Not to the reunion, just to Hillwood. If you're driving, I'll pitch in for gas what I can, or for hotels or food…but please, could I come with you?" Helga waited.

Arnold was silent, and quietly thought to himself. Helga, the girl who had broken his heart around 10 years ago, Helga the girl who had been making his life a living hell when they were kids, Helga, the girl who had been neglected as a child from this very family that now so desperately needed her, was asking, pleading for his help now.

" Helga, are you there?" Arnold said after he picked up the phone again.

" Uh-huh."

" I think I'm going to the reunion. I'm probably gonna drive, and…by all means, come along."

" Thank you, Arnold. This means so much to me. And I promise to help pay food, lodging, gas…whatever. I'll-"

" No, Helga. That won't be necessary. I'll take care of it all. All of it. Ok?"

" Are you sure? I'd hate to freeload on you like this, after all…"

" Helga, it's fine. Really, I really don't mind. Really."

" Arnold, you're a good man. I bet Maureen is proud of you-"

" Maureen and I aren't…we…it's…we're not…" Arnold stumbled over the words, his heart filling with an heavy feeling, his face grew hot, trying to explain.

" I'm sorry, Arnold, I shouldn't have…"

" It's ok. Um, who's going to take care of Daniel for you though?"

" Oh. He's going to stay with a co-worker of mine. She has a son his age and both of them go to school together, and they get along, so I decided that was best. I don't reallywant to bring him along. He didn't really know Miriam and Big Bob. I've only visited them twice since I left Hillwood, both when Daniel was too young to remember them, and lately…well…haven't been able to visit them. So it's going to be just me going there."

"Oh, alright. So when would you like to leave for Hillwood?"

" Today's…Friday? The sooner the better. Monday morning would be the soonest for me, how bout you?"

" Monday will be fine. I have several sick days and vacation days stored up. I can use them. It'll take a week or so to get to Hillwood driving, just so you know. We could fly…"

"No, you know…you know how I feel about that." Helga quickly intervened.

" Sorry, I forgot. We'll drive." Arnold gave a weak smile.

" Thanks again Arnold. Where should I meet you?"

" What's your address? I'll pick you up."

" You…you wouldn't want to do that-it would take you way out of your way. Where do you work? I could track you down there."

" Well, I just realized I have an appointment early morning Monday at the Loving Arms Children Center. It's on…"

" I know where it is. I'll see you there at…?"

" How's 9:00?" Arnold had another appointment with Johnny at 8:30, but he was sure they would get what needed to be done in a half hour or so.

" Great. See you then…"

" Alright. Bye."

" Bye."

Arnold hung up the phone, his head filling with memories. He went into the kitchen, made himself a drink, and went into the living room, towards his small, compact bookshelf that was filled with books. He pulled a tall skinny leather bound book from a hidden spot on the shelf, blew the dust off, sat down, and slowly opened it up…

Interesting conversation, huh? Don't worry, Maureen, Daniel, Robert-we all learn more about them and soon. Look forward to the next chapter, Chapter 3: The Yearbook. Remember reviews are greatly appreciated!