Chapter 4

The next morning, Helga woke up happier than she had in a long time. Her night with the interesting waiter was still fresh in her mind. She slipped out of bed and took a quick shower. After Helga was dressed, she sat on her bed watching the news and drinking a cup of coffee. Her good morning ended abruptly when her sister showed up. "What do you want Olga?" She asked.

"Mom sent me to get you. She wants you to come eat with us."

"But dad…"

"Is going to cool it. Don't worry it'll be fine."

Helga chewed on her nail thoughtfully, "Can I bring a friend?"

"Sure. I invited my boyfriend too."

"All right, give me about thirty minutes."

Olga smiled with relief, "All right. I'll see you at mom and dad's then."

Helga shut the door and leaned against it. "Why am I doing this? I know dad is going to find a way to insult Me." she said huffing.

She stood up and grabbed her cell phone. It showed Arnold had called early that morning. She redialed the number and was greeted by Arnold's chipper voice, "Hello?"

"Arnold, hi, it's Helga."

"Helga! I called earlier this morning."

"I was in the shower I didn't check my phone until recently."

"Well I was going to ask you out for breakfast but…"

"I'm sorry. Since I can't make breakfast how about we do lunch?"

"Lunch is good. I can make it."

"In thirty minutes?"

"What am I, a pizza?"

Helga laughed, "I told my sister I'd be at my parents in thirty minutes."

"Oh…one date and you're already introducing me to the folks."

"Please. My dad and I aren't on speaking terms and I really need someone I can talk to."

"All right, I'll meet you outside your hotel okay?"

"Great thanks, Arnold."

She hung up the phone and got dressed. Arnold was standing outside waiting for her. "Ready to go?" he asked taking her hand.

"Yeah."

The walked down the sidewalk hand in hand. A lot of the people recognized the couple and seemed surprise to see the local mechanic holding Helga Pataki's hand. Once they arrived in front of the Pataki house, Helga stopped Arnold and immediately began fixing his clothes and smoothing his hair. "So what's your family like anyway?"

"My mom's neurotic and my sister's just plain annoying." She said checking him over once more.

"Okay. You've straightened me out like ten times." He said moving her hands away.

"I'm sorry; it's just that my dad…he's extremely critical of me and how I choose to live my life. Insulting me is one thing but I simply won't have him insult you." she kissed his nose and took a deep breath, "All right. Prepare for the worse." She took his hand and opened the door. "Mom?"

"Helga?" Miriam stepped out of the kitchen and hugged her daughter, "Olga said you were coming…and she also said you were bringing a friend." She continued looking at Arnold.

"Mom this is Arnold. Arnold this is my mother, Miriam." Helga said pointing to her guest.

"Hi." He waved nervously.

"You two head into the living room. I'll have lunch ready in a few minutes."

"Thanks mom."

She grabbed Arnold's hand and led him into the living room. Olga and her boyfriend were sitting on the couch and thankfully Bob was no where in sight.

"Baby Sister, I'm so glad you decided to come." Olga squealed and locked Helga in her vice grip she called a hug.

"Olga, how about you let me go." Helga pleaded.

Olga released her sister and introduced her boyfriend, "Helga this is my boyfriend Daniel. Daniel this is my Baby Sister…"

"Helga Pataki. Yes I know who you are." He said standing and kissing her hand, "Daniel Sutherland. And I am positively pleased to meet you." he said before kissing her hand again.

"Okay thank you." she pulled her hand away. Arnold stepped forward and caught her hand.

"Olga, Daniel this is Arnold."

Olga smiled wide and greeted him with a death grip hug. After she sat back down, Arnold gave Helga a bewildered look. "I told you she was annoying." She whispered in his ear.

The awkward silence was interrupted by Bob's presence. "Well if it isn't Helga and who's the trash you dragged in with you?"