Hello all! This is the story I have been mentioning. It is a lighter slice of life story. It will have a few chapters when the darker parts happen.
I will mention a trigger warning at the beginning of those chapters because this story deals with the ups and downs of pregnancy and I know that can cause understandable stress in some people.
I estimate this story to be around 10-12 chapters.
I finally got a chapter done. However I will caution you all that the upload schedule will be wonky.
Sorry in advance.
I will finish it, but for once I'm not perfecting all the chapters before I upload.
Think of this story as a spiritual successor to Never Again.
The timelines are completely different but I will be forth wall breaking with references from time to time. Or using some things I set up in that story like their nicknames for each other or singing.
The key takeaway: this is a completely different scenario. Completely standalone and no need to read anything prior to this.
Also I should mention to keep ya'll's stress level down, that his parents will be how I figured the canon would be— friendly, helpful, supportive and only strict when needed. So you don't have to worry about Hyper Controlling Miles, or Devout Catholic Stella in this. LOL. XD
Enjoy and Review please. :)
"Talking"
Thoughts
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN THE CHARACTERS OF HEY ARNOLD THEY BELONG TO CRAIG BARTLETT. HOWEVER THE LYRICS WRITTEN ARE MY ORIGINAL CREATION ALONG WITH THE PLOT IDEAS. DON'T STEAL. THANKS.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Phoebe said running her hands down Helga's shoulders.
"Of course I'm sure. I don't want to be away from him ever."
"I'm just saying- it's really hard to be married in college."
"I know, but it just seems like the right thing to do."
"Well, it's not like I could talk you out of it at this point." Phoebe laughed looking her friend over.
Both girls took a moment to look over Helga's flowing white dress. There were frills on her shoulders and long waves at the base. A very traditional wedding dress considering Helga's usual tastes.
Helga laughed, "Yeah. You're a little late to the party, Pheebs."
The door opened behind them. Rhonda pokes her head in. "Oh, you do clean up after all."
"Put a sock in it, Princess."
"You've got five minutes." Rhonda scoffed, before shutting the door again.
"Helga, did you have to be like that?" Phoebe put her hands on her hips.
"It wasn't that big of deal." Helga stood up.
"After she paid for the flowers?"
"After she insulted my appearance?"
Phoebe sighed, "I'm just saying- this is a special day. Do you really want to fight with her?"
"Fine. I'll apologize later." Helga took a deep breath, Well, this is it...
Phoebe wiped away a tear, "You look beautiful to me."
"Thanks." Helga shared an adoring look with her best friend.
Helga gathered up her bouquet and straightened her dress.
Helga walked into the hallway. The double doors opened. She looked down the hallway of the church. Everyone in the pews turned to look. She could see Arnold at the end beaming with energy. The most excited she'd ever seen him.
She blushed and started walking down the aisle with Phoebe close behind.
As she passed the pews, she took note of all of their family and friends. A few of their classmates scattered throughout.
Bob, Miriam, and Olga with her husband sat towards the front row. Helga hadn't wanted Bob to walk her down. Nope she definitely wanted to do this herself.
On the other side, Miles, Stella, Gertie and Phil all sat crunched in the front row. The boarders in the row behind them. Phil flashed her a wink as she approached the altar.
Both her mother and Stella were in tears already. Helga flushed at all the extra attention.
She took the last few steps to stand in front of Arnold.
She looked into his brilliant green eyes and a warm sensation boiled under her skin. The look he was giving her couldn't be denied-
He was absolutely smitten. Burning up in his love for her.
Standing practically on his toes as the pastor began to speak.
Her face was burning as she gave him a loving look of her own. Her blue eyes sparkling as she thought about the life they were starting together. Her fingers twined with his.
All the plans they already made and knew they would achieve because when they were together-
There was nothing they couldn't do.
The Pastor said, "You may now kiss the bride."
Arnold captured her dipping her low. His chaste kiss quickly turning hungry. His lips roughly promising her more later. A soft gasp left her as his tongue brushed hers.
Gerald cleared his throat.
Arnold barely broke the kiss, his forehead against hers, "I love you, Mrs. Shortman."
She affectionately pushed back his locks, "Save it for the Reception, Hair boy."
After the wedding at the Church, everyone piled into their cars towards the Reception Hall. It was a Steakhouse with an adjoined meeting hall. The wide room stretched far into a set of doors that lead to a patio.
The high ceiling was covered in crystal chandeliers. Light reached into every corner. A quiet jazz band played on the speakers.
The tables were covered in basic white linens. On a long table, the food was in buffet serving dishes. A few waiters stood by ready to usher in the drinks.
The elegant setting was probably enough to make even Rhonda jealous.
Maybe.
It didn't take long for the groups of people to file in. For the patrons to load up their plates and eat at the tables. It was a more casual table setting with everyone just sitting where they wanted.
Arnold was settled at a guest table with his core group around him; Gerald, Sid, Stinky, Harold and Curly.
At another not too far off table, Helga was surrounded by her own clan; Phoebe, Nadine, Lila, Patty, and Rhonda.
Strangely enough Helga's and Arnold's relatives opted to sit together. It's not like they'd never met, or hadn't had a few family gatherings together- it was more the fact that they didn't quite mesh.
Bob was always butting heads with everyone in Arnold's family. Olga always dominated the conversation. And sometimes Gertie and Olga's husband, James, were in the running to see who was more nuts. Miriam and Phil always tried to have normal conversation, but Miriam's frequent nodding off made it hard to form a connection.
And most times Stella and Miles were just content to stay out of the fray. Too frazzled to even try and meld with the energy.
The boarders, when added to the mix, were an entirely new set of chaos.
It truly was like oil and water when they were all together. But for once, the group all seemed engaged in a lovely conversation. Maybe the special occasion is what made it possible.
At Arnold's table, Stinky said, "Reckon what's next Arnold?"
"Well college, of course." Arnold waved his fork.
"Heck, I knew that. I meen. With yur married life?"
Gerald looked over his glass, "Actually I'm kinda surprised your ol'man let you get married at seventeen."
"Well," Arnold bit his lip, "Dad wasn't completely on board- it's a lot of work or whatever- but he knows I love her. Mom had to talk him down, you know?"
"Talk him down?" Gerald laughed, "It was almost World War three every time I went over there. Shit."
Sid said, "Is that why they were so pissy these past two weeks?"
Arnold rolled his eyes, "It wasn't that bad. Besides they can't change it now. I'd run away with her if I had to."
"Really?!" Sid smacked his hands on the table, "You're missing out. College is gonna have a ton of hot girls."
Arnold rolled his eyes, "I only need one hot girl. She's over there."
Gerald smirked at Sid, "You're just mad they run when they see ya coming."
"Piss off Gerald."
Some of the guys look at each other and chortled at this. Once the laughing died down, Stinky looked expectantly at Arnold.
The blonde glanced at his friends.
A small smirk formed on his lips as he stood up, fork raised, "We're gonna go to college, kick butt at our new jobs and then-" he paused for dramatic effect, "Have three kids and retire early. In the woods, probably."
Gerald picked up his glass, "I'll drink to that."
The other boys followed suit.
Stinky smacked his forehead, "Wilikers, you got yur whole dang life planned."
Sid scoffed, "Plan all you want. I'm going to live in the moment."
Gerald smirked against his glass, "Here we go again."
"Hey, I have my whole life to learn and shit. I'm gonna drive across the country with my van. Fucking chicks from here to the East coast and back."
"If you can get'em-"
"What was that?" Sid smacked the table shooting Gerald a look.
"I'm just sayin', driving up in your shady ass van and telling girls to hop in for a ride. Probably ain't gonna go how ya want it."
More snickering was heard around the table.
"Chicks dig the van. Especially at concerts."
"Shit," Harold looked sour, "If I didn't have to work, I'd go too."
"Sounds exciting." Curly said before deflating again, "But I'm tied to my Queen for her around the country plans."
Sid slumped back into his chair, "Oh right, for Rhonda's little clothing line promotion."
"Little? Psh. I'll be lucky if we get to nap. Every major city this year."
The others guys seems to cringe at the thought. Being trapped with Rhonda in general was bad enough, but being on a long term trip in close quarters sounded excruciating.
But it was his choice to date her after all.
Sid shot a look across the table, "So what about you Gerald? Since you've got it all figured out."
Gerald motioned towards the girls' table, "That wonderful girl—the one I don't deserve- she's all I'll ever need. We'll figure out the rest after college."
Arnold gave him their signature fist bump, "Solid."
Gerald stood up glass raised, "Alright, a toast. To new beginnings and awesome road trips!"
The boys laughed tipping their drinks back. Their conversation devolving into other topics.
Meanwhile at the girls' table, Helga was being grilled with her own set of questions.
"I still think you're crazy." Rhonda said elegantly sipping her drink.
"Yeah well," Helga shot her a look, "That's funny coming from someone dragging her boyfriend cross country."
"Hey, Thad understands how important this is to me. Besides, Nadine will be with us. Business, darling."
Lila sighed, hands clasped, "I think it's ever so romantic."
Patty waved her fork, "I'm sure it's nice to have something figured out. You can depend on someone."
Helga frowned at this. She knew that Harold and Patty had been dating some time. Yet they never seemed to progress any.
Helga smirked, "Tell Pink Boy to quit dragging his feet. Or we'll sock him into next Tuesday."
The girls shared a laugh around the table.
Nadine glanced at Phoebe, "Well, Gerald is just as guilty."
The shorter girl looked up from her food, a gentle smile on her face, "Everything happens at the time it's supposed to. I know we're solid, and that's all I need."
"So wise. You're like a sage or something."
"So Helga," Lila said, "What are you and Arnold's plans now?"
Helga took a moment. Her mouth still full of food and her mind buzzing the future ahead.
A small smirk formed, "College will be a breeze. I'll get a writing job at some hodunk place, and then focus on my real writing." She took a sip before continuing, "And then have some kids. Probably retire in a cabin or something."
The girls collectively raised their brows. A few looks passed around the table.
"What?" Helga half-barked.
Phoebe started slowly, "Well, it's just you don't strike us as the 'kid-type'."
"Are you kidding me?" Rhonda put a hand to her chest, "She'd probably string them up by their underwear for disobeying."
Nadine said, "Or lock herself in her room if they were being noisy."
"Hey!" Helga smacked the table, "Hey now, I'll give some mercy to the kids."
Some giggling formed around the table.
"I mean it! I'm going to be a great mom." She shot them a hot look, "I'm going to be the best fucking mom."
The girls burst out laughing.
Helga turned red, Jackasses…
"Sorry," Nadine said between tears, "We shouldn't have—"
"Are you kidding me?" Rhonda cracked up, "Cursing around the children. Sounds like Helga to me."
Phoebe sighed, "Helga, sorry. I just didn't know that was something you wanted."
The blonde sighed and flopped down in her chair, "I get it. After Bob and Miriam— how fucked up I turned out—"
Lila put a hand on Helga's arm, "You're not."
Helga glanced at her with caution, "It made me want to be the best. That I could raise them better than they ever did me just to prove them wrong. Everyone wrong."
The girls were quiet a moment. A feeling of awe coated the table.
Patty stood up at the end, glass raised, "To Helga— the best fucking mom— in the future."
"And to Arnold—" Lila said, "You'll both be such loving parents."
Helga folded her arms, "Yeah, well don't get all mushy on me now. If this wasn't a party, I'd deck you all."
"Oh Helga."
The girls laughed a little more before the conversation shifted into other things.
After everyone was done eating, Miles walked to the center stage. Stella was close behind him. The speaker system behind him as he grabbed a mic.
"I'd like to thank everyone for coming out tonight." Miles looked towards Arnold, "It really means a lot to me especially— my little boy is all grown up. And I know he's going to be a great husband."
Stella took the mic, "And Helga, we couldn't be happier to have you as our new daughter to the family."
Arnold and Helga shared a look as they sat next to each other. He gripped her hand tightly.
Miles said, "So, now it's time for your first dance. But remember, every dance after this only gets harder-"
Stella swiped the mic with a playful glint, "What your father is trying to say—
Miles looked sheepish.
"Is that there's never an easy way to go through life, but as long as you have each other— I know there's nothing you two can't do."
They leaned together, "We love you both."
There was applause and some laughing around the dance hall. Miles and Stella scampered back to their seats as the lights dimmed. A faint spotlight hit the main part of the room.
Arnold glanced towards his wife, "You ready?"
Her blue gaze glowed in the faint light, "As ready as I'll ever be."
Slowly they made it to the center of the room. A gentle jazz melody played on the speakers. Some colored circle lights floated around the couple as they joined together. His hand gently clasping hers with another hand on her hip.
Swaying into a slow circle like an ocean tide following the curve of the land.
She watched him with a playful smirk. Mentally noting that his once coiffed hair was slowly going astray as the night had gone on. His smile practically beaming as his ever thought admired everything she was—
Everything they would be.
The future was bright ahead of them.
They had the support of everyone around them.
The music was slowly coming to a close. She leaned up and pressed her lips to his. A gentle, chaste kiss. The kind of kiss he rarely got from her and yet treasured it more than anything.
Quietly they broke apart. Their eyes met in a tender moment. The romantic tones of the music faded into a pop kind of tune.
Arnold started throwing his arms in an overly exaggerated way. She laughed at his intentionally terrible dancing and started shaking her butt in a similar fashion.
Their guests burst out laughing before the patrons filled the dance floor. The music on the playlist was a mix of pop, rock and dance numbers.
Everyone seemed to have a fitting partner— including Lila and Arnie, Stinky with Sheena, and Sid and Nadine having an awkward— something.
Helga leaned into Arnold, "This is perfect."
"Yeah," he brushed back her hair, "How much longer before we ditch?"
Her gaze shot to his, "Ditching our wedding guests?"
"It's almost over anyway."
Disbelief on her features, "Arnold, seriously?"
He tugged her down tenderly, his lips against her ear, "I'm so hot for you. Please."
There was a subtle hunger to his voice. The simple word please stoked that fire deep inside of her. The fact that he wanted to ditch a little early— her heart fluttered at the very idea.
"Let's dance another few minutes-"
He stroked her arms heatedly. His emerald gaze piercing her.
Helga said tightly, "And then tell them goodbye."
"Of course."
Helga's back hit their apartment door. His aggressive stance pressed into her. He grinded against her while his mouth plundered hers. Submissive sounds left her. Each sound more desperate than the last.
She could barely twist the lock before he ushered her inside. The door slammed behind them. His jacket shed as they stumbled away from the door.
The sounds of heavy breathing still filled the air.
He could feel her weakly trying to cave to his strength.
She was still trying to catch her breath.
He brushed a smooth hand down her back, "You okay?"
"Where the hell did that come from?"
"I just realized I get to have you all the time. And well-" he chuckled, "I had to do something about it."
"Had to, huh?" She shot him a look still weak in his embrace.
"You know? Remind you."
She flicked his nose, "Oh, of what exactly?"
A wry look on his features, "That I love you Mrs. Shortman. Always."
It was nearing three in the morning when their energy finally ran out. Face buried in her neck pressing lazy kisses. A humorous sigh on her lips. The bright moonlight still shining through the window.
She stroked his hair, "Haven't you had enough?"
"Never." He sighed into her neck.
Her lips pursed, "So, what are we doing tomorrow?"
"Whatever you want, my fair lady."
"That's a dangerous line, mister."
He leaned up to look at her, "You have something in mind?"
Her blue eyes glinted in the frigid moonlight, "How's snow sound to you?"
"Snow?! It's August, Helga."
"Not if we find the right mountain it's not."
He paled slightly, "You know how I feel about the cold."
He's always such a baby about it... She smirked, "I want to go snowboarding. Come on Geek bait."
A small frown formed, "I'll have to wear like ten sweaters."
"So?"
"I don't know how to snowboard or ski for that matter."
"Soooo?"
His head slumped, "Helgaaa..."
"Think about all the time you'll get to spend keeping warm with me." She wiggled her brows.
He snapped up to look at her. A sudden fire captured his gaze.
"That's what motivates him." She stroked his cheek.
"Fine." He chuckled, "But we're doing it in the hot tub."
"Arnold!" She feigned innocence. She was already well aware of his adventurous side.
"Or in front of the fireplace."
"Hmmm, sounds romantic."
He grinned, a song on his lips, "For you babe- the way I walk is only yours."
In rare form, she giggled softly. A flush on her face as he stroked back her hair.
"And every passing glance, my heart it soars! Because no one flies like you."
Another quiet laugh on her lips, "In another life, you'd be one hell of a singer Arnoldo."
"Eh, I like saving that part of me for you, Kitten."
He finally nestled beside her. His heart beating out a calm rhythm as he drifted. Still she stared at the ceiling. She couldn't imagine her heart being any fuller. That electric swell made her chest feel like it might burst.
His quiet snores filled her ears.
She glanced to the side, her fingers thick in his unruly locks, Now we're truly sharing our lives...every piece. Oh Arnold, my love! There's nothing we can't do...
Alright so don't expect anything super amazing. But I do hope you enjoyed it just the same. :)