Author's Notes: Hello guys, I'm here again! You guys surprise me! Looks like there are actually people who were waiting for this fic all along? I didn't know that, until you guys posted your reviews!

Now I've been active on the site these past few weeks, I can't believe it! The last time I've checked in 2003, it was Poison Ivory, PaleMistress (formerly Cosmic Dreamer), and Bratchild who ruled the HA fanfic scene (I haven't read Bratchild's "Dark at Heart", the current HA fanfic record-holder for the greatest number of reviews. Somehow it is missing. But I'll thank Hellerick Ferlibay, for giving me a copy just now. You're a pal!). Now in 2006, it seems that the guys have made their move… Darthroden, Jarel Kortan, and Lord Malachite. I CAN'T believe that even Lord Malachite is here! You see HA fans, I've already known him even before he wrote any HA fic, when I just finished my 2001 Pepper Ann(PA) fic "My First" which turned out to be one of the best PA fics around (it's a great romantic comedy fic, check it out! You don't have to be a PA fan to laugh and love it!). He did write cool PA fics too in 2002 (you guys can check both our profiles). Because of my long absence, I wasn't aware that Lord Malachite became a HA fan and started writing HA fics too! I've dropped him an email to see if he still remembers me, as one of those who reviewed his PA fics long before, hehe. :)

With regards to all six of them, how could they write so many wonderful stories in such a short period of time? In terms of quantity, I have to admit I could probably never match them, as I write at my own pace. I also have a social life after my MBA classes were over, and I play badminton on weekends! But in terms of QUALITY writing, could I become your # 7 guys? Only time will tell, and only you guys will decide it, through your wonderful reviews or nasty flames (and I still welcome both, because I can take it like a man).

Okay! Here it is! It's chapter 8 of the tale. Thank you guys for making it this far. This is wonderful, because despite the title of this chapter, you guys are in for a treat. I know I was when writing this chapter. The burning questions - Is Arnold really… gone? Is he really… finished? Is he really…

… well just read on before I blab something I shouldn't at this point, hehe.

- tst :)

Chapter 8: The Darkest Hour

I never actually left Arnold's place when he slammed the door on me. I spent the next few minutes, struggling to get in. I didn't want to give up on him.

"Arnold… ARNOLD!"

He locked the door again. During those minutes, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get in. Eventually, I felt like going home again. Yeah! That's it. Maybe I'll go home, try again tomorrow, and…

Suddenly, I heard a clacking noise from the street. It sounded as if something was thrown, or dropped, or something. I took a few steps backwards from Arnold's door and searched the sidewalk pavement to find out what it was. Helga? You're probably just hearing things. Tomorrow, Helga… just come back tomorrow…

No wait! I have to know what it was. It might be important. Now where is it? Now where is… oh here it is!

I picked up what seemed to be a small empty plastic container of some sort. I examined the label and read the letters. Hmm…"Sleeping pills. Use only as directed." But how did it get here? It seemed that this was thrown from Arnold's place.

I looked up the windows and roof of Arnold's. It's too dark to see anything. But a quick flash of lightning made me see a shadow moving on top of the roof. I could have sworn I saw someone move. I wonder who that was? But wait a minute! The only one who could possibly be up there is… Arnold… Arnold?

ARNOLD! Did he throw this… this… thing? But if this was his, then why was he up on the roof? Besides, why are there no pills in here unless…unless…

CRIMITY! Don't tell me that he… he…

NOOOOO! He WOULDN'T!

My hands shivered. Alright Helga, okay…stay calm… stay cool. It's probably just your good ol' imagination! You're just tired from all this. Can't you just come back tomorrow?

Not yet! Wait! Not until I'm SURE that my beloved is okay!

I rammed myself against Arnold's door again and I turned the knob as tight as I could. I tried this over and over but tried as I might, the door just wouldn't budge.

"Arnold… ARNOLD!" I beat the door harder this time.

There's still no answer. I leaned my ear on the door for any sounds from inside. Nope. Nothing. There MUST be a way up there. Think, Helga, think! There must be a way up there. Think, think, think…

I got it! These homes have fire escape ladders, right? I scampered around the boarding house. It's got to be around here somewhere and…Yes! Here it is at the side of the boarding house! I found it!

I quickly grabbed one of the slippery metal bars as I started climbing up to the roof. I didn't mind that they were pretty rusty. I carefully took each grip and step, handhold and foothold. I almost slipped a couple of times because my hands had a hard time holding on. I kept huffing and puffing but I still pressed on. Also, I paused a few times along the way and looked down at the dark street below.

Now come on, Helga! You're tired! You're probably just seeing things! Let go of this and just come back tomorrow, and forget about…

NO! Again I say, NO! I HAVE to make sure that he is okay… for my beloved's sake!

I finally lifted myself to one edge of the boarding house roof. Whew! I made it up! I caught my breath, wiped my face, and stretched my legs. My feet were still wobbly and weary from the climb. Now I'll know whether I was just seeing things…

I searched across the rooftop. It was still too dark to see anyone.

But more sudden flashes of lightning made me see someone standing close to the other edge of the roof.

I went towards the shadow of that unknown figure. As I came nearer, I stopped as my jaws dropped. That head …that football-shaped head… it's so familiar. I couldn't be… but it HAD to be. It's… it's…

NO! It IS Arnold!

OH NO! And he's holding about… one, two, three… OH MY GOODNESS…so MANY of those…those… PILLS!

"Pilot to control tower!" I barely heard him cry out to himself, but he never saw me, "I'm now cleared for take-off. I'm ready to soar through the heavens… if you know what I mean. Ha, ha, ha."

I just gasped, seeing him already holding the pills close to his lips.

Oh no… Oh no…

He…he's going to swallow them… he's going to swallow them!

No it CAN'T be! But then he IS! He REALLY is!

He's… really… going… to… swallow…

Swallow…

Swallow…

Swallow?

…

…

NO, MY BELOVED! NO!

At that instant, I raced to him as fast as my feet could possibly carry me. My feet were aching, but I didn't care! I had to stop him! I had to! OH NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING, MY BELOVED? YOU'RE GONNA KILL YOURSELF! ARE YOU CRAZY? OH PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEEEEEEEEASE! DON'T DO IT, ARNOLD! DON'T DO IT!

"NO! ARNOLD, NO!" I screamed to him like I've never screamed before.

"H-H-Huh?" he halted, while looking startled seeing me coming up fast, "W-W-What?"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

I jumped… leaped…

… and lunged towards him…

Ooof…Thunders boomed at that exact second that we collided with each other.

We then landed solidly against the roof surface and I could hear the long trickling sound of the innumerable pills as they fell and rolled away.

I raised, shook, and cleared my head. I felt a bit dazed from that one but I'm okay though I tried to catch my breath. I immediately turned to Arnold.

I saw his eyes closed. OH NO! He passed out!

Was he going to be all right? Was I too late?

"Arnold!" I grabbed his shoulders and shook him violently, "Speak to me, Arnold! Speak to me! Arnold! ARNOOOOLD!"

I then felt drops on my head. I rubbed my hair with my hand and felt those drops. They were raindrops.

I examined him again. His eyes were still shut. Though I was still tired from climbing up before, and weak from all that running to stop him just now, I gave out all of my strength, as I carefully lifted up my beloved but fallen angel.

I searched for the door leading downstairs from here. When I found it, I used my free hand to barely open it enough for both of us to pass through. I took one step at a time and slowly climbed down carrying my beloved along. Arnold, you're going to be okay. You hear me? You're going to be alright!

His room was pretty dark but I could still barely see everything - his pictures, his bed, his things. I found his bed and I took care in lowering and laying Arnold there neatly and gently. When I did so, I propped his head on a soft pillow. His eyes are still shut but I could still see his chest rise and fall normally.

I then sat on the same bed, next to him.

"Arnold! Are you okay?" I asked with a slight slap on his cheeks, "Are you okay?"

Another thunderclap could be heard and I saw the rains outside began to pour down heavily. I felt a bit relieved that those pills would be washed away.

I continue to look at the seemingly lifeless figure. Lifeless? No! He can't be! Oh perish the thought, Helga! Of course he'll be okay. Arnold, please be okay. Please be okay. Please be okay.

Oh Arnold, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for everything. Why did I fail to see you like this sooner? I should have known all this time that day by day, your good-natured spirit was slowly being taken away. I should have been more of a friend and less of a bully to you. I'm so stupid! Oh I am so stupid, but why? Maybe I was scared of helping? Probably because I had my problems to deal with, and being so unmindful of others… to you?

I stopped my train of thought when I saw his eyelids began to flutter a bit. Little by little, they moved more and more.

He then slowly opened his eyes. He turned his head a bit to his left and a bit to his right. He finally saw me, and he looked straight into my eyes. He had a strange appearance on his face. I gazed into my beloved's jade eyes and he seemed a bit dizzy or something.

"Are you okay, Arnold?" I plainly asked, trying to make him say something.

He slowly rose from the bed but he kept his eyes fixed at me. He had that weird look that I couldn't comprehend. It was as if he was staring at a wall yet he was concentrated at me.

"Are you okay, Arnold?" I asked again, a bit softer this time.

Without saying a word, he lifted himself up and then moved nearer to me. He came closer as he then sat beside me on the bed. He still had that weird look as he still didn't say anything.

I began to tremble from my hands all the way down to my knees and feet, down to my toes, and up to my fingertips. I wanted to jump off to sprint to the closest door out of the room. Why shouldn't I be trembling? I didn't know how he's going to take this one. Especially, what I just did.

But from the readings on his face, I'd say he never thought that I would suddenly come. Maybe that's it? Maybe he planned this for so long and I… well… stopped him?

If only you knew, my beloved. If you only knew the real me…

I saw tears starting to roll down his cheeks. He wiped them quickly as my jitters continued. After that, he was down in the dumps, as he lightly shook his head.

"I-I-I'm sorry A-Arnold," I assured him softly, but now I'm even more trembling, "But I-I-I had to do w-what I-I had to do back t-there…"

Then, still in tears and not looking up, he slowly leaned towards me. Oh no! Don't tell me he's out to get me?

I raised my closed hands and I put my guard up. Who knows what he'll do this time?

He came even nearer and closer towards me. I firmed up my whole body, ready for anything. Come on, Football-head, I'm ready. I knew you told me to go away, and I'm sorry, but I had to help you. But if you still insist, then go ahead. Give me your best shot!

But I wasn't prepared when he closed his eyes… and of all things… he threw his arms around me and hugged me tightly.

I was frozen stiff. I-I-I couldn't believe it! He… he…he actually HUGGED me!

Yup, he GOT me, alright!

My heart soared through the roof in joy, beating a million times a second as it soared. I couldn't lift any part of my body to respond to this. Come to think of it, I couldn't do anything! His soft tender arms… sigh! I couldn't even feel anything, except those wonderful... Slap! Helga? Get a grip on yourself! Please! Calm down! Get a hold of yourself! But I could only smile dreamily, as I felt like that pilot Arnold was mentioning about. Sigh! Always soaring through the clouds without any trouble. Free from everything. Always floating up, up there and… Slap! Get a grip, Helga, ol' girl…

While his arms were still so well wrapped around me, somehow I was able to mindlessly cling on some of the bed sheets. It helped me calm myself somewhat from this dream. Some dream! I should've been awake by now. How long it passed, I didn't really know, but after awhile, I finally felt more at peace with this lovely moment.

But then I thought… no, Arnold! Wait! Please don't. I don't really deserve this.

Besides, I knew he didn't love me, but I never thought that he would actually hug me. Maybe it was just a spur of the moment thing.

After a slight hesitation, I then slowly, gently, and very carefully put my arms around him and also hugged him back.

I then felt like I'm a mother taking care of her son. It's like her son lost a toy he had enjoyed so much, or he came from a game he wanted to win so badly but lost. I had my own tears streaming down my cheeks also. But, I had to stay strong, so I secretly wiped them away. I didn't want to let him see me like this.

It seemed that time had stopped all around us. I felt as if we were both in the middle of a barren desert with no place to go, no place to run, and no place to hide. It was like as if the whole world was laughing at us and we just cowered at each other for support from a seemingly dark yet inescapable fate.

I could feel his head finding my shoulder to lean on. I suddenly had that overwhelming urge to brush him off but I was able to barely resist doing that. I'm sure he needed this now more than ever.

"Oh Helga (sniff)," I heard him sob on my shoulder, as I could feel some of his tears, "What's… what's happening (sniff) to me? Why is everything going (sniff) wrong? My grandparents, school, Lila, and now even (sniff) Gerald? Why Helga? WHY? (sniff) WWHHHHYY?"

He lifted his head up and shouted out a very loud cry for the whole world to hear. He then rested his head back upon my shoulder, sobbing very hard and I could feel more of his tears.

That's it, Arnold. That's right. Let your emotions out. Let them all out. Let out all those problems that are buried deep inside you. I love you, I'm here to help you, and I won't let you stay like this forever.

But as to what you asked, Arnold? I don't know what I should say.

What could I say to you, after all you've been through? After you've been so nice to everyone and to me before all this?

After I only returned your kindness with unforgiving teases and stuff, then?

I had to stare up as we hugged, remembering this part of my poem when I was with Phoebes…

"And now he's someone that once he was not,

He becomes like me - someone worthy to rot,

He was the nice guy I once knew and now, he's just so worthy to shoo,

What should I do now Arnold, my love, what should I do?"

What should we do now, Arnold? I don't know. I honestly don't know.

So instead, I looked down to gently give him several friendly yet comforting rubs and pats on his back to assure him… to assure him that everything's going to be fine, no matter what.

It was still pretty dark around us. Only the non-stop rains outside broke the silence of the moment.

"I don't really know why, but it's okay, Arnold. It's okay," I answered. His eyes were sullen and I whispered to his ear so softly just two words, "You're… okay…"

I tilted my head again towards the night sky. The sky did not show any moon or stars as the rains continued to pour. And here I was… so close to my beloved as he poured all of himself out.

This was a pretty intense moment in both of our lives. That's for sure.

I felt him lift his head up a bit from my shoulder and he then saw me in the eyes again. I kept my arms around him, as I glanced at his wonderful eyes too. So adorable… could this moment be forever? Sigh! If only I could kiss you right now… While I was admiring his lovely face, he didn't say anything.

"Are you going to be okay now, Arnold?" I asked instead, giving him more comfortable pats at the back for good measure.

"Well (sniff), yeah," he replied and breathed easier, "I think so…"

I then could feel him slowly loosening his arms around me and then he let go. I slowly did the same. Time had finally started again.

Now, I felt like hugging him again. I REALLY wanted to hug him again.

I probably could… But wait! No! I shouldn't take advantage of him or something. I really shouldn't.

For now, I just wanted to make him feel that he has a friend here… just a friend to share his problems with, his frustrations with, and his sorrows with. Nothing more, really. Though of course, I wish you would love me, Arnold. But at least, you're okay and that's what matters for now.

I peered into his teary eyes one more time. As I looked into them, he seemed so vulnerable… so alone. His bright innocent smile was long gone and is now replaced by the dark colors of sadness. Amidst the darkness, he seemed like as if he was a very dimly lit candle, ready to snuff out at any time… and for the first time in my whole life, I finally realized that he was only human, just like everyone else.

"Helga… (sniff)"

"Yes, Arnold?" I promptly answered, trying to be as reassuring as I could to my beloved while I laid my hands squarely on the edge of the bed.

"I really (sniff) hate to admit this, but…but…(sniff)"

"Yeah?"

"Well… (sniff)" he paused while he rubbed his eyes with one hand. Then, he swallowed hard as he uttered only one word, "(sniff) Thanks."

"Huh?" I scratched my head, "Thanks for what, Arnold?"

"I mean (sniff) for saving me back there," he explained, wiping his eyes and pointed out the rooftop.

"Oh it was really nothing, Arnold," I humbly told him, trying to hide my true feelings and my own tears. I quickly wiped my tears with the back of my arm, just to be sure, pretending there was just something in my eye.

"No. You don't get it. I really mean it, Helga! It meant everything! What was I (sniff)… what was I thinking then? (sniff) How could I be so… so… out of it?" He then dried his tears up and took a very large gasp of air to relieve himself.

Sigh! I never really thought of the day that Arnold would ever really, really thank me for anything… until now that is.

"Y-You really mean that, Arnold?" I asked wanting to make sure I heard what he really said.

"Well," he gulped for more air, "I… uh… yeah."

I grinned a bit, "Well…gee…thanks, Arnold."

I felt another of that glowing feeling in me. I was certain my cheeks would briefly turn red when he said that.

His tears finally stopped flowing. The tears that did flow dried up his cheeks but he wiped them again anyway to assure himself that they were completely gone. To my relief, he seemed a lot better now.

We still sat on the bed. I saw the window again and the rains outside had finally stopped. Now, everything was silent around us. The darkness stilled and the silence was everywhere, until Arnold spoke again.

"Now what?" he asked, "What am I going to do now, Helga?"

What could he do now? Oh yeah! I forgot about that.

I really still don't know how I could answer this. I'm not like him. He would know what to do. He should be the one answering this question. But then, at this time, he just couldn't think straight. What do I mean? He just couldn't think at all, given the state he's in. I did my best to think of answering his question anyway, and I drew out the most obvious answer that I could think of.

"Well, for one, Arnold, we still have that, uh, 'exam' thing on Monday you know? We still have to be ready for that one?"

"Yeah, Helga," he replied, seemingly calm, "You're right!"

The look on Arnold's face now seemed that he's relaxed. I'd say he's okay. I stared at the outdoors again and the sky was clearing up as some stars appeared.

I gave his face a second look. But I was mistaken that he was really relaxed. It only took some time for reality to sink into him and he then started to break down once more. He lowered his head while shedding more tears. Oh no! Not again!

I quickly grabbed both of his shoulders.

"ARNOLD!" I shook him trying to stir some sense into him, "Listen to me! You're going to make it! You KNOW you can do it!"

"But Helga," he explained as he raised his head towards me as more tears emerged from him, "If I didn't get this one, it's goners for me, that's for sure. I'll have to…"

"Don't say that!" I countered as I gave him another shake, "You can do it, Arnold! You hear me? You CAN do it! You don't have to do anything… bad to do it!"

He then bowed down again, seemingly disheartened about it.

"Now Arnold! Repeat after me, 'I… CAN…DO…IT!' Now say it, Arnold! Say it! SAY IT!"

He became quiet. Instead of saying anything, he put his hand deep on his forehead, in thought. He continued to spew out tears. It took awhile, but he finally nodded, understanding what I was trying to drive at.

"Okay? Now go, Arnold!"

"I… " he started.

"Yes?"

"Ca…"

"You're doing fine, Arnold," I prodded helping him out. Come on Arnold. I shook him again by the shoulders. You can do it!

"I can…"

"Now come on! Say the rest Arnold!"

"I… can…"

"Yeah? Come on!"

"I…can…" he said. But then, he suddenly raised his head and he finally sighed, "Oh what's the use?"

He looked down and then I could feel his arms all around me again. I was walking on clouds and I couldn't feel my feet, as I mindlessly held on to him so tightly. Besides, I'm sure he needed to be hugged too.

But then… crimity! What does it take to convince him? He was never this hopeless with himself before? It looks like that the only one who can save Arnold now… is Arnold himself! I can still hear sobbing from him while we still embraced each other. A part of me still liked the feeling of course. But another part of me is now at a loss. What am I going to do?

"Helga, it's just (sniff) hopeless," he hoarsely said, "I'm just so alone. There's no way I'll make it by Monday."

Alone? What did he mean by that?

"What do you mean you're alone, Arnold?"

"Well, I'm so sad 'cause I think everything and everyone's (sniff) against me. I just had it, Helga. I just HAD it!"

After he said this, his head found my shoulder again to lean on. Wait a minute! Where have I heard that line before? Oh yeah, with Sid.

But Arnold's right. The world seems to be against him now. His problems seemed to be so willing to all crash down on him.

But then again, he's also wrong., because I'm now here, right beside him, and this time, he won't have to face them alone.

"Arnold. I'm here, and I'm not against you," I corrected, as I comfortably rubbed his back, "I'm your friend and I really don't want to see you sad," I finally admitted to him truthfully.

After I said that, he suddenly broke off from me. We both had let go and then he stared at me with his eyes and mouth wide open. He looked at me as if he saw a ghost or something.

"Really?" he gasped and he pointed at me when he was able to say something, "You… a friend? Helga?"

"Yes, Arnold!" I assured, placing the palm of my hand on my chest, "I'm your friend. What did you think?"

He still pointed at me as if I'm still a ghost. Probably he's still trying to absorb what I just said.

"But…but you teased me and made me fun of me and all of that! You're the one in our gang that I never really understood. You always annoyed me each and every day for as long as I can remember."

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Arnold, if you only knew the REAL me…

"Arnoldo?" I asked, shaking my head, "Can't you take a joke when you see one?"

But after I said it, I backed off a bit. He was silent again. He wanted to cry, eyes, hands, and all. He didn't have to say anything, but it seemed that his reply to that one would be a big resounding "No!"

"Look, Arnold," I reached my hand towards him, "I'm sorry if I ever… hurt your feelings a bit."

He was still silent and looked down on the side of his bed.

"Okay. I'm sorry if I ever hurt your feelings somewhat."

He still ignored me. I placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Okay! Okay! Maybe I DID hurt your feelings a lot?"

He still stared at the floor without saying a word.

It was at this time that I remembered the pink bow on my head. I still remembered all the nice things he did for me on the day I first wore it… the day I first met him… the day he first entered my life. Maybe this will remind him.

So, I carefully took off my pink bow. I let my blonde curls of hair flow out freely in the cold air.

"Look, Arnold. I know you wouldn't believe me even if I told you, but here… here's something for you. To let you know that in spite of everything, you still do have a friend…"

He didn't reach out for it so I just took his hand anyway. I gently put the bow in his hand, pretending not to notice any surprised faces that he made.

"Gee, Helga. I-I don't know what to say…"

"Well, don't say anything about it," I comforted him and gazed at his eyes, while still holding his hand, "Whether you see me as a friend or not, it doesn't matter. What I can say is that I'll always be a friend to you."

I let go of his hand. He closed his hand, taking my pink bow. He brought the bow close to his eyes, and examined it closely from all sides as if it were a priceless jewel. At least to me, it was priceless, but I wanted to give it to him anyway. He needs it now more than I do.

Then, it was quiet again. He's still really trying hard to understand everything what had happened and what I just told him. The clock near his bed is telling me that it was getting late. I wanted to say more to him but he seems so tired and distraught now that I'd say he had enough trouble for one night.

"I think I have to go now, Arnold, " I declared, while showing the clock, "On the other hand, what are you going to do in the meantime?"

He seemed too tired to think, too tired to study, and too tired to speak, though he manages. He then stretched his arms up and yawned, probably weary from all this.

"I think I'll have to sleep for the night. I have to get ready for tomorrow's studying."

"Okay," I replied. Yes! He's going to study! He's going to move on with his life! I placed my hand on his shoulder again and I asked straightforwardly, "But wait! How are you going to study for Monday then?"

"Well, I'll probably hang around the park tomorrow and study at a quiet place there," he spoke lethargically, "That will help clear my mind from all that happened." I nodded in approval as he wiped his final tears away.

"Are you going to be okay, Arnold?" I asked again for probably the hundredth time now.

"I…I think so…" he replied without looking at me.

"Are you sure?" I asked again. It's really hard to get over that thing that happened on the roof earlier, so I must be absolutely sure that he'll be okay when I leave.

"Yeah, I think…" he told me while glancing at me briefly.

"Are you really, really, REALLY sure?" I asked once more, while I shook his shoulder lightly. I was actually trying to assure myself.

"Well, I think that I'll be okay for now, Helga," he finally smiled at me as he answered it.

I breathed with a sigh of relief as I let go, and I stood up from his bed, "Well if that's the case, then good luck on Monday, Arnold."

"Good luck to you too, Helga."

I finally waved good bye to him and left his place.

As I saw him last, he rubbed his cheeks of any remaining tears that are still there while trying to come to terms with everything that had happened. I read his face and I guess he's pretty "stable" as Phoebes would say it.

As I ventured for home, I reached into my pocket and I opened my locket of Arnold. Oh Arnold, you gave me the greatest scare of my life! Why did you do that? Of all things, why? You were so close to being a goner, but I was fortunate enough to be there for you at your darkest hour.

What if I was a minute too late, for you? What if I just ran home after you slammed the door on me? It would have been my living nightmare coming true – a life without you, my angel… a life without you, my beloved. I would probably felt like a goner myself without you.

At home, I dressed myself up into my nightclothes.

As I lied down on my bed in my room, I realized that he has only two days left to study. Poor Arnold! I spent the rest of the night not really sleeping, but holding my pillow and staring wide-eyed at the ceiling pondering how I could help him make it on Monday. There must be a way…

There MUST be a way.

Author's Notes: The end… no wait! This isn't the end! How could this possibly be the end? You heard him. He is in shambles! But at least Helga finally got Arnold's attention. Folks, this story is far from over. In fact, as far as the loving romantic relationship between Arnold and Helga is concerned, the REAL story has just begun! What do you think about this one, guys?

Songfic alert: Correct me guys if I'm wrong, but I would say that the most appropriate song for this chapter is "Lean on Me," especially the part, "Lean on me, when you're not strong. I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on…"

- tst :)