Hello Everyone, Happy Pride Month! It has been a while, hasn't it? I haven't forgotten about you or this story. Thank you to my new readers who are joining us on this wild ride, and so much love to those who've stuck around. I appreciate your comments, saves, and follows. I suggest you follow and favorite, so you can receive updates. I have some exciting plans for this story and plan to be more frequent than a year with updates. Stay patient with me and this story while I aim to provide quality chapters as well as quantity. And I am already done with chapter 8. I'm waiting for my Beta to get it back to me. I will be posting that one soon.
Trigger Warning: Blood, some descriptions that might be scary or unease in the beginning. Handle with care :)
7. Porcelain Dreams
Helga opened her eyes and looked at the clock. Her blurred vision couldn't make out the time. She stood up to walk down the long hallway as she called out to her sister, "Olga,'' but no reply.
"Oh, there you are, Baby Sister." The older blonde said.
"What do you mean here I am? I was in the same spot that you left me." She said, rubbing her tired eyes.
"You're so cute." Olga pinched her baby sister's cheeks.
"Cut that out!" Helga slapped her sister's hand from her face.
"Okay" Olga said, going back to baking cookies.
"Olga, why are you baking cookies?' Helga yawned while rubbing her eyes.
"For you, Silly. These are your favorite."
"I don't want cookies." Helga protested.
"Of course you do." Olga smiled faintly.
"You're not listening to me!" Helga stomped her foot causing a crack in the kitchen floor. "What the-" she whispered.
"Yes, I am listening, silly." Olga said with a wild grin.
"You never listen to me." Helga kicked the air.
"Yes, I do." Olga said, turning back to the stove.
"Olga, why didn't you wake me? I told you I had a sleepover to go to."
"Don't worry about that now." Olga said, watching the cookies through the oven window.
"I missed my sleepover?" Helga said in frustration.
"That's okay." Olga said, still facing the stove.
"That's okay?" Helga said, crossing her arms.
"Of course, Silly. now you can spend more time with me." Olga said, never turning away from the stove.
"What?" Helga stomped and balled her fist trying to hold back saying something she might regret. The crack grew bigger and bigger in the kitchen floor making the small blonde lose her balance.
Olga turned to face Helga. "Are you okay, silly?" her voice became deeper and slower.
"What's wrong with your face?" Helga screamed.
"Nothing. It's perfect." Helga looked at Olga's face and body, which was Porcelain. "It's perfect. It's perfect. It's perfect." she repeated again and again as she glided backward out the room.
"Olga?!" Helga called out. Olga?!" She ran in the direction that her sister glided out of. "Olga?!" Helga stopped, feeling her feet were wet. She looked down and saw that she was standing in a puddle of dark water. She freaked out when she couldn't see her feet through the dark liquid.
"Daddy, Mommy. I loved you." Olga, a twenty foot porcelain doll, said through sobsl.
"Olga?" Helga called out trying to swim through a sea of mascara. "Why is everything in black and white?" She said to herself.
"Frankly Olga, I don't give a damn." Bob held up his giant hand while Miriam spilled gin from her large cup. The giants were surrounded by mountains of glasses that were taller than them.
"Daddy!" The giant Olga squeaked in a high pitch causing all the glasses to break.
Helga covered her ears while dodging all the glass crashing around her.
Criminy, what is going on? She asked herself.
"I can be lovable." Olga wined up a doll that looked like a five year old version of herself, that winded up a doll of an eleven year old version of her, that winded up a fifteen year old version of herself. The giant woman started to cry harder and louder while taking out another doll.
Helga walked over the broken glass to get a closer look at the doll only to see her own face looking back at her. She stepped back, tripping over a piece of glass and landing in the sea of mascara. Helga lifted her hand to her face and questioned, "Is this blood?" She looked between her legs and found where the source was coming from.
"Goody?!" The giant Olga jumped up and down causing the world to shake. "You started your period. You're a woman now, Silly."
"What does that mean?" Helga said in confusion.
"Time to be kind and wind." Olga put the winder on Helga's back.
"I don't want to be a wind up doll." Helga protested.
"You're just like me, Silly." Olga's painted doll face got closer and began to crack and break. Her face started to fall to the ground turning into black mascara which covered Helga up to her neck
Helga reached out her hand, "No!" she jumped from the couch. She places her head in her hands trying to catch her breath. "Ugh, why did Olga have to ask all those questions about my period, and what does she mean we're alike? Helga sighed. "Now I'm having nightmares." She leaned her head back, "Does turning 15 make me a woman? And what does that even mean?" She questioned herself softly.
"Oh, goody you're awake" Olga beamed with a tray of chocolate chip fudge cookies. "I was just about to wake you."
"Wake me?" Helga said, trying to relax.
"Yes, we don't want you to miss your sleepover, especially after I bought all those PJs," Olga smiled.
"What time is it?" Helga said, holding her chest .
"It's 8:30." Olga said. She places a hand on Helga's forehead. "Are you okay?" You feel a little clammy;
"I'm fine." Helga lifted up to feel something on her shoulder and waist. She looked down to see Lila's cheek against her shoulder and her hands around her waist.
"Uh, Lila do you mind?" Helga arched her eyebrow.
"Oh huh? Sorry," the redhead said, lifting up with a blush. "I must have fallen asleep. I'm used to sleeping with my stuffed bunny." She giggled, "sorry for mistaking you for it."
"Okay." Helga said slowly. "Well let's blow this popsicle stand." She said to Olga.
"Goody." She said with a smile before turning to Lila. "We can drive there together and I'll take you home, after?" She said, sitting the tray of cookies down.
"That's ever so wonderful." Lila smiled softly before turning to Helga, "I really enjoyed tagging along today."
The three of them walked outside and to their surprise found a stretch limo in front of the house. Before they could question it the window rolled down. "Helga G. Pataki?" the older driver asked.
"What's it to you, Mister?" Helga said, placing her hand on her hip.
"Madam Lloyde sent me to take you to your sleepover." He said warmly.
"Alright, Snobby Beauty." Helga said, soften her posture with a smirk.
"Have fun, baby sister. Olga waved, with excitement."I'll get Lila home safely"
"You know what, Lila." Helga thought of her next words very carefully. She sighed "You can come with me if you like," She said slowly cursing herself. She knew her stupid football head had rubbed off on her and she hated it. But, internally she didn't mind it much.
"Awe Helga." Olga said through the tears running down her face.
"That's ever so nice of you." Lila leaped to embrace the blonde.
"Okay Lila, I can't breathe." Helga said
"Oh sorry." Lila said with a blush. "Oh my, isn't it a pajama party?" Lila questioned.
"Yeah, so?" Helga replied.
"I don't have any pajamas," Lila said.
"Criminy, does the flavors stop?" Helga rolled her eyes. "Fine, you can have one of the hundred Olga bought for me."Helga sighed.
"Oh thank you." Lila twirled in excitement.
"Yay!" Olga joined in the cheer.
"Really, I hate them all, so it's nothing." Helga looked down at herself and noticed she was still wearing the matching pink outfits from earlier. "I have to change too." She said eagerly.
"Take your time, Miss Pataki." The driver said. "I am here for you and your guest, so take as long as you need. I'll just call Miss Lloyd to let her know we'll be there soon." He said with a warm smile.
The two girls hurried to change into their PJs. Helga put on a silk pink two piece button up shirt and pants set. It's the thing she hated the least. Lila grabbed the pink footie PJs, but Helga encouraged her to pick something else. Lila took her advice and kept the footies for another day. She decided to wear the white pants with a pink bunny and a white tank top.
"Lila, what's with you and Bunnies?" Helga said with a head tilt.
"We had bunnies on daddies farm." Lila said sweetly as if every girl grew up on a bunny farm.
"Okay, I guess." Helga decided she didn't have time to dive deeper into the subject. She wondered if the subject had more depth to it all. She shook off any curiosity and gently grabbed Lila's wrist to lead her out the house.
They both said their goodbyes to Olga and made their way to the limo. Once inside Helga looked out the window to admire the cherry blossoms still in bloom.
"Thank you ever so much for inviting me, Helga." Lila said with a gentle smile.
"No, biggie." Helga shrugged, "It didn't cost me anything to do it." She smirked, "Plus, I got to get rid of two of the PJs I hate."
"Thank you still." Lila said with the warmest smile.
Helga cleared her throat before standing on the seat to stick her head out the sunroof. "Wow, look at the moon tonight." She leaned her head back feeling the breeze on her face as they drove to their destination. Helga didn't sit down until they arrived.
"Your stop, Miss Pataki." The driver stopped gently knowing the young woman's head was still out the sunroof.
"What is this?" Helga said exiting the limo.
"Wow!" Lila said following behind.
"It's the Mcdougal hotel, Miss." The driver answered.
"Rhonda went all out." Helga said with shock and pride.
The girls walked into the lobby where there was a woman waiting for them. She was the manager of the hotel and insisted that she escort Ms. Lloyd's honorable guests to their room.
Once the ladies arrived at the door the manager gave them a key and said she was just a phone call away. Helga sighed before she knocked on the door. When nobody answered she used the key she was given. She entered the dark room with Lila on her heels. "Hello?" she said. And when no one answered she assumed Rhonda might have actually gotten the guts to prank her. She was about to get upset, but her anger was cut short by everyone yelling, "surprise!" Pink, white, balloons with matching confetti fell from the ceiling.
Helga smiled, "What's your deal with balloons and confetti?" she rolled her eyes while trying to hide her blush, shaking some of the confetti out of her golden locks.
"I think it's ever so pretty," Lila Said on her tiptoes.
"Who invited Sawyer?" Rhonda crossed her arms, "Did you forget after New Years she is no longer invited to any of my parties." She stated rather than questioned.
"I'm so sorry for not showing up to your party, Rhonda." she said with sad eyes. "My dad doesn't let me go to many places." She smiled shyly, "I'm only able to get out tonight because Olga vouched for me."
"Plus I invited her, Rhonda. It is my birthday party after all, right?" Helga interrupted with a raised brow.
"I mean technically." Rhonda stuck her nose in the air.
"Ro, be nice," Nadine said with a smile as she walked beside Rhonda.
"Ugh. Fine" Rhonda threw her hands in the air then waved to the girls to follow her.
"Snobby?" Helga said.
"What, Helga?" Rhonda rolled her eyes.
"How are you hiding from Ruth and Summer, if we are staying at Ruth's family Hotel?"
"The Mcdougals don't tell Ruth everything about the family business. Just like my parents don't tell me everything about their business. And besides I booked this room under one of my butler's names. Summer and Ruth don't care to know the names of the help as they say." Rhonda shook her head.
"So how did the manager know I was your guest?" Helga said.
"Oh, that's just Mrs. Smith, she makes it her mission to know everything that goes on here, but she doesn't interact with children so she says. So we won't have to worry about her telling Ruth."
Helga Shrugged and looked around the room "So why is it just me, you, Nadine, Phoebe, and Lila here? I'm not complaining since I don't like people, but you like a crowd."
"This is true, but I thought tonight might be intimate." Rhonda brushed a hair behind her ear.
"Okay." Helga said slowly, having more to say, but sided against it.
"So?" Rhonda looked at Helga and Lila with a wide grin.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Helga said
Rhonda took out her phone and took a picture of Helga and Lila "Awe twins." She smirked
"Did I say you could take a picture?!" Helga protested then it dawned on her what Rhonda had said. "Wait what?" She questioned in confusion then looked between her and Lila who were wearing the same braids from earlier. She palmed her face, "Criminy, I forgot to take these stupid things out." She groaned.
"I think we should all get braids!" Rhonda announced.
"I can help." Lila volunteered.
"Me too!" Nadine offered.
"Fine." Helga sighed realizing it was no use in arguing.
Lila had finished Phoebe's hair about an hour ago and Rhonda was still sitting between Nadine's legs. Nadine had finished her hair an hour ago, but Rhonda didn't move and Nadine didn't suggest either. Helga just smirked at the two. She watched Rhonda smile at the small touches Nadine would make on her braids and scalp.
Rhonda was about to fall asleep in the girl's lap until her phone rang. She sighed and got up to take the call. Helga and the girls watch her pace around the balcony. She was twirling her braid while lowering her head. When she came back in the room she sat on the opposite side of Nadine. She stretched her arms against the couch and laid her head back.
The room was in complete silence and no one knew what to say. Helga cleared her throat and placed her hand on the back of her neck. She asked the question everyone was thinking. "So, what's the deal with these Elites?
"Nothing." Rhonda said in a small voice not even looking at the blonde.
"Nothing?" Helga snapped her head back "Girl, you got quiet and sat all the way on the other side of the room. It's definitely something." Helga smacked her teeth.
Rhonda sucked her teeth, "Why are you so mad?"
"Because-" The blonde said with frustration until she felt Phoebe's gentle hand and looked over to see Lila smile. She thought about her football headed prince and breathed. She softened her body and continued "You know you can trust us, Rhonda."
Rhonda softened as well and looked around the room. She stopped on Lila who brushed her hair behind her ear. "I promise oh so very much to keep whatever you say a secret." Lila said.
"Ugh, it's just that Ruth and Summer want our family to spend the end of our spring break together." Rhonda looked up at Nadine who shook her head. Rhonda mouthed "I'm sorry" to her. The room got silent again and no one knew what to say once more.
This time it was Lila who spoke up, "Do you ever have to?" She questioned.
Rhonda laid on her back and looked at the ceiling. "It's just so much to explain I don't even know how. My parents say that a Lloyd is only as good as their name. The Elites can make or break my name." Rhonda bit her lip to hold back whatever emotion was going to come out. Nadine walked over to her friend and sat on her knees beside Rhonda. She took her hand and slowly started to caress it.
"Spring break might be ruined, but we still have tonight." Nadine smiled.
"That's true," Rhonda said softly.
"Alright, so what do we have planned?" Helga said.
"Oh, if I didn't know any better I would say you were excited." Rhonda teased.
"Well, you don't know any better." Helga teased.
"Whatever." Rhonda rolled her eyes.
The night continued with games such as I declare war, Concentration, Checkers, Monopoly, Uno, Mash, and a Dance party.
They also played truth or dare and Helga waited to ask Rhonda a personal question, but her better judgment told her this wasn't the time, so she didn't. Instead she asked all the girls if they had started their period yet which every girl admitted they had. Helga felt a bit misplaced at her own party with this discovery.
Phoebe broke the silence saying every girl is different and starts at their own time. She smiled softly.
This made Helga feel better, but the comment from dream Olga saying she was a woman because of her period stuck with her. She asked the girls if they feel like women since they have their period.
Rhonda said, "no I feel, aches, pain and bloated" All girls laughed
"I mean if we become women when we get our period are we supposed to date men?" She sighed seeing the confusion on everyone's face. "And if a period makes a girl a woman what makes a boy a man?"
Phoebe answered this time, "Well, having a period doesn't make you a woman, some women never have a period and are still women," which made the girls look at her confused. She added, "Trans women to be more clear" and everyone nodded. "Plus some men- Trans men have periods and aren't women," everyone nodded again.
"Besides you have your whole life to be a woman and more important, the woman you wish to be," Nadine said.
"Thanks Nadine," she said softly.
Helga smiled, feeling better being able to talk about this with friends. Her mother didn't talk about this with her since she barely talked at all. And Olga would bring up being a woman like taking training wheels off a bike. As if girlhood prepares you for womanhood when it doesn't. She sighed.
"No problem, Helga," She smirked. "Plus, not every girl dates a boy and not every woman dates a man." She looked over to Rhonda who tried to hide her red cheeks.
The comment softened the tension in the room and everyone was ready for more fun and games which lead to prank calls, three movies, and stuffing their faces with pizza and ice cream. Everyone was understandably tired after this.
Lila found herself with a marker mustache since she fell asleep first, but she was a good sport about it.
The next morning Helga waited for Lila to wake up, so they could head home.
"I really should take these braids out." Helga twirled the braid around her finger.
"Where y'all going?" Rhonda said.
"Home. Doi!" Helga retorted.
"I thought we would have brunch first. I have the whole dining area reserved for us." The ravenette smiled.
Helga heard her stomach growl and shrugged. "I guess I could stay a little longer."
The spread was all of Helga's favorites, even a breakfast style pastrami sandwich and burrito. Everyone ate until they were going to explode and enjoyed each other's company.
Helga looked at her friends at the table, some she always had and others who were always complicated, but she smiled at the thought of them all.
After their large brunch everyone was sluggish, Rhonda suggested everyone take a nap. Helga was going to protest, but was too full to do so. Rhonda insisted stating that the blonde didn't have any plans for today which was true, but she couldn't help but think about her football head as she drifted to sleep.
Helga woke up from her nap without any nightmares this time. She looked next to her to see a basket with towels, a robe, and lavender shower gel. Helga smiled at the card that said "did you really think you were going to leave here without a luxury shower and a gift from me? - Love Rhonda"
Helga went to the bathroom that had one of the largest showers she had ever seen with built-in speakers, and aromatherapy ports. She poured a few drops of the lavender essential oil that were waiting for her in the shower ports. Her favorite song began to play through the speakers and she was surprised Rhonda knew so many details about her.
"Hurry up Pataki, who's the princess now?" Rhonda shouted.
Helga rolled her eyes not realizing how long she must have been in there. She really got lost in the atmosphere of it all. "Hold your horses!" She shouted back.
The blonde wrapped herself with a towel and walked into the room that had lavender candles burning for her. And another note that said open me which pointed to a box. She did what the note said to reveal a lace baby pink dress with a matching hair bow. The blonde dried off and applied the lavender lotion Rhonda got her. After putting on her dress she began to take down her braids that left her hair wavy. She smiled at the sight and placed her bow on top of her head. She stepped into the matching pointed toe shoes before walking into the room with the other girls. They all gasped and told her how beautiful she was. She blushed and told them to "shut it" Before she could protest any further the doorbell rang.
Rhonda asked the Blonde to answer it while Helga rolled her eyes and said sure, mumbling I thought I was the princess. '' She said sarcastically before opening the door "Arnold?!" she gasped.
"Hey, Bow" He said sweetly, causing all the girls to blush, while making "aw" noises.
"Hush," She said flustered to the girls. She turned back to Arnold, "What are you doing here?"
"Well, Rhonda helped me set this up," He said.
Rhonda walked over to the two, "yeah, he begged me to cancel my party, so he could take you out, but that was a no. However, since Miss Pataki is so secretive, I told him if he helped me make your stay here pleasurable by informing me of your favorite foods, scents, and music then I would return the favor by helping him with a proper surprise." She smirked proudly.
Helga turned incredibly red and tried to hide her face from everyone. "I hate you both." She said shyly.
Arnold and Rhonda giggled. "Sure you do," they said in unison.
"Shall we?" Arnold reached for Helga's hand which she gave without hesitation and they started to walk out the door.
"Wait, criminy, what about Lila?" She said,
"Don't worry, I'll get her home safely." Rhonda promised.
"You better be nice to her, '' Princess Helga threatened.
"Rhonda looked back at Lila before looking back at Helga, "Don't worry we're friends now. Kinda" Rhonda said.
Nadine walked up, placing her hand on Rhonda's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she's nice." Now it was time for Rhonda to try and hide her blush.
Helga and Arnold walked to the pink Limo that Rhonda had waiting for them. Trying to catch her breath from all the mixed emotions she felt, but mostly excitement. She inhaled deeply while entering.
Arnold sat next to her and let out a deep sigh, causing Helga to look at him, getting a glance of his bright red hue on his cheeks. They reached for each other's hands and Helga laid her head on his shoulder. Closing her eyes as the Limo took them where her heart was sure to explode.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I always want to hear your thoughts and feedback as I'm here to grow. What was your favorite or least favorite part? What did you think of the dream, sleepover, Arnold showing up? 333.
