Disclaimer: I do not own Hey Arnold or any of the characters. Hey Arnold is the property of Nickelodeon and Craig Bartlett.
A Trip Through Time
Chapter 30: This is OUR Future Part 2
An hour later
Andy had just shown everything his room had to offer to the younger version of his father. After doing so and exchanging "non-dangerous" stories, Andy was looking for something else.
"So, Arnold... wanna watch a movie...I've got a copy of Phantom Menace that was around in your time...'Andy suggested.
Arnold nodded.
He remembered seeing the movie last year with Gerald and a lot of guys complaining about it because it wasn't the original trilogy. Arnold didn't understand what the big deal was since it was suppose to be a new movie, a new Star Wars movie that is.
Anyway, Arnold was okay with watching the movie, plus it would bee fun spending time with his 'son' in a more relaxed sense of the way.
"Sure..." Arnold said Andy grinned getting the DVD once the movie started and the familiar text crawl came up
However, Arnold's thoughts weren't on the movie, he was in deep thought, glancing at Andy everyone once in a while.
Andy noticed and paused the film a bit.
"Something up, Arnold?...'Andy asked.
Arnold was silent for a moment, before sighed as he looked to Andy
"Andy...I'm...I'm sorry that I put you in this situation..."Arnold said.
Andy was confused and Arnold continued.
"You know...getting caught, your folks finding out about us and all of the trouble I ended up causing..."Arnold said, while Andy turned to him, confused
"What are you talking about, Arnold? I mean, i's not like you got kidnapped on purpose..." Andy said
Arnold nodded, leaning back looking up at the ceiling.
"Yeah, but if I hadn't gone outside... Sheck wouldn't have kidnapped me and I wouldn't know so much about the future..."He said.
He knew that he messed up and even if things are working out, he still has to own up to his responsibility,
Andy supposed that he could see Arnold's point and if he was in Arnold's shoes, getting flung into the future... seeing how the city would change...the people that he knew...who he would marry...
Suddenly, Andy blushed an image of a certain African Asian girl popped into his head before he shook it away.
"Are you okay?..."Arnold asked.
"I'm fine..."Andy said, trying to change his train of thoughts.
"Look Arnold..."Andy said, though he still felt weird.
"It's still weird calling my dad by his first name...even if he's a kid..." Andy thought.
"I know that this is weird but it's not your fault that Sheck grabbed you...heck, if he didn't see you then he'd have gone to PS 118 and he could have grabbed me or Megan..."Andy said, amazed how much danger his family faced these passed few days.
He had his younger father's attention now.
"Look, the point is that we're still here in one piece because you WERE here...and things are working out...so don't worry about what could have been..."Andy said.
That seemed to have done the trick, as Arnold now lost his somber look and a small, appreciative smile formed on his face.
You know...you're really smart...you know that right..."Arnold said.
Andy shrugged while he pressed play, watching Qui Gon Jinn save the Gungan Jar Jar Binks.
"I had good parents..." Andy said.
Arnold nodded while thinking about himself and Helga and the future they'd have together.
He still can't believe that they would be married and happy together, with three great kids. It was so surreal...but he knows that he is going to be happy.
He also knew that deep down, a part of him always suspected that Helga felt something for him other than her supposed hatred, not that she has ever admitted it...except one time.
"You know Helga's confessed to me before..."Arnold said.
Andy looked to Arnold, sure he had heard the story before but not from his younger selves perspective.
"Really?..."
Arnold nodded
"Yeah, during the first time with Sheck...she tried to pretend it never happened and I didn't want to make her uncomfortable so I just went along with it..." Arnold explained.
He had his suspicion but he wasn't even sure if Helga was even aware of WHAT she felt for him now...
Andy didn't know that... heck, he wasn't sure his mom knew that
"So, what are you going to do about you and Helga?..."Andy questioned.
Sure, he saw them in a rather compromising situation back at the boarding house, a memory he is going to try to suppress but at the same time, his very existence rides on his folks falling in love and getting married. His and his siblings.
"I don't know...I tried to talk to her at the boarding house but...'Arnold blushed.
"I told her that she can tell me when she is ready..."He said and Andy knew that he would have to settle for that for now.
Andy felt like the conversation was over. So, he just sat down with Arnold and continued watching a story from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
At least until a certain tummy started rumbling that is...
Andy looked to Arnold, who was looking sheepish.
"Sorry, I haven't eaten anything since the boarding house..."Arnold admitted.
"Come on, I'll show you to the kitchen..."Andy said and Arnold smiled.
Meanwhile
With Helga
An hour has passed since Helga began playing with Megan and she got her answer to her previous question: How hard could it be playing with a five year old?
Helga got her answer and she could say it in one word.
Hard.
It was really hard.
So hard that when Helga got home, she was never going to complain about being the youngest EVER again.
At least, at the bottom she didn't have to deal with a child who was the human equivalent of the energizer bunny, with the attention span of a puppy to boot!
It all started with the game of tea party, which Megan seem to be really into.
A little too much...
"Not that one...!" Megan snapped before adopting an adorable look.
"That's my teddy's cup..." Helga let go of the cup and Megan placed it in front of a white teddy bear, which she called "Cuddles".
"Okay..." Helga said, a bit uncomfortable.
Helga took a different cup and fakes sipping tea and then Megan snapped at her.
"NO LOUD SLURPING!..." Megan shouted, making Helga flinch. She then adopted her sweet look again.
"It's very rude, little mommy..."Megan said innocently as she picked up her tea cup and demonstrated the "right" way to do so.
Helga rose part of her brow.
"Criminy... this little girl is crazy...."Helga thought as Megan kept making her play with her.
After the tea party, she tried to excuse herself but Megan kept wanting to play different games with her...
Dress up...dolls...and pretend and every time Helga tried to say that it was the last game but Megan gave her the puppy dog eyes and when cutely said "please".
Helga now found herself wearing a pink feather boa while Megan placed a plastic tiara on her head.
"Okay, I am the princess and you are the princess's mommy and we are getting ready for the ball..."Megan said as she adjusted the tiara on her head.
"Okay, I am drawing the line here..."Helga thought, meaning it this time.
"Uh...Megan, not that this hasn't been fun...but I think it is time to take a break..."Helga said and Megan looked upset.
"No! No! We're not done yet..."Megan said and Helga was never a patient person.
"Well, I am...I think 5 games in a row is my limit..."Helga said.
Megan looked upset and Helga raised a brow, thinking she would cry.
"Well, it's just...my bigger mommy always finishes our games whenever she plays with me...so does my bigger daddy...I just don't understand why you don't wanna play with me?..."Megan said with a sad look on her face.
"Excuse me?..."Helga question with a raised brow.
"I played a ton of stuff with you..."Helga said but Megan sent a look.
"Yeah, but we aren't finished yet...'Megan pointed out.
"Pretty please...one more game..."Megan said as she gave puppy dog eyes.
This is the the fourth time Megan has said these words and Helga knew that she doesn't mean this.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think that she's...wait...is she manipulating me? Unbelievable, I am letting myself be manipulated by a kindergartner...this was so humiliating..."Helga thought to herself.
If it happened to anyone else, she'd think it was funny and feel maternal pride in Megan but it was her and she wasn't a fan of it.
Still, she had to give her some credit, being five years old and already being aware of the concept of making a sucker out of someone, was something she didn't stoop to until first grade.
Before she could complain about it or express her admiration, her stomach started rumbling in hunger.
Grrrllll...
"Criminy, I'm starving..."Helga complained.
"You're hungry...well, okay...come on...I can take you to the kitchen..we can even get some yummy snacks for our next tea party..."Megan said as she grab her by the hand, likely to take her to the kitchen.
Helga was surprised by her little mood swing.
She went to fake sadness to guilt her into playing with her and the next minute, she's all sweet and wants to feed her. In other words, she acts like her for one second and then starts acting like Arnold the next minute.
"This kid's as insane as I am..."Helga couldn't help but think.
Despite it all, Helga couldn't help but smirk a bit as Megan continued to lead her down to the kitchen to get something to eat.
Besides, at least she got a break from "dress up".
Downstairs
Mr. and Mrs. Shortman were in the kitchen and they were busy.
After their kids went upstairs with their future selves, their phones exploded with calls, voice mails and texts from their friends and relatives.
Apparently Sheck's escape and kidnapping their kids got on the evening news and now everyone was calling with concerns about the children of one of Hillwood's most beloved family.
"Yes Stinky, Andy and Megan are fine..." Arnold said sitting at a kitchen chair into the phone while Helga walked past, also talking on her phone.
"Rhonda, please... if my kids weren't fine...would I be on the phone with you and not pounding someone's face in?..."Future Helga said sarcastically.
Any other time, they would have been touched by this concern, but given the circumstances, it's just stressful.
They kept getting more calls.
"I know...I know...Call down Pattie, the kids are alright and Sheck won't be coming out ever again...he knows that I won't go easy on him a second time..."Mrs. Shortman said as she tried to calm down Pattie Berman, her friend and the mother of her son's friend, Adam.
Arnold was on the other phone, talking with another of their friends.
"No...No...Thaddeus, Sheck is already in custody and the kids are safe...I don't think firearms are necessary at this point..."Arnold said as he was on the phone with Thaddeus Gammelthorpe, formerly Curly.
Helga and Arnold ended their calls before another person called Arnold answered.
"Hey Harold, yes Andy and Megan are fine...no, Harold...Helga already spoke with Pattie...you two don't need to bring a deli platter... we just want to put this incident behind us..."Mr. Shortman said to his friend.
"Yes, they're fine Lila..." Helga said Arnold sighed.
"Harold, if it'll make you feel better, I'll stop by tomorrow with the kids bur now I've got to rescue Helga" Arnold called.
Yes ,Lila called her..."He said, as if it was obvious.
Arnold hung up and was walking over and taking the phone from his wife's hand. Sure, she could get along with Lila better than when they were kids but Lila's concern could be a little much for Helga some days, especially after getting calls from Rhonda,Sheena and Nadine
"Hi Lila..." Arnold said into the phone.
"No...no...nothings wrong with Helga, she just had to check on Henry..." Arnold said.
Lila asked some more questions on her end, about the kids.
"Yes, the kids are fine...not a scratch on them, thank goodness..."He said as he continued to try and talk his "ever so perfect" cousin-in-law.
Out in the hall
Andy and Arnold walked down the stairs and to Arnold's slight bemusement, it was around the same time that Helga came down with Megan.
"A-Arnold...I mean...Football Head...I...Uh...'Helga said, still a little flustered.
Sure, she had tried to be strong earlier and not give into the monologue she so desperately wants to take part in, but didn't due to her desire for privacy and this house having too many people in it.
"Oh...Hi, Helga..."Arnold said, still feeling a little awkward for obvious reasons.
And noticed and decided to break the awkwardness.
"You came just in time, we were going to grab a snack from the kitchen..."Andy said.
"And we were going to get some snacks for our next tea party..."Megan said and Helga flinched.
"Tea party?..."Arnold questions with a pleasantly surprised look and Helga blushed.
"Hey! She was the one who played it, I was just humoring her..."Helga said, trying to save some face.
"Did she drive you nuts yet?..."Andy said with a smirk, while his sister pouted.
"We were having fun..."Megan said and Helga sighed.
"Let's just go grab something to eat before I starve..."Helga said, still not wanting to look directly at Arnold.
"Sure, come on..."Andy said as he ran to the kitchen to get some grub.
"Andy, wait..."Arnold said as he ran after him, while Megan rolled her eyes at her brother's actions.
"Boys..."She muttered, making Helga raise a brow at what she just said.
"Heh...she actually sounded a little like me just now..."Helga thought to herself, before cracking a smile.
Back in the kitchen
"Lila..Lila...I just said that the kids are okay, there is no need for you to come out into the city...'Mr. Shortman said, trying to calm down his hysteric cousin-in-law.
Just then Andy and Arnold came down and Mr. Shortman put Helga's phone on speaker.
"And I'll prove it, Andy...say hi to your aunt Lila..."Mr. Shortman said quickly.
Arnold heard this and reacted in a less than subtle way.
"Lila!..." Arnold said before his eyes widened and he covered his mouth.
Mr. Shortman panicked before Andy acted fast as he grabbed the phone.
"Hi, aunt Lila what'd you think of my impression of Dad as a kid...I based it on old recordings..."Andy lied quickly.
Thankfully, Lila seemed to have bought it.
"It's oh so exact! It's like I was a little girl again with your father trying to ask me out..." Lila said, unintentionally embarrassing both Arnold's, especially the younger model
"But anyway, I'm oh so relieved to hear your voice. I am pleased to know that you and your sister are all right...you'll be in mine and your uncle Arnie's and cousin A.J's prayers even more than usual..."She said.
Arnold's eyebrows disappeared somewhere into his forehead as he registered what he just heard.
"Lila married ARNIE?!..."Arnold whispered in shock, only for Andy to cover his mouth.
"Shut it..."He whispered harshly.
"What was that, Andy?..."Lila asked.
"I...I said, how's uncle Arnie?...'Andy lied.
"Oh, he was worried about you, but he will be oh so happy to hear that you are alright...'Lila said cheerfully.
Future Arnold then tried to change the subject with her, unable to believe what was slipped out but it was too late.
"Are you okay?...'Andy asked, as he noticed his stun look.
"Lila married Arnie..."He repeated again, still in disbelief.
Sure, he got over his crush on Lila a while back, but it was still an ugly shock. I mean, the girl he used to like-like actually picked his creepy cousin as her husband.
Even if he no longer fancies her, it stung a bit.
Adult Arnold saw this and ended the call, saying there was another call on the line from Helga's parents. Lila accepted it easily enough and Arnold hung up .
Adult Arnold looked to his younger self.
"Are you all right Arnold?..."He asked and his younger self nodded.
"I'm fine...I just didn't expect this..I mean...Lila and Arnie..I know she like liked him but still... how did that happen?..."He questioned and his older self shrugged.
"I wish I knew ...I lived through it and I'm still not sure how it happened..."He admitted.
Megan and younger Helga came into the room, trying not to act like they weren't totally eavesdropping.
At the same time, adult Helga came back from cooling down.
"I just got a call from Mr. Simmons, Mayor Green and Sid too...not to mention that there are two squad cars parked on our street and I'm pretty sure I saw Monkey man on the roof across from ours..."She said and her husband smiled.
"They're just showing their support..."He said as his wife sighed, before turning to the children.
"What brings you guys here?..."Mrs. Shortman asked.
"Uh...Arnold got hungry..."Andy said.
"Little mommy got hungry too..."Megan said, using her preferred nickname for Helga.
Before her mother could say anything, they heard the door bell ringing...at the same time, they heard baby Henry crying.
"Oh...I'll go check on Henry, you answer the door...'She said and her husband nodded.
"Andy, can you feed our guests, please..."Mrs. Shortman asked her son, who nodded.
"Sure thing, mom..."Andy said as he watched his parents leave the room.
He then turned to his younger set of parents, who obviously were still concern more about what they just learn than their hungry stomachs.
"So, I heard that little Ms. Perfect tied the knot with your freak show cousin..."Helga said, obviously enjoying this.
"Helga, that's not nice and Andy and Megan can hear you..."Arnold gestured to the kids, who could hear her.
"Don't worry, I don't like him either...that one eye blinking of his gives me the creeps..."Andy admitted.
Megan also nodded.
"And that yucky snort of his...ew..."Megan said shuddering, showing that she disliked Arnie too.
Arnold heard this and sighed, trying to be patient.
"Look, I know that...
"Arnie is not perfect but he is still family and we have to treat him like it..."Megan said, obviously having memorized it , surprising Arnold.
"Yeah, we know and we do..."Andy said.
Before Arnold could question that, there was a loud, grumbling sound and it wasn't just from his stomach.
"Criminy, I haven't eaten anything since breakfast at the boarding house...got anything good to eat around here?..."Helga asked.
"Way ahead of you..."Andy said as he rummage through the fridge and little Megan then grabbed some snacks.
"Little mommy, I found some cookies..."Megan said as she grabbed the cookie jar.
"Hey, are you sure that you should-
Arnold was cut off as Helga grabbed one of the cookies.
"Finally, thanks...'Helga said as she began to munch on them and was impressed by the taste.
"Mmm...this tastes great...Football Head, you gotta try this..."Helga said as she ate the rest of the cookie with much gusto.
Arnold blinked as Megan offered him one of the cookies. He shrugged and ate one and was also pleased with how good it tastes.
"Mmm..."Arnold said as he enjoyed the treat.
It's even better than the ones at the store.
Andy finished rummaging through the fridge and pulled out some stuff.
"Okay...I got some stuff and-..."Andy paused when he saw his younger parents and sister eating from the cookie jar.
"Hey, mom said we can't eat her cookies in between meals..."Andy said in annoyance.
'She doesn't seem to mind..."Megan said as she pointed to Young Helga, before eating a cookie, herself.
This got the attention of the younger Helga.
"Wait...what do you mean by "her" cookies?..."Helga questioned.
"Mommy bakes the best cookies...'Little Megan said as she grabbed another one and Andy rolled his eyes as he took the cookie jar from her and placed it back on the counter, before his mom came back and got mad.
"Wait...you mean, Helga baked these?..."Arnold said as he looked at his former bully who blushed.
"I...No...I didn't bake these..."Helga said in a tough sounding voice.
"Yes, you did...or Bigger mommy did anyway...'Megan said as she ate the last of her cookie.
"Yeah, she always makes stuff like that for us...cookies, pies, cakes...stuff like that..."Andy said, watching his younger dad look surprised and his younger mom look embarrassed.
"I didn't know you liked to bake Helga...'Arnold said with a teasing smile
"I don't..."Helga said stubbornly and Arnold, in an amused sort of way, couldn't help but say this.
"Not yet, you mean..."He chuckled.
He was rewarded when Helga jammed the last of her cookie into his mouth, to shut him up.
"Aw, put a sock in it, Football Head..."She said with her arms crossed.
Arnold was annoyed, while Megan giggled.
"Don't you mean a cookie..."She laughed and Helga smirked.
She was happy with everything that this future has to offer, but at the same time, mildly confused.
"I am happy with what I am going to get but still...how the heck did I turn into a happy, doting mom who likes to bake and actually looks pretty..."She thought in confusion.
That was when the adults came back, explaining that one of the police officers just came by the ask more questions about Sheck, which they answered as truthfully without mentioning time travel.
Andy and his sister soon left, carrying their own snacks and taking their temporary room mates with them.
"I sometimes forget how much Andy looks like you as a kid, but it's even more obvious now...'Mrs. Shortman couldn't help but comment.
Her husband smiled at that.
"And Megan really seems to be looking up to her little mommy, it seems..."Mr. Shortman chuckled.
Suddenly, they got another text, this time from Eugene, who was asking about the kids.
Once they were done talking to them, they both sighed deeply.
"Even after all of these years, are friends can still be nutty..."Future Helga muttered a bit, but it wasn't out of malice as it used to be.
"They are just worried about the kids..."He said to his wife, who sighed.
"I swear some days...I think you are a saint, darling..."She said and Arnold smiled, pecking his wife on the cheek.
'Hey, it's true...they just want to know that the kids will be okay...'He said, and to his surprise, his wife's smile dropped a bit.
"I know...and I do too..."She said.
Her husband didn't need to ask what she means.
He knows.
They got more rings and text messages to answer, all the while their children continued to entertain their little "guests".
In the living room
"I hope these sandwiches will do for now...it was all I could get on a moments notice...'Andy said as he handed said item to his younger parents.
"Thank you..."Arnold said, while Helga already took a bite out of her own sandwich to calm her stomach.
Before they could separate, Megan suddenly spoke up.
"Oh my, almost forgot the juice...be right back..."Megan said as she ran back into the kitchen.
"Don't even try to take any more cookies...I want some for later...'Andy said as he went after his sister, to make sure she actually did what she said she would be doing.
Leaving Arnold and Helga alone.
The two noticed that they were alone. Helga felt her heart racing again in excitement and flusters.
"So..."Arnold started and paused.
"S-So..."Helga said, wondering why she is still like this.
She knows that he will return her love and marry her some day, so why is she still acting as shy as ever now. It is baffling. Before she could do or say anything, there was a loud knock on the door.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
Mr. and Mrs. Shortman heard the loud, frantic banging against the door and came in.
"Who could that be?..."The father asked.
"Probably another reporter trying to get an exclusive..."The mother muttered under her breath.
The mother walked over to the door looking through the peephole a cold shiver went up her spine.
"Criminy! Not them, not now.."She whispered in shock.
"Who is it?..."He asked.
"My parents.."She whispered back to her husband, who looked alarmed.
The younger versions of Arnold and Helga didn't hear her whisper, they just looked confused
"Who is it, Mrs. Shortman?..."Arnold asked.
Mrs. Shortman didn't answer, she just sent a look to her husband who nodded. The older Arnold then motioned for the younger counterparts to hide and placed them in the nearby hall closet.
"Come on you two, you gotta hide.."Mrs. Shrotman said as her husband placed them in the closet.
"Sorry, about this...just stay in here until they've leave..."Mr. Shortman said.
"Until who leaves?..."Helga questioned.
There was another loud knock, so neither of them answer, they closed the door.
"Criminy...I hate it when grownups don't tell us the important stuff...but our older selves..."Helga mutters, while Arnold wasn't too sure what to say.
They however noticed that the door was slightly open, since the couple was too anxious to get them in it and didn't close it properly.
"Hmm...let's see who our visitors are..."Helga muttered as she snuck a peak. Normally, Arnold wouldn't do this sort of thing, but he was curious.
They then saw that Mrs. Shortman open the door to reveal two elderly figures. Arnold didn't recognize them, but Helga did.
"Mom?...Dad?..."Helga whispered in shock.
Sure, they are old and Big Bob was pretty bald right now and Miriam had quite a few wrinkles and some gray, but it's them.
"Your parents?..."Arnold repeated as he finally sunk in.
If he was going to marry Helga, that means that her parents would become his kids grandparents..and Big Bob would be his father-in-law!
"Oh man..."Arnold thought with a gulp.
"Shush..."Helga whispered as she was trying to listen into this.
"Mom...dad...this is unexpected..."Mrs. Shortman said in a nervous tone, while her husband tried to remain calm.
"Helga sweetie... are the kids alright?" the future Miriam Pataki asked, worry was evident in her face as she embraced her in her arms, her husband following suit.
"I'll tell you what is unexpected...getting a call from your sister and then turning on the news to see and seeing your Grandkids school pictures and talk about them being kidnapped..."Bob Pataki exclaimed, looking upset.
Kid Helga was surprised, she had never seen her parents act like this before. It made her wonder what happened to make her parents act like this.
"Andy and Megan are fine, dad...don't worry... I was going to call you guys but we have been getting phone call after phone call from everyone we know and we also had to talk to the police and help ID Sheck..." Adult Helga said and young Helga thought for a second the world was going to end she just saw herself call Bob 'Dad'.
"Sorry,to worry you but the kids are fine and Sheck is where he belongs..."Future Arnold explained.
Young Arnold and Helga remained silent as they then saw the elderly Big Bob Pataki then do something they were already familiar with.
Get mad!
That's no surprise, but what surprised Helga was the reason why he was mad now.
"I can't believe Sheck got out...That dirty, no good double crossing weasel... if I see him, I'm going to pulverizehim for laying so much as a slimy geriatric hand on my grand kids..." Bob said.
Young Helga was surprised. The only time she has seen him act this concern for another person was usually with Olga.
"He..actually looks like he cares..."Young Helga said and Arnold heard her.
Then they saw something that made them both question their sanity.
It was when future Arnold then went to speak to the Pataki Patriarch, with a grin.
"Your daughter here did that already Bob...with a little help..."The Football headed man said as he raised his own fist.
Old Bob then had an impressed grin on his face.
"I knew I liked you for a reason, kid...always have..."The old man said.
In the closet young Arnold looked confused to Helga.
"Your dad likes me?...'He asked while Young Helga shrugged.
"How would I know, Football head? I'm not sure if he even likes me..."She said.
What's going on?!... She thought.
They continued to eavesdrop.
"Kids!..."Future Helga called for her children to come.
Before Helga could wonder even more Andy and Megan walked in the door
"Grandma! Grandpa!..." Andy shouted.
"Mama Miriam! Pop-pop!" Megan shouted with glee as they ran up to Miriam and Bob, who had bent down with their arms out.
"Hey-hey!" Bob went. "My grandkids!"
"Andy! Megan!Are you two alright?" Miriam replied with some worry.
"We're fine, grandma..."Andy said, while Helga brought in Henry.
Than Young Arnold and Helga watched as Miriam went over to Henry the baby cheered excitedly reaching out to be picked up by Miriam.
"Oh, Henry..."Miriam said as she obliged in cooing and kissing the baby.
Mrs. Shortman sighed, trying to maintain her calm. She just knew that her younger self must be feeling like she's going insane by watching this her parents and her kids get along.
Because she knew that at that age, she wouldn't be able to swallow that. Heck, time travel was an easier pill to swallow than this
She was right.
Her younger self was having trouble swallowing this whole thing.
"Ok, what kind of weird alternate universe is this?...She thought as Bob went over and pet Henry on the head
"Hey there, tyke..."Bob said in a soft sort of way to baby Henry, who giggled.
He then turned his attention to Andy and Megan.
"We heard that Sheck kidnapped you two..you both okay?..."Bob asked, actually concern.
"We're fine...Sheck tried but he couldn't keep up down..."Andy said as he did a karate pose.
"He was really mean but we all taught him a lesson..."Megan said as she showed no sigh of trauma.
Bob just smirked.
"That's my grandkids...tough as nails, that's Pataki blood right there..."Bob said proudly.
"Now, now...Shortmans can be pretty brave too..."Future Helga said, while Miriam still looked confused.
"But how did Sheck get you two?..."Miriam asked.
"Hey yeah... Why were you there in the first place?..." Bob asked sternly.
"Sorry Pop-Pop Bob...Andy just wondered if the portal was real and I wanted to help. You're not mad, are you?..." Megan said with the biggest puppy dog eyes.
The older Helga rolled her eyes. She knew that her dad wouldn't last a second against the eyes. And just as she thought, the future Bob Pataki had his granddaughter in a bear hug, forgiving her in that instance.
Young Helga rubbed her eyes repeatedly. Each time she stopped to see it, she did it again. She didn't care if they bled because it was a sight that made no sense.
Time travel was easier to swallow...a giant prehistoric fish in the lake was easier swallow ...MONKEY MAN was easier to swallow
This is just absurd...
"How is this possible?..." Helga thought. "My parents never acted like this to me before..."
Arnold was just as surprised to. He has never seen Helga's aggressive father acting this way before, but he turned into a different person just around Andy and his siblings.
As her future parents and children interacted more, a thought occurred to Helga.
"My parents and my kids... like each other?!"
"Portal? Helga, what's Megan talking about?..."Miriam asked her daughter.
The Shortmans got nervous until Andy saved the day.
"She got the word from a movie, Grandma but she's too young to really know what it means...so she just keeps saying it..."Andy lied quickly.
Megan resented what he said, especially since he knows that she is smart to the point that she can read and write two grades above her but realized that she did indeed slip up.
She had to go along with it.
"Uh...what does portal mean, again?..."She feigned ignorance.
Miriam looked unsure at first but just went along with it remembering when Andy or the twins were young and feeling nostalgic or old either one
Bob was still hugging Megan.
"I'll tell you later, precious...I'm just glad you kids are okay because if that rotten, no good Sheck tried anything...well, if I see him before he's thrown in jail again... I'm going to pound his bones into jelly and spread it on my toast..."He said, his anger rising.
"Pop pop Bob... too tight...need air" Megan said struggling to breathe until Bob let her go.
"As for you, young man...here...I figured you could use something to cheer up after a day like today..." Bob said reaching into his pocket pulling out something.
"What is that?..."Young Arnold asked as he watched Andy's eyes widened a giant grin on his face.
"Are these tickets to next weeks game? Awesome! Grandpa how'd you get them?.."Andy asked in excitement.
"I may not be the beeper king anymore but I've still got some friends..."He said as he ruffled his hair.
"This is for being so gosh darn brave..."He said proudly as Miriam soon gave Megan something.
A new doll.
"Here you go Megan, sweetie...you were very brave too..."She said as Megan grabbed the dolly.
"Thank you, mama...thank you, pop pop..."Megan said sweetly to her grandparents.
"Ah, Bob...Miriam...you guys shouldn't have..."Mrs. Shortman said.
"Nonsense...my grandkids deserve it..."Bob waved as he then turned to Andy.
"Anyway, the game is for next week...I figure I could take you and your cousin...it's going to be epic...do the kids still say epic?..."Bob asked and Andy shook his head
"Not really...but this is awesome thanks Grandpa...'Andy said appreciatively.
"Yes, thank you..."Mrs. Shortman said, trying to figure out a way to get them to leave without coming off as rude.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Shortman expressed their thanks, explained that today has been a long day and their family has had enough excitement. Miriam said that she wanted to help make dinner, figuring her daughter was stressed out but Helga declined, saying that she already has it covered but thanked for her concern.
Any other time, she would be happy that her parents gave this much effort to actually act like parents, but right now, she wanted them gone before they saw her little time traveling guests.
They managed to convince her folks to leave, but they said that they could come if they needed them and Bob even gave Arnold a business card to a lawyer that he was familiar to help them make sure that Sheck never leaves jail ever again.
After saying thank you and goodbye, Bob and Miriam left.
Andy looked away from his baseball tickets and then noticed something.
"Mom, where's Arnold and Helga?..."He asked.
Older Helga held up her hands
"You'll see in about... three...two...one"
Young Helga then rushed out of the closet, followed by a young Arnold.
"I...I get that you might have some questions..."Mrs. Shortman said.
My parents and my kids... like each other?!..."Helga shouted incredulously.
"What's wrong?..."Andy asked and Mr. Shortman sighed.
"I'll tell you later...come on...I'll heat up your sandwiches..."Mr. Shortman said as he took his children to the kitchen,
Leaving his wife with the very confused young Helga and Arnold. Mrs. Shortman just knew her younger self couldn't believe what just happened.
She was amused by the look on her face as her younger self spoke again.
"My parents and my kids like each other?..."She questioned again, still wondering if this is even possible.
"I know it's... hard to think..." Adult Helga said.
"I'm more ready to accept time travel than... this!" Helga shouted.
"Helga, calm down..."Arnold said but Helga couldn't.
""How? When? WHY?!..."She asked and her older self just sighed.
"It's a long story...'She said.
"I can't give all of the details but let's just say that my folks mellow out a bit...it wasn't an overnight thing and the process wasn't pretty but I can say that they do love their grandchildren...all five of them..."She said.
Young Helga was stunned. A small, petty part of her felt some jealousy that her parents didn't notice her but gave their attention to someone else. But the rest of her was actually relieved to know that her own children didn't have to go through what she went through with them.
Before she could say anything, Arnold spoke up.
"Uh...Mrs. Shortman?..."Arnold questioned, still blushing whenever he said that title.
"Yes, Arnold?..."She asked.
"If...if it's alright to ask...well, I am sort of surprise to see that your dad likes me...when did that happen?..."He couldn't help but ask.
After all, his previous encounters with the Pataki Patriarch where less than amiable, such as the Mighty Pete incident. His future wife just laughed a bit.
"Well, what's not to like? After all, my husband is one of Hillwood's most respected citizens and a respect anthropologist..."Mrs. Shortman said, while they still looked at her in disbelief.
"And, also...well, let's just say that Olga wasn't the best at everything... like picking husbands..."Mrs. Shortman muttered.
What's wrong with her husband?..."Arnold asked but Helga had an idea.
She had seen the man at the boarding house who came to pick up Logan and Lisa. He looked like a total yutz.
"Now... you know I can't say anything that can be risky towards your future...'She said as she got up.
Just then, her family came back, with their snacks all ready.
"Come on guys...time to eat..."Andy said as he and Megan had the food in their hands.
"Yeah, go enjoy your late lunch...speaking of food, I better get started on dinner..."Future Helga said as everyone sent her a look.
"Hey, just because we had to deal with a madman and time travel, it doesn't mean we have to skip out on a meal..."Mrs. Shortman said.
"Whatever you say, dear..."Mr. Shortman said, causing his younger self to look at him funny.
Helga also blushed deeply as she was beginning to get overwhelmed again.
She barely noticed Megan tugging her hand.
'Come on...come on...let's go back upstairs..."Megan said, but Helga was just...she...she needs to...she needs to...
"Can I use the restroom?...'She said suddenly.
"It's upstairs, two doors to the right..."Andy answered.
Helga said nothing as she went up the stairs, while both her son and Arnold looked confused.
Her future husband however, had an idea on what might be happening to her. He didn't say it thought.
In the bathroom
With Helga
Helga quickly hid herself into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.
However, she doesn't actually have to use it, she is in her to deal with another need she has. A more complicated need too.
She has been holding back a monologue all day, and she didn't get a chance to do it since she wasn't alone but hearing Mr. Shortman say "whatever you say, dear"...hearing that revision to the familiar response she typically gets from her beloved...
She just felt something snap inside her.
She needed to let this out before she did something she wasn't ready to let her Arnold see yet.
"Oh Arnold~..."Helga whispered as she pulled out her beloved, heart shaped locket, and she spun around happily, finally releasing all of the pent up joy she has been feeling all day.
She eagerly started kissing the picture, before she held it against her heart.
"This… Is… Amazing! This is like every dream I've ever had come true merged into one amazing experience. It's so beautiful… So extravagant! Is there no other vision of pure beauty or bliss? My darling Arnold and I are together, and my parents actually like me! And I have the most wonderful children! A trio of beautiful little angels of heaven born formed from our love...It is almost as if I have seen a glimpse of heaven, that must be it. After all, this would be how I wish to spend the rest of eternity! Ah~..."She swooned.
She kissed the locket again and sighed lovingly.
"Oh, what more could any girl truly ask for...without being greedy..."She squealed.
She couldn't hold it in, she grabbed a nearby towel and screamed into it, not wanting anyone to hear her.
Unknown to her, someone did hear her.
Andy and Megan had come upstairs to check on her since she was in there awhile, their younger father was downstairs, getting a yahoo soda.
They heard the whole thing.
So did their older father, who had also come up and figured out what must have happened.
"Dad?..."Andy asked.
"Yes, son?..."Mr. Shortman asked, with an amused look on his face.
"Is, Helga okay?..." Andy whispered. still finding the whole thing to be pretty weird.
His dad nodded.
"Helga's not good at showing emotions at this age but she's alright...just let her have this moment...and it might be better to just keep this to yourselves for now..."He said, while Megan had her own opinion.
"I think it's sweet..."Megan said, giggling.
Andy sighed. To be honest, he can't say that he has never seen his mother get all mushy and say things like that to his dad. However, the fact that he knows that she is saying those to a picture of his dad is weird...
It was a different kind of weird but just the same..
After a few minutes, Helga came out of the restroom. Her typical scowl was on her face, but she noticed the presence of two of her little angels and the older, taller, totally gorgeous version of her beloved.
"What?..."She asked, using her usual tone instead of the happy, lovesick one from a few moments ago
"Nothing...nothing at all..."Mr. Shortman said, while her future daughter kept giggling and her future son still had a brow raised.
Helga raised part of her brow, wondering what was up. Just then, Arnold came up the stairs and soon saw the gathering.
"What did I miss?..."He asked and Andy sighed.
"Nothing...according to dad, anyway..."Andy muttered, while Arnold just looked confused at what he just said.
Later
After the little incident in the bathroom with Helga, his father had went downstairs to help his mother deal with more phone calls and nosy reporters, whom they refused any access to their children.
Andy had brought Arnold back to his room and Megan dragged Helga away, probably to play another one of her kiddie games that she is very picky with.
While Andy loves his mother, he was relieved that he didn't end up being Megan's playmate...again.
His little sister can be pretty bratty and annoying at times, and her tea parties were something he tried to avoid as much as possible.
Anyway, back to the subject at hand...Andy was still a little overwhelmed and he needed to talk to someone smart, level headed and who he truly and absolutely trusts.
He excused himself and was now in the hall, calling a number he knew just as well as his own home phone number.
After a few moments of ringing, there was a response.
"Hello..."
"Hey Kiara..."Andy said.
"Hey Andy...so...how are your younger folks doing?..."Kiara asked.
"Well, let see...they fainted when they saw my baby brother Henry, asked some questions and only got few answers, both me and Megan got a small parent to have as our roommate for a while, my folks have been getting calls nonstop, my younger dad found out about my aunt Lila before he was suppose to, my maternal grandparents made an unexpected visit and my kid mother had some weird, lovesick moment in the bathroom when she thought no one could hear her..."Andy said.
"Well...uh...could be worse...at least your other grandparents didn't show up..."Kiara suggested.
"That's because they are on the other side of the world, thankfully...let's just hope that they don't catch wind of this until after they are gone..."Andy sighed.
"Don't worry at least with our parents in on this, they can do some things we couldn't do...so I guess this situation has more pro's than con's..."Kiara said.
"Well, we still exist...so that's a pretty big bro..."Andy said.
'Anyway, how about your folks?..."Andy asked.
"They just regained consciousness..."Kiara said.
"Let me guess...they saw someone they weren't emotionally prepared to see yet and it was too much for them..."Andy guessed.
"Yeah, my sister...Gerald fainted twice when he learned that he was going to father two daughters..."Kiara said.
Andy chuckled, finding the thought of his calm, cool collected godfather suddenly fainting of all things.
"Can you blame him..."Andy chuckled.
He kept talking with his best friend for a while, both talking about their situation and their worries.
It wasn't even dinner time and already so much has changed in just a few short hours.
It was intense.
-To be continued-
Next time on A Trip Through Time
This is OUR Future Part 3
A/N: Special thanks to NeoMark, 61394, BeConfuzzled Writer and Invader Johnny for helping out with some scenes and ideas. Bless you all :)
A/N(2): I dedicate this chapter to my friends, my family and my Love for God. :)
REPLIES to my loyal and totally awesome reviewers:
61394:Thank you :)
The J.A.M. a.k.a. Numbuh i: Olga has already appeared, as for their other grandparents, as shown here, the are currently out of the country.
Invader Johnny: Yep, she sure did! LOL!
Nep2uune: Helga was trying to hold it in all day since she hadn't had any privacy. I hope this explains that.
:) Till next time beautiful people, remember to read and review :)