Hi lovelies! I'm super stoked for this chapter, and as always hope you all enjoyed the last update! We are finally uncovering some of the secrets of our two favorite blondes, which is exciting. They certainly don't make things easy for each other, do they? There will be some drama in this one, but also some lemony goodness so don't lose hope right out of the gate lol. I'll stop talking now, enjoy! Possible TW: light sexual coercion and unwanted sexual advances (kissing). Drug use. All cast and characters of Hey Arnold! belong to creator Craig Bartlett.

Chapter 9: Means to an end

Helga moved silently, tracking her target like a wolf hunting prey. She knew Arnold couldn't have gotten far, but where he had gone was definitely an issue. She had a general sense of the direction he had gone, and she could only hope that he didn't stray too far off track. If she was correct, he was walking towards the large park behind her house. The park itself would offer her decent cover, as there was a pond and lots of trees she could camouflage herself among.

The park was very dimly lit, with the faint amber glow of street lamps offering very little solace in the dark of night. Helga kept herself off the sidewalk, instead meandering behind the trees and shrubs hugging the sides of the concrete. She slowed her pace for a moment, her eyes still struggling to adjust to the mostly black air around her. This had not been well thought out, that much she was certain of as she snagged her jeans on a twig. So far her search yielded no sign of Arnold, and just when she was about to give up and turn around she caught sight of a silhouette just ahead.

Helga couldn't be sure it was him, and she moved as fast and quietly as she possibly could as she bridged the distance between them. Once she was several yards behind, she sighed in relief. It was definitely Arnold. He was striding along quickly, he certainly looked like he was walking with something of a purpose. As if he had somewhere to be. She kept quite a bit of space between them to avoid detection, but made sure he didn't get too far ahead of her and lost him.

Arnold's hands were shoved in his pockets and he pulled his hood up to cover his head as a soft drizzle started falling from the sky. Helga watched him carefully as they traipsed through the park. The hardest part would be continuing to follow once they made it to the streets, the city didn't offer the same coverage that the little forested patch they were in now did. She would have to channel her nine year old self to maintain stealth, but she was determined. Just as she suspected, he only used the park to cut through to a different part of the city and he turned onto a sidewalk as he exited the park. The area wasn't totally familiar, so she made sure to check landmarks and signs as she followed along, the last thing she wanted to do was get lost.

Helga made sure to stay at least a block behind him, and kept her eyes laser focused on the back of his head. She had to laugh to herself a little, he was so completely oblivious to her presence, just like when they were kids. He was just as blissfully unaware now as he was back then. Suddenly he started heading up the steps of an older, run down apartment building. She concealed herself behind a nearby car and watched him as he buzzed inside. It was frustrating not to know exactly what he was doing, and made her spy mission seem like something of a failure. It was no sooner that he disappeared inside that he reappeared, just minutes later. Clearly whatever he was doing there wasn't something that required a great amount of his time.

Helga was perplexed, but continued following Arnold as he walked down the sidewalk. Wait, did he always have that backpack? she wondered to herself. Soon he was turning the corner, and she almost lost him as her attention span had fallen to the newly acquired backpack and his lightning fast visit to the partially dilapidated old building. After a few more blocks, she started recognizing the structures around her. This part of town had some older buildings that were definitely familiar, but it was clear construction was booming judging by the newly erected sidings and walls lining the lots of the area.

Why do I recognize this part of town? Helga asked herself. There wasn't anything very remarkable that stood out to her, it was mostly office buildings and small stretches of residential facades. Arnold soon hung a left at a place where she had unconsciously predicted he would. She's definitely been here before, and once she crossed into the old junkyard where Arnold had entered, it immediately dawned on her.

This place used to be amazing as kids, there were all sorts of cool treasures they would find there. Not to mention the old forts and contraptions they all rigged up together. It was definitely spookier at night, something about seeing rusted old cars and broken down appliances from decades ago in the pale moonlight made her skin crawl a bit.

I wonder if it's still here… she thought to herself and soon the question was answered. Arnold opened the back of what looked like an old ice cream or freezer truck and disappeared inside, answering her question. The old hideout was something of a refuge for Helga and her Hillwood companions. Although there were a few times they had been found out but only ever by older kids, adults daren't try to seek them out here, so it was generally a safe haven. All of her peers had escaped many a pantsing, swirly, and general ass kicking here. She hoped the old place hadn't changed too much and if nothing else that at least one piece of it had remained the same. If she was right, there should be a small opening around to one side, where she might be able to witness whatever was happening inside, if she was lucky. Not a lot of people knew about the old porthole, fingers crossed that it was still her little secret.

Helga made sure to look around before approaching the hideout. Once she was certain that the coast was clear she rounded to the right handside. She very quietly moved a few tactfully placed 2x4s. Once the faint glow of light was shining up at her, she knew she found exactly what she had been looking for. It was a small piece of glass, possibly a sliding window from the back of an old truck, that acted as something of a discreet skylight. Just small enough to be fairly unassuming, but perfect for a set of outside prying eyes. She used this old window to spy on Arnold and his friends when they were younger. It lent a perfect overhead view of the entire main room of the hideout. Assuming that the other areas of the old fort existed, she hoped he only needed to do whatever it was he was doing in that first room, where her vantage point allowed her to see everything.

Peering down through the muddy glass proved a bit difficult so Helga very gently used her sleeve to wipe the excess grime off. She was careful so as not to bring any attention to what she was doing. She was unable to hear anything, minus the muffled sound of what she knew was Arnold talking, along with a few other boys and a couple girls. Helga examined everyone in her line of sight, she saw Arnold of course, and was instantly irritated to see Sid at well. There was a husky, tall brown haired boy who she determined was an older classmate named Torvald. One of the girls seemed familiar, a redhead, but Helga couldn't for the life of her remember her name. She did however recognize the brunette as Sid's companion from the bonfire just a few days ago. There was also one other boy who again, was familiar enough, but his name eluded her memory.

The hideout had been changed a bit since the days of Helga's youth. There was what appeared to be a ragged maroon colored rug along with a couple of old couches and folding chairs. A distressed looking glass coffee table sat in the middle, and their source of light was a few propane powered camping lanterns set in various areas of the room. She watched as Arnold sat down on one of the couches, the redhead plopped down very close beside him as he opened the backpack pulling out it's contents. Helga felt a tinge of jealousy surge through her when she saw the girl put a hand on Arnold's knee. Fucking bitch, she thought.

Arnold unloaded a few different bags of whatever was inside, he unfurled one of the bags and set it on the coffee table in front of him. Helga's eyes darted between him, the overly friendly young woman, and the bag on the table. He opened the zip-lock and Helga struggled to see the contents within. He passed out a few smaller baggies to everyone in the room, then dumped out what appeared to be three ovular, yellow…pills? He took what Helga thought was a small lighter and smashed them up. The others rifled through their own stashes, before handing Arnold money. A lot of money.

The girl sitting beside Arnold smiled bashfully at him and wrapped her arms around him into a hug. He smiled and offered her a rolled up bill to snort whatever substance he had just crushed up in reply. Helga felt tears welling up in her eyes and she felt as if her heart was a delicate piece of glass that had been smashed and now splintered into a million painful shards. It was bad enough what he was doing, apparently providing very illicit services to the delinquents of their school. But watching this girl making heart eyes and leaning into him, and for him to offer her something seemingly in exchange or in favor of her suggestive actions broke her heart. She watched as the two laughed together, and the girl gave him a playful shove to his shoulder.

Helga could kill the pair of them, the drug dealing was like gasoline and this thin, pretty girl with hair like fire was a dropped match. The result was a raging flame of emotion spreading throughout the blonde onlooker. What was the point of the last two weeks? Disgust entangled with her vexation as she watched Arnold crush more of the yellow ovals and snort them.

You fucking prick, she thought. She couldn't watch anymore, that cunt could have him. Helga peeled her eyes from the glass, carefully setting the planks back, and turned to walk away. What a surprise when she stood face-to-face with the last person she was hoping to see.

"Oh shit! Just what the fuck are you doing here, Pataki?" Sid asked with a sneer.

Helga stared at Sid dumbfounded. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

"Oh n-nothing! Just decided to go for a walk is all. Makes sense I'd run into you here, this is a junkyard after all. Welp, I should get running home, later loser," she said as she started to walk off. Sid grabbed her by the arm and whipped her around, hard.

"Not so fuckin' fast, you liar. Arnold said that he had plans earlier, tried ditchin' out on us. Said he'd get our shit later and he almost got his ass beat for it, you know that right? Now you're here?" Sid was eyeing her very suspiciously. "Funny I see you crouching over that old window. Now I'm not going to ask you again, what the fuck are you doing here?"

Helga's heart was pounding. How could she let herself get caught? She needed to think of something and fast, but the cogs spinning wildly in her brain failed in producing an excuse.

"Listen, what is all this? What did Arnold give you? And who is that girl down there?" Helga asked.

"If I answer your questions, you answer mine," Sid replied.

"Fine."

"This is the Den. Turns out our old hideout makes a great place for our uh, transactions to happen without anyone finding out. Except for you apparently. Your little boyfriend never tell you about his side hustle?" He asked. Helga stared at him wordlessly and he smiled smugly. "That's too bad. As for what he gave me, and all of us including that girl, is Percocet. Course that isn't all that he's carrying. But I'm thinking you guessed that by now."

"And the girl?"

"That's Natalie. Real fucking whore, that one. And a fiend. She'd probably blow the kid right now for a handful of pills. Say, doesn't Arnold got a thing for redheads?" Sid asked mockingly. Helga felt her blood boil. "Guessing you came here for a little visit? If you wanted a fix and a fuck so bad, I'd be happy to oblige."

"Shut up. So they're not together, then?" Helga said.

"Together? Look, Natalie ain't exactly looking for love, and I don't think she's his type. Don't think he's lookin' for his dick to fall off," Sid said matter-of-factly and Helga felt some of her anger melt away. "So tell me, how do you know about this place? Arnold know you're here?" Sid asked.

"I don't, and n-not exactly," she admitted and a smile crept across his face

"I could go and get him for you," he offered, though Helga was well aware he wasn't doing it out of the kindness of his heart.

"NO. Don't. I followed him here, okay?"

"No shit? That's actually crazy, you know that? That why you're dressed like a goddamn jewel thief? You didn't think to just ask him where he was going?"

Helga's eyes fell to the ground at the question.

"Oh I get it, you thought he'd lie, huh? Honestly, he probably would have. So tell me, you figure out everything you wanted to? You glad to finally find out just how big of a piece of shit he is?"

How could she respond to that? Of course she was glad to finally know the truth, but it was something of a double edged sword. She didn't think his fringe lifestyle ran this deep, and it was understandably disappointing. Sid was making her exceptionally nervous, however. She didn't exactly want Arnold to know she followed him, while she felt it was justified with what she had uncovered, it wasn't exactly her business. Her mind recalled the strange can, and how despite Arnold's initial resistance, he did offer to show her the contents. And Helga was very much positive now of what it contained, though she always sort of had the thought in the back of her mind. Suddenly everything made a lot more sense to her now. The coke, the can, the backpack. Not to mention his constant absence from class and lunchtime. She couldn't help wondering if perhaps he would have been more forthright with his activities for the night had she pressed him, or came with him as he requested.

What would she do now? This complicated their already complicated relationship that much more. She hated to admit that this whole thing didn't exactly shock her. She was worried about how things would play between the two of them. They both betrayed each other's trust. Every part of her wanted to take tonight back.

"Y'alright Pataki? You seem tense," Sid said.

"No," she admitted. "No I'm not alright, dipshit. This whole thing is fucked."

Sid didn't say anything, just stared at her curiously.

"You sure you don't want me to grab him?"

Helga sighed, she was petrified thinking of what might happen to them. If Arnold knew that she had found this out, and how she found this out, would they have a chance at a relationship? She wanted to help him, but she wasn't so confident that he wouldn't choose the drugs over her. It occurred to her that if he was unaware that she was trying to help him, she might have more success.

"No Sid," Helga finally answered. "I don't want him to know that I was here. He can't know that I found this out. Listen, do not tell him anything, okay?"

"Oh? And why shouldn't I?" He asked.

She knew she wasn't in a position to make any threats, but no harm in trying right? "If you tell him I'll crack your stupid head open."

"Keep talking like that and I'll drag you in there right now," he stepped closer to her, so much so that his nose was nearly touching hers. "Got it?"

Helga growled, "Fine. What's it gonna take for you to keep your trap shut, then?"

"Hm I could think of a few things," he said as he stepped back and his eyes looked her up and down. Her eyes widened, Kid really does play dirty, criminy.

"How about this," he started, and she anxiously waited to hear his request. She could only imagine what horrible, disgusting thing he may demand from her. He couldn't have been that stupid though, she would rather tell Arnold right now than say, sleep with someone as sleazy as Sid. "You give me one kiss."

Helga made a face, "What, why?"

"Y'know, you've been obsessed with this dumb ass for far too long," he said, she was about to interject but he cut her off. "Don't try to deny it, I'm not an idiot like blondie in there. You may not have been anything to look at when we were kids, but there's always been somethin' about you I kinda liked Pataki. I just want a little taste, that's all."

"A taste?" She asked in disbelief.

"Unless you wanna give me more, I could work with that," he said and shrugged his shoulders.

"I wouldn't kiss you if I had a gun to my head, you disgusting little rat," she said and the smile quickly fell from his face. "Go ahead and tell him, if that's how you wanna play this."

"Fine. You've probably had his dick in that mouth of yours, anyway," he muttered. "Oh well, guess I'll go get him then."

Helga grabbed his arm, "If I do this, you won't say a word?"

"Not a word."

"And you won't tell anyone if I do?"

"I'm not a five year old, so no," he said.

"Agree to disagree. Why a kiss, anyway?" She asked. He shrugged and his face got uncomfortably close to hers.

"I like pretty things and you got a pretty mouth," he explained, Helga shuddered.

"I thought Arnold was your friend though?" She asked.

"What's your point?"

"Well that's a real shitty thing to do to your friend," she said.

"You know what else is shitty? Punching your friend in the face," he responded.

"He only did that because you were being an asshole."

"D'you know everything I've done for that fucker? I've saved his goddamn life, and that's how he repays me? For makin' a couple jokes to some girl he's just trying to sleep with?"

"What are you talking about?" Helga asked. She chose to ignore Sid's comment stating Arnold was just trying to have sex with her.

"There's a lot you don't know. And he's lucky I'm a good enough 'friend' not to spill my guts about everything. Not just to you. Tell me somethin', you think the cops would be interested to know he's been dealing drugs to half of the student body?"

"Is that a threat?" She asked.

"It's not a threat, it's an understanding. I'm no worse a friend to him than he is to me."

"Why are you telling me all this you little weasel?" She asked angrily.

"You'd do well not to talk to me like that. It was cute for a while but the charm is starting to wear off. And I tell you what I choose to tell you," he answered.

"So what then, is kissing me your revenge?"

"Something like that," he said with a shrug. "I think it's a fair price to pay for playing secret keeper for you two." Sid smiled wickedly, it made Helga's skin crawl.

"So if I kiss you, you'll keep your mouth shut about Arnold, and you won't tell him I was here?"

Sid smirked, "You have my word."

"What makes you think I won't go in there and tell him all this right now?" She asked.

"You do that and I'll have the cops here so fast it will make your fuckin' head spin."

Helga sighed hopelessly. She knew she was probably going to regret this, but now it went beyond herself. Sid had her backed into a corner, literally and figuratively. Why couldn't she have just stayed home? He was using her as a pawn in whatever game of chess he was playing right now, and even though she might have to cave for now, she was determined not to allow him the upper hand.

"This is the only even remotely sexual thing you get from me. You got that?" She said through gritted teeth.

"Sure thing, course you might wanna come back for more after this."

"Like hell I will."

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"I'm waiting," he said with a disgusting sneer. Helga squeezed her eyes shut, the last thing she wanted to do was put her mouth anywhere near Sid. But a kiss is harmless enough, right? She's kissed lots of people, it doesn't have to mean anything. She gulped, it was now or never.

She grabbed Sid by the collar of his leather jacket and pulled his mouth to hers. It's for Arnold. It's for Arnold, she changed in her head over and over. The smell of his cologne hit her nose, an overly aromatic scent that made her instantly nauseated. She went to push him away from her but he grabbed her wrists and held her against him, she tried twisting away from him and was surprised at how strong this skinny little person was. Tears welled up in her wide eyes as she struggled against him.

"Mm," he sighed before suddenly releasing Helga right before she tried striking him with a knee. She shoved him away immediately, and he smiled a smile at her that sent chills down her spine.

Helga spit on the ground and wiped her mouth on her sleeve, "You're disgusting."

"Oh settle down Pataki, I was just fucking messing you," he said. "Don't have an aneurysm."

"I'm leaving now," she told him angrily and pushed past him. She turned around suddenly. "Don't fucking talk to me again, or I'll break your jaw."

"Whatever you say, babe," he said and snickered as she stormed off angrily.

Something told her that this was only the beginning with Sid as she jogged back home with tears streaming down her face.

Arnold hadn't heard from Helga all morning, he was worried that maybe she was mad at him for showing up to her house unannounced the night before. He would have to apologize for that, it wasn't his intention to bother her. He was supposed to be on that side of town anyway, and if she distracted him from his usual escapades, it was a win for him. Of course, he would have to think of a reason for why he was out and about, maybe she would buy that he just really wanted to see her. It wasn't really a lie, after all she occupied the vast majority of his thoughts. He didn't even realize that Brooke's friend, Natasha or Naomi or whatever, was practically crawling into his lap. Thankfully, she only wanted one thing, and it wasn't him.

Arnold found himself worrying that maybe sleeping with her had made him too attached. It wasn't that he only wanted to have sex, though all she had to do was say the word and he would make it happen, but really hejust wanted to be around her in any capacity. So when she didn't respond to his good morning text, or the following one asking her to have lunch with him, it made him more than a little bit sulky. And now that fourth period was over it meant that lunchtime was starting, it annoyed him that she couldn't even just text him to say "no." He dumped his belongings in his locker and grabbed his sack lunch. He turned around and instantly felt a pair of lips lunge at him. He gasped, taken aback by the random encounter but he quickly realized it was Helga.

Where was this coming from? She just spent the better part of the morning ignoring Arnold, and now this? He was about to ask her about it until a hand went up the back of his shirt, and her tongue sprung into his mouth. He pulled her hips close to him, and he quickly forgot what he was going to ask her about. In fact, he would take her ignoring him all morning if this was what he could expect, it was a great trade off.

"HEY," an angry male voice said, "What did I just tell you two about PDA in the halls? Take it outside."

The blondes pulled away from one another, Arnold didn't even look at the man as he uttered, "Sorry, Mr. Clancy." No sooner that the words came out of his mouth was he being quickly pulled out the back door of the school. He had no idea what Helga had planned, but spending their lunch break making out sounded pretty damn good to him.

"You drove the Packard to school today, right?" She asked him suddenly. "I thought I saw it in the parking lot."

Arnold nodded in reply, he was so tired after getting home last night that he was running late for school this morning. His grandpa didn't do much driving anymore, so he was allowed to use it from time to time. He led them to where the car was parked, his heart racing imagining what she might have in store for him. He went to open the driver's door and she shook her head and motioned to the back seat. He felt himself growing warm from the excitement and as soon as he got the door opened she sat down, then pulled him inside.

He sat next to her and she climbed on top of him, her mouth instantly colliding with his. He couldn't help but notice there was something different about her kisses, they weren't normally this desperate or rough. She was almost kissing him like her life depended on it. She rocked her hips back and forth on his lap and his hand found her breast. She moaned into his mouth, and his other hand fell to her ass, directing the rhythm of her hips as she slid forward and back over his groin. His own hips worked with hers but the sensation only made him want more, and she also seemed to be growing more hungry for him as they moved their bodies against each other.

I need him to make that kiss go away. I want him to erase it from me, Helga thought before guiding them to lie down across the back seat of the old Packard. Arnold seemed enthusiastic as always, and she loved how warm and passionate he was with her. She bit his lower lip, then his earlobe, before nipping and sucking at his neck. He was panting in her ear, and his hand wasted no time in making its way between her legs. She had worn a dress today, and neither could have been more pleased with her choice. He slid one finger into her, and she moaned and whimpered with every movement he made.

Helga was so wet, and all he could think about was how it felt to be inside her. She was soon fumbling with his pants, and her hand grasped his erection, quickly working to pleasure him. He wanted more, and apparently so did she as she pulled his hand out from inside her panties, pulling the crotch of the fabric to the side and quickly lowering herself onto him. They both gasped as their pelvises locked together. He worked the top of her dress down, exposing her breasts and pulled her close as he moved them back into a sitting position, tongue teasing her nipples. He pulled her long hair to one side, exposing her neck before suckling and kissing her there.

She was moaning breathlessly into his ear, and he didn't even notice the warning bell ringing as he continued slamming his hips into hers. The deeper and harder he went, the more her body reacted to him. The more she dug her nails into the back of his neck or put her mouth on him. Her voice would crescendo into what was almost a scream, or would turn ragged and almost hoarse, he found that he loved the sound of both. She said his name, and he whispered how beautiful she was, how good she felt. He kissed every part of her that wasn't covered by clothing, and his hand would work to gently caress her hair before deciding to pull it and make her scream his name again.

Arnold was very much relieved that sex was still as amazing and addictive with Helga when he was sober. He was hoping that would be the case, since it wasn't cocaine he had been craving the last day and a half. They were both sweating and hugging each other tightly as they continued making love. Their pace had slowed down a bit, with Arnold arching his back to thrust himself as deeply as possible, wanting to memorize and feel every inch inside of her with each deliberate motion.

"I love when you fuck me," Helga said in a near whisper, Arnold thought he would lose his mind at the words and they reignited something in him. He enthusiastically nipped and suckled at her uncovered chest and neck, leaving small marks all over her torso. She in turn had her hands up the back of his shirt and was dragging her nails down his shoulder blades and spine, his own neck covered in purple, bruise-like circles. He could feel the familiar and wonderful feeling building up in his groin, and as he moved forward and back inside her it brought him closer to orgasm.

Finally the release hit him, he uttered her name over and over as she held him tightly and planted gentle kisses on his damp forehead. Once they were finished they each regained their normal breathing and she hoisted herself off of him. She fixed her dress and panties and smoothed her hair down while he buttoned his pants. She took out her phone and her eyes widened when she saw the time.

"Shit, we're like ten minutes late for class!" Helga exclaimed and Arnold looked at her like it was the strangest thing she could have ever said.

"So what? Just say you were running late or got stuck in traffic," he replied.

"God you're dense, we're in the same class, bucko," she snapped, then started poking at one of the hickeys. "Christ I look like I fell down a flight of stairs." Her head whipped furiously to look at him and he just shrugged at her innocently. She then saw that he indeed possessed numerous bruise-like marks, and it was painfully obvious what they were.

"What?" He said and she motioned him to look in the mirror. "Oh god damn it, grandpa won't let me live this one down. Well what do we do now?"

"Arnold I can't miss class again, I'm going to have to just suck it up. Do you have a sweatshirt I can borrow?"

"Yeah, but what about me?"

"Arnold I have hickeys down to my fucking chest, I can't just stroll into class like this," she whined.

"Ugh fine, here," he said and grabbed a blue sweatshirt from under the passenger side seat. "I think I have a flannel in my locker."

Helga pulled the sweatshirt over her head and looked into the rearview mirror hopelessly. "You don't have anything with a hood or something? You can still see some of the ones on my neck."

"Sorry no such luck. Don't you have anything in your locker?"

"No, it was nice outside so I didn't bring one. I just wore this stupid dress like an idiot," she remarked.

"I don't think you should wear anything but dresses," he said mischievously.

"Easy access? That why?" She said teasingly.

"Mm something like that," he said and pulled her back onto his lap. "We could always not go back and just do this all afternoon."

"Oh? You sure you wouldn't rather do algebra instead?" She asked him.

"Yeah you're right, numbers are pretty great," he said with a smirk.

"Are you sure? Better than this, even?"

"I dunno. Might have to do it again, so I can really draw a comparison."

She looked at her phone again, "God damnit let's go, Arnoldo. Now we're fifteen minutes late."

He whined as she lifted herself off of him. She grabbed her backpack from the floor of the backseat and they exited the car together. Thankfully his locker was literally right on the way to the creative writing classroom, so the quick detour wouldn't slow them down any. They flew into the building with their hands intertwined, and stopped off to grab Arnold's flannel. They ran to class hand-in-hand together, giggling with glee as they did.

Finally they made it outside the classroom and let themselves in. Everyone turned to look at them, some of their mouths agape and others snickering at the two teens' disheveled and suspiciously spotted appearance. The teacher gave them both a strange look as they sat down among the circle of desks next to each other.

"Enjoy your lunch?"

Arnold and Helga worked through class silently, their teacher continued to shoot them glances but made no other comments to them as they diligently worked. Helga was working to edit her paper while Arnold was just getting a start on his. They were both extremely distracted, and it was not lending them much opportunity to be productive. Soon the bell rang, and the teacher asked Helga to stay after class, earning her a chorus of "oooh"s from the class. She shot them all a dirty look, and their heckling subsided as they exited the classroom.

Helga looked around awkwardly, "So what did you-"

"I meant to ask you yesterday Ms. Pataki, are you feeling any better?" Ms. Dorrant asked her with an eyebrow raised. Helga could have kicked herself as her cheeks reddened inadvertently.

"Uh y-yeah much better now, teach," she muttered. Ms. Dorrant stared at her with arms folded across her chest.

"Glad to hear. I couldn't help but notice you've been spending a lot of time with Arnold Shortman."

"Oh yeah, we've known each other since we were kids," Helga explained.

"He's got a bit of a reputation, you know. Of course, it seems you have something of one yourself," she replied.

"Um, I'm not sure I follow," Helga lied.

"I thought you said you've been friends since you were children?"

"Well we have but-"

"So you're telling me that you're completely oblivious to his behavior?" Ms. Dorrant asked.

"Not exactly I-"

"He's a nice boy, there's no denying that. It's strange that such a nice boy could care so little for his studies. His papers aren't bad you know, riddled with mistakes, but the substance is there. And I admit, the fact that he's only been absent from my class twice in the last two weeks is miraculous. However, I expect better from you Ms. Pataki. You're a brilliant writer, and I know you've got something of a fiery spirit, there aren't a lot of people cut from the same cloth as you are. I don't want you to squander your talent," she said. "Now I don't really think you were sick Monday, and today's bizarre entrance only made it more obvious. Tell me Ms. Pataki, are you dating Mr. Shortman?"

"Well no not-"

"Interesting. You seem to be impacting the boy, have you considered how he might be impacting you?"

If only you knew the half of it, Helga thought.

"Uh yeah, actually I've been thinking about that a lot, lately," Helga admitted.

Ms. Dorrant stared at her and looked as if she was deeply pondering this whole scenario.

"I think you're good for him. Truth be told, I think he's good for you too. Certainly he stokes the fire within you, and that's something. I get the feeling that not a lot of people can affect you like that. Mind you don't get lost in the flames, Helga," Ms. Dorrant looked at her wrist watch. "Well you better get to your next class."

"Sure, but really quick, what do you mean by not getting lost in the flames?"

"Helga, fire is beautiful and hypnotic but also great and terrifying. The right amount can be regenerative, cleansing, even healthy. But remember, you fan a flame carelessly and it threatens to destroy the world; don't stoke it enough and it dies and fades to ash."

Helga's eyes widened a little at the analogy, "So what do I do?"

"Come to class for one, and if you can continue to inspire Arnold to show up that's even better. Don't lose your flame and you just might help his burn brighter," Ms. Dorrant suddenly went to her desk and started writing furiously before handing Helga a slip of paper.

"What's this?" Helga asked.

"A late pass. You don't need to be chastised twice in one day on my account. Just remember Helga, your fire burns bright and hot. Take care."

The bell chimed as if on cue, Helga retrieved her backpack and started walking out the door. Suddenly Ms. Dorrant spoke again.

"Oh and Ms. Pataki? You uh, might consider some makeup for tomorrow," she said, avoiding looking directly at Helga. Helga's face instantly flashed red again and she pulled the sweatshirt up around her neck, making her resemble something like a frightened turtle.

"Yeah, yeah I got it. See you tomorrow," she replied and waved as she walked out of the classroom.

Helga sat through seventh period, spending the majority of the time staring out the window. The sun was shining which wasn't typical for this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, but it did help her sanity. She was thankful that Sid didn't make an appearance for gym class, which had been giving her anxiety all morning. It figured he wouldn't come, considering his purchase from the night before. The frustration still ran deep, she couldn't help being annoyed by Arnold. But how shitty of her to have so many questions, so many reservations, and instead of confronting them she opens her legs instead.

There was nothing more Helga wanted to do than shake Arnold and scream at him to get himself together. But she couldn't do that now, could she? She shouldn't have gotten so freaked out by getting caught last night, because now a dark cloud of shit was hanging over her head by making a deal with Sid. Phoebe was right, her impulsiveness had finally gotten her into trouble.

Her mind kept repeating the events of the night, one thing stood out in particular though, what was Sid's motive? Clearly Rhonda's party was the catalyst to something, that much she could see. But why so much disdain for Arnold? At this point it was clear that the drugs were the only thing that kept him of any use to the kid. She recalled that Sid had also mentioned something about only disclosing the things he wanted her to hear. That was obviously purposeful, and it made sense.

Helga was obviously being used as a means to an end, but that that was she couldn't begin to figure out. The whole situation was getting messier by the day, should she just throw in the towel now? There was still so much she didn't know, and she wasn't exactly keen on finding it all out. She loved Arnold, really loved him, but this was supposed to be a fresh start for her. Right now though, she couldn't help feeling like she was destroying everything in her wake, and she feared that no matter how she tried to rectify the situation, things were doomed to end poorly.