Alright folks, it continues. This was supposed to be a short story, but I got all nostalgic for my old family get togethers from when I was a kid and just found myself typing this epically long thing. LOL (Of course I mean the whole story, not just this chapter)
Enjoy!
"Talking"
Thinking
Helga laid on the bed in her room. She tossed a squishy ball up and tried to catch it. A tight strum in her chest as she thought about how heated she'd been with Arnold earlier.
He wants me to give them a chance?! They've had plenty of chances...still dysfunctional...
She let out another sigh as the thought of being so angry with him made her feel like she was reverting back to her old self—
Sometimes.
She would never understand why she was so resistant to his suggestions some times.
Of course, this time she knew exactly why she didn't like the idea of their families coming together.
I can barely stand them— how does he think anyone else is going to?
Sure Arnold knew all about her family and unfortunately had been going to her house for all yearly holiday functions. Usually they would go to her house and at least have dinner, spend an hour or two before bailing.
He never really complained about them that much with his eternal optimism. And often times gave them the benefit of the doubt when they didn't deserve it.
But he looked so sour about not having a big get together...he's turned me into even more of a sap I swear...
She kind of loved that about him. She figured he was able to do it because he hadn't been emotionally scarred by it like she was.
Her phone started vibrating on the night stand. She missed her catch and ball hit her in the face with a soft bop. Narrowing her gaze, she glanced at the caller ID before answering.
"Hey Phoebs, how'd planning Thanksgiving go with Tall Hair boy?"
"Fine. As expected. However, I was calling to check on you—"
"I'm fine—" She laid back on her bed and stared at the ceiling.
"You seemed more upset than usual about your family—"
"It's not a big deal. Criminy." she grit her teeth, and started tossing the ball again.
There was a long pause as the girls listened to each other breathe.
"Well, I figured there was some underlying reason," Phoebe could hear Helga about to interrupt again, so she raised her voice, "Why you were so resistant to your family seeing his?"
"It's because..." A bitter sigh left Helga, "What if he changes his mind about us?"
"He's already seen the worst of it. How can it possibly be any worse?" Phoebe said more curtly.
"His family is so nice." another sad sigh, as she gripped the ball tighter, "I'm sure something could happen and ruin it."
"This isn't really about what Arnold thinks, is it?" Phoebe's voice feather quiet as she came to understand what she might actually be worried about.
"How do you always do that? You can't even see my face— and you're like that, Phoebs." Helga covered her face with an arm, She's been my friend too long...knows me too well...
"That's because I love you, Helga." She let out a sigh of her own, "Your family may be nuts, but even if they make the worst impression ever, Arnold's family isn't going to disown you."
"You don't know that!" Helga sat up and pointed at the phone.
A soft chuckle came from the other side, "But I do, Helga."
"Oh, you do? Please enlighten me—" a sarcastic tremble in her voice.
"I will." Phoebe's voice sharpened, "Gerald had the same concerns when my parents were going to come over. He was so embarrassed about what my parents would think about his overbearing brother, and blowhard Dad."
"This sounds a little familiar." Helga chuckled while clutching the ball so tight she thought it might pop.
"You know how strict Mother and Father are, but they went into that chaotic household anyway. His parents and mine are actually good friends now."
"That's nice, I guess. Good luck with that happening—"
"My point is— that even if they hated each other after meeting— nothing was going to come between Gerald and I. That much was assured."
"Thanks Phoebe. Maybe you're right."
"I know that I am." Her voice suddenly sing-song.
"I love you, Phoebs." Helga chuckled.
A few more hours passed since Phoebe had called Helga. The blonde haired girl sat on her bed with her legs curled up tight. Her pencil tapping on the paper as she attempted to finish her homework. Another groan from her lips as she slumped fully onto the bed.
Her phone buzzing against the counter happily garnered her attention. She looked to see that it was Arnold calling her this time. As much as she wanted to hear his voice, and say she was sorry, she found she couldn't. Not yet. She put her phone back down to let it continue to ring.
Hugging her knees to her chest, she watched as he tried to call her a few more times. Finally the phone stopped ringing. Twenty minutes passed and no additional calls, she figured he'd given up for the night.
Who am I kidding? A sharp breath left her, I'm seriously a mess...I should just talk to him at least...
But as she reached for her phone, she heard a rapping noise on the small rooftop window. With an amused grin she clambered to open the window. Peering up, she could see him hanging his head over the roof ledge to peer at her.
"How the heck did you even get up there?!"
"Good, you're awake!" his voice seemed extra chipper.
"What?!" she whisper-hissed, We have a fight and he's still that stinkin' happy to see me...my dear beloved!
"Well, can you come out? Or am I going to have to shimmy through that hole?"
"Yeah, yeah, hold your horses."
After a few minutes, she came out of the store door. He practically tackled her in a big hug. She couldn't help, but laugh and ruffle his hair. Suddenly he was kissing her very heatedly. She felt her back against the glass as he wrapped his arms around her tighter.
A soft sound falling from her lips as his tongue pressed hers for a deeper kiss. Her fingers fumbling to grip his arms. His hips pressed into hers as he lavished more kisses on her face. She gasped a little feeling exactly how aroused he really was.
"Can we talk?" he said in a silky voice.
"I think you're doing enough talking for both of us, bucko." her lips pursed as she bucked her hips against his.
"Sorry," he laughed, loosening his tight grasp, "I was just excited to see you."
"I'll say." she smirked giving him a playful shove away from the doors, "Lucky we didn't set off the alarm."
"Didn't you turn the alarm off when you came out?" he raised a brow, his face still flushed.
"The fire alarm." she smarted, giving him another playful bat.
He chuckled as they walked towards the sidewalk. Once the pair had walked a fair distance from the store, they finally stopped to talk.
"I won't keep you long." Arnold said, "But you weren't answering so I figured I'd just come talk to you face to face."
"Good thing I was awake."
"I would've shimmied through that window."
"Maybe when we were nine— or even twelve— now not so much." she flicked his forehead.
"Don't start that, Helga." he tugged her tight to his body again, "Don't tease me."
"What? I wasn't teasing you." she feigned innocence while her gaze seemed to sparkle defiance.
"You know how I get when you tease me..." his lips flush against her neck.
"So much for being brief." a shiver running up her neck as he continued kissing her.
"You started it—"
"That was hardly anything."
"It's been awhile and we argued— what do you expect?"
"I expect you to not devour me in the parking lot of my Dad's business."
"I promise nothing." his kisses becoming light sucks against her neck.
She let out a pleased sigh, before her tone turned sharper, "So spit it out— besides mauling me— what's there to talk about?"
"Yeah," he murmured continuing to nuzzle and be very distracted by her neck.
He started leaning into her again an arm tugging her waist to his while his other hand tangled into her hair. Her hands pressed to his chest, but not trying very hard to break them apart. Words getting thicker in her throat as she felt herself start to heat up.
"So did you talk to your folks?"
"Sure did." he said in between kisses while his hands started to wander.
"Well, I still think— it's a terrible idea. I mean you remember what happened last year?"
He hummed as though he heard her, but she could tell he was more worried about running his hands under the edge of her shirt. Fingers gripping her smooth waist. His lips stealing a quick, rough kiss from her lips.
"You really are hopeless sometimes!" She let out a moan giving him a half-hearted push, Not that I'm complaining!
He grinned against her neck, "I mean, a lot happened last year— which thing are you talking about?"
"Well I'm not talking about the after dinner show!" she gripped his shoulders making him look at her for a moment.
His expression still lost in a passionate haze. He nuzzled his nose against hers, "C'mon Helga, let's go inside and—"
"Kokoshka stole a roll off Potts plate when there's a bowl right in front of him. That dumb man—I thought Potts was going to knock him out of that chair."
"Yeah, so?" he said favoring to go back to kissing any bare skin that he could. His grip tightened against the curves of her hips. Teasing his thumbs on the waistband of her loose fitting sleep shorts.
"He does that to my Dad, he'll probably kill him!" she tried to bat away his hands.
He countered her hands with a playful smirk, "C'mon let me touch you, Helga."
A low keen left her, before she shook her head and gave him a playful smirk, "Alright! Enough. Focus!"
"Sorry! Sorry." Reluctantly, he retracted his hands to his sides, an embarrassed grin on his face.
"Well, they said your whole family could come. But Grandpa wants us to get the extra groceries we need, so I wanted to ask if you'd come with me tomorrow?"
"No talking you out of this, is there?" she raised a brow.
"Nope. Not unless you have a better argument than— our families might act like all families do."
"As long as you remember, if this goes south— it's on you, bucko." She folded her arms and scoffed.
"Don't worry you won't be disappointed! I promise." he bounced, I have to make this perfect!
"And shopping? But Thanksgiving isn't for another week?"
"Well Helga, you know stuff runs out sometimes. So will you help me?" his hands rubbing her arms heatedly with a spark in his eyes.
She tried really hard not to care. Felt herself ready to try and fight him some more, but she knew he was right. She knew that she didn't have much of an argument against him. She felt him rub her arms with even more intent.
He is really on today... She let out a sigh, fighting her blush down, "Fine, fine you talked me into it."
"That was almost too easy." He put a hand to his chest dramatically.
"Yeah, well I'm in a generous mood."
"Sure. You were pretty mad earlier— so nothing else changed your mind?" he slowly started tangling himself around her again.
"No." she tried resist his advances feeling even more embarrassed to admit anything.
"Helga," his voice warm again as he pressed affectionate kisses against her neck.
"Fine! You wanted us all to be together so bad, and well," she ran a hand through his hair, "I hate seeing you sad."
He turned to nuzzle her nose, "Ah, I see the secret is to be sad."
"Don't push it."
"I'm pretty sure I'm sad like a lot."
"Oh, give me a break— when?!"
"Pretty much anytime you're gone." he gave her the cutest puppy dog pout he could muster.
She pressed her lips to his and gave him a few more heated kisses. Enjoying the small moans she elicited from him. He could feel her smiling against him as they kissed. A happy strum in his chest at his good fortune.
He pulled back to give her a mischievous grin, "Anything else I can talk you into?"
"Go home already." Her face stark red as she gave him another playful push.
Helga walked up to the Boarding House with her family right behind her. The gaggle of them arguing nonstop and complaining about who knows what anymore.
"How long's this going to take? Don't want to miss Real Crime tonight." Bob said with a gruff snort.
"It's Thanksgiving, Bob. It usually takes all day." Helga snipped back before shoving the door to the Boarding House open.
"It's okay Daddy, I have it recording for you." Olga said as they followed the younger blonde inside.
Let's get this over with...Helga thought throwing her jacket roughly on the hook, "Arnold!? Phil? Anyone? We're here!"
As they walked inside, the Boarding House seemed darker somehow. Like half the lights were off or something. It was strange as there usually was at least someone around.
Helga took the lead down towards the kitchen. Feeling a little strange as her family obediently followed her without more complaint.
After walking into the empty Kitchen, they circled through different rooms still finding not a single soul. Helga even went so far as to climb the stairs and all the way into his room. Empty as though no one had lived there for weeks.
On her way back down the stairs she tried again with brows furrowed, "Stella? Gertie?"
"They don't seem to be here." Olga said with a sad twang.
"Taking us on a wild goose chase girl!?" Bob said a little harshly.
"They said they'd be here—" she glared back at him as she made it back into the hallway.
"Now B., let's give her a chance." Miriam said placing a hand on his shoulder.
He folded his arms with a hot gaze.
Helga turned slightly and a flicker caught the corner of her gaze. But when she followed the flicker, there was nothing there. The shadows from the dark Boarding House playing tricks on her eyes.
"Criminy," she hissed, pulling out her phone.
She glanced down at it and for some reason she had no signal either, I mean sometimes it's weak...but never gone...
"Alright, let's just head home." Bob waved the rest of his family on, "I'm starvin' here!"
She glanced back at them trying to keep the hurt from her expression.
But what did it matter?
She was going to get what she wanted if they left anyway.
She noticed a strange shadow pooling at their feet. A shake of her head and it was gone again.
But it was getting even stranger that no one was around.
An eerie darkness slowly hanging more and more over their heads.
She could hear them leaving behind her. All of her family crowding by the door to regather their stuff. A loud squeal diverting Helga's attention to the hall.
Her gaze darted to see Abner sitting in the door frame with his tongue lolling out.
"Abner! Where's Football Head? Or anyone?" She kneeled down recoiling a little as Abner decided to lick her.
"Come on girl, or we're leaving ya here!" Bob bit out harshly grabbing his jacket off the coat rack.
"Oh geez! How ever will I get home, Bob!?" She shot them another glare.
The door flung open by Bob's harsh throw. Miriam lingered by the doorframe with a small sigh. Olga put a hand on her shoulder urging her on as well.
"We'll be at home, if you change your mind, honey." Her mother offered before the door was shut behind them.
Helga sighed, reluctantly petting Abner, "Knew this was a mistake."
Much to her surprise the pig laid down at her feet and gave her a sweet look. A weak smile on her lips as she thought about how disappointed Arnold was going to be.
He was going to think she didn't even try.
"Are they gone?" A voice suddenly whispered.
The blonde glanced up to look towards the sound. She heard another jumble of murmurs come from behind the hallway doors.
"Yeah, the good one's still here." A voice could be heard.
She looked up to see faces peeking from behind a cracked door. After a moment, the people behind the door started filing into the hallway. All of the Boarders and his family now gathered in the hallway. A confused look on the girl's face.
"But you said they could come?" Helga stood and felt her legs lock up.
"Yeah, we changed our mind." Stella said with a dismissive wave.
"Yeah, they're more annoying than Oskar." Mr. Potts said throwing a thumb in his direction.
"Hey, that's not very nice. Heh heh heh." Oskar said.
"Shortman was supposed to tell ya—now where did he get to?" Phil said looking around while a finger rubbed his chin.
"I'm here, Grandpa." Abner said before he turned into Arnold, "Hey, Helga!"
She let out an ear piercing scream and stumbled backwards. Before she felt herself jolt awake in her bed. She clutched her chest and took a few panting breaths.
That was a fricken omen. I need him to change his mind. She nodded her head as her breathing leveled out, But first...
She picked up her phone. Knowing it was still a little too early for him to be actually awake, but she still called Arnold anyway.
A groggy voice answered her, "H-helga? W-wh-at's wrong?"
"Oink like a pig." Her voice had a desperate edge to it.
He yawned, "It's too...early...for games—"
"No, it's serious!" She bit out.
"Oink...I guess?" Another wide yawn could be heard on the line.
"Criminy. You're cured." She sighed, pinching her brow roughly.
"I'm going to...ask you...about this...when I'm awake."
The phone clicked signaling a disconnect. Her phone buzzed with a lazily written text that had a misspelled 'Love you'.
She let out a low chuckle, That poor boy...caught up with a nut job like me...
After pinching herself a half dozen times before leaving the shop, Helga was confident she was awake. Although they hadn't made a set time to meet, she couldn't leave fast enough. Bob was rattling off in his usual way.
That was to be expected anymore, but since Miriam wasn't walking around in a drunk haze anymore she usually got just as heated with him.
And sometimes if Helga didn't watch her step she'd end up in between the both of them. Sometimes even trying to mitigate their argument.
It was a mess really.
She laughed to herself sometimes thinking about how often Arnold kept people from fighting.
For her to suddenly fill that role with her parents?
It was so jarring sometimes.
She actually wasn't sure what was worse anymore.
Her parents ignoring her all the time?
Or only paying attention when there was an argument to be settled?
Finally, she made it to the Boarding House stoop. Pushing the door open, she let the animals out. Shocked when yet again Abner stopped to peer at her.
They shared a look.
He licked her leg before darting away. A growl of disgust left her as she wiped her leg off. Stumbling up the stairs, she shut the door behind her.
"Hey, Arnold? I'm here." She started walking towards the kitchen, "Stella? Gertie?"
As she turned the corner into the kitchen, her gaze fell onto her surrogate maternal units. A sigh of relief at the sight of them. The two ladies greeted her as she entered the kitchen.
"There's Eleanor!" Gertie greeted with a warm smile and offered her a stick pony.
"No thanks—just here to round up ol' Football Head." A small smirk on lips.
"Tex will be just a minute. He's talking to the new sheriff in town."
"Arnold is with Miles at the end of the hall." Stella said with a giggle and motioned towards the opening.
Helga gave a curt nod before wandering into the hallway. As she headed towards her destination, she could hear the faint bickering sounds of other people.
Well, that was nothing new in that place.
But she stopped short when she heard a familiar sounding frustrated voice.
"Dad, seriously!?" Arnold said.
She paused at the door frame. A small peek revealed the two men to be on the other side. They stood a space apart with a tense stance.
She thought for a moment they might just be playing a game or having a more playful argument.
He was always so hunky-dory with his parents. He never complained about either one of them. She had just assumed that they never argued and that they were the perfect parents like he was supposedly the perfect son.
"Its very serious, Arnold. You should get your head out of the clouds and think about it more."
"I have thought about it— a lot."
"You're running out of time—" Miles leaned closer as his frown deepened.
"I'll take care of it. But not right now!" Arnold pointed.
"Don't take that tone of voice with me, young man."
Arnold let out another frustrated growl before stomping towards the door.
"We'll talk more about this later." Miles said his lips tight and arms crossed.
"Whatever you say, Dad." Arnold stomped out the room.
He didn't make it very far before he bumped into Helga. She tried to look casual in her part of the hallway, but the tense smile on her face probably gave her away.
"C'mon, I'm past ready to go." He spat before taking her by the hand gently.
Arnold and Helga walked silently down the sidewalk. His brows furrowed and gaze focused on the pavement. Her gaze skyward admiring the sparse clouds in blue sky.
She watched him out of the corner of her eye, He's never complained about his Dad...I wonder if everything is alright?
She felt his grip loosen, so she tightened hers. He spared her a weary glance.
"Hey, at least you don't argue with him everyday, right?" She shrugged.
He shook his head. A sullen look still brandished on his face.
"I mean you should hear Bob once he really gets going." She chuckled, "I'm surprised he hasn't won a trophy for biggest arguing yutz. Seriously."
"But that's just it, Helga. I do argue with him a lot. Feels like all the time. He doesn't get it."
"What were you arguing about? I didn't quite catch that."
He snorted, "Same stuff he always does. Be more responsible—"
"What? You're like the most responsible kid I know."
"Soon you're going to have to pick a path in life and pick a good one."
"Guessing Majoring in Daydreaming isn't going to work out?"
"Helga, I'm serious." his gaze glossy now.
"Well, what do you want to do?"
"That's just it. I don't know. And he keeps telling me I'm putting it off and being irresponsible."
"What did you tell him you were going to do?" she gave him a playful poke.
"Take Generals until I figure it out." he sighed looking downcast.
She snorted laughter.
"Not you too!" He pointed, face turning red.
"No wonder your dad's concerned. That's way too vague." she smirked before ruffling his hair.
"You have a better plan?" He huffed looking away from her.
"Yeah, I do. Tell him you'll take Generals your first year and then by the end you'll decide on a Major." She shrugged.
He thought for a moment, "You think that'll work?"
"Eh, most kids change their Major at least once over the course of three years. At least if you have a year, you'll get a better idea of what you want to do. And most Generals are the same for each Degree."
"Sounds like you've done some research?" he tilted his head, eyes a little more hopeful.
"Yeah, Bob's kicking me out as soon as I'm eighteen and settled into a dorm or an apartment."
A tremor ran up his spine at the news, "What? You didn't say anything to me?"
She gave a noncommittal shrug, "It's not like I'll be high and dry. There's Pell grants. And probably a writing scholarship I can dig up. Plus a part-time job— can't forget that."
"You're taking this kind of calm—for you?" a fraction of a smirk tugged at his lips.
"It's not like he said he wouldn't help me at all," she waved him down before imitating her father's gruff voice, "Just 'I want you out of this house pronto, missy. Then you can be independent like Olga.'."
"You're ecstatic, aren't you?" he shook his head, If that's the case, her problem might actually cross with mine...
"Over the moon, Football Head. My own place and no more frustrating roommates." she stretched her hands to fold behind her head.
"That's actually not too bad of a plan, I guess. Thanks, Helga."
"Hey what else are girlfriends for?" She tugged him into a quick kiss.
A small smile on his lips as they broke apart.
"Now let's get those fixings— and a snack. I'm starved!"
As the pair made their way back to the Boarding House toting their bags of groceries, Arnold glanced at his companion.
"Hey, I forgot to ask— why'd you ask me to oink like a pig this morning?" he narrowed his eyes at her.
Criminy! I thought he forgot... Suddenly she felt hot around the collar, "Well no reason in particular—"
"Helga, am I going to have to pull the fire alarm?" he smarted.
"You keep your hands to yourself. I have eggs in this bag." she stuck her tongue out.
He rolled his eyes, "C'mon on, quit being so secretive about every little thing. I've literally seen you naked. What's left to hide?"
She steamed at his choice of words, before flicking his hat, "You're a bold little twerp today, aren't ya?"
A small laugh came from him. He shot her another mischievous look enjoying the stammering as she tried to explain herself. They walked a little while longer in silence, before she finally cobbled the words together that she needed to speak.
"You're still really set on all of us getting together, right?" her gaze focused ahead.
"Like I said, last normal Thanksgiving." he shrugged.
"I had a dream last night where my family came over and you all hid because you didn't want us there. Except for me, because I was the 'good one'."
"Still doesn't explain the pig part—" his smirk taunting her.
"I'm getting to it, sheesh!" she bit her lip, "And Abner changed into you for some reason."
Arnold let out a hardy laugh. Practically ready to double over, until he saw her pensive expression.
"You're really worried about this, huh?" he glanced to the side to watch her.
"I just— you're family is so wonderful and carefree. And my family is just a disjointed mess."
"Well, what exactly do you think is going to happen?"
"That dream was a sign! They're going to hate my family and then they'll say we have to break up so they don't have to see them anymore." she folded her arms with a flustered sigh.
His eyes widened at her admission, I had no idea she'd even jump to that conclusion...Does she really...
He compressed her hand gently, "Even if my family told me I was disowned, I'd never break up with you because of something your family did."
"You say that now—"
He grabbed both of her hands and stood in front of her to loudly proclaim, "I mean it. Helga G. Pataki— you're the girl for me!"
She flushed red at his overly loud declaration. She was sure they heard him from the street over too.
"Criminy, sing a song about it why don't you?"
He sucked in a breath as though he might do just that, but she bopped his head playfully. He grinned and picked up his bags again. The pair started walking towards his home once more.
His gaze lightened, a warm smile on his lips, "Besides, I forgot to tell you. Mom said they love you, and can't wait to meet your family."
She stopped walking while her breath came in a flurry of short bursts. Her gaze narrowed at him as though he might be teasing her. He shrugged again.
"Your mom only said that because she hasn't spent more than five minutes with them. I guarantee you that'll change their minds." she pointed at him with a forced angry expression.
"Whatever you say, Helga."
Onward. Soon Thanksgiving will be here for real. Hope ya'll got all your fixin's. Also hopefully it was apparent that Arnold was just teasing her in the parking lot at the beginning. He wasn't trying to "attack" her or something. :P