Friday, January 19th 5:37 PM
The water coming down felt like a powerful rain storm. Washing away the sweat and effort put into the afternoon's lifting. Arnold felt the water becoming warmer and warmer as he grabbed his soap and starting clean his body. After the suds had been washed away Arnold closed his eyes and let the water comfort him. Arnold rolled his shoulders, and moved his arms. He needed to keep them moving to avoid atrophy and cramping. He was sore, today had been a hard one. Still, Arnold smiled.
Arnold thought back into the last month of his life. Arnold and Helga had been steadily dating through the holidays. Arnold thought back to his Christmas. Arnold finished with the usual celebrations at the Sunset Arms. This was the first year that his grandfather had elected to go with a non traditional Christmas. There were gifts but not a traditional opening of them. Each boarder having their own Christmas plans with family and friends. Arnold lamented that Christmas was starting to feel less and less special as the years went one. "I guess that's just part of growing up," Arnold thought to himself. Arnold made his way upstairs to his room. The one thing that lifted his spirits would be seeing his girlfriend Helga later that day. She always made him feel better. This year he could kiss her under the mistletoe and not be assaulted.
Arnold opened his door, and saw a figure standing in the twilight seeping through his skylight. Helga smiled at him, coyly. "Helga! What are you doing here?" Arnold said surprised. She smiled and looked at him. "I snuck in through your skylight, you should really lock that. There are horrible people out there," Helga said still smiling. Arnold smiled at her. Arnold walked forward and kissed his girlfriend, his lamentations and anxiety completely gone. She looked up at him, and stepped aside revealing a box that was wrapped on his bed. "What's this?" Arnold asked. "Merry Christmas Arnold," Helga said, kissing him on the cheek. "You didn't have to get me anything Helga," Arnold said smiling. "I did though. Open it," Helga said. Arnold smiled and sat on his bed next to the box. Arnold began unwrapping the gift. Arnold opened the paper and realized it was an ornate wooden box. Arnold studied the box for a few minutes. He opened the top and saw the boxed housed a brand new paint set. "I had a friend track down a decent box. I cleaned it up, sanded and stained it. I figured it's slightly classier than a cup on your easel," Helga said. Arnold's breath was taken away. She had put in real effort for something he loved. "Helga… Helga this is amazing," Arnold smiled as he grabbed Helga into a warm hug. "It's no big deal," Helga said. "Helga, it's amazing. Thank you," Arnold said kissing her.
The kissing continued for sometime. Arnold found his hand wandering. Arnold hooked his hand onto Helga's backside. Helga moaned as her tongue entered Arnold's mouth. Arnold felt Helga's hands push on his chest. "That's the signal to stop," Arnold thought. Arnold broke the kiss and put his hands behind his back. "Sorry, I should keep my hands to myself," Arnold said. "I, actually like it. If I'm being honest," Helga replied. She looked up and smiled at him. "You know, if I remember correctly you always hated being touched. Especially by me," Arnold said. "Well yeah. I guess, I don't mind when you touch me. When I feel your touch, I know that you're there. And that I'm safe," Helga said rubbing Arnold's chest. Helga stood on her toes and whispered in Arnold's ear. "Plus, when you touch me I get so horny that I have to use every bit of restraint I have not to jump in to your arms and fuck your brains out," Helga said.
Arnold's eyes widened as she shrank back on to her feet. Smiling devilishly at him. "Well," Arnold said exhaling. "I think this might be a good time to give you your gift," Arnold said smiling as he looked bright red. "Is that a sign or something, does she want me to make a move? Every other time the girls wanted it immediately. I knew Helga was a lot more complicated than that. I guess that's the difference when it's something real. Somehow it makes her more attractive," Arnold thought. Arnold made his way over to his desk and opened his drawer. He pulled out a wrapped package, and brought it over to Helga.
Helga inspected the box and narrowed her eyes at Arnold. "You didn't have to get me anything, Football Head," she pouted as she began opening it. Helga tool off the wrapping paper to discover what looked like a notebook. "I know you only reserve your private thoughts for notebooks," I figured I'd take a shot at one. Helga held the notebook in her hand. It was a almost like a sketchbook where the paper could be folded back for easy writing. It was pink around the edges, with a black spine. The back cover was a hard cardboard, so that you had a surface to write without being at a desk. On the cover was a sketch of Helga. She was sitting in a folded leg position with a notebook in her hand, writing away. Under the sketch was Helga's name with hand lettered calligraphy.
Helga looked at the book for a moment. "She hates it," Arnold thought to himself. "Arnold…" Helga said. She jumped at Arnold wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love it," she whispered in his ear. Arnold held her close to him. He never wanted these hugs to end. "Helga?" Arnold said. "Yes, Arnold?" Helga responded. "I love you," Arnold whispered to her. He felt the smile break out on Helga's face as she held him tighter. "I love you too, Arnold," Helga whispered in his ear.
Arnold smiled in the shower thinking about that amazing day. The kissing continued to stop at kissing but Arnold didn't care. He loved Helga, and being with her was enough for him. Arnold finished up his ruminations and got to the business of showering. He finished washing himself and made his way back to the lockers area and dressed as he always had. He wrapped his jacket around his shoulders and felt his cell phone buzz in his pocket. He looked down and saw that his dad had texted him. Hey there kiddo. So we're going to have dinner with my friend Ellis Kramer tonight. He's the head of the science Department at Cornell. He helps incoming freshmen and transfers nail down a major and concentration on the side. He's actually treating us to Intermezzo, that fancy place downtown. So meet me at the house and we'll go. Should be a good evening. Make sure to bring your thoughts with you, this could be a big night for you. It could spell out your entire future! Arnold read and reread the message, each time his breathing got heavier. "Oh God, this is really happening," Arnold said to himself. Arnold exhaled, and gathered his things, heading to his car.
The car ride was a long one. "I have no idea what I'm going to say to my dad or this guy," Arnold thought to himself. He finally pulled up to the Sunset Arms. The house looked abandoned for the first time in Arnold's life. He didn't have the sense of warmth he always got coming home. Arnold parked his car and headed inside. He saw his father standing in front of the mirror tying his necktie. "Arnold! There you are. Your club run late or something, kiddo?" Miles said adjusting his tie. "Uh, yeah I got held up a bit," Arnold answered. "Well you got my text right?" Miles asked Arnold. "Yeah I did, I actually wanted to talk to you about that," Arnold said rubbing the back of his head. "Well we can talk on the way, hurry up. Get upstairs and get ready. This place has a dress code, so wear your jacket and tie," Miles said finishing his tie and smiling at his son. Arnold looked at his dad, wondering how to break to him how uncertain he really was. "Dad, I don't want to embarrass you in front of your friend. I have no idea what I want to do in college. I was thinking maybe…" Arnold started saying. "That's why we're going. This guy is great, he's brilliant. He helps cases like yours when kids come into the school undeclared and aren't sure what they want. In fact you may get a major and a letter of recommendation from him," Miles said. "Well Dad, I don't know if I want to go to Cornell," Arnold said, becoming desperate. "Oh son, it's far too late for Cornell. You'd be lucky to get on the waiting list at this point. There are plenty of other places though, and you can always transfer in! Hurry up son get upstairs and get ready," Miles said. His voice seemed to become more forceful. "Dad, please. I don't think…" Arnold started. "I am not having this fucking argument again, Arnold Shortman!" Miles suddenly began shouting. "You've had all this time to decide what to do and again and again the only thing you can come up with is 'I don't know.' Well I'm sick and tired of hearing that. Now get upstairs and get ready so we can go!" Miles shouted to Arnold. Miles pointed his finger inches from Arnold's nose as he shouted. "Dad, please listen," Arnold pleaded "No! I am done listening, now you're gonna listen to me. We are going and you will talk to this man and that will be the end of it. You're starting to really piss me off Arnold with lollygagging bullshit," Miles continued shouting, as he gesticulated somewhat violently. "You used to be so driven, so ready to take on the world. Now you're this lazy giant of a teenager who can't stop fucking around and focus for two minutes," Miles said. Arnold rarely heard his father swear. Even less so when he was talking to him. Arnold knew he was hitting a nerve with his father but he needed to try and explain. "Dad, please…" Arnold began saying when he felt the back of his father's hand slam across his face. "That is it! I will not have my son be some layabout who never got his shit together. Get your ass upstairs and get ready. I will be in the car," Miles said turning his back to his son and walking towards the back door.
Arnold stood in complete shock, unable to move. His father had never been violent towards anyone as far back as Arnold could remember. He never even remembered a shouting match with his father, not until recently. The hit had not hurt, as Arnold was used to being hit in the head. However seeing his father react in such a way solidified in his mind how important it was to his father that he do something great. No matter what it actually was, or how miserable Arnold was as a result. Arnold hung his head and made his way to his room to change.
The car ride to the restaurant was silent. Arnold felt the tension, and had no idea how to respond. His father had become harder and harder to speak to as time went on. "It feels like I'm being driven by a stranger," Arnold thought to himself, sitting in the passenger seat of his dad's car.
The restaurant was abuzz as most were on Friday nights. "Let's go," Miles said authoritatively towards Arnold as the valet took his father's keys and parked the car. They made their way into the restaurant. The host at the counter wore a tuxedo. Arnold suddenly felt under dressed despite wearing his best jacket and tie. "Hello, may I help you?" The man asked Miles. "Yes, we are with the Kramer party," Miles said politely. "Yes, Mr. Kramer has been awaiting your arrival. Please follow me," The man said. Miles and Arnold followed, coming to a private booth towards the back. "Miles!" Arnold heard. A stout man in his sixties came forward and shook Miles' hand. Ellis Kramer was shorter than Arnold and his father. He had gray hair and a bald spot on the very top of his crown. He wore a tweed jacket with dress pants, and spectacles. Ellis, this is my son Arnold," Arnold heard his father say between the ringing bells in his head. "Hello Arnold! My name is Dr. Ellis Kramer. My, look at you. A strong, strapping young man! Similar to how your father used to be. Accept I see you spend considerably more time at the gym," Ellis said feeling Arnold's arm. Arnold shook his hand. "Yeah I do. Th-Thank you f-for meeting us Dr. Kramer," Arnold said. "Stop being so nervous you idiot. If you have a panic attack your dad will get even madder!" Arnold said to himself.
"Are you nervous my boy? Don't be, this can be difficult but there's no need to go to pieces over it," Ellis said "Come sit, let's get some food in us and catch up. Then we can get to business," Ellis said. The trio sat and ordered some appetizers for the table. Arnold sat silently as his father and Ellis caught up. Arnold couldn't help notice about all the projects his father had afloat at the moment. Ellis seemed enchanted hearing about Miles' work. Miles was more than accommodating. Regaling Ellis in some of his latest adventures. "He loves talking about himself," Arnold thought.
Arnold ate his dinner as slowly as he could. "If I can put off the 'business' for as long as possible maybe they'll get tired and drop it," Arnold thought to himself. "So, Arnold. Tell me about yourself. I've spent the evening so far letting your father embellish his accomplishments," Ellis elbowed Miles jocularly. "He's so full of stories," Ellis continued. "Yeah he's certainly full of it. Wait! That's something Helga would say," Arnold thought to himself. "I think it's only fair I spend some time getting to know you. Tell me about yourself," Ellis finished. "Well, Dr. Kramer, there's not a lot to tell. I got to school. I go home," Arnold drooped his head. "Well he has excellent grades Ellis," Miles chimed in seeing Ellis' brow furrow. "In fact, he has one of the highest grades in the science and technology classes," Miles interjected again. "That's splendid Arnold. So what's your favorite subject in school?" Ellis asked. "Well, I've always liked doing stuff with my hands. I've always liked my technology classes," Arnold said. "You sound like an engineer, son," Ellis said. "Well that was one choice I was thinking about pursuing," Arnold said. "It's an excellent field! Tell me, what do you like to do in your spare time?" Ellis asked. Arnold not wanting to divulge his usual activities said "well I like to hangout, watch movies I guess." Ellis nodded his head. "Well everyone likes that. What unique thing do you like to do?" Ellis asked. Arnold couldn't come up with an answer. "Fuck it," Arnold thought. "I like to paint, sketch, and make sculptures sometimes," Arnold said.
"He's not interested in pursuing that past high school though," Miles said flashing a stern look at Arnold. Arnold started to feel his breathing becoming faster. "Well I can see that. Arnold, art has it's place but I think your father and I agree that it's not something you pursue in college and in the real world," Ellis said. "So you're thinking about engineering?" Ellis asked. Arnold started breathing harder than before. "W-W-Well, I wasn't… wasn't really sure what I wanted to do in college," Arnold said. Arnold sitting in the booth started feeling more and more trapped. "Well that's what we are here to work out!" Ellis said jovially. "You know a lot of freshman come in undeclared. It's not the worst thing in the world. Usually they get the general education classes finished and then their major's requirements after they've declared. You've said you like engineering, tell me about that," Ellis said. Arnold composed himself and joined the conversation. "W-Well, like I said I've always liked doing things with my hands. I've rebuilt a million car engines because I was always curious. It was the same thing with my art, I like creating things with my hands," Arnold said. "Try to keep your focus away from your doodles, son," Miles said. Arnold nodded his head as he began feeling as if the heat had been turned up. His breathing started to become heavy again. "I can't have another episode!" Arnold shouted at himself.
"Well it sounds like a more practical field of study would be better than a theoretical one. Your father mentioned you were also thinking about physics. Which I have to admit, is a great deal of reading and non hands on work," Ellis said. "W-W-Well I guess it's a good thing that I d-d-don't want to study physics at all! My dad just can't seem to listen," Arnold practically shouted. Ellis and Miles looked shocked. Arnold was sweating profusely. "You know what might be a great idea. What if you and Arnold flew out Ithaca and toured our campus?" Ellis said looking at Miles. "That's a great idea! Isn't it son? Maybe you can talk to some students and see how they made a decision," Miles said to Arnold. Arnold was holding his stomach trying to stop the room from spinning. He felt sick. "That's great! May I be excused, I need to use the bathroom," Arnold said as he suddenly stood up and dashed to the first restroom sign he saw. Arnold barreled into the first empty stall and buried his head into the toilet bowl. Vomiting up the entire dinner. When Arnold was done, he went once more to vomit as the sickness in his throat was overpowering his gag reflex.
Arnold sat next to the toilet and attempted to breath. His breath was shallow, as he panted on the floor. His hands began shaking. Arnold closed his eyes trying to breath as hard as he could, he felt that world around him getting foggier and darker. "Don't pass out!" He told himself. In the last moment of consciousness he pulled out his phone and clicked the call icon on the first and only name he wanted at the moment. "I'm really sorry t-t-to d-d-do this to you but I need to get out of here. Can you come and get me?" Arnold begged into the phone