Friday, January 19th 7:30 PM

"Phoebes, what are you doing?" Helga sat across from her best friend, perplexed. "I'm eating, Helga. Do you not see the pizza in front of me?" Phoebe shot back at Helga. Helga and Phoebe had decided to go out that evening and take in a movie and some dinner. They were sitting in a secluded pizza place Helga preferred going to. "I see the pizza but what's with the knife and fork?" Helga asked crossing her arms. "I prefer to eat it this way. That way the grease doesn't get on me. Also helps to avoid the upper mouth burn," Phoebe said as she continued cutting into her slice. "You're such a girl," Helga said as she grabbed her slice with her hands and began shoving it in her mouth. "Ahh," Helga yelped when she realized the pizza was far to hot. Helga used her hands to fan her mouth as the cheese burned the roof of her mouth. "See?" Phoebe said in a self satisfied tone. "Shutup," Helga said stuffing napkins into her mouth. "Dammit, I feel like I've seen this before," Helga said. "If I remember correctly you had a similar incident on you and Arnold's first unofficial date," Phoebe said eating her second piece. "How do you remember that but I don't?" Helga asked. "You described it in great detail. Feigning annoyance, despite how clear it was that you had a wonderful evening," Phoebe said without missing a beat. "You always talked like that when you spoke about Arnold and the time you spent with him. You still do. It's very sweet," Phoebe said. "Shut up," Helga said going in for a second attempt.

"How are the two of you now that you're official?" Phoebe asked. "Well, are we official? I know between us we are. You know about it. It's not like we're telling the world," Helga said. "Arnold's parents, your sister," Phoebe added. "Well, yeah. I don't think the school knows. Not that I care what that mindless population of teenage assholes think anyway," Helga said. "Well they will soon enough. You and Arnold seem to engage frequently in public displays of affection. Which makes sense since you're a new couple," Phoebe said. "I never thought I'd be that girl to do that," Helga said resting her chin on her knuckles. "Every girl is, every guy is too. It's normal. Enjoy your new love," Phoebe said smiling. "I do love him," Helga said. "You've told him this?" Phoebe asked. "I did. I'm pretty sure I mean it," Helga said. "That's wonderful Helga. I'm happy for you," Phoebe said. The two continued eating, when Helga's cell phone began ringing. "Oh look there's lover boy now," Helga said. "Hey there stud…" Helga started when Arnold cut her off. "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's voice begged through the phone. "What's wrong?" Helga said. Phoebe looked up, noticing the alarm in Helga's voice. "I think… I think I'm having a panic attack," Arnold voice sounded soft. Almost as of he were unconsciously speaking. "Arnold, do you have your pill on you? Where are you?" Helga said grabbing her wallet and keys off the table. "I'm at Intermezzo, in the bathroom. I have one yeah," Arnold said through breathy bursts. Helga noticed he was out of breath. "O.K. take your pill and I'll be right there. Don't move!" Helga demanded. "Please hurry," Arnold begged. Helga shot up in alarm hearing her boyfriend sounding as if he were begging for his life. "Phoebe, I have to cut this short. Arnold's having a panic attack and he needs me," Helga said gathering his things. "Since when does he have panic attacks?" Phoebe asked. "For a couple years now, he has his medication with him but I got to get to him to make sure he's alright," Helga said. "Go, call me later," Phoebe said waving her hand. "I will," Helga yelled over her shoulder as she rushed out of the pizza place to her car. She sprinted to the door and started the car.

Helga sped through Hillwood, to the downtown area. Helga had no idea where the restaurant was so she had her phone guiding her. "Please be O.K.. Please be O.K.." She was chanting to herself. A sharp right turn came up and she cut the steering wheel so hard that is caused the car to skid slightly. She finally spotted the restaurant sign and quickly parked her car in the allay behind the building. "Hopefully no one's loading tonight," she thought to herself as she noticed she had parked in a loading zone. She rushed into the restaurant. The host stopped her from entering the dining area with his body. "I'm sorry madam we have a strict dress policy here. I don't believe we can accommodate jeans and a hooded sweatshirt," The host said. "Look pal, I just need to get in there. A friend needs my help!" Helga said. "Does your friend have a reservation?" the host asked. "Probably, who gives a shit?" Helga said. "Madame we service an elite clientele here. We do not simply allow for people to drift in and out of here like freeloaders," The host said. Helga began shouting at the host. "Look pal! You're gonna let me through, or I'll shove my foot so far up your ass you'll choke on your own shit!" The host was shocked by her vulgarity. Helga pushed past him and the host reached out to grab her arm. "Don't touch me asshole!" Helga said as she used turned back punching the host in the eye. Helga ran by him and made towards the men's bathroom. She noticed Arnold's dad speaking with someone. "He seems to be having a grand old time. I wonder if he knows his son is dying in the bathroom. Fucking shit biscuit," Helga thought to herself.

The men's bathroom door flew open as Helga burst in looking for Arnold. She looked under the stall openings to see a body almost passed out on the floor. She opened the door to see Arnold barely conscious. "Helga is that you?" Arnold said lifting his head. "Oh thank god," Helga said going to her knees in front of him. She put her hands on his face. "Look at me, did you take your medicine?" She asked. "Yeah I did, I just… I just need some air," Arnold said. "O.K. big guy, let's get you up," she said. As she took Arnold's arm and put it around her shoulder. Arnold started to move his legs to get up. Helga helped Arnold up. Arnold was standing by himself, with his head down. "Good, keep breathing," Helga said. "Hey, this is a men's room," Helga heard someone at the sink say. "Fuck off!" She yelled behind her shoulder leading Arnold out of the bathroom. Helga looked around and saw the door to the kitchen. "Come one, let's go out the back," Helga said. She led him through the kitchen door. She looked around seeing the cooks, and wait staff running back and forth. "Excuse me, can I help you? You shouldn't be back here," Helga looked and saw a man in a collared shirt and tie, she assumed the manager.

"I just need to get this guy outside," Helga said motioning her head towards the guy she was leading. "Is he alright? Should I call an ambulance?" The manager said. "No, he's fine. I just need him to get outside and get some air," Helga said. "Alright, yeah. Back door is right there," the manager said. Helga saw the door and made her way there. "Marty, some chick just punch Reggie in the face!" Helga heard someone tell the manager. Helga did not break her gait. Arnold walked ahead of Helga and almost jumped through the door. Arnold steadied himself against the wall. He put his hand on the building and put his other on his chest. He was breathing more steadily. Helga walked up to him and put her hand on his back. "Keep breathing," Helga said. "I'm sorry," Arnold said. "For what?" Helga said, her eyebrows furrowing. "I'm sorry for… being such a pain. I'm sorry I dragged you out… here to pick me up like a little kid," Arnold spoke, breathing heavily.

"You're not a pain," Helga said softly, as she rubbed his back. Helga saw that Arnold was breathing almost normally. Arnold was still facing the building. Helga put her arms around his stomach. "You're not a pain. I don't know what I'd do without you," Helga said leaning her head on his back. Helga closed her eyes and felt Arnold's breathing. Her head rose and fell in rhythm with his breathing. Arnold continued to breath slower and slower. "You seem like you're calmer now," Helga said after a few minutes. "Yeah, I am," Arnold said. Helga felt his hand overtake hers. "I'm so sorry I did this. I do this all the time. I just can't seem to stop letting people down," Arnold said. Helga grabbed him by the shoulder and got in between him and the wall. "Look at me," she said as she grabbed his chin and forced him to look down at her. "You've never once in the entire time I've known you ever let me down. You're important to me, that's why I came. Not because you're some disappointing child. I love you, and I couldn't live with myself if something happening to you. You got that?" Helga said. She was looking deep into his eyes, her eyes began filling with tears. Arnold looked back at her and wrapped his arms around her pulling her close to him. "I don't know what I'd do without you," Arnold said.

Helga and Arnold held each other for a few minutes. The brisk air completely in Arnold's lungs. His breathing returned to normal and the adrenalin had subsided. "Come on, I'll take you home," Helga said. "No…" Arnold said. "I.. I can't go home. My dad's gonna kill me. I can't deal with that right now," Arnold said. "I know where we can go. Do you have your keys on you?" Helga asked. "Yeah, I do," Arnold said, digging into his pocket producing his keys. "Where are we going?" Arnold asked looking confused. "Follow me," Helga said. They made their way back to Helga's car. It had remained undisturbed. "Thank Christ," Helga thought to herself. They got in and Helga drove onto the street.

Helga drove for a few minutes. Arnold was starring out the window. Helga noticed him spacing out. "He must have a lot on his mind. Especially after tonight," Helga though to herself. She reached over and tussled his hair, that she had noticed he was wearing down for a change. He smiled at her, grabbing her hand and kissing it. "Thank you, for coming to get me," Arnold said. "No sweat Football Head," Helga said. As Helga took her hand away to turn the wheel, she noticed the smile slowly dissipate as he stared at the floor dejectedly. "We're here," Helga said. Arnold looked out the window and smiled when he saw where they were. He looked at Helga and said, "good call."

Arnold and Helga got out of the car and Arnold opened the door to the building where his studio was. Arnold opened the large sliding door and turned the lights on. He noticed how chilly it was and turned up the heat. Helga looked around and noticed that all the paintings where new. "Wow, you really go through these don't you?" Helga said. "Yeah, I try to make them as good as I can but I set a time limit for myself for each piece. Otherwise I'd never finish one," Arnold said, putting his hands in his pockets. He turned and made his way towards the bathroom. Helga went over and looked at his finished work. She noticed he had painted a few scenes with people. "He's really good at capturing people," she thought. She noticed one canvas was a man feeding birds as a child played in the background. Another canvas featured a pair of hands. They were younger hands, covered in dirt. Helga had the impression of a child who might be dirty without a regular place to become clean. She felt a little sad, but moved by it. She didn't notice Arnold walking up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her. Helga smiled, he felt like a safety blanket. Covering and protecting her. "What is this one?" Helga asked pointing to the hands. "It's the hands of the poor. A modern take on Van Gogh. He painted the peasant's hands. I thought it was a modern perspective," Arnold said. "It's really good," Helga said, looking at the painting and rubbing Arnold's arm wrapped around her mid section.

Arnold removed his arms and Helga made her way to the couch. Arnold walked to the fridge and returned with water bottles. Arnold sat across from her on the couch. He reach into his pocket and pulled out a buzzing cell phone. "Oh no," Arnold said. "What?" Helga asked. "I didn't even notice my phone. My dad has been calling me non stop for the past half hour," Arnold said as he was interrupted by Helga. She snatched the phone out of his hands and turned it off. "Hey!" he said in protest. "You don't need that right now. It's just you and I. In this little world you've created," Helga said. Arnold looked at her and smiled. Helga brought her knees to her chest and reached over to tussle his hair some more. She laughed as she enjoyed herself. Arnold quickly grabbed his sketch book on his table. "No way, buddy boy," Helga said. "Come on, Helga. Let me sketch you. Just a quick one. I need to put that smile on paper," Arnold said. "His eyes are so earnest and annoying," Helga thought. "I don't know. I don't like being looked at like that," Helga said. "Like what?" Arnold asked. "I don't like people to… I don't like people to see me. I feel like you're the only one who can see me, and I like keeping it that way," Helga said. "What if instead of saying I'd like the world to see you how I see you; The most beautiful girl in any room she enters. The one who sets my soul on fire. I say that it's only for me?" Arnold asked. Helga looked at him for a long time. "I love him so much, do I let him?" Helga thought. "I'd feel naked," Helga said. "Shouldn't such a form be seen in her natural state?" Arnold said. "You think you're so damn smooth, don't you?" Helga said snidely. Arnold laughed, and smiled at her again. "What would I have to do?" Helga asked. "Nothing, just sit there and be you," Arnold said as he crossed his leg and started sketching her.

"This is awkward," Helga thought. She fidgeted sitting where she was. Her eyes darting back and forth from Arnold. She picked up the book she had left the week prior. "Maybe I don't have to feel so exposed if I'm distracted," Helga thought to herself. She started where she left off. "Oh yeah shit. I wanted to read this," she thought as she got the spot that she had dog eared. Helga glanced over at Arnold who had stopped drawing. "What is it, dummy?" Helga asked. "Nothing…" Arnold said smiling. "I'm finished," Arnold said sliding over until he was right next to her. "Already? That was weirdly intimate until I got distracted," Helga said holding up the book. Arnold showed the sketch pad to Helga. Helga examined the several drawings he had made. He made one of her smiling as she had when she was playing with his hair. Another with her sitting awkwardly, almost as if she were embarrassed. The final two were her reading. "I couldn't decide on one. I liked them all," Arnold said kissing her cheek. Helga turned red. "These are amazing, Arnold," Helga said as she looked. "These are spot on, it's like looking at a better version of a photo," Helga thought.

"You're a hell of an artist, Arnold," Helga said. Arnold smiled at her. He ran his finger along his face pushing some of her hair behind her ear. "I like seeing both your eyes," he said. He took her hands in his and kissed them once more. "Thank you Helga. For everything. You came through when I needed it," Arnold said. "I'll always be there when you're in trouble," Helga said looking down. Arnold held his finger to her chin so that their eyes met. "I hope I didn't ruin your night," Arnold said. "You didn't. Despite everything, this is nice. Right here," Helga said holding his hand. Arnold kissed her lips while Helga moaned slightly. Helga threw her arms around his neck so that he wouldn't pull away. Arnold pushed forward laying Helga down. Helga kissed back passionately. Helga felt Arnold's hand reach up and gently rub her breast. Helga answered with a slight moan. Arnold took that as a sign to continue. He started to kiss her neck. Helga was tickled by his lips on her neck and she began giggling. "Arnold…." She moaned. Helga felt Arnold's hand grab her back side. "I don't know if I'm ready for this. Fuck, I want him so badly," Helga thought to herself.

Helga pushed on Arnold's chest slightly. Arnold got the hint and pulled away. "I'm sorry, I was getting into it. I didn't hurt you did I?" Arnold asked, his eyes full of concern. "I fucking love how gentle and kind he is," Helga thought to herself. "You didn't hurt me, I was into it too. I just… I don't know if I'm ready to go.. You know…" Helga stuttered. "I understand Helga, I want you to be comfortable," Arnold said as he leaned down and pecked her on the lips. They both smiled as their eyes connected. "I had something a little different in mind though," Arnold said. "What is that?" Helga asked nervously. Arnold squinted at her for a moment. Helga looked up at him, not knowing what to think. Arnold leaned down so that his face was inches from hers. "Do you trust me?" Arnold asked. "Of course I do," Helga said. "I'm gonna try something, O.K.? I want to make sure your comfortable, so if you feel weird or I'm hurting you let me know and I'll stop," Arnold said. Helga looked at him filling with dread. "I do trust him, I know he'd never hurt me. He'd perform Harakiri before making me uncomfortable," Helga thought. "…alright" Helga said.

Arnold smiled at her and started kissing her again. He stayed at her lips for only a moment before starting to move down to her neck. Helga's breath started to speed up as she moaned. Arnold slowly started kissing lower than her neck. He put his face near her breasts and lightly kissed them over Helga's shirt. "Ahhh," Helga let out. He continued going lower and lower. He ran his tongue over her navel and stopped. He looked back up at her with a diabolical grin. Arnold hands went to Helga's belt as he started to unbuckle it. "Oh god… he's not going to?" Helga thought. Arnold looked up at her stopping almost like asking for permission. Helga nodded in agreement, at the very least to see where he was going. Although she had a suspicion. Arnold undid Helga's belt, then moved to unbutton her jeans. Arnold grabbed the flap of her jeans with his teeth and smiled up at her. He jerked his head undoing the button. Helga started panting heavily seeing how he expertly undressed her. He moved down and took the latch of the zipper into his teeth and pulled it down. Helga watching this was heating up. Her breathing started going faster along with her heart rate. Arnold grabbed the waist of the undone jeans and started to pull them down Helga's legs. He finished peeling off the skinny jeans and sneakers, revealing Helga's bare legs and her pink teddy bear underwear. "You just had to grab the least sexy panties you own didn't you? Moron! At least I showered and shaved my legs before leaving. This could have been way worse," Helga thought to herself. Arnold smiled down at her. She felt a rush go through her seeing the look he was giving her. Arnold leaned down and kissed her again. He grabbed the hem of her underwear and looked up once more for permission. Helga nodded again, complying. Arnold pulled her panties down off of her and put them in the pile of clothes next to the couch. Arnold looked down at Helga, the lower half of her body exposed. Helga was not new to sexual experiences, however having Arnold look at her like that sent chills down her spine. She had never experienced what she suspected Arnold was going to do.

Arnold leaned down and kissed her gently. "You're so beautiful," Arnold whispered in her ear. Helga was breathless as his head traveled lower to her exposed entrance. Helga started feeling lightheaded as she felt his warm breath near her flower. She felt him slowly rub his nose against her outer lips. "This feels odd, not bad just different," Helga thought. She continued feeling his nose rub against her lips. Arnold used one of his fingers to trace the lines of her entrance. Helga felt her head swimming as she experienced feelings she had never had alone or with another. She felt the finger starting to become slick from her wetness. She moaned feeling the finger entering her slowly. "Arnold clearly cuts his nails regularly," Helga thought. Following the finger she felt a wet tongue slide it's way along the lines of her lips. She continued her heavy breathing. "I might have an attack myself," Helga said out loud. She heard Arnold laugh and continue to run his tongue along her now soaking wet entrance. Helga started quivering a she moaned loudly for the first time. The feeling was sneaking up on Helga. Her boyfriend continued lapping her vagina. She felt Arnold's two fingers part her lips as he went further into her.

Helga bit back a moan feeling Arnold's nose grazing her clitoris. Arnold continued delving his tongue into her body. Helga felt every action he was performing. Helga felt the intense feelings like electricity going back forth through her body. She had never experienced something like this before. "Ahhhh.. Arnold…" she moaned sensually. She grabbed hold of the couch cushion she was laying on for dear life. She felt her entire world spinning around her. "Oh god, Arnold!" she cried out. She felt his tongue running along her inner opening, while he continued to rub his nose against her clitoris. She felt him start to massage just below her vagina. She continued writhing in pleasure as she felt bliss run through her body. Wave after wave of pleasure hit her. She continued groaning, reacting to every move Arnold made. She felt Arnold move higher as he messaged her upper entrance with his tongue. Helga began arching her back, moaning in pure pleasure. "This is fucking incredible! Arnold!" Helga cried out, wantonly. Arnold continued applying pressure to her upper nub. His nose would rub vigorously against it followed by his expert tongue. Helga moaned again in pleasure. She arched her back, throwing her head back as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. She felt extraordinary pleasure coursing through her body. Wave after wave of the powerful force completely overcame her. She grabbed Arnold's head and moaned aloud continually. "Arnold! Arnold! Dear god, Arnold!" She begged. The waves started to slow, as she grabbed a tighter hold of Arnold's head keeping it where it was. They finally finished as she collapsed onto the couch. Her final orgasm finishing its way through her body.

Helga laid on the couch panting, trying to catch her breath. She was sweating as she looked at the ceiling. She closed her eyes as she put her hand on her forehead feeling her soaked forehead. "That was the most incredible fucking thing I think I've ever felt," she said out loud. Arnold raised his head wiping of his lips. He kissed her bare stomach. "Did you like that?" Arnold asked sheepishly. "Did you not hear the several times I was moaning like a banshee? Or was it when I flat out said it was the best thing I've ever felt just now that confused you?" Helga remarked. Her breath still slightly labored. Arnold leaned down and kissed her lips. "Jesus H. Christ, Football Head. Where did you learn to do that?" Helga asked looking at her unassuming boyfriend. "I just followed what your body said. It's not hard," Arnold said laying down next to her. "Hold on, lay down," she got up and he laid on his back. She laid on top of him with her head on his chest. "I just wanted to make sure you felt as good as possible," Arnold said stroking her hair. "Well shit, mission accomplished. And then some. I can't even move," Helga said. "Well we can just lay here for a bit," Arnold responded. "Yeah well, we're going to have to. I can't even feel my fucking legs that felt so damn good," Helga said. She laid her head back on his chest. Helga felt Arnold stroking her hair. "Oh shit, what about him? I can't be selfish. He's gotta be hard as a rock," Helga thought. "Arnold?" Helga said. "Mmh?" He responded. "Did you want me to… take care of you?" Helga asked, her voice uncertain. "I'm alright with just laying here for now," Arnold said smiling at her. Helga smiled at him. "He's so damn sweet," Helga thought. "O.K…" she said.

Helga rested her head on Arnold's chest. She was being lulled to sleep by his rising muscles. "Arnold…" Helga said. "Yeah?" he answered. "I love you," Helga said. Arnold took her face into his hands and drew it to his. He kissed her, and she leaned forward and kissed him back. "I love you too, Helga Pataki," Arnold said. Helga laid her head back on his chest. She felt complete, as if the world was theirs alone.