Hey, guys!

So it's been a little bit since I've updated this story. For those of you who were expecting one sooner, I apologize. It's a lot tougher juggling literally four stories at once, which I've never done. It also doesn't help when you have ADHD haha.

That being said one of my other stories is finished and another is one epilogue away from being finished. The other long term story I'm writing also only has about two chapters left. So I'll be able to devote a lot more time to writing this from now on. In any case, I do want to say a few things about this chapter before you read it. First, really pay attention to the small details. Part of what the aim here is to build up Arnold and Helga's relationship organically. The hints here are very subtle but they are there. There's a lot of small foreshadowing so just be aware of that.

Also there will be a part in this story that for those of you who have followed 'Longest Monday' that might seem similar to that story but I promise there's a good reason for it. The events of this story are supposed to alter a bit from the actual canon universe.

Anyway on to reviews

Call Me Nettie- I should have said August...whoops! Real life and all that crap.

Em Pataki- My instincts tell me you definitely know what the favor is lol.

starfiction123- I have every intention of finishing this story, don't worry:) I love this pairing and I love this show.

Ajay435- Alas, Harold doesn't think about what he says before he opens his mouth. I enjoyed writing that scene with Phoebe because I love seeing her grow as a character and she's in a very precarious situation dating the best friend of her own best friend's crush. She has to learn to navigate the situation accordingly. I think Bob is portrayed a bit harshly in other fics. The man is deeply flawed but he's not a monster. Had to give him some humanity here while showing his stubbornness at the same time. Really hope you like this chapter!

The Rhombus- The dialogue was some of the best I've ever written and I loved every second of it. This chapter was really designed to sort of take the second big step for Arnold and Helga and you caught on to a lot. I hope this chapter lives up to its billing.

DeepVoice06- Indeed you are pretty good at putting stuff together but I'm also less subtle than I like to believe I am haha. Your last line about Arnold not even knowing yet that Helga has a special place in his heart, well that encapsulates the current situation to a 'T.' I think this next chapter you'll see he's becoming steadily more aware:) I hope you like it.

That concludes the reviews. Just sit back and enjoy guys!

Chapter 8. A Very Good Day

The next morning was like any other for Helga. Except this time around there was a sense of dread deep within the pit of her stomach that was much stronger than usual. Today marked the culmination of one unstable part of her life and the beginning of another. Her father would more than likely lose out on the one job he considered worthy of his talents, while Olga would officially step off the plane and back into Hillwood.

"That pathetic princess is going to take one look at our situation and take it upon herself to move back in and 'take care of us.' And I'll be nothing more than her little servant girl."

She gritted her teeth as she turned on the shower and stepped in. The water was cold and had been for a while, but that was not purely the cause of her shaking. This state of affairs went beyond normal dread, it was pure futility. Either way she was screwed. Without Olga, they wouldn't last much longer in the hollowed remains of Bob's Beeper Emporium. On the other hand, Helga loathed her older sister getting involved in almost any part of her life. Lord knew she tried but that in itself was the problem. For someone so sensitive and caring, Olga was absolutely clueless about her 'baby sister.' There was no reason to think that would change now.

Helga quickly washed herself, pushed aside the curtain and began getting ready for the day.

Criminy, am I really so petty that I would rather live on the street than deal with Olga? Is this what it's come to?

The silence of her makeshift bedroom offered no answer, as she pulled her trademark pink dress over her head and began to brush her hair.

Believe it or not, Helga wasn't purely a mean spirited pessimist, but growing up in the House of Pataki made that difficult. The madhouse of dysfunction that was directly responsible for the mess they were in now. Even if Olga could somehow keep them from going under, it wouldn't change what they already were: a drunk, a blowhard, an overachiever, and a basket case.

She finished with her hair and grabbed her backpack, adding one last thing before heading to school; her pink bow. The one she had worn almost every single day of her life since she was three. All because of one person.

Arnold.

Frankly, the fact that she managed to behave around him and go as far as to open up about her problems was the only thing she had going for her at the moment. But that good fortune was incredibly fragile. Any lashing out or argument could put her back to square one, increasing the likelihood she would never be able to tell her beloved how she felt.

Helga finished tying her bow, which also held up her pigtails. The look she had employed for so long was an essential part of her identity; as much as her last name or infamous scowl. She couldn't help but sense a similar connection with Arnold's blue hat, one he hadn't worn since the fourth grade. Though he was markedly more functional than before, Helga could still see her love was not completely whole. He was in just as much danger of relapsing as she was.

"No matter what happens, going forward, I will not let you down Arnold," she spoke aloud to herself. "For you, my love, I will remain strong and refrain from burdening you with my problems until you are healed and whole once more."

Taking out her locket, she opened it and gazed down lovingly at the picture within. She kissed it softly, imagining what the taste of his lips would feel like against her own….it was enough to melt her brain into ecstasy.

Though she would have loved to continue daydreaming about her beloved, Helga reluctantly stuffed her most prized possession into her bra (she had just recently started wearing them and found them annoying, but useful in this respect), hoisted her bag over her shoulders, and walked into the main room of the emporium.

The sight that greeted her was no real shock. Big Bob had his best suit, coupled with a briefcase, and a cup of hot coffee. No doubt, he was aiming to look his best for the interview.

"Boy, do I feel like a winner today," he said proudly to himself as he combed his hair using a small mirror. "Hey, Miriam! Is my tie on straight?"

"What B? Oh, uh-yeah. It looks fine."

"Bullcrap you weren't even looking. Will you get up off the couch? Sheesh, you've been a freaking killjoy lately."

Helga had no intention of getting involved in that conversation. Not the least because it personified her parents to a 'T' but she also didn't want to give Bob an excuse to make her sort beepers again. Alas, she was too late as her dad spotted her just before she reached the door.

"Hey, hey little lady! Where do you think you're going?"

"For the millionth time, Dad, there's this thing called 'school' that by law I'm required to go to, Monday through Friday, from eighty thirty to three thirty. Or has that concept just completely left your brain?"

"S-She's right, honey," Miriam slurred as she attempted to lift herself from the couch. "E-Education is important."

"Fine," Bob grunted. "But as soon as your out of class you come right home and help me tidy this place up. I won't have Olga coming home to a pigsty."

You also don't want her to know how broke we are, Helga thought bitterly, but she held her tongue. Pissed off as she was, she still had enough sense to know that this wasn't a battle she wanted to pick. If for no other reason than to get to school on time.

"Whatever."

She pushed open the doors and headed out into the street, hoping to meet up with Phoebe for a quick girl chat before hitting the red brick building of P.S. 118.

The blonde girl once more though of Arnold and how noble he was to promise to try and help her the previous day and it caused her heart to flutter. But she did not dare to dream further. There were some things even her beloved could not simply ease away.

"Well, this is shaping up exactly as I thought it would," she grumbled.

Arnold walked through the hallways of P.S. 118 on his way to homeroom, his step a little lighter than it had been in recent months. If all went according to plan, today was going to be a good day.

I just hope Helga's dad doesn't make himself so unlikeable that they're forced to not hire him, he thought to himself, a small twinge going through his stomach. He had had enough interactions with Big Bob Pataki to know that the man wasn't exactly humble or subtle.

Still, this was the best Arnold had felt in a good long while. He was back doing what he was best at; helping people and making their lives better. The fact that it was Helga that he was currently assisting seemed to increase that happiness.

She deserves it. And more than just that.

He would have helped Helga regardless, but her recent change in behavior had increased his affection for her. It wasn't just that he felt he owed the scowling blonde girl to a certain degree, the motivation went far beyond that. For the first time, he felt there was a real relationship between them, friendship even. What's more, he found that he liked spending time with her.

To top it off, the faces of his parents came into view in his mind. Arnold supposed that his humanitarian nature was a gift passed directly from them. The pain was still there and he missed them terribly, but knowing he was continuing what they would have done placed a small degree of comfort in his heart.

Yes, today was going to be a very good day.

He stepped inside the classroom, where most of his friends were already seated, including Gerald, who's desk sat to the left of his own. His expression could only be described as extremely disgruntled.

Arnold sighed. It was a conversation they needed to have, and they might as well have it now, while the rest of the class was occupied (Stinky and Harold were having a burping contest).

I hope I can explain this to him properly, he thought as he headed over to his desk.

He tried to catch Gerald's eye as he sat down, but his best friend kept staring off into space, playing with a rubber band. Being direct was the only way to quash this small rift.

"Gerald, we need to talk."

The black preteen sighed as flicked the rubber band against the blackboard.

"You're never one to mince words, Arnold," he replied, finally turning to look him in the eye.

"You pretty much admitted you thought Helga was going to stab me in the back. That's about as blunt as it gets."

"Can you blame me? How can you trust someone like that to suddenly pull an about face and just be a normal person?"

"I know it seems unlikely, Gerald," Arnold tried to explain calmly. "But I talked to her yesterday. She's got a lot going on you don't know about."

"What? That she lives in her dad's former beeper emporium?" said Gerald. "So what? Everyone knows that."

"It's more complicated than that. I appreciate you looking out for my well being, I really do," Arnold said, remaining as diplomatic as possible. "But Helga isn't some psycho. I think you're totally off base here."

Gerald sighed.

"She mentioned me, didn't she?"

"Huh?"

"A couple days ago before we saw 'Speed Demon', you invited Helga to come with us. It just seemed…too weird man, too liable for something bad to happen with her around. So I confronted her about it after school."

"Well as it just so happens, she didn't mention you at all," Arnold replied, sounding just a bit irritated. "However, it would be one of many reasons why she was so on edge."

"I'm sorry, man," Gerald apologized, and he did look partially remorseful. "But it's like I said yesterday, I'm not gonna stand by and watch you get hurt. All these talks you keep having with her and I still don't know what they were specifically about. Whatever happened to no secrets?"

Arnold finally understood what Gerald was driving at. He distrusted Helga, that much was clear. But if there was anything he couldn't stand, it was skullduggery and dishonesty. Their friendship was founded on openness, yet here they were now, with one of them unsure and partially ignorant of a situation the other was in.

"Gerald, you're worried and even a bit upset. Heck, I'd be concerned if you weren't to some degree. But I'm not at liberty to say what Helga and I talked about. She told me a lot of what she said in confidence. I can't betray that."

"So you'll have these deep conversations with her but you won't even confide in your best friend?"

"It's not like that."

Arnold sighed. There had to be a way to convince Gerald that this wasn't anything to worry about, that the growing bond between him and Helga wasn't a lack of confidence in him. There was no way he would allow that to become wedge in their friendship and that point had to be emphasized.

"Gerald, I trust you more than anyone I know. Do you trust me?"

He seemed taken aback by the question but answered resolutely nonetheless.

"You know I do."

"Then trust me here and now, okay? I know I wasn't myself for a long time and I still don't think I'm there yet. Helga is helping with that. Believe me, it's the last thing I expected too, but whatever she's been in the past, she's not evil, Gerald. She's a good person and in some ways, I think I might be helping her too."

Gerald frowned slightly and shook his head, but then gave a smile.

"That little speech sounded like the old Arnold to me."

Arnold smiled in return, knowing he had won him over.

"If things do go south again, I promise you'll be the first one to know."

"Alright, my brother. If you feel this is a good thing, I won't argue. I got your back regardless."

They commenced their trademark handshake and just like that, whatever beef that had existed between them vanished.

"You're a bold kid, Arnold."

"So you've told me nearly a hundred times."

"It's true though," Gerald said as he opened his desk to take out a few pencils and a sheet of paper. "You mentioned you were helping Helga as well. That girl doesn't take any charity, and I would know since I'm dating her best friend. How exactly are you supposed to help her?"

Simultaneously, the bell rang and Helga herself walked through the door, Phoebe in tow.

Speak of the devil.

"Well I've got at least one idea," Arnold replied, knowing the blonde girl had no idea of his plan.

Gerald didn't respond to that cryptic comment, merely shrugging as he greeted Phoebe with a quick kiss before Mr. Frank began his morning lecture.

"Criminy, you two want to get a room?" Helga spat before sitting down in her own chair.

The couple didn't say anything, almost immune to her ribbing by now, but Gerald gave his best friend a look that was unmistakable in its meaning: "I hope you know what you're doing."

Arnold fully realized that Helga reverting to her old ways was entirely possible, especially if she was in a bad mood. Then again, he knew her well enough to know a bad mood when he saw it. Two years ago, he might have believed his presence was enough to set her off, but as he had learned of late, her episodes often had nothing to do with him. The conversation they had the previous day confirmed that much at least. Trying to deal with edge of complete financial ruin would be enough to put anyone in a negative frame of mind. A small part of him worried that the spitballs would start flying once more, but to Helga's credit she did nothing of the sort, as the day went by without incident.

It was why he decided to try and get her mind off of what was troubling her. Gerald was right, Helga was never one to show weakness, but Arnold figured a little baseball could help ease her anger. He had discussed it with Gerald beforehand with no problems. After all, the season was just around the corner and they needed both her arm and her bat. However, to be on the safe side they decided it was best to let Harold pitch for today. Helga had a tendency to throw high and fast when on the mound.

He resolved to talk to her as soon as the bell rang to lessen the chance she might snap or say no. Talking to Helga one on one was a vastly different experience than when there was a crowd around.

Sure enough, Arnold got his chance.

Rushing down the hall, her distinct pink bow was easily identifiable through the crowd as he weaved his way through a group of third graders.

Even better, she's not with Phoebe or any of the other girls.

He continued to walk hurriedly until he reached her, just as she pushed the doors to the outside world open, stepping in front of her before she went down the steps.

"Hey, Helga," he said, panting slightly.

"What's got you in a rush, football head?" she replied, raising her unibrow.

"Well we were going to get a baseball game going this afternoon and was wondering if you wanted to play."

"Sorry to disappoint, hair boy but my dad wants me home pronto. I don't need to tell you why."

Helga made a move to pass him, but Arnold didn't budge.

"Come on, Helga. We need you for the team. Especially if we're going to beat Wolfgang in the first game which is only a week away."

The blonde girl gave a short huff, trying to keep her temper in but that was quickly becoming a failed exercise. She didn't want to have to tell him off the hard way and break her promise.

"Look, I already told you I can't play today. And if you know what's good for you, think back to yesterday and scram before I…"

She never finished the threat, as suddenly Eugene passed them by with a friendly wave.

"Hey guys!" he said cheerfully. "Talking about the upcoming baseball game? Man am I excited. I can't wait to-WHOA!"

With a slip and a comical tumble, Eugene slipped on the second step of the concrete stairs, crashing down with a heavy thud.

"I'm okay," came the pained groan.

"Eugene!" yelled Arnold and a few bystanders on the street went over to help him up.

"And the jinx strikes again," Helga muttered.

Arnold, however, was more than a little suspicious. Eugene had had more than his fair share of unlucky incidents but tumbling randomly on the stairs wasn't one of them. As Helga began to walk down herself, he held out a hand stopping her.

"What gives, Arnoldo?"

"That was no accident," he replied narrowing his eyes. He bent over and noticed a shimmering, brown substance on top of the stairs. Scooping a small amount with his finger, he gave it a sniff and immediately recoiled.

"Axle grease," he stated. "This was done on purpose."

"Come on, who would put a bunch of axle grease on the steps for no good reason?"

Helga's question was immediately answered by the sound of familiar laughter and guffawing.

"Oh, brother, I should have known. Wolfgang."

"Ahaha! You should have seen the look on that little dweeb's face!" Wolfgang taunted as he emerged from the shadows. "Oh, that was totally worth it."

"Wolfgang, what are you even doing here?" Arnold said irritably. "Our game with you isn't until next week. Besides, you don't even go to P.S. 118 anymore."

"Wouldn't you like to know?" the bully sneered back.

"Hey, Wolfgang, I thought we were trying to sabotage their team before the big match," spoke another voice, which Arnold recognized as the seventh grader's dimwitted sidekick, Edmund.

You could hear a pin drop, as everyone within the vicinity of P.S. 118 paused at those words. Even Arnold and Helga shared a look.

"You weren't supposed to reveal that, doofus!" Wolfgang said through gritted teeth.

"Sorry."

"Whatever, just come on. Our cover's blown. We'll deal with these losers later. Let's hit the arcade."

"Okay."

As the two ruffians scampered off, realization of what had just happened dawned on the rest of the observers, especially the sixth-grade students.

"You know, sometimes I really hate that guy," Gerald said as he and Phoebe walked up besides their two best friends.

"I must admit, his vindictiveness and cruelty know no bounds."

Just then Harold and Stinky joined the conversation.

"Hey! Did you see what happened to Eugene? Nobody does that kinda stuff to him except us!"

"Man, them seventh graders have resorted to playing dirty tricks. What a shame."

"Ugh, who else but that cretin?" Rhonda chimed in.

The chorus of voices grew louder until Arnold cut them off.

"We should have known Wolfgang would try to pull something like this right before we played him in baseball. He never plays fair, does he?"

There was a murmur of mutual agreement among them.

"That's why we gotta get back at him. We can't take this lying down!" Helga stated forcefully.

"You sure about that, Helga?" Stinky asked skeptically.

"You're damn right I am! You gotta fight fire with fire and I don't intend to stand around and do nothing like the rest of you slack jawed idiots. I say it's time we give him a taste of his own medicine!"

The sixth graders seemed to agree with Helga as a chorus of "yeahs" and "she's right" echoed among them. All except Arnold, who was thinking. Though he generally avoided violence and disliked the idea of petty revenge, for once, Helga had a point. If Wolfgang had gone to this length to try and keep them from playing, that wasn't something to take lightly. Sometimes, it was necessary to fight back. Which is why what he said next, surprised some his classmates.

"I agree whole heartedly with Helga."

Many, including Gerald gave him looks of mild shock. Helga herself appeared flabbergasted.

"You do?"

"Wolfgang basically tried to put us in a hospital over a baseball game," Arnold said, indicating to Eugene down below, who was being put into an ambulance. "We have to send a message that won't be tolerated. Or else he'll just keep trying."

"Well, well. Never thought I'd see the day you stopped being a went blanket, football head," Helga smirked.

"Guess I'm just full surprises," Arnold replied with a wink, causing the blonde girl to blush, a fact that was not lost on him.

"Alright ya'll, you heard em. We gotta get back at Wolfgang. Only question is how," Gerald said.

"Well first off, let's make sure Eugene's okay," Arnold replied. "Sid, can you accompany him to the emergency room?"

"Sure thing."

Sid carefully avoided the axle grease while walking down the steps towards Eugene, who appeared to be okay but nevertheless a little shaken.

"Good, now that that's out of the way, let's talk brass tax," said Helga. "As it just so happens, I've already thought of a way to make the hulking mass and his dweebo sidekick pay," she added with a conniving smile. "Stinky, do you still have that three been, Arkansas style chili your folks made for Parents' Weekend two weeks ago?"

"I reckon I do, given that no one would touch the stuff after it gave everyone uncontrollable gas."

"Excellent. Tall hair boy does your mom's store sell inflatable balloons?"

"I imagine. Why?"

"Put two and two together, Geraldo. We're gonna slam them with the most rancid chili they've ever seen. You, Phoebe, and Nadine go and buy the balloons. Harold, Rhonda, Brainy, go with Stinky to fetch the stuff."

Normally, everyone present would resist taking such orders from Helga. However, this time they were united around a single cause and that was ensuring Wolfgang got the message that they weren't the same fourth graders he used to torment back in the day. Enough was enough. As a result, everyone did as they were told and took off immediately.

"Hey! What about me?!" cried Curly indignantly.

"You have the best job of all," Helga replied tactfully. "You get to free all the animals from the zoo."

"HOORAY!"

Curly jumped down four flights of steps and laughed maniacally into the street, shouting random nonsense as he did so.

Arnold chuckled as Helga shook her head.

"Still a poor, twisted little freak."

"Hey, you handled that pretty well regardless," Arnold complimented.

"Well uh-thanks, football head," Helga said, turning away this time to avoid him seeing her going red. "Someone's gotta keep those knuckleheads in line."

"I just have one question."

"Yeah?"

"What's my job in this payback scheme of ours?"

In situations like these, Arnold could expect a limited role. Anytime he voluntarily or involuntarily paired up with Helga she usually became obnoxious and bossy, relegating him to meaningless tasks or cutting him out altogether. His mind flashed back to the buffalo incident where he had lost his temper and poured paint on here in retaliation for her unrepentant nastiness towards him. But as was becoming more frequent, this time around offered a much different outcome.

"Well…I…seeing as you, Gerald, and I have the best arms on the team, I was thinking we would be the ones to throw those balloons at Wolfgang."

Arnold didn't say anything at first, wondering if he had heard Helga correctly. But when he surmised she was being serious he smiled widely.

"I mean that is…if you want to. Don't think that I chose you for any special reason Arnoldo it's just that it's practical to have people throwing who are the best and-"

"Thanks, Helga. I appreciate it," Arnold interrupted, but he was still smiling, and the gratitude was well intended on his face. To his delight, Helga smiled back.

"What do you say we give that lummox a taste of a homemade chili bomb?"

The oblong headed boy put his arm around the blonde girl and replied, "Helga, I couldn't agree more."

For the second time in two days, Helga didn't bother to remove his hand.

"Boy, howdy! What a smell!"

"Dang, slim. What the heck did your mom and dad put in this stuff?"

The gangly, southern boy looked slightly affronted.

"That there is an old family recipe. How was I supposed to know it would go bad after only a few days and give ya'll noxious gas?"

Even with the rubber coating of the balloons, the chili was so potent that one could still smell the contents once inside their casing. It made for the perfect stink bomb and a nightmare for whoever was on the receiving end of them.

"Just quit your pointless yapping and get into position, will you?" Helga snapped. They had arrived about twenty minutes prior after gathering the necessary supplies for the prank. Nadine and Rhonda were inside the arcade with walkie talkies, ready at a moment's notice to tell them when Wolfgang was headed their way. Harold, Stinky, Sid, and Phoebe were hidden in the large bushes with a piece of string that lay in front of the sliding door entrance. When they received the signal, they would pull the string, causing Wolfgang to trip and fall, where Helga, Arnold, and Gerald would be waiting with six chili filled balloons, ready to pelt him mercilessly.

Helga thought it was personally one of her better ideas. If all went as planned the result would more than make him for Eugene's injury…as well as exacting some personal revenge for past transgressions.

She, her beloved, and his best friend were hidden behind two giant white pillars that held up part of the overhead cover that stretched about fifteen feet above the sidewalk. The rest of the crew followed suit, running into the bushes, their string in place. Helga and Phoebe held the walkie talkies to communicate with Nadine and Rhonda.

"New Vogue this is Black Falcon do you copy?" she copied into the speaker.

"What is what?" came the confused reply of the wealthy socialite.

"Criminy, princess it's called speaking in code! Haven't you ever seen a James Bond movie?"

"No, and as a matter of fact…"

"Will you two quit arguing for just a second and listen?" cut across Nadine. "Wolfgang and Edmund are playing Pacman near the back wall and from the looks of things they're down to their last quarter. Will keep you posted."

The signal cut off and Helga rolled her eyes.

"At least bug girl knows what she's doing."

A large fart sounded in the bushes, followed by laughter and an annoyed voice that said, "Ah dang it, Harold you couldn't wait until after we threw the chili at them guys?"

"Hey! It wasn't me!"

Gerald shook his head as the argument continued.

"Honestly, are we sure this is going to work?"

"It will if these incompetent morons actually pay attention!" Helga growled.

It was then that Arnold decided to try and calm everyone's nerves a tad.

"Guys, relax. I know we're bit on edge right now, but if we stick to Helga's plan everything should go just fine. We'll have a big laugh after this is over, I guarantee it."

Helga outwardly rolled her eyes at the football head's optimism but on the inside her heart was skipping jump rope.

Oh, Arnold my love. Even now, you maintain your faith in me, your sense of honor as impeccable as it was when we first met. I treat you like a normal human being now, yet what will it take to finally take the next step. Is it…"

Her thoughts were interrupted by two things that occurred nearly at the same time. The first was the unexpected intrusion of Principal Wartz, who spotted them with intense curiosity. The second was the signal from Nadine and Rhonda.

"Hello students, though it is after school hours, might I ask what you're doing hiding in a place of business holding suspicious looking water balloons?"

"Come in, Helga! The target is leaving the building and headed your way! Prepare to fire!"

Helga slapped a hand to her forehead. "Oh, for crying out loud, we don't have time for this crap." She spoke into her walkie talkie. "Phoebe pull the string!"

"Pulling!"

It was just in the nick of time. Wolfgang and Edmund exited from the front of the arcade and were completely oblivious to the fact they were about to be pranked.

"I could have won the high score if you hadn't distracted me Edmund!"

"What are you blaming me for? You're the one who couldn't stop staring at those girls."

"It's always something with you. I swear, if you ever want to get ahead in life-"

"You'll stop hanging around this pea brained, oaf," Helga finished for him with a smirk.

Several actions occurred in rapid succession, as Wolfgang tripped over the string that suddenly sprung up from the ground. Principal Wartz, unaware he was walking into a prank in action, simply scratched his head as he observed his former student crash into the ground.

"Fire!" Helga cried, not caring much if the flabby, balding man got hit or not.

"The principal is literally standing right there!" Gerald cried.

"Then you better hope you're aim is good, bucko!"

As it turned out, Wartz was not so lucky to avoid being splattered. Helga, Arnold, and Gerald's aims were true, firing off six balloons in a matter of seconds, all of which found their mark. However, they hadn't counted off their homemade stinks bombs being quite so 'explosive.' As Wolfgang yelled out in surprise, the balloons sent a wave of chili that smacked the principal all over his shirt, pants, and face.

"ARGH!"

When the pandemonium had stopped, and the dust cleared, everyone stood up to see the fruits of their labor. Even Rhonda and Nadine had peaked outside. Wolfgang was seething, positively drenched in the foul smelling liquid, while Principal Wartz stood stock still, unsure of what had just happened. He had also not realized that he had just been a makeshift human shield, as Edmund had not a single drop on him. He also appeared completely unaware of the events that had just transpired.

"Uh, what?" he asked stupidly.

Arnold, on the other hand couldn't help but laugh at the sight before him, the image of their worst enemy and goober principal covered in Stinky's chili. Apparently, such laughter was contagious, as the rest of his friends followed suit, none more eager than Helga who had tears in her eyes.

"This is too good!" Arnold said between breaths, fully bent over.

"Oh, man! Two for the price of one! Look at those dopes!" Helga chortled, pointing a shaking finger at the two misfortunate souls who by now were regaining their senses.

"YOU WUSSIES ARE DEAD MEAT!"

"You okay, Wolfgang?"

"This behavior is completely unacceptable! I cannot condone this senseless act of violence and I shall be informing your parents immediately," Wartz stated imperiously, beginning to wipe his face clean of the brown goo.

At the mention of 'parents' everyone knew the jig was up. No one wanted to be the person having to explain why they stink bombed the principal and absolutely no one wanted to be on the receiving end of Wolfgang's wrath. In these situations, every kid knew there was a code to follow which was quite simple.

"RUN!" Arnold declared, and the sixth graders took off, but still laughing like maniacs throwing taunts as they escaped the scene of the crime. Gerald had a taunt in particular for Wolfgang.

"Try to take us out again, and you'll receive a lot worse than a chili bomb!"

"Get back here-WHOA!"

In an attempt to get off the ground, Wolfgang slipped and fell on his backside, giving the black preteen one last laugh and just the time he needed to book it.

"Adios, bubba!"

Up ahead, the various sixth graders veered off in a number of directions, heading inside or finding a secluded spot Principal Wartz or Wolfgang would not find them. Helga and Arnold lived relatively close to each other, so it was natural that they headed in the same direction.

"Hey, Helga," Arnold said through pants. "Wanna cut through the junkyard? We'll get home faster."

"Thought you'd never ask, football head."

There was a brief pause as they caught each other's eye, then they began laughing again, the images of slop covered Wolfgang and Principal Wartz still fresh in their minds.

The laughter continued on through the junkyard and didn't stop until they reached Mrs. Vitello's.

Eventually, the two blondes figured they had run long enough to elude Wolfgang (and most certainly their overweight principal). As both had nothing better to do, they simply walked casually around the block replaying the days events to their respective delight.

"I gotta hand it to you. That was a pretty amazing plan," Arnold complimented her. "Definitely one that's going to passed down from kid generation to kid generation."

"Well, hey, I don't like to brag, hair boy but I am pretty smart," Helga tried to say as casually as possible with a wave of her hand. On the inside, she was practically skipping with joy. Not only was Arnold praising her, but she was spending more one on one time with him. The scenario could not be more perfect.

"Didn't you have a perfect score we took on that aptitude test a couple years back?"

Helga kicked a random rock down the street as they passed by Mr. Green's meat shop.

"Eh, those things are overrated," she dismissed. "It's just a way for bigwigs in suits to try and make it seem like they're doing something to win elections."

"That's a pretty big conclusion to jump to," said Arnold. "And a bit cynical."

"When have you known me to be anything else?"

Helga hoped that hadn't come across as too aggressive. The last thing she needed was for Arnold to take offense and an argument to ensue. Her heart beat too quickly for her own comfort, as she lamented having to walk on eggshells between 'scorchingly mean' and 'head over heels in love'. It had been easier to say nasty things and walk away.

Thankfully, Arnold didn't take offense, but he did offer an interesting reply.

"Well, actually…plenty of times. Helga, I know you like to pretend you don't care about things. But I don't think that's the case at all."

Helga swallowed nervously, her walls automatically going up.

"And how would you know, football head?"

"Because I've seen it. Numerous times," Arnold replied firmly. "You allowed Phoebe to take your place in the spelling bee when you knew she was one who really deserved it. You risked yourself in order to save Mighty Pete. You persuaded your dad to give us credit for building the float during the parade. You saved me from being duped by Summer at the beach. And three weeks ago, you took the time to talk to me and help me when I was having a particularly bad day thinking about my parents. I didn't just forget those things you know.

"You care about people, Helga. You care about Phoebe, your friends, even your family, as much as they drive you crazy. And well…I think you care about me too."

Helga stopped, her body feeling like it was about explode from the sheer amount of emotion that was surging through it. The walls that were currently in place were cracking and she had no idea how to handle it. Because in reality, Arnold was right; she did care. More than anyone had bothered to know. This conversation was just another reminder of not only how he was beyond his years, but a testament that her façade was slowly crumbling. Even as the walls stubbornly stayed in place, those cracks could not be refilled. Between wanting to spill everything to her beloved and telling him to get lost, she was looking for another way out. One that wouldn't give her away, while simultaneously not pushing him away.

"W-what's your point, Arnold?"

It was blond boy's turn to ponder for a moment. Everything he was saying was one hundred percent true but was there a specific reason he was saying it? Maybe, it was his need to help and lift up others, or that the way he perceived Helga was rapidly changing. Their dynamic had always been a volatile one, yet more and more he couldn't help but feel that the blonde girl wasn't merely fodder to his own personality but filled a gap that had been missing his whole life. That underneath the surface, lay an inherently good person that had so much more to offer the world than just a scowl.

"I just want to see for you what I would for anyone that's important to me. For you to be happy."

For a split second, the two preteens looked into each other's eyes, blue and green orbs dilating before Helga looked down at her feet, fearing she might lose control if she stared into Arnold's handsome face for a second longer.

"You know, you might be the first person that's ever said that to me. Miriam and Bob never bothered to…"

She trailed off as a realization hit her like a ton of bricks, glancing at her watch which read '6:53 pm'.

"Oh, damn it!"

Arnold raised his eyebrows out of concern.

"What's wrong? Are you alright?"

"My dad said I had to come straight home and help him clean up before my stupid sister arrives! He's going to kill me!"

She adjusted her backpack which she had lugged around most of the day and started to walk hurriedly down the street before Arnold called out.

"Wait! Helga!"

She turned and saw him rush up to her, again resisting the temptation to both kiss him and explode in his face.

"I just wanted to say today was really fun. And whatever happens when you get home tonight…well it may not be as bad as you think."

There was a kind conviction in his voice as he spoke those words. It was a tone that Helga was familiar with but was especially attentive to at the moment. If she didn't know better, it was like Arnold knew something she didn't. Even so, she kept such suspicions to herself.

"Yeah, well you try living with a bloated manatee and see how bad it gets."

Helga turned to continue her brisk journey home but couldn't resist halting one more time to give her beloved a softer goodbye, just as she had the day before.

"See ya around, Arnold. I had fun today too."

Arnold didn't respond as he watched Helga walk off into the hazy, afternoon sun back towards the beeper emporium but he couldn't help but smile as she did so. The same feeling that had elated him that morning was still there only ten times stronger than before. He just hoped his plan had followed through.

I was right. Today was a pretty good day.

Helga dreaded the approach of her decaying home with each step she took towards her father's once booming beeper empire headquarters. She tried not to get her hopes up for a positive outcome as she could envision how Bob's stubbornness had single handedly cost them any chance of them getting back on their feet. Perhaps that would be enough to finally get Miriam to quit the hooch and take on some responsibility to assist the family. Maybe Olga wouldn't have to stay on a full-time basis if she saw that there was some form of stability among them.

"Who am I kidding? Olga's already here bossing everyone around while Bob sits and watches sports, burping every ten seconds as Miriam pours herself another smoothie."

She jaywalked across the street and past their mailbox that sat in a tin bucket, peering up at the crude likeness of Bob that still occupied the top of the building. It seemed almost cruel that the man personally responsible for their predicament should be grinning like a mad jester, the big-headed symbol of an obsolete business, still trying to salvage whatever he could for the sake of his massive ego.

"You happy, dad?" she spoke to the peeling billboard. "I come home to a family that has no hot water, barely enough lima beans and processed meat to survive, and now I have to deal with the most overbearing, self-absorbed sister in the history of mankind. Kudos to you, pal."

Sighing heavily, Helga knew it would do no good to delay the inevitable. Despite her fond memories of what had occurred with Arnold throughout the day, it was still not enough to stem the tide of negativity that flooded her mind. It did no good to hope for something that wasn't coming, so why bother?

Stopping short in front of the double-sided doors she braced herself for the yelling, hugging, and pandemonium that she would find when entering the building. Between Bob, Miriam, and Olga, she didn't know which person she dreaded seeing more. The light was on inside so clearly none of them had thought to go to bed early….

Alright, Helga ole' girl. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and just get this over with. Just like ripping off an extremely painful band-aid.

Not wasting any more time, Helga stepped through the doors and physically braced herself for what came next

It was a good thing too, for the next thing she knew, she was being snatched in a pair of incredibly strong arms and for the life of her she could not figure out who it was.

"Oh, baby sister! It's so good to see you!"

Guess that answers that question.

"Argh! Ger off Olga, I can hardly breaf," Helga managed to say through stifled breaths, Olga's bosom squished up against her head.

"My apologies, Helga! I'm just so excited by the news!"

Still trying to get her wits about her, the blonde girl dropped her backpack to the floor and gathered the situation around her. There were numerous wine bottles open and she caught sight of her parents. Both were in a state of alcohol influenced happiness and neither seemed perturbed by the fact that she had shown up three hours later than they had asked.

"What's going on here anyway?" she asked, not daring to believe this was anything remotely positive.

"Aw Helga," her father hiccupped. "Didn't you hear? Not only is Olga home but I as of today, I am the new sales manager for AT&T in Hillwood!"

Helga G. Pataki didn't even register her father picking her up, nor her mother dancing a polka, or even the several hours afterwards in which her annoying older sister pestered her for details on her personal life. Though a small part of her mind registered that they were saved, a far larger part could only make sense of one thought.

Son of a bitch, football head. You really pulled a rabbit out of the hat, didn't you?

Oh, Arnold, if I didn't know better I'd say you care a lot about that blonde girl with the pink bow ;)

As always, leave a review with your thoughts and comments! And I'll try to have the next update by later this month.

Rock on!

~The Wasp