Hello, fellow readers! I'm back with another update. Though it took later than expected, technically I didn't lie when I said it would be in March :) just the last day in March haha. Let's get to reviews
Call Me Nettie- Thank you! Both of them have some turmoil to go through just yet. Stay tuned.
Laylion4869- I think every writer loses the spark at some point. But with me, I never quit on a story of this magnitude once I'm in this far. I love Hey Arnold and it's characters far too much to quit on it:) I hope you like this chapter
DeepVoice06- Helga is very much aware that her insecurities have not gone away, she's just gotten better at containing them. That's the rationale. I also don't believe Arnold is the kind of person that denies what he feels, even if he's not the best at expressing it. As for your prediction well, read this chapter...
Ezza- Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter
Allegro Giocosco- The Aftermath of the dance will prove to be extremely volatile as you shall soon see. Be prepared for some heavy stuff.
The Rhombus- It's the beginning of Act 2 so to speak. And we all know how that goes traditionally.
Yali Page- Everything is a-okay! Thank you for asking!
Thank you to all who keep reviewing. It means a great deal. So as we continue with Arnold and Helga's budding relationship, we will also see how it holds up under internal and external pressure. Let's just say, some of you might not like Helga in this chapter.
Now, on with the story!
Chapter 13. Monday Blues
Monday morning brought many things for 12-13 year old adolescents- mostly the dread of returning to school and homework left to the last minute. But for one in particular, it brought a sense of anxious excitement that he didn't often feel.
Arnold entered the hallways of P.S. 118 not quite knowing how the day would go. The routine of homeroom was typical enough- Mr. Frank's droning monotone during roll call, Rhonda holding court with the latest gossip, Curly shouting expletives. But the difference of an otherwise normal Monday was offset by the fact that there was a certain person he had to see in order to ask a certain question.
"What's up my man?" Gerald greeted him, giving him their usual thumb handshake.
"Same old, I suppose," was Arnold's absentminded response. He couldn't help but keep his eyes fixed on the empty chair in front of him.
"Still thinking about the dance last Friday?"
Arnold went slightly red at that question.
"Err, no. Why do you ask?"
It was at that moment that Helga Pataki showed up, a bored scowl on her face, Phoebe trailing behind. She wore her usual pink ensemble complete the matching bow on top of her head, which was nothing out of the ordinary. But for Arnold, he couldn't help but be reminded of when they danced not even 72 hours previously, her body wrapped in satin, her blue eyes dancing in the lights above them.
Gerald resisted rolling his eyes at the sight of his best friend ogling Helga as she took her seat.
"No reason."
The blonde girl caught on to Arnold's dreamy eyed stare, which Phoebe happened to notice as well, her giggle causing her to give a slight glower, which failed to hide her own blush.
"You sick or something, football head?"
Arnold quickly snapped out of his romantic head speace.
"No, I-I was just…"
The ringing of the bell put an end to the awkward conversation and Mr. Frank began his usual drone, requesting the students take out their math books for the first lesson of the day. However, the mood of the classroom could not have been more distracted, particularly for two blondes.
Helga hadn't exactly failed to notice that Arnold had been gazing at her in a rather love sick way, which both excited and scared her at the same time. It was everything she had ever wanted and more. Yet, fear and hostility still ran through her veins like a virus she could not overcome. Despite having dreamt for years of having Arnold feel the same way about her as she did about him, faced straight on with that prospect frightened her almost as much as going the rest of her life without his love. It wasn't so much that she didn't want it to happen as it was trying to wrap her head around the idea of actually fulfilling the fantasy.
Arnold, even now my twisted mind can't make sense of what to do. If I accepted that you could possibly love me, what then? I'm still too scared to admit my true feelings
But the object of her affection could not be aware of how volatile the situation was. As he had promised himself, he would waste no time in telling Helga his feelings. Not usually an overtly emotional person, Arnold felt he might burst if he waited much longer. There was no need to think about it anymore, the opportunity just needed to present itself and he would take it.
The only real question was of timing. He couldn't exactly ask her out on a whim or anytime he wanted. Helga was not a person you confronted with ultimatums, she was far too unpredictable for that. The key was to catch her in a good mood and alone.
Arnold thought it over, barely taking a glance at the math problems he was supposed to be going over. To try and corner her in the hallway would be a bad idea, too many people around. Recess was out too, he couldn't blow off the guys to try and find Helga it would risk Harold, Stinky, and Sid catching on.
Maybe lunch? I can ask Gerald to keep Phoebe occupied for a few moments while I go over and ask her in private.
That was his best bet.
He took one more quick glance at Helga, his stomach performing a somersault as he did so. It wasn't a question of asking her by now, it was merely whether he could do without causing a spectacle.
The day was agonizingly slow, as most Mondays tend to be. Arnold could scarcely concentrate on any of his academic studies, too occupied with thoughts of Helga and his plan to bother with them. Step one of his plan was simple. He just needed Gerald to go along with it.
As the bell rang for lunch, he caught his best friend outside talking with Sid. One look was all it took for him to know that a private chat was needed.
"Yo, Sid. I'll meet you in the cafeteria. We'll discuss the teams later."
"Fine. But I get first pick this time!"
Gerald shook his head at Sid's petty indignance.
"Mhm that boy can't get over the fact that no matter which team he's on, I'm always going to kick his butt. Anyway, what's on your mind?"
"Were you planning on eating lunch with Phoebe today?"
That earned Arnold a suspicious look.
"I usually do, that is if Helga hasn't claimed her first. Why?"
"Look, I need to spend a few minutes with Helga, just the two of us but I don't want anyone to interrupt us. Can you keep Phoebe from coming over until we're done?"
"Arnold…"
The blond preteen knew that tone. Whenever Gerald spoke his name in that worried, slightly patronizing way it meant two things: the first was that he was concerned at whatever his best friend was about to do. The second was the inevitable attempt to talk him out of doing so.
"This wouldn't be a way for you to ask her out would it?"
"So what, if it is?"
"Buddy, I'm just not sure this is a good idea. Everyone's going to be in the lunchroom when you do this. If it goes bad, everyone's going to know about it."
Arnold could appreciate Gerald looking out for him, but his impatience overrode any second guessing that might have still lingered. He was going to do this, and he was going to do this now.
"Then what would you suggest then? I've thought this over, Gerald. There's no perfect way or time to do this. I just have to grit my teeth and summon the courage to say it. No room for interpretation. So will you please back me on this?"
The black preteen sighed, knowing nothing he said would convince Arnold from going through with this. Another worrying sign that his infatuation with Helga G. Pataki would lead to an undesirable outcome. Nevertheless, he held his tongue on his reservations (of which they were many) and gave the answer his friend wanted to hear.
"Alright, brotha. I'll do what you need me to do. Just make it quick. Phoebe's pretty smart you know? She'll know something's up."
"Thanks, Gerald. I'll see you in there."
Arnold took off without any hesitation, hoping to catch Helga before the lunch rush began. But however much he had his back, Gerald had a queer feeling in his stomach, and it wasn't due to the corned beef sandwich in his bag. There was still something not quite right with his best friend. Only a month and a half ago, he had been downtrodden, obsessed with the pain that losing the parents he had never known had caused him. Now that obsession had shifted into something else and it was nothing less than a full blown crush on the school's most fearsome bully.
Getting along with Helga was one thing, to date her was a whole other ballgame. Gerald did not like it one bit. He knew Arnold would become upset with him for his objections, so he had kept them inward. But that didn't quell his worries by any means. Above all else, he simply wanted to keep his best friend from getting hurt all over again.
"I guess I have no power over it," he said to himself. "Buddy, I sure hope you know what the hell you're doing."
Helga dug through whatever Miriam had thought to pack in her lunch that morning, which was more often than not a random assortment of kitchen items and snacks she had absentmindedly put together. Today, she was lucky, however. There was a tuna fish sandwich, cheese doodles, and what appeared to be nectarine.
"No idea when she started buying tropical produce," she muttered. "Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. At least there's no shaving cream."
She was currently at a table by herself, waiting for Phoebe to arrive so they could discuss whatever business they had that day, though it appeared to be taking much longer than usual. Gazing over, she spotted her talking to Gerald, probably about some pointless, gushy muck that all couples were saps for. Awhile back she and the tall hair boy had come to a largely unwritten agreement that they would switch off every day for the rights to sit with Phoebe.
Who knew one day she would become so popular? She thought sardonically.
Helga bit into her sandwich, savoring the flavor as much as she could while waiting for her best friend to arrive. But another minute passed, and she and Gerald were still engaged in conversation.
"Criminy, Geraldo, can't you go half an hour without schmoozing her? If you want another makeout session just wait until after school."
The blonde was considering marching over and yanking Phoebe out there herself when someone cut across her line of vision.
"Hello, Helga."
The unexpected interruption nearly caused her to choke on the sandwich she was currently munching on.
"A-Arnold! ACK!"
This led to a solid half minute of chest pounding and Arnold's repeated apologies, which Helga waved away once she could finally breathe properly.
"Helga, I'm so-"
"Stop apologizing, okay, Arnold? Just don't stick your oblong head at me out of nowhere, sheesh!"
"Right, well, I'm just glad you're okay."
He continued to stand there awkwardly, a bead of sweat pouring down his neck, his eyes shifting to the floor.
This was so much easier in my head! But I have to do it! Especially while I have time
"Um, Arnold, do you have something to say because Pheebs is coming over any minute. Not to mention you look as rigid as a two by four."
"Yeah..I…um…"
"Spit it out, will ya? I don't have all day!"
Arnold lamented that Helga was not making this any easier. Then again, he supposed trying to date the most unpredictable, hot tempered girl he had ever known was bound to bring its own set of conundrums, this obviously being one of them. A part of him wondered if he had made a mistake attempting to approach her like this. But images of a beautiful girl in a pink dress, dancing the night away with him in a state of pure bliss filled his heart with indescribable joy and promise. He wanted this more than anything. And he was certain she did too.
It was now or never.
Meanwhile, Helga's anxiety began to increase from the nervousness of the boy in front of her. Having Arnold around her person for more than five seconds was usually enough to send her heart into a tizzy, even if she had become well versed in hiding it over the years. However, this time she couldn't help but notice that the way he approached her did not match his usual demeanor. Arnold almost always carried a sense of ease, a kind of peaceful aura that was borderline unflappable. By the same token, he was not especially good at expressing his feelings in a direct, confident manner and that only happened in two scenarios. The first was when talking about his parents. The second was when he hung around girls he liked…
Oh…OH SHIT
It dawned on Helga what was about to happen, and she could not have been less prepared for it.
He's about to ask me out…my God this is really happening
All the signs were there, from his pink tinged cheeks, to the hand awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. Mother of mercy he was adorable when he did that.
"Helga, I-I had a really nice time at the dance last Friday…"
She didn't interrupt him, instead putting down her food to listen. Helga was not about to waste a single second of this moment. She wanted to remember for it for the rest of her life as the day her most wondrous girlhood fantasies were finally realized.
"And I hope you did too. Over the weekend I was thinking and well it made me realize a few things."
His voice was stronger now, more resolute and Arnold knew he that this was the time to make his pitch.
"W-what things?"
"That I…really like you. Like you, like you. Spending time together lately has been some of the best times of my life. So, that considered…"
He exhaled before popping the ultimate question.
"Do you want to go out with me?"
Helga's heart just about exploded. Even knowing what he was about to say didn't change the earth shattering revelation of him actually saying it. In fact, she was so happy the ecstasy in her body temporarily shut down her speech capabilities. But when words returned the first thing out of her mouth would of course be 'yes'. How to say yes was a different story. Appearing too eager or aggressively accepting might give freak him out but without question this was the happiest day of her twelve year old existence, bar none.
Until, of course, it wasn't. For what came next, sent the potentially joyous occasion into a tailspin.
"Oh. My. God."
The familiar snobbish left little doubt as to who had just walked in on their moment. And Helga could not have been more displeased.
Rhonda…of all the people that had to show up…why HER?
"What do you want, princess?" she snapped a little too quickly.
The queen bee was flanked by Nadine and another popular girl and they too looked quite intrigued as to what was happening.
"My dear, Helga. I was just going to join you at your table. I had no idea you and Arnold were about to officially become an item! Everyone saw you guys at the dance, but this is such news! The whole school will have to know about this, of course. It's simply too amazing to pass up."
"I-I.."
"Well, aren't you going to give an answer?" Rhonda pressed. "I still haven't heard an official yes."
"Rhonda…" Arnold tried to reason. She wasn't making this situation any easier, especially knowing her heavy tendency to gossip.
"Please, don't let me interrupt. I'll just stand by over here, basking in your newfound relationship," she said with a wink.
Though Arnold was slightly embarrassed and a bit nonplussed about Rhonda's unexpected intrusion, Helga was positively mortified.
This magical moment, the one she had dreamt and fantasized about for years, was on the brink of collapse. It was one thing to accept Arnold asking her out in a private setting between the two of them. But now, Rhonda and a whole posse of her clique had gathered to watch as though it were some soap opera playing on TV. Helga knew what this meant. The second it became official, she would spread the news around P.S. 118 like wildfire. People would talk, point their fingers, laugh, make fun of her. The threat of 'Betsy and the Five Avengers', her status as top dog, a one woman wrecking ball that parted crowds like the Red Sea…all of it, gone. And where would that leave her? As nothing.
"I-I.."
She wanted to say yes. Oh, how she wanted to yes. But the words wouldn't come.
"I…"
Images of her past flashed in her mind. The kids laughing at her in preschool, the pain of being teased, the emptiness of her home life, the shadow of her sister…
"I…"
Fear. Her entire essence was being consumed by it. The old walls were going back up, old habits pushing their way to the surface. And she was powerless to stop it. The fear gave way to anger, and the anger turned into something far uglier than she ever could have imagined.
"Are you kidding?! Did you all receive an icepick lobotomy last weekend?! Why would I ever agree to go out with this football headed yutz? Honestly, I don't know what came over him. Ya agree to one stupid dance and all of a sudden the world thinks you're the next coming of Justin Timberlake and Brittany Spears!"
Rhonda and her posse were understandably flabbergasted, but it was nothing compared to the look on Arnold's face, who was positively crestfallen, the light in his shining, green eyes utterly extinguished. All the while, the voice of sanity in the back of her head screamed and begged for her to stop her tirade. But Helga was a runaway train and her inner demon was the conductor. There was no way of stopping her from falling off the rails.
To punctuate the point, she stood up and slammed her fist on the table, crushing the remnants of the tuna, now long forgotten.
"Let me make this positively clear for you, your groupies, and everyone in this school. I don't like Arnold. I never have liked Arnold. And the idea of us going out is more repulsive and far fetched as an alien from mars landing on top of me in a velvet dress, vomiting a turkey sandwich. So, lest you have any ideas of spreading any rumors about me, you better think again, sister. Now scram before old Betsy comes out of retirement! GOT IT?!"
While that had certainly put an end to any potential gossip, her outburst had also attracted the attention of every person in the cafeteria. There was Harold, with his usual clueless look, Phoebe appeared as if she might cry, Stinky scratching his head, Gerald with a mixture of anger and solemn pity. Helga's eye twitched in anger at their reactions, knowing they were all judging her severely.
"What are you all looking at?!" she snarled as she sat back down and opened her cheese doodles. "Mind your own business."
Quiet chatter resumed but the mood of the lunch room had taken a much darker direction as the sixth graders began commenting on what they had just witnessed.
"Boy howdy, did you see that?"
"Golly, that's gotta be the meanest dang thing I ever did see."
"That poor boy. Helga Pataki must be the biggest brute I've ever met."
Though her exterior gave off angry indifference to the insults, deep down Helga knew she had just made a huge mistake. Possibly the biggest one of her life.
But before she could do anything else, Arnold had turned his head and walked through the cafeteria doors, leaving her to ponder if her latest beratement of her beloved had crossed far beyond the line.
Though Arnold had calmly walked out of the cafeteria, his walk quickly turned into a blind run, sprinting down the hallway in search of the nearest boys' room.
When he finally reached one, he grabbed the nearest stall and locked it, leaning up against the graffiti covered metal, barely holding back tears.
Through the pain and emotional turmoil that swirled within him, the first question that came to mind was 'why'? Why had this happened? How could it have gone so wrong just as everything was going so right? Helga had humiliated him plenty of times before, but nothing came close to what had just happened back there. When faced with going out with him in front of Rhonda, she had so viciously rejected the notion that there was no room for any other interpretation. Helga didn't like him like that. Not only that, but she still hated him same as always since preschool.
But…this doesn't make any sense. We were talking to each other amicably. She stopped pranking me all the time. We teamed up to take down Wolfgang and she convinced me to get out of bed and win the game. I…I even asked her to dance with me.
He was sure. So sure that Helga would reciprocate his feelings. Even after everything she had done, he still believed deep down the good hearted person she hide from the world would finally come forth. Alas, it was not to be. Nothing good in his life was ever meant to be.
Perhaps that's why the hurt was so intense this time around. He hadn't remembered losing his parents, but this…this was all too real, something never to be forgotten as long as he lived. The day that Helga Pataki broke his heart and left it scattered across a bathroom floor.
Clutching his chest, Arnold breathed as slowly as he could to try and relieve some of the pain. But this wasn't something one could solve physically. It was the kind of injury that for some never healed, and for Arnold Shortman deepened the already potent wounds he suffered from.
Before he even realized it, tears had begun cascading down his cheeks.
It would be quite some time before they stopped.
Yeah...not good. Poor Arnold. As I said before, this story is going to have quite a few twists and turns before the end.
Sucks to leave on such a sad note, but stay with me guys. Every story has to have a few rough spots for the good ones to truly shine through.
Expect the next update in April. Until then!
~The Wasp