A/N: Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great Christmas, and will yet have a great New Years! I am making up for lost time with this long chapter that I wanted to post on either Christmas or my birthday (the day after Christmas), but it was longer than I thought! Therefore, I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think, what parts you like or dislike, and how I'm doing so far! (In other words, please enjoy and review) For those who have been reviewing, following, and faving, Thanks so much!
Once I got back on the road, all of the events that happened today caused me to reflect. I felt joy and even pride at how my accomplishments touched more lives than I could imagine, but unfortunately, the magic of the moment quickly faded once I was smacked into the idea of my romance potentially turning null and void due to me being such a pathetic jerk this morning.
"I mean Criminy! The nerve of me! Blaming him for my irresponsibility and negligence to keep a schedule when I could have just set my own dang stupid phone in the first place?! Then blaming his voicemail box?! Forget being a basket case, I might as well be a bucket of loose screws that desperately needs to be locked in an asylum with hungry rabid rats for what I've done to my love!"
Helga blinked.
"Ok...so the rat thing might be a little much...OH SCREW IT! THE HECK IT IS! I deserve far worse after such cruel treatment to the man who had the gall and will to even consider to grace me with that half-lidded smile of his! Oooh...Arnold! My love!"
She pulled out her heart shaped locket that now contained a wedding photo of them.
"If only you could understand the pangs of regret that pierce and devour my very soul from the actions I so treacherously committed against you...You did not deserve any of it my darling!"
Amazing how in one moment everything can be going your way, and the next, could burst into invisible flames that leave you in despair...That being said, trust me when I say that the effects are much worse when you're the one who ignited the fire...Remember when I questioned earlier if bliss could last forever? Well take it from me Bucko, whether it can or not, it sure as heck can't stand if you're the one who knocks it down...
Of course I knew I had to fix this. And I sure as heck knew a half-crap apology wasn't going to cut it either.
Luckily for me, I had it all planned out how I would make amends...
Rushing out of her car and flying past the porch steps, the desperate blonde threw the door open and cried in anguish.
"Oh Arnold!"
Stunned, Arnold was about to run towards her in alarm, only to be grabbed at the knees by his sobbing wife as she clung to him on her own knees in desperation.
"Helga? What's wrong? What's going on?!"
"What's going on is that you have been wronged by a beast, a monstrous shrewd such as I, who have had the audacity to bestow cruel treatment upon you after you have showed nothing but heavenly kindness and passion to me!"
"W-What are you talking about?" He asked in confusion.
"In my moments of negligence and lawlessness, I foolishly denied to fulfill the tasks of setting my work schedule, putting the burdens upon your shoulders expectantly, when in reality, you had absolutely no obligation to carry my slack! And yet, in contempt I blamed you for everything! Absolutely everything in an attempt to stain your innocence, but lo, it's not so my love! In vain have I attacked you and said words that I long to turn back the hands of time to retract and prevent them from escaping my vocal chords...Oh Arnold my darling! Surely you cannot be blind to see how unworthy and a wretched woman I am and yet have the audacity to be adorned in a committed wedding band that confirms that we were meant to be together for all eternity, but alas, I have shattered such bliss-"
"No more of this!" Arnold dramatically cried, gathering his wife into his arms.
"I will not have you put yourself down so mercilessly my darling!" He held her tighter.
"B-but my love!"
"No, I won't hear another word! To hear such torturous dialogue from the woman whom I live to see smile and scowl every morning, whose eyes sparkle like priceless diamonds, yet hold the depth and wonder of the ocean, whose rough and callous, yet sweet and fragile exterior and center sets my heart aflame, whose passion cannot be contained and that I have the very honor to indulge in till death do us part! No! I won't have you speak another syllable! To hear such talk hurts me even worse than the mere thoughtless words from earlier!"
"A-Arnold..." Helga locked eyes with him in wonder, tears still threatening to fall from her eyes. She then turned her gaze towards the floor, still holding onto him.
"If I may be so bold...to ask for your forgiveness? I-I know I don't deserve it...but I-I-" She was interrupted as her husband gently lifted her chin up and locked eyes with her once more.
"All has already been forgiven and forgotten my Angel...and now I must also plead for your forgiveness..."
"Your forgiveness? For what my love? You haven't committed any wrong against me in the slightest!" Helga raised an eyebrow.
"Oh yes I have...for I have yet to kiss you...my one and only..."
"Oh Arno-mmmmmm!"
Without delay, he rushed his lips against hers in urgency and passion as she tried to keep up in their passionate embrace. Things were heating up rather quickly as the sounds of their reconciliation filled their living room.
"Oooh! Mmm! A-Arno-"
HONK! HONK!
"HEY LADY MOVE IT ALREADY! THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN CENTURIES AGO! MOVE YOUR A-"
"OH GO JUMP IN A LAKE YA MORON! I'LL MOVE WHEN I'M GOOD AND READY! YOU GOT A PROBLEM, YOU CAN TAKE IT UP WITH OL' BETSY AND THE FIVE AVENGERS!
"THE FU-?!"
"MY FISTS STUPID! THOS'RE THEIR NAMES!"
Scowling and growling from being ripped away from my pleasant fantasy, I took off going an unlawful 60 in a 40 mph district. Gotta love road rage...
In that moment my phone decided to ring, enraging me further, but I answered anyway...In a professional fashion of course!
"WHAT?!" Helga shouted angrily into her Bluetooth.
Well, as professional as a person in road rage could get I guess...
"Oh Helgie! I've got wonderful news! Oh you're going to be soo excited! Are you sitting down for thi-?"
"CUT TO THE CHASE ALREADY PUTTYTAT! I'M DRIVIN' HERE!" Helga shouted once more while mercilessly 'flipping' off the car next to her that dared tried to get over into her lane without signaling.
"Guess who outshined the runner-ups for this years' national romance genre book awards?!"
Helga instantly calmed down. "Wait...You mean?!"
"That's right! Congratulations Mrs. Romance Genre of the year!"
"No way! Katrina a-are you serious?!"
"As a coma! I'm so excited for you Helgie! You've worked hard for this!"
"Dang straight I did! N-not that I'm totally shocked about this outcome I-I mean it's not like there was any serious competition or anything." Who am I kidding! I was shocked to even be considered in the nomination! Much less, winning the actual award!
"Well, I always did say that your love story was better than Twilight's!"
"Oh puh-lease Kit-Kat! Any story is better than that dang sorry excuse of a saga! I tell you these days these media bozos are going insane with romanticizing Halloween Icons! I mean romantic vampires, werewolves, and zombies?! What's next? Rendezvous with the Boogieman?! Criminy!"
"Well rejoice in triumph Helgie! You're gonna be the top talk for a while! Oh! Wait! - That means that all of the morning shows that ever existed will be barging down the door! I'M SO UNPREPARED! I-I'VE GOT TO SCEHDULE BRUNCHES, HAIR AND MAKE UP, PUBLICITY DEALS, A-AND!"
Yeah, see at this point I would have abruptly hung up in her face...Guess I really calmed down.
Helga sighed. "Listen, Kat, before I abruptly hang the phone up in your face, feigning a loss connection, I'm just gonna tell you to quit spazzing and that you'll be fine since I'm feeling generous right now, kay?"
"Gosh thanks Helgie I- WAIT A MINUTE YOUVE BEEN HANGING UP IN MY FA-"
'CLICK'
And that was that. After feeling a moment of ecstasy, my mood soured once more as I thought of how my husband would most likely not be amused at my accomplishments due to me biting his Football-headed head off...
Criminy, I gotta fix this fast!
Helga continued to drive a bit faster, passing by her favorite sandwich shop.
Hmm, well I guess a little snack wouldn't hurt first...
Making an abrupt U-Turn, she hastened to the drive through to order.
"Hi, Welcome to-
"Yeah I'll have my usual pastrami on rye and large soda to go. Oh! And make sure the stuff is strong this time! Can't stand when sodas are flat. And don't even think of skipping out on the heavy mustard on my sandwich! You got that Wyatt?
"...Of course. Who else could it be but my favorite customer...But if I may ask, Ms. Pataki, how'd you know I was working at this time?
Helga rolled her eyes, but smirked.
"Well doi! What else would you be doing in your spare time when you're not running Slausens or mopping the bathrooms...And that's Mrs. Shortman to you bub! Turns out, I've been married to the Football-Head going on about half a year now."
Which makes my behavior even more pathetic...
"Well I'll be! I had a feeling you two would've tied the knot sooner or later. Meddlesome as you kids were, never had I seen such a strong connection like you two had."
Helga smiled softly, rubbing her arm.
"Yeah, yeah enough with the mushy stuff. You got my order or what? "
"Of course. I'll have your total at the next window."
"Um...Actually Wy, you wouldn't happen to have that 'Whatever you want on it' deal still going on would ya?"
"Yeah, the promotion ends next Saturday. Any requests?"
"Yeah let me get some pickles on the sandwich...and some tomatoes?"
"Ooh, changing it up a bit are we?"
"I dunno...just feeling like it I guess. In fact, this may sound weird, but got any chocolate syrup?"
"For our ice cream deserts?"
"Eh, I was thinkin' you could smother some on my sandwich, but yeah guess I'll take a couple of soft serves to go."
"Well isn't this a unique order..."
"Yeah, I dunno, just feel like havin' it."
"Well if that's all, I'll have you pull to the second window."
"Yeah, thanks."
Great, as if I haven't already gone insane, now my food choices are bizarre?!
Not to soon after my interesting snack, I finally made it back to the house; my stomach suddenly feeling queasy, but not from my disgusting choice of a sandwich, but because every plan I so perfectly crafted started to scramble and turn into mere haziness as reality settled in, bringing along the intense emotions of fear, shame, and anxiety.
"Criminy, I'm already screwing up...I should have barged through the doors, and should be graveling in front of my love right now, and yet here I am still in my dang seat belt with the engine running...Ugh!"
Helga took a deep breath, forcing herself out of the car, up the porch steps, and halting in front of the door.
"Come on ol', girl. You can do this. Just like I planned it. I march right in there all melodramatic, and monologue on and on about what an idiot I was, till my love stops me, kisses, me and makes out with me till we're tangled in sheets! What's so dang hard about that?! Move it!"
Cautiously, she opened the door slowly, making it creek, signaling her presence in the house and stepped in; closing the door as her heels clicked on the hardwood floors, confirming her arrival.
There he was in the living room, on the couch with his Counseling Doctoral book, occasionally taking notes, but not looking up as he adjusted his reading glasses, and bit the tip of his pen, in deep concentration.
Criminy even when he's mad and all distracted he's at his sexiest! The intensity of his tense features are practically begging me to jump him! Especially in those glasses! Oohh!
I mentally slapped myself...hard.
Steady Helga, get it together already! Gravel now, jump him later!
She walked closer to the living room...
Ok, baby steps...nothing wrong with that...
And got closer...
Steady girl...
She then cleared her throat...
Kay...this is it...
Opened her mouth, and said...
You got this! Just cry out 'Oh Arnold! My darling!'
"Hey Football-Head how's tricks?"
Really?
That.
Just.
Happened?! WHAT THE FU-
"Uh I-I mean, that is to say, how was your day?"
Arnold paused for a moment, hearing her, but not giving eye contact. Not wanting to be rude he sighed and replied flatly.
"Fine. Yours?"
"Oh you know, same old same old nothin' to exciting anyways."
Except for the fact that a mass crowd of adolescents came to see me today, the book signing was more than successful, my story happened to touch and change the lives of some kids who reminded me so much of us and our history, I ate a disgusting sandwich and liked it for some strange reason, oh! And I happened to win the award for top romance genre of the year which of course, as you know, is the highest honor I could ever dream of winning and have worked my butt off for since I was a freshman in college...I was hoping you'd be proud of me and kiss me senseless, but I know I put the kibosh on that since I basically chewed your head off and ate it for breakfast over something that wasn't even your dang fault. I'm actually trying to apologize and make things right at this moment, but I'm being so stupid stalling around, that all I want to do is throw myself off a cliff, or in an Evil Twin movie so I can be killed a hundred times over...But other than that, my day was freaking PEACHY! Shall I talk about the sunny weather we're having next?! Ya know, for the win?!
Helga laughed nervously, searching for more words as she watched her husband flip the pages of his book rather harshly, as if focusing his frustration on it rather than her, yet not replying to her or giving eye contact.
She continued to have an inner battle with her subconscious...
That tears it Pataki-I mean Shortman! Either you wise up and apologize to him right now or I will literally rip myself from the inner depths of your mind, take on a human form, tear you to pieces, and make things right with the stupid Football-Head, and have him all to myself! You've worked too dang hard for this! Is this crud behavior and pride really worth it?!
She shook her head and sighed, trying again.
"Um...hey, listen A-Arnold about this morning, I..."
Her eyes caught sight of white colored strips wrapped around his fingers, along with the faint yet noticeable red stains on his book cover and on a box of bandages on the coffee table.
"W-what happened to you?! You're hurt!" She cried with genuine concern.
Arnold finally looked up, then turned his glance to his fingers, sighing once more.
"I-it's nothing."
"The heck it's nothing! What happened?" She walked over, taking his hand in hers gently, examining the damage.
Wanting to yank his hand away, but again, not wanting to be rude, he just sighed in annoyance and explained.
"I went to get my phone out of the shop today. Apparently they were able to salvage everything but the phone screen; it was cracked pretty badly...So bad, that they warned about how it could be dangerous to try to navigate the touch screen, but since I had my blue tooth, I thought it would be okay. Unfortunately for me, I think I left it in the car you drove this morning; and since I've been missing some important calls from work through this phone, I couldn't let it go to voicemail, so I had to swipe to answer...more than once...Guess the crack was sharper than I thought."
Helga cringed at the thought of her love wincing in pain as he bravely answered various phone calls.
"Well Criminy Football-Head, why not use an alternative phone?! How'd your phone even get broken in the first place?"
Arnold stared at her in disbelief and shook his head.
"You really don't remember?!"
"Doi! Would I be asking if I did?!" Helga glared folding her arms.
Arnold glared back furiously, slamming his book shut, and abruptly stood up, alarming his wife.
"HOW ABOUT THE SAME WAY YOU THREW MY CLOCK AGAINST THE WALL THIS MORNING?! OR THE 15 OTHER DUPLICATES I HAD TO FIX JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT A MORNING PERSON!"
I threw 15 of those things? 16 in counting?
"But since you really can't recall how you've carelessly wrecked my things out of anger or whatever moods you were in, and treated it like it was no big deal, telling me to quote, 'Suck it up Football-Head', then allow me to explain how you threw my expensive and important work cell brutally to the ground because you were upset about a conversation between you and your family and just decided to take it out on me, when all I suggested was for you to talk to them!"
Oh no...I remember now...I did do that...
Every single moment he explained flashed in my mind in perfect detail from start to finish...Funny how things happen in your day that you hardly even think about, and even forget until the impact of your decisions come back full force to kick you right in the a-
"And that's how it happened dear." Arnold calmly finished with a hint of spite in his tone.
Like I said, it all came back to me. From him, every sigh, every plead, and every attempt to reason with me...But from me, every sneer, every quip, every taunt, and ridicule that I mercilessly pestered him with...Sure I could say that we're used to it...That it's been going on for years, that it has even sparked raw passionate moments between us...I can even say that it's all out of pure habit. But one thing that I can't say about it...is that it's right...
Because it's not...
And if old habits truly die hard, then gosh knows the fate of its victim...Ever since I was little, I remember how I desperately longed to be the nice girl he believed me to be, just so he could be with me...But in the fray of keeping up an act, it became part of me. I can't just flip a switch and be instantly forever nice...And luckily for me, he knows this...yet still chose to be with me...
Which makes it all the more painful.
Before I had an agenda, a purpose to hide myself from the world and him, but when there is no threat present, what use are the walls? How could I not have known that the very shell that I created to protect me, would only close in on me, locking me away as its prisoner...and giving me hell to pay for every time I dare to escape it, and even more so, hell to the one who dared to rescue me?
But now it has gone too far...
I can't help but wonder as I take in his calm yet numb demeanor, how he endures it? The way he flinches as his bandaged fingers flip his book back open once more, shows that he's obviously in pain...Shows that despite the stinging sensations that he's willing to carry on. Hasn't it always been like that? Him looking on the bright side no matter how many times I rain on his parade...Or cut him with my reckless words and attitude?
That being said, what's the difference between me and that dreaded jagged edged crack that caused him to bleed?!
Helga's eyes widened in realization that was not entirely new to her, yet she denied all she could to face it.
I'm no different, because I...I hurt him...I've always hurt him...And he just takes it...He always has taken it...And he shouldn't have to...
No matter how many times I wanted to say it was no big deal as I've done many times in the past, the stains of blood will most likely be etched in my mind for a while...reminding me of how I caused this. How I took advantage of him, and treated him as if he were a long awaited treasure, only to be discarded after the magic of bliss and the chance to say 'I finally got it' has faded...
I truly have shattered my bliss...
Helga started to silently tremble, and mumbled quietly.
"I-I...I can't believe I hurt you..."
Arnold looked up at her again, his hardened expression softening into confusion since he didn't hear her.
"What?"
"I-I...I" Helga balled her fists turning her eyes to the floor, still visibly trembling.
"I'm so stupid...I'm. So. Freaking. STUPID!"
Arnold now alarmed at her words started to say something, only to be cut off from her trembling voice rising in volume.
"I'm a fool! An-an IDIOT! A HORRENDOUS SHREWD!"
"Helga."
"A BULLY, A MONSTER, A TOTAL LOON!"
"Helga!"
"A NO GOOD GRADE A BI-"
"HELGA!"
"WHAT?!"
He held his wife by the shoulders. "A simple genuine 'apology' would have sufficed. There's no need for you to berate yourself like that." He reprimanded her calmly but firmly.
"But-but I hurt you..." She said sorrowfully. He sighed.
"Helga you're not the one who swiped against the sharp crack on my phone alright? I-"
"But I contributed to it! If I never would have damaged your phone in the first place it would have never happened! In fact, a lot of pain would have been prevented if I wasn't such a jerk to you all the time! It's not just this! I hurt you on a daily freaking basis don't I?!"
"Helga..."
"DON'T I?!"
"FINE! YES! SOMETIMES-A lot of times you...really bug me okay?" He runs a hand through his hair in frustration.
It hurt worse hearing him say it...
"A lot of times I wonder...Why? Why does she keep doing this?! Is she hiding something again? And if so, what does she have to hide that makes me her main target, when we've been through this over and over again! Sometimes I can't help but wonder if you just get a kick out of it, or...or if what you're trying to cover up is so major you can't even trust-No...That you don't trust me...So you just vent it on me instead..."
Ouch.
"But every time I wonder why I put up with it, I remember your expressions...whether they be after you've said or done something harsh, or when you battle with yourself to prevent them from showing...That look of sorrow and regret...Which always confirmed that you didn't mean it and that you did care. I always knew that you were never so cruel and that you had a big heart; that no matter what you did or said, you wouldn't fail to do the right thing in the end...And most of all that-that I would not stop loving you for it; that I couldn't stop loving you no matter what you did or said...That I still can't..."
His expression softened in that moment, then went firm again.
"But that does not mean I'm going to continue to keep taking your crap; that it's ok for you to treat me however you feel at that moment and expect me to come running to you until I get to be your punching bag again. I press and push on because I love you no matter what. I knew what I was getting into even before I said 'I do', but Helga...I'd be careful, because if you keep pushing me away, one of these days I might not have the strength to push my way back to you...Nor would I want to."
Double ouch.
Helga looked down to the ground, holding back tears. She then sighed and mumbled.
"You're right..."
Arnold snapped his head up at her words as she continued.
"You don't deserve any of the crud I've been giving you...I-I don't deserve you...Expressing myself while trying not to be weak, isn't one of my strongest suits...I've kept up my facade for so long because it protects me from having to face...things. It keeps me in control, but...at what cost? I - I'm a monster...a coward! I certainly don't deserve you...Because I'm doing a lousy job of appreciating what I've always desired! I've loved and wanted you since I was three, I finally get you, and how do I treat the greatest gift ever to be given to me?! I-I will never be able to express how sorry I am! Criminy! Some Mrs. Romance genre of the year I'm turning out to be...I-"
"You won?!" Arnold gasped, his green eyes lightening up in that moment.
"Well, yeah but-"
She was interrupted by her husband grabbing her into a tight hug, nearly spinning her around.
"Helga, that's wonderful! I know how hard you've been working to get that far! I'm so proud-"
"What?! NO STOP! WHAT ARE YA CRAZY?!" Helga immediately struggled and broke free from his grasp, tears pouring down freely now. Arnold stared at her taken aback.
"WHAT PART OF I DON'T DESERVE IT DON'T YOU GET?! I'M A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A WIFE! I HURT YOU ON A CONSTANT BASIS!"
Arnold didn't know whether to kiss her to shut her up and reassure her, or slap some sense into her, and put an end to her pity party rant. He sighed sharply then folded his arms, locking his stern half-lidded gaze to her frantic teary eyes.
"Okay Helga. You hurt me. More than once. We've established that right?" Arnold stated bluntly.
"W-well unfortunately...yes...but-"
"And you've realized that what you did was wrong right?" He continued, unwavering.
"O-of course! But-"
"In fact, you wish you never did it correct?"
"WELL DOI! I WISH I NEVER EVEN LIVED TO SEE THE DAY I EVER CAUSED YOU SUCH PAIN! IF I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME AND RETRACT-"
"But you can't." He cut her off sharply, continuing. "That being said, you're really sorry?"
"SORRY DOESN'T EVEN BEGIN TO COVER IT ARNOLD! I'M COMPLETELY REPENTANT! I LOVE YOU AND I WISH I NEVER WAS SUCH A PATHETIC BI-"
"WELL OK THEN!" Arnold exclaimed, grabbing her gently and cutting her off with a soft kiss, then continued once more.
"I forgive you." He said warmly and smiled. " Now when you're done ending your pity party, go on upstairs, slip into something nice, and meet me in the car so we can celebrate, okay?"
He then kissed her forehead and went upstairs to get ready, leaving his wife in her frozen state in their living room.
What?! But?! He?! And How?! But I just- He, he can't just forgive...But he just did! I-I
Her eyes now watered up with happiness, letting forgiveness and love wash over her.
"Stupid lovable Football-Head..." She mumbled quietly.
"I LOVE YOU TOO!" He shouted from upstairs, right on cue.
She smiled and giggled, feeling completely happy.
The rest of the night went beautifully. My love whisked me away to one of my favorite restaurants, wining and dining me as if I was true royalty...Well we dined nicely anyways, for some reason, the smell of my strong drink made me a little nauseous, so I just settled for a sparkling water. Guess it was nerves finally catching up to me after all of the drama took place. Don't think that changed anything though Bucko! I still got the best of the best treatment, nothin' on the cheap! Later afterwards, we took a romantic stroll on the pier, gazing at the stars...To be perfectly honest, I'm still in disbelief that such blissful moments were restored to me so...quickly? I mean, come on, do I even have to explain how things went from pitiful to perfection? No? Okay, well anyways getting to the point, I guess you could say I've learned a pretty important lesson; a lesson so important that I've come to an obvious, yet pretty insightful conclusion...
When it comes to bliss, one can agree that it is an amazing feeling that mere words fail to comprehend...Yet it can also be fleeting...Whether it be because the time for such moments have passed, have been forgotten, or that it was provoked by offense that made it all but disappear. Yet bliss is not gone forever, it's possible for it to make a recovery. Its restoration source being true love to keep it strong...and forgiveness to keep it thriving...
"Wow, that one is deep…"
Helga, startled from the interruption while writing, slammed her notebook shut and whipped her head around to see her husband leaning over her shoulder, smiling at her latest entry.
"Criminy! How many times have I told you about sneaking up on me Football head?!" She shouted, but not out of hostility.
He gave her a flat look then chuckled. "Well, we do share the same bed, so my presence shouldn't come as much of a shock; plus you were so engrossed in your writing with this adorable expression that I couldn't help but be curious to see what masterpiece you were coming up with now."
He moved closer to her.
"So Bliss, huh? For a moment there I wondered why you were writing about my mentor."
She laughed and swatted him playfully.
"Not that Bliss you big dope! I was writing about the essence of the actual word."
"I saw, it was beautiful. You're living up to your title of Mrs. Romance genre of the year after all it seems." He smiled at her, pecking her on the cheek. She blushed.
"Oh, go on…" She scoffed playfully.
"Alright I'll stop." He smirked.
"No! I mean go on about how awesome I am!" Her eyes lit up. He laughed.
"All I'm saying is that it was beautifully written, yet deep at the same time, so it was pretty good. It might even be one of my new favorites."
She scoffed for real this time.
"Pff, as if! Do you even have a favorite poem of mine Arnoldo?"
"Hey! It's kind of hard to pick just one out of the, what, over 50 volumes you've made in your lifetime?" He defended. "It's hard to have a favorite! They're just all so…so…spe-"
"Arnold. I love you and all, and I'm glad we made things right between us, and that your enamored by my work right now…But finish that sentence with the word special and I will bury you 6 feet under in the next 2 seconds with no regrets. Promise." Helga warned flatly yet sternly.
His eyes widened, but then laughed heartily at the reason of reference. "Ha-ha, whatever you say, Helga."
Oh yeah, now that's more like it.
She chuckled at the phrase then continued.
"Seriously though Football-Head, are you sure there's not one poem that you prefer out of all the others?" She asked genuinely.
Arnold looked away for one moment, slightly moving away from her side of the bed, blushing all of a sudden at the question.
"W-well, n-not to say that I don't favor all of your work, because I do, and they are all of my favorites. I can't pick just one. But…I guess…t-that there was this one poem that I think… stands out from the rest…A-as far as nostalgia goes…" He cleared his throat uncomfortably.
His hesitant and flustered reaction only perked Helga's interest and spurred on her curiosity.
"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "Which one?"
He looked away once more and mumbled inaudibly.
"What?" She asked.
He mumbled again, barely increasing volume.
"I didn't catch that?" She strained to hear him.
He mumbled slightly louder.
"Oh, spit it out already!" She demanded impatiently.
"I LIKE THE ONE WITH THE PARROT OKAY?!" He shouted, and shrinked under the covers; his face flushing bright red.
Helga's eyes widened in instant realization.
"THAT ONE?!" She shouted. "YOU MEAN TO TELL ME, OUT OF ALL THE VOLUMES, YOU LIKE THE ONE RECITED BY THE BIRD FROM HELL?!"
"Ah, the bird from Hell-ga to be precise." He joked, from under the covers.
Helga was not amused and gave a flat, annoyed look as she remembered the trials and hard times her father's bird gave her. She then shook her head in disbelief.
"Unbelievable...Un-be-freaking-lievable. Only you, Football-Head."
"Look, it's no big deal...I just thought it was really sweet...and intriguing t-to say the least..." He defended, still flushing bright red, while shifting awkwardly under the covers.
When she observed his reaction, his shifting, and slight love-sick expression, her eyes widened once more with instant realization.
"Oh. My. Go-Are you...aroused right now?"
Arnolds's eyes widened and blushed darker.
"WHA-?! D-don't be silly! I-"
"You are! You totally are! That poem turns you on doesn't it!" She laughed in pure amusement. He gave his signature half-lidded look of annoyance as she laughed even harder. He gave a shaky sigh.
"L-look! You asked which poem I prefer above the rest, and I answered! I'm going to bed now. Good night!" He humphed and turned over completely on his side, burying himself in the covers.
"Whatever, night Football-Head." She shrugged and then smiled whimsically.
This should be fun...
"Arnold my love...My sultry preteen..."
His eyes shot open, but didnt turn around.
"Why must I hold you only whilst I dream?"
"Wha-what are you doing?" He tried to ask.
"Will I be forever enslaved by your spell?"
"C-cut it out!" He demanded weakly, blushing harder, while facing her way.
She smirked moving closer to him.
"Why must I worship you and never tell?"
"Helgaa, I'm warning you..."
She advanced even closer...
"Arnold you make my girlhood tremble..."
"Stop..." He whispered with longing.
"My senses all go wacky..."
She crept on top of him now...
"Please..." He pleaded, tension rising...
"Someday, I'll tell the world, my love..." She softly kissed his neck.
"..."
"Or my name 's not Helga G...MMM?!"
She was interrupted by his lips ravishing hers, while her body abruptly tumbled out of bed under his, wrapped in their now disarranged comforter. Her eyes widened in shock and arousal as she realized her fantasy from earlier paled in comparison of the real events taking place at that moment.
Wow, he actually snapped! Note to self, when summoning Dark Arnold, be better prepared!
She mentally suggested as she struggled to keep up with her passion hungry and dominant husband.
A few hours later, all was calm as the frazzled lovers fell asleep in each others' warm embrace. Well, more like one fell asleep, while the other silently reflected once more.
Man what a day, I never thought he could go...crazy like that! I'm going to be sore for weeks now...Anyways, getting back to that pestering question about bliss. When the word bliss comes to mind, there are multiple descriptions that capture the essence of the expression.
She gazed lovingly at her Arnold as he slept peacefully.
But if it had to be summed up in one sentence, I would describe bliss to be a feeling that you wish could last forever, worth fighting for to keep, and something that must be appreciated and cherished in order for it to abide with you...
She stroked his unruly golden hair gently, as she snuggled closer to him, letting sleep finally take over her.
No matter what life brings your way.