A/N: Hi everyone! Here's the final piece to "Surprises" Thanks so much for the read, follows, and reviews and hope to see more in the future! Everyone excited? Okay. Here we go!

To say that a pregnant pause dominated the room would have been completely ironic. Yet that was exactly the case as Helga's mouth continued to remain agape in complete shock and disbelief.

"W-wha, I-wait a minute…WAIT JUST A MINUTE! There's got to be a mistake!" Helga cried.

"Oh there's no mistake Mrs. Shortman. Your urine, blood sample, and symptoms were dead giveaways. I am actually surprised that this went unnoticed for as long as it did." The doctor responded.

"B-but that's impossible! I'm on the pill! It's never failed me before!" Helga retorted.

"Perhaps a defect then?" The doctor offered.

"That's bull! These pills have protected me for as long as I can remember! There's no way I-"

As Helga continued to rant, she pulled out her medicine capsule containing the birth control pills, only to suddenly pause as she heard the slight crackle noise of her container. Since her medicine bottle contained pills set for certain dates marked on the capsule, she was shocked to find that one section of her capsule was completely empty, while two little sections were still full. Normally, it wouldn't be a problem since it meant that she had yet to take those pills set for that certain date; only in this case, the date marked, had long passed over.

That's when it hit me. Remember when I mentioned about surprises and how they can only be enjoyable if the outcome was good? Remember also how I said that it all depends on the cause of the situation to affect said surprise, including forgetting things only to face the consequences of what you forgot later on? Well there ya' have it folks. It hit me like a ton of bricks as I continued to stare at my "should have been empty" capsule. The date marked brought instant flashbacks. I remembered that day very well in detail. The average, everyday events of my life, my husband's spontaneous act of love comforting me after a hard work day, me, showing my gratitude in return, the touches, the passion, the feeling of the sun ray's warmth lacking in comparison to the warmth of his strong arms caressing me…And most importantly, I remembered the key point of it all.

I had forgotten to take the pills that day.

Oops?

Helga's eyes continued to widen as she put the slightly rattling capsule back into her purse, her hands shaking all the while. She then put her head into her hands, trying her best to hold it together as reality washed over her.

She was going to have a baby.

Arnold's baby.

Her baby.

Their baby.

"Mrs. Shortman? You seem to be distraught over this. Are you alright? Would you…like me to offer some other resources if you don't want to have the ba-"

"NO!" Helga shouted, then sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. "N-no. That won't be necessary…I-I need to go. Um thanks for everything doc." Helga briefly shook his hand, gathered her belongings, and rushed out of the room.

"H-Helga! Wait up!" Phoebe cried. She quickly gave her farewells to her mentor and ran after the distraught blonde.

"Helga! Please wait!" Phoebe called out, trying to catch her breath. Helga finally stopped, but didn't turn around as she continued to shake.

"Helga? Are you alright?"

"Criminy Pheebs! I-I'm just…overwhelmed right now…" Helga slid to the ground. "Of all the stupid things I've ever done…I can't believe I forgot…of all things! Now I'm really in for it. Da** me!" Tears started to fill her eyes, but she dared not let them fall.

"Helga…" Phoebe gently reached over to hug her friend. "Maybe…maybe it was meant."

"W-what are you talking about?" Helga sniffed.

"Well…Maybe this moment was meant to happen the way it did. It would have come sooner or later. I mean, you did say that you've been wanting a child for the longest time, Arnold feeling the same as well. So, maybe-"

"Did you not hear everything I explained to you earlier?!" Helga nearly shouted, her eyes narrowing.

"I did. And if I may be so bold to say that despite the tragic facts presented, I think- I think you are wrong! And quite frankly, I-I call BS on your intentions and methods for handling this situation or rather your attempt to prevent it from happening!" Phoebe's eyes narrowed defiantly.

Helga's eyes widened as her friend's voice grew louder at her.

"Everything you said was wrong Helga! I know that you have had a hard childhood and have lacked in so many things…But you must be crazy to think that you don't deserve such happiness! You've always deserved it! A-and I know that you have what it takes! You've never hesitated to show how much you care through actions, and actions speak louder than words. If you were truly incompetent in caring for others and showing love for your loved ones due to your experience, you would have never gone so far in your life for Arnold. You would have never gone so far for any of us…for me. I am your best friend for a reason Helga. I wouldn't lie to you to flatter you or anything stupid like that. I'm speaking like this because I know that you are more than capable to embrace this opportunity; and not by yourself, but with Arnold…A-and I know the gang will be more than happy to help as well! I know that you will make a fantastic mother. A-and if you don't believe that, you've got to be stupid! And there's no way that my best friend is stupid."

Helga just stared at her best friend, still in shock that she had stood up to her so passionately, yet she took in her words all the while.

Finally, she smiled.

"T-thanks Phoebe. That means a lot." Helga said.

"Do itashi mashite (Your welcome) Helga. I only speak what's true." Phoebe smiled.

"Well, we better get out of this dump so I can get home…Football-Head and I are gonna' have a long talk." Helga said, standing up.

"Already texted Gerald. He's on his lunch break so he said he's on his way now to pick us up." Phoebe said.

"Oh yeah! I gotta' grill him too for that stupid crack he made about me on his crummy radio show!" Helga glared.

"Helga! I thought you realized that everything we did was for your own good!" Phoebe frowned, fearing for her husband's sake.

"Good, shmood! You guys put me in the back of a fu****** cow's butt! You really think I'm gonna let that go so easily? Psh!" Helga retorted.

Later on, Gerald finally pulled in the hospital driveway, honking to his wife. The women climbed into the car, Phoebe giving her husband a brief kiss, and Helga still wearing a sour expression.

"So, what's the diagnosis? She gonna die? Did she catch that weird monkey disease she freaked out about back in the fourth grade?" Gerald teased as he continued to drive. "Should I make funeral preparations?"

"Gerald! Don't be such a baka! (Idiot) You will do no such thing!" Phoebe smacked her husband's shoulder.

"Oh no Pheebs! He's right! There will be a funeral! His! And the rest of you chumps if you guys EVER pull a stunt like that again!" Helga spat.

"It was that bad?" Gerald asked amused.

"I WAS TIED UP AND THROWN IN THE BACK OF A COW'S A** WHAT DO YOU THINK?!" Helga roared.

"So? Weirder things have happened." Gerald shrugged, still smirking, enjoying the moment.

"I'm afraid things were taken to extreme measures dear. Curly was driving a horse trailer…" Phoebe winced.

Gerald nearly slammed the breaks in horror, but gained his composure and shook his head.

"Mm, mm, mm. Well I take it back then Hellgirl. Mercy on your soul if you had to deal with that wackjob."

"Yeah no shi- DON'T TRY TO ACT LIKE YOU HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS TALL-HAIR BOY!" Helga pointed a finger accusingly.

"Alright, alright. But on a serious note, you gonna' be okay? It's nothin' too serious is it?" Gerald asked again, completely serious.

The women shared an uncomfortable glance until Helga softly shook her head. Phoebe nodded with understanding then smiled at her husband.

"Oh, it's nothing Helga can't handle. I'm sure."

"That's right Tall-Hair boy. I told you no stupid case of nausea can keep me down!" Helga crossed her arms, but then softly rubbed her stomach where they couldn't see and whispered. "No matter how serious it is…"

Once they arrived at Helga's house, Phoebe offered to walk her to the door and secretly wished her good luck. Helga nodded and gave her a soft hug in appreciation, then after giving one more warning glare at Gerald, she walked inside.

"Ok Helga…How the he** am I going to deal with this?" Helga whispered to herself, crashing onto the couch. "I can't believe this…I mean me? A mother? Having the responsibility that is both a joy and a burden? Having the opportunity to give something precious that I've lacked for so long and yet not knowing how? Talk about a chance to blow it! I'm going to fu** everything up no doubt! Da** it! It's all that Stupid Football-Head's fault!" She crossed her arms defiantly, then gazed lovingly at her stomach.

"And yet…What joy! What rapture! Me! A mother! I'm going to be a mommy! The one honor of a lifetime for a woman once reaching adulthood! The opportunity to give all the love and tenderness that I have been malnourished in to another innocent being that has come from my body and his loins! Oh, Arnold! My love!"

She took out her locket gazing at it in adoration.

"For so long, I have never imagined such a happiness other than finally having the honor to be called yours. All of my wildest dreams and expectations have been met in ways that I have never dreamed possible. Fate has truly shined its light upon me in my favor. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, this happens. An unexpected occurrence that although I tried to prevent it out of pure concern and protection, has passed from a mere fantasy to a pending reality. We are going to be a family. A true family my darling! Alas, in my womb, at this very moment is an heir to an angel! My beloved Arnold!"

She swooned, twirled, and giggled in ecstasy of the moment until suddenly, she heard the dangling of keys and quickly jumped back onto the couch. She then picked up a magazine and pretended to read it with a sour expression, feigning irritation as her husband entered the room.

"Oh! I see discharge papers." Arnold smiled at his wife. "So I guess that means you've decided to go to the hospital after all."

"Well Doi! I said I'd go didn't I?" Helga replied, rolling her eyes.

"Mm saying is one thing. Actually doing it is another. And you have the tendency to be a little hard headed when it comes to your health, Angel." He started to walk towards her, until he felt the crackling of an empty bag. He then gave her a half lidded look.

"Hence, this empty bag of pork rinds I assume?"

Helga smiled sheepishly. "Heh, heh h-how'd that get there?"

He sighed. "Honestly Helga. I don't know what I'm going to do with you! Well, regardless, I'm glad you took heed to the messages." He shook his head.

"Yeah. About that! Did ya' really have to sic the whole cavalry on me?! I mean how stupid can you idiots get, putting me through all that shi-?!" Helga glared.

"Hey! I had to get you to go somehow! I know you! You would have put the task off to the last minute, and that's if you were feeling gracious! Or for all I know, you would have even asked my mom or Phoebe, since their both doctors, about your condition to get around going to the hospital!" Arnold glared back.

Dang was I that obvious? Either he's getting smarter or I'm seriously losing my touch!

"Okay. Okay. You caught me. I still would have gone though…Eventually." Helga pouted. Arnold tried not to be amused at her expression, but faltered and sighed, kissing his wife on the forehead.

"I'm just looking out for you Helga. I love you and you need to take better care of yourself."

"Now more than ever I'm sure…" She whispered inaudibly where he couldn't hear.

"And besides, I don't see what the big deal is. All we did was bombard you with harmless Hill-share messages to convince you to make a move. I don't see what's so wrong about that." Arnold stated. Helga's eyes widened in disbelief.

"THE HE**?!" She exclaimed and then put a hand to her forehead as if trying to soothe an incoming headache while keeping her composure. "I-is that seriously all that you think they did?!"

"Well, yeah. I mean that's all I told them to do." Arnold shrugged. "Why? Did something else happen?"

Helga continued to stare at her husband as if he grew three heads. Then she slowly let out a chuckle that grew into a full blown maniacal laugh. Arnold continued to stare back in slight concern for his wife's sanity.

"Of course! Of course you'd be so gullible! So pathetically gullible! Oh man!" She clutched her stomach and tried to catch her breath. "Y-you're hopeless Football-Head. Heaven knows how I'm going to deal with your spawn that's on the way!"

Arnold gave his signature glare of annoyance. "Look, if you're just going to be difficult then I-wait! What?!" he paused, doing a double take.

"What?" Helga repeated.

"W-what did you just say?" His eyes still wide.

"T-that you're gullible? Helga offered.

"No, after that!" Arnold pressed.

"That you're pathetically gullible?" She offered once more.

"Helga!" He exclaimed.

"Uh…Y-yeah. A-about that flu bug I have…W-would you believe it's j-just a sign that I-I'm having your spawn?" She explained quietly while she twiddled her fingers.

"W-what?" Arnold responded, still frozen in place.

"W-what are ya' deaf?" Helga asked softly as she walked up to him, slowly caressing his face as her eyes started to water in emotion.

"Y-you're…You're going to have a baby?" Arnold whispered, now gazing at his wife in shock and wonder.

Helga simply smiled a dazzling smile as she softly nodded.

"I-I'm going to be a father? I-I'm really going to be a dad?" His voice started to grow with emotion and excitement.

She nodded once more.

"I-I…Oh my go-I-I'm going to be a dad…Y-you're going to be a mom…W-we're going to be parents…WE'RE GOING TO BE PARENTS!" He smiled ear to ear now, as he laughed in pure joy and twirled his wife around continuously.

"Whoa! Easy there Paste for Brains! I haven't exactly gotten over this whole morning sickness phase ye-"Helga giggled at first, only to put a hand to her mouth. She then broke free form his embrace, and ran to the nearest trashcan to regurgitate once more.

"Oh! I'm so sorry honey I-I just got so excited!" Arnold exclaimed, rushing to his wife as she continued to hurl. "I mean this was just so unexpected, and the timing is incredible especially after I was thinking about…uh- well." His voice started to grow uncomfortable, as he rubbed his neck.

"Going to see a fertility specialist? Yeah. Pheebs told me she overheard you chuckleheads." Helga's eyes narrowed at him. He sighed in reply.

"I know, I know. I should have discussed about how I was feeling with you way ahead of time. But if it's any consolation, I haven't done anything yet. I-I was actually going to bring it up tonight, but after this amazing turn of events I-a-anyways…I'm really sorry Helga...I hope you're not too mad at me." He apologized.

"Well if I was, that would just make me a hypocrite…Especially since it's all my fault that you felt that way in the first place." Helga responded softly, looking away.

"What are you talking about?" He raised an eyebrow at her. A brief silence took place until it was broken with Helga's sigh.

"The reason why it took so long for us to have kids until now was because…I was taking birth control…to prevent it from happening…" She looked down in shame, not wanting to see his expression.

"You WHAT?! But-but…" He sighed in disappointment and tried to keep his composure. "How long have you been-"

"Ever since our honeymoon…" Helga uttered with regret.

"THAT LONG?!" he exclaimed in disbelief. He then ran a hand through his hair with frustration.

"Helga. Why?" He finally managed to whisper, feeling hurt and slightly betrayed. "Why would you do that? I-I thought you wanted to have-"

"I did! More than anything in the world with you, my love!" Helga exclaimed, quickly grabbing his shoulders. "B-but it wasn't that simple. N-not for me…I-I was so scared…"

"What were you scared of?" He asked softly, but still frowned slightly.

"That I wouldn't be a good mother…That-that I'd be just like her if not worse…" She replied bitterly, not bothering to stop her tears from escaping.

Arnold Shortman might have been known for being incredibly dense, but he was in no wise stupid. He knew exactly whom his wife was referring to.

"Helga…" He started.

"You need to know." She started. "When you moved away, conditions at home did improve. They did get better since Miriam started attending AA meetings, Bob had to adjust to modern technology and his merge with beepers and phones became a hit, and most of all, when Olga moved in; her decision of wanting to drop teaching and become an actress ultimately pissing Bob off to where he was actually ashamed of her for a short time. He and Miriam I guess needed a temporary crutch to focus on since their beloved daughter let them down. So they turned to the left overs…"

Helga sighed and started pacing.

"For a while, I was actually happy. I thought everything was finally coming together since they started paying attention to my accomplishments, feelings, and even long term goals and dreams…But that was just it. It had to be an accomplishment. It had to be something that was worthy of their praise and support. Otherwise…otherwise I'd find myself once more becoming nonexistent in their eyes. It was an on and off process to say the least. I was loved only on conditions. Their conditions. And of course, precious Olga always finds ways to shine like a star in the end…She made it big time on Broadway, then Los Angeles, and ultimately a hit in Paris. She was the shining pupil once again, as I was pushed into the background; despite it being me who helped improve her sucky acting skills." She gave a dry chuckle.

"Funny thing was, I didn't mind it too much like I thought I would. Because it was better to be ignored like I didn't exist, then for my expectations to be met, and then suddenly crushed once more; over and over. It was like a never ending see-saw with them. The ride made me sick to say the least. There was no consistency of unconditional love. It was whatever they felt like giving, whenever they felt like giving. And I got sick of it! Our bond never healed…And I became a wreck because of it…" Her eyes started watering once more.

"A-and if I'm such a mess…If I'm stuck not knowing the feeling of what a true mother's unconditional nurturing guidance is like from my own biological mom…Then how the he** will I be capable to give it to my own child?! I-I can't…But I'd be da**** if I ever let him or her experience the pain I felt from my broken family! So….I thought the best thing I could do to prevent the experience from ever happening...was to not even have a child…I-I'm just not good enough. I'm sorry. I know you must hate m-"

Her rant was interrupted by his lips crashing firmly onto hers. She melted under his touch, as he pulled her closer. After a full minute, he broke off the kiss, touching his forehead to hers.

"Helga. Don't ever think for one minute that I hate you." He whispered. "I love you with all of my heart..." He started. "And I understand your reasoning for doing what you did…" He continued. "But, how dare you?" His voice grew stronger with a touch of anger as he firmly gripped her shoulders making sure to not cause pain, but to make a point stick.

"How. Dare. You. Say you're not good enough?!" Her eyes widened under his passionate gaze. "After everything you've done for me in life? After everything you've done for yourself, without your family's help or approval?! Helga Geraldine, I have known you since we were 3 years old, and have watched you grow from an insecure bully to a strong, independent woman with a passion to go to hell and back for the ones dear to your heart. Isn't that what being a mother's all about? I mean, you have literally risked your life and sacrificed so much, not for just my happiness, but for others as well! Like with Mr. Hyunh's daughter, and my parents! I mean, how can you for one moment think you're not good enough?"

"But…my family background is so messed up…I missed out on so much…" Helga looked down again.

"So have I." He replied. She then looked at him with disbelief.

"Don't give me that look. Even though things got better when my parents came back into the picture, don't forget, I...knew what it felt like to lack that completeness…It hurt. But despite the pain, you know what I did?"

She shrugged, still refusing to give eye contact.

"I made a secret promise to myself that one day, if I ever had my own family, I would never let them feel that pain of incompleteness that I felt." He lifted her chin up so that her eyes could meet his warm emerald gaze.

"And now, I make that same promise to you. No matter how inexperienced we are, or what hardships we have and may still face, I promise with all my soul to fulfill my vow. You're not ever going to be alone in this. I'm going to be by your side no matter what."

A lone tear ran down her cheek. "…You promise you'll stay with me through this? E-even if I have no idea what to expect?"

He caught the tear with his thumb and kissed her softly.

"With all my heart Helga. I swear it. I'm always going to be here. And if anything, just by your experience alone, I know you'll make a wonderful mother." He smiled.

"How do you figure that?" She asked with doubt in her voice.

"Because you know exactly what not to do." He gave his half-lidded smile.

"Touché." She smiled.

Their tender moment was interrupted by the sound of a doorbell.

"Football-Head do me a favor and get the door, before I brutally murder whoever it is behind it without mercy." Helga demanded in a dry tone.

"Wait-why would you-?" He started, but then sighed and shook his head. "You know what? Never mind. I don't think I want to know."

"You don't." She confirmed with a scowl.

Arnold answered the door only to find the entire gang lined up outside with nervous smiles painted across all of their faces.

"Oh hi everyone! Are you guys all here to see how Helga's doing?" he greeted warmly.

"Actually it's more so we're all here to beg her to give us time to make out all of our wills…OW!" Sid started, only to be elbowed by Nadine, who continued to finish the sentence. "Don't mind him, of course we're here to check on Helga. "

Lila chimed in. "Yes! We just oh so wanted to see if she was going to be ok? We haven't heard anything after we-"

"Well, well, well. You morons must have a lot of guts AND balls, to be in my presence right now…" Helga scowled as she stepped outside with her arms crossed.

A collective gulp was heard.

"That being said. I gotta' say, though it kills me to admit it…I was touched." She smiled at them. "Despite the fact I had everything under control,-" She started smugly, only to be interrupted by her husband clearing his throat, sending her a warning look. She rolled her eyes as a response.

"Ugh fine! So maybe I was a bit of a wreck...And again, as much as it kills me to admit it, I-I really did need help, and you guys came through for me and had my back. I'm grateful to you all for that. Especially, since my condition was more serious than I realized."

"How serious is it Helga? What did the doctor say?" Patty asked, as everyone gathered closer.

"Oh ya know, just your average everyday nausea courtesy to me apparently having a bun in the oven…" Helga replied offhandedly.

"Willikers! I never knew bakin' bread could cause such a ruckus!" Stinky surmised.

"AW ALL THIS BREAD TALK IS MAKING ME HUNGRY!" Harold whined.

Rhonda wasted no time in smacking them both over the head with a magazine she had handy.

"Ugh idiots! Obviously, it's a figure of speech that means a baby is currently inside- WAIT! YOU MEAN YOU'RE-?!" She did a double take at Helga, but was cut off.

"No way!" Nadine's eyes widened.

"You mean you're actually?!" Lila's eyes brightened.

Murmurs of shock and disbelief filled the crowd until it was broken by an equally shocked deeper voice.

"SAY WHAT NOW?! Hold up! Hold up! Arnold is it true? You mean to tell me…You guys are expecting?" Gerald exclaimed. His wife just smiled in anticipation.

The impact of the news was still hitting Arnold pretty hard as he wiped one of his eyes; but gently taking his wife's hand in his, he smiled and nodded at everyone.

A collective high pitched scream sounded off in the crowd, as the women all but pounced on the couple. The men, shortly followed after with hearty handshakes, back pats, and various choruses of "Congratulations".

Again, Helga was touched…

But she was also smothered.

"ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! BREAK IT UP YA BUNCH OF SISSIES! CRIMINY!" Helga shouted, as she dusted herself off, and cleared her throat once more. Then, putting on a pleasant, yet slightly disturbing smile, she continued in an overly sweet tone.

"Now. Getting back to business…With all that said and done, I just wanted to make something very clear to all of you my dearest, closest pals. I have taken into account every single thing you guys did to-er- for me today, and have every single action that was taken etched in my memory to the last detail…Unfortunately, it looks like I'll have to be taking it easier than normal due to these wonderful circumstances; But oh, rest assured, that I promise to pay back each. And. Every. Single. One. Of. You. Count on it. "She finished through a clenched teeth smile, while pointing at everyone.

Knowing exactly what she was talking about, the whole gang's eyes widened as they once again let out a collective gulp.

"Aw that's very nice of you honey." Arnold smiled, pecking his wife on the cheek, oblivious to the threat. "See guys? I told you everything would turn out okay! Well, we better head back inside now. Thanks for everything! Ready Helga?" He offered his arm.

"Of course my love." She smiled, and snuggled to his shoulder. However, as they turned to go back inside, Helga looked over her shoulder and gave the crowd a sadistic smile.

No words were needed.

Everyone stood in silence for a minute, until finally deciding to leave, but having the same collective thought.

"We're all f****** doomed."

As we went back inside the house after things started to settle down, I couldn't help but recollect everything that happened; amazed, at how in just one day, maybe even an hour, my life was going to change forever. Hopefully, it would be for the better. Something tells me it will be. The unknown is a scary thing, but it helps to know that I'm not alone in this. And with my beloved angel by my side, there's no doubt about it that we're going to face life's mysteries head on, together, no matter what. So bring it on bucko! I'm ready for whatever comes my way.

After all, who doesn't love surprises?