A/N: I'm back with more all! Let me know what ya'll think, please and thank you!
Ok, so time to rewind a little bit. Going back to everyone's concern at my rapid weight gain when I was in such an early trimester, Arnold and I went to see an ultrasound technician, per obstetrician request, to have my first ultrasound. Naturally, I was a little nervous and the cold gel stuff didn't help much either! Nonetheless, it's safe to say that we received some shocking news once we got to the root of the concern; only to find out, that thankfully, it wasn't anything to be concerned about at all...
"So give it to us straight doc? What's wrong with me? Do I need to cut back on the sudden craving snacks? Should I join some type of exercise program? What should I do here?!" Helga asked anxiously, as the technician continued to move her transducer slowly back and forth on her stomach.
"Just relax Mrs. Shortman, I'm sure there's nothing to be worried about. You're doing just fine so far and we should have an image right about...now."
A few seconds later, something appeared on the screen that made the couple stare in awe and wonder.
"Is that...?" Arnold started, his eyes still glued to the screen.
"Yes." The technician nodded with a smile "And from the looks of it, I think we've solved your concern for the extra weight gain since you're not just eating for two. As you can see, there's more than one heart beating here."
"There's two..." Helga whispered as her eyes filled with tears. "W-we're having twins?"
"That's right. Congratulations!" The technician nodded.
"Oh my go-" Arnold couldn't finish his sentence as he put one hand to his mouth in shock, while the other squeezed his wife's hand in a burst of emotion.
"Well, it's still too soon to tell the genders, but from the looks of it, you have quite a development taking place just by their sizes. I'll have the images printed out for you to take home after the examination." She explained.
"T-that's great...That will be just great..." Helga replied quietly, still in shock.
Once the specialized technician left the room, Arnold came closer to his wife.
"Are you alright?" He asked with concern.
"I-It just all became so real...I mean you know it's coming, and you know you're expecting, but to actually see it on screen…my gosh..." Helga wanted to berate herself for acting like a sap, but couldn't help it as the tears streamed down her face in pure happiness and emotion.
"Believe it, Angel...Those are our babies...They're going to make us a complete family. It's really happening." Arnold replied softly as he gently wiped her tears away, along with his own, and brought her closer for an emotion filled kiss.
Well, needless to say, the news threw us both in for quite a loop. As if I wasn't freaking out over how to handle just one, but to find out that I'm carrying two of my beloved's offspring?! Talk about intense! Though, they'll be all the more to love and cherish, I couldn't help but feel even more pressured as far as dealing with the responsibilities of being the perfect mother. Football-Head was also coping with it by purchasing yet more baby products to clutter the house...Criminy, I'm not even going to go into all the sudden calls from our credit card company. So moving on from there, our family and friends were ecstatic and promised their full support, along with demands to know the genders as soon as possible. I told those morons that it was too soon to tell, but they wouldn't hear of it; especially Rhonda. I swear, you know how there's always that one person that brings unnecessary drama to parties even though it's not their party and it makes you want to get away as far as you possibly can from said lunatic? Well, remember that scenario, because I'll be bringing it up in a moment.
Ok, let's see...What other exciting events happened during these past blissful, expecting months? Hm, well I guess I could talk about how little miss perfect finally tied the knot with the plain old taco headed freak...who is unfortunately known legally as my cousin-in-law...But then I'd have to explain how such an event was like a horror movie form hell for me at the very thought of those two being legally related to me and how I reacted...But of course, I'm guessing you'd like to know how that went...
"Helga?! Are you ready yet?! We're going to be late! Everyone's already at the ceremony!" Arnold shouted impatiently as he once again knocked on their master bathroom door for the 50th time, only to receive no response.
Little did he know that his wife was nowhere to be found in the bathroom, but was instead trying to desperately cover her shrouded form under their bed.
Unfortunately, the fact that she was trying to conceal herself in a position that wouldn't hurt her enlarged baby bump, proved difficult. This was evident, when Arnold suddenly raised an eyebrow at the two creamy legs that stuck straight out on the floor of their bed.
Shaking his head, he walked over to where she was and tapped his foot in exasperation while he cleared his throat to signal his presence.
Her eyes widened at the sound.
"Oh shi-"
"Helga. What do you think you're doing?" He asked calmly with slight annoyance.
"Oh nothing in particular heh heh just hanging around, taking it easy." She laughed nervously.
"You're taking it easy...lying on the floor, halfway underneath our bed?" Arnold asked dryly.
"That's right Football-Head! Under our bed! It's a free country! I can hide-I MEAN hang out under here whenever I feel like it!" She retorted with defiance.
"Uh huh. Well you need to get up. That position can't be healthy for the babies and we're going to be late to Lila's weddi-"
"I'm not going." She deadpanned firmly.
"Come on Helga, that's not fair. Everyone's going to be there, even mom and dad. We're all family." He reprimanded.
"Oh yeah? I heard Phil wasn't going." She retorted.
"That's because he said that he had to go to New York on short notice to retrieve grandma from bungee jumping off the Statue of Liberty again." He replied.
"Bullsh**. He just left so he wouldn't have to deal with Arnie; the lucky basta-he could have taken me with him!" She growled.
"Helga! It's almost time! We should have been there 30 minutes ago!"
"No."
"Helga come on! You promised!"
"Tough sh** I ain't going!" She spat.
He sighed in annoyance then grabbed her legs to pull her from under the bed. Once she realized that she was out in the open and locked underneath her husband's irritated expression, she scampered to try to hide once more.
"Oh no! No! No! NO! I'm NOT going!" Helga frantically tried to claw onto the bed as her husband tried pulling her once more.
"Why are you acting like this?! You're being ridiculous! It's her wedding day! What am I supposed to tell her if you're absent?" He grunted.
"I don't know! Be creative! Tell her that I got sick, that I had Ebola, or that I caught the dreaded da**swine flu from petting Abner too much!"
She then heard a distinct sharp grunt in that moment and came to face the glare of Arnold's angry pig.
"...You're right. That was out of line; sorry boy. No offense." Helga apologized.
The insulted pig just grunted once more as he stuck his snout in the air and walked off.
"You're not fair Helga, Lila's our friend. Besides, she attended our wedding with full support and you promised that you would be a part of hers in return! If anything, I thought you'd be ecstatic seeing how she's finally taking Arnie so you wouldn't have to worry about him anymore."
"Don't try to guilt trip me into this. Besides, I never worried about Arnie again from that time you actually threatened him." She smirked.
"...He was crossing a line at the time that's all." Arnold replied uncomfortably.
"He was dragging me into the Tunnel of Love ride when we were 11, until you snatched me out of his grip and gave him the stink eye, threatened him, then tossed him overboard. It was so romantic..." She swooned.
"Well things have changed now. We're older, wiser, and with our significant others and we should honor that by giving our support to them like they did with us." He replied.
"Though I am relieved that Lila stopped guy hopping with Stinky since he got Gloria, and Brainy since he found someone to tolerate him, that doesn't mean I'm going to be her cheerleader dressed in that-that fabric and ribbons from hell that she has the nerve to call a bridesmaid dress!" She spat.
"You do know that you sounded like Rhonda just now right?" He chuckled.
If looks could kill, Helga would have had to deal with the consequences of being a sudden widow by the glare she gave her husband.
It was time for him to bring out the big guns.
Arnold, ran a hand through his gelled blonde hair, messing it up slightly, but leaned down to his wife's level until he was gently on top of her, running his fingers slowly through her golden locks, locking his subtle, yet sultry gaze into her curious and suspicious blue eyes.
"Look. Will you at least try to just admit that you're happy for her, relieved for yourself, bask in the fact that I'm all yours and nothing will change that and get dressed beautiful? Hmm? For me?" He kissed her neck softly.
"Not. Fair. Arnold." She glared, yet moaned softly.
"Come on Sweetheart, do the right thing..." He continued his ministrations, until she broke away, folding her arms.
"No. Uh uh! Not a chance. No matter how you try to seduce me, there's NO way I'm wearing that southern belle dress form hell and going to Lila and Arnie's wedding!
Later...
"I CAN'T BELIEVE I'm wearing this southern belle dress form hell and went to Lila and Arnie's wedding..." Helga growled as she once again adjusted her giant flower decor sun hat, while folding her arms in defiance, as her husband refilled her glass of water at the reception table.
Her husband held in a chuckle and kissed his wife on the cheek. All of a sudden, she was glomped from behind.
"Oh Helga! I'm just ever so happy you both decided to attend my wedding! It meant just ever so much to Arnie and me!" Lila smiled as she hugged Helga tightly.
"Yeah, it's always good to see you Helga. I always believed you would end up in my life in some way. Who knew it would be as my cousin in law. That's cool. We're all family now." Arnie snorted, holding his new wife's hand.
Helga twitched at the thought turned fact of both of them being legally related to her.
"Oh you couldn't be more right my darling! We're are all practically family and blood now! I have always considered Helga to be a wonderful sister to me, just oh so special even without Olga! Now that we're related, it's completely official! Now that she is my ever so special cousin in law and you're my oh so special someone...I-I don't think I could ever be happier!" Lila blubbered, her ecstatic tears ruining her makeup and smudging against Helga's southern belle styled dress as she buried her face in yet a another tight hug.
Helga wanted nothing more than to take her southern style umbrella and bash her with it, but she settled on twitching once more instead.
"Well hey, we're both really happy for you two." Arnold smiled as he nudged his wife. "Isn't that right Helga?"
"Mmhm." Helga smiled through clenched teeth.
"Oh! And how wonderful that in just a few months we'll be like official cousin aunts and uncles to the twins! Oh they're going to be just ever so adorable! I know it!" Lila gushed.
"Yes." Arnie snorted with a smile. "I can hardly wait. It's still amazing to know that we're all family now. Official. Legally." Arnie replied in his less than enthusiastic tone.
Helga twitched severely at that point.
"Well, again happy for ya Lila. Congrats to you both for finding true love and what not. Excuse me for a sec." Helga rushed her sentence, while hugging the bride and shaking the groom's hand swiftly, and then running off.
The three of them just blinked in confusion, (Arnie blinking his eyes one at a time) until Arnold excused himself to follow his wife.
He found her lying down in the middle of the desolate country road.
"Helga?! What are you doing now?" He asked in shock and exasperation at the situation.
"Again. Nothing in particular..." She replied until a car stopped in front of her, honking repeatedly.
"DRIVE OVER ME I BEG OF YOU!" Helga shouted, pleading.
"HELGA!" He shouted incredulously.
Arnold then had the pleasures of getting his wife out of the road, and trying to once more drag her inside of the building where the reception was still taking place, ignoring her kicking, screaming, and overly dramatic yet unnecessary behavior.
OK so maybe I might have over reacted just a tiny bit...But come on! Can you blame me?! How would you deal with being legally related to an overly sweet and exaggerated bimbo who used to be your soul mate's crush, but weirdly ended up being one of your best friends who married a creepy messed up version of your soul mate who collects lint, counts anything in sight, and has a phlegmy snort that just so happens to be his cousin who also used to crush on you in the past without the slightest hint of emotion except a creepy spinning hat?! Criminy, you'd jump in the road too I bet!
Anyways, skipping forward to a few months later, I remembered how fun it was for my husband and me to engage in one of the most fun, creative, yet challenging and life changing activities in the history of pending parenthood: choosing baby names.
"So tell me again, why can't we just decide on names after we find out their genders?" Arnold asked.
"Because it's best that we at least have something in mind instead of looking like idiots once they arrive and we're asked what the names will be only to reply with an 'uh...' and make us look dumb." Helga replied nonchalantly as she flipped a page in her baby names book.
"Point taken I guess, but it's just all really going to depend on various factors...Should we go the hereditary, family name route, or go by personality, looks, and traits?' He asked, while pulling up a baby names website on his computer.
"I think you already know the answer to that." She smirked. "Speaking of which, I'm guessing you haven't told them that if it turns out to be boys the names are going to be-"
"No. No Helga. I have not told them, nor will I tell them that if they are boys, the names could potentially be Philip Miles Shortman, or Miles Philip Shortman. Grandpa and dad can find that out when it's time." Arnold stated.
"Assuming that the twins will be all boys." She said. "Which is all fine and good, but now we have to come up with girl names in case they're both girls."
"I like Stella as an option, but Gertie is cute for a nickname, but then again, I like Eleanor as well..." Arnold smiled.
"Well, actually...Now that we decided on one of the baby boy's name being Philip Miles Shortman...I was thinking Stella could be the middle name to match, and we could, I don't know...think out of the box for a first name...Break tradition ya know?" Helga offered.
"Hmm...I like the sound of that. What did you have in mind?"
"I thought about Helena or Helen for short. It rolls off the tongue, and has a nice vibe to it." Helga mused.
"Or it's just a spinoff of your name..." He concluded dryly.
"It means light and a bright one. So I like it. And what's with the tone? You got a problem with my name bucko?" Helga glared.
"No, no. I love your name you know that...I just think we can come up with more options."
"Oh yeah? Well what did you have in mind Football-Head? You think you can do better?" She challenged.
"Well...I like Alison. It also means bright and noble." Arnold mused.
"And it just so happens to start with 'A' and gives the impression of being a goody two shoes like someone I know..." She deadpanned.
"You don't like it?"
"I didn't say I didn't, I just think we can do better...Besides what if she's a little hell raiser?" She smirked.
"What if she's a little angel?" He retorted.
"Well, whatever. I think we should go with Helen." Helga pressed.
"Well, I'm kind of stuck on Ali. I really think it would suit her..." Arnold pressed.
"We can do better than that. I want Helen." Helga pressed again.
"I really like Ali though..." Arnold pressed again.
"Helen." Helga glared.
"Ali." Arnold glared back.
"Helen!"
"Ali!"
"HELEN!"
"ALI!"
"ALI!"
"HEL-OH NO YOU DON'T HELGA! You're not pulling that trick! I want Ali!"
"Well, I like Helen!"
"Ali!"
"Helen!"
"Ali!
"HELEN!"
"ALI!"
The back and forth banter continued until they both tried to outsmart each other, only to get tongue twisted in the process.
"HALENIE!" They shouted in unison.
"HALENIE?!" They chorused once more in confusion at what just happened. After a brief pause, the couple smiled at each other and pointed to one another as they concluded in unison.
"HALENIE!"
"It's perfect! I like it!" Helga smiled.
"It is! It's original and combines the names we both want. So that's it then. Philip Miles Shortman and vice versa if they're both boys, and Halenie Stella Shortman...Or Gertie Stella Shortman...if they're both girls."
"What if it's one of each?" Helga joked.
He blinked at the thought. "...We'll cross that bridge if we get there" Arnold laughed.
The next few months after we came up with names came rather quickly, and before we knew it, I was finally in my last trimester. Thankfully, when I had my ultrasound again, the twins were healthy, but we still wanted to have their genders kept as a surprise, despite everyone else's protests. Unfortunately, we discovered something rather interesting and ironic about their sizes that made them...less than normal. Turns out, another reason why I was so huge, was due to their sizes in certain areas...particularly the head sizes. Yep, you guessed it. I was not only going to have twins, I was going to have football shaped headed twins. Joy. I wanted to laugh at the irony, but for some reason, my obstetrician looked a little concerned. The oblong shapes weren't an issue, but more so how their sizes and positions would affect my delivery, and the toll it would take on my body if I were to do it naturally...We also had to consider possible options to assist the delivery if it came down to it. Needless to say, even though nothing has happened yet, I was pretty freaked out on what was to come and what to expect. Thankfully, I had someone who I could talk to that understood exactly what I was going through, even though I tried to play it cool when I went over to talk to said person. But even when we started chatting in light conversations, I could already tell by her expression that she wasn't buying it.
"Helga? Is everything alright?" Stella asked with concern as they both sat down at the coffee table.
"Huh? Oh yeah, yeah. Everything's fine...Ow! Despite the fact that these little Football heads keep kicking the mess out of me! Criminy, it's like having double jackhammers in my gut!" Helga winced as she rubbed her stomach.
"Ah yes, I remember the feeling all too well." Stella mused with a smile.
"Yeah...A-about that mom...I-I was just wondering...Well..." Helga started. Stella smiled patiently, waiting for her to continue.
"How...how did you get these cookies to taste so darn good?! Have you tried a new recipe or something?" Helga asked in a rush while laughing nervously.
"Ok. Out with it. What's bothering you?" Stella folded her arms.
"I-it's nothing! I was just wondering how these tasted so good that's all! Criminy I mean-"
"Helga." Stella warned with an all knowing look on her face that stated how she could not be fooled.
"I'm sorry. It's just this whole baby thing. After the doc gave the news about possible complications in giving birth I guess I'm just...nervous...Well, maybe more than nervous. I-I'm really nervous...I mean I'm really, really nervous. Well, heck I'm so nervous you might as well just say that I'm completely petrified!" Helga rambled in a slight panic.
Stella listened and nodded with understanding while rubbing her daughter-in-law's back with reassurance. Yet it didn't stop the frown on her face since she recognized the severity of the situation.
"I understand how you feel, Honey. Not only is this a new experience for you, you have no idea what to expect and the possibilities of something going wrong is making your anxiety worse right?"
"Yeah! I mean...I never get scared! I'm Helga G Pataki...er Shortman for Criminy sakes! I take challenges head on! My only fear was telling Arnold how I felt about him, and after that got out of the way, I was practically invincible, until he had to leave, but either way, no matter what came my way, I always conquered it with a vengeance...But this?! I-I don't know how to..." Helga sighed.
"But Sweetie, you have to remember; you're not alone in this! You have Arnold, and us, and a variety of family, friends, and loved ones who love you and are giving their full commitment to be by your side throughout this whole ordeal. And you're one of the strongest women I know. Even the Green eyes clan thought so. That's why they called you, 'Corazón de un Guerrero' (Heart of a warrior). I know it's scary, but you will get through this." Stella hugged her.
Helga sighed once more, returning the heartfelt embrace. "I just don't know what to expect...I mean, was it hard for you when you had the Football-Head?"
"Well considering how I was in the middle of the jungle with no resources, my water broke, the hospital was on the other side of town, and a volcano was in the midst, active and erupting as I struggled to keep my breathing and sanity from the excruciating pain and-" Stella started to ramble bitterly, remembering her circumstances, only to pause as she noticed her daughter-in-law losing the color in her face.
"I'm sorry. What I meant to say was that it was very difficult for all of us, especially for me at the time, but I wasn't alone. Thanks to the Green eyed people, my husband, and friend's support through helping me, I was able to endure. The pain didn't last forever, and once it was all over, I was never more happier in my life as I held a literal miracle in my arms...Looking back, I don't regret a single moment. No matter how painful, that time was precious to me and I hold it dear to my heart. Just like I know you will when your time comes." Stella smiled. Helga returned the gesture.
"Thanks Stella..."
I guess you could say that I felt a little better after the pep talk. It was enough to calm my nerves up to this point and help me focus on the goal at hand. However, there is one more event that took place and I should probably discuss it since it was kind of important; especially because it brings me back to that scenario that I said I would be bringing up. This particular event was recent and happened about a week ago actually. It brought smiles, laughs, tears, annoyance, and other emotions out into the open: yep, you guessed it; my baby shower. I wasn't too keen on having a full blown party, but when you're friends with Rhonda Lloyd Gammelthorpe, you quickly find out that when it comes to major and personal events, you don't have a say in the da** matter. I found this out the hard way.
"WOULD YOU MORONS LET GO OF ME ALREADY?! AS IF WALKING WASN'T HARD ENOUGH, I AM PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF MOVING MY OWN TWO FEET! CRIMINY!" Helga shouted as she tried to wring herself free from Rhonda, Nadine, Sheena, Katrina, Beauty, Gloria, Lila, and Rhonda's grip as they dragged her into an extravagant hotel and into the event venue space that was reserved for her party.
"Now Helga, you brought this on yourself! I mean honestly, did you really believe that you could hold such an important and special get together over something trivial as tea and cookies in your backyard with the men?! I cannot stomach the thought! No, such a significant occasion deserves the works with just us girls! Although the hubbies would be good for cleanup later on!" Rhonda grinned.
"She has a point Helga, this is a pretty important occasion and you're one of our best and closest friends!" Nadine smiled.
"I oh so have to agree with Rhonda! You really deserve this treat and it is just ever so precious and perfect considering your condition! Besides, we all want the best for you, my ever so special cousin-in-law!" Lila gushed.
Helga's eye twitched in response.
"Just take the time to be spoiled Helga!" Sheena smiled.
"Yeah, we promise we'll make this as painless as possible!" Katrina joked as Gloria and Beauty giggled.
"You guys don't have anything to say about this?" Helga asked as she scowled at Phoebe and Patty who were walking behind her holding their respective infants.
"Nope. We pretty much agree with the others." Patty teased.
"I concur! And you must admit that they have a point. The guys practically begged to be excused to do some late baby shopping for you and besides, you rarely take out the time to treat yourself! I think this gesture, although a little extreme, is quite necessary and thoughtful for the ladies to consider and go through all the trouble for you." Phoebe said.
Helga thought about her comment and finally sighed, relenting. "Alright, alright. I'll go to this crazy clam bake since you chuckleheads are making me go through with it…" She rolled her eyes, while the women gave a collective sigh in relief and exasperation at their stubborn friend's typical behavior.
"But on a serious note guys, thanks…It's really…nice of you all to go through all this trouble." Helga smiled softly.
"It's no trouble at all." Nadine smiled as she pat Helga's shoulder.
"Uh, I beg to differ! Do you know how painful it was to design the grand ballroom without a clue on how the color schemes should look because she refuses to tell us about the genders of the twins?! Not to mention, picking out gifts that are not specific in the slightest! I practically had to buy everything on the shelves and racks for both possible genders since I didn't know if she's having girls or boys!" Rhonda complained.
"Shopping was…rather interesting." Sheena stuttered.
"It had its difficulties despite the uncertainties, but I think you'll like our gifts anyway!" Phoebe chimed.
"Hmph! I don't know how on earth you ladies could be so modest!" Rhonda frowned.
"Call it hoping for the best?" Lila offered.
"And also hoping that she gives birth within the 30 day validity of the receipts in case exchanges need to be made…" Katrina finished as the other girls smiled and nodded.
"Will you quit making such a big deal out of it princess? If Arnoldo and I want the genders to be a surprise, then that's what we're doing! Criminy, it's no big deal! It's not like I'll burn whatever gifts you guys get me or anything." Helga scowled.
"Not a big deal?! Shopping is a very big deal! It is the process of purchasing items that define and enhance yourself for the better and should never be taken lightly! To make a return on purchases is like making mistakes that should never have happened in the first place!" Rhonda explained and turned around to jab her perfectly manicured finger to Helga's nose.
"Mark my words Helga. If I end up making even the slightest return on something even as small as a baby's bib because of the wrong color, there will be severe consequences!" Rhonda threatened.
Yeah, so like I said, there's always that one person that brings unnecessary drama…All things considered, the party turned out to be pretty good. The food was edible and tasty, the gifts were perfect despite their uncertainty, and the company wasn't too crazy…All in all, everything was almost perfect. I said almost because right when things were going well, something crazy and unfortunate happened that nearly if not completely ruined everything for me…
Helga thanked the ladies as she opened her final gift and stuffed her mouth once more with the delectable cake Gloria made.
"Gloria, I gotta say, I thought you and Stinko were crazy to have a field of lemon trees in your backyard, but you put it to good use! This lemon pudding cake is so boss!"
"Why thank you Helga! That's mighty kind of you to say!" Gloria smiled.
Lila was about to say something but her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. Once she checked her message, her face paled in worry, concern, and slight horror as she gulped.
"What's up with you?" Helga raised an eyebrow at her behavior.
"O-oh it's nothing, nothing at all…Well…technically, I guess it is s-something not particularly bad but-"
"Spit it out already Lila." Helga demanded impatiently, but then softened. "What's the matter? Are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine…It's not me in particular you have to worry about, but I-I'm afraid I made an oh so not so terrible mistake and if I told you what it was you would be ever so mad at me…"
"Oh come on. Buck up! I'm obviously in a pretty good mood so what could you have possibly done to mess that up?" Helga joked trying to lighten the mood.
"Maybe accidently update my Hill-Share status talking about your baby shower including the location?" Lila stuttered.
Helga shrugged. "Well, that's no big deal I mean-"
"And maybe an oh so special and yet certain someone saw it and responded that she's on her way, but that certain person happens to not be someone you particularly wanted to know about your condition, but saw it anyway because she's one of my friends listed?"
Helga's eyes widened in horror in realization.
"Wait…Are you telling me that-?!"
"Oh Helga I'm ever so sorry!" Lila cowered.
"Sh**! Pheebs! How long do I have to clear this joint?!" Helga asked in a rush, looking for the exits.
"Judging by the time Lila informed us of the message, possible reaction timing and conditions of traffic, I would speculate approximately-"
Before Phoebe could finish her sentence, the doors flew open, and Helga froze in horror as a shrill voice rang throughout the room.
"BAABY SIISTER!"
"Never mind." Phoebe squeaked.
"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-"Helga's thoughts were cut off as she was suddenly grabbed into a bone crushing embrace by none other than Olga Pataki.
"OH BABY SISTER! I HEARD EVERYTHING! IS IT TRUE?! ARE YOU EXPECTING?!" Olga released her for a brief moment and took in her little sister's rather large and well extended abdomen, while completely ignoring the exasperated look on her face.
She hugged her once more.
"AH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! IT IS TRUE! EEEK! MY LOVABLE BABY SISTER IS GOING TO HAVE A BABY!" Olga squealed.
"Twins to be exact." Rhonda chimed with a (that's-what-you-get) smirk, ignoring the murderous glare in Helga's eyes.
"YOU'RE HAVING TWINS?! MY GOODNESS! OH BABY SISTER! HOW WONDERFUL!" Olga hugged her tighter.
"Olga! Can't! Breathe!" Helga grunted out.
"OH! I'm sorry baby sister!" She released her for a moment, watching Helga gasp and cough violently for air.
"All better?" Olga offered.
"I can breathe again if that's what you mean." Helga choked out, scowling.
"Good." Olga replied, but then grabbed her sister in a crushing embrace once more.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE PREGNANT BABY SISTER?! I WOULD HAVE VISITED YOU MORE OFTEN! I WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE PREPARED! I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TIME TO FIND YOU THE PERFECT GIFT! I WASN'T EVEN INVITED TO THE PARTY!" Olga wailed as she started to cry.
"Well this is awkward…" Nadine whispered to the ladies. All the women just nodded in response as they watched the drama unfold.
"Maybe we should give them some privacy?" Brainy's wife, Beauty offered.
"Are you kidding, it's just getting good!" Rhonda smiled as she sipped her punch.
"OLGA! QUIT YOUR BLUBBERING AND LET ME GO ALREADY!" Helga managed to shout.
Shocked at the tone of voice, Olga abruptly released her sister once more. Helga gasped for air once again, but then sighed after a pregnant pause.
"Look…I guess I'm sorry for not letting you know about the pregnancy. But you have to understand that I had my reasons-"Helga started.
"And just WHAT reasons are those Baby sister?! You know better to keep something that important from me! I care for you so much! I always thought that I would be in your top priorities of people to tell and instead I find out through my other little sis's Hill-Share status?! I thought our relationship was better than that!"
"IT IS! WILL YOU SHUT UP AND LET ME EXPLAIN!" Helga roared.
"Fine. Talk." Olga pouted.
"I wanted you to know. I did. But like I said, I had my reasons on why I kept quiet. And don't even think of blaming Lila or Arnold, or anyone else. It was my decision and I wanted them to keep quiet. Despite how I knew that you would act like a total idiotic drama queen if you knew, I have nothing against you in the slightest and I didn't mean to cause any harm. I promise. Even though I know it's my fault that you're clearly upset and I regret that, I don't regret my choice." Helga calmly explained.
"But why Helga?" Olga asked softly.
"Because if I told you, you would have told everyone else including- no, especially them…" Helga scowled bitterly.
"…Helga."
"Don't." Helga put her hand up. "I don't want to hear it. I already know what you're going to ask, and the answer is no. No, I have not forgiven them for what they did to me nor will I give them the satisfaction of knowing what my business is since I am an adult."
"So you're saying that mummy and daddy don't know? But baby sister, they're our parents!"
"Which is all they were ever good for. Screwing around and bringing me into existence. Nothing more."
All the women huddled in the corner winced uncomfortably as they realized the tension was rising like a calm before a severe storm.
"Um…I take it back. Let's give Helga some privacy shall we ladies?" Rhonda asked uncomfortably.
"Yeah! I should get back to work anyways." Nadine replied.
"I should too. Eugene should be discharged from the hospital right about now…" Sheena chimed.
"We'll go with you!" Gloria and Beauty chorused.
"I-I should go too. I have to meet with Helgie's editor for her next best seller." Katrina added.
"I guess Ethan is getting a little restless…I should get going too." Patty said.
"Oh! I need to go too! I forgot I left a pot roast in the oven and I don't think my ever so wonderful husband checked on it!" Lila added.
Phoebe stared at the two blonde sisters then shook her head. "I'm afraid I have to leave as well. My parents are expecting Gerald and I to come over to see Jodi…will you be alright Helga?"
Helga was silent.
"Take care Helga…" Phoebe said softly and left out the door along with the other women.
Once the two sisters were alone, Olga sighed.
"I can see that you're still upset with what happened?"
"DOI! How would you feel if you were ignored and let down pretty much all your life, only to have your hopes up when you think things are changing, only to be brought down once more because you realize their love is not genuine, but still out of the goodness and hopefulness of your heart, be willing to give them a chance of a lifetime that just so happens to be at your own da** wedding, only to find out that they didn't show up because their oldest and more perfect daughter's performance in France was more important, despite their promise to attend, leaving you to look like a da** fool, having your now father-in-law give you away instead, and then running into them on your honeymoon in Paris, and having your drunken mother be all like 'Oh honey! How nice of you to come to your sister's performance since it's so important for her career! But don't you think you're a little overdressed? It's a nice white dress though!' HOW THE FU** WOULD YOU FEEL OLGA?! HUH?! ANGRY?! SAD?! BETRAYED?! OH but wait a minute! My mistake! You wouldn't feel anything because YOU would never have to go through such a painful experience because YOU were always loved, YOU were always the best one, and YOU never had to deal with the painful experience of CONSTANT NEGLECT, REJCTION, AND EVEN VERBAL ABUSE! But let's say you did, would YOU stick around and wait for more sh** to hit the fan? No! You'd get away as far as possible! Well that's what I did Ol-ga. I had it! I cut them off for good! And finally, I have the chance to move on with someone who truly loves me and whom I can love in return, along with the chance to see how a REAL family should be like! So do I want that opportunity ruined by the people that put me through hell in the first place?! NO OLGA I DO NOT! So there's your answer! Happy now?!" Helga exploded.
The sound of glass shattering to the ground, went unnoticed.
Olga tried to contain her tears that would not stop streaming down her face.
"But Helga…I-I understand that mummy and daddy let you down…I don't condone what they did…but they're still our parents, our family! I'm sure that they regret it. Mummy has been sober for almost 13 years now and daddy mellowed out after his first actual heart attack. It's not the same without you around, so I know they must regret everything…Can't you let the past be in the past?"
Helga sighed and put a hand on her sister's shoulder.
"How can I when history just repeats itself? Look. Be grateful. I have nothing against you Olga. You can be an airhead, but you weren't as clueless as before when you saw how I was treated. There were times when you stood up for me, and I know that you regretted missing out on my wedding since it couldn't be helped, but if there's anything that I learned in life, it's that you can't make people love you. It has to come from the heart. I just wasn't in theirs…"
"But we do love you Helga…"
Helga's eyes widened at the hesitant voice, but then narrowed dangerously as she growled at her sister.
"And THAT'S another reason why I didn't tell you. I just knew your big mouth couldn't stay shut!"
"Helga I-"Olga started.
"Save it! How dare you bring her here?!" Helga spat as she refused to face her mother standing in the corner.
"Well, how dare you not tell us that you were pregnant Helga?" Miriam tried to reprimand strongly, but faltered as she softly murmured. "We-we would have liked to have known…"
"Yeah well, there's a lot of things in life I would have liked too, Miriam." Helga started, not turning around. "But I guess we all can't have what we want now can we mom?" She finished bitterly, turning around to give her mother a dull glare.
"I have to go. My real family is waiting on me." Helga stated, and then grabbed her bag of gifts and left without turning back.
Olga wiped her tears away, ignored her smudged mascara, and turned to her mother.
"I'm sorry mummy. I guess, she still needs some time." She whispered.
"Of course…" Miriam replied dully.
"I should take you home…We'll try to reach her later after she's cooled down some." Olga started to take her mother's hand and guide her out the door, but Miriam recoiled, giving a fake smile.
"That's alright honey. You-why don't you go on ahead. I'll catch up in a minute."
"Are you sure?"
Miriam nodded, "Yes I'm sure. I'm just a little thirsty and the punch looks tasty. I'll catch up in a jiffy okay?"
"Well, alright. I'll see you at house then." Olga hugged her mother and left.
Once she was gone, Miriam clenched her fists, failing to stop the tears in her eyes from falling. She quickly rushed behind the large cabinet of the convenient bar and found a huge bottle of scotch. She froze as she took in its luxurious features. In normal cases, she would simply huff at the bottle and smile at her badge that defined her as superior and victorious over what was once a pitiful addiction. But under the circumstances, she found herself crumbling. Though she was hesitant, she soon found relief at the bitter taste as she tarnished her nearly perfect status of being sober for almost 13 years.
So like I said, the baby shower was almost perfect. Call me a monster all you want, but I feel justified either way. I wish things could have been better, but the fact of the matter is that they aren't. I went from feeling rejected, to disappointed, to depressed, to annoyed, to angered, to just plain numbness. But hey, things can only get better from here on out right? Like I said, I'm due in the next 3-AH!
Helga abruptly dropped her pen as she clenched her stomach. Trying to control her breathing, she timed the contraction on her stopwatch to the best of her ability.
"Huh, weird. That one lasted longer than usua-AH!" She screamed again as she clenched her lower back.
The pain grew stronger as time passed, barely giving her time to set the timer once more as she writhed in pain. She tried to move, but fell to her knees as she felt a wet substance run down her legs.
"3 WEEKS MY A-AHH!"