Rocket to the Moon
Chapter Nine
Luna Nueva
. . .
Luna Nueva was a small restaurant located three blocks away from Helmsley. Greg had given Arnold directions to reach it, so at one fifteen he stopped in front of the crystal doors to check quickly his image before open them up and enter into the place. One of the waiters came immediately to his encounter.
"Table for one, sir?" the man with dark hair and Hispanic traits asked as Arnold flattened his tie.
"No. In fact I'm gonna meet a friend here," he looked around in the almost full parlor while breathed out to fight down his nervousness "Helga Pata…"
"Ah - Miss Pataki," the man nodded and pointed ahead "this way sir."
She was already there? Arnold cursed inwardly. He was in a run for nothing; he wanted to be the first to arrive. He exhaled, wondering if he was ready to meet her. His swift, thoughtless reply to her mail felt heavy in his stomach. In no time they reached the end of the hallway and turned left to be immediately facing a small table in a quieter and darker area of the restaurant. Their arriving was so sudden that Helga raised her sight from her cellphone, surprised, and stood - as in reflex.
"Hey!" she let out.
"Hi…"
Before he could think, Arnold was extending his hand, shaking hers and letting go. A second later he got the impression that she was about to hug him, probably to kiss his cheek even, but his abrupt greeting stopped her. Surrounded by the memory that she'd cheek-kissed him at the Ball he cursed himself. When he reacted, she was taking her seat again, and was stealing a glance to her phone.
"Do you fancy something to drink, sir?" the waiter asked.
Arnold blinked and turned to see the table.
"Whatever she's drinking will do it," he replied.
"Lemonade, -regular sugar?" the waiter asked again.
"Yes, please," The guy nodded and went off.
"Thanks Ruy." Helga spoke, giving him a glance, then turning to Arnold "Just a second, Arnold, please."
"Take your time." Arnold drew a hollow smile. It seemed that she was in the middle of something. He took advantage of this lapse to take her in.
So this was Helga Pataki, his ex- tormentor; the girl who had him filled with anticipation. Her hair was in a loose bun as it had been in the morning; and when she stood Arnold saw she was wearing an ivory colored dress that reached her knees and hugged her hips nicely. The blue business jacket was now hanging from a rack behind her. Her nose was exactly as he remembered from his dream; with its tip gracefully upturned. He frowned.
This was the old Helga from his childhood but at the same time it wasn't. That Helga was brash, rude, and this one was the epitome of femininity and graciousness. What had happened to her? Because it wasn't only the nose, he could tell. Her voice was the same, but her presence, her demeanor couldn't be more different. Now she smiled all of the time –well, when she was arguing earlier with Dick she wasn't -; was nice, polite; people around spoke wonders of her; said she has an extraordinary sense of humor. The old Helga was abrasive, and nasty, and was always on the defensive.
What had happened to the old Helga? He wondered again. He saw her biting a smile as she reread whatever she wrote before sending it.
.
"So, Arnold…" she started after the waiter arrived with his drink, also bringing the set of choices. Right there, she'd done it again. She flashed a smile to the guy who couldn't walk off happier. "I never thought I'd ever see you again -and there were you, right on the Boardroom! Ole Football Head handing around papers as some aide. I swear I thought 'Let's take a look to Deb's newest toy' when, bam, it was you!"
"Deb's newest toy?" he asked, raising a brow; don't wanting to make quick judgments about her words, - or Deb's reputation.
"Forget I said it" she shrugged nonchalantly, but then added, probably because his deep frown didn't go away "I'm just kidding. It's me and Deb's jig. Not a big deal."
"I…" he vacillated.
"Don't tell me you're still Mr. Goody-Goody, old do-the-right-thing-well- intended Mr. Shortman who feel insulted by a simple joke?"
"No, of course not."
'I am thirty now' he wanted to state but knew he'd sound lame. Was he really that pathetic? He wondered as he saw her leaning back in her seat and taking a sip of her drink. She was probably wondering if all this had been a good idea.
"I am happy to hear that." A mocking smile appeared on her lips, then she leaned her forearms on the table. "What were you doing looking for a job at your… thirty?" she asked, taking the menu but still watching him. "I don't know why, but I thought you'd be the kind of guy who remains faithful to his first job."
Arnold blinked, wondering if he should feel offended.
"Why would you think that?"
"Not sure." She narrowed her eyes. Arnold felt that awkwardness again. What was he doing wrong? Was he making her try too hard? Was he being unfriendly?
It was only logical to reason that after more than ten years apart, and virtually zero contact, people had a bad time trying to reconnect. Maybe she also knew it, which was why she was trying to start a conversation. She must be an expert, given her position; but she was being abrasive, or at least that's was how he felt her. But then again, Helga used to be abrasive, and rude, and was a powerful woman nowadays. Maybe it was only that the old Helga was still around.
Though he should recognize that additional to all those circumstances, he was too nervous - too predisposed perhaps? - to get relaxed and enjoy seeing an old friend.
He looked back at her and it was obvious she was thinking the same thing. But she was looking back at him with openness.
"Look…" he spoke
"I guess…" she had also started, but then stopped "Go ahead Football Head," there it was, that smile again; maybe he was overthinking "-you spoke first."
He smiled back. Feeling the muscles of his face straining he wondered if he hadn't smiled so far.
"But you were talking before. I interrupted you,"
She let out a sigh "If you insist, -" she vacillated for a second, "I didn't mean to be offensive. Sorry if I made you feel that way," she shrugged, taking the menu in her hands and looking briefly at it "What I meant was that I always thought you were... loyal…dependable. I didn't see you as someone who'd be jumping from job to job. And I mean it in a good way. I kind of liked that - from the old you."
"What exactly?" he leaned forward and offered her a coy smile, surprising himself "I didn't feel offended, by the way, but thanks for the concern" he added, not losing eye contact.
"My God, Arnold! Look at you! You've become such a Romeo!"
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you are! But you're losing your time here, amigo. I'm not the same goof that I was when I was ten and fell for you"
"Why you fell out of me by the way? - When?"
He had a completely different question in the tip of his tongue! He blinked; his ears thumped. He couldn't believe he had just asked that. What was happening to him?!
"My gosh! How arrogant!" Helga cracked a laugh "I grew up, for God's sake!"
"That's it?" Arnold retreated in his seat, trying to regain control.
She nodded, still chuckling, looking at him with incredulity.
"When? I don't know. 'Out of sight, out of mind', I guess." She shrugged again "I remember, years later, being in love with a guy at college-" she made a sudden halt and lost her smile.
"What happened?" Arnold asked curious, concerned… regaining control.
"Dad died." She uttered. Arnold nodded.
"You left college,"
She let out a long sigh.
"Yeah, - our 'love' didn't survive distance," she remained contemplative for some seconds but then shook it off and added in a more spirited fashion "He was kinda nerdy, you know? His mom loved me because I bullied his bullies. Oh -the irony!"
Arnold laughed; thought it was more a relieved laugh because their little reunion didn't feel that awkward anymore, and not because he understood what the entire irony thing was about.
"Because you bullied him?" he ventured.
"Of course I bullied him; I was the bigger bully around, I guess I never stopped. I don't know how you guys managed to put up with me for so long." She chirped. "In my defense I have to say that he loved being bullied."
Arnold sighed longingly. He could only imagine. Did he love being bullied? What he remembered were good old times… never to come back again.
"Listening to you talking about nerds made me remember Brainy," Arnold left his contemplation and spoke with full meaning –Helga had stolen another quick glance to her phone. Bringing up old times had worked for him before - in this case memories of the guys and girls from Mr. Simmons's class – he went on. "I wonder what he's up to these days"
"Brainy… ¿you mean Burt?"
"Burt?" Arnold frowned. Helga nodded, with her sight on the menu in front of her.
"That's his name. Burt… aka Brainy is working for Hollywood nowadays. He's a big shot."
"Really?" Helga nodded again, raising her sight from the menu to look at him "Is he an actor?"
"God forbid!" she snorted "Though he's actually kind of handsome, you know? He created a TV series that hit it years ago. He's still working on it; its fourth season - or five - or something."
"Really? What series is it? Do you see it?"
She shook her head.
"Something for kids. And actually I don't. I almost don't see television. No free time anymore." She pouted.
"That's a shame."
She agreed. "I have to choose carefully my entertainment nowadays."
"I guess I know what you're talking about," he heaved a sigh.
"Take your choice now," she asked after a pause. Arnold frowned and she pointed the carte du jour "Ruy is gonna be here anytime and you better be ready. He's kinda grumpy," she smirked.
"Is he?"
She bowed her head. While they were at it, reading the menu, she asked him about his life.
It wasn't a long story - he warned- before starting telling her about his life at college, his worldwide backpacking; then went quickly over his previous jobs in a quick enumeration, and ended speaking about what he'd been doing at Mueller so far as he checked the menu. He didn't mention Claire. Helga didn't ask. She remained listening in silence. When he turned to see her again, she had set her menu on the table.
"What are you having?" he asked.
"Chicken Coconut Salad" she pointed it out in the menu.
"Is that Spanish?"
"Who knows? - I like it. If you want to try something Spanish you should try the Paella. It's really good. Henry loves it."
Of course Henry
"You come frequently to this place?"
She nodded.
"Twice, three times per month."
"Business lunches?"
This time she shook her head.
"With Henry." She replied "Always that's possible we have lunch together; though we use to go eat to his place. He has some cooker!"
"Has he?"
"Yep! That woman is the best."
"Where is he now?" Arnold wondered if it was because Henry's absence that she was with him today.
"He's in a lunch-meeting with his club of rich friends." Her smile grew "They met twice per year to see who the richer guy in town is."
"Oh, come on!"
"Really! All that they is show-off and compare their money!" she mimicked amounts with her hands.
"No way!" Arnold laughed "I don't know Henry that well, but I can't believe he is that kind of guy."
Helga was still laughing, but then nodded seeing past him.
"You're right. He's not that kind of guy. I'm just kidding."
"I knew it."
"But that doesn't mean the rest of guys are the same. They show off, I tell you."
The waiter arrived, and their set their orders. Helga asked for her Chicken Salad and he ordered the Paella.
"I'll trust you," he said as the Ruy guy went off "although that Paella looked dangerous."
"Don't eat all the seafood in your plate and that's it." She shrugged "That's what Henry does."
Arnold suppressed a rolling of his eyes. That boss of them!
"But seafood is the best part of the dish," he complained.
"Well, I guess you can eat it if you like. You're right. Henry has to restrain because his cholesterol levels and poor circulation. But you're a young, healthy man; - you can eat all the seafood you want."
"Is Henry sick?"
"Mmmm, no actually. But he needs to take care. And in fact he does, most of the time. He walks a lot. And his cooker knows his needs and doesn't spoil him. Besides he uses to be careful when eating outside, though sometimes he spoils himself by eating wurst." Her phone buzzed and she turned to see it. "See," she showed it to him "He's having salmon today, not a fat rib eye steak, huh?"
Her phone showed asparagus, a piece of salmon and rice in an ornate plate. Arnold was surprised seeing the always so formal Henry acting like a frivolous teenager in an important meeting.
"Don't think badly of Henry." She pointed to her phone as she sent a giant thumbs up "He says everybody acts like that. In fact, he asked me to teach him how to use Messenger and Whatsapp because everywhere he goes everybody but he does it."
"Really?" Arnold was surprised. That was something he'd never guessed. And at the same time realizing that Helga and Henry's relationship –romantic or not- was indeed a close one "He didn't know how to use it? Whatsapp I mean?"
Helga scoffed.
"Henry is allergic to technology…. Correction," she supplemented "he was. Now he's like a child with a new toy."
"You seem to be very fond of him."
Helga raised her sight to look at him. Those blue eyes of his dreams were looking at him in direct; less than two feet away. But these eyes weren't the same. Her sight was smarter now; - cannier, colder. They were the eyes of a mature woman; someone who didn't harbor feelings for the person in front of her anymore. In fact, they were gauging him, as if wondering how trustful he was.
"Henry is the most important person in the entire world to me. Of course I am fond of him."
"Like family?"
"More than family perhaps." She paused "I love Miriam, and of course I do love Olga and her kids, but I only see them once in a while. Well, in Miriam case I see her more often…"
"Where do they live? I mean, you all disappeared from earth after everything. I knew you sold the house in Hillwood." Arnold cringed inwardly when realized he'd changed the conversation. He should shut himself up and let her talk freely.
"Mom sold it. After the stores went nothing tied her to that place."
"Why did you sell it?" another turn in the exchange - prompted by him - again. Was his lawyer spirit taking charge?
She sighed deeply and turned to the distance.
"Why so curious?" she asked after a while, taking a sip of her lemonade.
"I don't know. I found it strange. I knew you weren't too fond of your father… legacy… but you were there to save the day, nonetheless."
"Legacy…" she repeated. "You knew that?" She asked then "You weren't even in town back then."
"Well, I wasn't there, but people always talks about such stuff. Everybody in Hillwood knew your dad."
"Everybody but me," she mumbled to herself. Arnold frowned. He wondered what answers he'd obtain from her and what doubts would remain being a mystery. He was sure she wouldn't talk about this last one slip once again.
"Well, long story short," she re started sprightly; answering his former question "You can say I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. They accepted my conditions. They let me …" she thought twice "…get my own way. Henry was so benevolent that I suspected there was something fishy going on backstage, but at that moment I was so… relieved - with being released…" she took air again. "I was alone… on my own… dealing with so much… and being so young and inexpert, that - I saw a way out and took it." She looked at him for a moment, then added "I must add that Miriam wasn't getting any better. Olga wasn't of any help… she had her own issues to deal with. Maybe the actual I had made things different, but back then I just needed to let go… and Henry solemnly swore to honor Bob's name."
It seemed that he had kept his word. Big Bob Stores had nationwide renown.
"Turned out that there was something fishy?"
"No," Helga replied immediately, but then tilted her head and added "…and yes…. It's weird. Probably Big Bob's was the company that took the longest ever to recompense what they paid for it, throughout Mueller's buying history, but at the same time…" she trailed off.
"But at the same time?" he asked, resorting to the expression he used to bring up when he wanted to go poking around people's secrets, but he should know Helga wasn't going to fell that easily.
"You never know all that is at stake…" she shrugged, throwing him a disdainful sight, deciding to answer him despite being perfectly conscious of his intentions. "Big Bob Stores is to this day one of the most successful companies of the conglomerate, Arnold; low inversion, high cash flow. Henry knew very well what he was doing back then, even when I didn't see it. And before you start thinking how smart you are -you know- by making me to speak this lot - let me tell you that I am saying all this because I remember you as an honorable man, and I decided on to trust you. Also because I guess you're being prepared to the big leagues, but -"
"Big leagues?" he inquired - his heart skipping a beat, but she only shook her head and went on.
"But over all - because I know you signed a Privacy Agreement that you are bound to observe." She ended. Arnold blinked. "Yes, Arnold, this is still business. And yes, Arnold, I said big leagues. You're not going to be doing routine work in here. Deb is getting you ready to work directly either with Henry, Dick or me."
"Why you say that? Deb told you something?"
"No," she took another sip of her drink "-but you did. You just told me you read all those contracts. Do you think Mueller let anyone get their noses into stuff like that?"
Arnold remained silent for a while, contemplative. Alright, he should admit he had suspicions… suspicions were not certainties. So Helga was telling him he was reaching for the top again, inadvertently…
Why? Was he ready for that? Did he want it? He pondered as the waiter came with their plates. He watched Helga talking to him. Her jovial smile bordered coquetry.
This was an entirely new Helga, completely different from the one he knew. But that had been long ago. In fact, this Helga was probably not new; she had been out there for years, only that he hadn't seen her. This was a cheerful, beautiful, full of life girl, with a hint of the old Helga. Suddenly Arnold found himself missing her.
After the waiter went he decided to start questioning her all the bunch of things that had been in his mind for so long; and the new questions that were raised after their encounter at the Ball almost a month ago. Time was ticking.
"Have you seen other than Brainy lately?"
"Well, in fact I haven't seen him." She took a piece of the coconut crusted chicken of her salad.
"You don't?"
She shook her head no and Arnold watched her eating the tasty looking piece of chicken. Preventing looking like a creep as he watched her mouth, he turned to his own plate to take charge of a shrimp; then took a spoonful of rice. Mmmm…. His plate was delicious. Arnold thought it should be a torture to be forced to let the seafood and meat aside; though he must confess that there were more than enough seafood and meat in his helping.
"No, I haven't," she finally replied. "He sent me a friend request through Facebook and I accepted him. I remembered we were kind of friends finishing eighth grade."
"Really?"
She nodded. "I loved his sense of humor. It's extraordinary. - Can you believe he proposed?!"
"He WHAT?" Arnold almost spat the mouthful of rice he was eating.
"He proposed!" Helga laughed, "Using his characters from the show in the proposal. It was creative, I must admit. He's a genius."
"I can't believe it." Arnold paused "What was your answer?"
"I married him." she answered nonchalantly.
Arnold froze for some seconds.
"You're kidding, right?"
"DOI! Of course I'm kidding! What would I do? – Marry a guy who I haven't seen in years and who lives in the other side of the country?!"
"God, I can't believe it!"
Little old Brainy… Making a long distance proposal…
Arnold snorted.
"You seem freaked out"
"I can't believe it. I mean, I suppose it's hard to believe given his seriousness."
"Yep," she nodded. "Well, other than him I keep only seeing Phoebe, and Rhonda. I went to Hillwood in February to Minerva's christening. And about Rhonda, I see her…"
"You what?! They already had her baptized?" Helga nodded, and then raised her brows; apparently realizing he hadn't been invited just now "Are you her godmother?" She nodded again, slowly. Arnold frowned. His presence was not requested.
"Her godfather is Jaime O…" she added. Looking intently into him; then she went on "Hey, don't feel bad Football Head." She left her napkin on the table. "Maybe I shouldn't mention it. I didn't remember you being there. But I heard Gerald saying you will be the godfather of their future boy kid - along Timberly –" she smirked "-who was also upset for being left aside. Lucky you! Timberly is a gorgeous girl!" she paused, turning to her plate "Phoebe said she was happy there were only two siblings and two best friends because she wasn't willing to be the mother of three. God! I never thought baptisms would be so complicated!" She ended in a casual manner; effectively resting importance to his potential sensitiveness.
"Well, -" he puffed. Thinking again he kinda remembered Gerald calling him to ask if he'd go to visit town soon, but he couldn't recall clearly.
No, it wasn't completely true, he thought seconds later. Arnold remembered complaining about his job… and being jealous of his best friend jolly rant about his lovely daughter.
Well, it was past. He'd do something about it later.
This was the present. Helga was just in front of him. His cellphone chimed.
"What about Rhonda?" he went on ignoring it.
"Rhonda… she's working for Vogue, I guess you already know it, right?" he nodded "Well, she also lives here in Midtown. We used to meet once per month to have lunch together. But now we meet for dinner instead. Always that's possible - Friday of the third week of the month it's our night."
He smiled seeing her enthusiasm "It's great that you keep seeing one of your best friends"
"Yep, it's nice. Rhonda's like a sister,"
"Talking about sisters - what about your real sister?"
"Olga?" he nodded "She lives in California with his husband, Malcolm; their two children, George and Pam; a cat and two dogs, I think. She's doing alright."
"I remember seeing her pregnant at your father funeral"
She nodded again; then frowned.
"Yeah, she was there despite she was having a very bad time… dealing with dad's death and mom's-"
"You had also bad time, if my memory still works,"
She turned to see him; her sight shadowed.
"Yeah," she sighed "It was hard… but it was harder to them both. Mom's…" she paused, looking at him again "You know mom was having alcohol issues back then?" Arnold nodded "Well, she lost it. She almost went crazy when dad passed-on…. And then Olga's pregnancy got complicated. That was a crazy time. In my mind everything is a blur; like the aftermath of a natural disaster or something"
"Was it a heart attack?" she nodded "I guess it was you who had to take charge of everything?"
"Someone had to," she sighed "I was so stupid. I was studying English, for God's sake! What did I know about business?" she exhaled "Fortunately Bob had taken me to his workplace before, so I had an idea of what to do, if marginally. At least I had something to start."
"I heard you did things well; took some good decisions. Changing from cellphones to electronics was genius."
"Well, we wouldn't survive being an intermediary of a single product; working with only one company. What we needed was to catch more clients, increase our incomes."
"So you opened another store in North Dakota…"
"Yeah, - you knew it?" she raised her brows "You know that it was right there when I called Mueller's attention?" she grinned "I went deep beyond their boundaries." She chuckled.
"It was when Henry came up with the proposal you couldn't refuse, I guess?" He asked, visualizing the situation.
"You can say - though it wasn't exactly like that," a mischievous smile appeared on her lips.
"I didn't know they were from North Dakota, are they?" Arnold frowned. He scolded himself. Once again he had asked a question that made the conversation to take another path.
"Yep, they are. They came to the big city relatively recently." Helga took this new thread easily; then she sighed "Dad met them back then, in North Dakota. He was once their employee."
"Really?"
She only nodded and remained pensive for a while. "He worked for a furniture store the old Muellers had; I remember dad yapping out how he started in the storage room, … but that was long ago," she cut herself off.
Arnold remembered a dream where Bob was telling him something like that. Had he heard it somewhere?
"I guess Bob was a smart guy… who learned to do the job."
"I guess. That's what Henry says." she drew a small smile "He uses to say there had only been one Big Bob Pataki -"
"There's also only one Helga G. Pataki," he added. Helga peered at him. The corners of her lips turned up in a sardonic smile.
"He also says that."
"What is all this noise about you and him? Is he really your boyfriend?"
"My gosh! What a rude question!" she scoffed "Did someone ask you to come and ask this?"
"Of course not!" he replied immediately "It's just..." she was watching him with an amused expression but it wasn't all…. Was she angry?
"It's just…?" she prompted him to go on.
"It's just that I find strange that you… that you and him…"
"What? That we'd be a couple? Why? Because the age difference?"
"No!" he shook his head "It's just because… I have the impression that you see him as a father…" Shit! He closed his eyes when he realized what had he just said. Why had he assumed something like that? He didn't know her at all!
When he raised his sight she had leaned back in her chair and was looking at him with an inscrutable expression.
"That was lame. I'm sorry." He started.
"That's what you think?" she inquired, cold.
"I – I don't know what I think. I've seen you two and…-" He exhaled "Look, I am sorry… I don't know why I said that. I know it's not my business…"
"It's nobody business,"
"I know"
"And no one has the right to come to ask something like that… or to ask someone else to come and ask-"
"Nobody asked me…"
"Don't feel as though you owe someone a favor, Arnold. You are a newcomer; probably you were already bombarded with dirt. There's a lot of false information about us out there. I love Mueller, but I do know this is in some aspects a foul environment. I don't know why people think they have the right to know, ask, or even suppose-" Arnold raised his sight to make clear that nobody had asked him nothing, but she went on ignoring him "something that is none of their business. It affects neither their lives nor their jobs. Henry's affairs matter only to him. Mine are my business. Dick's are only his; and so the rest of us. Understood?"
He nodded. "I don't know why you'd assume…"
"Because it had happened before. The gossiping in here is so intense that sometimes we wonder if we're dealing with something else. I don't know, I probably shouldn't talk to you about this stuff but you seem having earned Deb's esteem and I remember you as a fair boy. I'd hate seeing you in the middle of the wrong people; not without warning. I am not asking you to take our stand; I'm just asking you to keep your eyes open."
"What is what you suspect?" he asked, worried. Helga shrugged her shoulders, probably thinking she'd spoken more than enough for a day. "That some outsider is in here trying to damage the company?"
"Well,-"
"Because what I've heard is normal gossiping…well, with the usual suspicions raised by your and Henry's public demeanor"
Arnold wondered if the brightness on her cheeks was blush.
"Really?" she frowned; there was nothing else in her bearings that helped Arnold to confirm she felt embarrassed "Nothing more? Nothing about Dick, me and our eternal fight to demonstrate who's the more qualified to the succession?"
"Well," Arnold started. He doubted for a second if he should tell her all what Brenda had said, but Helga was already leaning in to hear his tale. "To tell the truth I have to say that I heard something like that, but it wasn't here…" and he went on recounting what he had heard. He was wondering if it could be possible that there were a malicious somebody around there when Helga interrupted him
"Look, Arnold, I really don't want to hear the rest of it. It's shameful that you have to hear something like that when you didn't even worked in here. It's a shame that that kind of information is out there being repeated by people who had nothing to do with us, with all respect to your girlfriend and your friend, but I guess there's nothing I can do about it."
"So it's not true?"
"Please, Arnold, don't be a goof," she chuckled.
"I thought you and Dick have a difficult relationship"
"Not at all." She waved her hand nonchalantly.
"You mean you two love each other like brothers?"
"Hey! I didn't say that!" she exclaimed, now she looked embarrassed. Arnold frowned, amused "But in fact you've described us to some extent."
"You mean you're like a brothers and sisters?"
"More likely like step-siblings." She corrected "We have our differences and we fight, that's true, but that's what brothers and sisters do, isn't it?" she seemed relieved with having found a comparison.
"You tell me. I don't have siblings." He smirked, remembering the fight he witnessed in the morning "You mean that he's like Olga used to be?"
"Dick?" she raised her brows "Nope. Not at all." Then she paused "Well, maybe yes." She frowned "I mean, I admit that there's this rivalry thing to catch the 'parents' attention; and I admit that we might cause some headaches to Henry; but, and this is a huge but, Henry is nothing like my parents; and Dick is nothing like Olga."
"No?" he asked; feeling happy that their conversation seemed to become one of those old, unpredicted heart-to-heart talks that they had when they were kids.
"No. I mean, Henry would be by far a better, more attentive parent than what Bob or Miriam ever were,"
"You seem to be the favorite daughter in here." Arnold pointed out. She wrinkled her nose at him. Arnold smiled. He added another question to the questionnaire.
"And Dick, well, he doesn't attack you from behind; doesn't steal your parents' attention when you're too young to fight back. Olga was this perfect little girl that your parents just couldn't ignore, or let aside. Dick is nothing like that. You know what to expect from him; you know when he's getting ready for the battle, and over all, you know what his quarrels are all about."
"It's strange." He said "I thought you hated each other but you seem to like him."
"It's not just liking, Arnold. I know him the same way he knows me. He fights, but he doesn't betray. We're both in the same boat"
"Are you sure about that?" hesitantly, yet convinced that he was doing the right thing –after all, this Helga was the old Helga. They were the same. She had confided him stuff that he was sure she didn't trust everybody. Arnold was sure they were still friends, so he proceeded to tell her all what he witnessed at the Ball, the scene between Dick and Eva.
"Then Dick went off leaving her on her own." he ended.
"You mean all that show was for me?" she sneered; pulling out a satisfied grin.
"Well, Dick wanted Eva to steal Henry's attention from you. He wanted see you defeated."
"Dick's like a kid, don't you see it?" she asked, amused "What was his big plan? Steal Henry's attention from me? Leave me alone at the Ball?" she shook her head.
"He wanted you out of his game - that was what he said"
"He doesn't know what to do with me out of his game." She scoffed "He'd be lost and he knows it. Of course Mueller can get any moment another CFO; and of course Mueller can get any moment another COO; we both could be easily erased from the group of senior executives, but why get things complicated when Henry himself prepared us to those positions and when we're doing our job? That's just ridiculous!"
"I think you underestimate him. He looked resolute to me."
"He was just jealous." Helga dismissed him.
"Jealous?"
"I don't mean jealous in the romantic sense, Arnold. It was just plain, working-related jealousy. Dick is like that."
Arnold couldn't believe his ears. She stubbornly didn't want to hear his warning. Dick Mueller wasn't her friend, let alone her brother,
"You know Henry is not eternal"
"Don't ever say that again." She didn't cry out, but her voice was stern; her sight hardened. She turned to her plate and then up to look for the waiter "Where's this guy?" she grumbled.
"Helga…"
"Look Arnold, I'm not in denial. I know Henry won't live forever, - nor me or you. But no one knows the future. Nobody knows who'd go first. It could be me. So, - I chose not to worry until the moment arrives."
"Right," he replied, bowing his head
"Now we can talk about something else, please…- or ask for the bill if you want. I don't know what time you have to come back."
"At three…" he turned to his phone. "We still can ask for dessert" he had a missing call, coming from Claire. And a missing message. He blocked up the screen.
"I better don't" she grunted.
"Why not?" he frowned, turning to see her "We still have half an hour"
"It's not the time," she cleared, wriggling her brows "-but the calories."
Remembering her slender waist he thought she didn't need to worry about that.
"Are you going to let me eating all alone?" he complained.
"Mmmm…"
The waiter arrived and Arnold asked for ice cream. Helga chose an espresso. Then she stood and apologized to go to the restrooms, taking her cellphone and handbag with her. Arnold sighed, seeing her disappearing behind a wall.
.
.
For a moment he got concerned. Was she getting bored? Was she angry with him? Why she was here - with him- after all? It was only because there was no one else available to go eat with her? Arnold doesn't believe for a moment that Helga Pataki would get a lunch buddy in a second. She was here because she wanted to reconnect, to catch up, probably; to have a nice time talking to an old acquaintance.
And he, -why he had accepted going to see her? Well, he could tell he wanted also to catch up, and reconnect; to see an old friend; to know what she'd been up to lately. Arnold had a mental list of things that he wanted to ask her; including her job… or how her beginnings at Mueller were; but time was ticking and she'd only told him why she sold her company, and little else from his list. She didn't tell how she was hired, when, why….
Alright, she had also shared stuff that wasn't in the list: her past, her family issues, their situation surrounding Big Bob's death; some 'secrets' of the company; her relation with Henry, if shallowly; with Dick, to whom she seemed to underestimate. For a smart woman like her it was weird. Arnold wondered why? Has it something to do with Dick being Henry's family, after all? Was it for the company's sake? She'd said Henry was the most important person in her life.
Arnold felt a pang in his chest. He had to admit that he'd come also with the childish hope that she still harbored feelings for him. Why, he didn't know. What he'd do if she did, -he didn't know! He was actually in a relationship after all; he wasn't free to run at her side if she asked him so, but she didn't. She didn't care about him anymore; she flatly recognized it. And he was sure she wasn't lying. It was written in her eyes. She didn't love him.
Why knowing it was disheartening, he wondered. It had been fifteen years, for God's sake, his mind retorted. Fifteen years… Would he see her –like this- once again? Would they remain friends? For some reason he didn't want to losevher; to stop seeing her. It wasn't his helping drive this time; it was just that he wanted her close. He couldn't determine why; something -like an air of being in the right place- told him so. He just knew he needed it. He had to leave a good impression if he wanted get it.
Arnold redid the mental list: Miriam, more Henry if possible, her new nose, why she lied on Gerald' wedding… Luke… what else?
What did she do in her job in detail, how did she reach the top, how was that she earned Henry's trust… and heart? What she hid about…
"Hey," she came back at the same time the waiter did. Arnold stood as she took back her seat "Don't come all formal on me, Football Head." Arnold heart's hammered in his chest as she grinned to him. She turned to the man and talked to him in Spanish.
"Por supuesto, señorita." The man replied and walked off. (Of course, ma'am)
"What was all that about?" he asked, taking a deep breath, forcing his heart to lessen up.
"I'm gonna pay the bill," she stated simply. Arnold opened his eyes and was about to complain but she shushed him "It's done, honey. I asked you to come. It's not a big deal."
"If you're so sure" Honey?
"I am"
"Next time is on me, then" he stated.
"Oh…" her lips curved up in that roguish smile so hers "There will be a next time, huh?"
"Of course there will be," Arnold leaned forward, boldly "Or you just planned on using me as a substitute for one single day?"
"Arnold…" she pretended sternness "You're doing that … Romeo thing again. It's not like you." She clicked her tongue.
"Is not?" She shook her head and took a sip of her mini cup of coffee, then pulled a face. "What do you know about the actual me? How do you know if I've also changed? Because, there are also a bunch of things that I see now and are not Helgish at all, you know?"
"Really?" she asked amused
"Really,"
"Examples…"
"You're nice… and smile a lot"
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No, but it's not like you," he made a short pause "though I like it," she tilted her head taking the praise.
"As you said, people change. What else?"
"You look very different…"
"So do you, Football head. We're not thirteen and lanky anymore, thanks God for growing up! Other way we remain being those ugly little guys forever."
"You weren't ugly"
She scoffed
"What do you want? A raise? This soon? I'm the wrong person to ask that."
"I'm not trying to win your favor. That's simply the way I remember you"
"But you still didn't… how was it? -Like me- like me? - Jeez! It's been so long! I hadn't remembered that Lily girl in years!"
"Lila" Arnold corrected her.
"Lila! That's right! Little Miss Perfect! God! How long has it been?"
Arnold shrugged his shoulders
"Twenty years?"
"We're getting old" she whistled. "No wonder why it is all forgotten."
"Not everything is forgotten. You seem to remember you liked me-liked me,"
"Ouch!" she covered her face "Don't make me remember! It's so embarrassing. I was so crazy about you. - And I was so mean! I don't know how you did to put up with me"
"You weren't that bad"
Helga scoffed, turning her blue eyes to see him.
"I wasn't that bad? You always so nice. Thankfully you never got to know a bunch of things." she opened big her eyes
"Like what?
"Better don't ask. You wouldn't like to know it, anyway" she smirked. Arnold raised his brows.
"If you say so…" he looked at her; her mocking smile lightened her eyes as she looked at him. He swallowed. There was a thing he was trying to ignore so deliberately. She was hot. "What about your nose? Can you talk about it?" he asked swiftly; his sudden change didn't cause a big reaction on her.
"Why couldn't I?"
"I don't know. It's said that people don't like to talk about their-" he vacillated.
"-Surgeries?" she asked "I have no problem… but I don't know what to say…" she took another sip of her coffee, but before doing it her lips curved in a way that made her nose to stand out. Alright, it wasn't precisely her nose, -but that smile, -he knew it, only that the effect was too different now. She was gorgeous and she knew it. "I had an ugly nose. I didn't like it. I went to the surgeon; love the results. This is the real me. I felt I couldn't leave behind the old Helga if I didn't change it."
"The old Helga?"
"Yeah, you know, old, mean, bitter, Helga."
"That's other thing…" he paused. She prompted him to go on. "-that I've noticed…"
"What thing? – that I'm not a bitch anymore?"
"Well, I dare no say-"
"Come on, say it!" she grinned "Even if you refuse to say it I know what you mean, Football Head. I'm not the bitch I used to be, but that doesn't mean I am as sweet and pure as that Lila girl from our childhood. That would be boring." She leaned back on her seat and crossed her leg, and she went on speaking openly about herself "I guess I'm still a bitch to some extent, but I don't go for life making everybody's lives miserable as I used to do. People change. I changed for sure. How, when, I can't tell you with certitude; I just changed."
"Has it something to do with Henry?" he asked again, tout de suite.
"It surely has." He retreated to the back of his chair, surprised by her openness, thought he knew he shouldn't. He must have realized by now that it was part of her change. She was open, honest, frank, and he saw it since the night of the Ball. Another question to the list. "Why you look so surprised?" she grinned. "I already told you that I consider Henry invaluable. Meeting him is the best thing that ever happened to me."
"You sound like…"
"Like some kind of fanatic?" she smirked again, taking her handbag and pulling out a lipstick and a small heart shaped mirror "Maybe I am"
"Are we going now?" he checked the time on his cellphone again. Twelve before three.
"I have a meeting at three and a half at Madison Avenue… and I still have to reach the office to pick up some papers first." She covered her lips with a layer of soft tangerine; it made them to stand out. "Sorry."
"Don't be. I hadn't seen the watch. Time flies when you're having a good time"
"Amen,"
"So the bill is …"
"Paid. Yes, Arnold. But you can leave the tip if that makes you feel better." Arnold didn't vacillated and reached for his wallet "Don't be cheap"
Helga laughed at him as he struggled to guess how much he'd left from a bill he didn't know. Ten dollars? He showed her the note. She shrugged.
"A little over- rewarded but it's alright. Ruy is gonna love you."
Just a little? Arnold shook his head; choosing not to ask. He followed her out of the place and then to the street.
"You didn't tell me about your mom," he asked once they reached the corner and turned right. Arnold almost shouted to be heard amongst the city's noises.
"What do you want to know about Miriam?" she shouted back, getting close to him so she bumped against his side. Arnold fought down a reaction. Her closeness made him nervous. Helga was a sophisticated and beautiful woman. Most of the passers turned their heads to look at her. It was kinda intimidating to be walking by her side.
"Mmmm…"
"Right now she must be at… Croatia… Romania… I don't know exactly. Last time I talked to her she was in Greece."
"So she travels, huh?"
"Yep. It's all what she lives for," she turned to give him a quick look. It was the closer that they have been so far. Arnold contained his breath. Her mouth was just inches apart from his. But then she turned ahead apparently without realizing his predicament. "But she comes to stay for a while between trips"
"Does she live with you?" after swallowing a lump he managed to ask.
"Nope. She lives in Upper West Side,"
"And you- Where do you live?" he asked. As expected she turned again, a smirk on her lips
"Why?" she was too close again; and her lips shone in the sunlight. Her eyelashes fanned up and down as her eyes took him in. Arnold could see the exact point where the mascara started to cover her blonde eyelashes. "Do you want to pay me a visit?"
"Maybe," he drew out a timid smile.
"A late visit?" her eyes sparkled. Arnold rendered wordless. "I live in Chelsea…" she shrugged "I'll give you my address some other time" she added as they stopped at a red light.
So Downtown, huh? Arnold smirked wondering what Brenda and Claire would have to say about that.
"But I don't use to receive late visits, you know, unless I ask for them." Her voice became deeper.
"I would never do that,"
"I know…" she wrinkled her nose "besides, that girlfriend of yours seems to be pretty jealous"
"Claire?" he swallowed; still unable to think. "Yeah, sometimes she can be"
"Only sometimes?" Helga snorted. "If you say so"
"Why…? Was she rude towards you?"
"Well, I think there wasn't time for that. Though I know those glances,"
Arnold grunted. "I didn't realize…"
"Me neither, it was just a second. It was until Henry brought it out that I realized."
"Henry realized?" she nodded slightly "Was he jealous?"
"Because of you?" she raised her brows. He nodded. She shook her head. "Nope. Why?"
"He took you to the dance floor straightaway."
"Henry loves twist" she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and started to walk when the light changed. "That was… a weird night. Several odd things happened…" she cleared her throat "but Henry being jealous because of you wasn't one of them."
"Right,"
"I guess your girlfriend can claim the same, can't she?"
"Well," it was now Arnold turn to clear his throat "She's kinda jealous…"
"Are you going to tell her we met for lunch?
"I..." he trailed off.
She laughed freely "Don't tie yourself in knots, Arnold" she elbowed him slightly "I know relations aren't easy"
"Kind of…" she admitted. Arnold realized he had too much to think about this later, in the privacy of his bedroom, too much to unravel; because he wasn't going to get much more from Helga. He was an old acquaintance not a close friend. Despite she'd opened somewhat he knew he needed time and effort to win her friendship back… well, that if somewhere in time they were actually friends.
"I saw Lucca, your friend, at the elevator the other day. Does he work here?" he asked all of a sudden, surprising her.
"Lucca?" she frowned. Arnold was about to explain when she laughed "Oh - you mean Luke?" she nodded "He works at the bank located in Floor 18."
It was all. Arnold wanted to ask furthermore but didn't know how to do it without looking like a nosy creep.
"He's not my boyfriend, by the way. He's just a friend; a very good friend." She added.
"Oh"
"You heard the rumors or what?"
"Rumors?" he frowned, Helga let out a tired exhalation.
"People keep telling we're going to marry. He's guilty to some extent because he keeps saying it aloud. But that won't happen. And you shouldn't listen all that is being said around, Arnold."
"I haven't heard that!" Arnold complained. Did she think he was into gossiping that badly?
"Well, when you hear it you can say it's a lie."
"What I've actually heard is about you and Henry," she grumbled "But you already said that's yours and Henry's business."
"That's right." She said coldly. She turned to see him with a stern glance. "Any problem with that?"
'Absolutely not' he should reply. Instead his mouth articulated.
"Why him?" Arnold slapped himself inwardly for being so incapable to stop himself.
They left the street and got into their building through the back entrance, and once reaching the elevator doors she stood facing him.
"Evidently that's something you'll never know."
"Look, -I'm so stupid. I shouldn't have asked that"
"You certainly shouldn't." her voice didn't show emotion.
"I'm sorry" She nodded, accepting his apologies.
The elevator came and they stepped into it. He pressed 26.
"Thanks for the invitation. I had a great time; it was great to catch up and… I want to apologize again for being that, well, idiot, but-"
"You were always like that,"
"Huh?" he frowned. Idiot? That hurts.
"Nosy, I mean. Since we were kids -you were always butting into other people's affairs."
"I…"
"But it's alright." She exhaled "I also had a great time." She fixed her sight on him and Arnold couldn't help but look back into her eyes -so well-known and so unknown at the time. "Be careful, Arnold. Don't believe everything you heard. Don't say everything that's in your mind."
"Why are you telling me this?
"Because you're a good kid, but some people in here are not. Just be the man I know you are and you'll be alright. People like you are always well received everywhere. Mueller is a good place to be; I wish you would realize eventually." She turned to see the ascending movement of the lights behind the numbers but then looked back at him "And not; I'm not trying to indoctrinate you, by the way"
"How do you know I was thinking that?"
"I know that look," she smirked again. But then she leaned and hugged him quickly before the doors opened. "It's nice to have you here, Football Head" she let go and her smile was now genuine.
"I'm happy I came" he returned her smile, completely marveled by her deportment. She didn't lose her composure despite all his prying and nonsense. The doors opened and they stepped out.
"Hold the elevator!" she shouted. The doors of the internal elevator were closing when they reached it. Slowly, they opened to reveal a nervous-looking girl,- and an impatient-looking Dick.
"Thank you." Arnold smiled to the girl who smiled back, and looked relieved. She was a fellow lawyer working at Legal.
"Enjoyed your meal?" Dick asked to Helga as he observed her leaning against the rear wall.
"Very much, thank you." She looked up at him. An odd smile in her face "Yours, Richard?" she gave his name a German intonation.
"Spicy" he grumbled "It was Indian."
"Getting accustomed already?" she snickered. "I thought you'd said: Hell, no!"
The eyes of the man narrowed.
"You're so full of yourself," he mumbled in low voice; stepping forward as the elevator stopped when the tiny display read 28.
"That makes two of us" she flashed him a smile as the doors started to open. Dick turned around to look without interest at Arnold and the girl whose name he didn't know. Then he finally turned to the blonde and said as farewell.
"Helga,"
"Dick," Helga replied, also tilting her head.
After he left and the doors closed, the girl and Arnold released the breaths they were holding. No one dared to say a word. Helga seemed unfazed, looking critically at her manicure. The elevator opened again at floor 29.
"Well," he spoke before going out. "I guess I'll see you around."
"Yeah, I'll see you around, Arnold. Have a nice day." She smiled to him
Arnold nodded and went out. The doors closed and the elevator went up. Arnold walked down the aisle towards his desk.
"So it's true?" the blond boy turned to see the girl at his side. He frowned. "You're Helga Pataki's friend" she said, snappish "How long have you known her?"
"Since childhood" Arnold shrugged nonchalantly, ignoring her mood.
"She has always been that mean?" the girl asked again.
"Mean?" Arnold looked at her once more. So this one was another of the Helga-haters? There weren't too many, but there were several, nevertheless. Remembering the girl's reaction in the elevator Arnold asked as he reached his place.
"You're afraid of Dick or what?" The girl jolted; making a sudden halt.
"Of course not." She blushed, and then quickly she waved goodbye and disappeared.
Arnold frowned, seeing her go. He took his seat and started his pc. As he looked for the folder he'd been working before his lunch time, someone stopped by his side.
He turned up to see Daphne standing there.
"So…" she started "How was lunch with Miss Pataki?"
Arnold rolled his eyes. "You knew it?
"Oh, Arnold." She laughed "Everybody knows it." Arnold shook his head "So?" she insisted.
"It was nice." He shrugged his shoulders.
"That's it?" Daphne shook her head, looking at him as if he were depriving her of some pleasure.
"That's it." he turned back to his desk, ignoring her.
"You know, Giselle,-" she pointed to the elevator girl who was taking a seat down the aisle. "She doesn't fear Dick. She's actually crazy about him."
"Good for her." Arnold laughed. Raising his sight when the girl didn't react, or move either, he asked, still amused. "Has she any luck? With Dick, I mean?"
"As if Dick would ever look twice to any of us," she sneered. She reached for the empty chair in the next desk and sit down. "So, how was it? Did Helga tell you something juicy?"
"Jeez, Daphne." Arnold retorted, impatient. "You know I'm not-"
"Shortman!" Arnold straightened when Deb's voice reached him. Daphne flinched. She stood immediately and pulled the chair to its former position. "Look for Norman and reach me at our meeting room."
"Yes, ma'am."
Arnold couldn't help but smile seeing Daphne slipping away down the aisles.
Foul environment indeed.
. . .
I don't own Hey Arnold!
I don't own Vogue, Helmsley, Messenger, Whatsapp or any other TM mentioned in here.
Only own this plot and the OC.
I'll come tomorrow to fix typos and horrors.
Thanks for reading and much more thanks to you who review and mark this or any other of my stories as favorites. Thanks for your reviews to CarlinJ83, Acosta Perez Jose Ramiro, Nep2uune, Toolazytologin and dyingXdasies. I apologize for the long waiting but I'll assure you I write all the time that is possible. Thank you all for your nice words and for let me know you're enjoying this.
November 17th, 2014.
See you soon.