Ok, so for the past few days I have been working on revising the last few chapters. The reviews I got weren't bad, just made me rethink where I was going, and to be honest I kind of lost my train of thought. Here is the revision of chapter 7. Chapter 8, and 9 are to follow.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hey Arnold!
Helga was still a little taken back by Chance, he led her towards the spot that had been deemed the dance floor. He spun around letting go of her hand for a moment before pulling her in close, Gerald had switched to a slow song just before that making everyone else do the same. Helga's head was spinning as she tried to make sense of everything, and caught her breath when she felt his hands make their way to her hips. She looked up at him, their eyes meeting, and slowly placed her hands on his shoulders.
She couldn't stop staring at him, it was like he had her under some kind of spell unable to look away. She wanted to speak to him about what had just happened, but the words were trapped behind her lips. All she could do was think to herself, what the hell was that all about? What was Arnold trying to say to me? And why didn't I bother to pull away from Chance's grip as he led me away?
These thoughts played through her mind as she danced with him, it wasn't even really like she was dancing though. She could feel herself moving with him, but it was as if she couldn't control it. Quickly being pulled out of her daze as Chance wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her as close as possible. She kept her hands on his shoulders, now feeling his breath on her neck sending chills down her spine.
For some reason Helga just couldn't seem to keep herself composed around this guy, plus his actions seemed to leave her completely confused. By this time she noticed that they had stopped, the music had stopped playing. Chance letting a little distance between them now to take one more look into her eyes before he spoke, "Thanks for the dance." He said, a smile now present on his face.
"Yeah sure." Helga replied, as she took a step back from him. She gave him a sincere smile, the sound of another slow song catching her attention.
"Ok…I am not going to let you weasel in another dance buddy." She said kind of jokingly, finally able to find her composer.
"Yeah, you're right," Chance chuckled at her comment, "I should have asked first."
Helga smiled once more before turning around to make her way off the dance floor…only to almost run into Arnold who had walked up behind her silently. He gave her a smile before taking her hand in his, this of course made her heart race, and she felt as if it might jump out of her chest.
"Well, let me be the one to politely ask you to dance." He said gesturing to the dance floor. Helga couldn't say no, why would she after all? Helga nervously nodded her head, letting him lead her to the other side of the dance floor closer to one of the big speakers.
Arnold turned to face her once they were where he had led them, taking her hands and placing them on his shoulders and his own on her waist. Helga could feel herself becoming light headed, but from pure bliss, the butterflies dancing around in her stomach as they moved to the music. She looked up, her eyes meeting his, she could feel her knees becoming weak, but fought it as best she could. Helga gasped as Arnold pulled her in closer, closer than even Chance had earlier. Guessing that he heard her gasp at the decrease in distance between them he leaned in, his lips less than an inch from her ear.
"Are you ok?" he asked softly, the feeling of his breath causing chills to race down her, neck and back. As a reaction to the chills she shivered a bit, which in turn made him pull her body into his a little tighter.
She took in a deep breath, she could smell the scent of his cologne, closing her eyes she finally breathed, "Yes, Arnold, I'm fine." Yes she had gotten similar feelings as she danced with Chance, but not to this magnitude. The world around her seemed to just feel safe, and secure. As the song came to an end, he placed his hand under her chin tilting her head upward until her eyes met with his.
"Mind if we finish our previous conversation?" he asked, looking into her eyes as he waited for an answer.
Helga had completely forgotten for a moment what he was talking about, being completely caught up in their dance her mind went elsewhere. It took her a second or two, but she finally regained her thoughts and remembered that just before Chance had pulled her onto the dance floor, Arnold was about to tell her something. She also took a mental note to ask Chance what was up with him.
"Sure." She finally managed to reply.
Helga felt Arnold's hand slid into hers, now walking off the dance floor, but right about that time, Helga's phone went off. "Helga, meet me in the bathroom!" It was Phoebe. She looked at Arnold, "Hey, can this wait for a minute? I have to meet Phoebe in the bathroom. I'm not sure why, but hopefully it won't take too long." Arnold let out a low sigh, "Ok. See you when you get finished." He shot her a smile and made his way over to where Gerald was.
Helga turned her attention back to her phone, "Ok, on my way down." She text back. Helga made her way to the bathroom where Phoebe was at, walking inside she also saw Nadine, Sheena, and Rhonda. Rhonda was sitting on the edge of the bathtub, she had her head in the palms of her hands. Helga looked over at Phoebe with a questioning expression.
"Rhonda got a message from Big Patty, saying that she was gonna get it." Phoebe said in a hushed tone so as the others couldn't hear her.
Helga's eyes widened, "Oh, wow. Why is Big Patty so mad at Rhonda? I mean I know not very many people get along with her and all, but what could she have done?"
"Well, rumor has it that Harold left her for Rhonda in secret." Phoebe whispered.
"No way." Helga replied, her attention went to Rhonda, still sitting on the edge of the tub, Nadine trying to comfort her.
"Apparently, they had been secretly seeing one another for quite some time now. Harold just didn't have the guts to break it off with Big Patty." Phoebe said.
"Well, what do we need to do? Why did you call me down here?" Helga asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"Because, as much as we don't get along, you are the only one besides one of the guys that I would feel safe walking me to my car." Rhonda spoke up, her voice cracking a little.
Helga pinched the bridge of her nose, Great, she thought, "So basically you called me down here to escort you to your car because you think I can protect you from Big Patty?"
Rhonda looked at Helga, as well as the other girls, seeming to beg for her help with their eyes. "Criminy, ok look, I will walk you out. I am not going to fight anybody tonight, especially not Big Patty. If she makes a move I will try to distract her a bit, but girl I hope you can run."
"Thank you, Helga, I will owe you one for this." Rhonda said standing up wiping her face with the palm of her hand.
"Don't thank me just yet." Helga said as she gestured for Rhonda to follow her.
Meanwhile on the roof…
The guys were all sitting around the DJ booth with Gerald, waiting for their dates to come back from where ever they were.
"I wonder where the girls ran off too." Gerald said, as he rummaged through his music.
"Oh, they are probably primping in a mirror somewhere. You know how girls are, they travel in packs." Said Stinky as the adjusted the collar of his shirt.
"Well, Helga got a text from Phoebe a few minutes ago to meet her in the bathroom. Are they all down there?" Arnold spoke up.
"I think I know what's up," Harold huffed as he sat forward in his chair placing his elbows on his knees, "Rhonda got a message from Patty earlier."
The guys all turned their attention to Harold who was not looking up from the ground. Gerald raised an eyebrow at Harold's lack of information, "And?"
"And…well, she said she was gonna get Rhonda tonight when she left the party." Harold started, "Rhonda went down to the bathroom freaking out. She said she needed to get Helga."
"Care to fill us in on why Big Patty wants to get Rhonda?" Gerald asked, "I mean other than the obvious."
"It's because…w-we have been secretly seeing one another." Harold started trailing off towards the end.
"Ha! I knew something was up with you two!" Sid called out, pointing at Harold.
"So what did Rhonda need Helga for Harold?" asked Chance.
"For the obvious, Helga is the only one that Rhonda thinks will be able to stand up against Patty." Harold said in a bit of a frustrated tone.
Arnold started to look a little worried at this, thinking back to grade school when Big Patty had threatened to beat Helga up, and how scared Helga was. He was off in his own thoughts not noticing that Chance had taken a seat next to him. "Hey, Arnold?" Chance said trying to get Arnold's attention.
Arnold shook his head a bit, "Huh? Oh hey."
"So speaking of Helga," Chance started, now speaking only loud enough for the both of them to hear, "I noticed how close you two were on the dance floor. You got a thing for her?"
Arnold just kind of stared at Chance a little bewildered.
"I mean it's cool if you do man." Chance said, reading Arnold's face like a book. A sly grin making its way onto his face, "So, you ask her out yet?"
Arnold looked at Chance, wondering why he was asking all these questions.
"I meant no offense Arnold. I wouldn't blame you if you do have a thing for her. I mean, who wouldn't? She is a gorgeous girl, she is funny, and…..well you know the rest." Chance said chuckling.
"Yeah." Arnold finally replied. "She is amazing, beautiful, and very intelligent."
Chance moved his attention away from Arnold, staring out into space, "I know we don't have a lot of history with our friendship, but I'm going to say this Arnold….if you really like her then stop hesitating and tell her."
Arnold raised an eyebrow at his friend's comment, "Yeah, trust me I have been trying. It just seems like every time I almost get the words out of my mouth I get interrupted."
Chance gave Arnold an apologetic look, "Was I one of those interruptions?" the look on Arnold's face said it all, "Oh….man I am sorry about that. If I had known I would have stayed back."
Arnold gave Chance a friendly smile, as they turned their attention back to the others.
Back to the girls…..
Jeeze how the heck do I get myself into these things? Helga thought as she approached the front door with a very nervous Rhonda trailing behind. She turned around as she placed her hand on the door handle, "Remember what I said Rhonda." She said in a stern tone. She slowly turned the door handle, feeling nervous herself. She didn't want to end her night getting into a fight with Big Patty, being sent to the hospital, or worse dead.
Helga took the first few steps outside checking the area before signaling the all clear to Rhonda. Rhonda, Nadine, Phoebe, and Sheena stepped outside, slowly making their way over to Helga.
"HEY RHONDA!" a voice boomed. All the girls spun around, wide eyed seeing Big Patty stomping fiercely in their direction.
"HELGA!" Rhonda called as she coward behind the other girls.
Back on the roof….
"Hey did you here that?" Stinky said standing up, "Sounded like yelling."
All the guys got up and hurriedly made their way over the edge of the roof, looking over to see what the commotion was all about.
"Uh, Oh." Gerald said, eyebrows raised at the sight below, "Looks like your ex-girlfriend just found your new girlfriend Harold."
Back to the girls…
Helga bolted towards Rhonda, grabbing her by the collar of her shirt, "Get out of here now!" Helga demanded. She then turned her attention towards Big Patty, "Patty, wait just a second." Helga said raising her hands as if to brace herself for impact.
Big Patty pointed, "This has nothing to do with you Pataki! Now move it or I will be forced to rearrange that pretty face of yours."
Oh shit, here we go Helga thought. All the while the guys helplessly observing from the rooftop. Helga stepped in the path of Big Patty, doing her best to uphold her word of giving Rhonda a chance to make a mad dash for her car. It seemed that Big Patty saw right through their plan, as she made a run for Rhonda. As if by instinct, Helga turned and sprinted after Big Patty trying her best to catch her before she got her hands on Rhonda.
On the roof….
The guys could only watch in horror, not really knowing what they could do. None of them wanted to stand up to Big Patty, but they couldn't just let Helga get destroyed. They all made a dash for the fire escape, trying to get down as fast as they could without falling. Even Harold joined them, even though he had no intentions of confronting Big Patty.
Back to Helga…..
Somehow she managed to catch up to Big Patty, running her shoulder into Patty's side throwing her off balance. The two of them fell, rolling a few feet before coming to a stop. By that time all the guys had come up to where the girls were standing, unable to move. Helga looked up from where she laid, she saw that Rhonda had made it to her car and was speeding off, squealing tires in the process.
"Damn you Pataki!" She heard from behind her, Patty had already gotten to her feet and was now making her way to Helga. Helga did her best to get up as fast as she could, but Patty was faster. Patty grabbed Helga by her arms lifting her off the ground and slamming her into a nearby tree, letting go of one arm to rear her fist back. Helga, trying to catch her breath from the impact, looked at Patty as she was about to swing, able to shift herself just enough causing Patty to miss and hit the tree instead. Patty dropped Helga, grabbing her throbbing hand and wincing in pain. Helga took a few steps back, "Patty, please is this really necessary?!" Helga said trying to catch her breath.
"It doesn't matter now," Patty started, "they hurt me and now I'm going to hurt them."
"Patty listen, I know all about hurt when it comes to a guy, trust me." Helga started, glancing over seeing the guys now standing with the girls. "I know how it feels to want to pound the crap out of the ones that hurt you, but honestly what does that do besides cause more pain?"
Patty stood there looking at the ground, she took a deep breath before finally speaking, "How did you become so sentimental Pataki?"
Helga chuckled nervously, "I didn't, I just don't see the point in hurting people anymore. The way I see it they will have a whole lifetime to pay for the pain that they caused others." Helga reached her hand out to Patty, trying to show her some kind of compassion.
Patty looked at Helga's outstretched hand, then looked up at Helga, "Ok," She sighed, "I'm sorry I tried to knock your block off." Patty shot Helga her best apologetic smile, before taking her hand.
Almost in unison, a sigh of relief could be heard from the crowd of onlookers. The group slowly made their way back up to the roof to get back to the party. Helga said goodbye to Big Patty and made her way over to Phoebe, who had waited for her.
"Wow, well there is my near death experience for this year." Helga said with a chuckle.
"Let's just get back up stairs." Phoebe responded, still a little shaken.
Back on the roof, Helga was standing over by Phoebe and Gerald as he set up his next round of music, Arnold helping with the music selection. She felt someone tap her on the shoulder, turning around she saw Chance. Sporting his cool man grin, this made her smile, "Oh, hi Chance."
"Hey, how are you doing after, you know…that?" He asked.
She took a deep breath, "Fine, I'm just glad that I'm not on my way to the hospital right now." She laughed.
The sound of her laughing made Arnold look up at her, seeing Chance talking to her.
"Well that's always good right?" Chance said jokingly, "Otherwise I wouldn't get to ask you this."
"Ask me what?" Helga said slightly tilting her head. At this point Arnold was now making his way around
"A couple of us are getting together on Tuesday to hang out for a while, the weather is supposed to be awesome. I thought I would ask if you would like to join us." Chance explained.
"Sure that sounds great." Helga replied. Moving her gaze over to Arnold giving him a friendly smile, which he returned with one of his own.
"Great! I will text you the details later." Chance said as he made his way back over to where Gerald was.
Helga walked over to where Arnold was now sitting and took a seat next to him. "So, it's not every night you almost see someone get beaten into a tree huh?" Helga said jokingly.
Arnold laughed a little, "This is true, but I am just relieved you are not hurt." He passed her a caring smile as they sat in silence for a while taking in the music, and letting the calm find them again.
Was the revision a little better? Review please.