Okay...next chapter...I'll try to fit way more action in here....

Thanx so much for all of you who've reviewed so far....it really means a lot!

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12:45...

Arnold continued to stare at Helga through the darkened closet, almost....transfixed. Helga continued to stare back. Not one said a word...just a silent connection.

Arnold opened his mouth suddenly, I have a question.

Okay foot- I mean, Arnold, Helga said correcting herself suddenly.

Why did you make that comment about Lila? You know, about her not being as nice as I think? Arnold asked. He wanted to know, he needed to know how bad she really was. It would make him feel better about what he was going to do on monday.

Helga sighed, she knew he would think of that sooner or later, there wasn't much to do in here. But if there was one thing she wasn't going to do, it was sound like a complete bitch, talking trash about his crush. Nothing Arnold, I didn't mean anything by it, she said, trying to sound convincing although there was a waver in her voice.

C'mon Helga, I'm serious...it's just, I don't know if... Arnold paused, he needed to open up, although it was hard to actually say these words that he thought would never pass his lips.

Don't know if...? Helga persuaded, trying to keep down the excitement that was bubbling inside her. What was he trying to say? That he was over the one that had for so long squandered his attention? The one that continued to take away the spotlight from someone who liked him for who he really was...someone like... Me,' Helga thought, sadness washing over her.

I don't know if I still have the same feelings for her, Arnold said sighing. Wow, that was easier than I thought...' he thought to himself.

Helga gave a silent Yay!' in her head before she opened her mouth to speak.

Well, Arnold. You aren't going to like the same girl forever, most guys never do, Hega said, trying to be reassuring but figuring she probably just wasn't good at giving advice, that was his job.

Arnold sighed again, I know, it just hurts to know that I wasted most of my teenage years on someone who wasn't even worth it, ya know?

Helga said looking down, that's all she could say.

Sorry, I'm probably boring you with my pathetic love life, Arnold said, resting his head on the back of his hand, then he chuckled, Or lack there of.

Helga chuckled with him, Amen to that.

Hey, I know my love life ain't perfect, but ya don't have to make fun of me! Arnold said, grinning.

No! I mean I know how you feel, Helga said.

Oh c'mon, a beautiful girl like you, and you don't have a boyfriend? Arnold asked, smiling.

Helga blushed, He said I'm beautiful?' Um, no... Helga said, trying not to let him see her embarrased face.

Well, the guys don't know what they're missing, Arnold said, grinning.

Helga blushed again but this time tried to cover it up, Jeez Arnoldo, kind of pourin' it on thick with the flattery today now aren't you? You can't buy into my good graces, ya know.

Arnold laughed, I wasn't trying. I'd hope that I'd already won you over with my great charm, he said, continuing to laugh.

Helga laughed along with him. The first time she'd really laughed in awhile. It felt pretty good.

Finally, Arnold settled down. But back to my original question which you so discretly turned around on me. Why don't you like Lila? Arnold said, now serious.

Gee, I don't know, maybe because she's been a total bitch to me ever since junior high, and never stopped tormenting my friends along with her just-as-bitchy popular friends? That's it though, right? Why don't you just tell him the truth, he already said he wasn't really into her anymore, what more do you need, an invitation?' Helga thought sarcastically.

Helga sighed, she might as well tell him.

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That is disgusting, Gerald said, looking at Curly's lunch.

Curly asked through a mouthful of cap'n crunch and pixie sticks sandwich.

No wonder you're so freakin' hyper, Gerald sighed and turned back to the remains of his own lunch.

Curly shrugged his shoulders and bit into the sandwich again, sugar spilling onto the table.

Rhonda looked back, fat-free yogurt cup in hand. She looked from her own lunch to Curly's.

Curly continued to dig into his sandwich. Suddenly he looked up, Want something princess? he asked almost politely.

she paused, then looked back at her yogurt cup. Why couldn't her mom ever let her have fatty, sugary...good foods. This whole staying skinny so you can still be popular thing her mom held over her head was killing her, why couldn't she just be a normal kid?

Curly put down his sandwich and wiped his mouth on his shirt,

Could I maybe have a pixie stick? Rhonda said quietly.

Gerald and Phoebe looked at her weirdly. They were amazed. They figured associating with the weird kid was one of the Rhonda Wellington-Loyd's But instead of making a big deal about it, they both turned back to their own lunches, Phoebe pouring more soy sauce on her rice, and Gerald pulling out his 3rd sandwich.

Curly raised his eyebrows in suprise, Sure, have as many as you want, he said smiling as he picked up his backpack from the ground and turned it upsided down above the table. About 50 pixie sticks fell out of his bag. Rhonda looked suprised but grabbed a couple anyway.

Uh, thanks, Rhonda said blushing and grabbing a couple of pixie sticks. They both looked at each other and smiled.

Gerald nudged Phoebe and they shared a smile. Strange things could come out of being in detention together.

And things not so strange,' Gerald thought as he looked down at Pheobe and smiled. Why hadn't he noticed her before, she was such a wonderful girl. He didn't know why but he couldn't help but fall for her quiet, intellectual charm. Phoebe looked up at his smiling face.

she asked, eyebrow raised.

Oh, nothing, Gerald replied smoothly.

Personally, orange is my favorite, but cherry's also good too, Gerald heard Curly explain to Rhonda as if the topic of his disscusion was of the up-most importantance. Gerald glanced over his shoulder to see Rhonda nod her head seriously.

I'm liking the orange too, but what's that blue taste like? Rhonda said, as she downed one pixie stick and Curly handed her another.

Gerald pulled out a bag of chips. Phoebe gave him a weird look.

he asked as he ripped open the bag of chips.

Oh, nothing, Phoebe smirked and gathered up her trash.

Gerald looked back down at his lunch and grinned, Oh, the big lunch, huh? I'm a big eater, what can I say. Plus, dad and the coach told me to eat big meals, I have to stay strong for football as well as basketball. Sort of a jock's diet.

Phoebe said, amused.

Gerald stuffed a handful of chips in his mouth and pushed the bag toward her, Wan sm? he said through a mouthful of potato chips.

That's okay, Pheobe declined politely.

Gerald shrugged with his mouth still full.

Phoebe dumped her garbage into her paper sack and put it in her bag. Leaning back in her chair she tuned into Rhonda and Curly's conversation which had just taken a toll for the worst.

...But why do you wanna be like them? she heard Curly ask honestly.

Look, I said I don't want to talk about it, Rhonda said, her voice wavering.

Uh oh, trouble,' Phoebe thought to herself as she realized she missed a big chunk of what they were discussing. She looked to Gerald as if to ask him what was going on but noticed his glazed expression as he chewed more chips.

I just don't see why being popular is such a big deal, Curly said, stuffing the remains of the pixie sticks back into his bag.

Why don't you want to be popular? Rhonda shot back, arms folded.

Because I don't like acting like a jerk, Curly said bitterly.

Oh right, throwing books around the room isn't acting like a jerk! Rhonda said sarcastically, sticking up her nose.

Look, if you're sooo popular, then why are you talking to me right now? Curly said angerly.

I don't know, maybe because for a second I thought you were actually cool! Rhonda said, just as angerly.

Great, this is all we need,' Phoebe thought as she pulled out a book to act like she was studying.

Why, because you wanted something from me?! Curly said, his voice rising.

Well I never- Rhonda started.

Well now you have, Curly said angerly, getting up from his seat and returning to the back, bag in hand.

Rhonda turned forward in her seat, a frown plastered on her face, and her eyebrows lowered.

Gerald continued to stare straight forward, his eyes now darting to Pheobe who looked at him and frowned. Gerald looked back and nodded, great, now they were going to have to deal with this.

Beep beep boop

They could hear Curly's game in the back.

Gerald suddenly stood up, Okay, I'm leaving to find Arnold and Helga. Whoever wants to come, can. Although I'm not putting up with you too while we're at it, Gerald said, referring to Rhonda and Curly.

Phoebe stood up, anything to get away from this madness and maybe have some time with Gerald.

Well I'm coming, I've about had it with this room, Rhonda said, glancing back at Curly.

They waited for Curly to chime in.

Curly looked up and noticed them staring at him, Count me out, wouldn't want to be in her majesty's way, he said sarcastically.

Rhonda sounded and turned on her heel to follow Gerald and Phoebe.

Curly gave them a sarcastic salute and went back to his game.

Gerald, Phoebe, and Rhonda headed out the door.

Curly looked up just as the doors swung shut, sadness in his eyes.

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It's just, well, Helga started and then took a deep breath, Lila has never been particulary nice to people, especially me. Ever since junior high she's gone out of her way to make my life a living hell. And believe me, I'd beat the shit out of her if I know it'd do any good. But since I'm not the popular cheerleader type, the principal would let her get away with whatever she said to me and I'd get in trouble for defending my morale...and my friends, she paused and glanced up at Arnold.

He had a grim expression on his face, What type of things did she do to you? he asked honestly.

Well most of the time it's just being a regular bi-o-tch. You know, comments thrown my way while her dumb blonde friends laugh their butts off. But other things have been a little worse. Do you remember the small fire we had freshmen year? Helga asked.

Yeah, some idiots decided to smoke near one of the trashcans and throw it in without putting it out, Arnold said disgustingly.

Uh, not exactly. Do you remember that the trashcan was right by the girls bathroom, and a girl was trapped in there? Helga asked, bitterness across her face.

Yeah, they said she couldn't get out because of all the smoke, Arnold said, eyes closed in recolection.

That's not the true story...she was locked in the bathroom, Helga said quietly.

What? Where'd you hear this, do you know her? Arnold asked.

Helga sighed, Boy is he dense,' No Arnold....it was me who got trapped in there, she said sullenly.

Arnold's eyes widened and he leaned in closer to her, That was you?

Helga slowly nodded her head.

Oh my g- what happened? Arnold asked and then narrowed his eyes, What did Lila do?

Helga recollected, That day she was an even more bi- I mean jerk, then she usually was. She tripped me in the cafeteria and made me drop my lunch. Then I had gym with her and as I ran the track she decided it would be funny to throw out comments every time I past her by the bleachers, she paused, And then last period I used to T.A. for Mr. Remone's English class. That day he had me take files down to the counseling office. On my way back I had to go to the bathroom, as I headed in I passed Lila going out. She smirked and I ignored her, she paused, she hated explaining the situation, After I was done I went out to wash my hands and saw smoke coming out of the trashcans. I stayed calm for a while and tryed to put it out with water from the sink, but it wasn't working, the flames started to build. That's when I knew I had to get out of the bathroom. I headed for the door and went to swing it open but it wouldn't budge....Well, I started coughin' my lungs out from the smoke. I threw myself against the door and stopped when I heard laughter from outside, she stopped again, hoping Arnold could guess what was going on.

Arnold's face turned even grimmer, I can't believe she'd....

It was Lila's voice I heard, and some of her friend's I'd guess, Helga said quietly, looking down at her hands.

Well, didn't she get caught? Arnold's face suddenly turned to anger.

What do you think Arnoldo? Helga almost chuckled, Of course not, they took off before the a teacher came and pulled me out. They said there was a door stop stuck under the door, that's why I couldn't get out.

That didn't seem suspicious to anyone? Arnold asked.

Of course not, she chuckled bitterly, It was all an accident, someone kicked it, or it accidently got pushed there! she finished sarcastically, Plus, it's not like I'm of dire importance to this school, remember, I'm not a jock or cheerleader! she said sarcastically.

Arnold looked straight at her, She really doesn't think anyone cares about her........wow.........' he thought, If only she could know that....that's not entirely true...why not?'

Arnold leaned forward, his face only inches away from hers, I'm really sorry about what happened.

Helga looked up and was surprised to see his face that close, Uh, well it's not your fault Arnold- was all she managed to say before his lips touched hers.

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We're never gonna find them, Gerald sighed.

Quite the opptimist aren't you? Pheobe said frowning as she peeked around the corner of the hall.

Gerald grinned, Aw, c'mon, you know I'm kidding.

Rhonda continued to follow from behind, arms crossed and brow furrowed. Occasionally you could hear her mumbling to herself.

I can't believe we can't find them, I hope they're not in trouble, Phoebe said aloud.

They wouldn't be out here if that....freak hadn't been running around the halls! Rhonda finally exclaimed.

Oh shut up princess, we all know you're into him, Gerald rolled his eyes and continued to follow Phoebe.

What! I....I don't even know what to say to that...that's totally untrue! Rhonda stuttered, taken about.

Phoebe giggled.

To have you think that I-ugh- like him...that's just...crazy... Rhonda went on.

Yeah, right, whatever, Gerald smirked, loving to get under her skin.

Rhonda suddenly sped up and got in front of Phoebe and Gerald, Listen to me Gerald Johanssen! I'll have you know that I absolutely dispise him! I would never like him or anyone from that class-

So you only date guys in a certain class Phoebe frowned, one eyebrow raised.

Of course, that's the Great Rhonda Wellington-Loyyd for ya! Always a caring, giving, wonderful individual, Gerald said sarcastically.

Argh! I can't take this anymore! I'm going back to the library, and I hope you both get caught too! Rhonda said angerly, turning around and heading back to the library.

Say to Curly for me, will ya princess? Gerald remarked as he and Pheoebe continued to head down the opposite way.

Rhonda's eye's flashed but she continued to walk the other way, fists balled.

Pheobe and Gerald watched as she turned the corner, then turned to each other.

Gerald grinned, Well, now that she's gone, he raised his eyebrow as Phoebe grinned back.

You are a sly one Gerald, Phoebe giggled as he leaned his head in to kiss her.

She moved her head at the last minute, leaving Gerald's face inches away from the lockers.

Did you hear that? Phoebe asked, curious.

Gerald stood straight up, annoyance obviously on his face, No, what? he asked, looking around.

I don't know, I think it's coming from over there, she said, gesturing toward the janitor's closet.

What, I don't hear anything! Gerald said a little louder.

was all she said as she walked towards the janitor's closet and gestured for him to follow. As he quietly walked over to join her, she reached out to turn the knob.

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Principal Wartz continued to flip through the tv stations.

Having this secret teacher's lounge has been great,' he thought to himself as he walked over to the small refridgerator and pulled out another root beer. The teacher's lounge was located under the school, in the basement, and supposibly none of the students knew about...or so the teacher's thought. As he sat back down, he looked at the clock...1:30. Just two and a half more hours, the kids are fine up there, how much harm can they do?'

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I can't believe he'd make a comment like that....like Curly...ewww...it's just....disgusting, absolutely disgusting....he's such a...freak!' Rhonda thought as she made her way back to the library. C'mon Rhonda...you know you like him.... NO I DON'T, I ABSOLTELY DO NOT!' she argued with herself. Absoultely...not.... right?'

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Helga couldn't believe it, Arnold, kissing her???!!! He had his hand on her cheek and as he continued to press his lips to hers, she held back from sighing. She had never felt like this before, had never felt love before...and that's what it felt like....she loved him, there was nothing more to it...

Out of nowhere, light flooded into the closet. Arnold and Helga both stopped and looked up to see Gerald and Phoebe staring down at them. Phoebe had a hand over her mouth and Gerald's eyebrows were raised.

No one spoke for a few seconds, which of course felt like years to Helga. She looked at Arnold out of the corner of her eye and noticed he was blushing, the clumsiest grin plastered on his face. She knew she must too look like a very ripe tomato. Finally Gerald broke the silence.

Well...we found Arnold and Helga.

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Wow, long chapter...I didn't mean to go on that long, but I needed to explain a lot of things, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I really liked how the ending came out...I wasn't sure how it was going to be at first. Please, please, please tell me whatcha think, I hate not knowing if you like it or not! Sorry it took so long to update, I'm also trying to work on A New Partner too, so don't think I've given up on that story either....anyway, I'll try not to make it TOO long until I update again, but I'm busy and can't make any promises....;^)