Happy New Year, everyone! After three years and something days (thanks silent-tiger for the counting ) I finally decided to post but I apologize in raising your hopes. I have not finished the story yet. I will, though, post the three chapters that I was able to finish. Life and writer's block got the best of me—I am sorry. As a sort of apology I will post the three chapters, one for each day and hope that I will finally be able to decide on what will happen on chapter fifteen soon. (Suggestions are very much appreciated). I already have multiple versions but none seemed right. Thank you all who read and reviewed and especially those who encouraged me to write...
Forgive my ramblings. You all would probably want to read. Without further ado…
(Recall that Hey, Arnold! is not mine).
Chapter Twelve
Beware of Enemy Fire
Friday, 7:40 am
Today was the day for the reunion/Parent's Day. It had been the main topic at Phoebe's house for the whole week and right now everybody was busy preparing. Arnold had already moved out of the Johanssens' home on Sunday. Helga and Katey were about to check in a hotel but Phoebe and Gerald begged her to stay. Reluctantly, Helga agreed. As an agreement Katey stayed at Sunset Arms during the night and would come over the Johanssens' to play with Bea during the day.
As for the Canadian group, they toured the familiar and famous sites of their friends' hometown. Helga, Phoebe, Gerald, Arnold and even Sid led them. As for Nadine she was rarely seen on Johanssens' home.
There was a bustle of activity on the couples' home as they got ready to go to the City Park for Parent's Day and right now Helga was searching for her very active daughter…
"Katey! Katey, dear!"
Helga had asked Phoebe if she knew were her daughter was. Her best friend replied that the last time she saw Katey was on the living room. The blonde proceeded to go to that room.
She was about to enter the room when she called again. "Katelyn, I know you're there! Now why won't you answer…"
Helga forgot what she was about to say when she saw Katey sitting on Arnold's lap. They were talking about something serious. She was about to leave when Arnold called her. "Uh, I have something to tell you."
He whispered something to Katey. Katey nodded, dropped out of his lap and ran out of the room without acknowledging Helga. Helga watched all of this with a slight pain in her heart.
"I told her that she had to get used to us living apart. Yesterday, I found her and Bea crying when I came to pick her up. I heard her tell Bea what we used to do together," she heard him say.
"She must be angry with us," Helga softly said.
"Yeah."
Silence.
She fully faced him but didn't walk forward. "Umm, was there anything else?"
Arnold stood up and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yes, there is. I… I realized that today we are going to celebrate Parent's Weekend, a family celebration and… I just wanted to ask you if we could have a…"
"A momentarily truce? Sure," Helga finished for him. "It will be especially hard for Katey but did you tell her what we will be doing?"
He nodded.
"Good."
Awkward silence.
"Umm, what about Tish and the others?" Helga asked.
"Tish is just finishing the meal we're going to eat. I'll escort them later after we arrive," Arnold answered.
"Why don't you and Katey go ahead? I'll be the one leading them to the place."
"Are you sure it's okay?"
"Yeah." Helga began rubbing her right arm. "Well, I have to go and prepare. I'll see you later."
He nodded. "Later."
She slowly walked out of the living room.
Helga and the others walked towards area where the games were being held. Morticia and Logan were beside her, matching her quick gait. They could hear Alicia and Chelsea's chatter from behind them.
"I can't believe for once in my life, I'm going to be late!" Alicia muttered.
"Well, if it weren't for Tish we would have left early," Chelsea answered.
"Don't talk about me as if I weren't here. Besides, we aren't exactly going to play in the games," Tish retorted.
"But… but I've never been late," was all Alicia could say.
From the edge of Helga's eyes, she saw Tish roll her eyes. No more words were heard from the group.
After a few more seconds of walking they could finally hear the sounds of people talking with each other. Helga noticed a particular voice talking through a bullhorn. "Okay, okay, class. Please settle down."
She had to smile at that. Here they are already grown-ups and Simmons was still talking to them as if they were still children.
The group could already see people milling about and talking. There were a few children playing together as if they've been friends forever. They also noticed a makeshift stage with a slightly chubby old man smiling as he was gazing at everyone.
"Is that your teacher from fourth to sixth grade?" Logan whispered to Helga. She nodded.
"Wow! And he's still active," Chelsea uttered.
Mr. Simmons noticed their arrival and looked at the group. He then smiled when he saw Helga. "It's wonderful to see you again, Helga!" he greeted using his bullhorn.
Helga couldn't help but blush when everyone turned to look at her. 'Darn that little creampuff!'
Suddenly someone screamed. "Oh my gosh! It's Logan!"
Helga and the others turned to Logan who was as confused as they were. "I don't know her."
Various talking were heard. The female who shouted was the most prevalent voice among all of them. "What? You don't know? He's the most handsome man from the most famous morning show in Canada! And look there's Chelsea, a news correspondent from the same channel."
"Really? We have got to get their autographs!" Her friend answered.
Helga faced the two famous news reporters with a mischievous grin. She looked at Alicia and the others. They nodded. In one simultaneous move, Patrick, Tish, Helga and Alicia moved away from Logan and Chelsea.
"They're all yours," Helga uttered.
A small group of females and a couple of males immediately ran towards the pair. Before the couple ran away, Logan gave Helga the death glare while Chelsea screamed, "Traitor!"
Helga chuckled as she watched the small mob disappear among the trees. When she faced front her smile slowly faded as she saw plenty of eyes on her. Very familiar pairs of eyes. Inside she was nervous but like when she was young she raised an offending brow at them and yelled, "What?!"
A slender dark-haired woman, attired in an expensive tennis outfit came forward. Rhonda Wellington Lloyd raised her sunglasses on top of her head and gave Helga a measuring look. "Is it true?"
The audience focused all their attention on the blonde. Helga straightened her back and glared at them. She had a suspicion on what was going to happen.
"What's true?" Was it her or did her voice waver?
The former 'princess' of 4th grade scoffed. "You. Arnold. A child. Ring any bells?"
Helga had expected as much from her. She knew Rhonda wouldn't pass up the chance to get the biggest gossip. She clenched her fists and prepared to give Rhonda the tongue-lashing of her life but then Helga stopped herself. They weren't kids anymore. Yelling at someone who irritated you to no ends would serve no purpose. That's why Helga slowly unclenched her fists and smirked. "Really? I didn't know Arnold and I had a child. What a surprise."
Laughter and chuckles were heard. Rhonda just rolled her eyes.
But Helga wasn't done yet. She nonchalantly tossed her hair and poised as if there were a photographer around. "Can't believe that someone who used to be a skinny one-eye browed tomboy snagged a catch like Arnold?"
"Oooh."
"Cat fight! Cat fight!"
Helga grinned as Rhonda huffed and left the group. Suddenly someone burst into applause and pretty soon cheering was heard. When everyone lost interest they slowly went back to their respective families and groups. Helga and the others remained where they were. At her back Alicia and the others looked at Helga in concern.
As the number of people dwindled Helga could see Arnold, looking at her. He approached her with an air of restrained concern. "Are you okay?"
Helga looked around before facing him. When she noticed nobody was watching them she slouched, her earlier posture of pride and aloofness vanished. "I-I'm fine. Just a little shaken up." She looked up and gave him a small smile. "Some people never change, huh Arnold?"
He gave her a relieved smile. Arnold was about to hold her hand but stopped himself. Instead he briefly looked at her overall appearance. When he saw her in control of herself, he turned to their friends who were looking at the whole park.
"You have a nice park here," Alicia quipped.
He nodded. "Thanks. Uh, I already found us a place. It's over here."
Tish went near Helga. "Good, I don't think Patrick can handle another minute of carrying our stuff."
Arnold turned to face his friend and saw him with a huge backpack at his back and plenty of coolers at his foot. "I didn't notice you there! I'm sorry, Patrick."
The other blonde man gave a grunt and straightened himself. "'S okay."
Logan discreetly turned around to check if the mob were still following them. No one in sight. That's good.
He leaned back on the tree and closed his eyes. He could hear his and Chelsea's heaving as he let gravity push his body down at the ground.
"Are they really gone?" a tired voice asked.
"Yeah," Logan answered.
Chelsea took a deep breath and slid down beside him. "How did they know about us?"
Logan shrugged. "Don't know."
Someone chuckled. "Simple. They have cable or a satellite dish."
The voice sounded familiar. "Tish?" Chelsea asked.
Chelsea and Logan faced their left and saw a tall, broad-shouldered woman with a stroller.
"I'm sorry. We thought you were our friend," Logan said.
She nodded. "This 'Tish', right? It's okay."
Chelsea grinned. "You sound just like her. Man, you have to come along with us to the reunion. We have to introduce you to her."
"Chelsea, I don't think we should."
"Don't worry, about it. I'll go with you. I myself am going there since my husband's there." She paused as she pushed the stroller towards them. "My name is Patty Berman. What's yours?"
The Parent's day looked liked it was going to be a success. Everyone was mingling and settling down on various picnic benches. Helga was among the people who were setting up the table. Tish had started cooking yesterday afternoon and had just finished today. She had cooked for them traditional picnic foods plus marinated meat for the barbecue. Helga was now setting aside some of the foods on top of the table while the others she kept in one place.
"You know, Helga, you are an absolute evil," Arnold commented as he helped her.
She answered him in the same quiet voice she used earlier in their conversation. "Let's just say, that was payback for all the times Chelsea boasted about their jobs."
He couldn't help but chuckle at that. "It's not only that."
She placed the plastic containing the eating utensils on top of table. "Don't lecture me on how it was…"
Arnold covered the paper plates that were stacked on one side of the table. "No. I'm not going to lecture you. In fact, I wanted to tell you how proud I am on how you handled the situation." He paused as he checked the table if they were missing anything. "Rhonda was getting a bit out of line there."
Helga laughed as she approached him. "Out of line?" She faced him and placed both hands on his chest. "Arnold, she was on the precipice of boorishness."
Again, Arnold chuckled. "That is one of the things I admire about you."
A slight red hue appeared on her face. A moment had passed before both realized their chummy positions. As quick as lightning both jumped back and looked at anything besides each other.
"So, uh, I heard from Chelsea that they had a matchmaking plan for Sid and Nadine."
Arnold nodded even though she wasn't watching him. "I don't know exactly what they did and I didn't want to know but they implemented the plan last Monday."
"Did it work?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen Nadine in a while. I didn't notice anything different about Sid so I would guess nothing has happened yet."
"Oh."
Uncomfortable silence.
"I apologize for my rude behavior earlier."
The two turned around. Rhonda stood before them with her eyes cast down.
"Don't worry about it." Helga answered.
She looked at them. "I was just surprised… actually, stunned was the right word… when I heard from Arnold himself that you two were married." She laughed half-heartedly. "I should have known better since the origami marriage predictor prophesied one hundred and ten times that you two would be getting married."
To both Arnold and Rhonda's surprise Helga chuckled. "Honestly, Rhonda, I just can't believe you. You would take my word over Arnold on the truth about our marriage? You've used one too many make-up, Rhonda. It's getting to your brain."
Rhonda placed her hands to her hips and was about to retort something when the full meaning of Helga's words sunk in. A smile graced her face.
"Hello, Rhonda. I see you've met Arnold and Helga," a male with a Southern drawl exclaimed.
The trio looked at the source and saw Stinky in jogging pants and T-shirt. A headband on his forehead completed his outfit. He looked like he was ready to run a marathon.
"Hey, Stinky!" Helga greeted him with a slight warning in her voice.
Arnold looked at Stinky then at Helga in confusion.
"Hello, Helga! Arnold," he greeted back. Stinky faced Rhonda again. "Don't they just look so gosh darn beautiful together?"
Now Rhonda also looked at Stinky and Helga in bewilderment.
"Have you met…" Stinky began.
Helga glared at him. "Stinky Peterson, you promised me you wouldn't!"
He frowned at her but nodded. "Okey-dokey. I just thought you'd change your mind."
She raised an eyebrow at him.
This time Arnold frowned. He looked at the Stinky and Helga. Suspicious thoughts flitted through his mind but he kept silent.
"So uh, how long have you been married?" Rhonda queried.
"Four years," Arnold answered.
"Wow. You two really hid yourselves well. I didn't know about this until now."
"Well, we didn't want any attention, that's why," Helga said.
Arnold nodded. "Would you like to meet someone special, Rhonda?"
She looked at him in surprise but nodded. Arnold called Katey, who was playing with Bea and other kids. Katey ran to them. "Yes, papa?"
Arnold gently faced her to Rhonda. "Katey, I would like you to meet a friend and former classmate of your mama and I, Rhonda Lloyd."
Katey became shy but smiled. "Hi!"
Rhonda came closer to Katey and kneeled in front of her. "Hello! I'm a rich friend of your mother and father. I am also the daughter of…"
"Rhonda!" Helga reprimanded.
"I just want her to be informed."
Helga just sighed.
"You are going to be so dead, Helga Geraldine Pataki," a husky voice threatened.
The group looked at in unison and saw a sweat-soaked pair with their hair and clothes in disarray. Logan also sported a few leaves on his hair.
Rhonda suppressed the urge to laugh. Instead she took Katey's hands with her left hand and Stinky's on her right. "Oh, look. There's Lorenzo and his super model girlfriend. Why don't I introduce you two to her."
"Really? What's her name?" Arnold asked as he trotted after the trio.
Helga frowned and softly muttered, "Traitor. Leave me alone to face the wrath of the Twig-boy and his girlfriend, why don't you."
"He's covered with leaves not twigs," Chelsea corrected.
Logan glared at her. Chelsea just sheepishly smiled. He then turned to Helga and glowered at her.
"So, you managed to escape your rabid fans."
Logan frowned.
"Helga, are you looking for more trouble?" Chelsea shook her head. "Do you know how hard it was escaping them? We were way out to the other side of the park when we lost them. It was a good thing one of your friends found us."
"Who?"
"Well, it was really weird. We first heard her voice and she sounded just like Tish! We faced her and saw a broad shouldered lady with a cute little baby on a stroller."
"You must be talking about Patty. Yeah, you're right she sounds exactly like Tish."
"So, were you close when you were young? Is she really married to one of your former classmates? That is sooo sweet! I wish Logan and I were childhood friends."
Helga smiled. "Breathe, Chels. Breathe."
"I can't believe you already forgot about what Helga did to us." Logan interjected.
Chelsea shrugged. "Hey, it's the price for being so famous."
A brief smile appeared on Logan's lips. He shook his head and kissed Chelsea's forehead.
"Besides, Parent's Weekend is a three-day event full of sports." A sly grin appeared on Helga's face as she slowly walked towards the Johanssen table. "And you've already participated in the first event: Rabid fans marathon."
Two pairs of eyes glared at her retreating back.
"Gather around everyone!" Mr. Simmons called through his megaphone.
Chattering was heard as most of the people gathered in front of him.
"Good. Now listening ears, please."
The conversations slowly died down.
"Thank you so much, everyone, for coming to our first reunion and second Parent's day celebration! As you might have known already, I'm Mr. Simmons. But before we start the festivities, I just want to tell you I am so proud of my former class."
A tear escaped his eye and he quickly wiped it. "You have become successful men and women." He placed his right arm over his right heart. "It always warms my heart to see you with your families and loved ones."
"We love you too, Simmons, but can we get on with it!" Helga shouted.
"Oh… ah… okay. There will be six games in all, two for each day. Five games will be made specifically for the family but one 'special' game will be boys versus girls. Points would be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. At the end of the last game the team with the most number of points would win. I will also give 'special' awards. Before we start the first game I would request you to group yourselves into a five-member team, two boys and two girls plus one alternate that can be any gender. Now here is the schedule for today, tomorrow and on Sunday…"
After Mr. Simmons' speech, families and friends grouped to themselves trying to decide who is on their team.
"Five members. We're two members short. Now, who should we invite?" Gerald asked as his family and his best friend's family walked towards their table.
"How about asking one of your little friends?" an older male voice suggested.
The group simultaneously looked up and saw Phil, Gertie and Lila seating on one of the benches. Behind them were Patrick and the rest.
Arnold smiled. "Grandpa! Grandma! You made it!"
Katey ran over to them and proceeded to hug them.
Gertie chuckled. "We just saw you this morning, young'un," she stated with a slight drawl.
"So how about it? Which one of you would like Lila to be in their group?" Phil asked.
"I don't know…" Phoebe said. She looked apologetically at Lila.
"That's okay, Phoebe. I'll just…" Lila replied but Helga cut her off.
"You could be our alternate, Lila."
Phoebe looked at her and then at Arnold. She mustered up a bright smile. "No! She's going to be our alternate. Besides Patrick and Chelsea want to be on your group, right?"
"We do?" Chelsea asked. Patrick lightly kicked her under the table. "Oh, yeah! We do."
"Then could I be in your team, Gerald?" Logan asked.
Gerald nodded. "Sure."
Again, Phoebe gave a bright smile. "So it's settled." She faced her husband. "I'll sign up for both our teams."
"Okay."
"Let me do it, Phoebe," Arnold and Helga both said at the same time. They briefly looked at each other and then at Phoebe.
"Umm, it's okay. I'll do it," she quickly said. With that, she went off.
"What's with her?" Helga remarked.
"I think we made her a bit uncomfortable," Arnold answered.
"Oh," was all Helga could say.
"Helga! Helga! Sweetie!"
The aforementioned groaned. The others looked at the source and saw Miriam and Bob. Once again, Katey ran to meet them. Bea who weren't used to seeing this many people hid behind her father's legs.
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Katey called.
"Just like her father," Gerald couldn't help but comment. Arnold lightly punched his best friend.
Helga's parents stopped to meet Katey. When she was near Katey jumped up at Miriam and hugged her. The couple then resumed then resumed their walk to the table with Miriam carrying Katey all the way.
"You haven't been at the house for a while so we decided to visit you," Bob said.
Unknowingly, Helga drew herself close to Arnold. "Uh, hi dad, mom."
Arnold looked at her in surprise but said nothing.
Bob and Miriam looked at their daughter and smiled. When Bob noticed Arnold the smile vanished.
"So, Big Bob Pataki is here" Phil suddenly interjected.
"So you're still living," Bob smoothly replied.
"B!" Miriam scolded at the same time Helga said, "Dad!"
Bob just closed his mouth and just focused on his granddaughter.
"Um, would you like to have some food?" Alicia asked. Patrick and Logan both stood up to let the newcomers sit down.
Miriam giggled. "Thanks you two. Come on, B. Let's eat." She let Katey down and wrapped one of her hands around her husband's arm.
"Okay," Bob said with resignation.
Tish also stood up. "Katey, Bea, why don't we play with the other kids?"
"Okay!" was their reply.
As the three went off, tense silence then blanketed the group
First Event: Three-legged race+
"The first event is for females only. A pair, comprising of a child and an adult, will race with other pairs to the finish line. The first one to reach the end wins. The game starts in a few minutes!" Mr. Simmons exclaimed through his megaphone.
Cheerful voices could be heard as most of the females gather at the area designed for the three-legged race. The males just stood by on the sidelines cheering for their loved ones. Near the starting line, Helga had just finished tying a rope on her and Katey's legs. Phoebe and Bea, already tied up, approached them.
"Get ready to lose, Helga!" Phoebe jeered at her best friend.
Helga faced her and grinned. 'So Phoebe's competitiveness hasn't burned out.' "In your dreams, Phoebe!" Helga stood tall. "For your information Katey and I exercise everyday so we're in tip top shape."
Not to be outdone, "Well, Bea and her father always play sports together."
The older blond faced Bea. "I'm sorry you're going to lose because of your non-athletic mother."
Helga looked up just in time to see Phoebe's reaction. "Hey!"
Helga scanned the entire contestants and grinned. She then face Phoebe again and said, "How about we make this race interesting since we're both sure of winning?"
"What do you propose that we should do?"
"Well, why don't we let the others go ahead first? We join the race after the count of three."
Phoebe looked at her daughter who smiled. She then looked up at Helga, "Okay."
"Okay, people. On your mark…"
Phoebe and Helga looked at each other, sizing the other.
"Get set…"
A smirk appeared on the older blonde's faces.
"Go!" Mr. Simmons blew his whistle. The other contestants immediately ran.
One…"Good luck to you, Helga and Katey. You're going to need it!" Phoebe retorted.
Two…"Yeah right, Johanssen!" Helga answered.
Three!"I'm sure of it…" Phoebe paused trying to figure out what Helga's last name was.
"Umm, mama?" Bea said.
"What is it, honey?"
"Do Aunt Helga and Katey suppose to be far away before we go?"
"What?" Phoebe looked ahead and indeed saw Helga and Katey catching up with the group. She immediately ran after them with Bea trying to match her mother's quick steps.
All throughout the race, you could hear Helga laughing.
"I said it before and I'll say it again. Helga, you are absolute evil," Arnold jokingly remarked as he joined Helga and Katey among the finish line.
Helga waved his comment off while crouched down untying the knot. She gave a slight wince as she discreetly massaged her ankle.
Katey grinned at her father. "Papa! We were the second to finish. We did great, huh?"
Arnold crouched down to Katey's level. "Yes, you did. Congratulations! Now, how about a hug from the winner!"
Katey launched herself to his arms. "Hmm, you are getting stronger. Maybe that's why you won," Arnold said.
Katey giggled and released herself from the hug. "I have to tell Bea!"
Her father nodded. "Okay. See you later!"
Katey smiled and waved. She then left towards one of the biggest tree in the park, where Bob and Miriam could be seen among the children.
"I hope she won't be like Rhonda when she grows up," her soft voice commented.
A small smile graced his lips. "A gossip? Well, just have to hope." Arnold then faced her. "You were great, Helga," he said. A worried frown replaced his smile, "But I don't understand why you had to trick Phoebe."
Suddenly someone went between them. "It's okay, Arnold. Besides, we got third place," Phoebe said. She grinned at Arnold. "It's just a game and we're here to have fun."
Two raised voices were suddenly heard. Helga looked around and noticed that their group also heard it. She asked Chelsea, who was the person nearest her, what was happening. As an answer she jerked her thumb to the right. There among the low bushes, near the pond were two people arguing. It was Nadine and Sid and both seemed not to let the other win.
"What's with those two?"
"Oh. Nadine was just observing a local insect. It turned out that she wasn't the only one; Sidney IV was also staring at it but with a different reason. Well, you know what happened next. Nadine was outraged. She called Sidney a 'cannibalistic monster'. Sid then told her it was the bug's lot in life to be eaten by bigger and more powerful animals," Alicia answered.
"Ooh, he shouldn't have than that," Sheena whispered.
Helga turned around and saw Sheena with Lila.
Lila nodded at Sheena's comment.
"Nadine was indignant to his comment and called him a' disgusting excuse of a man' because of his love of frogs. And now it became an all-out war," Alicia continued.
"They're so cute!" Chelsea exclaimed.
Everyone looked at Chelsea in amazement but she paid them no heed.
Alicia put an arm around Chelsea. "Please excuse her. She hasn't been often exposed to the sun."
Chelsea faced Alicia with a raised eyebrow. "Are you insinuating that I'm like a plant?!"
"Well, if the shoe fits. Or should I say root cap?"
Morticia looked at the two then at Nadine and Sid. She then looked at Helga and said, "Now I know why you don't miss your friends much when you were in Ottawa."
"Actually, Nadine and Sid weren't like that at all when Helga left. That was only until high school when Rhonda and Sid were going out that the two become close friends and started their traditional arguments," Phoebe corrected.
Tish nodded and approached Phoebe. "Oh. Then friction is the best example for the hostility between them."
The Asian woman's eyes brightened. "Great analogy! Friction occurs not because of opposite forces. Rather, about the closeness between two objects." The two geniuses began to walk away but you could hear Phoebe saying, "How about…"
Arnold slowly shook his head. He then looked around and noticed an absence. "Where's Gerald?"
"He said something about talking to the winner of the race," Alicia answered.
"Speaking of which, who won? I didn't recognize her," Helga asked.
"It was Jocelyn, Brainy's wife. With her was her niece," Sheena answered.
Helga's eyes bulged out. "A wife? Will wonders never cease."
Arnold, too, was surprised but didn't say anything.
Second Event: Sack Race+
"How is everyone? Good, I hope! Well, in a few moments, we will start our second event and the last one for today: the sack race. This event will be our first 'special' family event. All four members would need to compete. Good luck!"
Arnold looked at Helga who was finishing the last of her drink. They had just finished eating lunch about fifteen minutes ago in silence. Phoebe and Gerald were off to chat with their classmates and dragged Chelsea, Logan and Patrick with them Tish and Alicia decided to help Bob and Miriam take care of the kids after one kid cried because of seeing Bob for the first time. Phil and Gertie was the only company the two had and were still eating some desserts. Sheena took Lila off to introduce to her family.
"You better get ready, Kimba, Eleanor, the jungle has called upon you. Better pack light and remember to bring all the necessary equipment," Gertie remarked.
Arnold sighed. "Sure, grandma."
"Good luck, short man. You too, Helga," Phil said.
"Thanks, grandpa," Arnold replied. Helga just nodded.
Arnold stood up and Helga followed, still silent as ever. When they were out of earshot of Phil and Gertie, "Do you think we could do it, Helga?"
She looked at him and nodded. Without waiting for his reply, Helga then proceeded to go to the starting line of the sack race.
Arnold was dumbfounded. The truce turned out to be the best course of action but he didn't know if he liked the silent, impassive Helga better than the angry, stubborn one. Still in confusion, he began to follow her.
"Okay, everyone! Stay frosty!"
Bea waved to her friend two families down. Katey waved back. Gerald and Phoebe also looked at the same family. As prearranged, children were first, followed by the adults. Katey would be the first contestant, followed by Helga, then Patrick and finally Arnold. In the Johanssens' team Bea would be first, followed by Lila, then Phoebe and finally Gerald.
In the Johanssen couple's eyes, there was a strained interaction between Helga and Arnold. Sure, they were talking but only when it was needed. And most of the time, all Helga would answer were one-word answers or head gestures.
"This can't be good," Phoebe uttered.
"Oh yeah," Gerald agreed.
"Don't worry, things will be better. They're just having an oh so temporary lover's spat," Lila calmly stated.
Phoebe and Gerald looked at her and gave a forced smile.
"On your mark!"
The couple then forced their attention to the game at hand. Cheers could be heard from the sidelines.
"Go, Patrick! Hop! Hop like the wind!"
"That is so old, Alicia!"
"At least I'm cheering him, Logan."
"Don't you dare lose this Patrick!"
"Get set!"
"What kind of a cheer is that?" Alicia asked.
"It's what I call a sure encouragement."
"Giselle, win this one for me and I'll buy you that Hummer that you wanted!"
"Go!"
Alicia and Logan looked at the guy who recently yelled. A good-looking, lanky man was focusing on one particular group. His black hair makes one urge to comb it since it was all in disarray. His attire was a simple pair of shorts and a shirt but you could see it was made from the finest material.
"Now that is a sure encouragement," Alicia remarked.
The ebony-haired man faced them with a grin. "You better believe it."
Alicia smiled. "My name's Alicia and this is my friend, Logan." Logan nodded.
His grin grew. "Thaddeus but everyone calls me Curly."
"Oh my gosh! As in Thaddeus Gamelthorpe III, the rising computer business wizard?" Alicia exclaimed.
"You got it! I'm the newest, rich genius of the computer world."
"You really are sure of yourself," Logan remarked.
"Logan!" Alicia chided.
"Don't worry about it, Alicia. I like frankness in a person. So, who are you cheering for?"
"Arnold and his group," Logan answered.
"Oh, so you're the one from Canada."
"We have a winner! Congratulations…" Mr. Simmons' voice broke through.
Curly smiled. "It has been nice talking to you. I'll see you guys later but right now I have to see what color my fiancée wants her Hummer."
"How did you know your group won?" Alicia asked.
Curly just grinned and waved as he walked away.
"I can't believe you lost again, short man!" Phil exclaimed.
All who participated in the game came to the table a bit tired. Tish was ready for them. "Have some drinks."
Phoebe, Lila, Bea and Katey sat down while the others preferred to stand up. All took something to drink.
Arnold drank some water first before answering Phil. "At least we got second place, grandpa."
"But you still lost!"
Arnold just shook his head. This time it was Katey who answered. "But we had fun, grandpa."
Phil smiled. "You're right. Having fun is what's important, right?"
Katey vigorously nodded.
"Well, the shade of that tree looks inviting. I'll just rest over there," Gerald remarked.
"I'll go with you," Phoebe said.
"Gee, what a surprise," Chelsea sarcastically said.
The others laughed.
Arnold fixed his eyes on various clouds on the sky. There were no breeze but the temperature was cool enough as he and his friends lounged underneath the shade of two trees. He turned to look at his friends. Logan and Chelsea were side by side sitting down on the tree across from his. Tish was a little ways underneath the pair watching the two girls, Bea and Katey, sleep.
He turned to his left and saw Phoebe and Gerald whispering to each other. Alicia was lying underneath them, telling something to Helga in hushed tones. Arnold then faced her. He saw she was pointing to various people. It seemed as if she was talking about their former classmates.
Arnold then focused on his long-time friends and noticed them to be talking, eating or just plain resting. There were fewer children playing since most must have been tired. That thought reminded him about his grandparents. He sat up and tried to distinguish them from their group. He thought that they joined them as they trekked to the trees. Arnold found them on the benches talking to Helga's parents, to their right.
He raised an eyebrow. Now that was something you don't see everyday. His grandpa and Bob sitting together in one group, acting civilly to each other. It looked like they were discussing something serious. 'Hmm, they must have resolved their differences. That's great!'
Now that his worry was gone, he resumed his laid-back position and gazed at the sky once again.
Parent's day was starting to be a great event. Mr. Simmons could always be relied on thinking up the best reunion. He had talked to his former classmates and discovered how they were doing. His friends from Canada and his long-time friends even got together without any hassles. Arnold was surprised when Curly came over to talk to him, asking him to introduce to his other friends. To his even greater surprise he dragged Logan and began talking to him animatedly.
Yup, Day One of the Parent's Weekend was a success the only thing that was bothering him was Helga's attitude. Sure they agreed to a momentary truce but they way she acted today were weird. She was detached from everything and kept covertly looking at him. There were instances as if they acted as if they never had fought before but most of the time Helga was silent and stoic.
A movement broke through his reverie. Arnold looked up and saw Helga sitting up with a worried expression on her face. Alicia was now reading a magazine and paid no attention to Helga.
"What is it?" he asked her.
"Grandpa and my dad," was all she replied.
He knew what she was referring to. Arnold quickly faced their table. It seemed that he was wrong earlier. Bob and his grandpa haven't resolved their difference and were now involved in a fistfight. He quickly ran to them with Helga at his heels. He hoped that nobody would get seriously hurt.
When they finally reached them, both men were writhing in agony. "Bob hurt his back again and Phil injured his hip," Miriam answered their questioning looks. She looked like she was between scolding and worrying about the two men.
Arnold immediately went to Phil. "Are you okay?"
Phil tried to sit up but quickly groaned. "Oooh, I think I broke my hip."
Helga immediately went to Phil's unattended side. "What do you want me to do?"
"Hold him while I examine his body." Helga nodded.
Arnold gently prodded his grandfather's body all the while asking him if anything hurt. At the end he found out that his hips were a little weak. "Don't move him. His hips are sore so we have to keep him laid down. We have to bring him to the hospital to give him the appropriate treatment."
"I've already called the paramedics," a male voice suddenly interjected.
Helga and Arnold turned and saw a slightly short redheaded man attending Bob. Arnold felt a brief surge of worry.
"Are you sure you can handle this, Eugene?" Helga asked.
The curly-haired man smiled. "Don't worry, I'm a licensed doctor."
"He was the top of his class so your dad and grandpa are in good hands," Sheena whispered to them.
Arnold looked up and saw that almost everybody was surrounding them.
"And it seems that his bad luck only happen to him," Phoebe softly added.
Sirens were heard in the background.
"Finally," Miriam said.
After a few seconds of examination, Phil and Bob were taken to the nearest hospital, Hillwood General Hospital. Miriam and Gertie were the only ones allowed to ride with them but before they left Gertie saluted at him and Helga before saying.
"The general and the captain were having an argument." She became more serious and looked at them in the eye. "They were trying to settle things between them but you know those two, stubborn as bulls."
The couple couldn't any words to say.
"They were doing it for you."
"Uh, ma'am?" one of the paramedics said.
"I'm coming, soldier!" Gertie grinned, and then saluted at the two before approaching the vehicle with Lila's help.
As the doors were closing you could hear Gertie's shout, "To the infirmary boys! And beware of enemy fire!"
I didn't know what to call the origami thingy Rhonda used so I went to (what I've learned) as the best source of info on Hey Arnold: Don's Hey Arnold! Site.
Biron Cascadan: Your review has been duly noted. I will avoid falling to that pitfall in the future stories (assuming I finish this... of course I will. Got to have faith. ).