Opening Statement: So, I decided that Bryan and Helga need a little more time to bond before they go to Slausen's together. Hope that's all right ;)

Chapter 3:

Surprise Field Trip

The first school bell of the day rang loud and clear as the students hurried off to their classes. Helga Pataki marched into Homeroom with her best friend, Phoebe, by her side.

"Out of my way, fish-face, I'm coming through," Helga sneered, pushing a kid to the side. She then came to her seat and dropped down onto her chair. Not being able to resist, Helga snuck a glimpse of Arnold, who was sitting in front of her, one space to the right. In her eyes, he looked like he was really thinking about something, tapping the side of his pen on his desk.

Then, she looked to her right, and there was Bryan. She cocked her head to one side.

It's weird... thought Helga. He looks so relaxed right now... Like he doesn't have a care in the world.

To her surprise, he suddenly looked at her, smiled, and waved. Her eyes widened, and, out of embarrassment, a light blush came across her cheeks.

"Sorry," was all she could say, and turned to face the opposite direction.

Damn, I must've been staring at the guy. No wonder he noticed me.

"It's all right, Helga, really. It's happened before, with other people."

Shocker.

But before they had a chance to talk about something else, Ms. Alita came in, her hair up in a ponytail, clothes nicer than usual, and carrying a camera.

"Wonder what she's all gussied up for," Helga whispered to Phoebe. Her best friend let out a small gasp, suddenly remembering something.

"Oh, that's right! You weren't there when they had that announcement about-"

"Okay, everyone, quiet down," Ms. Alita said in a loud, but casual tone. "As you all know, we'll be going to the Wax Museum today. Just to recap, we're going because some friends of ours suddenly sponsored us with enough money to go on a field trip, and we are very thankful for that."

Helga's jaw dropped. "What about me? I wasn't here yesterday for that, and no one told me anything about it!"

"Calm down, Ms. Pataki," said their teacher. "Don't get your ribbons in a twist. We already gave your mom a call, and she said you can go."

Helga sank down in her chair and folded her arms. "Not my fault Miriam forgets to tell me everything," she grumbled to herself.

"Hey, don't worry," whispered Bryan, leaning closer to her. "I've actually been there once before. If you need any help, I'll be your tour guide." He smiled warmly, then sat back up straight at his desk.

"Yeah, um, thanks," Helga said, and watched as he winked in reply. She shrugged it off, convincing herself that he does that to a lot of other girls, too.

"Are you guys ready to go yet? If you are, why don't you get your rear ends off those chairs and start walking? We have a bus waiting outside for us, so chop-chop!" Ms. Alita went over to the door. Once some of the students stood up, she let out an exasperated sigh. "You guys are acting like you're in elementary school again! For goodness' sake, do you really need me to tell you to leave your backpacks here?"

The kids sheepishly put their bags down before getting back up and going out the door.

"Wow. I wonder how they got into the same class as that sap, Arnold," Helga muttered as her shoes made a click-clack sound while she walked down the hall, but didn't realize exactly who she was talking to.

"You think so? I think they're kind of nice, actually. I've gotten to know some of them quite a bit."

Helga's eyes bulged as she quickly recognized his voice. "B-Bryan! Geez, this is the second time you've caught me off guard today."

"Well, you can't really blame me. You've been kind of... Spacing out this morning." Instead of his usual smirk, he showed her a comforting smile. "Is it because, maybe, you're nervous about our little meet-up today?"

"I'm not," Helga replied just a little too quickly, just a little too louder than she should've. "I-I mean, there's nothing for me to be nervous about. After all, we're just having ice cream together, right? It's not like it's a... A-A date or anything..."

"Really? Then, why are you stuttering?"

She blushed, but puffed out her cheeks in a defensive way at the same time. "I'm just thinking, all right?" Helga said in an annoyed tone.

Bryan nodded and shoved his hands in the pockets of his jacket. "All right, then, I guess you need some privacy. I'll talk to you later, okay?" Before she had the chance to react, he was lost in the crowd of kids.

Just a little behind them were Arnold and Gerald, walking side by side.

"Man, those two are really getting close," Gerald commented. "I got to admit, I never thought that anyone could get through to Helga G. Pataki."

Arnold frowned. "Yeah. And him of all people."

"I know, right? If anyone, I would've thought it could be you... But, I guess I was wrong. It's not really that big of a deal, anyways. Right?" Arnold growled in reply, but did it just quietly enough so that his best friend couldn't hear.

"And," Gerald continued, "it always seems like Helga always wants to be your partner whenever she gets the chance, and you two always get a good grade on your projects. But now that he's here, at least you don't have to be partners with her anymore. Lucky you!"

Arnold rolled his eyes, but Gerald didn't seem to notice.

I don't get it... Gerald's right, he thought. This shouldn't be such a big deal to me, and I should be happy I get to have another partner other than the school bully. And yet... There's this feeling burning inside of me when I see them together... Ugh, this doesn't make any sense...

The sunlight beat down on them as they stepped out of the building.

"Bryan! It's, like, 85 degrees right now! Why don't you take off your jacket?" some girl in their class named Jocelyne suggested, placing her hands on his shoulders. What she didn't notice was that a certain blonde-haired girl was watching this. "Come on, I'll help you..."

"Hey - Watch it! You're pulling down my shirt-"

A few kids around them stopped and started watching, their attention having been caught.

Growling, Helga marched up to the two, her injured hand on her hip. "Move it, bucko, he told you to cut it out," Helga demanded. She stared down on the girl, shooting her a death glare. "I swear, if you lay another finger on him, the last thing you'll see before you're put in a coma is Ol' Betsy," she said with a scowl.

The kids remained silent as they watched Helga hold up a fist. Jocelyne knew that she was treading on thin ice, and simply hung her head low and walked away, towards the end of the crowd.

"...That's right." Helga turned to look at the kids surrounding her. "What are you all looking at? Everyone get back to whatever it was you were doing, now, unless you want to end up in a hospital!"

They immediately did as they were told and began muttering things to each other. Thankfully, their teacher had stopped for a drink and was behind, just enough so that she wasn't there to watch the little incident. Bryan stared at Helga, watching the fire disappear from her eyes.

"You didn't need to do that," he said, once Helga regained her composure. "...But I'm really happy you did."

"Hmph," she scoffed in return. "That was just my way of paying you back for yesterday. You know, so I don't owe you any favors."

Bryan smiled and replied, "Of course," though it was painfully obvious that he said it a bit sarcastically.

"Yeah. And I bet that'll teach them not to mess with Helga G. Pataki or any of her friends again," she said with an amused smile.

"So, does that mean we're friends?"

Helga stopped in her tracks and thought about what he said.

Friends? Me? And him? ...I'm having a hard time believing it, but he's right - I did say that... Well, maybe we are. Not like it's a bad thing... Right?

"...Sure. But I like to think more of as allies, you know?"

"Yeah," Bryan replied with a light chuckle. "Maybe even companions?"

"Heck, why not?" She let out a small laugh, and, for the first time in her life, realized that it was okay to joke around once in a while - To have fun, and make the best of things, just like Bryan had told her.

Okay, so, maybe I don't always have to hide my feelings by bullying others, thought Helga. Maybe, there's even some certain people I could actually be nice to...

She smiled, barely noticing the two boys walking closely behind her - They were, still, Arnold and his best friend.

"I can not believe what I just witnessed," said Gerald. "Helga just stood up for someone. Other than Phoebe." They stopped at the intersection.

Arnold kicked some pebbles on the ground as a red light shone at the block across from them. "Yeah," was all he could say at the moment.

"Something biting you, Arnold? I usually get more than a one-word reply from you," Gerald said with a slight smile.

"...No, I don't think so," he answered truthfully, as he had never experienced this certain feeling before.

"Must be the heat, then. Don't worry, they have an AC at the Wax Museum. You know, so the wax statues don't melt - Obviously." He patted Arnold on the back.

The blonde-haired boy returned the smile, and decided that his friend was right. They began walking once again as the green light started glowing, along with the rest of their class.

"There's our bus," said Bryan, pointing to it. They waited a moment for the teacher to catch up. When she finally did, she went first, and motioned for the others to come in.

"Two kids per seat," Ms. Alita ordered. "I don't care how much you want to be alone. The only exception is me... Unless someone wants to sit next to my side, that is," she said, and was slightly disappointed when the class refused. "All right, then. Not that I cared, anyways."

The bus was filled with kids roaming around, trying to find a suitable person to sit next to.

"Want to sit with me, Phoebe?" Rhonda asked. "Unfortunately, Nadine's out today. Who knows? Maybe she got sick from all of her bugs."

"Perhaps," Phoebe conceded. "And sure. I don't mind." The two girls found an empty space near the front.

Gerald and Arnold were together, of course, and just behind them were Bryan and Helga.

"I'm sure you're all familiar with the rules for riding in the bus," their driver said. "Remember, try not to get up unless it's an emergency, and if there is, there are emergency exits." He took a moment to go over some standard rules, but it wasn't like it was anything new. "Okay, then, let's go."

They heard the humming of their vehicle start, and soon, they were off.

"You brought a camera?" Helga said, looking over her shoulder.

Bryan smiled. "Yeah. Say cheese," he replied, and snapped a picture of her.

"Hey!" She grabbed the camera and found the most recent photo. "I wasn't ready," she defended herself, looking at the picture. Bryan glanced at the camera.

"Actually, it looks kind of cute," he said, taking it back. "People look so different when they're taken by surprise, don't you think?"

"Whatever," Helga scoffed. "Just delete it. I don't want anyone to see that. It's embarassing."

"Come on, Helga, it's not that bad. You're being too hard on yourself." He smiled as he looked at it once more. "But if that's what you really think, I won't show it to anyone without your permission. I promise."

"Good," she said, and discreetly pulled out her phone from a pocket of her dress.

Snap!

"What was that?"

Helga clicked on a picture from her cell phone and thrust it just inches away from Bryan's face. "Payback."

"H-Hey!" He snatched the phone from her hand and got a closer look at it, then sighed when he realized she had taken a photo of him without him knowing it. "All right, I get it. We're even."

"No," said Helga, taking her phone back. "I win." She snickered as she added it to her saved photos. "This one's a keeper."

"Can't we just keep these between us? I already promised you I wouldn't show yours."

"Even if you were coated in honey and there were angry bees all around you?"

"Yes, Helga, even then," he answered with a sigh.

"...Okay, fine. I promise. The only people who'll ever see this is you and me. Deal?"

"Deal."

Meanwhile, towards the front of the bus, where Helga and Bryan's conversations couldn't be heard, were two girls, chatting away.

"Oh, come on, Phoebe, don't play dumb with me. Everybody has a secret. Even someone like Helga G. Pataki."

"Well, maybe she does. Why should we be concerned? It's none of our business, anyways."

Rhonda folded her arms. "Oh, you just don't understand. If we knew her secret, it would be such a big scoop! I bet everyone would be intrigued to hear about it, don't you?"

"Hearing a secret from just anyone would be a big scoop," Phoebe said, trying to cover for her best friend.

"Yes, but Helga! Man, won't that be something? And you're her best friend! Isn't it weird that she won't tell you?"

She waited for her to say something, but Phoebe remained quiet. After a couple of seconds, a small smirk formed on Rhonda's lips.

"Oh. My. Gosh. Phoebe! She told you, didn't she?" Rhonda said with a gasp.

"I-I promised her I wouldn't tell!"

"Well, then, I'll just guess what it is. Hmm... Maybe she's actually a sweet, caring person inside? No... That can't be it." Phoebe bit her bottom lip. "Could it be that... Helga has a crush on someone?"

"Ah!" She couldn't help it. It just slipped out of her mouth accidentally.

Stupid! Phoebe screamed in her head. Why did I say that? Golly, Helga won't be too happy if she hears about this!

"Oh, no. This is almost too good. Helga? Liking a boy? If word gets out, this will be the news of the century! You must tell, Phoebe. Aren't you eager to let everybody know?"

"No! I'm not," she cried. "I mean, how would you feel if your secret got out? It wouldn't be so exciting, now, would it?"

"I'm an open book," Rhonda defended herself. "Besides, this isn't about me. It's about getting the latest gossip on Helga G. Pataki. Now, who would she be crushing on?" She tapped her chin. "Harold? Sid? Or, could it be Stinky? He did have a thing for her once."

"Please, Rhonda, stop it! You can't do such a mean thing to her! What has she ever done to you?"

"What hasn't she done to us? She's nothing but a bully, Phoebe! Why can't you just understand that?"

Phoebe clenched her fists. She couldn't stand it any longer.

No one talks that way about my best friend!

"Maybe she seems that way to you, but, really, Helga's actually a kind and sensitive person! She has feelings deep inside, just like the rest of us. You can't blame her on the way she acts, because you don't know what kind of things she goes through. Helga faces tough obstacles almost everyday, and she doesn't need you to add to that! If you do this, you'd be the bully, Rhonda. Definitely not Helga."

Idle chatter buzzed about the room, but that didn't matter to those two girls. Phoebe let out a sigh as soon as she finished, leaving Rhonda stunned - Speechless.

"I... I don't know what to say," Rhonda stammered. "I never knew... Oh, Phoebe... I'm sorry..."

Phoebe's expression softened as she relaxed her fists and regained her composure. "No - It's all right! Really! I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. I'm sorry."

"No need for apologizing. It was my fault, anyways," Rhonda said slowly. "I guess I never thought of what Helga's life is at home... I'm guessing she has it pretty rough, huh?"

"Yeah," Phoebe replied with a nod. "It's kind of sad, actually. Most of the time, she gets neglected by her parents at home, so she takes it out on her classmates. I really feel sorry for her..."

"You're right," agreed Rhonda. "I get it - She's just misunderstood. So, are we... All right?

"...We're okay," Phoebe responded with a smile. "I mean, what are friends for if they don't forgive one another?"

They laughed a little, relieved that the awkward moment you always get after any kind of fight was over.

At the other end of the bus, Arnold rolled his eyes as the sound of laughter from the seat in front of him reached his ears once again.

"Aren't they bugging you, Gerald? Helga and Bryan have been doing that almost the whole ride," said Arnold, his voice just above a whisper.

"Nah, not really. Just ignore 'em - You know, like you ignore everyone else's loud conversations."

"Easy for you to say. You snuck your mp3 player in your jacket when no one was looking, didn't you?" Gerald gestured for him to be quiet, and Arnold replied with a smile. "All right. Just let me listen to something."

"No problem," said Gerald, and gave him one of the earphones.

About fifteen minutes passed, and the bus finally halted in a complete stop. The doors hissed open, and groups of kids came hopping out. Most of them had never been to this part of Hillwood; the part that was almost nearing the next city.

The building standing in front of them was huge, and almost looked like a castle.

"That's right, keep moving," Ms. Alita's voice hovered over them. "Everyone meet me at the front desk, and wait for instructions." Everyone responded with scattered answers such as 'Yes' and 'Okay' or 'Whatever.'

The kids pushed through the two doors and took in the sight before them. A large, white, three-layered fountain sprouting crystal-blue water stood in the middle of the room. The walls were painted a caramel brown, and the floor was built up with glass tiles. Black chandeliers carrying lights hung from the cieling, brightening everything up. There were a few wax figures here and there, as well as benches for tired feet.

"Gorgeous, isn't it?" their teacher said. "Anyways, I want everyone in groups of four. Go ahead and explore the place yourselves. We'll meet up back here at two-thirty. If you don't come, I'm calling your parents."

The class nodded and began teaming up.

"Hey, Helga," said Phoebe. "Is it okay if I join you-"

"Oh, no," said Rhonda, pulling her away. "You're coming with me. I am not going to be stuck alone."

"Oh, well, okay," Phoebe said, now walking with her. Then, she added with a smile, "But you could've just asked."

"So, who do we go with?" Arnold asked. "Looks like Harold and Sid are with Rhonda and Phoebe."

"Yep. Stinky, Curly, Eugene, and Lila are together, now, too."

"Well..." Arnold's eyes darted all over as he scanned the room.

"There's always Bryan and Helga," Gerald suggested. Arnold looked over where Gerald was pointing.

Arnold lowered his head. "Are you sure?"

"Sure I'm sure! They're not that bad, you know."

"Well, I don't mind being with Helga," he confessed. "But Bryan... He's kind of... Um..."

"Relax, Arnold, he's a good guy. Come on - Let's go before we end up alone."

"...Fine."

The two walked over near the fountain, where Bryan and Helga were standing.

Arnold coughed before greeting them, "Hey."

"What do you want, Hair Boy?" Helga sneered with a grin.

"Nice to see you too, Helga," Arnold replied sarcastically.

"Yeah, well, we were just wondering if you guys needed a couple of partners for your team of four," Gerald explained.

"Why not?" said Bryan. "You okay with this, Helga?"

"It's all right."

"Sweet," said Gerald. "Come on, let's go check out some of the exhibits!"

The group entered a random hall, hoping to find some interesting things to make memories with.

"What the heck?" said Helga, glancing around the room. "Why did you pick this exhibit, Geraldo?"

"Sheesh, sorry. I didn't choose this one myself, anyways - I just forgot to read the sign, so we ended up here."

"It's not that bad, Helga. I bet kids would love it here," Arnold commented.

"Yeah," Bryan joined in. "But for us..."

"It's kind of boring," Helga finished for him. "I mean, I've seen enough of these fairytale princesses on TV."

They walked around the room a bit more, only to find more wax statues of Snow White, Cinderella, and pumpkin-shaped carriages. The walls were sparkling white with glittery floors to match. There were some fake trees here and there, yet they seemed realistic.

"Oh, well. Might as well make some memories," said Bryan, and held his camera up to his face. "Want me to to take a picture of you with Sleeping Beauty, Helga?"

"As long as you let me get a picture of you with Prince Charming, then sure."

Helga walked up to the figure of a girl with long, blonde hair wearing a puffy, pink dress with white gloves up to her elbows.

"Say cheese, Princesses," said Bryan, and a flash escaped the lens of his camera.

He called me a princess! Helga thought. Seriously, this guy... He's just chock-full of surprises, isn't he?

"Don't you dare call me that ever again," Helga growled, walking away from the statue. "I'm not a princess, nor do I ever want to be."

"Maybe, but you're beautiful enough to become one," Bryan said with a grin.

"Dude!" Gerald cut in. "I know this is just your second day here, so maybe you oughta know some facts about Helga G. Pataki. One, she has the guts to pound you. Two, if you call her something like 'cute' again, she will pound you!"

"Oh, so now I'm not allowed to be cute?" Helga retorted, giving him a threatening glare.

"No! I meant-"

"Cut it out, guys," Arnold said, stepping between them. "We're on a field trip, so let's try not to get into fights."

"Hmph. We weren't fighting, anyways - I was asking him a question."

"Anyways," said Bryan, attempting to change the topic. "If you all think this is too boring, then I have a proposal. How about we go visit the Nightmare Exhibit?"

They were at the second floor now.

One, two, he is coming for you...

The four cautiously took spet after step forward the wide hall. The walls were white tiles - Kind of like the ones you see in a bathroom. Except, here, there were (fake) blood stains all over. That, and the room was dark, save for the little light shown so you could see the statues.

Three, four, better lock your door...

There was a man with a white mask on his face, and, in his grasp was a large chainsaw. The group had to walk around him to avoid getting hit by his weapon. To their right was a figure of a woman sitting on a rocking chair - She would've seemed sweet if they hadn't made her to look more of like an evil witch.

Five, six, grab a crucifix...

More haunting wax statues stood before them. Every one of the group was at least a little scared - Even if they didn't want to admit it.

Seven, eight, better stay up late...

Some frames hung on the wall, swaying back and forth, making a creaking sound. The pictures seemed normal at first, but as soon as you walked by, a heart-stopping picture pops up, forcing you to gasp.

Nine, ten, never sleep again...

"F-For criminy's sake! Someone please shut up that singing," Helga exclaimed, though her voice cracked just a bit.

"Why? Scared, much?" Bryan teased.

"No! Of course not! It's just... Annoying, that's all." She didn't notice how close she was moving towards him. Bryan, on the other hand, saw this right away.

"Riiight."

AHAHAHAHAHA!

"Eeeek!" Helga immediately grabbed onto Bryan's arm.

"Oh, just relax," said Gerald. "Those are just the speakers."

Arnold raised an eyebrow. Staring at the two, he couldn't help but feel angry, seeing them clinging to one another.

After a second, Helga abruptly let go, putting her hands back down beside her. "Hmph," was all she could manage to say. Telling them she wasn't scared would've been a lie.

"Actually, I didn't mind you doing that," Bryan said with a smile.

"Well, I can assure you it won't be happening again," said Helga.

They continued walking, and at one point, found a man with his skin burnt, wearing a red-and-black striped shirt and a black hat, standing in front of a bloody, cracked mirror. He had one hand on the mirror, right under a hole. From another room, a man walked up to the hole and put his face on it. It looked like the burnt man was murdering the other.

"Creepy," whispered Gerald.

The four stopped when some thick, black curtains blocked their way.

"What's that?" asked Helga. "A dead end?"

"Nope," answered Bryan, peering through. "It's the opposite, actually - An exit. You have to go down the slide to get to the next room."

"You have got to be kidding me."

Bryan stepped back and pushed back some of the curtains.

"After you guys."

Helga looked at him, then Arnold and Gerald.

"...All right, fine. Ladies first." She went through and sat down. Before she knew it, she was sliding down in pure darkness, through twists and turns, and to her, it seemed like forever. Her eyes were closed shut all the way.

When Helga's feet finally touched the ground, she sighed a breath of relief. She was almost overjoyed to be in a room surrounded by light. As soon as she stepped out, the guys came shortly after, tumbling out the slide.

"So," said Arnold. "Where are we now?"

"This looks like the Presidential Exhibit," Gerald said. "Look! It's that guy on the penny!"

"Yup," Bryan agreed. "And I think I see the first president over there."

But their exploring was cut short when Helga pointed something out.

"I think I was really creeped out back there," she said. "Look - I can't stop shaking."

"It's not just you," said Arnold, looking down on himself.

"I don't think the ground's supposed to be moving this fast," Bryan stated. "Unless..."

"Earthquake!" Gerald cried. As if on cue, picture frames and some vases began shaking violently, as well as the other furniture around the room.

"Take cover," Bryan yelled, cupping his mouth with his hands. He then grabbed Helga's wrist and ran towards a wooden, but steady table. Come on," he said in a comforting tone, as he crouched down under the table. Helga did the same.

Arnold and Gerald copied them from across the room.

Bryan pulled Helga close to him, almost like a bear hug. He shielded her head with his arms, just in case any glass came flying out.

Helga felt overwhelmed. She never had anyone protecting her like this. It was such a good feeling for her - The safety she felt as she buried her face closer to his shirt.

"Don't worry," he whispered. "You'll be all right with me." She nodded slightly in return.

This is the second time... He's saving me from getting hurt...

About thirty seconds passed - Though it seemed like more than that - And the earthquake eventually slowed down, then stopped completely. Arnold and Gerald slowly stood up, and Bryan and Helga got up from under the table.

"...That was... Unexpected," said Gerald.

"Yeah. I think we should go meet up with the class and see if everyone's all right," Arnold suggested.

"Good idea."

When they finally reached the large room they had been in at the beginning, they were almost surprised to see most of their classmates standing around.

"Thank goodness," Ms. Alita said, running up to them. "We thought you'd gotten hurt or something! I'm so proud of you guys for remembering the rules in case of emergency."

"Yeah, um, no problem."

She turned back to the kids and announced that everyone was all right. Shortly after, everyone got back on the bus, then into class just to pick up their bags. They all went home with still lots of time to do other things - After all, it was only 3:30.

A/N: All right~ Next chapter's going to be Helga's date with Arnold. Or Bryan. Still haven't made up my mind yet, sorry! But anyways... Stay tuned! ;)