Okay, here is the second chapter. This one was fun because I was able to add a couple more characters. And did I mention that I love Phoebe? She is just so wonderful.

I would like to say again that I am sorry these chapters are so short, I was attempting a one-shot when I wrote them. The good news is they only get longer after this one. If I get positive feedback I may go back and re-write this fic, make it longer, add more elements, stuff like that. But honestly, I like it how it is right now. And these are just short moments, an instant in time, you know? Haha me neither...

And sorry this got posted so late. I work retail to pay for school and it's the tax free weekend for my state. Ugh...

Oh and I don't own Hey Arnold or the characters. I just love them. Great job Craig!

Chapter 2 Forced

"Well class, as you all know, today is our city history field trip!" Mr. Simmons announced excitedly. The fourth graders groaned as a collective unit in response.

"But we're just gonna walk around the borin' old city," Stinky drawled unhappily from his seat.

"Yeah, I mean, we aren't even getting on the bus, just walking out...and I do not have good shoes on for walking a million miles!" Rhonda whined from over her nails.

From her seat in the back, Helga ignored the murmurs of unrest and finished rolling her most perfect spitball yet, took aim, and fired. The tiny white projectile met its target with stunning accuracy, and Arnold turned in his seat to scowl again at his tormentor. Helga looked at him innocently, laced with irritation. "What?" she hissed. The boy huffed and turned back towards his best friend, leaving her alone once more.

"I think the trip will be quite exciting, seeing the sights that we see every day with a brand new perspective!" Phoebe whispered excitedly beside her. Good ol' Pheebs, seeing the silver lining in every educational storm cloud. Helga thought about how she resembled Arnold in that aspect. She could just imagine her football-headed love whispering the same naive, yet wonderfully high spirited sentiment to his tall haired friend. Helga supposed that was one of the many reasons she was such good friends with Phoebe.

"Yea yea, Pheebs. Wake me when it's over," she mumbled indifferently. Honestly, she didn't think they would make it out of their classroom door today. Her classmates had a way with Mr. Simmons. She casually tipped back in her seat and closed her eyes until the whole mess would be over, listening to Mr. Simmon's idiotic, yet soothing voice.

"Now class, before we go I need you to line up at the door," he was saying, strain apparent in his voice, "Boys on the right and girls on the left."

Helga's eyes shot open. What was the doof playing at? Miraculously, the entire class was standing up and trying to get into their respective lines. Huh, maybe they were just all talk after all... Then the unthinkable began unfolding right in front of her eyes. As the lines began to take shape Helga could see that Lila was naturally standing beside her beloved football head.

Helga stood up and stomped over to the door, rudely shoving Phoebe forward so that she stood right behind her best friend. At her side, Arnold frowned. "Helga, that's not fair. You just skipped Lila in line," he observed.

Helga threw a withering glance his way. "I am just getting in line behind Phoebe, football head. I want to be next to her," she snarled, "now mind your own bees-wax."

From behind her Lila giggled knowingly. Criminy, what a bad idea to tell the girl she hated above all other girls her deepest darkest secrets. "Oh thank you ever so much Arnold, but it's okay. I don't mind," Lila said daintily, "Besides, I'm sure she just wanted to be next to her friend."

A soft, good natured giggle sounded again behind Helga and she could feel her cheeks begin to heat. "That's very kind of you, Lila," Arnold complimented and turned away again to talk to the boys. Note to self, kill Lila and leave her cold, dead body out for the pigeons to devour Helga mused.

"Now class," Mr. Simmons announced from somewhere in front of their line, " I want you to remember who is in front of you, behind you, and to your side because we are going to stay like this the entire trip." Another collective moan sounded like a ripple down the line. Helga turned towards Arnold and brought two fingers to her glaring eyes, pointing at them, then turning her double point to him, mouthing I'm watching you.

"And class," came a final call from the front, "The student you are next to will be your partner for the entirety of the trip. When we leave the building I will need you to hold hands and..." Gasps erupted. Herold screamed for his mommy. In front of her, Helga watched Phoebe blush and direct a shy glance at Gerald. "Oh for heaven's sakes, just do it!" Mr. Simmons demanded. He sounded serious for once.

Helga directed an apathetic glance at her less than pleased 'partner'. "Well football head, I guess we have no choice," she muttered, holding out her hand for him shakily, "...just don't try any funny business, or else!" she warned.

Arnold rolled his eyes, "Don't worry Helga..." he sighed.

The class left P.S. 118 and began their 'tour' of the city. They all got a very long speech about their tree house in Mighty Pete and an old building that looked as though it used to be a theater. It all sounded very technical and important. "Doi, it's like we're touring the Louvre," Helga muttered crossly. It was becoming increasingly difficult to hold in her glee of hand-to-hand contact with her love.

"I know, it's kind of crazy, huh?" Arnold answered, smiling a little. He coughed a little and deepened his voice to imitate their teacher. "And this is Gerald Field, named after the fourth grader that attends this very class that you all know already, but it must sound important..." he imitated.

Helga giggled. "Yeah..." she breathed before realizing what she was letting herself do. She shook her head to replace her smile with her familiar scowl and looked at him darkly, "Just leave the imitations to me, football head. You're terrible. And how much longer do I have to hold your crummy hand? This is ridiculous!"

Arnold's smile was gone and he was trying to look interested in his surroundings. "Hopefully not for long, Helga..." he said tiredly.

The class took another full hour to complete the preconceived loop that Mr. Simmons had decided upon. Helga's hand was cramping, but she felt pretty sure that she would forever remember the feel and size of Arnold's hand in her own. She decided they fit perfectly together.

Oh, how our hands fit together like two pieces of a puzzle meant for one another. How your gentle grasp warms my soul you ridiculous, yet dazzling specimen of a boy! How I wish I could look forward to your touches every day, instead of constantly pushing you away with my hateful words of false contempt and agony! Helga contemplated.

"Uh...Helga, you can let go now," Arnold said, "We're back in the classroom..."

The girl snapped out of her self induced illusion to find she was standing at her desk, the rest of the class already seated and watching her expectantly. Arnold was looking expectantly at their hands, cupped firmly together. "Criminy, about time that fiasco is over! I was practically sleep walking!" Helga cried, releasing her grasp on him with disgust.

Arnold silently shook his head and walked back up to his own desk, wiping his hand on his shirt along the way.

Helga sighed sadly. Tomorrow my love. I will try to be nice. I will be able to be around you without being mean. Just give me another day...

So I am just terrible at Helga's fits of passion. And if anyone can remember the name of their tree or the theater please let me know. I racked my brain when I put those things in here, but couldn't for the life of me remember. And Google was (for once) no help what-so-ever.

Before I go to get another chapter ready for tomorrow, I would just like to say that from here on out each chapter was my favorite as I wrote them. And I hope you like them too.

Comments and critiques are appreciated, though of course not required. Thanks!