A/N: Apologies for the shortness of this chapter. It isn't much but it was due time I updated this. This explains a bit into the mind of Arnold and a little conversation between Arnold and Gerald. If it's a bit confusing to you guys, please tell me and I apologise beforehand if it is. I did not mean to confuse you guys. Happy reading and hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 4: Arnold and Gerald

Arnold became speechless as Gerald ranted at how he broke up with Phoebe because of Helga. Of course, during the whole rant, Arnold knew it was not Helga's fault but his. If he had not asked Gerald to ask Phoebe for some information about Helga, both Gerald and Phoebe would still be together. On the other hand, Arnold did not understand Gerald's sudden animosity towards Helga. Yes, there were times Gerald and Helga argued here and there, but it was not too serious and most of the time it was just playful banter. Evidently, Gerald and Helga bonded when they had to work together for a project. But then one day, after Arnold met Sara (Arnold's recent girlfriend) for the first time, something suddenly changed between Gerald and Helga. Gerald resented Helga after Arnold and Sara got together after the break up. It was truly strange.

When Gerald started calling Helga names, Arnold immediately stopped Gerald. He felt frustrated that his friend was blaming everything on Helga and not him. It felt wrong and Helga did not deserve to be hated. If anything, it should be Arnold's fault not hers. He even knew that. It was wrong of him to date Sara two days after their break up, but everybody kept rooting him to be with Sara after the break up and he eventually gave in. It made him feel lousy and guilty, but Sara was a good person. He had the chance to get to know her before he broke up with Helga, and he found a good listening ear from her. He also found out later on that Sara had liked him for quite a while since she met him and gave in to her request as well. And soon, he had some feelings for her even if he still felt a little empty inside.

"Look, Gerald. It's my fault. If I had not asked you to ask Phoebe about Helga, you would still be with Helga. It's also not Helga's fault. She did nothing wrong, so please stop calling her names," Arnold stated.

Gerald looked to him as if he was crazy. He shook his head and looked to Arnold with a serious glaring look.

"It is Helga's fault! She's the very reason why Phoebe and I broke up, man. It was also her fault that you two broke up as well," Gerald shouted, his hands waving around like a mad man.

Arnold's eyes widened at the exclamation and wondered where Gerald was getting these accusations from.

"What's wrong with you, Gerald? How is that in any way Helga's fault? The breaking up is all my fault. It is also wrong of me to date Sara so soon. As for Phoebe and you breaking up, it was my fault too. I should have not gotten you involved anyways. I don't like how you are treating Helga either. What has Helga done to make you feel this way? You guys used to be banter all the time but not enough for you to get this aggressive." Arnold folded his arms, waiting for Gerald's answer.

Gerald looked away from Arnold's stare.

"It has nothing to do with you, Arnold. This spat is between me and her," Gerald stated.

Arnold shook his head and stood his ground. He was okay with Gerald being angry at him, but Helga did not deserve so much hatred. Nobody blamed him and they always blamed Helga for the break up. He had gotten enough of people's wrong assumptions. He clarified every time it was his fault, but nobody seemed to hear him. They always made Helga to be villain and always put him in the spot as the hero. He disliked it very much.

"That's not good enough, Gerald. You were fine with me and Helga when we were together. But after the break up, you suddenly held so much animosity towards Helga. You even told me I could find someone much better than her too yet when I'm together with Sara, you seemed distant and awkward unlike when I dated Helga. I want to know right now, Gerald. What happened to you and Helga?"

Gerald opened his mouth but suddenly shut it. He sighed and shook his head. He wanted to say something back but could not.

He sighed and said, "It was a few days before you decided you wanted to break up with Helga..."