CHAPTER 4: SECRETS UNEARTHED

Author's Note: To starfiction123, I'm so happy that you like this story since you requested it. I hope to also do your Arnie story request in the future. I hope that I can continue to make this story pleasing to you and to my other fans.

"Whatever's going on with you man, it sure has gotten you jumpy," Gerald said rubbing his arm.

"Sorry Gerald, it's just that-"

Arnold paused and looked across the room. His parents were staring confusedly at the both of them. Before saying another word, he walked over to Miles and Stella.

"Uh…mom and dad?"

Arnold was still getting used to saying their maternal and paternal names. He could swear that every time he used the terms mom and dad, Miles and Stella's faces lit up even brighter.

"Gerald and I have to talk about some things," Arnold said. He couldn't lie to them.

Stella looked at her husband with worry. Miles looked back at her but with a more relaxed look.

"All right Arnold. We'll be downstairs if you need us," his father stated.

Before exiting the bedroom, Stella gave Arnold a quick kiss on the cheek. Then she and Miles exited and closed the door behind them. The minute the bedroom door closed, Arnold grabbed Gerald by the shirt collar.

"What am I going to do Gerald?"

"Well, number one you need to let go of my shirt, and two: explain what's going on with you."

Realizing he hadn't told his best friend what had happened before sundown, Arnold released his grip. He then walked over to his bed and face planted into his pillow. It was so soft and comfortable, Arnold wished he could fall right to sleep. But with the knowledge his girlfriend had just told him; he was sure he wasn't going to get any sleep tonight. Gerald sat down on the bed next to him.

"Look man, it can't be that bad," Gerald said putting a hand on Arnold's foot.

After letting the redness of his blushed cheeks die down, Arnold rolled over and looked up at his best friend. He felt torn. Torn between Gerald and Helga. Should he keep all that Helga had told him to himself? After all, they were in a relationship, and shouldn't relationships stay between the couple? I have to tell someone about this. Arnold thought. I can't keep things bottled up inside; not like Helga.

Gerald was still waiting for his friend to speak. He knew Arnold wasn't the type of person to openly discuss emotional matters. Gerald knew that when Arnold was ready to tell him, he would tell him.

Arnold let out a huge sigh.

"Look, Helga and I were at the park and I asked her if she was keeping other secrets from me."

Gerald went wide-eyed.

"Are you crazy man? Why would you ask that question?!"

"You know, since it took her so long to tell me she liked me. I just want us to have an open and honest relationship," Arnold replied defending himself.

"Yeah, well…some secrets should stay buried."

Arnold grinned.

"You mean like the one about you not being able to ride a bike?"

Gerald rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. Well, what did she say?"

Oh great. The one question Arnold didn't want to answer.

"Well…um…she…"

What would Gerald think if he heard all the stuff Helga had done? Well, it's now or never. Arnold thought. He took a deep breath and started from the beginning. He explained the beginning of their date and watching the sunset. Then, he got to the part where Helga had told him the crazy things that she had done involving her love over the years. With each and every detail, Arnold paced around his bedroom like a maniac. He stood on his bed, on his couch, and his desk chair almost as if he was reenacting every scene of Helga's escapades. Gerald watched in awe as Arnold told him every single detail of what he had heard before the sun had set.