A/N: thoughts are italicized... sorry for the delay...

Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize.

Chapter 3

THUD!

"Watch it!" a female voice yelled at him.

He knew it was her. He brushed himself and then offered his hand to Helga.

"Here. Let me help you." Arnold offered.

Either Helga was suddenly deaf or she was still ignoring him, she refused his offer and stood up and continued to walk. He didn't prefer it but he has a gut feeling it was the latter

I wonder what's up with her. She has been like that for the past two weeks. Simply, ignoring me.

She also stopped being "the bully".

I mean, she still does get sarcastic and stuff, but this time it's different. She doesn't bother anyone that doesn't bother her.

She stopped going out of her way to bother anyone especially him.

Every time he bumps into her she gets all grumpy and when she sees that it's him she just shrugs it off like it never happened. But when it's with others she acts like she always does, and for a moment you'll think she's back but... guess again.

Not only that but the only time she talks to him is when she's oblige to it. Like for class and stuff.

And it's been bothering me like hell.

Everything was going smooth for him. His studies, friends... and yes, Lila.

A few days after their 'conversation', she calls him up and asked him if they could meet. The next thing he knew they were lip locking in the park and officially in a relationship.

He had no objection whatsoever with Lila and him being in a relationship. But with Helga, that's a different story.

Ever since he first met her. He knew there was something different about her. Something... special.

And ever since that day in preschool, he tries to be her friend. But she just kept pushing him away.

But still he didn't give up.

On sixth grade he had an idea. He would be more discreet and cautious. He wouldn't push her to open up to him. He wouldn't pressure her allow him to change her.

He knew there was some good in her. He'd seen it... well, glimpses of it anyway.

So, with that decision he stopped trying to do just that.

There were lots of times when he came pretty close to breaking his decision and tell Helga to open up to him, or to stop the bully façade she's always putting up.

But every time that happens he tells himself to wait for her in her own time.

Luckily for him... or not, depends on your perspective... school became a lot tougher, things became a lot more complicated and convincing Lila to go out with him while competing with other suitors of hers became harder.

So it took up a lot of his time and thoughts. But that didn't mean he completely forgot about Helga. He thinks about her frequently.

Especially at times when she suddenly ignores me completely.

Sure he liked it at first that she never bugs him, call him names and such. But suddenly, he WANTS Helga to bug him, tease him and do what she usually does to him.

He can't really explain it but he—

His thoughts were cut with Lila's mouth.

"What's wrong?" Lila said with a frown when he still wouldn't kiss her back.

"Nothing. You just... surprised me that's all." He answered.

"Oh... anyway, I was thinking maybe we should skip your practice and go on a date, what do you think?" Lila asked eagerly.

"Arnold? Arnold?" Lila started shaking him when he still didn't answer her.

"Huh?"

"Are you all right?" she asked worriedly.

"Yeah... well look I need to go to practice, okay?"

"You weren't listening to me, were you?" Lila asked pouting.

"What makes you say that?" Arnold asked a little irritated.

"I told you before, if you were listening, that maybe you should skip practice and have an ever so wonderful date with me instead."

"Lila, you know I can't." he said trying to keep his irritation not to be obvious.

"Why? It's after school. You've been doing that every single day after school. They won't mind if you miss it just this once... please?" Lila asked pleadingly.

Arnold would oblige to it without a second doubt if she asked him that the past two weeks... when someone else didn't occupy his mind.

"No, " he said firmly but gently "I'll make it up to you, I promise. Bye!"

He left before Lila could say another word.

He had to talk to Helga and find out what's wrong. And he'll do it tonight when she comes to his house tonight for their project.

He knew they weren't best friends or anything. But he just wants her to not ignore him.

When Helga finally changes, I want her to come back to her old self.

Ironic, isn't it?

A/N: Well there it is... chapter 3.

Sorry for the delay.

Thanks for those who reviewed.

Keep them coming...

Next chapter is Arnold's 'talk' with Helga at HIS house.

That is if you want me to continue...

You know how to answer...

Just review.

Comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.