Chapter 1 The Diary of Me.
"As I was saying, before I had to sing to silence you all," Helga looked around the quiet room with an eyebrow raised before she continued, "Hi, everyone. I know this may be a shock to you, obviously. I mean, come on, Helga G. Pataki, singing? It has to be a joke, right? Well. It's not." The 17 year old blonde took a deep breath before continuing. "I have been playing guitar since the 6th grade, and I picked it up easily, but I have been writing poetry ever since I learned how to write. So I just turned those poems into songs, matched up the chords, then what do you know? I'm singing and dancing around my room with Phoebe…" Helga stopped for a moment. 'Come on,' Helga thought furiously, 'get it all together! NOW! Stop rambling and get to the point. You only get two and a half hours to explain yourself and Phoebe.' Helga continued with fervor, "The reason why I'm standing in front of you all, is not only to sing some songs, but to explain everything that we felt and been through these past years. We feel as if we owe it to some people in this room some kind of closure, revelation, realization, and… some pay back." Helga's jaw locked as memories flooded through her mind. "And when I say we, I mean Phoebe too. We worked hard to get this thing going and quite frankly, we're kind of… nervous on how people will react. But nonetheless, we need to do this, for protection of our sanity."
Helga looked at Phoebe and Phoebe looked at Helga, they gave each other reassuring smiles and Phoebe motioned for her to continue with her hand, "So," Helga said, "here's some songs we, err, well I came up with. Pheebs isn't really good at rhyming." They both laughed, "But she's damn good at playing the piano and telling me how she feels. We're letting you all into our 'diary', I suppose, and we're being fearless about it. We're letting everyone know our stories, because some of you are the characters. So, I guess we can start off tonight with a song that explains both of us, and maybe after a few numbers, all of your eyes can stop bugging out of your faces, and close your mouths, because I think you all would like to here what we have to say." Helga smirked, and looked around the big dim room.
Candles were placed at the center of each table, some had plates of food on them, some just had drinks. A bar for the adults was off to the side, but since it was more of a respected family place, few drinks were served tonight. The kitchen was behind two double doors where the servers went in and out. The stage was big and was the main attraction. Stairs were off on each side so a person could easily get on or off. Framing the stage was dark red curtains and were pulled to the side. The band was placed to the left, behind Helga, on a small platform and the back up singers occupied the right side behind Helga. Helga looked out to the crowd and saw the eager faces of strangers, wanting to here more, and saw the uneasiness clouding a few of her classmates. They knew that something was going down tonight, and they didn't know if they wanted to stay and watch the drama, that is sure to come, unfold. But being teenagers, they stayed, wanting to see the future gossip first hand. Monday is sure to be interesting.
Phoebe had butterflies in her stomach as she realized this was actually happening. Soon, her and Helga's feelings are going to be let out and chaos is going to let loose. 'This has to happen though', Phoebe thought with determination, 'He needs to realize I'm not one to be messed with. He should've said no.' Phoebe looked at her boyfriend, Gerald, and bit her lip. Memories almost making her cry, everything they been through flooded her mind, and she has been letting him go without too much pain crossing her features. Accepting his apologies and moving on. She needs to let him know all of the hurt and pain she feels. Gerald's been taking her for granted and Phoebe has had enough of it. 'I love him too much, but he needs to realize even though I love him, I can break it all off too.'
Arnold looked at Gerald, then at Phoebe, "What is she talking about, what stories?" Arnold was nervous, wondering what is going to happen tonight. He had a feeling things we were going to be different tonight. He didn't know if he was excited, but he did know he was still in awe at Helga's voice. Arnold had know idea Helga could sing, much less write lyrics or poetry. 'I did know she can play guitar', Arnold thought to himself, still trying to dissect the situation, 'after all, I taught her a few chords when we hung out together'. Arnold didn't know his girl best friend was this talented.
Phoebe bit harder on her lip in order to not shot out, 'Oh my God! You're incredibly dense! Why won't you realize the easiest thing, that is so obvious? She's IN LOVE with you!' But Phoebe held it in and said instead, "Just wait instead of asking questions, Arnold. A revelation is sure to occur tonight." Gerald looked at her and smiled, 'I have a bad feeling in my stomach.' He thought uneasily, 'Pataki is going to start a fire and I don't think no one will be able to put it out.'
Lila was just staring at Helga with eyes turned to slits, 'She's going to ruin everything'. Lila's grip got tighter on Arnold's hand as Helga looked back her and smirked. Lila's eyes widened, and she turned to Arnold, "Arnold? Could we perhaps leave? I'm ever so tired." Lila batted her eyes and yawned a little for good measure. No way was she letting Helga get Arnold back. Her and Rhonda made sure Arnold was hers; a head cheerleader of the Hillwood Spartans needed to date a Varsity player of the Basketball team and since their senior year is coming up, Arnold is going to become captain of the team, he became the perfect fit. Her reputation and the spot as cheer captain was at stake. She needed Arnold so she could remain at the top of her squad and make them respect her.
Arnold looked at his girl friend of four months with surprise. They had gotten together in February when his season was over. Coach Wittenberg appointed him captain next year and him and Gerald celebrated with a party. Lila had been flirting with Arnold since the end of summer, and they had been on a few dates, but she claimed she wanted to 'test the waters' before jumping in. Arnold agreed, it sounded like a good idea, but then Lila said she wanted to make it official during the celebration party. Arnold was ecstatic. Four months with Lila wasn't always easy though, she was always needy and pushy and making sure he wouldn't cheat. Not that Arnold ever would, but Lila always was paranoid. Arnold didn't mind that much. He was with the girl who used to always reject him, but now wants him, had two best friends who always cared for him, a truck, good grades to get him into college, and talent at a sport he loved. Seems like a perfect life, but he always felt as if something was missing. "Why do you wanna leave? Now that we're here, I wanna support my best friend. I know this probably isn't easy for her. So, I'm going to stay."
Lila pouted her lip and nodded, she was holding in the anger and surprise though. 'Arnold NEVER disagrees with me', Lila thought furiously, 'he's supposed to be wrapped around my little, manicured finger!' "Okay, then…" Lila replied.
Phoebe watched them and rolled her eyes, 'This night is going to be interesting.' She looked to Helga as she continued.
"Well," Helga said with a excited glint in her eye, "Why don't we start our story with a little summary?" The crowd clapped in anticipation, but still uneasiness. Then Helga turned to her a yelled, "Hit it!" Then the lead guitarist started playing and she started playing along also and the band followed as they had rehearsed for three weeks. The spot light was on Helga as she began singing facing the crowd, with a wide smile as her defensive walls fell down.
I'm a laid back
T-shirt, blue jean, mood ring
Kinda girl
Hey yeah what's the word on you
Lay low, I'm a mission rebel
Angel, devil
Little lamb, upper mental
Sometimes I get temper mental
The crowd cheered as she smirked back. Her classmates smiled knowingly. Yes, Helga G. Pataki does get temperamental.
But here I am, an open book
Turn the page, it's all the rage
Get a look on the inside
Oh what you get, is what you see
Baby you hold the key
To the diary of me
'Wow, Helga's amazing,' Arnold thought enthusiastically. 'I can't believe how free she's being with herself. I usually have to pry every thought from her.'
I'm poetry, complicated
Simply stated
Hey yeah, baby how about you?
I was born free
I'm a cell phone, hippie
Are you with me?
When I mess up I don't get up
I just get down yeah
As she sung the chorus again, Helga couldn't help but notice the smiles and awe as the crowd looked at her perform. She couldn't but feel herself let loose as she started swaying to her music. It felt magical being in front of more than one person in on her private thoughts. Helga was excited for tonight. Her best friend is finally going to know she's in love with him. 'Phoebe was right, this is the best feeling I could ever feel. It's like a shot of adrenaline right in my veins!' She continued playing.
It's raining on Sunday
There's nothing on TV
Yesterday was lonely
You're the only one who gets me
My mind is like an island
Drifting through the ocean
I can't stop thinking about you
I bet you're thinking of me too
She turned to Arnold and smiled, he smiled back and started clapping animatedly. 'Hold the swoon, Helga' she thought. 'You still have to finish the song'. She laughed softly to herself.
Well here I am, an open book
Turn the page, it's all the rage
Get a look on the inside
Oh what you get, is what you see
Baby you hold the key
To the diary of me
Yeah here I am an open book
Turn the page it's all the rage
Get a look on the inside
Oh, what you get is what you see
Baby you hold the key
To the diary of me.
As music died down, applause filled the air rapidly. The strangers were in complete surprise and admiration for the young artist who has yet to be discovered. Just being in her presence sent a wave of excitement towards the attendants. The teens from her high school were in complete and utter astonishment. Mainly her old peers from her fourth grade class, the people she grew up with. Helga G. Pataki just keeps surprising them. Sure her bullying had gone down since 6th grade, but her sarcastic and snarky remarks remained. They all know now why, Helga found her outlet, her own personal therapy. Instead of knitting or carving soap or turning to food, Helga turned to music.
The applause ruptured through the walls and could be heard outside the building. Helga's smile couldn't get any bigger without breaking her face. 'Wow, I'm doing it. Their actually listening and liking what they hear!' Helga thought ecstatically. She looked at best friend who was practically jumping out of her seat, obviously the same thought going through her mind. "Thank you, very much!" Helga said through the mic. The crowd responding with more clapping. Helga looked towards Rhonda and Lila who looked back with envy in their eyes and pursed lips. The attention, for once, wasn't on them. Helga grinned evilly, 'Just you wait Ms. Perfect', she thought with sinful satisfaction, 'I'm going to get back what you stole from me.'
As the clapping died down, Helga spoke, "That was a song I written a while back, when I was getting the hang of playing Betsy, my guitar, while I was just goofing around with Phoebe," she laughed at herself, "we were dancing around and acting like fools in her room." The mass of people laughed back. Helga bit her lip and grinned, "Would you like to hear more?" The crowd cheered in replay.
'NO,' Lila thought to herself, hating the fact Helga can garner this much attention in only a bit of time, 'this is going to be so bad tonight.'
While Lila thought hateful things towards the obviously now soon-to-be teen star of Hillwood, Arnold was staring at Helga in admiration. Completely forgetting about Lila and holding her hand. He clapped along with the crowd, wanting and needing more. That was just a glimpse of seeing into her creative mind. 'I want to hear more, Helga!' Arnold thought, smiling.
Gerald was just staring at Helga in a state of shock. Thinking of the girl with pig tails, a uni brow, and who called him names on a day to say basis. That girl on that stage, who has so much passion for music, can't possibly be his childhood bully. Of course him and Helga aren't as hateful to each other as before, they are sort of friends, just not close. They tolerate each other because of Phoebe and Arnold, and that's it. Sure they laugh at some jokes the other would make, but nothing that can bring them together. Gerald isn't in that circle of trust Helga shares with Phoebe, even Arnold is barely past the borders. They walk a fragile line since this past summer. They share things together, but they make sure not to damage the relationship they have. No one understands what happened to them, except Phoebe, and no one questions it, in fear someone might get hurt.
Brett was clapping with the rest of the crowd, finally understanding Helga's absence with Phoebe after school. They were spent practicing for this show that is sure to explain everything. 'Whatever happens tonight', Brett reasoned thoughtfully while cheering, 'I have to stay and hear her out. She also told me to make Arnold and Gerald stay'. Brett remembered her words as she told him this before the show started and she left to go inside the dressing room, 'The have to listen to what we have to say. Please Brett, I'm counting on you'. Of course Brett promised her, he'd do anything for her, even though they did break up. That's just how great a guy he is.
"Well, let's continue our story, shall we?" Helga said as the clapping went down. "Now, with most stories, it all seems to be centered around love. And love is a powerful things to have. Love is basically centered around everything whether it's family, friendship, or just 'like-liking' someone." The crowd laughed. "There are down falls of love. Losing a friend, losing trust, or gaining heartbreaks. It all matters on the person who handles it. Whether they treat the good poorly," Helga glared at Lila briefly before quickly turning back to the crowd. "Or a hard break up in devastation for months until you find someone to mend your heart and try again." Brett smiled, remembering Helga and her thoughts about how he can't possibly want to date her. He understood how careful she was with her heart after everything she's been through in her life. "I've learned that you can't predict love or plan for it. For someone like me who is obsessed with organization and planning, I love the idea that love is the one exception to that. Love is the one wild card in our lives." The crowd clapped at speech, a few even teared up a little, thinking of their own hurt and pains. "So naturally, my story tonight starts with a crush I've had since forever ago. Even before middle school."
All of her classmates made an audible gasp and they started talking, wondering who the 'poor fellow might be. Everyone except Arnold and Lila. Helga and Phoebe rolled their eyes. 'This is going to be a long night', they thought simultaneously. Helga took a deep breath to calm herself. "Yes, you chuckle heads," Helga said bitterly, "don't be so dramatic. I'm explaining myself tonight, remember? Now, why don't you all wait and then try and figure it out through my music? Just listen to our stories, you can all gossip later. This isn't really easy, okay?" Silence. "Well then, why don't we start?" Applause sounded and Helga smiled, not at all trying to look at Arnold. Whose eyes were wide and mouth open in shock, and Lila's fists were clenched together. 'This can't be happening, not tonight. She wants everyone to know what happened between us.' Arnold thought, thinking of their last summer. Lila was glaring at Helga through a haze of red, 'This can't happen, not tonight.'