…Chapter 14…

I left the office of Dr. Bliss. She told me she would hold that secret until I am ready to let Lindsay that I know; that is if she doesn't know about it. Otherwise I have other secrets up my sleeve, blackmail material. I remembered that I had to have dinner at Arnold's boarding house. I made my way there.

"Helga you made it."

"Told you that I come right over."

"Come in, it's almost dinner time."

We walked in and the table was seated with everyone in the boarding house. Both of his grandparents placed another spot at the table for me. I see his dad cooking food to what it looks like food. Something that I am not used to, all because Miriam don't cook much or buys food, and Bob orders take-out and forgets me. They have changed since the Lindsay incident, and Olga is mostly cooking anyways since both our parents are working together. Everyone is talking amongst themselves and I see Serena slightly giggling.

The food was better than I thought. Stirring my thoughts, I think it's a good time to ask Arnold's parents.

"So, are you planning to adopt Serena into your family?"

They both looked at each other.

"Her past is still a mystery and we don't know who she was or whom her family was, but we think it's good idea. She is already a part of our family; we just need to make it official."

I may know about her past. But if push comes to shove, I hope it doesn't come to that.

"I was just wondering, that's all."

We talked until dinner was over and Arnold walked me over to the roof.

"Why did you ask my parents about adopting Serena?"

"Um, just making sure she has a family to go to, and not feel alone."

"You know, that is really nice of you to think of her that way."

"Don't get used to it. Me being nice to you is a given, since we are…"

"I know."

"…and I may have my own theory and thoughts about her situation."

"What have you thought about?"

"She might have lost someone that was important and that is why she don't want to voice her opinions. It could have happened before her accident and how she got to where she is now."

"That is good theory. It's just, its noble of you to think of others, like Serena."

"Thanks Arnold." I sheepishly said that and looked up. "Look snowflakes."

He gave me a hug and enjoyed watching the snow fall.

….At school next day…Arnold's POV….

It's weird to go to school without Helga; walking around wishing she was around. I looked over to Gerald and he is talking intensely with Phoebe, and I simply smiled. They have always liked each other for the longest time and I haven't been there to support them while I was helping my parents in San Lorenzo.

I see Lindsay walking around being sassed about her duel with Helga, and I couldn't help but feel sad for her. That is until she snapped back at them. Heading to my next class on the other side of school I pass by the main entrance and the doors blasted open and this guy walked right in.

"Helga my Darling, Your Charles is back from his Aspen vacation."

I stopped in my tracks. Helga?!

"Did you say Helga? Why are you looking for Helga?"

"Oh, do you like Helga too? She is very unethical and very unique. The only the girl that has ever ignored me."

"Wait, she ignored you and you say you like her?"

"Why yes. She also gave me sound advice about Lindsay."

"I didn't catch your name, sorry."

"None taken, name's Charles Lockhart, of the Lockhart Foundation."

"Arnold Shortman, Helga's boyfriend."

"Wait, do I have competition? I always thought she liked me; the way she always name calls me, ignores me, and completely berates me every day."

"Well, I have seen her soft side and that is much better than all those."

Wait a minute, I am in a stand-off with a guy that likes Helga. This isn't me. I asked her to be my girlfriend, I was the one that kissed her in San Lorenzo when I confessed when I liked her, and I was the one who she showed her softer side. She was the one who changed my mind about her bullying to hide her feelings. She changed too, I seen her talk to others being sincere to everyone.

Before this gets more heated, Gerald grabbed my shoulder and took me away.

"Dude, you don't have to go head-to-head with that guy, he has diluted himself to thinking that Helga likes him. Don't let it get to you. she has always been mean, but she tries to ignore him. Before you came back he tried to hug her she moved away and he fell down the stairs. He went into the hospital, and his family took him on vacation to ease the pain. My man, he's not worth it."

"Somehow, what he said urks me."

"'Urks' you? don't let him get to you. Helga loves you, you know that. once he realize that, he might leave you guys alone."

I decided to text Helga about what happened.

Me: Helga, this dude name Charles burst through school looking for you.

Helga: What did he do?

Me: He wanted to find you and I couldn't stop myself from confronting him.

Helga: You didn't do anything, did you?

Me: I told him that I was your boyfriend.

I didn't get a response for a few minutes.

Helga: No worries. He needs to have his head examined or something. Anyways, he's harmless compared to his second cousin our Lindsay.

Me: They're related?

Helga: Removed from the family. They used to be related.

Me: Oh.

Helga: I got to go, Sensei is asking me to stop texting.

Me: okay, have fun.

Helga: doubt it.

Me: Try to.

Helga: Alright.

Me: See you after school?

Helga: Yeah, at the diner?

Me: Yeah, later.

Helga: Later.