…chapter 16…
Turns out that Serena slept through the night not knowing what happened to her. I read her the note she left and she remembered that she was behind Phoebe but then was somewhere else. She looked like she was trying to place all the pieces together. When I mentioned my theory about the relic on her back and the one at the museum and maybe they fit together, she shrugged and I forgot that she doesn't want to talk, but I get the hint anyway. We should figure that out soon and what was the power that Arnold holds? That all needs to be found out after my rumble with Lindsay…
…day of the rumble…
Like I had promised, I had metal-detectors, security, and most of all the right dress code that I put out. Lindsay and I were examined head to toe in case we "accidentally" had a sewing needle or a thumbtack. So far so good; we had are arena mat ready in the middle of the YMAA gym. The boundaries were set and I was ready to fight her.
"You girls know the rules; no secret weapons, no spitting, no pulling hair, and most of all: no killing each other." Says the referee.
"Are you scared Princess?"
"You're kidding me? I have been working with top-notch martial artist since I was a toddler."
"You may need more training because I see a few openings in your stance."
"SHUT IT!"
"Ready now Ladies?...until one of you forfeits, pinned down, or knocked out. Fight!"
It was on.
…Arnold's POV…
Watching these girls fight is amazingly graceful. Lindsay is showing off her martial arts training in any possible way while Helga is dodging and landing a few attacks, but to me I can see that she is holding back. I look over to Serena and I just can't help but wonder what does she sees with those purple eyes. According to my mom, her eyes were a shade of grey when we found her and the ointment treatment did help heal but changed the color of her irises.
I asked my mom about Serena's eyes before and was told that it's possible her actual eye color was blue but was burned glassy grey and when the ointment ended her eyes transformed to a deep purple that is noticeable if you look right at her. Helga told me when I saw that green trail, which apparently I was the only one to see, my eyes glowed emerald green and flashes of gold. I told my mom and she told me the same thing when I found Serena the first time. My dad's theory is that mom was pregnant with me when they first saved the La Corazon and was given back to the Green-Eyes, but not before my mom accidentally seen it with her bare eyes. Thus I was born with green eyes. Maybe that is why I found the La Corazon when we went on that trip in the 4th grade, and found Serena.
I found myself back into reality when Lindsay started talking.
"What makes you so special to have Arnold all to yourself?"
"Because, Princess, he has had a special place in my heart for the longest time, and he returned my feelings when I was 9. We have a bond that even you cannot shatter."
I ve seen her move fast, kicked the back of Lindsay's knees and hit her head with her wrist-palm punch, I guess.
"Is that all you got?"
"No, I'm holding back. My sensei the female the Shaolin Mistress of Kung-Fu told me you are not worth my full strength."
Shaolin Mistress of Kung-Fu? I thought the monks never had women up in their ranks. I guess I was wrong. Stupid kung-fu movies that Sid has in his room, but still…
It has been a full hour since the girls started fighting and each stance, each hit, each dodge was getting intense.
"I cannot…lose to you…I cannot…lose…Arnold…" Lindsay breathed.
I can see this made Helga mad. She through one last move and made Lindsay fall to the ground, not moving a muscle, and by the count of ten Helga had won.
"Since I won, you promise with all your being to not bully the students and teachers again, and get over Arnold. HE IS MINE!"
…Helga's POV…
I had finally won, but this isn't over yet.
"Lindsay, you have disappointed me. I expected better from you." I see her father walking over to her, and I stayed still glaring at him.
"Helga Pataki, you have our apologies, and your terms will be kept up by the agreement you girls made."
"If you value your lifestyle, then keep your dirty laundry or some media fanatic might just find out."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"How about the two-bit scandal that happened three years ago, or how about that bankruptcy? Don't worry; I have more that can easily put your whole family into jail…"
He looked shocked, then back to stone face.
"I see you are a worthy rival after all. Very well Miss Pataki, our family will stay quiet. For now."
He turned to walk out until he saw a girl that I had hoped he never would, but life is cruel. He walked over to Arnold and Serena.
"Miss what is your name?"
"Her name is None-of-your-business" says Gerald.
"Am I speaking to you?"
"She is a selective mute, she doesn't want to talk" explained Arnold.
"You too? Well what is her name then?"
"Serena."
"Serena, is your mother by any chance Gloria."
I ran over and pulled his shoulder and Serena fainted. "She doesn't have to answer to you, Leave now or I swear I have tabloids of your dirty secrets all over town."
He left with his daughter following.
I looked down and was about to comfort Serena, she disappeared.
Like magic she vanished. Arnold's eyes gave that green and gold glow again and we knew where to go. We left for the museum again.