A Poem For My Daughter
Hey Arnold! / Touched By An Angel crossover
A/N: I'd like to apologize to those following this story for taking so long. It has been a long and hard road, but here it is chapter 5, Finally! Thank you to everyone who continue to read this story. This chapter was the hardest to write and it is different from how I originally envisioned it. I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think. God Bess.
Disclaimer: I do not own either series they belong to their respective creators'.
Chapter 5: Help Me!
The darkness is all gone, replaced by a brilliant light, Helga and Jesus are standing in a meadow with the greenest grass and most colorful flowers, unlike anything seen on Earth.
"Where are we?" Helga asked, taking in her surroundings believing she's never seen anything more beautiful in her life.
"You are in Heaven." Jesus replied.
"Did I die?" Helga asked surprised that she is not sad, if that is the case.
"No, my daughter. I have brought you here to protect you from the darkness that threatens to consume your heart. You have taken the first step toward me and I have met you half way." Jesus answers her with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Helga asked confused thinking, 'Jesus already saved me from the darkness. Didn't he?'
"I have chosen you for a great purpose; the evil one knows this and wants to destroy you and your family to prevent you from fulfilling that purpose." Jesus answered placing a comforting hand on Helga's shoulder.
"What can I do? I'm just me. There has to be someone better." Helga said, not believing she could accomplish this great purpose God has for her.
"You can do all things through me, for I will strengthen you and be with you always. You will have me, and I have another who will stand by your side. He will be your husband." Jesus said.
"Who would want to be with me?" Shaking her head thinking, 'No one that's who.'
"Can't I just stay here? I don't want to go back to my old life." Helga said sadly, as she thought of going back to a life filled with nothing; but heartache and disappointment.
"You have a fragile heart Helga, so easily broken. That is why I have someone for you, he will take great care of this precious gift I have given you. It has taken time, but I have begun to awaken his heart and will soon reveal to him that he is the one who will walk with you in this life. So, be patient my child for all will be revealed in due time." Jesus said assuring Helga to trust in him.
~Hillwood Regional Medical Center
It's Monday morning and Monica is seen entering the hospital with her coffee in hand, as she heads up to Helga's room.
(Knock, knock)
"Come in!" Big Bob's booming voice can easily be heard through the door, and possibly down a few halls, as well.
"Good morning Mr. Pataki, Olga." Monica greeted each as she entered the room.
"Good morning Monica." Olga greeted her with a half-hearted smile.
"Morning." Big Bob simply said from the couch where he is sitting.
"I have news of Miriam's arraignment." Monica said pausing in case father or daughter had anything to say. "Her arraignment will be in room 7 of the Hillwood Courthouse at two. Will you both be going?" Monica continued taking their lack of response as a bad sign.
Olga looks to her father.
"Yes we'll be there. Do you know the results of Miriam's evaluation?" Big Bob asked in an even tone wondering what Miriam's mental status was before her arraignment.
"No I don't. Last I heard the psychiatrist would be coming in early this morning to see her. I am sure we will hear the results at her arraignment." Monica answered.
Big Bob merely nodded in understanding and dropped the subject.
~P.S. 222
Going to school just didn't feel right and Arnold knew why. Walking on campus, he couldn't keep himself from thinking about Helga and how she's doing. Ever since his last visit she's been on his mind and nothing else. Today he would tell his friends about Helga's condition, yet all he could think about is returning to her bedside. Unsure of how to explain everything and fearing they might react negatively to the news; Arnold steels himself for the day ahead.
"Hey man, what happened to you over the weekend?" Gerald asked his best friend. He had just stopped by Arnold's locker on his way to first period.
"Oh, hey Gerald. Sorry, but I was busy. Can you do me a favor and get the gang together at lunchtime?" Arnold asked hoping Gerald would accept his vague answer for now, but only getting a confused look in response.
"I'll explain everything later. Tell everyone we'll meet in room 205. Don't worry I'll get permission from Mr. Garner to use it." Arnold said closing his locker, then walked down the hall with Gerald following close by.
"Okay man, see you then." Gerald said, as they did their trademark handshake before going their separate ways to class. Gerald could tell something had his friend on edge and decided not to make matters worse by playing twenty questions. Whatever had Arnold so worked up he will find out at lunch and would help his friend anyway he can.
~Hillwood Police Department
Miriam had yet to speak with anyone and Tess was beginning to worry. She knows there is something that has, yet to be revealed to her. All she can do is wait for Miriam to meet her half way. Tess is brought out of her thoughts when the door opens revealing Detective Kwon leading Miriam into the room.
"Hello Tess, if you need anything just let me know. I'll be right outside." Detective Kwon said as she sits Miriam across from Tess at the table.
"Thank you detective, is there anything I need to know?" Tess asked.
"The psychiatrist will be here shortly to see Miriam. Once he gets here I will take Miriam to another room for her evaluation." Detective Kwon answered.
"Thank you dear." Tess said as Detective Kwon smiled back and left the room.
"How are you doing today Miriam?" Tess began trying to start a conversation with her. Miriam sat there giving no indication of talking or responding in any way to Tess's question.
"Miriam I can't help you if you won't talk to me." Tess said desperately, only to be met with silence a second time. Miriam sits there starring off into space as if she is looking straight through Tess as though she is not even there sitting right in front of her.
"Fine! If you don't want to talk then just listen. Your daughter needs you to stop feeling sorry for yourself and wake up. You can either let everything that's happened come crashing down around you, or you can take responsibility, ask for forgiveness and find the strength to move on." Tess said losing her patience.
"Miriam I know it seems hopeless, but remember God loves you. I don't know why you are having such a hard time, but just know you can call out to Jesus, and He will be there for you. He will bring light into the darkness. You are not alone; we are all here for you. Please let us help you." Tess said desperately, hoping she was getting through to her. Knowing it was time for Miriam to hear it. Now all she can do is wait and see what happens. Suddenly the door opened drawing her attention to it.
"Tess, Dr. Greene is here." Detective Kwon said entering the room followed by a tall man dressed nicely in a sweater vest, dress pants and wearing glasses.
~P.S. 222
Its lunch time and Arnold couldn't believe how fast it came. He heads to the meeting, suddenly bumping into Phoebe.
"Arnold." Phoebe said as they both round the corner.
"Phoebe are you okay?" Arnold asked.
"Yes, I am just distracted. I hope the others will hear us out." Phoebe answered worriedly getting closer to room 205.
"I know what you mean." Arnold replied as he opens the door. Everyone stares at Arnold and Phoebe as they enter. Curiosity is clearly written on all of the teens faces. Gerald is the first to break the silence.
"Okay man were all here. What's the big announcement?" Gerald said. Arnold looks to Phoebe who gives him a nod saying to go ahead.
"Well I received some news that a friend of ours is in the hospital." Arnold said before he is interrupted.
"Oh my gosh! That's awful." Sheena interrupted.
"That is ever so terrible." Lila said next.
"So who is it Arnold? Some of us have important lunch dates to keep." Rhonda finished rudely. She couldn't believe this is what was so important that she had to waste her lunch period on.
"Rhonda this is serious and more important than some lunch date." Arnold said getting even more annoyed with her attitude on the subject. It shouldn't matter who it is, but what they can do to help a friend. Arnold moves his hard stare from Rhonda to address the rest of his friends.
"As I was saying, before I was interrupted." Arnold looks around to make sure it didn't happen again, then continued.
"A friend of ours was in a car accident with her mother on Friday. I am sure you all have noticed she isn't here today." Arnold said unable to speak Helga's name as Phoebe took notice of Arnold's difficulty explaining what happened to their friends.
"Now that you mention it. I didn't see Helga in first period this morning." Lila voiced aloud.
"You mean Pataki is in the hospital?" Gerald said in disbelief while looking at his best friend and crush. Phoebe and Arnold stood there sadly casting their gaze to the ground.
"Yes." Phoebe said unable to say more.
"Couldn't have happened to a better person. Can I go now?" Rhonda said to a stunned room. Everyone stared at her unsure if they heard right. It wasn't a secret she and Helga never got along, but to be this dismissive of such a tragedy was just cruel.
"How dare you say that?" Everyone turned shocked that it was Arnold who spoke. They all expected Phoebe Helga's best friend to speak up, but Arnold beat her to it.
"Don't give me that Arnold. You of all people know how Helga is. She deserves everything she gets." Rhonda counters smugly making Arnold angrier.
"You know what Rhonda you're right. Helga's hasn't been the nicest person in the world, but even she would never say what you just did. In fact, I know that she's been trying really hard to change. That's more than I can say for you!" Arnold said for once not caring if he hurts someone, anger filling his vision. No one will leave this room until he's said what's on his mind.
"Well, I never! Let's go Nadine." Rhonda said getting up to leave the room.
"No Rhonda. You're not going anywhere. No one is until I'm finished speaking." Arnold answered calmly regaining his composure, as he stands in front of the door blocking the only exit. Rhonda sits back down.
"This is serious. Helga is in a coma and it doesn't look good. The doctors aren't even sure if she'll ever wake up!" Arnold said losing some of his optimistic nature.
"How's her family?" Lila asked remembering how hard it was when her mother was in the hospital.
"Olga and her father have been by Helga's side since the accident. They are dealing with everything the best they can." Phoebe answered having spent time with them during her visit.
After hearing just how dire Helga's situation truly is Rhonda regretted everything she said. She just thought it was nothing serious and now wished she could take it back.
"I'm sorry Arnold. I didn't know." Rhonda said during the silence. Arnold nodded in response understanding Rhonda's remorse over how she acted earlier.
"I think we should all go to the hospital after school to visit Helga." Arnold said getting everyone's approval.
~Hillwood Courthouse
It's time for Miriam's arraignment and the Detective's escort Miriam into the courtroom. Big Bob and Olga are watching as Miriam, a shell of her former self, sits in front of them without even a glance in their direction. Tess is sitting quietly next to Miriam waiting for the judge to enter.
"All rise. The Hillwood Court for the District of New York is in session for the state of New York vs. Miriam Pataki; the honorable Judge Amy Madison Gray presiding." Bruce Van Exel announced.
"You all may be seated." Judge Gray instructed as she enters the courtroom.
"Your honor, if I may, the people would like to request the defendant be remanded to the custody of the Hillwood Corrections Facility. This is not the defendant's first offense and she has an extensive history of DUI'S." ADA Alexandra Cabot requested.
"Yes, I have reviewed the case and I will take the people's request under advisement." Judge Gray stated shuffling papers on her desk.
"Your honor, I would like to approach the bench." Tess requested.
"Request granted. Council may approach the bench." Judge Gray answered.
"Your honor, I would like to request that Miriam be placed in the care of the Hillwood Psychiatric Center. She is unfit to stand trial in her current state. I gave the prosecution and the court a copy of the evaluation performed on Miriam this morning." Tess requested.
"Yes, here it is. I was going over Dr. Greene's findings in my chambers and I would have to agree. Do you agree with the findings of Dr. Greene ADA Cabot?" Judge Gray asked.
"No, your honor. The people request another evaluation to be conducted on the defendant to confirm Dr. Greene's findings." ADA Alexandra Cabot requested.
"Very well, I will grant the people's request. In the meantime, I am placing the defendant, Miriam Elaine Pataki in the custody of the Hillwood Psychiatric Center until we reconvene. Court is adjourned." Judge Gray orders slamming her gavel on her desk.
Big Bob and Olga sit in the courtroom processing the events of Miriam's arraignment.
"I can't believe Miriam. After everything she's done she can't even take responsibility." Big Bob said angrily.
"You don't know that daddy. Maybe mama is really sick and needs help." Olga defends her mother.
"No Olga. Stop making excuses for her. That's why we're in the mess that we're in. All because Miriam can't keep her life together. It's her own fault." Big Bob said watching Miriam being escorted out of the courtroom in cuffs.
'Maybe daddy's right.' Olga thought watching her mother's figure disappear behind closed doors.
~Hillwood Regional Medical Center
Back at the hospital Monica sits at Helga's bedside waiting for Big Bob and Olga to return. Suddenly, a knock is heard at the door, then it opens revealing a group of teens Helga's age.
"Excuse us. May we come in?" Phoebe asked politely at the door.
"Of course. Please come in. Are you friends of Helga?" Monica responded as the teens entered the room.
"Yes. May I ask, how do you know Helga?" Phoebe asked curious of the woman's presence in her best friend's hospital room.
"I'm sorry, let me introduce myself. My name is Monica and I'm here to make sure Helga is taken care of." Monica answered with a smile.
"Oh. I see." Phoebe responded believing Monica's presence has something to do with Helga's family and the current situation with her mother.
'There's the boy, with the odd shaped head, Andrew was telling me about. What was his name?... Arnold, yes that's it. Hmm he's kept his eyes on Helga since he walked in. Interesting.' Monica thought observing the group.
"May I sit next to Helga?" Phoebe asked standing next to Helga's bedside.
"Of course you can dear." Monica said moving from her seat.
"Would you like me to step out for a moment?" Monica continued.
"That's not necessary." Arnold answered quickly, eyeing the woman, finally noticing her presence.
"Where is Olga and her father?" Lila asked standing in the middle of the group surrounding Helga's bed.
"Mr. Pataki and Olga had to step out for a bit, but they should be back soon." Monica answered carefully without revealing too much.
An uncomfortable silence filled the room as the teens awkwardly stared at Helga's sleeping form.
"So how long have you all known Helga?" Monica asked breaking the silence trying to start a conversation.
"We've all known each other since Pre-K ma'am." Stinky answered.
"Well not all. I've only known Helga since the fourth grade." Lila corrected.
"Hey! Do you guys remember the first day of Pre-K?" Sid mentioned.
"Yeah, I remember. Helga threatened me with Ol' Betsy and the five avengers." Harold said.
"You started it Harold by picking on her." Arnold defended remembering how different Helga acted before the incident.
"You were a bully, even back then." Rhonda said.
"Hey! I haven't picked on anyone since Jr. High." Harold defended.
"Well, I remember the time we did that food play Helga wrote. She was so mad when Arnold and I showed up late. I thought she was going to murder us. Right man?" Gerald said remembering that night.
"Yeah, we really messed up. Luckily no one noticed and it all worked out in the end." Arnold responded.
"Does anyone remember the Coco Hut?" Eugene asked.
"Our student lounge back in the fourth grade. Why?" Nadine answered.
"Remember when Helga did those impressions of the whole class. It was really funny and she was really good. Like when she pretended to be me and fell off the stage." Eugene remembered smiling and everyone laughed finally breaking the tension.
"Helga really understood all of us. Even if we didn't always get along she was always there." Brainy said.
"I remember when I almost lost my best friend." Phoebe started. Monica places a comforting hand on her shoulder. Phoebe holds Helga's right hand in hers as she continues.
"I was able to skip a couple of grades and I thought Helga would be happy for me; but she wasn't and we ended our friendship. I didn't think it was a big deal and that it would be a good opportunity for me. I ended up hating it. The girls I thought were my friends used me to do their homework, then they cast me aside. I realized something that day. Helga would always be there for me and I would always be there for her. We have a bond stronger than friendship." Phoebe finished with tears in her eyes.
"That was beautiful dear." Monica said handing Phoebe a tissue.
"That is ever so lovely." Lila said teary eyed.
"I'm sure you guys remember when I lost my hat." Arnold said drawing everyone's attention.
"Yeah man, you wouldn't leave the boarding house until you found it." Gerald answered remembering that day well wondering where his friend was going with this.
"I know I said I didn't feel like myself without, but the truth is my mom and dad gave me that hat before they left. It was special and I thought I would never get it back. Then the most amazing thing happened. Helga found my hat and returned it to me. I will always be grateful to her for that." Arnold finished remembering other times Helga helped him over the years.
Monica continued listening to the teens stories as they reminisced. She enjoyed getting to know Helga through her friends and hoped she would wake up soon for everyone's sake.
~Hillwood Psychiatric Center
"Doctor we have a new patient. A Mrs. Miriam Pataki." Nurse Betty said.
"Yes, place her in room 166. It's vacant now." Dr. Malik answered.
"Very well doctor." Nurse Betty answered.
Nurse Betty takes Miriam to her room and gets her settled in. Before leaving another nurse hands Betty two paper cups, one with pills and the other with water.
"Miriam dear it's medication time. Now be good girl and take all of your meds. Doctor's orders." Nurse Betty instructs.
Miriam does as she's told and takes the pills, then the water. Nurse Betty takes the empty cups from Miriam and leaves the room locking the door behind her. Miriam sits on the bed and brings her hand to her mouth spitting out the pills, then she hides them in her mattress.
Miriam lays down on the bed starring at the ceiling with one last thought, as the lights go out surrounding her in darkness.
'Help me.'
~Hillwood Regional Medical Center
Arnold enters the hospital heading straight for Helga's room. He stops for a moment seeing Big Bob and Olga exit the elevator. He hesitates and decides to stay out of sight until they pass. He makes his way to Helga's room unnoticed and enters. Arnold sits at Helga's bedside silently taking in her serene appearance.
"How could I've been so blind?" Arnold whispered in the darkness of the hospital room.