Gerald, Helga, Phoebe and myself walked into 3rd period English together. Gerald and me were in a heated discussion about who had a better ass- Helga or Phoebe. Normally, I wouldn't discuss such things, but today, I couldn't resist. Besides, my hormones had kicked in, and they were hard to ignore, especially because I was around Helga, and we had the perfect view of them right in front of us, since they were walking side-by-side.

As we stared at the closed door, we realized this class would be boring, because there were seating charts taped to the door for every class. Luckily, I sat by Helga, and I noticed Phoebe and Gerald smiling because they had been sat by each other too. Unfortunately, we were across the room from them. But at least it gave me more time around Helga. We went to our seats just as class began. Our teacher was Mrs. Alistair. She was a very young teacher fresh out of college. Great, she'll be a doormat to walk all over this year. Poor woman, at least she was pretty. Class began and she did her first week of school spiel.

My mind wandered back to Helga, whose desk was attached to mine. Apparently we were going to be partners all year. But I wasn't paying attention to the class. I was more determined to get answers. I just had to know if she still felt the same. She was so much nicer now, and I never knew why, but then again, maybe it just came with her growing up too. But I hoped she had at least outgrown her bully phase. I still kept wondering why she had stopped writing me, and had ignored me. I had finally given up on Valentines Day in 8th grade. I sent her a letter telling her I wish she would reply, because I have something serious to talk to her about. The next day I had gotten a surprise from Gerald.

Gerald mentioned Helga had become a lot nicer to him over the summer and last 2 months of middle school. Of course, he mentioned she had punch thrown on her and beat the poor guys who did it. Gerald had said she wasn't doing anything wrong and was actually being nice at the dance. She even took pictures! (Gerald emailed them to me, and I opened them at the San Lorenzo Library when I was in town.) She looked stunning, and I was extremely jealous until he told me she had gone with Phoebe and Him. Then I felt terrible that I wasn't there to escort her to the dance. But overall, she looked happy in the photos. That is, until Gerald mentioned that minutes later a stupid joke was pulled and she stormed out of the gym, and he managed to catch a glimpse of her face, which revealed she was crying. Phoebe's dad came and got Phoebe from the dance, since Helga had ran back to Phoebe's house very early from the dance. Gerald was upset that his date with Phoebe and his big chance were ruined, but he knew Helga didn't deserve that. He even found the guys who did it, and told Helga. One guy had been in a class of his that next Monday laughing about it, and Gerald wasn't going to let him slide. Gerald was usually very calm and cool about anything (except for Jamie-O messing with his Pop-Daddy CD's), but no matter how bad Helga was to anyone, he could rightly say that those guys got what they deserved. I had to agree.

But right now, I had to take my chance and ask her why she never wrote me back.

"So Helga… Why did you stop writing me back?"

"Criminey, what are you talking about football head? I never received a reply to my last letter in 7th grade. I thought you were too busy to message me Jungle-boy, so I waited for a letter that never came."

"Helga, I wrote you almost every week. How could my letters have never gotten to you?"

"Ms. Pataki! Mr. Shortman!" Their teacher snapped, "Stop making googley eyes and flirting. Your classmates are trying to learn here."

They heard a light amount of snickers amongst their classmates and couldn't hide the blush creeping onto their faces. Helga was scowling with a blush, and since she knew her threats were futile, she held up her fist, then crossed her arms. They turned away from each other and stayed silent for the rest of class, silently hoping 5th period would be better.

Next class was Algebra.

Their teacher was a fat, groggy and careless old man named Mr. Chummy who stood in the front of the room, bored, annoyed and uninterested in his new class. He waited 5 minutes after the bell rang for any late students, then began his first day of school spiel, like they hadn't already heard enough about the supplies they'll need, or the classroom policies of cheating.

"Criminey, its like it never ends!" Helga mumbled under her breath. Their desks were spaced apart, but she sat in between Phoebe and Arnold. Gerald had 'A' Lunch then went to Science, so Gerald's 5th period was different from theirs.

Suddenly, a note landed on Helga's desk.

'Phoebe - Helga' was written across the top. Helga opened it, read and responded. This continued on for the rest of the class.

Helga, if I'm not mistaken- Arnold is staring at you.

No. He's probably just looking around the room. Why would he stare at me anyways?

I think he likes you ;)

What?! Are you crazy? Have you been reading too much?

No Helga. I'm Serious. He's been staring at you with this… look all day. His face was most certainly shocked when he saw you in 1st period. I'm absolutely certain he still carries feelings for you.

Pheeb's, that was 4 years ago. He couldn't still feel the same. I was a bully, and a bitch. He probably only kissed me because he was thankful I found his parents. It could never happen between him and me.

Meanwhile, Arnold was texting Gerald. (His parents had given him a cell phone in 6th grade. San Lorenzo was hectic and they wanted to be able to get ahold of him as much as possible.)

Hey – A.P.S.

What's up brother from another mother? - #33

I Need Help. – A.P.S.

On Helga, right? - #33

Yeah. I can't tell if she still likes me or not. What should I do? You're good with girls, so can't you help me out? And no funny business like when we took those 6th grade girls to the dance. – A.P.S.

Those were some fine hunnys, and I didn't hear you complaining when they kissed us! But anyways, if you like her, just tell her. - #33

Yeah, like you've told Phoebe that you like her. –Football Head

A punch bowl, two idiots and a crying Helga ruined my chance… Also, I plan on asking her and making it special, I'm just waiting for the right moment. And what up with the signature? - #33

I thought if I got Helga's number, she'd like it. I also can't think of anything else, and I don't like my initials. –Football Head

And that was the best you could come up with? Man you got it bad! - #33

-_- later -Football Head

Arnold put his phone away, and decided he'd heard enough of first day lectures by now, so settled with staring out of the window, daydreaming about Helga, unknowing that he had a goofy grin on his face.

"Football head" Helga whispered "here." She passed him a note.

Hey. I just wanted to tell you that I never got any letters from you after 7th Grade. They just stopped coming. I wasn't surprised, I mean, I wasn't someone you would be willing to talk to after the way I treated you, but when you told me you sent letters anyways, I couldn't help but wonder what happened. - H

Okay, So What Happened? - A

Bob started volunteering to get the mail. I guess when he saw that a boy was writing me, he flipped out. He never mentioned anything to me about it though. But I figure this happened because Olga got love letters all the time from boys when she was growing up and he just tossed them. Either my dad cares too much, or he mistook my letters for hers. He's never been one to get my name right. - H

Hm, well, I can tell you this; I missed you a lot while you were away. - A

Seriously? - H

Of course, Helga. Actually, Theres something I've been meaning to talk to you about. - A

Im All Ears Football Head. - H

Just as Arnold was passing her the note back, Mr. Chummy snatched it away.

"Well, my first note passers of the year. Do You want to read this Mr…?

"Arnold Shortman…"

"Mr. Shortman? Or do I have the honor?"

"Uhm…"

Mr. Chummy walked to the front of the classroom, not giving Arnold any time to respond

"Ahem- Helga, I've been writing you letters while in San Lorenzo. My last one was on Valentines day in 8th Grade. I told you I had something important I wanted to talk to you about, so here it is. Helga, I like you… as more than just a friend. I've wanted to tell you this for a while. I've thought about you every day while I was there. I missed you so much, and when I thought about the kiss we shared in the Jungle after we found my parents- it made me realize that I had always loved you, I just didn't know it yet. I just wanted to know if you still feel the same about me, like you did then?"

All eyes were now on a blushing Helga and Arnold. Some we're stifling laughter, their 4th/5th grade classmates sat on the edge of their seats, waiting. Especially Rhonda Lloyd.

"Well, Mr. Shortman, I hope you now realize that you should express your love at another time besides in my class."

"Understood…" Arnold mumbled sheepishly as he suddenly found his desk very fascinating, while Mr. Chummy handed Helga the note.

Algebra couldn't get out fast enough as he stared at his watch, hoping 12pm came a lot faster.