My Angel
A Hey Arnold FanFic
Authors note: Special thanks to AdventureGirl6. I do not own Hey Arnold and make no attempt to profit from it.
Chapter Six: Rhonda Wellington-Lloyd
Tuesday, March 6th, 9:23PM…
He fumbled for the pocket watch, intent on making sure he stuck to his word this time. Adjusting it with the due care he always gave it, Arnold continued to wait for the opening of the door before him. Time was a luxury he'd seldom appreciated, a small mercy that he knew lay in the very existence of the notion. Soon he'd be away from here, heading home and breathing far more easily than now. But he would have to wait for it.
The constant clicking drowned out the sound of the locks, the appearance of a redheaded girl behind the door bringing him to rejoice and fear the will of the once innocent girl. She never spoke, but motioned for him to follow and join her upstairs all with the careful flick of her hair. Arnold had no doubt that the very mention of wishing to leave early would be dismissed without hesitation.
"Hello Arnold," came a gravelly voice from the couch.
Arnold had barely closed the door before he was being smiled at by a man in his late forties, balding on top with the greyest of hair planted carefully around the side of his head. With eyes that dawned before he spoke, Arnold knew that Lila's father would be curious to see why he was here again, but he did not have time to indulge the older man. The smallest of coughs brought him back to the constant trudging ahead with a plan he no longer cared for.
The hairs on his arms stood on edge, his poker face now on for all to see once she closed the door. This had never gone well in the past and judging by her scowl, Arnold knew it wasn't about to get easier.
"Where do I begin Arnold?"
He tried to focus himself on her light stand and not on the questioning gaze he now held with her. A soft tap on his head made him spin around, but there was nothing there. Echoes around him began to grow louder, and fiercer, his ears unable to make out the worlds Lila said, glaring at him with the calmness of a beast waiting to unleash.
"Are you paying attention to anything I'm saying Arnold? For someone who is supposed to be dating me, you are doing an incredibly lousy job of hearing me," she groaned, slumping onto the bed.
The voices had stopped; focused on her now, Arnold made his way from the door and stood in the middle of her bedroom. Not entirely perfect, its homeliness made him think of a mini studio, its sparse features highlighting the posters and carpet below his feet. Once he'd spent his time with her, confessing the deepest recesses of his heart; now he stood, guarding it with the cold resolve of a man waiting to die.
"You're not pulling me into your games now Lila; I've had enough," he growled, turning to walk away.
"Tsk, Tsk Arnold. Is that all this is to you? A simple game? This," Lila smiled upon catching his eye, "Is something far more important, something far larger and bigger than you."
"Forget it Lila, I've found something far more important."
"Gerald? We know where that ends Arnold," she snarled. "You're writing career? That won't work out either. We've talked about how hard that is; besides, you're better as a professor."
Arnold laughed. "Do you really think I'd end it all over something as small as my career? I'd end it over something less. No, this is my chance to walk away from what I created."
"Created huh? I guess you did. Could it be you found another girl?" Lila smirked, but her face turned to horror when he's stern face remained unmoved. "I'm right aren't I? You've found another girl? Someone lesser than me..."
Arnold ignored her and turned the door knob. "She won't be able to take you Arnold."
Fists clenched, Arnold turned the door knob and opened the door. "Don't you walk away from me Arnold; I need you! Come back please!" she cried, sprinting after his running form.
Arnold burst onto the street and continued running, past the shocked faces, past the stores where he'd shared his life, past the gardens and past everything that was linked to Lila. He managed to reach his house when he felt it again. A soft pat on his head, as though he was being stroked tenderly.
Noises though grew; shrill shouts of hate spilled forth, the two voices fighting for something he could not make out. A sharp pain in his head grew though, his ribs now aching when he looked up. Everything was spinning, changing faster than he could possibly comprehend.
"Help me!"
D & F
The softness of the pillow greeted her like an old friend, the comfort short lived as panic set in: her bed was never this soft. It was too soft for her liking, but with the darkness still evidently around her, Helga tried to go back to sleep, only to question the blanket on her. It was plush, soft and seemed to wrap around her all too easily. A quick sniff and she froze; this wasn't her bed. Clutching the blanket tightly, she bolted upright, her eyes scanning the room to find Rhonda sitting still, watching her closely from atop of the work in her lap, the eyes behind her glasses carefully analysing Helga's movements. Helga could feel her heart thumping so loudly it had become a drum beat in her mind.
"Sleep alright Helga?" Rhonda asked casually, resuming her reading without a second glance.
"Like I could princess," she snarled. Rhonda sighed as she stopped her reading once more and placed the folder on the coffee table beside her. Years ago, Helga would have offered to demonstrate the awesome power of old Betsy, but upon catching a weary glare from Rhonda she decided against it.
"Bus rides in the dead of night. Drugs that leave anyone in their right mind groggy and a temper that is somewhat tempered when I ask how someone slept. Questions you'll have to excuse me for when I haven't seen you since high school. So, what brings you out my way Helga?"
Helga could feel the effects of the pills linger, her mind protesting against staying awake. "Parental problems," she muttered, hoping to roll over and sleep again.
When Rhonda didn't press it, Helga began to drift back comfortably into a light sleep, only to be interrupted by the sound of a chuckle. Rhonda did seem to be enjoying herself. "Parental problems? Helga G. Pataki, you would not be travelling the bus late at night if you had parental problems. Knowing you back in primary school, I'm quite sure that punching someone in the mouth would not be a difficult task."
Helga felt the heat in her veins fire up, the urge to fight this woman growing with each bloodshot stare she could manage. "And who says I wouldn't have done that last night? I'm not a child anymore Rhonda; I've learnt to control myself."
Rhonda shook her head. "That isn't what Lila will say. You're lucky that I do have some sway in this town Helga; she won't press charges, but an order has been released. A hundred metres will cover it sufficiently."
"A hundred? She's lucky she never sees my face ever again after what she did."
"Well in the state you're in, I'd be surprised anyone would want to," Rhonda retorted, knowing that she was delving into waters she'd hadn't touched since long ago.
"Oh yeah princess? Tell me," she growled, shuffling to sit up properly to face Rhonda, "Since when did the cream of the world ever catch the bus? Pretty sure last time I checked only those below your status had to put up with drunken fools on a bus."
"Nice to see your memory isn't damaged," Rhonda smirked. "For your information, I was heading home after work, a rather long and crazy day if I do say so myself."
Frosty would be the most accurate description Helga would give the early morning breeze drifting in, chilling her to the bone. Tightening the blanket around her stiff body, Helga tried to ignore the curious look Rhonda gave her while she shut the window, the resounding slam sending vibrations up her arms. Helga was grateful for what Rhonda had done, but perhaps her past was too much to handle right now, least her anger throw her out of the safe surroundings of the apartment.
"Thank you," she mumbled, earning a quizzical stare from Rhonda.
"What for Helga?"
"Everything. I know I must not be the easiest person to be around now."
"I could name several who would be," Rhonda giggled.
"Shut it Rhonda!"
Rhonda sat wide-eyed while Helga shuffled her legs closer to her on the couch. "I guess sarcasm is off limits too for now."
Without another word Rhonda made her way into the kitchen and began to boil the kettle. Peeking from behind the safety of her blanket, Helga looked around and was slightly startled by what she saw. Expecting her royal highness to have decorated the place in the finest antiques, a simple leather sofa with matching chairs opposite one another was completed with a coffee table at each end. With the curtains drawn the room reminded her of a cave, with a door open towards the bathroom in front of her and, glancing around, she could make out another three doors. The kitchen to her right though held her greatest interest.
The smell of roasting coffee beans seemed to awaken every fibre of her body; the tantalising taste was already on her lips, as if she had just drunk it whole. But not even coffee could shake her feeling of being alone, trapped, the walls closing around her until Rhonda broke her reverie, "How do you take it?"
Helga shook her head. "What?"
Rhonda peered out from the kitchen, looking as immaculate as usual. "I asked how do you like your coffee?"
"Umm…however you have yours," Helga mumbled back as Rhonda nodded. The room was warm, something Helga was instantly grateful for; she must have changed before going to sleep, because normally sleeping in a shirt and under garments was not a personal preference when sleeping. Regardless she held the blanket tightly as Rhonda walked back in with a cup in each hand, handing one to her as she resumed her position opposite the weary blonde-haired girl.
An uneasy silence drifted over them, their constant sips their only method of trying to ignore the lingering questions left answered between them. Perhaps with time she would have a chance to understand the complexities of conversation, but for the moment Helga wished nothing more than to curl up and drift away to the land of dreams. Taking a sip, Helga immediately felt relief; pleasure replaced her weariness as she felt it trickle down her throat more rapidly. In no time, she had finished and was licking her lips gleefully, like a child who had received a free ice-cream from the Jolly-Olly man…something that of course would never happen.
"I guess the first question I have," Rhonda asked after a long time, her gaze still fixed on the sofa beside Helga, "Is why you were out here so late Helga."
A large hand, cold and metallic grabbed her heart, allowing her fear to fester and grow; should she tell her why she was out so late? Or should she just lie to her? They had never really been best friends, or close friends, so why did it matter to Rhonda?
"You already know why I was out; if you've dealt with Lila, then I shouldn't need to say anything more."
"I'd like to hear it from you Helga."
"I was out for a late-night trip…I was planning a getaway for the weekend and must have fallen asleep," Helga replied, praying that Rhonda would accept it. She seemed to be looking at her oddly, her brow furrowed in concentration. After a while she stopped, and sipped her coffee once more. Helga breathed deeply and smiled; thank goodness.
"Okay; where are my manners though, how have you been Helga? It's been…a while since graduation," Rhonda beamed, disarming Helga completely. Did she just ask her something about herself, like she cared?
"I've been busy studying is all you need to know; what about you Rhonda? Last I heard you were living in Paris and studying…politics?"
"Psychiatry."
"Close enough," Helga shrugged.
"Hardly. But you're right I was in Paris…the tower is all that it's cracked up to be. But I would recommend learning the language first; goodness knows how many times I nearly ordered the snails instead of the baguette."
"How could you stuff that one up princess?" Helga smirked, catching a quick wince from Rhonda.
"Only one such as I could have tried that after working on three assignments and completing them in a single night. Although going to the local restaurant probably wasn't a good move with little sleep," Rhonda laughed. Helga frowned; what had they done with the old Rhonda?
"So princess; with this apartment, what gives? I thought that with someone of your taste and style, you would be at least living it up, what with all your parents' money at your disposal and all."
Rhonda shook her head and took another sip. "Daddy decided I should find my own way."
"What do you mean?"
Rhonda placed the mug down, the echoing noise vibrating inside Helga's ears. Drugs mustn't have worn off yet completely…
"On my eighteenth birthday, my father gave me a choice; I could go to any college or university in America, England, Australia or France. They would pay for it and would cover all expenses, providing I scored highly in all my exams. The only problem was that they would be living with me the whole time. And after going through High School with their weight of overbearing pressure on me constantly…they gave me an alternate. I could choose one place to study and instead of giving me my inheritance and being around, they would give me enough to get started and pay for the degree, but I had to make it on my own."
"Daddy mentioned that it would be the perfect way for a Wellington-Lloyd to learn about the 'common folk' as he called them and see how they lived their lives. I decided I didn't want them watching my every move anymore and took up the offer to study in Paris. And now here I am," she smiled, grabbing a hold of her coffee once more.
"So how come it's done up so nicely?"
"Helga, I am a psychiatrist. That and I am particularly good at my job…in fact extremely good," Rhonda grinned as she flipped her hair to the side.
"There's the princess we all know," Helga smirked, earning a quick look from Rhonda.
Rubbing the back of her neck Helga felt concrete greet her back. It had been a long time since she had taken care of her body properly and she was paying for it dearly now. She could feel the aches and pains all over her body and as her vision began to fade, she could hear Rhonda talk and nod before leaving the room. She said something about needing to get some sleep…
A soft hand cupped her cheek as Rhonda eased Helga back onto the couch; she was worn out, even after drinking the coffee. With the look of a woman who had seen too much, Rhonda eased her back onto the couch and tucked her in, her eyes glancing every so often to the pill bottle that lay on top of her bag. Helga, what have you done?
D & F
Another uneasy night spent wishing it wasn't true; but the whole event was fading away sooner than he had hoped for. He was hovering again; he was watching over a train, golden rays of the early morning sun lighting its path as he tried to breathe in deeply. No tingling sensations rushed down his spine…odd. Perhaps following the train might help uncover the secret…
A scarlet rose hid her from view as she watched him sail overhead so elegantly and peacefully. How she longed to jump out and reveal herself to him…but who would accept one as dark as her. Clad in black that extended from her fingertips to the ground beneath her, Helga wished she could remove it all and take in the sunlight just like him…
He watched the train gain speed and smiled; the sensation was coming back to him. Dressed in a suit ready to impress, he tried to grab a hold of the world beneath him but felt nothing, his hands experiencing the same disappointment his body had felt earlier. But as he descended towards the train he felt himself begin to merge into it…
Helga glided above watching him descended into the train. She knew she had seen this before…alarms began to ring in her head as the world began to grow dim; storm clouds raced in from around her, the crack of thunder echoing from her fingertips as the train began to speed up…in the distance another raced towards them, it's hell bent fury unable to be contained by the silver coated bullet.
Helga wanted to scream, but the lightning beat her to it; with an almighty crack, her world shattered as she watched the two crash into one, melding together as she watched the steel buckle outwards. Screams, terrible cries of fear and panic set in as the world ripped itself apart; dark shadows slid past her, her finger unable to hold onto their cloaks of death. Death spread throughout the trains; but Helga clutched her chest as her form came to a halt over one young man…his golden hair shone brightly, his eyes wavering as they locked on hers. For a moment, she could feel the world turn, the sea rage and the sun burn brighter than ever…
"You did this," he whispered to the night air.
"Arnold!" she cried out, the world unable to contain her scream as the shaking began…
A never-ending terror…
"Arnold!" Helga shouted out, her breathing ragged and eyes watering. Everything felt so real; checking her body no trace of the dark cloak remained, no trace of the rose…but no trace of Arnold. Her heart was thumping in her ears as she lay back down, unable to comprehend everything she had just witnessed.
"Arnold…" she whispered ever so gently to the still air of the morning. No one had come running out to help her, but she wasn't expecting anyone to. It wasn't till she looked around the room did it sink in; she was still in Rhonda's apartment. Dream or not, she was already comforted knowing that she wouldn't have to leave just yet.
It was only a dream old girl, she thought to herself as she began to wonder about the time.
"10:33 a.m. my dear Helga," a soft sweet voice echoed back to her thinking. Without needing to look at her Helga could already picture Phoebe walking towards her.
"Where's Rhonda?" she mumbled lazily.
"Early appointment for work; she did however leave a note to say you are welcome to stay and she will be back by midday," Phoebe smiled brightly.
Helga chuckled to herself. "She really has changed huh…who would have thought princess could turn herself around."
"I had every confidence in her."
"I didn't ask Phebs- "
"But you're already planning to leave, aren't you Helga?" Phoebe peered at her, eyeing her carefully. Helga wanted to run, but knew it would get her nowhere; even if she wanted to leave, where would she go?
Nowhere to go…guess it couldn't hurt. Removing the blanket, Helga wondered over to her bag and grabbed the clothes on top and scuffled to the bathroom, her movements made all the more awkward as Phoebe wolf-whistled after her. Helga blushed and hurried into the privacy of the room; she really shouldn't wear barely anything to bed. Locking the door behind her, Helga dashed into the shower and turned the water on, feeling all the pressure and stress melt away from her body as the water trickled down her…
D & F
Gentle warming rays peeked through the curtains, cleverly pushing its reach to the feet of Helga and Rhonda who remained in deep conversation about one of Rhonda's most recent patients.
"And so, he wrote down the number and easy as that I managed to get another contact on the council without trying," Rhonda laughed as she puffed out her chest. Helga laughed as she re-enacted the scene with a half-eaten bagel in her mouth. Afternoon had come around and as she sat on the couch, Helga couldn't help but feel a little bit guilty about Rhonda's offer.
"Rhonda are you sure I can stay? I mean giving me the spare room and everything- "
Holding up her hand, Rhonda shook her head. "Helga, I may have some of the old habits, but I have changed from the girl you knew a few years ago; I would like you to stay for the meantime. And it would be nice to have some company around for a change instead of the constant dreariness that greets me when I walk through that door."
Helga nodded and ignored the smile Phoebe gave her; how she wished the girl would leave her be. Rhonda collapsed onto the chair and sighed deeply. Helga couldn't help but wonder about last night's activities. "I know you were working Rhonda, but why were you really on the bus Rhonda?"
A simple smirk from Rhonda eased any worries that Helga was being followed or stalked. "My job is in town and it is far cheaper and eco-friendlier if I take the bus. And it gives me time to think. So last night was a normal late-night trip home after a rather long day. Although I wouldn't recommend the company at times; that guy did deserve what was coming."
Helga could only nod in agreement; her recollection was fuzzy, but she had been able to piece together what may have happened. Had she been in a better state of mind, the guy would have staggered away, crawling on his stomach without the ability to reproduce. Lucky him.
Rhonda seemed to catch her daydreaming as she made herself more comfortable on the couch. "So why were you running away Helga?" she asked softly.
"How do you know I was running away?" Helga asked, feeling like a small child.
"Your body language says so; if you were going on a holiday you would have left this morning," Rhonda shrugged.
Helga could feel her anger rise quickly. "Look princess, if you think that for one minute you can pull your shrink stuff on me, then you've got another thing coming. I'm Helga G. Pataki and don't you forget it."
Realising she was standing before Rhonda with a fist raised, she felt ashamed as she realised her situation. "Sorry."
Rhonda shook her head. "No, I'm sorry Helga; it's one of my habits now. But I am concerned for you; why did you want to leave?"
Helga sat down, trying to think of a way to explain it to Rhonda without giving away her secrets. "I left because…things became complicated."
"In what way?" Rhonda asked gently.
"I kind of got into an argument and had to leave," she replied carefully.
"With your father?"
"No, a girl."
"Over what?"
Helga tried to keep her emotions in control, but the desire to run away was building quickly. "A boy."
Rhonda nodded; flexing her arms, Rhonda stood up and walked to the kitchen, her desire for coffee greater than anything else. "So, this girl you had a disagreement with, what was her relationship to the boy?" Rhonda asked as she grabbed the cups.
"They were dating…well apparently they were dating. I didn't find out till later."
"You mean during the argument?" Rhonda said, pouring the water into the mugs.
"Yes; but how was I meant to know that little miss per…the girl was dating him? It's not like I can read minds or anything," she said darkly, gratefully accepting the mug from Rhonda.
"So, what happened?"
"I was talking to him, you know, just normally and then she comes barging in saying that I'm not good enough, she goes on to insult me…and then I lost control. Next thing I know is that I'm running out of the hospital."
Rhonda watched unwaveringly as Helga drank the coffee and began to relax. "I assume that her words were quite personal towards you?"
"You got it sister."
"Somehow though," Rhonda began, "I don't think that's what's bugging you the most right now Helga."
Helga froze; was Rhonda about to find out about her love for Arnold? "What do you mean Rhonda?"
"I mean there is something more deeply affecting you; I can see it in your eyes. Every time I'm not talking to you, someone else is catching your attention. And no, I don't think it's this boy," Rhonda waved dismissively. "I think it's someone close to you."
Helga frowned as Rhonda leant back into her chair. "What happened that night Helga?"
"Rhonda, what are you talking about?"
"I know you were there Helga."
Time seemed to freeze for Helga as her mind raced; the building, the never-ending replay and silent farewell, the scream still forming in her throat, waiting to explode and erupt…
"Tell me about the night Phoebe died."
