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 Seven: Phoebe's End

The words hit Helga like a freight train; her eyes remained locked on Rhonda's, who had remained steady and calm since uttering those words. Perhaps she had heard incorrectly; maybe for the sake of all that was good in the world, Helga had mistaken the words that had come out of her mouth. But the lingering silence only played on her nerves; whether she liked it or not, Rhonda had asked her to tell her about…

Helga got up and before Rhonda could speak, headed for the bathroom and closed the door, sealing herself within, away from the prying eyes that continually scanned and watched her every move. She sat down against the door and despite knocks and words form Rhonda, Helga ignored her, instead curling into a ball and trying to block it all out…words stirred in her mind as it played back…Phoebe we can talk about it…Helga tried to hold her head; her vision was becoming fuzzy…We can't decide when to leave Helga...

"STOP IT!" Helga said, flinging her arms out. As time began to catch up to her once more, Helga found herself spread out on the floor like a starfish, unable to move and having no desire to do so. A soft snicker echoed from her right; craning her neck, Helga's eyes came upon the figure of Phoebe, sitting on the edge of the bath and watching her unrelentingly. Of all the times…Helga thought only to be interrupted by Phoebe.

"Good evening Helga," she flashed brightly.

"Why are you here?" Helga groaned, wishing that she could ignore this.

"But Helga, haven't you wanted to talk to me?" Phoebe frowned.

"Not really…you're dead remember?"

Phoebe sighed and began to play with her jumper. "Life is only a matter of perspective Helga. I wouldn't call dying death."

Helga didn't bother replying; maybe if she ignored her, Phoebe would leave her alone…

"That won't happen Helga; I'm here because you require my assistance. I won't leave until you are helped."

"I never asked for you to be here," Helga gritted her teeth. "Not once since you died have I asked for you to follow me, to watch me, help me or even talk to me. Not a single damn time. And yet here you are, telling me I'm needing help, some figment of my imagination that conveniently forgets to tell me that, oh yes, that's right, you're dead!"

"Helga who are you talking to in there?" Rhonda's voice was muffled as Helga looked around; Phoebe was nowhere to be seen, all traces of her were gone.

The room began to feel smaller, the walls closing in around her. Moving towards the door, Helga frantically opened it and burst out. Within moments the fragile frame of Helga was huddled on the couch wrapping the blanket around her so tightly Rhonda was worried she might not be able to breathe. Pausing to give Helga some space, Rhonda frowned at what she saw before her.

This is most peculiar, especially for Helga. I wonder if she ever spoke to anyone about this before?

"Helga, we don't need to talk about this now. I'd like you to stay indefinitely and I won't hear anything against it," Rhonda spoke, holding her hand up to stop Helga's retort, "Not least until we have discussed the matter of concern. We will speak about it on your terms, when you are comfortable. Until then, please make yourself at home in the guest room."

Remaining seated, Helga watched Rhonda leave her and head for her own bedroom. Carefully watching to see if she would return, Helga carefully picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. Tip toeing to the door, Helga made to leave but stopped. A chill ran up her spine, one so cold she had to stifle her yelp. Spinning around Helga saw Phoebe glaring intensely at her.

"You're not leaving," Phoebe whispered.

"It won't matter, I can't stay here."

"And where will you go from here Helga? This is best place for you right now, and frankly you don't have any other option."

"I could always ignore you and keep going on my way," Helga grumbled, turning to face the door again.

"How dare you Helga; what right have you? Instead of fighting me, why don't you swallow your pride and listen to me? As far as I am concerned, you need to talk with Rhonda; I can't hang around here forever watching you grow more and more miserable by the day, stewing away in your own sorrow and pity. You need to find a way to move on, and if that means staying here and being friendly with Rhonda until you can talk then so be it."

"And what if I leave now?" Helga grimaced, afraid of what Phoebe had become.

"I'll come after you every night, every day, and every waking second of your being. There will be nowhere to hide from me Helga G. Pataki," Phoebe growled, Helga stopping to turn and face her former friend.

"You can be really scary sometimes, you know that right?" Helga whispered, heading towards the bedroom.

"Only for your own good Helga, only for your own good," Phoebe sighed, watching her friend close the door.

D & F

Helga stretched out and groaned loudly. She hated waking up to find she'd contorted herself into another unfamiliar position, but took in the chance to know that she was safe in a bedroom she'd come to know as her own. Rhonda's briefest taps of the door let her know the familiar routine was still being followed. Breakfast would be ready in ten minutes and then she would have the day as her own.

Helga had placed her studies on hold. Though the conversation had been brief and rather frustrating, she'd managed to convince them to let her come back next semester. But it hadn't stopped her writing. With Rhonda's suggestion, Helga had begun trying to write down what had happened and express herself more, something she wasn't keen on sharing with Rhonda just yet. A quick flick through her black book and she began to form the briefest of smiles on her face before returning it to the bedside table, keen to get a move on with the day.

Quickly consuming the breakfast Rhonda had made, Helga began trying to work out her day when Rhonda interrupted her. "Have you let Bob know you're ok?"

"Bob? Why should I? There would be no reason for him to be worrying about me or what is going on in my life."

Rhonda frowned. "But he is your father- "

"Don't talk to me about him."

"I'm only saying it would be of better use to you- "

Helga glared at her. "I'm more than capable of looking after myself Rhonda."

Taking a seat at the bench with Helga, Rhonda sipped on her drink quickly. "I'm not saying you aren't. All I'm saying is that it is better for the one person who is related to you to know you're alive and well. I know you're fine to look after yourself, but maybe, this could be a more effective way of at least clearing some of the air with him."

Helga disagreed and continued her morning in silence. But the thought nagged at her, inching its way to the front of her mind. One week had passed and still she found herself glaring at the phone in her hand, huddled on the bed in a ball. This was ridiculous; Bob didn't need to know that she was alive and well. He probably hadn't noticed she was gone at all. But Helga…

Cursing the insistent voice, Helga quickly pressed the numbers and moved the phone to her ear. No one would pick up. Bob was never that reliable. Seconds turned to minutes, the dial tone fading in and out with such regularity she could feel her heart begin to match the pattern. Then there was a click.

Helga removed the phone and disconnected the call, throwing the phone away from her bed. A wave of tears flooded her system, her form huddling against the warmth of her blankets. She couldn't do it. For all the strength and courage she mustered, Helga felt smaller than ever as the phone buzzed back, pushing it away with her foot as she covered herself in the red velvet blankets.

D & F

Bob groaned. His bedside table buzzed away once more for the third time this week. Inwardly cursing the missed call, he rolled over and stared at the ceiling, wondering who kept trying to contact him. He could remember trying to contact the person who had called on Saturday, but after they didn't pick up, Bob had assumed they had dialled a wrong number. But the calls from this week…maybe they were getting the message. Bob didn't want anyone to contact him.

The year had already gone so fast for him. No one else could believe they were half way through March, and still the company was growing steadily. Bob could feel the strain of the late nights begin to wear away at his ailing body. Everyone expected the business to continue growing, continue to meet expectations and continue to be a leader in the market. All these things and more drove Bob to work harder. But his heart…

Bob's ear perked when the bedside table began to buzz again. Curiously her reached for his phone and tapped it. "This is Bob Pataki," he wheezed, forcing himself to sit up.

No one responded for a while, until he heard a sound that made his heart stop. "I should go."

He hadn't heard from her in a week, no one around him had. "Helga?"

He heard her mumble to herself and then repeat the same words. Bob couldn't let her go, not like this. Not like Olga and…Miriam. "No, no, wait, please just give me a moment."

Bob smiled when he could hear the phone remain connected. Hurriedly he tried to find the words to say, the words that would allow him to express the relief he felt that she was ok, that she had tried to contact him. But he couldn't do it. His mouth felt dry, his lips stammered incoherently, his heart trying desperately to convey that he…he…missed her.

"I'm sorry. I'm fine Bob."

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Bob looked down at the phone. Call ended looked back at him before returning to his normal screen. Furious, he flung the phone against the wall and heard the crack but he didn't care. Rage burned as fire in his blood, the ailments gone and forgotten. How dare she do this? Leave him hanging for a week and not wait for him to respond? The nerve of that girl!

Bob rose to his feet and began stomping around the room. "No one hangs up on Bob Pataki, no one!"

Bob picked up the phone and began trying to dial the number, but it was of no use. Pudgy fingers couldn't repair the damage. Growls turned to whimpers, Bob clutching the phone to his chest, resting his fingers on the delicate frame. "Please come home Helga," he whispered, cradling the remains of his phone.

D & F

You wouldn't believe how much I can feel now Phoebe. For the first time, I stretched today and felt my own legs tingle! It has been great moving off the sleeping aids, and moving onto tea instead. And my head…it's still a bit fuzzy at times, but it is going away. But I can't help but miss him Phoebe. I haven't tried contacting him yet, or his grandparents. Not since Lila.

Lila.

That name drives a stake through my heart, I'll never forgive her.

Two weeks. Two very long weeks had passed since Arnold's accident, and Helga could only stop her pining thoughts from growing by writing more and more. But even now while she slumbered on the floor between the couches, Helga felt some of old normalities creep in, losing the feeling of her body, trying so hard to ignore the whispers from Phoebe. She didn't need them anymore…

"Helga!" shouted Arnold.

Helga sat up looking around desperately for him. A large object grew larger and larger, his body becoming like a bull, rushing towards her with such speed she flung her arms up to protect herself. "I'm so sorry Arnold!"

The front door clicked and Rhonda walked in. Seeing Helga shielding herself from thin air, Rhonda coughed loudly. Perhaps she had been trying to shield herself from Rhonda's entrance, but she was facing the wrong way entirely. Eventually Helga registered her presence and turned around, rubbing her neck profusely in embarrassment.

"What was that all about Helga?" Rhonda questioned as she led Helga back to the couches. Sitting her down, Rhonda sat facing her, keeping an eye open for any sudden movements. She noted the black book was out once again and made a note to perhaps ask her about it another time.

For a while Helga did not speak as Rhonda asked her a few more questions about her day; the dread of having to face the questions again was terrifying to say the least. But the constant echo of Rhonda's voice seemed to be having an effect. Slowly but surely, she felt her mind begin to awake, the numbness that had built up slowly leaving, opening up a world of clarity.

"If you don't want to talk about it today Helga you don't have to," Rhonda shrugged, leaning back into the chair and taking a long sip from her coffee mug.

"Talk about what?"

"Phoebe."

Thoughts darted in and out of her mind as she tried to comprehend what to do; feeling a touch of ice on her shoulder, Helga knew Phoebe was hovering next to her, trying her best to encourage Helga to do what she had to do. But she never really wanted to do this. Maybe she was best to leave it a little longer…

"I think…I would like to talk about her," Helga stammered, surprised herself at what she had said.

Rhonda didn't press, relaxing further into her seat. She was glad she had made a call for dinner earlier before arriving home. Judging by her anxious movements and the constant fidgeting, this would not be a simple retelling. "Take your time Helga; you don't have to rush."

Helga nodded. "No offence Rhonda, I've had long enough to think about this…why is it that I can talk to you so easily though? I've only ever been able to talk to Dr Bliss this easily before."

"I guess you see me as a friend?" Rhonda asked, her eyebrows rising as she watched for Helga's reaction to such a statement.

"Don't get too cocky there Rhonda," Helga sniggered, earning a wry smile from Rhonda.

"Well whatever the reason, maybe you should just go with it for the moment. Have you told anyone else about that night?"

Helga did not respond. A deep frown etched itself across Ronda's face as an answer did not appear. "Not once?"

"I never could explain it; how could I? How could I watch my best friend lose her life and be able to explain it to any old Joe on the street?"

Rhonda nodded; she could scarcely imagine watching someone she cared so deeply about die, let alone take their own life in front of her. With a mixture of regret at seeing how much this had affected Helga, Rhonda knew that although she may have been pushing the boundaries, it was time for Helga to let some of the hurt out.

"Why don't you start from the beginning then," Rhonda smiled, trying to keep Helga talking.

Shaking, Helga took a deep breath and curled around the pillow beside her. "I think it started …"

D & F

Three years ago…

The chiming of the clock annoyed her to no end; why had she ever bought the blasted thing! It's tone of coo-coo! drove her mind mad every hour. She was better off without it. Wondering over to the window for a break, Helga made a mental note to throw it out next chance she got. Grey clouds had been forming all afternoon much to her disgust; it had been raining on and off for the last few days and she had hoped that today would be different.

Time had been getting away from her lately; since the formal, Helga hadn't really had a chance to stop and think about what had happened. Trying to sort out her new direction in life was proving to be harder to accomplish than previously thought; doing it alone wasn't any easier. Though Bob would provide the money, he wasn't going to help her much beyond that…he couldn't even if he wanted to. And she didn't blame him really.

And her friends were busy sorting out their lives too; Phoebe had been offered a scholarship to any university or college of her choice around the world. Any day now Helga was waiting for Phoebe to phone her and tell her the good news…and she would only be happy for her. A chance to get out of Hillwood didn't come around very often. At times, she felt there was no way out. And perhaps there wasn't…

Phoebe's boyfriend though would have a tougher time than her in getting anywhere; he was determined to go where Phoebe needed him, but Helga was unsure as to what he would do. Although Gerald was quite clever, Helga knew deep down that he was going to struggle to follow Phoebe where she needed to go. He was resourceful, but...but that was not her place to worry about.

A small passing of children made her smile for a moment, catching the sight of a small baseball cap on one of their heads. Arnold…she didn't know how to feel about Arnold right now. The most contact they had together was during class, but even then, it was scarce. At least she would be away from him, away from the shock and embarrassment of the formal. How that boy could ever think to do that to her.

"I won't think about ice-cream," she muttered, hoping that she would convince herself to drop it.

Shaking her head, Helga put it aside and tried to think of what she would do tonight. Movies seemed like a good option; she had not been out for a while, so maybe getting Phoebe to come along wouldn't be such a bad idea, at least allowing them both the chance to catch up and discuss their plans before moving on with their lives. Moving on. It felt weird to think it, but Helga knew before it came down to fate, she and Phoebe would at least have tonight's break to bond and spend time together.

Grabbing a hold of the phone, Helga quickly punched in the numbers and listened closely as the dial tone kicked in. Nothing happened for a while except the tone fading in and out. Finally, a click on the other end broke the dull noise.

"Hello?" a soft voice spoke from other end, no doubt belonging to her long-time friend.

"Phebs? It's Helga here. Listen I've got a plan for tonight that is going to rock; I'm thinking we hit the movies late tonight, grab some ice-cream and other assorted goodies and have a slumber party at mine or yours. Without the pork rinds. What do you say?"

"Gee Helga I really would like to…but I've just been so busy lately and I'm feeling rather tired at the moment…"

Helga sighed; if there was anything she hated more than the answer no, it was having potential plans cancelled. But she would not let Phoebe talk her way out of it, not tonight. "Come on Phebs, you've been stuck in that house for the last few weeks. It's time we got you out of there and had some fun."

No sounds came from the other end, meaning that she was pondering what to do very closely. "What about if we just meet up and talk tonight? I know it's not much, but I feel like I just need to talk."

"Sure thing Phebs; do you want me to come over or do you want to come here?" Helga asked, cursing the fact she was going to miss the movie…maybe she could get a hold of some ice cream.

"I was thinking somewhere a little airier. What about if we meet up at the old building near Arnold's? You know the one that was built to compete with Arnold's boarding house?"

Helga laughed silently; how could she forget that? Watching Arnold and the residents charge down the road towards the finish line to beat next door's residents had been one of the greatest days in Hillwood…maybe changing plans wouldn't be so bad after all. "Sure thing Phoebe; ten minutes?"

"Yes Helga. Goodbye."

Hearing the click on the other end, Helga shrugged her shoulders and got up from her bed. Walking towards the closet that once held her shines, Helga grabbed one of her coats and put it on, grabbing her beanie and shoving it on. It was still quite tight and hurt as she tried to adjust it. Just needs some breaking in, Helga thought, watching the clouds begin to grow darker outside. She thought about taking an umbrella while making her way downstairs, but as she opened the door to leave, she decided not to bother.

Within a matter of minutes, she was on her way down the pathway and marching towards the old building. No one dared to go in it nowadays; Gerald's urban legends had ensured most people kept a wide berth around it. But it didn't stop their class from using the building from time to time when needing to escape or do work alone. And it did help that Helga had started the legend as a chance to gain control over the building. Something about being on the rooftop, watching the stars come out at night seemed to rejuvenate everyone who went there. And as she closed in on it, Helga couldn't help but think of fonder memories.

She had once camped out on the rooftop with Phoebe, Gerald close by with Arnold. The night didn't end in a romantic confession of love and kisses, but Helga enjoyed the chance to spend time with them all and Arnold. Opening the door with a copy of the key, cut and given to each of the students in her class, Helga quickly closed it behind her and made her way up the stairs. It was modelled on Arnold's boarding house, except without the room leading upstairs to Arnold's bedroom. Instead they had placed a stairway that allowed patrons to go up and view the town from the rooftop.

Climbing the stairs quickly, Helga opened the door to find Phoebe gazing at the sky, its dark clouds hanging overhead menacingly, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Taking a seat next to Phoebe, Helga looked up with her and tried to figure out what stars might have been out tonight.

"Bit of a bummer night huh?" Helga asked, trying to start some conversation.

Phoebe seemed to ignore her and kept looking up, dressed in jeans and a tight fitting blue shirt with a jumper of the same deep blue over the top. Helga couldn't help but notice how well it suited her…and how rarely she dressed like this. Phoebe was relaxed and it showed.

"Did you want to talk about something Phebs?" Helga asked again.

"What? Oh, sorry Helga, I was just…thinking," she trailed off, resuming her look upwards.

"I can see that Phebs; but what's the go? Gerald not giving you enough love?" Helga smirked, jabbing Phoebe playfully in her ribs and earning a laugh.

"No, Gerald is doing fine in that regard," Phoebe giggled. "No, it's just…I wanted some company tonight."

"What are best friends for?" Helga grinned.

They didn't speak for a while, each lost in their own thoughts on the skies above. But Helga couldn't help but pick up on something…something not right about Phoebe. She couldn't tell what it was exactly, but it just felt…off.

"Helga, do you think it will hurt when we die?"

Alarms were ringing in her mind, but Helga drowned it out; this was Phoebe she was talking about it. She was fine; she was just a little lonely tonight that was all. "I don't think so; why are you asking me this? It's not like I've gone there yet," Helga laughed.

"I know; just curious I guess," Phoebe smiled.

"You know Phebs, you have been cooped up in the house for a while; what have you been doing?"

Phoebe seemed to try and find a way around answering the question but eventually answered. "I've been doing a lot of reading and thinking. There have been so many forms to sort through, many letters to read and respond to. I didn't think I was going to be this popular, especially for studying."

"Have you made a choice yet?"

"No, not yet. I'm not sure if I want to make one either."

Helga paused; something was wrong. Phoebe had never been indecisive. "Phebs are you okay?"

"Of course, Helga," she smiled cheerfully, standing up and walking around and stretching her legs.

"Phoebe," Helga began, "I may not be Gerald, but you know you can tell me anything. What is bugging you?"

Soft drops of rain began to descend, but Helga ignored it as Phoebe stopped dead, her head bowed and shoulders slumping. "I can't do this anymore Helga," Phoebe said softly, sending shocks through Helga's body.

"What do you mean?"

"I can't take this anymore; all the pressure, all the strain, all the time spent thinking of a future I can't even be sure of. It's all too much for me Helga."

"Phoebe; why don't you take some time off and travel the world? I'm sure Gerald would love to go with you."

"I can't Helga; I don't have a choice anymore."

Phoebe began to walk away; Helga was up and out of her chair but not soon enough. Phoebe was already at the edge and had turned around to face Helga, her eyes tearful and lips quivering. Alarms were ringing loudly in her mind but she was numb as to what she should do; if she made a move Phoebe would back away from her. She had to play it smart.

"Phoebe please don't," Helga pleaded.

Tears were rolling down Phoebe's cheeks as Helga subtly moved closer to her, her body inching her closer second by second. "It won't ever end Helga; it's all around me, all the time. Where can I go? What can I do? All I do is wait for the future that I don't want and can't stand to be with. This has to change."

"But what about Gerald? How can you leave him; you love him more than anything in the world," Helga said, feeling the rain beginning to pick up.

"I've left a note for Gerald; it will explain it to him," she smiled, taking another step to the ledge.

"But…but…what about me Phebs? Please, if for nothing else, stay here because of me. Please Phoebe, I need you" Helga begged, warm tears now falling down the side of her face.

Phoebe stood still frowning, thinking it through carefully. A smile crept across her face slowly but surely. "But you have him."

Helga was desperate; as Phoebe backed up to the ledge's edging, Helga thought about crying out and pleading for help, but she couldn't. Her heart felt like it was clenched, unable to respond or react with anything else except for crying. Tears grew thick and fast as Helga made a choice; running towards Phoebe, Helga was so close when she saw it: a small smile on Phoebe's face and a single tear hit the ground as Helga's hand reached out, trying in vain to grab a hold of Phoebe's clothing.

"Goodbye Helga."

Then it clicked; Phoebe had never said goodbye on the phone. Helga's hand reached out for nothing as she watched her friend fall backwards, the motion slow and painful. Helga managed to stop herself from running off the edge, collapsing to her knees to look over the edge. A scream of her friend's name echoed from her throat but she couldn't hear it. All that stood in that place and moment was her friend's eyes looking lovingly at her, like she was finally saying goodbye to her sister.

Echoing around the neighbourhood was the cry of Phoebe's name, one that seemed to rip the heart out of Helga and crush it repeatedly. Soon the ambulance arrived; people crowded and tried to figure out what was wrong, but Helga remained looking down, waiting for someone to collect her and take her home, tuck her into bed and tell her it was just a nightmare, a bad dream she would wake from.

"Phoebe," Helga cried as tears streamed down her face, the rain above drenching her as her world faded to black…

D & F

Helga's curled up form was unmoving as she finished her story, Rhonda's mind still processing silently with the information she was given. Seconds turned into minutes as Rhonda considered all that Helga had told her. She was positive that there was more behind Phoebe's choice, but she needed tact above all if she was going to get it out of Helga. For now, though she would play it carefully and leave any questioning to Helga.

"Can I get another coffee?" Helga murmured, holding the cup out pleadingly.

Nodding, Rhonda got up and took the cup from Helga, making her way to the kitchen quickly and quietly, not wanting to disturb Helga from her thoughts. As soon as she entered the kitchen, Helga breathed a sigh of relief and unfurled herself. All the tension that came from the story eased a little as she looked around, her break enabling her to regain her thoughts and bearings.

"How did I do Phoebe?" Helga asked, aware that her friend was now next to her on the couch.

"Quite well Helga, although I still think it was a bit vague about my death," she replied, the frown on her face earning a raised eyebrow from Helga.

"Well I would have thought jumping off the building would do it personally," Helga replied as Phoebe shook her head.

"Not that part…I mean the part as to why I did that…even I don't remember why I did it," Phoebe murmured.

Helga shrugged her shoulders but felt an uneasy feeling settle over her. "Why wouldn't you remember it? Even if you're a figment of my imagination…"

Helga gasped as did Phoebe as it dawned upon them. "You're only a figment, right?" Helga asked, earning a nod from Phoebe.

"Which would mean- "

"You don't know the real reason for it," Phoebe sighed sadly.

Rhonda strolled over to her and handed her the cup, being careful not to disturb Helga's deep concentration. She knew Helga had just explained to her one of the most traumatic moments in her life and she wasn't surprised she would need time to gather her thoughts. Instead, Rhonda chose to focus on the coffee and breathe deeply, taking in the aroma and embracing the warmth if gave her.

"Would there be a reason why I can't remember things clearly Rhonda?"

Her question caught Rhonda off-guard for a moment, but part of her wasn't surprised she'd asked it now. It had always been like Helga to be curious to what went on with her. Some of the time. "There are probably many reasons Helga. Some people might say that your mind is repressing events or memories you have, and I would most likely agree with them. But I can't say so for certain."

"Never mind then."

Buzzing from Rhonda's pocket caught her attention, using the moment to try and give Helga some space. But the name on the phone made her dread the call; she had asked him to call back later, but she didn't think that would be now.

"Hello?"

Helga tried to focus on the pillow she held, but she knew judging by the tone that Rhonda was worried about something, or concerned about someone she might have known. A few glances and mouthing the words of sorry couldn't cover the fact that whoever was talking to her had got under her skin without being here. Helga found it odd that she was displaying so much concern for this person, but then again, she hadn't asked Rhonda much about her life.

Rhonda hung up the call and continued to drink her coffee, her huff and concern vanishing quickly. Knowing it would be rude to ask, Helga's curiosity got the better of her when she asked who had called her.

"Oh, no one," Rhonda smiled.

Helga knew better though. "Who called you Rhonda? I haven't seen anyone get under your skin so quickly with a simple phone call before."

"Well a lot has changed. Besides, I'd rather not discuss it; it's not a pleasant topic."

"And my story?" Helga enquired.

Rhonda appeared to take an age before she smiled. "Point taken; but it is best left for another time."

Helga shrugged her shoulders and continued focusing on the cup in her hand. She didn't need to be reminded of the small figure beside her, nuzzling in to the blanket beside her. Making a note to keep an eye on her and Rhonda, Helga felt herself begin to daydream, wondering if Arnold would ever wake up.

Please Arnold…