A/N: Uploading this chapter early... taking a short hiatus- till July 19th.

A lot going on and want to be able to upload quality chapters for all of you to read.

CH 5 is rated T for abuse related subjects.

Craig Bartlett owns Hey Arnold

Please review!

Responses to Comments:

Metehor: Thank you for reading. So glad you like it

The J.A.M. a.k.a. Numbuh i: It will. Karma will definitely happen

Veganmama: Thank you for reading. It will get interesting

Miriam POV

The room spun when I opened my eyes. Shutting them tightly I heard Robert complaining about Olga, but I think he meant the younger one. Nevertheless, I mustered the energy to open both eyes. Needing to see what put my husband in such a state. He was ranting at the younger one about the people she sat with. Thinking he was referring to her classmates, I looked towards the group in question.

My eyes locked with Miles Shortman gave a nod in greeting.

I could still picture him as that awkward teen, but he was the nicest boy in class. Always looking on the bright side and trying to help when he could. I would have been interested in him if he wasn't like a brother to me. His parents were good friends with mine, he was like family. It would have been weird.

Giving him a onceover made me realize he was far from that awkward kid I once knew.

'Hot damn. Misjudged that one'

He smirked in amusement when the woman beside him nudged him playfully. The woman in question was a beautiful brunette. His wife I guessed by the matching gold bands. Her brown eyes were kind as she gave me a small smile before turning back to the scene in front of us. The entire Shortman family looked concerned at the exchange between Bob and the little one.

I nodded back to the couple politely.

"Mummy." Turning towards the voice, I saw a reflection of myself in the mirror. I cupped what I thought was my cheek gently. Then I started asking "Mummy. Please stop daddy from yelling at Helga." My hand quickly dropped as I realized it wasn't a reflection of myself but my oldest daughter Olga.

'She couldn't be my daughter. Olga is only sixteen-I think'

I heard myself asked barely above a whisper. "How old are you now?" She looked uncomfortable, ignoring my question. "Please. Help me calm daddy down." Olga was on the verge of tears. I wanted to sarcastically laugh at the irony of it all.

I sat back in the chair and shut my eyes in defeat.

Bob promised me a happily independent life. Free to be who I wanted. I chose the fit macho marine hell bent on making 'our dreams' come true instead of the understanding boy next door I had known all my life. Not that either of us had feelings for each other. Glancing back at Miles and quickly shutting my eyes again.

'Even in his prime Bob never looked THAT good.'

I knew my husband started fooling around a few months after Helga was born. The doctor's claimed the depression was from post..post-something. But I never revealed the truth.

Bob said there was something wrong with me. How could I not provide him a boy to pass down the family name. The insults, gaslighting and broken promises turned to his adulterous ways. I felt ashamed that I chose this-this person over my family. He never hurt me physically or Olga for that matter. Bob knew the fastest way to hurt us was emotionally. I tried to escape the only way I could. My blender and vodka became my best friends.

Helga was different. She was tougher and stronger than I could ever be.

'So strong for an eight year old...is she eight or nine?'

Olga started whining again. The child's voice could crack a window. I kept my eyes closed hoping she would go away and I could find a drink. A few moments later my prayers were answered as I heard her huff and start yelling at her father.

My last thought before sleep claimed me was how badly I wanted my blender.

Phil POV

I saw my sister sending photos as well as a long-winded message to Bea. Pookie had asked earlier about inviting Mitzi and Bea to a family dinner. I couldn't put my finger on it but something had changed in her demeanor. Gert was still my crazy hellion but she was more in her right mind since seeing our son.

Not looking up from her device, Mitzi spoke through the corner of her mouth in our direction. "Bea's planning something." Mitzi motioning towards Gert and I to zip our lips about it. We followed her line of sight to the youngest Pataki. The older one was pulling at her father's arm as the coot continued berating his daughter. All because he hated the fact that she was keen on my grandson.

'The men in our family drive the ladies wild…the curse of being a Shortman'

I shared a look with Miles, both of us wondering if we should step in to help when my nosy sister put a hand on my shoulder, gently pushing me so I was sitting up straight. She leaned towards us and told us to mind our own business with a "she's not family yet boys. Stand down."

Turning back towards the argument in question, Bob had turned his anger at his oldest. The announcement overhead said something about boarding for first class passengers. Mitzi handed us our passes. Arnold stood in his girlfriend's direction. Miles walked over to his son and whispered something in his ear. The young boy contemplated what his father said, until we all turned at the sound and saw the blonde girl on the floor.

Arnold, Miles and I jumped to Helga's aid while I heard my twin yell into her cellular device "QB. We have a code red. Will protect precious cargo. Sending info. See you soon."

My son and I stood between the future member of the family and her father. We told him she was staying with us until we landed back in the states. He kept arguing that she belonged to him and we don't have a say in the matter.

I was surprised to see that his wife abruptly stood next to his eldest daughter. Miriam clutched her older daughter's arm for support. Both women said in unison. "Let Helga stay with them." Mir gave her husband a look that made him back down.

Helga's young Asian-American friend quietly came up behind us. She handed the blonde a bottle of water and pain reliving medicine. Then started asking a lot of questions that the poor girl couldn't keep up with.

"Dad." Miles said to get my attention. My son smirked before announcing "Let's blow this popsicle joint."

With that we all boarded the aircraft.

Helga POV

I sat next to my beloved with my head on his shoulder. The now room temperature cold pack was placed on the impacted cheek. It was a weird occurrence to say the least. 'It's weird football head. My sister stood up for me. She tried to protect me.' Arnold held my hand tighter. 'It's never too late to show how much you care about someone.' Mulling over what he said, I agreed, using our bond to explain what I couldn't with words.

I saw the question before he inquired 'has he ever hit her?' It took me a moment to sift through memories 'not that I can remember. I'm not even sure Olga knew about it till this morning.' He kissed my forehead. 'Maybe that's why she's trying now, because she didn't know.'

After we disembarked the airplane and went through customs, I spotted the woman I was anxious of confronting. She briskly walked towards me in a brown pencil skirt and ivory colored silk blouse.

I smiled uneasily, watching out for parental units over my shoulder. "H-hey grandma." She grabbed my face gently but it was still tender from the incidents earlier that day. The concern swiftly grew to anger. Hugging me tightly she suggested I go with the Shortman family and she would meet me at the boarding house.

I silently complied but worried for my sister's wellbeing at the same time.

Walking through the front door of the boarding house was strange. When I pictured the many different ways and instances that I had snuck in, in the past Arnold gasped out loud. Still unsure of what he saw in the temple I sent him a vision of the shrines I had created and what they were made up of. The many secret shenanigans I went through over the years, trying to ensure his happiness. His family stopped to look at him. He recalled on the memory he just witnessed as if it was his own. The one where I was sneaking through the walls of the boarding house and sleeping behind his remote sofa. He just looked at me and chuckled as if I were the funniest person in the world.

Unknowingly breaking our moment, his grandmother insisted she show me to my room. Unable to argue, I followed politely. As she gave the tour of the second floor, she also pointed out what room was what. I was silent throughout the tour with a polite smile on my face.

Two doors down from the door she announced belong to her and Phil, we stopped. The door was a different color than the rest and had an older looking handle as well. The older woman pulled out an antique key and opened the door. The entire theme of the room was different shades of purple. Older photos donned the walls in the same wood color that matched the floor. It was a place I could visualize his grandmother spending time in and grateful she wanted to share it with me. Half of the room held a cedar desk and a large matching bookshelf sat next to it, holding very old looking leather bound books. The opposite side held a chest of drawers, wingback chair and a single bed.

I couldn't help but feel that I was invading her space. "Are you sure?" I asked. Her kind eyes grew misty. She touched my shoulder. "Absolutely Eleanor. I can't tell you how long I have been waiting for this day. Now, if you don't like anything let me know. Maybe we can redecorate it together?"

Arnold heard his grandmother's sentiments through me and an outpouring of love flowed through our connection.

A knock on the door prevented my reply. It was Mitzi standing next to my grandmother, who was wearing the same outfit from earlier.

I swiftly sent a message to football head 'Putting up the barrier to have girl talk with my grandma. I love you hair boy.' The warmth of his love poured over me. He like that I was getting more comfortable saying it to him, even if it was just in our minds. 'I love you too su corazon.'

With that I felt him put the wall up between us.

My grandmother and Mitzi entered without a word. Mitzi pulled out the desk chair as Gertie sat in the purple wingback chair. Bea motioned for me to join her on the twin bed, glancing around the room in awe. "This room hasn't changed in fifty years." Arnold's grandmother hummed in agreement. I turned towards the older woman next to me, hugging her and apologizing. After a moment, she held me at arm's length. "I have filed a petition with the court for guardianship of you." I opened my mouth to speak but no words followed. Grandma added "The date of our hearing is Monday." Taking a deep breath, I asked "guardianship? Is that like custody?"

"Custody is only until the minor turns eighteen. Guardianship is for life. And before you question it. I filed before I found out about the physical abuse. But the new information I obtained should give an iron clad seal to our case." Feeling the need to joke in uncomfortable situations I remarked "You know grandma, seals are known to be the dogs of the ocean. Do the iron clad ones look more like a sea lion or like a walrus?" The two Shortman women looked amused but my grandmother simply said "it's not an animal dear, it's just a saying." I already knew that but chose to nod in reply.

Looking at my hands, I meekly asked about my sister. Bea asked "What about her?" Taking a deep breath to gather my thoughts, I inquired if she was attempting to gain guardianship over both of her granddaughters. Grandma patted my hand and her weak smile didn't reach her eyes. "Your parents don't mistreat your sister like they have with you. It's unacceptable and I won't stand for it any longer." She placed one hand over both my own "How long has he been laying his hands on you?" I tried to shrug, partly ashamed that I didn't speak up sooner or that I let it go on for as long as it did. "A few months but I do-" Arnold's grandmother cut me off "don't make excuses or blame yourself. There is never an acceptable excuse for abuse. It's not your fault." Tears filled my eyes as I went over the memories of the past few months. I wanted to disagree. I must have said or done something that contributed to his actions. My grandmother gently cupped my face, forcing me to look at her. "It's not your fault. I promise to do everything in my power to protect you." Tears sliding down my face, I inquired again. "What about Olga? She's not as strong as me." Thinking of the jeopardy I could be putting my sister in made me start to sob. "W-what if he tries to h-hurt her too?" Picturing Olga hurt in the same ways I had been made something within me crack. The floodgates of tears let loose and I began balling hysterically.

Visualizing Olga stitching up her injuries to avoid suspicion

Grandma pulled me to her chest and rubbed my back soothingly. I forced myself to ask "W-wh-at i-if h-he hur-hurts h-h-her and it's all m-m-my fa-fault?"

Swiping Miriam's makeup to hide the remaining bruises like I had done. Lying to friends that everything was fine and not to worry

Bea replied softly "I will talk to Olga tonight and we will work something out." I nodded.

"Maybe for tonight, she could stay here?" Arnold's grandmother suggested. Bea thought it over before responding. "I'll allow it. But I will be by tomorrow morning."

Tomorrow morning will be fulfilling my end of the deal. Grandma had been giving me endless lectures for over a year that I would look so much prettier with two eyebrows. If nothing else, it would 'raise my self-esteem'. Weeks ago, after the business plan was presented, her selfishly motivated clause was agreeing to the makeover.

Complying to the makeover before the trip didn't seem like a big deal but now that it's here, I'm obligated to hold up my end. For my football headed love, it was worth it.

As we headed downstairs, I knocked on the invisible door. Arnold lowered the guard that he placed earlier. Opening the door we all saw Arnold sitting opposite the room we occupied. When grandma moved out of the way he rushed towards me, hugging me tightly. We both heard Mitzi mumbling something about déjà vu as she escorted my grandmother downstairs. Bea joking told her best friend that she wasn't new here. I saw through Arnold's thoughts that his grandmother was placing old photographs and memorabilia in a closet. 'I feel bad that she's giving me her room' He rubbed my back comfortingly. 'Helga. She wanted to do this for you. She wouldn't have done it if she weren't 100% certain.' He chuckled as he showed me the conversation he had with his grandfather. My grandmother was Mitzi's version of Phoebe.

Flashback

"Your grandmother funded the trip? What about the contest?" I laughed. "I'm sorry for deceiving you. I was just afraid if things didn't turn out as successful that you would have blamed me. I couldn't bear that idea so my grandmother and I agreed it was the best plan." Tears swam behind his eyes. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have found them." I chucked. "There's a lot of confessions I have to tell you about." He smiled as a tear fell. "Life with you will never be boring."

End of flashback

Bea called my name from downstairs as Arnold's grandmother came out of the room, locking it behind her. She smiled as she saw us, handing me the ancient key. Pulling away from him and taking a small step back, I took a small deep breath. "I don't want secrets between us. I think my grandmother is going to make me live with her."

Realizing the distance between my grandparent's residence and this neighborhood, I was concerned about having to go to different schools. Arnold had the same sentiments but instead of commenting on it, we both followed his grandmother downstairs.

Stella POV

The boarding house hadn't changed much since we last left. With the exception of the preteen who paced back and forth in the living room. Phil tried to get Arnold to sit but he said he was too anxious about something. I began setting the table as Miles rifled through take out menus. "Yes! Slausen's is still in business!" My husband said excitedly while holding the menu victoriously. I raised an eyebrow. "Ice cream for dinner?" He shrugged, mumbling. "Just happy to be back." With that he went back to shuffling through menus. My father-in-law suggested somewhere called El Patio. When we looked hesitant Phil helpfully added that "Mr. Hyunh works there. The food is really good." Unable to contain his anxiety, my son raced upstairs towards his girlfriend.

Phil chucked. "The boy has it bad. I was the same way with Gert." Miles excitedly called El Patio and placed an order for almost everything on the menu. I sat across from the older man as he was retelling the story of when Gert and Phil officially started dating. It made me remember the ten-year-old girl wearing a beautiful white dress, her eyes glowing as she proclaimed her love for my son.

Footsteps creaked on the stairs and we saw the beautiful older blonde woman come down the stairs. I had only met her on a handful of occasions but the name Bea was talked about a lot, especially when Miles and I started dating. She sat next to my father-in-law in defeat.

Bea pinched the bridge of her nose, taking a deep breath. "How could I not know, Phil?" The old man put a hand on her shoulder. "It's not your fault Bea." She shook her head as tears she was holding back fell upon her cheeks. She delicately wiped them away, making sure not to smudge her makeup. I handed her a tissue. She smiled in thanks, before her smile faded and admitted. "I'm second guessing everything. What if Robert has been hurting Olga too?"

Olga POV

Mummy and I watched from the back room as Daddy paced around the beeper emporium floor. Holding a set of documents in one hand and his cellphone in the other. He yelled on the phone "She's trying to take my daughter away from me!" His face flushed as he responded with "The younger one…the girl!" Whoever he was talking to made him angrier. He knocked over a beeper display. "Crimety! I know my child's name. That bitch is trying to take Olga away from me." A blender sounded behind me.

I had originally planned to leave for Alaska tomorrow. The plans were coordinated before our trip out of the country. But as I looked between both of my parents, I wasn't so sure anymore.

Classes in the school I taught wouldn't start for another few weeks. But I still wanted to come up with a lesson plan that would be beneficial to all learning styles. I would hate for someone to be pushed along and not understand the material I was encouraged to teach.

Another crash from the main showroom, followed by my father's obscenities.

I didn't realize how bad things had gotten at home. Especially for Helga. It was partly my fault. I tried to avoid coming home more often because of the arguing that seemed to never end. Baby sister was always so resilient, and independent. We are so alike and so different at the same time.

My phone buzzed. It was Helga asking if I talked to Grammy. Grandma mentioned that Helga was worried for my well-being. It was very uncharacteristic of baby sister but the last twenty-four hours have really opened my eyes. Helga's sentiment was sweet but I was almost twenty-three years old, which was well past eighteen and neither mummy or daddy had ever been so cruel. In regards to my wellbeing they were supportive and loving. I had my rebellious moments as most teenagers do but made sure that my parents were kept in the dark.

If you had asked me before the trip about Grammy's idea to take custody over Helga, I would have sided with my parents but after what I witnessed firsthand, I wasn't sure.

I did know that I had to protect my sister no matter the cost.