*Helga's POV*

Damn it. You know you're bad when you get detention on the first day of school. This sucks. But I have lunch next so I get to see Arnold. Awesome.
I was walked in the crowded cafeteria and looked around for Harold, Gerald's hair, or any sign of where the gang sits.
I caught sight of Nadine in the line and ran to her.
"Hey, Nadine."
"Oh, hi, Helga."
I narrowed my eyes, "What's up? You seem down."
"It's nothing." But she shot a glance at a girl I recognized as Ruth Mcdougall, the girl who almost stole the love of my life.
"You have a problem with her?" I nodded at Ruth.

Nadine looked startled, "No! Who do you ask?"
"Yeah, you do. You've always been a bad liar, Nadine."
Nadine scowled, but finally gave up. "She said my hair was frizzy and I dress like a lesbian."
I looked down at her Vans, torn jeans, and Beatles shirt. I thought she looked fine. After all, she dresses like me. Except for my pink bow. I only wore that for Arnold.
"You look great, Nadine. Ruth is just used to butt-shorts and shirts that show her teeny-tiny boobs." I frowned. I was serious but Nadine burst out laughing. I heard laughter behind me and I turned to find Rhonda and Phoebe cracking up. "Helga!" Rhonda snorted.
"What? It's the truth!"
"That's what makes it funny!"
I smiled and put a hand on Nadine's shoulder. "I'm gonna go talk to Ruth."

She was laughing too hard to stop me.

*Arnold's POV*

I scanned the cafeteria for the gang. I found Harold and Eugene fighting. I better stop this before Eugene gets hurt. I quickly walked towards them but Eugene had already slipped on nothing and fell. Harold turned, laughing, and left. Too late. I groaned and helped him up.
"Thanks, Arnold." His face was red.
"No problem. What were you guys fighting about anyway?"
"Uh…" Eugene stepped back, "Well, I wanted to ask Ruth McDougall out but everyone knows that Wolfgang has the hots for her. Harold was just trying to keep me out of harm's way."
I nodded, "At least, it was for a good cause."
Eugene smiled and went to the line. As I watched him for more trouble, my eye caught Helga. She was walking confidently up to Ruth.
Oh no.

*Helga's POV*

I slowly walked to her until I was nose to nose with Ruth.

"Um…what do you want?" her voice was so annoying.
I frowned even more. "I want you to stop being a bitch to my friends!"
She gasped, "No calls me a bitch you-you lesbian!"
I laughed, "Can't think of anymore insults?"
She hmpfed and kicked me in the shin.
Then I got defensive.
I immediately jumped on her. She fought exactly how I thought she would: biting, clawing, and pulling hair. But I was punching and kicking. I pinned her down in a second. She squirmed under my grip but I was stronger. I raised my fist and- "Helga!"

I caught my breath. I suddenly saw the crowd of kids around me and Ruth and an angel standing in front of me.
"Arnold?"
But then Ruth's ugly face replaced his and she punched me. Hard. I fell backwards and was in a daze. I heard muffled voices and Ruth say, "Alfred, do mind helping me up?"
I felt a hand grasp mine and Arnold reply, "It's Arnold and no."
He pulled me up and helped me walk. When my mind cleared, I turned around and promptly flipped Ruth off.

*Arnold's POV*

"Helga, why do you have to get in trouble so much?" We were in the janitor's bathroom and I was cleaning her up.
"I don't know, Hair Boy! And on the first day of school, too!" She slammed her hand on her forehead, "Damn it!"
Then she shot a glance at me, "Oh. Sorry." She put a hand on her mouth.
I laughed, "It's okay. I'm used to it."
She grinned, "You're okay, Football Head."
Suddenly my legs went numb and my face felt hot. Helga didn't seem to notice. I gulped and replied, "You are too, Helga. And I'd like it if you just call me Arnold."
She stared at me for a little bit and then she, too, gulped, "A-alright, Arnold."
I smiled and got up, "I gotta get to class."
Helga nodded, stood up, and followed me out. I couldn't help but grin when I heard her swoon silently.

*Helga's POV*

Oh…Arnold.

I held my locket that I've had for about ten years. I'd finally gotten a chain on it and now I don't leave home without it.

I dreamily walked into the PAS room for detention. I scanned it for a familiar face. Harold, Sid, Curly, Wolfgang; most likely the regulars. Except for Phoebe and Arnold.
Arnold?
I sprinted to his desk and sat down beside him. I hastily wrote a note.

What are you doing here?

He took it and wrote back.

Someone (probably Ruth) tipped off Mr. Harrison that I was involved in a fight.

Wow. He has better handwriting than me!

Oh, sorry.

Arnold nodded to let me know that it was okay. I dipped my head down and started drawing hearts.

*Stinky's POV*

"Well, howdy, Miss Lila. I said when I found her at my locker. Boy howdy, she was purty.
"Hi, Stinky. Listen, I need your help with something."
"Whatever you want." I replied.
"Okay, it's about Arnold…"

*Helga's POV*

I drew until my math homework was covered in hearts. I didn't care if I got in trouble. Mrs. Martinez broke my daze when she got up and wrote on the board,
DO NOT TALK!
And then she left.
"Where do you supposed she went?" Phoebe whispered.

"Probably to make out with the janitor or something. And you don't have to whisper." I said.

"Um, well, Helga?"

"Yeah, Pheebs?" I turned with a sly smile. I knew her well enough to know what she was going to say.

"I was planning on telling you earlier but stuff got in the way…"

"Yeah…?"

"…Gerald asked me out." She squeaked meekly.

"I could've figured that! That's great, Phoebe." I grinned.

"He did?" Arnold gasped but his surprised face turned into a beautiful smile.

"He didn't tell you?" Pheebs said shyly.

"Well, no! But that's great!"

I smiled at him.

An Asian and a black guy. Who knew who else love would bring together?