*Curly's POV*

Why? Why must Rhonda ignore me? Can't she see I love her?
As I watched her walk by without even a glance my way, I longed to call out to her. I longed for her to just acknowledge me just once.
It's not that I'm lonely. I have friends. Lots of friends. Arnold, Harold, Eugene, Sid and so on. They all helped me through thick and thin. But none of them are able to help my situation with Rhonda.
With Rhonda, I would be complete. My life would be perfect. But it seems she doesn't feel the way I do.
Yet.

*Gerald's POV*

My whole body warmed as Phoebe held my hand. I can't believe that I had the guts to finally ask her out. I've wanted ever since I first saw her. Okay, that's kind of exaggerated since we met in preschool but I certainly admired her.
"Um, Gerald?" she whispered.
"Yeah, Pheebs?" I smiled at her and didn't get one back.
"I was wondering why you didn't tell Arnold that we're going out."
"Huh?"
"I know you heard me, Gerald." She got more strength in her voice and it was like the warmness in me blew out.
Please don't be mad at me.
I cleared my throat, "Honestly, Babe…I forgot."
"You forgot?"
Please…
"I'm sorry, Phoebe! You know Arnold was in Africa when I asked you out!"
"Yes, I know that! But how could you forget to tell your best friend about your girlfriend!"
"Please don't be mad at me, Sweetheart…I love you."
She looked stricken.
"I-I love you too, Gerald."
Then she pulled me into a hug and I felt warm again.

*Arnold's POV*

I frantically searched the hallway for Helga's pink bow. She has to be here!
Now, I know what you're thinking and it's not like that…this time. We're science partners and we're supposed to present our experiment on electricity today. I cannot do it by myself.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and a warm shiver went through me. I knew it was Helga.
"Hey, Footb- I mean Arnold. You ready for science?"
I grinned, relieved, "Yeah. You have the stuff?"
"Of course! Helga G. Pataki never forgets any- Oh my God."
"What is it?" I asked.
"I forgot lunch money!"
This is my chance. "That's cool," I said smoothly, "I'll buy you something from McDonald's."
"No, Arnold, I can't let you do that!"
"Sure ya can." I assured her and put my arm around her shoulder.
"Okay…but I'm paying you back tomorrow." She punched me in the stomach playfully.
"Alright, it's a date."

*Helga's POV*

A date! With Arnold? I gulped and hoped Arnold didn't hear it as he led me out to his car. An old pale blue pick-up truck. I love that truck.
"So, how have you been?" his voice brought me out of my thoughts.
"Uh, okay, I guess. What about you? Had any girlfriends yet?" I elbowed him in the ribs and smiled, silently hoping he would say no.
"Not for a while. I went out with Nadine for a while last year."
"Oh really? She's nice." I fought jealously. Nadine is my friend!
"Yeah. And I went out with Lila the year before."
I choked on my peppermint, "WHAT?"
Arnold looked alarmed, "Y-yeah! But I don't like her anymore…she's kind of annoying now."
So that's why she's avoiding me…and annoying? Hah! And I thought he was in love with the girl!
"So how about you, Helga? Had any boyfriends?"
Did he just choke on 'boyfriend'?
"Eh…I'm not really into dating that much." Except maybe if it was you.
I looked at his face and I could have sworn he was grinding his teeth.
What is up with him?

*Arnold's POV*

Why does she have to make this so hard?
"I'm not really into dating that much." She's killing me!
I bit my tongue to stop myself from blurting out how I feel.
I know she liked me when we were younger but now it's like she doesn't even care!
I love her but she's so…frustrating!