*Arnold's POV*

For the first time in my life, I was actually eager to go to school. Like, really eager. So much that I got up early and left almost an hour before school started.
Just so I could see her.
Helga has become the only reason I get up in the morning. So it doesn't surprise me when I get extremely giddy as I knock on her door.
I heard some rustling inside and then the loud BANG of a slammed door. I gulped and shifted from one leg to the other. What could be happening inside?
Then Helga ripped open the door and stopped in her tracks when she saw me. "A-Arnold!"
I stepped forward and smiled, "Hey, Helga. What's going on?"
She wiped her hand across her forehead and grinned sadly, "Just some more family problems. Olga's back and I think she's staying for good. Parents are ecstatic." She sighed.
I frowned. I hate how her parents play favorites. She's too perfect to be ignored. "Well, I was gonna take you to school—"
"Why are you here so early?"
I looked at the ground, knowing that my face was red as a tomato, "I-I wanted to spend some time with you."
I glanced up and saw her sweet smile before she kissed my cheek, "Then let's go,"

*Helga's POV*

I woke up to the smell of bacon and pancakes which is strange because Bob is never out of bed until after I come home from school and Miriam is always too drunk on her 'smoothies' to even say good morning. I get up and look in the mirror to tame the monstrosity that is supposedly my hair. It's not as bad as it usually is. I guess I slept better than every other night.
Because of Arnold.
I got dressed, smiled and climbed down the stairs all giddy and girly, not my usual. I went into the kitchen to see what was up with the amazing smell and found something (or rather someone) that I thought I would never see again.
Olga was back.
"Oh good morning, baby sister!" she greets with a tight hug that could be classified as a choke hold, "I missed you!"
I mutter something so softly that I don't even know what I said and don't hug her back. Instead I drop my jaw at my parents sitting at the table, stuffing their faces with pancakes.
Bob was up. Bob is never up. And Miriam even seemed a little sober.
"Hey, Helga! Look who came to see us for a surprise!" Miriam gave me a unusually bright smile.
"Some surprise." I murmured and picked up a piece of bacon.
"Hey, you should be grateful your wonderful sister here came and made breakfast or else you sure as hell wouldn't get any." Bob said his big mouth full of pancakes.
I bit my lip and forced back the tears. Ever since we've moved back from Cali, he's been worse. Not abusive; he knows I can hit harder than him but…more uncaring. It's like all he has is his Beeper business…and Olga. I pick up donuts on the way to school every morning because no one ever makes meals in my house anymore.
Miriam barely uses the blender anymore.
Olga frowned a bit, "Daddy, please don't curse."
Bob hmphed, "Sorry, Olga. I just can't help it sometimes."
I suddenly turned violently towards him, "Can't help it?" I shouted, "Can't helpwhat, Dad? That your oldest daughter is such an angel and your 'other' daughter is a failure? You just can't help that she's not perfect and you're disappointed so you take out everything wrong in your life on her because she deserves it."
Miriam dropped her glass, Olga gasped, and Bob just stared hard at me.
And then he said words that I never, ever wanted to hear, "Yes, Helga. You're right."
My whole world shattered right there. The floodgates opened and I ran out because I couldn't bear for him to see me so weak.
I slammed the apartment door and headed to the front doors. I ripped them open and saw the only person I wanted to see in that awful moment.
"A-Arnold!"

*Sid's POV*

I walked into to school a little prouder today. You know why?
Because I, the school's slack-off, voted the most likely to not succeed, got a girlfriend.
That's right. I asked Nadine to be my girlfriend last night and she said yes! To me!
Too surreal.
Now I understand what everyone—Gerald, Phoebe, Rhonda, and Curly—were talking about! Love!
I'm in love.

*Harold's POV*

So now everyone's going out with everyone.
And I'm alone. Perfect.
I couldn't help but feel lonely when I walked down the hallway, seeing all the happy couples. My mom always tells me that the one special girl will come but my questions are:
Where is she now?
And will I ever find her?
Why can't I just get a sign?
I'm not the same kid I was before! I've changed! Don't I deserve someone, too?
I sighed and opened my locker, thinking too much to notice that girl beside me. Then I turned and got the shock of my life.
"P-Pattie?"
She turned and seemed just as shocked as I was, "Harold! Long time no see!"
I smiled really big. Why am I so happy? "I thought you moved away. I never thought I would see you again." Then I gathered up some courage to hug her.
And she hugged back. (:
"My dad got a job offer to come back and he took it! I missed the gang a lot. Think you guys could let me back in?"
I grinned, "You were never out."

Hey guys! Thank you so much for sticking with me.(: I know I keep taking a long time to update and I'm sorry! I promise to try my best to finish this strong.
One of you asked about Pattie (I think your name was Ashlee) so I decided to put her in for Harold! Thanks for the idea. c: I hope you guys enjoy the story. I hope to finish it soon. xoxo