*Arnold's POV*
"So, what was it like in Cali?" I asked, trying to not let Helga know what her presence did to me. I can't even think straight!
Helga shrugged in reply, "Oh, you know; hookers and Hollywood; the whole shebang." She throws up jazz hands.
I allowed myself a small smile, "You lived Hollywood?"
"Nah, right outside it though. Big Bob was always going there. Sometimes I used to think—" She stopped and looked away.
I glanced at her as I turned into the school parking lot, "What's wrong?"
She looked up, her blue eyes watering, "I…" she whispered, "I used to think that he was trying to find an escape…from us; our family."
I felt like I was stabbed in the chest, watching the sobs rack through her so I scooted over and slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Helga, it's alright. Please don't cry."
She wiped her eyes and looked hardly at me, the girl I knew nine years ago seemed to come back, "Why shouldn't I? Everything in my life that could go wrong is going wrong! I deserve to let out some of my emotions, Football Head. You couldn't possibly understand what I'm feeling because you have perfect—"
Out of an old habit I thought I had gotten rid of, I pulled back at the sound of the sound of that name. Helga looked at me, alarmed and covered her mouth when she realized what she had said. "I'm so sorry, Arnold. I—"
I shook my head, "I-it's alright, Helga." Maybe I was wrong. She hasn't changed. "I gotta get to class."
"Oh, okay. I'll see you then."
I nod, a little dazed, "Maybe."
*Gerald's POV*
I smiled on the way to school for the first time. Phoebe was sitting beside me in my dad's car, singing some song I've never heard. Still, it was beautiful. I listened, trying to savor every note.
"Oh! Oopes!" she said when she messed up the words.
I laughed, "It's okay, darling. You've got a beautiful voice."
I could hear the smile in her voice when she said, "Thanks, Gerald. But I would much rather hear you sing a few songs." She elbowed me a bit.
"Actually, you would probably run screaming if you heard me. And I don't want that." I pulled her into a kiss right as I spotted Arnold walking away from his truck, looking down. I glanced at his truck and saw Helga getting out, looking down as well.
What's wrong now?
I pulled away from Phoebe and started to get out of the car.
"Gerald? What's wrong?" Phoebe said after me.
"I gotta take care of something, okay? I'll be back." I handed her the keys and I started walking towards Arnold's retreating back. I heard the car door slam behind me and footsteps running after me.
"Can I help you somehow?" Phoebe asked, her caring nature making me smile.
"Of course, love. Can you go get Helga? I think something's wrong with her and Arnold."
She frowned slightly then nodded, "Okay. I'll find you when I find her."
"Perfect, babe. Thanks."
*Helga's POV*
How could I have been so stupid?! I finally got the boy of my dreams to care about me the way I've cared about him for the past fourteen years and then I go and mess it up like I've messed up whole life.
I've possibly lost the only the person that I never wanted to lose.
For the second time today, I felt absolutely no hope; the worst feeling in the world.
I walked into HS 118, ignoring the footsteps behind me and the "Helga!" coming from someone that sounded like Phoebe.
I just kept walking, trying to forget everything.
"HELGA G. PATAKI, STOP THIS INSTANT!" I felt a strong but small hand on my shoulder. I turned around.
"Phoebe?" I couldn't believe that voice was hers.
"Where do you think you're going?"
I looked left and right at the kids staring at us, "Uhm…chemistry?"
"Ha-ha, very funny. Now, what are you doing? You can't just let Arnold go!"
How did she know about him? "Pheeb—"
"Yeah, Helga! Go get him!" Nadine suddenly slipped an arm through mine and I was suddenly aware of Rhonda and Sheena standing by us, too.
"You should at least try," Sheena said, "and if it doesn't work out, I'll show you my butterfly collection. That always helps me"
Rhonda put a hand on Sheena's shoulder gently and shook her head, "No, what Helga needs is some good, old-fashioned girl talk."
I looked at her, shocked, "You mean…you'll help me?"
"You helped me and Curly get together, didn't you? It's the least I can do."
And then I smiled genuinely, "Thanks, guys." And I really meant it. All I needed right now was some good girlfriends and help.
And that's what I got.
It's a short chapter, I know! I'm still getting over my writer's block so bear with me, please! I hope you guys stick with this story 'cause I'm working hard on it! Thanks for the support. xoxo