*Arnold's POV*
My stomach dropped to my ankles when we pulled up in front of Helga's house. Before I had encouraged her to come back but now I'm not so sure.
"Come on, Arnold!" she took my hand and hopped out of the car. Mom got out of the car too and we walked up the stoop together. Mom knocked on the door while I struggled to keep the blood in my hand flowing because of Helga's death grip. She must still be terrified. I gave her an assuring smile and she squeezed my hand, making me fill with warmness and pain at the same time. She let go to pull her jacket up and I took the freedom to rub my hand lovingly.
"Are you scared?" she suddenly whispered. No one had answered the door yet and the suspense was killing me.
Not wanting her to be nervous, I answered, "Not in the least bit. You have nothing to worry about."
"Easy for you to say." Her eyes filled with worry and I kissed her lightly on the lips.
"Don't be scared. I'm right here, okay?" I put an arm around her. She smiled at me and nodded.
Mom knocked once more and this time the door immediately swung open. "Helga!" It's a tall blonde girl that I recognize immediately as Olga, Helga's older sister.
Olga pulls Helga out of my arms and into hers. "Oh, Helga. I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'll never let Daddy do that again!" Her mascara began to run but she didn't seem to notice.
I look to see Helga's reaction to seeing her sister after almost a month of living at the boarding house. To my surprise, she was…smiling.
Then I watched as Helga slowly wrapped her arms around Olga's back and said, "I missed you so much, Olga."
Olga pulled back; looking shocked and then smiled softly, "Come inside."
*Helga's POV*
So many feelings and memories rushed at me as I walked through the door. It's only been a month but I couldn't help but almost cry. "Ever since you left, we've—Mummy and I—have been a mess. Daddy was really upset but he's not here right now." Olga explained quickly, not bothering to wipe her eyes.
Miriam…was worried about me?
Mom spoke up, "Well, we were meaning to speak with your parents. Is your mother home?"
Olga sniffed and seemed to finally notice Arnold and Stella. "Is this your boyfriend, baby sister? Is he why you left?"
Arnold opened his mouth but I put a finger to my lips. I put a hand on her slumped shoulder, "No, Olga. Answer Stella's question."
Olga straightened up, "Mummy's in the bathroom, I believe. She'll be out in a minute."
We followed Olga into the kitchen and I'm shocked to find a complete mess. The trashcan was over flowing and all the cabinets were open and empty. The blinder was tipped over and pink smoothie was spilled on the ground.
Miriam's started drinking again.
Rage and despair built up in my chest and I rushed to pick up the blinder. I threw it out the window into the alleyway before anyone could say anything.
"Helga…" Arnold walked to me and I forced my tears back.
"I'm fine, Arnold. I'm okay." I replied simply, the seams in my heart tearing once again. Olga just stared in disbelief and then sighed, "I've wanted to do that for the past month. Thank you, Helga."
"My pleasure." I muttered, not bothering to ask why she never did it. I marched out of the kitchen and up the stairs towards the bathroom where Miriam was still locked in.
I heard small footsteps behind me and then Olga was beside me. Arnold started to follow us but Stella grabbed his arm. She whispered something and then he nodded silently.
"Ever since you left things have gone downhill." Olga whispered urgently, "Mummy started making those smoothies again and Daddy kept leaving and not coming back for a long while. I didn't know what to do."
I sensed her tears coming and I turned to her, "Olga, I'll take care of Miriam. Go back downstairs and wait with Arnold and Stella. Okay?"
"But-."
"No, Olga. Just go, I've got this."
She nodded sadly and slumped down the stairs. I continued up the stairs and reached the bathroom at the end of the hall. I put my fist up to knock and then thought better of it. "Miriam?" I called out instead, "It's Helga! I'm home!"
I listened and heard nothing.
"Hey, Miriam? Come out so we can talk!"
Again, nothing.
And then barely, I heard something. Something like a moan, I think. I put my hand on the knob timidly, "Miriam?"
BANG!
"MOM!" I shrieked and practically ripped the doorknob off. Arnold, Olga, and Stella ran up the stairs as I kicked the door as hard as I could
"Helga, I'll do it!" Arnold yelled and then slammed his shoulder against the door, automatically breaking it open.
Olga and I rushed in, squeezing through the small door.
"Mummy!" Olga screeches.
Miriam was lying on the floor, unconscious. Blood everywhere. That was the last thing I saw before everything went black.