Ok, guys. I am so so so so so sorry for the long wait. I have no excuses expept I got lazy and destracted. But I hope you guys enjoy. R&R love y'all and your patience.

Chapter 8

Today was it. Today was my date with Arnold and I am so nervous I am nearly shaking like a chihuahua.

"Helga, you must calm down. I can't do your makeup if your shaking like a leaf." Phoebe scowled and gripped my shoulders.

I scowled. "I don't know why i'm nervous Pheebs. We've gotten so close lately. A measly little date shouldn't bother me. Right?"

"Wrong. Helga, it's your first official date. And it's a very romantic one at that. Italian food, and

a walk through the park as the sun sets, oh Helga, I wish Gerald would take me out like that.

"I'll be sure to mention it to him." Phoebe blushed.

"Oh you don't have to do that. Now hush, and let me finish."

By the time Phoebe was done I looked absolutely amazing. My outfit was not over the top, actually it was quite normal. I wore a sleeveless jean jacket over and bohemian patterned tank-top that tied at the waist with white jeans and black combat boots. My hair was tied back in a french braid with a couple curls framing my face. I had natural makeup on, skin tones used solely to enhance what I already have.

"And now we wait."

Phoebe sat quietly next to me, texting occasionally. I assumed it was Gerald, but my heart was beating too fast for me to dwell on it for more than a few minutes.

"Well, Helga. It's time for me to get out of here before Arnold gets here. Phoebe leaned over and kissed my cheek. Have fun Helga. Tell me how it goes."

Right after Phoebe left, the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, I stared in astonishment. He looked amazing. He wore dark blue jeans, black converse and a white button up shirt. His hair was it's usual messy style and his eyes were their beautiful green. Not that they would ever change, but they still manage to catch my attention every single time I see him.

"Wow. Helga, you look amazing. Beautiful as always." He held his hand out for me to take.

"You clean up pretty nicely yourself, Football head." He lead me to the packard and opened the door for me. We rode in comfortable silence, the short ride there. It wasn't awkward and it didn't feel strained. When we got there, the restaurant was a little packed, but we both took that as a good sign. If it was busy then it must be decent at least. I smiled to myself. So far so good.

Arnold wrapped his arm loosely around my waist, giving me goose bumps. "Table for two, under Arnold Shortman."

The young man behind the wooden stand, smiled politely and ushered us to a private table in the back corner. This was wonderful. I never expected this. I just thought we would have a nice dinner and I simple walk and call it quits. But so far, Arnold has been a perfect gentlemen and I couldn't seemed to look away from his eyes. For some reason the color just captivated me. "Your server will be with you in a moment, in the meantime would you like to look over the menu?" We nodded our consent and watched hi, walk off.

"This place is fancy." I looked around and grinned.

"Of course it is Helga, it's a real italian place. Not like those fake places that serve hambergers and spaggetti." we enjoyed our meals, made small talk. Arnold even mentioned that he noticed how far along I had come. That particular conversation had pleased me to no end, yet it had also made me slightly uncomfortable. He had seen, noticed, and taen action on the fact that I veiwed myself so negatilvely. It unnerved me that he could see past the false smiles and cheerful attitude. I was sure Phoebe noticed to, but she was never one to risk starting something. It was likely that she had been afraid that I would push her away. She never realized that I would never push away my best friend. After Arnold paid, which he wouldn't let me help with, we left and began walking towards the park.

We walked in companionable silence until Arnolds hand slipped into mine his thumb gently rubbed my hand, shooting tingles up and down my spine, which i'm sure from his secretive grin, he knew exactly what he was doing.

"I'm glad you moved back Helga. I missed you."

I know. I'm sure you know I missed you too. But I needed time to regroup. My life was messed up, and Miriam and I needed to recoup."

"I know." He said nothing we were in the park and it was near time for the sun to go down. Arnold picked a tree and sat. before I could sit next to him, he pulled me down onto his lap and wrapped his around me. "Lets just sit." I didn't have a problem, and leaned back against him.

"Your to comfortable for your own good." Arnold chuckled and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

"I don't think I mind all that much. I'm actually very comfortable right now." Then he played with the curls around my face, but I don't think, he noticed he was actually do it, so I didn't say anything. I needed Arnold in my life. He was my rock. My anchor. Someone I couldn't live without. He made life worth it. The sun fell slowly, casting the sky with beautiful shades of oranges red and pinks.

"We need to make this a routine. Once every two weeks. That way we don't forget how beautiful it is.

We stayed like that for a while. Me with my head laid back on his shoulder, his chin resting on top of my head. "Promise me something Helga."

"Hmm?"

"Don't ever leave me again. I don't think I could take it."

I turned around on his lap and faced him.. "I won't. I'm home."

We walked back to the packard, where he oped the door for me and proceeded to climb in after. He held my hand the whole ride, when he was able and before I wished it, pulled up infront of my house. "C'mon, Helga." he walked me to my door and stopped. He clasped my hands in his and leaned in, resting his forehead against mine. "Lets do this again"

I giggled. "That sounds nice."

"Ok." He whispered. Sddenly he grinned, pushed me back till I hit the wall and kissed me, forcefully. I gasped and he took the chance to take it further. Blood rushed to places, and my heart beat a thousand miles a minute. He pulled back, breathing hard. "Lets definitely do that again."

"Yes. That sounds like a wonderful idea." After a couple more minutes, I forced my way inside and instantly raced to my room to call Phoebe. We talked for hours, before, exhausted, I hung up and got ready for bed. I had no nightmares.

I loved Arnold Shortman, and ha may not love me yet, but he will.

OK you guys, I know its short but I didn't want you guys to have to keep waiting for this chapter. R&R as always. Should I do an epilogue?