Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and I enjoyed every second of this time with my friends. It's really been a while since I last hung out with the whole gang. I drank a little, got some presents, and played board games, which I just can't play card games with Pheobe and Gerald without losing.

I sighed, the cold air making my breath dance in front of me in a swirl. I couldn't wait to go back home and just rest in a warm bed with Helga in my arms. It'd been a long day, and even though I was in vacation from my job, I felt drained.

Going into a party with my friends is never relaxing. Far from it. Plus, because of lack of money, I had to walk back home instead of taking the bus. What a pain in the butt.

Digging my hand further in my coat's pocket, I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment. It was so calm, so silent. A fresh but still breeze of cold wind ran across my blonde hair, making it wave around. It felt just nice standing there, thinking of hmy day, and those to come. I felt like my life was finally taking a good turn. There's been lots of ups and downs, but I was reunited with my friends, Helga loved me, and that dealer guy looked like a thing of the past. It was just nice to see everything fall into place.

U continued to roam the streets, pondering whether or not I should go to bed or take a nice, hot bath.

Hot bath sounded good enough. Maybe Helga would like to take one too; with me, if possible.

It took me 15 minutes more or less to come back home. I grabbed the handles and walked in, first removing my scraf, and then my coat.

''Helga, I'm home.'' I called while removing my boots.

I frowned when I heard no answer. I stood up and the sight made me drop my bags of gifs.

The appartment was a complete mess. Glasses of beer were spilled on the floor, making me take caution to where I stepped. My lamp was lying broken on my blue carpet, as well as my plants. My red curtains were shredded and torn. Suddenly, My eyes shot open at the thoughts of a missing special someone.

''Helga!... Helga!''

I ran to the kitchen, only to find it empty, with some fruits crashed on the floor. I went to my room, empty. But something attracted my eyes, and I sent my hand at my mouth in shock.

Her guitar, her beloved guitar, was totally broken. The thin guitar's chords were all tangled up, its paint stripped.

Now it was serious. Whatever happened here, Helga would never let someone touch her guitar. Nothing seemed to have been stolen so the whole ordeal perplexed me. I walked in, but then I stepped on something. I frowned in deep worry.

Her cellphone.

I picked it up, inspecting it to confirm that it was still in good shape. I noticed that she received a message from a unknown person. i opened it but instantly dropped the cellphone on the floor. My blood ran cold, and I felt sick to my stomach. My knee couldn't hold anymore of my weight, and I sat like a doll on the floor, looking at what seemed like burned corpses.

Still, the identity of the persons were still recognizable.

My breathless body slowly stood up, with difficulty. I felt like throwing up, but it was decided that wasn't on the top of my priority.

With a new found strengh, I ran to the door, grabbed my boots and coat, not without noticing the presence of Helga's boots and coat as well, and left the house without closing the door.

Helga.

It wasn't long before the iced air makes its path to my lumbs, squeezing it in a painful hold. My breath became shaky, my chin and noze frozed. The slight tears down my cheeks froze as well. Was it really that cold outside? I hadn't noticed it before, but it was really damn cold. And Helga was somewhere, out there with nothing warm on.

Helga!

I closed my eyes tightly. No, it couldn't be happening. Not for Christmas! It might only be December 22, but it was the kind of problem that couldn't be resolved within few hours.

I couldn't help but grit his teeth at whoever did this. It was inhuman! And... And on Christmas... Had this guy a heart at all ?

I didn't want to imagine Helga's reaction to this.

HELGA!

I ran faster. My brain didn't know where I was going, but my legs seemed to. The only place Helga would feel at home, and protected, though the answer wasn't all that logical.

I scrammed, running like I never did before. It wasn't right. It was so wrong ! It was... It was a murder. No one on earth deserved something like that ! Everything was going so well... Too well obviously.

I pushed the faded colored door almost out of its hinges. The stench of the place attacked my nostril, but this time, I didn't complain. I was way too busy making my way to the rooftop. I didn't know what brought me here, maybe my instinct. But I had to act fast.

My legs' muscles burned at the sudden exercise, but I did not mind. There was only one thing in my somewhat numb mind.

HELGA!

And with that, I opened the door leading to the roof.

I barely took the time to notice a bright wave of blond hair.

She was there.

She was really there !

I just couldn't believe my luck. My limbs were burning like hell, making me pant heavily. Even though she didn't return, I knew she knew I was there.

I slowly made my way to her, removed my coat and wrapped her cold and shaking shoulders in it. Her disheveled hairs were hidding her face, but I would be a fool to think she had not cried. She may be though, hardheaded, and a Pataki, but...

The bastard killed all of her friends.

I did not say anything, sending her a worried sick look. Also, I took few seconds to look her over. Her red hands were bleeding, I figured she could have done that when she punched the mirror. She was only wearing a light hoodie, and her jeans and shoes. A part of me though couldn't helpt but know I would be in the same state of sadness if I was her. Just the idea to find all my friends and cared one dead because of me... I shivered, and not from the cold.

''Helga...'' I called, not even recognizing my shaking voice. ''You need to go home. You... You'll catch a cold.''

My voice was only a weak murmur, but I was sure she heard me alright. She did not respond though, her head resting on her knees. It was so odd, and so sad to see such a dynamic and strong girl being in that kind of state. The fact that it was my girl just made it worse.

''Helga...'' I tried again.

''Go away...''

She barely rose her voice, but I heard it. Her voice was broken and weak, like she cried too many tears.

''You want a cigarette?'' I asked.

Damn it ! Was I really that stupid ? She just lost all of her friends, and I dumbly ask if she wants a cigaret. She turned her head towards me. Her eye was red, and her face swollen. She agressively hit the hand holding the nicotine stick.

''I don't want that shit anymore! Just leave me the heck alone!''

''Helga, we both know that is not going to happen. I... I saw the pictures...''

The reminder of the tragedy seemed to make her snap, and she hid her crying face in her hand, shaking her head in utter despair.

''It was all my fault ! I couldn't do anything !... I... It's Dan... He...''

''Dan ?''I asked.

''The dealer. When... When I went to pay, he said everything was okay, but I knew! I knew he was lying! But I didn't do anything ! And now, they're gone! THEY'RE ALL FUCKING GONE! She shout at the people below us.

I barely heard a shut up being screamed in the street, but we did not mind. My heart was shattering at the vision of this girl so strong now turning into a wreck. Her blonde hair was fading, and her features deformed by the rage. I looked down at my hands. Christmas wasn't supposed to turn this way. It shouldn't be. I stood up, and slowly made my path toward the broken girl. I took her in my arms, holding strongly as she tried to break free. It wasn't going to happen as long as she wasn't calm.

''Helga. I love you. It wasn't your fault. It's that guy fault. He is the murderer. Not you, you couldn't know. We should tell the police, and...''

''The police never found him! But they will send me to juvie for all the shit I did! There's no way I'm going back there! You don't... You don't get shit Arnold ! How could you? You're born in a good and loving family, surrounding by good friends and love, and any shit you want ! My family never wanted me! I was a mistake, They were all crazy for my sister, who was so smart and perfect...''

She took a short pause, then remained on her monologue.

''I was ugly. Stupid. Rebel. Mean. And now, I am a fucking murderer !''She cried, almost tearing appart my shirt in her closed fists.

She struggled, but my hold grew stronger as my rage flew out of my mouth.

''I' DID NOT HAVE A SO PERFECT LIFE, HELGA!'' I couldn't help but shout at her. ''Sure, I had more than you, way more, but don't get to say I had a perfect life. I've been orphan for like half of my life ! So don't say shit about it!''

Then my grip softened, and I hugged her lovingly.

''Your parents are idiots. They don't see what I see. They don't see the poetic, romantic, intelligent girl behind that facade. No one's perfect. If they are stupid enough to compare you to some unrealistic doll, then they don't deserve a place in your thoughts ! I love you, Helga. I always will. You're the most beautiful girl I've never seen. You're not only beautiful, but you also have a hell of a voice, you're athletic, possessive over your friends, kind... People would kill to have those qualities.

She didn't answer, she was listening intently and crying softly at the same time. I could feel tears running down my face.

"T-Rex, Carl, Mellow... They're all in a better place now. It's sad. Cruel and unfair. But we can't do anything but make sure it never happen again. Now here's my idea. We will move on in another town. Discretly. And we will start a new life, okay ? No more crazy parties, cigarettes or drugs. No more of that shit. It's what got you in trouble in the first place and made your life a twisted hell. Are you okay with that, Helga?

I was expecting her to break free and yell at me that it was impossible, that she loved that life, and would never give it up for no one and for anything. It would be normal; it's the only thing she knows.

But her reaction took me by surprise. I felt her nod against my chest, still mouth shut. U slowly nodded back. I knew her heart was broken. She probably had a headache too. And she was probably cold, I did too as I began to lose the sensation in my fingers. Sensing she was calming, I patted her back.

''Let's go home, okay ? We will drink hot chocolate, go to sleep. Then tomorrow we will clean up the mess and start searching for a new place. ''

She nodded again.

''Are you going to be alright ?'' I asked worriedly, finally letting her go.

She sniffed, and rubbed her two eyes. I sweetly caressed her smooth cheek, my thumb barely touching her scar. I tried a smile.

''I am not going to let him hurt you more. It's over, Helga.''

I saw her mouth trembling, and before I knew it, she kissed me desperately. Her two, strong, red hands on my cheeks, tears salting the kiss. I closed my eyes. She needed me more than anything, and I'll be there for her. She needed someone to show her the right path, and I promised myself I was going to be the one. To make her turn back from the wrong side of the road.

I took her hand in hope to give it some sort of heat, and we made their way home. On their way, I sensed her tense up once more.

"Helga... Maybe would you like to sing for me softly on our way?" I asked with a low voice.

I knew she loved to sing. Especially for me; she did a few times back then. She lifted her heard, and seemed to think of something. She started to sing very softly, like she was afraid someone could hear her. They weren't just empty lyrics. It was like she was talking to me in a very sincere voice.

''I know I'm not perfect,
I know I got issues,
I know I've got a sordid past,
And, yeah, some bad tattoos.

I'm not a model,
I'm not a saint,
I'm sorry but I am,
Just not sorry,
'Cause I swear and,
'Cause I drink.

Maybe it's about the time,
To let all of the love,
Back in the light.
Maybe it's about the perfect place,
To let go and forget,
About the hate.

After that word, she suddenly stopped. I knew she just invented the whole song, it was coming right from the depths of her heart. And she did not know what to say anymore; there was nothing more to say. My grip on her hand grew stronger, and I kissed her on the cheek. Once they got home, we started to remove our wet clothes, and for the first time, I noticed how weak and fragile her body was. She had small, feminine shoulders. Her hands were petites, her neck thin. Compared to mine, her arms were much more slender, like she couldn't hurt a fly. How could that fragile body been enduring all of this pain, I wondered.

I walked towards her, and put my hands, now hot, around her waist, mindlessly caressing her black tattoo. My eyes were gazing hers intensely. She frowned, making the piercings on her eyebrow shone a little.

''I love you.'' I muttered at her ear.

''... I love you too... Please don't leave me alone...'' she begged.

''I won't. Let's get dressed and go to sleep. Christmas is tomorrow. I will treat you like a princess.''

A shadow of a smile showed up on her face, but disappeared soon enough. It was a start.

We put out pajamas on, and went to bed in each other's arm, her head resting on my chest. I caressed her hair until she fell asleep, dried tears on her cheek.

I frowned as my heart sank into my stomach.

That guy will pay.

I will do anything in my power to make sure he ends up in jail, I knew Helga won't be in peace as long as she doesn't get a revenge.

And I'll make sure he never steps anywhere near her again.

Hi guys ! Sorry for that loonnnng wait, I had a writer block !

I wanted to write about the christmas night of Arnold with his friends, but that was what gave me writer's block, so I just cut to the best part.

The song is Love into the light from Kesha.

I would like to thanks everyone of you that follows my fanfiction, and I'll promise I'm not going to give this fic up that quickly :) Only few chapters left.