Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned in this story.

They all belong to their rightful owner: Craig Bartlett.

Title: "Roadside girl"

In the last chapter: After their date, Helga had winded up falling asleep next to Arnold in his bed. They quickly realized they had been sleeping so soundly that they hadn't heard the alarm clock go off so Helga needed to borrow some clothes of Arnold's since she couldn't make it home to change.

The video the two young girls had recorded of Arnold and Helga dancing had gone viral through the evening, night and morning and most of the other actors already knew about it. The director warned them not to let their feelings get away of the play, but applauded the new advertisement for the play it gave.

After practice, Helga went home with Arnold to grab her clothes, but stayed a bit longer as Arnold attempted to give her a massage, which turned into a bit more. Susie, one of Arnold's neighbors, broke the moment as she stormed out on her husband Oskar once again. Helga and Arnold parted, both feeling a little sour from the moment they had just witnessed and the discussion they had about it.

Author's 1st note: Yay! I'm so quick all of a sudden! xD But don't expect the next chapter to appear so quickly again xP

[Please notify me if you notice any grammar mistakes. This isn't my first language, so there's bound to be mistakes.]

Chapter 16: "Watch her grow up"

It was Arnold's third attempt at tying a regular Windsor knot. He wasn't particularly bad at it, but he was too distracted. He and Helga hadn't spoken much since Susie had left Oskar and, to Arnold's surprise, hadn't come back yet. He felt suddenly awkward around Helga and he wasn't really sure why. She had basically told him that she loved him or at least cared for him dearly so what was bothering him so much? It was the way she had converted it, using Susie and Oskar as symbols. She had told him that unlike Oskar, if Arnold had ever left Helga she would have been scared that he wouldn't come back. It was a confession and he should have been happy, but this pressure on his chest refused to go away. A part of him knew why he was bothered by it; because there was a petty, cynical side of him that said that Helga had in fact left him seven years ago. His logical and loving side though said that it was seven years ago and she didn't exactly have a commitment to him back then, not that she particularly had one now, but it was still different from back then.

Helga was feeling the same sort of awkwardness around Arnold. She was thinking about it as she was pulling the invisible strings from her white dress over her shoulders. Unlike Arnold, she wasn't unsure of why she felt awkward, she knew it; she was a little angry with him. Once she got home, she had called Phoebe and told her what had happened and Phoebe had mentioned that Gerald had once told her that Arnold had in fact saved Susie and Oskar's marriage when they were children. Helga had been unexplainably furious and told Phoebe she needed to cool off. She had been standing under the cold water in the shower for about twenty minutes before she felt remotely calm. It just angered her; that Arnold would save such an abusive, one-sided relationship. After that anger had cooled off, she had wondered if she was even allowed to be angry. Wasn't she abusive in some ways herself like Oskar was? Did she show Arnold that she cared for him? Did she appreciate him enough? She had gone to bed angry and confused that night without finding any answers.

Their semi, pseudo, not-really-a-true fight had miraculously not affected the play, but the director along with the cast had noticed how they weren't talking to each other; especially Maria and David who were meeting up before the party at Maria's house. "Do you know what they're fighting about?" Maria asked she tied her short hair into a small ponytail and saw David shaking his head. "It doesn't feel like a fight. When Helga's angry, she's seething with it. At the moment she just seems… numb." He explained with a frown. It wasn't a mood he was used to seeing on Helga; anger was so much easier to deal with.

"Should we do something?" Maria asked and put her hands to her hip. "I'm not sure if we would just be making things worse…" David admitted and adjusted his tie as he faced his reflection in the mirror. "We can't do anything as long as we don't know what's going on at least, but… maybe the party tonight will bring them back together?" he suggested and frowned a little at the thought. He was happy that Helga was finally making progress with the love of her life, but he was starting to wonder how good Arnold was for her. Was he really such a great guy? He was starting to think that maybe Helga had put Arnold up on a pedestal where David wasn't sure he belonged.

"Do you still have feelings for her?" Maria asked with a bit of a pout and David smiled at her. "A part of me does… but it's growing smaller. I still care much for her though." he warned, but Maria smiled at him. "Of course you do. She's a great girl." She said and frowned at the sight of David's tie. "Why are men so bad at this?" she mockingly asked and readjusted his tie for him. "Thanks." He said with a small grin and kissed her forehead. A very big grin spread across her face and he couldn't help but chuckle at her honesty. Helga would usually have frowned and slapped him on the chest as if he had just insulted her whenever he did that. This was a nice change.

"Am I supposed to apologize, Phoebs?"

"You didn't say anything wrong, Helga."

"Then why do I feel guilty?!"

"Because you're weird!" Phoebe announced teasingly and nudged her elbow at Helga's arm. Helga smiled and swung her arm over the shorter girl's shoulders. "Arnold and I aren't fighting and yet we're not talking… It's only been less then forty-eight hours, but it feels like forever! Oh, ew. Am I that girl?" she asked with a disgusted frown on her face, which Phoebe giggled at the sight of. "Arnold is making you that girl." She replied and Helga huffed. "But I think Arnold is that boy too."

"Yeah?"

"Gerald told me though he didn't tell me in details so he wouldn't betray Arnold's trust. In truth, Arnold is really affected by this too." Phoebe said and Helga smiled a bit. "I'm a sadist for saying it, but I like that he's negatively affected by this too." She admitted and Phoebe chuckled. "Of course he is, Helga. He likes you. A lot." She concurred and hugged the blonde girl by her waist. "Thanks, Phoebs… I just hope that this party can get me in a better mood. I can't count how many people wrote to me on my blog that they were planning to show up."

"Well, that's good, right?"

"Of course it is. It's great! It means more people with phones and nothing better to do than advertise our play through their own blogs, Facebook, Twitter and… whatever that Instagram thing is used for."

"I believe that is the one that is used for pictures."

"That's just as good. Pictures of the place and of the actors is just as good as a thousand words." Helga said as she and Phoebe entered Circle Theatre, and Helga almost stumbled back at the sight. "Whoa, this place does not look like itself at all!" she said as she gauged. It most of all looked like an extravagant nightclub; neon lights bright enough to blind a person, smoke on the floor to give that edgy look and ottomans along with sectional couches out in the corners. There was plenty of room for dancing much like how Helga remembered it and the small stage at the far end of the room was still there. "Phoebe, do you know how Arnold's grandparents reacted to this change?" Helga asked with a bit of a frown. She personally liked the place, but knowing that it had changed so much from how it had looked when Gertie and Phil had their first date here… it somehow saddened her. Phoebe shook her head. "No, but I'm guessing they didn't like it."

"My grandma was the angriest one."

Helga shrieked at Arnold's voice behind her and she turned around to glare at him. "Why do you always come sneaking up like that?" she asked and put a hand to her heart. "Hey, baby." Gerald greeted Phoebe and kissed the girl's cheek while Arnold looked at Helga awkwardly. Ugh, this feeling is still there… Helga thought and in stubbornness, she kissed Arnold's cheek herself. He looked at her in surprise, but smiled at her. Helga suddenly remembered that Gerald was standing next to them and looked at him to see his reaction. Arnold noticed her look and he leaned closer to her ear. "Just so you know, Gerald knows about whatever this is."

Helga recognized her own words coming out of Arnold's mouth and she smirked. "Did he have a brain aneurism?" she asked and he nodded. "Pretty much." He responded and they chuckled together. Gerald and Phoebe smiled at the exchange between their best friends, but Gerald was still feeling weird about how Helga and Arnold were now an item. "Can you two keep the PDA down until I'm drunk?" he asked, but awaited no answer before he pulled Phoebe along with him towards the bar. "I have a feeling he's not over that brain aneurism just yet."

Arnold chuckled at Helga's words and he turned to smile at her, but noticed that her smile was fading. "Arnold, are we gonna talk about the elephant in the room?" she asked and he started to look around. "I don't think this place is big enough for an elephant, Helga." He retorted and felt her hand slap him on his chest. "Don't avoid the subject, Arnold. Talk to me." She ordered and he sighed. "I don't know what to say, Helga, I… I have this weird feeling, but I don't know why or what the feeling even is."

"Then I'll start." Helga declared and sighed in preparation. "I'm a little… angry with you, Arnold, which I know isn't fair. I don't know Susie and Oskar the same way you do, you've seen them in their happy moments too, which I haven't. It's just… you seem like the kind of person who would save a marriage beyond any means and my opinion is just that… maybe some marriages are better left broken by divorce."

Arnold looked dumbfounded at Helga. He hadn't expected her to turn the subject so heavy so quickly, but he let her speak. "I often think about how different my life would have been if my parents had gotten a divorce. I truly believe they would be happier without each other, but that's the bad ending to you, right? Sure, two people living happily ever after in a marriage is the best way, but what if they are unhappy in their marriage? Isn't a divorce then the better option? It just seems to me that Susie would be so much happier without Oskar and maybe once when there is no one there to save his ass all the time, he'll start living like a normal human being. I just don't think it's fair that he's dragging Susie down with him." She continued and then exhaled again. "Now I've said my part. I just needed to get it out. Your turn."

Arnold opened his mouth to speak, but he was speechless. Helga was waiting patiently for him to speak so before he knew it, he did. "Helga, you're amazing." He told her and her eyes widened in shock. "Since I was a child I've been known as the one people ask for advice, the one to help people solve their problems, but… lately, I've been wondering if I even know what I'm talking about." He admitted and saw that she was about to comment, but he held a hand up to stop her and she kept quiet. "Helga, your perspective of the world may be darker than mine… but it's also more realistic. Perhaps I'm too idealistic and too positive. You might be right. Maybe… Maybe Susie would be happier without Oskar and maybe in the long run, Oskar would be happier without Susie… if you're right about him starting to take care of himself that is."

Helga was the one to feel dumbfounded now. She hadn't expected Arnold to agree with her on such a subject in a million years. He smiled at her as he put his hand behind her neck and nuzzled his forehead against hers. "You taught me something just now, Helga… Thank you." he said and she felt a blush spread on her cheeks. "Uh… you're welcome?" she suggested and he chuckled at her sudden uncertainty. They stayed quiet for a moment, just standing there as this heavy feeling they had felt the last two days was disappearing.

"Susie hasn't come back yet." Arnold whispered and Helga nodded in understanding. "Maybe she… really has left this time." He continued and sighed. "Arnold, that would be a good thing, at least for her. Their marriage is dead…" She whispered and he nodded, but his face still seemed pained. He had grown up with this couple after all, so it felt like a part of his family was breaking up. Helga bit on her lower lip. "The marriage is not just dead, Arnold, it… it died, came back as a zombie and was shot in the head so it died again."

Arnold made one short, but loud snicker at Helga's words and she started chuckling as he looked at her with a cracked frown since he was laughing himself. "You're horrible!" he declared, but then laughed loudly with her as her hands started to rest on his neck as well. Once their laughing stopped, they kissed deeply, both moaning at the familiar feeling of butterflies flying around in their stomachs.

"Looks like we were worried for nothing." A male voice declared next to the blondes and they turned to look towards it. David, Maria, Gerald and Phoebe were standing near them and smiling at them. "Worried?" Arnold repeated and David smirked. "Yeah, you two seemed like you were fighting, but by the way you're locking lips now, I'm guessing it's over?" he asked and Arnold looked back at Helga. "Well, whatever we were doing is over… right?" he asked and she smiled at him before pecking his lips. "Yeah." She answered and Maria started cheering as she clapped. The others joined in for the joke and Helga rolled her eyes while Arnold bowed. She took the opportunity and smacked him at the back of his head, which he frowned at, but the sight of her smile made him forgive her easily.

"Helga, we spoke with the director yesterday by the way." David said, catching the blondes' attention again. "He said it would be a good idea to choose a scene from the play as a sort of advertisement for the play, but we weren't sure which we should choose." He said questioningly and Helga frowned. "We're gonna perform tonight? Would have been nice to know, bucko!" she said as she looked down on herself. "I'm sort of limited to some of the dances in this long dress." She pointed out and waved the white material around her bare legs.

"So we should choose something that isn't too upbeat so the girls can dance properly in their long dresses. We shouldn't risk the advertisement being that the protagonist can't dance." David agreed, which Helga bumped him at the top of the head at. "How about Welcome to the Slaughterhouse?" Maria suggested with a shrug. Helga tilted her head to the side thoughtfully. "It is the opening song and would make a great teaser… and everyone is in that scene. People are going to be recording it on their cells no matter what we tell them so it's perfect since the song doesn't bust the play. Yeah, Welcome to the Slaughterhouse should work." She answered with a smile. "Let's get ready, people."

"I don't get it. Shouldn't the actors be here for the party? Helga Pataki wrote about it on her blog, she should be here!" a girl complained to one of her friends. "Yes, and I want to see David Whitlock already! He's so dreamy!" her friend countered. Circle Theatre was starting to get filled to the brim with people, all eager to see the actors from Roadside Girl, but not one of them had been seen yet and that confused people. "I feel guilty for some reason." Maria muttered with a pout and Helga patted her head. "Just imagine their faces when they see us on the stage." She comforted and pulled the curtain back so Maria could stop blaming herself for their fans' displeasure.

Helga grabbed the headset from the technician and adjusted it on her head. She then turned to look at her fellow actors. "Are you guys ready to get the party started?" she asked and they all cheered happily. She was about to hush them so that the people outside wouldn't hear them, but then she remembered that they probably wouldn't notice. "I'm ready when you are, Miss Pataki." The technician said and she gave him a thumbs-up before standing near the curtain again and took a deep breath. "Start."

A dull sound that mostly sounded like the echo of someone banging lazily on a homemade drum ricocheted through the room. It started out too low for anyone to notice, but then it got louder and other instruments started to join in. A few people started to look around in confusion. "What is that?" a boy asked with a frown and looked around. Maria stood beside Helga and the blonde put her hand on Maria's back, ready to push her out when it was time.

"Locked inside this cage, where all your world's a stage and in this silent rage, can you turn the page into something new? The fantasies of burden. These gods, kings and queens won't even dream of peace." Helga sung in a somewhat broken and hurt voice and some girls started to shriek. "That's Helga Pataki's voice! She's really!" one shrieked and the people started to gather around the stage, having finally caught onto what was about to happen. Helga rolled her eyes sweetly at Maria and then pushed her out after having put another headset on her.

Maria took over the song as she danced gently and sweetly. "If I could let these thoughts drown and someday she might lose her crown." She sung and reached out towards the curtain she had just come from. "That's Maria Sheffield!" a girl shrieked and some cheering echoed, which Maria almost smiled at, but kept her feelings at bay and kept gesturing for Helga, or rather Adrasteia to appear. "In time, these chains that hold me down would set me free."

Some other dancers appeared from the other side of the stage, all dancing what would be considered lyrical, men as well as women, dressed in their party wear, which didn't particularly suit the sound of the song, but no one in the crowd seems to care. "No more screams or shouts, you're quiet as a mouse." Maria sung and put her index finger sensually in front of her mouth, making some people from the audience shriek. "And in this slaughterhouse, is there no way out of here? They feed the fears and hide the grief of burden. These gods, kings and queens won't even dream of peace."

The beat of a low drum synchronized with Maria's feet as she went to grab Helga from behind the curtain and twirled her onto the stage, where people started to cheer when they say her. "If I could let these thoughts drown and someday he might lose his crown." Helga sung and gestured for David to come onto the stage, which he did and took her hand. "In time, these chains that hold you down would set you free. Would set you free." He sung and took Helga possessively away from Maria's grasp who looked hurt at losing her hold, though that was of course all part of the act.

Helga and the rest of the girls on stage sang together harmoniously as they continued to dance, looking like water sprites fading in and out on the stage. "No more bound and no more doubt. You fall into the wishing well. You're frozen into someone's spell that keeps you running in and out of love." Arnold appeared on the stage, a grave look in his posture, which Helga copied at the other end of the stage. The blondes froze, while the rest continued to dance. "Love…" Helga sang sweetly over the silence and then the music started once more.

Arnold could hear the crowd chanting his and Helga's names in over each other and them dancing in the rain was also mentioned. He smiled on the inside, not at all used to this sort of attention, but he didn't lose focus as he walked towards Helga as she seemed to try to dance away from him. "If I could let these thoughts drown and someday I might lose my crown." She sang as she successfully avoided his grasp, staying close to David as if he was a protective shield though he did not see what was going on in front of him. "In time, these chains that hold me down would set me free."

Helga continued to stray away from Arnold's grasp, even hid behind David at one point where Arnold simply grabbed her hand from her side and then twirled her back to him. David stepped to the side, seemingly unaware of the love that had suddenly sprout behind his back. "If I could let these thoughts drown and someday I might lose my crown…" Helga sang softly in unison with Arnold and they caressed each other's cheek. David seemed to see what was going on and grabbed Helga's waist though he stayed frozen there as he took over the singing."In time, these chains that hold you down won't set you free. Won't set you free."

All the dancers fell elegantly to the floor as the music died and the crowd started applauding loudly. Helga was breathing heavily and David let go of her with a smile. "Way to go, you two." He said after turning his headset off and patted Helga's back. She turned to smile at him and then nudged Arnold's arm until he turned to face the crowd. They all took each other's hands and bowed to the audience, all of them continuing to cheer loudly. "You should probably say something." David whispered in Helga's ear.

Helga nodded and took a step forward, holding her hands up to still the crowd though it didn't work that well. "Quiet down, please." She begged nicely at first, but when it didn't work, she scowled at them. "Shut up!" she yelled and some people in the crowd laughed, while David and Arnold turned to look at each other and rolled their eyes. "Thank you." Helga said in appreciation to the crowd and that hopefully mended the few people who may have gotten offended. "We are all so happy to see how many people have showed up to support our play. This was a little teaser for what the play will be about and we hope to see you all at the premiere, but until then: let's get this party started!"

The crowd cheered again while Helga stepped back to join her fellow actors to leave the stage. She quickly turned off her headset and then sighed. "Let's get this party started, my ass! I'm already tired." She admitted and pulled the headset off her head and gave it to the technician. "Well, you gotta be out there to party with the rest of us." David said with artificial guilt in his voice and laid his arm lazily over her shoulders. "Oh, boo." She retorted with a smile. The cheering crowd suddenly died when some music started and Helga looked towards the DJ in disbelief. "P!nk, Let's get this party started…" she mumbled with a snicker and the DJ shrugged at her with a big grin on his stubble-filled face. "Fine. I give in. I'm already dressed up anyway." Helga said and quickly found Phoebe's face in the crowd since the Asian girl was headed towards them, holding Gerald's hand in order not to lose him.

"That was so good!" Phoebe complimented and let go of Gerald's hand to hug Helga. "Man, I never thought I'd see the day when my main man would be dancing like that." Gerald said and gestured towards Arnold. The blonde boy grinned and took his hand to do their signature handshake. "Thanks." He answered and Gerald than swung his arm over Arnold's shoulders. "I don't get why you two have become an item, but you sure did have chemistry on the stage." The dark boy continued, which Helga blew a raspberry at him for saying. Gerald just stuck his tongue out too, earning a laugh from his girlfriend for the childish action. "Come on! Let's dance!" Phoebe said and started to pull Helga out on the dance floor. The blonde girl laughed at her enthusiasm and quickly grabbed Arnold's hand. "Bring Tall Hair Boy with you!" she said and Arnold obediently grabbed Gerald's wrist to pull him along with them. "Dude," Gerald said with a grin. "You are so whipped!"

"There they go…" Maria said with a warm smile, while David wore a rather fake one on his face. It was a little discouraging to see Helga with her old friends. He felt somewhat possessive of her though he would never admit that to anyone, especially since he didn't have any right at all to monopolize her. He knew that his feelings of love were slowly fading away, him being the one to encourage them to disappear, but he still had strong feelings for the girl.

"You ok?" Maria asked in a small voice and bumped her elbow on David's arm. He turned to smile halfheartedly at her. "Both yes and no… It's just weird to see Helga with her childhood friends." He answered and looked towards Helga who was currently dancing with Arnold and her friends. "Those people knew Helga as a child and I'm… a little jealous of that. They got to watch her grow up." He explained and saw Maria nodding. "I kind of get that… I feel jealous of Helga too." She replied and he frowned in confusion at that. "She got to see you grow from a young teenager to the man you are now."

David smiled at that. Maria was so sweet and sincere all the time. It was almost hard to get used to after dating Helga for that long. He kissed Maria's forehead sweetly and she smiled at him. The sound of people talking caught their attention and it seemed like Helga and Arnold were suddenly the center of attention, partying and dancing forgotten. "I saw the video of you two dancing in the rain, it was beyond cute!" a girl shrieked and Helga did her best not to frown at her enthusiasm. She was never very fond of squealing fan-girls. She turned to look at Arnold who had his left shoulder pressed against hers. He seemed to be able to smile much kindlier to the girls surrounding him than Helga could. "Th-Thank you." He said to a girl who had just complimented him though he felt rather shy under all the attention.

"So are you two dating?" a girl asked. "Or is it just a way to advertise for the play?" a boy asked, earning an elbow from the girl next to him who looked extremely offended at the mere thought. "Uh…" both Arnold and Helga mumbled and then looked at each other. Silence seemed to overtake the people closest to them, all awaiting patiently, but eagerly for the answer. David, who was still watching the display, held his breath. He felt the world slow down as Arnold started to smile, which made Helga smile back and she nodded to his unspoken question. "Yes." They answered in unison and looked back at the teenagers around them, who started to cheer loudly. Helga's hand searched for Arnold's behind her and he squeezed hers as soon as they found each other.

David felt his heart get stuck in his throat and before Maria could ask him if he was ok, he excused himself and walked away from her. He walked past the blonde newly born couple, trying to avoid Helga's gaze, but she saw him. The smile on her face faded as she watched him disappear in the crowd and saw Maria jogging after him. She was about to ask Maria what had happened, but Helga wasn't stupid; she knew what had happened so she kept her mouth shut. The smile came back on her face when a girl congratulated her and she smiled reassuringly at Arnold who had obviously noticed her sudden discomfort.

"Excuse us, people!" Gerald suddenly yelled, earning some people's attention. "We understand your curiosity, but tonight is about partying and since these two just became a couple, how about giving them a little space?" he asked. Some people understood and walked away, but a few stayed back for another minute until both Gerald and Phoebe shooed them away. The blondes smiled at them appreciatively and quickly stormed off in another part of the room, sitting down on one of the couches.

"Did I push it?" Arnold asked and Helga looked at him in surprise. "I know we were kind of put in an awkward position just before, but I meant what I said. I do want to be with you, Helga, and I'm hoping - - " he continued until she silenced him with a kiss. Once she felt him calm down, she let go and smiled at him. "I feel the same, Arnold…" She told him and a grin spread on his face. He then licked his lip and frowned. "Then… why did you look like that just before?" he asked and she sighed. "David, he… he ran out just now." She admitted and Arnold's eyes widened in understanding. "Oh…" he mumbled and sighed guiltily. "Do you want to go after - - "

"No! No, Maria is already with him so it's ok. I guess I just… I had just hoped that he had…"

"Gotten over you?"

"I wouldn't phrase it like that, but yes…" Helga answered with a pained smile. Arnold put his hand on her head and placed it on his shoulder. She smiled at the comforting gesture and she put her legs over his lap to snuggle closer to him. "I feel like no matter what I do, I cause pain to someone." She admitted and he looked at her in surprise. "That's not true." He insisted, but she obviously didn't believe him. "Helga, if you said that to David, he would feel terrible and tell you what I'm telling you."

"Maybe…" Helga muttered and rested her head on Arnold's shoulder. He nuzzled his cheek over her head, wondering how he could make her feel better. He felt like doing something she wouldn't expect, something that truly could put a smile on her face even if it was mostly because he would seem silly. Then he got an idea and boy, did he feel embarrassed already, but he had little to no doubt that it wouldn't work. He caressed her cheek as he pulled her head a little up so he could whisper in her ear. "I don't mind spending every day out on your corner in the pouring rain…" he sung and Helga's eyes widened in recognition."Look for the girl with the broken smile. Ask her if she wants to stay awhile."

Helga's smile was almost wider than her face and she snickered for a moment because it really was embarrassing albeit wonderful to be serenaded by your boyfriend like this. "And she will be loved." He continued, a smile spreading on his face when he heard her starting to sing along."And she will be loved…" they finished and she leaned up to smile at him. "Thank you…" she whispered and kissed him. His fingers on her neck caressed her as her tongue licked his lips, barely aware of the camera phones snapping pictures of them. They also couldn't care less; they were now officially together.

Author's 2nd note: If you know the song Welcome to the Slaughterhouse, you'll notice that I changed the lyrics here and there in order for it to make more sense for this scene.

Also, I wanted to give a sort of update to what David and Maria were thinking and how far they were in their relationship. I wouldn't say that they're dating, more like being friends that are trying to figure out if they could work.

Songs:

Lily Holbrook – "Welcome to the Slaughterhouse"

Maroon 5 – "She will be loved"