(A/N: Hey everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying everything so far! I feel like this specific arc will come to an end hopefully in the next chapter or 2... Although I've been telling myself that for the last few chapters... but it continues on... ANYWAY putting that aside, even though I hadn't had much planned for this chapter, I feel like I got a lot accomplished! Tell me what you think!)
Arnold had caught up to Helga before he turned his head once again to watch as Gerald and Phoebe took another direction; his arm draped over her shoulder. He was happy for them, envious as well. They were so suitable for each other. Gerald was strong and quick witted while Phoebe was quiet and smart. Where Gerald had street smarts, Phoebe had book smarts. Both of them seemed to balance each other out in almost a harmonious way.
Looking up at his own partner, he could see that her spirit still hadn't been lifted and he couldn't blame her. The scene in front of the school was probably on the same level as a band aid being ripped off prematurely for her. It needed to happen at some point and she could only prepare herself for that moment, however it was supposed to be up to her to decide when that moment would be, not someone else. Sure, their unexpected union was bound to turn a few familiar heads around but it was only those few immature heads that they really needed to worry about and, of course, would make the biggest splash amongst the crowd. Why was it so bad for them to be together? Why was it that much more acceptable for someone like Gerald and Phoebe to get together, but not them? Arnold glanced down at Helga's swinging free hand and felt the urge to hold it, but then resisted. She had warned him that showing off their relationship in public would only cause problem, but he had insisted otherwise… and look what happened. Arnold furrowed his brow and looked to the sidewalk in front of him. Maybe if I just talk to Harold before any of this gets worse… He thought, as he noticed they were getting closer and closer to Helga's place. Maybe I can talk some sense into him… He can be a reasonable guy, sometimes…
"Hey, umm Helga?" He called out, looking up at his tall female companion as they reached their usual parting area.
She looked down and could see that he had something important on his mind. "Yeah?"
Arnold clenched his fists and decided that it was in both of their best interests to go through with his plan alone. "I'm really sorry for everything…" He started, looking up into her blue eyes to hopefully make the connection that his words were beyond sincere.
"W-what do you mean?" She asked, confused. "It's not your fault Sid came after me."
"No, but it is my fault that things ended up this way." He replied. He could see that she still wasn't on the same page, so he continued. "It was my idea to hold hands in public. I was the one that said everything would be okay, and if it wasn't for that, Harold would have never seen us. I also take full responsibility for the cruel things I said yesterday which caused you to leave my house. If I had used my better senses, then you would have never went so far as to beat him up either and-"
"Arnold let me stop you right there." Helga interrupted with a serious gaze. "Don't go blaming your big, stupid football shaped head of yours for my actions! I do what I do because I want to and no other reason." She could feel herself becoming angry but pushed it away to continue in a calm manner. "Sure, you innocently said that if we held hands in public, everything would be okay but let me get one thing straight, it was MY decision to agree. I wanted to do it, so I did." She said while crossing her arms.
"But Helga," He tried to butt in but was silenced.
"Don't But Helga me!" She blurted out, mimicking his voice in a patronizing way. "So what if I wanted to be more careful about it for my own childish and selfish reasons?!" She exclaimed, waving her arms about as she faced him. "I mean, Sheesh! Do you know how happy it makes me to know that you want to show off your feelings for me in public?! I SHOULDN'T care what everyone thinks of us! In fact," She said as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled him closer to her. She could see that her sudden forcefulness had surprised him, but she didn't care. If there was one thing she wanted to make perfectly clear to Arnold, this was that one thing. "You're the only thing that matters to me! Your feelings of me; what you think of me, of us…" Her voice became softer and began to waver as she expressed herself. "Let that fat slob say what he wants about us, Arnold… I'll get through it. I always do. You're the one who said I'm amazingly strong, right?"
Arnold couldn't help but stare in awe as she indeed stood up to his expectations. Was he wrong for being so worried about her in the first place? He could feel her grasp on his hands become tighter and he gripped back to show he understood. "Yes, you are pretty resilient…" He smiled as he felt heat begin to resonate from his cheeks, "But that doesn't mean that you should have to force yourself to get through it either."
Helga let out an understanding sigh. "That's what growing up is though, you yutz." Her voice sounded mature and humorous despite almost going off the deep end a moment ago. "I wouldn't be who I am today if I didn't push through obstacles, right? This might be hard on me now but it won't be so bad later." She shrugged.
Her words made sense but it still did not bend his convictions. Gracefully he laced their fingers together. "Helga," He started as his heart began to beat faster as he prepared for what he was about to say. "When I woke up this morning, I had no idea what today was going to be like. I didn't know if you weren't gonna wanna see my face anymore or even talk to me ever again…"
She chuckled a little at his statement. "Yeah, fat chance of that ever happening…"
"But I'm being serious. I was so worried that I could barely sleep last night! All I kept thinking of was what I could say to fix things or what I had to do to make you see that it was all just an accident…" As he continued, his hands started to get clammy. Over the past few days of being with her, there were so many things he had begun noticing about himself that surprised him. One of those things was how attached he had become of her that even losing her temporarily scared him, and another was something he was about to say. Being this was the first time in his life he had ever needed to prepare himself for saying something like this, he was naturally nervous.
Arnold could feel a lump in his throat begin to form as well as his head beginning to get a little cloudy but he pushed onward while he still had her undivided attention. "The other day when we stood in this very spot and you asked me if you could be my girlfriend and I said yes… Helga, I'd never seen you so happy in probably my entire life and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to preserve that happiness. You've already done so much for me so please... Please let me try to do the same for you."
Helga stood love struck by the boy, unable to even utter a single word. Deciding this would probably be one of the only chances he got of winning, Arnold decided to go for the goal while he had the chance. Bringing her left hand up to his lips, he kissed it gently with a smile. "There are some things I have to take care of today, so I'm sorry I can't stay longer." And with that, he let go of their hands and started to back up. "I'll see you tomorrow for the photo shoot, okay? Have a good rest of the day, Helga!" He called to her before turning around and running, leaving her with a goofy grin.
"Uh… ya… see ya, Arnold…" She stammered as she watched him disappear into the distance.
Arnold now only had one thing on his mind and that was going to Harold's house to talk to him.
"Harold! Harold Berman, you get in this kitchen right now mister!" Mrs. Berman called from the kitchen. When she realized that her son still was not on his way, she marched into the living room to see him sitting on the couch in the same position she had left him nearly an hour ago when she had left to go grocery shopping. "Are you really gonna make your mother put all of these groceries away herself?" She demanded.
"I said I would when a commercial comes on." Harold responded while he stared at the screen; eating his box of chocolate num-nums.
Immediately the woman walked over to the television and pushed the power button, causing it to shut off with a loud whine. Completely shocked and horrified, Harold turned to her with his mouth gaping wide. "Moooooooom!"
"Just because I let you stay home from school today does NOT mean that you get to lie around and do nothing! You may have a black eye but your arms and legs still work perfectly fine!" She scolded as she crossed her arms to show that she was serious. "Now get in this kitchen this instant!"
With a loud wail of displeasure, Harold slumped even further on his couch before sliding off and on to the floor. Being completely unamused at his dramatics, she walked back into the kitchen to continue her task. Harold eventually forced his body to get up, "Always grouchy and telling me what to do…" he mumbled to himself as he threw down the pillow he had been holding on the floor.
When he walked into the kitchen, he found all of the bags his mother had brought home on top of the kitchen table in no particular order. In his own interest, he began to rummage through the bags; hoping to find something good to munch on while he helped put the items away.
"And you're not touching any of that food until after dinner." His mother mentioned as she put a can of beans into the cupboard without looking at her son.
"Awwww!" He turned to her, in utter despair. "You can't be serious?!"
"I'm very serious, Harold. You are a grown adult and better start acting like one soon." She continued to lecture as she began to sort through the cabinet to make more space. "One day you're gonna be old enough to get married and have your own children, you know…" The thought of her being a grandmother someday warmed her heart and soul. "Little pitter patters on the floor…" She hummed to herself thoughtfully. "So you need to start practicing being righteous more often! Making your poor mother do all the work by herself... I hope you won't make your future wife do this too."
"Mom!" Harold cried out before crumpling a paper bag and throwing it into the trash. "Stop it! You're embarrassing me!"
"Embarrassing am I now?" His mother looked over at him in shock, "If you're so grown now then how about you start reciting the blessing over the Challah tonight? It could be good practice for when you have your own family."
Harold continued to grumble underneath his breath as he went through the bags. One thing he knew he could always look forward to was Friday and Saturday night dinners. They were always the biggest and bestest to him as his mother always bought a colorful array of foods and plenty of desserts!
Just as he finally finished unpacking the groceries and properly recycling the bags, he heard his doorbell go off and sound throughout his house.
"Oh my, I wonder who that could be." His mother questioned as she looked at him a little bewildered. "Are you expecting anyone?"
Harold then remembered that today was the day of their presentation. "Oh it's probably Sid coming over to tell me how good we did on that project!" He beamed gleefully, "I'll be right back!"
Quickly he rushed out of the kitchen, through his living room and to his front door. Once opened, his giant smile shriveled up as it was not Sid whom he was expecting, but Arnold standing there with a simple smile. Thoughts of the other day rushed back to him and he couldn't help but grunt at his visitor. "What do you want?" He growled through his teeth.
His unwelcome greeting only made Arnold frown. "I just wanted to talk. Come on, Harold don't be like that."
"Talk?" Harold spoke at first but then gradually began to raise his voice, "Talk?! What would I have to talk to you about?!" He then pushed passed Arnold and shut his front door so that way his mother couldn't overhear the conversation and butt in. "After you let your stupid girlfriend pounce on me like some panther?!"
"Harold!" Arnold called to him, "Come on, please just sit down here with me and let's talk." He said as he sat down on the large boy's stoop and patted the area next to him.
Feeling like there was some ulterior motive, Harold squinted his eyes at the boy before complying and sitting down. He knew Arnold was a nice guy and meant well but his blood still boiled at the memories they both shared of the day prior.
"See? No big deal, right?" The blonde boy smiled, pleased that he got his friend to be reasonable. Arnold waited a little bit to see if Harold had anything else he wanted to say before continuing. "Now I know you're upset about what happened with Helga, but-"
"You let her pounce on me!" He shouted again, interrupting Arnold and causing him to shutter a little at his loud voice.
"Y-yes, you're right. She did pounce on you, but Harold-"
"But nothing Arnold! We're supposed to be friends and I was just at your house, minding my own business and she ran outside and started hitting me!" Harold cried out in his defense.
"But you weren't there to mind your own business…" Arnold corrected, with another frown. "She would have never hit you if that were the case, you know that…"
Feeling like his small attempt at a cover was blown; Harold huffed to himself and crossed his arms. "Still doesn't mean she can go around swinging. When I see her next, she's gonna get what's coming to her! Just you wait and see and there's nothing you can even do about it!"
This isn't going as well as I'd hoped… Arnold sighed to himself as he listened to the boy's threat. He knew that Harold could be pretty primitive minded but he had hoped with the little time that had passed, he would have realized his own fault in the occurrence. Placing his hand on his forehead, Arnold shook his head. "That isn't going to solve anything. You can't solve all your problems with violence."
"Well why not?! She does!" The large boy wailed.
Sucking in a large amount of air to stay level headed, Arnold focused closely on his friend. "Okay Harold, let's start over. Why were you, Sid and Stinky over my house that day? Let's start with that."
"Cuz I saw you and Helga holding hands and at first, I was like holy crap! This can't be real! But it was because I know it was, because I saw it!" Harold began; his voice calming down as he told his story. "So then I went to go get the guys so I could tell them because I knew they wouldn't be able to believe it either! And of course they didn't so I brought them to your house so we could be sure about it!"
"Okay good! That's a good start." Arnold coached helpfully. "And what happened after Helga left my house. What did you guys do?" At his question, he could see Harold begin to make a grumpy looking face and he knew he should continue. "You made jabs at her, right?"
"Yeah, so what?!" Harold asked, huffing once more. "She always makes jabs at me all the time! Calling me fatso and pink boy! Why can't I do the same thing?!"
"Two wrongs don't make a right, Harold…" Arnold remarked as he wore a concerned face. "I know she says and does mean things, I mean, I've been taking the brunt of it all my life, but it also doesn't mean that I stoop to her level, right?" He could feel the guilt in his chest begin to stab him as he said those words, but Harold didn't need to know the truth.
"Yeah…" Harold let go of a smile, "You're always such a nice guy, Arnold! I don't think I've ever seen you do anything mean to anyone!"
His words only made the stabbing worse and Arnold winced in pain, but he laughed to mask it. "Ha-ha, yeah… So let's get back on track. You said mean things to her and unfortunately she was already in a bad mood so, being hot headed like she can be, she jumped on you."
"What's your point, Arnold?" Harold said with a pout, clearly becoming unhappy with how this conversation was going.
Fidgeting a little in place, Arnold cleared his thoughts and did his best to put words in order that would make sense to the simple friend. "My point is what you did was wrong and what she did was wrong. If you hadn't been there to make fun of her, she wouldn't have hit you and you guys would still be friends. Harold, you've known Helga just as long as I have…" Arnold pleaded, trying to reach a common ground with his friend. "You know she does stuff she doesn't mean, just like you do stuff sometimes that you don't mean, so I guess I'm just hoping that we can put this little issue aside and go back to being friends again like before. What do you say?"
Giving himself a moment to grasp all of Arnold's words, he realized that Arnold was right but it only made him angrier. "You're just saying all this stuff because you guys are in looooooooooove" Harold taunted. "I knew I wasn't imagining it! You guys really DO like each other!"
Fearing that his coming here only made situations worse, Arnold began to panic. "Harold Stop!" He could feel a blush overcoming his will. "None of that matters right now! We're here to talk about y-"
"So you don't deny it then?" Harold asked, causing the world around Arnold to become deathly quiet. It was as if the world had stopped spinning.
It was the moment of truth. Should he deny their relationship to keep everything flowing normal again? Should he own up to the truth and possibly make life even worse for Helga? At that thought, however he remembered her very own words to him. "Let that fat slob say what he wants about us, Arnold… I'll get through it. I always do. You're the one who said I'm amazingly strong, right?" He could remember the soft expression she had on her face when she had said that and it only made him want to protect her even more. Why did life suddenly become so difficult?
Pushing aside his conflictions, Arnold knew what the right thing to do was. "Harold, have you ever liked-liked someone before?" He asked seemingly out of the blue.
This caused Harold to blink a few times before opening his mouth to speak, but closing it again and narrowed his eyes. "So what if I have?" He asked skeptically.
"That person would have to be pretty special, right?" Arnold asked innocently as he crossed his legs to get comfortable.
The thought seemed nice and Harold decided to continue to play along. "Of course! I wouldn't just like-like someone for no reason. She would have to be the most specialist girl in the whole world!"
Nodding in agreement, Arnold could tell he was taking a step into the right direction. "Right! So how would it make you feel if someone found out who that person was, and began to make fun of you for it?"
Harold began to imagine Arnold's scenario and his face started to turn red in anger. "I'd pound them if they did!" He shouted as he smacked his large fist into his hand a few times. Harold had noticed Arnold's face as he did this and suddenly it all began to make sense. "Ohhhh. I get it now!"
Arnold couldn't help but laugh at the young man's enlightenment. "You sorta see why she reacted that way, then?"
"She wasn't just being mean and ugly like she usually is, she was just upset that I found out and was saying those things." Harold said while he contemplated his own words. It all made sense now and Harold was starting to feel a little bad. There were still so many things he didn't understand but there was one thing he understood completely and that was feeling embarrassed.
The air between them got a little thick and awkward and Arnold began to look around. He had said what he needed to, to try and smooth things over with Harold, but now unanswered questions linger about. Not only that, but as much as Arnold considered Harold a friend, and always helped him out when needed, they were never considered close, yet the topic was rather personal on both ends.
"So why do you like her?" Harold blurted out, not thinking.
"Huh?" Arnold quickly turned his head to the asker.
"Helga, I mean." Harold gave Arnold a curious look. "She's always been so mean to you n' stuff, how come you like her?"
It seemed like he was going to be getting asked this question a lot now, and Arnold gave a faint smile. "I dunno, I guess because she's different." He put simply. "At some point, I guess I started noticing just how different so she stood out. Kinda hard not to notice someone who's been throwing spitballs at your head for years, spraying water in your face at the drinking fountain, and who humiliates you every chance they get." He let out a small laugh when he realized how ridiculous he sounded.
Harold cocked and eyebrow at the boys answer. "That's weird but..." He then replayed some of Helga's antics towards Arnold in his mind to get a better picture. "I think I understand, maybe." But then it dawned on him that relationships go two ways and he became even more confused. "But wait, so why would she purposely bother someone she liked? That doesn't make any sense. If I liked a girl, I'd try to be a nice as possible so she'd like me back! Not pick on her."
"It's funny you should mention that…" Arnold started, recalling a past conversation he had with his grandpa. "I used to think the same way." He felt a small shiver as a colder wind blew by. They were reaching the ends of summer a little earlier this year and Arnold propped up his knees and held them closer to his midsection. The memory made him smile wistfully. Had it really been that long ago? "But that's just part of her being… different." Arnold finished, not wanting to really go into much detail as he could feel heat beginning to linger on his cheeks.
"If you say so." Harold chuckled. "I personally would rather date a really nice girl, like Patty."
The comparison between the two girls only made the whole conversation that much more ironic. "Harold… she also bully's people." Arnold pointed out.
"I know but she only does it to some people. You know, people who look at her funny n' stuff." Harold added, as if it somehow justified her actions. "But deep down she's really super nice!"
Knowing that time would only escape further, Arnold stood up from his seat and walked off the stoop to face Harold. "Yeah, I know, I've talked to her a few times." He said to conclude the topic. "Anyway, I'm really glad we could talk like this Harold, and I hope when you come back to school on Monday that… maybe you won't blame Helga too much for what happened. Maybe just let it go, even for my sake?"
The suggestion made Harold scrunch his nose up. "I dunno… maybe" He said as he touched his one black eye that she had given him. He had a few more bruises from her on his chest that she had given him when he had blocked his face from her, and they all still hurt. However, he did have a lot to think about now, things he never really considered before. "We'll see, Arnold. I'm not making any promises."
"I didn't think you would." Arnold smiled, hoping his words got through. "And one more thing…"
"Now you're asking for a lot." Harold scowled, but was joking.
"Yeah I know," Arnold laughed a little. "Sorry about that. Could you please not tell people about my relationship with her? I don't want any more… instances like this one…" Arnold asked, scratching the back of his head.
Puzzled at the favor, Harold decided he had already bit off enough information to chew on later. "Yeah, sure, I guess. But this favor I'm doing just for you Arnold, Okay?"
Knowing it was the best answer Harold probably could have given, Arnold grinned. "Thanks a lot! I gotta be heading home now; I know my parents are probably waiting for me. See ya later, Harold!" He waved before turning around and walking in the direction of his house.
Harold remained on the stoop for an extra minute before getting up and heading back inside. He could already smell that his mother was preparing dinner and his stomach growled like a hungry bear. "Oh… I'm so hungry!" He whined as he headed towards the kitchen. "Mom! Is the food almost done?!"
"This is it?" Gerald asked his older brother as him and Phoebe stated at the studio. There in front of them was a pretty shabby empty room with a small pop up area that resembled a stage and some dusty multi colored spotlights over head. There was much evidence that this place had been unused for quite some time.
"Well yeah. I didn't say I was going to get you something flashy and expensive." Jamie-O gave a queer face to his younger brother. "Be grateful you got this!"
"I am grateful!" Gerald stated, looking to Phoebe for some help.
"Yes. This is better than nothing, I suppose." Phoebe approved with a forced thumbs up. "Thank you so much for your help, Jamie-O."
The tall dark male let out a snort before turning away from them both. "At least your girlfriend has some manners, unlike you little bro." He remarked as he headed for the exit. "I'll let Fuzzy Slippers know you like it. Now let's get going, I have a date within the hour and I still gotta shower…"
The couple looked to each other, then back at the sad sight. It was better than nothing and it was all they could really hope for at this point. Quickly they followed the older male out of the studio and into the dank alley which his car was parked. There were a probably a few reasons to why this studio wasn't used often, and the location was probably a big factor. It was located a long way downtown in an area that no one would be found in alone at night. Rats screamed and scampered into a dumpster a few feet ahead as they opened the car door with a loud screech.
"I really gotta oil these hinges…" Jamie-O said, making a mental note before climbing in the driver's seat. "Come on, you two! I don't have all day."
Phoebe looked around and took note of the area, frowning to her significant other. "Rhonda isn't going to be happy…" she mentioned.
Gerald sighed and shook his head in defeat. "Well this is the best we could get. If she doesn't like it, I'm sure her parents could set her up with something better, right?"
"I suppose that's true." Phoebe smiled, however the thought of forcing Rhonda into an area like this was also amusing. "Even if this is a little short notice."
One thing she seemed to inherit from having Helga as a best friend was a cynical sense of humor that Gerald rarely got to see, however it only made him even fonder of her. Smiling, he brushed his finger under her chin. "Don't be mean." He playfully scolded before leading her to the back door and opening it up. "Lady's first~"
She placed a hand on her mouth in attempt to hide her grin then followed him into the car.
Jamie-O groaned in both frustration and impatience. "You guys are not on a date right now. Get a room!"
Immediately Gerald turned to her, to see her blush a deep crimson and look rather uncomfortable. "Sorry…" He whispered to her regretfully, knowing full well that she wasn't too into public view of affection and his brother's remark only reminded her why. He waited for her to nod, then closed the door for her and climbed into the front seat. Jamie-O turned on his car stereo and began to tap on his steering wheel to the beat, while the younger two sat in silence the rest of the ride back to his house.
As they pulled up to the Johansson residence, Gerald turned down his brother's music and popped his head in the back seat. "You wanna stay for dinner?" He asked hopefully with a grin.
Still feeling a bit shy from earlier, Phoebe turned her head. "I'm not sure if that would be a good idea. I still have to study for the upcoming weeks test on algebra…"
"Yeah but you have the whole weekend to be cooped up in your room studying. How about having some fun for a change?" He suggested, still remaining optimistic. "You almost never come over and my mom really likes you!"
The thought of his family taking a shine to her, did make her feel a little better on the inside and his point was valid. "Alright, if you don't mind, that is." She nodded and turned to the older boy. "Thank you for the ride, Jamie-O. Your car is pretty rad."
"Absolutely no problem, little lady!" Jamie-O smiled as he gave her a thumbs up. "Anything for my baby brothers girlfriend."
"Jamie-O!" Gerald whined as he shoved his door open and instantly let out Phoebe.
"Tell mom that I probably won't make it for dinner, and will also probably be home pretty late." Jamie-O insisted as he rolled down his window to get a better view of the two.
"Yeah, yeah…" Gerald sighed. "Whatever. Enjoy the date." He said with a dull tone as he took Phoebe's hand and guided her up to his house.
The screech of his brothers car leaving the parking lot was probably music to his ears as Gerald looked down at the small girl. "I'm really sorry about what my stupid brother said." He said apologetically. "He's just like that."
"No need to apologize, Gerald. Although I'm an only child, I can only imagine how older siblings might be. I'm sure he meant well." Phoebe said with a small smile, hoping to ease the poor boy's worries.
Gerald opened his front door and guided her inside. They were suddenly met with the loud sound of the television from the living room as well as his mother shouting at someone, presumably his little sister. Knowing that he didn't need to make Phoebe feel even more uncomfortable, he figured bringing her up to his room would be the safest bet. "You wanna see my room?" He asked politely. "I don't think you've ever seen it before."
The thought of going up to his room was a little intimidating, but since he was her host, she felt compelled to accept the offer. "S-sure." She squeaked out. "Lead the way…"
With much fervor, Gerald ran up his stairs and headed on to his room; Phoebe closely in step. Jumping over and kicking some of his sister's toys that lay about the upstairs hallway, Gerald could feel that his excitement was getting the best of him and knew it was time to act cool. "This is it!" He stated as he grabbed the doorknob. With ease, he swung the door open to reveal his bedroom. "Welcome to Casa de' Gerald~" He sang walking into the room.
Phoebe glanced in for a second before gradually stepping in. His room was rather normal for a boy his age, although cleaner then she had expected. The bed was made, a small rug on the floor with maybe a few socks lying around. A jersey hung on his wall as well as some Pop Daddy posters.
Her silence was beginning to eat at him so he gracefully glided across the floor and posed with his arms wide open. "Whatcha think? Pretty cool, right?"
His actions made her chuckle. "Yes, it's very cool." she smiled as she sat down on his bed, giving her a little bounce.
Gerald blushed and scratched the back of his head before sitting down next to her. He had never had a girl in his room before and he wasn't really sure if he was even allowed to do that but what his parents didn't know wouldn't hurt them, right? Not knowing what to do or what to say, he decided small talk was probably the best course.
"So what do you think will happen tomorrow? Think that girl is gonna show?" He asked casually.
Placing her finger on her chin, Phoebe sat and thought about it for a moment. "I don't think Rhonda would have lied to us about her agreeing to the proposition. I expect we will all gather at that studio one way or another, she will show up and we'll take the pictures."
"You still wanna take the pictures with me?" Gerald asked as he began looking around his room. He got up and began to rummage through his desk.
"Yes, I suppose so. Rhonda will probably be telling the girl how to pose anyway." Phoebe answered, now curious at what he was doing. "What are you looking for?"
With a loud "Aha!" Gerald pulled out two old school cameras. "My Dad gave me these to use for tomorrow. Said they were his from back in his college days or something." He said as he handed one of them to her.
The camera was heavier than she had expected. The lens was large and smooth with some circular dimpled outer ridge that you could turn. Putting her eye through the looking glass, she did he best to focus on one of his posters. "Oh!" She exclaimed with interest.
Her excitement made the boy smile even wider. Impressing her was always something he enjoyed doing and he did it as much as possible. In fact, he couldn't remember a time when he wasn't trying to get her attention in his own way. Being cool was only cool when someone looked your way, after all. The thought made him think back to the beginning of fourth grade, when he first started to notice her. She was always the quietest person in class, with her nose in some sort of book. What was she reading? What did she like? Why did she always keep to herself? What made such a nice quiet girl become best friends with someone like Helga G. Pataki? It was like Phoebe was a mystery all bundled up in a small sack.
"Hey Phoebe?" He called out to her quietly, not wanting to disturb her from her new toy.
Peeking out from the lens, she focused on him. "Yeah?"
"I've always been meaning to ask… And please don't take this the wrong way or anything, but out of all the kids growing up, why did you choose Helga to be best friends with?" He asked, now feeling a little nervous having actually asked out loud.
Placing the camera down on her lap, Phoebe tilted her head at the interesting question. "I could ask you why you're best friends with Arnold, as well." She retorted, although understanding full well where he was coming from. This had not been the first time she had been asked this.
"Arnold? Well…" He began to think. "I guess he's just a really chill guy. Easy to get along with and we have a lot of the same interests." After having said that, it only made his question to her even more relevant. "Come to think of it, do you and Helga even have anything in common?"
Phoebe frowned and shuffled her feet. "A little… not very much though."
"So how did you become best friends with someone you hardly have anything in common with?" He asked again, placing his hand on top of hers to show her that he wasn't trying to come after her or anything.
Tilting her head back, Phoebe sighed and began thinking of the easiest way to explain it. "Have you ever heard the term opposites attract?" Gerald nodded and she continued. "It's basically like that. A yin and yang, so to speak. Black and white tends to complement each other as they are complete opposites. You cannot have light without darkness, nor darkness without light. Understand?"
"Sort of…" He answered although still admittedly puzzled. "I get the concept but I don't get how that actually applies in friendships."
"Helga is loud and mean in situations that need it where I couldn't even if I tried. I can calmly and rationally think a situation through where, at times, she couldn't even if she tried. With us both working together, we can overcome a lot of situations where if we were on our own, we'd be lost." Phoebe explained. "Let me give you a prime example to work with." She then handed him the camera so she could concentrate on her story. "I first met Helga around the same time I met all of you; in preschool. Back then, because I was so shy and quiet, no one really bothered to talk to me and be my friend… which really made me sad. One day, while we were all eating snack at our table, Helga came over to me and told me she was sitting next to me. At first I was pretty scared, but I let her as I couldn't do much else. Suddenly she began to talk to me, well… more like ranting. She started complaining about how she hated it there and everyone else too. Quietly I nodded and listened as she continued until she got so loud that our teacher had to tell her to be quiet."
"I think I might remember that, actually." Gerald spoke up.
"After snack time, when no one else was looking, she came back over to me and thanked me for listening to her. At first I was pretty confused since I had done nothing significant but I could see she was being sincere. After that day, she always sat with me and ranted on and on and on and I just listened and if anyone ever tried to take my toys or my food, she would beat them up for me." She concluded with a heavy breath but a content smile.
"Wow." Gerald gasped, not sure of what to make of the story. "I had no idea."
"So to answer your question more plainly… We're best friends because we help complete each other. Each of our strengths is the others weakness. Not to mention we were both pretty lonely when we met each other. No one wanted to be her friend because she was mean and no one wanted to be mine because I was too quiet." Phoebe shrugged with a small smile. "That's about it."
"Me and Arnold just clicked when we met and been friends ever since. Nothing really deep like that." Gerald mentioned, feeling a little bland. He could understand why they were friends now, even though he didn't quite see Helga's appeal but he let the subject rest.
Suddenly his door was pushed wide open, causing the couple to jump and in the doorway was his little sister. "Ooooooh!" She called out in a taunting manner. "I'm telling Mom that you have a giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirl in your room!"
Gerald waved his hands back in forth in a defensive manner before placing them together in a praying motion. "Timberly, please don't…" he pleaded gingerly, causing the young girl the smirk.
"Maybe I won't IF you do what I want~" The young girl suggested as she tapped her foot against the door, swinging it gently back and forth.
Gerald cocked his eyebrow and glared at the girl. "What do you want?"
"You could… do my homework for me?" She smiled.
"What kind of homework is it?" Phoebe asked, interested.
Timberly huffed as she recalled it and crossed her arms. "Math. I hate math. It's always so confusing!"
"Then how about instead of Gerald doing your homework for you, I help you with your homework? I'm actually quite good at math, myself." Phoebe suggested with a gentle smile.
Her words warmed the young spunky girl's heart and a large smile widened across her mouth. "Really?!" She asked excitedly. "You would do that for me?! Gerald never does anything nice for me. He's a terrible big brother!"
Hearing her words made the young man roll his eyes but his girlfriend giggled. "Then we have a deal."
"We better get going downstairs anyway before Mom finds out on her own." Gerald said as he stood up and made his way towards his little sister, waving to Phoebe.
"Coming!" She replied before hopping up and following them both out the door.
Dinner at Gerald's house was probably one of the most exciting dinners that Phoebe had had in a long while. With all the interesting conversation and back and forth between the lively, loving family, it only made Phoebe wish she had siblings of her own.
As dinner concluded and the Johansson's said their goodbyes to Phoebe, she couldn't help but hope she could come back and experience all that again another time. They made it a point to let her know that she was always welcome over for dinner, and Phoebe happily agreed.
"Tonight was very fun. Thank you, Gerald." Phoebe spoke as he started to walk her home.
"Really? I figured that my family might get on your nerves or something." Gerald responded, a little shocked but relieved to hear her feelings.
"No, not at all. " She reassured him, accepting his hand as he offered it to her. "Dinner at my house is rather dull. The only things we ever talk about are what I'm learning in school or how my parents are doing at their jobs, nothing like at your house."
Squeezing her hand lovingly, Gerald smiled as he tried to imagine their dinners. "Maybe one day I can eat at your place."
"Maybe." Phoebe nodded. "Father has taken an interest in you since I confirmed our status, as well as my Mother thinks you're charming."
"Charming, huh?" Gerald laughed to himself. It was something he always liked to hear.
"Indeed. I find you quite charming myself." Phoebe added as she looked up at him. "As well as funny, smart and very brave."
All of the compliments began to swim in his head as his cheeks glowed a bright pink. "Y-you really think all that, huh?"
"I do." Phoebe nodded, feeling a bit accomplished that her compliments made him embarrassed. "I'm very fortunate to have you as my boyfriend."
It felt like steam was about to start shooting out of his ears; Gerald was so enamored. Shaking his head in order to control himself, he peered down at her. "Thanks, Phoebe. I'm really happy that I'm with you too."
They eventually reached her house and quickly Phoebe graced her boyfriend's cheek with a kiss before waving goodbye and entering her house. Squealing with all the feeling she had done well to conceal, she began to jump around.
"Phoebe? Is everything okay?" She could hear her mother ask from another room.
"Yes, Mother!" Phoebe called back. "I'm home!"
"Okaerinasai," Her father replied as he emerged from the living room. "How was your day out?"
"Father!" Phoebe called out to him happily before embracing him. "It was fun!" She replied before taking a step back. "Gerald's family is really very nice. I hope you meet them one day."
Nodding, Kyo placed his hand softly on his daughters shoulder. "As do I. Unfortunately, work has been quite exhausting and I do not have much free time but the moment I have a chance, I'll be sure to let you know so we can set up a date."
"I'm so happy, Father!" She squealed again, unable to hold it back causing her father to laugh.
"I can see that! Now go on and get some reading in before bed. I know you don't have school tomorrow but-"Kyo started but was cut off.
"If one is to succeed, one must earn it." Phoebe finished his sentence and nodded. "I know, father."
Her father gleamed with pride as he nodded and let go of her. "Very good."
Phoebe then ran upstairs and began her nightly routine with images and memories of her night with Gerald still hot on her mind. Tomorrow was going to be a very important day, even if it wasn't for her. Ever since Helga's family had been forced to move out of their house, Phoebe had worried heavily on Helga's mental stability as well as her families. Any chance on her home life improving was a good reason for Phoebe to give it her all.
As she finished up, Phoebe grabbed her cordless phone and began to punch in Helga's phone number. It rang and rang a few times before someone had answered, causing a loud noise in poor Phoebe's ear.
"I said I GOT IT, BOB!" She heard Helga yell away from the phone. "Hello?"
"Helga!" Phoebe answered happily. "How are you?"
A silence ensued and Phoebe could hear that Helga was scuffling on the other end. "Hold on a minute, Pheebs. I gotta get somewhere more private." Helga whispered in an angry tone.
Assuming that she was still near her parents, Phoebe waited patiently. "Waiting!"
On the other end of the phone, Helga had run from the show room off into her own room and slammed the door. "Criminy! Sorry about that, Phoebe. Bob won't let this phone out of his sight ever since we handed out those flyers. He seems to think that orders are gonna fly in any day now or something, so expect this conversation to be shorter than normal."
"I see…" Phoebe frowned, as there was a whole lot she wanted to tell her best friend.
Helga flopped on her bed and let out a loud but happy sigh. "Oh Phoebe!" She called out full of passion. "Today was wonderful!"
"Why? What happened?" Phoebe asked eagerly. Although she had her own stories to share, it was always customary to let Helga get hers out of her system first.
Helga then took a large breath and began to swoon out loud, telling all of the blissful details of her and Arnold's conversation before he parted, causing Phoebe to smile brightly on the other end. "I never thought in my wildest dreams that he would say such words to me, Phoebe! I'm almost convinced that I dreamed it all and that it never happened but it DID!"
"I'm very happy for you, Helga! I knew that good things would happen if you opened yourself up to him. As much as I am honored to be one of the sole people in existence to be able to see you as you are, I am definitely excited to share my position with him." Phoebe replied as she crossed her legs on her bed and got comfortable.
"I'm not dreaming, right?" Helga asked, still all goofy and in love.
"No, I assure you this is real." The Japanese girl replied, holding back a giggle. "I am also proud to announce that Gerald and I also had a wonderful evening."
Despite being in her own little world, Phoebe's words dragged her out of her field of flowers she was dancing in and Helga became alert. "Oh? You and tall hair boy have a special date or something? I thought it was a little weird that you guys just randomly up and bailed on us."
"No, it wasn't really a date." Phoebe clarified, a little hurt that Helga thought she left them for her own selfish reasons. "We figured that you two needed your time alone so we headed in our own direction. It just so happened that Gerald had agreed to see the studio later that day and wanted my input."
"Alright so then what was so special that you're all ga-ga about him right now?" Helga asked, a little skeptical.
Filling her own self up with passion as Helga had moments ago, Phoebe let her back fall on the bed and she began to tell her own tale of the evening. Leaving nothing left unsaid, the girl excitedly rolled around on her bed and expressed her feelings to her best friend.
"And then I kissed him on the cheek and hurried on inside!" She finished with a sigh. "I know it's a little hypocritical, however I don't feel like I've reached that stage in our relationship to where I can just explode with excitement in front of him. I just had to run to a private setting, and call you!"
Helga had probably never heard her best friend so happy before, and inside she also glowed with pride for her friend. "Well then. I guess we both had a really good night."
"Indeed. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?" Phoebe asked, feeling a little philosophical.
Helga chuckled on the other end of the line. "I dunno, Pheebs but if things continue like this… I feel like the only way is up."