Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
26. The girls of Madame Dubois
— Hillwood Medical Center- Dr. Bliss's office –
The feet of the blond girl were moving from left to right, dancing without doctor followed them with her eyes, if Helga asked for an extra date, must be for an important situation.
- Would you like some coffee? - The psychologist asked her.
- Is it without caffeine, right?
- You're only almost 12, is the coffee that you can drink.
- Yeah, maybe you're right, but… I've had a lot in my mind to drink a colorant.
- Well, we have an extra hour to talk about it, just tell me. I'm here for you, you don't need an adult drink to feel better, you know? - She put her hand on her shoulder and the girl smiled at her as an answer.
- Yes, I know it… Now isn't about Phoebe, now is the stupid football head who is breaking my nerves!
- What did he do? He continues asking about your deal with Jackson?
- No, well yes, but now it isn't the problem. He lost his family's house.
- Did they lose Sunset Arms?
- Yep. A lot of things always happen when you leave Hillwood.
- I see… - The woman felt some tenderness, Helga always felt some fear when she was absent no matter how little it was. The bond between them was somewhat strong, although she had to work so that it wasn't like that. - Well, how did the Shortmans lose their house?
- Because a bastard scammer deceived them. - Helga clenched her fists so hard that the coffee glass, luckily empty, broke in her hand. The doctor looked at her carefully and noted in her notebook. - Was so hard to hear the story from his sad voice.
…
– Hillwood's pond - 2 days ago –
The sun was peeking over the horizon, the cool air of the last weeks of winter
gave their goosebumps. She looked at him with crystallized eyes, powerless towards his sadness. They were next to each other. It was so strong to see the always happy face of the young man, so gray and gloomy.
- Now that you're more calm, tell me… what happened?
- My grandparents Hel, they lost our house… after… all those years of hard work, war, fight, losing my parents and then, instead of resting or traveling at last... they had to drop everything to take care of me and... start over.
- Arnold, don't be stupid, they love you, they "didn't have to", you're their second child, you were their happiness and reason to live each day. Why do you think your grandfather is stronger and healthier than Bob? Because you are what inspires him to live, out of conviction, not out of obligation.
- Do you really think so? - Helga looked directly into those emerald eyes that she loved so much and wiped away the tear that fell mischievously down his cheek.
- I'm totally sure Arnold, I know because in my darkest days, you did the same for me...
- Hel... pretty, I...
Arnold fixed his eyes on her full of tenderness, noticing what she let out, she turned around nervously and continued her speech.
- Anyway football head, don't worry! We'll destroy that guy… his name is?...
- Timothy Kafka… the half brother of my grandpa and my aunt Mitzy…
- WHAT? - Helga screamed.
…
- WHAT? - Drs Bliss said totally in shock.
- Yes I said the same.
- OMG, Helga, you were right, it's a hard story.
- Yes… and it goes on…
…
- I never found out that Phil had a half brother.
- We neither. Was a surprise…
- Damn, it's gonna be more difficult, but not impossible, don't worry Arnold, everything it's gonna be alright. And where are you living?
- In the low district rent, for now, my parents lose a lot of monet with all the things and lawyers, you know.
- I can imagine… I know that is not the solution that you need, but I'm here to you.
Arnold smiled at her and put his hand on hers, provoking that electric beam running through her being.
- It's all I need, thank you… and now… I've something to ask for, now in my moment of necessity.
- Arnold, good try, but I told you, the Count business is a policial secret and I can't…
- Is it not about that… - Arnold took her hand and turned her towards him. Arnold took his girlfriend's waist and hugged her from behind. - Recite one of your poems for me... please...
- Arnold, I... - For a moment the girl thought her chest would explode, but the blond's whisper in her ear calmed her down.
- Please… I need you…
Helga sighed and closed her eyes, enjoying the moment, thinking only of him, trying to think in the perfect words that would heal him.
What happened to my sweet boy?
Why am I not listening to his beautiful voice?
Who destroyed your delusions,
Who played with my temptations?
If I only stopped his crying,
oh my prince, your eyes are drying...
your green orbs are now gray,
I'm gonna stay here until you find your way.
Doesn't matter how,
doesn't matter now…
I'm here with you, my gold angel
I'm gonna be your sable.
- I'm not pretty sure about that last verse… but I never recite poetry live and…
The blond took Helga's hand and silenced her nervous speech with a sweet and deep kiss.
- Thank you angel, it was... just perfect. - Arnold smiled at him in the sweetest way he had never seen.
…
- Oh Helga! How sweet! - The doctor took a handkerchief and wiped her cheek. - What happened next?
- I really don't know… I passed out... but that's not what's important. Arnold needs help and a place to live, he already went through that and I want him to have a comfortable bed!
- Actually Helga, you're helping him more than you see. Just keep your eyes open. See you next Friday darling.
- Pff, keep your eyes open... sometimes I feel like she only listens to me for gossip... - Helga left upset and left meditating on the session.
– Madame Dubois's ballet Academy –
The French lady watched from the front as her apprentice ballerinas exuded grace and talent. Each of them moved with grace, flair, and detailed precision.
- Excellent girls! Especially Patty, Lila and Priscilla.
The brunette came forward, adjusted her tutu and smiled exaggeratedly at the teacher.
- Thank you Madame, there is nothing we cannot do with your talent.
- Well, we are one week away from this year's youth contest, remember that you must continue to take care of yourself and practice. I'll see you later.
The girls took their bags and began to prepare to leave.
- Well done Patty! I must say that it was an excellent practice.
- Thanks Lila, you know, for advising me to join the group, you were right. With this my stress has decreased remarkably.
- Of course, how are you going to stress if I carry all the weight of the group!
- Stop it "Prisci" I was talking to Lila, not you.
- I was just saying, see you comrades, remember to take care of yourself and not waste all "my"... I mean, "our" effort, see you! - She blew an arrogant kiss to everyone and opened the main door of the academy, unaware that a blonde with a pink bow was running around and literally ran over her.
- Hey sista! Look where you're going! And… Priscilla Grayson! I luckily haven't seen you for the last two years… What are you doing? Destroying the peace of others?
- Helga G. Pataki… You look as scruffy and rough as when you left the academy...you look...pretty much the same.
- Well, from up here... you look terrible too. - The blonde scoffed. Prisci sighed and tried to get up, but a terrible pain in her left ankle sent her straight to the ground.
- Oh! - Her companions shouted and began to clap happily.
- Shut up fools! I am hurt! The presentation... I was the principal dancer
The girls who were helping her up realized what the girl said and dropped her in surprise.
- What's up my girls? There is a lot of scandal and... Prisci! What happened to you!
- She threw me to the ground Madame! - The girl exaggerated her moans and pointed to the girl with the unibrow.
- Criminy! We just crashed, don't be dramatic.
Helga, it's you! - Madame Dubois dropped her student again and quickly approached her most talented former student. - I haven't seen you since our acclaimed Ballet festival of 97, when you took us to the first prize, and on a journey of emotions and art.
- Hi Madame, you are still the same.
- Thank you darling! What are you doing here? Are you coming back?
The lady's voice was filled with enthusiasm and hope, along with the faces of her students, of course, except for the one that was still on the ground.
- Not really. I was just walking home. But it was cool to see you again, bye!
- There goes the best student I've ever had. Well girls, see you and...
- Excuse me? I'm still here... - The "wound" waved her hand.
- Oh yes dear... although looking at your ankle, it looks quite swollen. I don't think you can dance...
- THAT STUPID!... - A cry of pain interrupted her voice.
- That proves it to me... oh no... what will we do! The group is incomplete for the recital!
- Don't worry Madame, I think I know what to do. - Lila and Patty smiled in complicity as they looked at Big Bob's store.
– PS 118 - Hall – Next day
Helga walked towards the cafeteria, with her mind set on Arnold, as always since she could remember, unlike other times, it's not for writing a mental poem. The image of her heartbroken lover was as painful for her as it was for him. She almost opened the door when a pair of voices stopped her.
- Helga! Hey! I'm here!
- Perfect! A dose of Miss perfect as breakfast! - She said to herself and then pretended to smile. - Hi Lila! Hi Patty! What are you doing?
- Helga… I've got the solution to all your problems!
- Really Lila? Are you transferring to another school?
- Oh Helga, don't be silly, I'm talking about Arnold's problems.
- Lila and I were talking and, look, you need some money to help his family and we need a principal dancer for our contest and…
- Woo, woo, hold your horses just there! Helga G. Pataki doesn't dance anymore!
- But Helga, you are an excellent one! I remember our time as co-dancers with Madame Dubois, you were the best!
- And I didn't have the luck to dance with you before. - Patty added. - But I trust Lila, and Madame Dubois… we need you…
- Sorry about Prisci, girls, but this is my last word. Sorry.
The blond preteen saw the disappointment on their faces but she was pretty sure she'll ever practice ballet anymore.
She walked briskly to the lunch line and began to help herself.
- Hello my dear G. I heard that your little friend Arnold was... bankrupt, right?
The stench of her nemesis's colony flooded her nose, Helga huffed in annoyance, it seemed that the day didn't want to leave her alone.
- Not now Jack, I'm not in the mood, I'm hungry.
- Don't bother friend... I was thinking that maybe I could help, you know, as Count, I have a lot of money at my disposal, and after all, I can add a little more to your debt.
- Why today everyone thinks that I want to solve the life of the big-headed guy? If you're all that worried, talk to him! I am not a charity for football heads!
She picked up the lunch tray with annoyance and headed for the table, where Gerald, Phoebe, and of course, the guy the whole town was talking about, were waiting for her. From the atmosphere and expression of the boys, you could imagine the topic of conversation.
- So, despite the evidence that my father presented... Even so, will your grandfather have to pay bail? - Asked the black-haired girl before taking a sip of her juice.
- I'm afraid so Phoebe. In any case, my parents and I are very grateful, your father did not want to charge us anything.
- Don't worry Arnold, we're friends, that's what we're here for.
- I can't believe that Kafka's rat is complicating things so much for you, my man.
- That's right, the worst of all is that my parents will receive their first salary within 10 days, so... what they have should cover the rest. The nice thing is that both you and Mrs. Vitello, Mr. Green and more neighbors have helped us with food and services.
- And that weasel refuses to show his face, right?- Helga felt her fist tighten.
- I'm afraid so... He even put a restraining order against the guests and my family.
- That miserable coward! I still don't have an order, so…
- And I don't want you to have it, please Helga, promise you won't do anything to get you in trouble to help me.
- But I'm your... - Helga noticed what she was about to say and murmured. - I'm your girlfriend, I must be able to help in some way. Criminy! Gerry had to be on a cruise to find herself!
- Don't worry, believe me, you already do a lot.- The boy melted her with his smile. The bell rang and the boys began to get up from the table. - Are you coming, Helga?
- Give me a second Arnoldo... I'll be right back.
Something that Helga G. Pataki and her family had learned in the last couple of years was the enormous amount of pride one could lose when you didn't have money to back you up. She had promised herself not to go back to that academy, as much as she loved it. The ballet had already gotten her into a lot of trouble in England and with a certain Count in the past. But if Arnold, his beloved, needed her, it was a fair reason to lose a little more pride.
- Lila, Patty... I reconsidered your offer...
- So? - They both said excitedly.
- I will, I'll be the principal dancer.
- Thanks Helga! I'm pretty sure everything will be wonderful, like when we were in fourth grade and...
- Yes, yes Lila, enough. I must say that I am somewhat out of shape and... I have no money for costumes and registration.
- Don't worry about that Helga, I know you're good with fabric and between you and me we can do something interesting. - Patty smiled cheerfully.
- And for the quiet registration, my dad has a new job and he is doing quite well, he will be able to help us and we can practice in the afternoons at my house.
- Excellent... and about the contest prize...
- Don't worry, we know about Arnold's grandfather and we are all willing to help them... what do you say? We are a team?
- What the hell! Whatever!
Helga, Lila and Patty high-fived and when Lila was about to hug her, Helga stopped her.
- No hugs or I don't answer for myself. - Lila took two steps back and smiled.
…
A younger Helga was brushing her long blond hair, preparing herself for her big night, until her teacher appeared in the reflection of the mirror.
- Hello Madame, I'm almost ready and…
- Helga, my dear… I've to say something… you're out, I'm really sorry.
- What? - Her hairbrush fell from her hand. - Am I out of the recital?
- Not really… of… of my academy.
- What? But My dad made the payment yesterday and…
- Helga, he didn't come to pay… he came to get you off.
The bankruptcy of Bob never felt more real for Helga.
- What about the honor scholarship? I…
- I'm afraid that Priscilla won it… Helga I know that you worked very hard in the past, but…
- My family isn't as honorable as The Graysons, right? - The young woman got up, took her bag and got ready to leave. She looked for a moment more at the woman who had been her teacher for years. - I really hope I never have to set foot again in a place where they don't know what honor really is.
…
- Well, here we are, girls!
The happy voice of Lila opening her front door brought her back to the present. The three girls arrived at Lila's house, which, surprisingly, looked much better arranged than the last times the girl with the pink bow was there.
- Ok Helga, let's start to practice and…
- Ok, Miss… I mean, Lila, Patty, I've to ask for a favor, can you keep my participation in the contest like a secret?
- Why Helga? - Patty asked.
- Because my life is only my business and I hate when others talk about me and…
- You don't want Arnold to know that you are dancing again for him, right? - Lila's cunning look took Helga by surprise, leaving her without any retort and making her companions laugh out loud. Seeing Helga G. Pataki vulnerable, well, it wasn't an everyday occurrence.
- Don't worry Helga, only we will know... now... to warm up!
The week flew by, to Helga's surprise, feeling the free and smooth movement of her body again was wonderful.
She felt totally relaxed and complete, like she hadn't in a long time. She loved ballet, it was a manifestation in which she could feel strong but delicate at the same time, the ambiguity of her being made art.
In a few practices he was able to keep up with the rest of the group. In the rehearsal before the contest, Madame Dubois was more than amazed at the results of the young Pataki.
- Bravo my girls! You are ready! Each of you, I've to admit. Now, rest and sleep, I'll see you here at 8 am. Helga… Well done.
- Thank you Madame Dubois, but I'm pretty sure about what I'm able to do!
To reinforce her point, she took a nimble leap, heading towards dressing rooms.
Without both noticing, a couple of the girl's classmates looked at them perplexed.
- Hel... Hel... was that Helga Pataki? - He managed to say Sid.
- Yes... with a girl's tutu and everything! - His fat friend burst out laughing. - This to spy on Patty was the best decision, come on! Let everyone know.
The boys broke into a run, eager to tell what they had discovered.
– Civic Theatre – Next morning
Madame Dubois's girls watched from behind the scenes at their competitors from Madame Blair's academy, their archrivals. Luckily for them, their principal dancer had stumbled a bit, subtracting some points for them.
- And Madame Blair's girls achieve a rating of 95, the next are the competitors of Madame Dubois' Academy of Dance and Art.
The audience clapped happily and welcomed the dancers.
- Good luck. - Lila smiled at Helga and she teased her.
- Break a leg Lila!
They both laughed a little and took their positions.
The melody began to play throughout the theater. Young Pataki's nerves began to subside, letting herself be carried away by the music and flowing with it. The judges looked at her in admiration, her grace and talent as they flowed onto the stage.
- You do look like a girl now, Helga!
Harold's shout and laugh snapped Helga out of her trance and opening her eyes, she looked at practically her entire class in the audience, including Arnold.
Unintentionally she lost her step and felt how her nerves increased.
The rest of the audience looked at her in astonishment and the judges did not stop writing.
Then Patty and Lila took her by the hands and pulled her closer to resume the dance.
- We are in this together, remember Helga.
Helga looked at them astonished and smiled at them. They all began to dance, perfectly resuming the choreography. At the end, the audience erupted in applause.
The judges wrote and finally gave their result. 94.
The girls' smiles faded from their faces and Helga ran off.
- Helga! - Arnold and Phoebe jumped out of their seats and went after the girl to her dressing room.
- This time you crossed the line Harold. - Gerald looked at him with disappointment and went after his friends.
The blonde lamented bitterly, because of her own insecurity she had lost her job and that of her classmates, and on top of that, she had been exposed in front of the entire class.
- Helga, are you okay? - The redhead and the rest of the dancers approached her.
- I'm so sorry girls, it's just that...
- We saw what happened Helga, we don't blame you, don't worry. - One of them smiled happily.
- Worst of all is that we won't even be able to help, I mean, the prize...
- Helga, I wouldn't be so sure.
- Madame Dubois?
- Look, I'm sorry about what happened out there, but you showed your talent, grace and courage as a dancer.
- Oh really?
- Sure! And we're so proud, it'll be our pleasure to give you a lady's honors scholarship this year to get you back to the academy, plus the $4,500 that goes with it.
- Well, I'll take it, Madame! Thank you.
Helga smiled widely as her companions celebrated her.
- Wow, looks like our girl can handle herself now. - Phoebe excitedly looked at the scene in front of her.
- Yes, my girl is great. - Arnold looked at her with pride and got ready to wait for her to give her a small bouquet of roses.
THE END
Seems like Phil will be free very soon and that Helga will receive a lot of "thank you" from Arnold. I loved the fact that Helga was a dancer, as you can see in the episode of The big scoop, and I always thought that it could be another interesting facet of her, besides to see her working with Lila, her ex-nemesis and Patty. Well, for now it's everything, Mooni out!
