DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS, THESE CHARACTERS ARE FROM NICKELODEON'S HEY ARNOLD. I AM JUST WRITING ABOUT THEM IN THEIR ADULT YEARS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE A LIFE OF MY OWN.

Summary: We learn why Helga goes by 'Hilda' and what happened between her and Arnold in the past.

Summary of the previous chapter: We learn about Helga.

Also in every story I write for Hey Arnold, Helga is going to be a weed smoker and Lila is always going to be the bad guy. Sorry Lila stans.

THIS STORY IS ADULT THEMED! YOU WERE WARNED!

Chapter 3:

Helga sighed. She really wished Carl didn't hear her conversation with Phoebe. Helga just didn't have the strength to get into her past with Arnold. She gets heartbroken more and more as she talks about it. I mean Arnold was a guy that Helga did anything for. She helped him when he needed it and she was always there for him. Helga was madly in love with Arnold; ever since they were little kids. Yeah she bullied him, stalked him and sometimes even harassed him; but Helga didn't know how to express what her feelings. You see, Helga grew up with a father who was work obsessed and an acholic mother. She did have a sister, but her sister always pushed her to the side because her sister loved being perfect and impressing her parents. So yes, Helga was never really shown how to love or be loved. Until she met Arnold who changed her world. Helga will always have a soft spot for Arnold, even if he is engaged and going to get married. She still hopes things would go her way and she would get her him back; but if not.. that's okay too, as long as Arnold was happy. Helga knew it was time for her to close the chapter of her and Arnold. She just didn't want too, she loved him way to much to let him go. Then again Fatima was right, 'how are you going to move on from Arnold when you are stuck on him' Helga sighed then starting to fiddle at her t shirt she was wearing. Carl noticed Helga was a bit nervous and went to hold her hand while smiling at her.

Carl: Helga, if you want to tell me that's fine. If you don't want to tell me that's fine too. Just know, I am always going to be here for you no matter what.

Helga looked into Carl's hazel eyes while smiling at him.

Helga: Once upon of time when I was eleven or twelvish I was with this guy. You see I had a crush on him since literal pre-k. We finally gotten together after I helped him save his parents.

Carl looked confused at Helga.

Carl: Saved his parents?

Helga: Yeah. You can watch that on Paramount Plus some other time.

Carl: Gotcha. Continue?

Helga sighed while still fiddling with her t shirt.

Helga: So After we save his parents, we both discovered our love for each other and we started to date. Honestly I was very happy, I mean I loved Arnold since the minute I laid my eyes on him in pre-k. Everything was going great. I mean we hung out all the time, always around each other, and loved each other very much.. at least that's what I liked to think...when we were sixteen things started getting rocky. Arnold never wanted to hang out. He was everywhere else but with me. Which is fine, go live your life but.. What about me? I still wanted to make things work because well I was still madly in love with him. Too bad he never felt the same way because when we hit our senior year, he told me that we should break up. 'There wasn't anymore feelings between us.' He thought he loved me but he really didn't. He was just grateful that I helped him find his parents. Of course I agreed with him because well, I thought he would change his mind but 2 months later.. He started dating someone else… When I found out the news, as soon as we graduated I went away for a while to clear my head. All those years and months gone right down the drain. All the things I did for Arnold went down the drain.. I stayed there for about three years, until I came back a year ago. I was hoping Arnold was single again and we could talk things out and be together... but no. He's engaged to someone else. It hurts Carl. I have always been a second option when it comes to people. I thought with Arnold it would be different but no, I was still his second option. Now he's engaged to this girl and I can't do nothing about it but move on and be happy for him.

Helga started to look down at the floor while having a few tears roll down her face. She had to admit, as much as she wanted to deny it.. she was still in love with Arnold. Helga knew she should be happy for Arnold and Lila but she can't. She wanted to marry Arnold. Now he's marrying Lila and all Helga could do was be happy for the two. Helga sighed and looked up at Carl, he looked like he was deep in his own thoughs. Suddenly he sighs and leaned towards Helga to give her a hug. She was shocked by his actions and gave him a hug back.

Carl: I'm sorry you had to go through that Helga. No one deserves to feel used no matter what.

As Helga was hugging Carl her tears stopped falling, she was relaxing slowly and slowly. She didn't feel anything but Carl's body against hers and to be honest... Helga kinda liked it..

Carl: Feeling better?

Helga laughed.

Helga: I'm not sad. It was seven years ago.

Carl: Helga, it's okay to be heartbroken. It doesn't matter how long ago it is. If it hurts you then it hurts you.

Helga rolled her eyes.

Helga: Just because you are going to school for physiology doesn't mean you will be using that shit on me.

Carl pulled back from Helga and laughed.

Carl: Whatever.

After Helga had laughed, they sat in silence. Carl then got off of the couch he was sitting on and looked down at Helga; since he was now standing up.

Carl: Hey, I was wondering..

Helga: About?

Carl: What if we spend the day together? Just me and you.

Helga smiled while looking at Carl.

Helga: I wouldn't mind.

Carl: Cool, do you still have stuff for me here?

Helga: Of course, check the bedroom by the bathroom.

Carl: Thanks Helgs.

Helga laughed while getting up off the couch to also go shower, since Helga has two bathrooms in her apartment. When she finally made it to her room she saw on her locket on a dresser. It was the locket she would have a picture of Arnold in when she was younger. Helga opened the locket to see a picture of Arnold and Helga at some dance at their old high school. Arnold smiling while Helga gave him a kiss on his cheek. Helga laughed then puts the locket back on the dresser and starts to look through her clothes. She wanted to clear her head, so while Carl was in the shower she would go for a quick run while Carl is still in the shower...

The next morning Arnold woke up to a scent of pancakes. Arnold smiled as he was finally coming to his senses. He finally opened his eyes and got out of bed. After spending about 20 minutes in the shower and doing his morning routine, Arnold finally goes into the kitchen to see Lila still cooking some pancakes. He walks up to Lila and hugs her from behind while whispering into her ear.

Arnold: Good morning Greenie.

Lila giggles.

Lila: Good morning Arnzie.

Arnold smiles.

Arnold: I didn't know you were making breakfast this morning.

Lila: Well now that we both work we have to eat breakfast in the morning.

Arnold: What do you mean, I do eat breakfast in the mornings.

Lila: Arnold, you're a high school psychiatrist, how only only drinks hot chocolate.

Arnold: Yes, but it's not a crime.

Lila: Oh you are ever so terrible.

Arnold smirked.

Arnold: How so?

Lila giggles.

Lila: Not this morning cowboy, I have to get to work.

Arnold: Oh come on you can be a few minutes late.

Lila turns to face Arnold.

Lila: Not today Arnzie. I have to rush to my job. I have another interview.

Arnold backed up away from Lila.

Arnold: Yes ma'am.

Lila smiles.

Lila: Aren't you about to head to work?

Arnold looked confused at Lila.

Arnold: Lila it's Saturday, schools aren't open on Saturdays. Then my other job at the children's psychiatrist hasn't called me in yet.

Lila chuckled.

Lila: I wasn't pay attention. I guess I am just oh so excited for this job I'm not paying attention oh so much these days.

Arnold: I can tell. What time do you have to be there?

Lila: I believe around seven in the morning. Oh, it's ever so early, but we need the money for the wedding.

Arnold: Yeah, you're right.

Lila giggled.

Lila: Do you want butter on your pancakes, my love?

Arnold: You can just leave them in the fridge. I'm going to go on a walk.

Lila: Can you take Berry? I think she has to use the bathroom.

Arnold: Okay.

Lila: Thank you my love.

Arnold smiled then head back upstairs to get dressed. As he was getting dressed he opened his drawer to get some socks. After Arnold grabbed his socks he saw a photo of him and Helga at prom. Arnold was smiling while Helga was kissing him on the cheek. Arnold sighed.

Arnold: I wonder how she's doing today? Last I heard of her she was in Paris living her dream as a famous writer.

Arnold sighs then picks up the photo of him and Helga. As he was looking at the photo he hard Lila's voice.

Lila: Oh, what are you looking at?

Arnold looked up to see Lila walking over to the dresser Arnold was standing at.

Arnold: Oh just this photo of me and Helga.

Lila rolled her eyes.

Lila: I'm surprised you still have that. I mean that photo was from when?

Arnold: It was junior year Sophomore year (10th grade) of high school. We went to the 10's dance together.

Lila: I see.. Anyways, I was thinking for the wedding we could have emerald decorations.

Arnold: Of course. That sounds lovely.

Lila: A white dress for me and a white suit for you?

Arnold: Sounds lovely Lila.

Lila went over to Arnold and kissed him on the cheek.

Lila: Just one more year. I am ever so excited to be Mrs. Shortman.

Arnold laughed.

Arnold: Or Arnold Sawyer. Sounds fancy!

Lila chuckled.

Lila: Oh Arnold, you are ever so silly.

Arnold: Only the best for my woman.

Lila rolled her eyes.

Lila: I have to get dressed Arnold, do you mind?

Arnold: Go for it. I'll just get my sneakers and head out.

With that being said Arnold grabbed his sneakers and headed out of the room. He went downstairs to grab his golden retriever, Berry then went out of the door for his morning run. Arnold sighed while clipping Berry's leash to the hook on his jacket. After Berry was attached to Arnold he begin to run while Berry was in front of him…

Arnold: Such a beautiful day out here.

As Arnold was running he could see someone heading his way. He quickly turned but little to his surprised the other person turned crashing into him.

Helga: Fuck, seems like I hit a wall or something.

Arnold chuckled.

Arnold: Sorry Ma'am.

Helga looked up to see Arnold reaching his out towards Helga. Helga looked away and blushed.

Helga's thoughts: Fuck it's Arnold, good thing I decided to wear my disguise or he would recognize me.

Helga took Arnold's hand and was helped up by him. After she brushed herself off, she looked at Arnold.

Helga: It's okay.

Arnold smiled at Helga then looked confused at her.

Arnold: Do I know you from somewhere?

Helga: W-what?

Arnold: Hey, aren't you the woman from the.. Ya know?

Helga looked confused at Arnold.

Helga: No I don't.

Arnold: The club?..

Helga's thoughts: Fuck, he still remembers that?

Helga cleared her throat.

Helga: Yup, I'm eighteen.

Arnold chuckled.

Arnold: I thought you were twenty-five?

Helga chuckled while smiling.

Helga: I am.

Arnold smiled at Helga. Helga noticed him smiling and smiled back.

Helga: Well, I gotta get going. Nice seeing you.

Helga finally ran off after Arnold said..

Arnold: Wait, what's your.. Name?

Arnold sighed then continued to run with his dog. After Arnold had finally gotten home, he let Berry off her leash while he went upstairs. He then sighed then went into his and Lila's room and shut the door. Arnoldthen flopped onto the bed and laid there thinking.

Arnold: God, how can I get her out of my head; when I keep seeing her everywhere.

Arnold sighed then let his hair out of the manbun he had it in.

Arnold: I wonder who she is anyways and why does she look like someone I already know….

As soon as Carl was done with his shower he sat on Helga's couch waiting for her to get back from her run. As soon as he begin to shut his eyes to get some sleep, Helga came walking in.

Helga: Hey, I'm back.

Carl sat up as Helga came in the living room where he was located.

Carl: Welcome back. I was just about to fall asleep while waiting for you.

Helga rolled her eyes.

Helga: Well, I have to keep my figure for work; ya know.

Carl rolled his eyes.

Carl: Oh cut it out. You're gorgeous either way.

Helga laughed while she went to sit next to Carl.

Helga: Okay Romeo, what are the plans?

Carl: To eat, I'm very hungry.

Helga rolled her eyes.

Helga: Typical male response.

Carl laughed.

Carl: What do you expect? I'm a stoner.

Helga rolled her eyes.

Helga: I smoke too sometimes, but I don't eat as much as you do. I wonder where all the weight goes to from all the eating you do.

Carl smirked at Helga.

Carl: Wouldn't you like too know?

Helga eyes open with shocked while she started to blush. Meanwhile Carl chucked while holding onto her shoulder.

Carl: I'm kidding.. Somewhat.

Helga continued to blush while looking down at her floor. Carl noticed this and smirked.

Carl: My, my, my; someone is dirty minded.

Helga rolled her eyes.

Helga: Oh shut up, you're the one who thought of the stupid joke.

Carl rolled his eyes while still smirking.

Carl: Maybe you're right.

Helga laughed then slouched back on the couch. Carl laughed as well while wrapping an arm around Helga. She smiled while looking up at Carl. He noticed Helga staring at him.

Carl: Ya know something Helga..

Helga: What?

Carl: You have a beautiful smile.

Helga smiled while looking down blushing.

Helga: Thank you.

Carl smiled then went to kiss Helga's forehead.

Carl: You're welcome.

Helga snuggled into Carl then begin to fall asleep while Carl was still holding her…

Meanwhile Arnold was at home watching tv alone. Since he didn't have to work today he spent most of his time at home watching tv with his dog.

Arnold: Nothing on that's good. Hmm..

Berry looked up at Arnold and started barking.

Arnold: I know Berry, but there's nothing to watch. Hmmm, maybe I should call up Gerald to see if he's busy.

Suddenly Arnold picked up his phone that was next to him to call Gerald.

On the phone:

Arnold: Gerald?

Phoebe: No, this is Phoebe. Gerald isn't home.

Arnold: Oh… Sorry Phoebe, I thought I dialed Gerald…

Phoebe: You did but I have Gerald's phone.

Arnold: Oh.. do you know when he will be home?

Phoebe: I believe he shall be home at 5 this afternoon.

Arnold: Okay, sorry for bothering you Pheebs.

Phoebe: It is quite alright Arnold. I enjoy hearing from you.

Arnold: Thanks, how have you been?

Phoebe: I'm okay. I am just stressed about me and Gerald's wedding.

Arnold: Is everything okay?

Phoebe: Yes and no. I would like Helga to join us at our wedding as she is my best friend. Except Helga says she can't come.

Arnold: Oh.. Why can't she come?

Phoebe: I can not say Arnold, as I do not know myself.

Arnold: Have you tried talking to her about it?

Phoebe: Yes I have, she says the same thing each time. " I'm not sure Phoebe, you know I work here in Paris now."

Arnold: She's still in Paris?

Phoebe: Yes, as far as I remember.

Arnold's thoughts: Then the stripper can't be Helga. I mean she's in Paris.

Arnold sighed.

Arnold: Do you want me to talk to her about it?

Phoebe: Unlikely Arnold. Helga would not answer for you. I mean you did break her heart….

Arnold: Yeah you're right…

Phoebe: I don't know what I'm going to do Arnold. I want her to come but I don't think she wants to come.

Arnold: Well Phoebe, all you can do is wish for the best. Maybe she will change her mind and come.

Phoebe: I guess that is correct. Will I be expecting you Arnold?

Arnold: Of course, Lila and I will both be there.

Phoebe: Oh…

Arnold: What?

Phoebe: Nothing, I have to go Arnold. I shall talk to you some other time.

Arnold: Wait Phe-

Phoebe hung up the phone, leaving Arnold on the phone by himself. Arnold rolled his eyes then tossed his phone to the side.

Arnold: I wonder what that was about….

Arnold sighed then went to get up to check his mailbox since it was around 1 in the afternoon; when the mail normally comes. When he opened the door to go outside to check the mailbox, he see's his mystery woman (Helga) with a guy (Carl) walking up his street. They were laughing and talking while holding hands. Arnold smiled.

Arnold: Good she has a boyfriend. Great, now I can stop obsessing over her.

As Arnold was thinking to himself he felt something bumped into him.

Carl: Are you okay Hil?

Helga: Yeah.

Arnold: Sorry, I was reading the mail.

Carl rolled his eyes then helped Helga up. After Helga was up she looked into Arnold's eyes.

Helga: Hey, you're the football headed guy.

Arnold rolled his eyes.

Arnold: Arnold actually.

Helga laughed.

Helga: We have got to stop meeting like this Arnold. One of these days I'm going to get a concussion or something.

Arnold smiled slightly while chuckling.

Arnold: Yeah.. I see you are with your boyfriend so I won't hold up any more time.

Carl: Thanks, anyways Hilda...

Carl said while walking away with Helga. Arnold looked at Helga confused as she was walking away.

Arnold: Hilda? Hmm..

Arnold thought to himself as he went back in the house…

After hours of walking to get Carl's car the two finally reached it. They were in Carl's car driving away having a good time.

Carl: I hate that fucking guy.

Helga rolled her eyes.

Helga: You're still talking about him? Crimeny, it's been twenty minutes now.

Carl: I know, I just hate how every time we bump into him he's gawking at you.

Helga laughed.

Helga: Arnold gawking at me? Puhlease, he has a fiancé.

Carl: So? Ever heard of cheating?

Helga: Arnold may be many things but a cheater is definitely not one of them.

Carl: If you say so Helga.

Helga: Of course I say so, I know the guy ya know.

Carl rolled his eyes, meanwhile Helga laughed.

Helga: Where are we going anyways?

Helga said putting her feet on the dashboard of the passenger side.

Carl looked over to Helga while still driving.

Carl: Well, I have to get a few things for my dad.

Helga: Lead the way lover boy.

Carl laughed.

Carl: Lover boy? Not Romeo today?

Helga rolled her eyes.

Helga: Whatever.

Carl laughed.

Carl: Don't change Helga.

Helga: I wasn't plan on too.

Carl: Good, you're a real prize.

Helga: Thanks Carl.

Helga said looking out of the window. Carl smiled and reached over to grab Helga's hand. She smiled while looking at Carl.

Carl: So, tell me about you Helga..

Helga: Well what do you want to know?

Carl: Everything. I want to know the woman behind those beautiful blue eyes Helga.

Helga moved her feet of the head board to shift her body towards Carl's direction.

Helga: Why would you want to do that?

Carl: Because Helga, you're an interesting character.

Helga: You say that as if we are people in a story.

Carl: Because we are. We are in someone's story. We may not know who but we as people will always be in someone's story. Either main characters, or side characters, or villians; we are in someone's story.

Helga: Well, when you put it like that.. It makes sense.

Carl smiled.

Helga: Well you already know about my parents..

Carl: They aren't you Helga. I want to know more about YOU. Not your parents, not your friends, not your lovers. I want to know, what makes you.. Well you.

Helga suddenly looked over to the window ignoring Carl's question. Don't get her wrong she wanted to get to know Carl but after running into Arnold more and more these days she couldn't help but to still have feelings for Arnold. Although her feelings for Arnold never left to begin with; she started to grow them each time she would run into Arnold. Helga sighed… this would not be a good thing….