I am very busy with my job right now. It's high season and writing this chapter was incredible hard.
Still trying to upload each week a new chapter.
I tried to upload a sketch of Arnold and Helga but it seems FF doesn't allow images. I do have a gallery but there is no fan art of Hey Arnold on it.
Also I won't give my gallery since I want to keep my general gallery and my writing separated from each other. So for this viewers/ readers who sent me messages about my gallery, I won't give the link nor my profile name of my gallery.
Anyway, this chapter is kind of thrilling because we will see a side of Arnold... I love it but will you?
After breakfast, everyone was cleaning their rooms and pack their stuff.
Arnold placed all the sheets together in a corner so it was easier for the staff to pick it up.
Gerald was swiping a broom through the room and Helga and Phoebe were cleaning the bathroom.
'' I so don't want to go to the wood carving course. What are we, 10?'' sighed Gerald as he swiped.
'' Gerald, see it from -…''
'' No Arnold….no!''
'' … the bright side, you can make something nice for Phoebe.'' said Arnold when he was dusting out the pillows on the couch.
'' Making something for Phoebe? Get your head out of the jungle, Arnold.'' said Gerald a bit annoyed.
When they finished cleaning and placed their bags on the couch and went outside to gather around for the wood carving course.
They needed to walk for a bit towards the meeting area of the camp, only to discover they were joining 1C with this course.
'' Are you fucking kidding me?'' hissed Helga mad. Phoebe shook her head and Lila sighs deep.
Arnold, Gerald and Stinky weren't that happy either.
Hilton and some buddies of him were talking in gangster-like manner and laughing. Hilton's hand went up and stroke it through his hair to remain his hairstyle.
'' Isn't he looking amazing?'' whispered Rhonda and Helga almost gagged. What's so good about that walking son of a bitch?
'' Alright. Students, welcome. I am Ralph, I am one of the forester in this forest and today we are going to carve something nice out of wood. No sexual stuff or I report it to your mentor…'' stated Ralph and some students were making a face.
They needed to make groups. Gerald, Arnold, Phoebe and Helga were a group and Stinky and Lila went together with Eugene and Sheena.
Gerald was trying to carve a support for his phone. Phoebe was scraping the wood first to make a bowl shaped form where her glasses could be placed.
Helga tried to make a pen holder where she could place fillings of ballpoint pens in it.
'' What are you making, Football head?'' asked Helga while she was drilling a hole in the wood.
'' You will see.'' said Arnold while he was carving.
After some time, they managed the thing they had in mind. Phoebe's small shaped bowl was beautiful smooth and Gerald his standard was simple but good to hold his phone. Helga just finished the last carving, now she needed a pen filling.
She stood up to get one at the table that was set against a tree. On the table was a lot tools to carve, to cut and to scrape the wood and also pen fillings, some paint with brushes and tissues to clean up your project.
She wondered which color she would get. Black, navy or dark red were available.
Hilton had seen that Helga went to the table so he stood up as well. '' I need to get a smaller tool for this angle.'' he said to his group and went to the table.
He stood next to Helga and smirked: '' Having fun… Hel-ga?'' he asked in a teasing way and Helga scowled, making a face like for real now?
She look at him mad. '' Hilton, leave me alone, you piece of shit.''
'' Come on. Let's start over. I didn't mean to offend you.'' said Hilton and Helga raised an eyebrow.
'' I don't trust you and I never will. So no need for becoming friends. Now drop it.'' she said as she picked a sandpaper and a red filling for her pen.
Hilton saw what she picked and chuckled. '' Want to smooth out also my wooden project?'' he asked with a double meaning behind it.
Helga raised her first towards his stomach but Hilton blocked her. As she raised her other fist, Hilton caught that one as well.
'' Not this time, Blondie. I like your feistiness. What do you say? You and me?''
'' Like I want your zoo of diseases. Now let go of me and let me punch you!'' she shouted.
Hilton chuckled and went slowly forward, the goal to kiss Helga. Helga her eyes widened and started to try to fight him off but he was way too strong for her!
This wasn't like her at all! She could even beat Harold if she wanted to!
Then it happened to fast before Hilton even could react.
A whistle sound was heard and suddenly an object flew between Hilton and Helga and got stuck on the tree trunk.
It was an carving knife! Few strands of hair of Hilton were floating in the air.
Hilton released Helga her hands from what happened which used Helga as a great change and punched him in the stomach.
Hilton stumbled and fell on one knee and was looking aside.
Helga look as well and was nailed to the ground. Arnold was walking slowly towards them with an expression that gave Helga the chills.
He was angry and not a little but very angry.
People didn't saw Arnold his face from the back but Gerald did know how his best friend was looking and even he was kind of scared.
He never saw Arnold like that before.
Hilton stood up, still holding his stomach as Arnold approached them and stood between Hilton and Helga.
'' Dickhead! What the fuck you think you are doing?'' cursed Hilton towards Arnold.
Arnold moved calmly and raised his hand to pull out the carving knife from the tree. At the end of it was a bug.
'' I just saved your pathetic ass. One sting and you could be dead. This is an Asian Hornet.'' stated Arnold in a neutral voice.
'' If it call his mates, you sure lay in a coffin.'' said Arnold softly but hard enough for Hilton and Helga to hear.
People started to whisper when Arnold explained what he just had killed, not hearing the last sentence. Helga gulped softly, was this the kind and gentle Arnold she always had loved and still loved? Did was a side she never had seen before. Was he… was he protecting her? She started to blush slightly by the thought.
Arnold removed the hornet and placed the carving knife back on the table and took some sandpaper.
'' Let's go… Helga.'' he said as Helga picked her stuff and went together back with him.
They had finished their course, eaten pizza and picked up their luggage. Now class 1B was travelling back to Hillwood.
Back in their own seat, well almost. Phoebe was sitting now next to Helga and Gerald next to Arnold, everyone was chitchatting.
'' So Arnold, upcoming Sunday we are going to play baseball like always. Are you up for it?'' asked Gerald.
'' Yes! Like old good times. But first I got some stuff to do.'' said Arnold.
'' Like what? The boardinghouse is renovated.'' said Gerald.
'' Yea, but I didn't say hello to Stoop kid and I need to clean the roof.'' said Arnold.
'' The roof? Why do you need to clean the roof?'' said Gerald loud and Phoebe and Helga were looking at them.
Arnold saw Helga looking so Arnold look quickly back to Gerald. '' My grandpa wants me to do it since I have returned and maybe we can chill thereafter.''
Gerald shook his head. '' Arnold, you have the best room of that whole house and then you want to chill on the roof? Are you mad?''
'' No. Never mind.'' said Arnold as he glanced at Helga, who was talking now to Phoebe again.
'' Bro, you have been too long in the jungle. You need some quality time with the guys.'' said Gerald.
'' I rather have that with someone else.'' whispered Arnold and Gerald smirked.
It was late in the evening when they got dropped off at the station.
Some parents came to pick up their children. And some did not and just went home by walking or taking another bus.
Gerald's dad was there to pick up his son and Phoebe. But no sign of a Bob or Miriam.
An awkward silence fell on Helga and Arnold.
'' I guess we will call?'' said Helga, rubbing the back of her head.
'' I am going to walk you home. Everything to be a little longer with you.'' said Arnold shyly and Helga blushed.
As they walked together towards the Pataki household, Arnold enjoyed the neighborhood and even greeted some familiar faces.
It was 9:40 pm as they arrived at the house of Helga.
'' Are you coming inside?'' asked Helga. '' My parents are still awake.''
Arnold nodded. Better show himself to her parents after a long time. Helga opened the door and they went inside. The lights were still on.
'' I am home!'' called Helga as she closed the door.
'' Welcome home baby sis!'' said Olga, coming from the living room. '' How was camp?'' she asked as she saw Helga and behind her a guy she recognized right away.
'' Oh goodie! Is that you, Arnold?'' she asked with a giggle which made Helga her eyes roll.
'' Yes, Olga. I have returned.'' said Arnold with a small smile.
'' Mommy! Daddy! Look who Helga brought back with her!'' called Olga and Helga face palmed herself.
Could Olga not being a nuisance for once? Arnold saw how Helga reacted and placed his hand on her shoulder.
Miriam came and when she saw Arnold her eyes went wide. '' Arnold? What a surprise! You have grown so much!''
'' Arnold?'' was heard from the living room and in a few seconds Bob came to check.
'' Criminy!'' shouted Bob, seeing Arnold. '' You are not that little twerp anymore.''
'' Mrs. Pataki, Mr. Pataki, good evening.'' said Arnold. '' I guess I have grown quite a lot by your comments.'' he said politely.
'' Indeed. Come in. Want some refreshments?'' asked Miriam.
'' Yes, thank you.'' said Arnold as he came inside the living room which had changed.
It was not that dark anymore and the old furniture had made place for white and crème colors.
Soft lavender colored curtains were half covering the windows.
Arnold sat down and Helga sat next to him. Olga brought them some lemonade as Miriam put a mug with coffee for her and Bob down on the table.
'' I thought you came back later.'' said Bob as he turned down the sound of the TV.
'' That was the idea yes but I was lucky and finished a lot things earlier. Now I can finish here the latest things before school start.'' said Arnold.
'' I heard from Helga, you are going to be a vet.'' said Olga and Arnold nodded.
Bob was not really impressed, knowing Helga, who was choosing a boy like this but he knew he couldn't get a grip on Helga like he could with Olga.
'' Yes, with an exotic degree with it. When I am ready, I like to have my own clinic.'' said Arnold and Bob look up.
'' Your own clinic?'' asked Bob. '' Where do you want to get the loan?''
'' I am actually saving up, Mr. Pataki. And I have here a job as well every Saturday and every morning I bring out the newspapers.'' said Arnold.
Helga look at Arnold with big eyes. '' Arnold! We start college, you need to study as well. And what about us? Our friends?'' she asked.
Arnold held her hand and smiled. '' Helga, it will be fine. I worked also a lot in San Lorenzo. I will do everything so our future together will be all prepared when the time has come and become a family. I want you to be my family, Helga.''
Helga didn't say anything and Arnold pulled her into in a hug, her face in the crook of his neck.
Miriam and Bob were looking at each other. This boy was working hard and not only for himself but also to make sure that Helga was all settled. HE even dared to propose to Helga in front of them but knowing from Helga, Arnold could be dense not even notice what he was saying. So the proposing of becoming his family might Arnold's way of making sure that everything will be fine.
Not to mention, Helga was showing affection. Arnold could melt the ice wall around her. He had good influence on her, something that Miriam was very glad about. Miriam look at Bob and smiled.
Bob sighs and smiled. He had learned his lesson about his youngest. While Olga had also her ways in being stubborn, Helga was more strong willed, something that she had developed when he and Miriam where ignoring her mostly in her childhood. He closed his eyes went to his old self, just to be clear at the young love birds.
'' Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Don't be all mushy here.'' said Bob and Helga look up at Bob and stood up.
'' Bob! It's normal we hug. You and Miriam hug as well in front of me and Olga.'' said Helga with her hands on her hips.
'' Yea, yea, yea. Whatever. Shortman, tomorrow we are going to have a talk, man to man, capiche?'' asked Bob and Arnold smiled.
'' Yes, Mr. Pataki. That's fine. I will meet you after my job.''
Arnold was there for like another half hour as he stated he needed to go since he needed to get up early.
Helga opened the door as Arnold walked outside. '' I guess I will see you tomorrow.'' said Arnold.
'' Yea, really weird now you will leave.'' said Helga awkward and Arnold nodded.
'' Have nice dreams, Helga.'' – '' Nice dreams, Arnold.''
They were standing there a big awkward. It was a long time ago they said goodbyes in present of other people even they were in another room.
Arnold took her hands in his and stepped forward and placed his lips on her forehead into a gentle kiss. Helga look up, releasing Arnold's lips from her forehead.
He look down and Helga closed her eyes and felt his lips on hers.
It was a perfect kiss, not short but also not long, just a perfect good night kiss.
The released each other's lips and smiled. '' Goodnight.''-'' Goodnight Football head''
Arnold waved at Helga and walked away when Helga closed the door and sigh of happiness.
'' You are so cute, baby sister.''- '' Ooh shut up.''
When Arnold came home, his father Miles was still awake and preparing breakfast for tomorrow.
He wiped his hands of a towel and greeted his son. '' Hey Arnold. How was camp?'' he asked.
Eighteen years old or not, Arnold hugged his father which made Miles wonder what happened.
'' It was amazing. All my friends, Gerald and Helga. Almost everyone was there.'' said Arnold while snuggling against his father's chest.
'' Did something happen, son?'' asked Arnold, if he was like this with him or Stella, something was going on and mostly the subject was Helga.
'' Dad, can I ask something personal?''
'' Of course, Arnold. Anything to help you.''
'' H-how…do you k-know if you want to m-make l-love or j-just s-sex?'' stutter Arnold by this awkward question and Miles blushed a bit.
Miles placed his hands on Arnold his shoulders and took a step back to observe his son who had red cheeks.
'' Did you and Helga?'' asked Miles carefully and to his relief, Arnold nodded no.
'' But we did…stuff.'' said Arnold slowly and Miles sighs.
'' Dad, we can't help it. It's so weird. We start with kissing and cuddling, just sharing our feelings but then at one point… it feels like we turn into animals or something.
Dad, I am afraid. I want to make love Helga, I discovered that right away when I saw Helga again. But I am afraid it has to do more with lust then love, I am so confused.'' said Arnold.
Miles was thinking until he saw a strand of brown hair peeking at the opening of the kitchen door. It seems that Stella was listening to their conversation.
Miles and Stella had a lot conversations about Arnold when it came to the point of his desires. Becoming a vet, saving up, doing charity, about his friends and Helga.
'' Arnold, let's sit down. Do you want something to drink?'' asked Miles as he grabbed 2 mugs.
'' Warm milk will be good.'' said Arnold as he sat down.
Miles warmed up the milk and placed a some cubes of anise in it. Then he filled up the mugs and sat down with Arnold.
'' Son. There is nothing wrong for having desires towards Helga. You love her. She loves you. And you need lust to prepare yourself for the deed. But it is up to you how to proceed the deed. Making love means you take time to give attention to your partner as in kissing, caressing, whispering sweet words, making your partner feeling special. The same that the partner does that to you. When both are ready, sex will become a pleasant experience.'' explained Miles. '' When it is just pure lust… then you don't spent time with your partner and you just do it.''
Arnold was thinking. '' Then we do want to make love. What we did on camp…'' said Arnold softly, talking more to himself then to his father.
'' What did you do on camp?'' asked Miles and Arnold came back in reality and blushed. Miles raised his eye brow. '' Arnold…''
'' We… were hiding for the rain. The atmosphere was serene and we were just kissing. Then somehow… we started to explore each other with kisses and our hands.
That at one point, we ended up…'' Arnold paused and swallowed. ''…. we touched each other until we came.'' he said softly.
'' It's okay, Arnold. It's all new to you and Helga. And me and your mother prepared you well about the flowers and the bees. So I might guess sooner or later it will happen.'' said Miles and Arnold looked away, blushing.
'' Sunday I am going to clean the roof.'' he mumbled and Miles smiled.
'' The promise of two years ago. I can't stop you nor your mother. So long, Arnold, you keep the safety for you and Helga, okay?'' asked Miles and Arnold nodded.
'' I promise, Dad.''
Could you imagine the scene with an angry Arnold? Could you? I was thrilled to write something like that.
I will do my best to write chapter 10 and upload it next week! If you guys are lucky, maybe earlier.