Very Short Chapter
Chapter 13: What's That?
Helga's Room
The next day, Helga was sitting in her room, trying to think of what (or who) she could write about that inspired her.
While doing this, Arnold was only a few feet away from her, putting the new knob on her closet door.
Helga watched him, thinking to herself…
Those poems were about him? What is it about him that's kept my attention for so long?
Not feeling inspired at all, Helga picked up the cards the class had made for her.
"Criminy! What is with these losers? Pop Daddy, food, clothes, bad spelling, bugs…"
While going through the cards, Helga's mind flashed back to an assembly being held in the auditorium.
Hey Helga! Do you want to see my cockroaches? I have 27 classifications?
No I do not want to see your cockroaches Nadine!
Arnold looked over a moment to see Helga shaking her head.
"Are you alright?" he asked
"Uhh yeah. I was just remembering something from school." she admitted.
Hoping it had something to do with him, the anxious boy asked "What was it?"
"One of these pathetically designed cards just reminded me about the time Nadine wanted me to see her box of roaches. I don't know who's crazier? Her for collecting them, or the school for letting her in with them? Freak!"
Arnold took a seat beside her. There were only a few people her memory hadn't returned on yet.
"Look at this dumb card?
All these frogs
(outside of card)
Will eat your germs away
(inside of card)
"Frogs eating germs? Frogs are covered IN germs? Who in the right mind would…"
Oh look, it's germ boy! *cough* All yours Sid
After seeing the cards were bringing back Helga's memory of their friends, he hoped he would be next when she saw his card.
"Here, I made this one for you!"
Get Well Soon
(outside)
We're all thinking of you!
(inside)
Although it looked nice, there was nothing unique about the card. Nothing that screamed 'ARNOLD' to her.
"Uhh thanks?" Helga said hesitantly.
The blonde boy formed a disappointed look on his face, not knowing what more he could do. He spent time with her, read her poetry books to her, showed her the shrines in her closet. Even her best friend had told her they were together.
Not feeling Helga needed him for anything else that day, Arnold stood from the bed. He then handed Helga the key to her new door and said "I guess I'll get going now that your new knob is on. You shouldn't have to worry about Olga invading your privacy anymore."
Helga began to form a somber facial expression as well. Arnold clearly cared about her, but still hadn't done anything to bring back her memory of him.
Downstairs
"Leaving so soon Arnold?" Olga asked, when seeing the blonde boy head for the door.
"Yeah. I don't think Helga needs me for anything. At least, not right now." he sighed.
Olga's eyes began to tear, as she grabbed Arnold for one of her tight hugs. "Don't be silly! Baby sister loves you!"
While gasping for air, Arnold couldn't help but notice something on the kitchen counter.