So here it is, the Helga story! I'd like to thank EDsonic for the story suggestion!
Now, on to it!
Pataki v. Pataki
Helga didn't know how to feel. On the one hand, she was dating Arnold! They were officially boyfriend/girlfriend! Everything she had ever wanted! And Arnold seemed to like her a lot! A lot, a lot! She didn't want to throw around the 'L word' yet, that might freak Arnold out, but she thought that his feelings might be tilting in that direction.
So, what was the problem? Well, they weren't exactly open with the school. They didn't hide that they were close, they sat together at lunch, walked to class together, and accompanied each other home. But much of the school didn't know about the romantic side. As far as Helga knew, only Gerald, Phoebe, Rhonda, Lila, Brainy, and probably Nadine knew about it. Which was fine with her! No one needed to know their business, and she liked it that way.
However, Arnold was getting a little…comfortable.
He would drape his arm over her shoulders at lunch, offer to carry her books, even sneak quick pecks on the cheeks unexpectedly.
And she loved it! But it was also freaking her out. She wanted to be able to experience those things openly, but also didn't want the ridicule that came with it.
Ever since the teasing and name calling of Harold and Patty last year when they tried dating again, Helga was convinced that their classmates just wouldn't accept their relationship. Harold and Patty eventually broke up cause neither could handle it anymore, and if that happened to Arnold and her, Helga didn't know if she could handle it.
Helga had to talk to Arnold about this. Make her feelings known. She could be calm and collected with him.
Right?
"Listen football head, lay off the mushy stuff, okay? It just…I got a reputation to maintain." Helga told him while they were walking home.
Arnold blinked at her, "So…does that make you uncomfortable? If it does, I'll definitely stop."
Helga blinked at him in return, "Um…well, I don't want you to stop doing it all together, just not while we're at school in front of our classmates."
Arnold looked down, "Oh, so, PDA is the problem."
Helga nodded, "Yeah. We can still…be mushy in private, but not at school, okay?"
Arnold looked at her confused, "I thought we were fine with the school knowing."
"I'm fine with them knowing you're my friend, but…not like that." Helga said vaguely.
Arnold stopped walking and faced her, "But, doesn't everyone already know? And it's been fine."
Helga shook her head, "No, they don't know we're boyfriend/girlfriend, just that we're pals."
Arnold sighed, "And you'd be embarrassed if they knew?"
Helga sighed with relief, "Yes, thank you for understanding."
Arnold nodded, "You're embarrassed that I'm your boyfriend."
Helga didn't know how to respond to that, "No! I am…I mean…I just…I don't…I mean…"
"It's okay Helga. I'm fine with being a secret. I know I'm not anyone's first choice." Arnold said as he continued walking.
Helga reached out and grabbed his shoulder, "You are my first choice! It's just…um…I…got…stuff."
Arnold turned around with a confused look, "Stuff? What kind of stuff?"
Helga tugged at her collar, "You know…stuff! Criminy, what is this, the Spanish Inquisition?! Just cool it with the PDA, that's all I'm asking!"
Arnold took a step back, "Okay. I'm sorry Helga. I'll be sure to calm it down."
Helga sighed, "Okay, thank you."
Arnold nodded, then turned and continued walking, "This is your intersection. See you later."
Helga looked at him with expectation. Usually, he'd give her a goodbye kiss, or something, but he just walked away. Helga shook her head; it was probably nothing.
It wasn't nothing. The next day, Arnold seemed very distant. He made sure to put Gerald in between Helga and him as they walked to class, he didn't eat lunch with her, and at the end of the day, he didn't show up to walk with her.
Helga grew concerned, this was what she asked for, but was it what she wanted?
Helga thought about this as she returned to the beeper store.
If it was possible that it had gotten worse since they first moved in, it had. The colder weather meant that the furnace needed to be turned on, but the family had no money for that. So instead, the Patakis' wore jackets both outside, and inside.
Helga shivered a little in front of her Arnold shrine, this time made out of a foam novelty taco with cut off brooms for the hair and a decapitated Ken doll for the body.
"Arnold, if only I could tell you what was really going on! My darling! But alas! My tongue turns to stone whenever I try to explain! How will I ever get out of this misery and find a way to talk to you?!" Helga exclaimed dramatically.
Helga looked up in the janitor's closet she converted into her wardrobe/shrine room and saw one of the pictures they took before their trip to France. It was them in front of the boarding house.
Boarding House?
"The boarding house! That's it! I'll move to the boarding house!" Helga exclaimed, "It's perfect! I'll get to spend every day with Arnold, and I'll escape from this miserable freezer of a store!"
Helga sighed with contentment and left the closet to go lay in her cot behind a screen divider.
"I'll tell Bob tomorrow. He won't care, he never cared about anything I did." She said to herself.
0o0
"You're planning to WHAT?" Bob shouted.
Helga blinked with surprise at his reaction, but put back on a determined scowl, "I'm moving to the Boarding House. This place isn't right for me, and I'm done with it!"
"Oh, no you're not little missy! We Pataki's stick together through anything. You're staying here with your family!" Bob shouted.
Helga rolled her eyes, "Where is here Bob?! A rundown store that you've tried to make into a Frankenstein's monster of a house?! We don't even have a shower! We have to use the truck stop down the street!"
"As soon as my stocks bounce back, we'll be back to normal!" Bob argued.
"You've been saying that for a year! It hasn't happened! It'll never happen! I'm done with this!" Helga shouted, grabbing her packed bag.
"Olga! If you walk out that door, don't you dare come crawling back!" Bob shouted.
Helga turned to face him, "It's Helga, Bob, and don't worry, I wasn't planning on it!"
Helga opened the store front door, then slammed it shut.
"Olga! Olga! You're done little missy! In a few weeks, you'll be begging to come back!" Bob shouted from inside.
Helga stormed off toward the Boarding House, determined to prove Bob wrong. This wasn't the way she wanted the story of her and her parents to go, but maybe this was the only way.
0o0
Arnold lay on his bed, jazz music playing loudly in the background, as he threw his prized Mickey Kaline signed baseball up into the air, catching it, then back up. The music drowned out all other noises in the boarding house.
Including the knock Arnold's father was currently hammering at the door. Miles then opened the door, and went over to the sound system, looking at it like it was some alien contraption.
"Oh, sorry dad." Arnold got up from the bed and turned the music down significantly.
"Arnold, I knew you liked jazz, but it was vibrating the whole house." Miles said, a bit of bite present in his words.
Arnold nodded, "Sorry. I forget to turn it down for you guys."
Miles blinked, "You usually have it that loud?"
"Well, yeah. The other boarders told me they like listening to my music, or at least they can't hear it over their work." That one was mainly Ernie, "And Grandma and Grandpa don't have the best hearing, so they never minded."
Miles blinked, "Oh…well…I don't want to…oh how to parent?" Miles said the last part under his breath, but Arnold heard.
Arnold smiled at his dad, "Don't worry, I can listen to it quietly, it's no problem. I know you two don't like it that much."
Miles groaned, "It just reminds me of growing up with my dad. He would make me listen to Dino and the rest of that rat pack for hours when I just wanted to listen to my rock albums."
Arnold nodded, "I like rock! Jazz just helps me think."
"Oh?" Miles looked at his son with interest, "Must be quite the problem if the music is that loud!"
Arnold shook his head, "No, I'm just being dumb."
Miles sat down on Arnold's couch, "Come on, talk to me, what's up?"
Arnold sighed, sitting down next to his dad, "I guess I'm just having some problems with Helga, that's all."
"Wow, romance trouble at eleven. I can't imagine." Miles chuckled, "What trouble?"
"Well, she asked me not to be so close to her at school. You know, don't carry her books, don't sit next to each other at lunch, no little quick kiss…" Arnold blushed as he cut himself off, "You know, couple stuff."
Miles chuckled at his son's embarrassment, "Don't worry Arn, you can tell me this stuff, no need to be embarrassed. But I am confused. I thought you and Helga were already an official couple?"
"So did I!" Arnold exclaimed, "But now Helga is saying we're still a secret, because she needs to 'maintain her reputation'. So, I'm a bit frustrated, cause…I don't know what I am to her."
Miles nodded, "Sounds like she's a bit embarrassed by all the attention. Maybe you should back off a bit. Try giving her some space."
"I tried that, but she seemed so sad when I did!" Arnold explained, "I just don't know what she wants."
"Well, I'm not the best at romance advice, especially your age. My first serious girlfriend was your mom, so…I guess keep trying to keep your distance and let her set or remove the boundaries." Miles suggested.
Arnold thought, then nodded, "Alright. I'll try dad! Thank you!" Arnold then gave his dad a hug, "I'm glad I have you to talk to."
Miles returned the hug, "I'm glad to." They stayed like that for a few moments, until Arnold moved away, "Now, what's this about 'little quick kisses'?"
Arnold blushed a little but then smirked, "What do you mean mom was your first 'SERIOUS' girlfriend?"
It was Miles' turn to blush, "Well…um…this moment never happened?"
Arnold nodded, "Agreed."
It was then the front doorbell rang.
"I better get that, your grandpa's taking a nap." Miles sighed.
"Alright." Arnold resumed his position on his bed, throwing the ball up and down. With his music down, he could hear the conversation at the door relatively clearly.
"Well hello Helga! Great to see you again!" The muffled voice of Miles said.
Arnold's eyes widened as his head turned toward his door, "Helga?!"
The baseball then hit Arnold in his left eye while he was distracted.
He quickly recovered and ran downstairs.
0o0
Helga walked into the warm Boarding house, whose lighting matched the temperature. She gave a sigh of relief and took her jacket off.
"What brings you here?" Miles asked, "Arnold didn't tell me he was having a party."
"Well," Helga began, "There's something I needed to talk to you about."
"Me?" Miles asked, "Did Arnold do something?!"
"No! No! Arnold's been great. It has to do with…" Helga turned her gaze and saw Arnold running down the stairs, "Arnold!"
Arnold stopped and looked at her with a happy, but confused expression, "Hey Helga! What's up!?"
Helga looked at him concerned, "We'll talk about me in a minute, what happened to your eye?!"
"What?" Arnold then walked down the rest of the stairs and looked in the mirror. Yep, a blackeye was forming, "Oh, I was just tossing my baseball around. It hit me. Harder than I thought."
"Well, let's get some ice for it bud." Miles said, leading the way to the kitchen.
Once there, Miles put some ice in a bag, and gave it to Arnold, who pressed it on his eye.
"So, Helga, what are you here about?" Miles asked.
"Well, I kinda want to…live here now." Helga said bluntly.
"Oh? Um…I…um…what about your parents?" Miles asked.
Helga sighed, "They kicked me out. I told them I didn't want to live in a beeper store anymore and my dad flipped out over it."
"Beeper store?" Miles asked.
Arnold put his hand on Helga's shoulder, giving a comforting squeeze.
"Yeah," Helga explained, "After the business went bust, Bob, my dad, lost all his money. We had to sell the house and we moved into the beeper store. I just can't take it anymore."
Miles sighed, "I don't know Helga. I don't know your parents, but I do know that you can't just remove yourself from their custody. There are laws."
Helga sighed, "And those laws make me live in a freezing beeper store with a guy who doesn't care about me?!"
Arnold rubbed her arm to offer support and to calm her down.
Miles shook his head, "I'll call social services in the morning, they'll tell us what the next steps are. If that place is as unsafe as you say, I don't think they'll make you go back."
"That's a big 'think'." Helga said sadly.
"In the meantime, you know where the spare room is, you can stay there." Miles smiled.
Helga gave a small smile, "Thank you."
Helga got up and Arnold followed her, "Sorry football head, looks like your stuck with me, at least for a little bit."
Arnold chuckled, "I don't see why that's a bad thing."
Helga blushed a bit and looked at him, "Well, we won't be apart. It could get…too close."
Arnold looked at her with a serious expression, "You mean, we might get annoyed with each other?"
Helga sighed, "I don't think that, but…most people our age don't have live in boyfriends or girlfriends."
Arnold thought for a second, "Well…we could think of it like living in an apartment? You have your place, I have mine."
Helga chuckled, then nodded, "Yeah. I like that. Okay football head, you go to your place, I'll go to mine."
Arnold smiled, "No problem, neighbor." Arnold added, flirtingly.
Helga blushed and let out a giggle. Helga quickly covered her mouth, "A giggle? Seriously, get a GRIP!" She mentally scolded herself.
"What was that?" Arnold teased.
Helga thought fast, "So how did the master catcher hit himself in the face anyway?"
Arnold chuckled and blushed a bit, "Message clear."
Helga laughed as they reached her door.
"Do you need anything? Extra blankets? Glass of water?" Arnold asked.
Helga shook her head, "No, I know where everything is, I've been here before."
"Oh, yeah, the Paris trip." Arnold smiled.
Helga blushed, "Yeah, that." She was referring to the multiple times she broke into the boarding house to retrieve some token of her affection or another, but that works too.
"Well, okay. Guess this is goodnight." Arnold said.
Helga nodded, "Guess so."
Arnold was about to turn and walk away, but something kept him from leaving.
"Are…" Arnold began, "Are you sure you have everything you need?"
Helga nodded, "Yeah. Everything looks fine."
Arnold walked into the room and toward Helga.
"You sure you're alright?" Arnold asked.
Helga looked at him confused, "Yeah, why wouldn't I be? My dad yells at me all the time. My mom was catatonic as always. You know that they…they never cared about…me…This is…what…" The tears started gathering in her eyes, "I wanted."
She started sobbing as Arnold pulled her into a hug, "It's okay. It's okay. I'm here."
"Arnold…I don't know what to do." Helga sobbed.
Arnold nodded, "We'll figure it out. Everything will be alright. You're safe now. I'm here."
Helga cried harder, "Don't leave.
"I won't." Arnold guided her over to the bed, and the two laid down and fell asleep together.
0o0
In the morning, neither Arnold nor Helga were roused by the rising sun pouring light into the room. Arnold's arms were wrapped protectively around Helga, as she was curled into his embrace. A light knock came from the door.
"Helga? Are you awake?" Miles said through the door.
Helga blinked at the sound of her name, not quite remembering where she was. When she looked over at Arnold, a smile came to her face, but it quickly fell.
"So it wasn't a dream." She thought to herself.
"Helga?" She heard again through the door, "I need to talk to you."
"Can't you let her sleep a little longer Miles? The girl's been through quite a bit." Helga heard Arnold's grandmother say.
"I would, but the lady from Social Services is already on her way." Miles responded.
Helga's eyes widened, and she jumped out of Arnold's arms. Arnold just grunted and rolled over on his side, still asleep.
Helga opened the door, "She's on her way?!"
Miles blinked at her sudden appearance, but quickly recovered, "Yeah, she's coming to interview you and give us the next steps."
"Okay. Um…should I dress up, or try to give an 'orphan Annie' impression? You know, increase my odds?" Helga asked.
Miles blinked at her, considering.
Pookie immediately spoke up, "Oh Elenor, you'll look great no matter what you wear."
Helga smiled at her, "Okay, thanks."
Pookie nodded, and leaned in close to give her a hug, whispering in her ear, "If you need anything Helga, let me know."
Helga returned the hug and nodded, "Alright."
After a second they let go and Miles and Pookie started walking away, "We'll be down in the kitchen."
Helga nodded, and closed the door. She walked to Arnold and shook him a bit to wake him up.
"No Helga, no one will see us, just one more…" Arnold said in his drowsiness.
Helga blushed a little, but smiled to herself, "Come on dreamer boy, up and at 'em!"
Arnold's eyes finally opened and he sat himself up, "Why the rush? It's our Friday off, we can sleep in."
"The social services lady is coming." Helga said bluntly.
"Oh! Yeah, we better get ready!" Arnold said as he jumped off the bed and headed for his room.
"Um…Arnold?" Helga asked.
"Yeah?" Arnold turned to face her.
Helga looked down, a bit embarrassed to ask her question, "You wouldn't mind…giving me some…support would you? I…just…I feel more confident when you're with me."
Arnold smiled and approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "No problem." He then gave her a quick kiss.
Helga's eyes fluttered. All her worries melted away. It was just her and her beloved her now. She would be okay.
"Okay, I'll quick change clothes, and meet you in the hall, okay?"
Helga was a little busy swooning to hear that question, but she nodded all the same.
"Cool, see you soon." Arnold said with a smile and walked out of the room.
Helga, feeling light and joyous, quickly changed her outfit, and met Arnold a bit later in the hall.
0o0
"Helga…Geraldine…Pataki." The social service rep wrote down in her notebook.
"That's correct." Helga stated.
"Okay, Helga, can you please tell me what your living situation with your parents was like?" The rep asked.
Helga nodded, "It was…horrible. We weren't living in a house, we lived in my dad's old store. The roof leaked, the furnace never worked, there wasn't anywhere to take a shower, and half the time the lights wouldn't work."
The rep nodded, "That does sound awful. Understandable that you would want to remove yourself from that situation. Did you inform your parents where you would be going?"
"Yes, I told my dad. That's when he told me to not come back." Helga explained.
The rep wrote more, "I will need to visit this…residence…in order to prove what you told me. Getting an investigation warrant will take time. In order to ensure your safety I will be placing you in the temporary care of Mr. and Mrs. Shortman until I get all the facts together."
Helga nodded, "And when you see what I told you is true?"
The rep looked at Helga with seriousness, "Then we will have a custody trial. If your parents cannot prove that they can provide a safe home for you, you will be placed out of their care and become a ward of the state."
Helga blinked confused, "Ward of the state?"
"It means, the government will be responsible for your welfare until we can find you adoptive parents." The rep explained.
"So I'll be an…orphan?" Helga asked.
Miles and Stella kneeled next to Helga, and Stella spoke to her, "Don't worry Helga, we'll adopt you."
Helga looked a bit relieved but terrified at the same time, "So Arnold will become my…brother?!"
Miles and Stella smiled, "No, we'd adopt you as a ward, not as a daughter. We would be responsible for your care, but we wouldn't be your parents."
Arnold and Helga both let out a sigh of relief.
The rep nodded, "The sooner we get this settled, the better. I'll be sending over a team to investigate the store as soon as we get the warrant. In the meantime, I would gather witnesses."
Helga looked up at her, "Witnesses?"
"People that saw what you went through first hand. This will make the case stronger." The rep gathered her things together and nodded at Helga, "You're a strong girl, you'll be fine."
Helga blinked at her, "Thanks."
"I'll call as soon as I have everything I need." The rep said and walked out. Miles and Stella followed her.
Helga let out a long sigh, "Whoa, that was kind of scary."
Arnold nodded, rubbing her hand with his, "But you did it. Now we wait."
"Yeah, waiting. That's great for anxiety." Helga sighed again.
Arnold nodded, "So…witnesses…any ideas?"
Helga thought for a bit, "Well, you obviously. Your parents, your grandparents. Phoebe saw what I was living in. I think that shady business guy that Bob worked with knew, but that's unlikely."
"Yeah, probably not." Arnold agreed.
"I didn't let too many people see what was happening." Helga said, regretfully. Her secretive nature was coming back to bite her.
"There isn't anyone else you can think of?" Arnold asked.
"Well…there is…no." Helga dismissed.
"Who?" Arnold inquired.
"She would never…"
"Who?"
"Well…Olga might be willing…" Helga started, "No, she'd never betray Bob and Miriam like that."
Arnold shrugged, "I don't know, couldn't hurt to ask."
Helga wondered, "I mean…I know she cares about me, but if she had to pick sides…I don't know."
"Just give her a call. She's probably worried about you." Arnold said.
Helga nodded, "Yeah, maybe."
0o0
"BABY SISTER! ARE YOU OKAY!?" The piercing shriek from Olga rang out from Arnold's bedroom phone Helga just finished saying 'hello' into.
"I'm fine Olga. I'm staying at the boarding house." Helga said, trying to calm her sister.
"I'm at the airport now, my flight leaves soon, then I'll be there as quickly as I can!" Olga said, equally as frantic but less shrieky.
Helga smiled a bit to herself, "Okay. I won't be going anywhere, I'll be here."
There was a beat of silence, then Olga's voice returned, more subdued, they way it sounded when Helga changed her report card, "Helga…about mom and dad…"
Helga blinked, preparing herself for the speech on how she should forgive them and all that.
"…You did the right thing."
Helga's eyes widened, "What?"
"You did the right thing Helga. I'll help however I can." Olga stated.
Helga nodded, "Olga…" Helga started to tear up, "I'll…hug you when you get here!"
Olga laughed on the other end, her normal vice returning, "I'll see you soon Baby Sister!"
The line clicked, and Helga put the phone down.
Arnold sat on his bed, looking at Helga with a hopeful expression, "So, how'd that go?"
Helga smiled, "Really well. She said she'll help me."
Arnold stood up and smiled, "That's great!" He then walked over to Helga and hugged her.
Helga returned the hug, but then broke it off.
Arnold blinked as her face suddenly looked sad again, "What's wrong?"
Helga shook her head, "Olga loves my parents. They have a much different relationship than I do. When she takes my side…that's it. She'll lose them forever."
Arnold blinked, "Well, maybe she wants to get away from them too. You told me they put a lot of pressure on her."
Helga nodded, "Yeah, maybe."
The two stood in silence for a second.
"I'm sorry." Helga said.
Arnold blinked at her, "You're sorry? For what?"
"For all of this." Helga said, "For all the worrying, all the adjustments, being around you all the time, and…for saying I didn't want you to be around me in public."
"Helga," Arnold said, putting his hand on her shoulder, "You being here is nothing but wonderful to me. As for the worrying, well, that just comes with the territory of being in a relationship. And, with the PDA, I took it too far. You were right to tell me to cool it."
Helga chuckled to him, "Well, the whole reason Bob kicked me out was I said I wanted to move here. And the reason I wanted to move was I wanted to be around you all the time."
"Oh?" Arnold responded, "Couldn't get enough of me at school, huh?" Arnold teased, as he moved his hand to tickle the crook of her neck.
"Hey! You wish hair-boy!" Helga responded by placing her hands on his sides and tickling him frantically.
Arnold let out a loud laugh and jumped away from her grasp, "Don't do that! I'm very ticklish!"
"Oh really?" Helga smirked as she ran at him.
"No! No!" Arnold held out his arms.
0o0
Arnold and Helga sat on the couch breathless. Pillows and various pieces of Arnold's old toys were thrown everywhere.
"Thanks Football-head. That was fun." Helga panted.
"Yeah, it was. You needed to let off some steam." Arnold smiled at her.
Helga nodded, "Yeah. Thanks."
Arnold shook his head, "No problem."
The phone then rang. Arnold picked it up, "Hello? Oh, hey Phoebe!"
Helga motioned for him to give her the phone.
"One sec." Arnold handed Helga the receiver.
"Hey Pheebs!" Helga greeted, "Yeah, I couldn't take it anymore, and Bob freaked."
"Well, I'm proud of you Helga." Phoebe said on the other line, "A very responsible decision."
Helga just grunted in response, "It felt more childish in the moment, but I guess it'll work out. Hopefully."
"What's the next steps?" Phoebe asked.
"Well, they need to search Bob and Miriam's place…"
0o0
Meanwhile, across town, Bob was having a shouting match with the social services officer.
"Sir, I have a warrant, move out of the way or you will be moved." The officer said.
"Fine! Do whatever!" Bob finally relented.
The team moved in, saw, investigated, and took pictures of everything. Including the janitor's closet.
"Okay sir, we've seen enough." The officer said, "We'll inform you of the court date."
"Whatever. Just get out." Bob then slammed the door in the officer's face.
0o0
"…Then we have the court. Which…I'm going to need your help." Helga continued explaining.
"Of course, Helga, anything!" Phoebe stated.
"Will you testify about what you saw?" Helga asked.
"Of course, I will." Phoebe stated.
Helga smiled, "Thanks Pheebs, you're the best!"
"I know!" Her cheerful voice rang through.
The two continued talking about various things, till the sound of screeching tires were heard from down the street.
"Oh, Pheebs, I gotta go. Pretty sure my sister is here." Helga said.
"Good luck Helga!" Phoebe said as they hung up.
Arnold and Helga rushed downstairs just as Olga entered the front door.
"Baby sister!" Olga knelt and opened her arms, as Helga threw herself into her sister's hug.
"I'm so happy you're here." Helga said softly into Olga's ear as the two siblings held their embrace.
0o0
A few days later, Arnold and Helga had gotten into the rhythm of 'sharing a building' as they called it. They gave each other space, but also spent WAY more time together than they'd ever done.
At school, Helga managed to keep things with her parents under wraps. Helga's parents were never active in any school events so nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Then the court date was set.
Helga, Phoebe, Arnold, and, surprisingly, Mr. Simmons, all received summons, to appear in court the coming Wednesday.
Helga pleaded with Mr. Simmons to just tell the class they were going on a small group field trip or something, and Mr. Simmons agreed.
"Students, I am going to be absent on Wednesday to escort the winners of the…poetry contest, Helga, Phoebe, and Arnold, to the presentation of their reward." Mr. Simmons made up.
"…Helga writes poetry?" Harold asked, more confused than malicious.
Helga scowled, "Yeah, got a problem with that pinkie?!"
Harold blinked and raised his arms, "No! It's fine Helga!"
Helga smirked, "Good, that's what I want to hear."
The rest of the class seemed satisfied with this lie, and Helga was glad. She had enough on her plate as it was.
0o0
Wednesday came quickly. It was a day filled with dread, but also hope. Hope that Helga would never have to go back to that place with two people that didn't care about her. Hope that her future could be hers to make.
She got ready quickly, wearing her usual bow, but a nicer pink dress than she normally wore, and a nice pair of flats Olga got for her.
Walking out the door, she met Arnold, dressed in a blue suit and brown shoes, with a black tie.
Helga smiled at him, "Looking good hair-boy."
Arnold blushed, "You look good too!"
Helga smiled, "Thank you again, for everything."
Arnold smiled, "No problem."
Helga gave him a quick kiss, before the two made their way to Olga's car outside.
The way to the court was packed with many reminders. The neighborhood, Gerald's field, Big Pete, all places Big Bob was going to destroy.
Helga shook her head, trying to get these bad memories to stop.
"You okay Helga?" Arnold asked her.
Helga nodded, "Yeah, just nervous."
Arnold nodded, "I can understand that."
The two smiled at each other as the courthouse came into view.
Helga sighed, "This is it."
0o0
Helga looked at the tall ceiling of the courtroom. Helga was expecting a jury, but it was explained that in cases like this, the judge would make the final decision.
Helga looked around, as Arnold held her hand.
"Where are they?" Helga asked.
Arnold looked at her confused and whispered, "Olga and Phoebe are right here."
"I mean Bob and Miriam." Helga said.
"Oh, I don't…" Arnold was cut off by the sound of the door slamming open.
The echoing footsteps of Big Bob were unmistakable. He and Miriam took their places on the right side of the room, across the aisle from Helga. Olga tapped Helga on the shoulder and motioned for her to sit on the other side of her.
Helga shook her head, "It's okay, I need to do this."
Olga smiled slightly and nodded, "You're so brave baby sis…Helga."
Helga smiled at her and said in a shaky voice, "I try."
"Ladies and gentlemen, all rise for the honorable Kristen Fenders." The Bailiff announced.
The court rose as a tall woman in judges robes entered.
"Please be seated." The judge said, and the court obliged, "The trial of Ms. Helga Geraldine Pataki vs. Robert and Miriam Pataki is in order. Prosecution, please begin."
"Yes your honor." Helga's lawyer was one appointed by the civil service to represent her, "the prosecution would like to begin by calling its first witness."
"Please proceed." The judge said.
"We call Olga Pataki to the stand." The prosecutor stated.
Olga looked to Helga and smiled, before standing and walking to the box. Once seated she looked at her parents, who would not look at her.
"Ms. Pataki, will you state your name and relation to the accused?" The prosecutor asked.
"Olga Pataki, I am their eldest daughter." Olga replied.
"Thank you." The prosecutor replied, "Ms. Pataki, how would you describe the way your parents raised you."
Olga nodded and thought for a second, "I was constantly praised and given all the attention. I was compelled to achieve. I would describe it as efficient, but cold, and only awarded with love if it was earned."
Helga frowned at her sister, nodding as she described what she knew all too well.
"You were a top achiever?" The prosecutor asked.
"Yes, I've gotten countless awards and trophies." Olga said.
"Your parents must've been proud." The prosecutor stated.
Olga nodded, "Yes, but they weren't my awards. I just did all of that to please my father, mainly. I loved getting their attention and praise, but it was always for something I did, not for being me."
"Did you receive all their attention and praise?" The prosecutor asked.
"Yes, all of it." Olga replied.
"Where did that leave Helga Pataki?" The prosecutor asked.
Olga looked at her sister with sadness, "It left her forgotten. My father didn't even know her name. He always called her my name. He held no love for her because, while she is a wonderful person and a brilliant student and writer, she wasn't a prodigy. So, she didn't achieve as much. Therefore, she wasn't really loved."
"Thank you, Ms. Pataki." The prosecutor said and turned to the defense, "Your witness."
The defense attorney rose, and looked to Olga, "Ms. Pataki, did you witness this 'absence of love' yourself?"
Olga blinked, "Well…I can infer based on what Helga told me, and my parents' behavior when I…"
"So you didn't witness it yourself?" The defender asked again.
"…Not firsthand, no." Olga admitted.
Helga's eyes widened, but Arnold squeezed her hand.
"It's gonna be okay." Arnold assured her.
The defender continued, "Ms. Pataki, your parents gave everything to you, who's to say Helga Pataki isn't exaggerating these claims?"
"Objection!" The prosecutor said, "That is speculation."
"Sustained." The judge replied.
"Let me put it another way." The defender said, "Where were you when this alleged neglect was happening the past two years?"
"Alaska, working as a research assistant." Olga stated.
"So, you only know past actions, which my clients are not on trial for. Only the actions from years ago, correct?" The defender stated.
Olga stuttered, "I…suppose…"
"Your honor, I move that this witness' statements be stricken, as she has nothing of substance to offer." The defender said.
"Objection!" The prosecutor stated, "Olga Pataki is a key witness on the defendants' character and parenting."
The judge looked at the two sides, "This case is regarding events in the past year. If the witness cannot provide that information, then she is dismissed."
Helga looked deflated, and Arnold patted her arm, "It's okay, we have two more witnesses that can talk about this."
Helga nodded, "Let's hope so."
"Prosecutor, do you have another witness?" The judge asked.
"We do, we call Arnold Shortman to the stand." The prosecutor said.
Arnold smiled at Helga and took the stand. There were some claps from the back of the room. Arnold looked, and his parents, grandparents, the boarders, and some others from the neighborhood were cheering for him.
"Order!" The judge demanded, and the cheering ceased.
"You're quite popular Mr. Shortman." The prosecutor smiled.
Arnold blushed a bit, "Well, that's just my family."
"Please state your full name and your relation to the defendants." The prosecutor stated.
"Arnold Philip Shortman, and they are the parents of my…" Arnold looked over to Helga for permission to use his actual title, to which Helga smiled and rolled her eyes, "girlfriend."
There were some 'whoops' from the back of the gallery.
"Order! Another outburst from the back, and I will hold you in contempt." The judge threatened.
There was silence again as Arnold smirked and chuckled.
"Mr. Shortman, how long have you known Helga Pataki?" The prosecutor asked.
"About eight years." Arnold stated, "Pretty much as long as I can remember."
"And in that time, you met her father and mother?" The prosecutor pointed to Big Bob and Miriam.
Arnold nodded, "Yes, many times."
"Over the past year, have you seen how Mr. and Mrs. Pataki treat Helga?"
"Yes."
"How would you describe it?"
Arnold paused for a second, "Uncaring."
"In what ways?" The prosecutor asked.
"Well, one time Helga came along on a trip my parents and I went on. Helga asked her dad if she could go. He didn't ask where or how long, just let her go. The place that they were living was horrible, and her mom and dad wouldn't do anything about it." Arnold explained.
The prosecutor then turned on the TV next to Arnold, which showed pictures of the Pataki's drab living conditions, "This is the place that you're referring to?"
"Yes." Arnold said.
"Was Helga desperate to leave this place?" The prosecutor asked.
"She constantly talked about it. How she just wanted to leave." Arnold said.
"Thank you, Arnold." The prosecutor turned to the defender, "Your turn."
The defender rose, "Mr. Shortman. Is your girlfriend prone to exaggeration?"
Arnold blinked, "I mean, yeah, but no more than any of my other friends."
"Do you think she could exaggerate something like the horrible living conditions?" The defender asked.
"I think the pictures show she wasn't." Arnold answered honestly.
"I think your girlfriend does have a bit of an imagination, as shown in this image." The defender than pressed his own remote, showing a picture of…Helga's closet shrine!
Helga's eyes went wide as she covered her mouth in a gasp.
Arnold blinked at the statue depicting him, a slight blush on his face.
"I would say that's a slight exaggeration, wouldn't you?" The defender smirked.
Arnold looked at Helga, who was burying her head in her hands. He then started laughing a bit, "Well, I don't think I have a six-pack like that, but the head is fairly accurate."
The court then laughed as Helga looked up at Arnold and gave him an embarrassed grin.
The defender spluttered, "Mr. Shortman if Ms. Pataki could make such an exaggerated sculpture of you, who's to say she didn't make up these accusations to hurt her parents?"
Arnold looked at him, his anger rising, "Helga would never do that. She is truthful, she is loving, she is caring, and if her parents gave her back a fraction of the love she tried to give them, we wouldn't be here today. Everything she said was true, and even with that, she was sobbing after leaving them. She doesn't want to do this, but she needs to."
The defender blinked at Arnold, and sat down, "No further questions."
The judge looked at Arnold and smiled, "You're excused."
Arnold nodded, and walked back to his seat, and Helga hugged him tightly.
"You're the best…most wonderful…I can't believe I'm your girlfriend." Helga cried into Arnold's suit coat.
Arnold returned the hug, "You're gonna have to explain that whole shrine to me at some point though."
Helga blushed but laughed, "Okay, I will."
The Judge began to speak again, "Alright, prosecutor, call your next…"
"Wait." The gruff voice of Bob Pataki rang out, as he stood, "There's no point in this. I release the girl."
Helga's eyes widened as she looked at Olga, then Arnold, then her eyes rested on Bob.
"She's right. I can't provide a home for her anymore. I wasn't the father she needed me to be. I hope, one day, she'll forgive me for that. But I won't bother her anymore. Miriam and I release our custody." Bob finished, almost sounding heartbroken.
"Yes, we do." Miriam finally spoke up.
Olga held Helga's hand as the two of them fought back tears. Big Bob and Miriam were escorted out of the room through the opposite entrance.
Helga's last glimpse of her dad that day was him waving goodbye.
0o0
"Okay, you're officially moved in!" Stella told Helga.
Helga chuckled, looking at the last box that was just unpacked in her room. She would redo the sorting of her poetry volumes another time. Miles tried his best, but they were all over the place.
"Is there anything else you need? Radio? CD Player?" Miles asked.
"No, I'm okay. Thank you." Helga smiled at them.
A CRASH then rang out from Helga's closet as Olga fell out of it.
"Oh, goodness baby sister! I don't think I can fit any more dresses in here!" Olga announced.
"Olga! How many frilly dresses did you buy me?!" Helga stated, exasperated.
"Oh, I don't know, I lost track after twenty-five." Olga beamed.
Helga rolled her eyes, "How about you take some of them to have at your place in Alaska for when I come up to visit you."
"Oh! Are you planning on visiting me?!" Olga said excitedly.
"…..No." Helga said after a long pause.
Olga deflated, but picked herself up again, "Oh well, no matter baby sister! We'll plan something!"
"Do you need help packing Olga?" Stella asked.
"Oh, no Mrs. Shortman, I just have a few more odds and ends!" Olga said as the trio of adults left the room.
Helga looked around her new room, when she heard Olga clear her throat behind her. Helga turned around and looked at her, "What's up?"
"Before I go," Olga began, "I just wanted to say that I thought you were so brave."
Helga shook her head, "I was terrified the whole time."
"That's what being brave is Helga. Doing scary stuff, not because you're trying to prove a point, but because it needs to be done. You're so brave, my little sister." Olga said, as she walked over to Helga and kneeled down to give her a hug.
Helga returned it, but after a few seconds, pushed Olga away, "Alright, alright. Enough with the gooey stuff. Just get back to your frozen tundra, and…who's the unlucky stiff you're going out with again?"
"Keith." Olga smiled.
"Keith, right. Give Keith my best." Helga said with an overdramatic bow.
"And you give Arnold my best!" Olga replied.
Another voice came from the doorway, "I'm sure she will."
Arnold stood in the door, holding a wrapped box with a pink bow on top.
"Oh, I think your boyfriend wants to talk to you." Olga teased as she got up and walked out, "Bye baby sister! Love you!"
"Goodbye Olga. Love you too." Helga said, rolling her eyes, but with a smile.
Arnold stepped in, the box he was holding looked a little heavy, "Hey Helga, mind if I set this down?"
"Oh, yeah football-head, on the bed." Helga motioned, as Arnold set the box down on the bed, "What's in that thing?!"
Arnold chuckled, "Open it and find out."
Helga shrugged and started tearing. She opened the box and found…
…a record played.
"Gee…thanks Arnold." Helga said, "If this was 1930 I'd be freaking out right now." Helga said with a smirk.
"Yeah, I know, but it plays music better than any stereo system. And I even got you your first record!" Arnold said and showed the record tapped to the top.
"METALICA!" Helga said excitedly, "Oh Arnold, you do know me!"
Arnold chuckled, "Well, the boarding house can get pretty crazy, so it's nice to have something to drown it out."
Helga returned the chuckle, "That's very sweet, thanks Arnold."
Arnold blushed a little, but smiled to himself, "So, setting up a new shrine to me yet?"
Helga's deep red blush covered her whole face, "I thought you said you were never going to talk about that!"
Arnold chuckled to himself, "Hey, do whatever you want, I don't mind. Though the last one, I think you got my hair a bit wrong."
"Alright, get out!" Helga said as she pushed her boyfriend out.
"What, no goodbye kiss?" Arnold said as he was 'escorted' to the door.
"Um, no." Helga smiled at him as she slammed the door closed.
She heard Arnold laughing to himself as he walked back to him own room.
Helga went back over the record player, and set it up on the windowsill then found an outlet and plugged it in.
Helga placed the record on the turntable and let the needle drop. "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" started playing. As Helga listened to the lyrics, she couldn't help but feel that she had escaped a place like the one the singer was describing.
Welcome to where time stands still.
No one leaves and no one will.
But she did leave. She got herself out. She had lots of help, but she did it. She was free from that place with people who didn't care about her. Now she was surrounded by love. A real family who, while not blood, loved just as deeply.
It was a change.
It will be an adjustment.
But, at least from Helga's perspective, things were finally looking up.