A perceived truth is not the same as a fact. One is based on the person's beliefs, while the other is backed by proof. Some, such as Arnold Shortman took both to mean the same and slapped the label of 'truth'. When he believed something, he saw it as a universal truth. Call it hopeful or naive but therein was the basis of his persona.
The first three months since his absence that sophomore year went somewhat smoothly for the Helga Arnold couple. After all, they had a solid foundation in their relationship, among the strongest even among their older peers. Long distance for them was merely a bump in their perceived 'forever and a day'. There was a high frequency in the amount of letters sent between them trying to keep their partner up to date in each others' endeavors. Not to mention the exchange of sappy "I love you"s or "I miss you"s and they did, terribly in fact. It was even obvious in the way their mood waned, making Arnold fail at doing what he does best. Doing the right thing, it had come as naturally as breathing to Arnold and he was now having trouble with it.
He recently came to find out why some of his peers often had problems doing so. Especially with the dissonance between what he needed to do and what he wanted. What he so desperately wanted was to be able to go back to Hillwood. For it felt like part of him stayed there, with everyone that was part of his everyday life. What the optimistic boy wanted was for the return date to be soon, in time for the next special occasion. So much so that he made the careless promise that he would be back by whatever important holiday was closer and failed to do so each time.
As for Helga, her step lost that cheeriness to it, she wasn't as prone to pranking and joking as before but she hoped all would be right in the world eventually. At least during those three months.
In her life, Arnold was the one constant of truth and hope. Especially true with how her world is filled with broken promises and disappointments from the vital relationships throughout her existence. And while that might have been a large role to place on one person she trusted him. Just as the blonde also trusted her best friend Phoebe, to be the voice of reason and personification of loyalty in her world surrounded by her 'moronic' classmates.
No surprise how they became the most important beings to her, and the wonderful job they had done was admirable. Phoebe, always pointing out her wrongdoings or offering advice to her dilemmas without being condescending. Because Phoebe always knew that Helga wasn't dumb, but her judgment could be clouded by her first impression and was simply there to bring her head back to the equation. Loyal, even through the moods that so very often accompanied her blonde friend. Not that the young Asian-American was permissive to the outbursts from her taller friend, but had accepted a long time ago that she was angry at her own circumstance and in turn sympathized, and even shared the anger herself for her dearest friend Helga. With Arnold, he was there to remind her that things could also go her way. To enjoy them if they did, and cherish those victories no matter how big or small. To fight for them if they seemed unreachable. The kind-hearted Samaritan had always proved that people can and will stay true to their words. Even in times when it became an inconvenience, the principle was enough.
Ever since she could speak and ask for things from her family Helga had been disappointed, receiving nothing. As a response her expectations dropped, becoming non-existent. But rekindled sporadically by a small act, becoming this ray of sunshine. Every time some resemblance of change peaked through, her hopes soared only to slam face first with disappointment. Even now she maintains that kind-hearted trait indicative of being a girl with a heart too big for her own good prone to disappointment. Inevitable disappointment. Seen every time she believed her mom would be present, only to prioritize work soon after. Or believed her when the AA meetings began, only to constantly fall back, at least at first with longer sobriety periods following, but the fall from that high also increased in hurt. Including the disenchantment with her dad when he promised to be more present emotionally, only to forget her true interest and belittle them when he remembered.
It was no surprise when she became independent at a young age and used all types of plans and schemes to get anything. Sweet talking to her dad, guilt trips for her mom, there was nothing she was above off. Helga didn't ask for things; she took them by force and damned those who stood in her way. Yet she wasn't merciless, whatever she took was rarely for selfish reasons. Even when those around her offered her care and attention it was hard to receive, often leading to being pushed away. Get any closer and be burned. Arnold however, was like a moth to a flame in that aspect, that's how he ended up with Helga depending on his sincerity, his promises. All carrying great potential for disillusionment.
Arnold had announced his first return to be before the start of the new school year. Then told Helga it would then be before his birthday, okay umm after his birthday, no wait early November, well how about Thanksgiving?
Culminating on one last empty promise of "no no I promise Christmas will be it". Only a perceived truth disguised as 'the truth' in the eyes of Arnold. Or "Poppycock" if you asked Helga. The only fact in it was her boyfriend made empty promises only serving to stir hope in her to then squash it completely. Which drove her to the edge with the built-up frustration from the past weeks. All of this was during scarce calls that could only be done whenever he was in the main city, this one being the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. Resulting in fate-sealing words during that last call.
"Oh really Football-head so you say. Well, let's bet on it if you are so sure" The exasperation in her voice leaked through the other end making Arnold's stomach quickly full with dread. "Come on if you are sure you'll be back by Christmas, don't speak to me, write to me, I am nothing to you until you actually make it back, whaddya say?"
During the last statement, there was a battle between the hopeful side and the terrified feeling in his gut. Yet he was always bold, and spoke of greatness he had yet to achieve but was currently working on. That's the side of him that answered with unwavering conviction "See you on Christmas Helga" before hanging up.
Arnold had yet to become aware of the parallels between his empty promises and the empty promises of the young Pataki's progenitors. Mimicking the renewed high hopes, and harsh falls leaving a hurt girl behind.