Chapter 2

Grandpa closed the front door, leaving me alone on the boardinghouse steps. Why was he being so stubborn? There wasn't anything wrong with me helping out…right?

I took a deep breath, looking up at the blue sky. The sun felt warm on my skin and a breeze blew through my hair. Maybe it wasn't such a bad day to get kicked out…

I had to admit, Grandpa seemed to have things under control…and Grandma was calmer than usual. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to be out for a while…

So I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood, but I couldn't help but notice how many things had changed. There were more run-down buildings and closed up shops than ever before. The park was littered with garbage. And the aquarium, with its empty tanks, felt gloomy without some of its old exhibits.

When I passed by the arcade, I gasped at the "going out of business" sign in the window. I rushed in. It looked the same as I remembered, except it used to be full of life, and now there was only silence. There was hardly anyone here, except for an employee who barely looked up when I entered.

As I walked around, feeling the pull of the bright lights, memories flooded back to me. My friends and I used to hang out here all the time, but I guess those days were over…

I spotted the Runaway Bus game tucked away in the back corner of the store, as if forgotten. It was Gerald's favorite game. I wanted to play for old time's sake. So I put some money in, and started the game. I dodged every obstacle, but on level three, I didn't see the baby carriage coming from the left, and the game was over.

I groaned, my head dropping in defeat.

Then I heard a snicker behind me. I turned around. "Helga?" She stood a few feet away, in jeans and a white shirt, her hair pulled back without her bow. She looked different-taller, more mature-but still somehow Helga.

Seeing her reminded me of fourth grade when she pulled me into the janitor's closet. She had asked me why I was acting so weird. I snapped back, asking why she cared. Her eyes widened, then she said that she didn't. I sighed, brushing past her, not wanting to discuss Grandma or why I wasn't wearing my hat anymore…

We didn't talk much after that. With us in different classes, busy with other things, we were almost like strangers…

"Nice try, Arnoldo," she said with a smirk, pulling me from my memory.

I rubbed my neck. "I wasn't really trying…" I lied, wondering if she watched me the whole time. The game beeped and I saw the name at the top of the leaderboard. "Gerald's score is still here…" I pointed out, surprised

Helga walked up to me. "Not for long. I plan on beating it before this place closes."

I raised an eyebrow. While that would be impressive, Gerald would be upset if someone beat his score, even though he didn't play anymore. It was a matter of pride. I told her as much.

"Oh please." She rolled her eyes. "Geraldo will get over it. He should be used to second place by now."

I chuckled, shaking my head.

Our eyes met, and she looked away, rubbing her arm. "He's not here with you?" she asked, her voice losing its playfulness.

"No, he's on vacation."

"He's away too? Seems like everyone is."

"Yeah…" I agreed, thinking about the city's empty streets.

She cleared her throat. "So you're still playing, or what?"

I stepped aside. "No. It's all yours." I backed away, shoving my hands in my pockets as she took over my spot.

I should've walked away and let her play, but something kept me there. I couldn't move. She looked at me over her shoulder, noticing I was still there.

"Can I watch?" I asked before I lost the nerve.

Something flashed in her eyes before she shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat, Football Head. Just don't breathe down my neck." I thought I saw her face flush before she turned back to the game.

I joined her, smiling at the familiar name. For an hour, I watched her play. She didn't beat Gerald's score, but got close. It was fun cheering her on.

Before long, the sunset cast a glow over the arcade. I checked my watch, then sighed, "I gotta go."

"Me too," she said softly.

There was an awkward pause. "This was… nice," I said.

Helga scoffed, looking down. "I guess it was okay. Not like there's anything better to do."

I smiled. I couldn't let this chance slip away. "What if we… ran into each other again? Say tomorrow?"

Holding my breath, I waited. Helga stared at me for a moment, then a small smile appeared, and I knew her answer.