Part 2: You Never Know
While most of their songs were their own, each member would often suggest a cover. The worse thing was when someone suggested a duet, which Helga adamantly refused to do. She had acquiesced once at a rehearsal with Patty, but their voices just didn't compliment each other's. However, she was more than willing to let any of them to take on the singing whenever they wanted.
She rubbed her forehead. "Can we call it a day?"
"Yeah, we're not getting anything done."
Curly grunted, but added, "Remember we need to pick what song we want to do for the 'Battle of the Bands' competition. It's only three weeks away."
"Relax. We're meeting on Friday and it's not like we won't see each other between now and then."
The following day…
Her phone pinged and she smiled. It was Arnold asking if it was a good time for a video chat. She texted back and turned on her computer. "Hey Arnold, nice shirt."
He smiled, lopsided and a bit shy. "Yeah, I found it in my bag when I got back here."
"Well, we're not exactly a legit band and the name confuses people. Now take it off, you're sweating like crazy."
He stripped off the sweatshirt and used it to wipe his face. "I like it. It just doesn't get too cold here."
"I know. So, have you gotten into any crazy adventures lately?"
"Nah, it's been pretty quiet here. The most exciting thing was yesterday. Dad tripped over a pebble, fell into a ladder, and rolled into a ditch. Mom and I had to rescue him because he was tangled in the ladder and there was a foot of water. He's fine though, just a sprained ankle."
Helga snorted, trying to suppress laughter. "He is either the luckiest or most unlucky person I know." She smirked. "Good thing you didn't inherit that trait."
"Yeah, but it was funny. How are things with you?" He sighed when she briefly scowled. "If you don't-"
"Things are…okay. Olga is back to do her teaching thing. We're getting along better. Bob and Miriam are the same."
"Helga, how are you?"
"I'm okay. I miss you like crazy, football head. Things just aren't the same without you here."
"Well, I think that we might be coming back for Thanksgiving. It's not what we want, but…"
"It's better than nothing." They talked for a little while longer and set a time to talk in a week. As Helga replayed the conversation, she attempted to finish her song for the battle of the bands. After a half hour of writing, she snuck out to their place.
Their soundcheck had been a disaster, two strings on her guitar snapped, and Curly nearly broke his ankle while setting up. Despite this and the churning in her stomach, they performed in typical, highly emotional fashion. After they finished, Helga handed her instrument to Patty before rushing to the bathroom. It wasn't the first time that she'd reacted to stage fright by vomiting , but it usually happened before the performance. *This is ridiculous, Pataki. You're not some weak sister* she thought bitterly.
"Helga, are you alright?" Phoebe's soft voice asked.
"Pheebs? What are you doing here?" she responded as she exited the stall. "This really isn't-" She was cut off when the smaller girl hugged her.
"I've missed you!"
"We see each other at school all the time. Besides, I don't want to be a third wheel."
"Well, I think we need to have a girls' night, just you and me."
The door came open. "Thank goodness." Helga flushed when Patty entered and tossed her a tin of mints. "Not that I mind being your girl friend, but we're a little too much alike."
"Don't I know it. You did great out there. Maybe next time we perform that one, you lead and I backup." Helga furrowed her brows as her friends stared wide eyed. "What? Her voice is better suited to it."
"Well, we should get out there and see where we placed. Not that I'm not enjoying this informal girl trip, but the boys will talk."
They weren't surprised when they placed second to the band that did an admittedly awesome cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody", so they technically were the best band with an original song. She asked Phoebe to take a picture of the band with their trophy.
A few weeks later, they played a short set at the school's Halloween party. She had been nauseated the whole day and just wasn't ready to admit that she might not just be sick. She had tried to set up a call or a chat with Arnold, but so far it had been radio silence. Helga had finally bit the bullet and used some of the funds from their band win to order a pregnancy test. It was currently in the depths of her backpack. It had been two weeks she had been ignoring it so far.