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1. Him
“Well that movie blew chunks!” Helga sighed as she stretched her arms high above her head, sighing as she felt all the kinks and tension leave her body and being replaced with a feeling she could only describe as pure ecstasy. She shook herself as she brought her arms down, turning her attention to her beloved Arnold who had stood up from the couch and made his way to the VCR, clicking the rewind button so that way the tape would be ready to be watched again by someone else.
“I dunno, Helga,” He shrugged, turning to look back at her, “I think it was kind of sweet.”
Helga blinked back before giving a wry grin, “Well of course you’d think that, hair boy,” She teased, “You practically live for that stuff. Always looking on the bright side and such. A silly like thing true love being the most powerful force on earth would be nothing!”
Arnold’s eyelids dropped halfway down as he gave her his infamous side smirk in her direction, “I wouldn’t say I lived for it. But,” he shrugged, turning away to grab the tape’s case, his thumb slid over the smooth cover, his eyes looking over the photo of the couple on the cover, he gave a gentle smile, “I think it doesn’t hurt to believe in something as powerful as true love. Or ya know, to do anything you can to get back to the one person you love the most,” he added softly, raising his head to look up at her fondly, “It’s nice.”
Helga couldn’t help the snort that left her lips and she leaned back against the arm of the couch, elbow resting on it and the knuckle of her hand pressing against her left cheek, “I suppose it would be nice,” she replied back, her mind already getting swept up in the storm of daydreams and thoughts of an Arnold coming to her aid and rescuing her from being used as an object to start a war, or Arnold in the same black outfit as that main guy fighting off a rodent of unusual size, or putting the fire out in her dress. Yes, that would be nice, she thought to herself, a sigh just shy of coming out and feeling her lips twitch up into a dreamy smile as she began to feel herself swoon, would Arnold come to her aid if he knew she was being kidnapped? Would he ever fight off six hundred soldiers and crash a wedding to stop her from marrying someone who didn’t truly love her? Would he…dare, she even think, would Arnold even consider her to be his true love?
Did he love her?
The thought startled her out of her reverie and she felt reality come crashing down hard as her eyes locked onto Arnold’s movements. The boy seemed distracted for the time being, eyes looking at the TV as the video continued to rewind.
It wasn’t unusual for her to feel her thoughts spiral in a negative manner again, after all, it wasn’t too long ago that Arnold and she agreed to officially be together. A few months had passed since the whole San Lorenzo ordeal and the great rescue of Arnold’s parents. And in the few weeks of her returning with her classmates and teacher and parents, it had all felt like a whirlwind of emotions and a tornado of questions of trying to figure out exactly where she stood with the boy she loved. It was tough showing that softer side of herself to him without hiding behind some sort of disguise or lie. How often had she actually ever been truthful with Arnold just to be truthful or without something to gain in return?
“You’re awfully quiet over there,” Came the sudden voice of the said boy she was thinking about, “Penny for your thoughts, Helga?”
She snorted again, “How about a nickel?” She looked up from where she had been staring down at her lap and gave a short yelp and a start when she looked up to see that Arnold had scooted himself over the couch where she was and he was watching her intently. He seemed to flinch as well from her reaction, but he didn’t move away.
“Yeesh, football head!” Helga shouted, “Someone’s gotta put a bell on you with how quiet you are,” she said, her voice coming out with a nervous twinge, as though she had been caught doing something wrong, only problem was she knew that she hadn’t, but the feeling was there all the same. Arnold stared a bit longer, before smiling toothily.
“A bell?” He asked, leaning in closer. Helga chuckled, feeling her face flush from the sudden closeness. She raised a hand and pushed his face back, gently of course, she had gotten better at not being so aggressive…towards him at least.
“Yes, a bell,” She replied back, “o-or something.”
“Or something, hm?” He teased, it was clear that Arnold was enjoying the blush that was growing on Helga’s face, it was cute and if he were brave enough to do so, he’d tell her as much. But as he had come to learn throughout their shared time together, there was a limit to how many mushy and heartfelt things Helga could handle before she hid behind her mask of anger, and timing was also everything. She had gotten better throughout the months though, and she did much better at vocalizing her anger rather than exploding and hurting everyone around her. But there were the occasional moments where if someone read the room wrong, she’d be quick to let them know.
With caution, not from fear but from a stance of seeking permission, he reached a hand down to hers and gently, almost as though he were testing, placed it on top of hers. He felt Helga stiffen before she relaxed and when he felt like she wouldn’t lash out and pull away, he laced their fingers together comfortably and gave her hand a gentle squeeze before lifting it up and giving it a chaste kiss.
“You doing okay?” He asked, his thumb rubbing against her skin, “You went quiet all of a sudden,” he looked up to meet her eyes, “Did you not like the movie?”
Helga felt the breath leaving her lips but it took a moment before she realized she needed to inhale it too. She managed to get air into her lungs in time before she could register them burning and she squeezed her hand back, “The movie?” She asked, before remembering, “O-oh, the movie! No, I liked it,” She said, at the look Arnold gave her, she let out a sigh before smiling, “It wasn’t my favorite, and I probably wouldn’t watch it again on my own, but I did like it, Arnoldo,” She sneered, affectionately of course as she gave him a soft tap on his nose with her free hand, “As for the quiet…well, can you blame me when you’re looking handsomer than usual?”
Now it was Arnold’s time to blush, and Helga reveled in the bloom of red that spread across his cheeks and the way his eyes darted to the side with a sort of embarrassment and flattery in them.
“I don’t look any different than I normally do, Helga,” he finally managed, not quite meeting her eyes yet.
“No, no, I’m serious, Arnold,” She replied, “Did you do something with you hair?”
“No,” Arnold grinned.
“Different shirt?”
Arnold shook his head, “Still the same one as always, Helga.”
She took a moment and paused, humming to herself and tapping her chin as if she were thinking, “Oh I know!” Helga said, snapping her fingers, “You’re wearing lip gloss!” She gave a devious grin as Arnold looked at her with confusion, finally meeting her gaze.
“Lip gloss? Helga you know I’m not-,”
The sentence was left unfinished as Helga made her move to lean forward and plant her lips firmly against his, her heart beating crazily against her rib cage and her thoughts running wildly.
Though they had kissed a couple times, Helga was still mesmerized by the soft feel of Arnold’s lips, the way his breath always hitched whenever they did and the way he instantly relaxed and returned the favor. Though she wouldn’t say they mastered the art of kissing quite yet, after all, being in the sixth grade still left them a bit shy of going out of what seemed appropriate, but every once in a while the waters would be tested, either by Arnold suddenly taking the lead and moving his lips against hers, or by her pulling him closer to her, hands suddenly finding themselves in his hair as his moved to grip her waist. But that was the extent of it, and it was enough for her because they had the rest of their lives (hopefully) to figure out whatever was left to discover.
She pulled away briefly for a moment, panting slightly as she did so and giving a rare and true smile that made her face look softer and sweeter, as opposed to the hard scowl she usually threw at people. But Arnold didn’t mind one bit, he liked that her smile was reserved for him and only him, liked that he knew who Helga truly was despite how others knew her to be. He felt a swell of pride and wonder and gratitude for being the one to be able to crack through Helga’s tough exterior and see the good inside and he loved her for it.
“What was that about you not wearing lip gloss, hair boy?” Helga teased, once her thoughts had settled.
Arnold rolled his eyes, “I’m not though.”
“You are now,” Helga beamed, and only then did Arnold realize that the lip gloss Helga was wearing had now indeed been transferred to his lips as well. He gave a snort and shook his head, amusement clear in his eyes. He felt his lips grow into a bigger smile as his heart seemed to swell and a sudden rush of joy overcame him. He gave her hands a squeezed as a new realization hit him.
“Whatever you say, Helga,” he chuckled warmly, a new rush of an emotion pushing through those words, pressing his forehead against hers, “Whatever you say.”
They stayed like that a few moments longer before there was a click sound from the VHS behind them, signaling the video had finished rewinding. Only then did they decide to part for the night, after all, they did still have school in the morning.
2. The Best Friends
School couldn’t have finished soon enough for Helga as she bounced her right knee, her left hand tapping the eraser end of her pencil down on her paper assignments. She looked over at the clock, seeing that there were still ten minutes left of class to go. She bit back a groan and then placed her head down on the desk, letting her thoughts take over as she drowned out the dull voice of their teacher, Mr. Simmons. She couldn’t remember was dumb thing he was lecturing about, last she could recall was it being about tectonic plates or something.
It had been a couple of weeks since she and Arnold had watched that cheesy movie and since then, Helga’s thoughts and dreams had been filled with Arnold in pirate getup and sword fighting with mercenaries and thieves and soldiers, there was also the weird occasional moment where his pet pig had evaded her dreams but she paid no mind to that as her attention was quickly drawn back to her boyfriend.
Boyfriend.
She made a small swooning noise. Every day it still felt like a surreal dream when she thought about that word and associated it with Arnold.
Arnold. Arnold. Arnold.
What a guy, she thought, what a sweetheart. Oh how she loved that boy with all her might, all her heart, and with every fiber there ever was. Oh, Arnold, she hummed softly, and she raised her head and looked around the room to find him talking with his friend, Gerald. Their teacher had stopped talking at some point apparently, and instead left the students to talk amongst themselves for whatever time remaining. Helga remained in her seat and instead watched as Arnold closed his eyes and laughed at whatever was said to him. Helga felt her own lips twitch upwards, finding his laugh and smile infectious. She must’ve been staring longer than she thought because at some point, Arnold had furrowed his eyebrows and looked around before his eyes landed on hers. Helga felt her face grow hot and she turned her head away in a different direction, feeling slightly embarrassed about getting caught. She let her eyes wander over to where the classroom clock was located and was irritated to find there were still three lousy minutes left. Crimeny, she thought to herself, how slow is that stupid clock?
“Hey, Helga,” Came an all too familiar voice. She jumped, dropping her pencil on the floor and smiling nervously.
“A-Arnold!” She cried out, then realized he wasn’t alone, “A-and Gerald,” she also greeted. The darker boy had his arms folded across his chest and he raised an eyebrow at her before side eyeing Arnold and smirking, receiving an elbow in his side as an answer, but that didn’t deter him from the smirk still plastered on his face.
“Can I help you both with something?” Helga asked, clearing her throat. Arnold had started bending down to grab her pencil but suddenly straightened up at the question and beamed at her.
“Yeah! I wanted to make sure we were still down for ice cream at Slausen’s after class?” Arnold asked, almost shyly, “My parents gave me extra money too, so if you wanted a milkshake instead, we could do that too.”
Before Helga could respond, the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the school day. She stood up and gathered her things, “Of course we’re still down for Slausen’s,” Helga replied, “And hey, if you’ve got the dough, I think a milkshake sounds fabulous!” She then looked to Gerald, “Will you be joining us, Tall Hair Boy?” She asked, putting her backpack on. Gerald shook his head.
“Heck no,” He replied back with a snort, “As much as I’d love to be a third wheel for you two, I actually told Phoebe we’d go to the movies later. So ya know,” He shrugged, “I gotta get home and freshen up,” he looked over to Arnold and held out his left fist to him, “Speaking of Phoebe though, I’m gonna go find her. I’ll catch you on the flip side, Arnold,” he said. Arnold grinned widely and brought his own fist to Gerald, they both lifted their thumbs and did their best friend handshake before Gerald saluted Helga and began following the other students out of the classroom. Arnold resumed bending down to pick up Helga’s pencil and handed it to her.
“Shall we then?” He asked, holding his hand out to her. Helga smiled and took hold of it.
“Now remember football head, no funny business, and no getting on the cheap side! Slausen’s milkshakes are the best and I’m feeling like having two!”
Arnold chuckled as they began to walk out of the classroom and make their ways to the school’s exit doors, “Will you be sharing one of those with me?” He asked, looking up at her. Helga snorted.
“If you ask nicely,” She replied, “I just might.”
“How nice are we talking?”
“Oh, ya know, a compliment here, compliment there,” She said, waving her free hand around, “Try going for the works and you’ll go far.”
As they left the school, Arnold slowed his walking until he stopped entirely and stared at Helga. The girl looked back at him, recognizing the sweet twinkle in his eyes and feeling almost self-conscious from his admiring gaze.
“What?” She asked, feeling anxious all of a sudden, “Do I have something on my face?”
Arnold shook his head, “No…I just think you look really pretty.” The compliment caught her off guard and she sputtered a bit, pulling her hand away from his and looking around wildly as though she were worried a student passing by had heard him.
“Y-you, you,” She stuttered, before turning back to him, she had a scowl but her eyes belied any negative intention behind them, “I mean! Whatever football head let’s just keep going! Slausen’s closes in an hour and if I don’t get those milkshakes then we’re gonna have a problem, capisce?” She spat, reaching down to grab his hand again and pulling him along as she whispered hastily, “Crimeny, you’re gonna make me die from a heart attack! You’re lucky your cute and that I like-like you, now let’s get a move on before the afterschool kids start leaving!”
Arnold smiled at her toothily and walked down the steps of the school with her. Softly, in a tone of voice that had Helga’s stomach doing flips and her heart to beat faster, she heard him say, “Hm, whatever you say, Helga.”
From behind them, Gerald and Phoebe walked out of the school together and glanced over the two before looking to each other and sharing a smile, almost as though they had both caught on to something many others had not.
3. Her Mother
“Hey! Hey Olga! Don’t give me any lip and go straight to your room!” Big Bob was yelling at Helga as she stomped her way up to her room. Room being the technical term here for whatever you were to call the small closet space she lived in. Ever since her family had moved into Big Bob’s Beeper Emporium, their whole lives have been one never-ending bad day. And today seemed like it wasn’t an exception in the Pataki household apparently. Everyone in it seemed to be in a bad mood. Big Bob especially. Helga had no idea what his issue was, only that from the moment she had walked into the house after returning from Phoebe’s was that suddenly everything bad that happened was her fault and that she was now the object of his anger for whatever new bad thing had happened.
“You don’t have to yell, Bob!” She snapped, finally making it down the long corridor and to her designated closet space. She growled under her breath as she stormed into her room and slammed the door behind her. She flopped down face first onto her bed, screaming into her sheets as she felt the anger and unfairness of the situation sink in.
How unfair and stupid was it that she was to blame for the beeper business not getting any customers today? She was always telling her dad that he needed to up his game and catch up with the latest times. Beepers were a thing of the past and slowly on the decline to become obsolete, if they hadn’t already. Everyone except her dad seemed to understand that the new big thing nowadays was phones! And not just flip ones or cord ones that her family still had around, but the fancy schmancy ones like Rhonda carried around with her, with their cool wireless functions and touch screens. As she thought over to the endless mountain of beeper shipments her father had on hand, he was surprised that they were still being manufactured and wondered who in their right mind would be willing enough to do it.
She turned over onto her back and sighed as she stared up at the ceiling. Normally she would’ve been over at Arnold’s today, but unfortunately ol’ hair boy had gotten sick and his parents were hovering all over him to nurse him back to health. She supposed it was only fair for them, after all, they were gone for so long and missed out on so much that something so small as nursing their kid back to health would become a great mission and opportunity for them. But she supposed it was for the best that she step back as she could also focus on hers and Phoebe’s project that was due in a few weeks. Which is primarily what she and her best friend had been up to, aside from the latest gossip they wanted to share about their on-going relationships.
“It sounds like you and Arnold are doing well,” Phoebe had observed when Helga finished her latest monologue about her football headed beloved who’s unending kindness and affection blessed her every waking moment. Helga gave a snort and a grin as she played with her paddle ball toy, laying on her back on Phoebe’s bed.
“Yeah, I would say so,” She agreed, “It’s just weird how we’re together-together,” She began, “And not just together because of some crazy scheme I came up with, ya know?”
“Indeed,” Phoebe had nodded, “I’ll admit, while genius some of those plans had been, it is rather a nice change to see you together through more natural circumstances rather than by force.”
“Yeah,” Helga grinned, putting the toy down, “I can’t help but worry though that things are going a little too well.” She blew air quickly past her lips, twiddling her thumbs together along her stomach as she stared upwards, “I feel like I’m always metaphorically looking over my shoulder and waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like something will happen that will end with me having to end this whole thing…or him revealing none of it was true,” she admitted, voice going unnaturally soft as she felt herself becoming vulnerable with Phoebe. Her friend frowned and paused on the stickers she was hot gluing to their project. She placed the hot glue gun down on her desk, making sure the tip of it hovered over the paper plate they were using to catch the stray glue that would drip. She then turned to her friend who was now sitting on her bed and went to go sit with her.
“Oh, Helga,” She sighed, “I’ve seen the way Arnold looks at you, and we both know how genuine and kind of a guy he is…he’d never do anything to hurt you.” Helga shrugged.
“I-I know…I think?” She worried her bottom lip a bit, “I guess, I’m just worried that everything will be for nothing and that all my bad karma will catch up to me. The universe has screwed me and my family over enough times, why wouldn’t it come for this small shred of happiness?”
Phoebe frowned and reached out to hug her friend, she knew Helga’s life hadn’t been easy and she knew that her rough times were still coming full force, but it always broke her heart to hear her friend talk so lowly about herself, or think so little that she wasn’t allowed any happiness in life. Helga, thrown off by the sudden physical affection, looked at her friend and gave a soft smile and hugged her in return.
“Thanks, Phoebe,” She said.
“You deserve many great things, Helga,” Phoebe said to her, “I hope you don’t forget that,” her friend pulled away and Phoebe met her eyes, “Arnold does care about you, I see it in the way he smiles at you, helps you, and acts with you. He’s a true, bona fide gentleman, and I hardly doubt he would do anything to hurt you. Why,” Phoebe began with a giggle, thinking fondly of the past few weeks she’s watched the boy’s interactions with Helga, “he’s always saying he loves you.”
Helga took a moment to stare at her friend, “Since when?” She asked, befuddled. Phoebe looked back with surprise.
“Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed?” She asked. Helga shrugged, raising her eyebrows.
“No idea.”
Her friend gave a sly grin and shook her head, “I’d pay attention to his words next time,” She shared and patted her arm, “He’s got a way about them.”
Phoebe’s words rang around in Helga’s head on her way back to the factory called home. She had wracked her brain for the various things Arnold had been saying as of late and was having trouble finding which one her friend could’ve been referring to. Arnold had not once said the big three words to her, not in secret, not in code, not even bluntly. Had it been when she wasn’t listening? She scoffed to herself, that would’ve been impossible. Helga was always listening to that boy, how could she not when he was so charming and enchanting? She hung to every word he spoke like they were scripture meant to redeem her, she would gladly covert and be baptized in his name if it meant being blessed by his presence constantly and enveloped in his love for eternity. She sighed at the thought, and continued to go through her memories of the past weeks, but even as she laid in bed, mulling over what Phoebe meant, it was like her brain was coming up short or completely empty. Even her diaries held little info as to what or when those words were spoken.
She groaned again and covered her face with her hands, “Oh, Arnold,” She sighed, “What could Phoebe mean by that? Have you truly been telling me you love me? Have I been a complete idiot? Have I been so wrapped up my own head that I’ve been blind and deaf to your intentions? To your desires?” She reached into her shirt and pulled out her locket, caressing the picture of the boy lovingly, “Have you been indeed saying you love me? And if so, why haven’t you expressed it to me? I love you my darling,” She spoke, earnestly, “You should have no fear of me ever laughing at you or rebutting your feelings because I have the same.” She sighed and brought the locket close to her chest, hugging it there and closing her eyes tightly. Oh, Arnold, she thought.
As she laid in bed, she began to worry about how Arnold was doing. Was he getting any better? Was he getting worse? Was he still sick? Would she see him at school tomorrow or would he be out for the count again?
She turned on her side and wondered if maybe she should give him a quick call. She looked to her clock on her makeshift night stand and read 7:30. It wasn’t too late in the evening, he’d probably still be awake…maybe?
She sat up and tucked her locket away again. She walked over to her door and slowly opened it, peeking out into the hallway and listening for any hint of feet stomping around or Bob yelling angrily at the TV or his wife. It seemed silent for the most part. Maybe Bob had wandered into his office to watch TV there instead of out in the open. She opened the door wider and stepped out, making her way towards her family’s so called living room. She noted her mom, Miriam, had passed out on the couch they had in there and she made her way past her and over to the phone on the wall. She hesitated a moment before grabbing the phone and quickly dialing the number to the Shortman residence.
She waited with bated breath for the line to ring, and continued to wait as it rung not once, twice, or thrice, but five times before hitting a voicemail. She growled and hung the phone on its hook. She waited a moment before trying again.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
“Shortman residence-,”
She hung up the phone again, feeling her nerves get the better of her. What if Arnold didn’t want to talk to anybody? What if his parents got upset over someone calling this late? She felt her anxiety start to increase and she took a deep breath before exhaling and opting to try again. C’mon Helga ol’ girl, it’s not like you haven’t called them before.
She punched the number in again and this time the call was answered on the second ring.
“Hello? Who is this?”
Helga paused, suddenly feeling her throat go dry.
“Is this a prank call? It’s not a very good one,” The older man on the line said, “Normally you’d ask if some appliance was running.”
“Ooh! Is that undertaker calling for me again?” An elderly woman called out.
“No, Pookie! It seems to be a prank caller or something. We really gotta get a hang on the people you talk to,” The man muttered, “Now, hello? Yoo-hoo? Is anyone on the other end of this thing?”
Helga felt her palms start to feel sweaty, her brain felt like it was battling over what to say. Be honest or yell something random to throw them off her scent? She knew Arnold’s granpa wouldn’t have the patience to stay on the line forever, so think, she pleaded with herself, say something!
“Oh well, hey if this is the IRS, tell’em I already paid my taxes-!”
“-The men in suits will never find me!”
“-Oye, Pookie get down from that! Anyways, if you’re a collections agency, you’ve got the wrong number! Bye-bye now!”
Helga felt her heart plummet and she cried out, “Wait!” She heard a yelp on the other end.
“Ah! So it speaks! Who is this?” Phil responded.
Helga cleared her throat, “I, um…I…er.”
“Well, come on, come on, I ain’t got all day you know. I got a sick grandson I need to tell a story too.”
Helga bit back a groan, she wished the old man could give her a little patience, she’s never really done this whole polite conversation with an adult. She was usually always demanding something. But for the sake of Arnold and wanting his family to like, she agreed to be a bit more mindful of how she interacted with them.
“I’m actually calling to speak with…Arnold…” She squeaked out, dropping her voice low on Arnold’s name.
“Calling to speak with who?”
“Arnold…” She mumbled.
“Marmbo? We don’t have anyone by that name here.”
“Oh, ARNOLD!” Helga nearly all but yelled into the phone. She widened her eyes and gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as she looked at her mom, who was still passed out, and then listened for her dad. When nothing happened and no one yelled, she slowly relaxed and tuned back in to her the laughter of the old man.
“Oh! Oh!” Phil chuckled on the other line, “Well if you wanted to talk to Shortman, you should’ve just said so! Although,” And she could hear the man scratching himself, “he hasn’t been feeling too well today, so I don’t know if he’ll be up for talking too long.”
Helga exhaled slowly, “That’s…fine. I just wanted to call and see how he’s doing,” She replied earnestly, “He hasn’t been at school for a while so…”
“Yes, yes, he’s pretty bummed about it. But hopefully he’ll be up for school in a few days…”
Just then, another voice could be heard on the other end besides Phil’s wife, it was familiar one that Helga’s heart beating faster.
“Who’s on the phone, grandpa?”
“Oh! Hey, Arnold, I didn’t hear ya kiddo. I gotta girl on the line for ya, seems awfully concerned for ya.”
Helga blushed at the comment and nearly had half the mind to hang up the phone again.
“A girl? Is it Helga?” And the way he said it reminded Helga of a kid getting excited on Christmas. Arnold’s voice seemed to carry a happy lilt to it, even something akin to eagerness, as though he had been waiting for her to call.
“Hello? Helga?” Arnold’s voice was suddenly in her ear and Helga all but swooned as he said her name. She sighed and felt her insides go gooey.
“Yes, it’s me,” She hummed, before slapping herself and sobering up a bit, “I, uh, I mean, yes! Yes, it’s me Helga, just calling in to check on you football head. How’s tricks?”
“Helga!” Arnold’s puppy like voice called to her, “I’ve missed you! How’s school? How’re things?” Helga smiled at his questions, she could vaguely hear the slight sniffle and congestion he still had and his voice seemed scratchy still from the coughing he’s been doing. His raspiness sounded nice and even almost suited him.
“Woah,” She laughed, “Slow it down there football head, one question at a time, yeesh,” She teased.
Arnold snickered, “Sorry, Helga, guess I was just excited.”
“Excited? To talk to me?” She asked, almost surprised.
“Well, yeah. You’re my girlfriend, remember? And plus…I’ve missed you.”
Helga could’ve swooned and died right there on the spot, he missed me, she squealed, Arnold missed me!
“You have?” She found herself asking.
“Of course! I mean, I’ve missed all our friends. But I’ve missed you the most. How are you?”
“I’ve been…good,” She replied, “I mean, as good as one can with Bob as your dad and Miriam for a mother,” She shrugged.
“I’m sorry, Helga.”
Helga shrugged even though he couldn’t see it, “Nah, don’t be football head, s’not your fault. Just, the story of my life, I guess,” She sighed, giving a side eyed glance to her mom who was still sleeping, “In all actuality though, my dad’s been a grumpier mood lately, so things at the Pataki household have been…tense, to say the least.”
“That sounds awful,” Arnold replied, “Sorry I haven’t been able to let you come over. This cold has really gotten to me.”
At that, Helga frowned, concern worming into her heart, “Yeah,” she said, “You’ve been gone for quite a bit. Are you doing okay?”
She heard him cough over the line and grimaced at it, “I’m alright,” Arnold rasped, clearing his throat to the best of his ability, “My mom says I should be right as rain in a couple more days. She’s been making me this herbal tea she learned from the Green-Eyed people and it’s been helping a lot.”
“Well that’s a relief,” Helga sighed.
“It’s nice to know you were worried,” Arnold murmured, and she could practically see his smile, “You hadn’t reached out to me in a bit so…so I was a bit worried.”
“About what? That’d I moved on and fallen for someone else?” She asked, jokingly, “As if, hair boy. You’re stuck with me.”
Arnold chuckled, “Whatever you say, Helga.”
Again came that soft tumble of words he had begun to say a lot lately and Helga felt her heart pick up speed again. She felt as though her fears and worries were able to melt away with that phrase alone and she wanted to wrap herself in them and believe in them.
Their conversation drifted to topics about friends at school or Mr. Simmons lessons of the week, but all the while, Arnold’s words kept swirling and circling through Helga’s brain and system.
She hardly noticed that her mom had awoken at some point, and if she did, she would’ve seen the flash of confusion on Miriam’s face that quickly morphed into a small smile when she noticed the happy flush of color and the soft, love-sick expression on her daughter’s face. Miriam silently got up and crept her way out of the room, happy and relieved that Helga had found someone who made her smile like that.
4. His Parents
From up top on Arnold’s rooftop, Helga had to say she always seemed to feel her best. She was away from the run-down griminess of her home, away from prying eyes that would ridicule her, away from the craziness of the people and free from any and all labels.
And being here, with Arnold tucked close to her as they took in the view of the setting sun and the lights of the city beginning to fill the street, well, it almost felt like she was right at home. She let her head rest against Arnold’s, enjoying the boy being back in her life again. He still had a small lingering cough, courtesy of the remaining mucus and phlegm that the cold left behind. But she didn’t mind, she was just glad to see him feeling better again.
“It sure is pretty up here,” Arnold said, and Helga hummed in agreement.
“Yeah, it really is.”
“I’ll bet it’s a better view than the one at your dad’s store,” he teased. Helga rolled her eyes.
“Arnold, anything is a better view than that one,” She replied back, “But your rooftop is my favorite.”
Arnold leaned back and raised his head a bit, looking at her, “Oh? And why’s that?”
Helga looked back at him and smiled, “Because it’s got you here,” she said, truthfully. She felt her cheeks grow hot but she pushed down the nervousness in favor of watching Arnold’s face bloom with red. He looked away bashfully, but not before Helga was able to catch a glimpse of his smile.
“I’m serious,” She pushed a bit, giving him a nudge, “You have a way of making any place look better.”
“So do you, Helga,” Arnold pushed back, returning her feelings in earnest, “You also have this incredible way of lighting up any room and just making everything a hundred times better,” he reached out to hold her hand, “You shine brighter than any other person combined.”
Helga gave a snort and turned away, a blush clear across her face, “Yeah right…” She sighed, “I’m amazed that you seem to see that, even when my own parents don’t.”
“Well, they should,” Arnold retorted, “You’ve got a lot to offer, and no offense, but I’m amazed that someone as incredible as you came from people as dull as them.”
Helga smiled warmly, “None taken, Arnoldo,” she mused, looking back out to the city, “As much as I know that my parents don’t really deserve anything from me, I can’t help but wish they’d want something or at least acknowledge me. It sucks sometimes being stuck under that roof…I just want them to notice me once, ya know?”
Arnold nodded, feeling a twinge of sadness and anger for Helga. He had only ever spoken and met with her parents on the occasion, but of the few times, he wouldn’t say it was a pleasure. He knew how overwhelming and horrible Bob Pataki could be and whenever Helga would share stories, it would make his heart race and his fists clench in righteous anger for her. He knew Helga had so much to offer, if not more than what her parents believe her to have.
Arnold knew just how brave, just how smart, and loyal and quick on her feet Helga was. And he wished she could see that too, and that she could trust in him and rely on him.
But at twelve years old and only in the sixth grade, there was really only so much a kid like him could do-thinking on the Brightside or not.
“I can’t wait to finally leave this place, Arnold,” Helga admitted, “There’s really nothing for me here. My dad’s a sinking ship, my mom’s a lost cause…the only saving grace for the Pataki family is my sister Olga, and I’m nothing like her,” she continued, “But if I could leave Hillwood and move to a big name city? I know I could finally show my family I’m worth something. I could make a big name for myself and do everything my dad couldn’t…” a scornful chuckle came from Helga as she shook her head, “Do you think if I did all that, Arnold, that my parents would finally see me? Would they finally call me by my name?”
Helga’s thoughts began to spiral and she felt her eyes go blurry and her heart grow heavy. Though she fought to put up a tough front, up here on the rooftop with Arnold, she felt her mask crumble. A part of her hated how she felt comfortable around the other boy enough to share with him her sinking feelings, but the better part of her yearned for someone to share it with, for someone to listen and shoulder the burden with her. But was it fair of her to do so?
Here in the moment, she was grateful for Arnold to be her companion and her shoulder to cry on, but she knew that on the other side of this coin, she also hated being weak.
Would it even matter in the end to her parents if she did make something of herself, she wondered, or in the next years to come would she still have Arnold with her? When they turned eighteen and went off to college, would he want to leave and be by her side? Or would he too see what his parents saw and think of her as a lost cause?
They were only in the sixth grade, and a lot could happen. Would Arnold be with her through it all?
Sensing her mood changing, Arnold reached out a placating hand and placed it on top of the one she had on the roof’s cement wall.
“Helga?” He called out softly, “Hey, Helga?”
“Hmm?” Helga responded, blinking slowly as she came out of her thoughts and focused on him, “Do you need something football head?”
“I hope you know that I see you,” he replied back, “And I hear you, and I know you. Plus,” he smiled, “I’ll always call you by your name.”
Helga stared at him for a long moment, contemplating his words and digesting them. And for a moment, she felt the dark cloud over her disappear. Leave it the football head here to know exactly what to say to help her feel better. She looked down at their intertwined hands and then to the one on top of her other and she gave a snort.
“You are a sap, Arnold,” She said, figuring it was best to leave complicated feelings and emotions behind her for now. She may never earn the respect or attention of her parents, but she figured for the moment it would be okay, after all, she had the boy of her dreams by her side.
Before either of them could say anything, Arnold’s mom, Stella had stepped through the door that led to the roof and beamed at the two of them, “I made cookies for you both, if you’d like to have a treat before going home, Helga?” Stella smiled warmly at the girl, her eyes seeming to invite and plead for her to stay. It wasn’t often that Helga did stay to converse with Arnold’s family, but in the times she did, Stella was always the one to encourage her to stay. For reasons Helga didn’t understand (and probably wouldn’t for a very long time) Stella had taken a strong liking to her, followed even more by Arnold’s dad, Miles. She was baffled and a bit unsettled by the warmness that the couple exhibited, and in most cases she would always decline their offer and leave, but somewhere along the line, Helga herself had realized that she had grown to like the two adults, even if she sometimes felt overwhelmed by their welcomeness. In fact, if she were to be honest, Stella and Miles had become two of her favorite people aside from her therapist, who she still saw from time to time. They were both so unlike her own parents, attentive and caring, and though she hadn’t known them for long, Stella and Miles always seemed to welcome her into their family events as though she belonged there and was a part of them. She had been worried when she first met them and introduced herself later as Arnold’s girlfriend but was genuinely surprised by how approving they were of her and felt a twinge of glee when Miles had turned to Arnold and told him to, “Treat her right and with respect! That’s the way we Shortman fellas do things!” It was endearing really, and ever since that, she could never really muster up any sort of malice or dislike for them.
And though she would decline their offer after having such an emotional battle with herself, for tonight, with Stella holding the door open to her and Arnold beaming up at her, Helga felt a little selfish and a little starved for a touch of familial bonding. And even if it meant pretending that she belonged with Arnold and his happy abode, well, she figured it would be okay for her to indulge a bit. Plus, Stella made very delicious cookies.
“S-sure,” She smiled, “I’d love to stay.” Stella seemed to glow and clasped her hands together.
“Oh goody! Maybe you’d even like to stay for dinner?”
“Eh, that’s probably pushing it just a bit.”
“Oh, I suppose you’re right, I guess we wouldn’t want to worry your mom and dad after all,” Stella nodded and Helga bit back the sting that unintentionally came from the innocent comment. Stella then stepped out of the doorway and gestured for her son and Helga to enter the home.
“Thanks for agreeing to stay a bit, Helga,” Arnold said as he walked with her to the door. Helga blushed and rolled her eyes.
“D-don’t think too much into football head, I’m only here for the cookies,” She sputtered, “And plus, I gotta stay on the good side of your parents so I can stay your girlfriend, you know?”
“Sure,” Arnold laughed, before continuing with the phrase that made her melt and swoon, “Whatever you say, Helga.”
As the two kids walked into the home, Stella couldn’t help the smile that made itself home onto her face. Helga may not have known it yet, but she fit right in to their little family. And if the expression on her son’s face and in his eyes was anything to go by, Stella had an inkling she may yet become a permanent addition in the distant future. And as she joined her son and Helga in the family room, she gave Helga an extra cookie and gave her a knowing smile and a wink when the girl turned to look at her gratefully and surprised. She then went to go sit by her husband, and both parents smiled knowingly to each other as they basked in the happiness of the evening.
+1 (5. Her)
Whatever you say, Helga.
That phrase was being said more commonly than Helga realized. Arnold had said that phrase to her a dozen times before, but lately Helga was noticing that he was saying it a lot more than normal. And not just in the usual placating way he would do whenever she would go off in a tangent about something or when he was amused, but he started worming those words in any and all conversations, even when she would ask him to help him out, or when she would call him a sap or hair boy or even the infamous nickname of football head. He would simply smile that sweet smile and reply back with simply a, “Whatever you say, Helga,” in that same soft tone, almost like he was hinting at something or sharing a secret message with her she had yet to decipher. Whatever the meaning behind those words were, it left her cheeks feeling hot and her heart beating giddily, as well as have her stomach doing flips and fluttering with butterflies, and when she would arrive home from after hanging out with him, her cheeks would hurt from how much smiling she had been doing.
In fact, those mere words were impacting her so much so that she found herself floating through the hallways of school without so much as scowling or even causing the kids passing by to want to scurry at her presence. It was doing a hammering on her reputation and if there was anything Helga G. Pataki refused to let be tarnish, it was her reputation. And not even her handsome football headed boyfriend would be allowed to do that.
So, Helga did what Helga was best at, reminding people of who she was and why she was.
And she vowed to herself that no matter how adorable he looked today or how gorgeous his smiles were, she would put her foot down once and for all and figure out the meaning of just what Arnold meant.
As she arrived at school today, unaccompanied by Arnold unfortunately due to his parents wanting to walk with him, she looked around the school yard and school entrance for the one and only boy that could be the reason for her living as well as the bane of her existence (only sometimes though). She gave a humph and a fierce scowl and growl to a boy who had been stalking past her, and when her darkened eyes met theirs, she could only feel a swell of satisfaction as they gave a panicked squeak before running up the stairs and into the school.
From behind her came a laugh followed by a “Still pulling the same stuff from fifth grade, Helga?”
She jolted and turned around to see Arnold smiling fondly at her, as well as his parents standing by him. Stella and Miles both smiled warmly at Helga and gave waves of their own.
“Hello, Helga dear,” Stella said, her hair fluttering from the small breeze that came by, “Sorry you missed out arriving with Arnold today, we just wanted some time with him.”
Helga couldn’t help the sweet smile that fell over her lips, “Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Shortman,” Helga insisted, “We see each other plenty enough, isn’t that right, Arnold?” She looked to the boy. Arnold gave her that sweet grin and nodded.
“Whatever you say, Helga,” Came the reply, before he turned to hug his mom and dad. Helga felt her heart race and mentally berated herself for a moment, get together Helga ol’ girl! Remember the plan! “Bye mom, bye dad!” Arnold called and watched as his parents began their walk back home. Soon as they were a good distance away, he turned back around and greeted her again, walking up to plant a kiss on her cheek, “Good morning Helga.”
Helga allowed herself to melt a bit and gave back a, “Good morning, my sweet-er, I mean, Arnold,” She laughed nervously, she still wasn’t sure about how she felt giving him a pet name other than the traditional nicknames she would call him. And really, he had never used one for her…how long did one have to wait before using pet names? Was there a wait time for it or did it just happen? And if she had used one, would Arnold be okay with it?
“..elga? Helga? Helga!”
She snapped out of her thoughts as she felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped back, glaring lightheartedly at the boy, “Hey! Who said you could touch me, Arnold-o?” She said, brushing off her shoulder.
Arnold blinked and gave a shrug, “Sorry Helga, you just kinda spaced out on me for a moment. Plus the bell rang and I figured we should head inside so we’re not late for class.”
Helga pursed her lips and crossed her arms, “Uh huh, sure, whatever. Doesn’t mean you can just go putting your hands wherever you want.”
“Whatever you say, Helga.” Came the age old reply.
Helga huffed again and stomped her foot, “Why do you keep saying that?” She asked.
Arnold turned to look at her, “Saying what?”
Helga glared at him again, “You know what,” She spat, “That phrase! ‘whatever you say, Helga’! Why do you keep saying that?”
Arnold raised an eyebrow, almost looking a bit nervous, “I dunno, it just feels right. Should I not say it?”
“No!” Helga snapped, “I mean, yes! I mean-Well,” she fumbled over her words and growled in frustration, throwing her hands up in the air as she began to pace in a circle. Arnold looked on with surprise, followed by concern and understanding as he realized that something was bothering her.
“Helga, what’s going on?” He asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
“No,” Helga grumbled, continuing to pace, “No you didn’t, and that’s the problem.”
“Me not saying something wrong is the problem?”
Helga sputtered before shaking her head and ceasing her pacing for the time being, “Yes, Arnold, that is exactly the problem,” She retorted, “Because that darn phrase of yours keeps making me feel all gushy and fuzzy and warm inside! And I don’t know why!” She turned to look at him, “Ever since we saw that dumb romance movie, you’ve been saying that phrase non-stop to me! All. The. Time.” She stomped over to him and gave him a poke in the chest, making him take a step back and reach up to rub at the sore sport, “So why, Arnold, do you keep saying that? What exactly are you trying to tell me every time you say it? Hm?”
Arnold stared wide eyed at her for a moment, it seemed that the cogs in his brains were turning and that he was struggling a bit to find the right things to say. He blinked once, then twice. Then a third before he cracked a grin and sighed.
“You really don’t know what I mean when I say it?” He asked. Helga frowned.
“No.”
“Helga, did you pay attention at all to the movie?”
At this, Helga flushed a bit and she loosened the tightness in her arms and brought one up to rub at the back of her neck, “I mean…kinda?” And then she seemed to get defensive a bit, “But can you blame me? It got really boring during the mushy scenes!” At this Arnold laughed, good heartedly and with no hint of poking fun.
“I guess I should’ve figured that,” He said, before looking at her, “Did you at least pay attention to the beginning? When that Wesley guy would tell Buttercup, ‘as you wish’ every time she would boss him around?”
She furrowed her eyebrows and could recollect some of those scenes as he spoke, “I did a little. I remember him pulling down a pitcher for her.” Arnold nodded and beamed brightly.
“Yeah,” He said, “And remember what the narrator said in that moment? What Wesley would actually mean by those words he would say?”
She hummed a bit, trying to wrack her brain for what exactly happened during that scene. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully this time and then it hit her, “Yeah,” She said, “Yeah, whenever he would say that to her it would actually mean that he loved-,” she paused a moment, this time her eyes were the one widening as realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Her mind started reeling, quickly putting together two and two as it replayed that scene and replayed the different events that happened this past month.
Her heart skipped a beat and she felt her palms go sweaty. Did that mean that Arnold was saying what she thought he was saying? Was he actually, all this time, saying how he truly felt about her?
She met his eyes and stared hard into them, the memories replaying.
The first time after they finished the movie, he smiled and said, “Whatever you say, Helga.”
The second time, heading over to Slausen’s Ice Cream Shop after school let out and he allowed her to drag him away from the school steps, saying, “Whatever you say, Helga.”
The third time, talking to him over the phone as he recovered from a cold, sharing the joy he felt for her calling and expressed his worry for her taking so long to reach out to him before sweetly murmuring, “Whatever you say, Helga.”
And the fourth time, with them over-looking the city from his rooftop. The sun setting prettily over the horizon as she shared with him her secret thoughts. How she ached to be able to be something to her parents. And how when she tried to deny wanting to do something for his happiness he replied without fail, “Whatever you say, Helga.”
And in each of those times, each of those sweet and intimate times, Arnold had been showing his feelings to her, had been rooting for her and encouraging her, and believing in her.
She had doubted for a long while if Arnold’s feelings were really true for her, and somehow, somehow, this miraculous and magnificent wonder of a boy, had been telling and showing her all along.
“You…you like-like me?” She whispered, feeling a sense of comfort and awe and fear. Arnold tentatively stepped closer, reaching his hands out to hers.
“It’s actually a little more than that,” he responded, taking hold of her hands.
“More?” Came the bewildered reply.
“I know we’re only in the sixth grade,” Arnold began, “And I know that there’s still a lot in life we have to experience. A-and I may not know everything there is to know about relationships, romance, or-or love,” he added with a small gulp, “But I do know one thing,” he continued, his voice becoming surer with every word, “And that’s you, Helga,” he said, looking into her eyes, “I know you, and how I feel about you. You’re the most amazing, and inspiring person I’ve ever met and that quite frankly, I ever really want to meet,” he smiled, “You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t know and even before San Lorenzo. You’ve got a true heart of gold, and you’re a really, really good person. And, well,” he took in a steady breath, “I love you, Helga,” he admitted, “And I think deep down, I always have.”
Helga could’ve sworn she was dreaming, she thought that maybe she hadn’t woken up this morning and hadn’t walked to school alone. But as she squeezed Arnold’s hands and felt the warm skin beneath hers, she knew this was real and that Arnold really was saying what she had always wished for him to say. And when she felt him squeeze her hands back, well, she knew that this was reality.
“You love me,” She said, though it sounded more unsure. Arnold nodded and stepped closer.
“With all my heart.”
“You really love me?”
“I really do,” Arnold assured her, taking yet another step closer.
“Well, I uh,” she floundered a bit, “I suppose…you could say that, well,” she gave a short laugh, “Geez, it always felt easier saying it when we were in a heat of the moment situation,” she said, “But, I love you too. I always have.”
Arnold’s smile seemed to grow larger, if that was even possible, “Is it okay if I kiss you?” He asked. Helga laughed.
“Ever the charmer, hair boy,” She snorted, “But yeah, I guess you can kiss me. But don’t get used to it at school! I’ve got a reputation to uphold thank you very much, can’t have people thinking I’ve gone soft!”
Arnold raised a hand to gently cup her cheek, “Whatever you say, Helga,” he said, and promptly stood up on his tip toes and pressed his lips to hers.
Helga’s heart soared and she melted once more, even raising a foot up.
Only when the tardy bell rang did they separate from each other. They both shared a laugh before quickly scurrying into the building.
And well, if they got detention for being late, then that was just fine.
Arnold loved Helga, and that alone was enough to make everything okay for her.