Author's appreciation***Thanks so much to MidnightOasis and Alphine, your
reviews were very nice and encouraging! Well, this is probably it-the big
prom and my very last chapter! I say probably because I actually intended
to get to the prom last chapter. I already have the idea for my next fic,
though, so hopefully that will occupy my time.
Great thanks to all who supported and gave their advice -WillyD,
CrystalTear1,Mikastu,Beckie13,MidnightOasis,Aphine,( I can't find where I
wrote your whole name down right this sec, sorry!) and to anyone else I may
have missed, and thanks to all those who still read, even if you didn't
review. On with the show!
Chapter 13 Prom Night and All is right
"Will you please quit freaking out already, Arnold? You're making ME a nervous wreck!" Gerald sputtered in agitation as he put the finishing touches on his bow tie. He winked at himself in the mirror, then turned towards his flustered friend.
" I can't get the damn tie straight," Arnold muttered as he yanked out the knot in his own black bow tie yet again.
"Whoa, slow down on the swearing there, Poppa Theresa!" Gerald laughed. " Remember my virgin ears!"
" I can't help it, Gerald! Why won't this thing go on straight?" Arnold pulled at the sides of his hair in frustration.
" Hold still, Romeo, and let the master work his magic," Gerald smiled dismissively, grasping an end of the wayward tie in each hand. 15 seconds later, Arnold's tie lay in a neat, crisp cinch at his neck. Gerald smoothed his own hair back for a second, checking his watch in the mean time. " We better get a move on, buddy,"
Arnold took a deep breath, then released it, shaking slightly. " Are you sure this is going to work?" he asked Gerald with pleading eyes.
" No, not really," Gerald commented, " but from the way you've mooned over her for the past 4 years, I would say it's worth a shot,"
" Gee, thanks for the reassurement," he answered dryly.
" Just be your self, that's the Arnold she really loves, from what I hear,"
The boys bounded down the steps, screeching to a halt in the foyer where Stella, Miles, Grandma, and Grandpa all stood expectantly.
" Wow, you guys took the night off work," Arnold directed at his parents, smiling.
" Sure we did, sport! We may be busy, but there's no way we were going to miss our only son's prom night," Miles answered proudly, his hand on Stella's shoulder as he spoke.
" Get out there and get yer gal, Shortman," Grandpa chuckled, punching Arnold playfully in his shoulder. " And stay away from the raspberry punch,"
The limo pulled up, honking it's horn impatiently. "That's our ride, lover boy," Gerald called as he opened the door.
" Wish me luck," Arnold thought desperately, as he gave his mom and grandma a quick kiss and was out the door.
" I don't feel right about sharing a limo with everyone when I don't have a date," Helga moaned bitterly as she waited for Phoebe to finish applying her makeup. " I am going to look so pathetic!"
" Nonsense, Helga," Phoebe answered briskly. "We are all riding together, and besides, you do have a date,"
" SHHHH! It's not supposed to be common knowledge!" Helga hissed through her teeth. " I want everyone to think I am going stag. Do you know how desperate it would sound to say, "Gee guys, I am dateless so I accepted a complete stranger's invitation to prom, and if he doesn't kill me in cold blood and stuff me in his trunk, I'm supposed to meet him in the reflection garden behind the galleria!" Helga puffed for a moment. " See my point?"
" Taken," Phoebe chimed, blotting her cherry red lips. " Your secret is, as always, safe with me," She replied, her dark eyes dancing with anticipation. " Let's get ready, the boys should be here anytime."
Nadine and Rhonda sat downstairs with Big Bob, Miriam, and Olga, who had just flown in from Alaska the day before. They were being bombarded with storied of Olga's own prom and suitors of days gone by.
" If I hear one more story about her divine one of a kind Caprini dress one more time," Rhonda hissed under her breath, " I am going to strangle myself with my thigh highs,"
" Helga's dress looks prettier anyways," Nadine whispered back, as she held Olga's old prom picture in her hand.
"Ohh, there's my baby sister right now!" Olga squealed as Helga descended the stairs, Phoebe hot on her tail. " You look like a princess!" she breathed in delight.
" You look very nice, dear," Miriam answered monotonely.
" Yeah, you clean up pretty good, girl," Big Bob puffed, giving a rare almost compliment.
" Well, love to stay and chat, but I think I hear our limo," Helga snorted, although her face was slightly flushed from all the attention. " I'm staying at Rhonda's after, so don't wait up, people," she finished, holding the door open just as the car pulled up.
"Have fun, dear," Miriam slurred, as the door slammed shut.
The girls' eyes widened at the sight of the long, sleek black limousine parked across the street from Helga's three-story sky blue walk up. Helga bit her lip nervously in spite of herself. The white dress coat that concealed her perfect dress felt too light suddenly, as the night breeze was still very cool for late spring.
" C'mon, lets go!" Rhonda shoved her from behind as Curly, Park, and Gerald all climbed out and stood expectantly by the door.
" Oh, I am SO going to regret this," Helga hissed as the girls bustled her along with them.
Now came all the compliments and niceties that went along with all couples.
" Oh, give Daddy some sugar!" Curly smiled, giving Rhonda a quick wink. She obliged with a small peck. "Can't smudge the lipstick, hon," she giggled.
" You picked a fine dress, my fair senorita`," purred Gerald dramatically. Phoebe only blushed furiously.
" You look great, Nadine," Park smiled. " You look pretty handsome yourself," Nadine shot him a million dollar smile along with her response.
Helga just stood there with downcast eyes as all the girls lost themselves in flirting and compliments. Suddenly, Gerald spoke up.
" You look awesome, Helga old girl," he grinned widely. " Who's the unlucky stiff that's missing out on all of that?" he gestured at her long, lean frame concealed beneath the cream-colored cashmere coat.
" Beats me, Hairboy," Helga grinned back, taking his hand as he helped her into the car, just before he and Phoebe seated themselves. Gerald could still be the charmer when he wanted to be, Helga thought.
The outside of the Hillwood Galleria was light up like a galaxy of stars against the purple night sky. Everyone ooohed and ahhed as the car pulled up. Helga hated to admit it, but she really didn't feel like a seventh wheel amongst the three couples. Everyone joked and laughed all the way to their destination. As soon as they had approached the actual building with the marquee emblazoned with " HILLWOOD GALLERIA WELCOMES P.S.218's CLASS OF 2004 PROM " THE LONG ROAD HOME", the bottom dropped out of Helga's stomach.
" Who on earth came up with that theme?" Rhonda shot, her smile crooked with sarcasm.
" You know that was my idea, Miss Lloyd," Phoebe smiled with mock concern.
" What's it supposed to mean?" Gerald asked.
" Simply that school has been a journey of ups and downs, but that we are all basically looking for the same thing after it's over. A family, that special someone," She smiled at this comment. " And the home we all dream of. So high school is just one leg of the journey."
" I thought it was too deep for our crowd," Rhonda smiled, and Helga nodded in agreement, but she could barely listen to what was being said. Was she crazy? What was she thinking, accepting an invitation from a complete stranger?
" Well let's take the short road in, I wanna vote for prom king and queen before the lines get too long," Rhonda shot as she noticed the terrified look on Helga's face. Phoebe nodded in agreement and the whole group squeezed out of the car.
Inside, the dance floor was already staring to fill with couples. Harold and Patty stood by the punch bowl, as he picked through the good hor devoures and Patty sipped her punch, looking very nice in her light blue strapless gown.
Sid stood with Ruth McDougall at the picture podium, grinning like the cat that ate the canary. Ruth looked distracted and out of place, her eyes darting side to side.
Then she saw them-Lila and Stinky, arm in arm on the dance floor. Helga hated it, but Lila looked wonderful in her emerald green dress, with it's thin spaghetti straps, fitted bodice and long flowing skirt. Her dark russet hair was piled atop her perfect head, in some traditional up do of some sort. They were gazing into each other's eyes, like no one else was in the room. Helga smiled. If Arnold DID still like Lila, he didn't stand a chance against Stinko over there.
" It's nearly eight o'clock," Phoebe whispered furtively, as Gerald dragged her towards the dance floor. " Are you sure you can do this?" Phoebe looked alot more anxious than earlier.
" I'm a trooper, and besides, I have Bob's tazer," Helga smiled, patting her white satin handbag. " Have fun out there, toots,"
The others were soon swirling amongst the other couples on the dance floor, and Helga was left alone. She checked her cell phone. "7:50. Okay, Helga old girl, five more minutes and you better start walking back there." Helga whispered the pep talk to her self the best she could. Suddenly, it occurred to her that she hadn't seen someone just yet. Where was Arnold and Timberly?
She glanced around the room, 3, 4, 5 times and no oblong head in sight, not to mention, no killer gold dress. He probably is home mooning over Cecile, Helga thought bitterly, but she smiled in spite of this thought. Cecile was HER after all. At least he wasn't there with Timeberly.
Arnold sat nervously on the carved marble bench in front of the fountain. He knew he was hidden from view. Only five more minutes remained, and he would have to face her. What would he do if everyone was wrong? What if she still didn't trust him?
Arnold pulled his wallet out, flipping through the photographs. Past the pictures of his mom and dad, grandma and grandpa. First was the picture of Helga in eighth grade, the first time she had appeared in a photo with 2 eyebrows. He pulled out the picture, and read the inscription. " To Football Head. I hate you...and yet I like you! Helga G. Pataki, 14 years old"
He smiled. It was her own way of expressing affection. She didn't give the next three photos of her, Phoebe had given them to him upon his request. With each one, she grew more and more beautiful, but her eyes always looked so sad. Not like the eighth grade picture. She had looked serene in that one.
That settles that, he thought, shoving the wallet back in his pocket haphazardly. He stood up, preparing to head for the garden, when he heard it-the unmistakable sound of high heels clicking on the paved walk. He jumped instinctively behind the nearest rosebush, nearly taking out a statue of Venus as he did so.
Two seconds later, Helga was rushing past him, her dress hid by some long white coat as she went. Muttering to herself the whole way. Phew, that was close! Although he was estatic to see that she was indeed going to meet him, he dreaded her response. " Here goes everything," Arnold whispered to himself, standing and walking slowly after her.
Helga reached the garden, and rounded the corner to the reflection pool. She stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
A small table was set with light pink roses in a vase, and a bottle of what looked like chilled sparkling cider in a wine chiller. Two seats with crushed velvet covers faced each other, and a waiter stood stiffly beside it. Rose petals of every color littered the walkway and hundreds of candles in shades of ivory, pink and red were lit and flickering, around the table, the walkway and the reflection pool itself. Soft music played from a nearby portable CD player.
" Are..you the guy I'm supposed to meet?" Helga eyed the older man nervously. I KNEW this guy was a stalker, she thought quickly, her pulse racing. Her hand tightened around her secret weapon in her handbag.
"No, madam, although it is unfortunate for me. Monsieur will be along shortly I believe. Please, have a glass of cider while you wait," He handed her a long, sparkling flute of ice cold amber colored cider.
" You try to slip me a mickey and I'll plug ya," Helga nodded towards the bulge in her purse as she accepted, and even though his eyes widened with fear, the man only nodded in return.
Okay, this guy is VERY rich, Helga thought as she sat on a stone bench near the reflection pool. Probably some weird plot to embarrass and/or kidnap her, she thought wryly.
She cast her eyes heavenwards, as the night sky filled with thousands of milky white stars. The candles reflected in the pool and the glow danced across her face. She relaxed slightly. A sudden thought came to her, and try as she might, she could not shake it.
If only Arnold were here, with her.
" Monsieur approaches, Madam. May I take your coat?" The French waiter startled her slightly as he approached her.
" Uh, sure, but don't wrinkle the cashmere, jock strap, that's a loaner," Helga leapt up as he removed the coat and took it to a tall freestanding coat rack near the back of the garden wall.
Helga glanced around nervously. This was it, the moment of truth. She braced her shoulders, and she stood tall and regal in her pristine pink confection, her blue eyes sparkling, golden hair gently tousled by the light breeze.
Time seemed to stop completely. First one foot was visible, then a leg, and finally he came into view....
" BRAINEY????? Helga spat her cider out in horror. " YOU??! You're the mystery guy?"
"Uh....No.." He wheezed, his date trailing after him. Gloria smiled in a vapid way, clearly afraid of the spewing blonde in the pink dress.
" Shit! Don't EVER sneak up on me like that AGAIN!" she shot angrily, but she was mostly relieved. Brainey had stopped tailing her since he met Gloria way back in ninth grade. " Get outta here before I clock you one for old times sake,"
" Hi," a familiar voice squeaked from behind her.
Helga turned slowly. There he stood, her Greek god, the one true love of her life, looking damn sexy in his dark tux and crisp white shirt. Arnold. Helga swooned, but snapped herself out of it, knowing that Timberly must be just inches away. She braced her self once more, holding her chin slightly higher.
" Let me guess, got lost on the way to the moron convention?" Helga shot at him.
" Not really," Arnold rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Wow she looked stunning! Her very skin seemed to glow against the soft pink dress, the slits swirling the skirt around her long legs in the breeze. Her long hair flowed in curls and waves, and her tiny waist was outlined to perfection, as did the halter accent something else. He blushed deeply, averting his eyes.
" Yeah, well why don't you and Johannsen amscray already. I'm waiting for someone." Helga sniffed, crossing her arms over her dress. Don't look at him, and you won't melt, she thought to herself desperately.
" I know," Arnold answered slowly. " And Timberly isn't here,"
" Got stood up, ay? Well that's how it goes sometimes football head," Yes! She stood him up!! Yay!
" Aren't you the least bit curious whom you're even meeting?" Arnold asked, taking a bold step towards her.
" A little, not that it's any of YOUR business," Helga sneered, taking a step back cautiously. Where DID he get that shampoo?
" Well, why did you agree to meet them?" Arnold asked, his eyes twinkling.
"Let's see..uh, a sappy love poem and like, a hundred dollar arrangement of my favorite flowers-"
"Calla Lillies," Arnold filled in.
" Yes, Calla Lillies. AND they were all tied together with this beautiful ..pink.." Helga's voice trembled at the sudden realization.
"Bow. Pink, like your dress," Arnold smiled quietly, his hands shoved in his pockets.
" It was?"
" Me," Arnold finished, his face turning 3 shades of red. " I asked you to the prom, Helga."
" But...you...I thought you were in love with Timberly, and then Lila, and then Cecil-" She stopped herself before she let the last name fully escape her glossy lips.
" Cecille? No, not her either." Arnold approached her in earnest now, his previous doubts about her feelings melting away. He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed them into her delicate skin. "It's always been you, Helga. For the past four years! I thought it was just some crazy crush, an infatuation like I always have. But you were different, you were real. Helga," He lifted her chin, looking her dead in her large blue eyes," I love you,"
" I don't know what to say," Helga whispered, her lips trembling at his words. He loved her! After all these years of torment, he loved her!
" Say that you love me too?" Arnold ran his hands over her bare shoulders, and she shivered in response. " You can trust me this time. Please, I can't go on like this."
" I love you too," She whispered, trying desperately not to cry.
" What did you say?" her voice was barely audible.
" I said," she stepped closer, and ran finger over his cheek," I love you too, FOOTBALL HEAD!" She grabbed him and kissed him in one quick, old movie type fashion. He kissed back in surprise.
They smiled and kissed for minutes more, each totally drunk on being with the other for the first time since the eighth grade breakup. Arnold pulled out her chair, and she took her seat.
" Man, for not knowing a guy, you sure went all out," Arnold mocked dryly as he unfolded his tiny menu. There was only one choice for each item.
" Me? I thought YOU were the Mr. Fancy Pants. You did send the flowers, right?" Helga picked up her own menu and began to read. " Hey, why does the dessert section list our only choice as humble pie?"
" Because that's what you'll be eating for a long time," Timberly shot, as she came forward with a silver tray, dressed in a waitress's uniform. She lifted two steaming plates of food out and sat them before the stunned couple. " Thought I was trying to steal your man, Pataki?" Timberly smiled.
" What the-" Helga smiled sheepishly, as the whole gang emerged from the nearby bushes, clapping and cheering.
" We have been trying to get you two back together FOREVER," Gerald sighed,, his hand resting on each of their shoulders. " I have never seen two more thick headed people on this earth! Timberly here was the one who came up with the jealously scheme,"
" Timberely? I oughtta-" Helga stood, her trade mark scowl spread evenly over her face.
" What?" Timberly coward in spite of herself.
" KISS YOU!" Helga pounced on her, grabbing her in a fierce bearhug.
Everyone around them seemed to relax.. " Save it for football face over there," she smiled in response.
"And it's been SO hard to play along," Rhonda smiled, nudging Phoebe. " I am just glad you both didn't ruin this surprise, it's costing me a fortune!"
" You all planned this private dinner?" Arnold asked, his face aglow in all the love and attention.
" Nope, this is for a private dance," Gerald corrected, producing a large silver and red crown. He placed it atop Arnold's blond mop.
Phoebe placed a sparkling tiara atop Helga's flowing mane as well. " For the King and Queen," She giggled slightly.
" You mean?" they both asked, looking at each other.
" JUST DANCE!" everyone screamed in unison.
The band played from behind the rose garden, a beautiful melody as Arnold took Helga in his arms. " May I have this dance?" His eyes shone with a single tear escaping.
" Bucko, for the rest of your life," Helga's eyes flowed freely with 18 years worth of unshed tears. Under the pink tinged moon, the two of them danced, making their way towards their own road to home: each other's arms.
THE END!! LONG I KNOW! Hope you all liked it, please review one last time and let me know if I completely flopped it! I will miss my readers and reviewers! SOB!
Chapter 13 Prom Night and All is right
"Will you please quit freaking out already, Arnold? You're making ME a nervous wreck!" Gerald sputtered in agitation as he put the finishing touches on his bow tie. He winked at himself in the mirror, then turned towards his flustered friend.
" I can't get the damn tie straight," Arnold muttered as he yanked out the knot in his own black bow tie yet again.
"Whoa, slow down on the swearing there, Poppa Theresa!" Gerald laughed. " Remember my virgin ears!"
" I can't help it, Gerald! Why won't this thing go on straight?" Arnold pulled at the sides of his hair in frustration.
" Hold still, Romeo, and let the master work his magic," Gerald smiled dismissively, grasping an end of the wayward tie in each hand. 15 seconds later, Arnold's tie lay in a neat, crisp cinch at his neck. Gerald smoothed his own hair back for a second, checking his watch in the mean time. " We better get a move on, buddy,"
Arnold took a deep breath, then released it, shaking slightly. " Are you sure this is going to work?" he asked Gerald with pleading eyes.
" No, not really," Gerald commented, " but from the way you've mooned over her for the past 4 years, I would say it's worth a shot,"
" Gee, thanks for the reassurement," he answered dryly.
" Just be your self, that's the Arnold she really loves, from what I hear,"
The boys bounded down the steps, screeching to a halt in the foyer where Stella, Miles, Grandma, and Grandpa all stood expectantly.
" Wow, you guys took the night off work," Arnold directed at his parents, smiling.
" Sure we did, sport! We may be busy, but there's no way we were going to miss our only son's prom night," Miles answered proudly, his hand on Stella's shoulder as he spoke.
" Get out there and get yer gal, Shortman," Grandpa chuckled, punching Arnold playfully in his shoulder. " And stay away from the raspberry punch,"
The limo pulled up, honking it's horn impatiently. "That's our ride, lover boy," Gerald called as he opened the door.
" Wish me luck," Arnold thought desperately, as he gave his mom and grandma a quick kiss and was out the door.
" I don't feel right about sharing a limo with everyone when I don't have a date," Helga moaned bitterly as she waited for Phoebe to finish applying her makeup. " I am going to look so pathetic!"
" Nonsense, Helga," Phoebe answered briskly. "We are all riding together, and besides, you do have a date,"
" SHHHH! It's not supposed to be common knowledge!" Helga hissed through her teeth. " I want everyone to think I am going stag. Do you know how desperate it would sound to say, "Gee guys, I am dateless so I accepted a complete stranger's invitation to prom, and if he doesn't kill me in cold blood and stuff me in his trunk, I'm supposed to meet him in the reflection garden behind the galleria!" Helga puffed for a moment. " See my point?"
" Taken," Phoebe chimed, blotting her cherry red lips. " Your secret is, as always, safe with me," She replied, her dark eyes dancing with anticipation. " Let's get ready, the boys should be here anytime."
Nadine and Rhonda sat downstairs with Big Bob, Miriam, and Olga, who had just flown in from Alaska the day before. They were being bombarded with storied of Olga's own prom and suitors of days gone by.
" If I hear one more story about her divine one of a kind Caprini dress one more time," Rhonda hissed under her breath, " I am going to strangle myself with my thigh highs,"
" Helga's dress looks prettier anyways," Nadine whispered back, as she held Olga's old prom picture in her hand.
"Ohh, there's my baby sister right now!" Olga squealed as Helga descended the stairs, Phoebe hot on her tail. " You look like a princess!" she breathed in delight.
" You look very nice, dear," Miriam answered monotonely.
" Yeah, you clean up pretty good, girl," Big Bob puffed, giving a rare almost compliment.
" Well, love to stay and chat, but I think I hear our limo," Helga snorted, although her face was slightly flushed from all the attention. " I'm staying at Rhonda's after, so don't wait up, people," she finished, holding the door open just as the car pulled up.
"Have fun, dear," Miriam slurred, as the door slammed shut.
The girls' eyes widened at the sight of the long, sleek black limousine parked across the street from Helga's three-story sky blue walk up. Helga bit her lip nervously in spite of herself. The white dress coat that concealed her perfect dress felt too light suddenly, as the night breeze was still very cool for late spring.
" C'mon, lets go!" Rhonda shoved her from behind as Curly, Park, and Gerald all climbed out and stood expectantly by the door.
" Oh, I am SO going to regret this," Helga hissed as the girls bustled her along with them.
Now came all the compliments and niceties that went along with all couples.
" Oh, give Daddy some sugar!" Curly smiled, giving Rhonda a quick wink. She obliged with a small peck. "Can't smudge the lipstick, hon," she giggled.
" You picked a fine dress, my fair senorita`," purred Gerald dramatically. Phoebe only blushed furiously.
" You look great, Nadine," Park smiled. " You look pretty handsome yourself," Nadine shot him a million dollar smile along with her response.
Helga just stood there with downcast eyes as all the girls lost themselves in flirting and compliments. Suddenly, Gerald spoke up.
" You look awesome, Helga old girl," he grinned widely. " Who's the unlucky stiff that's missing out on all of that?" he gestured at her long, lean frame concealed beneath the cream-colored cashmere coat.
" Beats me, Hairboy," Helga grinned back, taking his hand as he helped her into the car, just before he and Phoebe seated themselves. Gerald could still be the charmer when he wanted to be, Helga thought.
The outside of the Hillwood Galleria was light up like a galaxy of stars against the purple night sky. Everyone ooohed and ahhed as the car pulled up. Helga hated to admit it, but she really didn't feel like a seventh wheel amongst the three couples. Everyone joked and laughed all the way to their destination. As soon as they had approached the actual building with the marquee emblazoned with " HILLWOOD GALLERIA WELCOMES P.S.218's CLASS OF 2004 PROM " THE LONG ROAD HOME", the bottom dropped out of Helga's stomach.
" Who on earth came up with that theme?" Rhonda shot, her smile crooked with sarcasm.
" You know that was my idea, Miss Lloyd," Phoebe smiled with mock concern.
" What's it supposed to mean?" Gerald asked.
" Simply that school has been a journey of ups and downs, but that we are all basically looking for the same thing after it's over. A family, that special someone," She smiled at this comment. " And the home we all dream of. So high school is just one leg of the journey."
" I thought it was too deep for our crowd," Rhonda smiled, and Helga nodded in agreement, but she could barely listen to what was being said. Was she crazy? What was she thinking, accepting an invitation from a complete stranger?
" Well let's take the short road in, I wanna vote for prom king and queen before the lines get too long," Rhonda shot as she noticed the terrified look on Helga's face. Phoebe nodded in agreement and the whole group squeezed out of the car.
Inside, the dance floor was already staring to fill with couples. Harold and Patty stood by the punch bowl, as he picked through the good hor devoures and Patty sipped her punch, looking very nice in her light blue strapless gown.
Sid stood with Ruth McDougall at the picture podium, grinning like the cat that ate the canary. Ruth looked distracted and out of place, her eyes darting side to side.
Then she saw them-Lila and Stinky, arm in arm on the dance floor. Helga hated it, but Lila looked wonderful in her emerald green dress, with it's thin spaghetti straps, fitted bodice and long flowing skirt. Her dark russet hair was piled atop her perfect head, in some traditional up do of some sort. They were gazing into each other's eyes, like no one else was in the room. Helga smiled. If Arnold DID still like Lila, he didn't stand a chance against Stinko over there.
" It's nearly eight o'clock," Phoebe whispered furtively, as Gerald dragged her towards the dance floor. " Are you sure you can do this?" Phoebe looked alot more anxious than earlier.
" I'm a trooper, and besides, I have Bob's tazer," Helga smiled, patting her white satin handbag. " Have fun out there, toots,"
The others were soon swirling amongst the other couples on the dance floor, and Helga was left alone. She checked her cell phone. "7:50. Okay, Helga old girl, five more minutes and you better start walking back there." Helga whispered the pep talk to her self the best she could. Suddenly, it occurred to her that she hadn't seen someone just yet. Where was Arnold and Timberly?
She glanced around the room, 3, 4, 5 times and no oblong head in sight, not to mention, no killer gold dress. He probably is home mooning over Cecile, Helga thought bitterly, but she smiled in spite of this thought. Cecile was HER after all. At least he wasn't there with Timeberly.
Arnold sat nervously on the carved marble bench in front of the fountain. He knew he was hidden from view. Only five more minutes remained, and he would have to face her. What would he do if everyone was wrong? What if she still didn't trust him?
Arnold pulled his wallet out, flipping through the photographs. Past the pictures of his mom and dad, grandma and grandpa. First was the picture of Helga in eighth grade, the first time she had appeared in a photo with 2 eyebrows. He pulled out the picture, and read the inscription. " To Football Head. I hate you...and yet I like you! Helga G. Pataki, 14 years old"
He smiled. It was her own way of expressing affection. She didn't give the next three photos of her, Phoebe had given them to him upon his request. With each one, she grew more and more beautiful, but her eyes always looked so sad. Not like the eighth grade picture. She had looked serene in that one.
That settles that, he thought, shoving the wallet back in his pocket haphazardly. He stood up, preparing to head for the garden, when he heard it-the unmistakable sound of high heels clicking on the paved walk. He jumped instinctively behind the nearest rosebush, nearly taking out a statue of Venus as he did so.
Two seconds later, Helga was rushing past him, her dress hid by some long white coat as she went. Muttering to herself the whole way. Phew, that was close! Although he was estatic to see that she was indeed going to meet him, he dreaded her response. " Here goes everything," Arnold whispered to himself, standing and walking slowly after her.
Helga reached the garden, and rounded the corner to the reflection pool. She stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
A small table was set with light pink roses in a vase, and a bottle of what looked like chilled sparkling cider in a wine chiller. Two seats with crushed velvet covers faced each other, and a waiter stood stiffly beside it. Rose petals of every color littered the walkway and hundreds of candles in shades of ivory, pink and red were lit and flickering, around the table, the walkway and the reflection pool itself. Soft music played from a nearby portable CD player.
" Are..you the guy I'm supposed to meet?" Helga eyed the older man nervously. I KNEW this guy was a stalker, she thought quickly, her pulse racing. Her hand tightened around her secret weapon in her handbag.
"No, madam, although it is unfortunate for me. Monsieur will be along shortly I believe. Please, have a glass of cider while you wait," He handed her a long, sparkling flute of ice cold amber colored cider.
" You try to slip me a mickey and I'll plug ya," Helga nodded towards the bulge in her purse as she accepted, and even though his eyes widened with fear, the man only nodded in return.
Okay, this guy is VERY rich, Helga thought as she sat on a stone bench near the reflection pool. Probably some weird plot to embarrass and/or kidnap her, she thought wryly.
She cast her eyes heavenwards, as the night sky filled with thousands of milky white stars. The candles reflected in the pool and the glow danced across her face. She relaxed slightly. A sudden thought came to her, and try as she might, she could not shake it.
If only Arnold were here, with her.
" Monsieur approaches, Madam. May I take your coat?" The French waiter startled her slightly as he approached her.
" Uh, sure, but don't wrinkle the cashmere, jock strap, that's a loaner," Helga leapt up as he removed the coat and took it to a tall freestanding coat rack near the back of the garden wall.
Helga glanced around nervously. This was it, the moment of truth. She braced her shoulders, and she stood tall and regal in her pristine pink confection, her blue eyes sparkling, golden hair gently tousled by the light breeze.
Time seemed to stop completely. First one foot was visible, then a leg, and finally he came into view....
" BRAINEY????? Helga spat her cider out in horror. " YOU??! You're the mystery guy?"
"Uh....No.." He wheezed, his date trailing after him. Gloria smiled in a vapid way, clearly afraid of the spewing blonde in the pink dress.
" Shit! Don't EVER sneak up on me like that AGAIN!" she shot angrily, but she was mostly relieved. Brainey had stopped tailing her since he met Gloria way back in ninth grade. " Get outta here before I clock you one for old times sake,"
" Hi," a familiar voice squeaked from behind her.
Helga turned slowly. There he stood, her Greek god, the one true love of her life, looking damn sexy in his dark tux and crisp white shirt. Arnold. Helga swooned, but snapped herself out of it, knowing that Timberly must be just inches away. She braced her self once more, holding her chin slightly higher.
" Let me guess, got lost on the way to the moron convention?" Helga shot at him.
" Not really," Arnold rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Wow she looked stunning! Her very skin seemed to glow against the soft pink dress, the slits swirling the skirt around her long legs in the breeze. Her long hair flowed in curls and waves, and her tiny waist was outlined to perfection, as did the halter accent something else. He blushed deeply, averting his eyes.
" Yeah, well why don't you and Johannsen amscray already. I'm waiting for someone." Helga sniffed, crossing her arms over her dress. Don't look at him, and you won't melt, she thought to herself desperately.
" I know," Arnold answered slowly. " And Timberly isn't here,"
" Got stood up, ay? Well that's how it goes sometimes football head," Yes! She stood him up!! Yay!
" Aren't you the least bit curious whom you're even meeting?" Arnold asked, taking a bold step towards her.
" A little, not that it's any of YOUR business," Helga sneered, taking a step back cautiously. Where DID he get that shampoo?
" Well, why did you agree to meet them?" Arnold asked, his eyes twinkling.
"Let's see..uh, a sappy love poem and like, a hundred dollar arrangement of my favorite flowers-"
"Calla Lillies," Arnold filled in.
" Yes, Calla Lillies. AND they were all tied together with this beautiful ..pink.." Helga's voice trembled at the sudden realization.
"Bow. Pink, like your dress," Arnold smiled quietly, his hands shoved in his pockets.
" It was?"
" Me," Arnold finished, his face turning 3 shades of red. " I asked you to the prom, Helga."
" But...you...I thought you were in love with Timberly, and then Lila, and then Cecil-" She stopped herself before she let the last name fully escape her glossy lips.
" Cecille? No, not her either." Arnold approached her in earnest now, his previous doubts about her feelings melting away. He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed them into her delicate skin. "It's always been you, Helga. For the past four years! I thought it was just some crazy crush, an infatuation like I always have. But you were different, you were real. Helga," He lifted her chin, looking her dead in her large blue eyes," I love you,"
" I don't know what to say," Helga whispered, her lips trembling at his words. He loved her! After all these years of torment, he loved her!
" Say that you love me too?" Arnold ran his hands over her bare shoulders, and she shivered in response. " You can trust me this time. Please, I can't go on like this."
" I love you too," She whispered, trying desperately not to cry.
" What did you say?" her voice was barely audible.
" I said," she stepped closer, and ran finger over his cheek," I love you too, FOOTBALL HEAD!" She grabbed him and kissed him in one quick, old movie type fashion. He kissed back in surprise.
They smiled and kissed for minutes more, each totally drunk on being with the other for the first time since the eighth grade breakup. Arnold pulled out her chair, and she took her seat.
" Man, for not knowing a guy, you sure went all out," Arnold mocked dryly as he unfolded his tiny menu. There was only one choice for each item.
" Me? I thought YOU were the Mr. Fancy Pants. You did send the flowers, right?" Helga picked up her own menu and began to read. " Hey, why does the dessert section list our only choice as humble pie?"
" Because that's what you'll be eating for a long time," Timberly shot, as she came forward with a silver tray, dressed in a waitress's uniform. She lifted two steaming plates of food out and sat them before the stunned couple. " Thought I was trying to steal your man, Pataki?" Timberly smiled.
" What the-" Helga smiled sheepishly, as the whole gang emerged from the nearby bushes, clapping and cheering.
" We have been trying to get you two back together FOREVER," Gerald sighed,, his hand resting on each of their shoulders. " I have never seen two more thick headed people on this earth! Timberly here was the one who came up with the jealously scheme,"
" Timberely? I oughtta-" Helga stood, her trade mark scowl spread evenly over her face.
" What?" Timberly coward in spite of herself.
" KISS YOU!" Helga pounced on her, grabbing her in a fierce bearhug.
Everyone around them seemed to relax.. " Save it for football face over there," she smiled in response.
"And it's been SO hard to play along," Rhonda smiled, nudging Phoebe. " I am just glad you both didn't ruin this surprise, it's costing me a fortune!"
" You all planned this private dinner?" Arnold asked, his face aglow in all the love and attention.
" Nope, this is for a private dance," Gerald corrected, producing a large silver and red crown. He placed it atop Arnold's blond mop.
Phoebe placed a sparkling tiara atop Helga's flowing mane as well. " For the King and Queen," She giggled slightly.
" You mean?" they both asked, looking at each other.
" JUST DANCE!" everyone screamed in unison.
The band played from behind the rose garden, a beautiful melody as Arnold took Helga in his arms. " May I have this dance?" His eyes shone with a single tear escaping.
" Bucko, for the rest of your life," Helga's eyes flowed freely with 18 years worth of unshed tears. Under the pink tinged moon, the two of them danced, making their way towards their own road to home: each other's arms.
THE END!! LONG I KNOW! Hope you all liked it, please review one last time and let me know if I completely flopped it! I will miss my readers and reviewers! SOB!