The music coursed through her body rhythmically. Her hips moved in time with the beat and she felt empowered through it. She smiled brightly as she saw boys ogle her moving body in astonishment. She laughed playfully as one cute guy winked at her. She had the power. She was in control. She knew she was attractive and she took full advantage of it. Her heart was in a million pieces but she felt free for the first time in her life. He had controlled her life for so long; she was now experiencing not being in love for the first time.

She had told him a month ago how she felt all these years and, in typical Arnold fashion, he'd explained to her that he appreciated her feelings, but couldn't return them because he'd made a commitment with his girlfriend and had every intension to keep it. She'd said that she understood, but made it clear to him that things between them and their friendship that had blossomed over the past year had now been compromised and would never be the same again. She politely asked him to keep his distance and though he wasn't happy with her request, he reluctantly agreed.

At first Helga was really incredibly angry but bizarrely her way of getting back her pride was to get over him, and that was exactly what she attempted to do. She thought she'd really have to put effort into forgetting him, but Arnold kept true to his promise and she hadn't seen him once that month. It had helped a lot.

She was starting to show her true self to the people around her, because she had no reason to hide anymore. She also slept easier; there were no more well thought plans needed to be thought of and planned out. She smiled more because no more cloudy thoughts caused her to frown. She dressed more nicely because she respected herself more. Her whole life had changed drastically because Arnold had freed her tortured soul, and Helga had finally let him.

Since then a few guys had taken interest in her and all the girls had welcomed her in their groups. Suddenly a guy cleared his throat and Helga snapped back into reality. She slowly looked up into the tall, well built, handsome guy's face. He had ebony locks and deep brown eyes, the complete opposite from Arnold. She grinned.

"Hey Tom," she purred softly.

"Hey Helga, want to go get something to eat? I'm starved," he stated with a half smile, tucking his hands half into his torn jeans' pockets. She decided that he really looked sexy when he did that action.

"Depends," Helga smirked sexily, crossing her arms and jutting her hip outwards. He looked down on her and raised one of his eyebrows playfully.

"On what, Miss Pataki?" he asked, smirking in an even sexier way that made Helga slightly catch her breath.

"Are you buying?" she challenged, a twinkle in her eye.

He snorted, "I always buy."

She grinned at him. He had become somewhat her best friend since she was in high school. He was there for her while she mourned over Arnold and both teens had discovered a mutual attraction. Helga had made it clear that she wanted to take it slow; otherwise she would be using him as a rebound to get over Arnold, and that she wasn't going to allow herself to fall too easily in love with him. He understood and told her that she can decide when their relationship could take the next step. While they weren't yet going out, they were openly flirting with each other and Helga loved every minute of it.

"Your point is…?" she giggled and he rolled his eyes. As they turned to leave, Helga caught a glimpse of blonde hair and piercing green eyes staring right at her. She felt herself get hot as she realized Arnold was frowning as his gaze turned to Tom's back. She knew it was wrong, but she felt glad that he saw now what he had lost. Helga followed Tom out the door and promised herself she'd one day befriend Arnold again… But never ever again would she fall in love with him. She hoped she could keep that promise.