Chapter Two

The boarders were in the living room, killing time before dinner. Arnold sighed and trudged past, hoping that they wouldn't notice him. He was in no mood for their insanity. Not tonight anyway. He almost made it to the stairs when Phil spotted him.

"Hey, Shortman!" He waved from the couch. "How did school go?"

Arnold rolled his eyes, then sighed. "I have a lot of homework to do...I'll be upstairs."

"Homework on the first day!" Phil exclaimed. "What kind of teachers have they got at that school?"

Arnold ignored him, walking past the nursery. The door was closed. He sighed, happy that he didn't have to sneak past Helga. He climbed the stairs to his loft, but when he opened the door, he saw Helga laying on his bed, reading a book.

She set the book down and sat up. "Oh, hey! How did it go?"

"Fine." Arnold tossed his backpack and sat down on the couch.

Helga's face fell. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm just tired." Arnold kicked his shoes off.

She sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Arnold dug around in his backpack. She looked down at her feet. Arnold remained silent, retrieving a notebook and pencil. He laid back on the couch and started scribbling in the notebook, pretending to be working. Helga chewed on her lip.

The baby monitor crackled, making them both jump. They could hear Angelina hiccuping, then start to cry. Helga sighed and lifted herself off the bed. She looked over at Arnold, then went down the stairs to the nursery, shutting the door behind her.

Arnold listened to her footsteps recede. He put the notebook down, and sighed. What's wrong with me? It's not her fault... He rubbed his face. Why do I feel this way?

He followed Helga down to the nursery. His hand rested on the doorknob. Arnold took a deep breath and opened the door, unsure of what he would say. Helga was sitting in the rocking chair, breastfeeding Angelina. He ran his hand through his hair. Helga looked up at him.

"Oh! Is something the matter?"

Her concern hurt. He sighed. "No...I just..." he shrugged. "I'm sorry..."

Helga's brow furrowed. "Sorry for what?"

Arnold leaned against the doorway. "I'm just in a bad mood, and I'm sorry."

She sighed. "I know..."

They remained silent. Arnold leaning against the door frame, and Helga sitting in the rocking chair. She burped Angelina, then put the contented baby back to bed. Helga shut off the nursery light. She stood near the doorway, unsure of what to do.

Arnold put his arms around her. She was warm and soft; smelling of laundry and the sweet pea lotion she liked to use. His fingers dug into her doughy flesh. Helga had gained weight during her pregnancy, and it was still sticking around. He found that he rather liked it when he held her.

Helga stiffened at first, then wrapped her arms around his neck. She rested her head on his shoulder. I'll help you get there, my love. I'll find a way to afford that school you want to attend so badly...I'll find a way... She kissed his cheek.

The two headed down to the dining room for dinner. Stella was making beef stew and garlic bread. The rich aroma attracted everyone in the boarding house. Soon the table was full of chattering and laughter.

"So, Arnold, how was school?" Suzie asked.

He shrugged. "It's just community college..." he fiddled with his fork, "We didn't really do much..."

Suzie's face fell. "Well, that's..."

"Gave him homework and everything!" Phil interrupted, giggling, "no wonder he's in a bad mood. Eh, Shortman?"

Arnold sighed. "Yeah...thanks, Grandpa..."

"Don't you start class at that fancy-pants college tomorrow, Helga?" Ernie asked.

Helga nodded. "I don't start until Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to it." She smiled. "I have Renaissance Lit and Shakespeare Studies."

Ernie scoffed. "Woah, we got a scholar over here!"

The table erupted into laughter. Helga looked down at her plate, embarrassed. Arnold fought to ignore them. The conversation was interrupted when Stella and Miles brought dinner to the table. Once everyone was seated, the boarders attacked the food.

"How was your day?" Stella asked, smiling at Arnold.

He ladled soup into his bowl. "Fine."

Stella and Miles looked at each other. Miles passed the garlic bread, and tried again. "Well, didn't you have English today? Was your teacher nice?"

Arnold shrugged. "Yeah, I guess...kinda boring. But that's the way class is."

"That's why I didn't go to school, ehehe!" Oskar laughed. "It's so boring, but I turned out just fine!"

"Oskar!" Suzie shushed him.

Helga sat quietly, listening to the conversation fly around the table. She looked over and saw Arnold's gloomy face. She wanted to take his hand under the table, but she was afraid he would become more angry. She sighed and stirred her soup.

Stella put a generous portion of garlic bread on Helga's plate. "Eat up, dear. If you don't eat enough, you won't be able to provide for the baby."

"Thank you." Helga muttered, taking a bite of the bread.

Miles chuckled. "I can't wait for Angie to start talking, won't that be fun?"

"That won't be for a while, dear." Stella smiled. "We should enjoy her every step of the way."

Phil chuckled. "It's so great having a baby again! Why, I remember when Arnold was just a little scamp! Throwing his food at the table!"

Pookie raised her spoon above her head. "And lo, the child shall command the army of fairies, and take back the lowlands!"

Arnold pushed his chair away from the table. Everyone watched as he got up, and left the room. They were silent as the front door opened, then slammed shut. Helga cringed at the sound. The noise rose again as everyone speculated and questioned.

This is all my fault...Helga swallowed. Why did they have to rub it in? It's bad enough that I'm going to the school I wanted... she sighed. I'll spend more time writing tomorrow. I need to start looking at publishers...I shouldn't have read that book today...What am I doing?

Arnold tromped down the block. He was glad that he had the sense to grab his jacket, it was chilly. There were few people out that evening, most were inside eating dinner. He reached the park. Arnold went inside, walking slower. His eyes on the path a few feet ahead of him.

What is their problem? I'm doing the best I can! It's not like I wanted this...

He looked up. His feet had carried him to the spot where they had gone for picnics early in the summer. Arnold sighed. The grassy space under the tree looked dark and lonely. He sat down on a nearby bench and closed his eyes. He could hear the crickets chirping. A frog croaked somewhere in the water. He leaned back and looked up at the sky. The velvety blue expanse revealed no stars.

Where will we go from here? If I can't even get into a good school, what is there for me?

Arnold put his hands in the pockets of his coat. He felt his phone, and pulled it out. He remembered the brunette's offer. He clenched the phone.

I need to clear my head... he opened his contacts and searched for the new number. Helga can't go anyway. She's still not allowed to drink...it wouldn't be any fun for her... he texted the brunette. I'll just go. It'll be fine.

-Hey. Party still on?-

After a few moments, his phone chirped.

-hell yeah dude! cum 2 2300 w cherry st-

Arnold stared at his phone, his thumbs hovering over the keyboard. He took a deep breath and smiled.

-Cool! See u there!-