"We're in the kitchen, your majesty," Gertie called when Helga got downstairs.
Helga came into the kitchen and was surprised when Arnold, Stella, Miles, Gertie, and Phil all blew noisemakers shaped like trumpets. She noticed the homemade sign that read 'Happy Birthday Helga' and all the hats everyone was wearing; Arnold had knight hat, Gertie and Phil were wearing jester hats, Miles had a Robin Hood hat, and Stella was wearing a crown of flowers. Arnold came up to her offering his arm to her and she looped her arm through his. He led her to a chair at the head of the kitchen table that now looked like a throne. "You look nice, Helga," he said after staring at her for a moment.
"Thanks, Football Head," Helga said as she took a seat. Stella placed the chocolate cake in front of her which was now covered with chocolate frosting and had the words 'Happy birthday Helga' piped in pink frosting. Miles lit the two candles that made the number 16.
"Let's sing to the queen," Gertie said excitedly.
"Now you know her name is Helga, right Pookie?" Phil asked.
She simply ignored him and started the happy birthday anthem. The rest of the family joined in singing happy birthday to Helga even though Gertie still said the wrong name. When they were done singing, Helga blew out her candles and everyone cheered. After setting the cake aside, Stella started putting some pasta onto multiple plates while Miles sliced some garlic bread. "I hope you like Italian food, Helga," Stella said to her.
"I'll eat anything as long as there are no strawberries in it," Helga said happily as Arnold placed a plate in front of her. She ate as much as she could because there was no telling when Miriam would go grocery shopping again and Helga wouldn't be getting paid for another week or so.
Arnold took a seat beside her with his own plate of food. "I know it's kind of a cheesy party, but I hope you're enjoying yourself," he said to her.
"I am," she said honestly. "I've never really had a birthday party before."
"Well there's a first time for everything."
"How did you get all this party stuff ready so quick anyway? Were you secretly pining for me waiting for the right opportunity to throw me a party."
"N-no," Arnold said with a nervous laugh. "Grandma is always prepared. She believes every day is a celebration and we should always be ready to throw the right party at the right moment."
They continued to make small talk as everyone else joined them to eat dinner. After dinner, they played a few board games before enjoying the birthday cake and by the end of the evening Helga felt like she was part of the family. It was now getting late and Arnold offered to walk Helga home. "I just need to grab something from my room before we go," he said.
"It was such an honor to spend the day with you, Queen Eleanor," Gertie said before giving Helga a hug. "I hope Arnold brings you by more often," she whispered to her.
"Hope you enjoyed your day with us crazy folks, Little Lady," Phil said before hugging her. "Remember, stay away from raspberries!"
"Dad!" Miles exclaimed. He rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Helga. "Feel free to come over anytime you like, Helga." He gave her a hug. "We always have room for you."
Helga smiled at him. Stella came out of the kitchen with a couple of plastic containers full of food. Arnold was coming back downstairs and she handed him the containers. "I'm sending extra food for you to take home, Helga," she said. "We made way too much pasta and I figured you'd want to keep the rest of your birthday cake."
Helga gave Stella another hug. "Thanks again for everything, Stella," she said.
Stella winked at her. "We'll have to get a pedicure together sometime."
"I think I'd like that. Thanks for having me today."
Everyone waved as Arnold opened the door for Helga and walked her outside. "Are you feeling better?" he asked her after a while.
"A lot better," she replied. "I finally got to be queen for the day. Next year I plan to be president and you better vote for me or else. I know where you live."
Arnold laughed. "You don't need to tell me twice. You already have my vote since you like movies like Plants vs. Zombies."
They stopped in front of her house and sat on the stoop. "I know we haven't spoken in a while and that I don't deserve your kindness, but thanks so much for everything you did for me today, Football Head. It was nice to feel celebrated for once." She carefully wiped her eyes of the tears that were forming. "Criminy, look at me getting all sappy."
"You don't have to be embarrassed, Helga," he said as he placed a hand on her lap. "If you ever need someone to talk to or rant at or cry on, I'll always be here for you. I know we've drifted apart over the years, but I still want to be your friend."
"How can you be so good all the time?"
"It's a hard job, but someone's gotta do it. And on a personal level, I just happen to think you're worth the effort."
Helga smiled at him. "I really appreciate that, Arnold."
"Is it ok if we trade phone numbers? You know, just in case you need to talk sometime."
Helga's heart was doing cartwheels. "Whatever floats your boat," she said calmly. They traded phone numbers.
"Thanks," Arnold said with a smile. He pulled out a gift wrapped in pink and white packaging she didn't notice until now. "I also got you a birthday present," he said handing it to her.
"Really, Arnold?" she asked as she took it from him. "You've done more than enough for me today."
"Everyone should have at least one present for their birthday. I thought of you when I saw it and something tells me that you'll need it. Open it."
Helga sighed and carefully unwrapped the present. She gasped when she saw that it was a large pink journal perfect for her next batch of poetry writing. She finished the last page of her other journal the night before and was devastated that she wouldn't be able to write for at least another week or so. Before she could stop herself she gave Arnold a big bear hug holding him as tightly as she could. "Thank you so much, Arnold!" She pulled away from him. "This has been the best birthday ever and one of the best days I've ever had in my entire life. Thank you so much."
"You're very welcome, Helga." He stood up and started to leave. "You know, I think you should wear your hair down more often. You look really pretty."
"Yeah, well you can thank your mom for that idea. I only agreed because I was queen for the day. Helga G. Pataki doesn't change for anybody."
Arnold rolled his eyes and smiled. "Whatever you say. I had a lot of fun with you today and I'd like to hang out again. Would you like to get some ice cream or something tomorrow?"
Helga smiled. "I'd like that. I have to work, but I'll call you as soon as I get off."
"Then it's a date." Helga's eyes widened. "Don't worry, this isn't something I decided because I was caught in the heat of the moment," Arnold said with a wink. "Happy birthday, Helga." He waved at her and started walking home.
Helga stood there frozen in place with her heart beating out of her chest. She couldn't believe the turn of events. After such a horrible start, she never imagined that all her wishes would come true in a single day. She finally got what she wanted and now her 16th birthday would be a day that she would never forget. Helga carried her things inside and immediately began writing a new chapter of poetry.
The End