How It All Began... {Rewrite & Revise}

Chapter 5: Friends Stick Together

As day began to shift it became Afternoon. The sun was shining brightly over Helga's house which could only mean it was a gorgeous day. Although the sun was out a cool breeze began to comb the city of Hillwood. The leaves continued to change color, and gently began to float down the ground. The atmosphere was cool and clear. You could take a gigantic wiff and feel refreshed as if you hopped out of the shower.

Arnold and his several companions were sitting on his stoop just like old times when they were all in 4th grade. Big Bob Pataki had scowled at them for interrupting his television show and sent them off to "play" outside. The whole gang ended up at Arnold's stoop, but of course Arnold checked on his grandparents.

Gerdy and Grandpa were elated to see their grandson had paid them yet another visit. The boarding house began to feel almost empty when Arnold moved out. Gerdy and his grandfather,of course, left his room the way he left it, just in case. Which was helping when Arnold would check on them when he was worried at late nights. They would encourage him to spend the night since he was here, and he'd gladly accept.

"So did you two think we didn't know where you were going to college?" Gerald began sounding annoyed yet so disappointed that his best friend would leave him out of something as IMPORTANT as this. This caused Arnold to swallow, trying to swallow the lump that formed in his throat the moment he's questioned. Phoebe alongside Gerald pointed at Helga sharing the same emotion as Gerald "Yeah, since when do we start hiding things? I know we're older, but we're all still friends aren't we?"

Helga huffed "It wasn't exactly planned out if you must know. I told Arnold what college I was going to and he changed his mind about Manchester Business because of me." Helga breathed out in annoyance feeling Arnold consoling her by rubbing her back. The group looked almost shocked by Helga's answer, but they all ended up giggling. "Man, ever since you two have been going out you've been letting it show," Gerald commented as he crosses his arms over his chest and began wiggling his eyebrows in a teasing manner.

Arnold's cheeks began to grow warm and soon enough you could see his cheeks had a slight tint of pink revealing itself. Arnold's comrades smiled and began laughing hysterically. "Oh just shut up," Arnold said quietly under his breath as he crossed his arms over his chest as well. Helga was too now blushing " Yeah shut it or I'll pound ya!" she threatened. Eventually, they all stopped their crazed giggles and smiled proudly "Look Helga we get that you and Arnold are a thing now, but friends stick together." Rhonda spoke up causing the couple to look at her like she was ill. It's not common that Rhonda talks that way, especially about friendship. "Which means we're going with you guys!!" Harold shouted at the top of his lungs feeling somewhat excited.

Once again the couple was taken aback at their friends, but it was Gerald's turn to truly explain. "Yeah, I mean we already almost lost you once Arnold and we aren't going separate our ways anytime soon. Like Harold and Rhonda said we're friends and friends should stick together. No matter the cost, we have your back. Well, at least I know I do." Gerald finally spoke up loud and proud which made the pair smile.

"You guys are insane." Arnold complimented but smiled extremely proud to have friends like them around. Helga was blush began to grow darker "Oh shut up with all that sappy stuff would ya?" she shouted acting as if she was annoyed. Before she could blink an eye she felt arms around her and not just Arnold's but several others. This caused Helga to scream in terror and Arnold kissed her cheek. "Ugh, Alright but one hug!" she resisted as she hugged her friends back. 

After their long friendly intervention they all went to the ice cream shop and ate ice cream together. Everyone was enjoying small talk, eating, and laughing. All of a sudden a watched began to alarm "beep-beep beep-beep beep-beep" Arnold sighed signalling to everyone it was his watch that beeped "Sorry guys, I gotta head to work." he said standing up from the booth everyone shared.

Everyone groaned especially Helga "Already ?" she asked sounded like a little girl all over again. Arnold smiles and gently ruffled her hair "Yeah I'm sorry, but I'll have something for you when I get back." he said pecking her lips and giving her a gentle squeeze "Love you." he said practically racing out of the shop as Helga called back she loved him too.

Arnold's P.O.V.

I hated I had to leave, but I know Helga and I could use the extra money for college. As soon as I made it to the grocery store, I quickly put on my uniform in the employee locker room and made my way to the back of the store. Only employees like me were allowed back here because we keep a few produce and such back here. I grabbed a couple of frozen prepared items and began to put them in the freezers one by one.

My job was tedious and sometimes boring especially when it's a slow day. It's my job to make sure the shelves and stock is filled and never becomes empty. Sounds not too hard and super easy right ? Wrong. Because if I miss aisles of any kind the manager is there to nag me half to death about satisfying the customer and their produce needs.

I've been doing this job for quite a while now and I'll be extremely happy for the day I get to shout "I quit!" With this in mind I felt someone tap my shoulder. Remember that manager I mentioned before ? That's who decided to interrupt me from my work. "Mr.Shortman, a customer says we ran out of frozen peas. Be sure to fill those freezers !!" he said walking away and pushing the customer onto me. Literally.

A sandy blonde girl was pushed toward me and I quickly caught her. "Ouch!" she cried as she began rubbing her head. Within seconds she shoved me away "Miss "I'm sorry are you hurt?" I asked her as I extended my head to her. That's when I saw yet a Familiar face, it was a gorgeous face I use to fall in love for. That was before she used me for something as petty as a contest. "Oh, Arnold ... Hey.." she said taking my hand and a smile began to tug at her face.