So Close, Arnold

Wait...LOVE?!

The entire gang , except for Rhonda, sat up on Arnold's roof watching the sunset and stuffing their faces with junk food.

Everyone was exhausted from spending almost all day at Peapod Kid's funeral. It was a sad and long event.

The service was beautifully done, yet no one could take hearing Peapod Kid's Mom cry , without crying themselves.

"I wonder what school will be like tomorrow." Harold thought aloud. 

"I don't even wanna go back." Helga said tossing a chip to a bird.

"I reckon nothin' will ever be the same with all that went on." Stinky took a swig of his yahoo soda and laid back into the beach chair they brought up.

Everyone began to input their own thoughts.

Arnold went to stand by Helga who, had left the group to look at the sunset.

"I never...never thought about how me dying would impact anyone. I just, wanted to end the pain...." Helga's voice trailed off as she wiped away her falling tears for what seemed like the hundredth time that day.

Arnold took both her hands into his own and put them to his lips and kissed them.

"If you ever feel like that again, come to me. Don't take yourself away from everyone that loves you. Especially me." Arnold said looking Helga in the eyes.

It almost feels like he can see into my so...WAIT?! EVERYONE THAT LOVES ME? ESPECIALLY ME?! AHHH! On the inside Helga was swooning like her old fifth grade self.

_____________

Monday morning rolled around and Helga walked slowly into school clutching the strap of her messenger back for dear life.

She kept it simple today, black skinny jeans, a black button up and black flats.

Arnold and Sasha stood at her locker, talking. Helga was so relieved she was okay. The two had forgotten to exchange numbers so, she had been worried about her all this time.

"Helga!" Sasha opened her arms and the two hugged.

"You alright?" Helga asked as they pulled away.

Sasha shrugged and looked away, "I don't know. I mean, I....I seen when Shayla got shot. I've been having repeated nightmares about it."

"Oh..." Helga reached out and hugged her again.

Sasha smiled softly and waved it off. She didn't want to talk about it.

"Attention students. Please report to the auditorium when the bell rings instead of going to first period. Thank you!" Dr. Bliss's voice filled the halls with the announcement.

"I gotta get to my locker. See you later!" Sasha waved to both Arnold and Helga before leaving.

Helga turned to Arnold who, held his hand out for her to take.