[fic] hey arnold
Title: Forever and a Day
Author: meritjubet
Request: Written for fic_on_demand and mookiegatto 's request can be found here.
Pairing: Arnold/Helga
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: No, I don't own Hey Arnold!
Notes: I revisit the 90's and write a fic for a cartoon I have fond memories for. Vague memories however.
***
There is a day in every child's mind that is clearly marked out. The last day of school. The last day before school ends for the summer holidays and they have three glorious months to celebrate.
It wasn't that day, but it was Friday. Which heralds the long wait to spend two wonderful days away from school. It should be a holiday, thought some.
The bell had rang out through the halls, the doors had burst open as wave after wave of school children exited all very excited. Not even the distant prospect of school on Monday dared to break their joy, after all that was forever. They had the whole weekend to enjoy.
For some reason or the other Arnold was one of the last to leave the school. There was a hollow feeling about the school, empty and nearly silent. Rubbish was no longer stirred about by rushing footsteps but by gentle gusts of wind. Arnold could hear every step he took, his sneakers creaking and the friction the concrete created.
It was silent and Arnold felt the reason to be quiet too. Even the sound of a car rushing past doesn't stir him. The yell of some second grader yelling when his mother picks him up. The last bus leaving, packed full of bustling kids.
Behind him he distantly hear the doors swings open as another student exits. Arnold realizes that he is all alone and that no one is around, except for the person frozen, breathing harshly as they see him.
Arnold turns and sees a frowning Helga, but that isn't anything new, he looks away as she starts walking toward him, her frown deepening.
"See ya, Arnold," he hears her whisper, her voice easily being carried by the gentle wind. There is a wavering smile struggling to break free on her face.
"Bye Helga," he say back in return. Not sure of what else to say.
Another student runs out of the school, swerving from Helga, a slightly scared on his face. He seems disappointed when he sees the buses gone and starts walking, shoulders slumped.
Helga has her lips pressed tightly together. Her eyes are moving frantically in her head and now as her eyes seek Arnold's eyes desperately, he sees new strong emotions. He can't tell precisely what they are but they frighten him. To his young mind they are overwhelming and Arnold steps back slightly.
With lightning speed, a sneer is back on Helga's face. She glares Arnold as if daring him to speak. "Football head," she half yells, her voice still helpless. Helga seems to shake herself. "Football head! Go home!" Anger laces her words.
Running down the stairs, Helga shoots him a deep glance, filled with unanswered questioned and deep contrasting emotions. Arnold is trapped as he stares back into her eyes.
A honk of car breaks their gaze and Helga stumbles on the pavement, not falling. This time as she continues running she doesn't turn back.
Arnold isn't sure what to think.