HELGA'S POV
"I can't believe Arnold's here." I said as me and Phoebe made our way to our lockers.
"I know. He looked so different. He's much taller and more handsome." Phoebe commented as she opened up her locker.
I sighed. "I know but did you hear? Arnold has a girlfriend." I sadly said as I opened up my locker and set my bag inside it.
"I know. He probably met her over the summer." She said as she grabbed her books.
"Yeah. Well, i'm glad that Arnold is here but..."
"You're not glad that he has a girlfriend?" She asked.
"Of course not. The reason why I changed was so I can capture Arnold's heart. How can I do that when someone else already has?" I grabbed my books from my locker then closed it.
"Don't give up. Maybe the relationship won't last long. I heard high school relationships don't last."
I shrugged. "Maybe." I glanced down the hallway to see Arnold and Gerald at their lockers. Marley wasn't with them. I watched Arnold as he grabbed his books from his locker. Phoebe is right. Back in elementary school, I was taller than Arnold but now, he's taller than me AND he looks much cuter. I sighed dreamily.
"We should get to class." Phoebe said as she closed her locker door then started to head to our class. I continued to watch Arnold until he closed his locker then caught my stare. I blushed and quickly walked away.
***
In class, I sat a row over from Arnold and towards the back. Right now, our class had free time to talk before we get down to business about what we're doing this year.
"Maybe you should talk to him. It doesn't seem like Marley is in our class." Phoebe whispered.
I nodded at the idea. I was glad to find out that Marley isn't in our class. This gives me a bigger chance to talk to Arnold. I stood up then checked myself to make sure I looked alright when Ronda started to pass out cards. She eventually came over to me and handed me a card.
"Tonight, i'm having a back to school party at my house. Come if you want." She said then walked away.
"Phoebe! This is the perfect opportunity!" I said to her.
"What? Ronda's party?" She asked as she held the card Ronda gave her.
I nodded. "Yeah. I'm assuming that Ronda is only inviting our class so that means Marley won't be there and this gives me a bigger chance to talk to Arnold!"
Phoebe nodded. "Sounds good."
I smiled brightly as I held the card to my chest.
***
ARNOLD'S POV
"What do you think of Ronda's party tonight?" I asked Gerald as we moved through the lunch line.
"I think it seems cool. Do you think Marley is going to go?" He asked.
I shrugged. "I think Ronda is only inviting our class."
"This gives you a chance to talk to Helga." Gerald winked at me.
I rolled my eyes. "I only think of Helga as a friend. Besides, I really like Marley."
"Uh huh." Gerald said, not believing my words.
I sighed as I grabbed a carton of milk. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I believed my words. Granted, Ronda's party IS the perfect opportunity for me and Helga to catch up since we haven't seen each other all summer. I wouldn't mind catching up with her. As a friend, though.
Me and Gerald started to make our way to our table when I saw Helga sitting with Phoebe. She looked more happy this year. She was sure smiling a lot and laughing more. That's a good sign.
"I guess Helga HAS changed." I commented.
Gerald stopped walking and followed my gaze. Helga looked up and noticed me staring at her. She smiled shyly and looked away. I suddenly felt my cheeks burning.
"Hey. Here comes Marley." Gerald said.
I glanced behind me to see Marley making her way over to us.
"Hey guys. Let's sit."
We all sat down at an empty table.
"So, Marley, did you get an invitation to Ronda's party?" Gerald asked.
"I'm not sure who that is." She said.
"Ronda must be inviting just our class." I said.
"Oh. That's too bad." She said.
"Maybe you can crash the party?" Gerald quickly said.
I looked at Gerald and gave him a look.
"Oops. I mean...uh..."
"I don't know. I don't want to go to a party where i'm not wanted." She said.
I stayed quiet and started to eat. Marley's right. I know Ronda and Ronda doesn't like unwanted people showing up at her party but...how come I feel happy that Ronda is only inviting our class and nobody else? This was getting complicated.
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