I was a bit surprised to see that this was the end, but at the same time it fits, too.

I enjoyed the development of the Arnold/Helga relationship and the imagery used at the beginning of the story. It was great seeing Arnold/Helga come together in a more unconventional manner as opposed to the usual exchanging of love/hugs/kisses song and dance.

Great work! I hope you'll write more "Hey Arnold!" fics. :)

I can't believe that's the end! I felt that there were a few parts that could've used some expanding on, particularly an answer to Arnold's pondering on where Helga was getting her rent money (or did I completely miss the explanation?). Anyway, I did like Helga's concluding thoughts on her parents. Keep writing!

There are a lot of subtle twists and turns that you have going on here. They're great, though. :)

First off, I really admire that you've gone in a different direction from other fic authors in having GERALD be the one to change. Typically it's either Arnold or Helga who becomes different, but you really did something bold with having Gerald become different over time. I think it'd be really interesting if you chose to further elaborate on that.

Also, you nailed Helga right on the head with her being so vulnerable and doing everything she could to barricade that. With that said, you threw in a really interesting twist with Arnold realizing how flawed he is in that he's been somewhat judgmental of Helga after learning that she's been paying rent. I was impressed with how that came about and you did a great job making that known.

Lastly, though it's not an integral part of the story, I loved how you showed that Phil has a heart. Sure, even though a lot of the boarders can't stand them, it seems that he doesn't have the heart to throw them out when they're really struggling - hence, the unpaid rent. That was very sweet. :)

Please continue this and I'll be reading. :)

I love the character development in this chapter. It makes them feel so real! For instance, the feelings on people changing (I could completely empathize with Phoebe's thoughts on the new Gerald; I know I've felt that way about someone at one time or another), and knowing someone even less when they're ironically in a space where you're physically closer to each other (I've been there, too).

I like how this story is focusing on other characters as well; I love the scene with Arnold and Phoebe, and how it tied to Arnold's reflection at the end of the chapter. I'm very much drawn into this story. What I'm most interested and looking forward to is what Helga is doing to collect money and how it's all going to come out to Arnold's knowledge.

I appreciate your dedication, especially knowing of your move. Life happens, I know. It keeps us away from all of our vices. I only started to finish writing all of my own work while I have the opportunity to do so before I get too busy to do it. Well, I suppose that's it for now. Great job! See you next chapter!

this is an amazing story so far keep it going please!

Hm. Interesting. Maybe I took the family route too far. There's a lot of mentioning of childhood and old friends and losing touch. Maybe there will be more of that, instead? (So then, now I think that girl in Arnold's English class isn't Helga because, duh, wouldn't he say her name, since he is living with her now, instead of just "this girl from elementary school"? I wonder if she'll make a bigger appearance?) And Phoebe - could she have known about Helga's situation then? Is their relationship on the rocks? And, when mentioning Phoebe, where is Gerald? haha. I'm sure you'll answer all these questions as the story progresses, but I couldn't help but bring it up. I am very curious about Phoebe though. She seems to know about Helga's situation, but then again ... and then I just am left wondering where exactly she and Helga stand, you know? Because I think Helga could definitely benefit from having a friend like Phoebe right around now.

The way you portrayed Olga - I see how Olga could leave Helga in a situation like that. It fits with her character. I think it's easy to show Olga as this perfect, do every single right thing kind of person, but to have her leave Helga really shows how her ties have always been a little tighter with her parents than with Helga. She runs around pleasing them and they dote on her and she only barely notices how it affects Helga. You see these rare moments where she has these heart-to-hearts with Helga and you think she really cares, but in the end, it doesn't really seem like she really ever does anything for Helga, you know? And that's why I think - that without Bob and Miriam in the picture, Olga could completely revert to a more selfish method. She's used to pleasing Bob and Miriam, not Helga - so what is she supposed to do now? She'll take the easy way out, retreat from the complications of taking on the task of raising a teenager. I can see that.

That line where Helga mentions how Olga lives far away from their family but still acts as though she's so insightful about it all, I find it interesting because in the show, Helga was always pushing Olga away (to go teach in Alaska) and was always unhappy when Olga came home. It's a little strange, trying to balance that thought along with her resentment for Olga's almost know it all comment.

Is Helga eighteen then? Or are we suspending the logistics of legalities for the moment? I'm not really familiar with it all, but I would think that in Helga's position, she wouldn't have much control over who her guardians are or where she stays, unless she's eighteen and legal. Hm. I bet that's it! Isn't it? Since Arnold did mention "college next year." Alright. Potentially satisfied, pending further information and possible confirmation. haha. About the conversation with Phil and Gertie - I expected Gertie to interject with some crazy thing, but I do think you kept Phil in character. I always thought he'd know how Helga feels and that he'd make a conscience effort to say the right things.

Your other reviewer mentioned how Arnold hasn't responded to Helga's situation. You see it a little in how Helga thinks he would want her to talk and open up etc. etc. But I do feel like you've dialed back the Arnold meddling/caring meter a lot. I can't be sure if that can all be credited to just growing up and growing apart from each other (with everything you said about their friends drifting, it doesn't seem like Helga and Arnold are much more than acquaintances) or maybe it's just because the story is just starting?

Also, side note: you have a couple of typos. A read-through should fix that in a jiffy. Aside from that, I'm really looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds. Thanks for sharing!

I'm making myself write this review before I go on to read chapter 2. So far, I'm excited about it because your writing seems very promising and the premise for this story, with Helga living in the Boardinghouse with Arnold in their teen years reminds me of this story I stumbled upon a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, after just one chapter, the author seems to have abandoned it (as well as various other stories in the HA fandom). It's too bad because I thought the set-up could lead to oodles of plotlines. Plus, putting Helga in the boardinghouse in close proximity to Arnold not only stirs my imagination for potential romance, but, like you seemed to have touched on, the familial route. Obviously Arnold and Helga both have ... mixed feelings regarding their families and having Helga coexist with Arnold under his unconventional family set up really puts all those thoughts and feelings and tensions up front.

"That's more than a few cups." Arnold scolded. - I can't explain why I like it; it's simple and doesn't really have any underlying meaning. But I did like it all the same.

I also liked that you had Helga put up this front about not caring about anything in the case of a fire aside from getting out and then, of course, she goes back for her Arnold stuff in her closet (or, I'm assuming it's Arnold stuff, it could be other stuff too ... hm.)

I was thinking about the title, it's interesting because it sounds like an order, "Forget!" And then I have to wonder what it means exactly - for Helga to forget why she came to the boarding house? Her family? Arnold? Or something else entirely?

Your pros are very smooth and Helga's attitude seems so palpable it's heartbreaking. I'm just curious as to why Arnold hasnt enternally questioned or thought of her circumstances it's almost as if he doesn't know her parent's died. Anyway will keep reading if you keep writing.