It was an awkward day in school for Lincoln and Stella, both knowing full well the secret they were hiding from their classmates, one that only Clyde knew. Stella had to wonder how long she would be in school with her friends, if she could even stay in school. By her calculations, by the time summer comes, she would be three months pregnant and showing signs.
She could just say she's gaining weight or something, but something else had occurred to her. She won't be able to do much in PE class, unless she finds a way to get out of it until summer. This might be a hassle, if worse comes to worse, she'll just have to stay home.
Lincoln could barely focus, the shock of getting his girlfriend pregnant weighed on him all morning. Come lunch time he would regroup with Stella and the two can get their bearings, and even make plans for later in the day.
At the Cafeteria, Lincoln and Stella sat at a table alongside Clyde, Rusty, Liam, Zach, Girl Jordan and Mollie. The latter two had become close to this group of friends over the years, specifically through their friendship with Stella.
"Guess what movie I got," Zach asked.
"Is it another alien movie?" Mollie asked. "That's like the sixth one this week."
"You make it sound like a bad thing, aliens are awesome," Zach said. "You agree with me, right Lincoln?"
"Huh?" Lincoln asked. He had barely been paying attention, just looking at his food as he thought over his situation with Stella. "Uh, right."
"Hey, you alright there Lincoln?" Girl Jordan asked. "You look a bit distracted."
"I'm fine, just a lot on my mind," Lincoln said.
"Is it the upcoming Math Test?" Liam asked.
"No, it's not that," Lincoln said.
"Another fight with your sisters?" Rusty asked.
"No, we haven't had any squabbles lately," Lincoln said.
"Hey Stella, you got an idea?" Mollie asked, then saw how worried she looked. "Come to think of it, you look a bit distracted as well."
"Oh, am I?" Stella asked, hoping to cover it up.
"You two aren't breaking up are you!?" Girl Jordan asked.
"No way!" Lincoln insisted.
"Yeah, Lincoln and I still love each other," Stella said, taking her boyfriend's hand.
"Oh good, you two make such a cute couple and after all you've been through together, breaking up now would be a shame," Girl Jordan said.
"What is bothering you two then?" Liam asked.
Clyde of course knew what they were bothered about, he had to find some way to stave the topic, "It's probably really personal, we shouldn't press them too much about it."
"But we're friends, we wanna help if we can," Liam said.
"It's really complicated," Stella said. "I'd like to tell you more but..."
"Sup nerds?" Lynn said, making her way over. "Mind if I take a seat?"
"Lynn, why do you keep calling us nerds?" Clyde asked.
"It's a term of affection, you know that Clyde," Lynn said. "Plus it's the duty of a senior to give the lesser grades a bit of a tough time."
"You have such a weird mindset," Rusty said.
"You've been friends with Lincoln for years, you know how I roll," Lynn said.
"She's got a point," Liam said.
"Look in all seriousness I kind of want to sit with my little bro, I only got a few months left of being in High School with him and it'll be a couple of years before the two of us rock a college campus together," Lynn said.
"Just keep up your grades Lynn, and you can probably go to any college you want," Lincoln said. "I mean with your sports skills you might get a scholarship like Lori did when she got into Fairway."
"Might? I'm way more athletic than Lori," Lynn said, taking a seat. "There isn't a sport I can't play, I can probably get into major league Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, hell I can probably get a scholarship from Air Hockey."
"Well, all that aside, if you're going to insist on sitting with us, can you at least help us with a little dilema?" Rusty asked. "Something's bothering Lincoln and Stella, and they won't tell, think you can elaborate?"
"What makes you think I know?" Lynn asked. "I don't keep tabs of my brother's relationship."
"That's a big 180 from years ago," Girl Jordan said. "You were so adamant on them getting together."
"That was then, since they got together obviously I backed off," Lynn said. "I didn't want to cause any more trouble for them."
"They weren't the only ones who suffered any trouble from you," Rusty grumpily stated.
"Hey, that was your fault for blabbing about their relationship," Lynn said.
"Can't aruge that, not my best moment," Rusty said, feeling remorseful of what he did to two of his closest friends. "Still, I never realized how protective you were of your brother until that morning."
"Of course, Lincoln's family," Lynn said. "The only one who gets to make him miserable is me, anyone else who steps in is gonna get hell."
"Chandler sure learned that the hard way," Girl Jordan said.
"Ugh, that creep, I still can't believe the crap he put you through all because he wanted to date Stella," Lynn said. "And you said he wasn't that bad Lincoln."
"Chandler really isn't, he's just...complicated," Lincoln said. "He's annoying and pretty insensitive but he can be tolerable on occasion."
"You're way too nice sometimes Lincoln, but I guess if it wasn't for that, you wouldn't have been there for me when I needed you," Lynn said. "Just be careful with that niceness though, you might end up regretting it."
"Lincoln can put Chandler in his place when he needs to," Stella said. "And especially that skank Christina."
"Oh boy," Clyde said, he knew how much Stella did not like that girl.
"Man that rivalry you had with Christina, really brought out your feisty side," Girl Jordan said. "Not many kids looked at you the same way again."
"I didn't want things to get bad between us but she tried putting a wedge between me and Lincoln for really petty reasons," Stella said.
"I remember that rivalry too, made my last year of Middle School quite memorable," Lynn said. Everyone could remember how it started.
Four years prior, during the first few months of the sixth grade is when it all started. Stella was walking down the hall with Clyde, the girl having just turned in her science project and were both on the way to the cafeteria.
"I really appreciate your help on that model igloo Clyde, really came out cold," Stella said.
"No problem, key was the right amount of ice cubes, and a little help from a snow machine," Clyde said. "Well technically we used a blender but it can turn ice into snow, at least mine can, so it counts."
"Let's hurry, I promised Lincoln I'd meet him at the start of lunch so we can trade," Stella said. "His dad made goulash and he wants to trade me for my mom's potato salad."
"You really like Mr. Loud's goulash," Clyde said.
"I like just about anything Mr. Loud makes, Lincoln just isn't that fond of gulash, so it's a win-win," Stella said.
As they made their way down the hall, a familiar boy caught the attention of the two kids, specifically the more female of the group. "Hey Stella!"
At the sound of his voice, Stella couldn't help but groan in annoyance, "What is it Chandler?"
"You don't sound happy, I just wanted to talk, that's all," Chandler said.
"If it's about a date, I already told you like a dozen times, I'm already taken," Stella said.
"To be fair, you're not married so it's fair game," Chandler said. "All I ask is for one date and I promise to show you a better time than the Loud boy."
"Thanks, but no thanks," Stella said. "I'm happy with Lincoln."
"Yeah Chandler, maybe you should stop harassing Stella about this," Clyde said.
"Maybe you should mind your own business four-eyes, this isn't about you," Chandler warned.
"That's the other thing Chandler," Stella began. "Why should I date you if you're being mean to my friend?"
"I can get you better friends," Chandler said. "I mean, I heard about that freckled kid, not a good friend is he?"
"What Rusty did is none of your business," Stella said, walking off in annoyance. "Now get away from me Chandler."
"Yeah, try not to keep bothering the lady," Clyde said.
"Shove it," Chandler said, turning away in annoyance
Clyde was ashamed of this boy, to think he once tried getting in his good graces, what a waste of time. "Some kids never fully grow up."
Later on at the cafeteria, Stella had looked around for her boyfriend, spotting him at a table with Liam. "Hey Lincoln!"
"Hey Stella," Lincoln greeted. "Come have a seat."
"Don't mind if I do," Stella said, sitting down next to her boyfriend. "Got that assignment handed in."
"One less thing to worry about," Lincoln said. "Now we can focus on some after school stuff. I thought about rounding up the gang for a big gaming session, you know that online Battle Royale game we like?"
"You mean Duel Week?" Stella asked. "What about it?"
"I heard there's a big competition, big prizes, so I figured we get together and get some practice in, after a few hours a day and a few days a week, I think we'll have the top tier level skills to dominate that tournament," Lincoln said.
"We sure do, Lincoln's been thinking of rounding us up after school fer a few test runs," Liam said. "With our coordination and teamwork, that Trophy is ours."
"Along with those neat prizes," Clyde said, taking his seat as well.
"Maybe cash too, boy the things that could be done with a good wad of cash," Liam said.
"I'd have to decide between some cool games I've been eyeing, that tactical RPG game that came out last week, or that neat new fighting game that's coming out next week, or that fun platformer that's coming out in a month," Clyde said.
"What would you do with that money Lincoln?" Liam asked.
"Take Stella somewhere nice," Lincoln answered.
"Aw, you don't have to spend it on me Lincoln," Stella said.
"Yeah but I want to, we've been dating a year and I hardly really got to take you anywhere, at least just us two, usually if we go somewhere nice we're usually on a double date with Luna and Sam, or Luan and Benny," Lincoln said. "This time it can be just the two of us."
"You're so thoughtful," Stella said, kissing Lincoln on the cheek. "Makes me feel a bit crummy since I wanted to get really fancy calculator that I saw Bull's Eye."
"Huh? What for?" Liam asked.
"To take it apart and see how it works compared to the calculators I have at home," Stella said.
Liam looked a bit confused, "Eh, seems like a waste, I mean once you do that, it don't sound like you'll be using it again."
"I could always return it," Stella said. "They won't even know I tampered with it."
"She's really clever, she can totally pull that off," Lincoln said. "Anyway we still have some planning, where's Zach?"
"He's off talking with Rusty," Liam explained.
Lincoln felt some pity hearing that, things have been a bit hard between him and Rusty since he spilt the beans about him and Stella dating, which led to Lynn beating him up. He's tried making peae afterwards but Rusty has always been pretty hesitant.
"Think we should put Rusty on our team?" Lincoln asked. "Maybe that can help mend the gap in our Friendship."
"I'm all for that, but it still seems like Rusty has some...difficulties returning to us after last year," Stella said. "He did take it pretty hard that I started dating you, I knew he had a crush, but didn't all of you like me?"
"Ah sure did, but ah also respect that you like Lincoln," Liam said. "I'm perfectly fine being friends, yer still fun to hang out with."
"I went back to Lori, briefly, I've moved on from her," Clyde said. "Mostly at least."
"Mostly?" Lincoln asked.
"Hey I won't pursue her but if she comes to me telling me she wants to be my girlfriend, I'm taking that offer," Clyde said. "Then again I haven't had any luck with girls since then, each time I show interest the girl doesn't show it back, that actually stings a bit more than Lori, at least she has a boyfriend so I can understand why she won't date me, but being put in the friend zone on more than one occasion can really hurt a guy's self esteem."
"Don't give up Clyde, there's plenty of girls out there for you," Stella said.
"Didn't you also like Haiku?" Lincoln asked. "Wait weren't you all trying to date the girls my sisters set up for me at one point?"
"Haiku was more of a rebound, there was never any real chemistry," Clyde said. "Also she's a bit creepy, no offense to her or Lucy but goth is not my thing."
"Tabby was nice but she was a bit too wild for mah simple taste," Liam said. "Can't speak fer Zach but ah heard Rusty lost out because he had a bit of a wild eye, and Polly didn't appreciate that."
"Still, there's someone for you," Lincoln said. "Maybe we can find time to-HEY!" A chunk of food had been thrown at Lincoln's head. "Who threw that?"
He turned to see that it was Chandler, the boy had more, "Looks good on you Larry!"
"It's Lincoln!" The boy shouted.
"Whatever, still a goofy name," Chandler said, laughing it up.
"Why don't you grow up Chandler!" Stella shouted.
"Yeah! Go back to the sewers where you belong!" Liam called.
"Big talk from the country bumpkin," Chandler said.
Liam rolled up his sleeves, "This country bumpkin's handled critters that would make you shake in yer boots!"
"Liam just forget about him, he's not worth it," Lincoln said.
Stella had grabbed some napkins, wiping Lincoln's head, "I swear I don't like that kid, to think I once thought he was nice, what an act that was."
"You missed a spot!" Chandler shouted, throwing more food at Lincoln.
"Cut that out!" Lincoln shouted.
"Come and make me!" Chandler shouted. Before anything could happen, a loud whistle went off, everyone knew what was happening.
"Yo! McCann!" Came the voice of Lynn Loud.
"Lynn Loud, come to protect your wittle baby brother?" Chandler mocked.
"I'd watch your smart mouth tone, I just caught you throwing food, that's against the rules, especially considering it was at my brother," Lynn said.
"Please, you can't do anything, last time you started a fight with me you nearly got expelled," Chandler said. "It'd be a shame if the principal found out about your violent tendencies."
"Oh I see, hiding behind the principal, like a little bitch," Lynn taunted. "I don't know why my brother ever thought you were cool, he's got way more class than you do, all you do is throw around invites to those stupid sewer parties just to get kids to even look in your direction."
"Big talk from some overhyped jock, when was the last time you did anything impressive?" Chandler asked.
"Alright that's enough!" Lincoln said, marching over. "I got this Lynn, you don't have to stand in my place, Chandler's my problem."
"Hey I'm cool with putting a bully in his place, but if you think you got it then he's all yours bro," Lynn said, taking a step back.
"Thank you," Lincoln turned his attention to Chandler. "Look you-"
Chandler wasted no time shoving a pudding cup in his face, "An improvement."
"You motherfu-" Lynn was abut to attack but Lincoln quickly held her back.
"Easy Lynn, it's not worth getting expelled," Lincoln said.
"You are worth it Lincoln, I'm a big sister before anything," Lynn still looked ready to fight.
"Aw, how sweet, want a pudding cup too big sister?" Chandler taunted, bringing out a second cup.
"Hey you wanna settle this, we'll settle this!" Lynn warned. "How about you meet me at the black tar at three!"
"Alright that's enough now," Clyde said, making his way over with Liam and Stella. "Chandler, do us a favor, and go take a hike, no one wants you here."
"Yeah, how jealous can you be just because I chose Lincoln over you?" Stella said.
"Hey I can make you much happier, you're making a mistake choosing this weirdo over me," Chandler said.
"This weirdo sees me as more than just eye candy, plus he's better looking than you so there's that too," Stella said.
"Ooh, burn," Lynn taunted.
Chandler actually looked pretty offended by that statement, "Yeah well...at least I'm not surrounded by a bunch of girly sisters, I came out more of a real man than he did."
"If being a real man means being a total douchebag then I'm just happy with Lincoln," Stella said.
"Yeah, now do what Clyde says and scram," Liam said.
"And don't let us catch you messing with Lincoln, or you're answering to us!" Clyde warned.
Chandler scoffed and walked off, "Whatever losers, you're not worth my time."
The arrogant kid walked off, leaving the group to themselves, though Lynn still looked a bit infuriated. "Still wanna clock that kid though."
"I know you do, honestly I just don't get Chandler," Lincoln said. "He's gotten to be a real pain this last year."
"Chandler was always a pain, he's just more obvious now," Liam said.
"Never mind him, let's get back to our after school plans," Stella said.
"Right," Clyde said. "We have a tournament to prepare for."
"A tournament? What kind?" Lynn asked.
"Video game, we're gonna win us a competition," Lincoln said.
"Oh, eh video games aren't my thing but it's one thing you're good at so you got this little bro," Lynn said.
"Thanks Lynn," Lincoln said. "Come on everyone, let's get to planning."
The rest of the lunch period went off without an incident, however right at the end of the school day the group was faced with another troubling situation, starting with Stella as she left the girl's bathroom.
She passed the hall to meet with her friends at the bus stop when she heard a voice. "You fool."
"Huh?" Stella looked around until she came into eye contact with fellow sixth grader Christina.
"Stella Zhau, the girlfriend of Lincoln Loud," Christina said.
"Do I know you?" Stella asked.
"I'm Christina, a first year like you," the girl introduced. "We could have met much sooner if I were still in Ms. Johnson's class. But I had to transfer out sometime before you moved in."
"Huh? Why did you need...wait I think I've heard of you," Stella said. "Girl Jordan mentioned you once, said Lincoln had a crush on you."
"That's an understatement, his crush was more of a weird and creepy obsession," Christina said. "He video taped himself kissing a picture of me!"
"Well technically that was his sister who did that," Stella said.
"Still, he willingly uploaded it for everyone in the school to see!" Christina said. "Do you have ANY idea how humiliating that was!?"
"Lincoln didn't mean any harm, he was trying to correct a mistake," Stella said. "I mean, maybe he shouldn't have done it that way, but his intentions were pure."
"There's nothing pure about what he did!" Christina said. "You know how many kids gave me a hard time over that!?"
"Well its in the past right?" Stella said. "But if you want I can talk to Lincoln about this, he'll be more than willing to make it up to you."
"Are you kidding, I don't want to be anywhere near him!" Christina said. "Honestly how can you even date a kid like that, while turning down Chandler McCann!"
"Because Chandler McCann's actually a creep, he just sees me as a trophy to show off, I don't want that in a guy," Stella said.
"So Chandler's a creep when he just wants a date but Lincoln is pure because of a 'misunderstanding'?" Christina asked. "Sounds bogus to me."
"It's a long story, anyway the point is Lincoln's a nice boy, he makes mistakes from time to time but he always tries to fix it," Stella said. "It's what I find very remarkable about him."
Christina scoffed, "I still don't see the appeal, I mean Chandler's a pretty charming kid."
"Can we not compare Lincoln to Chandler?" Stella said, getting slightly annoyed. "Lincoln's a much nicer boy than Chandler anyway, and cuter too."
"Are you kidding? With that white hair in such a goofy style, along with that chipped tooth?" Christina said. "That boy's kind of ugly if you ask me."
Stella's eye twitched slightly, "Do NOT call my boyfriend ugly."
"Hey to each their own, but you're making a mistake," Christina said. "Honestly it's a good thing you're not one of my friends, the embarrassment of knowing the girl who chose Lincoln Loud over Chandler is probably worse than how I felt when that creep uploaded that video."
Stella grabbed Christina by the shirt, pulling her close, "Stop talking crap about my boyfriend!"
"Get off!" Christina yanked herself away. "Maybe you are a good match for Lincoln, you're both nutty weirdoes!"
"And you're a tramp that Lincoln wasted any time having a crush on, honestly he's way to good for you," Stella said, turning away. "And I don't regret dating him!"
Christina fixed her shirt as she glared in Stella's direction, "Flozzy." She walked off to attend her own business once again.
Back in the present timeline, Stella still seemed pretty annoyed by the memory of Christina, her first and unfortunately not last encounter with the brunette. Even now she barely got along with the girl, but it did worry her, if Christina or Chandler ever found out she was pregnant, then it would be one massive headache.
"To think Lincoln, you actually liked Christina once," Stella said.
"I liked a lot of girls before you Stella, you're the only one who liked me back," Lincoln said.
"I thought Ronnie Anne liked you back?" Girl Jordan asked.
"Actually I never really liked her that way in the first place," Lincoln said.
"Weren't you all depressed when she moved though?" Rusty asked.
"I wasn't depressed, I was just sad," Lincoln said. "And of course I was, Ronnie Anne's my friend. Point is that I liked Stella and eventually she liked me back, so even if she wasn't my first crush, she's still my first real girlfriend and fortunately for us, we lasted as long as we did."
"With any luck, you two will last forever," Girl Jordan said. "I know we're still in High School, but do you ever think about marriage?"
The two started to blush, knowing that they're going to have a bond that's arguably closer than marriage.
"Those two are destined for marriage, but they got some stuff to do before they tie the knot," Lynn said. "Let them figure it out at their own time though."
"Yeah, what she said," Lincoln said. "Don't worry, I can't see a future where Stella isn't a part of it, and that's just the way I want it."
"You're so sweet," Stella said, kissing Lincoln on the cheek. "I love you."
"Love you too Stella," Lincoln said, bringing his girlfriend in for a kiss.
"Get a room you two," Lynn teased. Of course she was happy to see this, she loved the relationship Lincoln and Stella had, happy to know that someone's making her brother happy.
Later that day, Stella had returned to the Loud House, more plans needed to be made given the girl's current condition.
"Alright, so if you're going to be carrying our child, then naturally I should be around to help you with your daily activities," Lincoln said. "That includes making sure you eat properly, and figuring out what you can and can't eat."
"I think I'll be fine for the first few months, it won't be til later that I'm gonna have to get more assistance," Stella said. "Hopefully it won't be overwhelming."
"Don't worry about that, I just want you to be comfortable," Lincoln reassured.
"You're so thoughtful," Stella said.
"Anything for you, now we just need to map out a schedule," Lincoln said. "I propose that my parents get together with your parents and we can figure out how to meet up."
"Uh, I'm not really comfortable discussing this with my parents Lincoln," Stella admitted.
"You aren't?" Lincoln asked, before a dread of worry overcame him. "How are they taking it actually?"
"Not well...my mom refused to talk to me on the ride home, and my dad...I mean he tried not to flip out but I could tell this ate at him," Stella said. "I felt so...awkward at my house yesterday."
"I'm sorry to hear that, maybe I can try talking to your mom myself, hopefully get all this straightened out," Lincoln said.
"That would be nice, unfortunately my mom can be very stubborn on occasion," Stella said.
"I can handle stubborn women, by this point I'm an expert," Lincoln insisted.
"Uh, Lincoln, I've been around long enough to know that you don't always have the firmest grip when it comes to your sisters," Stella said. "And my mom is quite a bit out of their league."
"What's this about your mom Stella?" Lynn Sr asked, making his way into the room. "Sorry for overhearing but I do believe you talked about your mom, and she did seem a bit taken back from the big news about you being pregnant."
"She was, a lot," Stella said, feeling a bit odd. "Say Mr. Loud, if one of your daughters got pregnant, like say if they were around my age, would you...hate them?"
"No way," Lynn Sr. said. "I mean, I wouldn't be happy, I'd probably be pretty upset, but I could never hate any of my kids, they mean everything to me, each and every one of them."
"You're such a good father Mr. Loud, and your wife is a great mother, I always thought your daughters were lucky to have parents like the two of you."
"That's really nice of you, but surely your parents are great themselves, they seem like nice people, even if your mother can be a bit...erratic," Lynn Sr. said. "No offense of course."
"None taken," Stella said. "My parents are nice, but sometimes it feels like they expect a lot from me, and it can be really overbearing."
"Oof, I know that feeling," Lynn Sr. said.
"Your parents were overbearing too?" Stella asked.
"Oh no, if anything sometimes I feel like they never gave me a lot of attention," Lynn Sr. said. "But I was once overbearing to my kids, happened sometime after the wife and I saw how well our neighbors from across the street raised their kids."
"You mean the Yates family?" Lincoln asked. "I remember that, we spent day in and day out doing community service stuff."
"Yeah, that was not my finest moment," Lynn Sr. said. "While I do agree that sometimes a kid needs some responsibilities and to have some sense of culture, they also need to be able to have fun and enjoy themselves. Sounds to me like maybe your mother just wants you to have a bright future, which may be harder since you're becoming a mother yourself at a young age. Of course just because you're going to be a mother soon doesn't mean you can't have a nice future, it just requires some hard work and determination."
"I hope you're right Mr. Loud," Stella said. "I just hope I can get my mom to understand that me being pregnant won't be the end of the world."
"Well maybe I can talk to her," Lynn Sr. said. "Rita and I can stop by your house later and try to explain this to your parents."
"Oh I couldn't trouble you sir," Stella said.
"It's no trouble at all," Lynn Sr. said. "You're like one of the family Stella, plus you are going to be the mother of my grandchild, which quite possibly means you'll be my daughter-in-law someday, so it's the least I can do."
"Oh right...I guess we would have to get married," Lincoln said. "That's a bummer, this isn't the way I wanted it to happen. I thought the day I proposed to you would be romantic, but now it feels like I'm obligated to."
"It won't feel like an obligation if you really do love her son," Lynn Sr. pointed out. "Just food for thought. Anyway I'll let Rita know and we'll go see your parents."
"Thank you so much sir," Stella said. For reasons unknown even to her, she felt compelled to stand on the couch just to give her boyfriend's father a hug. "You're the best."
"Aw, how nice," Lynn Sr. said, hugging Stella back. In a way it felt almost like hugging one of his own kids, perhaps this girl really did need parental support right now, which made him more determined to help with her parents.
Later on Lynn Sr. was seen driving to Stella's house, the girl along with his son riding in the back while his wife sat next to him.
"I really appreciate you doing this for me," Stella said.
"We'd be happy to dear, I can understand what your mother might be going through and I want to try help her understand as well," Rita said.
"I'm just amazed, you two are handling it so well," Stella said. "I mean, aren't you worried?"
"Of course, but in the end, this can't be helped," Lynn Sr. said. "Instead of lamenting, we just have to move forward and make the best of things. Plus you kids are handling this so maturely that it actually helps us feel better."
"I don't know, I mean I am really nervous about this still," Stella admitted.
"You have a right to be dear, being pregnant is hard, I know from experience obviously," Rita said. "Being nervous doesn't mean you're not handling it well, in fact it'd be bad if you weren't nervous."
"Yeah, you being nervous just shows that you know what's happening and understand how big of a deal this is," Lynn Sr. said. "It's all about how you compose yourself, and believe it or not, you're doing a great job."
"So are you Lincoln, you're so wonderful to Stella," Rita said.
"It's easy when you're in love, and Stella's the best girl to fall in love with," Lincoln said, stroking her hair.
"Come on Lincoln, aren't you a little embarrassed to say this in front of your parents?" Stella asked, her blush showing that she really does like the affection though.
"Eh, I can't help myself around you, it's like I feel no worries," Lincoln said.
"That's a true sign of love son, your mother makes me feel the same way, which is why I always feel in a great mood, because I married a wonderful woman," Lynn Sr. said.
Rita giggled a bit, "Oh Lynn, always the charmer."
Lincoln gestured to his parents, "That's gonna be us in like twenty years."
"God willing we'll be that lucky, but I feel confident about the idea" Stella said, rubbing her belly. Times like this she is actually eager about bringing in a child, because he or she is going to be born into a wonderful family.
It wasn't long before they were at Stella's house, Lynn Sr. parked in front, "Wait here a moment kids, let me and Rita talk first and then you two can come in after, it might be easier if it's just us."
"Sure thing sir," Stella said.
"Also, 'sir' is too formal, you can call me 'Lynn'," the patriarch said.
"Alright, thank you," Stella said.
Lynn and Rita stepped out the car and made their way up Stella's walkway. The young girl felt incredibly apprehensive, knowing full well that her mom isn't one to really budge.
"Hey, you feeling ok?" Lincoln asked, taking his girlfriend's hand.
"Not really, I know your parents want to help but when it comes to my mom, it's hard to change her mind about something," Stella said. "I mean you've seen for yourself how overbearing she can be. She won't even let us sit close to each other when we're at my house, that's why I prefer going over to yours since your parents don't hover over us."
"Well that's because I have ten sisters who do that," Lincoln joked.
"Even your sisters can't compare to my mom," Stella said. "I know that's saying a lot, at least to you but I feel more comfortable around your sisters than my mom at times."
"That's weird, she seems like a nice lady," Lincoln said.
"She is, my mom cares a lot about me, but she cares a bit too much, it can be overwhelming," Stella said. "Which is why I think me being pregnant made her severely disappointed in me."
"You think my parents aren't a little disappointed?" Lincoln asked.
"You saw your dad's reaction, he was proud of you for coming clean, and your mom got over it pretty quickly," Stella said.
"She didn't get over it that quick, she's still a bit annoyed," Lincoln said.
"I think I know your mom well enough to know that once this shock passes she's going to be full on supportive," Stella said. "She's a pretty great mom, your parents are just so amazing. I mean raising eleven kids must be tough but they make it look so simple."
"Wow, you really admire my parents," Lincoln said. "Well it makes sense, they really like you too. But your mom will be supportive as well, I bet when my parents get back, they're gonna tell us all about how they got through to your mom and she's feeling much better."
Meanwhile inside the house, things weren't looking too good, Judy was in quite the mood. "My daughter is pregnant Lynn Loud! Pregnant! Do you know what that means!?"
"Well considering my wife had eleven kids I think I have an idea," Lynn Sr. said.
"My daughter was going to accomplish things Mr. Loud! A lot of things! She was going to an Ivy League College! She was going to be a success! Have you seen my daughter with technology!? She's a genius!" Judy said. "Who else can break apart expensive calculators and put them back together like nothing!? Imagine all the possibilities! Now they're gone because your son couldn't control his urges!"
"Mistakes happen," Lynn Sr. insisted
"MISTAKES!?" Judy shouted. "My daughter is pregnant! Because of your son!"
"My son is going to take responsibility, and I trust him to do so because he loves your daughter enough to want to," Lynn Sr. said. "I've seen those two together, they're perfect. They love each other, they care about each other."
"I know you're worried about Stella, I would be worried if it were one of my daughters," Rita said. "But what's done is done. All we can do is support them and help them through this."
"Lincoln's a smart kid, he's always made plans on what to do when things go wrong, and this is no different," Lynn Sr. said. "Takes after me in that regard."
"Given the amount of kids you have, it's obviously not the only thing he takes after you," Judy rudely commented.
Lynn Sr. seemed rather insulted, but rather than reacting in anger, he did his best to keep himself calm. He understands this woman is just frustrated because her daughter is pregnant, something he has to respect.
Rita however, wasn't having it, "Look Judy, I don't care how upset you are about this, you are not to insult my son or my husband!"
"Rita, it's alright, I got this." Lynn Sr. said, then turned back to Judy. "Is there anything we can do to help you feel better about this? Anything at all?"
"Just...can I talk to your son? Any chance he's able to?" Judy asked.
"He's right outside, so is Stella, I can get them both," Lynn Sr. offered.
"Yes, that would be helpful, thank you," Judy said.
Lynn Sr. made his way outside, leaving Rita inside for a moment with the other mother. "Do you trust my son?"
"Excuse me?" Judy asked.
"My son, do you trust him to take care of your daughter?" Rita asked.
"I mean, what can he really do? He's only sixteen," Judy said.
"Lincoln is only sixteen, but he's also very mature for his age, he doesn't always act like it, but when the cards are down, he knows when he has to step up," Rita said. "Lincoln's helped take great care of his sisters, especially his younger ones. He's very responsible and when he sets his mind to something, he follows through. I can tell he has his mind set on caring for your daughter and the baby she'll have. He's a very affectionate boy when he wants to be, and he really loves your daughter, not just him, my daughters love Stella, Lynn and I love having her over, she's almost like part of the family, so I ask that you please have faith in my son."
"It's not that I don't have faith but..." Judy was interrupted when Lynn Sr. came in with Stella and the boy she wanted to speak with. "Lincoln."
"Hello ma'am," Lincoln said. "My dad said you called for me. I take it you're pretty ticked off that I got your daughter pregnant."
"Bit of an understatement actually," Judy muttered. But she chose to stay as professional as she could. "I am not too happy Lincoln, I really did expect better from you."
"And you should have, what happened was completely my fault, I wasn't as prepared as I thought and I am willing to accept the consequences," Lincoln said.
"Lincoln..." Stella tried to interject.
"I accept full responsibility..." Lincoln did a wink gesture to Stella.
"But..." Stella couldn't allow this, after all if she had listened to him when he offered to relieve himself another way, they wouldn't be in this mess. "I can't let you-"
"It's fine," Lincoln insisted. "I wasn't prepared, I should have not relied on what we thought was pregnancy prevention pills. I should have waited or got my package back from Clyde."
"Huh?" Mrs. Zhau asked.
"Oh, see when Stella and I wanted to...you know, show our love to each other," this felt awkward for Lincoln, basically reminded his girlfriend's mother of the sex they had. "I had gone to the pharmacy to get...the rubber stuff that I...well you know what I mean right?"
"Yes..." Mrs. Zhau could tell this was awkward for the boy, she felt a bit bad for him.
"Well I switched my package with my friend and I didn't know until I got home," Lincoln said.
Lynn Sr. stifled a laugh, much to his wife's annoyance, "Lynn!"
"Sorry, I'm just imagining how awkward that must have been for Clyde," Lynn Sr. said, trying to compose himself. "But now's not the time, I hope Clyde found some way to...cover this up with his dads..." Lynn Sr. stifled another laugh.
"R-right dad, he can't protect his pride from his dads' curiosity when...wait, that's not right," Lincoln scratched his head. "Wait, I can fix that."
"Lincoln," Stella interjected. "Maybe leave the puns to your dad, or Luan if she were here." Stella looked aside, "Really wish she were here to make this a little less awkward."
Lincoln grumbled in annoyance, "Not like Luan's the only one in our family who can make jokes." He cleared his throat to speak again. "My point being Mrs. Zhau is that I made a mistake, and I promise to make up for it."
"Lincoln always does his best to follow through on a promise," Lynn Sr. said.
"Yes, Stella has mentioned how reliable he is," Judy said. "And he is a well mannered boy, I've seen that for myself."
"Just tell me what I have to do to put you at ease," Lincoln said.
"Honestly, that might be hard, but if you keep your promise to take care of my daughter, then over time I'll come to terms with this," Judy said.
"You got it, Lincoln said. "I'll watch over Stella every hour of the day if I have to. Every morning, noon and night."
"Lincoln, that might be tough, as often as I come over to your house, I'm not there all the time," Stella said.
"Oh yeah, though that reminds me," Lincoln said. "If we're gonna be parents, aren't we gonna have to live together soon? I mean we gotta take care of the baby together after all."
"He's got a point," Lynn said. "Plus what about when she really gets pregnant? Like many months in?"
"Oh my, that is a predicament," Judy said.
"Well...I guess sooner or later, either I'm gonna have to live here, or Stella's gonna have to live with us," Lincoln said. "I mean, we can't afford a place of our own yet, we're gonna have to figure that out."
"What do you think honey?" Lynn Sr. asked.
"I personally wouldn't mind if Stella stayed with us, especially since our daughters want to help," Rita said.
"Same, I'd love it if she stayed, but at the same time, do we really wanna take her away from her home? I mean we have many kids, Judy only has her daughter," Lynn Sr. said.
"Are you suggesting that Lincoln lives here?" Rita asked.
Lynn Sr. turned his attention to Judy, "What's your preference, do you want Lincoln to stay here with your daughter, or would you let her live with us?"
"That's a tough choice..." Judy said. "I'd like to talk this over with my daughter first before I make a decision."
Rita turned to the the girl carrying her grandchild, "What about you Stella, are you comfortable with either idea?"
"Um...I'm not sure really, I do want to stay with Lincoln but...it's such a big change," Stella said.
"Take all the time you need, really think on it," Lynn Sr. said.
"I will," Stella reassured.
"You should probably run this by your daughters as well?" Judy suggested. "Make sure they're ok with the idea."
"I think they'd be fine, I mean Luna and Luan would definitely love it," Lincoln said.
"Oh no doubt about that," Lynn Sr. said. "We'll discuss this further after some contemplation, but it really would be no issue if Stella stayed with us."
"I appreciate that Mr. Loud, I'll discuss this with my daughter," Judy said.
"Well we should get going, come on son," Lynn Sr. beckoned, Lincoln heading home with his parents, not before kissing his girlfriend good-bye.
Big changes seemed to be looming for these two families, Lincoln did seem excited about the idea of living with Stella however seemed to really excite him, spending each and every day with his girlfriend was very ideal for Lincoln.
Upon coming home, Lynn Sr. had gathered his daughters for a quick family meeting. It would be limited to only the daughters currently living at home, though the father of eleven would need to tell Lori and Leni later on, especially since Lori is planning to come by to check on Lincoln and Leni would be coming home for the week of Spring.
"Alright family, got a big announcement for all of us, it involves Lincoln and Stella," Lynn Sr. began.
"What could be bigger than Lincoln getting Stella pregnant?" Lana asked. "Kind of hard to top that."
"It has to do with that," Lynn Sr. said. "Now Lincoln, like a good boyfriend, wants to take care of Stella, you all understand that right?"
"Of course," Luna said.
"Totally get that," Lynn Jr. said.
"And you all like Stella, don't you?" Lynn Sr. asked.
"Who doesn't?" Luan replied.
"She's nice and pretty," Lily said.
"She could be a little less bossy," Lana added, getting a glare. "What? She can be a bit really bossy at times."
"Only to you, and that's because you still do gross and disgusting things, when are you gonna act your age?" Lola asked.
"Focus please, I'm going somewhere with this," Lynn Sr. interrupted. "Now one final question, do you all want to help Lincoln take care of Stella?"
"Of course!" Luan said.
"Heck yeah!" Luna added.
"You know it," Lynn Jr. stated.
"I wanna help too," Lily added.
The other sisters vocalized their desire, except Lana who seemed a little undecided about it.
"Well, how would you feel if Stella came to live here?" Lynn Sr. asked.
"Live here!?" Lynn Jr. asked. "As in she eats, sleeps and bathes here!?
"That's pretty much it," Lynn Sr. said. "Lincoln wants to take care of Stella, his options were to move to to her house and live there-"
"No way!" Luna said.
"Forget that!" Lola protested.
"I don't want to be alone with Lynn," Lucy commented.
"He can't..." Lynn Jr. processed what Lucy had said. "What do you mean you don't want to be alone with me!?"
"Girls, focus..." Lynn Jr. said. "Like I said, either he would move there or Stella would come here."
"Bring Stella here! I want Stella to stay with us!" Lily said, the other sisters agreeing.
"Wow you all really want Stella to come, well she'll be happy to know that, well that's if her mother's alright with it," Lynn Sr. said.
"I'm just amazed you girls really don't want me to move," Lincoln said.
"Don't be so surprised lame-o, you know we love you," Lynn Jr. said.
"Plus your presence would be greatly missed," Lisa said. "Lori and Leni moving was hard enough on us already, theoretically speaking, if you moved well, I can imagine none of us would move on so easily."
"Wow, didn't expect you to be the one to explain that Lisa," Lincoln said.
"I know I'm not the most emotional of us, but...I do care a lot about you Lincoln," Lisa admitted.
Lincoln supposes he shouldn't be too surprised, as Lisa grew older, her 'inane' human emotions didn't feel so inane. She has learned to show more love for her family, and she does look up to Lincoln like his other little sisters. Helps that her friendship with Darcy also helped Lisa become much more social over the years. She still tries to act mature and aloof, and is sometimes oblivious to certain things, and she still has the bad habit of overexplaining or using scientific terms to describe things but day by day it all falters and soon she just might be a bit more hip.
"Selfishly speaking, I would hate it if you moved out son," Lynn Sr. said. "I still miss Lori and Leni, at least Leni plans to come home once she graduates, assuming she doesn't find a house...she hasn't mentioned that has she?"
"Lynn, cut the cord," Rita commented.
"Honey!" Lynn Sr. said, somewhat offended.
"I know you miss the girls, I do to, but they're growing up, you can't expect the kids to wanna stay here forever do you?" Rita asked.
"I wanna stay here forever with you daddy," Lily said.
"Ha, she wants to stay!" Lynn Sr. boasted.
Rita shook her head in annoyance, "Girls, don't let your father or I stop you if you ever do want to find a place of your own. You're welcome to stay here as long as you need to, but please don't let me or your father be a reason. That being said, I support Lincoln in any decision he makes, even if he wants to move. But like you girls and your father, I would prefer it if he stayed and brought his girlfriend." Rita started to feel a bit ashamed. "Though that would mean her mother would have to say good-bye to her daughter, so I guess not everyone wins."
"We should win because we outnumber her," Lola said.
"Lola!" Rita scolded.
"Alright then it's settled, if Stella and her mom agrees, then she can live here with us!" Lynn Sr. declared.
"Sweet, Stella thought she knew the Loud family before, but now she's gonna have a whole different perspective of us," Lynn boasted. "We'll make her a Loud before long, so when the day comes that she and Linc here tie the knot, she'll have earned the title 'Loud'."
"Who says she'll be 'Stella Loud'?" Lisa said. "What if our brother chooses to be 'Lincoln Zhau'?"
"Pfft, like that'll happen," Lynn Jr. said.
"Let's worry about that later, for now I should call Stella's mom and let her know the decision on our end," Lynn Sr. said, pulling out his cell phone.
"Hey if Stella does come live with us, where is she gonna sleep?" Luan asked.
"With me, Lucy and Lincoln," Lynn Jr. said. "We won't even need an extra bed, she can bunk with Lincoln."
"...Lincoln, do not have 'relations' with your girlfriend while Lynn and I are in the room," Lucy warned.
"I'm not gonna do that!" Lincoln said. "Anyway much as I would like to have Stella in the room with me, having four sleep in the same room might be too much."
"I agree with Lincoln, that would be excessive," Rita said.
"Plus Stella probably doesn't want to be around Lynn's BO, not sure how you two put up with it," Luna said.
"Hey I don't smell that bad, and Stella's already used to it, remember when she did my laundry?" Lynn said.
"You mean when you blackmailed her? How could I forget?" Luna arrogantly pointed out.
"You love bringing up my personal crap don't you, well I got dirt on you too," Lynn warned.
"Girls, no fighting," Rita warned.
"Where else can Stella stay then?" Lucy asked, wanting to get back on topic.
"Maybe she and Lincoln can stay in Lori and Leni's old room," Luan said.
"Then where's Leni gonna stay?" Lincoln pointed out. "Also if Lori comes by with Bobby, they're gonna need a place to stay as well."
"Maybe Stella can bunk with Luna and Luan, I can get a mattress, if you girls are fine with it," Rita said.
"I'd love that! It'd be like our old sleepovers with Stella, except on a permanent basis," Luan said.
"I'm good with that too," Luna said.
"Great, now we're ready on our end," Rita said. "We just gotta hear back from Lynn."
"Already done," Lynn Sr. said. "Judy left the decision to Stella, she hasn't made up her mind but she's alright with Stella living here if she wants to."
"That's great to hear," Rita said.
"How long do you think it'll take Stella to decide?" Lola asked.
"I'm not sure," Lincoln said. Moments later he got a phone call, it was from Stella. "It's her, hold on." He answered the phone. "Hey Stella, do you need something?" He waited a bit as she spoke, the sisters eagerly listening in, trying to see if they can hear Stella's voice. "Yeah we talked, my sisters would love it if you lived here." He waited a bit, the sisters leaning in close, especially the twins who were practically on top of Lincoln, the boy shooing them away. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind either of course, you know I love being with you-" Lincoln tried pushing the twins back after they got in closer. "Luna and Luan offered to let you sleep in their room." Lily came in as well, climbing on Lola's back, Lincoln angrily glaring at the trio. Thankfully Rita had pulled them away, Lincoln mouthing 'thank you' to his mother. "Wow really? Are you sure? You have time to make this decision." The other sisters wanted to get in close but Rita would not allow them. "Alright, we'll get prepared this weekend, love you Stella, see you tomorrow!" Lincoln hung up and excitedly turned to his sisters. "She said she'll move in with us!"
That got a cheer from the sisters of course, many of them excited at the idea of Stella moving in to stay with them. Luna and Luan were the most excited, Lynn and Lucy reasonably excited, Lola and Lily decently excited, Lisa and Lana feeling indifferent.
"So she's coming this weekend?" Luan asked.
"Yesso we'll all help her pack," Lincoln said. "If you want to."
"Of course we do, we're getting a new roommate," Lynn Jr. said. "It'll be like having another sister."
The youngest sister seemed quite ecstatic by the concept, "Another sister, neat! That gives me..." Lily began counting with her fingers. "Uh...ten sisters."
"Exactly," Lincoln said. "Ten sisters and a big brother."
"I'll make some preparations, but when you see Stella tomorrow son, see what she's bringing," Lynn Sr. said.
"You got it dad, man I really can't wait, having Stella live here is gonna be amazing," Lincoln said. "I hope Leni won't mind when she comes back home."
"Of course she won't, she loves Stella like the rest of us do," Lynn Jr. said.
"Yeah, you're right, honestly I can't see this going wrong one bit," Lincoln said. "Everything is looking up!"
Things weren't all that great, first Lana still looked a bit unsure. She didn't hate Stella, she liked her for the most part, but she has felt like her brother's boyfriend had a bad tendency to be a little overbearing. Plus she feels like she's the only one who sees another downside, there's going to be a pregnant teenage girl in the house who might need a lot of attention and she could only imagine how bad she'll get as the months go by.
Even in Great Lakes more uncertainty lingered. Bobby had called a meeting for his family, he and Lori met up with them in the Casagrande Living Room. He had something to tell them, something really big, he just hoped they would really and truly understand. It wasn't long before his grandparents, his aunt, his uncle, his mother, Sid, his sister, his little cousins and even Carlota were all there and waiting.
Lori was with him as well, wanting to be around for this announcement, since it involved her little brother.
"Is everyone here?" Bobby asked.
"We're all here Bobby," his mother Maria said. "What's going on?"
"Yeah, you made this sound really urgent," Rosa immediately began speculate. "Oh my, are you and Lori finally getting married!?
"No, not that, not yet at least," Bobby said. "Babe, you wanna tell them or should I?"
"You can do it, they might understand more if you explained it," Lori said. "It is a big shock."
"Right...here's the thing, a certain someone we know is going to be a dad," Bobby said.
"Bobby..." Maria began, looking extremely nervous. "Tell me that you and Lori-"
"It's not me, I swear!" Bobby said. "I didn't get Lori pregnant!"
"Did you and Lori even do the deed?" Carl teased.
"That's none of your business Carl!" Bobby angrily insisted. "Do you even know the 'deed'?"
"What deed?" Carlitos asked.
"Can we move on please, and Carl don't say stuff like that in front of your brother," Frieda warned.
"Fair question," Carl insisted.
"Bobby, you mentioned a father, who are you talking about if it's not you?" Maria asked.
"It's...Lincoln," Bobby said.
"LINCOLN!?" Most of the family shouted in disbelief.
Ronnie Anne knew this was where the announcement was going, hearing it again still sounded weird to her. Sid noticed how sad Ronnie Anne looked, feeling some pity for her best friend.
"Lincoln is gonna be a father, I found out last night," Bobby said.
"He told us through web cam," Lori explained. "He got Stella pregnant, and now they're going to have a baby."
"Oh my, little Lincoln's gonna be a dad?" Rosa said, still in disbelief.
"I can't believe it, he's so young, so is Stella," Maria said. "How are they handling it?"
"Well Lincoln's doing fine, he already says he's making plans," Bobby said. "Little bro promised to take good care of his girlfriend."
"So there's no chance of him being with Ronnie Anne?" Hector asked, this question earning him a glare from his wife, daughter, his granddaughter and daughter-in-law. "Fair question!"
"Ay Hector, little Lincoln's gonna be a father and that's what you ask?" Rosa said. "That poor boy, he needs our help, is there anything we can do Roberto?"
"Lori and I were gonna head to Royal Woods to check on him, if you want to come then you can, we just gotta let the family know," Bobby said.
"Of course," Carlota said. "Linky and Stella are gonna need us."
"I really appreciate you all wanting to help my little brother," Lori said.
"Of course, you are Bobby's true love, and thus you're family, and if you're family, so is your brother, your sisters and your parents," Rosa said. "Plus I feel so bad for Stella, I will make my best tamales for her and her little growing baby."
"Let's make plans," Carlota said. "Oh by the way, do they know the gender?"
"No, I think this happened recently, probably too early to tell," Bobby said.
"Shoot, wanted to know if it was a girl, I could set aside some make up for her," Carlota said.
"The baby's not even born yet though!" Bobby said. "Come on cuz!"
As the Casagrande family made plans, Ronnie Anne slowly stood up. Sid noticed and immediately turned her attention to her friend. "You feeling alright buddy?"
"I'm fine...I'm gonna go take a shower," Ronnie Anne said as she walked off. "See you later."
Ronnie Anne made her way to the bathroom, Sid feeling even more worried. This was really bothering her, and she had to help her friend out somehow. She made her way to Ronnie Anne's room, figuring she could wait for her friend and see if she can help her out.
As Ronnie Anne took her shower, she kept thinking about Lincoln and Stella, wondering just how much things would change because of her two best friends expecting a child.
No matter how many times she thought about it, the end result was the same. Things would be different, Lincoln would have new responsibilities, Stella would be his for good, and any interest she may have had in asking him out have dwindled.
"Why am I even thinking about that? I didn't even want to date Lincoln, just the thought scared the hell out of me, is it because he's with Stella?" Ronnie Anne shook her head. "That can't be it, Stella's my best friend too, man if she knew I was thinking about Lincoln like this...ugh, never mind, this is giving me a headache."
Ronnie Anne left the shower, grabbing a robe as she began making her way to her room, still thinking over the possibilities. She still planned to see Stella very soon when Bobby and Lori went down to Royal Woods. That did remind Ronnie Anne, her family doesn't know yet, but Bobby will have to tell them soon.
Ronnie Anne had arrived in her room, her mind distracted as she made her way to her drawer, grabbing a pair of bra and panties, quickly changing into them as she tossed her robe on the bed.
"Hey!" Came a voice.
Ronnie Anne's face turned red as a tomato when she turned to see her best friend and upstairs neighbor. "Sid!?"
"Hey Ronnie Anne, that was a long shower, you must really be bummed out," Sid asked as she tossed the robe away.
"What gives Sid!? Why are you in my room!?" Ronnie Anne angrily shouted.
"I wanted to check up on you, I mean you looked really bummed out when Bobby told your family abut Lincoln and Stella," Sid explained.
"I'm fine Sid!" Ronnie Anne shouted. "Now can you leave? Maybe you haven't noticed but I don't have anything on except...wait, did you see me naked a moment ago!?"
"Oh totally, you got a really nice figure," Sid said.
Ronnie Anne looked very annoyed, "You have no shame at all, do you."
"Oh I get it, you're feeling self conscious, don't worry, I can fix that," Sid said.
"Good, so you'll leave?" Ronnie Anne asked. The answer she got was not one she expected. Sid had stripped to her bra and panties as well. "What are you..."
"There, feel better?" Sid asked, grinning like a dofus.
"...How stupid are you?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"That's kind of rude to say Ronnie Anne," Sid said. "You looked embarrassed so logically I figured if I were underdressed too, then you wouldn't feel so embarrassed. Also how do you like my body? I've been working out and I could use your input."
"Not the point right now Sid!" Ronnie Anne said. "I came here to get dressed, why would you get undressed!?"
"So we can talk comfortably," Sid said.
"THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU WAIT FOR ME TO JUST GET DRESSED!?" Ronnie Anne shouted, really losing her patience.
"Because I saw an opportunity," Sid said, confusing her friend.
"For what? To be weird? Or is it to be a pervert? Honestly I thought you would have grown out of that crap by now, it got old really fast," Ronnie Anne said.
"I saw an opportunity for us to bond," Sid said. "Look, Lincoln and Stella are gonna be parents right? You know what they had to do to make that happen, don't you? The type of bond they had? The true bond of lovers?"
"I don't like where this is going Sid," Ronnie said, sounding confused and annoyed.
"I'm not saying that, what I am saying is that...I want us to be comfortable with each other," Sid said. "I mean, we're both girls, this shouldn't even be that weird."
"This isn't some anime Sid, now please put your clothes on and get the hell out of my room before one of my relatives sees this and starts getting the wrong idea," Ronnie Anne ordered.
Sid grew a bit impatient herself, "I just want us to be comfortable around each other, maybe if we are then it'd be easier for our feelings to develop. Maybe we can have what Lincoln and Stella have and maybe you can stop self loathing."
"Excuse me!?" Ronnie Anne asked, somewhat offended.
"You've been in a funk since Lincoln and Stella announced their new yet to be born baby," Sid said. "I figured maybe you're still hung up on your crush on Lincoln, so I'm helping you move on."
"I'm not hung up on Lincoln, and what does that have to do with us anyway!?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"The best way to move on is to find new love," Sid said. "I can love you the way Stella loves Lincoln. I want to love you the way he does, I want us to be together...I kind of do want to have sex with you one day, and maybe I thought, this would entice your curiosity."
"Sorry to say Sid, but THIS," Ronnie Anne gestured to them both. "Is not the way to do it, honestly it's really weird. Like is this how you want us to start our relationship? I know you're weird but even you can't really think this is normal."
"Do you enjoy calling me 'weird'?" Sid asked, getting a little offended. "I have feelings you know."
"Well I hope you're 'feeling' stupid, because right now that's what you're being!" Ronnie Anne said, Sid getting even more agitated by her friend. "I don't want to continue this, just put your fucking clothes on and go! If you don't do what I say, then you're never allowed back here again Sid! I am NOT putting up with your perverted bullshit for another second!"
Sid looked a bit taken back from that, hearing her friend threaten to ban her from her home. The insults were one thing, but potentially losing her relationship with her best friend and not so secret crush, that stung more. Needless to say, Sid felt a bit heartbroken from this encounter, in addition she really did start to feel stupid. She couldn't even fathom why she thought this was a good idea, no wonder Ronnie Anne got mad. Sadly she knelt down, grabbing her clothes as tears began to stream down her eyes.
Ronnie Anne started feeling a bit lousy, wondering if she went too far. "Sid? Hey, you alright there buddy?"
"Buddy!?" Sid's sadness was quickly replaced with anger. "You just threatened to throw me out your life, now I'm your 'buddy!'? What kind of dumbass logic is that Ronalda!?"
That weirded Ronnie Anne out, to be called by her proper name. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that, but you were being weird and-"
"I'M NOT WEIRD!" Sid shouted, startling Ronnie Anne. "I'm just...I'm just..." Sid held her head in shame. "I', guess I am stupid. I don't know what I was thinking with this stunt. Of course you were uncomfortable, of course you think I'm weird, I do stupid things!"
"Sid..." Ronnie knelt beside her friend, trying to cheer her up.
"I guess I was just thinking about how much I envy Lincoln and Stella, how they were friends who grew into something great," Sid tearfully stated. "Dating for five years, about to have a baby together, I just wish we could be like them. I know I'm a pervert, I do get excited by certain things, especially when it comes to you, Lincoln or Stella. But while I do find them attractive, my real crush is on on you Ronnie Anne, one I've had for years, and maybe when I saw you walking in here, then getting that brief glimpse, seeing just how lovely your body looked, and well I guess I got a little desperate but," Sid wiped her eyes. "I don't know how else to express my feelings."
Sid hugged her friend, placing her face against her top. Ronnie Anne didn't mind for the moment, her friend was clearly distraught and it seems like she's having her own realizations right now. Ronnie Anne returned the hug, no longer caring about the two being completely naked, she just wanted Sid to feel better.
Ronnie Anne sat on her bed, allowing Sid to wrap her arms around her waist as the usually tough tomboy allowed herself to be gentle, rubbing her friend's head as Sid allowed her tears to fall.
"Sid...I'm sorry..." Ronnie Anne said.
"Me too..." Sid said, maintaining the hug. One day, she hopes to have the Happy Ending that Lincoln and Stella have, but right now, it's going to be a long road to that goal.