The next morning, Stella had woken up, feeling a great night of sleep. She turned to the side and saw that Lincoln was sleeping next to her, cuddled up closely. Stella didn't mind this, she actually loved waking up to her boyfriend cuddled by her side, a feeling she could defintely get used to.
She turned to the side and stroked his face gently, admiring his handsome features. She loved Lincoln for his personality but she would not deny how handsome he was and it filled her with pride that she had such an attractive boyfriend.
Lincoln slowly started to wake, seeing his lovely girlfriend right in front of his eyes. "Hey Stella."
"Hi Linky," the two greeted each other with a good morning kiss.
"I hope you slept well, first night in the Loud House and all," Lincoln said.
"I slept just fine, maybe because you came to my bed sometime in the night," Stella said.
"Yeah, I couldn't help it," Lincoln said. "You looked so cute and peaceful that, I wanted to be next to you. Weird, we're living in the same house yet we might not experience this too much."
"Oh I think we can once in a while," Stella said.
"Guess so, we have sibling sleepovers, so boyfriend-girlfriend sleepovers should be possible as well," Lincoln said, hopping out of bed. "Well we should get ready, everyone's going home later so we should try spending as much time with them as possible."
"Yeah, let's get ready first," Stella said, stepping out of bed.
Lincoln looked around for his two other sister, "I guess Lucy's already up, hopefully they used the bathroom and stuff. The best part about weekends is that since some of us sleep in, the bathroom line isn't as crowded."
"Is it really that bad?" Stella asked.
"It's one of the downsides, so many people in one house, you'd think there would be another bathroom," Lincoln said. "I mean, my parents did install a bathroom in their room, twice, but the rest of us have to share one upstairs."
"That does sound a bit inconvenient, but I think we'll manage," Stella said.
"Love the optimism, come on," Lincoln said, stepping outside with his girlfriend.
As expected, no line for the bathroom, though as Lincoln knocked to make sure it wasn't occupied, he heard a voice from his younger and more elegant sister. "Still in here!"
"How long are you gonna be Lola?" Lincoln asked.
"Just applying the finishing touches," Lola said. "Is Stella out there?"
"Yeah, we're both waiting," Lincoln said.
"That's nice but I'm more worried for the girl carrying your baby," Lola said. After a few seconds she peaked her head through the door. "You can come in if you want to Stella, unless you need to bathe, I'm still using the tub. But you can brush your teeth or even tinkle."
"Are you sure? I don't want to violate your privacy," Stella said.
"It's fine, we're all girls here so if you see me less than decent then I won't bat an eye," Lola said.
"Wow, that's really nice of you Lola," Stella said.
"Anything for the new sister of the house," Lola said, allowing the girl access.
"Hey come on, why can't I go in too then?" Lincoln asked.
"I don't know, why should I let you in?" Lola asked.
"I just want to brush my teeth, maybe use the toilet," Lincoln said.
"Hm...alright, as long as you're just peeing But no peeking at me while I'm in the shower," Lola warned.
"What's there to see?" Lincoln asked.
"Watch it," Lola warned, allowing her older brother access.
"Fine, but that goes for you too when I pee," Lincoln warned. "No peeking."
"Well duh," Lola said as she let her brother inside. Fortunately she had a towel, otherwise she wouldn't even consider the possibility. "I'm stepping back into the tub, remember no peeking."
"I'm not gonna peek!" Lincoln shouted.
"Better not!" Lola scolded. Lincoln did as told while Lola tossed aside her towel and got back into the tub, resuming her shower while Lincoln and Stella attended to their bathroom business, Lincoln brushing his teeth while Stella used the toilet.
"So, is it normal to share the bathroom?" Stella asked.
"It helps, though sometimes we prefer alone time in the bathroom, especially if we have to use the toilet," Lola said. "I'd prefer not to tinkle when anyone's around, except maybe Lana. Lincoln never goes in front any of us."
Lincoln spit out his toothpaste, "Well yeah, I don't want to go in front of girls, even if they are my sisters."
"Well most of them don't wanna go in front of you either, only Lynn is willing do to that, maybe Lana or Lily too," Lola said.
"Where do I rank?" Stella asked.
"Uh, I'd say most of us would be fine with you," Lola said.
"That's oddly comforting," Stella said, wiping herself off as she flushed. "Lola, if you don't mind me asking, how long will you be showering? I kind of want to do so myself."
"Oh, were you busy last night?" Lola seductively asked.
"Lola!" Lincoln scolded as Stella began washing her hands. "We wouldn't do that while Lucy's in the room!"
"I'm just teasing," Lola said. "I'm almost done, so you can go in next Stella."
"As long as you stay in long enough for me to finish here," Lincoln said, going to the toilet.
"Not interested in your boy parts," Lola said.
Lincoln groaned annoyance as he did his business, "I hope you are fast in there Lola, Stella and I want to hang out with our friends today and we'd like an early start."
"Can't rush perfection Linky," Lola said as Lincoln finished up. The boy went to the sink as Lola started to turn off her water. "Alright, I'm stepping out of the show. Remember Lincoln..."
"Yeah, yeah, I won't peak," Lincoln said.
"That's a good boy," Lola stepped out of the tub, drying herself off. "Hey Stella, mind drying my back? It's a bit hard to reach."
"Sure thing," Stella said, using the towel to scrub the younger girl. "Your skin looks so smooth, what do you use?"
"I have a special body wash, you're welcome to try it," Lola said, just as Stella finished up.
"Hey hurry up and get dressed, I don't wanna stay stuck here," Lincoln said, still turning away.
"Ugh, fine," Lola went to grab her bath robe. "Thanks Stella."
"No problem," Stella said, taking off her shirt. "Uh which one is your body wash?"
"The pink bottle, it has a princess crown as a logo," Lola explained as she looked back to Stella. She almost envied the girl's breasts. "I can't wait until my body develops like yours Stella, you're such a lucky girl."
"Really?" Stella checked her breasts. "Well don't grow up too fast, having a developed body at a young age really isn't that great. But you're on your way, you got a cute little butt Lola."
"Why thank you, it is adorable isn't it?" Lola said, wiggling her behind a bit. "Years of clenching helps, really works the muscles." Lola then made her way out the room. "I'll you love birds later."
"Lola's really sweet," Stella said. "She's so adorable too, she's gonna attract a lot of boys."
"I just wish she had a nice personality to go with those looks," Lincoln said. "I mean, she can be nice sometimes but other times she's such a brat."
"Well, I can't fully disagree, though it's her bratty attitude that's so endearing to me," Stella said, turning to the shower. "I'm gonna get washed up now."
"Want me to join you?" Lincoln asked, somewhat seductively
"Was that your plan from the start?" Stella smugly asked.
"No, but I saw an opportunity, and I took it," Lincoln said.
"I won't object," Stella said. "But let's try not to get too carried away, we do have a busy day."
"Yeah, yeah," Lincoln said as he started pulling off his shirt. "We'll make it quick."
Nearby in the shared room of Luna and Luan, the rocker girl had also just gotten up, looking over to the lump under her covers. She gently started shaking. "Hey Sam, it's morning."
"Huh?" Sam yarned, sitting up on the bed. She turned to her girlfriend. "Hey Luna. How'd you sleep?"
"I always sleep fine when I'm sleeping next to you," Luna said, kissing her girlfriend. "We should get moving, Pop Star probably cooked breakfast, if we're not quick there might not be anything for us, especially if Lynn's up."
"Oh yeah, gotta be quick to eat in this house," Sam said. "Something Stella's gonna figure out soon."
"We'll make sure she eats, especially since she's eating for you," Luna said as she started climbing down, Sam joining her. "Yo, Luan, Benny, rise and shine."
"Huh?" Luan said, slowly sitting up. "What time is it?"
"Time to get your butt up before you lose out on all the food," Luna said, grabbing some clothes to change into. "I'm gonna check to see if anyone's in the shower, we'll let Sam and Benny go first."
"You mean together?" Sam asked. "Because that might be awkward."
"We've had awkwarder," Benny joked, slowly sitting up. "Morning girls."
"Hey Benny, slept well?" Luan asked.
"Of course, I was with you," Benny said, kissing his girlfriend.
"Hey pal, that's my line for Sam," Luna teased.
"I guess it just means we're both lucky Luna," Benny said. "We both have girls we love very much."
"True that bro," Luna said. "Glad a guy like you is dating my sister, Bobby set quite the standard for boyfriends for this family, and you're the only guy to really last."
"Glad I can follow Bobby's example," Benny said.
"Same, I may not be a guy but anyone dating a Loud sister needs to be pretty worthy for a family like this," Sam said.
"You set a precedent for girlfriends," Luan said. "Of course the only other girlfriend is Stella, unless any of our other sisters are exploring the rainbow."
"It could happen, there's ten girls, and I may not be the only one who's wondered what another girl's like," Luna said, then briefly glanced at Luan. "Actually I know I'm not the only one."
"Well fleeting curiosity is a common thing," Luan said, trying to diverge the attention aimed at her, Benny reassuringly patting her back.
"Well for now I guess it's just me and Stella as far as Female Loud Mates go," Sam said.
"Anyway I should check on the shower, BRB," Luna said, making her way out of the room.
Sam turned her attention to Benny, "Do you want to go first? If I go in then I might take a while."
"I can wait if you really need to," Benny insisted.
"Not often someone offers to wait for the bathroom in this house," Luan joked. "It's so rare, you're more likely to catch lightning in a jar."
"I've noticed it's not so bad on weekends, probably because you don't need to worry about going to school," Sam said. "At least early morning school, one benefit of college is avoiding morning classes so you can sleep longer."
"If you become a Rockstar then you'll need to sleep longer," Benny said. "Rockstars party on all night."
"Already got a taste of that," Sam said. As she looked around the room a moment, she noticed some of Stella's belongings, including her music box. "What's that thing?"
"It's Stella's, it's a music box her grandmother gave her," Luan explained.
"Oh yeah, Luna mentioned it, said it has a sweet melody," Sam said. "Once Stella wakes up she'll need to show me how it works."
"Where did Stella sleep again?" Benny asked.
"She slept in the room that Lynn, Lincoln and Lucy share," Luan said. "Lynn offered Stella her bed while she slept in Lincoln's old room."
"Wait, why didn't she bunk with Leni?" Sam asked.
"I don't know, maybe she just wanted to be alone for the night, Lincoln goes back to the closest once in a while," Luan said. "He would need a break since he is sharing a room with two teen girls now, and Lynn isn't shy about doing 'girl things' with Lincoln around."
"Uh, girl things?" Benny asked.
"Does it have to do with bras? Or a girl's monthly present?" Sam asked.
"Sort of, Lucy's been dealing with some puberty stuff, she just started wearing a bra, she's a bit embarrassed about it," Luan said. "Lincoln usually tries to give Lucy privacy whenever she needs Lynn's help, which is why he spent some time in his old room recently."
"Poor Lucy, I remember what that was like," Sam said. "Puberty sucks for girls, their bodies go through a lot of weird changes."
"At least you went through a change, people tell me my voice is still a bit high pitched," Benny said.
"Don't listen to them, you sound just fine," Luan said. "I know Luna was worried about her figure at one point though, but those worries vanished when she started dating Sam, and since I dated you I never had to worry about my own physical appearance either, at least after that pimple crises."
"I still don't know why you got so worked up, I don't think I would have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out," Benny said.
"You're just saying that to be nice, which is fine, I appreciate that," Luan said.
"No I mean it," Benny insisted. "You look fine regardless."
"You don't have to prove anything to me Benny," Luan insisted.
"But Luan..." Benny said.
"Might as well give it up dude," Sam jokingly said. Suddenly the door opened, revealing a somewhat annoyed Luna. "Uh, everything alright Lunes?"
"I'm not sure if any of us should be in the shower right now," Luna said, a hint of a blush on her face.
"Huh? What happened?" Luan asked.
"Well appearently Lincoln and Stella went into the bathroom this morning, the shower is running, and neither one of them had stepped out," Luna said, getting a blush from everyone in the room.
"Lucky them..." Sam said to herself.
"We really gotta enforce some boundries," Luna said.
"Well to be fair Luna, it's not like they're the only ones who do that stuff in there," Luan sheepishly reminded, Benny and Sam understanding her point.
"I still don't want them to make a habit of doing that, I get that Stella's living here now and of course little bro wants some of that action but he's really gotta control his urges," Luna said.
"Stella's a very attractive girl, that might be easier said than done," Luan said. "She might be hormonal too given the fact that she's pregnant."
"The best course of action might be to just let them ride this out," Sam said. "Once you become sexually active, then you're gonna want more until you feel satisfied. It's like listening to a new song, when you first hear it you want to hear it again and again until the thrill wears off so that you just listen to it occasionally rather than all the time."
"And like a joke you just heard, it's gonna stay with you for a while and you're gonna laugh a lot until the joke stops being that funny and just something you look up when you need a quick chuckle," Luan explained.
"Even as Lincoln might put it, trying out a brand new video game, you play it for hours on end until you get used to it enough so that it doesn't keep pulling you back," Benny said. "Lincoln and Stella are exploring a newfound joy in their relationship, they're gonna be on that for a while."
"Plus the bathroom is probably the most secluded place to do this, all of us have roommates so it's harder to get that in," Luan said. "I have to wait for you and Sam to be away for me and Benny to be romantic."
"Same here," Luna said. "I mean, aside from that one time..."
"Oh yeah, when we each had sex with our partners without realizing either one of us was in the same room," Luan said. "So while me and Benny were exploring each other on the bottom bunk, you and Sam were doing the same thing on the top bunk."
"That's twice I saw Benny less than decent, hope that wasn't too awkward for you bro," Luna said.
"Eh, accidents happen," Benny said, though despite his friendly tone, both times were still embarrassing for him.
"Alright, so Lincoln needs to do it, and maybe it is hypocritical for me to comment on the fact that he's doing it in the bathroom," Luna admitted. "But he still is gonna need to dial it back."
"We'll have a chat with Lincoln and Stella later," Luan said.
"Well that still begs the question, does anyone still want to bathe?" Luna asked.
"I'm fine with it," Sam said. "I mean, they're gonna get cleaned up anyway, and they might clean up any excess fluids."
"I might be alright with it," Benny said.
"Alrighty then, your call," Luna said, making her way to the door to help set up the bathroom for the two. As she was doing so however, she heard the bathroom door open. She ever so slightly cracked the door open to listen in.
"That was a mistake, I don't think I have any room for breakfast," Stella said.
"I'm just as surprised as you re," Lincoln said. "We'll be fine, as long as we keep it light."
"Yeah, maybe...wait, we?" Stella asked. "But you didn't-"
Suddenly Lincoln quickly brought Stella inside his room and closed the door behind them.
Luna felt some pride in her brother for getting some action but at the same time, worried that he might get carried away in his desires. "We really gotta set them straight."
"They already are, it is a boy-girl relationship," Luan joked, getting a glare from Luna.
"Seriously brah?" Luna said.
Later in the day, Lincoln and Stella had gone to the park, where the two had asked their friends, both in town and out to meet up at. Lola, Lana and Lily had come along in the events that Adelaide would be there.
As Lana walked, she passed by a garbage can, spotting a half eaten pizza. "Hey, free lunch."
"Lana Loud, don't even think about it," Stella warned.
"Ugh, just because you're gonna be a mom doesn't mean you need to act like you're my mom," Lana said.
"Lana just listen to Stella, she's just looking out for you," Lincoln said.
"If she were looking out for me, she would let me eat, I am a growing girl after all," Lana said.
"If you want a pizza we'll get you one later, just don't eat out of the garage, you'll get sick," Stella said.
"When have I ever gotten sick from eating out of the garbage?" Lana asked.
"Don't even get me started on that list," Lola said.
"Not like I asked you," Lana said.
"Hey no fighting," Stella said.
Lana was gonna retort but she knew this would end up going nowhere, Stella would either have a counter argument or she would have to deal with Lincoln too, and Lola being a pain.
Stella felt a little odd herself, she's not oblivious to the fact that Lana seems to dislike her, and it does bother Stella. She hopes living in the Loud House would help them mend their relationship. If she could make amends with Lori, who hated her at first, and Lynn, who tormented her for about three years, then she's positive she can get through to Lana.
"When's Adelaide coming?" Lily asked.
"She should be here soon with Sid and Ronnie Anne," Lincoln said, keeping an eye out.
"Hey! Lincoln!" Clyde called. The group turned to see the boy along with Rusty, Zach, Liam, Girl Jordan and Mollie.
"Hey, you made it!" Lincoln said, taking his group to meet his friends. "Glad to see you all here."
"Of course, Clyde said you had something incredible to tell us," Girl Jordan said.
"Something life changing," Zach added.
"Something so big that none of us could even hope to guess it," Rusty added.
"Is all that true, or just a big exaggeration?" Mollie asked.
"It could be true, we do have something to tell you that we haven't told anyone aside from Clyde, my family, Stella's, Ronnie Anne, her family and Sid," Lincoln said.
"Also Benny and Sam know," Stella added. "Plus some others, assuming Lincoln's sisters told their own friends."
"No one here's gonna believe it, that's for sure," Clyde said.
"Man, now you got me all curious," Rusty said. "Whatever it is, hope you spill the beans soon."
"Should we tell them now or wait for Ronnie Anne, Sid and Adelaide?" Stella asked. "They do know so-"
"Yo!" Came Ronnie Anne's voice. Almost as if on cue, the thee city girls had arrived.
"Oh good, you're here," Lincoln said.
"Adelaide!" Lily said, making her way over with the twins. "Let's play!"
"Sure, wanna catch some frogs?" Adelaide asked.
"Again with the frogs? Kind of hoped you'd outgrow them," Lola said. "Don't you want to do a tea party?"
"We can do both," Adelaide said. "You know I would never turn away a tea party."
"Let's hit the swamp then, at least anyone girl enough to do it," Lana said.
"Just be careful, there's bacteria," Stella said.
"Yeah, yeah," Lana said, running off. "Let's go girls."
Lily and Adelaide quickly followed after Lana, with Lola turning her attention to Stella. "I'll keep an eye on them, especially Lana."
As Lola ran off, Stella started to worry a bit, "I hope Lana doesn't think I'm trying to single her out, that warning was for all of them."
"Don't worry about Lana, she's just a bit rebellious, all my sisters are," Lincoln said.
"But even Lola listens to me," Stella said. "I mean not always but I don't have as much trouble with her as I do with Lana."
"We'll worry about that later," Lincoln said. "Right now we have some explaining to do to our friends."
"Yeah, we're waiting for this mind blowing information," Rusty said. "So go on, tell us."
"Alright here it goes," Stella began. "Everybody, I'm pregnant."
It took a few seconds for that information to register with the kids, but once it did, they were flooded with so much curiosity that they had to inquire further.
"You're pregnant!?" Girl Jordan said. "Like for real!?"
"Yeah, she is," Lincoln said. "And I'm the father of her baby."
"Lincoln!? You! And Stella! You two did the deed!?" Zach asked.
"No way, I'm totally wigging out about this!" Mollie exclaimed. "You two are gonna be parents!?"
"I can't believe what I'm hearing! When did this happen!?" Rusty asked.
"A little over a week ago," Stella said. "I've known since earlier this week that I was pregnant."
"So you went to school while being pregnant with a baby?" Rusty asked.
"Yeah, I already took my child to school before the little tyke was born," Stella joked.
"Clyde, you knew about this?" Rusty asked.
"Lincoln and Stella told me the day they found out," Clyde explained.
"He told us too," Ronnie Anne said. "These two are going to be parents."
"Oh right, Ronnie Anne, how are you feeling about this?" Mollie asked.
"How am I feeling?" Ronnie Anne asked. "I mean I'm not the one who's gonna be a parent."
"But you used to date Lincoln, wouldn't you-OW!" Mollie felt her arm get elbowed by an annoyed Girl Jordan.
"Don't bring that up, it's probably really awkward for them!"
"Hey remember, Ronnie Anne's the one who encouraged me to ask out Lincoln, she wouldn't care that I'm pregnant with his child, I mean she got over him a long time ago," Stella said.
"Yeah, she's moved on," Sid said, placing her elbow on Ronnie Anne's shoulder. "Isn't that right buddy?"
Ronnie Anne shoved Sid's elbow off, not taking her eyes off Mollie. "Yeah, it's all good."
Neither Mollie nor Girl Jordan liked Ronnie Anne's tone, she even had a look on her face that suggested she's hiding some type of emotion. This was definitely bothering her, but she won't admit it, perhaps there's regret looming.
"So that's the big secret huh?" Liam asked. "Well, it certainly was a surprise, just like you both said."
"What happens now though?" Mollie asked, trying to focus back on the couple. "Are you two gonna stay in school? Are you getting married?"
"I still haven't figured out school, I'm going to attend as long as I can," Stella said. "Once I get too pregnant, I may not come back."
"I think she can finish up the year at least," Lincoln said. "But by the next school year, she might need to take a few months off."
"Given when Stella got pregnant, I'd say she's going to have her baby sometime in December," Clyde said.
"Wow, Christmas this year is going to be something," Lincoln said.
"Oh, our baby's first Christmas, we probably won't have to wait long," Stella said, beaming with excitement. "I can't think of a better time to introduce a baby into the world."
"Also Mollie, to answer your question about marriage, we probably won't get married just yet, I mean we're still high school kids, I doubt we can find anyone that can marry us," Lincoln said.
"I bet Flip would for a price," Rusty joked.
"There is no freaking way I'm getting married at Flip's Gas Station," Stella said. "I'd rather wait until I'm able to get married at a Church."
"Getting married to Stella is a neat idea, it's something I kind of look forward to," Lincoln said, not only blushing himself but getting the same reaction from his girlfriend. "Still, Stella is gonna live with me though, so in a way, it'll be like we're married," Lincoln said.
"You're staying at the Loud House?" Mollie asked. "That's sweet."
"I just moved in yesterday, I'm kind of excited to see what it'll be like living with them," Stella said.
"Packed," Ronnie Anne said. "Take it from a girl who also knows what it's like to live with a large family."
"I think she'll be fine," Girl Jordan said. "I mean, Lincoln's older sisters are in college right?"
"Well Lori already graduated and might be buying a house down here," Lincoln said. "Leni's graduating this year and she's gonna move back home. Luna and Luan go to a local college and Lynn might do the same, so the house is still gonna be packed."
"But Lincoln's sisters like me, most of them at least," Stella said, not forgetting Lana. "At least I'll be surrounded by such friendly girls."
"Well, gotta say Stella, you and Lincoln are handling this really well," Girl Jordan said. "I mean being a parent is a huge responsibility."
"We're perfectly aware," Lincoln said. "And we know it's not gonna be easy."
"But we'll get through it together," Stella said
"Well remember, you're not alone," Liam said. "If you ever need help, you can always come to me. Ah know a thing or two about raising babies."
"Uh, that's sweet Liam, but a human baby might be a bit different than a goat or a cow," Stella said.
"It's all relative, ah could at least hook y'all up with some bottles and milk," Liam said.
"I think Stella's gonna have the milk part down," Mollie teased, gesturing to the girl's chest. "Lincoln's gonna be one lucky boy."
"Such a dirty mind, Lincoln's too much of a gentleman to care about stuff like that," Girl Jordan said.
"Gentleman or not, he's still a boy, and boys love boobies," Mollie said.
"Girls too," Sid added.
"Sid, be quiet," Ronnie Anne ordered, Sid shrinking back. "Don't forget Lincoln, my family's gonna be doting on you two as well."
"We all have you covered, it's gonna be a team effort, right everyone?" Clyde said, getting a round of agreement from the group of friends.
"Thanks everyone, Stella and I really appreciate your help," Lincoln said.
"It's our pleasure," Liam said. "Now then, when were you planning to tell the school?"
"Soon, we're trying to figure out the best time to do so," Lincoln said. "This is pretty big after all, it's best we go into this fully prepared."
"Honestly I'm a bit nervous abut telling anyone" Stella said. "I mean, what are they gonna say when they find out I got pregnant at such a young age."
"What are they gonna say honestly?" Sid asked. "So you got pregnant, big deal. Lots of people get pregnant, it's how humans are born. No one would exist if girls didn't get pregnant."
"Sid's right, in her weird quirky way," Clyde said. "You do what you think is best, but know that none of us think any less of you for being pregnant."
"You're gonna be great parents, you two love each other so much, that's gonna translate well into raising you baby," Girl Jordan said.
"I already love my baby, so does Lincoln," Stella said, rubbing her belly.
"Until then, I trust you all not to say anything to anyone," Lincoln said.
"Of course, this secret is safe with us," Clyde said.
Unbeknownst to any of them, a fellow student at their school had overheard. Turning her head, a teenage Christina had sinisterly eyed this group of friends, "So, Stella got herself pregnant huh? And you want to keep that all to yourself? And here I thought we were all friends." The girl grabbed her phone and started sending her message to anyone in her contacts.
Elsewhere Lana was sitting in a sandbox next to Adelaide while Lily was seen trying to make a sand castle, and constantly failing.
"Lily, you can't make a sand castle with dry sand," Lana pointed out.
"But I'm so close!" Lily said, once again trying to make the sand stand up right, but failing. "Aw poo-poo!"
"Why do you still say that!? You're not a baby!" Lana said.
"Come on Lana, it's cute whe she does that," Adelaide said.
"You don't have to hear it all the time like I do," Lana said. "Whatever, not like that's gonna be the biggest pain in the butt I'll have to put up with now, especially with Stella living with us."
"Are you still all mopey about that?" Came Lola's voice as she sat by her sisters and friend. "I still don't understand why you don't like Stella, she's a great girl."
"Of course you'd say that, she likes you, she just bosses me around," Lana said.
"She doesn't boss you around, she just gives you helpful suggestions to being less gross," Lola said.
"Why does she even care? She's not our sister," Lana said.
"No, but she loves us like sisters," Lola said. "Not to mention she's going to be the mother our niece or nephew, so she's practically family already."
"Stella just wants what's best for you, maybe you should go a little easier on her," Adelaide suggested. "I mean it could be worse, she could be like Sid, she's more bossy than what you make Stella out to be."
"At least Sid's fun," Lana said.
"Hey Stella's fun too," Lola said. "She loves playing Pageant judge with me."
"She also plays video games with me and Linky," Lily added.
"Maybe you and Stella just need something in common," Adelaide said. "I mean, she likes tech stuff and you're a mechanic, so that's already common ground."
"I thought it could be something we could share, until she started worrying about 'my safety'," Lana said. "I mean if my parents don't mind me doing electronic, plumber and mechanic stuff when why does Stella care? Obviously I know what I'm doing, I'm the one who always keeps Vanzilla up and running, been doing it since I was a kid, I'll probably be the one to do it after Lincoln inherits it, and even by then Stella might think it's too dangerous for me to take care of it."
"Alright we get it Lana, Stella's overbearing," Lola said. "But you know what, it just means she loves you, even if you don't think so. I mean remember how overbearing Gran-Gran was when she first started dating Pop-Pop?"
"Hey she was overbearing to all of us, Stella singles me out in particular the most," Lana said.
"Because you give her a reason to," Lola said. "I mean, Lily, Stella's asked things from you right?"
"Yeah, she told me not to pick my nose in public," Lily said.
"And did you listen?" Lola asked.
"Uh-huh," Lily said. "Plus mommy told me the same thing so Stella must have been right."
"Even mom and dad don't like you doing gross stuff, Lori and Linky have also asked you on occasion to dial it back," Lola said. "Honestly it's a miracle you've barely gotten sick."
"Cause I'm immune," Lana said.
"That's a load of baloney," Lola said. "Look, like it or not, Stella's staying with us, so you can get used to it now, or be miserable until the day she and Linky find their own house."
"That won't be soon right?" Lily asked. "I don't want Linky to move away."
"Don't worry Lily, I doubt Linky would be able to afford a home anyway, he's going to live here with Stella and her baby, and you will be the baby's auntie."
"I'll be Auntie Lily," the girl said. "The best auntie ever."
"Well aside from me of course," Lola said, getting a slight glare from Lily. "Hey I only speak truth."
"Bullshit," Lana said.
"Don't curse or I'll tell Linky," Lily warned.
"Oh right, then he'll tell Stella," Lola joked
"Real funny!" Lana said.
"Come on, ease up on Lana," Adelaide said, rubbing her friend's shoulder. "This is a lot for her."
"Well she needs to remember the one rule she should have learned by now," Lola said. "She is not the only sibling in the house, so not everything is going to revolve around her."
"You're one to talk," Lana said.
"Alright, you want to throw down!?" Lola asked, rolling up her sleeve.
"Let's not," Adelaide nervously suggested. "Lana, let's go for a walk, you need to clear your head."
"Yeah, uh-huh..." Lana said, walking off with her friend.
Lola shook her head in shame, clearly displeased with her sister's attitude, "That girl, Stella's great to have around, but not everyone could handle class like her."
"I can't understand someone not liking Stella, she's so nice, she's just like a big sister," Lily said.
"Eh, even the greatest of people have their haters, I'm no stranger," Lola said. "Though I usually make my haters regret crossing me."
Time had passed, soon it was time for the Casagrande group to start heading home. Leni also had to get going since she had to return to her campus soon, but she promised to be back during vacation.
"Thank you all so much for coming," Rita said. "You've all helped out a lot."
"We appreciate all this food too," Lynn Sr. said, gesturing to the many dishes that Rosa, Maria and Frieda cooked up. "Almost as good as what I make."
"Lynn..." Rita scolded.
"It's fine," Rosa said, looking over to Stella, who was currently hugging Lori. "All I care about is that girl is eating plenty, after all she has to eat for two now."
Lori had released her hug on Stella, "You call me if you need anything, I will be there in an instant."
"Lori you don't have to drop everything for me," Stella said.
"You are carrying my niece or nephew, I will come if I need to," Lori said.
"Same here, we Loud Mates stick together," Bobby said, fist bumping Stella.
Nearby Leni had Lincoln in a tight hug, "I'll be back soon Linky, just call me if you need anything before then."
"I will, thanks again for coming," Lincoln said. "See you in a couple of weeks."
"See you," Leni said, then turned her attention to the girl bearing her brother's child. "Bye Stella, take care."
"See you Leni," Stella said, hugging the older girl good-bye.
"Lincoln," Lori said, making her way over and hugging her brother. "Call me if you're unsure about something."
"Of course, have a nice trip back Lori," Lincoln said.
Everyone continued their good-byes, from the grandparents, to the parents, to the kids, leaving just Sid and Ronnie Anne last.
"I guess I'll see you around lame-o," Ronnie Anne said.
"Yeah, see you Ronnie Anne, you too Sid," Lincoln said.
"Bye Sid," the girl turned to her Royal Woods friend. "Bye Stella." She walked over to bring her in for a hug. "Call me if you need a friend to talk to."
"Thanks for being here," Stella said, returning the hug.
"Hurry up Sid, we're holding everyone up," Ronnie Anne said, somewhat annoying Sid as the girl let go of the hug. "Catch you later Stella, and congrats on the kid."
Ronnie Anne walked off with Sid right behind her, the girl once again waving bye just before leaving.
Stella couldn't help but notice something unusual about Ronnie Anne's attitude as of late. "Is it me, or is Ronnie Anne a bit on edge?"
"Huh? Uh, it's fine, I mean she's pretty much like that usually," Lincoln said.
"Come on, she's tough but she's not moody," Stella said. "Something's going on with her, I mean have you seen the way she's been talking to Sid?"
"Maybe she's just trying to keep Sid under control, I mean she has made some nearly perverted comments," Lincoln said. "Given your current state she probably figured you weren't in the mood for that."
"She has made a comment or two but they didn't bother me, I'd rather Sid be herself than try to be extra nice just because I'm pregnant," Stella said. "Plus Ronnie Anne snapped at her for pretty much anything, even that hug just now."
"Well usually when Sid hugs you, her hands sort of drift down," Lincoln said.
"Not always, yesterday she gave me a normal hug without doing anything she doesn't always drift down anyway," Stella said. "Sid even backs off when I ask her too so it's not like I need help telling her to behave her hormones."
"Ronnie Anne's just being courteous, once she gets used to you being pregnant, she'll back off," Lincoln reassured.
Stella seemed to nod in agreement, "Maybe you're right, Ronnie's just trying to be a good friend, I really appreciate her for that." The girl felt her stomach growl, "Oh, better get some food in me, my nutrients are the baby's too so I gotta stay on that."
"Good idea, and it looks like Mrs. Casagrande made a lot of extra food for us," Lincoln said. "Let's enjoy."
Just outside, Judy was surprised to see the sight she beheld when she arrived at the Loud House. So many people leaving the home, and it wasn't the family residing inside.
"Hey it's Stella's mom," Lori pointed out, gesturing to the woman. "Hello Mrs. Zhau!"
"Hi Lori...uh did you bring your boyfriend's whole family?" Judy asked.
"Si, we came to check on your daughter," Rosa explained. "We wanted to make sure she would be comfortable throughout her pregnancy."
"Oh, wow, I really appreciate you looking out for my daughter," Judy said. "I don't know how to repay that."
"You don't have to, she is Lincoln's girlfriend, and he is like family to us," Rosa said.
"Plus Stella's my friend too, and soon to be part of our family as well," Bobby said. "My kids are gonna be the cousins to her baby, and I'm hoping they can be as close to each other as I am with my cousins."
"That's very considerate of you," Judy said. "Well I should go check on my daughter, I hope her first night was alright."
"There were some...complications," Lori said. "Namely her bed getting destroyed due to some rough playing."
"Yeah my cousin got into a bit of a fight with one of Lori's sisters, but no one got hurt," Bobby said.
"Why were they fighting?" Judy asked.
"Just typical rough housing that kids do," Lori said.
"Do not worry señora, I fixed up her bed and little Carl's parents already had a nice talk with him about his actions," Rosa reassured.
"And mom dealt with Lynn," Lori said.
"That's...reassuring, though I really hope I won't have to worry about anything happening to my daughter," Judy said.
"It won't happen again, my sisters won't fight around Stella, they'll be extra careful," Lori said. "They're rowdy but they never take anything too far."
"Unless you're bad luck," a passing by Ronnie Anne snarked.
"Bad luck?" Judy asked.
"It's nothing, my sister's just messing around," Bobby nervously reassured. "Stella will be fine, Lori's family is a very caring one. I wouldn't be surprised if they treated Stella like a queen."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Judy agreed. "She is close with your sisters, especially Luna and Luan."
"Well we won't keep you," Lori said. "You should check on Stella, but she's doing great so far, so I don't think you have much to worry about."
"Yes, thank you Lori," Judy said, making her way inside the house.
Bobby seemed a bit relived, then somewhat annoyed, "What the heck was Ronnie Anne thinking with that crack?"
"I'm not sure, but at least Stella's mom wasn't too freaked out," Lori said.
"Yeah, good thing," Bobby said. "Still, very odd of Ronnie Anne to do that."
"Come to think of it, she has been a bit moody lately, maybe something's up with her?" Lori said.
"Wonder if it has to do with Stella being pregnant?" Bobby wondered. "In any case, that was really mean of her."
"Let's just try talking to her later, maybe we'll figure something out," Lori said.
"If she's willing to talk," Bobby said.
"Of course, she's not as reclusive as she was when she was a kid," Lori said.
"Old habits can resurface," Bobby said. "But maybe you're right, maybe she'll tell me. Or she'll at least tell her cousins."
"Or Sid," Lori said. "One way or another, we'll get answers."
Before long, the Casagrande group had gone home. Later that night, Stella was laying in her bed, having ate and bathed and was ready for a good night sleep.
A knock on the door came, "Come in!"
Lincoln had opened up, fully dressed in his PJs, "Hey, feeling comfortable in here?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Stella said. "Sharing a room with Luna and Luan will be fun."
"Well remember, you can always come by my room if you feel lonely during the night," Lincoln said. "Or I can come here."
"Would Luna or Luan mind?" Stella asked.
"I think they'd understand," Lincoln said, walking over to Stella. He then brought her in for a kiss, kneeling on the bed as he hugged her close. "I love you." He laid her down as he continued the kiss, hovering right over her as the two slowly made out.
Lincoln was slowly getting into the mood, keeping up the passion he felt for his girlfriend, the very girl pregnant with his first child, possibly the first of many. However just before he felt the urge to continue this on a more intimate level, he heard the sound of Luna getting his attention.
"Ahem," Lincoln turned to see not only Luna but Luan right beside her. "Having fun there little bro?"
"I was, until you interrupted me," Lincoln annoyingly pointed out.
"Keep your motor parked in your garage, you ain't going for a wild ride tonight," Luan said.
"That was such a lame joke," Lincoln said.
"Lame or not, you still gotta leave," Luna said, pointing to her door.
Lincoln groaned in annoyance and turned to Stella, "We'll resume this tomorrow."
"I look forward to that," Stella said as her boyfriend made her way out of the room. "He's so romantic."
"Yeah we taught him well," Luna said. "Probably too well."
"Aside from all that, are you feeling comfortable Stella?" Luan asked.
"Yes, very much so," Stella said. "Thanks again for letting me sleep in your room."
"It's nothing," Luna said, climbing her ladder to the top bunk. "We're glad to have you here Stella."
"I'm glad to be here," Stella said, laying back in the bed. "Thanks to you, I don't feel too homesick."
"Probably because this was like a second home to you anyway," Luan joked as she sat in her bed. "Well, goodnight Stella."
"Yeah, night Stella," Luna said.
"Night girls," Stella replied, getting ready to sleep the night away.
Back in Great Lakes, everyone had just gotten home, Ronnie Anne especially heading to her room, wanting to just relax and sleep.
"Ronnie Anne!" Came Sid's voice. No relaxing yet for the girl. "Ronnie Anne, wait up!"
"What is it Sid?" Ronnie Anne asked, somewhat annoyed. "I want to get ready for bed."
"I'm sorry but, I just really gotta talk to you," Sid said. "Can we talk in your room?"
"...Fine, as long as you keep your clothes on," Ronnie Anne said.
Sid felt a bit awkward from hearing that, but she did bring that on herself in her mind. The girl followed Ronnie Anne into her room, the two keeping the door closed right behind them.
"Alright, you have my attention, what is it?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"...I'm sorry, alright?" Sid said. "I know the reason you've been in such a crabby mood is because of that line I crossed the other day. I know it may have been a little uncomfortable."
"A little?" Ronnie Anne asked. "Sid, it was very uncomfortable, and weird, even for you."
"It wasn't meant to be weird, I just...wanted to connect with you a bit," Sid said. "Maybe that was the wrong way to go about it."
"It was definitely the wrong way to go about it," Ronnie Anne corrected. "I get you like me but I think you're letting it take over your mind. I mean you've kept it well suppressed these last couple of years, what's gotten into you that you're all of a sudden acting this way? Is it really because of Stella and Lincoln?"
"Somewhat, I'm just so happy for them, but also so envious that they have each other," Sid said. "Stella always talks about how she's glad she took the risk of dating Lincoln despite them already being best friends."
"A risk that was my idea, I told her to ask the lame-o out," Ronnie Anne said.
"I just keep wondering why it works for them but it's not working for us," Sid said. "Like what is preventing us from being together?"
"Besides the fact that I'm not totally into girls?" Ronnie Anne said.
"Hey I didn't think I was into girls until I really got you know you," Sid said.
"Well that works for you but not for me," Ronnie Anne said. "Sid, I like you, just not that way."
Sid felt her heart string tug a bit, but she still couldn't give up on this yet, there had to be a way. "You sure you don't just wanna go on a date? I mean I bet I can wow you enough to like me."
"It's not gonna..." Ronnie Anne groaned in annoyance. "Sid, just drop it, I don't want to date you. Right now I don't even want to hang out with you."
That definitely caused some heartbreak for Sid, "Wait, what did you say?"
"I think we need a break from each other," Ronnie Anne said. "After all this craziness, between that nude moment between us, and just trying to accept the fact that my best friend is going to be a father."
"You mean your other best friend," Sid corrected, almost tearfully. "I'm still your best friend too."
"Right now, you're just my friend, if you want to be my best friend again, you're gonna have to build that back up," Ronnie Anne said. "Look, I'm tired, so we'll talk another time, not sure when but eventually."
Sid was still teary eyed, unable to fully accept this. "Ronnie..."
"Please don't start crying, maybe this will be good for you too, clear our heads, get back to normal and we can pretend all this awkwardness never happened," Ronnie Anne said.
"Right...back to normal..." Sid said, still a bit teary eyed as she made her way to the window still. "I'll see you later then...hopefully."
"Yeah, see you later Sid," Ronnie Anne said as her friend left. The poor girl felt so confused right now, she hopes she's not being too hard on Sid, but then again she needs to get this girl back on the right track, even if she has to make tough choices.
Outside her room, Carl had overheard just about everything, "Dang, seems like Sid and Ronnie Anne ain't riding in harmony together, I knew Sid had a weird crush no Ronnie Anne but looks like that crazy chick took things a little too far. Man, between his and Lincoln getting Stella pregnant, there's bound to be a lot of drama, way more exciting than a novella. Gotta be sure to keep up with all the details."
Sid went to her room, feeling really crummy. Her friendship with Ronnie Anne might be in danger, and she can't handle the idea of them not being friends.
Just as she was about to go to bed, she got a text message from Stella, the girl wishing her goodnight and thanking her for coming to Royal Woods. Sid felt some relief and replied to her friend, wishing her luck going forward. At least Sid still had Stella's friendship, along with Lincoln's. Those two meant a lot to her after all, almost as much as Ronnie Anne did.
The following morning in the Loud House, Stella had woken up, having slept comfortably through the night, ready for the day ahead. Stepping outside of her new room, she got a glimpse of the bathroom line, starting with Luan in front, then Lucy, then Lynn, then Lincoln, then Lola, then Lana and lastly Lisa. While she had seen Lincoln and his sisters waiting for the bathroom before, she had never seen a line this long. Any other sleepover she had was never during a school day, so that meant all the sisters had to stay on line a oppose to going at their own pace.
"Hey Stella," Lincoln said, waiting in the middle. "Wanna cut in front of me?"
"Hey no cutting!" Lana said. "The line is determined by whoever wakes up before who! And I'm not giving up my spot to someone who woke up after me!"
"Lana, be nice," Lynn scolded. "But seriously, she has a point, I like you Stella but if you're gonna live here, you gotta go by our rules."
"Lynn you're ahead though," Lincoln pointed out.
"Her point stands, Stella has to wait in back," Lana said.
"You don't have to be such a butt about it you know," Lola sassed.
"You're one to talk," Lana said.
"Lana, Lola, it's too early to start arguing," Lincoln said, just as Luna finished up and Luan began to take her turn. "Stella, I'm sorry but it looks like you're gonna have to hit the back of the line."
"That's fine, I can wait my turn," Stella said, taking a spot behind Lisa. "Hey, where's Lily?"
"She was a bit drowsy so I didn't push her too hard to wake up," Lisa said. "Though it did cost her a spot further back in line."
"Is it like this every morning though?" Stella asked.
"It varies, if most of the siblings wake up at once then yes, occasionally there is a pattern we siblings discover which makes mornings easier, but the more we try to exploit said patterns, the more likely we are to have things turn out like this again," Lisa said.
"Really throws off my routine," Lincoln said.
"Gee, sorry you can't pee at your usual time of day," Lynn teased.
"Oh ha-ha Lynn," Lincon said. "You still don't take a dump before a big game, so we all have our things."
"I've always thought that would be a disadvantage, how do you focus?" Stella asked.
"I build the muscle," Lynn said. "Honestly if I want to I can probably hold it in for like a week."
"That is unhealthy and unsanitary," Lisa pointed out.
"Can we not talk about this? It's gross," Lola said.
"I mean we are waiting in line for the bathroom, this topic is gonna come up," Lynn said.
"Still, it's uncouth," Lola said.
Seconds later, Lily had come out of her room, still looking a bit tired. Of course she felt even worse when she saw the line. "Aw...now I gotta wait forever to use the bathroom."
"Oh hi Lily, do you want to go in front of me?" Stella asked.
"Wow, thanks Stella," Lily said, taking a spot in front of her brother's girlfriend. "That's really nice of you."
"Wow, even Leni wouldn't let someone cut in front of her," Lynn said.
"Stella, don't be too nice here, it's gonna come back to bite you," Lucy warned.
"I don't see the harm in letting Lily go ahead, it doesn't bother me to wait a bit more," Stella said.
"Well you don't have to wait, we can go in together," Lincoln suggested.
"Don't even think about it!" Lynn, Lucy, Lola, Lana and Lisa all warned at once, much to Lincoln's annoyance.
A bit later, after the bathroom and breakfast, the bus came to pick the kids up. While on the bus, Stella couldn't help but notice how quiet a lot of the kids got when they noticed her. She could even hear some of the whispers as she made her way to her seat.
"She was at the Loud House."
"Think the rumors are true?"
"She doesn't look that different."
"I'm so jealous of Lincoln."
Stella seemed pretty confused, it did dawn on her that the kids might find it strange if she is continuously seen being picked up at her boyfriend's house, though truthfully she hoped that nobody would really know.
"Something strange is going on," Stella said.
"Yeah, kind of weird," Lincoln commented.
Two kids, Flat Tire and Poppa Wheelie were seen talking among each other as well.
"Think this confirms what Christina said?" Flat Tire asked.
"Hard to say, I mean it's not the first time that Stella girl was at the Loud bus stop," Poppa Wheelie said.
"Well yeah, but that doesn't make it any less likely, does it?" Flat Tire asked. "Those two have been dating for years, it's not that hard to believe Stella would, well you know, end up in that condition."
"Lincoln must have royally messed up then," Poppa Wheelie joked. "Man ain't that a-"
"What are you two losers talking about?" Came Lynn's voice. The two turned to see the older girl standing over them, looking pretty intimidating. "Well?"
"Uh...well," Poppa Wheelie wasn't sure how to answer in a way that Lynn wouldn't try to hurt them, knowing just how overprotective she is of her little brother.
"Just...stuff..." Flat Tire said, hoping that would work.
"Stuff?" Lynn asked.
Fortunately for the boys, the bus driver called to Lynn, "Loud! Take a seat!"
Lynn glared at the two somewhat relieved boys, "This isn't over." The girl went to take a seat close to Lincoln and Stella, the two feeling a bit strange.
"Something's going on, you don't think anyone knows do you?" Stella asked.
"I don't think so, only our friends know, and they wouldn't tell anyone, would they?" Lincoln wondered.
"I'd like to think so," Stella said. "Maybe it's nothing."
"Hey, dorks," came the voice of a girl named Taylor. Lincoln and Stela looked over to the punk girl, who was sitting alone today. "Heard you two have gotten a lot closer than normal lately."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Lincoln asked.
"Kids know more than you think, so if I were you, I'd keep an eye and ear out," Taylor warned. "Just a friendly warning."
"Do you know something?" Lynn asked, getting the girl's attention.
"Nothing you won't find out later," Taylor said, placing some headphones on. "Like I said, keep an eye and ear out."
That ominous warning from the bus bully did not sit well with Lincoln or Stella, Lynn herself also obviously concerned for her brother and best friend.
Upon arriving at school, things certainly weren't that much better. Many of the kids were heard whispering and gossiping every time Lincoln and Stella passed by them, it was certainly getting very frustrating for the two, especially the odd glances they kept receiving.
They weren't the only ones who felt this way, Lynn also got annoyed each time she heard her classmates whispering, usually hearing either Lincoln's name brought up, Stella, or both.
Things began to fully culminate at lunch time. Stella and Lincoln had grabbed their food and made their way to the table to greet their friends. On the way over, a familiar and very unfriendly voice got their attention.
"Hey Lincoln, Stella, you two are looking well," Chandler said, confusing the two. He was not one for random compliments, unless it was to Stella alone, usually trying to get her to date him instead.
"Uh, thanks, I guess," Stella said.
"Stella, I don't think I've ever told you what a fine body you have," Chandler said. "Puberty was good to you."
"Excuse me?" Stella asked.
"Just saying that you have a good figure, any guy would be lucky to have something like that," Chandler said.
Lincoln looked a bit annoyed at the idea of Chandler talking about his girlfriend's figure, "Well if you're done eyeing Stella, my girlfriend, we have lunch to eat."
"Right, I shouldn't keep you," Chandler said as the two walked off. "After all, you're eating for two now."
The two immediately stopped in their tracks, both of them turning to face Chandler, neither one believing what they just heard.
"Repeat that," Lincoln ordered.
"What? No please?" Chandler asked.
"I'm serious!" Lincoln shouted. "What did you just say!?"
"I'm just repeating what I was told from a certain classmate," Chandler said. "Someone you might know."
"Who!?" Stella asked. "Who told you!?"
"Hey Lincoln, Stella, what's going on?" Rusty asked, making his way over.
Lincoln hesitated to react, while he didn't want to suspect his friend, he couldn't help but remember that it was five years ago that Rusty told all of Royal Woods Elementary School that he was dating Stella. While they patched things up, he does occasionally wonder if Rusty was still bitter about losing out on Stella.
While he hesitated, Stella was not going hold back as much, "Rusty, you didn't tell anyone what Lincoln and I told you at the park, did you?"
"Huh?" Rusty asked, recalling finding out about Stella's pregnancy. "No, of course not!"
"I don't know, I wouldn't put it past him if he did," Chandler taunted. "After all, he wanted Stella too."
"Lincoln, what's going on?" Rusty asked.
"Hey Stella!" Came Christina's voice. "You sure that's enough food to help feed the baby growing inside you!?"
Stella's world completely stopped when Christina shouted that. Lincoln could barely believe it either, the boy looking around and seeing everyone staring at the two. Rusty started to grow concerned, knowing why Stella asked what she did.
"Well isn't that nice of Christina, she's looking out for you Stella," Chandler said. "It's a shame really that you're carrying Lincoln's baby, I mean I can't imagine with his looks that your baby's gonna turn out that great looking, now if it were me who-"
Stella had grabbed Chandler by his shirt, and tossed the boy halfway across the cafeteria, much to the surprise of his friends. The moment she turned her attention to them, that's when they started to freak and make a run for it.
Chandler slowly started to stand up, but felt a force on his back in the form of Lynn's shoe. "You're not going anywhere until you answer some questions."
"Hey get off me!" Chandler shouted.
"Margo! Polly! Grab that other loud mouth!" Lynn ordered.
"Wait, does she mean me!?" Christina asked. Her question was answered when the two girls were seen surrounding her.
"We can do this the easy way..." Margo began, but when Christina tried to make a run for it, Margo grabbed her by the hair. "Or the hard way!"
"We can make it harder," Polly warned, cracking her knuckles.
"You try anything and you'll regret it!" Christina warned.
"Like you're any match for us, I'm on more sports teams than you can count," Margo said, tightening her grip. "Now, who told you about Lincoln and Stella!?"
"I don't have to say anything!" Christina said, then yelped as her hair got pulled tighter.
"Only making it worse," Margo said.
Meanwhile Lynn still had her foot on Chandler's back as Lincoln knelt down beside the boy. "Hey I can call my sister off, but you're gonna have to start talking."
"Don't intimidate me!" Chandler said, then felt more pressure on his back.
"You better listen to my brother if you don't want to have your spine crushed," Lynn warned.
"Hey all I got was a text message, that's all!" Chandler said.
"From who!?" Lincoln asked. "Who told you about Stella being pregnant with my kid!?"
Before things could escalate, Assistant Principal Oliver had made his presence, "Alright that is enough!"
"Huh? What's Oliver doing here?" Lynn asked.
"It's Assistant Principal Oliver Lynn Loud!" the man warned. "Get your foot off that boy's back and the two of you, your little brother, his girlfriend and those three girls over there can meet me in The Principal's office!"
"Hey what did I do?" Chandler asked.
"Can it," Oliver warned. "Now march!"
Within seconds, the seven kids had made there way to the Principal's office, leaving the cafeteria almost speechless. Rusty hoped no one would blame him, though as he looked to Clyde, Liam, Zach, Girl Jordan and Mollie, he could see some doubt in their eyes.
"This is gonna be tough to explain," Rusty realized.
In the office of Principal Rivers, the seven kids waited in silence as Oliver relayed the situation to the woman.
"A fight in the cafeteria?" Rivers asked.
"Yes, and as usually the Loud family are in the center of the drama, it's been that way since Lori Loud attended this school," Oliver said. "I still haven't forgotten the drama she and her other two sisters caused with their after school clubs."
"And you still got five more Loud Siblings to go," Lynn joked, much to the annoyance of the others.
"Lynn, please don't make it worse," Lincoln begged.
"Well, if I'm being honest, I don't condone the fight, but I am interested in the cause," Rivers said. "It centered around Stella Zhau, did it not?"
"Yes, something about her being with child..." Oliver said. "I am not sure if this is some type of slang or weird insult."
"It's not slang, or anything," Stella said. "Principal Rivers, I'm pregnant."
"Pregnant!? You!?" Rivers asked, almost surprised at the revelation.
"Hold on, you're pregnant!?" Oliver asked. "How!?"
"How? Did you just say 'how'?" Lynn asked. "You do know how babies are made, don't you?"
"Watch it young lady!" Oliver warned. "Now for you Stella...I may need to ask-"
"I'm the baby's father, just so you know," Lincoln said. "A little over a week ago, Stella and I had relations, and we weren't properly protected."
"So, you've been coming to this school while pregnant?" Oliver asked.
"What was I suppose to do?" Stella asked. "I'm not showing it yet so I figured it could wait a bit."
"Still, this is highly outrageous, this is not a secret you keep from the school!" Oliver said. "If you're pregnant, we need to know!"
"Hey ease up, this is tough enough on her as it is," Lynn said.
"Yes, this situation is probably overwhelming her, and it's not good for the positive vibes her baby needs to grow up healthy," Rivers said.
"Principal, need I remind you that there are rules!" Oliver said. "If she knew she was pregnant then she should have come to us! Or her parents could have let us know! Assuming they do know!"
"They know, so do Lincoln's," Stella reassured.
"So the lack of communication is multi-family and multi-generational!" Oliver angrily stated. "There is going to be action taken for this. I mean, imagine the reputation our school will get when they find out one of our students got pregnant!"
"How would that be the school's fault?" Lynn asked. "This is the personal life of Lincoln and Stella, school's got nothing to do with it."
"It has everything to do! These children have set a terrible example of teen behavior!" Oliver said.
"Oliver, please," Rivers said, trying to calm her assistant. "Remember, positive vibes."
"Yeah, take a chill pill dude," Lynn said.
"Lynn, maybe you shouldn't talk so much," Margo suggested. "You're gonna cause more trouble for us. Or at least you're gonna stress out Stella."
"I know, but still, this is ridiculous," Lynn insisted, causing further annoyance for Oliver.
"Now, as for you Stella," Rivers said. "Personally I do think it's wonderful that you're bringing life into our world, but I do have some concerns about you attending our school in your state."
"I'm fine, really," Stella said. "I'm not showing any signs or symptoms. I've only vomited once or twice since this started."
"You may be fine now, but your baby will grow," Rivers said. "Soon you may not be able to attend this school, it might be a physical strain for you. I may let you finish up the school year since you only have about 3 months of it left, but after that, it may be hard for you to still attend."
"Am I suppose to quit school?" Stella asked. "I can't do that, I promised my mom this wouldn't affect my educational future!"
"It won't have to, if anything you can be home schooled, I can help arrange that for you," Rivers said.
"Me? Home schooling?" Stella asked. She knew this was possible but she still hoped she could put that off.
"That doesn't sound so bad, sounds like a good deal," Polly said.
"Eh, not really that great," Lynn commented.
"Kind of a pain," Lincoln added.
"Well that might be the best we can offer for her," Rivers said.
"Isn't there anyway I can stay?" Stella asked. "My baby will be due in December, that would be about three months into 11th grade, that's not so bad, is it?"
"Consider that not only would it be hard for you to move around, after you baby is born you're going to need to take care of it," Rivers said. "I mean, would you feel comfortable being away from your recently born baby so many hours in a day?"
"Plus it would look bad for the school's image if we allow a pregnant girl to continue attending," Oliver said.
"Oliver..." Rivers scolded, then turned her attention back to Stella. "I know this is hard but we really do need to consider this possibility."
"Can't you think on it a little?" Stella asked. "I don't want things to change more than they need to."
Rivers sighed, feeling very sympathetic but also conflictive. "Alright, I'll think about it."
"Thank you Principal Rivers," Stella said, hoping this matter gets resolved soon.
"Now, as for the fight," Rivers said.
"Yes, those two pulled my hair!" Christina said, gesturing to Margo and Polly.
"And Lynn Loud attacked me," Chandler said. "So did Stella, but I might be willing to let that slide, even if she's currently tainted with Loud DNA."
"Look you..." Lynn warned.
"That's enough," Rivers said. "Also Chandler, that comment is not appropriate."
"Just a joke," Chandler insisted.
"Well you still haven't told us how you knew about Stella being pregnant," Lynn said. "Neither did your sidekick."
"I'm not his sidekick!" Christina said.
"Whatever, you morons blabbed it to the entire cafeteria, and something tells me one of you knew it sooner," Lynn said.
"You two told an entire cafeteria?" Rivers asked.
"Not exactly, I just asked if Stella's eating alright since she's pregnant," Christina said. "It came from a good place."
"Uh-huh, and how did you know about Stella being pregnant?" Rivers asked.
Christina grew nervous, "Just...around."
"Around where?" Oliver asked. "Answers young lady."
"I just heard it from some kids, Lincoln's friends," Christina said.
"Was it Rusty!?" Lynn asked.
"If I say 'yes' can I leave?" Christina asked.
"Hold on, did Rusty actually tell you?" Lincoln asked.
"Well...I mean he was there..." Christina said. "Look I gave my answer, can I go now?"
"Alright let me ask you then Chandler," Oliver said. "Who told you about the pregnancy?"
"I got it from a text message," Chandler said, being completely vague.
"A text? Did someone just randomly text you?" Rivers asked.
"Well...I may or may not have known the person," Chandler said.
Rivers grew a little impatient but tried to maintain her calm and mellow demeanor, "Clearly we're gonna need some answers from the two of you. The rest of you can leave, in light of this issue I will not issue any punishments."
"Wait really?" Oliver asked.
"Wow, thanks Principal, you're a swell gal, gonna miss you when I graduate," Lynn said, hoping to speed things along. "Alright Margo, Polly, Linc, Stells, let's not take up anymore of her time."
"Hey wait they can't leave, it's not fair to us!" Christina said.
"You can leave when you give us more clear and precise answers, you two are in trouble for a major violation of privacy that could affect the school, we'll keep you on for as long as needed," Oliver said.
"This is bullshit!" Chandler said.
"Alright, you just earned yourself a detention young man," Oliver said. "Unless you want more, then start talking."
"Well see you around," Lynn said, getting her friends out the room just as Christina used a very rude gesture.
"That's a detention for you too, young lady," Oliver said.
Outside the Principal's office, the kids took a sigh of relief, they got through that but now they had to deal with the fact that everyone knew the secret.
"Now what am I gonna do?" Stella wondered. "All these kids know about me."
"We'll figure it out," Lincoln said, then turned to Margo and Polly. "I take it Lynn told the two of you?"
"You don't mind, do you?" Margo asked.
"Of course not, you're Lynn's best friends, and I know I can trust you girls," Lincoln said.
"Thanks, congrats by the way," Polly said. "I mean, you're gonna be a dad, that's impressive."
"Thanks, despite the situation I'm really excited about it," Lincoln said. "And slightly nervous."
"You'll be fine little bro," Lynn said. "We're all here for you after all."
"Well we should head back to class," Stella said. "I wanna get this day over with."
As the kids began to walk, Stella felt her stomach growl. Margo reached into her pocket and pulled out a fruit bar. "Here you go."
"Are you fine with that?" Stella asked.
"I got extra, plus you need it more," Margo said.
"Well, thanks Margo," Stella said, taking the bar.
"I got some chips if you want them," Polly offered, reaching into her bag.
"Polly I told you to ease up on the sweets," Lynn said.
"But they're potato chips, so they're like a vegetable," Polly said.
"Not how it works," Lynn said. "Am I gonna have to lecture you about proper dieting again?"
"Ugh, fine, I'll lay off the chips," Polly said, giving the bag to Stella. "At least they're good for something."
"Which reminds me," Lynn turned to Stella. "Might need to put you on a regimen, don't want my niece or nephew gaining extra calories before they leave your womb."
"Uh, alright," Stella said, now wondering if her kid is going to be subjected to Lynn's training.
After school, Lincoln and Stella began to walk home, neither wanting to be on the bus for worry of what the other kids would say.
"Hey Stella," came the voice of their classmate Emma, who was joined by her friend Chloe. "Got a second?"
"Sure, what is it?" Stella asked.
Emma pulled out an apple, "Here, I saved this since lunch, I figured you could use the nutrition, it's good for your baby."
"I have this juice pouch for you too," Chloe said, grabbing the item. "It's grape flavor."
"Wow, thanks girls," Stella said, taking the apple and pouch.
"If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know," Emma said. "You too Lincoln."
"Sure, I really appreciate that," Lincoln said.
"Well, see you both later," Emma said, making her way onto the bus.
"Bye you two, and congratulatons!" Chloe said.
"Hey Stella!" Came the voice of Paula, the seemingly always injured girl limping her way over. "Heard about you being pregnant, so I came up with this."
Paula handed Stella a note, the young girl reading over it, "This looks like the phone numbers for various doctors."
"Yeah, figured you could have some professional help during your pregnancy, assuming you don't already have a doctor," Paula said. "Of course there's some good exercise classes to help you through your pregnancy."
"Well, we do know a doctor, Ronnie Anne's mom," Stella said. "But having a local doctor won't be too bad, thanks Paula."
"Yeah, really appreciate that," Lincoln said.
"You got it," Paula said, limping away. "And congrats!"
So far things have looked good for Lincoln and Stella, no one has really said anything negative, but they did wonder how long it would last.
"Lincoln! Stella!" Came the voice of Joy, another classmate. "Hey, just so you know, I know some potentially good babysitters who can watch over your baby when he or she is born."
"Wow, that's really nice of you to help Joy," Stella said.
"Of course, I've known you two since Elementary School, I wouldn't feel right if I didn't offer you some help," Joy said as she left. "Well, take care."
"Didn't expect everyone to be so nice," Lincoln said. "I expected some teasing."
"Hey pipsqueaks!" Came Taylor's voice.
"Well, here it comes," Stella said, preparing herself. To her surprise, same as Lincoln, Taylor held a fist out, not out of violence, but out of kindness.
"Congrats on the kid," Taylor said. "I know you'll make good parents."
"Uh...thanks," Stella said, fist bumping the tough girl.
"Yeah, thanks Taylor,," Lincoln said, fist bumping as well.
"It's nothing really, figured you could use some motivation, hated what that Christina girl did," Taylor said, heading onto the bus. "Well I'm out, peace."
"This...is a bit unusual," Stella said.
"Starting to wonder if Lynn has everyone too scared to mess with us," Lincoln said.
"Hopefully it won't be bad next year then," Stella said.
"It won't be," Lincoln said, gesturing to the group of Clyde, Liam, Rusty, Zach, Penelope, Girl Jordan and Mollie. "We have them."
Of the group though, Rusty seemed pretty nervous, "What if they think I told everyone?"
"Well, did you?" Clyde asked.
"No, I wouldn't dream of it," Rusty said. "I mean I know I made this type of mistake in the past, and I don't blame them for thinking it's me, but, I swear I didn't say anything."
"Then tell them, they're our friends, they'll believe you," Clyde said.
"Have faith in your friends, it could turn out well for you," Penelope added.
Rusty took a breath as he neared Lincoln and Stella, "Look, I'm not sure what you heard but I swear I didn't spill the beans this time. What I did to you two five years ago is probably my lowest point, you two mean a lot to me, you're my friends, and you've always found a way to be there for me when I needed you. I nearly threw that away over some petty jealousy, but I am long over Stella, and I'm looking to the future. I just want to be by your side as you two come to bring this child into the world, so I hope you believe me when I say that this wasn't my doing."
"We believe you," Lincoln said. "Principal Rivers just spoke to us, Christina overheard us at the park and told everyone, Chandler helped spread it out, so they both have a week of detention for 'Potentially Defaming the School's Reputation' or something like that."
"I'm sorry I accused you Rusty," Stella said. "I should trust you more, you've worked hard to prove you're really our friend after all."
"Thanks Stella, you too Lincoln," Rusty said. "But wow, Christina did this? That's just low. Glad the Principal cracked down on them."
"Boy are they gonna be pissed about the detention," Zach said. "Serves them right thought."
"Well now that all that is out of the way, let's talk Stella's pregnancy and how we can plan it. There's so many ideas I wanna share with you two," Penelope said. "We should start mapping things out ASAP."
Stella looked to the bus, it seemed ready to leave"So, should we get on?"
"Eh, I still say we walk, maybe get some Flippie's on the way home," Lincoln said.
"That sounds good," Liam said.
"Yeah totally," Girl Jordan added.
"Let's get going then," Lincoln said, leading his friends down the path, feeling a bit more confident about the future of himself, his girlfriend and his child.