The months back in school were interesting for Stella. Her pregnant belly was a lot more visible than before, but she did not let that deter her from attending her classes. Fortunately Principal Rivers adjusted her schedule to make sure that Lincoln was constantly in class with her, knowing he would want to care for his pregnant girlfriend.
In addition, they of course had their handful of friends who were willing to help, including Christina, the girl now showing a more positive attitude toward Lincoln and Stella. Of course she was still far from being anyone's friend yet, she at least made a start.
Of course they also had the occasional weekend visit from Ronnie Anne and Sid, if the two weren't too busy back home, they would find time to come to Royal Woods, especially if there happened to be a long weekend.
Days were counting down, months were going by as the Fall weather kicked in. From a time for collecting candy, to a weekend of a big feast, time continued to move forward until the ninth month of Stella's pregnancy.
Before anyone knew it, December had come, and Stella was now due any day, and she could feel it getting closer with each passing day.
It was the end of the school day, all the students were on their way home for a Holiday break. Lincoln assisted Stella onto the bus, like he would do everyday since her stomach got bigger
"Finally time for vacation, how exciting," Stella said as she stepped through the bus.
"Yeah, a break from school is nice, at least an official one is," Lincoln said.
"Well by the time we go back, maybe this baby will be born and I won't have to take any extra days off," Stella said.
"You probably were better off just getting home schooled," Lincoln said.
"If I stayed home, you'd want to do the same," Stella said as she said against the window. "Besides I can handle it."
"Yeah I know you can, you're one tough girl," Lincoln said, sitting next to his girlfriend.
"Hey Stella," Girl Jordan said, looking up from over her seat. "I overheard you a moment ago, you really think your baby will be born during the break?"
"It's been nine months, the average time for human pregnancy," Stella said. "I can feel the baby coming soon."
Mollie popped her head up as well, "Think you can bring her to school?"
"I don't think the teachers would allow me to," Stella said.
"Even for one day?" Girl Jordan asked. "I bet if you asked the teachers would make room."
"I'll think about it," Stella said, rubbing her belly. "But I guess it would be nice to show our baby off."
"Our little pride and joy," Lincoln said, rubbing her belly as well, then felt a thump. "I just felt her kicking again."
"Me too, so exciting," Stella said. "She's almost ready to be born."
"Think you'll miss being pregnant?" Girl Jordan asked.
"Well, it is a nice feeling, aside from the vomiting," Stella said. "But I'd rather have the baby in my arms than in my womb."
"I get that, I bet it's gonna be fun being a mom," Girl Jordan said.
"A lot of work though," Mollie added.
"Ugh, Mollie, don't say that!" Girl Jordan scolded.
"It's fine Jordan, I'm aware of the labor that comes with being a mom," Stella said. "But I'm ready, and so is Lincoln."
"Sure am, nothing we can't handle," Lincoln insisted.
"And you have us, especially if you need babysitters," Girl Jordan said.
"Preferably ones that aren't robots," Mollie teased.
"Lisa abandoned that idea, so we don't have to worry about that," Lincoln playfully revealed, though grew a bit worried as he rubbed his once broken knuckle. "At least I hope she abandoned it."
The bus did it's job of taking the kids home, Lincoln and Stella getting off on their stop and making their way to the Loud House, the boy doing his job of carefully helping his girlfriend walk.
"I can walk on my own Lincoln, you don't need worry so much," Stella said.
"Telling me not to worry about my pregnant girlfriend is like telling a dog not to bark or a cat not to meow," Lincoln said as he moved Stella along. "As long as you're carrying our baby, it's my job to make sure you have a smooth mode of transport."
"I know you worry but I don't want you to over exert yourself," Stella said.
"It's just helping you walk, anyway I'd rather over do it than do nothing at all," Lincoln said, helping her up the stairs. "It's just for a few more days, or hours, you could go into labor right now for all I know."
"That would be a surprise," Stella said.
Lincoln opened his door, leading Stella inside when the two heard a bunch of talking and laughing, Lincoln recognizing the voices. "I think Leni has her friends over."
"Oh that's nice," Stella said, following Lincoln into the living room where Leni was sitting on the couch with her four friends, Jackie, Mandee, Miguel and Fiona, the five of the reminiscing a bit.
"The store was so packed that day, I wasn't sure how-" Leni noticed the expecting parents. "Lincy! Stella!"
"Hi Leni, hi everyone," Lincoln greeted.
"Yes, hello, nice to see all of you," Stella said.
"The pleasure is ours," Jackie said. "How is your baby coming along?"
"She's due any day," Stella said, rubbing her stomach. "The sooner the better."
"We can't wait to see her," Mandee said.
"I bet she's gonna be so gorgeous," Miguel added.
"Oh totally, babies are always cute," Fiona said.
"Especially newborn babies, like they're so full of wonder for the world around them," Jackie said, then noticed Stella's discomfort. "Hey are you alright?"
"I'm fine, this baby's pretty heavy though," Stella said.
"Let's get you off your feet," Lincoln said, helping Stella onto the nearby chair.
"Thanks, I'm good now Lincoln," Stella said.
"Do you need anything else?" Lincoln asked. "Like a massage anywhere? Do you want a book or comic? Or a game?"
"I'll settle with some water if you don't mind," Stella said.
"You got it," Lincoln said, rushing to the kitchen.
"Wow, very attentive he is," Miguel said.
"He's been like that for the last few weeks," Stella said. "Well he's always been close to me but since I'm due soon he's been even more quick to help me out however he could."
"That's a good thing, it means he cares," Mandee said. "Any girl would be lucky to have a boyfriend like that who would go through anything for her."
"Yeah, I do feel lucky, but also a bit guilty, he works really hard for me, on top of working his part time jobs and trying to study for school," Stella said. "Fortunately Lincoln is naturally smart so studying isn't that bad, but work life, he struggles a bit."
"You don't need to feel that guilty Stella, Lincoln's happy to help you, he loves you," Leni said. "But if I know Lincoln, he may get too carried away."
"Yeah, plus guys usually love spoiling their girlfriends," Jackie said. "And your brother definitely comes off as the type to go above and beyond."
"Oh he is, but me and the sisters will keep an eye on him," Leni said.
"Just endure it for a bit longer sweetie, if anything he's probably just excited that he's gonna be a daddy too," Miguel said.
"I'm back!" Lincoln said, running over. "And I got the-WHOA!"
In his excitement, Lincoln had stumbled and tripped, accidentally spilling the water all over Stella, the girl not looking happy about this. "Lincoln..."
"Oops, sorry about that," Lincoln sheepishly said as he went back into the kitchen, "I'll get you a towel."
"That would be nice, thanks," Stella said, hiding her annoyance as Lincoln left the room.
"Well like we said, he's just really eager to help and be there for you," Leni said.
"Cherish that feeling," Jackie said.
"Yeah, sure," Stella said. Moments later Lincoln came out with a towel and quickly dried Stella off, then presented her with another glass of water.
"Here you go," Lincoln said.
"Thanks Lincoln," Stella said, taking the cup. "And I think I'm dry enough."
"Well just be careful, the temperature is dropping and I don't want you catching a cold," Lincoln said. "Later we'll take a nice bath together and I can help you wash up nice and clean."
"Lincoln, you know our sisters don't like you two bathing together," Leni said, her friends awkwardly looking away while trying not to think dirty thoughts.
"I'll keep it clean, literally and figuratively," Lincoln said, blushing in annoyance. "I just want to make sure she's able to bathe just fine."
"Lincoln, just because I'm carrying a baby doesn't mean I want to get treated like one," Stella said as she stood up. "I'll bathe on my own, could use a quick bath."
"Uh, alright, but call me if you need any type of assistance," Lincoln said.
"Will do," Stella said, making her way up the stairs.
As Leni saw Stella leave, she turned her attention to her little brother, "You're really sweet to help your girlfriend Lincy, but you have to remember that she's still pretty independent."
"I know she is but I can't help but want to be there for her," Lincoln said.
"Which is good, it makes you a good boyfriend," Jackie added. "You just have to be aware of the line"
"But it is easier said than done," Fiona said.
"Well Jackie, Mandee, Fiona, if you were pregnant, how would you want your boyfriends to help you?" Lincoln asked.
"I would settle with an ankle massage very now and then," Mandee said. "Babies can be heavy after a while, and carrying one around sounds really tiring."
"Stella does get tired sometimes, but she's surprisingly enduring, plus I do try massages and she doesn't really care much for them, unless I'm just not massaging her well or something," Lincoln said.
"I would just want access to a lot of grub," Fiona said. "Keep me full and I'll be a happy mommy."
"Stella does eat quite a bit, though I feel like she's getting self conscious about her weight, even though Lynn keeps her active," Lincoln said.
"I just want my guy to keep up with the romance, remind me that I'm pretty, tell me that he loves me, that's all I need, and it might be all that Stella needs," Jackie said.
"That could work too, Stella does like my charm," Lincoln said. "What about you Miguel, what would you do in my situation?"
"It's all about reading the girl, figuring out what she needs in that moment rather than what you think she might need," Miguel said. "Girls are not always direct with their emotions, uh, no offense to you ladies."
"No you're right, we usually leave it to the guys to figure it out," Fiona said. "Good test of compatibility."
"But you shouldn't have a hard time, I mean you and Stella have been friends since you were in elementary school," Jackie said. "If anyone could figure out what she needs, its you."
"You've been doing a good job so far," Miguel said.
"Well I appreciate all of your advice," Lincoln said. "Now I'm gonna go to the kitchen and make sure Stella has some food she can munch on."
Lincoln dashed to the kitchen, Leni looking really proud of her brother, "It's so amazing that Lincoln is going to be a dad soon, and he's handling it super well."
"Yeah, the baby's almost here yet I still can't believe he and Stella are going to be parents," Jackie said.
"I still can't believe he even got that intimate with a girl," Fiona commented.
"Oh come on Fiona, Lincoln's a very handsome boy," Jackie said. "I would totally dated him if he was single right now."
"Oh yeah, he's got the looks and the personality," Mandee said.
"He's not unattractive and he is tolerable but I would disagree, Lincoln is not my type," Fiona said.
"You never really did get along that well with Lincoln," Leni said. "You're not still mad about the time he thought you stole some stuff from Reininger's, are you?"
"Or that time we first went to hangout at Gus's Game and Grubs," Miguel said.
"Of course not, I'm not that petty," Fiona said. "Maybe I was being too harsh, he's a nice boy and he cares a lot about his girlfriend, and I respect him for that, but it does seem like a lot of girls find him attractive, and I just don't see it. He just seems like a dork."
"Hey!" Leni said, somewhat offended.
"Easy Fiona, you don't want to be like that Christina girl was, do you?" Jackie asked.
Fiona remembered the Baby Shower, how everyone seemed to dislike Christina because of her opinions on Lincoln. Of course Fiona was true to what she said, she did not hate Lincoln and she did agree that Christina was out of line for how she felt, but she can see the similarities.
"Yeah, you're right," Fiona said. "Sorry Leni, I mean no disrespect, like I said, I respect Lincoln for being such a nice boy, and Stella is lucky to bear the child of a boy who loves her the way he does."
"That's alright, you don't have to be Lincoln's best friend, or the best friend of any of my sisters for that matter, as long as you see the good in them, like I do," Leni said.
"You're such a sweet sister Leni," Jackie commented, her friends agreeing.
Later on after Stella's shower, the very pregnant girl had made her way into her shared room, where she found herself with some company aside from her roommates.
"Stella, you're looking well," Benny greeted, Sam right beside him and waving.
"Oh Benny, Sam," Stella looked around. "Where are Luna and Luan?"
"They'll be up in a moment, they went to grab some drinks," Sam said. "Don't let us keep you from resting your feet though, just seeing you carry that extra weight is tiring."
"Oh it's really not that bad," Stella insisted, plopping herself on her bed. "Lynn's regime not only keeps me from gaining too much extra fat, but also helped increase my muscles and endurance."
"Is it fun being pregnant?" Sam asked.
"Define fun, because it's a lot of work," Stella said.
"I'm just curious since one day Luna and I want to have kids, so I just want to be prepared," Sam said.
"Are you carrying all of them?" Stella asked.
"We might take turns, but I offered to go first," Sam explained. "I just want to know what I'd be getting myself into."
"Be prepared for insatiable hunger, mood swings and vomiting," Stella said. "Oh and getting on rides at amusement parks will be very difficult."
"Got it," Sam said. "Any bright sides?"
"You get pampered," Stella said. "Sometimes too much, but it is nice to know people care. Personally it feels amazing knowing that I'm about to bring a baby into this world, and you don't really feel it much until later on in the pregnancy. I'd say the last couple of months were the hardest since the baby's all grown now, and the kicking is harder."
"It truly is an experience huh?" Sam said. "Sounds like you're going through a lot."
"Yeah, and you're still pretty young," Benny said. "But I do find your determination and your bravery through this very commendable."
"I thank Lincoln for that," Stella said. "He really is a great boyfriend, and I don't doubt he'll be a good father, or that he'll do his absolute best."
"Oh of course, Lincoln has that determination to him, something Luna really admires," Sam said.
"When are you and Luna planning on having kids?" Stella asked.
"We're not too sure yet, I mean our music career is just getting started, and we want to get some shows in before one of us has to take time off," Sam said.
"Not only that, you have to consider whether or not you would be traveling the world," Benny said. "If you two do have kids, you might not see them that much."
"That's something else we had to consider," Sam said. "We want kids, we just don't know when the best time will be."
"Well I can relate, Luan and I have talked about this as well," Benny said. "I mean we're not ready right now but she has been pretty curious about the idea."
"Wait, you think it's because Luna and Luan have seen me and Lincoln that they started wondering about having kids of their own?" Stella asked.
"It's possible," Benny said. "I hope you don't feel at fault, not like you're telling them to think this way."
"Plus it's been on our minds before you got pregnant," Sam said.
"Yeah, Luna, Luan and even Lori have talked about this," Bobby said. "You know I'm surprised she and Bobby haven't even gotten married yet, they're already living together, have been for some time. They're even buying a house together."
"That reminds me Sam, are you and Luna still looking for a home all your own?" Stella asked.
"Yeah, but finding one has not been easy," Sam said. "It's no rush, maybe we just gotta rack up some cash before we have more options."
"Luan and I haven't even considered that yet, though I don't think I'm ready to move away from my home, there's a lot I want to get good at first," Benny said.
"Moving from home is not easy, it took me a while to get used to living here," Stella said. "Thankfully all the sisters made me feel at home. Aside from Lana at first but that didn't last long."
"Seems like just the other day you two were at odds," Benny said.
"More than that, I remember when Lynn used to not like you," Sam said. "What was the reason for that again?"
"I don't really know, probably something to do with her trying too hard to get me and Lincoln together and us getting annoyed because she thinks we owed our love to her actions," Stella said. "Then she took things too far and they escalated pretty badly."
"You were the only one to go through that, aside maybe Bobby, but out of the four of us, you made the most effort to make friends with the sisters," Benny said.
"Well they technically came to me, the first day I showed up they totally swarmed me," Stella said.
"I don't remember getting swarmed, but I was the focus on their attention for a while," Benny said.
"Same here, though I guess they were more interested in you since you were dating their only brother," Sam said.
"Lincoln has always felt his sisters have been more invested in who he dates than each other since they have the 'feminine instinct' or whatever," Stella said.
"That is pretty accurate, Luna has told me that she feels more of a need to help Lincoln than her other sisters," Sam said. "Not to say that Lori and Leni don't help Luna prep for a date now and again."
"And I know that Lincoln has joined his sisters in helping Luan when it comes to me," Benny said.
"Guess it's a female thing, girls look out for the boys in their life, be it their boyfriends, brothers or sons," Stella said. "Just like guys feel the need to protect their girlfriends, sisters or daughters."
"I totally get that, I'm like that with my little brother," Sam said. "Especially now that he's going through puberty, it's a total nightmare for him, and the fam."
"Well soon Lincoln is going to have that third sense to him, once your daughter is born, I imagine he'll be round the clock monitoring her, like a hawk," Benny said.
"I expect that, though I hope he doesn't get too carried away," Stella said. "But if I know Lincoln, he just might."
The following day, Lincoln was sitting in the living room playing his video game with Stella right by his side, the girl rubbing her belly, feeling a bit sluggish.
"Are you feeling alright?" Lincoln asked. "Do you need me to get something for you?"
"I'm fine, just tired," Stella said. "This baby's been keeping me up all night."
"That's been happening a lot, hasn't it?" Lincoln asked. "You even fell asleep in class once, luckily you didn't get into too much trouble."
"Didn't make it less embarrassing, it feels like I'm constantly getting closer and closer to being home schooled," Stella said. "I really hope the baby is born before we have to go back to school."
"You might need to take an extra few days off though," Lincoln said. "I remember my mom having to take time off when she had Lily, and even Lisa. That's as far back as I clearly remember."
"I'm not working though, I just have to go to school and do school work. I don't need that much energy to solve math equations," Stella said.
"That's a 'plus'," Benny said, getting a giggle out of Sam.
"Sounds like Luan's been rubbing off on you Benny," Lincoln said, then focused back on his girlfriend. "I guess we'll worry more about your situation when the times comes."
"Things will be fine Lincoln, I promise," Stella said. Moments later the doorbell rang.
"I got it!" Leni said, making her way out the kitchen to answer. "Lori! You made it! And you brought Bobby and his family."
"Well some of them," Lori said, coming in with Bobby, Carlota, Ronnie Anne, Sid, Adelaide and even Maria. "Rosa and the rest of the Casagrandes are coming by separately."
"Even my dad's coming, it's gonna be so sweet," Bobby said.
"Well come on in," Leni said. "Sid, Ronnie Anne, you can see Lincoln and Stella in the living room, Adelaide, you can see Lana upstairs."
"Awesome, got a little surprise for her," Adelaide said, running upstairs. Lori could have sworn she saw the girl with a mistletoe, but it might have been her imagination.
Ronnie Anne immediately jumped onto the couch next to Lincoln and Stella, Sid doing the same but intentionally landing on Ronnie Anne's lap, slightly agitating the girl.
"So what are you two up to?" Sid asked.
"Playing Total Trash Takedown 2," Lincoln said. "About halfway through it."
"Oh sweet, I tried playing that the other day, but I couldn't get very far," Sid said. "The game was so frustrating."
"She almost threw the controller at the TV," Ronnie Anne said.
"Yeah these games are pretty tough," Lincoln said. "But that's what makes it fun. The bigger the challenge, the more rewarding it feels when it's done."
"Sounds like my pregnancy," Stella joked.
"Man your stomach's gotten big, to think there's an actual baby in there just waiting to come out," Sid said.
"Bet it's heavy," Ronnie Anne said. "Lincoln, you're not letting her walk too much are you?"
"Of course not, usually whenever Stella has to walk I always assist her," Lincoln said.
"Not that he needs to do so a hundred percent on the time, I can manage on my own," Stella said.
"Come on girl, you got a nice, gentleman of a boyfriend who would do anything for you, I say just take it," Sid said. "I'd love it if Ronnie Anne pampered me like that."
"Well I ain't no gentleman," Ronnie Anne said. "Also you had your fun, now get your butt off me, you're heavier than you look."
"But I'm so comfy," Sid said, hugging against her girlfriend. "And I feel so happy and safe in your strong arms."
"Aw, that's sweet," Ronnie Anne said, then nudged Sid. "But seriously, off my lap."
"Fine, have it your way," Sid said, hopping off. "But when you miss the tender feel of my luxurious butt, you have only yourself to blame."
"I swear you two talk about butts a lot," Lincoln said. "Especially you Sid, still ever the pervert."
"It's my thing," Sid casually said, squeezing between Stella and Lincoln as she continued to observe the game.
Meanwhile Lori was getting settled in the kitchen alongside Bobby, Carlota and Maria. "Wow it's cold, my breath is literally turning to ice."
"That's winter for you babe," Bobby said.
"Well it's not exactly enjoyable, but it does give us an excuse to have hot chocolate," Lori said.
"Pfft, like you need any justification for that," Carlota said.
Maria had placed her belongings down, "I'm just glad we got here before the snowfall. I hope my parents, brother, sister-in-law and nephews get here safely."
"Same with The Changs," Bobby said. "Too bad they couldn't leave with us."
"Why couldn't they?" Leni asked.
"Well aside from there not being enough room in the car, Mrs. Casagrande had some last minute repairs to make in the apartment complex, so instead of waiting they agreed we could come sooner," Lori said.
"One because Ronnie Anne and Sid wanted to see Lincoln and Stella," Bobby said.
"And because Adelaide wanted to see Lana," Carlota added.
"I also wanted to check on Stella, I know she's due any day now," Maria said. "How has she been fairing?"
"Well she gets tired a lot, and she needs help walking and doing basic tasks," Leni said. "She doesn't always like the help, and she feels like we're too overbearing, especially Lincoln."
"I know how that feels, Autoro was like that when I had Bobby, and again with Ronalda," Maria said. "I also know how Stella feels but I should hope she understands why Lincoln is so worried."
"She does, but she still wishes she could do more alone," Leni said.
"Stella can be pretty stubborn when she wants to be," Lori said. "But it's only for a little bit longer."
"Hey mom, when do you think Stella will have the baby?" Bobby asked. "Is there a way of knowing?"
"There is a way to estimate but sometimes things don't always go according to schedule," Maria said. "Stella should have the baby in about two to three days at least."
"That means she'll have the baby just in time for Christmas!" Leni said. "That's totes amazing!"
"I just hope the weather won't be too bad in the coming days, I heard there's supposed to be quite a bit of snow," Lori said. "It would be hard taking her to the hospital if there's snow on the road.
"It's nothing we can't handle," Bobby said. "A little snow is no match for Vanzilla."
"I still can't believe that old car is still running, I mean didn't it belong to your great grandfather Lori?" Maria asked.
"Yeah, and dad still wants to pass it down to Lincoln," Lori said. "Though I don't think Lincoln is that interested in the old van, but he might not have much of a choice, money will be tight once that baby is born."
"Well he saved quite a bit from his little odd jobs over the summer," Leni said. "Between dad's resteraunt, working at Flip's, even Mrs. Carmichael let him work at the store with me, Fiona and Miguel a few times."
"Oh, how was that?" Bobby asked.
"He did his best, even though he knocked over a bunch of old mannequins," Leni said. "Fiona and Miguel really got tired of having to pick up after him."
"Well that's a bummer, I really hope Lincoln finds himself a nice and stable job soon," Lori said. "Of course that will be hard since he's still in High School. He hasn't given much thought to his career, has he?"
"Well he did say he would like to be an Astronaut," Leni said.
"That's ambitious, but he needs something now," Lori said.
"Why don't you ask him later, and if worse comes to worse, he can just work full time at your dad's restaurant once he graduates," Bobby said. "I mean, bills can't be that bad can they? He still lives here, he just needs to buy diapers, clothes and food for the baby, it shouldn't be too bad."
"I already knitted a bunch of cute dresses for her," Leni said.
"See, he has resources here, Lincoln will be fine," Bobby insisted.
Lori took a deep sigh, "I wish I could bottle and sell the optimism you and Lincoln have. I just can't help but worry about what this is going to mean for their future together."
Bobby could tell Lori was really worried, understandably so. Lincoln is her little brother, and he knows if Ronnie Anne was in this situation, he'd be just as worried. He gently placed his arm around the eldest Loud sister, "Hey whatever happens, we'll be there for them."
"Your brother is in good hands," Carlota reassured.
"I don't doubt that," Lori said, peeking out the kitchen toward the living room where the four kids seemed to be enjoying themselves. "I do apprecaite you being there for me."
"Any time babe," Bobby said, gifting Lori a kiss.
A couple of hours passed and as expected, the weather started to get worse, the snow was falling really fast outside and sticking to the streets. Sam and Benny had left early enough to get back to their houses just fine. Thankfully everyone was home now, and it did not look like they were leaving in the near future.
"Wow, it's gotten really bad outside," Ronnie Anne said, looking out the window. "Hope the rest of the family is fine, assuming they even started driving."
"I called my parents," Carlota said. "They almost got caught but they found a hotel nearby, so they're gonna stay there until the weather lets up. Unfortunately it sounds like it's gonna be like this for the next few hours."
Lana and Adelaide were about to make their way outside when Lori called them, "Just where do you two think you're going?"
"Outside to play," Lana casually pointed out.
"Uh, no, it's snowing," Lori said.
"That's kind of the idea," Lana said. "We're gonna play in the snow."
"It's too risky going out there right now, wait til the snow stops falling," Lori said.
"Aw come on," Lana said. "I've been out in the rain and that's never bothered me."
"Just listen to Lori for now Lana," Lincoln said as he walked out the kitchen with some hot chocolate. "You can play later."
Lana grumbled a bit, "Alright fine, what a bummer."
"It won't be too bad waiting, might make it easier to play," Adelaide said, then placed her arm around Lana. "Just keep me company, that's all I want from you anyway."
"Uh yeah, sure," Lana said, feeling oddly flustered.
Lincoln made his way over to Stella, the girl still looking uncomfortable. "Hey I got you hot chocolate, are you alright though? You look kind of upset."
"I'm fine, don't worry," Stella said as she took the hot chocolate. As she took a sip, she felt more pain in her stomach. "Ow..."
"Wow that baby's really kicking hard huh?" Lincoln said as he took the cup back. "Maybe I can go and get you some-"
"AAAHHH!" Stella shouted, holding her stomach in pain, everyone focusing on her.
"Stella? Are you alright there?" Lana asked.
"Is it cramps?" Lincoln asked.
"No it's...OW!" Stella held her stomach again. "Oh no, not now..."
"Hold on Stella, I'll get my aunt," Carlota said, heading toward the kitchen. "Tia!"
Stella continued holding her stomach in pain, Lincoln taking her hand in his, "Stella, can you tell me what's wrong?"
"I don't know but...oh man!" Stella held tighter. "I think the baby's coming!"
"The baby's coming!?" Ronnie Anne and Sid shouted at the same time, everyone else nearby feeling speechless.
"Wait, NOW!?" Lincoln asked, looking around frantically. "I, but, NOW!?"
"Yes now!" Stella said, holding her stomach in pain. "I can feel it, the baby's coming!"
"The baby's coming...The baby's coming!" Lincoln started to panic a bit. "What should I do? What was I suppose to do!? Oh I remember!" Lincoln gestured outside. "We'll take you to the hospital Stella!"
"One problem," Sid said, gesturing to the window. "It's snowing, a lot."
"Right, snow, uh...wait, Lisa has that salt machine! We can use that!" Lincoln said.
"It got destroyed by Lola remember," Lana said. "She really missed having a snow day."
"Uh...we shovel?" Lincoln asked.
"That almost sounds desperate," Adelaide pointed out.
Lincoln grew frustrated, the snow was preventing any travel to the hospital and there was no way around that. "What are we suppose to do now then!?"
Stella groaned in pain again, causing more concern for Lincoln. He had to help her but he coudn't figure out what to do. Fortunately he was about to receive help.
"Stella!" Maria came downstairs quickly to check up on the girl, having been told by Carlota what was happening. "Stella, stay with me, what are you feeling?"
"Pain!" Stella said. "Lot's of pain! Baby pushing through!"
"What do we do Mrs. Santiago, Stella's going into labor and we can't get to the hospital!" Lincoln said.
"Don't worry Lincoln, I'm trained for situations like this," Maria reassured. "We're gonna need all the help we can get though. For now Stella, I'm gonna have to get you ready."
"S-sure thing," Stella said.
"Ronalda, bring me some water please, Stella needs to stay hydrated," Maria said.
"You got it mom," Ronnie Anne said, making her way into the kitchen.
"Lana, please make sure none of the pets get too close," Maria said.
"Sure thing doc," Lana said, then turned to Adelaide. "Mind helping me?"
"You got it," Adelaide said, joining Lana in her goal.
"Lincoln, go and get lots of pillows and blankets, we need to keep Stella as comfortable as possible," Maria said.
"On it!" Lincoln immediately dashed upstairs and grabbed everything he needed and more.
"I'll go let mom and dad know," Lori said, going to the garage where the two were grabbing some decorations.
"And I'll let the rest of our sisters know," Leni said, heading upstairs.
"And I'll call the rest of the family to let them know," Bobby said, dialing the rest of the Casagrandes.
"Stella," Maria said, getting the girl to focus on her. "I know this is probably scary for you, but you need to focus the most. You're going to feel surges of pain and it's going to be overwhelming, but promise me you won't panic, what you're going through is completely natural."
"Y-yes Maria," Stella said.
Lincoln quickly came down with all the items Maria requested. "Here you-WHOA!" Lincoln unfortunately tripped on the way over. Fortunately the pillows broke his fall, but it was still awkard.
"Easy Lincoln," Lori said, helping her brother up. "It's good that you want to help Stella but try not to get injured in the process."
"Right," Lincoln said, getting everything to Maria. "Where do you want these?"
"Help me lay them out," Maria said, Lincoln quickly obliging as Ronnie Anne made her way back with a water bottle.
"Here you go Stella," Ronnie Anne said, presenting the bottle to Stella.
"Thanks," Stella said gulping it down.
Maria finished setting everything up, "Good Lincoln, now help me get Stella onto the blankets."
"Sure," Lincoln said, eagerly assisting his girlfriend. "I got you Stella."
"Thanks Linky," Stella said as she was assisted onto the blankets and pillows, gently as possible.
"Feel comfortable?" Lincoln asked. "Is there anything else I can do to help?"
"I'm good, I think," Stella said.
"Actually Lincoln, could you get me a bathrobe?" Maria requested.
"Sure, you got it," Lincoln said, dashing upstairs.
"Wow, Lincoln makes for a great doctor assistant," Sid said.
"It's called being a nurse Sid," Carlota said. "Which is what my aunt technically is."
"Stella!" Came Luna's voice as she and the rest of the sisters came into the living room, almost all of them about to surround the girl.
"Please keep your distance," Maria said. "I know you're all worried but she needs as much breathing room as possible."
"You heard her girls," came Lynn Sr. voice as he stepped in from the garage, along with Rita and Lori who went to get them. "Give some room."
"Excuse me!" Lincoln called, pushing through his sisters. "Out of the way."
"Bro!" Luna shouted upon getting pushed aside.
"Hey no pushing!" Lola shouted.
"Watch it!" Lynn shouted.
"Linky!" Lily whined when Lincoln knocked into her.
"Sorry, but I need to get this robe to Stella," Lincoln said.
"Thanks," Maria said, taking the robe. "Now, Stella, I'm going to need you to strip down and change into this robe."
"Strip down? Naked?" Stella asked, this peaking the interest of Sid and Lynn.
"Well honey, in order you give birth, you need to give the baby room," Maria awkwardly explained. "And you can't do that if you're not wearing anything below the waist."
"Let's give Stella some privacy while she changes," Rita said. "To the kitchen."
"Let's go!" Lori called.
"Yeah, to the kitchen with all of you," Sid said, trying to stealth her way back toward Stella. "The poor girl needs some privacy."
"That means you too pervert," Ronnie Anne said, grabbing Sid by the collar and dragging her away.
Lincoln was about to leave, "I'll give you some privacy as well."
"No, please stay," Stella insisted.. "I really want you by my side through this."
"I'd be happy to, if that's what you want," Lincoln said.
"I know you want it too," Stella said, getting ready to change, "It's your baby as well after all."
"You're right, I want to as well," Lincoln said.
Once Stella had donned the appropriate attire, she laid back down on the pillows, Maria guiding her once again. "Now I'm gonna need you to spread your legs apart for me, are you comfortable with that?"
"Sure thing," Stella said, somewhat akwardly giving the room needed. "Really lucky you were here today, even if the snowstorm stopped us from going to the hospital, at least we have a trained medical professional here."
"It is Christmas time, miracles are to be expected," Lincoln said.
"I'm grateful I'm here too, I'll happily deliver your baby Stella," Maria said, checking over Stella. "Alright, you're going to have to push soon, and it is going to hurt. But no matter what, you have to keep pushing."
"Will do," Stella said.
"Don't forget to breath, otherwise you'll be making it worse for yourself," Maria said. "Lincoln, stay close to her side, comfort her if she's in pain."
"Don't have to tell me twice," Lincoln said.
"I'll let you know," Maria said. "Give it some time."
In the kitchen, everyone was gathered, some pouring into the dining room as each of them awaited what would be the birth of the daughter of Lincoln and Stella.
"I hope she'll be alright," Luan said.
"Of course, it's just child birth, mom did it like ten times, it can't be that bad," Lynn said.
"Lynn honey, just because I got used to it, doesn't mean it's any less painful," Rita said. "This is Stella's first child, so it's a bigger deal for her, especially at such a young age."
"Why is having a baby painful?" Lily asked
"Because honey...the baby needs to be pushed out of the mommy's...uh..." Rita wasn't sure how to properly say this. "It just needs to be pushed out."
"But, from where?" Lily asked.
"A special, baby giving part of your body that comes when you become a mom," Rita said. "Yeah, that's it."
"Is that why Mrs. Santiago didn't want Stella wearing any clothes?" Lily asked.
"Something like that," Rita said. "It's very delicate."
"But why does it hurt?" Lily asked.
"Ever have a really big meal kid?" Sid asked. "You have to use the bathroom later, so you sit on the toilet and-"
"SID!" Ronnie and all the sisters shouted.
"Fine, I won't put it like that," Sid said, then focused on Lily. "Imagine peeing and-"
BONK
"Ow! Ronnie! What kind of girlfriend are you!?" Sid shouted as she rubbed her head.
"The type who wants you to shut your mouth before you stay anything stupid or gross!" Ronnie Anne said.
"Hey at least I'm not saying anything pervert-AH!" Sid flinched when it looked like Ronnie Anne would bonk her again.
"Just put a lid on it!" Ronnie Anne said.
"AH!" Came Stella's voice from the living room.
"It's Stella, I think it's time!" Luan said, everyone peeking out the kitchen toward where Stella was.
"AAAHHH!" Stella groaned in pain as Lincoln took her hand.
"It's alright, I'm here for you," Lincoln said.
"It's time, get ready to push Stella," Maria said. "It needs to be a really good one too, are you ready for that?"
"Not really. but I'll do it anyway," Stella said.
"You'll be fine honey, now push!" Maria said, Stella obliging, her loud yelling emanating through the house. "I need you to push a bit harder sweetie."
Stella tried obliging, really putting some effort into her childbirth, letting out a mighty scream as she pushed her baby.
"Breath, remember to breath," Lincoln reminded, wiping some sweat off her head.
"I'm...trying!" Stella said, the girl breaking into tears as she pushed. "Oh God, it hurts so much!"
"You can do it, you're a woman, you can handle this type of pain," Maria said.
"Come on Stella, I believe in you," Lincoln said.
"I love you so much Lincoln," Stella said, trying to crack a smile, the pain making it hard as she continued to push.
"Stella..." Lily tearfully said. "Why is this hurting her?"
"She's fine Lily," Lori reassured. "Remember, Ronnie Anne's mother is a nurse, she knows what needs to be done."
"But she's in pain!" Lily said, desperately wanting to go out there to be with Stella.
"Listen to Lori honey, Stella will be fine," Lynn Sr. said, though felt teary eyed himself. "But seeing that girl in pain really hurts the old heart."
"Come on, we gotta believe in her," Bobby encouraged.
"Yeah, she's got this," Luan said.
"Go get'em girl!" Luna encouraged.
Stella continued to push, somehow feeling more motivation than before. She looked to the side, face to face with her Lincoln, the boy she loved more than anything, aside from her baby, who was this close to coming out.
"Just a bit more, I see her head, just bring out the rest of her body," Maria encouraged.
Stella pushed hard one last time, nearly passing out from the pain and exhaustion until she suddenly felt lighter. All she could hear now was the cries of a newborn baby. She looked ahead and saw a baby in Maria's arms, the mother of two looking so proud.
"Oh she's so pretty Stella," Maria said. "Congratulations, you just gave birth to a healthy baby girl."
"That's...so wonderful," Stella said, overwhelmed with emotion. "Lincoln, it's our baby, she's here."
"She is..." Lincoln said.
After wiping the baby off, Maria searched her bag, "Good thing I had this prepared." She presented some scissors to Lincoln. "Want to cut the cord?"
"Uh, sure," Lincoln said, effectively completing the birth process. "Can I hold her now?"
"Of course, you are her father," Maria said, presenting the child to Lincoln.
It's been years since Lincoln held a baby in his arms, he hasn't done so since Lily, but this was different. This was his daughter, his own little girl, one he helped create. She was beautiful in his eyes, a skin tone resembling his girlfriend's, and a hair color resembling his own. This girl was the perfect and loving combination of himself and the girl he loves.
"I just met you today, and I already love you more than anything," Lincoln said, the baby looking up at her daddy. "My little girl, you just made me the happiest guy on Earth right now."
"Let me hold her," Stella said, Lincoln presenting the baby to his girlfriend. Stella was so overhwlemed with joy, holding her daughter in her arms. "She's beautiful. Oh, I've waited months to hold her in my arms."
"Did you two finally pick a name?" Maria asked.
Stella turned to Lincoln, "You can name her."
"Really? You sure?" Lincoln asked
Stella nodded, "I can name the next one."
"Next one?" Lincoln joked. "Glad you're that confident about it."
"I want to have a lot of kids one day, I hope you'll be the one to gift me with those kids," Stella said.
"I plan to be, and I never go back on my plans," Lincoln said, turning to his daughter. "As for a name, I'm gonna go with Lyra. Lyra Loud."
"I had a feeling her name would start with an 'L'," Stella playfully teased.
"They don't all have to," Lincoln said.
"It's fine, I love the name anyway, and she is our first baby, so it's fitting that you honor your family's tradition," Stella said
"We'll honor yours too," Lincoln said.
Stella turned her attention back to the nurse who delivered her baby, "Thank you so much Maria, we owe you big time."
"Hey it's my job, just promise me you'll be good parents," Maria said.
"You bet," Stella replied, then saw sixteen others who looked very curious to see the baby in her arms. "Who wants to come meet Lyra Loud?"
"Actually I need to give her a more thorough cleaning, and we have to get her to the hospital as soon as possible, I'll tend to her needs with my kit but the doctor's needs to know about this," Maria said.
"Snow plows should be out soon, we'll take her as soon as possible," Lori said.
Maria took Lyra in her arms, then turned back to the baby's mother, "One more thing, you might feel some side affects. Newborn mothers tend to be overly emotional after child birth, so your feelings might be a bit sensitive."
"That would explain why I still feel so overwhelmed with joy," Stella said. "I almost feel like I'm gonna cry."
"Need a hug?" Lily asked, her innocent face sending Stella into an emotional sate.
"Aw, you're so adorable Lily!" Stella brought the girl in for a hug. "I really want my baby to be as sweet as you are!"
"Hey, can I get a hug too?" Lola asked.
"Me too!" Adelaide said.
"I kind of want one myself," Lana shyly admitted.
"Hey don't overwhelm her," Lincoln said.
"It's fine Lincoln, they're making me so happy right now," Stella said. "I'd kind of like a group hug, from everyone present."
"You heard the girl, everyone, group hug," Luna said, Lincoln, the sisters, parents and guests obliging and really sending Stella on an emotional train of happiness.
Later on it thankfully stopped snowing, but it would be some time before the streets were clear. Stella was sitting on the couch, breastfeeding her baby while Ronnie Anne and Stella awkwardly watched on.
"Does that...hurt?" Sid asked.
"Uh, not really," Stella said. "It's just breastfeeding, all moms do it."
"Yeah but, doesn't it feel kind of, you know, strange?" Sid asked.
"Feels normal to me, probably my maternal instincts," Stella said.
"It's just that...there's milk coming out of your boobs," Sid said.
"That's...the whole point of boobs Sid, scientifically speaking, women have them so they can feed their babies after childbirth," Stella said. "Not just humans, all mammals do this, dogs, cats, even whales."
"Alright, I get that, but consider this," Sid said. "It's, your boobs, and your baby is drinking out of it like it's a water bottle or something."
Stella couldn't believe this, no way this girl was that dense, she was honestly blown away.
"Sid, stop trying to think, you're gonna hurt your brain," Ronnie Anne said.
"Hey I'm just curious," Sid said.
"Sid, when you become a mom, you'll understand how normal this feels. Of course that's if you choose to carry the baby," Stella said.
"Oh I am, I cleared this with Ronnie Anne," Sid said. "She's the alpha so I take her last name, and I'll be the one carrying the babies while she brings home the bread."
"You can work too you know, I plan to work even as a mother," Stella said.
"But Ronnie Anne wants to take care of me," Sid said. "Don't you Ronnie Anne?"
"Do what you want, but being a stay at home mom is work in itself," Ronnie Anne said. "Also you're not carrying all the babies, we're taking turns."
"But, you're the alpha!" Sid said.
"Well I want to experience pregnancy too," Ronnie Anne said. "Plus this way, it's easier, you have a break, I have a break, but we still end up with a lot of kids. I mean you saw how intense this was for Stella, do you really want to go through that more than you have to?"
"I guess..." Sid said. "Alright, I won't deny you the joy of pregnancy."
"It really is a lot of work," Stella said, looking down at her baby. "But it's definitely worth it."
Lincoln made his way over, having hung up his cellphone. "I just let Clyde and the others know they're all super excited."
"That's great, hopefully they can come see Lyra soon," Stella said.
"Do your parents know yet?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"My dad went to call them," Lincoln said. "Stella's parents should know soon."
"I just told Sam," Luna said, making her way over alongside Luan.
"And I told Benny, he's so excited to see the baby, he's willing to 'push' through this snowy weather to come here," Luan said, giggling right after, much to the annoyance of everyone save for Stella.
"I hope I can show him soon then, I'm really 'birthing' with excitement on that," Stella said.
"Ha, good one," Luan said, the others groaning again.
Lincoln sat beside Stella, kissing her on the cheek, the two sharing a quick kiss together.
"I hope you're as happy as I am right now," Lincoln said.
"I was gonna ask the same," Stella said, looking down at her baby. "We made her, we brought her into this world. Even if she wasn't planned, this is the best gift we could have gotten this Christmas."
"Sometimes the best presents are the surprises," Lincoln said. "And Lyra was the best surprise of all."
"Probably gonna be hard to top her I would say," Stella joked.
"Yeah, it's impossible," Lincoln said. "But I'll try to come close."
"Huh? You have something in mind?" Stella asked.
"Sort of," Lincoln said. "Don't worry about it right now, let's just enjoy the thrills of parenthood."
"I'm already enjoying it, because I have my baby, and my boyfriend with me," Stella said, kissing Lincoln on the cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too," Lincoln said. "This is going to be the best Christmas for years to come."
Ronnie Anne and Sid each had to wonder what Lincoln was up to, they suppose they'll find out soon. For now, they were going to enjoy the moment as well, seeing two friends they loved so dearly celebrating their newfound parenthood truly was a blessing.
Luna and Luan were proud too, Lincoln and Stella already seemed so natural as parents, and they could tell this was going to be an interesting new point in all of their lives, and were curious as to where life would be taking them.