A/N: I love you all, but cliffhangers are fun.
Seven
Pacing near his bed was the only thing keeping him from crashing the dinner. Sportacus knew he was invited, and it was his fault he said no. Yet, leaving Steph alone with Robbie wasn't such a good idea. Sportacus gave him credit for trying to be a better person, but there was always a chance he could return to his old, villainous self. A chance Sportacus couldn't take.
"I won't go. It will only show Stephanie that I don't trust Robbie. I can't have that. I know she cares for him as a best friend. I don't want to ruin that. But on the other hand, Robbie still cares for her as something more. It's obvious. What do I do? Stay? Go? Maybe I need to relax." Sportacus sat on his bed and contemplated.
0o0o0o0o
"I must be so stupid." Stephanie didn't know wether to laugh, cry, or scream.
Trying to comfort her, Robbie said, "Well, why else do you think I got you those flowers? And haven't you noticed I've been playing more lately? That's why. You're not stupid. I just noticed more than you. Besides, if you saw you that night at the welcome back party . . ."
"I understand that. I just can't believe how blind I was not to notice."
"What're you going to do?" Robbie dragged his fingers along Steph's arm.
She smiled, "Get on with life. I can deal with it. I just hope everyone else can. Who knows, it might be exciting."
"That's the spirit."
"I should talk to Sportacus. Guess it's too late for that right now. I'll talk to him in the morning. As for now, how are you dealing with it?"
A serious expression crossed Robbie's face. He said, "I'm feeling a bit sad."
"I know. And with the wedding coming up-"
"Maybe you should go." Robbie forced a smile.
Steph stood up, "Very well, then. Thanks for telling me. I wouldn't have guessed it until it was too late."
"No problem. I'll be here for you. Remember that, ok?"
With a simple nod, Steph left the underground lair.
Cleaning the table was the only thing that could distract Robbie from truth. It was about time he took some responsibility. He was relieved though. No longer holding any secrets away from his Pinky. And she was no longer afraid of reality, which was perfect for situations to come. Robbie finished the dishes and sat on his fluffy orange chair. He slouched and rested his head on his hand. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
0o0o0o0o
"Hey Uncle Milford." Steph entered her home and sounded as friendly as possible.
Milford turned his head from the tv and said, "Hi, Stephanie. How was dinner?"
"Nice. Robbie's finally grown up."
Stephanie's hushed tone worried Milford, but he knew not to pry.
Her pink room welcomed her with a warm feeling. However, Stephanie didn't care. Things were going to change. She would move out of her old room soon. Live with Sportacus. Probably leave for vacation after the wedding. But then again . . . Only time would tell. With a sluggish motion, Steph lied down on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Her hands folded and rested below her chest. Life was sure complicated.
"I'm . . . I'm not well." Steph said to herself.
She tried so hard to keep the tears back, but it was no use. They streamed down her face.
No more tears, Steph. Stay strong. It's not a bad thing. Not at all. Sportacus will always love me. He won't let me down. And everyone else? They wouldn't understand anyhow. But for now, sleep. Go to sleep.
0o0o0o0o
"Stephanie," A lovely voice called to Stephanie as she lay in her bed still half-asleep.
Curious eyes opened despite feelings of exhaustion. Sportacus was in her doorway, grinning.
"Mmmm," Steph turned to her side, "Hi sweety."
He walked to her desk, pulled the chair out, and sat in front of his angel. Stephanie was glad she didn't have to get out of bed yet.
Sportacus sounded excited, "Today I get my tuxedo! I'll be away for awhile, so is there anything I can get you while I'm out?"
A bowl of ice cream. "No, I'm all set. Robbie's was nice last night. He made turkey dinner."
"Oh. He didn't try anything evil, did he?"
"Sport!" Steph disciplined, "You don't have to think that way anymore. If anything, Robbie has learned to live with his past. You shouldn't put him down considering he has not done one thing wrong."
Even though he didn't like Robbie very much, Sport nodded. He couldn't upset Stephanie.
Within a few minutes, Sportacus kissed his beloved and left her room. tuxedo shopping wasn't an easy task, especially because he wasn't used to wearing black. Then again, he could imagine how Stephanie felt wearing white. And while entering the tuxedo shop with Milford and Pixel, he could only anticipate the actual wedding day.
As each tux was fitted, tried on, and placed back on the rack, Sportacus began to grow tired. He wanted sports candy and to flip about the store. He wasn't impatient, but he wasn't the most patient man either. Milford seemed to be having more fun than anyone, as he was trying on all of the top hats and making angry faces in the mirror. Perhaps he was imagining himself as the leader of a mob or secret agency. pixel, on the other hand, was analyzing all electronic devices in the store such as the light bulbs, cash registers, and the automatic-opening door.
"How about this one?" Milford only held a navy top hat.
Sportacus laughed, "Mayor, I need the whole outfit, not just a hat."
Embarassed, Milford said, "R-r-right."
"That would look good on you, Sport-o." Pixel pointed at the tuxedo on a store manequin.
The tuxedo would look good on him. In fact, it would look fabulous.
0o0o0o0o
Trixie was usually fantastic at helping Steph with her problems. This is why Stephanie decided to inform her on her and Robbie's realization. As expected, trixie was outside playing ball with Stingy and Ziggy. Stephanie approached Trixie carefully, as to not get hit by a soccer ball.
"Pinky?" Trixie wondered, "What's up?"
"I need you for a minute or two. Can we talk alone?"
The two best friends walked to a vacant bench and sat down. Stingy and Ziggy were well out of sight. It took a few deep breaths before Steph was ready to talk. Trixie put all joking aside. She knew her best friend had something important to say.
"Trixie, you and I have been best friends for a long time, right?" Steph started out slow, hoping Trixie wouldn't tease.
She answered, "Yeah."
"And you know I trust you with every tiny secret that I've ever had?"
"Yeah, Steph. Why, what-"
"So you wouldn't tell a living soul anything if I asked you not to?"
"Of course."
Steph took one last deep breath. "I have something huge to tell you. Please don't tell anyone, especially not Sportacus. I plan on telling him tonight."
"Hey," Trixie shook her head, "you don't have to worry. What's going on?"
At first, Steph wanted to leave and keep it a secret. But she had procrastinated long enough.
"I'm pregnant."