Author's Note: I'd like to thank my readers/reviewers yet again for your support. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to update this fast but I'm doing it nonetheless. Thanks. Hope you enjoy.

( Papa don't preach. I'm in trouble deep. Papa don't preach. I've been losing sleep. But I made up my mind; I'm keeping my baby. I'm gonna keep my baby) (Rhonda's thoughts for her father)

*The title of this chapter is named after a song by Madonna*

The end of August was approaching as well as the end of the summer. Most of the gang was looking forward to starting college; some locally, some out of the state. Despite being two months pregnant, Rhonda still had her heart set on going to Zax-Scesney University. It was a wonderful opportunity that she couldn't pass up, no matter how much Curly tried to convince her to stay.

One Saturday morning, Rhonda was in the bathroom hunched over the toilet, throwing up. She very recently developed a case of morning sickness whereas Nadine has had it from the beginning. When she finished, she flushed the toilet and stared into the mirror above the marble sink. She looked exceptionally pale and drained in the face. Rhonda brushed her teeth and rinsed with a few capfuls of mouth wash to thoroughly rid her breath of vomit odor.

"This is such a nightmare," she groaned, glumly.

Exhaling, Rhonda tightly pulled her silk bathrobe around her and stepped out of the bathroom. Standing by the bathroom door was Rhonda's Aunt Bernicia who came to visit from New Jersey. Short, heavyset and dark-haired, Bernicia was the oldest sister of Rhonda's mother and also, one of the most meddlesome people ever. Rhonda always dreaded her visits; however, she still gave her aunt respect—or at least she tried to. Rhonda's mother and aunt were raised by working-class parents in Jersey City, New Jersey. However, once Rhonda's mother married her wealthy father and therefore, became a member of the incredibly rich Lloyd family, Rhonda never knew what it was like to struggle and wonder where her next meal was coming from. Bernicia was beyond ecstatic when her younger sister married a rich man; it certainly has benefited her as well.

"Well now, young lady, why have you been vomiting for three days in a row?" Bernicia asked, with a sly smirk.

None of your goddamn business, you nosy hag! Rhonda thought.

However, instead she replied." It must have been salmonella poisoning or something."

Bernicia stood quietly for a moment; then she shook her head and responded." You young girls these days are full of shit! When I was your age—perhaps a bit younger—I became pregnant with my first child. But I decided to be an honest adult and inform my parents right away."

"Good for you," Rhonda muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Don't use that tone with me, young lady," Bernicia snapped." If you were grown enough to spread your legs, why can't you be grown enough to spread the news to your parents?"

"Aunt Bernicia, what the hell…" Rhonda started to say.

Bernicia glared at her with her hands on her hips.

"I mean….what on earth would make you think that I'm pregnant?" Rhonda asked, nervously." I told you it was salmonella poisoning. I'm not pregnant. Besides, my stomach is perfectly flat."

"I've given birth to four children; I know a pregnant woman when I see one," Bernicia insisted." It's all in your face, honey."

Rhonda reached up and touched her face in mere confusion.

"Figure of speech, Rhonda," Bernicia remarked." Anyway, are you going to let your parents know or not? They have a right to know."

Rhonda gritted her teeth with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Surely, if she didn't come clean to her parents, her nosy aunt would be more than willing to do it for her.

Oh God, I feel as though I'm boxed into a corner, Rhonda thought. But how hard can it be? Nadine told her parents. Patty told hers. Sid, Harold and Curly's parents all know too. And they're still alive. So, I should be okay. Right? WRONG! My parents are going to SLAUGHTER me!

"Well….?" Bernicia interrupted Rhonda's thoughts.

"Fine, Aunt Bernicia, I'll tell them," Rhonda said with a defeated sigh.

"That's a very mature and responsible choice, dear niece," Bernicia grinned, patting Rhonda on the arm.

Ugh! I HATE you, Rhonda thought, angrily.

A half hour later, the Lloyds gathered around the table for a scrumptious breakfast prepared by their maid. Rhonda's parents, Brooke and Buckley, were successful overachievers with more sophistication than a royal English family. They strived to ensure that their family maintained perfection financially, professionally and morally—though the latter would serve as a major disappointment to them once they find out that their young, unmarried daughter is expecting a baby. Rhonda's plan was to go away to college before her belly grows. Of course, her parents would have eventually found out that she was pregnant, but at least she'd be far, far away when it happens. Rhonda's plan could have work had her aunt kept her nose out of her business.

"Rhonda, you are indeed, the most wonderful daughter any parent could have," Mrs. Lloyd told her." Next week, you'll be on your way to one of the finest universities in the country. I still can't believe how fast you grew up. Your father and I will miss you but we're very proud of you. Aren't we, darling?"

"Of course, sweetheart," Mr. Lloyd agreed." Our little girl is as perfect as can be."

Bernicia cleared her throat as if to say "I beg to differ". Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd glanced in her direction but Bernicia gave them a phony smile and took a sip from her orange juice glass. Rhonda glared at her aunt and then she looked down at the table, sighing.

"Mom, Dad…I'm not perfect at all," Rhonda said, bitterly." In fact, I'm an immorally foolish, promiscuous tramp who thoughtlessly slept with her boyfriend without protection and became pregnant as a result. Are you happy now, Aunt Bernicia?"

Dazed and surprised, Rhonda's parents paused for a moment.

"Bernicia, what's going on?" Mrs. Lloyd asked.

"Your daughter just told that she's pregnant, Brooke," Bernicia replied, candidly.

Mrs. Lloyd stared at Rhonda, unsure of how to respond.

"This is a joke…right?" Mr. Lloyd asked, with a nervous laugh.

"No Dad, it isn't," Rhonda sighed.

Her parents looked at each other, shaking their heads in pity. Meanwhile, Bernicia sat quietly with a wicked smirk on her face.

"Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, Rhonda," Mr. Lloyd stated.

"What happened to all of the morals and self-esteem that your father and I have invested eighteen years of your life teaching you?" Mrs. Lloyd asked, bluntly.

"See? I knew this was going to happen!" Rhonda exclaimed." That's why I didn't want to tell you?"

"So, I suppose you thought that you can keep a child a secret from us forever," Mr. Lloyd retorted.

"No Dad, I didn't," Rhonda said.

"Who is he?" Mr. Lloyd demanded.

"What are you talking about, Dad?"

"Who is the equally irresponsible boy who impregnated you?" Mr. Lloyd asked, sternly." You know what I'm talking about."

"His name is Thaddeus."

"Are you referring to that slender, dark haired boy with the glasses and that rather disturbed persona?" Mr. Lloyd inquired." He goes by the alias of 'Curly'. His parents own a dry cleaning place. Is that him?"

"Yes, that's him," Rhonda replied.

"Where in God's name are your standards, Rhonda?" Mrs. Lloyd asked, with a shudder.

Bernicia tried hard to control her laughter.

"Sweetheart, that's just pitiful," Mr. Lloyd told her, bluntly.

"Gee Dad, thanks," Rhonda scoffed, sarcastically.

"I'm sorry but I always imagined that our son in law would be…..well, more like you," Mr. Lloyd insisted.

"Son in law?" Rhonda responded, with bafflement." I have no intention on marrying Curly."

"Well, perhaps you should have thought about that before you decided to have sexual relations with him," Mrs. Lloyd insisted, sharply.

"Honestly, Rhonda, the fact that you gave that boy your virginity before marriage was disgraceful enough," Mr. Lloyd added." So, the least you can do is be decent enough to get married before this child is born. Have you lost your Catholic principles as well as your mind?"

The judgment that Rhonda's parents were throwing at her was hurtful at best and insulting at worst. Not to mention, her aunt's wickedness only made her even more upset.

"This is my life, Dad, not yours," Rhonda snarled, with angry tears streaming down her face.

"Pardon me?" Mr. Lloyd reacted.

"I will not sit here and subject myself to yourinsensitive, arrogant criticism just because I'm only human," Rhonda continued, firmly." I'm eighteen years old. My life does not revolve around you, my life will not be dictated by your superficial expectations and my life doesn't end because I'm pregnant. Next week, I'm flying to Los Angeles and I'm still going to excel in college. Instead of judging me with your religious lectures, you ought to be proud of my courage. I am very courageous, because I'm not going to let this pregnancy hinder me. But no, I'm a total disgrace to you. Aren't I? And FYI, I didn't lose my virginity to Curly. I haven't been a virgin since I was fifteen. Shows how much you know about me!"

The Lloyds were dumbfounded. Their own daughter put them in their place and they had no idea how to respond.

"Mom and Dad, I love you both very much….but this is my life," Rhonda told them." Now, if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to go."

Rhonda pushed her chair back, stood up and left the dining room without another word. Dressed in a red tank top and a matching red skirt, she headed outside to her car and drove off. Her parents' reaction hurt her feelings and it even made her cry a little but for the most part, she was proud of herself for standing up to them.

Rhonda had plans later on that night; so she took a drive to the mall to purchase an outfit, although her wardrobe at home was large enough. Being the fashion fanatic that she always was, a new outfit was always tempting. Once Rhonda found something she really liked, she purchased it. Lorenzo was having a going away party that night. He was soon going away to attend the University of Puerto-Rico. As Rhonda exited the store, she suddenly bumped into Arnold.

"Oh hey, Arnold," Rhonda said.

"Hey Rhonda," Arnold said.

Arnold was dressed in his work uniform. He's been working at the mall's movie theatre all summer and saving up extra money to bring with him to New York University—where Helga, Gerald and Phoebe were all planning to go to as well.

"Are you on your way to work?" Rhonda asked.

"Yeah, I still have over an hour before I start," Arnold told her." What are you up to?"

"I just picked up an outfit for Lorenzo's party tonight," Rhonda told him.

"I'll be there too," Arnold said.

"Arnold, are you hungry by any chance?" Rhonda questioned.

"No, I had breakfast. Why?"

"Well, I was going to offer to treat you to some food," Rhonda replied.

"Thanks; that was a thoughtful idea," Arnold said.

"So, do you mind just hanging with an old friend until it's time to start work?" Rhonda asked.

"Not at all," Arnold replied, with a smile." Let's go."

Arnold and Rhonda walked around the mall until they found a seat on the bench located close to a broad wishing fountain. The smooth splashing sound of the pouring water was soothing to Rhonda's nerves. Ever since they were young, Arnold was well-known for being the kind of person anyone can talk to about their issues. As Rhonda reflected on the history of her friendship with Arnold, she remembered how he was there for her on several occasions.

The examples being: when she and Nadine had a falling out over a fourth grade project, when her parents temporarily lost their fortune in a stock market crash and when she misled Curly into thinking that she wanted him after writing a phony secret admirer letter to him. However, Rhonda was facing a dilemma much bigger than all of the previous issues combined. Knowing that she can trust Arnold and confide in him, Rhonda disclosed to him that she was pregnant with Curly's child in addition to how her parents reacted to the news and how she told them off for judging her as ruthlessly as they did.

"You did the right thing, Rhonda," Arnold told her." And even though I'd never advise you to disrespect your parents, I still don't think it was fair for them to criticize you so harshly. Personally, I think what you're doing is very brave…..the fact that you're not letting your pregnancy screw up your future. And you know what? I know you're going to succeed regardless. You're a strong, intelligent girl."

"Thank you, Arnold," Rhonda nodded." You always know what to say to cheer someone up."

"I try my best," Arnold shrugged, modestly.

Rhonda smiled at her dear friend. Arnold may not have been perfect—considering that no human being in the world is perfect—but he was undoubtedly a beautiful person inside and out. There was practically no good reason for anyone to dislike Arnold. Even Helga Pataki couldn't pretend to hate him forever which ultimately led to the two of them establishing a loving, committed relationship. Little did Rhonda know, Arnold's advice was recently sought out by both Sid and Harold, who were dealing with becoming fathers to the unborn babies of Nadine and Patty, respectively. Nonetheless, Arnold kept their confessions in confidence like a trustworthy friend and a first-rate therapist. It was no mystery why Arnold planned to major in psychology.

"By the way, how did Curly react to this?" Arnold asked." Have you told him yet?"

"Yeah," Rhonda responded, with a gloomy sigh." He's actually extremely happy about this."

"Wow…..but you don't sound too relieved," Arnold pointed out.

"He wants me to give up ZSU and attend the university he's going to instead, so he can be closer to me and the baby," Rhonda explained." Before I got pregnant, I made it clear to him that we have to break up before I leave for college. Keep in mind that I was accepted to ZSU before Curly and I even started dating."

"So, maybe you two can agree to a long distance relationship," Arnold suggested." Do you love him?"

"Yes, I do," Rhonda nodded." I love him very much but he will never agree to a long distance relationship. He can't even leave me alone for five minutes. Look at my phone."

Rhonda showed Arnold her ultra expensive cell phone. As he glanced at it, he noticed that she had received 36 calls from Curly in less than three hours; 32 of which she simply ignored.

"Wow," Arnold murmured.

"Wow is right," Rhonda said." He calls me constantly, he always wants to see me and check on me. I know he's just attempting to be sweet but I feel….smothered."

"Have you told him that?" Arnold asked.

"Every time I try, he interrupts me with more and more overwhelming affection," Rhonda told him." My goodness, Arnold, I have no idea what to do. I'm supposed to be going to LA next week."

"It sounds like he already knows deep down that you don't want to stay," Arnold said, insightfully." So he keeps interrupting you because he doesn't want to hear the truth and he's simply hoping you'd change your mind."

"Yeah…..perhaps," Rhonda sighed, shrugging.

"Don't let this linger until the day you leave," Arnold advised her." You should sit Curly down, make it clear that you don't want any interruptions and then explain to him—as gently and sweetly as possible—that you don't want to throw away this educational opportunity of a lifetime. Reassure him that you love him and after you give birth, maybe the two of you can try to make some arrangements concerning your child and your relationship. We all know that Curly isn't the most ordinary guy in the world but I'm sure if he loves you, he would understand. Do you know when you're due?"

"The doctor estimated March 9th," Rhonda replied.

"Well, its August now; you have plenty of time to prepare," Arnold insisted.

"You're right," Rhonda said." Thanks for the advice, Arnold. I hope Curly understands."

The two of them chatted for a little while longer until it was time for Arnold to head for work. Although she was still nervous, Rhonda felt a little better after talking to him.

"So, you're going to work now?" Rhonda asked.

"Yeah."

Rhonda and Arnold gave each other a firm, friendly hug.

"Arnold, thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Rhonda."

"So, you, Helga, Gerald and Phoebe are all heading to NYU pretty soon," Rhonda stated." Good luck. I'm going to miss you guys."

"We're going to miss you too," Arnold said.

"Arnold, you were always the one that everyone trusted," Rhonda told him." What will we do without you?"

"I'll always be here for you," Arnold assured her." You can always call me, text me, email me, etcetera…"

"Thanks," Rhonda said." Have a good day at work. I'll see you at Lorenzo's tonight."

"Okay, I'll see you then," Arnold responded." Keep your head up, Rhonda."

As Rhonda and Arnold parted ways, she took his advice about Curly very seriously. Although it doesn't guarantee any good results, it was still the right thing to do and delaying it for too long was only bound to make things worse. Not to mention, there was still the issue with her parents and her interfering Aunt Bernicia. However, that night, Rhonda planned on having a good time at Lorenzo's party. It wouldn't dawn on her until later just how much she was going to miss him when they part ways to university.