Author's Note: I personally want to thank MidniteRain for his unyielding consistency. I don't write strictly for reviews but they are always encouraging and inspiring. Thanks to all my readers nonetheless. Hope you enjoy!
(You will always be a part of me; I'm part of you indefinitely. Boy, don't you know you can't escape me. Oh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby. And we'll linger on; time can't erase a feeling this strong. No way you're never gonna shake me. Oh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby) (Rhonda's thoughts about Lorenzo)
*The title of this chapter is named after a song by Mariah Carey*
The party officially began once Lorenzo's guests finished their dinner, which they had no problem devouring nearly every crumb of. Music blared from the dazzling ballroom where Lorenzo's hired D.J. commenced to play many of the best hits of the hip-hop, R&B, reggae, reggaeton, salsa, meringue, pop and techno genre, both current and classic. The ballroom also had a long table with punch, water, chips and cookies for everyone to help themselves to. Because of the rain, Lorenzo was unable to host a pool party; however, his guests were bound to have too much fun to complain. So, they all gathered around in the ballroom where they proceeded to laugh, socialize and dance.
Rhonda, Nadine and Patty stood near the table sipping cups of punch and conversing. The three pregnant girls planned on doing as little dancing as possible to put less strain on their bodies. Although they were only in their first trimester, thus, not quite large yet, they still had to be cautious. Watching the dozens of guests dance together and have the time of their lives seemed so bittersweet to Rhonda, Nadine and Patty.
"Wow, it seems like yesterday when we all were just little children," Rhonda stated, with a sigh.
"Yeah; the summer's almost over and its going to be a long time before most of us see each other again," Patty said, softly." I will seriously miss you, Rhonda."
"Aw, stop it, you guys," Nadine said, with a slightly sad chuckle." You're going to make me cry."
"Don't worry, girls; no matter what, you two will always be my best friends," Rhonda assured them." So, let's not get sad. Okay?"
"Okay," Nadine and Patty agreed, rather somberly.
Rhonda dried a tear forming in her left eye and then put an arm around both of their shoulders.
"Let's just live for tonight and have some fun," she said.
Patty and Nadine nodded in agreement. A few seconds later, their ears picked up the sound of arguing less than twenty feet away from them. So, they glanced over to their right to see Lorenzo and Aida bickering back and forth. Although they were speaking in pure Spanish, it was still quite obvious that they were arguing. Lorenzo was heated but he spoke more calmly than Aida. She was shouting and pointing her finger in his face. Although they couldn't understand a word neither of them was saying, Rhonda, Nadine and Patty merely shook their heads in pity.
"Wow, what the hell is her problem now?" Patty wondered.
"The bitch is completely nuts," Nadine added.
"Oh, who cares?" Rhonda muttered." Lorenzo is the one that's going to marry her, not us."
"Does it bother you?" Nadine asked, curiously." Be honest."
"No!" Rhonda responded, defensively." What makes you think that?"
"I can hear it in your voice," Nadine insisted.
"Oh please, Rhonda Wellington-Lloyd is not prone to jealousy," Rhonda stated, half truthfully.
Patty and Nadine exchanged glances and shrugged. Both of them knew their friend too well; therefore, they could tell that at least a small part of her was a little envious of her ex-boyfriend's engagement. However, they decided to leave it alone to avoid possibly upsetting her. Suddenly, Harold approached the table where the three girls were standing.
"What's going on, babe?" Patty asked.
"I just wanted some chips," Harold replied.
He grabbed a large handful of potato chips and crammed nearly the entire lot in his mouth.
"Harold, slow down," Patty said.
"Yes, mommy," he responded, sarcastically.
"Hey Harold, where's Sid?" Nadine asked.
"I don't know," Harold mumbled, through a mouthful of chips." He's around here somewhere."
"Okay, I'm going to find him," Nadine said." See you, guys."
"Okay, Nadine," Rhonda nodded.
"Do you wanna dance, baby?" Harold asked Patty.
"Sure, just for a little bit though," she said.
While Harold, Patty and Nadine headed onto the dance floor, Rhonda leaned against the table and took a sip of her punch. She took another glance at Lorenzo and Aida; the two of them were still fussing with each other. Envy aside, she couldn't even fathom what Lorenzo saw in her despite her the fact that she was physically attractive. Rhonda and Helga were often perceived as mean girls; however, those who knew them well were quite aware of the sensitive side they both had. So perhaps, Aida had some good personality traits that only Lorenzo could see. For his sake, Rhonda prayed that was the case, especially if he planned on marrying her.
Meanwhile, Nadine carefully made her way through the crowd of dancing teenagers in search of Sid. She wasn't exactly worried about him; she simply just wanted to be near him. After all, he was the new love of her life and the father of her unborn child; he would be dearest to her heart once Rhonda leaves for college. However, before Nadine could locate her current boyfriend, she almost bumped into her ex-boyfriend.
"Oh, excuse me, Junito," she said.
As Nadine tried to walk past, Junito cut off her path and said." Hey, what's your rush, baby? We ain't talk in a long time?"
"What is there to talk about, Junito?" Nadine asked, sharply." And I already told you at the dinner table not to address me as 'baby'."
"I called you 'boo' at the dinner table," Junito corrected her.
"Is there a difference?" Nadine responded, rolling her eyes.
"Damn Nadine, what's with all this attitude?" Junito demanded.
"Junito, we have nothing to talk about," Nadine argued." The only reason I didn't leave the moment I saw you here is because Lorenzo is your cousin and it would have been a little immature of me to expect him not to invite his own family member to his going-away party. Other than that, we have nothing to talk about. That's the bottom line."
Again, she attempted to walk past him but he stood in front of her.
"You's a funny ass chick, you know that?" Junito scoffed." When I got locked up last year, you was sendin' me all them fuckin' letters talkin' about you love me, you miss me and you'll be there for me once I get released. Now, you see me and you actin' like a bitch all of a sudden. What's up with that, yo?"
"Junito, you know very fucking well that's only half of the story," Nadine debated." I dumped your sorry ass when I found out that you were also writing letters to Alexia Martinez from Hillcrest. There's no way you forgot. You clearly remember all of my 'I love you and I miss you' letters, but what about the last one I wrote you—the one that said 'fuck you'. Huh? Did you forget about that one?"
"Nah, I ain't forget about it," Junito replied." I just ain't take you seriously."
"Well, now you should," Nadine retorted.
"It's such a shame, girl," Junito stated, shaking his head." Me and you used to be so tight. You were my boo, Nadine. I ain't gonna lie, I miss tearin' that ass up. I was the first one to have it and I should have been the only one to have it."
Nadine stared at Junito with a disgusted expression on her face, trying to remember what she ever saw in him. Considering that he and Lorenzo looked alike in some ways, Junito was actually a handsome guy—in a thuggish sort of way. However, he was also a liar, a cheater, a con artist, a criminal and a menace to society. When Rhonda and Lorenzo were dating, they served as matchmakers for Nadine and Junito, bringing them together. Nadine truly used to love Junito and she even lost her virginity to him. However, when his true colors revealed itself, she had to cut him loose and frankly, she had no regrets.
"By the way, you lookin' a little thick, Mama," Junito commented, lustfully." You used to be skinny as hell."
"It's called pregnancy, dummy," Nadine said, sharply." Not that it's any of your business."
Junito was shocked." Are you serious? You're pregnant by that punk-ass bitch Sid?"
"Yes, I am," Nadine responded, proudly." And my man is not a punk, you fucking idiot. He's amazing. You can never compare to him."
Junito scowled heatedly and jealously.
"Now, go away," Nadine said." You're a waste of time."
With that, Nadine rolled her eyes and walked away from her irritating ex. She walked by Gerald who was dancing with Phoebe.
"Nadine, is he messin' with you?" Gerald asked, protectively." I will beat his ass."
"I appreciate your concern, Gerald, but don't worry about it," Nadine responded." I'm looking for Sid."
"Oh, I just saw him approximately five minutes ago," Phoebe informed." He couldn't have strayed too far."
"Thanks Phoebe," Nadine said.
The party was filled with people Nadine has known her whole life such as Gerald, Arnold, Harold and various others. So surely, Junito(no matter how tough he was) was smart enough not to cross the line with her while any of them were around. When she finally saw Sid, he was standing near a window goofing around with Stinky and Josh. So, she approached him and put her arms around him, hugging him. Sid smiled and hugged her back.
"I've been looking for you, baby," Nadine told him.
"This place is huge," Sid reasoned." It's easy to lose sight of one specific person."
"I know," Nadine nodded.
"It's nice to know that you miss me even though we've only been apart for like thirty minutes," Sid stated.
"Of course."
Sid and Nadine brought their faces together and kissed each other passionately.
"You lovebirds should get a room already," Stinky commented, teasingly.
"Yeah dude, Sid is so whipped," Josh cracked.
"Why don't you guys shut the hell up and look for your girlfriends?" Nadine told them, half seriously, half jokingly.
"No way," Josh insisted, with a chuckle." I'm with Sheena all the time. Right now, I need some dude time."
"Josh, I reckon you best watch your choice of words on account of that ain't sound too kosher," Stinky joked.
"Shut up, dude," Josh muttered.
"Wow, you guys are so dumb," Nadine chuckled, shaking her head.
"I ain't dumb; I reckon I just don't want Gloria to be all extra mushy and lovey-dovey with me like you are with Sid right now," Stinky insisted.
"I bet you don't say that when you're on top of her, now do you?" Nadine pointed out.
Sid laughed." Boy howdy, babe. Good point!"
Suddenly, the DJ played a popular, 90's reggae hit entitled "I Need Some Action" by Terror Fabulous and Nadine Sutherland (the first name of the latter artist is rather ironic).
"Whoo! This is my shit!" Gerald exclaimed, excitedly.
"Babe, let's dance," Nadine suggested, taking Sid's hand.
She led him onto the dance floor though he was very reluctant about it.
"I really suck at dancing," Sid protested, with a nervous chuckle.
"It's not that hard, Sid," Nadine insisted." All you have to do is grind and sway a little bit….the same way you made this baby."
"Actually, you did most of the work that night," Sid reminded her.
Nadine rolled her eyes." Then just dance the same way you were doing it to me earlier today. You had some excellent rhythm too."
"Um, okay," Sid said, with a shrug.
Nadine gave him a seductive wink and then turned around with her back facing him. She bent over slightly, placed her left hand on her knee, her right hand on the back of her neck and commenced to grind her backside rhythmically against Sid's crotch. With a Trinidadian mother, Nadine naturally learned to master this sultry, Caribbean dance style known as 'whining'. Sid gently grabbed Nadine's waist and attempted to flow with her motions.
At first, Sid felt somewhat strange dancing so sensually with his girlfriend in front of everyone. However, when he glanced to the side and noticed how Arnold and Helga were practically having sex with clothing on, he felt a little more comfortable. So, Sid relaxed and let the unfamiliar song captivate him as Nadine continued to grind her body against his.
I need some action, tender satisfaction. My chemistry is flowing can you cause a chain reaction….the music played.
Watching from a distance, Junito shook his head enviously as he watched Sid and Nadine dance together. Meanwhile, Rhonda glanced towards the doorway of the ballroom entrance and noticed that Lorenzo was standing alone, with his arms crossed. Aida wasn't with him and his facial expression reflected his obvious displeasure. With no conniving intent whatsoever, Rhonda slowly walked towards Lorenzo out of plain concern.
"Hey," she said.
"Hey," Lorenzo responded.
"Why are you standing by yourself at your own party?" Rhonda asked.
"I'm kind of upset," Lorenzo replied.
"About Aida?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I'm sure you guys will make up later," Rhonda insisted." Couples fight."
"I know but the reason behind our fight was absolutely ridiculous," Lorenzo told her." She didn't have to leave."
"What happened?" Rhonda asked.
Lorenzo sighed and then answered." She's angry about you being here."
"I knew it," Rhonda muttered, rolling her eyes.
"I just don't understand Aida sometimes," Lorenzo continued." What could she possibly feel threatened about? You and I broke up a year ago and she knew that you were coming to my party."
"Not to mention, pretty soon, I'm going to California and you're going to Puerto Rico," Rhonda added.
"Exactly," Lorenzo nodded." She's supposed to come with me on Monday. Puerto Rico is a long way to travel and a big commitment to make but I don't see how it's going to work with her tremendous attitude problem and all. This is ridiculous."
Rhonda stood silently yet sympathetically.
"Sorry Rhonda, I don't mean to pour all of my issues on you," Lorenzo said, with a sigh.
"Don't worry about it," Rhonda responded." You're not bothering me."
"Well, that's all I'm going to say about that matter," Lorenzo insisted." Anyway, do you want to grab some more punch or something?"
"Sure," Rhonda nodded, with a smile.
"Okay," Lorenzo said, smiling back.
So, the two of them headed over to the snack table where they proceeded to drink punch, nibble on chips and converse with each other. Forgetting about Aida, Lorenzo and Rhonda's conversation varied from topics of pop culture to fashion to college plans. Although their interaction was strictly platonic, they were virtually inseparable for most of the party. They found it quite refreshing to laugh and joke with each other to get their minds off of the issues transpiring in their lives. For the next few hours, everyone else appeared to be having a good time as well which made Lorenzo proud that his fiesta turned out to be a success.
Time seemed to fly by rather rapidly when someone is having fun. It was a little past 1:00AM; while the guests continued to dance and mingle, Rhonda, Nadine and Patty were sitting together in a row of chairs. Patty and Nadine did as much dancing as their bodies could bear; however, Rhonda hasn't danced at all. Pregnancy tends to make females tire faster than usual; however, they firmly insisted that they would stay until the very end of the party.
"So Rhonda, I noticed how you and Lorenzo have been chatting all night," Nadine observed.
"So?" Rhonda shrugged.
"You still like him, don't you?" Nadine asked, teasingly.
"Nadine, will you give it a rest," Rhonda scolded her, blushingly." I don't like Lorenzo that way anymore."
"It's okay if you do," Patty insisted." After all, he was your first love."
"It doesn't matter," Rhonda said." When university starts, we'll be far, far apart."
"And how is Curly handling that?" Patty asked.
"Um, I still haven't told him yet," Rhonda replied, softly.
"Rhonda, you're leaving in less than a week," Nadine pointed out." You can't wait too long."
"Nadine, I know!" Rhonda exclaimed." I'll talk to him as soon as I get a chance. I really don't want to get into this discussion right now. I came here to have fun and forget about my troubles, not discuss them."
"Okay, sorry Rhonda," Nadine apologized.
"It's okay," Rhonda sighed." I didn't mean to yell."
Arnold's advice concerning Curly was helpful and she knew it was the right thing to do but the whole idea seemed very nerve-racking for some reason. They chatted for a few minutes longer until Miles walked past them.
"Hey, look who's here," he said, regretfully.
"Who?" Rhonda, Patty and Nadine responded in unison.
Miles pointed in the direction of two familiar and unwelcome guests a few yards away; one with spiky blond hair and the other with short brown hair. It was none other than Wolfgang and his best friend, Ludwig. The two of them have given them nothing but hell during their days of P.S. 118. They have grown from petty bullies to downright criminals. Wolfgang stood at a towering 6'4 with a solid, powerfully built frame that he attained from lifting weights during his fifteen-month jail sentence. Ludwig, though slightly shorter and leaner than Wolfgang, was even tougher, meaner and more aggressive. Both of them were high school dropouts with criminal records.
"Oh shit, it's those assholes," Patty muttered.
"What the hell are they doing here?" Rhonda wondered." I seriously doubt Lorenzo invited those losers."
"Of course Lorenzo didn't invite them; Junito most likely did," Nadine stated.
"Probably," Rhonda agreed." The three of them together had nothing better to do than to cause trouble and constantly prove themselves to be the iniquitous, lowlife, gutter trash that they are."
"Screw all of them," Patty said, boldly." They think the entire goddamn city is afraid of them but they're mistaken."
Surely, everyone recognized the presence of Wolfgang and Ludwig; however, most of them were not the least bit intimidated or worried. Although people such as Arnold, Gerald, Harold and others have gotten beaten up by them in their childhood, things have certainly changed since they reached their teens. They were not afraid to fight Wolfgang or Ludwig if need be; therefore, their unwanted attendance was no hindrance to anyone's fun. Lorenzo chose not to tell his cousin off for inviting them. He figured as long as they didn't cause any problems then there was nothing to worry about. Besides, the party was almost over anyway.
All of a sudden, the D.J. played a salsa song by the Latina artist 'La India' with a semi-slow yet upbeat rhythm. Very few people at the party were familiar with salsa dancing; however, that didn't stop anyone from trying. Lorenzo was dancing alone while most of the others on the dance floor were paired up. Rhonda smiled at him as she watched him twist and sway from side to side and moving his feet to the beat. Sometime during the party, Lorenzo cooled off by opening his shirt, revealing his smoothly toned chest and abs. From a distance, Rhonda couldn't help but to stare at him with lust in her eyes. Very much in tune with his Spanish roots, there was something very sensual and enticing about the way Lorenzo danced so skillfully and melodically. Patty and Nadine resisted the urge to laugh at how Rhonda seemed so awestruck and hypnotized just by watching Lorenzo dance. However, they weren't the ones to snap her out of her trance.
"Hey princess, wipe the drool off your chin," Helga appeared out of nowhere.
"Wow Helga, you scared the shit out of me," Rhonda responded, startled." What are you talking about anyway?"
"I see you staring at Lorenzo like you wanna eat him or something," Helga commented.
"See, I told you!" Nadine laughed.
"Will you both give it a rest?" Rhonda exclaimed." I am not staring at him."
"Why don't you go dance with him?" Helga suggested." We all know you've been talking to him all night."
"That's not a bad idea," Patty said, with a shrug.
"Yeah, just go for it," Nadine urged." He's leaving soon anyway."
"Come on, Rhonda, stop pretending like the very sight of the Papi Chulo doesn't make your chocha moist anymore," Helga teased.
"Okay! Okay! For heaven's sake, Helga, you are too much!" Rhonda responded, blushing." Fine. I'll dance with him, if that's what it takes you to get you to shut up."
"Yeah, yeah, Princess, you know I'm right," Helga smirked.
Rhonda exhaled, stood up and held her head up with confidence to conceal her nervousness. She straightened her skirt out and then glided onto the dance floor towards Lorenzo. He was feeling the music deep inside of his soul, so his eyes were loosely shut as he danced. Rhonda eyed her handsome ex for a few seconds, staring at his bare chest. Snapping out of it, she cleared her throat to get his attention.
"Hey Rhonda," Lorenzo said, with a smile.
"Hi," Rhonda said.
"Do you want to dance with me?" Lorenzo asked.
Rhonda smiled and thought. Awesome. I didn't even have to ask.
"Sure; why not?" she replied, with a tranquil shrug.
"Do you remember how to dance salsa?" Lorenzo asked.
"Do I remember?" Rhonda responded, with a somewhat conceited chuckle." Oh please, as if I ever forget how to do anything."
"So, come on, Mami," Lorenzo said, eagerly.
Rhonda removed her shoes and set them aside. Smiling, she put her hand onto Lorenzo's shoulder as he placed his onto her hip. Her right hand grasped his left and they began to dance. Their feet moved with graceful, fluid steps, their hips swayed from side to side and they even spun around a few times. To Lorenzo's surprise and amazement, Rhonda remembered everything he taught her about this classic, Latin dance style when they were dating. No doubt, she was a total natural; nearly as skilled as one who has been doing this his/her entire life.
"Wow Rhonda, your moves are still great," Lorenzo complimented her.
"Gracias," Rhonda beamed.
"De nada."
This was the most fun Rhonda has had the entire night. Dancing with Lorenzo brought back so many sweet memories of the love they once shared. Although they have broken up and established romances with other people, it seemed as though their flame hasn't completely fizzled out yet. Once the salsa song ended, the D.J. announced the final song to be played for the night, which ultimately will bring the party to an end. It was also the only slow song that was played in the entire party. Smiling warmly at each other, Rhonda and Lorenzo, along with other couples, commenced to slow-dance together as the high yet soulful melody of Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" played through the air.
As Lorenzo held Rhonda closely and gently, he closed his eyes and rocked slowly with her. Rhonda's smile spread even wider as she fought back bittersweet tears. There she was dancing with the first boy she ever truly loved to a beautiful yet somewhat sad ballad that indirectly told the story of their romance; how they were destined to be far away from each other though the love they shared would never really be gone forever. Surprisingly, Lorenzo's engagement to Aida didn't hurt Rhonda as much as she thought it would. However, she still wondered how he would feel if he knew that she was pregnant with Curly's child, for she hasn't disclosed that information to him yet.
Way to disrupt a romantic moment, towards the end of the song, someone loudly yelled." I'm gonna beat your fuckin' ass, you faggot!"
Immediately, everyone's attention was caught. Everyone stopped dancing and the D.J. abruptly shut the music off. The guests all rushed towards the punch table where an imminent altercation was taking place.
"What the hell is going on?" Lorenzo wondered, softly.
Rhonda shook her head and shrugged. She grabbed her shoes and quickly joined Lorenzo to follow the gathering crowd. The two of them held hands as they tried to brush past people to observe the action.
"Junito, get the hell off of him now!" they heard Arnold shout.
Lorenzo groaned with frustration at the mention of his cousin's name and the implication that he was starting trouble. As Lorenzo finally made his way through the crowd, he saw Junito holding Eugene by the front of the shirt and raising a clenched fist several inches from his face. Wolfgang and Ludwig were standing behind Junito, being blood-thirsty instigators. Eugene Horowitz wasn't destined to be very big, even as he got older. His physique was very petite and he stood at only 5'5. Happy-go-lucky, gracious and extremely kind was all anyone could use to describe Eugene; therefore, Lorenzo was instantly positive that he did nothing to deserve to be threatened by Junito. Arnold and Gerald tried to step in to save Eugene but Lorenzo rushed forward to calm them down.
"Arnold, Gerald…..I'll handle this," Lorenzo told them, softly.
Arnold and Gerald were angry but they respectfully backed away to allow Lorenzo to settle this matter.
"Junito, what are you doing?" Lorenzo demanded." Let him go."
Junito scowled at his cousin but he released Eugene by shoving him. Eugene lost his balanced and tripped chest-first to the floor.
"I'm okay," he uttered.
Helga, Phoebe and Lila were the first ones to rush forward and help Eugene to his feet.
"Gosh Eugene, that was ever so mean of him to do," Lila said, sympathetically.
"Mean is an understatement," Phoebe insisted, angrily." That was utterly cruel. What the hell is the matter with that guy?"
"Lorenzo, your cousin is a fucking douche-bag!" Helga yelled.
"Can someone tell me what the hell is going on here?" Lorenzo questioned, loudly.
"This bitch ass homo was tryin' to flirt with me!" Junito growled, pointing a finger at Eugene." I don't play that fuckin' gay shit!"
"Criminy! You are such a liar!" Helga shouted." Nobody wants your jailbird ass!"
"Wow, how vain," Phoebe added.
"Girls, don't say another word please," Arnold told them, calmly yet firmly." If he steps out of line, Gerald and I will seriously hurt him."
"Hell yeah," Gerald agreed." He will get fucked up."
"Lorenzo, you better tell your punk ass friends to back the fuck up," Junito snarled." The little bitch was smilin' at me and shit when he came to get some chips."
"Come on, Junito, that's just Eugene," Lorenzo insisted." He's a nice guy. He's always smiling."
Junito took a step closer towards his cousin and argued." Yeah, go ahead and defend the little fag."
Lorenzo caught a strong whiff of Junito's breath, smelling alcohol. He was drunk and his judgment was extremely impaired. Eugene was not flirting with him at all. Even in his drunken state, Junito was well aware of that fact, he was simply itching for a fight. Frankly, being accompanied by Wolfgang and Ludwig certainly didn't help.
"You're drunk?" Lorenzo asked.
"Yeah, Wolfgang and Ludwig bought a little liquor over….so what?" Junito responded, nastily.
"Junito, I told you that alcohol was strictly forbidden at my party," Lorenzo told him, disappointedly." I tried to be nice and not make a big deal about you inviting those two here but I should have known better. All you do is cause trouble."
"Whatever, cuz; blame the shit on me if you want to," Junito muttered.
"Look, the party is just about over," Lorenzo said, angrily." Do me a favor and get out of my house. Take your friends with you."
Enraged, Junito violently shoved Lorenzo, causing him to stumble backwards. Everyone gasped in shock. Rhonda managed to catch him before he fell. Lorenzo stood up straight and glared at his cousin with fury in his eyes.
"Junito, are you out of your mind?" Rhonda shrieked.
"Fuck that stuck-up motherfucker!" Junito roared." That's why I can't stand his spoiled, rich ass!"
"I may be 'spoiled' and 'rich'—according to you—but I'm going to kick your ass, you fucking cabron!" Lorenzo exploded.
"So, let's do this!" Junito challenged him.
Lorenzo and Junito quickly stepped towards each other. Unfortunately, Lorenzo had given the butler the rest of the night off a couple of hours ago. Wolfgang and Ludwig madly cheered Junito on, encouraging him. Suddenly, Harold quickly rushed in between the two angry cousins before any blows were exchanged. Arnold and Gerald gently pulled Lorenzo away to calm him down as Harold stood firmly in front of Junito, blocking his path as he tried to get past.
"Hey, calm down!" Harold exclaimed.
"Get lost, you fat fuck!" Wolfgang shouted." Mind your own business."
"Don't tell me what to do, asshole!" Harold shot back." Why don't you mind YOUR business?"
"Hey, we will pulverize your fat ass!" Ludwig threatened.
"Fuck you both!" Harold screamed." I'm not scared of any of you!"
As soon as Junito, Wolfgang and Ludwig take some menacing steps towards Harold, Patty angrily stepped towards them. However, there was no way Harold was going to allow his pregnant girlfriend to put herself at risk, no matter how tough she was.
"Babe, go away," Harold told her.
Patty ignored his order and stood by her man. So, Stinky and Josh stepped forward, gently pushed Patty to the side and stood by Harold.
"If ya'll think you're going to gang up on my buddy, I reckon ya'll must be some motherfuckin' fools," Stinky stated, angrily.
"Yeah dudes, let's make this a fair fight, you bitches," Josh added.
"No!" Gloria cried out." Nobody's fighting!"
"Baby, we ain't scared of these bastards," Stinky insisted.
"Josh please, just let it go," Sheena begged.
Given that she has always been against violence under any and all circumstances, Sheena was determined not to allow her boyfriend to engage in such vicious activity. So, Josh reluctantly agreed to step aside, although he was more than ready to fight. The problem, however, was that they were outnumbered, three against two.
"Oh well, I guess that means you're in, Sid," Stinky declared." Let's take this to the streets, fellers!"
Sid gulped nervously and quivered from the knees down at the thought of fighting.
"Let's go, Sid!" Harold ordered." And you better not act like a pussy either!"
"Sid's a little bitch!" Junito taunted him." He don't want none of this!"
"Sid, don't listen to them," Nadine told him.
Sid, however, exhaled deeply and changed his facial expression from fearful to serious. He wasn't sure how things would turn out but he actually had more pride than fear. His pride would not let him abandon his best friends at a fight and it definitely would not let him allow him to be taunted and ridiculed by his girlfriend's ex. So, he tightened his hands into fists and stood with Harold and Stinky. They all followed a riled up trio of Wolfgang, Ludwig and Junito outside of the mansion. Lorenzo and all of his party guests promptly went after them, following them out of the front yard and onto the sidewalk. It was dark, windy and somewhat rainy; however, they were all ready for action.
It started off as a cold staring match, wondering who would make the first move. Finally, the brawl began and the six of them fiercely fought with each other. Divided into pairs, Harold, Stinky and Sid wrangled with Wolfgang, Ludwig and Junito, respectively.
The crowd watched the action closely as the six boys punched and wrestled with each other. Wolfgang stiffened his fists and threw three vicious jabs to Harold's torso. Harold doubled over, dropped to his knees and puked onto the wet cement.
"Had enough, fat ass?" Wolfgang growled, arrogantly.
For a response, Harold sprang up to his feet with a brutal uppercut to Wolfgang's chin. Wolfgang stumbled but he didn't fall quite yet. He took a swing at Harold but he successfully ducked the blow that may have ended the fight right there. From there, Harold reached one arm underneath Wolfgang's legs and his other arm around his back, using his strength to lift him up. He body-slammed him onto an overturned trash can. Wolfgang rolled over on the ground, groaning and rubbing his aching back.
"Come on, hillbilly boy!" Ludwig bellowed.
Ludwig threw a sharp, right hook to Stinky's jaw and then a left hook to his other jaw. Stinky was staggering and practically seeing stars from the impact of Ludwig's strong fists but he didn't give up. Before Ludwig could successfully land his third punch, Stinky blocked it and countered it with a straight jab to Ludwig's face, instantly causing his nostrils to leak blood.
"Don't bleed now, Ludwig, I reckon I'm just gettin' started!" Stinky exclaimed, confidently.
Ludwig attempted to retaliate but Stinky speedily lifted his long leg up and kicked him in the chest. Ludwig stumbled and fell down on top of Wolfgang. Most of the crowd cheered at Harold and Stinky's victory. However, Sid was not faring too well against Junito. His mouth was bleeding and he sustained multiple cuts on his face from the ferocious beating he was receiving. Junito was punching Sid and tossing him around with ease. Nadine nearly cried as she watched her boyfriend struggle to hold his own against her ex. Many people were contemplating helping Sid out but unlike some people, they believed in a fair fight. So, all they could do was cheer Sid on and pray that he gains momentum.
Junito pinned Sid against a nearby gate and struck him several more times in the face and body. Sid was weakened and teary-eyed but fortunately, he found an opening—literally. Junito's legs were slightly parted, so Sid viciously kneed him in the groin. He watched Junito double over in agony and step back, holding his throbbing testicles.
"Sid, don't stop there!" Stinky yelled.
"Yeah, destroy the fucker!" Harold cried out, pumping his meaty fist into the air.
With that, Sid took his friends' advice and released his inner rage on Junito. Sid wildly punched Junito on both sides of the face, the chest and abdomen as hard as he can. As soon as he fell to his knees, Sid continued to punch and kick at him fiercely until Junito was nearly as bloodied as he was. Within half a minute, Junito was sprawled out on the ground beside an equally defeated Wolfgang and Ludwig.
"Sid! Sid! Sid! Sid!" the crowd chanted.
To praise their friend, Harold and Stinky lifted each of his arms up in triumph. Sid was worn out and practically struggling to catch his breath and remain standing, for it took every last bit of strength in him to beat Junito. Nadine quickly rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her sweaty, battered boyfriend.
"Baby, are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, babe," Sid panted, through his swollen, bloody lips.
Most of the guests were happy to see three of the most hated and feared guys in all of Hillwood receive the beat-down of a lifetime. However, girls like Sheena, Gloria and Lila found the whole scene incredibly disturbing.
"Man, that was better than any Wrestlemania match," Helga commented, with a grin." Who knew 'Mister Paranoia' could kick ass like that?"
"Come on, babe, this was totally ridiculous—though they definitely got what was coming to them," Arnold responded.
"I'm afraid I must concur with Arnold," Phoebe said.
"Mmm-mmm-mmm," Gerald could only manage to say as he shook his head.
As Harold, Sid and Stinky were beginning to collect themselves, Wolfgang, Junito and Ludwig struggled to their feet—holding switchblades!
"Look out!" someone frantically warned them.
Harold, Stinky and Sid stepped back nervously as their three opponents edged towards them with their weapons. They quickly tried to think of a way to get out of it but it seemed hopeless.
"Gee Wilikers!" Stinky cried, in a panic.
"Oh no, they're going to kill us!" Sid bawled.
"MOMMY!" Harold screamed at the top of his lungs.
Suddenly, the loud sound of rapid, gun shots pierced the dark, humid air. Everyone, including Wolfgang, Ludwig and Junito, screamed and panicked. No one had a clue what was going on until a black, two-door convertible pulled over in front of the sidewalk. Everyone looked up and gasped in shock. There was Curly, sitting behind the driver's seat holding a Colt, nine-millimeter SMG high in the air, laughing loudly and wickedly.
Curly stood on the seat of the car with the submachine gun and yelled." Bullets beat blades any day, you pussies!"
Shocked and frightened, everyone couldn't help but to wonder where he obtained that weapon from. It turned out that Curly was waiting outside of Lorenzo's house the entire time the party was taking place.
"I'm out! This motherfucker is crazy!" Junito exclaimed.
"I'm out too!" Ludwig cried.
Without a second thought, Junito and Ludwig made a frantic run for it. Wolfgang desperately ran after them screaming." Wait for me, you assholes!"
Once the three of them were completely out of sight, all eyes were on the deranged Curly Gammelthorpe, especially Rhonda's. Her boyfriend has gone insane. She was scared, shocked, appalled and furious all at once.
"Curly! What has gotten into you?" Rhonda screamed." What the fuck are you doing?"
"Relax, my love," Curly responded, calmly." I couldn't bear to see my precious angel witness such horrifyingly violent behavior. Plus, I've read that the first trimester of pregnancy is the most crucial….and you're only two months pregnant, babe."
A series of gasped echoed through the air, instantly embarrassing Rhonda. The majority of them had no idea that she was pregnant. Even when she confided in Arnold about it, he didn't tell Gerald or Helga—which says a lot about his trustworthiness considering that they were his best friend and girlfriend, respectively. Nonetheless, Rhonda was extremely upset.
"Are you ready to go home, babe?" Curly asked.
"I'll get myself home when I'm ready," Rhonda snapped." Why don't you get the hell out of here before the police come!"
"You're right, baby, I'll see you tomorrow," Curly responded.
As he drove off, Rhonda buried her face into her hands to hide the humiliation she was feeling. Nadine and Patty, being the good friends that they are, placed a comforting arm around her. Everyone would have eventually found out they were all pregnant anyway, they explained to her as smoothly as possible. Harold, Sid and Stinky weren't sure whether to freak out or to be grateful for Curly's extremely psychopathic interference. Finally, when everyone calmed down, they thanked Lorenzo and headed off home.
However, Rhonda stayed behind. Lorenzo was sitting on his large stoop with a glum, disappointed expression on his face. At first, Rhonda wondered if he was upset at the revelation of her pregnancy but she quickly dismissed that thought. Lorenzo was simply angry at the whole horror scene that transpired on his property. Rhonda slowly approached him, took a seat beside him and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry about this," she said, softly.
"You don't have to apologize," Lorenzo told her." It's not your fault. I never should have invited my cousin over here. He always finds a way to fuck things up. It never fails. On top of that, Aida is probably still mad at me. So, don't apologize, Rhonda. You've been great."
"Well, I was only apologizing on behalf of that psychotic boyfriend of mine," Rhonda insisted.
Lorenzo sighed and then gently took Rhonda's hand, giving it a delicate squeeze. Staring into her light-brown eyes, he asked." Will you stay with me tonight?"
Rhonda was a little surprised; her heart even began to beat.
"Um, I don't know," she replied.
"Please?" Lorenzo said." Just as friends. I promise."
Rhonda thought about it for a few seconds and then she nodded." Okay."
So, Lorenzo and Rhonda stood up and walked back to the entrance of the mansion, holding hands along the way.
(I ain't gonna cry, no. And I won't beg you to stay, if you're determined to leave, boy, I will not stand in your way. But inevitably, you'll be back again. 'Cause you know in your heart, our love will never end, no.) (Rhonda's thoughts for Lorenzo)
Author's Note: Intense much? LOL This was my longest chapter yet. I hope you enjoyed it though. Please review.