Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.


27. Oh yeah darling, here comes the baby!

– Lloyd's Tower–

The enormous door was opened slowly by the servant. The Shortmans were totally impressed about the size of the "Little loft" of the Llyod's.

- Rhonda… I've to say that is a little… too much. - Her friend was uncomfortable about the luxury of the place.

- Oh Arnold, darling, don't worry, I mean, I know that is totally different from your old house, but we're friends and Rhonda Llyod will always help old friends, do you remember… when… I was in moments of… necessity?

- Yes I remember. - Arnold looked at her a little annoyed, despite the girl's good intentions, her comments were always laced with a slight insult.

- Thank you Miss Llyod, you and your parents are so gentle to let us stay here, our family and some of our guests.

- Don't worry Mrs Shortman, I know how the poor love to stay together in situations like this. Well, I've viola classes, see you later. - The glamorous preteen left the building, leaving behind an uncomfortable group of people.

- Well champ… she a little… special?

- Don't worry dad, I know what you mean. Are you sure to stay here?

- I think that is the best Arnold, we couldn't find another better place for us. We're a big group.

- That's true Stella, maybe it would be better if Mr Hyunhk, Ernie and I moved to another place…

- Oh no Suzie. - Miles stopped her speech. - You're family, we'll be ok, besides, we're planning how to recover Sunset Arms, don't worry.


– Lloyd's limousine –

- Dad, I've to say thanks for helping Arnold, his family is a very special case with class in this city. - She opened her mirror and checked her makeup.

- Don't worry princess, I won't ever forget how gentle his grandfather was in the past…. Rhonda… now that we have some time alone, I'll love to talk with you.

- Is it really necessary, dad? I've a meeting with my team and the president of the class to talk about the next scholar trip. Mr Simmons wants to visit a horrible museum, but I want to travel to the fancy health resort "Experience", do you remember it, dad?

- Yes darling, I remember it, but, princess, I really need to talk with you… now.

At that moment, the driver stopped halfway, drawing the attention of his boss and his daughter.

- Thomas, what is the problem? Why did you stop here?

- Oh no, it's just Mrs Llyod. She asked me to pick her up here.

- Wait a minute… My… My wife is here?- The man was totally nervous.

- Rhonda darling! Buckley, I'm here. Well...Rhonda already knows...right?

- I? Know what, mother? - He asked without taking his eyes off the cell phone.

- Sure my love, you asked me for a favor… and I, your husband… I did it and…

- Perfect! So Rhonda, what do you think? It is amazing right?

- Mother, I don't know what you are talking about…

- What do you mean?

- Miss Rhonda, we are almost in Nadine's house. - The driver said, while Mrs Llyod almost killed her husband with a look.

- Buckley… Why didn't our Rhonda know the big news?

- Of course she knows… is just that she is joking, right princess?

- Daddy, why are you acting so weird? Are you sick?

- Buckley! You promised to me!

- I know Brooke, but I didn't have the opportunity and…

- You had an entire week! You had to tell her before I arrived from Praga!

- Mom, dad, what is going on here? - The young girl was worried now. - Please, tell me that we are so rich like always, please!

- Rhonda, my love, of course we are so rich like always and more.

- Oh, perfect, so, my life is perfect. - She took her phone again and her father continued.

- But maybe, in the future, our inheritance will be divided in two parts…

- And why would you do something like that? Don't tell me the charity convinced you...

- We have arrived. - The driver parked and opened the door on Rhonda's side, where Helga, Nadine and Phoebe were waiting for her.

- No honey, it's not about that, it's just that...

- It's just that your father couldn't keep his promise!

- Oh Brooke, please, I was very busy preparing the article with the press.

- I had already left that ready before traveling!

- What is happening! You're scaring me.

- Your friends are waiting for you, Miss. By the way, congratulations on your new baby brother. - The driver said with an enormous smile.

- MY NEW WHAT!

Young Llyod's scream was heard so loud that all the neighbors on the block could hear it. Her classmates looked at her in astonishment, not believing what they were hearing, although of course, not as much as the future older sister.

- Please mom, tell me that it was a sadistic joke… please! Isn't funny.

- Rhonda, is right…. your father and I are expecting a baby… congratulations daughter.

- It can't be happening… it can't be true… daddy please!

- Rhonda Wellington Llyod! - Her mother screamed so high as her. - Is this your reaction to good news?

- Why to me! why!

- You know Pheebs, you were right. - Helga whispered to her friend. - Make new friends is funny, you win free shows.

- Helga! - Her best friend scolded her.

The young Llyod continued in her scene until she fainted.

Her parents looked at her scared, while Nadine sighed and walked over to them.

- Don't worry, I'll take care of her, I know what to do.


– Nadine's Kitchen –

The other girls were talking in the living room, trying to "prepare" their excursion, and, why not? Talking about the new gossip of the city, while Nadine was trying to save the nerves of the involved girl.

- Oh Nadine, this is a tragedy! How did this happen?

- Well, according to our Health class…

- Stop there girl! I didn't talk about that… My life has totally ended! My money, my things, my time… I'm ruined!

- Oh Rhonda, please! Try to keep calm, first, you're rich, you have so much money to having a new brother and still be rich.

- Well… that's true.

- Things and time it's the same, don't worry. You'll survive.

- Do you really believe it?

- I'm totally sure, and remember? I've two little siblings, so, I've experience.

- Except, you know… in your family everything it's different… IIf the baby is a boy, he will inherit all the money and business, and if the baby it's another girl… - Helga smiled at the panic on the rich girl's face. - Well, you're an old model, she'll be their new princess…

- Oh I'm lost! - Rhonda began to sink into despair, while Nadine killing Helga with her look.

- Helga, I think we'd better go.

- But Phoebe... I'm having fun with the future big sis... The future forgotten sister.

- Well, not everyone is the same! Take Olga for example, you will never be more than her shadow!

- Now you died princess! - Helga began to prepare Betsy until the girl with glasses got in the way.

- Enough Helga! You asked for it, I told you to leave and we are leaving now. See you girls. - Phoebe took her sweater and went with the annoying blonde.

- It's all Nadine... Helga is right, I...

- Rhonda, one child does not replace the other, you go home and see how everything is normal. Do you trust me?

- Well, not much, but I don't have many options.

- There are 3 days left for your presentation party at your parents' club, better focus on that and enjoy it.

- TRUE! I had forgotten about my party with this whole thing, thanks Nadine...

Do you think the whole city already found out?

- Don't worry Rhonda, your parents haven't given the press conference yet, you have time to process it.

- "So, the Family Llyod is celebrating their new baby". And send! - Helga smiled proudly.


– Lloyd's Living room –

The room was full of reporters, taking photos and talking to the happy parents-to-be, for the second time.

- Mildred! Mildred! What's going on here? - The big sis screamed, calling her servant.

- Oh, someone revealed the notice to the press, so, Messrs. Lloyd decided to anticipate the conference.

- OMG… OMG… So it is happening… is real…

- Rhonda… please, calm, the press is here… and looking at you… - Damn, what was I here for? - The blond girl said to herself.

- Here is the future big sister…. What do you want? A baby girl or a boy? - The reporter asked, but instead of the answer of a sweet excited sister, they got a desperate cry that the mother-to-be swore broke her fine crystal glasses.

- At least she's accepting it - Nadine smiled nervously as everyone recovered from the shock in the room.

Several viewers in Hillwood are said to have seen the speakers of their television set burst at the loud volume.


– Rhonda's room –

The Woodlouse is capable of rolling up when it senses danger, which helps it to protect itself from the dangers of its environment.

Nadine knew it, she had been raising them since she was three. It was the first insect that caught her attention. When she was little, she used to be alone most of the time. "Kiki", her woodlouse, was her first best friend, of course, until her father cruelly stepped on her one Sunday morning... But how did her mind wander to that memory?

- Nadine! This is my ruin! I will never be able to do it! Never! - Her current best friend said between sobs, as she rolled up to her bed... - Roll up? Oh yeah! That's why I remembered Kiki...

- What are you talking about?

- Don't listen to me... Rhonda, I know everything looks very bad, but...

- With time it will be worse... Why right now! Dad had gotten even richer, we moved into this house, he bought the country club and now... a baby boy! o girl! Everything will get worse!

The girl with pigtails looked pitifully at the young woman... until a smile spread across her cunning face.

- Rhonda, all of this is terrible...

- I know Nadine, you don't have to remind me...

- But, you know, that's what best friends are for, why don't you stay this weekend at my house?

- In your house? I have never stayed there.

- Because you never wanted to.

- Because, without offending you, your house is a hovel.

- And why would that offend me?... Anyway, if you want to stay at home with baby Llyod, I understand and...

- Oh no, Nadine, forget it, I think I can be fair and stay this weekend with you. After all, my parents owe me. Everything will be easier there.

- Oh yes friend, you have no idea…


– Nadine's living room -

- I'm so happy that you finally decided to stay with us, Rhonda, after all this time asking you for that. - The brunette said while she tried to hold all the suitcases of her guest. - Sadly Nadine's dad is on a job trip.

- Oh thank you Mrs Robinson. I need… some peace in my life and…

- MOM! WE ARE HUNGRY! - Several high-pitched voices shouted in unison, further upsetting young Llyod.

- Who are they?

- Don't worry friend, is just the triplets.

- Tri… triplets?

The girl's expression was worthy of a horror movie. Everything the girl wanted to avoid was right there in front of her.

- Nadine... who are those?

- The triplets. Sasha, Natsha and Randall... His name doesn't rhyme because he's always been a rebel.

The 3-year-old's clothes were totally dirty, with traces of food and what looked like paint.

- Children, please, your sister has visitors today and...

The phone interrupted the scolding. - Hello? If she talks... now? Don't worry, I'm on my way. - The woman sighed and hung up the phone, as she began to take her things to leave. - Girls, I have an emergency, a foal is about to be born, I need you to take care of the children.

- Wait, Mrs. Robinson, you don't expect me, Rhonda Wellington Lloyd, to be a babysitter.

- No little one, I don't expect it, I know you will do it and very well. See you, Nadine, do you know where to call me?

- Sure mom, see you.

- What's wrong with you, you were supposed to be my friend and you ambushed me.

- Don't worry, I'm here with you, and you'll do awesome, you'll see. So… guys!

- Yes sir! - Her siblings said.

- It's time for dinner, so… to the kitchen!

- Yeah, food!

They ran to the kitchen, pushing the guest a little.

- I'm sorry Nadine, but I'm leaving here.

- Well, you can go, I'm sure the reporters will want to hear your side of the story.

- Okay, you win, but I'm not cleaning.

- It seems fair to me.

...

Nadine was at the stove, serving the food, while the little ones were waiting for her at the table, without taking their eyes off her friend.

- You do smell good. - Said little Sasha.

- But if you want, you can suck like me!

- Agh, forget it, little one.

- Here it is, everyone, come in and have a plate.

- And who will serve us, Nadine?

- Your hands, so come, while there is still food.

- Well... I guess.

Rhonda took the ladle and scooped some soup into a bowl.

- hey! That was my spoon!

- No Randal, it was mine! - His little sister replied.

- Enough guys, strike 1.

- She started!

- No! I'll start! - Sasha took her spoon and threw food at everyone at the table.

- Food war! Randal stated. The little ones began to throw themselves at everything, while the guest suffered a nervous breakdown.

- Calm down children... - But the little ones ignored her voice. The preteen pulled out a whistle and everyone looked at her attentively. - Last call, strike 2, everyone clean up.

The children grumbled, grabbed a rag, and began to clean up.

- Wow, you do pretty well.

- Thanks Rhonda, a couple of years of practice.

- Why did you never tell me you had siblings? I thought there was only another class of insects here.

- In fact, I told you about it... but you were more busy with your glasses problems, or others. I have learned what things are important between us.

- I'm sorry Nadine... I don't think I ever take time for others, huh? That's why I'm forgettable.

- Don't be ridiculous, Rhonda. - Both fell into the sofa while watching the little ones clean. - You will be many things, but not forgettable. I know how you feel. I thought I would be an only child all my life, and suddenly it wasn't one or two, but three more babies here. My house is not as big as yours and I have to share a room with Natsha. But, I must admit that although they are somewhat unbearable, they are quite funny. I know you will survive, after all, you are Rhonda Llyod, you've been through worse before.

- I think you're right. I'm very fortunate.

- For the baby?

- Oh, no, of course not... that still terrifies me... but I'm lucky to have you as a friend.

- Thank you! I know you! You have helped me survive at school and learn about class, I know the same will be with baby Llyod.

- Yes, although I don't think I can take care of anyone like you...

- Nadine! Nadine! Come here! - The teenagers got up in a hurry, while they saw the little girl with a purple face and unable to breathe.

- What happened here!

- I don't know Nadine, she suddenly got like that.

- Relax, I know what to do.

- But Rhonda...

The girl took the little girl from her waist, turned on her back and did the maneuver she had seen in a movie some time ago. After seconds, which felt like hours, the little girl dropped a small piece of candy and caught her breath.

- I want my mommy! - The little girl began to cry, Rhonda took her in her arms and began to comfort her.

- Relax, everything is fine, we are here with you.

The little ones ran with their triplet and joined in the hug, while Nadine recovered her calm.

Young Llyod smirked, sometimes she forgot how great she herself was.


– The Lloyd Country Club -

The country club's salon party was full of people, family, friends and some celebrities close to the Llyod family, celebrating the grand arrival together with them.

Buckley looked at his daughter in astonishment, unlike a few days before, she seemed to be enjoying the party with her friends.

- I tell you guys, before my mother stops traveling, we will go to Madrid, there is a new spring line that is about to rebel, and we want to be one of the first to buy it.

- And you won't go crying anymore to stop being an only child, little princess?

- Helga! Enough! - Her boyfriend scolded her.

- Don't worry, Arnold, contrary to what Helga thinks, I don't have any problems with the subject anymore. Even my parents will let me choose the name of the little one and the design of his room. What's more, come on, I'll show you.

The girl's friends accompanied her while Helga and Arnold stayed behind.

- Won't you go with the others?

- Don't worry Arnoldo, go, I need five seconds away from the Miss Perfect Big sister.

- Well, but don't be late, you look very pretty today and that's dangerous for me, the room is full of boys.

- Yes, yes, go now or you'll end up worse than Harold for his last prank.

- Oh no, I don't want a cast, I'll see you there.

Arnold dismissed her with a flirtatious smile as he joined the others. She went over to the snack table and took some.

- Yes, I bring it mopping the floor, eh!

- Excuse me, are you Helga Pataki? - A waiter approached her with a tray in his hands and what looked like an envelope.

- Yes, why?

- Someone asked me to give you this.

Helga took the envelope and read the sentence on it:

"Stop your research on Kafka, or you will regret it."

- Wow... they were late... - Before she finished her sandwich, his cell phone vibrated, showing the message on the screen:

"Don't give up, the plan is perfect"

- Pff, my life without ambiguity and irony is not complete. The blonde finished her sandwich as she joined her friends, who were admiring Rhonda's romper design.

THE END


Well, Rhonda will be a big sis and Helga have some problems with her plan, I mean, you didn't believe that she wouldn't do anything for saving Sunset Arms, right? Who is sending her messages? Who is helping her? These questions will be, or not, answered in the next adventure, see ya!