Well...after everything that's happened in the last few chapters, having to go through a kidnapping and seeing Alex get what was coming to him. I think it's time to take a break from all the drama and focus on more pleasant things like Christmas.

Again, I would like to thank DukeyDukeyDoo and Mike The Red Engine for proofreading.

Chapter 23: Feliz Navidad, Bobby Santiago

It had been four weeks since Alex Santiago was finally arrested and was currently awaiting trial along with Gena. After being hospitalized for about a week, Ronnie Anne was released and taken back to the Loud house to rest. Ronnie Anne was bedridden in Lincoln's room and was currently undergoing physical therapy, courtesy of Lynn Jr.. But now, it was nearly Christmas, and the family decided to relax and prepare for the holidays.

Christmas Eve morning...

[Lincoln sat up and yawned before turning to look at the readers.]

Lincoln: "Well, it's Christmas in the Loud House once again, and we're not gonna let anything ruin it this time. This year, we're setting up a party, and some of my sister's friends are coming over."

[Lincoln then got out of bed and got dressed before looking at Ronnie Anne, who was still sound asleep. In Lincoln's eyes, the sight reminded him of one of those sleeping preteen girls from one of those Japanese mangas he liked to read. He walked up to her and started rubbing her forehead.]

Lincoln: "Good morning, Ronnie Anne."

[Ronnie Anne stirred for a bit before sitting upright. She then looked at her white-haired friend and gave him a playful punch on his arm.]

Ronnie Anne: "Can't I have just five more minutes, Lame-O? I was having the nicest dream."

[Lincoln smirked at Ronnie Anne.]

Lincoln: "Really? And what was it about, I wonder?"

[Ronnie Anne didn't answer and got out of bed before getting dressed herself. The two kids then left the room and approached the stairs before Lincoln helped Ronnie Anne descend them.]

[When the two kids reached the bottom of the staircase, they were greeted by the family. Lana and Lucy were almost finished with decorating the Christmas tree, Luan was in charge of party props, and Lori was sitting on the couch being watched by Leni and Luna.]

[Lori had a bit of a habit of opening everyone's gifts before Christmas day, so they decided to keep watch on her and make sure that she didn't lose it.]

[As for Bobby, he was out looking for the perfect gift for Lori.]

Luna: "Careful, dudes... There's a wild pregnant girl that shouldn't be disturbed."

Lori: "This literally isn't necessary, you guys. I think I can do fine on my own."

Luna: "Sorry, sis... But we just can't risk it this year... You'd just tear into our presents before we even get the chance to open them. Besides, Daddy-O's making a very big feast like he does every year. And considering what condition your condition is in, there's a good chance that you'll eat your way through bit of it and leave us with little to nothing."

[Lori scoffed.]

Lori: "Please! When is there any chance of that happening?"

[Just then, Lola came downstairs holding a plate of sugar cookies. Four of them were shaped like ornaments, three more were shaped like snowmen, and the remaining four were shaped like Christmas trees.]

Lola: "Who wants Christmas cookies?! I made them myself."

[Rita and her daughters each grabbed a cookie off the plate and took a bite out of it. They were definitely not disappointed by it's taste. Lori even felt the baby kicking as she ate her cookie.]

Lori: "You love Aunt Lola's cookies, don't you, sweetie?"

Rita: "Wow! These are amazing! Who knew you could bake so well?"

[As if on cue, Lynn Sr. called out from the kitchen.]

Lynn Sr.: "I'd say she learned from her dad!"

Lola: "Thank you, Daddy! I have another plate of cookies...but I am saving them specifically for Santa."

Rita: "That's really sweet of you, Lola."

[Just then, the doorbell rang.]

Leni: "I got it!"

[Leni opened the front door and saw Chaz standing on the porch followed by Tad, Becky, and Dana. Tad and Becky were holding each other's hands. Leni then gave the stout kid a hug and he gladly hugged back.]

Leni: "Chazzy! So glad you could make it!"

Chaz: "Of course! I wouldn't miss Christmas with you for the whole world."

Becky: "Neither can we."

Leni: "Hey, Becky! How are things between you and Tad?"

Becky: "I'd say they're going well."

Tad: "This is going to be our first Christmas as a couple."

Leni: "Awww! That is like, super sweet! Do come in!"

[With that, the trio walked into the house. Becky then waved at Lori and she waved back.]

Rita: "Is that everyone?"

Luna: "We're just expecting one more guest."

[As if on cue, there was a knock at the door.]

Luna: "Speak of the devil."

[Luna opened it to find Sam with her bandmates, George and Ruth. Luna then gave Sam a hug while the blonde hugged her back.]

Luna: "What up, Sam? I see you brought the whole band as well!"

Sam: "I'm glad to be performing with you on Christmas day, Lunes."

Luna: "I'm always looking forward to it. It's the best time of the year."

[Luna then backed up and allowed the trio to walk into the house while Sam waved at Lori.]

Rita: "Well...it looks like everyone is here."

[Just then, they heard another knock at the door.]

Rita: "Now, who can that be?"

[Rita walked over and opened the door to find Carol with her hands behind her back.]

Carol: "Hey, Mrs. Loud..."

Rita: "Hey, Carol...how are things at school?"

Carol: "They're getting better, now that you mention it... I thought I'd come here and join you guys for the holidays, if that's alright with Lori."

[Rita looked back at Lori, who just shrugged.]

Rita: "Of course, Carol..."

[Carol walked into the house before sitting right next to Lori on the couch.]

Lori: "Hey, Carol. What's going on?"

Carol: "Nothing much... I just wanted to see how you were doing?"

Lori: "I'm doing fine. Although, the incident last month didn't really help matters."

Carol: "I see... How's Ronnie Anne doing?"

Lori: "She's able to move around. Just a couple more days or so until she's fully healed."

Carol: "That's good to hear... Tell Ronnie Anne I give her my regards."

Lori: "Thanks...I think Bobby would literally appreciate that."

Meanwhile, in the front yard...

[Ronnie Anne sat on the porch with Lily on her lap as she watched Lincoln play with his little sisters in the snow on the front yard. The twins were having a snowball fight, Lucy was laying in the snow, and Lincoln and Lisa made a snow fort. At one point, Clyde and Haiku came by to join them. Clyde played with Lincoln in his fort while Haiku laid next to Lucy in the snow.]

Lana: "You sure you can't join us, Ronnie Anne?"

Ronnie Anne: "I wish I could, but I still need a few more days before I fully recover. Besides, somebody's gotta keep a close eye on all of you."

Lisa: "I believe she has a point, Lana. Without the necessary amount of recovery time following last month's life threatening incident, she could potentially end up being disfigured."

Lola: "Her loss."

Ronnie Anne: "Don't worry about it, Lincoln! I'll go sledding with you next year! I promise!"

Lincoln: "That would be great!"

[Just then, they all saw the family van pull up to the driveway. The driver door opened and Bobby stepped out holding a gift-wrapped box.]

Bobby: "Hey, guys! I'm back!"

[Lincoln and Clyde ran over to Bobby, and the Latino did his bro handshake with both boys.]

Lola: "What's in the box?"

Bobby: "Just a very special something for my very special lady who has a very special someone on the way. But don't tell her about it yet. I want it to be a surprise."

Lana: "We won't say a word about it, Bobby."

Lisa: "Although we will have to worry about keeping our eldest sibling from opening it until midnight."

[Bobby walked toward the front door and went inside while hiding the gift behind his back. Leni was sitting on the couch with Lori and Carol when the eldest Loud sister noticed her boyfriend.]

Lori: "Boo-Boo Bear!"

[Lori got off the couch and wobbled over to Bobby before hugging him tightly.]

Bobby: "Hey, babe. How are you doing on your urges?"

Leni: "Ew! Shouldn't you guys be having this discussion in private?"

Bobby: "I was referring to her urges of opening the gifts."

Leni: "Oh."

Lori: "I'm doing my best to control myself, but it's not easy, let me tell you that. Luckily, my sisters are helping me get through."

Bobby: "That's good to hear."

Leni: "Hey, Carol... Did Bobby ever tell you about the time he wrapped himself up as Lori's present last year?"

Lori: "LENI!"

Bobby: "No, Babe. It's quite alright."

Carol: "Really? Why did you do it, Bobby?"

Bobby: "Let's just say that I couldn't decide what to get for her last year...but it was all worth it in the end."

Carol: "You're not going to be doing that again this year, are you? You could've died or something."

Bobby: "Uhhh..."

Lori: "Okay, then! Bobby...why don't you go play with Lincoln and the girls outside?"

Bobby: "Good idea, Babe. Love you."

[Bobby gave his girlfriend a quick peck on her cheek and went back outside as the blonde sighed dreamily.]

[As soon as Bobby was outside, he approached Lincoln and Clyde, who were still in their snow fort.]

Bobby: "Knock, knock, bro."

Lincoln: "Hey, Bobby! What's happening?"

Bobby: "Lori suggested that I have some fun with you guys outside. What do you say the three of us have a little Snowbro day?"

Lincoln: "You know it, bro!"

Clyde: "I'm with you there, Bobby...I mean, bro."

Lisa: "I am unable to understand the importance of 'Snowbro day', but if you three want to goof like a bunch of college frat boys, then I'm not going to stop you."

[So that's what they did. While Ronnie Anne kept watch over Lincoln's younger sisters and Haiku, Bobby had his own fun with Lincoln and Clyde which included sledding and snowball fights (or Broball fights as Lincoln called them). Haiku rolled her eyes and looked at Lucy.]

Haiku: "What is the point of all this 'bro stuff'?"

Lucy: "I will never understand the actions of mortal men."

[The trio enjoyed this moment until it was time for everyone to head back inside. The rest of the family was waiting in the living room.]

Lori: "So, how did you enjoy playing outside?"

Bobby: "I say we had a blast. Also, If your father wasn't so busy, maybe he'd like to join the bro train sometime."

Lori: "You're such a nut, Bobby."

[Lori gave the Latino a quick kiss on the cheek.]

Luna: "Hey, dudes, I hate to break up this little moment, but shouldn't you be having it somewhere else?"

[Bobby and Lori blushed at each other before the two teens went up to Lori and Leni's room. Luna watched them go before smiling to herself.]

Luna: "Forever young."

[The day went by as well as you'd expect. The family and friends played board games, watched Christmas specials, and even danced in the basement while Luna and her friends played some music. At one point, Lincoln saw Ronnie Anne under the mistletoe and with some encouragement from his sisters, gave the Latina a peck on her cheek. She responded by giving Lincoln a light punch on his arm before hugging him. Everyone was having the time of their lives until it was time for dinner.]

[At around 6:00 P.M., Lynn Sr. called his family into the dining room by ringing his cowbell.]

Lynn Sr.: "Everyone! Dinner is served."

[With that, The six older Louds and the Santiago siblings gathered into the dining room with Clyde, Carol, Chaz, and Sam to eat the fruits of Lynn Sr.'s labor. The younger Loud sisters and Haiku sat at the kiddie table in the kitchen while the other guests waited in the living room.]

[The group was quite amazed with what was set on the table. There was mashed potatoes, rolls, casserole, and a big turkey in the middle of it all like last month.]

[Everyone said their prayers before digging into the feast. Leni and Luna also took turns leaving the table to give plates of food to their friends in the living room.]

Clyde: "I must say, Mr. Loud, I always look forward to your cooking. Of course, I still enjoy my dads' meals, but sometimes I need to take a break from that."

Chaz: "Your dad must be an artist at cooking, Leni... Chaz like."

Leni: "Like, thank you, Chaz."

Luna: "So, Sam...What do you think of my dad's food? Eh?"

Sam: "I think it goes without saying that your dad knows how to cook a great meal."

[Luna then wrapped her arm around Sam and chuckled.]

Luna: "I'd knew you'd like it, girl."

Carol: "You've done it again, Mr. Loud."

Lynn Sr.: "Why, thank you, Carol. I hope you guys saved room for dessert, because it is going to knock your stockings off."

[Luan laughed at her father's joke.]

Luan: "That's a holly, jolly good one, Dad! Get it?"

[All of Luan's siblings and Ronnie Anne groaned in response.]

Lincoln: "So, how are you and Haiku getting on, Clyde?"

Clyde: "We're doing alright..."

[Lincoln then noticed Lori dipping her roll in cranberry sauce.]

Lincoln: "Uh...Lori? Don't you think you oughta pace yourself?"

[Lori stopped eating and gave her brother and angry glare.]

Lori: "Are you implying that I am overeating? Because, I look more like a baby blue balloon who literally isn't needed."

[Ronnie Anne simply groaned and mumbled to herself as she heard her brother's girlfriend have another fit.]

Ronnie Anne: "Oh brother... Here come the hormones."

Bobby: "We're just trying to make sure you don't...you know?"

Lori: "Don't what?! Eat as much as I want?! I've been doing nothing but sit around and I have to be watched because you don't trust me! It's not fair!"

[Without noticing it, Lori banged on the table, but accidentally sent a spoon full of mashed potatoes flying at Luna. The substance hit the rocker's forehead and she turned to look at her oldest sister. Lori realized what she had done and tried to apologize.]

Lori: "Oh my God! I am so, so sorry! I didn't hurt you, did I? I'm such a horrible sister!"

[Lori then covered her faced and started sobbing while Bobby patted her back. Luna said nothing and wiped the blob of potatoes off her face before moving it around in her hand and glaring at the pregnant blonde. Lincoln then leaned his head toward Clyde and whispered into his ear.]

Lincoln: "You might want to leave the room, Clyde. I have a feeling that things are about to get messy."

Clyde: "Yeah...I'll be in the living room if you need me."

[Clyde then got off his chair and went into the living room.]

Luna: "So that's how it's gonna be, is it Lori? Then let's get it on!"

[With that, Luna threw the potatoes at Lori, but Carol got in the way, causing her to get hit in the face with said potatoes instead before the substance dripped all over her shirt as well.]

Luna: "Oh, dang!"

[While Carol glared at Luna, the rocker looked at her best friend.]

Sam: "Maybe I'd better go into the living room now, Luna. I don't want to be caught in the middle of what's about to go down."

Luna: "Good call, dudette."

[With that, Sam got off her chair and joined the others on the couch.]

Carol: "You just ruined my good shirt, Luna...and this corgi is not messing around."

[Carol then took her plate and flung it's contents at Luna, who dodged at the last minute causing Ronnie Anne to be hit by the stuff instead. Luan laughed at the sight, causing Ronnie Anne to start seething.]

Luan: "Wow, Ronnie Anne! It looks like this year's Christmas Dinner is on you! Hohohohohoho!"

Ronnie Anne: "Oh! You think that's funny, do you, chica? Well, let's see if you find this funny!"

[Ronnie Anne wiped the remains of Carol's dinner off of her face and rubbed it on Luan's face.]

Ronnie Anne: "You know what they say, Luan! Revenge is a dish best served cold!"

[And with that, Ronnie Anne laughed. And with that, Ronnie Anne laughed. After seeing food being thrown from one person to another, Lynn knew exactly what this all led up to as she started building up energy to yell out the cause of action.]

Lynn: "FOOOOOOOOOOD FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!"

[And that was that, nearly the entire group got in on the whole fiasco and started throwing their food at each other. Lynn Sr. quickly got off his chair and ran into the kitchen in fear while Chaz hid under the table. Rita tried to restore order, only to get hit with another blob of mashed potatoes, forcing the mother of eleven to take refuge in the living room.]

Dana: "What's going on in there, Mrs. Loud?"

Rita: "Let's just say that it's chaos in there. A mother can only do so much."

Clyde: "Well, If there's something I know about these things, is that they take time to die down."

[A few minutes later, the commotion finally stopped. Rita then got up off the couch and walked towards the dining room, fearing the worst. When she entered, she saw that the dining room looked as if it had been struck by a tornado. With her arms folded, she looked sternly at her children and their two friends as they looked back at her sharing either worried or sorrowful looks. Chaz then crawled out from under the table and looked around.]

Chaz: "Is it over yet?"

Rita: "Well, kids. I can't say that I'm anything other than disappointed. You all need to clean this mess up unless you can forget about dessert. Lori can wait for you in the living room until then."

Lori: "But I'm the one that started this whole mess."

Rita: "I know, but I think it's best that you sit down and relax. I'll make sure the others get the job done."

[Lori sighed and Bobby helped her into the living room before setting her down on one of the chairs. Bobby then returned to the dining room to help everyone else clean it. It took nearly thirty minutes, but in no time, the dining room was spotless again. Rita checked the whole room and was quite impressed.]

Rita: "Well, it looks like you've redeemed yourselves."

[Just then, Lynn Sr. came out of the kitchen with Lola, who was holding a large cake.]

Lynn Sr.: "Okay, fam and friends! Who wants dessert?"

[Lynn Sr. then took the cake from Lola and placed it in the middle of the table.]

Rita: "Wow! You made this whole cake all by yourself?"

Lynn Sr.: "Well, I also had some help from Lola here...isn't that right?"

[Lola did a curtsy.]

Lola: "Charmed."

[The family went into the kitchen to get the other siblings while Lori remained in her seat staring at the cake.]

Lynn Sr.: "Alright, now what do you say we all dig into this thing? Hopefully we won't be getting anymore food fights tonight."

[Everyone came back into the dining room to see that the cake had disappeared.]

Lola: "What happened to my cake?!"

[They then turned around and saw Lori with pieces of cake on her mouth before the pregnant blonde let out a small burp.]

Lori: "So sue me, why don't you?"

Lola: "All that hard work."

[Hours later, it was now midnight and everyone gathered into the living room to exchange gifts. Luna handed Bobby a big gift.]

Luna: "Merry Christmas, Bobsled! Check out what I got ya."

[Bobby took the gift from Luna and removed the wrapping from it to reveal a guitar.]

Bobby: "Awesome, Lunes! I used to have my own guitar back home...until my dad destroyed it."

Lucy: "That's just sad."

Sam: "Yeah! Who knew your dad was such a music hater?"

Bobby: "I don't know...I guess there's really no way to know what makes him like this..."

[Lincoln crossed his arms and started to think about what Alex said to him back in Fernville, but he didn't want to let the others know about it.]

Lori: "Let's not worry about him anymore, Boo-Boo Bear... He's in jail now and he's not going to come within literally five feet of this house anymore. Your real family's right here."

Rita: "Lori's right, honey."

Bobby: "Thanks, Babe."

Luna: "C'mon, dude... How about playin' us an old fashioned love song."

[Bobby smiled and tuned the guitar before playing a familiar tune.]

Bobby: "This one goes out to you, Lori...and our little bumblebee, too."

[Bobby began to sing.]

Bobby: "Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad, prospero año y felicidad... Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad, prospero año y felicidad... I wanna wish you a merry Christmas... I wanna wish you a merry Christmas... I wanna wish you a merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart..."

[Everyone was entranced by Bobby's singing...but none was more so than Lori, who closed her eyes and sighed happily while she felt her baby kick to the rhythm of the song.]

Bobby: "Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad, prospero año y felicidad... Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad, prospero año y felicidad... I wanna wish you a merry Christmas... I wanna wish you a merry Christmas... I wanna wish you a merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart..."

[Lincoln felt his arm moving around Ronnie Anne, who took notice of this and allowed him to continue.]

Bobby: "Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad... Feliz navidad, prospero año y felicidaaaaaad!"

[After the performance was finished, everyone clapped their hands at Bobby while Lori wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his chest.]

Ronnie Anne: "Way to go, bro!"

Luna: "Rockin'! I oughta sing that with Sam next year."

Sam: "I don't know about that, Luna... I don't speak very good Spanish..."

Bobby: "No big deal, Sam."

[Lori then placed her free hand on her stomach.]

Lori: "I think bumblebee here likes your singing too."

[Bobby then set his guitar down and put his free hand on Lori's baby bump.]

Bobby: "I'm glad to hear that."

[One by one, everyone else opened their presents. Lori got a new cell phone case, Leni got a new eyelash curler, Luna got a new pick for her guitar, Luan got a joke bean can, Lynn got a new pair of running shoes, Lucy got a dreamcatcher, Lana got a chew toy, Lola got a new compact, Lisa got a textbook, Lily got a stuffed elephant, and Lincoln got a new game for his console.]

[Just then, Carol walked over to Lori with a sheepish look on her face.]

Carol: "Lori? I came here to give you something very special."

[Carol presented Lori with a small flat wrapped gift box.]

Lori: "Is it some kind of apology letter or something? I know you're trying to make up for the Halloween fiasco, but it's literally going to take more than that to earn my forgiveness."

Carol: "No, Lori! It's much more than a simple apology letter. I think you'll really love it."

[Lori shrugged before taking off the wrapping paper, revealing the object to be an envelope.]

Lori: "Are you sure this isn't an apology letter?"

Carol: "Just open the envelope and see what's inside."

[Lori opened the envelope and pulled out a small piece of paper before checking it over. When she was finished, her eyes went wide when she realized that it was a check for $250,000.00.]

Lori: "Oh...my...God! Carol, how did you get this much money?! This isn't fake, is it?"

Carol: "Of course not, Lori. This thing is one-hundred percent real! My grandfather passed away last week and he left me and my family his inheritance. I was given five-hundred grand and I thought that...I'd give half of it to you and Bobby...just so you guys and the baby can be set up for years to come."

[Lori kept staring at the check in disbelief. She then looked at Carol and started tearing up before hugging her tightly.]

Lori: "Thank you so much, Carol Pingrey. I think this is literally the best gift you've ever given me."

[Carol sighed and returned the hug to Lori.]

Carol: "It's the least I could do for you, Lori..."

[Lori broke from her hug and looked Carol in the eyes.]

Lori: "I know this is a bit much to ask, but...how would you like to be my baby's godmother?"

[Carol's eyes widened at hearing these words.]

Carol: "Wh- Godmother? I...don't know... Are you sure? I mean, I haven't really been a good friend to you since that whole Halloween fiasco..."

[Lori held Carol's hands.]

Lori: "I can never forget what you did back then, but that's all in the past now. You just gave me and Bobby the best gift we could ever have...a chance to make a fresh start...and that is something I'll never forget either..."

Carol: "Does this mean...?"

Lori: "Literally... You're forgiven, Carol...and Merry Christmas."

[Carol's eyes started tearing up as she smiled.]

Carol: "Thank you... Thank you very much... I promise that I'll be a better friend to you and a great godmother to your child... And Merry Christmas to you too, Lori."

[Carol hugged Lori again, feeling relieved after suffering over a month of guilt. Just then, Rita came out of her room holding Bobby's box.]

Rita: "Hold on, everyone! I think I found one more present in the closet...and it looks like it's addressed to Lori...from Bobby."

[She handed the gift over to Lori, who looked at Bobby.]

Bobby: "Go on and open it, Babe."

[Without hesitating, Lori took the wrapping paper off the box and opened it to reveal a baby blue sweater with the words 'It's A Boy!' on the front of it, much to her surprise. Lori then smiled and put the sweater on before standing up, allowing her family and Ronnie Anne to get a good look at it.]

Lincoln: "Lori..."

[Lincoln stared at the words for what seemed like an eternity while Ronnie Anne pointed at them.]

Ronnie Anne: "Does that mean...?

Lori: "Guys...I know Bobby and I said to wait until the baby was born, but we just couldn't wait any longer... Wanna do the honors, Boo-Boo Bear?"

Bobby: "Only if you do it with me, Babe."

[Lori and Bobby smiled at each other and held their hands before speaking in almost perfect unison.]

Lori and Bobby: "We're going to have a son!"

[Everyone gasped before Lori's sisters squealed with delight, even Lisa. Lincoln, on the other hand, kept staring at Lori without moving an inch while Ronnie Anne shielded her ears from the loud squealing.]

Luna: "My big sis is havin' a lil' dude!"

Lynn: "YEEEEAH!"

Carol: "Congratulations, Lori!"

[Lana then looked at Lola with a smirk.]

Lana: "Well, Lola, I think you owe me a little something."

[Lola started growling before regaining her nice girl posture.]

Lola: "You're right, dear twin. You win fair and square. I'll go get you the money from our room as an extra present."

[Lola then went upstairs while grumbling to herself. Lynn Sr. wrapped his arm around his wife and was on the verge of tears.]

Lynn Sr.: "I can't believe it. We're gonna have a grandson."

Rita: "I can hardly believe it myself... Of course, I had to keep it a secret from you well."

Ronnie Anne: "That's great news, Bobby!"

[Just then, Ronnie Anne heard sniffling from right beside her. She turned to see that Lincoln was tearing up.]

Ronnie Anne: "Is something wrong, Lame-O?"

[Lincoln wiped his eyes.]

Lincoln: "It's...it's nothing, Ronnie Anne... I just have something in my eye... That's all..."

[Ronnie Anne rolled her eyes and walked over to Lincoln before giving the white-haired boy a playful nudge on his arm.]

Ronnie Anne: "Don't be such a baby, Lame-O. You know you can never fool me. You're not going to be the only boy in your family anymore, is that it?"

[Lincoln's tears returned when he heard what Ronnie Anne just said.]

Lincoln: "You got me there, Ronnie Anne."

[Lincoln sobbed while Ronnie Anne allowed him to cry on her hoodie and rubbed his back. Lynn just looked at her brother and scoffed.]

Lynn: "Jeez! Calm down, will ya, Stinkcoln? Be a man!"

[Ronnie Anne gave Lynn a sour look before guiding Lincoln up the stairs and to his room. The rest of the Loud family went to their own rooms while the other kids left the house and went back to their own homes before saying goodbye... Bobby and Lori got off the couch and walked out onto the porch. They sat on the steps and started watching the beautiful midnight sky.]

Bobby: "So...this Christmas was simply...magical...wasn't it?"

Lori: "Literally... I can hardly believe what Carol gave me... Well, us, that is."

[Lori then showed her boyfriend the check.]

Bobby: "I know, right? Two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars? That's a lot compared to the payment I get from my workplaces."

[Lori looked at her boyfriend.]

Lori: "I know it is. But, let's not forget about your angelic singing. I haven't heard it since you sang to me at the mall."

[Bobby blushed.]

Bobby: "How can I forget that? So...what now? We have a check, but what do we do with it once it's cashed?"

Lori: "Well...I've been doing some thinking about that, and... You know I love you and my family very much, right?"

Bobby: "Yes."

Lori: "And you know I want what best life for you, Ronnie Anne and our baby boy, right?"

Bobby: "Of course."

Lori: "Bobby...I was thinking that...maybe it's about time we got a place of our own."

[Bobby gave his girlfriend a worried look.]

Bobby: "You mean we have to move out?"

Lori: "Literally."

Bobby: "But...are we ready for this? Having to deal with landlords and rents and stuff? Besides, I kinda like living here with you."

[Lori held Bobby's hand and looked into his eyes.]

Lori: "I know this is a lot to take in, but sooner or later, we have to grow up. We've been planning on moving out for quite some time now, remember? Besides...when we have our own home, we can pretty much do anything we want."

Bobby: "Well...now that you mention it, we rarely have the house to ourselves. But what about your family and Ronnie Anne? What are they gonna say about this?"

Lori: "Don't worry, Boo-Boo Bear. We'll tell them about it tomorrow...starting with my parents. We're practically almost adults now, and it's only a matter of time before we're ready to start our own life."

[Bobby thought for a moment before Lori spoke again.]

Lori: "By the way, if Ronnie Anne is okay with us moving...we can take her with us depending on what she thinks. I mean, I know how much she means to you...but I also know how Lincoln feels about her."

[Bobby smiled and wrapped his arm around his girlfriend's waist.]

Bobby: "Okay, babe...whatever makes you happy."

Lori: "Thank you so much, Boo-Boo Bear... I love you...so much."

[Lori leaned against her boyfriend and felt the warmth of his arm wrapped around her waist as they both kept looking up at the sky. This whole moving thing was something they would both have to think about.]

Meanwhile, in Lincoln's room...

[Lincoln had finally ran out of tears as Ronnie Anne sat beside him on the bed with her arm wrapped around him.]

Ronnie Anne: "You feeling any better?"

[Lincoln sniffled and wiped his eyes.]

Lincoln: "Yeah...sorry about that. That was really embarrassing."

Ronnie Anne: "Oh, come on, Lame-O! It's nothing to be ashamed of. Bobby tends to cry every once in a while. Mostly when he can't stand to be away from Lori for so long."

[Lincoln chuckled and blushed.]

Ronnie Anne: "You know...you really know how to look after your little sisters. I always wanted to have a little sibling like you."

Lincoln: "Is that so? You know, I remember Bobby saying that he always wanted a little brother. I wonder if you were thinking the same thing?"

Ronnie Anne: "Well...I almost got one until..."

[Ronnie Anne sighed and crossed her arms.]

Ronnie Anne: "Let's just say that it got cancelled."

[Lincoln thought for a moment before he realized what Ronnie Anne meant by cancelled.]

Lincoln: "He did it himself...didn't he? I mean, I remember reading about it in your diary back in July."

Ronnie Anne: "Ain't it obvious? Just one punch to the stomach and any chances for another sibling were gone...finished! He didn't want to have anymore kids under the kind of roof that we lived under."

[Ronnie Anne looked ahead of her while sporting a disgusted look.]

Ronnie Anne: "That pinche culo."

Lincoln: "So...that night when he found out about Lori's baby..."

Ronnie Anne: "I couldn't let her suffer the same thing my mother did...so I had to do something."

[Ronnie Anne sighed again before burying her face in her hands. Lincoln then put his hand on her back.]

Lincoln: "Sorry! I shouldn't have brought that up."

Ronnie Anne: "Forget about it... It's all in the past now... Let's just try and get some sleep, okay? It's been a very busy day and we'll need plenty of energy for Christmas Day morning... Good night..."

[With that Ronnie Anne laid in bed and pulled the covers over her body. Lincoln looked down at her and sighed.]

Lincoln: Wow...she's so cute like this.

[Lincoln then laid down beside his Latina friend and went off to dreamland.]

Lincoln: "Good night, Ronnie Anne."

Christmas Day morning...

[The family spent the whole Christmas day enjoying their gifts and each other's company. Sometime in the afternoon, Lori had called her parents into the living room to discuss things with her and Bobby. Rita and Lynn Sr. told their children and Ronnie Anne to play outside in the snow while the parents talked to their eldest daughter and her boyfriend. Lori and Bobby sat on two chairs in front of the TV while her parents sat on the couch.]

Lori: "Hey, Mom and Dad...I'm glad you could make it on such short notice."

Rita: "Anything for you, honey. So what is it you want to talk about?"

Lori: "Well... I wanted to tell you guys first before letting the others know. It's about me and Bobby."

Lynn Sr.: "What is it?"

Lori: "You see...Bobby and I have been living here for almost five months at this point, and we really appreciate you letting us and Ronnie Anne stay here for so long."

Rita: "Where are you getting at, Honey?"

[Both teens held hands and looked at each other.]

Bobby: "Do you want to tell them, babe? They're your parents, after all."

[Lori sighed before she and Bobby looked at the parents again.]

Lori: "Mom...Dad...you know I love you guys, don't you?"

Lynn Sr.: "Of course we do, honey. You're the first one to come into our lives."

Lori: "Well...Bobby and I have been doing some thinking, and some research on the web...and we think that... Are you guys ready for this?"

Rita: "We're still listening."

Lori: "We think that...maybe it's time we finally got a place of our own."

[Rita and Lynn Sr. gasped.]

Lynn Sr.: "You mean you're moving out?! Are you serious?!"

Rita: "Now, honey. Let's hear her out."

Lori: "It's not that I don't like living here, anymore... It's just that...one of these days, a girl's gotta leave her old home when she's old enough, right? Plus, Bobby's done a good job providing for all of us."

Bobby: "Thanks, babe."

Lynn Sr.: "Whoa, now! Are you sure about this? The last time you left the house, a big huge monster of a man tried to lay his hands on you."

Lori: "That was different. I only moved into Bobby's old house because I was feeling angry."

Lynn Sr.: "Okay, okay! There's no need to remind me."

Lori: "Sorry."

Lynn Sr.: "It's alright, honey..."

Rita: "What about Ronnie Anne? You're not just gonna leave her with us, are you?"

Bobby: "Well...if she's up to the idea of moving...we were thinking about taking her with us. That is, if she wants to."

Rita: "That sounds reasonable."

Lynn Sr.: "Now, are you sure this is what you guys want?"

Lori: "Of course it is. Bobby means everything to me and so does our son, and I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life with anyone else...other than my own family, of course."

[Lori then got up and gave her parents a hug, starting with her mother.]

Lori: "Don't worry about me, you guys. I know there are times when a bird has to leave the nest, but I can never forget about the people who raised me from the moment I was born... This will be a fresh start for me and Bobby...I know it will."

[Rita closed her eyes and hugged her daughter back.]

Rita: "That is very noble of you honey... I hope you and Bobby do well."

Lori: "I think we'll both manage..."

[Lynn Sr. started tearing up, even though he was trying his best not to cry. Lori then walked over to her father and gave him a hug.]

Lori: "Even for though there are times when you can make a mistake, and the fact that I have a man in my life, nothing can stop me from loving you guys... I'm literally going to miss you."

[Finally, Lynn Sr. couldn't take it anymore. He wrapped his arms around his eldest daughter and let the tears flow.]

Lynn Sr.: "Why does it have to be so ding-dang hard?"

Lori: "I'll be in touch, Daddy... I promise."

Rita: "Why don't Bobby and I speak in the hallway?"

[Lori nodded before her mother and boyfriend stood up and walked out into the hallway.]

Rita: "So, uh... What are you planning to do once you move out?"

Bobby: "Well...We haven't really thought that far ahead yet, what with work and waiting for Ronnie Anne to recover, but hopefully we'll find the right place to raise our family by New Year's Eve. I will say one thing though, Carol really came through with her inheritance money."

Rita: "Well, that was really nice of her. What kind of home are you thinking about?"

Bobby: "I think Lori and I want to start with an apartment. Then maybe in a few years, we can eventually get a house."

Rita: "You think Ronnie Anne's going to be okay with sharing her room with the baby? Because these apartments tend to have only two bedrooms."

Bobby: "I hope so...although I am wondering if she's gonna be okay with us moving at all. Of course, now that I think about it, she was pretty much okay with sharing Lincoln's room."

Rita: "Of course she was, honey. Plus, my husband told me that Ronnie Anne spent the night with Lily two months ago. It kinda makes me wonder if she wants to stay here."

Bobby: "Right... I almost forgot about that. What if she doesn't want to move out?"

[Rita placed her hand on Bobby's shoulder.]

Rita: "Well...I guess we'll never know unless you talk to her about it. You can tell the others after dinner tonight...and we'll be there to help you."

Bobby: "Thanks, Mrs. Loud."

Rita: "Please, Bobby. There's no need to be so formal. Just call me Rita...or Mom, if you'd like."

Bobby: "Okay, Rit... I mean, Mom. I just hope that Nie-nie will come to a decision when we tell her."

[Rita gave Bobby a hug before letting the Latino go and allowing him to go back into his girlfriend's room. She just had to hope that her children and Ronnie Anne would handle the news well.]

Later that night...

[Everyone was in the dining room having another Christmas dinner...this time, without anyone throwing their food around and making a mess. Lori and Bobby were still worried about what to tell their siblings, which was noticed by Lori's parents. Rita put her hand on her eldest daughter's shoulder and looked at her reassuringly.]

Rita: "It's okay, you two. Just take your time."

[When they were finished with dessert, Lori and Bobby thought it was time to tell their siblings their plan. So she stood up and raised her hands to get their attention.]

Lori: "Everyone...Bobby and I have an announcement to make."

[Rita and Lynn Sr. shared worried glances as their eldest child took a deep breath.]

Lori: "I know this literally going to be hard to say to all of you, but..."

[Bobby stood up and put his hands on her shoulders.]

Lori: "Sometime soon...Bobby and I are planning on...moving out."

[All the siblings gasped in surprise when they heard what Lori had said...especially Ronnie Anne, who was left in a state of shock.]

Bobby: "Uh...surprise?"

Leni: "Yay! Wait...what was the surprise again?"

[Everyone else kept staring at Lori, trying to make sense of what came out of her mouth.]

Luna: "You're leaving again dudes?"

Leni: "What?! But why?"

Lisa: "Now, calm down, everyone! I'm pretty sure there is a logically good explanation as to why you two want to leave our home. Isn't there, Bobby?"

Bobby: "Okay... Everyone...you all have been really nice in letting me, Lori and Ronnie Anne stay in your home for the last five months, and you've been like a family to us ever since... But as fun as it was, Lori and I think that maybe it's time that we got our own place to raise the baby. Besides, we don't want to be a burden on your parents."

Ronnie Anne: "But what about me?"

Bobby: "Don't worry, Nie-nie... We thought about how this can work...if you're up to it..."

Ronnie Anne: "How?"

Lori: "Well, if you want to, you can stay here with my family...since I'll be moving out soon. I know I want Leni and Luna to be in charge of everyone while I'm gone, but maybe you can watch out for Lincoln and his little sisters for me? Besides...aren't you crazy about your boyfriend Linky?"

[Lincoln blushed madly when he heard what Lori had said, while Ronnie Anne folded her arms and pouted.]

Lincoln: "I am not her boyfriend."

Ronnie Anne: "Ditto."

Bobby: "Or... You can come live with us. You, me, and Lori can start a new life in our new home... I know that means you might spend less time with Lincoln and his family, but you can still see him and his little sisters at school... If you want to, that is."

Ronnie Anne: "I...I..."

[With a despondent look on her face, Ronnie Anne got off her seat and sighed.]

Ronnie Anne: "I can't right now! I need time to think about this."

[With that, Ronnie Anne got up off her seat and headed upstairs. Lincoln got off his chair as well and followed the Hispanic girl. Bobby and Lori exchanged worried looks, fearing about Ronnie Anne's reaction to the news and what her decision would be.]

A/N: Well...that was something. Carol's finally earned Lori's forgiveness, Lori and Bobby are going to have a bouncing baby boy, and now the two teens are thinking about moving out with Ronnie Anne.

This is really big news for everyone, especially for Ronnie Anne. What do YOU think she should do? Stay with the Louds, or leave with Bobby and Lori? Give me your thoughts in your reviews.

Whichever choice that's in the most reviews will be used in the next chapter. Until then...I'll see you next time! ;)

Gamelover41592: Yep...though I don't know if we've seen the last of Koch.

Geo Soul: I neither confirm nor deny.

Boris Yeltsin: I'm glad that you did.

Ellis97: Alex and Dr. Santiago are completely different characters just like Lydia and Maria.

DarthWill3: Who knows?

Jacksonangelo105: Considering that he also endangered his children and Lincoln, I have no doubt that he will.

Hawkeye2006: I don't think we'll be seeing Alex for a while.

SirClearwater: One more side chapter, maybe. But as for Whitney, I think her story is just about done.