Where the Love is
Story by: Veggiemissy
Edited by: Veggiefangirl


“How am I going to tell him?” Petunia said to herself in her dressing room. “How is he going to take it?” she sighed and stared at herself in the mirror. “And what will my friends say?” Poor Petunia she was scared of how to tell her friends news that would change hers and Larry‘s life. She took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m going to do it. I have to.” she said. So off she went to tell her friends about her big news. Good thing that Larry wasn’t there yet, he went to his dressing room to get something it was just Bob, Archie, Missy, and Laramie. “Why are you and Missy here Laramie.” Bob said. “I left my recorder here.” Laramie said. “Please don’t blow our ears out again with that thing.” said Archibald. “I won’t, If you and Bob play nice.” Laramie joked. Bob rolled his eyes and then he saw Petunia he said, “Hi Petunia” “Hey guys. I…I have something to tell you” she said. “What is it” asked Bob. “I’m...I’m…” “What is it?” asked Missy “You can tell us.” “I’m going to have a baby. Petunia said. Everyone was surprised to hear this big news, Archie even spit out his tee he was drinking all over Bob making Laramie and Missy laugh out loud. GEEZ…I wish I had my video camera!” said Laramie “That would have been awesome to put on YouTube. Whoo!!” “Sorry Bob.” said Archie. “When did you find out?” asked Bob. “Well one day I woke up feeling very nauseous, so I went to the doctor and they did the test and they told me I was pregnant.” said Petunia. “Aww congratulations.” said Missy as Laramie nodded . “Thanks Missy, and Bob please don’t tell Larry I want to tell him myself” she added. “You haven‘t told Larry yet?” said Archie “Yeah you know when you tell somebody that` you’re pregnant, you usually tell your husband first.” said Laramie “I know, but I’m a little scared but I’ll tell him. Please promise me you guys won’t. I want to tell him myself.” said Petunia “Ok you got it” said Bob. “When will it be due?” asked Archie. “In about seven months” answered Petunia. “We will all do our best to help you.” said Missy. “Yeah we will.” added Laramie. Then Larry came back and Petunia said “Don’t tell.” “Hi Petunia how’s my favorite wife?” asked Larry giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Larry I‘m your only wife.” said Petunia giggling. “Right..” Larry said. “Larry there is something I need to tell you” she added. “What is it you know that you can tell me anything” said Larry. “Well the thing is that I’m pr…pre…praying for us to have a great life together” Petunia said feeling dumb that she could not tell him the real thing. “Oh…ok that is great news Petunia I love you” said Larry. “I love you too Larry” said Petunia.



   Chapter 2 the truth comes out

A day after Petunia told her friends that she was going to have a baby she was still scared on how to tell Larry that news. One morning later Petunia woke up  feeling very nauseous so she ran to the bathroom. The sound of her in there feeling sick woke up Larry who was nervous walked to the door and said, “Petunia are you ok?”. “Yes I’m fine.” answered Petunia. “Well, I’m going to get breakfast ready all right?” said Larry still worried. “Ok, that sounds good to me Larry I’ll be out in a minute.” said Petunia. So after a minute Petunia came out to eat with the love of her life. “Petunia I don’t think that you should go to work today.” said Larry. “Why?” asked Petunia. “I think that you might be sick with something so I want you to stay home and rest.” said the worried cucumber. “But Larry I have to go to the doctor today.” “What for?” Larry asked “Is something wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong Larry I just can’t tell you why right now, but I will tell you soon all right?” said Petunia. “Aww Petunia…” said Larry “Why can’t you tell me?” “Because I’m not sure that you will not understand.” said Petunia. “Sure I will. C’mon tell me pleeeaaase? Pretty pleeeaaase? said the cuke. “Ok, I’ll tell you. The thing of it is that, I’m going to…” Petunia started, but she was cut off by the phone. “Hold that thought honey. I’ll get that.” said Larry. So he answered the phone and it was Bob asking if things were ok. Larry said “yes” and asked if Bob wanted to come over he can. Bob said that he was going to do that anyway. So they hung up their phones and Larry went back to Petunia who was getting ready to go to the doctors office. “When will you be back?” asked Larry. “It‘ll be a while.” said Petunia Tell Bob when he comes to make himself at home.” “Ok I will.” said Larry. “Bye Petunia.” “Bye honey.” Petunia replied. So she drove off after that.
A few hours latter Petunia came home and before she walked inside the house she said to herself that tonight she was going to tell Larry the truth. So she walked inside and found that Larry and Bob was watching a movie together and when Larry saw Petunia he said, “Oh Petunia you’re back. How’d everything go?” “Fine.” said Petunia. “Umm...Bob, I want to talk to Larry alone for a minute. Is that ok?” “No, that’s fine.” said Bob.
So when Larry and Petunia was alone Petunia first said, “Larry, remember when you wanted to know way I was going to the doctor?” “Yeah I remember.” said Larry. “Well the truth is that….umm…now before I tell you promise me you won’t freak out on me please? asked Petunia. “Ok…I won’t.” said Larry. Well I’m expecting.” Petunia said “Ahh…expecting what?” said Larry confused. “Larry I’m going to have a baby.” said Petunia. Larry didn’t talk for a few minutes. After a while Larry spoke. “Y…you’re going to have a baby a…and I am going to be a dad.” “Yes, that’s right said Petunia. “Well I am going to faint now so goodbye.” said Larry. Then he fell backwards and fainted. “I don‘t think that counts as freaking out.” Petunia said. “Bob, I’m going need your help.” “Ok.” said the tomato. So Bob came back and said What is it? Then he saw that Larry had fainted and was on the floor. “You told him didn’t you? “Yep.” said Petunia. “I know how to wake him up.” Bob said. So Bob went to get a glass of cold water and splashed it onto Larry’s face. Larry then got up in shock. “Bob! Whoo! I had a crazy dream that Petunia told me that she was going to have a baby.” “It’s true Larry.” said Petunia. “Wow….hehe… this is great!” said Larry. But deep down he was scared that he was not going to be a good dad. “It’s getting late I’m going home now.” said Bob. “Well good luck see you tomorrow. Good night.” said Bob before he walked out the door leaving the happy soon to be mom and dad alone for the night.
          Before going to bed that night Larry and Petunia prayed that they will have a happy healthy baby soon. Then Larry got into bed and said to Petunia, “I’m so happy for us, but what if I don’t make a good dad?” “Larry you will make a great dad. I know you will. I can feel it.” said Petunia. “Thanks. That’s what I needed to hear. I love you Petunia.” said Larry. “I love you too Larry.” Then they kissed. “One more question.” said Larry “When’s the baby due?” “In about a few months answered.” Petunia before closing her eyes and going to sleep. Larry had a hard time going to sleep that night. He had a lot of things on his mind. How did this happen, why did this happen, will the baby love him, and will he really make a good dad? After thinking these things over a bit he finally closed his eyes and went to sleep.



Chapter 3 girls/guys day out

          It has been a month and a few days since Larry found out that Petunia was pregnant and today was going to be a good day for both Larry and Petunia. The guys were going to hang out at a place called Pizza Put a place that has games and a place to eat. The girls were at the mall going shopping for baby stuff.
Petunia met Lovey, and Madame Blueberry at the front of the mall door. They said their hello’s and the day got going. As soon as the girls went in to shop they heard a voice of a friend that was not there. “Doesn’t that sound like Jimmy to you?” asked Lovey. “Yeah but he’s with Larry and the other guys.” Petunia. “And now I hear Mr. Lunt too.” added Madame. The girls went to see where the voices were coming from and they saw it was Missy and Laramie talking at the food court. They walked to the two teens. “You girls are really good at that.” said Lovey. “Y’all heard our impressions?” Laramie asked. “And you completely fooled us.” Petunia replied with a little laugh. The young asparagus and scallion looked at the others. “Yes we are good at some impressions. Huh Missy?” asked Laramie. “Oh yeah.” Missy replied “What are you two dong here anyways?” asked Petunia. “We’re just hangin’ out.” said Missy. “You girls wanna hang out with us?” asked Petunia “We’ll your not strangers so…. sure why not?” said Laramie. So the two teens went to shop with their friends.
Larry went to met Bob at Pizza Put to play some games and have some pizza with the guys. The guys were Archie, Jimmy and Jerry Gourd, Pa Grape and Mr. Lunt. Larry had a bad feeling in his body somewhere in his chest area, but Larry would not let a bad feeling keep him from having fun with his friends. Hi Bob said Larry as soon he walked in the door. Hi Larry are you ready to have some fun said Bob. You know I am said Larry. So Larry and Bob went off to met the rest of the guys. Bob and Larry found them in the game room playing games. Pa and Lunt was playing Dance Dance Revolution and Archie and Jimmy and Jerry was playing a skee-ball game. All of the guys said their hello’s and went to play their games. Larry watched his friends play their games and felt the pain again and that made him feel sad inside. So he went to find a place to sit. “Larry I found a game that you will really like.” said Bob. He turned around and saw that Larry was gone. “Larry? Where are you?” asked Bob. “Have any of you seen Larry Bob asked his friends. “Hey don’t make me mess up Bob! I’m on a roll.” said Lunt. “You wish.” said Pa. “Well I’m going to find Larry so I’ll be right back.” said Bob. “Yeah you do that while I try to beat Pa.” said Mr. Lunt. “In your dreams!” replied Pa. So off Bob went to fine Larry. He found Larry sitting at a table looking sad and asked, “What’s wrong Larry? “Bob, I don‘t feel like myself.” “How come?” Bob asked. Larry just sat there almost motionless. Bob thought for a second and smile at Larry. “I think that someone is worried about being a dad.” said Bob. “Who me?” asked Larry. “Yes you.” said Bob. “Well, maybe I am a little scared about becoming a father.” said Larry. “Larry you’ll make a good dad.” said Bob. “Really? Thanks Bob.” said Larry. “Now are you feeling better?” said Bob. “A little thanks Bob.” said Larry. Then the guys showed up and asked if everything was all right. “Yeah everything’s fine.” said Larry. “I thought you were playing games.” said Bob. “Well I beat Pa. In your face!!!” said Lunt. “And Jimmy beat me and Jerry.” said Archie. “Then we saw that we are all getting hungry and that is why we went off to find you.” said Jimmy. “Well then let’s something to eat.” said Bob. And that is what they did. After they were done eating Larry and Bob went off to play their games and Larry got a lot of tickets and he picked out a big bear for the baby. “That is a great prize.” said his friends. “Well I think it is time to meet the girls at the mall.” said Bob. “I wonder what they’re up to right now.” said Larry.
Back with the girls the shopping was a ball and the girls were having fun. They got a lot of baby stuff. As they were walking Missy looked at Petunia and noticed something different about her. She said, “Aww, looks like your getting a bit of a belly.” “Miss…don’t…” Laramie whispered. “It’s ok Laramie.” Petunia said. “But I don’t look bad though right?” “No…” said Missy. “Even with the belly you’re still beautiful.” “Thanks….wait are you calling me fat!?” Petunia somewhat shouted. Missy just shook her head in shock and didn’t speak. “Sorry Missy… I don’t know what came over me.” Petunia apologized. “It’s ok.” said Laramie. “Hey look, some shirts on sale.” said Lovey. “You are going to need some shirts that will fit you now that you are getting bigger.” she added. “Right.” said Petunia. So the girls went to buy some shirts for Petunia. After that, they went to eat. Petunia was eating a little more than usual and the girls were ok with that. “Petunia are you worried about being a mother soon?” asked Madame Blueberry. “Well a little…” said Petunia. “I’m more worried for Larry.” “Well I’m sure that he’s ok with it now.” said Laramie. “Maybe you’re right.” said Petunia. So then they got done eating and went to meet the guys at the front of the mall.
Later that night after Larry and Petunia put their stuff away Larry went into his and Petunia’s room and saw Petunia and growing belly and said, “Just think… that is our baby growing in there.” “Yeah…” said Petunia smiling and blushing. “So did you have fun today Larry? said Petunia. “Yeah I had fun. How about you?” asked Larry. “Same.” said Petunia. “I really do like that bear that you got.” she added. “Really? Me too. I thought that the baby could sit with it while we read him or her a book or when all of us are playing.” said Larry. “Aww that’s so sweet Larry. I love that idea.” said Petunia. “I also like all of the stuff you got and I’m sure that the baby will too.” said Larry. “Thanks Larry.” said Petunia. “Nice shirts also.” said Larry. Oh you really think that I’ll look good in them?” asked Petunia. “No. You‘ll look great.” Larry said to his wife. Petunia then went up to Larry and kissed him and said “I love you.” Larry then smiled and said “I love you too.” Larry then looked down to the floor and sighed. “Are you ok Larry?” Petunia asked in concern. “Well it’s just that I’m a little scared about becoming a father.” Larry said. “Larry…honey I’m scared too.” said Petunia. “But I’m sure we’ll be fine. I mean, we have friends to help us out and I know God will be there to help too.” Larry smiled then kissed Petunia. “Thank you Petunia.” said Larry. “That makes me feel a whole lot better.” Then they prayed together and went into bed waiting for another day of fun getting ready to be mom and dad soon.


Chapter 4: Baby shower

“Petunia…..Honey….It’s time to wake up.” Larry said. Petunia opened her eyes and yawned. “Hey there sleepyhead.” said Larry with a smile. Petunia looked at the alarm clock. It read 12:15pm. “Oh my goodness…” Petunia said. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“I wanted to let you sleep. You looked so beautiful.” said Larry. “Even when I’m as big as a cow?” Petunia joked. “You’re still beautiful no matter how you look.” Larry said sweetly.
It was true. Petunia had indeed gotten a lot bigger. She was now seven and three quarter months pregnant. “Umm…Larry? I kinda need help getting up?” Petunia said trying to get up. But Larry helped her up with no problem. “Petunia, I want to show you something outside.” “Can I get dressed first?” Petunia replied. “Ok…ok.” Larry said. “I’ll wait for you in the hallway. Four minutes later Petunia came out wearing a pink maternity dress. Larry smiled.

“I told ya you’d look great in those outfits.” he said. Petunia just blushed. “So what’s this you want to show me Larry?” Petunia asked. “It’s out back.” Larry said. “Aren’t you going to tell me?” asked Petunia. “Well, let’s get going to the backyard so you can see for yourself.” said Larry with a smile. “ Well ok. But I’m going to need help going down the stairs Larry.” said Petunia. “Anything for you honey.” Larry replied then giving his wife a kiss on her cheek. Larry helped her down the stairs then through the kitchen. “Ok Petunia.” said Larry. “Close your eyes.” Petunia gave Larry a look of concern. “Trust me.” Larry said. Petunia smiled then closed her eyes. When they got to the backyard Petunia was so happy to see what her friends had done. They had all planned a baby shower for Larry and Petunia. “Oh my goodness.” Petunia said. “Surprised?” Bob said. “Only a whole lot.” Petunia said. Larry got a rocking chair for Petunia to sit on.
The party was a blast. They had cookies but Jimmy and Jerry ate a lot of them so Bob had to make more. Petunia got a lot of gifts also like a blanket from Junior. Missy and Laramie were there too. Laramie knitted a little hat for the baby. Several people tried to guess whether the baby would be a boy or girl. Some guessed boy and some said girl. A couple even said both. Towards the end of the shower Petunia felt a little nudging within her and she smiled. “What’s up?” asked Mr. Lunt. “I think the baby just kicked.” said Petunia. A lot of people smiled at this “How can a baby kick without legs?” Lunt asked. “You want me to show you how?” said Laramie with a mischievous look in her eyes. “Cuz‘ I‘m happy to oblige.” “No thank you.” said Lunt. “Smart choice dude.” said Laramie
Later that night when Larry and Petunia were about to go to sleep. After they had said their prayers, Larry looked at his young bride. “You wanna know something?” Larry said to her. “What’s that?” Petunia replied “If I was to be the father of any child, I’m happy that you will be its mother.” Petunia felt a tiny tear run down her cheek. She smiled. Larry and Petunia embraced. Within that hug the baby gave a little kick and Larry was able to feel it too. “Look’s like the baby wants a hug too.” said Petunia with a giggle. “I have a better idea.” Larry said. He put his face close to her tummy and he said to the bulge, “Hello there little one. I can’t wait to meet you.” And he kissed Petunia’s belly. “Don’t you want to kiss the baby?” Larry asked. “I wish I could honey,” Petunia said. “But I can’t bend down.” “I can fix that.” said Larry. He went up to her face and kissed her lips, then kissed her belly once again. “There, a kiss from your mommy and your daddy.” Larry said. Petunia smiled. “I love you Larry.” said Petunia. “As I love you my sweet sweet Petunia.” Larry replied. They soon laid down, closed their eyes and fell asleep.



Chapter 5: Renovations and vacations

“Let’s see” said Petunia as she was looking over a list. “Clothes and swimsuits…”
“Check.” said Larry pointing it out.
“Beach bag and towels…”
“Check.”
“Sunglasses…”
“Check.”
“Sun hat…”
“Check.”
“Sun-block…”
“Check.” Larry smiled at Petunia. “Son/Daughter…..” he said looking at her. Petunia giggled. “Check.” she said. “Is that everything?” “Yep I think we’re ready to go.” Larry said. Petunia smiled but then remembered something. “I’ll be right back.” she said. As she left to go upstairs the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it.” Larry said. He answered the door to see his best friend. “Oh hi Bob.” “Hey Larry. What’s up?” said Bob. “Me and Petunia are going to the beach for a few days.” Larry said. “Well that’s nice.” said Bob. “How is Petunia anyway?” “I’m fine thanks.” Petunia said carrying a small book as she entered the room.
Bob smiled. “We’ll be back in about four days.” Larry began. “And when we’re back we need to work on the nursery.” “Uh-huh. Well hey, I can watch your house for your gone.” said Bob. “Really?” said Petunia. “That would be great if you could.” said Larry. “It’s the least I can do since you did the same for me when I was on my vacation.” said Bob. “I know I’m gonna remember that forever.” said Larry. “We’d better be on our way.” Petunia said. “I’ll help you with your bags.” said Bob. Petunia and Larry thanked him. And within five minutes the expecting couple had already left. After they left. Bob called all of his friends over at Larry’s house. And everyone came even those two nutty teens Missy and Laramie came over with them. After they came over Bob told them that Larry and Petunia went away for a while and that he had an idea for a gift for them; to fix up the nursery for them and have it ready for when Petunia and Larry came back. Everyone agreed so up they went to get it ready for their friends. “I think that Larry and Petunia will love it,” said Bob. “I wonder what they are doing right now.” he said also. “Well this calls for some working music.” said Laramie. “Oh yeah.” agreed Missy
Larry and Petunia got to the beach, checked in to their hotel rooms and went to the beach to have some fun. “I’m going swimming. You want to join me?” said Larry. “No thanks I’m going to sit in the sun for a while” answered Petunia. “Ok maybe later we can float together down the lazy river what do you think?” asked Larry. “Ok that sounds good to me Larry,” said Petunia giving him a kiss on the cheek. Larry smiled and said, “You look good in that swimsuit.” “Really you think so” asked Petunia. “You bet.” answered Larry. Then he went into the water. As he was swimming Petunia thought, “Larry is such a good swimmer I wish I could join him”. Then her thoughts were stopped by someone saying her name. Petunia looked around and saw Ellen and Petunia said, “Ellen! Hi what are you doing here”. “I’m here for the sun and fun what else?” answered Ellen. Then she saw Petunia’s large belly and said, “Petunia Rhubarb are you going to have a baby?” “Yes I am in fact the baby should be due any day now” answered Petunia. “You and Larry must be so happy.” said Ellen. “We are.” said the rhubarb. Then Larry came from swimming and said hi to Ellen. Ellen asked how things were going. Larry then said that things were going fine. “Hey look what I found a rock that look like a heart.” said Ellen “I bet Mr. Lunt would love it.” said Petunia “Really? Would you make sure that he gets it?” said their friend. “Sure we will.” answered Larry and Petunia. “I think that I want to make a sand castle now. Do you guys want to help me?” said the cuke. “I would love to but I think that I’m going to get a ice cream cone.” said Ellen. “And I want to look at this book for a bit” said Petunia. “Ok.” said Larry. So off Ellen went and Larry went to make a sand castle and Petunia to her reading. As the cuke was making the sand castle he saw other kids with their moms and dads making sand castle too and then he looked over at Petunia’s belly and sigh happy think about his own child. Then Petunia felt something and Larry saw her face and said, “What’s up?” “I think that the baby just moved.” answered the rhubarb. “Moved where?” asked the cuke “Very funny.” said Petunia giggling. Larry smiled “What do you think of my sand castle?” he asked “It looks good,” said Petunia. Then she made another face and gasped “What’s wrong now?” asked Larry. “I think that it is time.” answered Petunia. “What!?” said Larry “Well I think that I should call Bob! We need to get to a hospital!!” said Larry going for his cell phone but Petunia stopped him and laughed. “What?” Larry said catching his breath. “I was just kiddin‘ ” she said. “Oh ha-ha very funny.” said Larry without much enthusiasm “Well I’m sorry. I couldn‘t help it.” said Petunia feeling bad that she got Larry mad at her. “Well to make it up to you how’s about we hang out by the lazy river.” said Petunia. Larry smiled and agreed. So off they went to float and relax as a happy couple. A few hours later in their rooms, Larry and Petunia had some food now are looking at a baby book to see what names to name their baby. “How’s about if it is a girl we name it Allie but if it is a boy we named it Josh,” said Larry. Well I think that those are fine names Larry. I love them,” said Petunia. “ I wonder what Bob’s been doing all day” said Larry. Little did he know that his best friend had been busy working on a great thing for him.

Back at Larry’s house the friends were working hard on the room. At one point there were fighting about what color to paint the room Bob said it should be a pastel yellow. So with the yellow paint they got busy. “I can’t reach this one spot.” said Pa. “Well I think that me and Missy can help you.” said Laramie. So the teens went to the grape and said really loud “Bacon!” That made Pa jumped so high that his brush made it up to the spot that he couldn’t reach. “Hmm. That was a long shot.” said Missy. “It made it. Thanks girls.” said the grape. “You’re welcome.” said the teens. Another thing happen was that Bob was painting and while he was doing that he did not see where he was going and land face first into a can of paint and got some on his face. Everyone saw this and laughed. “I’m not so sure if that’s good color for you Bob.” Archie joked. Bob just rolled his eyes and said “I’m going to get cleaned up and I want you guys to keep painting. It needs to get it done within the 4 days that we have before Larry and Petunia get home”. “Right-o.” said Laramie. So he left and everyone else went back to painting. An hour later, the painting was done and it looked pretty darn good. “Good job guys I think this calls for lemonade and cookies what do you guys think?” said Bob. “I‘m up for ‘em.” said Pa. “ Oh I can’t wait to see the look on Larry’s and Petunia’s faces when they see the room when we finish it.” the tomato added. “Don’t forget,” said Archibald. “We still need to put the furniture in place.” “I know.” said Bob. “I know.”

Four days later Larry and Petunia were packing up when Larry got a call from Bob saying that he had a surprise for him when he gets home. Larry then said that he couldn’t wait. So off went Larry and Petunia to go home and when they got there they went up to the baby room and turn on the light and saw that it was done and was looking beautiful. “Wow.” said the cuke. “Who did this? It looks great,” said Petunia. Then their friends came and said “SURPRISE”! “What? You guys did this? Why?” asked the cuke. “ ’Cuz we could.” said Laramie. “And ‘cuz we love you guys.” said Missy. “Well remember when I said I had a big gift for you guys? Well this is it,” said Bob. “Aww thanks everyone.” said Larry and Petunia. “So how did the trip go?” asked Missy. “It was great and you’ll never guess who we saw,” said Larry. “Who was it?” asked Archie “Ellen that’s who.” said Larry. “You saw Ellen? How is she doing?” asked Mr. Lunt with excitement in his voice. “She’s doing great and she found this for you” said Larry giving Lunt the heart shape rock that she found. “Aww she is so sweet. I owe her a kiss.” said Lunt smiling at his gift. “Well thanks again for doing this for us before the baby comes.” said Petunia. “You’re welcome.” said their friends. Then after that long day back at home Larry and Petunia went into their room and Petunia said “ Another great day done.” “Yep. And soon the baby will be here and then we will have someone to take care of.” said Larry. “You know at first I was scared of being a dad but now I can’t wait because we will help with the baby like a good mom and dad should,” Petunia smiled. “And I think that you will make a really great mom too” added the cuke. “Aww really Larry thanks you will make a great dad.” said Petunia giving Larry a kiss. Then they said their thanks to God for everything. Then went to bed hoping to dream about their new baby.



Chapter 6: A New Family

Sunday. Five days later. It was nearing 6:00am. Petunia was already awake reading through a book of names for babies. Larry on the other hand was asleep as if knocked out cold. Petunia looked over to her husband and smiled at him. She put her book back on her nightstand, but suddenly she gasped. Petunia looked down to her stomach area and she knew it. It was time.  “Larry…” she said softly. Larry was still asleep. Petunia nudged him as much as she could. Soon Larry woke up. He smiled. “Hello Petunia. Is it time for breakfast?” he sat up. “No.” said Petunia with a smile. “But it is time for something else.” Larry looked at Petunia. “Are you ready to be a daddy?” she asked him. Larry smiled. “Of course I am.” Larry gasped then he realized it. “Y…you mean? For real?”
“Yep.” said Petunia. “I think the baby is coming.” Larry was stunned. This was the big moment for both him and Petunia. “Oh man I gotta….we gotta call hospital and get to the Bob.” Larry said but paused. “Umm…reverse that.” he said. Petunia just giggled. Larry went to a nearby phone in the room and Petunia started to do the Lamaze breathing technique softly.
Brrrrriiiiinnngg!
That was Bob’s phone.  Bob woke up, yawned, and looked at his alarm clock. “6:05?” Bob was confused. He yawned then reluctantly answered his phone. “Hello?” “Bob!” Larry shouted on the other line. “Larry what’s going on? It’s early.” Bob said still feeling sleepy. “Tell the baby that!” Larry shouted. Petunia just laughed at her Larry’s silly behavior. “Wait. You mean….now? Today?” Bob asked surprisingly. “Yep.” Larry replied. “Ok Larry. Just calm down.” Bob said. “Now you need to take Petunia and get to the hospital ASAP. I’ll call the others and let them know.” Larry thanked Bob and hung up the phone. “Ok the bags are already packed and they’re in the trunk of the car so I think we’re ready.” Larry said to Petunia. He helped his wife up, down the stairs, then out the front door. “I can’t believe this is happening now.” said Petunia. “Me neither.” said Larry. Soon they were both in the car and on there way to the hospital.

About an hour and a half later Bob and the gang had arrived at the hospital. Several of them had brought flowers, balloons, cards and all the rest. The group just went to the waiting room and Mr. Lunt saw a familiar face. “Hey how come the dad isn’t with Petunia?” he said. Hearing this; Bob too saw Larry in a chair with a worried expression on his face. “Larry? Why aren’t you with Petunia?” asked Bob. “Well I started to freak out after Petunia became more uncomfortable,” Larry began. “Then the doctors told me to hang out hear until I calmed down.” “Are you calm now?” Archie asked. “Better than before but still nervous.” Larry said. “Hmm…I’ll go and see how she’s doing.” Bob offered. “Thanks Bob.” said Larry as Bob went to Petunia’s room down the hall. “I don’t think I can do it guys.” Larry said sadly. “What do you mean?” asked Pa Grape. “I don’t think I can bear to see Petunia in so much discomfort. That’s what I mean.” said Larry
“I mean, I was almost hyperve…hypervan…hyper….hippo….” “Hyperventilating.”  Archibald said slowly. “Right. What you said.” said Larry. “I wanted to be strong for her but I just couldn’t do it.” “Oh, don’t worry Larry.” Pa said. “You’re no worse than many other fathers.” “But this isn’t The Cosby Show or Full House or any show you can find on Nick at Night or TV Land.” Larry stated.
“Oh yeah. Those shows were funny.” said Jimmy. “Not helping.” said Archie. “Larry it’s not your fault. You’re just new at this.” said Mr. Nezzer. “Yeah but it not just Petunia, I’m worried about it’s the baby too. What if I can’t take care of it or something” asked Larry. Then he started to tear up a bit. Then Missy who came with them went up Larry and hugged him. “Where’d you come from?” asked Larry. “Ummm….here.” she responded. Archie just rolled his eyes. “I picked up her and Laramie on the way here.”   “You know that is going to be a beautiful moment for you.” said Pa. Then there was a shout. “AAAH…THIS IS NOT A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT!”  It was Laramie at the vending machine. Missy came up to her and said, “What’s up?” “The dumb machine ate my dollar; and now I can‘t get my Doritos.” said the teen. “Well I could give you some of my money and you can pay me back whenever” said Missy giving her friend her money.  “You sure?” Laramie asked. Missy nodded. “Ok, thanks, mahalo Missy” said Laramie. So she got the chips she wanted and she and Missy went back into the waiting room with the pals. Soon Larry remember what Petunia said to him before. “…we have friends to help us out and I know God will be there to help too.” Then Larry stood up and headed for the delivery room. “Bold.” Laramie whispered to Missy.

Meanwhile with Bob and Petunia he was helping her have the baby. After a while she said, “I wish that Larry was here.” “Yeah.” said Bob.  Just then they heard a voice say, “Petunia?” “Larry is that you?” asked Petunia. “Yes I think that I’m ready.” said Larry. “Are you sure that you’re ready” asked the doctor. “I’m sure. Bob you go in the waiting room now. We’ll be fine” said the cuke. “Larry I’m so glad that you’re here.” said Petunia. “Me too. And I’m sorry Petunia about before. I didn’t know that it would be like this.” said Larry. “It’s ok now Larry. You’re here now, and that is all that matters.” said Petunia. Larry then, kissed her cheek. “So how’s it been since I left.” asked the cuke. “Fine I think that we are close for this baby to come.” said Petunia. “Really? That’s great” said Larry.

Back at the waiting room, Bob was very worried so he was pacing like crazy.  “Bob will you please quit pacing around.” asked Mr. Lunt. “You’re gonna wear a hole in the floor, we’re on the second story of the building  but most of all, you’re making us all dizzy!” Bob looked up to see everyone had a dazed look on their faces. “Told ya.” said Mr. Lunt So Bob apologized  and went to sit.
Back in the delivery room…
“You’re doing great Petunia.” said Larry. “Thanks. You too” said Petunia. A few minutes went by as Larry and Petunia smiled at each other then Petunia said, “Ok, I think this is it.” “What the baby is coming now?” said the cuke. “Ok Petunia I want you to push for me ok?” said the doctor. So Petunia did that and Larry was helping her all the way.
In the waiting room every veggie there was pretty anxious for the baby to come. “I am bored.” Laramie said in a goofy tone. “You’re not doing your ‘upside-down girl’ routine.” said Archie. “Killjoy.” Laramie said under her breath. A nurse later came to the waiting room. Everyone heard her come in. She looked at everyone and smiled. They all smiled back. “The baby’s here?” asked Bob. “Is it a boy or girl?” asked Mr. Nezzer. “We gotta know!” said Missy. The nursed chuckled. “Why don’t you go and see for yourself.” she said.

“You did great honey.” Larry said. “I’m so proud of you. Thank you for giving me such a gorgeous little girl.” Yep. Petunia and Larry just had a new rhubarb daughter. “Look she has your nose.” Petunia said cradling her child. “But she has your beauty.” Larry responded. “I love you.” I love you too.” said Petunia. The couple shared a kiss. Then there was a knock at the door. Larry answered it to find his friends. “Shhh…she‘s asleep.” he whispered. “It’s a girl?” said Bob. Larry gave the gang a “come in” notion. The everyone quietly went in and found the baby wrapped in a warm pink blanket and being held by Petunia. “Awww…” everyone said. “She’s adorable.” said Pa. “She is indeed.” Archibald said. “What’s her name?” Mr. Nezzer asked. “Her name is Allie.” said Petunia. “Awww….Allie…” said both Missy and Laramie. “Where did I hear that one before?” said Mr. Lunt. Allie then opened her eyes for the first time. “Hey, her eyes are open.” said Petunia. “She’s such a sweet.” said Laramie. “Here Larry,” Petunia said. “she’s your daughter too.” Larry smiled and gently took little Allie and cradled her just like Petunia did. “Hey there,” Larry said. “I’m your daddy.” “And I’m your mommy.” said Petunia. “And they are all our friends.” Larry said showing the baby to everyone. “Aww you’re sooo cute yes you are. Yes you are…” Archie said. “I’ve
got to stop talking wike this…” Laramie and Missy snickered. “Especially ‘cause I’ve got my camera this time.” said Laramie. “And she’s recording too.” said Missy. “Oh dear..” said Archie. Laramie got closer to Allie, but not too close. “Aloha little cousin.” she said.
“Bob do want to hold her?” asked Larry. “Can I?” asked Bob. So he went to hold her and he smiled at her and said, “Hi Allie you are lucky to have such great mom and dad like Petunia and Larry.” Then Allie cooed and smiled. That made everyone smiled. “Larry I can’t believe how far you come since the day I met you.” said Bob “We have a song for you.” said Archie. Everyone started to sing softly,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Allie,
Happy birthday to you.  Larry and Petunia then kissed their new baby as she soon fell happily asleep.