Apologies for not releasing this in time for Christmas. But I got so busy starting from Christmas Eve that I don't have time to finish this immediately. Add to that is a sudden sickness and slight fatigue that hindered me from accomplishing it on time. So, hope you can find this well.

Originally, this was going to be an "It's a Wonderful Life" storyline that I pended for writing. However, I realized that it was one of the most overused tropes in writing and mainstream media that I opt to use it next time. In addition, I had a lot of emotional stories at hand; thus, I don't want to get too redundant in tugging the heartstrings.

So for this story, I am going to do it in a non-chronological arrangement as a holiday offering for you all. Hope you enjoy it.

And hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Love, peace and prosperity be to you all.

VI. THE BREAKDOWN (Partially)

On the night of 24th of December, Lincoln is cowering in the school bathroom's cubicle. His hands shake in trepidation. His whole body trembles from a recent occurrence that he faced. His teeth chatter haphazardly, giving the illusion that he is shivering. His legs are curled on the lid of the toilet as he rocks his body back and forth. And his old-fashioned costume (consisting of a brown coat, suit and tie, and hat) makes him sweat profusely. One thing is on Lincoln's mind as of this moment: if he can perform.

Lincoln then shares his thoughts to the readers, "You must be wondering why a boy like me dressed in an old-timey outfit is hiding in the bathroom like a coward? Well it didn't come from a long way. But boy, it's sure felt a long one. There are worse things you could do. But realizing your sisters and your girlfriend perform with a particular someone, that something is worse. Well, I don't want keep you waiting. So let me tell you what happened."

II. THE ANNOUNCEMENT

It is Friday, 2nd of December, and Ms. Johnson is heading the announcement to the 5th grade students.

"Okay 5th grade batch of 2016, a special announcement for you about this upcoming Christmas eve presentation," the 5th grade homeroom teacher broadcasts to the 5th graders in the school auditorium, "As a big favor from the principal, we are privileged to have homeroom teacher Mr. Harris, who won a special theater award this year. And he will be supervising our Christmas pageant this year."

As 5th graders, applaud, Clyde comments, "Man, Mr. Harris sure lucky this year."

"Tell me about it," Lincoln replies, "I saw his Davy Crockett play this year, and it was amazing. I wonder what he will do this year."

They go back to Ms. Johson's announcement: "Okay, as a special surprise, well kinda, I will also like to announce that the entire 5th grade batch shall headline our Christmas Eve presentation of 'It's A Wonderful Life'." The students frown at this news, but Lincoln and Clyde react the opposite.

"Linc, did you hear that?!" Clyde overjoys, "We're gonna do a presentation of 'It's a Wonderful Life'! That is a wonderful source material!"

"I know right!" Lincoln reacts cheerily, "I wonder if there turn it into a musical or not. Either way, let's just hope I don't get a role for this."

Hearing the students scowl over their involvement for a play, Ms. Johnson emphasizes, "Now, I know you are all upset. But as a way to motivate you, I will have you all get exempted from all your final exams, if the play will become successful."

With that condition, the students holler in delight.

Ms. Johnson then proceeds with the rest of the announcements, "Okay, I hope you kids do your best in this. With that, I will also announce the cast of 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Now, I based this all on your recitation and speech presentations, so don't be surprised if your named is called. As Clarence, we have Clyde McBride."

As Clyde hears his name, he gets excited. "Wow, never thought I would play an angel."

"Next, as Mr. Potter, we have Rusty Spokes to play the part."

"What?! I'm gonna play Harry Potter?" Rusty reacts with childlike enthusiasm.

"No, dear Rusty. Mr. Potter, the evil banker," Ms. Johnson clarifies.

"Oh, bum. Thought I was gonna play the Boy Who Lived," the freckled 5th grader replies.

Then Lincoln's teacher proceeds, "Okay, we're down with the two leads. As Mary Bailey, we got Cristina."

As Cristina's name is announced, she receives a round of applause from her classmates. She gets flattered by the response that she thanks everyone surrounding her.

"And now, for our main lead, as George Bailey, we have…Lincoln Loud."

As Ms. Johnson pronounces Lincoln's name for the lead role, everyone is at shock, including the Loud kid himself that he stands up and utters in puzzlement, "What?! I…I…I…can't…I mean I would but…!"

"Then it's settled then," Ms. John continues. "The list of the rest of the cast and crew is posted outside. We shall start rehearsals this coming Monday. We have the sets prepared. We'll just need to perfect it all. So, I am expecting 100% effort from all. Hope that's clear."

And with that, the 5th grade assembly ends. While the rest of the 5th grade students have mixed reactions of their participation in the Christmas Eve pageant, Lincoln is baffled at his lead role status.

"Come on Linc, there's nothing wrong or difficult on playing George Bailey," Clyde assures, "It's just playing a good guy, only he ended up in bad luck."

"It's not playing George Bailey I'm having a problem with," Lincoln clarifies, "I can deal with that, even if I don't want to. And I'm not even the performing type!"

"Then what is the problem, Linc?"

"Clyde, this is a play where I have to act as Cristina's husband."

"Oh…I thought you got over Cristina?"

"I did. But I don't know if we're still okay with each other."

"Well, she transferred to the other class for months. I don't think she will bring it up to your act."

"I don't know Clyde. It's just a big problem."

"Don't worry about it Linc. Just act professionally about it. That's what actors need to do to get their work done."

"I know, but there's something bigger than that." Lincoln then recalls a special he had with his special one.

I. THE LOVE EXPECTEDLY

Ronnie Anne opens her locker to see a note was dropped. She picks it up and reads it as it says, "Let Us Meet at the Roof Gardens". Knowing who it came from, she goes upstairs regardless but takes an unorthodox route.

Meanwhile, Lincoln is waiting for Ronnie Anne at the botanical gardens at the rooftop. Since the venue is one of their usual hangout spots, the 11-year-old thinks it is a suitable spot to propose to her something. He is in a corny suit and tie, and holding a bouquet of daisies. He gets everything planned, including spouting his cheesy lines. Then suddenly, he gets tackled above by none other than Ronnie Anne.

"Ha! You think you can get me with your cutesiness? Ha!" Ronnie Anne sneers as she steps away from landing to Lincoln.

"Aww…I think you stepped on my spleen," Lincoln heeds from being stepped on by Ronnie Anne.

"Ohh, sorry. What's with the outfit?"

"What? You think it's ridiculous?"

"Nahh, it looks stupidly cute on you," Ronnie Anne says this with a pinch to his face, making Lincoln smile.

"So…Ronnie Anne…since we have been dating for eight months, I was thinking if I can take you to our Christmas Eve party."

"As your girlfriend?"

"As a friend. My family really wants to meet you."

"Then you will have to introduce me to each of your sisters?"

"Why not?"

Ronnie Anne grumbles at this prospect, but Lincoln tries to lighten her up.

"Hey, how about this? We go to the party, and then we do something different that night." Lincoln then pulls out a box, containing a pair of ice skates for his precious girlfriend.

Ronnie Anne is simply satisfied at this sight, rather than exaggeratingly flattered at the surprise. "You really wanna try ice skating?"

"I will try my best," Lincoln replies with a nervous smile.

"Thanks anyway for the skates," Ronnie Anne shares her gratitude. "Where's your skates?"

"Have it back home. Have to do a lot of favors for my sisters just to get those skates in the first place."

Hearing the stakes that Lincoln had been through impresses Ronnie Anne that nudges him on the chest as a way of thanking. "So, after midnight on the frozen lake?"

"After midnight on the frozen lake," Lincoln promises as they gaze each other in the eyes.

"We better get back now," Ronnie says, "And you better take that suit off."

"I have to use this for my speech presentation later."

"You didn't told me so." And with that, the two return to their respective classrooms.