Consequences

I was just helping my sister. This bites!

Lynn Jr sits on the couch, slouching and eyes averted towards her feet. In front of her stands both her Father and Mother, practically shouting at her after retrieving their daughter from the police station. On top of having to deal with an angry set of parents threatening to sue after having their daughter assaulted after school got out, Lynn's attitude towards the entire event hasn't been the helpful.

After what felt like an eternity, a verdict of 3 months groundation and no extracurriculars for half of that is set in stone.

Stupid parents. Why did I think they would listen? They never do when it comes to these kind of situations.

While sulking, Lynn's pocket vibrates. A smirks graces her lips. Looks like they forgot about my phone. Lynn retrieves her phone and reads the text.

Lynn, I heard what you did. I-I can't believe you would do that to her. I know you only wanted to help, but you went overboard this time Lynn. I'm not saying I don't appreciate the thought, but there are other ways to settle these things. I'm sorry, but I need some time to gather myself. I'll be staying with Lincoln until I'm ready to talk. Please don't make this difficult Lynn.

Drops of water hit the screen.

No. No, no, no, no!

The drops continue to fall from her eyes as she rereads the message on loop in her mind.

I was only trying to help. Why am I punished for caring? I hate this!

Lynn throws her phone across the room, resulting in a thud on the far wall. She takes off up the stairs and locks herself in her room.

Lynn spends the next 3 hours crying herself into a state of silent sadness. But one can only endure silence for so long. Lynn remembers her MP3 Player hidden in her pocket. She puts her headphones in and plays an upbeat party song to lift her spirits.

Although it's not the type of song she would normally listen to, everyone needs a change of pace every once in a while. She begins to nod her head to the beat, the tempo and rhythm increasing. Lynn hops out of bed and take to the floor, a new-found energy revitalizing her mood.

This begins as tapping her foot, but without realizing her hips begin to replicate the rhythm swaying back and forth. Before too long she is lost to the music, dancing around the room without a care in the world.

How long has it been since I've felt this...free? I play sports daily, but this feels different from those. I'm not competing with anyone, I'm just enjoying myself.

Hours pass before the MP3 eventually dies. Lynn takes her headphones out and realizes how sweaty she has become. Although this is nothing new to her, she feels more relaxed than Lincoln reading comics in his skivvies. Her muscles are loose and lacking the tension she is used to.

Lynn decides to take a shower before bed. She grabs a fresh set of clothes before heading out to the bathroom. On her way, Lynn found a small letter by her door. She proceeds to read said letter, which she can tell was written by Lincoln.

Hey Lynn. I heard about what happened today. I'm not sure I can say I approve of your actions, but I know you only did it to help Lucy. I know life is going to be tough for a while, but just know that underneath it all we love you sis. I'll be there if you need me Lynn. You're never alone.

New found tears fall from Lynn's eyes after reading Lincoln's heartfelt words. She wipes away the waterworks and smiles.

"That dork."

She folds the letter and tucks the paper into her pocket. It's been a long day. Lynn rubs her tired eyes before stepping into the bathroom.

"I hope tomorrow goes better than today."