Lincoln Loud in 1957

by vincentberkan

Lincoln Loud, our white haired friend has somehow ended up in 1957 and now has to figure out a way to get home. But there are dangers up ahead, with the Perkins Family and his sisters by his side, he challenges the foes that get in his way home. Will Lincoln get back to 2017? Or will he remain in the past forever? Based on Lincoln Loud:1975 by sky3427 and the BTTF movies.

12. Picture Day Prejudices

WARNING: Be aware that this chapter includes some racial bigotry.

Chapter 12: Picture Day Prejudices

Written by Vincent B. Berkan and Heather Trousdale

Monday, March 25th, 1957

It was another fine Monday morning. Lincoln had got up, ate breakfast with the Perkins, and were now waiting for the bus with Stanley, Wilbur, Martin, and Julie, Marsha and Claire. "Are you guys ready for picture day?" asked Wilbur. "Picture day?" asked Lincoln. "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that to you", said Stanley. "Uhhhh, how do I look?" asked Lincoln

"You look fine to me," said Julie, who was wearing a pink petticoat dress. "Thanks, Julie", said Lincoln. "You're welcome, Lincoln", said Julie. At that moment, a greyhound bus arrived. "I heard we're getting a new bus driver today", said Wilbur, "I heard he's from Georgia". Lincoln noticed that Martin was looking nervous. "What's wrong Martin?", asked Lincoln. "Well, I don't know if I can sit in the front with you guys", he said. "Why?" asked Lincoln. Then it hit him. Martin was an African-American kid and he realized he was in 1957. He heard tales from his grandfather and Mrs. Johnson in history class about segregation. Lincoln put his hand on Martin's shoulder. "Don't worry bud", he said, "I'll be there for you." This made Martin smile.

When it was his and Martin's turn to get on. The bus driver suddenly held his hand. "Hold it!" he said with a gruff voice. "Uh-oh", said Martin. "Sorry kid, you're gonna have to go to the back of the bus." Martin was about to turn when Lincoln stopped him. He then turned to the bus driver. "Why should he?" The bus driver looked at Lincoln with wide angry eyes as he puffed a cloud of smoke from his cigarette. "Excuse me, young man?" "Why should he be forced to sit in the back!?" asked Lincoln furiously. "Are ya blind whitey? 'Cuz he's a n-" "So that's it? Just because his skin color is different, he has to sit in the back? What's wrong with him sitting in the front?" "Cuz i' ain't right! That's why runt!" "Well I think differently! He's a human being like you and me!", said Lincoln. "He ain't no-" "And most importantly, he's an American citizen and he's got the right to sit wherever he wants regardless of race, religion, and gender."

"He's still goin' to the back! Now either you find a seat or else", said the Bus Driver. "Or else what?" "Or else I'm gonna-" Then Claire spoke up, "Hey Ugly! I'm pretty sure your wife would like to hear that you've been having lunch dates with that cute waitress from Joe's! Now either you let them sit wherever they are or else I'm blabbering to your wife!" "You're just bluffing kid", said the Bus Driver as he turned to Lincoln and Martin. He pointed his finger at Martin. "You, in the back now!" " He then turned to Lincoln. "And you! Find a seat in the front like things are supposed to be!" Lincoln stood his ground. "No". The Bus driver got angry. "Beg pardon young man?" "I'm gonna sit in the back with my friend Martin". "You're gonna sit in the back or else I'm callin' the Sheriff!" "Go ahead!" said Lincoln. The Bus Driver gave an ugly smile that revealed his yellow teeth, which disgusted Lincoln. "Alright then ******-lover, I will". He then grabbed the C.B. handle and lifted it to his lips. "Call the Sheriff! I've got myself a couple of rebel-rousers on my bus!" "Lincoln, what're you doing?" asked Martin. "Standing up for you", said Lincoln.

A few minutes passed until Sheriff Johnson's patrol car arrived. The Sheriff then climbed out and walked up to the bus. "Alright, what's goin' on here?" The bus driver pointed to Lincoln and Martin. "I was tellin' this black kid to go to the back of the bus, but this white-haired freak of a kid is standing up for this black kid. Says he has the right t' sit wherever th' h*** he wants. When I told the ***** to move to the back again. The freak said he was gonna sit with him in the back! Sheriff! I demand you take 'em both off and lock 'em up!" The Sheriff stood there for a moment and turned to Lincoln. "Is this true son?" "Yes Sheriff". "Hmmmmmmm", the Sheriff said, "Then I only have one thing to say…" The bus driver smiled smugly. But that quickly disappeared when Sheriff Johnson turned to face him. "You got me away from my patrol for this!?" The Bus Driver began to feel nervous. "But-but Sheriff, i-it's the law." "Really? Because last time I checked there was no law in this state saying that a black kid has to sit in the back only! Nor does any state in this part of the country!"

The Bus Driver grumbled. "Of course, I would expect this from a carpet-bagger Yankee sonna-va-b-" "Watch it you! Or I'll have you charged for disturbing the peace!" He then pulled out his ticket book. "What's your name mac?" "Jim Flake", said the Bus Driver, "And what the h*** is this for?" "For wasting my time and resources. Not only this, I'm also gonna report you to your superior!" Sheriff Johnson then gave the bus driver a ticket and he went back to his patrol car. Claire looked at the driver smugly. "Now let's try this again shall we? Do you want your wife to know you've been seeing the waitress behind her back?" "Augh, fine. The freak and the ***** can sit wherever the h*** they want!" Both Lincoln and Martin smiled and sat in the front with Stanley and Wilbur. "Godd**n carpetbaggers!", said the Bus Driver as he let the other kids on.

"Wow Claire, where did you learn to blackmail people like that?" asked Julie. "Oh, just something I use for when it's useful, especially when you work at the diner on weekends", said Claire. "I see", said Julie, "So are you gonna rat him out to his wife?" "Not yet, but I'll hold on to that information as long as he behaves himself". They both watched as the bus full of elementary students drove away. Both Julie, Marsha, and Claire then noticed a black man standing nearby. He had a small mustache, wore a black suit, and white fedora. He smiled. "You know, the world would be a happier place with people like that young man", he said. "Indeed", said Julie. "I'm glad to see that there are some whites who would stand up for a black man", he said as he left. "What's your name?" asked Marsha. "King. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to be precise", the man said as he left.

Meanwhile, back on the bus, Martin was feeling happy. "Thanks for standing up to me", he said to Lincoln. "No problem", he said, "I had an African-American friend back in 2...er I mean, at the orphanage. His name was Clyde". "Where is he now?" asked Wilbur. "He got adopted", he said. As Stanley was going through his notes, he asked lincoln, "Hey Wilbur, what's the date?" "March 25th". "March 25th! Good gravy! Has time really passed?" asked Lincoln. "Why do you ask?" "Tomorrow's my birthday", said Lincoln. "Really?" asked Stanley. "Yup, I was born on March 26th, 20-er-1945", said Lincoln. "Neat-o", said Wilbur. "I gotta tell mom and dad when we get home", said Stanley.

When the bus arrived at the school, all the kids climbed out of the bus and went inside. After learning some Math from Mrs. Summers, they arrived at the gym for their school pictures. The photographer was there with a large camera on a metal stand. One by one, the children had their photos taken then it was Lincoln's turn. "Okay, smile", said the photographer. The camera bulb flashed and the photographer looked at Lincoln. "Thanks young man, next", he said. Lincoln got up from his seat and the next child sat down. "That was easy." said Lincoln "Just like back at home", said Stanley. After recess, it was time for the class photo, Every student lined up in a row. Lincoln was next to Stanley. "Alright, everyone", said Principle Stearns, "Get ready". The camera bulb flashed with all of the students smiling. "Great photo." said the photographer.

After school, Julie, Stanley, Lincoln entered the house, Vincent had already arrived home from work and he was sitting on the couch with Averell on his lap. Heather was in the kitchen. "Hi, kids, how was picture day?" asked Heather, standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "Great!" said Julie, "I hope they got my pink petticoat." "How about you and Lincoln, son?" asked Vincent. "Well, this morning a bit colorful", said Stanley and he told them about the incident on the bus, the racist driver, and how Lincoln stood up for Martin. "You've got guts kid", said Vincent, "That's what I like. So I take it the Jim Crow laws have been abolished in the future?" "Yes sir", said Lincoln. "Thank the lord", said Vincent, "You're lucky you found us kid. Not many people in this era would have supported that." "I take it that-" "we not prejudice? Nah, our folks raised us better", said Vincent, "It's about time someone did something". Vincent then took in a deep breath of fresh air. "Ah, reminds me of the time I was saved by a black medic", said Vincent. "Really, dear? I didn't know about that," said Heather. "Well why don't I tell you guys?", Vincent said. Lincoln, Stanley, and Julie sat in front of Vincent whilst Heather sat next to him. "It happened durin' the final years of the war…"

Battle of the Bulge, December 18th, 1944

"I was in the 29th Infantry Division during World War 2. It was shortly after the Normandy Landings, we had lost a huge number of our guys charging the beaches, and now we were heading towards Northern France to fight the rest of the Nazis that were occupying the country. After we liberated Paris, we headed east towards Germany. Then we arrived at the Buldge, and I can tell you this. It was an absolute h***. It was so cold, we thought our fingers would fall off. Anyway, we were heading towards Ardennes, running some supplies when we got ambushed by a German patrol. I was a sniper in my unit so I did what I did best. Aim and fire.

It felt like hours. Eventually, we had to fall back to re-group. I stayed behind to cover for my pals. But as I began to leave, I felt a huge sting in my side and I fell to the ground. I hadn't felt so much in my life. I then thought I could hear men approaching. That's when I started to get worried. Was I gonna get shot? Was I gonna end up in a P.O.W. camp? I crawled over to some bushes and did my best to make myself not noticeable. I hid behind those bushes for what seemed like a long time. Eventually, I had to check and see if the coast was clear. I noticed a figure out there and dipped back into the bushes to hide. But not without giving out a cry of pain. Then the figure noticed me and began to run towards my direction. I cursed under my breath as I reached for my pistol. But luckily, I didn't need to use it as the man I saw coming towards me was a black medic. He could see that my side was bleeding so he pulled out his medical kit and began to patch me up. He removed the bullet from my side and helped me on my feet. He then helped me back to his platoon where they then sent me to a military hospital in England."

Back to 1957…

"...and spending some time in the hospital for a few weeks, I went back to my platoon and we continued fighting towards Germany until they surrendered on May 8th, 1945", Vincent said as he finished his story, "I later received the Purple Heart for my injuries". "Wow!" said Lincoln. You're a true hero honey." said Heather. "Well a man only survives through that with the grace of God", said Vincent, "I lost a lotta good buddies durin' the war". "I see." said Lincoln. "It's not easy talkin' about my service", said Vincent, "You can probably imagine how much damage it can do to your mind. Reflecting on it now, sometimes I wonder, all the things I did during the fighting, could I have done something differently? But, that's just it, you can only do your best". "That's right." said Heather.

"Did you get other medals durin' the war, dad?" asked Stanley. "Yep", said Vincent, "The Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Victory medal, the Bronze Star, and the Medal of Honor. I received that by saving from citizens from an armed German Tank unit, but that's another story". Vincent then got up. "So what's for dinner honey?" "Chicken, collared greens, and corn." said Heather. "I see", said Vincent, "Well come on guys, let's get some grub". They all went to the kitchen and sat down and enjoyed a delicious dinner.

Back in the Present...

It was a cool spring night outside of the Hazeltucky Power Plant, most of the employees went home whilst others arrived to cover their shifts. The guards were at their posts. Outside of the plant, a group of girls were hiding behind the bushes, plotting. "Okay, Lis'", said Luna. "How're we gonna do this?". "Lola and Lana are going to wear their Bluebell Girl Scout uniforms and tell the guards that they're selling cookies," said Lisa. "What about the rest of us?" asked Luna. "The rest of us will sneak past the guards and get the rods and sneak back out", said Lisa as she turned to Leni, "You got us the hazmat suits you've made?" "Right here", said Leni, "Dunno why you need them, yellow is so last month". "The suits are to protect our delicate carcasses from exposing from the radium rods dingus", said Lisa, "Besides, we also can't let our faces be seen on the security tapes". "Oh", said Leni. "Alright, we all know what we're doing, now let's do it!" said Lisa.

The guard was enjoying a good cup of coffee and reading this month's issue of Security Monthly when he looked at the corner of his eye and saw two Bluebell Scouts walking towards him. "Hold it you two!", he said. "I'm sorry, but kids aren't allowed here! Especially what happened last year when a kid got exposed to nuclear waste!" "Excuse me, sir, would you like to buy some cookies?" asked Lola, sweetly. "It's for a good cause," said Lana. "Oh, you two are Bluebell Scouts. Well sure. I'm in the market for cookies. Whatcha sellin'?" As Lola and Lana distracted the guard, Lori, Luna, Lynn Jr., and Lisa tiptoed past and were now in the facility. "How do we find radium rods?" asked Lynn Jr. "They should be in some kind of storage unit", said Lisa. "We better find out fast! Somebody's coming!", said Lori. Luna, Lynn Jr., and Lisa turned their heads to see two men walking towards them. "Act natural", said Lisa.

"Excuse me", said one of the men. "Uh errrrr uh yeah?" Lynn Jr. said trying to impersonate a man. "How're you?" "We're uhhhhhh, the new employees you hired?" said Luna. "New employees? I don't remember hiring new-" "Oh Carruthers, don't you get it!?" "Uh oh", whispered Lisa. "They'rrrrrrre...the "new guys" we hired to help dispose of our…'Garbage'", said the older man. "Oh yeah, now I remember!" said the other man. "Garbage?" asked Lisa. "Yes, those liberals have been protesting outside of the plant for a while, so I need you two to dispose of some "Evidence", the older man said. "Evidence?" "You know", said the younger man, "The leftover Radium Rods that we-" "Don't say it out loud you nincompoop!", the older man said. "Oh, um sorry Mr. Verns". "Now, here's your cut, go and take the "garbage" to a place where it won't get me into trouble!", said the older man as he gave Lori a huge bundle of cash before turning back to the other man. "Curruthers! Take me to my mansion, I need a sponge bath and a good foot rubbing!" "Yes sir, Mr. Verns. The disposal team will take care of the garbage". "Exxxxxxxcellent". said the older man as they both left. "And when I thought this town couldn't get any more crooked", said Lynn Jr. The girls went to find the disposed rods. "There they are", said Lori as she pointed to a truckload of radium rods. 'Okay, we only need five", said Lisa, "That's the exact number of rods I used in the Timesurfer."

Quickly grabbing a small container and a pair of grabbers, Lori carefully picked up a rod with the grabbers and placed it in the container. "Only four more to go," said Lisa. After four more rods were placed into the container, Lisa locked it up and they carried it outside to where Lola and Lana were still distracting the guard. After they left, Lola and Lana saw this as their cue to leave. "Well I'm afraid we have to leave", said Lola, "But don't worry, we'll have the cookies sent to your place". "Thanks kiddos", said the guard happily as he watched the two girls leave. "Such nice kids".

The girls then returned to the van. "Oooh, glow sticks, can I have one?" asked Leni. "These aren't glow sticks, Leni," said Lori. "Awwww", said Leni. "Okay, let's get outta here before-", Lisa suddenly got interrupted by several police sirens. The girls watched as several patrol cars from the State Police stormed the power plant. One of the troopers climbed out with a bullhorn. "Mr. Montgomery Verns! Come out with your hands up and empty! You are under arrest for illegal disposition of dangerous substances!" "Uh-oh." said Luna, "If they find these in here! We'll be sent up the river!" "I can't believe I'm saying this!", said Lori, "Leni! You drive!" "Me?" said Leni, "Alright then, hang on….wait is this a test? Because I didn't study-" "JUST DRIVE!" Leni turned the ignition and pressed the gas pedal down hard. "Slow down! You're gonna attract attention to us!", shouted Luna. "I love attention." said Leni. "It's not good attention, Len!" "Why didn't you tell me that in the first place," said Leni, taking her eyes off the road. "KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD!" shouted Lori. "How can I do that if you all keep talking to me," said Leni. Suddenly, they heard a police siren. "Uh oh!" said Lola. "We got company!", said Lana. "Company?" said Leni, taking her eyes off the road again. "LENI, PLEASE!" Shouted Luna. as Leni swerved off of the road and crashed into a vegetable stand. "Thanks for the tomatoes!" Leni called out to the guy who owned the stand. . "LENI!" shouted the girls. "What?! I was just saying thanks, it's good manners." "It's also good manners to NOT DRIVE LIKE A CRAZY PERSON! Shouted Lola.

"You better slow down, because we got a cop on our tail," said Lori. "I'll just let him pass," said Leni, veering on the wrong side of the road and then back on the right side. "That's weird, I wonder why he didn't pass, oh well." Leni steps on the gas pedal and sped up. "I know what will cheer everyone up, music!" said Leni, turning on the radio. "Now is not the time for music, Len!" said Luna, turning it off. "Okay let's play I spy then," said Leni. "LENI!" "I'll go first, I spy with my little eye-" "LENI NOW ISN'T THE TIME! JUST DRIVE!", said Lori, "Why do I have the feeling I should've driven?" "Remember what happened the last time Leni drove?" asked Lana. "That was a disaster waiting to happen," said Luna. "Hey, what does this red sign mean?" asked Leni, "with the word stop on it?" "It means you ran a stop sign and now you-" "LOOKOUT!" shouted Lynn Jr. as they nearly hit a pedestrian. "That's it! I'm driving!", said Lori. "Okay", said Leni as she pulled off the steering wheel and give it to Lori, "Here, drive". Thank y-LENI! PUT IT BACK ON!" "But you said that you were driving!" "OH FOR-!" Lori then shoved Leni out of the way and placed the steering wheel back on the shaft. "I'm driving from now on!".

Lori drove Vanzilla around a curve and quickly hid behind a billboard. The state trooper whizzed by not knowing where they hid. All the girls breathed a sigh of relief. "So did I pass?" asked Leni. "Leni! The next time we make you drive, pinch me!", said Lori. "Agreed." said the rest of the girls as they drove back to Royal Woods.

To Be Continued...