(For those who say this is out of character for Rita, try to imagine losing something that once belonged to your late mother. You're definitely going to feel upset.)
Meanwhile, In the backyard, Pop Pop eyed Rita and the girls angrily. "I'm going to ask you a question and you all better answer me honestly. Do you know what you've just done?"
They couldn't bear to answer, Rita especially. Now that she had calmed down, she began to realize what had just happened. And what she had said. She had never felt this racked with guilt ever since they locked Lincoln out of the house, a mistake she swore that she'd never dare repeat. "I-I-I didn't think." Said Rita quietly. "Well I find that hard to believe. From what I heard you say to Leni, it sounds like you knew EXACTLY what you were thinking! All of you!!" Shouted Pop Pop. "How could you all do this to her!? It was an accident!" He took a deep breath. "I understand how much that display stand meant to you and your mother, but what's done is done. And we can't change it. We just gotta except her mistake and move on!"
Pop Pop wasn't finished. "Rita, I raised you better than this. No mother ever yells at her daughter for making a mistake and for being herself! No go upstairs tell Leni your sorry! Right now! And when you she's accepted your apology, you can start try to make things right with the little ones. I just hope you didn't scare them too bad."
Rita nodded and went back inside, while Pop Pop chewed out the girls for their behavior. When she reached the hallway, she saw Lincoln's door was open and Lynn Sr was hugging him tightly on the floor. Rita turned away in pain. Not only did she treat Leni like garbage, she very well may have scared her younger kids with her rage.
She stopped in front of Leni's door and gently knocked. "Leni, it's me. Can..Can I come in please?" She asked. There was no reply. "Leni, I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I should never have snapped at you like that. It's just, that stand used to be my mom's. It was the only piece I had left of her. But now, I'm sure she's looking down at me in disgust for treating you the way I did. I wanted to make it right, if you'll let me."
Still, there was no answer. Rita couldn't wait anymore. "Leni, please! Please! I'm sorry!" She opened the door only to find an empty room. And a piece of paper sitting on her bed. "What? Everyone!! Come quickly!!"
Everyone was soon in the bedroom as quick as a flash! "What is it??" Asked Lincoln. "Leni's gone! She left this note behind!" Cried Rita, feeling more guilty than ever.
Rita held up the note and read it aloud.
"Dear family.
I always had fun here. Getting to play with all of you and have adventures together. But, I guess everything isn't always as it seems. I've left so you guys will finally not have to be around someone like me. Someone who can't do anything right to save their life. I'd say I'd miss you all, but I'd be lying. If you're reading this mom, please tell Lincoln I'll miss him the most. He always had my back. I love him so much and I hope he goes on to do great things someday. I'll miss you Linky. And mom, remember when you told me you promised me that you'd always love me no matter how smart I am, you didn't have to lie. It would've hurt less.
Sincerely, Leni.
AKA: The Dumb Blonde.
Everyone's eyes filled with tears as they looked at Rita. Even the older sisters. "What have I done??" Cried Rita. Lincoln was feeling especially hurt. Leni had always been the closest sister to him next to Lily. And now, she had been forcefully taken away from him. "You did this." Said Lincoln, getting the attention of his family. "YOU ALL DID THIS!!" Screamed Lincoln. "Leni's gone and it's all your faults!! I always thought Leni was just as normal as all of us! I was the only one who stood by her! But I guess some people are too picky about who they call family!"
Everyone flinched at Lincoln's heartbroken yells. He then stomped out of the room and went downstairs. "Lincoln, where are you going?!" Asked Rita, surprised at the tone her son had taken with her. "I'm going to find my sister! And I want to make sure she's found by a family member who actually cares about her! She's out there all alone and who knows what could happen to her! I can't believe how shallow you all are! Did Leni's kindness and love mean nothing to you? Or was it her intelligence that really mattered? Ask yourselves that while I'm gone!"
And with a mighty force, Lincoln slammed the door, leaving his parents and his sisters alone. Pop Pop and Myrtle began to head out too. "We'll be looking for her too. And I don't want any of you trying to find her. You've done enough damage as it is. Thanks for the party." Added Pop Pop in disappointment.
The girls all split up to be alone, Lynn Sr went to the backyard to grieve, and Rita continued to stare at Leni's note. Her eyes focused on the sentence, "you promised me that you'd love me no matter how smart I am". Rita suddenly felt more guilt arrive just as a memory appeared in her mind.
Stay tuned for chapter 4!