As the weeks passed, Lincoln continued to get better. His friends and family visited as often as they could. Clyde brought Lincoln new comics and his walkie talkie so he could be in contact with him again.
At home, Lisa worked hard to build Lincoln's new leg. She used photos and documents from other prosthetics to see how she could improve the design. She even pushed aside her usual experiments to make more time for helping her brother.
At school, things had changed a bit. With Bolhofner now in prison, all the students from his classes had to change teachers. Grace ended up being with Clyde and the gang with Mrs. Salter.
Principal Ramirez had held an assembly to tell everyone that though he had been seriously injured, Lincoln was on his way to recovery.
As they left, Stella suddenly saw Chandler snickering with a girl he had never seen before. She had black hair and freckles, wore a navy blue tank top with brown shorts, and wore basketball shoes.
Stella approached the two. "Hey. You finding this funny?" She asked in an annoyed tone.
"What's it to you, Lady Longlegs?" Retorted Chandler. "Don't talk to my boyfriend like that, Geek Girl!" Added the new girl.
Stella was still agitated. "And you are?" She asked. "Ashley. Ash for short. I just transferred here last week. But I guess you and your group of nerds were too busy moping about this little clown who's getting all this attention to notice." Replied Ash.
"His name is Lincoln!" Shouted Clyde. "And he's my best friend and nobody talks about him that way!" But Chandler and Ash didn't care. "If you don't like what we have to say, you don't have to stay here." And they laughed some more. "C'mon guys. They ain't worth it." Said Liam.
After school, the gang boarded the bus to head back home. When they got to Clyde's house, they were surprised to find Lisa waiting there.
"Lisa? What are you doing here?" Asked Clyde. "I apologize for the abrupt appearance, but I'm pleased to announce that Lincoln's new prosthetic leg has been completed." Replied Lisa. Everyone was very pleased. "That's great!" Cried Zach. Do your parents know?" "Oh yes. We're just waiting for the doctor to let us know if Lincoln's is healed enough for us the attach the leg. But I knew I'd better inform you four as well."
At that moment, Lisa's phone buzzed. She saw it was Rita. "Hello? Really? That's splendid! I'll let them know right now." Lisa hung up and turned to Lincoln's friends.
My female parental unit has just told that Dr. Ralph called to say that Lincoln's leg has healed very well. We can give him the prosthetic today!"
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!!" Cried Clyde.
At the hospital, Lincoln was still sitting in bed. His arms had healed and his back was feeling much better. But he was still upset about his leg. Just then, Dr. Ralph walked in.
"Hey kiddo, how you feeling today?" "A lot better, thank you. I'm just, still trying to wrap my head around this. He said, looking at what was left of his leg. Ralph bent down to be at Lincoln's height. "I'm really sorry Lincoln. But, I think I know something that may cheer you up." He opened the door and in stepped Lincoln's family and friends. Lincoln noticed right away that Lynn Sr was holding something behind his back. "Hi guys. Uh, what's behind your back Dad?" He asked.
Lisa then stepped forward. "Dear brother. Today is the day you can finally come home." Lynn Sr then pulled out what he was hiding for Lincoln to see. It was a very well built prosthetic leg with a design similar to limbs used in running sports. The curved foot was bright red.
Lincoln was surprised. "You ready?" Asked Ralph. Lincoln looked at him for a minute, then at his family, and then nodded.
After Lincoln had gotten dressed in his usual clothes, he sat down in a chair so Lisa could attach the new leg. "It's designed with a powerful locking system, so it'll stay on no matter how much you move." She explained. Lincoln did like the sound of that. Lisa moved the base of the limb over Lincoln's leg and with a few clicking sounds, the new prosthetic leg was connected to Lincoln. "Thanks Lisa." He said with a little smile. "Anytime elder brother." Replied Lisa.
"Do you want to try walking sweetie?" Asked Rita. Lincoln nodded. He slowly pushed himself up and wobbly stood upright. He hadn't gotten up in three and a half weeks so his body was trying to get used to walking again. Lincoln felt very sore on his left side and when he took a step, he grunted in pain as he lost balance. Luckily, Luna caught him and helped him back into the chair.
Ralph spoke next. "I had a feeling this might happen." He turned to Lincoln's parents. "Lincoln will need to go to physical therapy to help him get used to his new leg. The exercises they provide will help him quickly get his strength back. Then he'll be able to move around without any problems."
Rita had heard about this sort of treatment and knew it was the best thing for Lincoln right now.
"Of course. Is there a place like that here?" Sh asked. "Oh absolutely. There's a center just north of the mall. I have a friend who's a coach there. Ava Zimmer. She's great with kids and is the best coach they've had there. I'll give her a call and let her know that Lincoln will be attending." Replied Ralph. "That'd be great. Thank you so much." Said Lynn Sr. "You ready to come home sport?" He asked Lincoln. "Yeah!" Said Lincoln happily. "Before you go, I want you to use this." Ralph handed Lincoln a cane. "This'll help until you're able to walk on your own again. I hope you get better soon." "Thanks Dr. Ralph. You're the best."
Lincoln limped out of the hospital and before getting into Vanzilla, said goodbye to his friends. "I'll see you at school tomorrow!" He called as he climbed into the family van.
When they got home, Lincoln sat in his room. He felt relieved to be back. He almost thought he'd never see it again. Suddenly, his laptop made a 'bing' as he saw an incoming video chat from Lori.
When Lincoln opened it, Lori smiled. "Hey Lincoln!" "Hey Lori." "I'm literally so happy to see you're back at home. I'm really sorry I couldn't visit you. School's really demanding here." "That's ok. How's Bobby?" "He's good. He asked me to let him know how you're doing. Ronnie Anne's been wanting to call you too. But I heard your phone's being fixed?" She asked. "Yeah, screen broke when I landed. Mom's gonna pick it up for me tonight. Surprisingly, that was the only damage it got." Replied Lincoln.
Lincoln then told Lori about his new prosthetic leg. "It's nothing to be ashamed of Lincoln. I have a few classmates here who have prosthetic limbs. Some arms and some legs. They're some of the best golfers I've ever seen!" Said Lori. "I'm just worried about what everyone's gonna say. Especially Chandler."
Lori frowned. She knew how it felt to be judged by people. "Don't let other people get to you. No matter what you'll always be Lincoln Loud. My brother."
"Lincoln! Dinner's ready!" Called Lynn Sr.
"Sorry Lori, I gotta go." "It's ok. I hope I can visit soon. I love you little bro." Said Lori. "I love you too Lori." Lincoln closed the chat and then limped downstairs.
Stay tuned for chapter 5!