The police soon arrived with Abby and Dot. They had seen everything on T.V at the police station and were thrilled to see that Lincoln and the others were ok.
The officers soon got Diane's truck out of the way and everyone inside the Mercado poured out to celebrate. "Way to go little loud!" Cried Bobby. "I gotta take a picture with you for my social media page!" Said Carlota. Lincoln's sister surrounded him in their signature group hug. "Excellent performance elder brother." Said Lisa. "You were like, so brave!" Cried Leni. "Wincoln! Wincoln hewo!" Babbled Lily. "You have GOT to teach me how to fight like that." Said Lynn. "I'm so proud of you little bro." Said Lori. Lincoln then saw Ronnie Anne trying to get through the crowd. Lincoln wriggled through and hugged Ronnie Anne tightly. "I'm not going anywhere." He said happily. Ronnie Anne smiled. Then she surprised everyone there by grabbing him by the collar and giving him a big kiss. The girls started squealing with excitement! "EEEEEEEEE!!!" "Feel better?" She asked with a smirk. "Gettin there." He sighed, completely lovestruck.
Just then, Maria came to him. "Let's get you inside. I want to take a look at your wounds." Lincoln knew that was definitely something he should have checked.
Upstairs, Rosa had started cooking some food for the Louds when Lincoln and Maria walked in. She pulled out some rubbing alcohol and warm water and began cleaning Lincoln's wounds. It stung a little, but Lincoln didn't complain. Soon, Lincoln's face wasn't covered in blood anymore. After Maria had bandaged his arms and face, Rosa brought him a plate of food. "After such an ordeal, you must be famished. Eat! Eat!"
While Lincoln ate, Maria spoke to him. "You're a very brave boy. Defending your family like that. It was incredible. I wish there were more people like you in this world." Lincoln smiled. "Thank you Ms. Santiago."
After Lincoln finished eating, he went back outside to find news crews interviewing the hostages. The sisters went upstairs for their examinations, and Lincoln watched happily as people celebrated. Lots of people thanked him. Sid, Adelaide, Margarita, the rest of the Casagrandes, Maybelle, Mr. Nakamura, Mr and Mrs. Chang, and more!
Abby was very pleased when the police said she could place Diane in the police cruiser. "You have NO idea how good this feels!" She said to Diane as she lead her to the car. Diane's face was red with embarrassment. "They'll never let me live this down in prison." Abby pushed Diane into the car and the Louds watched happily as it drove away.
After talking to the news anchors, and people wanting to thank them, the Louds prepared for the drive home. The Casagrandes gave them a heartfelt goodbye, and Ronnie Anne told them she was looking forward to seeing him again so they could do a "date night", and they turned to Abby.
Abby gave each of them a big hug. "Thank you all so much. I'll never forget what you've done for me." Said Abby. "You're the most wonderful kids I've ever met. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Lincoln then approached Dot and gave her a big hug. "I'm gonna miss you girl." He sighed. Abby rubbed Dot's back. "Don't worry. Dot's coming home with me. We can always visit if we're in town. That way you won't permanently have to say goodbye." Explained Abby.
Dot then happily gave Lincoln one last lick on his face. Lincoln followed his sisters into Vanzilla, Lori started the engine, and with one last wave goodbye, the Louds headed back to Royal Woods.
Three hours later, they finally arrived home. As they pulled into Franklin Avenue, Lori gasped. "Look!" She cried. The street had been decorated with banners and streamers and hundreds of people were waiting at their house! A large banner strung across the road read: Welcome Home Heroes!
As they pulled into the driveway, Lincoln saw two people he immediately recognized. "Mom! Dad!" The Kids jumped out of the van and into the arms of their parents. They had managed to get special flight being Lincoln's parents. "We're so proud of you kids! But, next time you want to go on an adventure, let us know first." Said Rita. Then they turned to Lincoln. "We saw how you defended your family. I've never seen you be so brave before. You're a true hero." Replied Lynn Sr.
Lincoln looked at the crowd of people and saw more people he knew. Mr. Grouse, Flip, Clyde, Stella, Rusty, Zach, Liam, Paige, Girl Jordan, Alice, Lainey, Shannon, Mandee, Fiona, Jackie, Miguel, Darcy, Meli, David, Francisco, Lance, Trent, Carol, it seemed like everyone was there!
Lincoln looked at his family and smiled. "It's good to be back." He sighed happily.
Stay tuned for chapter 37!