IX - Familiar

An atmosphere of exuberant noise and energy filled the skatepark. There were children, teenagers, and adults all over the place— some strolling around, and others running around. There were people skating down the ramps, across rails, over steps, around curves. The skate ramps were filled with skateboarders, but that was not the only place the skatepark had to offer. There was a large concrete rink nearby, where Lynn's roller derby team skated around in. Their boyfriends and a girlfriend were also in the area, trying to learn how to roller skate.

"Hey, guys!" shouted Lynn.

The roller derby team were giggling among each other. However, Lynn noticed that one person was missing. As she prepared to try to call her roller derby team again, she suddenly felt a lump in her throat. The thought of Margo being dead would not go away. The roller derby team was so happy, she did not want to come in there and remind them of Margo. Or even explain what happened to Francisco.

"I would ask if you want to play some basketball, but it seems like you want to skate around with them," said Paula. "Go ahead, I can't stop you."

"Nah," said Lynn. "I could ball right now."

She turned around and faced the basketball court in front of her. The sound of a basketball bouncing was now bouncing around her head, creating a smile on her face as she saw Mara and Diane dribbling around a ball with ease.

"Incredible!" gasped Lynn. "You guys got so much better!"

"We only had three years to warm up," said Paula. "Still feel like it wasn't enough time to get to your level."

"Oh, baby, it isn't."

"Hey, Lynn!" shouted a voice from the opposite side of the court. "Is that you?"

Lynn turned away from Mara and Diane and looked at an Afro-Latino boy her age. He had short black hair, wore a white-and-blue soccer jersey, blue shorts, white sneakers, and a small gold bracelet with his name engraved on it.

"That's Julian Rose," said Paula, "but we all call him—"

"It's been a while," said JuJu. "Exactly a year, I think."

"Still a long way from San Diego, aren't ya?" chuckled Lynn.

"What can I say? I always be finding myself in the strangest places."

"Alive, apparently."

"Dying just ain't my style."

Lynn giggled as she and JuJu slapped their palms together before pulling their fingers back, giving each other a dap.

"Wait, you two know each other?" asked Paula.

"We met each other at Houlton," said Lynn.

"...Houlton?"

"It's a long story. Seriously, way too long."

"Yup, way too long," agreed JuJu. "We can start with how the hell you are still alive. I saw you get shot and… die!"

"Dying ain't my style either. The bullet hit my shoulder. No big story to it. But what about you? How the hell did you get out alive?"

"I'll tell you… if you could beat me. Four on four."

JuJu dribbled the ball back to the court as Lynn smiled.

"Oh, you're on," said Lynn.

Luna hissed in pain as she walked along the street with crutches below her arm.

"How are you feeling?" asked Sam.

"Not too good," groaned Luna.

"We can head back home."

"Nah, it hurts more when I sit still. I need to move around— get my mind off of the pain."

"Should you even be walking?" asked Mazzy.

"Nothing's broken. My skin was just... grazed. By a really... big bullet."

"Gosh, Luna, I can't imagine what you went through," said Sully. "What exactly happened?"

"I... don't feel comfortable—"

"Oh, no, it's all right! It's cool, you don't have to talk about it."

Luna groaned softly as the group continued to walk along the street. Then, they came to a stop. She looked at the house that stood in front of them and turned towards Sam and Simon.

Their baby blue eyes stared soberly at the house as they saw people walk in and out. Luna, Sully, Mazzy, and the Sharps stood outside the Sharp residence, except that it was not the Sharp residence anymore. It was a house inhabited by other residents. One of the residents was walking out of the house and into the sidewalk when Sam addressed her.

"Pirvana? You live here?"

"Sam, right? I do. Look, sorry, I know this is your house but trust me, my family and I didn't have a say. And I would totally be up for moving if Oscar allows us to… but honestly… my family's already comfortable here."

"It's okay, Pirvana. It's your home now. Wouldn't be fair for me to ask you to move."

"Still… I feel bad."

"Don't," said Simon. "It's not our home anymore."

Pirvana nodded before walking back home. Simon sighed as he looked around the neighborhood. He then looked at the street signs by the intersection in the distance, seeing the words Sixth and Rembrandt.

"Well… that sucks," said Sully. "You can crash with Mazzy and I."

"Woah… you guys are a thing?" asked Luna.

"Nah, we're just roommates," said Mazzy. "We can live together like true bandmates."

Simon looked at a particular house at the end of the three-way intersection. He then turned around upon hearing footsteps approaching. Oscar approached the band, his hands in his pocket as he looked at Sam.

"Thinking about gettin' this house?" asked Oscar.

"No, people live here already. I might just stay at the Loud house for now."

"Any reason you wanted this house? Oh, wait a minute… this is Erik's home. You and Simon used to live here, didn't you?"

"Yeah. You knew my father?"

"I was his boss. He was one of the best damn workers Michigan Constructions ever had. He's a great man. Very hard-working. Very funny."

"Was," said Simon.

"He's not…?"

Sam shook her head softly. Oscar nodded softly as he looked at the house.

"You can have this house. I can move the Muslims out."

Sam gulped as she began to feel extremely uncomfortable with his tone.

"N-No, I'm good. Pirvana's family can stay here."

"You talked to one of them? Even got to know one of them? They made you feel bad for them?"

"I knew her from school. It's alright, Simon and I will just stay with Luna and the others."

"She's another girl you knew from school?"

Sam wrapped her arm around Luna's shoulders.

"She's my girlfriend," said Sam before kissing Luna on her forehead.

"Hey, easy there," said Oscar. "Don't do that here."

"What? Why?"

"P.D.A. ladies."

"What do you mean?" scoffed Sully. "Whitney and Roger are always making out and no one says anything."

"I'm saying that you two specifically… should not show intimacy in public."

"Us two?" said Luna. "Does this bother you?"

"Not me. Frankly, I don't care what you two do in your own bedroom. But people out here… they get uncomfortable. Real uncomfortable."

"Because we're girls?"

"I'm doing this for your own protection."

"We can handle ourselves, dude."

An older-looking heterosexual couple walked out of a house next to Pirvana's house, giving Luna and Sam disgusted glares.

"What's the holdup?" exclaimed the husband.

"Tell them faggots to not kiss in front of the children!" shouted the wife. "We don't need to see that kind of shit!"

Simon flinched softly and turned towards them, glaring angrily at them. Luna growled and began to storm towards their house. However, Sam held her back.

"Don't, don't," whispered Sam. "Not now."

"You best control yourself," said Oscar.

"Control herself?" scoffed Sam. "How about you tell them to leave us alone!"

Oscar turned around and faced the couple.

"Watch it with the slurs!" he shouted. "Just go! I got this handled."

The older couple shook their heads in disgust before slamming their door shut. Luna took a deep breath, relieving her anger. However, Simon was still angry as shown by his infrequent eye twitches. He was just really good at hiding it.

"So, what, we're not allowed to be ourselves in here anymore?" asked Sam.

"Most people aren't themselves in public. It is what it is."

"You could tell them to stop. Make it a rule for them to stop. You have the power as their leader, right?"

"Your leader too. Tension and confrontations are very stressful. Life becomes more difficult with too much conflict. The less conflict, the better. What I'm doing is for your own good, because I like you Sam. You and your brother. That's what my respect for your father earned his family. My respect to all of you."

"Thank you?"

"You're welcome. Now, go on. Don't let them ruin your day."

Oscar walked away, leaving Sam, Luna, Simon, Sully, and Mazzy standing on the sidewalk. They watched him disappear into the distance, though Luna took a glance at the older couple's house, seeing the older couple staring at them through their blinds. Luna licked her tongue and stuck her middle fingers out quickly before backing away. The older couple got angry and began shouting, though the windows muffled their voices.

"Let's go!" urged Luna.

The group began to move away quickly. Simon took a glance back, but not in the direction of the older couple's home. He looked at the particular house at the end of the three-way intersection, remembering what Tim said last night. Sixth and Rembrandt. He then turned around and continued to follow the group.

"Welp, now we know two homophobes live at Carol's place," said Sam. "Fuck 'em."

Clyde walked forward at a steady pace, feeling the breeze of the summer air. Lincoln was walking next to him, staring ahead blankly, lost in his thoughts. Both boys made a turn at an intersection and walked up to the northeast wall.

"Oh, no," whispered Clyde.

Lincoln zoned back into conscious awareness of his surroundings. He saw Clyde running towards the northeast wall and he followed him. Some of the passersby glanced at the boys.

"No!" yelled Clyde.

"What is it, Clyde?" asked Lincoln.

"They said one block north and south of Franklin! They shut out my house!"

Lincoln looked as the walls did indeed go around the McBrides' house, keeping it outside the community. Clyde groaned out of frustration. He walked up to one of the walls and slammed his fists on it.

"Hey, Clyde, it's okay," said Lincoln. "You're always welcome to stay in my room."

"It really isn't. Look, it took them an extra wall to go around my house. Why would they just go around my house? I wanna know!"

"Just take a deep breath. It's alright, we'll talk to Oscar— see if he's up to giving this house back to you. Look on the bright side, no one took this house!"

"Maybe… it was meant to be this way," said Clyde, calming down. "I have to stay strong."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm strong now because I don't depend on my dads. They made me weak. So, maybe this is meant to be. I can't depend on their house."

"I disagree. And I think deep inside, you disagree too. You want the house for their memories, not because you depend on them. But you won't cheat your grief… you'll come back home. We just have to ask Oscar to expand."

"I just miss them a lot."

"I do too, Clyde. I do too."

"Well, if it isn't Clyde and his boyfriend," said Chandler, who was approaching them from the intersection. "Where's Lynn and Ronnie Anne? Hooking up with each other?"

Lincoln and Clyde turned around, seeing Chandler, Stella, and their group of friends.

"That would be hot," said Trent.

"Leave them alone, Chandler!" said Stella.

"Yeah, c'mon, guys, don't be gross," said Girl Jordan.

"I don't think you guys understand," said Chandler. "I was getting chased by one of those dead pricks back at the school back when the outbreak hit us. Their gang of friends watched as I fell, being left completely vulnerable to the dead prick. And you know what they did? They ran away like cowards, leaving me there to die. It was only Stella who went in and saved me. I'll always love her for that."

"You can't really blame them for running," said Stella. "People were scared."

"You weren't. I can definitely blame them. I even remember what that little orange bowl-haired hillbilly said. 'Leave that schmuck. He ain't worth our lives.'"

Lincoln and Clyde continued to stare at Chandler.

"You guys look so surprised! Didn't think Liam had it in him to abandon people? Nor Rusty? Nor that freak Zach? By the way… I noticed they're not here. Good."

"I should kick your ass for saying that," said Clyde.

"With those flabby legs? I've seen you in gym class. Those feet can't kick for shit."

"Want me to show you?"

"Are you threatening me, Clyde?"

"Hey, dude, just calm down," said Girl Jordan.

Chandler kicked Clyde's left foot and immediately felt a surge of pain flow to his toes.

"Ah, what the hell?" yelled Chandler.

"Chandler, what are you doing?" gasped Stella.

"He threatened me! But damn… those are some strong bones."

"Must be muscular from all that walking," said Chloe. "Right, Clyde?"

"No, it felt way too boney," said Chandler, groaning in pain.

"Don't think I can kick your ass now?"

"What's going on here?" asked Oscar, approaching the group. "Did I just hear you threatening to kick him?"

"He tried to hit me," said Clyde.

"He's picking on him," said Mollie.

"He threatened me first!" said Chandler.

"Jesus Christ, you're teenagers, not six-year-olds. Stop fighting. Just go."

"Go where?" asked Girl Jordan.

"Somewhere where all you all leave each other alone."

"Let's just go, guys," said Richie.

Chandler scoffed before limping away. Chloe looked at Clyde with amazement while Stella mouthed a 'thank you' at Clyde. They followed their boyfriends as they walked away. Girl Jordan was the only one who stayed.

"Hey, Oscar, before you go, I have a question to ask," said Lincoln.

"What is it, kid?" sighed Oscar.

"Clyde and I have a slight issue with the way this wall is positioned. You see, the house behind this section of the wall belongs to my good friend here. If you would be so kind to expand outwards a bit to include the house into the community, that would be—"

"No. First the farmlands and now this? Stop asking about expansion. It's getting annoying."

"It's just a house."

"Right. All that work, for just a house. There are more than a hundred others. Pick one."

Oscar then walked away, rubbing his forehead while Lincoln gritted his teeth in anger. Clyde scoffed as he shook his head, feeling irritated by Oscar's attitude.

"I know right?" said Girl Jordan. "The guy's a real piece of work. Which is ironic because he doesn't work."

"Yeah. Now I can see why people don't like him," said Clyde.

"Yeah. He didn't even scold Chandler for kicking you. Which, by the way, you handled pretty well!"

"Thank my metal leg."

"You have a metal leg? Dang, the amputation must have hurt. Tell me more. Wait— you guys aren't going to do anything important right now, right?"

"Not really," said Lincoln.

"Cool! I'm going to hang out with you two for a bit, then. You're pretty much the only boys I like. Platonically, of course. I just can't stand Chandler and his friends."

"Right? What a bunch of jerks," said Clyde. "You gotta tell us what Chloe sees in Richie. And Mollie. In Trent. And Stella and Chandler."

"Of course. Then, you show me the metal leg after."

"Deal."

Lincoln smiled softly as he began to walk away from the northeastern wall with Clyde and Girl Jordan. However, before he left, his smile completely snapped away as he looked down at a manhole cover in the ground. He knelt down softly and lifted the manhole cover up, finding stairs that led down to the sewers. He closed the manhole.

"What are you doing?" asked Girl Jordan.

"Oh, uh… umm… just tying my shoes," said Lincoln as he stood up. "See? All tied up."

Girl Jordan scoffed as she rolled her eyes, feeling amused by Lincoln's awkward antics.

"Three years later and you're still Lincoln Loud."

The American flag in front of the City Hall building waved around slowly as Becky's family and friends walked with her to the building. Mr. Rhonda opened the door, letting out a wind of cool air. Tucker ran inside while Roger and Will stopped at their tracks.

"I should get back," said Roger. "I don't know what Whitney would say if I hung out with Carol Pingrey for too long. No offense, Carol."

"So that's my reputation here," said Carol. "A boyfriend-stealer."

"We're still cool, right?"

"Yes, we're still cool."

"Alright, awesome. Let's go, Will."

"Catch ya' later," said Will as he walked away.

Carol and Becky walked inside the building. Becky saw her little brother running down to the basement, as Mr. Rhonda waved hello to Schoffner, who was reading a book. Then, Fiona and Miguel came out of the kitchen, coffee in hand.

"Oh, there you are," said Fiona as she walked up to Mr. Rhonda. "Oscar wants you to survey the farm."

"Really?" groaned Mr. Rhonda. "There's no one else that can do it?"

"No one else is available."

"Alright. I'll take care of it. Becky, I'm sorry. Pool time is gonna have to wait."

"What's so important about surveying a farm?" asked Becky.

"It's hard to explain. Play some pool with your brother. Start warming up, I'll be back in about a half-hour."

"Okay," said Becky, watching Mr. Rhonda leave the building.

"I guess we're playing pool without your dad," said Carol.

Suddenly, they heard chattering coming from upstairs. Becky reached for her pistol, until she saw two teenage girls in revealing clothing walking down the stairs. Becky recognized them as Jackie and Mandee.

"Becky, weird seeing you here," said Jackie.

"I bet Mr. Rhonda is stocked to have her daughter back," said Mandee.

"What are you two here for?" asked Becky.

"Oh, you don't know?" said Fiona. "They serve as Oscar's sluts."

"You guys can leave now," said Jackie.

"Oh, we will," said Fiona. "Becky, thank you."

"For what?" asked Becky.

"We asked Jane about your interview, specifically anytime you mentioned Leni. You cared a lot about her, and you really did try to protect her. I know we got off the wrong foot, but… thank you for caring about our friend."

Becky nodded softly before lowering her head, feeling a sense of disappointment inside her. Carol then faced Fiona.

"Were you talking about Liam's farm earlier?" asked Carol.

"Yeah."

Fiona and Miguel walked away, leaving the building while Jackie and Mandee approached Becky and Carol.

"Wait, what happened to Leni?" asked Jackie.

"She was murdered," Becky said coldly.

Jackie and Mandee were shocked. Their polite smiles were turned into broken frowns. Becky looked to the side as Carol sought to change the topic.

"So… what do you two do exactly?" asked Carol.

"We're basically hostesses," said Mandee. "Sometimes maids. Maybe servants."

"If you're invited here, then we serve you guys," said Jackie. "Want a cup of coffee? We can get you that. Want a massage? We could also give you that."

"What's with the… skimpy clothing?" asked Becky.

"It's our uniform."

"I'm still confused. This isn't a restaurant."

"Think Playboy Mansion," said Schoffner, keeping her eyes on her book.

"Yeah… basically," said Jackie. "So… anything we can help you with?"

"The pool's table downstairs, right?" asked Becky.

"Yeah."

"Follow us."

Becky, Carol, Jackie, and Mandee walked downstairs where Tucker was setting up the billiard balls on the pool table.

"What does Oscar want with Liam's farm?" asked Becky.

"I'm not sure, but I did hear him complain about a boy who asked about the farm," replied Jackie. "Something about… expansion. Let me tell you, he absolutely hates the idea of expansion."

"You know, I heard Oscar complain like this before but about a different farm," said Mandee. "I've been listening to some of the gossip, and from what I've heard, the farm was burned down and it was basically unusable."

"Really?" gasped Carol. "Why would Oscar want to burn down farmland?"

"I mean, we don't really know if he was the one who burnt down the farm. It could just be a coincidence."

"Why doesn't he like expanding?" asked Becky.

"After the walls were up, some people wanted to expand so that more homes could be included into the community. Other homes had sentimental value, I suppose. But with every attempt at expansion, people died."

"Roamers?"

"Yeah. You call them roamers too? I thought Tim coined that term."

"He did. We use it because of him," said Carol.

"If expansion was so dangerous…" wondered Becky, "and if the burning of the farm wasn't coincidental… then why wouldn't he just burn all the farms? Why leave Liam's farm alone?"

"I don't know," said Jackie. "Must be something special about his farm."

"Where's Dad?" asked Tucker.

"At a farm," said Becky.

"What's he doing in a farm?"

"No idea. You got the pool table ready? Awesome."

Becky grabbed a cue stick and looked to the side, her thoughts all scrambled again. She didn't know what to make of this. But something felt very off.

The sun was setting while the town plaza became active again. The lamps in the town center, which were powered by small solar panels attached to them, began to turn on. People were chatting while they were eating their dinner, some of it prepared by Ms. Carmichael. It seemed even livelier than the morning, with some people playing bingo by the pool, others playing board and card games, and some just laughing louder.

"You remember JuJu, right?" asked Lynn.

"Of course, how are you doing?" gasped Lincoln. "Man, how did you get out of Houlton?"

"Luck was just on my side," said JuJu.

"Nonsense," said Clyde. "You're a survivor. We've all seen it. It was all you."

"I mean, I don't wanna brag but… yeah, I guess it was all me, right?"

"Table seems full," said Lynn, looking around Lincoln's table.

"We could sit with your friends over there."

"Yeah, sounds good. Clyde, imma' go sit over there."

"Have fun," said Clyde.

Lynn ran towards her friends' table while Clyde returned to the conversation in his table. However, Ronnie Anne was looking at the entrance to the town plaza while the rest of the table were talking amongst each other.

"No, seriously, a rat took my favorite bow!" said Girl Jordan.

"No way!" giggled Stella. "School really did seem fun!"

"Principal Wilbur was unbearable though," said Mollie.

"You can say that again," said Trent. "One time, he gave me detention because I called him by his first name."

"Yeah, he was really lame," said Richie.

"Don't forget about Coach Potawski," said Chloe. "Ugh, he was the worst."

"I know, right?" said Girl Jordan. "I mean, barbed wire? What the hell?"

"I used to hate barbed wire too," said Clyde. "But then I found out how easily the roamers get stuck in them."

"Oh, look, someone's starting to use our slang. Roamers."

"My group's been using that word for a long time now."

Lincoln approached Ronnie Anne from behind. He placed his hands on her shoulder, causing her to flinch.

"Oh, were you daydreaming?" asked Lincoln.

"No, I'm just waiting for my mom to come in," said Ronnie Anne. "What's up?"

"I'm gonna head home now. I'm a little tired."

"You're not gonna eat?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Okay. Goodnight."

"I love you," said Lincoln as he smooched Ronnie Anne.

"I love you too. Don't let the bedbugs bite."

Clyde watched Lincoln walk away from the town plaza, wondering where he was really going. As far as he knew, Lincoln was not actually tired. He then turned his head towards Lynn's table. He saw Lynn and JuJu laughing together, louder than the others in their table. Lynn was brushing her hair behind her ears frequently, making Clyde feel uneasy as he grew suspicious of JuJu.

Meanwhile, Benny was telling Luan a joke about bowling balls when Ruby, Shannon, and Rex joined them. Luan eyed her friends as they sat down, specifically Rex, or at least, that's what Benny saw.

"Hey, guys," greeted Ruby. "I have an idea. What if we start, like, our own theater club? You know, like, get some people and act out a play. How does that sound?"

"Sounds like a great idea," said Benny. "Maybe Romeo and Juliet."

"Like in school?" asked Shannon

"Like in school."

"The roles of Romeo and Juliet obviously go to Benny and Luan," said Ruby. "Maybe I can be Luan's understudy. I have been practicing Juliet's lines, like, for a while now."

"And I could be the understudy for Benny," said Rex. "But umm, I'm sure Benny wouldn't feel comfortable with that. Even though it's just acting."

"Don't be silly," said Luan. "Of course Benny is comfortable with it. He knows that the whole kiss thing is just acting. It's not like it means anything off-stage. Right, Benny?"

"Right. But for the sake of acting, it definitely feels much more powerful when it comes from two people who truly love each other. I mean, look at this."

Benny palmed one of Luan's cheeks and pulled her face closer before kissing her softly. Ruby rolled her eyes while Shannon gushed joyfully. Rex licked the roof of his mouth smugly before biting into his sandwich.

"Eww," said Lana.

Luan and Benny turned towards Lana, who was standing next to the table with Lily. Both of them were holding a lollipop in their hands, and both of them were staring at the couple intensely.

"Take a picture, Lana, it'll last longer," said Luan.

"That's a great idea!" said Benny. "We could take a picture together. I mean, what better memory can we make?"

"Sure… but Carol's Polaroid is all fracked out. Where would we be able to take a picture?"

Benny looked around and found Jane sitting at a table with Oscar and Melissa, eating her sandwich while looking over some of the pictures she took of Royal Woods. Benny grabbed Luan's hand and walked over to Jane, tapping on her shoulder. Jane turned around quickly while gulping the piece of food she was chewing.

"Hi."

"Hey. It's Princess Jane, right?" asked Benny.

"Y-You don't have to call me that," said Jane, blushing as she felt her heart beating faster. "J-Jane is fine."

"Well, Jane… I don't suppose you take pictures of people, right?"

"I do. Y-You want me to take a picture of you?"

"Me and her."

"Sure thing. Umm… you two can sit here… and I'll just… put some film in here."

Luan and Benny looked at each other, Benny smiling with a lot more enthusiasm than his girlfriend. Jane raised her Polaroid camera and pointed it at the couple, who were now kissing. She snapped a picture of them, before lowering her camera, grabbing the film that ejected out of the Polaroid. She placed it inside her pocket as Luan and Benny released each other's lips.

"I'm gonna let it develop," said Jane. "Benny… right?"

"Yeah."

"Mind if I take a picture of you?"

"Not at all. But uh… why?"

"Umm… y-your body looks very… well-defined. C-Certainly from your days of being out there… in the wild. N-Not every day we get outsiders. People as fit as you… aren't as common. And your face… it looks…"

Jane stammered as she glanced at Luan, who appeared to be suspicious of her.

"...looks good. Photogenic."

"Haha, I see. I don't mind. Go ahead."

"What about me?" asked Luan.

"I mean… you're a little too… thin," said Jane. "N-No offense. I mean— I'm a little skinny myself too. All the running around… you know?"

"Right."

"Anyways— smile Benny."

Jane raised her camera as Benny smiled.

"I would make a camera joke…" said Benny as Jane snapped a picture, "...but I couldn't picture it."

Jane laughed as she lowered the camera. She grabbed the film as she continued laughing with Benny joining in. Luan laughed awkwardly before Jane handed her the first picture she took. Melissa giggled softly as well as Oscar grinned.

"Let's go, Benny," said Luan, grabbing her boyfriend's hand.

"Bye, Jane," said Benny.

"Bye, Benny," smiled Jane before turning towards Oscar and Melissa. "Wow, I really like it here."

As Luan and Benny headed back to their table, Luna glared at Oscar and Melissa with the corner of her eye, biting into her sandwich with contempt.

"Did you see that?" asked Luna.

"See what?" asked Sam.

"Luan and Benny just kissed in front of Oscar, and he didn't say shit."

"We can always kiss at home," said Sam.

"We shouldn't have to be restricted to that. Royal Woods has always been a safe space. Why the sudden change?"

"All the conservatives from Hazeltucky, Beaverton, and even upper Royal Woods moved here," said Mazzy. "That's what happened."

"They brought weapons with 'em," said Sully. "That's why Oscar wants to appeal to those homophobes— he wants them to stay so this place could stay 'safe'."

"Such bullshit," said Luna. "Man, I hate him."

"I wonder how he and my dad got along," said Sam.

"What is he doing now?"

Sam turned around and saw Oscar holding a bullhorn while standing on top of the table. Jane looked around as she saw many people looking at her direction. She stood up and walked away, hiding under the shade of another patio umbrella from a different table. Oscar held the bullhorn close to his mouth as he began to make an announcement.

"May I have your attention, everybody? Good. I got an announcement to make. As you all know, tomorrow marks the 1000th day since the walls were finished here in Royal Woods!"

The residents all applauded and cheered while Lori looked around, watching her friends clap. She even saw Bobby joining in, seeing his eyes gleam with happiness. Her hands remained still on top of her lap.

"Haha, all right, settle down, settle down. So, lately, I've been hearing some rumors going around, saying that we might have a party. I don't know where people got this idea that we're gonna have some sort of grand party from my home all the way to the town plaza… but I'm here to tell you… that it's true! We're having a party tomorrow!"

The residents applauded loudly, causing Lori to feel uneasy.

"People from all the other communities are coming over. Luckily, we got many, many more chairs and tables just sitting around in the church. Tomorrow, there will be no curfew. Feel free to let loose and have fun. Wear your best dress… or not. It's up to you. No such thing as getting overdressed. If you have any questions, ask me, my wife, Jackie, Mandee, or anyone in the party-planning committee."

Oscar stepped down from the table as the residents continued to cheer. Once the applause faded, they talked excitedly among each other. Melissa clapped softly.

"Very good, Oscar," she said.

"I forgot to mention the beer, didn't I?" he asked.

"They'll know there's beer."

"Except… there isn't any. I mean, I got Cal looking around for beer. But what if he comes back with nothing?"

"We could ask Mayor Buchanan to bring some. I mean, he's got a whole refinery, right?"

"I don't want to be indebted to him. It's fine. Cal will find some. In fact… Clancy and I are going to meet up with him very soon."

Lori looked at Oscar in the distance as her friends were chattering excitedly. She turned towards Bobby, who looked back at her.

"What's wrong?" asked Bobby.

"None of this feels real," answered Lori.

"What do you mean ? Everything feels pretty real to me."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I mean, I get it, it's been a long time since we've been this happy. And that happiness never lasted. But for the first time ever… I feel hopeful. I truly think we're in a good place now."

"It feels like I'm in a different world. I mean… parties? Have any of these people even gone beyond the walls? What is there to celebrate?"

"We're celebrating a place where not everyone has to risk their life out there. It's safe in here. That should be a good thing… or are we not on the same page?"

"If people don't know what it's like out there… then it is not safe in here."

Bobby remained silent as grew aware of what Lori meant. He looked at Becky and her father talking in the distance.

"You're going to the farm again, aren't you?" asked Becky.

"It's part of my job," said Mr. Rhonda.

"Are you going to burn down the farm?"

"No. Why do you care? What's so special about the Hunicutts?"

"One of them died trying to look for me. So, yeah, maybe I don't want someone to burn down his farm."

"I'm not burning the goddamn farm!"

Mr. Rhonda took a deep breath and quickly collected himself as Becky fell into bitter silence.

"I'm sorry, Becky. But please… I need you to stop asking so many questions. Maybe asking questions kept you alive out there… but it's only going to get you in trouble in here. Sun's setting. Your mother's shift is ending. Accompany her home. I'll see you tomorrow in the morning."

Mr. Rhonda walked away as Becky crossed her arms, feeling her bitterness turn into anger as intrusive thoughts raced around her head. Bobby looked away from her and instead, turned towards his little sister, who was walking towards the fences where Tim and Vonda stood.

"Hey!" exclaimed Ronnie Anne, catching Tim's attention. "Where's my mom?"

"She should be on her way here," said Tim.

"Stop lying to me! You said that yesterday, you said that this morning, and you're saying it now— yet, she's not here! How long of a drive is it from wherever the hell she is to here?"

"I know you're worried sick about her, but—"

"Worried sick? I was up all night! I don't even feel tired because I'm starting to think she isn't really here! I think you're bullshitting me and Bobby!"

"Get off his back," said Vonda. "Have some faith for once!"

"Oh, that's funny. The girl who accepted that her dad was dead is telling me to have some faith."

"What the hell's your problem?"

"Girls, stop it," scolded Tim. "Stop it, now!"

"Look, if she's dead… then please tell me," said Ronnie Anne, tearing up. "I don't want to spend my whole life wondering whether she's coming back or not. I don't want to have to go out there and look for her, only to find out she's dead! And I swear if she's dead—"

"Ronnie!" exclaimed Vonda.

"What?!"

"Turn around," said Vonda. "Your mom's here."

Ronnie Anne turned around, seeing Cyrus walking to the town plaza entrance with a Hispanic woman next to him. The woman was looking around the town plaza, trying to make out two specific faces out of hundreds. Next to the woman was a small boy with orange hair, looking at Ronnie Anne.

"Tia? Is that her?" asked the boy.

Tears rolled out of Ronnie Anne's eyes as her lips burst into a wide smile. The woman turned around and looked at Tim's eyes before looking down at the teenage girl next to him. She gasped softly before running up to her. Ronnie Anne did the same and ran up to her mother.

"Mama!" exclaimed Ronnie Anne.

"Ronalda!" sniffled Maria.

Maria and Ronnie Anne hugged each other tightly, with Ronnie Anne being almost as tall as her mother. Bobby stood up from his table and quickly ran towards the fence as Lori watched, feeling her heart beating with excitement. She then followed him, though walking a lot more slowly. Bobby joined in, wrapping his arms around his mother as the residents began to applaud once more. Tim and Vonda looked at each other, not being able to resist forming a smile on their faces.

Oscar lifted his bullhorn once more.

"This really is the happiest place in the world," he said.

Maria wiped her tears as she let go of her children. She turned towards her nephew.

"Carlitos… meet your cousins, Bobby and Ronnie Anne."

"Come 'ere, Carlitos!" said Ronnie Anne as she knelt down, opening up her arms.

However, Carlitos shied away from Ronnie Anne, going behind Maria. Ronnie Anne stood up, looking at a brunette woman in a purple leather vest.

"Your cousin seems a little shy," said the woman.

Maria chuckled before she hugged Tim tightly. Ronnie Anne looked up, feeling like she would explode with joy.

"Wait, you look familiar," said Bobby.

"I should look familiar. Your group interrogated me for a whole night. 'Specially George."

"You're that Piranha we left alive!" gasped Lori.

"My friends call me Bruna. Go ahead, reunite with your boyfriend's mother. We'll have a talk later."

"As much as I would love to stay, I got my own shit to do," said Cyrus. "I just hope you three little piggies are more entertaining than the food line. Auf wiedersehen, schweinehunds. Toodles."

Cyrus turned around and began to walk away, passing Benny along the way. As he passed him, he quickly leaned forward to slap Benny's crotch area, causing Benny to flinch. Benny then grunted irritably.

"You left it wide open, man," chuckled Cyrus, walking away.

Tim released Maria and then went on to give Bruna a quick hug. Maria turned towards Lori, before smiling excitedly at Bobby.

"Look at your amazing and beautiful novia!" said Maria.

"Actually…" said Bobby, lifting up his left hand to show off the ring in his finger, "...she's my wife."

"Oh my goodness!" laughed Maria. "Come here, mija."

Maria hugged Lori, sniffling to keep her tears back as Lori quickly felt a comfort that she has not felt in a long time. She was not feeling the hug of a stranger, but rather, the comfort of a maternal figure that she has not felt in a long time. And in the corner of her eye, she saw Becky leaving the town plaza, not to join her and Bobby and Ronnie Anne. Becky was headed for the exit.

Maria then released Lori and looked straight ahead at Vonda.

"This is my daughter, Vonda," said Tim.

"Nice to meet you, Vonda," said Maria, hugging Vonda.

"Nice to meet you too… umm… Ms. Santiago," said Vonda, getting slightly embarrassed by the sudden affection.

"Call me Maria."

Lori looked at Bruna, seeing the Piranha tattoo still marked into her back neck. Bruna then turned towards Lori.

"I know," said Bruna. "But I'm not that person anymore. And I have you to thank for that."

"We killed all the Piranhas. And yet… you thank us?"

"Like I said… I'm not that person anymore. Tattoo's a son of a bitch to remove. But if I could… I'd remove it in a heartbeat."

Lori nodded softly before looking at Oscar, who was leaving the town center. Maria, Ronnie Anne, and Bobby could be heard chattering in the back, but their voices faded away as she focused on Oscar, wondering where he was going.

The sun was setting, the red-orange light illuminating the sky above Becky as she walked up to the gate. She looked at the wooden guard post, seeing no one there. She unlatched the gate and pushed them open before turning around, seeing Oscar standing next to the City Hall building in the middle of the intersection. Becky stared straight ahead before walking away, leaving the gate open. Oscar growled out of frustration before walking back to the town center, where he almost pushed into Lori.

"Just who I was looking for," said Oscar. "Follow me."

Oscar and Lori began walking towards the gate.

"What's going on?" asked Lori.

"Your friend— the redheaded one, and I'm not talking about Tim's daughter— left Royal Woods past curfew. Without asking a guard."

"When does curfew start?"

"Sunset. Always at sunset. You should know that."

"No one really told us."

"I'm telling you now. Look, I need you to haul ass and retrieve your friend. You've been here for not even a day, and your group has already caused a lot of trouble. I have rules and your group needs to respect them. Your group's got opinions? Take it to City Hall— I can't have your people blatantly disrespect my rules. And if your people don't like my rules… and they disrespect my rules like your friend here… then they can leave. And if they don't leave… I'll make sure they do."

"You'll kick us out of our home?"

"Wouldn't be the first time," warned Oscar as he and Lori arrived at the gate. "It's my home too. Go. Get your friend."

"Where are you going?"

"I got places to be. Worry about your friend."

"You know where she went?"

"Hell if I know."

Oscar and Lori walked out of Royal Woods before the former closed the gate, latching it from the other side. Lori watched as Oscar walked along the street outside the walls, heading for a car that was parked near the entrance of Ketcham Park. There stood Mr. Rhonda, placing MRE packets into the back trunk of the car. She looked away as she began to wonder where Becky could be.