Disclaimer: The Loud House and associated characters belong to Nickelodeon and Chris Savino.

guest: Lana gives her reasons to Lola in chapter 13 and decides to find a balance instead of going all out.

When it Rains, it Pours

By Lola Presents

Chapter 14

"...this is something that Lola has worked years to achieve and is an unprecedented opportunity for her. So, after discussing it, we have decided to accommodate her."

All things considered, there was no logical argument for moving, and for the most part, the children relaxed upon their father's initial decree. However, once he indicated an exception was in order, their faces paled, and their hearts sank.

Royal Woods was their home, and each had a whole host of friends there, not to mention places to work, go to school, and participate in team activities. When they heard the decision, they erupted into arguments.

"Dad!" cried Leni. "How could you make us move, just like that?! I have a job and friends here!"

"Yeah," agreed Lucy. "Who will greet all the newcomers at the local cemetery now?"

"No move!" wailed Lily, clenching her tiny fists.

"Now, before you all panic," Lynn interjected, waving them down. "I can't very well pick the restaurant up and move it either, so I'll be staying here with the lot of you. Your mother, who has also been looking for a chance to market her novels, will be, temporarily, moving to New Jersey with Lola," Lynn explained to the mass of gawking faces. "It's less expensive than New York and just across the bay. That way, nobody has to move who doesn't want to. Everybody wins."

"That's excellent news!" exclaimed Mary, over the din of the sibling's questions. "I'll get started on the paperwork immediately. In the meantime, here's my card," she added before excusing herself and leaving. "I'll get back in touch soon!"

The house had become cacophonous with elevated banter, and neither Lynn nor Rita could hear themselves think. "QUIET!" ordered their mother, and everyone fell silent.

"Wait!" screeched Lola. "Don't I get a say in this?"

The girl's parents looked at her oddly. "But, isn't this what you wanted, honey?" asked Rita, very confused that Lola would be asking such a question.

"Well, yes," sighed Lola, rubbing one arm with the other. "But..." she added, gazing longingly at Lincoln. "What abou-uuuh..."

Lola's words got cut short as Lincoln grabbed her by the arm and pulled her toward the kitchen. "Excuse us," he said, "but I need to have a word with Lola in private."

"Lola?" Lincoln whispered a moment later, standing by the back door. "What are you doing?"

"I don't know," Lola admitted, nervously fidgeting. "Dad's right, this is something I've waited a long time for, but I also wanted to play games with you and make a streaming channel. And, if I move away, even for a little while, we won't be able to see each other anymore."

Lincoln understood, but he also knew that there was more at stake than games and hanging out. "Lola, sunshine," he addressed her, brushing a loose strand from her brow, "we can still do those things remotely. Just use a little of your salary to get yourself a computer. You have to do this. If you don't, one day, you'll look back over the years with nothing but regret. Besides, like you said the other day, we have the rest of our lives to figure things out."

"Y-you want me to go?" Lola asked, somewhat surprised and a little hurt.

"Of course, I don't want you to go," Lincoln said, bringing her into a hug. "But you should. Making this film is not only a chance to make your dreams come true but secure our future as well." He then stepped back and held up the locket that lay on her chest. "See this?" he asked. "It's not just some piece of jewelry. It's my promise that I'll always love you. Let that be your strength, alright?"

Lola considered Lincon's proposition for a moment. "Well, alright," she eventually replied, looking at him lovingly. "If you think that's what I should do, then I'll do it."

"That's my girl," said Lincoln, smiling broadly. "Now, let's go tell the others."

"...it doesn't feel right, though," Lynn was saying. "It feels like everyone is leaving these days. I mean, Lori goes to college nine months out of the year, and Leni spends most of her time at work. Soon, it'll be Luna and then Luan. Now, Lola's moving away too? How long before there's no family left?"

"Oh, honey," sighed Rita. "We'll always be family, but that's how life is. People grow and change and eventually move on to a life and family of their own. We can't be selfish, after all. Lola has an amazing opportunity here, and we can't ignore that."

"I agree with Mom," Lincoln interjected. "It's not like we can't get together on holidays or between gigs."

"Seriously, elder sibling?" Lisa gasped. "I would've thought, with the intensity of your intrafamilial relationship, that you would be the first to object."

"Well, Lisa," Lincoln explained. "When you love someone, their best interest is always on your mind. So, I have no problem seeing her go. We'll see each other again, you know? Like, after the movie is done."

"Maybe," pointed out Luna. "But what if the movie is a hit, and they want her to do more? It happens all the time in the music business."

"Hm," mumbled Lincoln. "I guess we'll deal with that when the time comes. Besides, there'll be plenty of time between jobs for us to spend time together."

"Alright, enough!" declared Lola, stepping to the center of the huddled mass. "I've made my decision, thanks to Lincoln, and I'm going. I understand what you guys are saying, and yeah, it'll be tough at times, but we're Loud's, and we can handle it. Now, that's enough discussion for one day."

"I agree," announced Rita, wanting to break things up before a fight happened. "How about you guys go do your chores while we get dinner ready. We have some minor details to work out."

Sighing and nodding in agreement, the siblings all filed out of the den and began whatever chore was assigned to them that week. Duties were never fun, and none of them felt like doing them, especially with the news about their mother and Lola being so far away. But, at least they had something to distract them.

Dinner came and went with little more than an idle conversation that revolved around everyone except Lola. While some supported the notion, most of the others did not, especially the younger ones, but none wished to revisit the discussion. Instead, they used the opportunity to catch up with Lori's adventures while off at college. Soon, they headed off to the nightly formation at the restroom and waited their turn in relative silence.

Downstairs, things were a bit more lively, as Rita made several phone calls, searching for a place to stay in New Jersey. After twenty-eight locations refused them, she asked Lynn for the card Mary had given her. Calling the agent, Rita relayed their intentions, their budget, and that they had been unable to secure lodging so far. She then asked if the woman could help.

"But, of course, darling," the woman on the other line said. "I'll make some calls and get you something nice."

"Oh, there's no need for anything special," Rita said. "We just need a place to stay."

"Nonsense," the woman retorted. "Only the best will do for a client of Amalgamated Media Corporation! After all, that's what relocation packages are for, right? Everything will be fine, dear."

"Well," sighed Rita. "Alright. You're the expert. Call me in the morning with the details."

Lola bit her lip as she stood silently at the top of the stairs, listening intently to the conversation. She couldn't believe that, after all this time, she was going to New York! Lola shook slightly in excitement and embraced herself, standing there in the dark. At least until she heard the headset hit the cradle of their old, outdated landline, then hurried off to bed.

The following day came entirely too early for the young girl. Blinking her eyes and adjusting to the early morning light, she could barely make out the form of her mother entering the room with several suitcases. Lola sat up and rubbed away the sleep that glued her eyes shut, then yawned deeply while slowly realizing something was amiss.

"Mom?" she squeaked, still very much tired. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, good," Rita observed. "You're up. Mrs. Wilson called first thing this morning with plane reservations for us. We need to be there before noon, so unless you want me to pack everything myself, you might want to give me some help here."

The thought of her mother packing Lana's things was all it took, and the girl sprang to life. "No, no, no," Lola repeated as clothes flew out of the cases. "Mom, do you even know me at all?"

With all the commotion Lola and her mother made while getting things in order, it wasn't long before the other siblings rose and joined in, adding to the noise level. The scent of breakfast drifting up from the kitchen made things a lot more tolerable, however. Soon, they had everything they could imagine they'd need, and Rita released them all to eat.

Lynn hadn't the time to carefully prepare every one of his children's favorite foods, just the way they like them, but he made up for it in quality. There were several large bowls and plates in the center of the table—each with unique content; eggs, sausage, grits, pancakes, and biscuits to begin.

"I can't believe you're leaving today," Lana muttered as she sat down and began eating. "They sure don't waste any time, do they?"

"I guess not," Lola said wearily.

"That isn't too surprising," Luna interjected. "In the media industry, time is money."

"Dang," Luan chuckled. "Lincoln must be rich then because he's got nothing but time. Ha, ha."

"I suppose that makes you bankrupt then?" Lisa unexpectedly joked, bringing even more laughter than Luan's attempt.

"Why didn't I think of that?" asked Lynn, Junior, out loud.

"Well, you know what they say, Lynn," Leni replied. "If you go to bed, you'll misplace things!"

"No, Leni," Lori said, correcting her sister. "It's, 'if you snooze, you lose.'"

"If you ask me," Lucy added, "I think Leni misplaced her brain."

Having finished serving breakfast making sure they were all eating well, Lynn, Senior, began taking out the bags and packing the van. Rita joined him as soon as she had eaten, and now, the two of them stood beside the packed vehicle.

"I still can't believe Lola's leaving," Lynn sighed. "It seems like only yesterday that she was learning to walk."

"Don't you start, Lynn," demanded Rita. "You know how you are. Besides, she isn't leaving for real. I'll be with her."

"Oh, yeah. That's right," Lynn replied, his lips beginning to quiver. "You're leaving too-hoo-hoo!"

Rita wrapped her arms around him soothingly and patted his back. "There, there. Get it all out now, before the kids see you."

Not long after Lynn's tears finally dried did his children begin emerging from the house. Everyone was excited about seeing Lola off, and the poor girl couldn't take more than two steps without nearly tripping over one of them. It seemed that everyone forgot about the weird relationship between her and Lincoln, regardless of their opinion on it.

Everyone except Lincoln and Lola, neither of which had said much the entire morning. Rita had kept a close eye on them both as the morning proceeded and was beginning to think that this change in scenery may be a blessing in disguise.

"So, Lola," Luna muttered. "You're off to the big time. I have to admit that I'm a bit jealous. I still haven't gotten my big break."

"You will, Luna," Lola responded, trying her best to keep a smile. "Trust me. You're amazing."

"I wish I could be there," added Leni. "Just thinking about all those cute costumes you'll be wearing makes me want to drool."

Lola narrowed her eyes. "I don't get to keep them, you know."

"Lola..." began Lana as she approached her twin, beginning to cry. "Please be safe!" she wailed. "We've never been this far apart or for this long, and I can't be there to protect you," Lana added, wrapping her arms around Lola and giving her a tight squeeze.

"I will," Lola said, beginning to sob in unison. "I promise."

Once everyone had said their farewells, Lynn and Rita ushered both Lincoln and Lola into the van. Of course, everyone wanted to go, but their parents knew the airport would be crowded enough. There was little reason to bring them all. However, Lola begged them to include Lincoln, and they conceded, as long as they didn't make a scene.

After getting their kids settled, Rita and Lynn took their places, waved goodbye, and pulled off. As the old, ratty van slowly vanished down the street, it occasionally puffed a large plume of dark smoke behind it, giving the remaining kids a few extra moments before they had to engage each other again.

They arrived at the airport a little after eleven-thirty, which meant they had little time to check their bags in and make it to the correct terminal. So, they split up. Rita and Lincoln handled the baggage while Lynn and Lola darted for gate fifteen. Luckily, Rita was able to flag down a mobile cart and hitch a ride to the terminal after checking the bags.

The entire ordeal was so hectic that none of them had time to converse besides relating to the bags or the tickets. Once they were all together at the terminal, Lynn examined his leather-strapped watch. "Wow," he declared. "We did well. We still have about fifteen minutes before you guys have to board. I guess now is as good a time as any to say goodbye."

Lynn said his farewells to Rita for the next few minutes, as Lincoln did likewise with Lola.

"Rita," Lynn said, his eyes starting to mist up. "I'm sorry about the other night. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm going to miss you so much. Please call every day, alright?"

"I will, honey," Rita said, hugging Lynn, despite the onlooking sets of eyes. "And, don't worry. You'll be fine. Your children will make sure of it. Either that, or they'll make you so worried that you won't have time to feel lonely."

"Hah," chuckled Lynn. "You're probably right about that. Between them and the restaurant, I'll be pretty busy. But, still..."

"Oh, you," laughed Rita. "Shut up and kiss me."

Lynn didn't have to be told twice and engaged his wife in a very sensual kiss that seemed to last forever. When they finally parted, their attention turned toward their kids, who were just now saying their farewells.

"Thank you, Lincoln," Lola said, blushing slightly. "Not just for saving my life, but for showing me what love is and what it means to put someone ahead of yourself." She then rubbed her locket and gazed at it. "This means more to me than any tiara or trophy ever could. I hope you know that. I'll always love you, no matter what happens. And, one day, I'll come back for you."

Lincoln was weeping when his sister finished and had to wipe away his tears before responding. "Lola, you mean more to me than could ever be put into words. That locket is only a mere drop compared to the torrent of love I feel for you. And, it's because of that love that I encouraged you to do this. I'd expect no less from you if I got an offer like this. Sure, I wish it was closer to home, but that's the way it is sometimes. As Lynn might say, life throws curve balls at you. You either catch it or drop the ball. And, Lola, I don't want you to drop the ball."

Taking a glance at her parents, out of the corner of her eye, Lola made a bold decision. As there was nobody present who knew them or might have any reservations, it made sense. She knew she would be breaking a rule and a direct request from them. However, it felt right.

"Oh, you," laughed Lola, copying her mother's words. "Shut up and kiss me."

Rita's and Lynn's eyes went wild when they realized what was going to happen and quickly stepped in front of their kids, blocking them from the sight of others, and waited patiently, though nervously, until they parted.

"Oh!" said Lincoln, in an afterthought. "You'll still be available on the weekends to play, right?"

"Bruh," she said, mimicking Luna. "I'll not only be there, but I'll also kick ass."

Everyone began laughing, children and parent's alike. At any other time, Lola would've gotten scolded for her choice of words. However, now didn't seem the time.

"May I have your attention, please?" a voice said, booming over the intercom. "Flight 254 to JFK is now boarding at terminal fifteen. I repeat flight 254 to JFK is now boarding at terminal fifteen."

Sighing heavily and picking their carry-on bags, Rita and Lola stepped onto the gangway connecting the building to the plane and began boarding. Almost on cue, both turned and waved farewell to their significant others, then disappeared onto the plane.

Lynn and Lincoln walked over to the window and watched. The gangway slowly retracted, and the plane taxied out onto the runway. Then, in seemingly no time at all, the plane took off down the runway and effortlessly ascended into the sky.

Lynn put his arm around his son and forced a smile upon his face. "Don't worry, son," he whispered through a steady stream of dampness. "We did the right thing. Everything will be alright, and we'll see them soon."

"I know, Dad," Lincoln said, sobbing once more. "But, I'm going to miss her badly."

And, like that, Lola was gone.

note: Alright, we are about a third of the way done with this story. The second part details what happens to each of them while separated. I will begin with Lola first, then Lincoln. After that, we'll move forward to their reunion.