Panic at the Park

Let us pause the tale here for just a brief moment, so that we can understand how the Louds' current situation came about. Hours before the family arrived at the park, Lincoln and the girls were at Jordan's place; gathering together everything they would need for the picnic/cookout. "I hear it's supposed to get warm and sunny out tomorrow" Lincoln stated, "should we bring sunscreen?"

Jordan's parents praised the lad for bringing up the idea, as did some of the other parents. But they assured him that the weather didn't plan on being warm enough to need that yet. "Perhaps, on the day of the pool party; we might need to stock up on some lotion" Dana implied, "in which case, some of us may require some...help applying it.

After she gave him a sort of "hint, hint" elbow nudge; it didn't take long for Lincoln to catch on to her implications. With a bashful chuckle and a faint blush forming slightly his face, Lincoln quickly hid himself beneath a small blanket; causing the ladies to giggle sweetly at him. Sometime after that, everyone continued loading their vehicles with all the other supplies they needed.

Among these supplies was a large grill, which was being wheeled over by Cristina's father. "Can't wait to cook up some burgers with this baby" he chuckled heartily, "today certainly feels like perfect grillin' weather." There was a hearty cheer of agreement from all the fathers among the group, even Lincoln sided with them; despite being the only young boy present.

Upon seeing him struggling slightly with the grill, Lincoln hurried over and offered to help Cristina's father. "I know I may not look it...but I am strong" he stated, "let me help you push this over." At first, he doubted that the boy could be much help to him. But then; he realized that to survive in a home like his, he would have to be strong (in some way.)

"Sure, I could use a hand" the man muttered with a smile, "just put your shoulder behind the right leg of this thing and help me push, okay?" Lincoln nodded in understanding and hurried over to the spot. Then, once Jordan's father gave the signal; he and Lincoln began pushing the grill up to the row of cars.

When they got close enough, two other fathers hoist it up and loaded the grill into one of the cars. Pleased with himself, Lincoln swiped the sweat from his brow and pumped his fist in the air in victory; causing everyone to cheer softly. "I had no idea you were so strong, Linc" Becky said with great praise, "now, I see why my little sister likes ya so much."

This sudden statement caused Lincoln to snap out of his mildly exhausted state. In all the time he had known her, Lincoln was surprised to suddenly hear that Becky had a sibling; much less a sister. "I don't think I've ever met her before" Lincoln confessed, "is she anybody I know?"

As she prepared herself to answer his inquiry, Becky suddenly heard her father giving a light shout; asking her to come and help Paige load the minivan. Before leaving, she gave Lincoln a wink and whispered "I'll let you try and put the pieces together, lil man." With that done, the young teenager hurried over to join with the others in their packing.

As he stood there, watching them; Lincoln suddenly saw some things about the two ladies he never noticed before. From the cut of their hair, the color of their eyes, their love of sleeveless shirts right down to their love for anything "geeky" (Becky being a comic nerd and Paige being into gaming;) they seemed like peas in a pod, sort of. "Hold it...it couldn't be that much of a coincidence" he thought to himself, "but maybe...Paige could be the sister Becky was talking about...I dunno."

At that moment, the girls suddenly started calling out Lincoln's name; snapping him out of his train of thought. "C'mon, Lincoln" cried Jordan anxiously, "we gotta get a move on before anyone else fills up the park." The young lad suddenly realized her point and hurried off towards her family's car, all while making sure not to trip over himself.

It was here that Carol told everyone that they wouldn't need to worry too much about people taking up too much of the park. "With help from all the other parents, Mummy and Daddy reserved the park for our picnic/cookout until 6:30 tonight" she said with glee, "we'll have the grounds all to ourselves today!" While everyone else squealed with joy, Lincoln couldn't help but feel slightly confused/concerned.

"I don't know, guys" he murmured softly, "isn't it a bit unfair to keep everyone out of the park except us?" Mr. Pingrey quickly overheard Lincoln's statement and offered up an addendum to his daughter's earlier words. "All others will be welcomed into the park; rest assured, my boy" he stated, "however...there is but one group who will be forbidden from entering."

With this simple statement, Lincoln suddenly felt a cold chill sweep over him. He knew whom Mr. Pingrey was implying with his restriction and why he was doing it. At the same time; He could only imagine what would happen, if they found out.

(Line Break)

As we return to the present, it looked as though Lincoln's fears were correct after all. For once they all learned about the park being closed to them; the Loud Sisters were quite shocked, to put it one way. But when they saw him amongst all the other party guests, playing and laughing with everyone; their shock immediately gave way to anger.

However, each one of the Loud Sisters felt different levels surging within them; among other emotions. Some like Leni, Luna, Lucy, Lana and little Lily felt left out and upset. While others like Luan, Lola and Lisa felt as though they had been "cheated" out of something.

Rita and Lynn were more surprised than mad or shocked about this development. But it was mostly due to the fact that so many people would go to such levels just to keep them out of a party. Up until now, they never wondered just how fast and far news of Lincoln's home situation traveled but they were determined to try and speak their defence.

"Officer, I know the town has some...issues with our family right now" Rita chuckled nervously, "but could you...you know, turn the other cheek just this once and let us relax just for today?" Some of the girls stood beside their mother and proceeded to beg Schoffner to show them some kindness. But despite their efforts, the policewoman did not relent.

"Look, ma'am...I may have shown some leniency toward you that one time" she muttered with a deep sigh, "but it seems to me that, from what I've been hearing lately, your son has a far more troubling case...mostly because he's a minor." With this statement, Schoffner suddenly challenged Rita to look back on everything Lincoln had to face, once again. Upon doing so; it became apparent that up until now, she never fully realized how much she and her family had expected from him.

Aside from homework, chores, studying and trying to have a decent social life; the poor boy was also "tasked" with trying to keep his family from tearing each other to pieces...which was something she and Lynn were supposed to do. In other words, the both of them had been putting an excessive amount of responsibility on an eleven year old boy's shoulders. Once all this became clear to Rita, she now fully understood the consequences of what she and her family had done to Lincoln.

Sadly, her daughters weren't quite on the same page as her on the matter; at least...a few of them weren't. As Lori and Lynn stood there, watching their brother laughing and frolicking about the grounds with the others; they suddenly felt their earlier anger surge through them with full force. "That...little...TWERP" the eldest blonde seethed viciously, "it's bad enough he's got the whole town rallying against us...but now, we come here to see THIS?!"

At the same time, Lynn felt her own rage boiling inside; which could be seen burning brightly in her eyes. "That does it...this ends here" she growled ferociously, "I'm gonna make that wimp pay for what's happened and then some!" With that said, both ladies proceeded to try and climb over the wall; much to the ire of their family. "Guys, we're totes in enough trouble as it is" Leni cried out desperately, "maybe we should just turn around and go back home." Sadly, the young blonde's words went unheard; as her two sisters desperately tried to climb over the fence wall.

Upon seeing this, Officer Schoffner rushed over and grabbed hold of Lynn's hips; trying to pull her down. "GET OFF OF ME, YOU OVERSTUFFED PIG" she shouted, "MY BROTHER'S ABOUT TO GET SOME LONG OVERDUE PAYBACK!" Lori grunted in agreement, before she began cracking her neck in preparation for the assault to come.

Meanwhile, in the park; everyone else was having a jolly time. Carol and her crew were playing Frisbee with the dogs, Jordan was helping Kat set up one of the picnic tables, Cristina was bird watching, Phoebe was taking snapshots for her Spring scrapbook and Cici was making plans for a football game against the boys before lunch. Speaking of whom, Lincoln was sitting at a table; drawing away inside of a notebook.

Chaz and Joey meanwhile, were trying their best not to sneak anything from out of any of the baskets. "C'mon, Chaz; you're almost there" whispered Joey, "just stick your hand in and snatch a couple of chip bags, while everyone's distracted." Chaz nodded slightly in response and slowly eased his hand towards one of the open picnic baskets.

But he suddenly froze with shock, after he heard Lincoln clear his throat from behind; all while murmuring "if you do that, Dana will lop off both of your hands." With a startled yelp of surprise, Chaz pulled his hand back and slinked away; knowing full well that the little dude's words were not an empty threat. For years, Chaz's memory was filled with moments involving his sister catching him sneaking food...and the punishments that followed afterwards.

"How'd you know what we were doing, dude" questioned Joey, "we thought you were studying." Lincoln let out a gasp of shock so over-dramatically, it would rival Mrs. Bernardo. "Me...study during time off, when no tests are approaching...the very idea" he said with a goofily dramatic tone, "I'm actually working on a secret surprise for the girls."

Upon hearing the word "surprise," the boys suddenly felt intrigued and asked if they could have a look. "Wish I could, my dudes...but can't" he said firmly, "because A, it's not finished yet and B...if I told you what it was, it wouldn't be a surprise; would it?" Their curiosities piqued, both boys felt like begging Lincoln to let them have a tiny peek his secret surprise.

But then, when they heard it wasn't finished yet; they realized that they had to wait. "Don't worry, guys; it will all be worth it" Lincoln assured, "heck, it's for you as well; not just the girls." At that moment, Kat overheard the boys' discussion and tried to have a peek for herself.

"No way, lil' miss" Chaz said firmly, "Linc said it's not done yet...so, we'll all have to wait." After giving a soft murmur of "aw, dang it," Kat turned around and proceeded back to her table setting duties. But then, she turned her head to the side saw something that made her face go white.

"Um...boys; if ya like surprises, I have one of my own" she mumbled fearfully, "just look over near the gate." Feeling both confused yet intrigued, Lincoln turned towards the gate to see what his friend found. The moment he did so, his pupils almost shrank to tiny specs and his blood ran cold.

For climbing over the gate was his two elder sisters, Lori and Lynn; who appeared to be foaming at the mouth. At the same time, Lincoln also caught a glimpse of the rest of his family; who were trying desperately to pull the other two back. "Aw, crud; it's my sisters" Lincoln choked out fearfully, "I knew they'd be livid about the park being closed to them!"

Chaz was also feeling rather nervous but for an entirely different reason. The moment he spotted Leni standing with the group, he started to fear for his well-being. "If she's anything like her older sister, she might not have taken my wish for space that well" he thought nervously, "I can't let her see me here!"

Alas, Lincoln and Chaz weren't the only ones to notice the Loud Sisters' intrusion. During the Frisbee game, Carol pulled herself back; prepping for a good toss. When out the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Lori and let out a soft "meep" of alarm, as did Whitney.

"Crud, I thought the policewoman said she could keep them out of here" murmured Carol, "but...I guess one woman alone couldn't handle a family like that!" Suddenly, Lori let out a vicious snarl and pulled herself free from her parents' hold; while tearing her favorite t-shirt slightly in the process. Lynn, meanwhile karate chopped Leni's wrist and broke free.

Once into the park, they immediately began to search for their "prey." "OH, MY GOD; THEY'RE COMING THIS WAY" Lincoln cried in horror, "WE'VE GOTTA HIDE SOMEPLACE AND QUICK!" With that said, everyone began seeking out places to take cover in.

Sadly, the park was an open area place; which left very few hiding spots to find cover in. Then, at that moment; Jordan gave a whistle and called for her friends' attention. "There's an equipment shed just up ahead" cried Carol, "maybe we could all hide inside there!"

At first, everyone doubted the success of the idea; thinking it might actually be too small for them. But they had little time to consider another option, as Lori and Lynn were now attempting to fight their way through the picnic groups; occasionally grabbing one or two of them and demanding to know where Lincoln was. "Everyone, hurry; we have no time to waste" Lincoln shouted, "to the shed!"

No one needed to be told twice and immediately ran as fast as they could. Ironically enough, the dust cloud the group made with their running caught Lynn's attention and she smiled naughtily at the "retribution" she was poised to inflict. "Get ready, bro" she murmured coldly, "when I'm finished with you; you'll have so many Indian Rope Burns, your arms won't move right for weeks!"

Before the wee jock could take one step, however; Lori swiftly plowed her down with a quick shoulder push. "I've got him first, Lynn" she growled, "that little punk is gonna pay for literally ruining my social life!" As the girls prepared to give chase, the other gals and their families quickly blocked their way.

"Maybe you didn't get the memo, girly" grumbled Stella, "but this park is off limits for the likes of you and your family!" Everyone who stood behind her shouted loudly in agreement, while also demanding for the Loud Family to leave immediately. But due to her stubbornness, Lynn Jr. was not willing to be denied her "rightful revenge" and grabbed the Filipino girl by her shirt collar.

"Listen here, Missy" she hissed, "either get outta my way or I'm gonna slam your head on every surface around us...including the tables." Upon hearing this threat; Becky and Phoebe rushed over to Lynn, grabbed her from behind and flung her onto the ground. "You hurt one hair on my gal pal's head, Lynn and I'll slam your face on every surface of the park instead" Phoebe growled, "same thing goes for your bitchy bimbo of a sister here!"

While the fight ensued; such a distraction gave Lincoln, Carol, Dana, Whitney and Chaz the chance to reach the equipment shed. It was a modest-sized storage space, one that appeared a foot taller than Carol but still quite large (on the outside.) But on the inside, it was filled with all manner of gardening equipment and grass seed bags.

"I dunno if we can all fit in this, dudes" Chaz murmured nervously, "I'd be lucky enough to get through the door myself, to be honest." Though, he couldn't help but agree with his friend's skepticism; Lincoln insisted that they should at least try to get in. With that in mind, Chaz agreed to go in first; believing that the others wouldn't have difficulty getting themselves inside.

Alas, Chaz's fears proved correct; for it seemed the teenager was much too big to fit inside. But after a few strong pushes from his friends, he suddenly flew in; falling face first against one of the soil bags. Soon after he got in, Lincoln and the girls stumbled in behind Chaz.

Thankfully, the piles of seed bags were able to break their fall. But with all four of them stuck together inside, they were now crammed in tighter than sardines.

(Line Break)

Back at the main grounds, everyone else was trying their best to hold off the rest of the Loud Family (or more specifically...Lynn and Lori.) When suddenly, Jordan looked over her shoulder and saw that the door to the shed was slightly ajar. On one hand, this meant that everyone reached the shed in time.

But...on the other hand, this meant that there was very little space inside; thus leaving her friends unable to close it. "I've gotta go close that door before Lynn or Lori sees" Jordan thought to herself, "I'm sorry, guys; if I squeeze you in too tight." With that in mind, she hurried off to the shed as fast as she could.

As expected, Lori and Lynn saw where the girl was headed and smiled wickedly. "So...that's where they are, huh" chuckled Lori, "perfect...this way, he won't have anywhere to run to." Back at the shed, everyone inside tried desperately to try and position themselves comfortably.

But due to their present situation, it proved to be a rather difficult task. Carol's long hair almost got caught twice on the teeth of a rake. Chaz was squished up against a pile of seed bags, Whitney had her back pinned against a wall, Lincoln's face was squished up against Whitney's poofy hair and Dana's torso (or possibly her bosom) was lightly pressed up against the back of Lincoln's head.

"Man...now I know how those people on those Tokyo subway trains feel" Lincoln groaned mentally "I just hope we won't be in here for very long." Suddenly, from the corner of his one still visible eye; Lincoln could see the door beginning to close. Everyone could see the same thing (albeit barely) and did their best to beg whoever was outside to not shut them in.

Ironically, as the person outside sloppily shut the door; Lincoln could hear his sisters stomping footfalls approaching. After that, he heard Lynn's unmistakable voice speaking to someone blocking her path. "Outta my way, twerp" she growled fiercely, "I've gotta score to settle with the kid inside there."

After that, Lincoln heard the sounds of Jordan's voice scoffing at his sisters. "If you think I'm gonna stand by and watch you bully my friend, you're sorely mistaken" she said defiantly, "if you want him, you gotta go through me first!" This phrase brought a smile to Lori's face, while Lynn simply cracked her knuckles in preparation.

"You think we won't take you out before we go after Stinkin', girly" the young jock's voice said mockingly, "you're gonna need an army to try and stop the two of us!" From inside the shed, small tears began to trickle down Lincoln's cheek. He was the one they wanted, nobody else should have to sacrifice their own well-being for his sake.

Lincoln could only sit inside and hope his sisters will be merciful to Jordan...just a little. Then, at that moment; Lincoln suddenly heard a strange collection of sounds outside the door. At first, they all sounded near unrecognizable. But there was something else he could hear as well...the sounds of fearful screaming.

Much to his surprise however, the screams didn't come from Jordan; it was his sisters...and they sounded terrified. Then, he suddenly heard something that sounded like an object striking Lynn hard in the face. It sounded hollow and yet...bouncy, to his ears. For almost two minutes, the onslaught went on and Lincoln could hear Jordan join in on the attack.

Finally, the assault worked and Lincoln could hear the sounds of his sisters running away screaming. Whoever was helping Jordan out there, Lincoln was surprised that they held their own against the likes of Lynn. After all that, everything was deathly quiet; save for the sounds of discomfort from inside the shed.

"Do you think they're still out there" questioned Lincoln, "it sounded like my sisters were driven away by an army." Before anyone could answer, the shed door suddenly swung open and a pair of figures quickly grabbed hold of Carol's arm. After a few good tugs, she was pulled out of the shed safely (but not before she got her hair free.)

Once she was out, everyone else was let out of the shed safely. "Are you kids alright" Jordan's mother asked, "you didn't cut yourselves or twist anything while being stuck in there, did you?" After taking a moment to stretch themselves out, Lincoln and Co. assured everyone they were okay.

"We'd be found out, if it weren't for Jordan and one of the others driving my sisters away" Lincoln said gratefully, "thanks a million for all that, by the way." Jordan thanked him for acknowledging her efforts. But she informed him that it wasn't any of the other girls who helped her.

"Everyone else was busy keeping two of your sisters at bay" Jordan stated, "lucky for me, though...an unexpected ally came to my corner." Before he could ask who this "mystery ally" was, Lincoln looked around and saw what drove his sisters away; dodgeballs...and lots of them. "If it wasn't any of the others, Jordan; then...who helped you" he asked confusedly, "who else do we know is this good at using a dodgeball...besides my sister, Lynn?"

Before anyone could answer, Lincoln suddenly felt something (or someone) lightly shove at his arm without warning; which was followed by the murmur of "forgot about me already, Lame-o?" Whether it was the arm punch or the phrase that was used; either way, Lincoln could immediately tell who was among them. With a smile on his face and a knowing chuckle, Lincoln turned around and was greeted by a sight he had not seen for some time; the smiling face of Ronnie Anne Santiago.

(AN: Good news, Bad News time; the bad news...the Gal Pals crew's picnic gathering has...hit a bit of a snag, shall we say. But the good news is Lincoln now has a new ally at his corner in Ronnie Anne. How did she get here, you may be asking; tune in next time)

(Second AN: If the scene with the shed felt weird to any of you. It was my best attempt to fulfill a scene request from crafordbrian17. He/She has been quite insistent in asking me to include at least, one scene where Lincoln and a few of the girls were caught in a cramped space.

I hope the scene I made is to your liking. From here on out, the story's drama shall be coming down harder than rainfall in a hurricane.)

(Third AN: Speaking of something one of my readers said; the slight hint I had here about Paige and Becky being sisters is part of a theory that was presented to me by ButtonMan. He read somewhere that the two of them could be family and asked if I could reference that in the story.

I hope the little hint I left is good enough for ya at the moment, dude)