Loud House: Flash!
3rd Flash: Outside Looking In
As Ronnie-Anne walked along the sidewalk, her backpack pressed firmly against her back and her head hung low, it was all she could do not to turn around and go back home, maybe hide under the covers and hope this day didn't happen.
That she knew what her mother would say to that was the only reason she kept walking. Mama Santiago may have been a very good mother and nurse, but that didn't mean she couldn't bring you to heel if you stepped out of line.
And as much as Ronnie-Anne hated to admit it, she knew she stepped out of line.
It was a godsend neither her mother nor Bobby had heard of it!
"Ugh, dang it… why'd I have to do that!"
Looking back on it, she understood her role in her current situation; sure, that idiot Lincoln shouldn't have kissed her so suddenly like he did (and on what planet would any idiot actually think kissing their bully was a good idea!) but, thanks to her mother, she knew what sort of real damage getting hit in the eye could cause.
Detached retinas wasn't the worst of it, neither.
And since her child hands were small, it was even more likely they'd slip deeper into his socket and cause worse trauma!
But it was his-
No, Ronnie-Anne wasn't the sort to beat around that kind of bush. Technically, it wasn't Lincoln's fault. If anything, it was hers.
If he hadn't constantly usurped-
But she was the interloper, really. When she thought about it, that was the only thing she could see.
If only…
Ronnie-Anne stopped when she realized how close she was to school and that spot in particular. The spot where it all started on the day she first arrived at Royal Woods Elementary, where everything that led up to that ill-fated punch and this moment happened.
Where she'd learn once and for all that she'd always be on the outside looking in.
She heaved a somber sigh. She knew, could tell that she'd ruined every chance she might have had with him now.
Who'd want someone so violent?
Not her, if she were being honest. She remembered all the things she'd seen in life, again, thanks to Mama's work. What such actions did, the types of people who partook in them when directed toward the undeserving.
And, despite everything to the contrary, Lincoln was undeserving. She'd realized that almost as soon as it all happened, which explained why she hurried home and grabbed that steak her mouth had watered over for so long, had lied to her mother and brother that it went bad so she could rush it to Lincoln in as much of an apology as she could muster then and there, knowing he was probably afraid of her after what she'd done.
He had to be, after all. It'd only be natural, fair, right even!
"Hey, you okay?"
A smile graced her lips as her mind flipped to that day not long ago, that first day when some kids had given her guff.
'Eh, no prob. If you think those guys were bad, the nerds at my old school would have eaten them for breakfast.'
"Really? Whoa, where was that place? You know, so I can make sure my dads avoid ever moving us there."
'Yeah, I doubt you'll have to worry—wait, your whats?'
She couldn't stop the smile that grew wider on her features as she remembered how he helped her pick her books up and chatted her ears off, even showed her around before class was called.
All without fear of her.
And how that was the last time she'd get to be around him without Lincoln hogging up all his time.
Ronnie-Anne grit her teeth at that thought. Nevertheless, she pressed on and, when she finally reached the entrance to school and opened the doors, she saw both boys standing side by side chatting.
With her forever looking in.
As always.
"H-hey, Lincoln?"
When the boy and he looked her way, she couldn't figure out why Lincoln looked so ashamed.
Yeah, sure, he got punched by a girl, but shouldn't he be afraid?
"Hey, Ronnie-Anne?" Lincoln asked after a moment before quickly clasping his hands in front of him and bowing his head slightly. "I'm so sorry for what happened! My sisters got into one of their Sisternados and I knew it'd cause trouble and shouldn't have listened to them but-"
It took some time, but they both finally managed to apologize for what happened.
When Clyde heard the full story, she expected him to be angry. Instead, he poked a little fun at Lincoln who elbowed him in response!
Ronnie-Anne couldn't help herself from grinning and laughing a bit at that.
And just before the bell rung calling them all to class, Ronnie-Anne experienced the greatest shock in her young life.
He invited her to go to the arcade with them. And Lincoln even agreed!
She wasn't hated by them.
She wasn't hated by him.
Heh, she tried to hide the smile on her face as she strolled into class a few moments later, maybe I don't have to be on the outside looking in, after all.
And maybe, someday, I can tell him how I really feel…
Maybe, she thought, she still had a chance.
End of 3rd Flash
A/N: I never expected to be a firm Ronnie-AnnexClyde shipper, yet here I am... huh.