Disclaimer: The Loud House and associated characters belong to Nickelodeon and Chris Savino.
Who Love Chooses
By Lola Presents
Chapter 3
"Well, I, uh..." stammered Lincoln, looking back and forth between Lola and Lana. "I'm not sure we have room, do we?"
"Oh, come on, Lincy," cooed Lola. "It'll finally give you a chance to build that studio you wanted in the backyard.
Lincoln raised his brow, considering the proposal. He'd been planning to build an art studio for a while, but it never seemed to be the right time. Now, it appeared that it was. Sighing heavily, he gave them their response.
"Fine," he said, looking at them both. "But under one condition."
Lincoln was well aware of his parents' problems with Lana, as they called him routinely, especially after the accident, and you know how parents talk. He couldn't blame his mother for calling so often, though.
Rita looked out for her son and wanted the best for him as any mother would, making the news regarding Lana getting kicked out seem all too odd. Lincoln wondered if perhaps it was their father's doing. With the house growing increasingly vacant, it may be his intention to sell.
"Lana," Lincoln addressed his sister. "As long as you're here, you'll have to help, alright? It won't be a permanent solution, though. You'll eventually have to get your life in order. But for now, I see no reason not to help you as long as you make progress."
"Oh, thank you, Lincoln!" Lana squealed, beaming brightly and wrapping her arms around her brother. "I won't let you down, I promise!"
"Okay, okay," Lincoln replied, trying to catch a breath. "Your first assignment is to move my things from the spare bedroom to the shed. We'll pick up a new bed and dresser tomorrow. It won't be much, but you'll have a place at least."
"I'll get right on it!" Lana announced, saluting her brother. "Oh, and don't worry, I'll be careful with it all. I know how important it is to you. I love you," she added, kissing him on the cheek, then disappearing down the hall.
Lincoln raised both brows and sighed, facing Lola.
"Well, it looks like I'm going to have to pull some overtime if I'm going to keep the fridge stocked," he said flatly. "You know how Lana eats."
Lola just sat there smiling at him, her eyes glistening under the light.
"What?" asked Lincoln.
"Nothing," Lola said. "I love you, Lincoln. You're so giving and thoughtful I can't stand it."
Lincoln smiled back tenderly, reaching for another cookie. This time, Lola didn't object. She could always bake more. Instead, she took another for herself, then stood and put on a pot of coffee.
"Hey, honey," Lola asked as she poured some grounds into the filter. "Why don't you let Nova know she can come back in now?"
"Of course," Lincoln said, wheeling himself in a circle as Lana strolled by with an armful of boxes.
The young man couldn't help but notice that Lana's effort disturbed her pantsuit somewhat, leaving a sizable cleft in her rear. He tried not to be too obvious about it, but as he rolled out of the kitchen, he tracked her out the back door.
Lola looked from Lincoln, as he headed down the hallway toward Nova's room, to Lana and furrowed her brows. And though she was oblivious, she tapped the coffee scoop against her chin. Lincoln had checked Lana out. Concerned, Lola began to reconsider their offer.
On the one hand, they were maternal twins, meaning they were genetically identical. If Lincoln thought one was attractive, he'd naturally find the other just as stunning. But that didn't mean he had feelings for her.
On the other hand, Lana did have feelings for Lincoln. She'd made that clear five years ago when Lana told her off. Lola wondered if the past several years had done anything to resolve those feelings.
There was something else preying upon her mind, too.
Since she and Lincoln got together, Lola began to feel less connected to her twin. For thirteen years, they'd shared everything. Now, they didn't. But if allowed to stay indefinitely, problems may arise between them. If Lola were to get her twin a boyfriend, it had to be soon. Before she could think further, however, Nova came bounding into the kitchen.
"Hi, Mommy!" Nova chirped happily, holding up a crayon drawing. "Look, I made you a picture!"
Lola turned to the piece of paper her daughter offered, and she took it in hand.
"Oh, wow!" Lola declared, taking a seat at the table. "This is wonderful, honey."
"Thank you, mommy," the child declared appreciatively. "See? There's me, you, Daddy, and Aunt Lana."
"Honey, this is beautiful!" Lola praised Nova. "Let's put this on the fridge with the others, alright?"
"Okay!" replied Nova, looking pleased with herself, skipping off excitedly to the fridge and gathering a few free magnets.
"Mommy?" Nova said as she watched her mother affix the drawing to the door. "I'm hungry. When's dinner?"
Lola picked her daughter up and nuzzled Nova's nose with her own, something they'd done since Nova was little.
"How about you and I make dinner together," Lola suggested. "Would you like that?"
The little girl's eyes lit up like a candle, and soon the two were busy making the evening meal. Lola did most of the work while Nova ran back and forth between her mother and the refrigerator, fetching ingredients. If a particular step weren't too tricky, Lola would sit Nova on the counter and have her do something. Stirring things was Nova's favorite.
Soon, the house filled with the scent of lemon-pepper tilapia, mac-n-cheese bites, and mashed potatoes, calling forth Lincoln and Lana.
"That smells wonderful," declared Lincoln, rolling into the kitchen. "Is it almost done?"
"Yup!" announced Lola. "We just finished up, and Nova was a big help!"
"I stirred the noodles and the potatoes," Nova added proudly.
Lola began to fetch place settings for the table when Lana insisted that she be allowed to do it instead, saying something about doing her part.
Lola reluctantly agreed, took her place at the table, and waited as Lana decorated the table and doled portions for everyone. Finally, Lana took her seat.
"You know," Lana said enthusiastically. "I could get used to this."
There was a slight pause, and an irritated look flashed across Lola's face. Luckily, nobody noticed it due to being focused on the food.
"Alright, everyone," Lincoln said, sensing the hesitation. "What are you waiting for, a song and dance? We're Louds. Dig in!"
With that said, everyone began eating and chatting as they always had. In turn, each told stories, asked about each other's days, and had a grand time laughing it up. Soon, the plates emptied of food, and the serving bowls ran dry.
"Clean up time!" belted Nova as she broke into song. "Clean up, clean up; everybody does their part!"
Together, they formed an assembly line. Nova brought items from the table to her mother, who washed them, handing them to Lincoln to dry. Then, Lincoln handed them off to Lana, who put them away.
"Whelp," Lincoln said after taking a deep yawn. "I think I'm going to get in bed and relax with a book. Goodnight, everyone."
"Goodnight, honey," Lola said, kissing him deeply. "I'll be along shortly. I have to tuck Nova in and get Lana settled."
Lincoln nodded, then reached out for Nova, who climbed up into his lap and hugged him tightly.
"Night, night, Daddy," she said. "I love you."
"I love you too, now run along and put on your pajamas," Lincoln instructed, putting her down.
The little girl trotted off down the hall, with Lincoln rolling behind, close on her heels.
"Vroom! Vroom!" Lincoln growled, popping a wheelie in his chair. "The monster machine is coming for you!"
Nova shrieked with glee and fled into her room to avoid her would-be attacker.
Lola watched as they retreated, her heart filling with love. She then took off her apron and turned to hang it on a nearby rung, noticing Lana sitting at the table with an odd expression on her face.
Lola considered ignoring it, saying goodnight, and heading to bed. But she couldn't do it. Despite her concerns, Lana was her twin, and that's a bond one must always honor.
"What's the matter, Lana," inquired Lola with sincerity, taking a seat.
Lana pressed her lips together, then relaxed them, unsure what to say.
"You're fortunate, you know," Lana admitted enviously. "I mean, look at this place. You have it all; a wonderful home, a great husband, a beautiful child, what more could anyone want? Meantime, I'm sitting here like a potato."
Lola blushed and chuckled slightly, placing her hands upon Lana's.
"You have more than you realize, Lana," Lola told her. "You're smart, talented, beautiful, kind, and outgoing. I'm not entirely sure what's holding you back, but we'll figure it out together, alright?"
Lana furrowed her brows, unconvinced, and remained silent.
"Lana…" Lola continued in a more serious tone. "I need to ask you something, and well, it's a twin code thing."
Lana looked up at Lola, surprise on her face. Neither of them had called upon the twin code in almost a decade. In years past, invoking the twin code meant being entirely and unabashedly honest. While the twin code was in effect, whatever was said was taken to the grave and not judged or ridiculed.
"Uh, yeah," Lana agreed with interest. "If it's that important, sure. What is it?"
"Do you still have feelings for Lincoln?" Lola asked pensively.
Lana looked down at her lap again. Was she that easily read? The truth was that Lana did still love Lincoln. But could she tell her sister that? What if Lola threw her out? Lana had always respected their marriage, despite the occasional playful flirt. In the end, Lana looked up at Lola's calm, patient face and decided to trust the twin code.
"Yes," Lana admitted, sighing heavily. "And I'm sorry I flirt so much. I don't mean anything by it and would never act on it. It makes me feel like I'm still connected, you know?"
Lola nodded appreciatively, then smiled at Lana.
"I know, better than you think," announced Lola. "Having you here reminds me of our youth and makes me feel the same way. We were always together doing something stupid and getting into trouble. You know, together. These last few years have been fantastic, and I feel bad that you don't have that. I want to help, but only if you let me."
"It's alright, Lols," Lana shrugged. "I'm used to it. I've tried, and there's nobody out there for me."
Lola said nothing but felt bad for her sister.
"I guess I'll be alone for the rest of my life," Lana added sadly.
"Now, Lana, there are a lot of guys out there," Lola insisted. "But you aren't going to find one you want sitting on your butt."
"You said 'butt,'" chuckled Lana, always amused by juvenile humor.
Lola grimaced at Lana. "Seriously?"
"Sorry," Lana apologized. "Listen, Lola; there's only one guy that could ever make me happy, and since he's not available, I guess I have to let go."
"Maybe that's for the best," Lola yawned deeply. "But we can talk more about this later. I'm too sleepy to think any further. I'm ready for bed. You can crash on the couch tonight, alright?"
Lana nodded and stood to hug Lola, and they remained in a sisterly embrace for several minutes. Finally parting, they smiled at each other warmly and said goodnight.
Lana then headed to the restroom to change as Lola went to the refrigerator for a last-minute refreshment. As she drank the ice-cooled water, she saw the drawing Nova had made earlier and noticed something interesting.
She peered closer, and thoughts began swirling in her head, wondering if her daughter was trying to tell her something. She stopped drinking and placed the glass on the counter.
Suddenly, she yanked the paper under the magnets and headed to Nova's room. She entered as quietly as possible and gently nudged her daughter.
"Ng," groaned the little girl, then sat up and blinked. "Mom?"
"Honey," Lola said, almost excitedly, holding up her drawing. "I need to ask you something. I noticed you drew Daddy holding my hand and Aunt Lana's."
Nova nodded sleepily. "Mmhm."
"Okay…" Lola said, looking at the image again. "But why?"
Nova blinked again, trying to regain focus.
"Because you and Daddy love her, and she loves you," said the little girl, flopping back onto her pillow. "And I love everyone, so everyone's happy. See?"
"Okay, thank you, Sunshine," Lola said, smiling broadly at her child. "You can go back to sleep now."
Lola stood and kissed Nova on the forehead, then left the room.
"Everyone's happy," Lola repeated in her head. "Could it be that simple?"
Sure, Lola made great strides over the last several years, moving further away from her former self to one that was more selfless. But somehow, sharing her home and her husband didn't sit well with her. Could she do that?
Nova didn't seem to have any issue with it. However, she was only a child. Then again, the universe often speaks through the innocence of a child.
Breathing deeply, Lola returned the picture to its moorings on the refrigerator. She then headed down the hall toward her bedroom, her pulse beginning to race and her weariness fading.
Lola entered the master bedroom and noticed Lincoln fast asleep and propped up on his pillow. A graphic novel, she now understood it as, lay across his chest. Pausing to admire him for a moment while stripping for bed, Lola couldn't help but feel a rush of love for the man.
Now nude, which was how she slept, Lola moved her side of the blanket to the foot of the bed and slipped under the remaining sheet. There, she lay on her belly, her arms folded on her pillow and her head nestled among them.
She gazed intently at her husband, her eyes glistening in the moonlight. She wanted nothing more than to make him and her sister happy, but what that entailed might be more than she was willing to give. Furthermore, she wasn't even sure if Lincoln felt the same.
Lola closed her eyes and tried to imagine Lincoln and Lana together in a moment of passion. At first, it was with some disgust and a curl in her upper lip. However, the more heated the fantasy became, the more her hesitation receded.
Soon, Lola's eyes opened, realizing she had become bothered, and there was distinct wetness about the sheet under her. She could barely contain herself now. Lola must know the truth or remain forever silent.
"Lin-coln…" Lola cooed. "LIN-coln…"
Lincoln stirred and sat up, his novel falling into his lap. He shut his eyes and opened them only after thoroughly rubbing his face. He then glanced around to see what woke him.
Not seeing anything immediate, he placed his comic on the nightstand, then turned toward Lola's side of the bed, only to be greeted by Lola's gleaming peepers.
"Hi, baby," Lincoln whispered, laying down and facing his wife. "What's up?"
"Hi, sweety," whispered Lola, full of love. "Do you remember when we married and promised to be honest with each other?"
Lincoln nodded. "Of course I do. What's on your mind?"
"I need to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me," Lola whispered. "I promise, whatever you say, I won't be mad or hold it against you."
"Always, Lols," replied Lincoln. "What is it that you want to know?"
"How do you feel about Lana?" Lola stammered.
"Well, she's my sister," Lincoln explained. "So I love her, of course. Her antics can sometimes be a bit much, but that's how she is."
"No. I mean, do you think Lana's attractive?" Lola said, refining her question.
Lincoln considered the question for a moment, not understanding where Lola was going with things.
"I suppose so," he finally told Lola. "You're twins, after all, and I find you cute as a button. So..."
"So..." Lincoln's wife continued. "Do you have feelings for her?"
Lincoln squinted at Lola, surprised by the query. He studied her carefully for any hints of her mood and saw nothing but peace in her eyes.
Typically, such a question would raise alarm bells in a man's head. But Lincoln knew Lola intimately and felt no hostility coming from her.
"I suppose," Lincoln whispered. "Once. A long time ago. You know, before we got together. Why do you ask?"
"Are you sure?" inquired Lola. "I noticed you checking her bum out earlier."
"Oh, uh," Lincoln muttered. "Yeah, well…"
Lola chuckled, amused by Lincoln's pensiveness. It was cute, and she decided to press on, giving him some rope.
"She's in love with you, you know," she revealed calmly.
"What?" Lincoln stuttered, blinking several times.
Lola only smiled and nodded, the moonlight reflecting off her eyes.
"I don't know how to respond to something like that," Lincoln announced.
"Honestly?" Lola suggested. "So, I'll ask again. Are you in love with her too?"
Lincoln scrunched his mouth in concern, then reached out and brushed his fingers through Lola's hair to see her face more clearly.
"Yes," he finally admitted. "I suppose I am. But I chose you."
Lola finally emerged from her arms and kissed Lincoln passionately.
"Thank you, baby," Lola whispered as she pulled away. "That's all I wanted to know. I love you."
