January 6th: Sleeping in on the weekends is nice.

Before I was on top of things I usually spent my Saturday's running interference with my sisters, catching up with them and helping out around the house. Now that I've spread out that workload all throughout the weekdays I can actually enjoy my Saturday's like a normal person.

Part of this is due to the part of getting all my sisters on Leni's beat, her recent promotion to assistant manager has really given her a lot of good managerial skills. I help out with the scheduling along with Lisa.

We no longer wait until the trash is filled to the brim to take it out, and hose down our plates and glasses and put them in the dishwasher instead of letting them pile in the sink, we even clean up messes and spills as we make them to make sure nobody gets hurt/a hole is burnt into the carpet.

This is probably due to a combination of Leni being in charge and working at Lynn's Table. We've all pretty much decided to work together, this way if anyone messes up too badly nobody can pull the old "Well, how come you didn't put a roll into the toilet paper dispenser when it was empty?" in response to them getting called out.

Weaponized passive aggressiveness, but it's productive and built on trust. I guess that's what keeps our society running: guilt.

It reminds me of that one time I visited Great Lakes City because Lisa had some business to attend to regarding the metro system two months back. I decided to go bug Ronnie and see what her friends were up to.

Apparently they were having trouble with their favorite skate spot, some empty concrete patio area behind a strip mall. A lot of people would dump old furniture and trash bags because they didn't want to pay to haul it all off. It was never cool furniture ever, just gross pee pee smelling mattresses and big trash bags from construction sites.

I've got some experience with this kind of stuff from all the volunteer work Jordan drags me to, so I figured the best way to keep the area clean was to get people to feel guilty about messing it up. I asked for permission if we could paint a mural on the backside of the barber shop and we got the okay. We got Sid's little sister Adelaide to draw a bunch of kids holding hands and smiling that read "We Love GLC!", one of them was even in a wheelchair. We found some spare trash cans and even an old picnic table we fished out of the creek at Elle Island Park, we replaced the wood and set it all up after hauling all the trash to the dump.

The plan worked, elderly people started showing up to feed the birds and locals started eating their lunches there. Everyone was picking up after themselves.

But they started calling the cops on Ronnie and her friends when they showed up to skate the spot they worked on cleaning up.

I guess it's an odd lesson to learn. You can spend your whole life cleaning up people's messes, but that all adds up to nothing if you're the mess in someone else's eyes.

Sometimes I wish she never moved over there, not because I miss her. I can see her when I want to just fine, and videocalls are fun. But they don't even have a Burpin' Burgers there. I would probably jump off a bridge if I was in her musty skate shoes.

I hitched a ride with Luna and Sam to get to the mall, they scored some old PA equipment from the Woodland County jail from an online auction for 20 bucks. It was like 4 working amps but they all sounded like wet farts when you plugged a guitar in save for one of them. They were looking to turn them in for some quick buck at Guitar World for store credit but Stella took a look at them when Jordan and her met up with us at the parking lot.

She said that she could probably mod them to sound good with a guitar and Luna and Sam immediately drove to her house to drop them off for her to mess with later. Sam took me aside and told me that Stella "was a keeper".

I thought out of all the people I knew Sam wouldn't say something like that to me about Relationships. It kind of hurt.

I guess it makes sense, people who are in relationships can't date other people so they start getting extra nosy in regards to other people's relationships.

I was able to pick up some more pen nibs, I used to buy extra wide ones and then get Lana to take a nail file to them. She's good at it, but I don't want to bother her. They don't write as smooth, or maybe I'm just not used to them yet. My line work has been taking a while to finish up.

I got Stella and Jordan a matching set of yearly planners, and they got me the same exact one. It's weird that a blank book can cost more than 15 dollars, but it's made out of patent leather so it must be worth it. We filled up the next 3 months together with important dates, due projects, tests, student council events.

I guess it's nice that Stella and Jordan are getting along now. Jordan still acts the same, but at least Stella is there to help get her to simmer down. Jordan opened up to us about her ex-best friend Rachel and how they stopped talking after they lost some kind of best friend competition. I tried to talk her into getting in touch with her again but Jordan told me that she changed her number and blocked her on social media.

Losing a best friend seems like it's tough. Luckily Clyde and I hash out our beef right as it happens, I guess him talking to that therapist means that he's got a good handle on his relationships and healthy communication and all that stuff.

Lola sent me a text about stuff she wanted me to pick up for her at a bunch of different stores. I was gonna say "no" but she wired all the money to my DineroApp along with a hefty tip so I couldn't turn her down.

It was kinda fun shopping with Stella and Jordan, we spent the whole time talking about which of the Bachelorettes on past Love Boat seasons would win in a cage match fight.

Personally, I think it would be Tori Tamworth from this current season. I met her once when she played Lori a couple April Fool's ago. She's like 24 now, but still looks just like Lori. I feel as though it would take an almost obsessive and borderline psychopathic force of will to maintain being that skinny.

Dad made Lynnsagna for dinner, I was still kinda full from my pretzel dog at the mall but was able to finish it and my vegetables. I'm into vegetables now. Used to hate steamed broccoli but it's pretty good if you squirt some lemon on it. Maybe it's just my body needing all the food it can get so I can grow up and finally hang out with Stella without feeling like she's my mom or a teacher or something.

January 7th: Lynn got in trouble because she drank all of mom's water bottles she buys so she can bring them to work for her lunch. Apparently Lynn and Liam had a talk today.

She busted into my room while I was ironing my shirts and I almost burnt a hole into the ceiling.

She admitted to me that she might "dig" on Liam "in a most uncool and lame" way, and that she "downright feels like some namby-pamby preppy girl" who "twirls her ponytail around her fingers waiting for a stupid text from a stupid boy".

I let her know that Liam's grades are pretty good, and she grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me a bunch while yelling that his grades weren't a point.

I clued on to the assumption that she is probably a bit upset about how Liam is one of my friends and told her that I was totally cool with the two of them hanging out. It's not really that weird since I only started hanging out with Liam last year, and Lynn herself never really hung out with him until we all had school together.

She then picked me up by the ankles and dangled me above the bed, she took the moment to further reiterate that Liam isn't the problem.

It was actually really nice on my spine, and when I asked her to let me back down I felt like I grew at least a quarter of an inch taller.

From what I understand the reason behind Lynn's irate behavior is that she isn't used to actually having these feelings stick around for more than a day. I guess she moves pretty fast, or at least used to. She could care less if he was my friend or not, and will do what she wants to because she doesn't need to ask for permission like some kind of baby.

I tried to get her to calm down.

She doesn't really need to act on her feelings if she doesn't want to, or if she thinks that things might end badly for her. There are a good number of girls that I may or may not see potential romantic relationships with, but I don't pursue them because I understand that I'm not mature enough for something like that whatsoever. If Lynn feels as though she isn't ready for something, or if she feels like Liam isn't ready for something, then she's totally okay in my book to just not pursue that line of thought.

She stood up and asked how the hell that was supposed to make her stop having those feelings about Liam.

I was quiet for a moment, maybe it was that hesitation that caused her to falter a bit and I could swear I could see a look of hesitation and fear on her face. But it was probably a trick of the light.

I told her that if she really wants those feelings gone then she should just go for it or learn to suffer through it. I think both options take a lot of strength.

She sighed and nodded, leaving me alone to iron up my button downs.

When I went back downstairs I peeked in on the two of them watching Police Story 2. The two of them looked the same, sounded the same too. Hooping and hollering at the top of their lungs, grabbing each other's shoulders and pointing at the screen whenever Jackie did a crazy stunt.

But there was this sad glint in their eyes.

January 8th: Monday. Decided to roll up in a black suit, black tie and no colorful pocket square. Everyone else had the same idea. It was like a funeral march into class, the weekend is dead. School is back in session.

The teachers could feel it too. Professor Pham kept on trying to crack jokes during Genome Mapping 2 class, they were all met with tight smiles and small nods. Small talk was kept to a minimum, the only time we opened our mouths was to ask to copy notes or borrow an eraser.

Lunch was a quiet affair. Zach and Penelope were able to score a crap ton of those super thinly sliced beef on sale at Hana Haus and made a bunch of barbecue beef on rice. I didn't get too upset when everyone there went for the B-2 sauce instead of the spicy thai sauce I made ahead of time during homeroom.

Way easier to get out of homeroom period now that I'm tentatively on Bolhofner's good side. Who knew that not skipping class and getting good grades would get you into a teachers good graces. I've been saving some leftovers for him, not because I particularly care about brown-nosing some teacher I won't ever have to think about after I graduate, but because it's a good way to get rid of leftovers.

During lunch some of the 7th and 8th graders were able to swing by because of some pep rally going on that they had to attend to.

Apparently a bunch of people on BMX bikes set up a bunch of half pipes in the gym and did a show about how you should stay away from drugs and alcohol or you will never be able to do a 900° frontflip off of a ramp and land into a large box of foam cubes. This is solid advice, probably. I don't know much about BMX biking, but from what I've seen from watching Lynn that advice is probably true. Lynn doesn't do drugs or drink alcohol, she doesn't even like taking cough drops. She's the type of person who would rather suffer through an illness and beat it by waiting it out than to cut corners and take medicine.

I find that kinda dumb. The "not taking medicine" part, not the "don't do drugs" part. You probably shouldn't drink a whole lot, from what I have heard the CIA puts stuff in the alcohol to kill homeless people, they probably do the same thing to drugs. Probably because the CIA is full of jerks, or at least according to Zach.

Lynn and her friends showed up, along with some of the other upper classmen. They thanked us for always lending out our room to them and we thanked them for always leaving the place cleaner than how we left it. They're mostly taller than us so they can reach all the high spots.

At first everyone was giving Lynn and Liam "some space" and giggling softly underneath their breath. I couldn't take it, it was so awkward watching them force smiles and make small talk. So I left my seat to go sit with them and asked if they had any movie recommendations. The mood at the table was way better, but the overall vibes in the room got rancid.

Paula took me aside and asked me what my problem was and why I am so weird and controlling with Lynn. I told her that Liam and Lynn could go sneak out to the broom closet and make out, even touch each other's butts or whatever you're supposed to do in broom closets, and I wouldn't care.

I just felt like not putting them on the spot and facilitating an environment to get them to effortlessly bounce off of each other would help facilitate their burgeoning relationship and get them to ease into the idea of them being okay with being together.

Paula nodded and noted that if I ever touched her butt that she would put me in a cast, I replied that I find the idea of making out in a broom closet kind of repulsive. Vanessa joined in along with Reid, Byron, and Margot, there was a lot I had to learn about what goes in in a broom closet.

I decided to take this conversation to my desk as Chloé and Clyde ran interference with Lynn and Liam and soon a group formed around them.

Things you do in a broom closet:

Don't touch butts

Don't immediately "go for the tongue"

Hugging is okay

The lights stay off

The last part is what bothered me the most. What if there is a serial killer hiding in the closet, or some kind of insane reporter looking to blackmail you and send photos to your parents, what if you accidentally step on a wet mop or a pail full of that sawdust janitors pour on vomit, and how are you supposed to just know you aren't touching someone's butt? It would probably be the better idea to just make out in your bedroom, or book a private room at that karaoke lounge next to the bowling alley.

Paula noted that I have spent a lot of time thinking about making out with girls, and while she does have a point, I couldn't help but complain that I'm fairly certain I spend just as much time as any other guy thinking about kissing. Byron had my back and noted that he never thought of the karaoke lounge, he usually makes out with his older girlfriend at the park in the slide.

Apparently he is in a relationship with a freshman over at RWHS, which I kind of find absolutely confusing. But I do now know to get Lily, Lola, and Lana to toss a brick into the slide if they ever hear giggles from the inside of it if they are ever at the playground.

Vanessa and Reid echoed my sentiments that Byron probably shouldn't be making out in a place where kids play, but he rebutted with the fact that it's usually after dark so the only people out there are weirdos who walk their dogs. I guess that's okay. Still gonna tell the girls to toss bricks.

Lunch was over, it was cool talking to the older kids. Vanessa handed me her business card in case if I wanted to talk "about romance". She used to work on a soap opera so I guess she misses that.

I plan on never calling her.

She looks WAY too much like Ronnie Anne, every time she does those super dramatic gestures while she talks I'm afraid she's going for my throat to get me into a headlock.

We all learned a lot from them, Jordan and Penelope even took notes. On the bus ride home Rusty did mention that he had a feeling that they had no idea what they were talking about, people make out in regular closets and only make out in broom closets during weddings. He called up his Cousin Derrick and put him on speakerphone and he said the same thing, kinda hard to doubt a guy with more ex girlfriends than I have fingers.

It left a sour taste in the gang's mouth. Who are we to trust if we can't trust the 7th and 8th graders?

Makes me wonder if anyone actually knows what they are talking about, or are just parroting the things they've heard.

It's been so long that I've kept a journal that I'm even worried that I'm parroting things I've written before. Things that I thought I got over. It makes me wonder if there is something I can do, some way that I can feel secure in my own head. Something that can make the minutes that go by have some permanence to them. Even when something new happens I can't but have this nagging thought:

Have I been here before?

Sort of like whenever they bring back an old plot line from a classic Star Groupers episode and change the elements a bit for a new season. How much can you tweak the same old script before it finally turns out as something new?

Or am I just bored with the way things are right now? Filled with this drive to try something new? Am I just curious to find out my own truth?

And when I find it, how can I convince the people who want to listen that it actually happened? Because Rusty shut down all those teens' legitimacy with one simple phone call. For all I know Paula really does make out with her boyfriend every Saturday after church youth group and Reid really did touch another girl's boob at band camp.

I'm gonna go drink some mineral water and think it over after I finish up this episode of the Love Boat on the DVR. I gotta stop watching this show when I'm feeling all pensive.

January 9th: Reading back yesterday's entry, and I gotta say:

Laaaaaaame.

Who cares about whether or not a bunch of hormonal teenagers lie about how much they make out with each other, if I cared so much I'd just call their bluff and play tonsil hockey with Cici and get sawdust all over my shoes.

I ordered one of those privacy screen protectors that make it so that you need to be actually holding my phone in order to see the screen. I ordered some extras and handed them out to my sisters. I got a deal from ordering them in bulk. Just took a while to get them.

As a little thank you gift Luan took me out to get burgers with her and Benny after school (dunno if this counts as a treat since Benny eats here for free). Unfortunately she made me drag along Jordan. Chloé and Clyde are here too! But I'm glad they are here. Jordan is currently in a mood.

"Okay, you don't need to be a jerk, Lincoln."

I looked over to my right in horror. Jordan can see what I'm typing. She's looking at my phone through a pair of incredibly dark sunglasses that make her look like a recently widowed lady who maybe killed her husband, alongside a scarf that is tied around her head to complete the look. A grim portent of things to come.

"I am not going to kill my husband, Lincoln." Jordan took off her glasses and rubbed her temples, "Jeez, it's only been like 3 minutes sitting next to you and I already have a migraine…"

"I've got some ibuprofen in my bag if you would like some," Clyde cut in with a smile from across the table, "The harsh fluorescent lights in here always spike my headaches. Just- uh…"

He fumbled inside his messenger bag and slid a bottle on the table, "Make sure you don't take them on an empty stomach."

Chloé nodded while sipping on a extra large Burpin' Brownie milkshake she was sharing with Clyde, "Yeah, that stuff will melt your stomach lining if you aren't careful."

"How many do I take to get that to happen?" Jordan mumbled as she struggled to open the baby safe container, which is surprising since she isn't a baby.

She tilted her head up and took a deep breath through her nose, she held the bottle in front of my face, "Well, if you would like to be a gentleman and open it then be my guest."

I bet it's because those glasses are polarized, kind of troubling that I spent that money on a privacy screen for nothing. But she's the one invading my privacy. If she doesn't like reading what I'm writing she doesn't have to.

I slid the pills to the side and told her that I'll open it up once she has some food in her.

"Lincoln. I do not need you to act like my babysitter," Jordan tried to reach over for the pills and I stowed them in my jacket pocket, "My god. You're even worse than Ms. Pingrey."

I raised my eyebrows at that. Didn't know Carol babysat Jordan.

Luckily Benny and Luan showed up with our orders and took their seats to the left of us.

"Heya, kiddos!" Benny immediately tried to ruffle my hair before recoiling in fear, "Jeez, duderino! Did you dive in head first into a tub of bacon fat? Why are you so greasy!?"

I quickly ran a comb through my hair with a shudder and said that it was a part of the uniform.

"Oh, yeah," Luan placed her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand and gestured towards me to Benny, "Linc over here got everyone in school to dress like a bunch of news reporters through mass suggestion or something. It's pretty hilarious."

"Yeah, it is kinda nuts seeing everyone walk around like we're a bunch of office workers. But I got used to it after the first week." Chloé said with a nod.

Clyde looked around for spare napkins and found none so he started rooting around in his bag, "Yep, you know how it is. Fads go in and out. I'm expecting everything to go back to normal in a month or so."

"It's troubling, really…" Jordan said with a slight frown, "Spending my new years money on a bunch of suits that will only fit me for a year or two. I guess I might be able to make some money back if I sell them online or something."

I told Benny that I wasn't really trying to start a fad or anything, things just kind of spiraled out of control.

Benny nodded his head to the side and pursed his lips with a nod, "I hear you. Back when I was in 6th grade everyone was into this one weird anime trading card game, now I've got a closet full of cardboard with a bunch of scantily clad women on them that gets Luan mad at me whenever she comes over."

Luan almost choked and drove her elbow lightly into Benny's arm, "Come on! I don't get mad at you! I think they're conceptually hilarious! I'm not, like, jealous over some anime lady." She turned to us with a smile, "I just think it's kinda embarrassing, anime right?"

We blinked at the pun and let it roll around in our heads before nodding and giving a sensible chuckle.

"I feel like I'm sitting at a job interview," whispered Luan to Benny, loud enough for us to hear, "do you think I'll get hired if I talk about the volunteer work I do at the local theater or will that make me look like a try-hard?"

I'm fairly certain that any company would be okay with adding volunteer work on a resume, at least most jobs that hire teenagers. I bet as you get older if volunteer work is the only real substantial thing on your resume it looks pretty bad.

"And that's a shame, really," Clyde tucked in a handkerchief around his neck and handed one to Chloé, "so much work to be done, so many people need help. But if it isn't attached to a dollar sign it means jack doo-doo."

"I get so tired of it." Jordan said through gritted teeth as she opened up the paper clamshell holding her Baby Barbecue Belcher, "I used to spend sleepless nights, terrified of the idea of having to grow up. Having to play along with the little games adults play, all the distractions they use to keep the fact that they are playing right into the very systems that keep them miserable."

"The worst part is," Chloé shook her head and tucked a matching handkerchief into her frilly white blouse, "we all know there is no escape. And we spend all our time as kids just wanting to get there. I don't know if it's because we want it over with, get this illusion of carefree naivety expelled from our system like bad beef jerky we ate on accident, or because we want to get there. In that waking nightmare called adulthood and be able to say I knew it, I knew it would be this bad."

I nodded along, forcing down my medium fries despite not feeling any hunger whatsoever. I just don't sleep anymore. It's been ages since I could recall any of my dreams. When I look around at all these vacant faces it makes me wonder if I'm still awake. But I know it doesn't make me any better than all of them, awake or asleep. I'm still following the dotted line.

Maybe one day I'll be able to say that I made a choice. That I'll be in a position where I'm comfortable and say it was all worth it. But I don't know if the person I am today will agree with the man I will be in the future.

Benny and Luan are quiet and I shoot them a smile and thank them again for the meal.

"Jesus, Linc'..." Luan reached over to pet my shoulder, "is middle school that bad?"

We all quickly looked up from our food and started coughing. Our faces stretched into smiles as we looked at each other, our eyes glinting in recognition of the social faux pas we committed.

I quickly let Luan know that we are having a fun time at school. We had a pep rally today and saw a bunch of people do cool flips on bikes that went really, really, fast.

"Yeah, it was so cool!" Jordan nodded to Benny and Luan and pulled up her phone to show a video of the event, "They did so many cool tricks!"

"For sure!" Chloé dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin before continuing, "I'm never gonna abuse drugs or alcohol!"

Yes, I repeated the pledge they made us say after the pep rally verbatim along with Clyde and we high-fived each other.

"Hoo-boy!" He excitedly brought out a bright blue t-shirt and handed it to Benny, "They gave us free t-shirts but mine was too big, you can have mine, Benny! I hope you never do drugs or engage in underage drinking ever in your life!"

Benny unfolded the t-shirt and took one look at the slogan and cartoon t-rex wearing sunglasses and tried his hardest not to break out laughing, "Th-thanks for the gift you guys. This is hila-"

Luan clicked her tongue and spoke over Benny, her voice weirdly level, "That's very nice of you, Clyde. We will be sure to never ever do drugs. Or drink."

Benny nodded once, "Alcohol. We'll keep the drinks soft in nature-"

He looked down at his watch and slapped his knees before getting up, "Welp, my lunch is almost over. You kids have fun with your meal!"

He bent down to kiss Luan on the forehead, "Mwah! See ya later, toots!"

Luan quickly got up, "W-wait! We've got, like, ten minutes left! D-don't you want," I watched her eyes dart towards mine for a split second, "Some help organizing the brooms?"

Benny's eyes drifted to the table and he raised his eyebrows at Luan, "Uh, you sure?"

I quickly turned to Luan and shooed her away, after giving a warning to the two of them to turn the lights on so they don't step on a wet mop. They gave us blushing smiles and exited stage left.

After mustering up my courage I peeled open my Jalapeño Caesar Salad dressing and poured a measured amount over my Burpin' Chicken Salad. I picked at my food with a fork to place the wilted pieces of lettuce on the plastic cover while I complained to the table.

I get with how Lori and Bobby were around us that Luan has some trepidation over showing PDA around my younger sisters and I, but the hoops she jumps through kinda make me feel like she thinks I'm still a kid. I've kissed a girl two times now.

"Three times, jerk." Jordan corrected me, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to talk about that or not.

"Just don't tell Stella." She snapped her fingers and I popped open the bottle of pills for her and handed her two before handing the bottle back to Clyde, "I guess I'm not surprised that Rusty's cousin was full of crap. Teens really do make out in broom closets."

"I'm with Lincoln on the whole affair," Clyde said as he placed a chicken tender in-between his Baby Belcher, "there isn't anything particularly romantic about a broom closet. And I have seen a lot of make out scenes in broom closets from all the romcoms throughout the years."

Chloé paused mid-bite of her Holla for Paula and gave a tiny frown, "What about regular closets? I dunno, I think it'd be kinda cozy…"

Clyde chewed a bit and swallowed, his face pensive, "Yeah, I could see that being romantic. Depends on the closet, I guess."

I agree, way better than a Bev and Dusters bathroom.

Jordan blinked as she finished wiping her face with a paper napkin she pulled from her backpack, "Okay, you didn't have to tell them that part."

I quickly changed the subject to the pep rally. I could tell that the crowd was way more receptive today, the riders looked kinda worried for the first five minutes before the pyrotechnics went off. I can't imagine how bad it was on Monday.

Chloé quickly wiggled her eyebrows at Jordan and immediately turned her attention towards me, her voice neutral, "Yeah, Emma was present during the first showing because she has that Cobol Coding elective on E Days and it's a multi-grade class. Apparently, one of the riders totally beefed it and sprained his wrist when he landed wrong. But he tried to play it off."

Clyde swallowed a bite of his turf and turf monstrosity and spoke "Jeez. I mean, I get doing what you love and teaching kids not to do hard drugs or whatever they were talking about, but that takes a lot of commitment. I'd probably would have been just as entertained by, like, a powerpoint presentation or a short film."

Jordan nodded, "Yeah… I swear to god I almost had a anxiety attack during that whole ordeal. I wonder if any of them have ever died while doing that show."

We were silent for a bit.

I mean, they probably have a good life insurance policy. Or at least they better if they're messing around with all those pyrotechnics. I suppose it would be a pretty badass way to go.

"At least they were all wearing helmets." Chloé stated as she finished off her tater tots.

"Yeah, I guess that's something…" Clyde admitted, he turned to me with a smile, "Hey, dude. You remember when we took up skating? You ever pick up your board when you visit Ronnie?"

I forced a bite of salad down, trying to depersonalize myself enough to ignore the slimy texture of the dressing.

I skate every now and then. Not lately since it's been so cold. It's usually something I do when I can't fall asleep and I've got a lot of excess energy. I feel like it helps me with my sense of spatial differentiation.

"How so?" Jordan asked through clench teeth, she visibly tensed up when Ronnie's name was mentioned.

I explained what I meant by that while Clyde got my attention. He raised his left eyebrow and tapped the table three times, I set my right elbow down and held up three fingers.

"What." Jordan peered closer at my phone.

She darted her head up towards Chloé and shot her fingers at Clyde and I, "They're talking in code! Those stupid gestures are code!"

Well, I would get upset, but she doesn't know what it means.

"That's not the point, jackass!" Jordan groaned as she finished off her drink, she slammed down the cup on the table, "It's not fair!"

"I mean," Clyde shrugged his shoulders at the confused look of Chloé, "it's just a thing we do. If you really wanted to know then I don't think we would mind showing you- er, right, Linc'?"

Yeah, I wouldn't mind at all if Chloé knew about all the codes. It might do us some good in case if we are ever In A Situation.

"And you're fine with that?" Jordan roared at Chloé, "He's been keeping secrets from you for months! Having weird super spy talk with Lincoln right in front of you!"

Chloé just shrugged her shoulders, "I think it's kinda cool. I don't mind him playing around with his best bro like that."

Clyde nodded, "Well, if you ever do wanna learn we can type something up for you…"

Chloé brought up her phone and nodded, "That is nice of you, honey."

Okay, now I feel a bit jealous.

Jordan loudly cleared her throat, "Uh? Then do something about it?"

I let Jordan know that I plan on making a document of all the codes and am going to hand them out to trusted parties, she's free to take one too if she desires.

Jordan slowly rested her temple onto the table, "I feel like my head is going to explode."

Chloé cleared her throat and shot me a smile while holding up her phone, "Emma's mom is here now to pick us up, we're going to the mall to get matching earrings. Did you wanna come along, Lincoln?"

I humbly declined as I looked down at my barely eaten salad.

Clyde quickly gave me a bro fist as he collected the trash from the table, Chloé helped Jordan up and they made their way out the restaurant.

"You're a piece of garbage, Lincoln Loud." Jordan said as she walked out the door.

I blinked and looked around, she practically yelled that but every other person ignored it. I'm not entirely sure if it's because they were being polite or if it's because the food here is that good.

Honestly, it doesn't taste the same anymore on most days. Usually when Benny is on the fryer. But I'm not about to tell him that.

I took a deep breath and started shoveling as much food down in my gullet, washing it down with Krebstar Cola. They need to clean the spigot on that thing, kinda tastes like drinking from a garden hose. My phone blipped once, a message from Jordan.

"I didn't mean that."

Maybe she was just upset that she doesn't have a bunch of secret codes or a best friend to do them with, or maybe she was upset that I don't really want to be her boyfriend because I'm afraid of what would happen. I don't know. Part of me feels like I should just follow that dotted line and make it official. But I'm not sure if I particularly like that part of me.

"Seriously, I didn't mean that." My phone read.

I wondered if I should swipe down my phone and click the message, just to leave her on read. But I don't think I have it in me anymore to be vindictive.

I went ahead and took out my trash and wiped the table down with an orange rag I made from one of my old polos.

"Heya, hope the grub was good," Luan's voice came from behind, "Leni is here to pick us up! You ready to go?"

I took a deep breath and for the first time, in a long time, sent a text to Jordan.

I got up from my seat and made my way out the door.


"How's it now you multiply,

the times I thought I knew you

Now I know too much,

I died right when I saw right through you

How can one say that they'll be so bold

Everyone's around when the story's told

How can one say that they'll be so bold

Everyone's around, say it Loud"

Multiply by Ginger Root


Thanks for reading, and thanks for giving this fic a chance! What's gonna happen next? I have no idea, this has been all done with very little planning. I think out of the few scenes the only one I planned out for sure was that beat with Clyde and Linc code talking and Jordan getting upset by it. The problem with thinking ahead of time is that I'll write something down and get horribly unsure if I wrote it already earlier or in another fic. If you ever catch me rehashing stuff it was definetly done for thematic reasons, and not because im a hack.