The tangled web of Lincoln Loud
Series 2 – Patternity
Chapter 6 I Can't Stop Loving You
"So I've made up my mind"
—Osborn for mayor, no more mutants!
The crowds could be heard even from the eighth floor of the hospital, where Ronnie, Lisa, Gwen, and Clyde ended up. Captain Stacy claimed to be fine, but X-rays showed broken ribs.
—I have to see my daughter!—the captain demanded.
—I'm afraid the right thing you've to do, is to rest.—Doctor Howard McBride ordered—The kids will be in good hands, but keep moving like that and you will lose mobility.
—It's my daughter... —Stacy said, putting a hand to his head and laying it on the hospital bed located on the third floor.
—And my son is there too.—Mr. McBride said coldly—I'm as concerned about him as you are about Gwen, but if we are weak, what example are we setting for them?
—You were the one who got worried at the last field trip when Clyde got stung by a bee.—The Captain laughed, then grunted in pain.
—Since the incident with my neck, I had to relax more.—the doctor said, finishing the "routine check-up".
They talked quietly while on the eighth floor it took the kids about hours to talk, exchanging only occasional awkward glances until Clyde confessed in the afternoon:
—I can't sleep even though I'm exhausted.
—Me neither.—Gwen admitted as Ronnie let out a deep snore.
—I shouldn't be in this hospital, I was supposed to work with Mr. Osborn, I already declared that I'm fine.—Lisa said trying to move, but lying down again because of a strong pain in her back.
After almost another half hour in the hospital, several visitors entered the room with the four children, although only two were left per bed:
—Lisa, is that you my baby?—her mother came up to hug and kiss her while trying not to touch any of the bandages with wounds—What happened to you?
—Hello maternal unit, paternal unit.—Lisa greeted simply as if she were sitting on a chair in the dining room.
—Always a difficult one, aren't you sis?—Lori said while holding her boyfriend's hand—I had to get through to Ronnie, or we'll get kicked out, but I'm relieved that you're okay.—She squeezed the hand lightly.
The eldest Loud sister was trying to be calm, but her boyfriend was stretching her hand because he was impatient to cross to the other side of the room where Ronnie Anne was resting.
Bobby Santiago took a seat next to his little sister's bed and held her hand as he cried a little from the shock of seeing her whole arm resting on a special device. They waited in silence, both Bobby and Lori, she even arranged Ronnie's hair quietly.
Then both Lincoln Loud and Peter Parker came in, those two had gone first to Captain Stacy, so that he would give them the permission to see Gwen on top, Peter went straight to her, while Lincoln tried first hugging Lisa, but his mother was already hogging all of Lisa's space and his father refused to support him, he knew perfectly well what his father was thinking: "Why do you always wait to show interest until it's too late?"
He moved away crestfallen, thinking that surely it was his fault that they were all there, if he didn't inhale the gas that made him hallucinate, his priority would have been to get them all out, but no, he almost broke the police captain's ribs, left his best friends in mortal danger and his sister was hurt. To top it all, the culprit was still out there, roaming free.
…
From his penthouse in the heart of New York City, Norman Osborn was relaxing, with no unnecessary doctors checking his vital signs and just a bandage on his forehead that he wanted to remove as soon as he could because it ruined his appearance so much.
Norman was smiling after that "traumatic experience", if he was taught anything it was to never look back. He took his cell phone to dial that genius girl, she could have a place among Norman's ranks, he had a very big and ambitious project with sinister consequences.
Moments before, at the hospital.
—Clyde!—Harold McBride approached without his police uniform, along with his husband Howard, who was wearing a doctor's coat, and asked the receptionist in the children's ward that, unless it was an emergency, no one interrupt the visit.
—Dads!—he opened both arms for them to hug him, which they both did without hesitation, although being careful not to hurt him.
Right on the opposite bed, Lincoln and Peter were on the side of a less than animated Gwen Stacy:
—Oh come on Gwen, say something.—Lincoln tried to encourage while touching her chin.
—Watch out, buddy.—Peter tried to lightly punch him, but Lincoln instinctively stopped him in a hurry, causing Peter's hand to almost hit the wall in front of him.
Gwen's eyes went wide as she looked from one side to the other, then Lincoln quickly came up with an idea.
—Hahaha, good one Peter.—He winked—You did better than when we rehearsed it...—Then winked a second time as he turned his face away so Gwen couldn't see him.
The young Parker rubbed his hand, he was sure his finger was going to have a bruise, he was tempted to complain about it to Lincoln, in front of his parents and Dr. McBride so he would have to explain his strength and get in trouble, but a promise was a promise. He simply pretended to stop rubbing his reddened fingers and began to laugh a slow, forced laugh, convincing enough to get Gwen to stop paying attention to them and look straight ahead again.
—At least everything will be back to normal from now on.—she said, inhaling and exhaling.
—Yep, Lincoln and I will be at school all day for you.—Peter told her sincerely, at the same time showing her a smile.
—And also after school, just let us know when you need us, that we are doing our project in... somewhere.—Lincoln tried to quickly think of a credible location, seeing that he couldn't, he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
—Thank you, guys, I'll keep it in mind. —she gave Peter a kiss on the forehead, followed by a kiss to Lincoln on the cheek, too close to his lips, so close that Lincoln could almost taste it.—But I want to see my dad…
—Yeah, I get it.—Peter said, getting a little comfortable in the pillow—Remember when the four of us were sitting in a bench just outside my Uncle Ben's funeral? —he looked especially at Lincoln, knowing that he would remember that day.
—Yes...—Gwen let out a laugh with a twinkle in her eye—Wasn't it when Clyde dropped the ice cream in his suit?
—And you arrived with your glasses backwards.—Peter said.
—Oh yes, I remember. —Lincoln said a little more hurt than he wanted to admit.
"To live in memory of the lonesome times".
There were the four children, Lincoln, Peter, Gwen, and Clyde, sharing a single bench in the middle of a silent hallway it was the firsts days of July and already felt like if the winter were surrendering them. Behind the walls there were a lot of people shedding tears, the familiar guests who came in, watched, and couldn't believe it.
Ben Parker, a righteous and kind-hearted man, murdered in cold blood in the middle of an alley. The police investigated in every corner of the city, but nothing seemed to bear fruit. It was just the cries of old people who had just lost someone else in that unsafe city.
Of all of them, Peter was the most worried, because he couldn't see his aunt, every time he talked to her, they started to cry, and Peter was tired of crying. He would wipe it away with the sleeve of his suit to pretend he was strong, that he could take it, but his red eyes and incessant runny nose only proved otherwise.
Clyde and Gwen hugged Peter to make him feel better, while Lincoln looked at nothing, remembering the words of the man buried behind the walls behind him.
But he was nervous, he didn't know what Peter was going to think of all that, most likely he was a weirdo, and possibly he was going to blame him for Ben's death, but no, Lincoln couldn't do anything there, as much as he tried.
There was a moment of silence, in which both Clyde and Gwen had to get up, the girl said that if they wanted to go back, they were going to have to clean the ice cream off Clyde's-stained vest.
Lincoln and Peter were left alone.
—You haven't said anything…—Peter said almost complaining as he sniffled a little.
Lincoln looked from one side to the other, there was no one, it was just the two of them in the hallway. And he had made a promise.
—I'm sorry, Pete…— he tried to find the words—Your uncle made me promise something.
—Uncle Ben? that doesn't make sense, you two haven't talked that much… and now he won't be able to talk anymore. —Peter tried wiping some tears—Well, you did go to my house...
—You don't understand.— Lincoln said, a little hurt was palpable on his voice—I have to show you something, it's very important.
—Can't it wait?—Peter asked with his arms folded, sounded annoyed—Today is not a good day.
—No, it can't wait, because it was one of your uncle's last wishes.—Lincoln explained while Peter lifted his head to look at him—Let me explain, it has something to do with Spider...
—Don't say that name!—He gave him a look full of hate—I hate that stupid boy...
Of course, Peter was going to hate the dumb spider boy who went and beat up low-life criminals, especially if a police witness saw him running from the crime scene where Ben Parker was killed, and it had been all over the news.
It was then that Peter's mind became active, he looked at the doors of the funeral chapel, then at Lincoln who was asking him to go to a dark garden. He narrowed his eyes and decided to follow him.
"I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU"
Those distant memories landed in Lincoln Loud's mind again, as he felt he had failed to keep his promise. Not quite, but at least he knew that the words now carried more weight. He had failed to stop Mysterio, and now a lot of people he cared about were hurt. Peter tried to smile at him, but Lincoln folded his arms and turned away.
He went through all the hospital beds, even Ronnie Anne's, although the Latina girl was pretty angry. When he was in Lisa's bed, the younger girl's cell phone started ringing.
—It must be important. —Lisa tried to take off a bandage to pick up her phone, but it was Lincoln who took the call, while the parents tried to calm her down.
—Good afternoon, Lisa Loud's number, her brother speaking. —He said the most formal introduction he could, knowing that sometimes important university people or doctors called her.
—That voice... —he heard a whisper from behind the line, and it gave him goosebumps.
—I know you.—he said opening his eyes wide, causing both his parents and Lisa to look at him.
—Do you know me, young man?—asked the strong and confident voice.—Interesting…
Lincoln closed and opened his eyes in fear, not quite knowing whose voice it was, only that he recognized it... Until finally when he heard the word "interesting", that tone could only be someone's.
—Yeah, you were on television, Mr. M...or...son?—He pretended to not remember his name—You gave a very good speech and everyone at my school saw it.—He said with a extremely nervous smile, showing all his teeth.
If Lincoln had been in front of Norman Osborn, he wouldn't have had the slightest chance to lie. But by being in a phone call, he managed at least not to become the center of attention of the man behind the phone line.
—It's Mr. Osborn for you—Lisa said scandalized—Give me my phone.
—Yes boy, very interesting.—Norman said, pretending disinterest in the conversation—Is Dr. Loud present? I have an important business conversation to conduct with her.
—Well, she's here in the hospital, she broke a...—Lincoln tried to explain, but was interrupted.
—So, she is there. Be a good boy and give her the phone, will you?—Norman ordered.
—Yeah...sure Mr. Osborn.—Lincoln said slowly as he closed his eyes and passed the phone to Lisa.
—Thank you male fraternal unit.—Lisa said, taking the phone without any emotion in her voice—Mr. Osborn.—she exclaimed, but now with a lot more of emotion—Just a routine check-up, nothing out of the ordinary.
—Your brother said you were hospitalized, Dr. Loud, why were you hospitalized if I was there too? Did you want to escape from your new line of work?
—No, no, no, no, Mr. Osborn, not remotely close.—Lisa tried to deny, not knowing that she was right where he wanted her—Simply medical procedures that I legally have to comply due to the complication of being a minor. —she described the situation in a derogatory way.
Both Lincoln and Lynn Senior looked at each other concerned, while Rita rested in a chair next to them. They were displeased by the words Lisa was using.
—Is that going to be the excuse you're going to use, Dr. Loud? That you're underage?—a disappointed Mr. Osborn said, as he walked through his luxurious home—Are you sure?
—No, no, just... How about if I start working tomorrow with...?—Lisa tried to bargain.
—No work, honey.—Doctor McBride interrupted her from a distance—That man never understands the importance of rest, don't let him poison you.
—Excuse me Doctor Lisa, is there anyone else on the call? —Norman asked, opening his refrigerator, he wanted a nice champagne.
—No, no one.—Lisa said rolling her eyes—Don't worry Mr. Osborn, I'll go to work tomorrow.
Mr. Loud had heard enough, he allowed his daughter to work in Oscorp, but he'd a couple of things to say to her boss, so he picked up the phone despite Lisa's complaints:
—Good afternoon Mr. Osborn, right? —he said calmly as a vein formed in his neck.
—That's me, who is this?—Norman asked, finding the right bottle—and please, hurry up, time is precious and I need to discuss details of a project with Dr. Loud.
—I am her father, sir. —Lynn Sr said with authority, even though Lisa was quick to flatly deny it, but her mother wouldn't let her get up—and I have a couple of things to tell you.
—Me too, first of all, manners, young man.—the CEO said, uncorking the bottle.
—I am the one giving legal permission for you to work with my daughter, so if you want to talk to her so badly, please listen.—Lynn said, trying to be tactful.
—Few people have ever dared to talk to me like that, you have my full attention Mr. Loud.—Norman poured himself some champagne and sat down at a computer.
—My daughter will be on bed, resting for the next few days, you have no right to call her until she comes out from the hospital.—Mr. Loud said, trying to stick out his chest.
—Is that all?
—I really don't care who you are, Mr. Osborn.—Mr. Loud admitted, and his voiced shoed clear anger—I'm just telling you to understand that Lisa is a child, not a machine.
—Yet... —Norman whispered, putting a hand to his chin and inserting "Loud" into his browser.—Anyway, so you're telling me that I can't legally contact your daughter until she's free of the hospital hassle?
—That's right.—the man said confidently.
—Excellent, thank you for your honesty, goodbye.
Norman hung up the call and was surprised that in his system he only had two names with the last name "Loud" active, other than little Lisa, one of them was a sixteen-year-old blonde girl working in a shopping mall. And the other was a picture of a chronically bald man, working at a technology company that was part of his process chain, only needed to make the right call...
—So, Lynn Loud, father of thirteen.—He sipped his champagne—The sole breadwinner of a lower class family, a pity, but Lisa's balance will have to suffice.
A single button was necessary for the series of unfortunate events to be unleashed. Just like when the flapping of a butterfly in Bejin, generates a tornado in New York, that button had been the flapping. At that moment Lisa got angry, causing Lincoln to get away from his little sister and go back with Gwen and Peter. Peter seeing Lincoln's face, couldn't help but feel bad, it was his turn to cheer him up:
—Everything is going to be fine Linc, you'll see, trust me.
"I CAN'T STOP WANTING YOU"
—We're done Dorothy!—shouted an enraged African-American girl as she shoved a red-haired boy.
—But Liz!—Chandler tried to get up in the middle of the hallway, attracting prying eyes.
—Don't ever speak to me again Jason Dorothy Chandler!—the cheerleader shouted angrily as she deigned to turn around and spit on the boy, the spittle hitting him full in the face.
That scene was a couple of days after all the chaos at the hospital. It was a few weeks close to Halloween night. Everyone, except Ronnie, had left the hospital without severe damage, although Norman was still not answering Lisa's calls and Lincoln was noticing at home his father getting more and more worried, but out of those details, everything was still normal. Except of course that Liz was breaking up with Chandler.
—Dang it, I wish I'd had a camera for this moment.—Peter Parker complained as Clyde laughed uncontrollably.
—Am I the only one who just found out that Chandler's middle name is Dorothy? — Gwen started hyperventilating and burst out laughing, which ended with her making piggy noises.
—I've just learned it too.—Peter had to admit as he leaned against a locker to hold in his laughter.
There were so many people in the hallway that they were not noticed by anyone.
—I already knew it.—He never liked to see Chandler directly, it brought back bad memories.
—He deserves it.—Liam said dryly, who allowed himself to smile after having been silent for a long time.
—You may not talk much Kasady, but every time you do you hit the nail.—Clyde said between his laugher.
It took several teachers to get the attention of all the students and get them to move out of there, whenever there was an opportunity, the gossip would be spread throughout the middle school, that Chandler, the captain of the soccer team, and Liz, the captain of the cheerleading squad, were over. Dynamite didn't have the same explosive capacity as spreading rumors.
The funniest part of it all, for Lincoln, was that Chandler was finally getting a taste of what he deserved after being such a jerk for so many years with him and Clyde. Break time came, and they were all sitting, except for Gwen at the far table in the cafeteria, commenting again on whether Chandler had cried in the bathrooms or the showers.
Finally, about halfway through lunch, Gwen Stacy appeared through the cafeteria doors, carrying a newspaper, and jumping for joy.
—Peter! Peter! Lincoln! Lincoln! —she shouted, approaching his friends' table, and throwing the newspaper in the middle of the wood.
—Clyde, Clyde, Clyde. —the offended boy said—What's up Gwen?
—Remember the assignment we did last week? —Gwen said anxiously, causing Lincoln to turn to look at Peter.
Peter opened his eyes wide and nodded. Then Lincoln understood, probably some homework Peter did while he took on being a hero.
—Well, it turns out that out of the entire school, our research papers were selected as the two best.—Gwen said, showing the page nineteen.
They all saw the "Scholastic" section where various news of the current student world was displayed, at least as current as a newspaper could be. In that section there were divisions for youth soccer leagues and in a box at the bottom of the page there was a small note explaining that the review of the best essays from Everdeen Middle School had concluded and they gained access to the opportunity to be apprenticed to Doctors Connors marriage. Two of the most prestigious doctors in America for their extensive studies in animal and insect DNA chains.
—Students like Gwen Stacy, Liz Shawn, Peter Parker and Lincoln Loud have shown some of the best work in years, and have earned a chance to be interviewed in person by the Connors to be part of their team at STAR Labs.—Peter read with much excitement in his voice as his eyes sparkled—God, if I were hired I could finally support my aunt...
—That sounds… Awesome.—Lincoln said faking interest only because the rest of his friends were excited.
—Give me that! —Gwen ripped the paper from the newspaper and stood up quickly—I got to show this to Liz!
—Maybe it's not the best time...—Lincoln tried to persuade her, breathing slowly to avoid reacting quickly if Gwen tried to hit him—She already left, didn't she?—he said as he didn't feel anything.
—Yup—Peter said, closing the paper and started to read it.—Funny, our parents used to think of this as the news outlet and now even to touch one is strange.
—You ever thought about what it was like before?—Lincoln said, looking up at the sky—Imagine riding a dinosaur.
—It sounds ridiculous.—Clyde laughed.
—Even I have to admit that the newspaper is out of date.—said Liam as he took a bite of his raw potato.
Peter kept flipping through the paper as if he was looking for something important, he found a note about looking for a replacement for an "Eddie Brock" who was a Spider-kid photographer at the Daily Buggle. Peter deduced that they hadn't seen his picture yet, he was sure that with his abilities they were going to hire him. He flipped the page, going to one on justice and law, which he normally would have ignored, but then he saw that face... His skin went pale, and he began to grit his teeth.
—Peter? —Clyde panicked, pushing his leftover food as far away as possible, as if fearing it might be contagious.
—What happened?—Lincoln asked, picking up the newspaper and seeing nothing unusual, until he suddenly read the headline of one of the news stories—Marcus Flint escapes from prison for a second time.—He said aloud, at first not understanding, until seeing that face also made Lincoln's skin turn pale.
—What? Who is Marcus Flint?—Clyde said blankly as he and Liam read the headline.
—Lincoln, I need to talk to you in private.—Peter said, getting up—Now.
—I'm glad you said that.—Lincoln also got up and ate most of his apple in one bite. —Clyde, Liam, see you again in class.—He said trying to smile, but he looked tense.
They both went quickly up to the roof, once on top Lincoln took a metal bar and put it on the handle of the only entrance. He used to do that every time he had to change from Spider-kid to Lincoln Loud. But this time he didn't need that alter ego, he needed to support his friend.
—Tell me everything again. —Peter said, as he circled the roof and chewed his nails.
—Peter, I don't think that...
—Loud, you're talking about my uncle's memory.—Peter looked at him angrily, —Tell me all about it again.
—I can catch him. —Lincoln said, pointing to the web-shooters.
—And what are you going to do? Take him to those incompetent people who call themselves officers? —Peter said, sitting down on the ledge, he didn't care if he fell, he just wanted to scream and get off his chest—AHHHH!
His scream, although heard by several students, most couldn't even imagine where it was coming from, it was hard to believe there were students on the roof, usually a ladder was needed to get there, but when Lincoln has cobwebs that climb becomes just a matter of sticking to him.
—I know what you want Peter, and it's not going to happen.—Lincoln said, putting both feet on the ledge and looking at the ground, if he hadn't been so many times already at the edge of buildings, he would be feeling like if he were about to fall at any moment.
—Just once, that man doesn't deserve to live...—Peter tried to speak but cut himself off.
—Benjamin Parker would never wanted his nephew to say those words!—Lincoln raised his voice—Peter, even if you had these stupid powers, I wouldn't let you go after that guy, I know what you're capable of.—Lincoln sitting down beside him and looking at the dirty city in all its splendor.—I'm going to catch him coming out of the school
—So he can escape again?—Peter asked, closing his eyes and leaning back against the ceiling, while his feet dangled into the void—What's the point? He'll escape.
—We'll get him again. —Lincoln said convinced—I'm surprised the police caught him again, I never knew he escaped the first time.—He had to admit, although he was beginning to think about something that happened a couple of weeks ago, concerning a jewelry store.
—Tell me again.—Peter repeated, looking at the gray clouds.
—It won't do you any good.—Lincoln put himself in the same position.
—It will make me release the tears I need right now.—Peter said serenely—And then you'll hunt the son of a bitch down later.
"It's useless to say"
Lincoln somersaulted through the air after jumping onto another building, the more he tested these new powers the more he felt that he was truly alive. Although he still didn't fully understand the world he was trying to get into, for the first time he could consider himself on par with his childhood hero, Ace Savvy. And even more powerful.
He could even be admired like the Fantastic Four or Tony Stark. The world was at his palm, any ordinary person would have no choice but to obey him... And no one had to know, it was going to be his most private secret. If it weren't for the fact that his stomach was growling.
—Oh come on, jumping between buildings shouldn't make me so hungry.— He tried to talk to himself as he walked down the wall of a four-story building.
To his surprise, when he reached the main street he found an open store, it was past three in the morning. He instinctively went downstairs without taking off his jacket, even though it was summer she didn't want anyone to see his white hair while he was jumping between rooftops, maybe he should think about a hat... Or a full head mask.
It was a convenience store where there was only the cashier and a tall gentleman heating popcorn in the back, so he didn't even flinch at greeting the cashier, he just moved around freely until he got to the muffin aisle and reached for something sweet, it was the middle of summer, what did it matter if he didn't wake up until after noon? As long as his family didn't know, everything would be fine.
Maybe Lincoln would never have seen anything if he had taken the apple pie in a bag and paid to keep walking the rooftops. But that time everything was different. He went for a soda to go with his late-night meal, and as he rummaged around to see if he could find an orange-flavored soda or energy drink, when suddenly he was surprised.
—Ah!—Lincoln felt a strange sensation run through his body that he had never felt before.
—Excuse me, young man, I just can't read this...—spoke an older man wearing reading glasses—Wait a minute, Lincoln? Lincoln Loud? What are you doing here at this time, boy?
There was Ben Parker, minutes before his death, berating Lincoln for catching him at three in the morning rummaging for a soda. The boy first felt fear, then anger, if he told his parents about his night out, he would be in troubles. At that moment he tried to think of plans how to hit him so hard on the head that he would forget everything.
Although those details never appeared in the version he told Peter, they were lurid details he wasn't proud of.
—What are you doing here, Mr. Parker?—Lincoln said annoyed.
—Ha, save your questions, how disappointing.—the man shacked his head while with one hand took him by the wrist and with the other he took a box of pills, that he couldn't read the tag—You're eleven years old, young man, Peter hangs out with you, what kind of trouble are you making at such hours? Aren't you ashamed?
Lincoln didn't answer and stared at the floor with his face completely red from the humiliation he was feeling, thinking that he wouldn't be allowed to see the sunlight again, unless it was for school.
—You have a lot of sisters, from what Peter tells me, what do you think they would think if they saw you like this?
They both arrived in front of the cashier at the same time Uncle Ben full of indignation grabbed his wallet in a volatile manner and dropped a single hundred-dollar bill, along with medicine that looked like it was for someone with diarrhea.
The cashier seemed so used to the scene of a parent scolding a child that he even avoided making any kind of comment, only setting aside the items Lincoln had purchased, causing the child's gut to growl.
—That's seventeen dollars and twenty-two cents. —the clerk said automatically, accepting the hundred-dollar bill and started to get the change.
—I came to get medicine for my Peter because he is very sick and I find that one of his friends is a juvenile delinquent, can you believe it?—Uncle Ben asks indignantly—Not like Peter, he's a good boy.
—Peter is sick? —Lincoln asked quizzically.
—The adults are talking.—Uncle Ben said, taking the change and putting it in his wallet as he shivered—I should take you straight to the police station.
—Are you going to kidnap me to do that?—Lincoln said, showing his teeth due to how angry he felt.
The customer who was preparing his food in the back approached the cash register a little too patiently, waiting for the arguing father and son to walk out the door.
They finally got out, Mr. Parker's car was parked out front, so he opened the passenger door for Lincoln.
—What are you waiting for?—he said, annoyed.
—My parents told me not to get into strangers' cars.—Lincoln said fuming in anger, of course, every time he told Peter the story, he always agreed at first while crying with regret.
If Lincoln had gone in, it would have been a different story, perhaps it would never have occurred to him to risk his life on a daily basis in the first place, but the point was that the past is unalterable and although in perspective a tragic event might seem avoidable, it is not. What happened in the past cannot be altered.
They were arguing the two of them on a street barely illuminated of flickering streetlights, in front of a car with an open door. Both Lincoln and Ben were showing teeth. Ben just wanted to send him home and have a long talk with his parents, while Lincoln didn't even know what he wanted, being doomed to confess to his night outs anyway.
A shot was heard from the inside, later Lincoln would learn that the clerk was not hurt, but he never told the story of both arguing, the bullet passed so close to them that it took him a long time to speak again.
—Get in the car.—Ben ordered, this time without a hint of authority in his voice.
—No—Lincoln said, walking toward the store to try to stop the thief.
Ben propelled himself away, slamming the car door and causing them both to fall straight onto the floor of the entryway. The sliding doors were opened in the middle of the darkness, causing the figure to step out and point at them as his hands trembled.
—Get up you two! —commanded the man who would come to be known as Marcus Flint, Ben Parker's killer—Now!
Both Lincoln and Ben obeyed and began walking backwards to the alley that would change everything.
—Please let the child go— Ben pleaded in a desperate attempt.
—You have a car! The keys!—Marcus shouted, pointing the gun.
Lincoln would later learn to dodge bullets, but at that time he didn't even know the extent of his strength or speed, he was so sure that unless he could engage him hand-to-hand, he had nothing to do.
—But let the boy go first. I'll give you all my money and the keys, but please let him go...—he practically begged with tears.
Every time he thought these words Lincoln's throat closed. And tears invaded his eyes, inevitably that did not change anything.
—Nobody gives me conditions!—Marcus shouted in annoyance, pushing Ben Parker to the bottom of the alley and causing him to fall into a stagnant puddle.
—Mr. Parker!—Lincoln shouted, trying to move, but his hands were stuck to the brick wall.
—You think you're funny, old man?—the thief shouted, full of uncontainable fury, —Give me the fucking keys!
—Let the child go!
—DON'T GIVE ME ORDERS!
Lincoln finally managed to rip the bricks from the building, and threw himself on the thief to knock him down. Without calculating that this act caused the man's to accidentally press the trigger and fire in the direction he had pointed moments before.
The thief wasn't going to give up easily, he began to shoot in Lincoln's direction, the boy felt a chill sensation through his body, so he began to walk along the wall until Marcus stopped shooting in disbelief that the boy didn't fall. Lincoln jumped up and put his right foot forward to hit the criminal right in the head, pinning him down. Marcus hit his head against the floor, he's not going to move for a long time.
—I don't think I know hold to hold myself...—Lincoln said trying to sound calm, that's what Luan had told him to: every time you felt afraid, tell a joke—Mr. Parker, I can explain all this, you see...
He turned around, only to find the man was lying in the middle of the alley, breathing heavily and with a trickle of blood running from his mouth to his neck.
—Mr. Parker...
Lincoln knelt beside the man without daring to touch him, holding both hands to his head and with tears streaming down his face as he tried to think of a solution. He never thought someone could bleed so much, and that it would run so fast, in the movies there was always time to do something before it started pouring out... Benjamin Parker painstakingly raised his right arm and stroked his cheek.
—So, you're special and agile as a spider... Like that kid they were talking about on TV...— he said with one of his last breaths—Spider-Kid, right?
—Yeah—Lincoln said, trying to smile, but unable to as thicker tears streamed down his face.
—You ripped two bricks...—Ben said looking at the starless sky—I think I understand now why you were out so late in the middle of the city, if anyone knew about it, they would have you arrested...—he said with regret.
—It's my fault.—Lincoln said angry that Ben was blaming himself— Please be strong Mr. Parker, don't die, don't die... I already saw my grandfather die, I can't, not again, it can't be my fault all over again.
—No, no... —the man spoke while blood came out of his mouth and his hands fell to the ground, they were too heavy to be lifted, in his stomach the blood stain was getting bigger and deeper—Just promise me one thing.
—Anything.—Lincoln answered in desperation.
—Take care of Peter. —that was the beginning of the last sentence he would ever be able to say—He is a good boy... Let him help you to control your abilities, he will understand…—he said closing his eyes and breathing in pain—Tell him that his uncle will always love him and don't blame yourself, you tried to save me… explain him as many times as necessary, until he gets into his head, he's a Parker, sometimes I forget how tenacious we are... Ha ha ha ha... But I'm scared for him. —he said with a sad smile—Promise me that you both will keep these things from happening to other people, I think you're a good boy too Lincoln... And I believe that with the right guidance two boys like you will achieve great things. I saw what you did... You just need experience, and Peter, he's like a son, I know you'll take care of him... Promise me you'll take care of him, whatever it takes.
—I promise, but why do I have to tell him the secret?—Lincoln asked without ever getting an answer, at least not from the man who had just died in front of him.
The deathly silence was what frightened Lincoln the most and he couldn't even throw himself on the body to hug it because he felt that his chest would kill him with pain. If he hadn't tried to play hero, Mr. Parker would be alive... Lincoln had failed Ben Parker, just as he had failed his grandfather. Although, there was nothing he could do about it that time, now, he was directly responsible.
Lincoln stood crying until the police was heard in the distance, he had no choice but to climb over a wall while covering his entire face so he would not be recognized. He could see flashlights pointing in his direction until he was already on top. Then he ran, ran the hell out until he got back to his house.
But nothing would ever be the same for Lincoln.
"So I'll just live my life, in dreams of yesterday"
—While you were with him on his deathbed, I was mentally insulting him for not hurrying up with some stupid pills.—Peter said, removing his glasses to wipe away his tears.
—I never understood why he wanted me to get you involved.—Lincoln said, pulling his hair back in the same way months after that night.
—I think he thought you were going to protect me while he was gone and maybe that would give me something to do to make up for losing him.—Peter said looking at one last cloud—Will you keep your promise Lincoln? I mean, I don't need you to take care of me, but this whole spider thing it's as important for me as much as it is to you.
—You know I will, bud.—Lincoln said closing his eyes trying to erase the guilt he felt for the lies—It was one of those promises you can't break.
Peter calmly got back to his feet and turned back to the lower part of the school.
—Thank you Lincoln, I can always rely on you.—Peter said smiling again.
Lincoln smiled back as his stomach churned. Of course, Peter couldn't see the blood on his hands or the lies squeezing his heart.
Both returned downstairs.
"Those happy hours"
Materializing her entire body behind the wall at her school left Carol exhausted. She had difficulty getting up, feeling a horrible headache, but there was no time to waste, within seconds she was able to start running. Knowing that the entire high school and police were out to get her, she needed to blend in with the crowd in downtown New York.
She didn't know that precisely that idea must have crossed the minds of her persecutors, since as she was boarding a crowded subway heading downtown, policemen came down the subway stairs. These policemen looked from one side to the other, searching for a girl with her description, but the train had already begun to move and Carol could see how these men disappeared at the distance, while a man in his forties tried to take advantage of the fact that she was stuck to a window to get close to her.
—What? —she said, realizing that she was practically being suffocated by his breath—Excuse me, could you move a little?—she said, taking something from her handbag to wipe off her smudged makeup.
—We're too tight, girl, don't think only of yourself. —The man justified himself, although visibly there was plenty of room, he didn't need to be practically rubbing Carol's shoulder.
—Hey, freak! —a woman who was sitting close to them exclaimed—Leave the girl alone!
In a normal situation Carol would have made a fuss, that kind of behavior was gross, but this was not a normal situation. She looked around and saw a guy, a couple feet away, that started to take out his cell phone to record the possible dispute.
If anyone got to see her on the video, her whole escape plan would be ruined, she didn't have much choice, so she clung to the man's waist and hid her face in his chest. The man did not miss the opportunity and grabbed her by the hips.
Carol looked back at the man who had pulled out his cell phone to record, who slyly put it back down and looked away. Same with the woman who tried to defend her by yelling at the guy; she turned her face red and looked away.
Carol went hugging that guy until she had to get out of the train, but as she tried to pull away the man grabbed her hand, smiling calmly, while she broke out in a cold sweat. They both walked out of the subway holding hands. Carol couldn't scream, she had to avoid any way she could draw attention to herself, so she had to confront this quietly.
—I hate you.—She said in an annoyed whisper—Don't you have anything better to do with your life?
—When you see an opportunity like this, you take it, cutie.—the man took her hips again to be closer—If you don't like it, then what does this mean?
It was hard for the girl to look from one side to the other, even more so with that idiot practically forcing her to be glued to him. This fixation with looking around was noticed by the man.
—If you want to run away from someone hottie, first rule, learn how to act. —He said as they left the subway and started walking down the main street.
For a second Carol doubted whether it was possible to escape without making a scene, but now the man knew her status as a fugitive. She just had to wait long enough to get rid of him.
—I know a nice motel nearby, if you're smart enough I can get you protection from the Kingpin himself. —He said, causing Carol to definitely start to get out of control as they were in a sea of heads—Come on do it, get caught and...
For a second, he stopped feeling the wrist where he was hugging Carol, before he saw the girl start to walk away through the crowd. The girl knew the guy was going to chase her all over town if necessary, so she risked walking on without stopping, going down alleys several times. Turning around in every corner for make sure he wasn't following, at least she was going to take that idiot's advice, whenever she thought she had lost him, she would turn a corner and there he was.
Finally, in the middle of everything, she had an idea, she went into Central Park and hid in some bushes halfway from one exit to another. She managed to find an area large enough for her to get in without being seen from the outside. And she stood looking down the path from where she came.
Almost half an hour passed, in which the most noteworthy thing was that a dog tried to approach her hiding place, but the owner took it away before it got close. She thought it was finally safe, when suddenly she heard someone running, even knowing perfectly well that it could be just another person in the crowd, she stood still. Before her eyes, with a lot of sweat on his forehead, appeared the guy who tried to abuse her. Luckily for her, the man had completely lost track because he passed by the area without looking, after this she went to check under some bridges and continued her way.
Carol's stomach roared, but at least she could consider herself safe, a feeling she would learn to forget.
"That we once knew"
She had to jump into the sea water just to get rid of the bad smell after the first week, for normal person, that would have been practically suicide, because there were not many beaches to get out the water easily, in New York there were more wooden harbors and strong currents. But for the girl it was nothing, she just dived in and swam while running her hands through her hair to get rid of the grease. Of course, the waters in New York were not the cleanest in the world, and she would have really liked to take off her clothes because even though she was wet she still felt stinky.
Once she finished, she approached a wooden dock and closed her eyes to concentrate. In a matter of a second, she went from being on the bottom of the dock to being upside. She still had traces of salt water all over her body, but that was better than any other smell in the sewers of New York.
Knowing how late it was, she headed for her refuge in some abandoned warehouses. Time had ceased to make sense to her, even though it was dangerous to go out during the day and the night was her friend. She didn't have school, no hang outs with friends, she couldn't even shop for some new clothes. She only had herself and her superhuman abilities, the last one being more trained due to having a lot of free time and nothing to lose.
At least up to a certain point. Simple things like transporting parts of her body were relatively easy. She could practically go for hours without her hands on her body. She discovered some time ago that she could transport internal parts as well, and it didn't damage her.
That happened one night when she was hungry and her guts sounded too loud and they were clenching. She wished for a single second to squeeze them to shut them up and then she had for almost twenty minutes her own guts in her hands. The touch was strange, since even though they were outside, she could still feel them inside. She took one of the ends of the intestines and began to lightly touch the inside.
The organ was still fully functional, and she felt as if she had terrible colic. After that she thought about having them back in, but the feeling did not improve. She was sleepless all that night.
The next morning, she got a newspaper and read the news. It was so strange, the whole world was still going on, just without her. As if she wasn't important. The only interesting thing she found was more news about that spider boy who caused a lot of car accidents during a car chase. Nothing of importance to her, until she got to the missing persons section and found her own face.
It was like looking into a mirror, or at least a deformed one. In that mirror Carol had straight hair, not fluffy. She also dressed quite well and had a confident look. All that was left of that looks was the debris of her old clothes in unrecognizable colors and terrible dark circles under her eyes. She decided to return to her shelter, without doing her daily dumpster diving.
She got startled when she heard something fall, she almost ran to go into hiding, until he saw that the object that had fallen was a stone. A stone that a black cat was playing with in her shelter. The cat was startled when she closed the door and stared at her as Carol sat a couple of feet away, while those piercing eyes pursued her.
—Keep playing silly kitty.—She spoke for the first time in days.
To her surprise the cat walked to her and jumped on top of her lap and began to play with her hair. In another time, Carol would have stopped the cat, but that no longer mattered. She lay down and allowed herself to sleep while the kitty stroked her hair.
—I finally had company.
"Tho' long ago"
This was a happy day, Carol had eaten three slices of pizza, just stealing them, she must tell someone, and not just the black kitty Schrödinger, she felt the need to talk to another human. So, taking advantage of her ability, she walked through the city center, and waited for some lady with a big handbag to pass by and transported her hand inside. She could perfectly feel the inside of it, until she touched something like a wallet.
If she was honest, she would admit that messed up seven times before getting the money. Sometimes, she would end up stealing makeup kits accidentally. She could feel, but not see. Once she took the wallet with her hand, she discovered almost five hundred dollars.
Who cared if that woman couldn't pay for something? Carol had survived two weeks on the street! If she had to steal to live, she would steal. She could no longer try to do the right thing in a society that would try to lock her up just because she was born different.
But she was no fool, she knew that, if she walked into a random store, looking like a homeless and with that much money, they would instantly think she stole them... Then, why pay for those stupid clothes? She approached the window of a fashion store and pretended to lie down on the sidewalk for money. While inside the store one of her hands clutched something that was shaped like pants and her other hand grabbed a jacket. Carol walked to a nearby alley and hauled her hands back again, getting a pair of black leather pants and a black men's jacket. At least her hands were still stylish. She took of her old shirt and zipped up the jacket to hide her bare breasts and then, she finally walked out into the street, knowing her hair look must be terrible, but other than that, no one turned to look at her, she was back to being part of the crowd.
She allowed herself to look for a nearby motel, paradoxically a five-minute walk from the subway station where that guy had tried to grope her. Only this time she was carrying alcohol and a pained back from sleeping on the floor.
Unlike clothes, or beers, she couldn't steal a motel room, so she went inside and paid for it. At first, she was afraid they would ask for identification, since all her papers must still be at home or in the backpack she left at school. But no, just by showing the money, nothing else mattered.
That night she took off her clothes and finally got into a shower with water that wasn't freezing. Feeling the blood running properly through her body again, and she let her hair feel the blessings of shampoo again, she finally smelled nice after all.
When she finished the bath, she asked for room service a "deluxe" dinner, which was just hot dog with a soda. She practically cried when she felt the taste of bread again without being hard or soaked by other liquids inside a garbage bag.
She turned on the television as she felt the sugar rush of a fizzy coke again. From the television they were talking about an attack on a rare tower in downtown New York, relatively close to where she was. In most newspapers there was also a picture of that spider boy who was apparently involved in the attack.
But what surprised her was to hear the speech of a red-haired man, who must clearly be the owner of the attacked building. She could feel the anger in his words and even as everyone outside the building cheered him at his, disgusting xenophobic, racist, and other kinds of terrible words: speech.
—Norman for mayor! No more mutants!—a chorus reached the girl ears.
She turned off the television, if she could feel any nostalgia for her old life, with that broadcast, she lost all interest. What good would it do if she ever tried to go back to her life? If the whole city was going to hate her and ask for demise? She could no longer be Carol.
She wished she had the black cat stroking her hair again, she would have felt so much better if little Schrödinger was with her. But she hadn't seen him in days, he probably just went back to his owners, or lived his life on the streets without remembering her. Or maybe the cat was female and was taking care of her little kitties. Why did it matter?
She was alone again... But at least this time she had clothes, a place to sleep, even if it was only for one night... Or more if she just decided to perfect her robbery techniques... No more mutants? Nonsense!
—No more normals…—she started to hum as she sank into the pillow.
"They still make me blue"
She woke up even more sore in the back than before, but she supposed that must be good, her bones might be trying to reaccommodate or something similar, she had enough money to stay three days in that motel. Thus, she put her clothes back on, deciding that this time she would steal lingerie, she kinda wanted to know what it felt like to wear it, but if her parents knew about it, they would've had a heart attack... She missed her parents, and oddly enough her friend Lori, last night she had seen the last name "Loud" as part of the victims in the incident.
She intended to go to her friend's house, maybe to see her from the backyard, but knowing that she couldn't hide much in a suburban area, she decided check in the direction of the disaster at Oscorp. Surprisingly there were still policemen asking people to stay away, while up above she could see how they were already rebuilding the disaster, she thought rebuilding would take a long time, but she didn't really care about it. She approached a chubby policeman with a kindly face.
—Officer, officer.—She felt her own voice sound sweeter and at the same time shakier than usual, possibly because he was nervous about talking to someone again.
The Official Harold McBride turned away from what he was doing and asked a colleague next to him for time to attend to the girl.
—Good morning, ma'am, sorry, but you have to stay away from the scene. —he said, raising a hand.
—No, you don't understand, you see.—she started to think of an excuse, at least he did not recognize her—I heard yesterday about the incident and I had to see it with my own eyes... —seeing that the officer was going to tell her again to leave, she continued quicky—The last name of a friend of mine was among the injured.
For a second, Officer McBride began to examine Carol. Although she was clean again, she was very different from the little girl who had escaped from the high school two weeks earlier, so he didn't recognize her at all.
—I imagine the last name was Loud.—He finally said.
—Yeah, they are such a large family.—Carol added, remembering that Lori had at least seven sisters. —I haven't spoken to my friend Luna in years... Or was it Luan? Ah, years. I totally lost touch, but, seeing that name on the news, it all came back to me, you know?
—I can understand the effect of something like this. But I don't understand, what exactly do you want? The one who got hurt was little Lisa Loud, she is hospitalized.
—I wanted to ask that very question; I want to give her my condolences in person. —she admitted—If you could tell me which hospital they are so I can visit them that would make you the best officer in the world.
The man examined Carol again, as if looking for any weapon or ill intent in her face, but Carol had legitimate good intentions.
—Alright, but keep in mind that if anything happens to the Loud family, I have a photographic memory, and I won't rest until I find you.—the man said with a cold smile.
—It's your duty, isn't it?—she took a notepad and a pen that she stole in one of her failed attempts—I'll wait for her in the waiting room, and I think it would be more normal than going to her house, they might get scared if they found out that I discovered their personal information, with so many bad people out there.
Later in the day, Carol was on her way to the hospital, but she stopped at a blue phone booth, a surprise that one of these still exist, but it was an opportunity, she took a few pennies from her leather jacket and dialed a certain number. She heard the voice.
—Hello?
—Mom... —she said, looking from one side to the other—It's me, Carol.
—CAROL! —the woman at the other side of the call shouted and started to talk with a worried tone—Come back home! We'll protect you from those idiots who are trying to lock you up! We'll move! We'll hide you! Anything!
—Shuuuu—she got nervous with the shouts, so tried to get her mother to be quiet—I don't know if they are recording this or trying to locate me, but it doesn't matter, I just wanted to say goodbye... I would have liked to do it also with daddy but...—She said crying—Just to let you know, that I will no longer "exist".
—WHAT?—the woman shouted.
—I'm going to kill myself. —She admitted a half-truth—Don't try to look for me, have a funeral, a nice one if you can, because today I'll cease to exist, I cannot longer exist in world full of bigotry.
—NOOOO!—the woman shouted on the phone—Please! Not my daughter!
—I have no choice, and you know it.—she said between cries—I love you, tell dad not to sell my stuff... And remember that song we always sang when we went to church. Will the circle be unbroken, by and by, by and by? Is a better home awaiting in the sky, in the skyyy?.—She sang, causing her mother to stop crying—Love you.
She hung up the phone and began to run in the direction of the hospital as she wiped away her tears, the only other person worth saying goodbye was her friend Lori. At least she was reassured that her mother had understood the final message, the church "El Cielo", where she would go one Sunday just as she did when were a kid, she allowed herself to remember those pleasant afternoons while playing in that church with a fellow Catholic, Matt Murdor, or something, she remembered more than anything that the boy despite being blind was quite a bit more agile than she was. That boy was a couple years older than her, and they always hung out together, until of course Carol grew up and the church stopped being important to her. She missed those days, but now "El Cielo" was the perfect place to find her family without police.
While she was in the waiting room of the hospital, she realized that when she was twelve or thirteen, she forgot many people who had been important in her life, all for the sake of being important and popular. All of that came to an end because of an oversight. So many years betraying herself, to end up like that, stealing the wallet from a woman's purse several seats away and putting it inside the pocket of her leather jacket, then counting the money.
Finally, through the door, she saw Lori Loud appear, walking hand in hand with her boyfriend Roberto…. or something like that. She decided she could talk to both of them, and since they didn't seem to be accompanied, she called for them.
—Lori!
The girl turned around only to open her eyes wide and burst into genuine smile. Not paying attention of where they were, they both ran to give each other a tight hug without saying a word. Unlike Officer McBride, Lori could never confuse her friend.
—Carol, what are you doing here? You shouldn't…—Lori said, worried and letting go of the hug—I'm sorry, it's all so confusing.
—Is she really Carol?—Bobby greeted her from a distance—How have you been?
—Terrible—she replied—But I heard that your little sister Lisa was hurt in yesterday's attack, and I thought it was a good idea to look for the hospital where she stayed to see you one last time.
—Last time?—Lori asked sadly—No, Carol, come back, everyone misses you at school... I... —Lori couldn't continue, she knew it was a lie.
—I know they're looking for me, maybe not as much as that kid dressed as a spider or others so call heroes.—she tried to make a joke, but it didn't really land—But they want me in a maximum security prison Lori, you and I both know it always ends the same way.
—Maybe not this time.—Lori said enthusiastically, but Bobby grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away from Carol.
—I see that you are a practical man.—the fugitive complimented.
—We knew each other while you and my girlfriend were "worst enemies", I don't know you at all, or maybe I just know your worst side. —he admitted harsly—But I can see how much you've had to endure... And I can see you've done well by yourself.—He winked at her in a fake flirtatious way—Just have to work in your clothes.
—Don't tell me what to wear.—she let out a chuckle—Thanks, both of you, for what you did for me at school. —She finally said—But this this is our goodbye.
—Are you going out of town? —Lori asked excitedly—You know what, don't tell me anything.—She grabbed her by the shoulders—Do whatever you have to do to be free, but, if you ever get lonely, here are my phone and house number. —she wrote down those details—Carol, I think you were a big idiot when you wanted to break our friendship so many years ago. But, if this is the last time we see each other, I want you to know, I will always remember the good things about you.
—The same as her... —Bobby said awkwardly, joining in the embrace.
Carol ended the hug and said goodbye to both, knowing that if they stayed talking any longer, she was going to draw attention to herself. As much as she would have liked to say goodbye to her father, she knew she would do so when she went back to "El Cielo" Church.
But at that meeting, Carol would be dead, that name was not going to fit her anymore, not with this new life she had... Maybe something better would fit her like kitty, or The Cat... No, something more original!
The Schrödinger's Cat.
Yeah, it was kind of long and she didn't even remember who the hell Schrödinger was, or how it was spelled, only that it was one of the last classes she attended, and they said it was something scientific about a cat in a box. The box was New York, and the chance of getting out alive, it was up to her and no one else to decide.
"THEY SAY THAT TIME, HEALS A BROKEN HEART
BUT TIME HAS STOOD STILL, SINCE WE'VE BEEN APART".
That morning seemed normal for Lynn Loud Senior, he woke up an hour earlier than anyone else in his home, prepared breakfast for thirteen people, took a bath and practically ran out of his house, ten minutes before his children woke up. His wife was waiting for him at the door, ready for her daily kiss goodbye.
He listened to one of his favorite songs while driving in the classic New York traffic, at least his mind was now at peace, now that his daughter Lisa was totally safe at home, without going to that stupid Osborn tower.
It was there, in the middle of traffic, when he had no chance to escape reality, that he received a call.
—Eugine?—Lynn asked in surprise—Isn't it a little early for you to call me? I'm barely on my way.—Mr. Loud complained in a joking tone.
—Don't worry about getting here in time. —the man behind the line said.
—What?—asked Mr. Loud without understanding.
—You see, you missed one day last week. —the man tried to explain—And we had cutbacks just yesterday, and out of all the evaluations, you came out the lowest...
—I can't be lower than Jean! —Lynn said indignantly, not seeing that the car in front of him had already moved, and several took advantage of his distraction to get in front—Eugine come on!
—Well, Jean has less performance, but Jean doesn't ask for extra vacation days to "spend it with the family" or have such a high medical insurance, he is single. —The man explained with real sorrow in his voice—Besides he is only twenty...
—I've been loyal to the company for years!—He said, not caring about all the beeps behind his back, Mr. Loud moved, having a hard time not stepping on the accelerator with all his strength.
—And those years will be reflected in your final paycheck.—the other man finally said—It's out of the question Lynn, come get your stuff and your check, there's nothing I could do to defend you, and you of all people know how many times I've done it.
Then Eugine hung up, not hearing that Lynn was crying in frustration. Surely Eugine already knew he was going to cry, and he wasn't going to want to hear it in that low situation. One thing was for sure, Mr. Loud was going to need a lot of money and to get a job in his forties, and with a lot of children to take care off. If Lincoln hadn't run away last week to the street, he could have gone half a working day and he wouldn't have been fired. Of that he was sure, it wasn't exactly Lincoln's fault, but the kid had just picked the worst time to enter his rebellious phase.
—Damn it!—he shouted before crashing into a car because he was thinking about other things, knowing that he was clearly going to have to pay for it, he couldn't take it anymore, he hit the horn while shouting—FUUUUC...!
But his family would not learn of the situation until it was too late and there was no turning back.
"I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU. I said i made up my mind. To live in memory of the lonesome times (Sing this song my children)"
Upon returning to class, Lincoln noticed his friend Gwen looked quite down, she didn't even feel like answering in math, when Gwen was all nerdy about math. She didn't even want to approach her friends. But at least Lincoln could sense that the rest of his friends were getting better.
He met halfway down the hallway with his sister Lynn, who was still watching him, occasionally (no longer daily), to go to school. She was wearing a T-shirt with a rather badly drawn Spider-Kid mask.
—Where did you get that? —Lincoln asked with a laugh.
—They're selling them outside the school Linc, besides, such a cute boy should always be protecting my chest.—she said rather proudly.
Maybe Lynn didn't know, but Lincoln turned totally red with embarrassment, at the same time Peter Parker started laughing as if he had heard the best joke in the world. But neither Clyde, nor the other boy, were laughing; they were watching the scene as confused as she was.
—Oh Peter, you finally got the joke from five minutes ago.—Lincoln came up with the excuse as she grabbed him by both arms and forced him to walk with his face as red as a tomato—See you outside sis!
—HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!—Peter continued laughing heartily.
—What's up with those two? —Lynn asked, not understanding this strange behavior, her friends around her only said something like "nerds".
"I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU! It's useless to say, so I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday. "
It had all been more than a year ago, after Lincoln was bitten by the spider that changed his whole life. Back then he always wore an orange polo shirt, was eleven years old, and always walked hunched over. He was a nerd, as Lynn's friends would describe him throughout his student life, just out of his first year in middle school.
"Dreams of yesterday!"
There was stuff Lincoln hated to remember, and that fateful day of the bite was one of those days. He was simply exhausted. It was bad enough to remember the death of Mr. Ben Parker, as well as to think inwardly about what had happened to his grandfather, to add the spider bite to his worries...
That day he had initiated his new responsibilities, the ones he had failed. He did not deserve the title he earned that day.
That night New York City was left unprotected for the first time in months.
But Lincoln could find that the consequences of not acting could be even more disastrous than acting directly.
To be continued...
