Disclaimer: The Loud House and The Casagrande's are all owned by Nickelodeon.
Chapter Three. A new day, a new life.
The alarmed clock in Lincoln's room went off. Lincoln quickly gotten adjusted to his new room which was larger than his old room on 1216 Franklyn Ave. It had an actual closet were he hung his shirts. Back at his old house his old room back was a converted Linen closet and his shirts just hug from the bar over his dresser. He also had a set of drawers, a desk for homework and table with a television and a Blue Ray DVD player, with a collection of Ace Savvy and other Blue Ray DVD's.
Indeed he was up around the same time as his five elder sisters got up. The New House they lived in had six bedrooms and two bathroom. Four bedrooms on the top floor and two bedrooms on the bottom floor and one bathroom on each floor. Lori and Leni lived in the two bedroom on the bottom floor as for the four bedrooms on the top, they belonged to Luna, Luan, Lynn, and Lincoln. There was also a linen closet on the second floor, but because it was only he six of them living in a six bedroom house the Linen Closet was used as a proper linin closet. Back at his old house at 1216 Franklyn Ave. because of the multitude living there at the time, and the limited number of rooms. The only linin closet in that house was converted into Lincoln's room.
Lincoln stepped out of his bedroom with his towel and brush in hand and stood in line. He was also not use to such a short line for the bathroom. Back at his old house he was often the last in line as he had to wait as ten girls lined up in front of him did their morning rituals. Now only Luan and Lynn stood in line and Luna was in the shower as she sang in her usual tone. Lori and Leni were already finished showering and getting ready just as Lincoln got into use the bathroom in his usual way. Of course the advantages of having two bathrooms with half the sisters living in the same house was that It didn't matter who was first or who was last they were both ready for work and school in half the time.
As the four marched downstairs for breakfast Lincoln could hear most of his sister behaving as he knows them to behave. Lori and Leni were having an argument about some petty business. Luna was jamming and sing, Lynn was kicking a ball around and balancing it on her foot. Pretty much how his sisters were known to act. Except for Luan. Instead of cracking a bad joke that would often make the rest of her siblings let out a groan of annoyances, she was unusually quiet. Lincoln thinks it may have something to do with the divorce their parents are going through. More out of concern for his sister's wellbeing rather than curiosity Lincoln would later ask Luan about her quiet mood.
After all six of the Loud siblings who lived in the farm house on 2727 Rock Road were all dressed and had their school work and other belongings together. The six sat down at the table with Lori and Leni at each end. Luna and was seated next to Lynn, and Luan was seated next to Lincoln. As the six were eating their breakfast Lincoln asked Luan. "Say Luan are you alright?"
A puzzled and confused look fell on Luan's face as she asked. "Why Ask?"
"Well you've been quiet after the move. A little too quiet." Lincoln pointed out.
"So?" Luan asked with a shrug.
"I'm just concerned that's all." Lincoln said
"Well don't be. You do know what curiosity did to the cat." Luan explained in a moody tone.
Everyone at the table looked at the two with puzzled expressions. They didn't know if Luan was joking or being sarcastic. Lincoln said no more as the six continued eating. After breakfast as the six went upstairs to get ready for school Luna flagged Lincoln down. "Bro, Can I have a word with you for a minute?"
Lincoln came over to Luna who wanted to have a work with him in private. "Sure Lune's what is it" Lincoln asked
"Needless to say Luan's pretty bummed now that our parents are getting a divorce." Luna explained
Lincoln was fight back tears. He was sniffling a little. Luna knew right then and there that she hit a nerve bringing up about the divorce. She wrapped her arms around her brother pulling him into a hug. "Now don't be like that. Truth is we're all bummed out about the divorce." Luna said holding Lincoln in her arms and rubbing his back.
"It's not that. I just think…" Lincoln started to say on the verge of crying. "Sometime I think it was my fault they're getting devoice." Lincoln finished as tears rolled down his face.
"It's not your fault Bro, You shouldn't blame yourself. The fact is she's stopped doing her jokes the moment the divorce was announced. Before moving in fact that night back at the old house in our old room together. She told me herself that there was nothing funny about our family's situation, and that she's giving up comedy all together." Luna explained.
Lincoln buried his face in Lune's shoulder. The mere thought of one of his sisters giving up her life's work because of what the family was going through was heart wrenching. There was that one time when Luan overheard everyone complaining about her pranks and jokes and saying she was not funny. That time she did state that she was giving up comedy, and everyone felt bad because of it, and they tried to make it up to her. Lincoln purposely went on stage in front of an audiences and made a terrible fool of himself on stage just as Luan got on and shown her brother how it's done. Back then Lincoln did get his comedic older sister to make people laugh again. Now, with their parent going through a divorce Lincoln worried that Luan would never be her old self again.
As Lincoln and Luna were having a tender moment together. Lori called up from downstairs. "People! The Clock Is Ticking!"
"We better get ready for school bro." Luna said
At that moment the two broke their hug and went to their rooms each got what they needed for school. This year was going to be a trying year for the Loud family in more ways than one. Not Onley were their parents going through a divorce, Luna was graduating High School and Lincoln was graduating Middle School. With all the changes going on in the lives of the Loud sibling's it was going to be difficult for hem in more ways than one. Lincoln would soon be going to High School and Luna would be pursuing her actual carrier in music.
The six siblings had two vehicles parked in their driveway. One was Vanzilla the other was Lori's car whom she purchased form her neighbor Mr. Grouse before moving to Fairway. The only two Loud sibling who have driver's licenses were Lori and Luna. Because of this both siblings had their own rotes they take. Lori and Leni drive the hour and a half to Great Lakes City. Where Lori drops Leni off at the shopping center where she works the same place were Carlota works. Then drives to Fairway for her Classes. At the same time Luna drives to Royal Woods with Luan, Lynn, and Lincoln. She drops Lincoln off at the Middle school and she Luan and Lynn go to the high school. Since it's been one week since the six moved into the farm house on 2727 Rock Road in the small farm town of Squirrelville. This has now became a normal routine for them.
During the hour and half long drive both groups take to their destinations usually Lincoln and Leni would strike up a conversation. In Vanzilla on the road to Royal Woods Lincoln asked. "So any plans for the day"
Luan remained silent as if she didn't listen. "Well I have band practice during free hour. We would usually have it after school but after I told everyone about the family situation and they understood." Luna explained. Free hour was Luna's slang for the Lunch hour.
"I have basketball tryout for the team today. Hope It goes better than the time I played on Flip's Team." Lynn said
"What about you Luan?" Lincoln asked
"You Know. Same Old, Same Old." Luan muttered
"And how about you bro?" Luna asked
"Well, because this is our last year in middle school Clyde and I are going to be collaborating with the Year Book Committee. We are hoping to make every page just like our first attempt in Elementary School." Lincoln explained with that a thought popped in Lincoln's mind. "You know Luna this is your last year in High School, Are you and your band doing anything special?" he asked
Luna stayed silent she just focused on driving. Lincoln didn't know it at the time, but when he pointed out that it was her last year in high school he struck a nerve in her. The same nerve that made Luan quite comedy. Luna didn't say a word. She just drove off and focused on the road ahead of her.
As Luna was driving Luan, Lynn and Lincoln to the school in Royal Woods. Meanwhile on the road to Great Lakes City. Lori was driving Leni to her new place of employment. It was a boutique at the Great Lakes City shopping center. The same boutique Carlota worked at. Lori was going to drop Leni off before heading out to Fairway.
"So um Lori, Carlota asked about our parents divorces." Leni said as she tried to start a conversation of her own.
"What did Carlota ask about?" Lori asked not really interested in the discussion but at the same time did not want to be rude.
"She just want to know how we are doing. How we are holding up moving into a new house and all." Leni said.
"Did she ask you how you were doing?" Lori asked
"Totes of course, But not only the responsibility of Collage and a job. You have the addition responsibility of taking care of your five younger siblings." Leni continued.
A Puzzled look came on Lori's face. "Why would she ask that?" she asked
"I guess she's just worried about you, and us and the family." Leni replied
Lori let out a brief sigh of frustration. "Look Leni, tell Carlota that we are doing fine." Loir said out loud before murmuring quietly to herself. "And I'd appreciate it if you stop bothering us about it."
"What was that last line Lori?" Leni asked
"Nothing." Lori replied
All throughout her life being the oldest of the eleven siblings Lori was the one who was often left in charge and had to put up with the annoyance and irritation of ten siblings all of whom get on each other's nerves. Even though Lori did love each of them dearly and cared for them like a mother. There were too many incidences were she could not handle them anymore and she simply couldn't stand them. Most of those incidences resulted in one of them getting hurt or something worst.
Now with the divorce of her parents and both parents placing half her siblings personally in her care she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. To the point where even talking about the situation can drive her over the edge. Lori really did love her siblings and her parents. The last thing she ever wanted to do was to harm any of them in any way. As for Leni, She's been Leni roommate for over eighteen years, and all throughout that duration there were too many times when the two would argue and fight. In many ways Lori felt bad after the fights and the disagreements with her, then again she felt bad about all the times she fought with her younger siblings. The responsibility of being a league guarding of five of her younger siblings was a heavy burden she would have to bear, maybe for the time being but a burden none the less.
After Lori dropped Leni off at the shopping center where she worked, Then she drove straight down to Fairway University. This was going to be one of the worst days there. As she got out of her car she was confronted by Tammy one of her collage friends.
"Hey Lori!" She called out.
"Hey Tammy." Lori said in reply.
"I've just received word that your parents are going through a divorce." Tammy continued.
Lori looked perplexed at first. "What? Who told you?" she asked
"Your boyfriend Bobby told us. We Were worried about you because you've been acting moody the last few days but after we've called Bobby he explained everything to us." Tammy explained
Lori's face went pale white and her jaw dropped with a shocked expression. At the same time Carrie another one of Lori's friends came running up to her. "Hey Lori, Bobby told us that your parents are going through a divorce, Is it true?" she asked
Lori was shocked and appalled beyond words. The thought of her own boyfriend sharing a private matter with them was beyond her believe.
"Excuse me I need to make a quick call." Lori said as she walked away from her two friends.
After Lori was in an aria were she knew she was alone. She called up her boyfriend.
Bobby answered on the other line. "Hey Babe, What's up?"
"Don't Babe Me Bobby, Would You like to Explain Why All My Friends at Fairway Know I'm Going through a Divorce?" Lori Asked In a Moody Tone.
Even though Bobby knew Lori was upset, he didn't exactly know why. She he tried to explain it as best as he could. "Hold on a minute alright. Your friends were just worried about you. They kept asking me about you because you wouldn't tell them your problems. After that talk in person last night I've simply told them about your situation."
"I Specifically Wanted To Keep The Situation A Secret From My Friends. Why Did You Think I Only Wanted To Talk To You In Private That Night!" Lori stated
At that moment Bobby knew why Lori was upset. "If you wanted me to keep it a secret you should have told me that. I remember that talk with every detail from your parents' divorce to the attorney giving you "Temporary Guardianship" over your younger siblings but you didn't tell me to keep it secret form anyone." Bobby explained
At that moment Lori shouted to the top of her lungs. "LITERALLY!"
Because of that one miss information in their meeting last night all her friends Fairway now know her parents are going through a divorce. She took a deep breath and realized the nature of the situation. She also realized that she might have been too harsh on Bobby.
"Bobby I'm literally sorry for lashing out at you like that. I realized you were only acting in my best interest." Lori said in a sad tone.
"It's okay babe. I understand." Bobby replied
"Thanks For understanding I'll talk to you later Booboo bear. Love You." Lori said
"Love you too Babe." Bobby said as the two hung up.
Lori decided to return to her friends and tell them everything about the divorce going on in the family.
As all of this was going on at Fairway University. Meanwhile at the Great Lakes City Shopping Center. At the boutique were Leni and Carlota worked. It was quiet similar to the store Leni worked at back at the mall, and Leni had the same job as she did. Unlike the rest of her siblings the weight of her parent's divorces was not waging heavily on her shoulders. Her happy-go-lucky spirit was not dampened by the unrest back at her old home.
Carlota was miffed by this. Usually when someone's family goes through a divorce they'll be some sadness about it. Leni on the other hand didn't seemed phased by the divorce in any way.
"I don't understand it. How do you do it?" Carlota asked
A little confused by this Leni asked. "How do I do what?"
"Usually when people's parents go through a divorce. They are usually some negative emotion involved. Like my cousins, Bobby and Ronnie Anne after their parents went through a divorce months before the move up here to Great Lakes City. They too had changed." Carlota explained
"Changed?" Leni asked
"You know how Ronnie Anne can be a well an annoyance at times. How she can get moody and be a rugged tomboy?" Carlota asked
Even though Leni was not the most smartest and brightest of her siblings she did have a good enough memory. As she remembered how Ronnie Anne would bully Lincoln back when she and Bobby both lived in Royal Woods.
"Come to think of it I do remember When Lincoln and Ronnie first met she did bully him." Leni said reminiscing back to when Lincoln first met Ronnie Anne.
"Well I know from first hand experiences that she wasn't always like that. She use to be a well behaved and polite little angel. Before her parents got divorced." Carlota explained.
"You mean to tell me that Ronnie Anne was a different person before she met Lincoln?" Leni asked
"She was a different person before her mother and father divorced." Carlota explained
Leni was almost at a lost for word until Carlota pulled out her phone and shown her a pic of her and Ronnie Anne from five years ago. It was a pick of her at a family gathering. Ronnie Anne was dressed in a normal girls dress with pig tails and looked nothing like the tomboy she was known for.
"Is that…Is that Ronnie Anne!?" Leni asked unsure of the girl in the pick.
"It is, and let me tell you. If her parents didn't get a divorce she would still look like this today." Carlota explained.
Leni knew what Carlota was talking about. Because Ronnie Anne's parents went through a divorces just like her parents are going through right now. She believed her change in her personality was the reason why Ronnie Anne turned out the way she did. Carlota thinks that now that Leni's parents are going through a divorce she turn out different or at the very least affected by I in some way.
"Carlota, True my parents are going through a divorce, and there is nothing I or my siblings can do about it. True I am hurt by it. I do wish they could have worked something out so they can still be together. Look I know I'm not the brightest person in the world, I know I'm not even as some put it, "THAT SMART!" but I do know that there a just as much good going on for us in our family as there is bad. I'm still with half my siblings. Lori and Lincoln are always there for me, helping me as I go through life. I have a new job working in this boutique, much larger than my old job at the Royal Woods Mall! So yes there is a lot of bad things going on but I'm only going to focus on the bright side of things." Leni explained
Carlota was taken by Leni's words. True things were going bad for her parents' divorce, but she didn't let it dampen her spirits. Leni was a resilient person who could see the good in a bad situation and would focus on the good. As for the rest of her siblings they'll have to handle this problem in their own way.