A/N: Yeah felt bad leaving the story on a sour note, so here is the next chapter, also rewarding you guys with a two for one special. Hope you enjoy.
Lincoln felt the intensifying pain in his body, as he lied collapsed on the hard ground. It had now marked the third time he has been robbed. However, Lincoln he was heavily mugged. He had the cuts and bruises to prove it. Feeling that the situation was not going to change, he lied on the ground. If there was a god, he was certainly late in helping this unfortunate man from the streets.
As he lied on the ground, Lincoln could barely hear the sounds of his attackers struggling. It may have sounded like another street fight going on. Then again, in his situation, Lincoln heard many things. Still, in his head, he thought to himself, what does it matter anymore? It was until someone had come up to the fallen boy and offered him a hand. It almost felt like an angel was taking him.
Upon glance, it found out to be the same homeless man that had saved him from traffic. Gently, he lifted the injured Lincoln on his feet. "Don't worry son, I got you."
"You're helping me even after the way I acted to you?" Lincoln asked still sore.
"Everyone needs help now and then pal. We all have our share of bad days, especially out here."
"I see you new to this situation huh. Why don't I take you to my place?" He said offering him a hand. "By the way, the name is AJ."
He introduced himself as well with a handshake, "Lincoln."
After a few walks, the two homeless arrived secret shelter in the junkyard. In an open spot, he saw an abandoned gas station with two barrels. Luckily, no gas was active at that gas station. As he saw, he was not the only person alone the streets. The group consisted of a middle-aged man, a homeless woman maybe around his age, and a tall former veteran.
Lincoln rested on a futon as a homeless woman was slowly treating him. She tended to the cuts and bruises on his face to his body. Through the process, he found himself aching and grunting. He was surprised to see how she still had her nursing kit while homeless. The place may not have been a hospital, but at least it was fair treatment.
"By the way, I believe this belongs to you." AJ presented watch stolen from Lincoln.
"Thank you," Lincoln said putting a happy grin on his face.
"It helps that an old guy like me still knows karate. That must be worth something if you're not willing to part so easily."
Lincoln was quiet at first then started to reflect. "It was a graduation present from my grandfather. He was always so active and full of life, God rest his soul." Lincoln tilted his head down in sorrow.
AJ took a seat next to Lincoln, "I can easily relate." He pulled out a paper from his pocket. "You see this ticket? It was for a ring I had for me and my wife; unfortunately, when the bad times came in I had to pawn it, but I will get it back someday."
After the final bandage, Lincoln sat up on the futon. Although he was still sore, at least he was able to move.
"Thanks for your help Karen," Lincoln thanked looking at the nametag on the women's shirt.
She gave a smile, but not a word. "Don't mention it."
Lincoln was given a sub sandwich, but checked it with caution.
"Don't worry, it's fresh," AJ assured.
Craving a good meal, Lincoln munched on the sandwich as if he was a wild animal. By the looks on the other homeless faces, it was clear that Lincoln was hungry and the food was hard to come by for many homeless people. After the final bite, Lincoln gave a loud burp. He gave his chest few pounds. "Excuse me." slightly embarrassed, but every just giggled a bit.
"You see every one of us came from most unfortunate circumstances." AJ narrated to Lincoln. "I used to be a Bank Teller long ago for a very small company, but then things took a turn for the worst, so they had to let go a lot of the workers, myself included. It was a lucky time where the economy was not exactly dependable. So I tried hitting the streets for job opportunities, after all, I had a family to support."
"So how did that work out?" Lincoln inquired.
"A lot of rejection, even for jobs I had no experience in, they were really picky in the market. Soon I lost my Savings, my house and my family as they moved to their grandparent's house in California. Moreover, like a stubborn fool, I stayed behind. I have been out here ever since I gave up."
"So what about everyone else?" inquired Lincoln?
AJ pointed to another homeless wearing an army jacket. "Victor over there was once a veteran. Been in the military for ten years, yet Uncle Sam was not that kind to him." AJ then glanced at the women. "Karen here used to have a life as a Registered Nurse, but things took a turn for the worst as her passport was stolen by her ex-husband because he was an illegal alien. We have been together for a while, looking out for one another."
Lincoln almost forgot the meaning of togetherness. His large family knew the full meaning of that word.
"Why don't you hang with us?" AJ offered Lincoln.
"Yeah, anything is better than being alone out here, or being physically assaulted again," Victor commented.
Karen nodded in reply agreeing with the others.
"I don't see any reason why not," Lincoln accepted their offer.
Throughout the day, the four homeless individuals had performed mundane task after task. For AJ and Victor, the two of them washed car windows from some change, just about anything that help them get on their feet. For Karen, she was responsible for tending to most of the females needs. Although homeless, Karen was still a woman. This task would include manicures from nails to toenails, offering fashion tips, and even skin care. With her here, who needed to go to the salon?
Lincoln then went on his task for today. He stood with a box and cleaning supplies, he had recently acquired from the other homeless. Because of a bad experience, he was a bit edgy but kept his cool. When he saw a person in a suit walked by, Lincoln offered with his cleaning supplies.
"Shine your shoes, Mister, you know for a big meeting coming up, appearances certainly is everything," Lincoln asked the man, giving his best smile. Already, his first thoughts were going to be an act of painful rejection. By his horrid appearance plus the bandages, it did not spell professional. The sharp suit man checked his watch at first then placed his shoe on the box.
"I want to see my face on it or else you get nothing! Got that!" He demanded the highest service.
"Yes, sir!" He replied.
With a few sprays, he grabs a rag. On both ends, he started scrubbing the dirt and stains off the man's dress shoes. Since time was of the essence, Lincoln tried to make it as quick as possible. After the first shoe, Lincoln did the same in the second; scrubbing as hard as he can until there, it felt hot. The man could nearly feel his toe getting hot.
"How is that? Lincoln asked, awaiting the verdict.
He checked both shoes with analysis eyes like a critic. He then glanced at Lincoln. "Not too shabby pal," He complimented Lincoln's work. He pulled out two files from his wallet and gave it to Lincoln. "Well, at least my shoes will not be the first thing they look at while at work."
"If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for work?"
"I'm a Stockbroker,"
"A Stockbroker, that's interesting, isn't that the kind of work that requires a degree of some sort?" Lincoln wiped off his hands.
He laughed for a bit, and then stopped. "No amigo, not this one, you don't need anything fancy, just have to be good with numbers and have good people skills, just about anybody can do it. You keep up and soon you'll be climbing up the corporate ladder, then you will be at the tallest building looking down on the entire city as if you're a monarch."
"Yeah well my look doesn't exactly say 'hire me' Lincoln said shamefully looking down at his dirty self. The man could already see where Lincoln was coming from.
With a tap on the shoulder, he smiled. "There's always hope amigo, even for the most unfortunate. Take care of yourself, alright." He left Lincoln.
In the very front of the massive building, the homeless white-haired man stood. Even if he fell out of place among the people, he still glances at the nice environment. He felt enlightened by the man's words since in this situation hope was here and there. He watched all the fancy suit individuals come up and step out of the building. Nearly all of them held the most joyous smile showing off their bright teeth. He could only stand and admire those hard-working individuals. Proud, firm and grace aura held around them.
Among that very moment, Lincoln almost imagine himself as one of those individuals. In his suit and suitcase, he made his way through the steps of glory. When making it to the top step, he took a glance at the world around him since he was now going to be making a difference. As he entered the building, the vision ended as he was back on these homeless roots. He was like a king looking down on the peasants. Times like this he almost forgot the current harsh reality he was living in. He shook his head to bring to get back to the task.
Before he could be on his way, someone stopped him. Fortunately, it was not an officer; it was another person who wanted his or her shoeshine. He did not anticipate that, but Lincoln gave them their request. Well, at least he was getting some customers. He only hoped that they would tip as well as the first person.
After a few hours, Lincoln was on his way back to the shelter. Lincoln's mind was still on the company. It was something to be considering while he was still young. Nevertheless, who was he kidding, there was just no way that will happen.
While on his way, he heard a few honks. At first, he thought he was just hearing things, but then it was recurring. As he followed the sounds, he came across a very familiar vehicle. On arrival, he found the same man that he help find the wallet.
Still being a Good Samaritan, he assisted the same man be becoming his own personal tow-truck. As the gear was on neutral, he pushed the car. It became easier for him as another person assisted.
"I was in the area, figured you can use some help," Victor arrived, helping Lincoln.
It took some sweaty effort, but the two homeless managed to get the car to the nearest gas station.
"Thank you Lincoln, we haven't met face to face yet, but I'm Clark," The man introduce himself.
"So what happened here?" Lincoln was first to ask.
"My daughter used the car for a late night movie with her friends but did not even bother to fill the tank. Clark explained, slightly embarrassed. "I was in a rush this morning, but then stopped, and the rest is history."
"I bet you really gave that girl a hard lecture." Victor folded his arms.
"You better believe I did. Not only ground her for sneaking out at night but not taking care of the car. Man, sometimes I really question if it was really wise for teens to start driving when she might abuse her driving privileges," Clark quipped
Lincoln had known what he was talking about as he reflected upon it. Lori would offer take pride in driving skills, resulting in endless favors. Times the questions that if they were really worth it.
"Thank you much for your help gentleman, Lincoln and..." Clark paused at the other person.
"Victor," The tall man introduced himself, offering a handshake.
"Well it is nice to meet you Victor, and thank for serving our country." Clark reached into his wallet and got out two twenties. One was for Lincoln and other for Victor.
"No problem, just glad we can help," Lincoln replied with minimum happiness. Lincoln and Victor took their leave.
"I hope you two truly find your way," Clark bid his farewell to the two homeless.
Victor held a grin on his face, "Well Lincoln looks like we are going to eat tonight. Still, we have rationed our food supplies. Victor glanced at a bar, "But first, I think I'm going to kick back somewhere as well. I got to check if my team is playing."
The two of them stopped at the bar. The first glance was at the local tube. On the screen, the team watches as the team captain made her way to the center stage. With a hood over the head and wielding the Olympic Torch, the team captain made to the upper level. On the furnace, she lit the torch as the crowd screamed the name. The captain was up there unveiled as the athletic sister, causing Lincoln's mouth to widen.
"Here we have our glorious moment in history folks as our rising sports star, Lynn Loud Jr, winner many gold medals, wielding the Olympic Torch to start this event!" TV had narrated.
She stood proud like a god to worship. "So Lynn, what are your thoughts on this wonderful day?" After, she performs a few ceremonial dances. A journalist inquired to the champion.
"I just like to thank my family, friends and my good luck God's for making this all possible," Lynn answered to the man. "All hail the reigning champion, oh yeah!" Lynn shouted from the top of her lungs.
Lincoln scoffed at the behavior his sports sister had displayed. He shook his head.
"What a bonehead? Even after all these years, you haven't changed one bit Lynn."
"Hey you, no one talks bad about Lynn-sanity!" One-man overhead Lincoln, not happy with his comment.
"That's right; she's a champion, my daughter looks up to her. She's way better than a worthless deadbeat like you."
"Oh please," Lincoln rolled his eyes.
The man did not like Lincoln's attitude as he proceeded with a punch. Victor quickly intercepted the attack, this defending Lincoln. As the two people looked up at the tall war vet, both were instantly scared.
"I'd suggest you back away slowly while you can," Victor squeezed the man's hand hard, hurting it.
The man pulled away and left. The veteran may not have seen his face, but could easily tell the two people were scared.
"Those idiots make the enemy soldiers I fought look brave," mocked Victor.
"I just got to stop somewhere really quick."
"Going to use the can?"
"Not exactly," he replied, looking at a local Comic Bookstore.
Lincoln returned to the shelter. With some of the funds he earned, he was able to buy the new Ace Savvy comic. It had been many years, but his love for his favorite crime fighter has not changed. Finding the nearest comfortable place, he settled in and started to read. Even if it was not the nicest home or even the most lived in, it literally felt like home, being with people who care for him.
"Hey there kid," AJ and the other greeted with some food.
"We didn't know if we go for Pizza or Chinese food, so we got both."
"Thanks, I can eat both."
"Then grab a fork and let's dig in."
Lincoln was now in his room and the daydream ended. He lied in bed peacefully staring at the ceiling without a care. In addition, there were heavy bags in his eyes. From every tossing and turning, he felt the dreams getting worse. He could barely get his thoughts together. There were even times where he had cranky mornings.
Making his mornings worse, his eldest sister burst into his room. With a deadpan look and golf clubs, she looked down on Lincoln's current condition. "You look awful, and you're still in bed?" Lori asked.
"Yeah why, it's Saturday," Lincoln was already in a cranky mood.
"A, the weekends is not an excuse to sleep all day, and B, my golf tournament is today and you're not ready."
Just another reminder of his sister's talent was enough to bury his face in covers. "I so do not need this at seven in the morning."
"It's noon Lincoln, it's the big day, now get up out of bed, I really need everyone's support, no excuses and no tricks this time," Lori pulled the blankets off Lincoln's body.
"So I could see you lose again, hard pass."
"I said get up on your feet Lincoln! Seriously, why are you being so difficult lately?" Lori tried to pry him loose from the bed. "Fine, you want to do this the hard way! Lana! You up for alligator wrestling?"
"Oh yeah!" Lana beamed, making her way through Lincoln's room.
Much to his utter dismay, he attended Lori golf tournament. With his arms folded, Lincoln found himself being drag to the event. Lincoln saw his sister and Bobby exchanging a hug as he could do nothing but groan at their behavior. Watching Lori and Bobby constantly, fawn over each other was like watching a bad romance movie. As long as it was romance to them, anything, it brought them absolute happiness.
As he and family took a seat on the bench, he just waited for the day to be over.
"Well I'm off to do my very best," Lori said happily.
"This freaking sucks," Lincoln muttered.
"What was that?" The eldest inquired about Lincoln's sudden words.
"I said good luck," Lincoln with another false smile.
The day went on of golf match after another. Lincoln yawned repeatedly, trying to keep himself awake, not that he wanted to stay awake anyway. Between the dreams and reality, it started to flicker like a light switch. He did not care either way. He just wanted her to lose so he could leave already.
Lori was finally up as she took the stand. The ball went flying through the wide-open field. After a few bounces on the grass, it started to slow down. Everyone held the face of anticipation of the golf ball. After the final roll, it tilted into the hole. It was a complete hole in the noon, much to Lincoln's surprise. Still, he was not that impressed. The family let out a massive cheer for their eldest daughter.
Lincoln was the only one quiet on the whole thing.
"Come on bro, cheer like you mean it!" Luna encourages the boy. "Lori just won."
"I can see that and I'm cheering on the inside," Lincoln had replied still feeling moody or maybe it was just a crankiness talking from the lack of sleep.
"Dude, what's with you, where is the ongoing happiness you normally have Lincoln?" Luna inquired.
"He's not here at the moment, please leave a message," Lincoln said back. "If we are done, then I'm going back home."
Sensing some hostility, Luna grabbed Lincoln's arm. "Hey what's with you dude, you're not your usual self?"
"It's nothing, just drop it alright!" Lincoln shot back.
Lincoln pushed Luna's arm away as he continued down his stroll. While walking, Luna glances at Lincoln's head down. It was barely a full glance, but Luna saw a look of discomfort on Lincoln's face. Something was clearly amiss.
Lori held her newly acquired golf trophy as if she was a champion. Like Lynn, the whole family lifted her over their heads. Now she knew how Lynn felt winning a trophy. Well, at least she did not boast about it. Lincoln saw the image of Lori's success, only to bring sadness to his well-being.
Lincoln watch shamefully as Lori's trophy added to the Trophy Case. These trophies what include her Spelling Bee, and the world's fastest Texter trophy. He saw that everyone had more than one trophy all except him. It only made him shamefully sign further. There throughout the mirror, he glanced at his future self again. For each vision he had, Lincoln further question his existence.
Lincoln's lack of sleep only went further during school hours. Once again, he was yawning repeatedly. Lincoln could barely keep his eyes open during Mrs. Johnson's lessons. As his eyes dim shut, he found himself on the mean streets again. There, he found his current self-staring at his future self. It was a look of absolute hopelessness. What was he going to do at this point or better yet what can he do at this point?
Before you can say anything, a voice called out to Lincoln. Lincoln's eyes wide open as he was back in the classroom. Unfortunately, he faced with a very displeased face of Mrs. Johnson.
"You've been warned about sleeping in my class Lincoln. So now I think you'll be doing plenty of sleeping in detention." Mrs. Johnson scolded her student.
This day just gets better and better for the middle child. Clearly, his lack of sleep was getting to him as he found himself yawning throughout the day. As Lincoln's eyes flickered, he found himself at a crossroads between his dream and reality. It was like being stuck between two channels on TV.
Lincoln raised his hand, "Can I go to the restroom?"
The teacher gave him permission as she handed him a hall pass, and advising him to return.
While in the bathroom, Lincoln an applied as much water to his face and eyes. He kept splashing water on his face to wipe off the bags and redness from his eyes. Lincoln did not know if the lack of sleep was getting to him or the depression having a stronger effect. Nevertheless, it did not change how he felt.
While stepping out of the restroom, there were no ambush attacks this time. Thankfully, he was in the safe zone, until he was pounded by flying tomatoes. Guess it was far too early to get his hopes up.
Ronnie Anne stepped out of the corner as she laughed at Lincoln. "Hope you like my famous tomato surprise Lame-O."
Lincoln took an unsurprised sign as he wiped the tomatoes off his face. Without saying a word, he walked away and just ignored her. This reaction cause Ronnie Anne to wince in confusion. "Hey what's going on? You know it's no fun messing with you if you're not even going to have a reaction."
"Are you done, Ronnie Anne?" Lincoln asked, beyond annoyed by her behavior. "I'm really not in the mood for this."
"No, not really." Ronnie Anne then went up to Lincoln grabbed both ends of his pants and yanked it down, exposing nothing but his underwear. Everyone caught the sight as laughter blasted Lincoln, but there was still no reaction. At least on the outside, but on the inside, Lincoln's crankiness turned to anger as he tightened his fist and pulled up his pants. Even if Lincoln was not exactly the violent type, he had the urge to put this bully in her place. He wanted smack that grin off her face as he was about to raise his arm.
As Ronnie Anne took a great amount of pleasure at Lincoln's humiliation, little did she know there was someone behind her? Mrs. Johnson stood with her arms folded with the same face she gave Lincoln for sleeping in class. Without hesitation, Mrs. Johnson grabbed the young Santiago by the ear. "Well let's see how funny you find it in detention." The homeroom teacher gave a scowl to the students. "Back to class everyone, the show's over."
"Ow, ow, ow," Ronnie Anne felt the pain as her ear was being pulled.
Fortunately, both were saved of them from a situation turning ugly. He took a sign rubbing his teary eyelids as he went back to detention.
"Well, Lincoln looks like we really blew them away with our performance though I wish you were more enthusiastic." Luan happily chirped.
"Whatever Luan, you got the job done, that's all that matters," Lincoln took a yawn of disinterest.
"Oh Lincoln, you forgot your slice of cake." Luan reminded Lincoln as he left, but ignored her as he went upstairs.
As Luan went back to her room, she caught up with her Rockstar sister. "Hey sis, how was the party?"
"Pretty good, by the way, have you noticed Lincoln been acting funny lately and not in the haha kind of way?"
"Yeah, dude, he wasn't even that supportive during Lori golfing match? And he was acting like a real bonehead to me the other day about the shower." Luna took a bunch of Luan's earn birthday cake. "He just acted like the whole thing bored him to death."
"He wasn't even smiling at the party it's like all like someone took a vacuum and just sucked out all the laughter, and even shreds of happiness out."
The two older sisters then caught the scientist overlooking the middle-child. This caught their interest of curiosity. "Lisa, what are you doing?" wondered Luan
"Field research deer siblings, I've been studying in Elder brother's Behavior patterns ever since his grumpy outbursts, it played me but curiosity. And although I may not care for feeble human emotions, I, unfortunately, need this project for school to receive a passing grade." Lisa answered. "But now my research has concluded so I'm off to perform some test."
As they made it to Lisa's room, she starts doing the ending calculations. On her big device, she implanted all the research gathered from her notes. Then after minutes of calculations, the results were printed. When she read the paper, Lisa's eyes remained calm but it did not marvel.
Lisa turned to her sisters. "Well siblings I've compiled all the data and after much deliberation, I count it all the endless signs, shifting of personalities, and disinterest in normal hobbies. It is the displeasure to announce that our brother has been showing signs of low mood aversions. Or in layman's terms, our brother has clinical depression."
Surprise and curiosity filled Luan and Luna's faces from this news. It was as bad as of now and saying positive test on the doctor's notes.