A/N: Well after Hero Today and Driving Ambition, I had to write this.
It had been an hour since the Loudest rockstar's last hospital visit. The more Luna watched as her homeless brother was bedridden, the more her heart to tremble. At the very least, the doctor assured her that Lincoln tested negative for any cancer disease, but he was still going to have to stay in the hospital for more than forty-eight hours, due to Lincoln frail health. Nonetheless, Luna worried that it might be something worse, looking through Lincoln's window.
After Luna's Vape break, the rocker accessed her list of contacts. Every number of her huge family, she started calling them one by one. Even now, Luna was still processing the situation of Lincoln, yet tried to maintain a cool head. After puffing out the last smoke, Luna called the oldest. With several tones, she hoped that the oldest would answer, now that Lori was a full independence woman.
"I hope you're able to answer your phone is," Luna muttered to herself, waiting for the oldest to pick up.
Meanwhile elsewhere, the oldest was in the final scene of the Golf match. There the oldest now in the thirties stood on the center field along with her oldest daughter as a caddy. Quietness maintains in the area as Lori hole of the game. With deep calming breaths and stretches, Lori prepared her final shot. Within the last swing, the ball rotated angled before it arrived in the hole. The crowd let out loud cheers after the victory. Bobby and the son rushed over for the celebration of the round.
"You did it, mom," The daughter cheered.
"No, we did it, Gloria," Lori held her oldest daughter in her hands.
"Mom, you got a call," the son reminded Lori handed Lori the phone.
"Hello," Lori answered. "Luna is that you?"
"WHAT!" Lori screamed, nearly disrupting the golf course. The shocking news caused Lori to drop her phone. As she noticed the stares of the people at the golf course, Lori lowered her voice picking up her phone. "Are you serious, you found Lincoln?" Lori whispered over the phone.
"Yeah sis I did, Lincoln has been homeless." Luna answered in a calm manner.
"Hold on! What do you mean homeless?" Lori demanded, still trying to grasp the situation.
"Look, sis, it's a long story, but I need to come here and get the word out to the others. Please, Lincoln needs us?" Luna pleaded.
Lori's mind was in circles right now but tried to be cool about it. Lori took a breather. "Alright Luna, I will do that."
It was mid-afternoon as the loudest comedian spent nearly all day working on new material. Unfortunately, however writer's block was in effect, and not a lot of people were able to buy into her new routines. Luan had a pile of rejection letters to prove it. Things were not how they used to be when she was a child. Luan rested on her chair reflecting on the good old days of her family photo, back when she was a hit to both kids and adults.
When a call came to her phone, she answered with excitement in her tone. "Hello, Vincent so did you get my performance, because I would love to." Luan suddenly paused as she heard some bad news. "Oh I see, no it's okay thank you." Luan hung p the phone, collapsing the desk in dejection.
"Honey I'm home." Adult Benny called out. As he arrived, he saw the comedian, lying on the desk. He did not need to be an expert to know what was really on her mind. "Uh-oh, I take it you had another rejection call again."
"Yeah, Vincent just called to tell me that he took a pass on my performance. It seems like the Asian community got offended by that sushi joke I made weeks ago."
"Cheer up dear; I'm sure something will come up." Benny placed his hand on Luan's back.
"I feel bad for you working these overtime shifts just for me."
"I don't mind Luan. I got to provide for my family after all." Benny happily responded.
"That's not the point Benny! I feel like I am leaving all the work to you, while I am just chasing after a dream." Luan shot back. Luan glanced at her two-year-old daughter napping peacefully. Luckily, the daughter was a heavy sleeper, not to hear Luan's outburst. "I'm sorry Benny; I want to be able to smile for Laura sake. I miss the days where everyone was able to smile, not just me."
"You'll find something Luan; you just have to try harder, and don't worry about me."
"I can sure use some refreshing news right now." Luan sat in silence before her phone vibrated. As she picked it up, it was not another talent agent. It was Luna. "Hey what's up old roomie, it's been a while?" Luan laughed to herself after hearing the news, but then realize the dead-silence on the phone. "Oh wait, you're serious. Lincoln is what? No, no, no, of course, yeah I'll be there."
"What is it?" Benny examined Luan's reaction.
"Benny, we need to head somewhere. We are going to visit an old sibling."
"Your designs are amazing Ms. Loud."
"Thank you, Mrs. Walters, with my design ideas and Carlota skills; it is tots taking the world by storm, which is funny because I don't see a storm yet." Leni replied happily.
Somewhere else, the second oldest was also living her dream. Leni had turned her fashion hobby turned into a full-on career. Agencies and studios were at Leni's beck and call. The more ideas Leni produced, the more successful she became. She was a fashion machine.
"Please turn off all handheld devices during the show," Leni said to her coworkers, hearing phone vibrate. "Oh wait, that is my phone. I thought I put it on silent." Leni grabbed her phone. "Hey Lori, how are the wife and kids?" Leni greeted. "Yeah, I mean husband and kids." Leni corrected herself. Like the others, Leni's tone filled with shock over the news. She did not know what to make of the situation either. "No, no, I understand, I'll be there as soon as I can."
Word began to travel fast to the other Loud children. While the Loud young scientist was usually the calm and collected one, even Lisa reacted to the hysterically to the news. The shocking news leads Lisa to drop her test tubes, therefore causing an explosion through the university campus. Luckily, however, the chemicals in the cells were not toxic. Even if months research was ruin, it was the least of Lisa's concern right now
While the goth was usually the quiet one, it leads to a long gasp, sending her lungs rising. It almost made her exasperate. It was a rare occasion for the goth ever to get emotional. Nevertheless, Lucy maintained a cool head from this. Usually, Lucy was used to death and despair, but not on her sibling as she shared the others worry and concern. Like the others, the dark one complied to the wishes of her siblings.
Throughout somewhere else, the twins lived out their dreams. Lana's mechanical abilities were taken to the next level as well, and so is Lola's Beauty Pageant. After graduating from a tech university, Lana skills took her from local mechanical shops to advance cars, while still maintaining her plumbing skills. Lola, on the other hand, was on top of the world with a beauty pageant, turning from a runner up to a worldwide winner, and even couched young little girls in a beauty pageant. In many people's eye, Lola was now a pageant queen among many. When the call came into Lola, her first guess is that Luna needed some bail money. However, when Lola heard about Lincoln resurfacing, she immediately accepted to visit her brother. Despite her busy schedule, Lola never forgot her priorities to her family.
For the second tomboy, it took Lynn Jr. three hours to pick up her phone after her Olympic tryouts. Rushing with blood pumping and sweat, Lynn picked up her cellphone expecting a sponsor or better yet an agent. That emotion shifted from disappointment to disbelief as Lynn Jr. overheard the update on Lincoln. The athlete threw out a beam of questions, yet it was too much for Lori to answer even if the information she gathered. Still, with that very info, Lynn promised that she would come.
On a typical day at the mall, the youngest loud ( now a fully grown teenager) rested her feet. Alongside her, the nephew sat with a cone of ice cream. While Luna was not around Lily was always in charge of looking after Mick, which Lily did not mind as well as her other nieces and nephews.
"You ready to hit up the arcade Mick?" Lily inquired.
"I sure am Aunt Lily," Mickey replied to the young aunt.
Before their departure from the bench, Lily received a call. "Hey, there sis, what's up?"
"Hey there Lily, listen this might be sudden, but I need you and bring Mick. I found Lincoln." Luna explained.
Lily dropped her ice cream in shock. "What! Did you say you found Lincoln? He's been missing for years."
"Yeah I know Lily, he has been homeless, look it's hard to explain on the phone, but I assure you that Lincoln is alive. Since I got a court date coming up, I don't have to much time. I already informed mom and dad, so get here as soon as possible. I'll text you the address."
"Sure thing is, I got it." Lily hung up the phone. Lily turned her attention to her nephew. "Change of plans Mick, we are going to see your mom, and my brother."
"YAY!" Mick cheered.
The mother of the Loud's arrived home after a long day of work. Within sight range, she saw one of the kids. While glad to see them, neither of the girls shared the same thoughts. They wasted no time walking away silently from Rita. As far as the loud children were a concern, Rita was a ghost to them. It was that the hostility was still there. Even if Rita did not do any wrong to the girls, they sure felt impacted.
It was another day as this tension went on. And Lincoln must travel more distance than the girls. Rita felt she was losing more than the love of her children. Going into the basement, Rita went behind the washing machine. Nobody, but Lynn Sr. knew about the secret hiding place. Within a brick appeared a small box. Inside the box contain a large photo of memories between Rita and her brother. From every smiling picture, Rita viewed, the two of them were a siblings team.
As she shut her eyes, Rita had been brought back to twenty-four years ago. It was an age where she and Mitchell were sweet sixteen. Mitchell would always wake up early with so much energy, while Rita was bedridden. When you are famous and the star of a team, happiness was all over his face. Rita, nor Albert could never understand Mitchell's energy but supported him. He was like a little kid excited for a theme park.
"Come on sis; we don't want to be late for school." Mitchell rushed Rita, banging on the bathroom door. "Just how long it takes for you to put on your makeup."
"Seriously, I don't understand you sometime." Rita came out cranky, still wearing her ugly bedhead.
"The team isn't going wait forever for me to score," Mitchell replied happily, holding his football. "Heads up!" Mitchell gave his football a quick toss. Rita did not see it coming as she flinched, yet she caught the football.
"Yeah well let's see how long that enthusiasm last."
"Come on sis, you know I'm unstoppable," Mitchell said, giving Rita some playful jabs as Rita block the attacks.
"I know your determined Mitchell, but I don't want you getting careless out there. There are other teams out there better than you."
Mitchell wrapped his arm around Rita's shoulder. "Gee you sound just like mom. If so they better be ready for the Wave-Runner aka me." Mitchell and Rita laughed together through the morning.
The memory ended as Rita heard someone call her name. Behind her, Lynn Sr. stood. It only took a millisecond to noticed the box of memories in Rita's hands. Even if Lynn Sr. felt the girls anger, the other side felt remorse for his wife. If all, he wanted Rita to make up with Lincoln as he did.
"I don't know what to do Lynn. Lincoln won't even talk to me."
"You have to start somewhere Rita, but you have to let it go, for Lincoln's sake," Lynn said. "There is also something you need to see." Lynn Sr. handed his wife a tablet of one of Lisa's invention.
Like Lynn Sr, the mother grasp in horror of the situation that befallen her future son. Inside the tablet contain the middle child's imperfect nature. She watched as the adult middle child's suffered through homeless. It was a dog eat dog world. No matter how much they told themselves, it was just a dream. Still, it made the depression very clear among the parents. Now Rita felt worst then she already has.
The very sight of Lincoln all alone in the harsh streets with barely anything made Rita sick inside. With each horrible view, it made Rita's heart pound. If this was Lincoln's future, Rita doesn't think she could live with herself. If all this had to be an adult's nightmare, let alone a parent. Worst came to worst, Rita and Lynn hate even to imagine themselves in that situation.
Not bearing the sight longer, Rita tossed the tablet away. Rita held her forehead as she tried to catch her breath.
"Honey calm down, it's just a dream," Lynn assured.
"I know but, I." Rita paused. "What in the right mind could make Lincoln imagine himself in that?"
"From what I gathered from Lisa, it seems like Lincoln fears he might not have the talent to benefit his future, so he fears this is his destiny, and all of our praise and attention did not make it better. While I admit that I wish Lincoln would be more like his sisters, I don't want him to suffer inside because of his inferiority."
"What have I done?" Rita sobbed. "All this time, I was trying to prevent Lincoln from suicide, but instead I was increasing it."
Lynn Sr. shook his head. "As I said before, it's not just you; we are both at fault."
"But you did not scream at him or take his stuff away."
"Rita, we will think of something." When he heard her sob inside, Lynn comforted his wife by wrapping his arm over her shoulder.
Minutes turn to hours in the Loud House as Lincoln secluded himself in his bedroom. With a pencil in his hand and swallowing pills, he worked more on the sketch. It was just the demo phase as the middle children have not thoroughly thought out his creation, so improvising was in order. However, Lincoln did not stop even if the plan was not carefully thought-out. Lincoln did not even hear the footsteps outside the bedroom door as his mind was focused elsewhere.
Concern had grown with the loud sisters as they stood by Lincoln's bedroom door. All ten sisters had their ears pressed to the door. Each of them talked silently, debating Lincoln's situation. They only hope that Lincoln was not doing self-harm. The sounds were faint, but neither of them was able to make out what Lincoln was doing.
As the athletic sister patients were wearing thin, she rose up. "That's it; I'm going in, cover me, guys!" Lynn Jr exclaimed. Lynn charged with full-speed, determined to break the door down. Before Lynn could make contact at the door, the young jock found herself flat on the floor.
Seeing the jock on the floor, Lincoln held the door open. The middle-child did not even ask as he stepped over the sister. The other sisters stare with confusion if not worry. Still, at least, Lincoln did not have a face of misery. Both parties did not respond to each other. The sisters did not know whether to question Lincoln or not.
"Hey Lynn did you enjoy your trip," Luan cracked a joke. "Get it?" The lame joke leads to everyone's groans. Lincoln walked away silently.
"You ready for school buddy?" Lynn Sr. asked Lincoln.
"Yep," Lincoln responded blankly.
"Wait downstairs; I just got to have a word with the girls." Lincoln nodded. "And remember to take your pills."
"Dad, how is Lincoln?" Lori was the first to ask of the concern ten.
"He's fine girls, one step at a time," Lynn answered they proceeded to the main announcement. "Look, girls, as you grow and start to achieve more than you already have, your mother and I are always going to be proud of you. Both of us do not doubt that those unique gifts are going to get you far in the future." Lynn paused. "Anyway, when we had a big family we knew sibling rivalries was going to play a big part in this ordeal. With how things are now, we are going to ease up on the praise and attention."
"I don't get dad; this kind of stuff never bothered Lincoln before," Lori stated.
"Yeah I know, but certain people have limitations. You all want to help Lincoln do you?"
The ten girls all nodded in reply.
"Then you all can do your part by supporting him, and try not to remind him too much of your accomplishments, that goes double for you Lynn Jr." The father gave the jock a displeasure face.
"Come on; I don't rub my victory in people's faces, right guys?" Lynn replied. The others turned their heads the other direction as they did not respond to Lynn's statement, indicating otherwise. "Well, not all the time," Lynn said while blushing.
"That's good, and don't worry about your mother, I can assure you her methods will not be needed in helping Lincoln, yet try not to be too hard on her." Just from the name, all the girls put on a frown. "Look, I'm not saying you girls should not fight ever, but I don't want it escalating to the point of another Sister Fight Protocol, your mother and I don't need that stress than we already have. Do you understand?"
The girls nodded again.
"How are you feeling buddy?" Lynn Sr. asked Lincoln throughout the car ride.
"I'm good I guess," Lincoln responded with zero happiness.
Not holding back on the news, "You know Ms. Dimartino told me something interesting the other day."
"Am I in trouble?"
"No, no, no, nothing like that. What I mean if you were doing something very creative." Lynn showed a picture Lincoln drew at Ms. Dimartino. It contained Lincoln being at the bottom of a mountain while the sisters were at the top. It was like the sisters were first place and he was dead-last. "That was quite a picture you drew."
"It's nothing special, Ms. Dimartino just said draw whatever comes to mind, and I did, something to ease my stress."
"Is it helping?" Lynn probed.
"Well, at least it's giving me something to do." Even with the compliment, Lynn paid Lincoln; the boy did not sound enthusiastic. "Do you think I'm a hopeless dad?"
"I think you're not giving yourself enough credit son. By the drawing, you have more positive traits then you realize, but you're letting doubt and inferiority get the best of you." Lynn advised as they stopped at the school. "Deep inside, I'm sure there is a passion waiting to awaken, but only if you let it. Think about it alright." Lynn reminded Lincoln handing him one of Lincoln's drawings.
"Okay," Lincoln replied leaving the car.
"Have a good day at school kiddo." Lynn Sr. waved to Lincoln.
Within the afternoon, the former bully made her way to the Loud House. Although it was not the first time she been to Lincoln's home, it felt like a long time. Ronnie took a look at the small pamphlet from her sweater. Hopefully, the sisters weren't around to harass her and Lincoln. Approaching the front door, the Hispanic took a breath as the front door and ranged the doorbell.
When the front door opened, the first to greet the young Hispanic was patriarch. "Well hello, Ronnie Anne."
"Hi, Mr. Loud." Ronnie Anne greeted back.
"You must be here to see Lincoln; he is out back, goes say hi to him."
"Great thanks," Ronnie paused for a minute. "Hey, by any chance, is his sisters home?" Ronnie Anne cautiously asked.
"Nope, they are out at the mall, while Rita is at work; it's just him and me here."
As the former bully ventured into the backyard, she saw Lincoln working peacefully on a drawing. The way Lincoln looked at his picture with a calm, peaceful expression. It was like Lincoln was not even in his world. As the pencil moved, he let his creativity speak for itself. The way Lincoln was distracted, Ronnie Anne silently made her way towards Lincoln. Before Ronnie Anne could deliver her playful jab to Lincoln, the attack had been, intercepted, to her surprise, Lincoln blocked Ronnie Anne's incoming jab with his notebook, much to the Hispanic surprise.
"Hey, Ronnie Anne." Lincoln greeted with his back was turned. "It did not take me long just to figure out you were here."
"So how's it going Lincoln?" Ronnie Anne greeted nervously, trying to avoid getting on Lincoln's wrong side.
Lincoln's eyes still focused on his work. "Pretty well I guess."
To confirm her suspicions, Ronnie took a small peek over Lincoln's shoulders. There she had witnessed to Lincoln's talent unfold, constructing a piece of art. Lincoln did not bother with distractions, not even with Ronnie Anne hanging over his shoulders. Lincoln was literally in his world. To say Ronnie Anne was surprised was an understatement. The little girl did not feel like she was watching Lincoln with curious and envy.
After a couple of minutes, the art piece was complete. Lincoln took a deep breath and relaxed in his chair.
"This is beautiful Lincoln." Ronnie took a look at the drawing and was amazed by Lincoln's creativity.
"It was nothing."
"What do you mean it is nothing?" Ronnie Anew shot back. "You created art Lincoln!" She suddenly pulled out a pamphlet from her pocket. "I thought you might be interested in this. My aunt Frida is coming into town this Saturday for a college lecture on art, so I thought maybe we go together. Mom and Bobby both have work, so they can't go."
Lincoln took a moment to skim through the pen flick. One thought wanted to decline; another side was a little fascinated. Then again, what would he have to lose, after Dr. Lopez did suggest Lincoln open his mind to new things? Was not going to get anywhere by mooring around.
"Sure why not I'll go." Lincoln accepted.
"Awesome."
"Hey, kids, I made some refreshments." Lynn came out with two cut sandwiches and chips. "Feel like staying for lunch Ronnie Anne?"
"I'd love to, thanks, Mr. Loud."
Saturday was around the corner as the day came for Lincoln and Ronnie Anne. The two of them went into Royal Woods University a place of higher learning for adults and young adults. In this vast campus, all futures built upon this school. Since she has been here before with Bobby and her mother, Ronnie Anne knew the layout of the university. Ronnie held Lincoln's arm with determination as Lincoln wondered with curiosity. Lincoln's mind was not just with interest in the school, but the poetical opportunities held here.
Lincoln's thoughts were put to rest as they made it to the scheduled classroom. Luckily the seating chart was not in effect, since the presentation was only optional for students, while others stay for further learning. Still, they weren't the only kids there as many ranges from teens to adults.
When the little hand turned and then lights dim, it was time for the presentation. As the silence occurred, a Hispanic woman made her way to the stage. Wearing two bracelets, green and pink dress and long black hair, the Hispanic made her opening announcement.
"Good evening everyone, my name is Frida Casagrande, and I'm here to take you on a journey into the wondrous world of art." The Hispanic woman announced.
The presentation begins with a few lectures on coloring, not just the basics but the different shades of colors between blending, mixtures, light and dark variety. Lincoln was so used to the primary crayon colors that he was not aware there was more than one; this Lincoln's mind had opened.
The next lecture explored was on different line structures. It started as little sizes of shapes. It may have seemed pretty simple like Kindergarten stuff, but went I to detail that little kids might not comprehend. It was the essentials to create a picture. Nevertheless, Lincoln followed the lesson. Since Lincoln had performed the drawings himself, he had some understanding.
After that, Frida educated on the final stage of art, the art itself. Some may have thought a picture was just a paper and pen, yet Frida assured it was much more complicated. She explained that many techniques could tell certain emotions. Frida wasted no time on education of art and even showed some out her in personal work, which drew Lincoln's attention more.
The more explanations given, the more Lincoln was invested, much to Ronnie Anne's surprise. As she had observed, Lincoln would not take his eyes off the instructor. It was like his mind was opening up.
When the hour lecture came to a close, Ronnie Anne took Lincoln backstage. Fortunately, for them, they were able to fight the crowd of students asking questions.
"Aunt Frida," Ronnie Anne exclaimed.
The woman turns happily to see her niece. "Ronnie Anne, it is wonderful to see you again." Frida spare no expense hugging Ronnie Anne, not caring if it was making the former bully embarrassed. "I'm so glad you could show up to my lecture."
"Good to see you too Aunt Frida." Ronnie Anne broke away from the hug.
"I see you brought someone." Frida caught Lincoln within sight, not hiding from her gaze any longer. Lincoln gave a slight nervous wave. "So is he your boyfriend?" Frida inquired with a small tease.
"No, he's not! He's not my boyfriend!" Ronnie Anne shot back with a blush. Even if Ronnie knew her aunt was joking, she was getting tired of the boyfriend wisecracks.
"Hello Lincoln, I'm am Ronnie Anne's aunt, Frida Casagrande." Frida introduces with a handshake.
"Hello, I'm Lincoln Loud." Lincoln introduce back.
"Mom and Bobby could not make it due to work, so I bring a friend," Ronnie said. "Plus, he has been going through some things," Ronnie whispered to her aunt.
"Oh I see," Frida responded. Frida walk to Lincoln kneed to ground level. "Well, I think it is wonderful that you have an interest in art, and from what I heard from Ronnie Anne, you have the skills to prove it."
"You think so?" Lincoln asked with curiosity.
"I know you so. Art isn't just something you scribble on paper; it also is expressed in whether it's on paper or a painting." Frida told Lincoln. "You just gotta have your visual perspective Lincoln; let your mind be free."
"Let my mind be free?" Lincoln repeated.
Frida nodded her head. "Try not to think too hard about it; after all, you are still young, so let it flow for now."
"Thanks, Ms. Casagrande."
"Hey Ronnie Anne," Frida went back to the Hispanic little girl. "Hey I know your mother and Bobby is always busy with work, but you should consider seeing the family again sometime, we miss you. Give others my regards."
"Okay," Ronnie said back.
"My dad should be picking me up by now." Lincoln walked off checking his watch.
"So what did you think?" Ronnie inquired.
"It was enlightening, thanks for taking me, Ronnie Anne." Lincoln turned his face to see the kindest smile. The smile alone was enough to make Ronnie blush more inside. Not one ounce of depression was present at the moment. It may not have been any romantic interest, but she did find Lincoln's kind nature to be charming. As Vanzilla pulled up in the school driveway, Lincoln went inside, saying goodbye to Ronnie Anne. Ronnie Anne waved back not taking her eyes off of Lincoln.
After another day of summer school came to a close, Lincoln waited for the Vanzilla to pull up. Now that some of his depression ease, he was able to focus on school regularly, and even helped Ronnie Anne with most of her assignments. Hoping to be his dad or sisters, Lincoln scowled at his mother now being the driver. The very sight made Lincoln's insides crawl.
"Hey sweetie it looks like your riding with me now." Rita greeted putting on her best smile.
"What are you doing here Rita?" Lincoln asked, still angry.
Lincoln was not convinced as he already turned his head and started walking away. Rita could easily tell Lincoln was still angry from the silent response. Rita drove following Lincoln. "Come on Lincoln, come take a ride, home is a mile away." Lincoln scoffed as he continues to ignore her walking. It did not stop the matriarch from pursuing him like a predator. "I'm also going to the store, and I can use a strong man to help me carry the groceries, please."
"No thanks Rita," Lincoln declined but did not stop the mother from trying.
Rita was then caught by an angry yell and a honking horn, now realizing that a car was in front of her. Hadn't been for the horn, Rita would have crashed on impact. "Hey watch where you're going; what are you an idiot!" The angry driver called out.
"Sorry, sorry," Rita said to the driver.
Lincoln gave up a frustrating but hopeless groan. The middle-child conceded as he stepped into the vehicle. Even if he was angry, he certainly did not wish the worse upon his mother. "Just drive!" Lincoln demanded to grit his teeth.
It only took fifteen to twenty minutes to get from the school to the grocery store. They stopped at the same grocery store Lincoln, and his sisters were kicked out. Hopefully, there was not still any bad blood, knowing how strict the manager was. The car ride was just as Rita had anticipated, Lincoln being silent the whole trip through. He just stared blankly at the window, avoiding Rita's gaze or just pretending she is not even there. By the uninterested, Lincoln only wanted to get the day over with, nothing more, nothing less.
As Rita dispatched Lincoln to get a basket, the mother pondered into her mind of how to make things right. When Lincoln grabbed a cart, he stumbled across the same homeless person from weeks ago. There the homeless man sat sadden and defeated, asking for some change. Within that instant, Lincoln imagined himself as that homeless person. It was all coming back to him freezing in place, paralyzed with fear and anxiety.
"Come on Lincoln, why don't we pick out your favorite cereal." Rita quickly pulled the boy away from the homeless person. She noticed the reaction on Lincoln, seeing that Lincoln has not fully recovered, it was concerning, but restrained from being overbearing.
"You again! I thought I kicked you out of my store." The store manager called out to Lincoln.
"It's okay, he's with me, I'll make sure he does not get into any mischief," Rita promised the manager.
"Oh really, how do I know he's not going to plan shenanigans like the last person in my business."
"If you want to run a business truly how about you do something about that homeless person up front. I don't appreciate him being there to scare my son!" Rita shot back at the manager, grabbing him by the collar as if she was going to fight, even got Lincoln's attention.
Hearing the news again, the manager left Rita and Lincoln. "What again? Where is my push broom?"
Quietness still took the two of them as the grocery shop together. With how much tension that was going on between them, Rita would hardly call herself a mother anymore. Rita pushed the basket while Lincoln grabs the items that were on the list. No matter how much Rita wanted to break the cycle of silences, felt like any word she spat out would be nothing but a justifiable excuse. Still, with every moment wasted, Rita felt Lincoln was drifting further away from her.
This situation needed to be fixing as Rita thought to herself. Here goes nothing as the mother spoke a word. "Did you enjoy your time with your father?" Rita asked, stopping Lincoln. "I bet you must have wanted so badly to get away from your dictator mother."
"Dad told me about your brother," Lincoln replied as Rita also stopped at her tracks. Just the thought of Mitchell, nearly made her queasy inside. At least Lincoln was talking to her now. "I thought you were an only child."
"I have been the past twenty years Lincoln," Rita said with remorse in her tone. "It's more complicated than that. Can I get a bouquet?" Rita asked the cashier.
On the third stop, Rita and Lincoln arrived at the Royal Wood cemetery. This depressing place typically is Lucy's hangout spot, but she was out at a poetry club right now. Holding the flowers for his mother, Lincoln followed Rita through the land of the deceased.
"Here he is a son; I like you to meet your uncle, Mitchell." Rita introduced the tombstone labeled, Mitchell Thomas.
"Your brother seems like a nice guy." Lincoln looked at the early picture of Rita and her brother Mitchell in their teenage days. The way the siblings hung onto to each other, they were inseparable.
"He was a nice guy, loved life to the fullest, and much like you, he was creative and ambitions. Whether it was his family or friends, he loved making people happy. Then when that injury happened, his life fell apart. He felt like his life was over because he was not able to do what he loved anymore. No longer was Mitchell the kind and passionate guy anymore. Mitchell became so angry and bitter that eventually destroyed himself inside." Rita could still remember the day she was crying her eyes out at the funeral while Albert held her tight.
"I wish I met you, uncle Mitchell." Lincoln talked to the grave.
Not worrying about Lincoln's reaction, Rita held her son close to her. "Your sister may talk about death like it's nothing at all, but experiencing it is a whole nother story," Rita explained. "You see Lincoln, a loss of someone can't just make you feel sad, it can make you feel a lot of things. It can make you feel regretful or even angry."
"Were you angry when Uncle Mitchell past on?"
"Yeah, I was furious, so angry that I cursed the heavens asking why did they take him away from us."
"You miss him do you?"
"Everyday Lincoln, each year I come here to give him flowers. Still, I do wish I could have saved him; but nothing I can do anymore. If only he were here to meet his nephew and nieces, you guys would like him." Rita turned Lincoln to face her. Lincoln saw the face of regret and remorse. "Lincoln, I know this does not change everything I did, but I wanted you to understand. I let my overbearing nature and paranoia take me over. I'm sorry for the way I treated you. Will you forgive your mother?"
"Does this mean I am grounded anymore?" Lincoln query with caution.
"Only if you promise me one thing. No matter how bad things look, you will always keep your head up and never give in to this despair, because as you grow old, you'll realize how much of a scary place the world can be. Lori is growing up, and even she realizes that," Rita said.
"I promise mom." Lincoln put his hand on Rita's shoulder.
"Don't think that means I'm going to stop watching your back; after all, I am your mother."
"I would not have it any other way." Lincoln leaned in allowing his mother to hug Lincoln. "I love you, mom."
Just hearing Lincoln address her usually brought tears to Rita's eyes as she embraced him. Holding her son into her arms brought great joy and peace to Rita's heart. "I love you too sweetie," Rita replied weeping inside and kissing Lincoln's forehead.
Throughout the pleasant evening, Rita continued to share stories of Mitchell. Stories of good, bad, and funny moments of Rita's dearest brother. With an arm around Lincoln's shoulder, the middle-child listen with an eased open mind, no longer uncomfortable with the mother. Together the mother and the son shared this precious moment under the sunset.