"Ok class, it's free play time!" Ms. Shrinivas announced to her kindergarten class one Thursday afternoon.
As the cheerful students got up from the meeting circle and scattered about the classroom ready to play, Lisa Loud stood up and dusted herself off.
"Ah, free play, the one time of day I can finally participate in something meaningful: science!" As Lisa makes her way towards an electron microscope located on a shelf on the right side of the room, she notices a special comrade of hers sitting alone at a table. This comrade also being her love interest David Hall.
Lisa approaches David and gets his attention by tapping him on the shoulder. "Greetings David, might you like to join me in splitting atoms? You can be in charge and I'll be your assistant if you'd like."
Normally an offer of this caliber would be very tempting and enjoyable to take part in, but David was not feeling enthusiastic to participate in science today. Therefore, his glance only faces Lisa for a split second before he takes his eyes off her and shrugs. "I wish I was in a better mood to do that, but…I'm not."
Lisa's face fell as she begins to feel concern for her favorite male companion; so much so that she completely abandons her pursuit of science and wishes instead to focus on helping David when he's down. To keep him at ease and to prove that she's willing to listen to whatever he has to say, she pulls up a chair and sits next to him. She also tenderly places a hand on his shoulder and gently rubs her thumb against his lab coat.
"Might I ask what's troubling you?" Lisa questions in a much softer tone than she normally speaks.
David looks at Lisa's hand upon his shoulder before facing her again, "This is gonna sound a little odd, but…I've been feeling a bit desolate lately. I think…I'd like to make a friend." He removes Lisa's hand from his shoulder and tenderly squeezes it to show affection. "Don't get me wrong, you are a great companion and I care for you deeply. Even Darcy is very lovely, even though we don't know each other that well."
David's grip of Lisa's hand completely loosens and he shrugs as his gaze falls downcast. "I think I'd like to have a male friend. However, the kids in our class aren't quite what I'm looking for, because they're hobbies and interests are a little too simplistic and they aren't exactly mature like you and I. Perhaps…someone a year or two older, someone whom I can look up to as an older brother figure." He faces Lisa again, "I know my statement of wanting an older brother figure sounds ironic given that I already have an older sister; but she's in her twenties and has a job, so she's not a suitable companion for me, despite loving her dearly."
He places both his elbows on the table and cups both hands on both cheeks. After thinking that his request seems a little too implausible, he decides to completely surrender his desire. "Ah, who am I kidding? That's a foolish wish. Now, if you'll excuse me…" Without looking Lisa in the eye, he reaches underneath the table and pulls out a large book he has hidden. When he opened the book, entitled "Maps of the World", Lisa notices the back cover had a small scaled map of Western Europe.
She studies the map for a few seconds and rubs her chin, specifically once the image of the U.K. caught her eye. Her eyes light up as she gets an idea of the person David is looking for to be his new friend. However, she needs one of her sisters' assistance.
Several hours later, in the cozy dwelling known as the Loud house, Lola sits on her bed gently painting the nails of her left hand a sparkly pink color. This is currently her second coat that she is applying.
"I can't wait for my Winstie to see my pretty nails!" Lola sighs in admiration. Just as she was about to paint the nails of her right hand, she hears a faint knock on her bedroom door, despite it being open.
"Who's there?" Lola questions as she peeks over her shoulder.
"It is I, may I come in, please?" Lisa answers.
"Sure, come on in," Lola replies. She slowly closes her nail polish and tightens the lid so it doesn't spill.
When Lisa approaches the princess bed that Lola occupies, Lola pats the space in front of her to show Lisa she's welcome to sit down.
"What's up?" Lola questions as Lisa situates herself in front of her.
"Are you aware of my favorite male companion David Hall?" Lisa wonders.
Lola nods her head, "Yeah, that's the boy you hang out with. What about him?"
"I noticed he was feeling rather downtrodden in class today. When I questioned him, he told me that he is feeling rather lonely and wishes to engage in a friendship with someone other than myself." Lisa explains, "He specifically requested that he find a companion who is male and a little older than him so he can have someone to pass his wisdom onto, but not so much older that they won't have anything in common."
"I believe I know exactly who fits the bill: your own male companion, Winston." Lisa concludes as she gives a small grin.
Lola raises her eyebrow, "Wait a minute, you've never even met Winston before. How do you know he and David would be friends?"
"At first, I went by my instincts as well as your description of his behaviors and personality. However, I wish to further confirm my hypothesis by asking your assistance. I would like to properly meet with Winston; then, once I get a feel for his personality, I shall ask him a few questions to see if he and David will get along."
Lola is now intrigued, "He's coming over tomorrow after school for tea, so you can meet him then."
"Perfect! I shall get a much better idea what he's like as he participates in a natural pastime."
"What's gonna happen next?" Lola wonders.
"After teatime, you arrange for him to meet us at the park first thing Saturday afternoon. I shall also contact David and tell him the same thing." Lisa explains.
"You know, I'm really liking the sound of this plan. I bet Winstie is gonna be really happy to make a new friend!" Lola squeals in delight.
Lisa holds both her hands up, "Just a minute sibling, I need to warn you. When you tell Winston to come to the park on Saturday, you absolutely cannot tell him why."
Lola's smile instantly fades, "You're asking me to lie to my beloved?! But, why?" She gasps.
"Quite simple, really. If either of the boys find out that this is all an elaborate scheme to get them to be friends, then they will be less likely to be their true selves. I wouldn't want to hurt my comrade David by presenting him with a false friendship." Lisa frowns as she looks downward in guilt. "He'd be devastated, and it's a terrible feeling breaking the heart of someone I cherish."
At first, Lola is surprised that Lisa seems to care so much for someone, especially since she's so used to seeing her little sister be so stoic. However, she starts to feel impressed at Lisa's respect for a boy. So, she smiles and places a hand on Lisa's shoulder.
"If you really want this, I'll help you. Besides, Winston did say he's always wanted to meet my siblings besides Lana. It'll be fun!" Lola says.
"Thank you, Lola," Lisa sighs.
"Now, there's just one thing I'd like you to do for me…" Lola grabs her nail polish in her left hand and shoves her right hand towards Lisa's face. "Paint the nails on my right hand, please? Double coat."
Lisa, groaning and rolling her eyes, does what she is told.