Hey everyone! It's being a while... I have no excuse, my apologies.
Anyway, here is the conversation (confrontation?) between Lola and Lana's family.
I forgot how to use the site I used to aid me in my translation endeavour so apologies for Grammar's kills.
Whatever
I hope you like it!
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Chap. 7
A tattler´s tale
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The next two dreary hours for Lola were admittedly anything but fun.
On one sore hand, it took them a long time to sufficiently convince Lincoln that no, Lucy was NOT a humanized Hari in any sense, aspect or thought.
Lola was sure her brother didn't believe them at all since he kept smiling anytime the black-haired teen came into view.
But on the other and more stressful side, the aggressive attitude conveyed by said teen and the littlest Lewis at their unexpected visit had made the blonde win a resounding headache as the first one demanded answers with a plain threat undertone and the second one did not stop asking questions a mile per minute, both ignoring their mother's direct requests to keep order and let Lola talk.
At long last, She managed to shut them up long enough to promptly tell what little they had revealed to Rita, which neither liked for different reasons. Once more there were more unanswered questions and this time Lola had to come to an agreement with Lily.
The lovely girl could play or watch movies or whatever she wanted to pass time with Lincoln for the rest of the night without interruption (in the living room obviously) if and only IF, the little girl let the others discuss grown-up things without getting in the way in any way.
The effect was instantaneous and before Lola could register that Lily had eagerly agreed to the deal, the littlest Lewis was already dragging her brother into the living room to play Sario Kart while chatting non-stop concerning her favorite games and movies and at the same moment telling the others not to worry about them and to talk as much as they want until 10 am, if possible.
At least, Lincoln didn't seem extremely uncomfortable with the eager girl just dragging him around like a ragdoll; even seemed amused with her unstoppable energy. What he did was look at Lola doubtful at leaving her there, but a single smile from the girl was enough to let him known that everything was fine, and he could go playing, making the boy cheer up a lot.
And once the door of the room closed behind those two...
-What the heck happened to Lincoln? - Lucy finally exploded in all but monotonous tone. Lola felt slightly surprised at the remarkable achievement, since she had never heard her being that… loud.
-An unfortunate accident, as I said. - Lola replied curtly, not willing to strike up the conversation with that topic. - That doesn't matter now. ...
-It doesn't matter? -repeat an angered Lucy, approaching Lola with explicit dark intentions, but her mother stopped the goth´s warpath with a hold on her shoulder.
-I also want to recollect what happened with Lincoln AND why are you both here. - Rita added seriously, looking at Lola with distrustful inquiry - But not here. Let's go to my study. - Lola returned the same expression before offering a nod of assent. - This way.- Rita steered them down a hallway beside the staircase to a office behind the living room. Lola reluctantly followed the woman carefully keeping one eye on the hostile Lucy and one attentive ear on Lily's hushed monologue that leaked trough the dull walls. Lana, who was walking carefully at her side, looked nervous but determined to get this over with.
Rita's study wasn't the fifth world's wonders, but it shared that warm and familiar air that the rest of the house had. There was a couch and a couple of uneven chairs, plus a polished desk facing a glass door that led to the back garden. There was on top of that a bookcase and a shelf, both cluttered and somewhat disorganized at her eyes.
It was a pleasant place.
-Sit down. - Lola raised an eyebrow at the authoritative tone of Rita, who had pointed to the shabby couch as she promptly pulled up a chair. The girl was about to say something rude to her, but Lana nudged her before she herself did as order.
Lola delivered the woman an annoyed look as she slowly mimicked her twin, saying with her deliberate actions that she was merely doing this for Lana not because Rita told her too. Lucy stood by her mother's side, her gaze focused on Lola as if she wished she could light the younger twin on fire.
For more than one possible reason, Lola could justly say the feeling was mutual.
-What happened? - Lana asked suddenly, preventing her twin from expressing anything more than rude against the Goth. Lola instantly gave her complete attention - You said you were going to properly explain once we got home.
-... I know. - Lola agreed with a sigh, providing Lucy one last nasty look before eyeing in no better way at Rita. - There was a fundamental problem at home and it's no longer safe for Lincoln. I'd like... I genuinely need you to agree to allow him stay with you for a few days while I resolve a couple of odd things over there.
-What? - Lana mumbled bewildered. Lucy tilted her head a bit, revealing a surprisingly brilliant gray eye brimming of suspicion. Rita, on the other hand, looked at Lola between serious and worried at her used words.
-What problem? –the woman asked in a soothing tone, a familiar one that once upon a time belonged to a troubled mother that nevertheless delivered no chance for lies. Lola just stared at her, thinking seriously about which of her many speeches she should use in the current situation to obtain what she wanted. Sadly, Rita seemed to incorrectly interpret her silence as a challenge, for she sighed wearily and looked at her sternly. - Lola, I can't accept something like that out of the blue. Lincoln, if I remember correctly, is 16 and…
-17. - Lucy corrected before any of the twins could. Everyone looked at her with surprise, which seemed to annoy Lucy more than anything. - Lincoln birthday passed not long ago. He's 17.
-Oh... - Rita looked a little embarrassed at her forgetfulness, and perhaps a dash of hurt too, but none of those present seemed to sympathize with her plea. Lana even grimaced slightly at the failed number. The woman cleared her throat and merely continued like nothing happened. - Lincoln is 17. He's a minor, and I can't have him in the house without your father's permission, which I'm sure you don't have...
-But I do. - Lola halted her by going through the backpack she kept with her. The girl pulled out an official envelope and from it she pulled a note that she passed to Rita without looking. - Authorization to stay and visit until next month, Expenses included. Signature and legitimate authorization from Lynn Loud Sr, in format approved by the... uhg, the name... - Lola looked at nothing earnestly trying to remember, oblivious to how the mother and Lucy were going through the document like they could explode. -Ah, yes, the Third Office of the Agency of Family Law the Regional District. I also have already sent a copy to Dad's lawyer, and it will reach him by Friday at the latest.
-How do we know it's unforged? I sincerely doubt Dad would agree to this without being present. - Lucy criticized with notable skepticism. Lola levelled her eyes.
-Because I asked him to sign a permission slip from the school and this is what it truly was. - she reported casually. - He was incredibly busy with whatever he was doing that he didn't even read what I gave him, as usual, and everyone undoubtedly know that if he doesn't want to get in trouble he can't accept this degree of neglect before the law, again.
-Again? - the mother asked with a raised eyebrow. Lola carefully looked at her with a frown.
-None of your business - she said defiantly before clearing her throat, trying to soothe herself. - If you're worried about money I naturally brought enough to handle all of Lincoln's needs, maybe some more if you grasp what I mean. - Rita frowned at that phrase, but as she stated nothing Lola continued. - If it's about his... "Little problem", he doesn't represent any possible danger to anyone but himself. Merely allow him to clean up a bit, play with him a little and make sure he eats properly. Lincoln's a very nice, gentle boy. You'll instantly like him.
-You made it sound like you're talking about a helpless dog. - Lucy said with apparent disdain. Lola thought about what she stated and, in spite of herself, had to reluctantly agree with the Goth. That alone sends a shiver down her spine. Maybe Lola talked like that because it was the anniversary of the incident and that was one of the terrible ideas that she admittedly had that day... No, she was NOT going to think about that right now, but Lucy seemed to have other ideas. - What the hell happened to Lincoln?
-I'm unsure if you are deaf or stupid, but I ALREADY told you - Lola grumbled with clear annoyance. – It was an accident. End of the story.
-Then you should know what I think about that crappy excuse.
-Lucy, Enough. Rita ordered, looking at Lola fixedly, so much so that the girl almost felt uncomfortable under her gaze. Almost. She wasn't about to bow down to another older female blonde for the rest of her life. - We'll talk about that later.
-But…
-Later.- the mother repeated before sighing, looking from the papers to Lola with sad, stupidly familiar eyes that made her grit her teeth. -Lola, why did you do this? If you are saying the true, this is not only illegal, it's... sudden. Really sudden. - The nervous lady sighed, and Lola blood boiled. -I just can't...
-Yes, you can. - Lola stopped her with a murderous glare. - Did you hear what I said? The only thing you have to worry about is Lincoln is okay in this place. Besides, it's not a question of whether you can or not, it's the least you MUST do to settle this.
-Excuse me?
-I've read the divorce papers, Rita. - Hearing that, the woman looked at her quizzically for a few seconds, so she clarified. - Specifically the distribution agreement section on the child custody resolution.- That did the trick, because Rita blanched. Another small victory for Lola, only overshadowed by the terrible fact that Lana was solemnly shaking her head in warning, asking Lola not to reveal anything more. She could only offer her twin an apologetic look, throwing away her personal guilt when her eyes landed on Rita again, since this was merely a necessary part of the plan. Lola glared defiantly siting as straight as she could. - Don't try to deny it. This is as much my fault as it is yours.
-Lola, I don't believe you understand. ...
-That the only reason Lincoln was left with us, possibly the worst products of your bloodline, is so that you wouldn't have custody of me? -The words came out of her mouth with more venom and force than intended, perhaps with a sprinkle of hurt Lola chose to ignore. –You and Lynn had no problem dividing the others, but both wanted to keep Lincoln, and neither wanted to deal with me. The judge claimed us as a packaged deal and you immediately withdrew your papers on the topic before Dad could say anything. A noble sacrifice on your part. A great example for your children. 10 out of 10 in effort. –Lucy, who at first looked at Lola like she was telling a bad joke, was now staring at her mother contemplative while Lana gave Lola a very resentful glare.
It was tads nostalgic, she hadn't give Lola one like that in almost a year.
That's why she wasn't surprised when her twin stood up angrily.
-Shut up, Lola. –Lana spitted in a bitter tone. Lola just shook her head, even if she felt like crying because the tone in which he spoke to her had hurt beyond her expectations.
She knew Lana would never forgive her for dropping that bombshell on this house, one that was blissfully unaware of the behind scenes of the case that ended the Loud House, but Lola needed to use every card she could to make sure Lincoln stayed with their sister. That the most important people of her life will stay together, safe.
Losing Lana's trust to save Lincoln future life was another price she was willing to pay to made sure of it and the only one that she knew will cause her actual pain.
-I'm sorry, Lana. -She whispered to her twin before turning her attention back to the matriarch, ignoring the hurt look on her face. -You left both of us because of me, and your contempt for me ended costing Lincoln dearly. -Lola said confidently. -If he hadn't been with us, he wouldn't be like he is right now. That's all I'll say about that. –Looking around to make sure the point was nailed, she cleared her throat to continue. –Now that you know that Lincoln needs a roof over his head to keep him safe while I take care of the business I have to attend to. ...
-And what the heck are those "business", Lola? - Lana interrupted in annoyance, trembling in place in what surely was hidden rage. -I hope they have enough weight to scare me half to death and let you come to my house just to screw things up, because we were doing a pretty good staying civil until you opened your big mouth!
Auch. That hurts.
But it was also a good entrance to deliver the coup de grace.
-Debora tried to make a pass at Lincoln. -Lola dropped the bombshell without looking at anyone but Lana, even if she only looked confused. –Remember, Mister Miller? The one that… harassed that high school girl. -she clarified.
Her sister's anger faded in the air after the clarification, evaporating to give way to palpable disbelief and mortified horror. Rita, still pale for the custody part of the conversation, just frowned, so it was Lucy who asked the question that mattered.
-Who is Debora? - she asked cautiously.
-Dad's new girlfriend. -Lola reported without looking at her, eyes still glued to Lana. -A crazy, manipulative bitch that's with him for a high-paying job and easy money. -Because those were the only things Lola could think of that their relationship was based on. Well, that and other "privileges", but she really did NOT want to think about that.
Because think of it caused her think miserably about what she saw that day, which made her thoughts spiral to about what could have taken place has she being late and what had happened in her attempt to stop it.
And thinking about what had happened made her think about all the pain she felt under the hands of that viper, made her think of how Debora had handled her as lest that dreadful waste to be thrown on the ground.
How she, Lola Loud, could only sob and cringe at the woman's enormous experience crushed her expectations like a piece of chalk in a game she thought she had mastered thoroughly for everything to be turned upside down with her on the losing side.
The despair that completely seized her being as she could only watch in shame as that bitch reversed every single one of her cards against her and destroyed what little trust she had in her family, her defenses, her confidence, her game and her own vanity...
The crushing reminder that she remains a mere child…
The humiliating reality that this was the being she aspired to be...
Lola didn't want to recall, At all.
But if she wanted her ambitious plan to succeed, she not only just had to remember, she desired to divulge it to this people she could never trust, explain to the sister she not at all liked and the woman who had abandoned her to her dreadful fate when she needed her most that they were the only people who could ensure that Lincoln stayed in good hands that could love and support him, no matter how things turned out for her.
What was the point of remembering one of the most dreadful moments of her life if she could assist her brother?
It was just another reasonable price...
Just that.
Someone's gentle touch unwittingly made her jump and in a panic she pushed the person as far away from herself as possible. The the faint yet prominent memory of Debora's grip on her head and the unpleasant presence of that woman on the front of her mind.
It also let her known that she had closed down everything for a breathless second and was just sitting down in the chair with itchy eyes, as if she had cried.
Lola ran a hand over her face, sighing wearily with welcome relief that she hadn't given in to the impulse to cry when it came dry. That assured, she glared defiantly at the person that startled her with annoyance...
Thought that made her feel horribly guilty as she saw Lana's pained and worried expression way too close to her face.
-Lola...- she began trying to grab her twin hand, but Lola shifted it away before she could.
-I'm fine. -Lola tried to disregard what just happened by promptly taking on a more dignified air as she sat like a proper queen should -I was... overthinking things. For certain you want to know what happened, right?
-Lola...
-I think I should start with what happened Friday afternoon, after you generously helped me get out of class. Well, when I was getting the cab home I got a message from Mrs. Smith that Deborah was left alone with Lincoln for some reason and do you remember the bad feeling I had? Well, it got worse once I read that text…
-Lola...
-Therefore I employed an effective method to gently persuade the driver to get me home in less than 15 minutes... –Lola raised her voice a bit, intentionally trying to ignore her twin. -It was too quiet so It was easy to know something was wrong, so I checked the place form the door and found Hari, that's the stuffed bunny Lincoln carry around, just lying on the stairs, a red flag because my dear brother and Stairs don't go together.
-Lola...
-Thence I inevitably took Hari with me just as I heard Debora's voice coming from Lincoln's room, so I went to check out what was going on and saw them in his bed. S-She was ...
-LOLA!
-WHAT?!- she cried out, glaring fiercely at her sister angrily. Lana looked just as upset as her, but she also watched overly worried AT her. Lola genuinely wanted to be happy for that, because it meant Lana still cared for her after what she said, but the younger twin squashed that feeling for the sake of continuing the mission. -Lana, I'm trying to regale something essential. Don't interrupt me. ... -and in a sigh that sounded more like a sob, she added. -Please...
Lana stared at her puzzled and hurt while Lola looked at her resigned and determined. Finally, her twin got the message that she wasn't backing down and sat again next to her, only this time promptly taking her hand without warning and hold on to it in hers with a strong hold in clear support.
This time Lola had much trouble keeping the tears at bay.
She didn't even comprehend why she desperately wanted to cry. The traumatic experience was Lincoln's, not hers.
She positively had... She had no reason to cry, for goodness sake.
-Go on. -Lana asked in a trembling voice. Lola nodded soberly. She could trust Lana.
So she described her (them) everything; from when she merely opened the door and her sudden attack on Debora to her terribly poor judgment in defending herself and the eventual outcome. Even Debora's cruel words, as fixed in her mind as if they were scorched on iron. Every detail of that day and the following ones, from Lincoln's subtle changes in behavior to the obvious ones and how she had come to the conclusion that for her brother safety, he could no longer stay at her home.
It was hard to talk without bursting into tears, and maybe a teardrop or two escaped her control in the middle of her tale. It was the second time she had candidly confessed something to Lana like that, the two of them together, holding hands and crying to their hearts' content (at least internally), ending it all with a hug of comfort warm that Lola really needed to receive.
She didn't even remember they weren't the only ones in the room until Lucy decided to ruin the moment.
-Is that true? –the Goth asked in a frightened whisper that echoed throughout the silent room like a bomb. Lola barely had the strength to view at her with loathing. Lana, on the other hand, looked offended enough to reasonably ask for blood.
-Does this look like a absurd joke to you? -her twin snarled with a disappointed tone that denoted a deep hatred to the receiver- Or do you despise us enough to think we're playing games with something this bad? -Lucy looked at her genuinely puzzled.
-Stop it, both of you. -Rita prevented the fight before it could happen, the sensitive woman trying to wipe away her own tears of helplessness prior to focusing on Lola with kind eyes that disgusted the girl -I genuinely understand why you wanted to get Lincoln out of that house, but why didn't you tell your father? If Lynn discerns what that... that… that Woman had done, he would do something about it.
Lola did not repress a bitter laugh.
-Did I stutter or something? Debora inevitably has Lynn Sr. eating out of her filthy hand at the very least and I've already sown overmuch discord between us for him to voluntarily take me seriously. - she sufficiently emphasized with false pride, something that completely failed given her not so graceful state... - Besides... I doubt "Dad" genuinely cares about what happens to Lincoln.
-I'm sure you are...
-Overdoing? No, I'm not. - finished Lola with uncomfortable regret, inevitably making a crude attempt to separate herself from Lana. She didn't allow her, she didn't insist. - If you had seen how Lynn Sr. deals with Lincoln, you would agree with me. For him, my brother is a hopeless case, a useless and unstable badge that he has to carry for the rest of his life. I doubt Dad would sacrifice his peculiar happiness for dear Lincoln sake, let alone mine.
-You shouldn't think that unusual way about your father. -Rita muttered in a poor attempt at something Lola can't make a distinction.
-Rita, The only reason he still spoils me after the divorce is because I make money, take care of Lincoln and he is aware I read those papers. -Lola deadpanned with a raised eyebrow. -And don't try to defend him; you're in no way better if you humbly ask me.
-And yet you trust Mom enough to abandon Lincoln into her kind hands -Lucy tried to vehemently defend her dear mother.
-You're wrong there, Lucy. I'm conveying Lincoln with Lana, who knows and understands both him and his situation. -The girl corrected the Goth with crushing sincerity. -Rita being in charge is solely collateral damage, but my brother's birth mother is better than any foster home or local hospice for all I know.
-Is that the proper reason why you didn't tell the local police or it is because you're afraid for that dreadful secret that's worth more than your brother's safety? - Lucy's punch line hit her hard and managed to rekindle her anger from the deeps of her despair, rising on her like a phoenix from the ashes.
Lola broke away from Lana and moved closer to Lucy until she stood defiantly face to face with the Goth.
She even allow herself keenly enjoy for a precious second the fact that they were at ease about the same height.
-Don't talk like you know anything about me, Lucinda Marie Loud. - she threatened in a scathing tone. - There is no one, NO ONE, who cares more about Lincoln than I do. By all means, I didn't call in the ominous beginning to save my senseless behind, but I'm not doing it right now because one wrong move and Lincoln ends up with the CPS. Why the hell do you legitimately think I desperately want him here? If he knows you and you understand him, You can easily gain custody of him when everything went down to shit.
-What do you mean by that? -Rita questioned doubtfully. Lola instantly froze. She had spoken too much. - What are you planning, young lady?
-None of your business. -Lola turned around harshly (and managed to strike Lucy with her hair) before standing at ease in front of the two of them. -I have nothing more to say. You can deliver me your answer regarding this tomorrow after school, I just ask for you to keep quiet about this to anyone, both for what I bluntly told you and about our presence here. IF you accept to do was right, I will contribute you whatever you require to take care of Lincoln in a silver plate. If you don't accept I will go to plan B and depart from you alone, permanently.
She really tried ignoring Lana presence in the room when she said that.
Rita opened her mouth to comment something; she did it several times, but after a whole minute nothing came out of her lips, so in the end she just sighed, running a hand over her face. She suddenly looked a lot older than she had at the beginning of the night, probably because of their successful return from the dead and the load of sensitive information revealed in the last few hours.
Ha. Lola had barely slept since Saturday since she was in the middle of an operation that might cost more than ever thought, and she had great doubts whether the crazy stunt she was pulling would be enough to safeguard her family's future, even if she had to stay away from them.
To top it off, Lola was twelve years old. What was Rita's convenient excuse?
-When you say after school... do you plan to go? -Lana asked with a frown.
-I can't arouse more uncomfortable suspicion. -Lola merely shrugged her shoulders. - Although I'm sure someone unpleasant will be waiting eagerly for me at the gate. -She wasn't sure who, but she appreciated which one she overwhelmingly preferred out of all the options. The girl cleared her parched throat, snapping to attention. -Well, that's all I have to announce for now. If you'll excuse me, I'll promptly go check on Lincoln.
-You could at least tell us what happened to him. -Lucy insisted, though her tone of shrill voice was less accusing and shyer. Lola stopped at the door without looking at her, too tired to initiate another fight.
-Four years. –she replies slowly, painfully aware of the eyes on her, but she wasn't going turning around. -Today marks four years since Lincoln had the "Accident" that left him the way he is. That's why he's frightened of heights. I'll say no more. -And with that he stifled a strangled sob and withdrew to the kitchen.
She dearly needed a glass of water, now.
As she passed through the living room, she could hear Lily commenting on a movie while a song started. She concluded from the singer's voice that it was a Disney movie, but sharpening her ear made her stop on her tracks.
She recognized that song...
And she absolutely loathed it.
It was accurate to describe how she felt right now.
-... But I can't see another way. I can't face… another day - Lola accompanied the end of the song as she walked soberly into the kitchen, allowing the burning tears fall down now that no one can see her break down.
That's why she never watches Brother Bear.
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Just to clarify the Spanish version of the song expressed something alike to "In an eternal dusk that could never met the dawn" or something like that. More poetic, same feeling.