Hi guys! I'm back! Happy Late Valentine's Day! Also, yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of my DeviantArt channel! Yesterday I decided not to draw anything in DA so I would have plenty of time to edit this chapter!
Yesterday were 6 hours reviewing the chapter translation (from 1pm to 7pm) and 3 hours re-reading the revision (7pm to 10pm). I only stopped after the notebook turned off itself for the second time due to overheating. And today, more 1 hour to finish this header and footer.
Sorry for late! In fact, this is the biggest chapter of all, but that's not the only reason I took so long. I started writing this chapter, but then I went almost two weeks without writing for two reasons: first, because I didn't know what tests are conducted in a beauty pageant (and I was too lazy to search); second, because I was still thinking that Lola would read a poem written by Lucy, and I would have to do that in English, which would be laborious, since it isn't my native language.
Until I discovered this wonderful tool called ChatGPT, a digital oracle that uses AI to answer any of your questions. Now I can't live without ChatGPT, which is much more effective at finding information than Google. I used ChatGPT to give me tips on the tests conducted by the Miss contestants. I also improvised a poem with ChatGPT, but then I changed my mind and decided that Lola would write her own speech without verses (I also use ChatGPT to assist in translation, along with Google Translate). So, I wrote the rest of the chapter in three days: February 9, 10 and 13. I'm always like this when I have an important project: I get stuck for days and then solve it in a very easy way.
Guest: Sorry to disappoint you, but Lacey will no longer appear in this fanfic. She will go unpunished.
Seanrudin: Thank you for the compliments and for helping to promote my fanfic. Your wait is over! You can suggest other Loud fanfics for me to write!
Now stay with Chapter 07! Lola promises to surprise at the Miss contest!
Enjoy!
Chapter 07:
The Pageant
During lunch on Saturday, Lola asks, with all respect, that her family not accompany her to pageant, except Leni and Lana. She could list a number of reasons for this, but the main one is that she doesn't want to feel strong pressure from her family, as if she had an obligation to win.
The sisters are divided: some were eager to see their princess shine again on the catwalk; others sigh with relief as they can redirect their energies to other tasks.
But any initiative to vote on the issue is soon aborted when Lynn Sr. decides that everything is fine, and that most important is that Lola has fun at pageant. Anyway, Rita makes Lola promise that she will do her best.
"I will, Mom, you can bet."
"Are you sure you don't want a ride, Luan?" Lori asks, while wears the sky blue blazer, getting ready to enter Vanzilla.
"Yes Lori, No Worry," Luan assures, briefcase in hand. "Giggles' Mom will pick me up soon with her car."
"Okay. I hope you don't clown around the pub," Lori quips, smiling sarcastically.
"I can't help it, darling," Luan returns. "I get paid for this. And Lola, Love, you can relax. I will not charge you royalties."
"Royalties?" Lori frowns.
Luan starts to make mime gestures, indicating that the talk ended there.
Lola, already inside the car, smiles and winks at Luan, who returns the gesture, giving a thumbs up.
Lori drives Vanzilla having by her side Leni, dressed in her stylist look: earth blue blazer, white shirt, black pants, pink scarf, bowler hat, gold gloves and suede boots.
"You're all really dressed up for today's championship," Lori comments. "I, on the other hand, am very cheesy."
"Not championship. It's model battle," Leni rectifies.
"Yes I know. I just wanted to measure your reasoning."
"Today we will celebrate life, fashion and good taste."
"Well, I hope everyone here is on the same vibe."
In the backseat, Lola and Lana are silent, looking at empty spots.
Lola is all dressed up, with her pink and gold dress, pink gloves, white shoes, earrings, necklace and her carefully combed hair.
She holds a small mysterious box, similar to a violin case.
"Not excited, Lana?" Lori asks, not taking her eyes off the traffic.
"Yes, I am," Lana assures. "Just kind of scary. After everything that's happened, it's like you've spent months living in the swamp and suddenly you're back to your happy life at home... with just one big detail missing."
"Yes, all very confusing," Leni agrees. "But why are you wearing a black suit and a burgundy tie? That is not your style."
"I adapt to what I agree with," Lana explains. "If you understand me."
"Not really," Leni admits. "But if makes you feel better..."
"By the way, this suit belonged to Lincoln."
"And you, Lola?" Lori glances quickly in the rearview mirror. "Why are you holding that box like you're protecting a baby?"
"What's in it?" Leni wants to know.
"No one touches that box," Lola warns, in a slightly stern tone of voice.
"Did you put Hops in there?" Lana points to the box.
"No, there's nothing of yours here."
"And why would Lola keep your frog in the box, Lana?" Lori rule out.
"Well… To spoil the party?" Lana looks up. "Would be fun..."
Leni widens her eyes!
She turns her head back and clenches her fist:
"Listen, Lola, if you've got a scissor to cut your dress, you'll deal with me!"
"No, Leni, relax. I'm not as uninspired as you think," Lola scoffs.
Vanzilla stops a few meters from the event hall.
They all get out of the vehicle.
Lori opens the trunk and removes Lola's pink jeep, depositing on the ground.
"Well, from now on it's up to you."
"Excellent," Lana smiles, adjusts her tie and puts the cap on her head.
She opens the door of the jeep and waves to Lola:
"Shall we, my princess?"
Lola smiles as she opens her fan with her right hand, holding the box in her left hand.
"Oh, Lana, you're a gentleman!"
Leni holds Lori's hands:
"Are you going to be okay, Lori?"
"Yes, I will go to Carol's house. Anything, call me."
The two kiss on the cheek.
As they approach the hall, Lola is applauded by several children, teenagers and adults who have come to see the contest.
She smiles and waves at everyone, with Lana driving beside her.
The voices multiply:
"Lola is back!"
"Lola, I love you!"
"Lola, you're awesome!"
"Lola, I want to be you when I grow up!"
"Lola is over her grief! She even has a new boyfriend!"
Lola and Lana widen their eyes!
"Calm down, Princess," Lana eases, hands on the wheel. "You already expected the haters, right? Keep smiling and pretend it's not with you."
"Okay," Lola sighs.
"Maybe they don't know I'm your twin sister," Lana speculates. "After all, it's not every day I dress like a boy."
"You're a full-time boy," Lola disdain.
"I'll take as praise," Lana decides, ever cool-headed.
Out of the jeep, Lana gives Lola her hand to get out.
"Thank you, Lana. You fool very well with that costume."
"You taught me."
Lola loses her smile.
"You taught me etiquette."
"Oh, sure," Lola takes a breath, relieved.
She hands the box to Lana.
"You take to me."
"You rule."
Some children approach.
"Hey Lola, a selfie."
"Please Lola, just an autograph."
"Lola! Can I give you a kiss?!"
In other times, Lola would gladly serve her fans, savoring every little star moment.
Now, all of that seems boring.
"Please, Leni, let's go inside soon."
"Of course dear."
Lola, Lana and Leni enter the hall without attending the fans.
Some children knock on the glass door, but Lola waves and blows a kiss from inside.
As they cross the hall...
"It's part of the fame," Lana recalls. "You know."
"Yeah," Lola agrees, fanning herself. "When you're famous, a lot of weird people come along. There are only half a dozen people you can trust."
"Are you talking about us?"
Before Lola realizes, she is suffocated from behind.
"UUURRGGHH!"
"I knew you wouldn't miss, my litle Miss!"
"Drop her, you..." Lana points her toy gun. "Lexi?"
"Lexi Ramos!" Lola perks up as soon as her friend releases her. "Give me a hug!"
"And guess who else?"
"Roxanne!" Lola jumps onto her best friend's lap.
"Careful, Lola!" Leni exclaim. "Don't wrinkle your dress!"
"Please Leni. Can you go ahead?" Lola requests. "I need to talk to them."
"OK. But no tricks," Leni warns. "I want to see you entire on the catwalk."
Leni moves on, leaving Lola and Lana with their friends.
"Are you also going to compete in the contest?" Lola asks.
"Of course not," Lexi clarifies. "Why would we do this on your big comeback?"
"Aaahh…" Lola wails. "That way I win very easily. With you both, the dispute would be much more fierce..."
"We appreciate your praise," Roxanne supports Lola. "But nothing will dim your shine today."
Lola blushes.
"Except her, maybe," Lana points out.
Lola, Roxanne and Lexi turn their gazes to the top girl who has just arrived at the salon.
Lindsey Sweetwater!
"Good afternoon, Lola!" Lindsey holds out her hand, smiling. "Happy comeback!"
Lola opens her fan and starts fanning herself as she looks up at the ceiling.
"She doesn't give statements until the end of pageant," Lana interdicts.
"Who determines this?" Lindsey asks.
"Myself. I'm her manager. In other words: I'm the one telling her to shut up."
"You didn't set any traps, right, Lindsey?" Lexi crosses her arms. "Because if you have prepared, you will bitterly regret!"
Lindsey scratches her chin.
"Good luck, Lola," She waves and goes on her way.
"Who will need luck is you!" Roxanne screams.
"Enough, girls," Lola decides. "Let's not waste time on her."
"Exactly," Lana agrees. "The star is you!"
Throughout the pageant contest, Lola becomes more and more convinced of the absurdity that all that means.
The general knowledge test is no deeper than The Price Is Right.
The aptitude test only consists of knowing how to distinguish primary, secondary and tertiary colors and packing a small suitcase. Serving the tea is for another candidate.
The writing test requires to describe the challenges, pains, and pleasures of raising a baby. Fortunately, Lily is the queen of Loud House.
The talent test is nothing for a ballerina like Lola, who also sings beautifully.
Lola always demonstrates perfection in every test, but it's like none of that translates who she really is or what she feels inside. Like it was all a big facade.
At least there is not slightest hint of cheating. Lindsey submits to each test with total ease, and she actually does very well.
Finally, the big closing show. The most feared.
The oratory test.
Each Miss candidate brings a text from home to recite.
Lola will be the last to speak.
She sighs deeply.
"It's time."
She whistles to Lana, who hands her the box from behind the curtains.
"Good luck," Lana whispers.
"Thanks."
After 9 candidates give their speeches (including Lindsey, with a beautiful ode to the preservation of dolphins), Lola goes to center of stage, with the box in her hands.
Luckily, there is a small drawer inside the lectern where she keeps the box.
She looks up and sees the 3 judges in front of her, under the stage.
A little behind, the audience of auditorium.
Sitting in the front row are Roxanne, Lexi, Lana and Leni filming with the smartphone. All four smiling.
Lola looks to her right.
The Miss candidates are upstairs, gathered on the mezzanine.
Lindsey seems to smile and nod at her.
Lola closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and opens her box, taking out the paper with her speech.
But this is not the only item in the box.
"Good afternoon everybody."
Silence.
She swallows hard and reads:
"Most of the time, we value futile and unnecessary things. And lose sight of what really matters to us."
"Beauty, fashion, elegance, all these are minor things that we amplify. And love, friendship and people are bigger things that we minimize."
"There are things that now seem to us to be worth a lot, but when we lose them, we will not give a DAMN and move on. On the other hand, there are things that now seem worthless, but when we lose them, we will understand their true dimension and they will give us a huge void. And even so, we must move on."
Leni and Lana shiver. They know what Lola is talking about.
After a pause, Lola crumples up the paper and throws it behind her.
Under the surprised gaze, she continues:
"Don't wait to find out the hard way."
She is moved.
"That's how I found out."
She is speechless.
She motions with her hand so the audience doesn't applaud ahead of time.
She lowers her head and closes her eyes.
...
...
...
She removes the earrings.
"This is fake."
...
She removes the necklace.
"This is fake."
...
She takes off her gloves.
"This is fake."
...
She takes off her shoes.
"This is fake."
...
Nobody understands what she is doing.
Leni breaks into a cold sweat and begins to fear the worst.
"Don't touch the dress! Don't touch the dress!"
To Leni's (temporary) relief, Lola starts to undo her hair:
"You might think that the real Lola is the one you're used to seeing: all beautiful, elegant, perfect... But no. The real Lola is far from perfect. She lives consumed by pain, guilt, anger, sadness, resignation... and by terrible certainty that she can no longer fix what she herself broke."
The jurors look at one another, perplexed.
"It's the squirrel's shadow always chasing me, every time I mistreat someone or snub something."
Nobody understands the squirrel metaphor, obviously (except Leni and Lana).
"Now get ready everyone to meet for the first time... the real Lola McLoud!"
She ducks behind the pulpit.
Hubbub in the audience.
"What she will do?" Roxanne asks.
"Something sensational, as her habit," Lexi speculates.
Lana cross her fingers as she smiles discreetly, waiting for something catastrophic to happen.
Leni shakes discreetly as she continues filming.
...
...
...
"I AM LOLA MCLOUD!"
With face painted like skull!
"AAAAAAHHHHH!"
Leni, Lana, Roxanne, Lexi, the auditorium, the judges, the little misses, the building staff, all join in one huge screech of horror!
Under everyone's gaze, Lola paints two small blue tears, one in each of her eyes.
She removes the microphone from tribune and starts walking across the stage, from one side to other.
"Lincoln… I know I wasn't the best sister you deserved to have. But wherever you are, I know you'll forgive me, if not now, then on eternity. And I say, from the bottom of my heart: forgive me, Lincoln. I LOVE YOU FOREVER!"
She drops the microphone, which clatters to the floor.
Lola leans over, greeting the audience.
End of performance.
...
Sepulchral silence.
...
Tears run here and there.
...
Leni cries silently.
Lana cries silently.
Lindsey cries silently.
...
Roxanne applauds:
"LOLA, I LOVE YOU TOO!"
Lexi applauds:
"YEEESSS!"
The hall fills with a volley of applause.
The scowling judges drum their fingers on the table, showing no emotion.
Lola waves to the audience and disappears behind the curtains!
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Lola and Lana laugh in unending hysteria.
Leni, completely shocked, is still trying to process everything.
The three sisters walk alone through an empty corridor, which gives access to one of the exits of event hall.
Lola is already wearing a white tank top and pink shorts, but she still has her hair messed and cadaverous makeup on her face. It doesn't matter how ridiculous she looks now.
Lana has her jacket open, tie loosened, and shirt partially unbuttoned.
Only Leni maintains her elegance and discretion.
"That was all… totes horrible!" She sighs, her hands over her face. "But I'm not saying was bad. In fact, was beautiful and touching... And the same time, lurid. In fact, I don't know what I do now."
Lola and Lana continue laughing, in their parallel reality, while Lola holds her consolation prize, so to speak.
"Are you listening me, Lola?!" Leni stops suddenly and turns to the twins.
"Huh? What?" Lola asks, without erasing her smile.
"I don't know what I do now!" Leni holds out her arms, trying to look serious. "If I follow my impulse and hit you, if I control myself and tell Mom to cut your dessert, if I pity you and get you a psychiatrist, or if I congratulate you and buy you ice cream!"
"Just a guess, but I think she prefers the fourth option," Lana defends her sister.
The twins laugh again!
Lola justifies:
"Leni, my dear sister, you should be as happy as I am. After all, I made a beautiful tribute to Lincoln and still left your dress fully intact."
"But for what?" Leni argues against. "You not only lost the contest to Lindsey. You finished in EIGHTH PLACE! In other times, you would be dying of shame and fury!"
"Yes, I came in eighth, but and?" Lola keeps smiling. "What's my fault if the judges don't have a grain of sensitivity? They don't care what I feel inside me. They only care about my outer facade, perfection, impeccability. They think Lincoln is worth it," She points to her prize. "A little trophy the size of an eyedropper!"
"Trophy? Serious?" Lana snatches the object out of Lola's hands and sticks it on her index finger. "This is not a trophy. It's a thimble!"
The mini-trophy slips and falls to the floor!
"Watch out, Lana!" Leni scolds her.
So Lola, without slightest ceremony...
...steps on the trophy!
"LOLA!" Leni is horrified.
Lola picks up the object from the floor, moves away from her sisters and deposits it in the first wastebasket she finds.
Then she comes back cleaning her hands.
"This trophy doesn't represent us. Not me, not Lincoln, not you, Leni!"
"But... But..." Leni murmurs.
Lola hugs Leni, with her face painted like a skull.
"Hey, don't stain my clothes!" Leni protests.
Lola ignores and rubs her face into Leni's belly!
"No! Stop!"
"Wow!" Lana wonders. "Neither would I do better."
Lola, with all her makeup smudged, looks at an astonished Leni and continues to hug her.
"Ah, whatever," Leni surrenders and welcomes her sister. "Now that it's all over, my dirty outfit isn't going to kill anyone."
"Thank you so much, Leni," Lola says, clinging to her sister's waist. "Thanks to you, I'm finally sure."
"Sure what?"
"That I don't want this anymore."
Leni doesn't believe.
"WHAT?!"
"That's right," Lola confirms, as she lets go of Leni.
"Do you really not want Miss pageants anymore?"
"I thought that was pretty clear from her speech," Lana interjects, arms crossed.
"Not for me, but…" Leni scratches her head. "Well, it's your decision. It's up to us respect now."
"But don't be sad, Leni," Lola encourages her. "My cycle on the catwalk definitely ends today, but yours is just beginning."
"True," Leni enthuses, punching the air. "I'm the stylist Leni Loud. I will still have many models to wear!"
"And you, Lola?" Lana asks. "What are you going to do now that you're retired?"
"Oh, I don't know," Lola speculates. "I still have my ballet lessons. Luna is teaching me violin, Lynn is turning me into an athlete and Lisa is putting me to work hard in her workshop. Now it's time to go home, relax a little and..."
"LOLA!"
A girl comes running through the corridor.
"LINDSEY?!" The three sisters exclaim together.
"Lindsey Sweetheart?" Lana is indignant.
"Sweetwater," Lindsey corrects her.
"Whatever. Come on, do you want to make fun of Lola for being disfigured?" Lana pumps her fists. "Go ahead! So I can get some exercise!"
"No, none of all," Lindsey dismisses. "Lola is beautiful, no matter how she appears."
"Nice flattery," Lola interrupts her. "But won't work."
"Please Lola, can you give me 1 minute?"
"Yes, I give. You won the Miss pageant and this beautiful tiara goes very well with your head. Today I did my farewell to the catwalks and I definitely stopped with you. Congratulations and good luck."
Lola turns away and tries to leave, but Leni stops her.
"Lola, you can't end up like this. She has a message for you. Learn to listen to others too."
Lola is speechless.
She sighs and returns to Lindsey, while Lana aim your toy gun, ready for any eventuality.
"I never thought we'd end up like this," Lola blurts out, her hair messy and her face smeared with lipstick and black and white makeup. "You and I having a friendly Belle to Beast chat." She points, respectively, to Lindsey and to herself.
"You're Belle with face of Beast," Lana corrects. "And Lindsey is the Beast with face of Belle."
"Maybe you're right," Lindsey admits, absurdly beautiful and elegant. "But it's time to settle this. I've been wanting to talk to you for months, Lola. And now, after what I saw today, there's no more postponing it."
"What exactly are you referring to?" Leni asks.
Lindsey speak frankly:
"Lola, you stole the show today. You outshone every other pageant girls, including me. Of course, my speech was also beautiful, but... Honestly... What do I understand about the suffering of dolphins?" She forces a smile.
"Nothing?" Lana suggests.
Lindsey continues:
"You, on the other hand, Lola, paid a great tribute to your brother Lincoln, without failing to express how much you still suffer over his death. Yes, they will say that was kitsch, melodrama, slapstick... But to me, sounded so authentic, so sincere... You really didn't need to disfigure yourself, but I understand that you did it to express all your pain. That was... fantastic. And I really got emotional. I still am."
Lola nods the entire time.
Lindsey clenches her fists:
"And that's why I say: what the judges did was ABSURD! YOU were the real champion!"
She removes the tiara from her head.
"Is this yours!"
Lana and Leni gasp in astonishment.
Lola looks at the tiara, without showing any reaction.
"And then?" Lindsey smiles.
Lola shakes her head:
"No, Lindsey, I can't take it."
"She's right, Lola," Lana encourages her. "You are the winner. We've always known that, right, Leni?"
Leni scratches her head.
Lola explains:
"First: the judges have their own criteria, and it's up to us to respect the result. Second: I didn't enter this contest to win. I entered to honor Lincoln and end my cycle on the catwalks. Lincoln is my true crown. All the other crowns I won were useless. Or rather: not so useless, since Lincoln helped me win most of them. If I accept this crown now, it's like I forget everything I've learned and go back to giving more value to what matters least."
...
...
...
Lindsey decides:
"You're right. We better give that crown another meaning."
Lindsey breaks the crown in half!
"AAAHHH!"
Lola, Lana and Leni squeal in horror!
"Half crown for me and half crown for you!"
Lola, terrified, takes her half.
"Lindsey? Are you yourself, Lindsey?"
Lindsey don't waste time and hugs Lola.
"LOLA, I LOVE YOU!"
Lola remains shocked for a few more seconds, but she finally surrenders.
"LINDSEY, I LOVE YOU!"
The two exchange kisses!
Lindsey starts to cry:
"Pardon me? For everything I've done to you and your friends in the past."
"Past? What past? He doesn't exist," Lola smiles.
Lola pushes Lindsey!
"HEY!"
And they both fall to the ground!
BONC!
They laugh!
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Still stretched out on the floor, Lola strokes Lindsey's hair:
"I wasn't 100% fair to you either. Several times we could have sat down and had a good conversation together."
"But what matters is that we're together now," Lindsey reinforces. "It's a new beginning for both of us."
"Hey Lola, Leni is filming everything and you're not going to do anything?" Lana alert.
Lola and Lindsey watch in amazement as Leni, smiling, points her smartphone at them!
"Whatever," Lola decides. "We have nothing to hide."
"Not really," Lindsey agrees. "And I say more: this could have been my farewell too."
"You don't have to, Lindsey," Lola assures.
"No, it's serious. Perhaps I should learn more from you."
Lana announces:
"Hey girls... I bet Lincoln would like to celebrate our friendship with a trip to arcade."
"Okay, why not?" Leni agrees.
Lola and Lindsey look at each other.
They scream in euphoria.
"YAAAAHHH!"
Space Invaders.
Bomberman.
Pac-Man.
And, of course, Dance Revolution!
Leni, seated, watches happily as the girls exchange steps on the dance floor.
Lola, barefoot, totally disfigured, dances with Lana's black jacket.
Lindsey, barefoot, losse hair, dances with Lana's tie around her head.
Lana dances with Leni's bowler hat on her head, imitating Michael Jackson.
Grace and Elegance? Just words.
Suddenly, Leni receives a WhatsApp notification from her family.
She answers.
Suddenly, she runs up to the group.
"Lola! Lola! A call for you!"
"Please Leni. I'm dancing now."
"But it's Lucy! She said it's urgent!"
All stop.
Lola takes the phone:
"Hello Lucy?"
"Panting. Hello Lola."
"Everything is fine?"
"Yes, everything great. It's just that Lynn gave me a little work. But we found it."
"What?"
"WE FOUND LINCOLN'S NOTEBOOK!"
To Be Continued...
WOW! Lola lost the contest, but in return she gained a new friend: Lindsey Sweetwater! There are many things the two can do together now! What do you think?
For Lola's (and Luan's) stage performance, I was inspired by actor Arlindo Barreto, who became famous (or half famous) for playing Bozo on SBT TV in the 80s, a time when he was also a drug user. Now recovered and converted to Christ, he preaches the Gospel dressed as a clown and always ends his show with a "strip-tease", to show that we often create a beautiful facade as a disguise for our rotten life.
Lola dropping the microphone on the ground was inspired by Hebe Camargo, who did this on her TV show in the 80s to protest against the restrictions she was facing at her channel, TV Bandeirantes.
Lindsey breaking the crown was inspired by the movie Mean Girls (2004), which I haven't watched but just checked out the scene on YouTube (ChatGPT thought the movie was Miss Congeniality).
Now get ready because the next chapter will be the last! Finally we will know the contents of the notebook with orange cover that Lincoln wanted to throw in the trash. What will the sisters do about it? Will they respect Lincoln's wish? Or will they find another use for the notebook?
Comment, review, praise, criticize, give your suggestion!
See you soon!