Lincoln
…I opened the door to see...
"Clyde?" I questioned. This got Lynn's attention right away.
"Hey, buddy..." He awkwardly stood with a hand waving hello and the other in his front jean pocket. I looked back at my family then to Clyde as I slowly emerged from the door and closed it behind me, almost keeping the insides of the home a secret from the world.
"What… what are you doing here?" I asked him.
"Uh… well today in English, I kinda noticed that you and Chandler—"
"Oh my God, did he say anything to you?! I swear, that kid really has it coming this time, I'll tell you that—" I began, feeling such rage over me, but he stopped me, placing his hand out in front of me as a way to stop me.
"What? No, he hasn't said anything to me… Why?"
"Ummm… no reason…" I mumbled.
"No, uh, I came to check on you. I saw you and Chandler got into a disagreement today in class and I wanted to make sure everything was alright."
"You… you wanted to check on me? Why?"
"Look, I know that we aren't exactly on the best terms right now—"
"You mean we are no longer friends because you didn't want to accept me?"
"No, Lincoln I— *sigh* look, I'm really trying here. Okay? We were friends for over 7 years! I know you and lately, you've been… stressed. You are not the same person I once knew and I… I just want to see if there is any way I can be of some help in any way, shape, or form… we were so close once… I don't hate you…" he sighed with his head hanging low.
"I am not the same person you knew all those years ago Clyde. I have changed so much! I don't think you're going to like who I've become." I breathed, exhausted with my own words.
"What do you mean by that? Because I'm not the same person either! I'm willing to accept you, just the way you are! I promise! Please just let me in…" he begged. It's almost as if he was desperate for my friendship. I'm not gonna lie, it was a very odd sight… it's almost as if the roles have switched from all those years ago when he told me we can no longer be friends because of my choices, and I was begging him for his friendship.
…
…
It stayed silent for a good minute before I let out a sigh.
"I don't think you realize how much pain you put me in when you told me at 12 YEARS OLD, I can no longer be friends with the ONE person who has been by my side since I was 6!"
"I know I messed up, but I've changed! I am the worst possible person to judge when it comes to accepting people for who they love. I may not understand it, but I'm willing to try. Please just give me another chance. Please?"
"What is with the sudden change of heart?"
"… I miss my best friend…"
"But as I said, I'm not that 'Lincoln' anymore!"
"So what?! Let me meet this new guy, maybe we might be even better friends."
"I seriously doubt it…" I murmured. He just stayed looking at me. I sighed in annoyance at this. "fine… would you like to come in?" I basically forced out. His face lit up and he hugged me in an instance. I wasn't expecting it at all but lightly tapped his back in response.
"Me? Back into the Loud house?! The house always filled with noise and chaos?! It would be my honor!" he spoke.
"Uh… yeah… not really anymore…" I said as I opened the door, and he came following behind me.
"How so?"
"Well, for starters—" I paused as I saw Lynn. SHIT! How did I forget Lacy and her were right there?! I guess speaking to Clyde brought me back to such a state of nostalgia, that I forgot I had a family for a moment as I reentered my childhood self. "Shit! Uh! Actually Clyde, now ISN'T the best time!" I rushed through my words. He just looked confused.
"Why not, is everything oka…ay?" he spoke upon seeing Lacy. "Lincoln, why didn't you tell anyone anything?! Your parents had another baby?!" he asked happily. Lynn and I shared glances of worry with each other.
"UH… Yeah! Yup! This is my—OUR little sister! Lunacy…" Lynn spoke, standing up upon his entry.
"Really?! Lunacy?! That's such a unique name! Oh! Where are my manners?! Hello Lynn! Haven't seen you in some time."
"Yeah… some time… I'm actually surprised to see you in here, CLYDE…" She gritted through a smile, looking at me in concern, confusion, and anger.
"And I haven't seen you in school. You didn't already graduate, did you?"
"Uh… no… I'm actually doing virtual school now… it just works easier for me that way…"
"Oh okay… that's a shame, I'm sure all of the sports teams miss you! You where they're number one player!" He smiled.
"Haha… yeah… well it was nice seeing you Clyde, but we actually had family plans today, and we should really start getting ready to leave. That's what Lincoln meant by now isn't the best time," she passively-aggressively mentioned, slightly glaring at me.
"Oh! Okay, yeah, sorry, it was nice seeing you guys again. I'll see you around Lincoln," he smiled as he made his way to the door and let himself out. Once he was out, Lynn stared at me in annoyance.
"You couldn't have said that?! Why did you let him in?!"
"I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking!" I said in defense. "He just showed up and I didn't know how to react! Then he started talking about how he has changed and how sorry he is and honestly, it felt like a haze."
"Well, you could've risked us everything!" She spit out. She then sighed and came back in a calmer tone. "Are you two gonna be friends again?"
"I… I don't know… He really hurt me, and I don't want anything to do with him anymore because of that, but he's begging me to give him a chance to prove that he has changed… I don't know…"
"Well personally, I would stick to just being acquaintances. He really upset you Lincoln, I remember how hard it was for you to let go of that friendship. He can't just come cry for your forgiveness and ask to be friends again just because he's lonely! You get me, right?"
"Yeah, I understand. I agree with you…" I murmured.
"Plus, if he finds out who Lacy really is, I have a feeling he'll do the same thing he did last time. I just don't want you to get hurt," she sighed. I simply nodded.
"You're probably right…"
"Speaking of friends, I spoke with Jen and David, and they said that they'd come today since they couldn't while we were at the hospital. If you want, you could also invite Sky and Starlla… so long as they're planning on being nice!" I laughed at this.
"So not as upfront as in the mall, right?"
"Right!" She laughed off.
"Well, I'll see if they want to come or not and let you know," I assured.
It's now 7 pm and Lynn, Jen and Starlla were on the couch, playing with Lacy and completely gushing over her, meanwhile, David, Sky, and I were on the floor together, just talking. Occasionally though, I would look back at them and smile when I saw Lacy attempting to smile and make little noises back at them.
"She's really cute, isn't she?" David asked upon catching me staring at her.
"Yeah… she really is…" I mumble with a smile.
"Look at those big eyes! You're so pretty, oh yes you are!" Starlla cooed.
"Big eyes? That's a compliment?" Sky questioned her with a look of confusion.
"Yes, Sky. That is a compliment! Geez! I feel like you're secretly an alien at times!" Her sister retorted.
"I'm not a baby person! I don't know about these things!" she said in defense. I just tittered at them. We then heard a 'ding' and we knew that the bagel bits were done.
"I'll get those," I said as I started to get up from the floor.
"I'll come with," David chimed in, as he also got up. I didn't care, so we both went into the kitchen.
"Hey, so do the others know?" he asked me while I was removing them from the oven.
"Do they know what?" I questioned.
"Who Lacy's father is, because I know you know, and I know I know, but do they?" He queried so nonchalantly, that it almost slipped past my mind that no one that I know of has told him.
"What do you mean you know?" I uttered. It was evident that my whole attitude had changed and I was now nervous; I knew he noticed.
"Well, you see, I'm an observer. No one has to tell me stuff because I'm good at putting two and two together based on the clues I get from either people's attitude, actions, pattern of speech, and so on and so forth. Lynn hasn't told me anything much about her pregnancy, but I already know everything I need to."
"…What… what do you mean by that…?" I questioned, almost in fear. He then shifted his weight to his other leg and just stared at me with a long exhale.
"How did your family react when they found out you and Lynn were a thing?" he asked. My face went white as he confirmed that he knew.
"how…-"
"I told you. I'm an observer. No brother and sister are that close. Plus, there was a rumor of it that went around a bit ago, so I've heard, and Lynn seems to hate the mention of your last names or relationship. That plus just watching how you two interact with each other? It was practically child's play."
"I…" I try to speak, but the words wouldn't come. I sigh in defeat. "So what? Are you gonna tell the others and stop hanging with us?"
"If I wanted to do any of that, I could've done it a long time ago. Don't worry so much. It's not my secret to tell, and just because of that? No way I'd stop hanging out with you guys!" he assured.
"Really? Why?" I questioned in surprise and with a bit of distaste. It was odd that he didn't care for such a big thing such as that.
"Well, both you and Lynn have very unique and lovable personalities. The way you guys treat others is unforgettable and… well… you guys have made me feel accepted."
"I find it hard to believe that of all people, you haven't been accepted by others," I laughed off as I continued to put the bagel bites on one big plate. He laughed along.
"Yeah, well, we've all been there at some point, eh?" he shrugs with his hands in his pockets. I smile at him then motion with my head for him to follow me back to the living room. I look at these people sitting in my living room and felt a sudden weight lift from my shoulders. Yeah, these were my people.
A/N: Hey everyone. Happy Holidays! I needed a break from a lot of things and haven't touched this in a hot minute. I'm still going to be working on this story, but I just needed a little break. I hope your life has been going well and that you haven't been too stressed lately. Anyways, thanks again to everyone who has been keeping up with this story.