Disclaimer: I don't own The Loud House, the brand, as well as all of its characters and settings belong to Chris Savino and Nickelodeon, all rights reserved.
Chapter 14: Lunch.
- So, what did you guys bring for trade? – Stella began the ritual for the 6 people sitting in their trademarked dining table from the school's cafeteria, a ritual which has been a previously unmissable part of their routine, so much so that Lincoln leaving, even if only for one day to a Canadian School, altered the status to the point that all 5 remaining kids collapsed to uncertainty.
- I decided to bring my delicious homemade cupcakes, I guess I could trade them for… Rusty's sandwich! – Proudly commanded Clyde while pointing at the direction of Rusty's meal.
- That sounds feasible, but then I also want… hey Lincoln! What did you bring today? – Rusty quickly caught the attention of the currently-offline Lincoln in the table, who previously hadn't made a sound other than a dry, quick, "Hi".
- … Well, now that I think about it… - Lincoln half-clossed his eyes while looking at his friends in embarrassment – uh, I kind of forgot to bring food? – He half affirmed, half questioned to himself while still looking everywhere but his friends eyes, unsure of the consequences that it would have, he knew that not having any food through the entire day other than a single piece of bread was going to affect his mood and energy, but he also knew the kind of impact that it would have to his friends in terms of "keeping the order of things right" when it came to sharing food.
- Ok, great, now we are kind of stuck again then – said a disappointed Rusty while looking with disinterest at what the others had brought with them today, essentially ending the procedure before even starting.
- Look, Lincoln, you know we are your friends, so you can tell us anything that's bothering you, if you don't want anyone else to know, then that's fine, we all can keep a secret – Stella finally introduced her calm and reassuring tone to the conversation, deciding that what she had seen was more than enough confirmation that something was wrong with the white-haired boy. – Right guys? – she proceeded to look at her other friends for support, receiving welcoming nods, before focusing again on him.
- Yeah I agree, like, bud, you don't just look tired, you feel kind of… disconnected today – The ebony nerd added while softly hitting Lincoln with his elbow, forcing the Albino to look straight at the eyes of his best friend.
- Yeah guys look, I had a dream were I almost kissed my little sister on the lips while cosplaying as a space cowboy! – Lincoln sarcastically thought to himself while looking at everyone and realizing he had become the unwanted center of attention, he just knew that he had to make something on the spot to divert attention from himself, he didn't enjoy lying to his friends, much less to his best friend, but he knew that this is the kind of thing that a human being just had to bring to his grave.
- I told you guys, I really didn't sleep too well, so I'm having problems with focusing, my family suspected I was having an illness of some sort so they told me not to eat much and drink some pills. – yeah this was the fantastic excuse that Lincoln could come up with, "fantastic" as in, "that's only going to generate more questions", he just lowered his eyes and braced for the onslaught.
- … Ok, if you say so, I just hope you get better if it truly is an illness – Stella concluded in an uplifting tone, followed by all the other kids in the room nodding in agreement.
- Although if that's true, then allow me to wear my mask just in case – Clyde added while magically spawning a face mask – …what!? You can never be fully prepared, remember the pandemic? – Clyde added while crossing his arms in a defensive posture, addressing the weirded out look that emanated from everyone in the table, including Lincoln.
During the rest of the break period, Lincoln's friends (at Clyde's request) made an agreement to each give him a part of their lunch, reminding the Albino to be well fed to be energetic for the rest of the day, a gesture that got a tear out of him and a reminder that whatever is to happen to him, he'll always have his friends by his side, the rest of lunch went as expected from the group, but by the time they were going to their respective classrooms, Stella stopped Lincoln in his tracks by gently touching his shoulder with her hand.
- Lincoln, I know something's up, if you don't feel comfortable to tell us, then I can understand, but it would be great if you could eventually tell me – Stella's soft, sincere and discrete voice echoed for a few seconds in Lincoln's head, making him actually consider telling her the truth, only for that impulse to instantly vanish after considering just a few of the many implications involved, he nonetheless turned around to confront her in the eyes.
The expression was unmistakable.
She had seen through him, somehow even over his best friend, she knew that what he just told everyone back then was nothing but a cheap lie, yet somehow she decided to play along.
She wanted to ask him personally, and he couldn't even find it in himself to hold at least part of the truth from her.
- … huh, ok, look Stella, I, uh… - Lincoln struggled to find the right words after what little resolve he had gathered almost vanished completely just by looking straight at her understanding eyes – I… yes, let's just say that there is something bothering me, but right now I really don't feel ready to talk about it – He finally declared with his head lowered in an apologetic stance while looking to the side.
- That's ok! Don't worry Lincoln, if you ever feel ready to talk about it, I'll always be there for you, remember that, I might not be Clyde, but you can still put your full trust in me, it's the least I can do for you – Stella confessed with a soft smile and a serious look in her face, showing to Lincoln through all signs of body language, that she meant it.
With that, Lincoln gave her a final affirmative nod and a smile to show his trust, before turning back to the final classes of the day, or that would have been the case at least…
- Wait! – Stella stopped Lincoln in his tracks for one last time, having already departed a few meters from each other, this time, her voice a little more impactful and loud, good thing there was no one around in the hall at the moment.
Lincoln turned around with a questioning look and a raised eyebrow, giving his friend a little time to compose herself for whatever she had to add to their conversation that was so urgent as for to halt their journey through their respective classrooms, meanwhile, Stella was holding her arms like a shy girl while looking at her sides as in to inspect that there truly wasn't anyone else nearby.
- Just to make sure – She said in a more controlled fashion as she approached Lincoln once again, putting her mouth close to his ear, as if what she was going to say was highly confidential, sensitive information.
- … This isn't about you know who, right? – she quietly whispered in Lincoln's ear.
And Lincoln's expression, or rather, lack thereof, was enough confirmation for her suspicions.