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 50: News.
- So, you want me to edit the voiceclip? - Clyde was reluctantly asking his best friend for specifications, his intentions seemed unclear.
But he had a terrible feeling about this.
- Yes bud, please extract (5:02-5:03), (5:04-5:05), (3:52.05-3:52.25), (3:53-3:54), (4:00.10-4:00.50), (4:45-4:46), (4:52-4:53), (0:06-0:07), (6:43-6:44) and (7:22-7:24) in that order and play it together - Lincoln continued providing instruction to his friend with a poker face.
Clyde did as followed and cleaved the tape together, the edited sound was then played out on his expensive audio speaker.
What followed left the nerdy friend speechless, as he could only look at his friend with deep fear in his eyes.
- L-lincoln, w-we c-can't do this - Clyde frightfully tried to make his friend listen to reason - y-you're going too far! -. He tried to look at Lincoln deep in his eyes, but ultimately failed, as he continued sitting behind the monitor.
- Too far? Clyde, please don't be that innocent, I'm not doing anything, we're just touching the audio to match that pervert's real feelings, look, all of that came from his mouth! - Lincoln continued playing mental gymnastics to his friend, in hopes to stop the questioning.
- N-no, Lincoln, t-this is bad, really bad! This isn't any actual proof, this is fabricated evidence, the tape doesn't contain him saying any of that at all! - Clyde, for once, decided to let go of his fear by finally standing up to his corrupted friend.
This had to stop right now!
- Ugh, look Clyde, are you gonna help me or not!? - The white haired boy grew impatient over his friend's refusal.
- No Lincoln, you have to stop this, I will not incriminate a man without proof, you only talk about what you think he does, but if this tape is anything to go by, then you are wrong! - Clyde finally rose up to eye-level with his friend, hoping to get his point across.
- Look Clyde, just stand aside, I will edit this myself then - Lincoln rudely shoved his friend away to take a seat on his computer, then, he quickly loaded up the edited version and saved it to an mp3 file, before removing the memory usb-drive.
- Ok, you leave me no choice then… activate security protocol 121! - Clyde screamed the order at the house, which then quickly turned into lockdown mode, blocking all the entries, he for once felt thankful of the extreme security protocols that his dads had implemented.
- wow, so it's going to be like that then! - Lincoln frowned at the nerd, a desire to physically assault his "friend" growing from within.
- I really didn't want to do this Lincoln, but I can't stand aside anymore, seeing you turn into… this… - The ebony friend stated with sadness in his voice.
- Clyde, i am only going to give you one more chance, MOVE, ASIDE - The stressed teenager began preparing for conflict.
- NO! - The nerd snapped as well, if things were going to get physical, then it is what it is - Lincoln! Please listen, for once, PLEASE LISTEN! -
- WHAT? About how not even my "best friend" believes me? About how everyone thinks I'M THE BAD GUY HERE? - The albino released his frustration.
- IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THAT GUY LINCOLN! - Clyde released his frustration as well - Look at what happened to you Lincoln, ever since he appeared, you've changed, you've changed too much, and NOT in a good way! - He continued.
Lincoln listened intently, unable to muster words.
- Lincoln, please, j-just look at you, look at those eyebags, look at your beard, look at your clothes, have you even washed them? You smell dude -
- … -
- And i wish it was just your appearance, Buddy, you are now rude to everyone, you don't talk to Rusty or Zach anymore, they even began sitting on other tables during lunch! -
- … -
- … I've tried to talk to you at school, but you're always in a hurry, I've tried to arrange something for our Movie Saturday, but you always leave me on read -
- … -
- the only times we chat nowadays is whenever you want to talk about him -
- … -
- … I know what happened with Stella as well, Lincoln, you aren't like that, even if you don't love her anymore, she was still your friend, you used to live with 10 sisters and you still live with at least 6, you should know better how to handle that situation -
- That's none of your busine-
- NO! Listen Lincoln, It IS my business, Stella wasn't just your friend, she is MINE as well - Clyde intercepted his friend, now he was equally mad - You didn't just break up with her, you treated her like trash, you cut all contact with her, you blocked her from everything, and I'M the one that has to sit with her at lunch as she struggles to be positive and not have a breakdown.
- … -
- It's ironic really, but Lincoln, you are in no position to be calling that coach a monster, when you are acting exactly as one… -
- … -
- And you know? Maybe I also failed, I failed you as a friend, I had the chance to ask you before, when you were feeling down, but instead, I decided to just wait until you felt ready to tell me, I thought I was doing the right thing… -
- … -
- So i'm going to say this one more time, can you please just tell me what is going on? - The adopted friend finished his speech, reaching out to his friend and placing his hands on his shoulders, looking deep into his eyes for some clue, anything, that could get the truth out of him.
Lincoln stood there for a minute, thinking about his friend's words.
- … sorry bud, I didn't realize I was acting that badly - Lincoln then looked aside ashamed of his behavior.
This admission, which seemed impossible, was enough to finally make the nerdy friend elicit a genuine smile, perhaps there was hope for his friend after all.
- I'm glad that you're finally seeing it buddy, I… we can help you, if you let us, we all can! - Clyde gave his newfound motivational speech.
- … yes, maybe you guys can - Lincoln remained looking to the side.
- Of course! You're still my best bud in the whole world, and you have gotten my out of some nasty situations before, it's only fair that I help you too! - The usually scaredy friend continued with renewed enthusiasm.
- Sure bud, I'm sorry for all of the things I did, and maybe you're right, I was probably judging that guy way too hard - Lincoln finally looked at his friend with an also renewed smile.
The two finally let go of the distance and hugged as the "brothers from another mother" that they always were.
- Ok bud, I'm glad that we could do this, now, for starters, please give me that usb memory, we don't need that anymore - Clyde remembered the main triggering factor for their argument and decided to address it immediately.
- Of course! Here it is, don't worry - Lincoln calmly extracted the device from his pocket to give it back to his friend.
- Thanks Lincoln, really, I know this is just the beginning, but we'll get you back to your old self in no time - The relieved son of two dads gave one final encouraging statement before pressing the button in the wall and inserting the password to remove the lockdown protocol, causing all of the doors and windows to open again.
- Well, I'm sure you guys will, and I will try to get better myself, thanks for everything bud! - Lincoln walked in front of the main exit while waving back to Clyde, one second after and he was already outside.
- Yeah, leave it to Clincoln McCloud to solve this together! - Clyde excitedly replied back.
The door was now closed, Lincoln was now on his way back, walking faster as the day was nearing it's end and the streetlights were being turned on, looking back at the house that he just left, he made sure to confirm that Clyde wasn't anywhere near, then reached his other pocket to take a look at his key piece, another USB driver, the correct one.
- Finally, I have what I need, but seriously, how could I think that McBride would just help me with this, of course I had to know he too was poisoned by Stella's words, well, you win, witch - he thought.
- I have no friends anymore -
- I'm Back~! - A loud thud is heard in the silent residence of the Louds as Lori decides to make her entrance by slamming the door open, unable to open it normally as her hands were stocked full of baggage and gifts for her entire family.
- Right, they are probably still studying… - Lori sighs disappointingly as she remembers the hour of the day, maybe coming on a Friday was not her best idea, but she just couldn't wait!
She was hoping that at least her mother would have noticed by now.
- Oh Sweetie! What are you doing here!? - Rita was, indeed the first one that came downstairs to greet her daughter.
- Mom, you wouldn't imagine, I got literally the biggest news ever! - Lori regained her excitement.
- Oh really! What is it baby girl! - Rita tried to share her enthusiasm.
- Let's wait till everyone is here mom, I want you all to hear it! - The eldest daughter decided to remain secretive, but she was still very much looking forward to seeing the others in the mean time.
- So, is anyone else home right now? - Lori asked curiously.
- Well, Lola is upstairs with her coach training, I guess you can pass by and take a look? - The mother could only say as much, not wanting to disturb her daughter's strict regime.
Then again, Lori being here should cheer her up.
- Ok I'll go greet her, meanwhile, mom check at the back of my car, o brought you something~- The upbeat young adult teased.
She'll leave her mom for now, hopefully that new laser printer would make for an awesome gift, now, she was heading to see her little pageant champion.
*Knock* *Knock*
- Busy - A nagging voice was heard from the other side.
- Oh, too bad, here I had this awesome bracelet, well I guess I'll take it back~- Lori teased her, having easily anticipated the reaction of her little sister.
- Wait, Lori!? - The voice on the other side became significantly more energetic.
Before Lori could back down, the door had already been slammed on her face, making her fall backwards.
- Lori! I'm so sorry, I'm just so happy to see you! - Lola apologized shamefully to her sister before reaching in for a hug, which Lori accepted without hesitation.
- Haha, don't worry Lola, I am glad to see that you're ok… who is this? - Lori looked up a moment away from her little sister so see the figure of a tall, muscular man in a suit.
- Oh, my apologies, this is Fernando, Fernando Dubois, Lola's professional coach, I am extremely pleased to meet you madame - The courteous man bend down to Lori's height and grabbed her hand to give it a dry kiss.
- Fernando, the pleasure is mine, I've seen Lola's latest pageants on TV and let me tell you, she looks literally amazing! - Lori said as she quickly got up, doing a proper handshake with the man in question.
- Merci, it is but a pleasure for me to be an important part in her growth as a professional - Fernando replied sophisticatedly, sending shivers down Lori's spine.
Ok, Lori, focus, you're marrying bobby
- Ok, Fernando, could you please do us a favor, I need to talk to my sister for just 5 seconds! - Lori closed her eyes as she said that, grabbing Lola's hand in the process to drag her downstairs.
- Hey! - Lola briefly managed to get out before being dragged.
Lori dragged her little sister all the way down to the couch, hopefully away from Fernando's hearing, seeing the presence of the man managed to create a few questions of her own.
- What are we doing here? - Asked a confused Lola to Lori's sudden action.
- Ok, Lola you have to tell me li-te-ra-lly everything~ - Lori emphasized her iconic catchphrase while looking at Lola with half-closed eyelids.
- … about what? - Lola raised an eyebrow, falling to see the point that Lori was trying to get at.
- Oh come on, you don't fool me, where did you get yourself that literal supermodel~ - Lori got to the point, fully intending on teasing her little sister.
- Oh, Fernando? Well, he came in as part of a sponsoring deal, he's a pretty good coach, and I guess he's an alright dude - Lola replied with apparent disinterest.
- Pffft, yeah right, anyway, great catch sis! - Lori continued her teasing, while also congratulating her sister sincerely, winking at her.
- What are you implying? - Lola was starting to become upset.
- Uhh, well, I mean, like, aren't you interested in him? - Lori was now confused at Lola's serious demeanor, she had a similar conversation with her back when Hugh was introduced as Lincoln's tutor, she was certain that Lola would be all over him by now.
- Lori, what the heck? He's an adult, and I am a kid! - Lola responded indignant to Lori's implication.
- Well that didn't seem to bother you befo-
- Besides, Fernando is a cool dude, but I could never in my life imagine myself with someone like that, he works for the pageant industry Lori, he's all form and no substance, he presents himself with sweet words and a sophisticated behavior, but behind that lies just another corporate suit and a power-hungry, money-starved man - Lola completed her point, leaving Lori wide-eyed and speechless.
Lola had grown a lot.
- Now, I'm sorry sis, I would like to catch up with you in other topics, really! But I must go back to my room, he should be back any moment now - Lola finished her speech while getting up from the couch.
- Who? - Lori spoke before Lola was out of sight.
- Lincoln, who else? - Lola replied with a raised eyebrow.
- And what about it? - Lori mimicked her sister's expression.
- You… don't know? - Now it was Lola's turn to be surprised.
- Know what? - Lori was still clueless.
- Uhhh, nevermind, see you later sis! - The beauty queen said quickly before retreating upstairs.
Lori was left alone in the couch, confused and conflicted, that definitely wasn't the warm welcome that she was expecting, not from Lola at least, she knew that she needed to make things up with her for not going to her birthday, but she couldn't even give her the bracelet that she had purchased from la bodega, she was now looking at the floor thinking about what Lola had said, and could only remember something that could explain that.
- … but no, Lana told me that it was all a misunderstanding - Lori thought about that time where Lana texted her asking for "clarification", what she said was at the time, a lot to take in, she was already looking for her contacts for help if that was to be the case, but then Lana texted her again, saying that it was nothing, to just let go of the subject.
Lori was still deep in thought about it.
- Sweetie, I'm sorry It didn't go well - As if sensing her daughter's conflict, Rita appeared to sit besides her on the couch, quickly snapping her out of her thoughts.
- Sorry mom, I am not sad, I was just thinking… - The eldest daughter looked at her mom with a cautious smile.
- Yeah, I know what Lola's talking about - Rita answered quickly, almost as if reading her daughter's mind.
- What was that about? - Lori questioned.
- Well, you see… - Rita was about to explain the situation.
*Smack*
- … Hi mo- Lana had just entered the house with a similar treatment of the door to Lori, but without an inch of her excitement, that is of course, until she saw Lori.
Her eyes grew.
- Lana! Long time no see wild gi-
Lori couldn't even finish her sentence as the rowdy girl immediately tackled her with a hug, her strength could have easily broken a rib, which Lori quickly felt as she tried to separate from the strong grip.
But then she stopped struggling once she felt a characteristic wetness rolling down her shirt.
Lana, the second strongest girl she had ever met, was now crying under her for apparently no reason.
- Lana, what happened? - Lori softly asked to the sister below her chin.
- *Sniff* Sis, *Sniff*, I'm s-so happy to h-have you *sniff* here - Lana tried messily talking to her big sister, without even looking to her face, she just couldn't remove her head from Lori's chest, she desperately needed to vent.
- There, there, it's ok! - Lori entered big sis mode as she cuddled the rowdy girl in her arms.
Rita just watched in frustration and resignation.
- No, *sniff* it's n-not sis, everything is a mess, this house is a mess, nobody gives a d-damn anymore! - Lana revealed her contained frustration.
- What do you me-
*Smack*
Another slam on the main door was heard, this time around, the subject in question didn't even bother greeting, as she continued her way to the stairs, never taking her sight away from her phone.
- Lynn? - Lori called out her name before she disappeared upstairs.
- Huh? - This at least caught Lynn's attention, who looked up from her phone to verify the source of that familiar voice.
Her eyes landed on Lori, which for once in a long time, made Lynn actually muster a small smirk, and gave her a reason to hide her phone in her pockets.
- Yo, Lori, what up - Lynn spoke her first words in the house in weeks, making Rita gasp at the revelation.
- I'm fine Lynn, uhh, I'm currently taking care of Lana, I… brought you something, please look at the back of my car - Lori said while avoiding to be overwhelmed, Lana was still just calming down from wetting her shirt, and Lynn didn't seem to even notice that.
- Cool, I'll check - Lynn said calmly before going back out.
Opening the door to leave outside, Lynn found herself face to face with Lucy and Lisa, who she promptly decided to ignore.
The other two sisters decided to go in, accepting the ignoring, where they were pleasantly surprised to find Lori.
- Hi girls! - Lori greeted them enthusiastically while still holding a firm grasp on Lana.
- Lori! - Both sisters momentarily let go of their introverted behavior, as they too approached Lori excitedly for a hug.
Meanwhile, Rita watched silently, she was sure that some holiday miracle was happening right now, her babies were finally displaying signs of affection, even if just for Lori, that made a world of a difference for her.
Maybe this family wasn't entirely hopeless.
The mother of eleven finally allowed herself the chance to smile, maybe things would finally turn around after that!
*Smack*
- EVERYONE, CHECK ON THE NEWS RIGHT NOW! -