Chapter twenty five: Paired

Amira was sitting at the computer. She was in a massive office that belonged to an insurance company. Behind her was a man wearing a suit who was watching her. She typed commands into the computer terminal.

"So… I think there is it. Set on true… this is one false, set on true… problem solved…" The computer started normally.

"Good job." The man said.

"So, you are confident that you can do the work here?"

"Yes. I'm very good with computers."

"I saw that. Well, miss Schroeder-Smith, the only thing that bothers me is that you never really worked as an IT engineer. You were educated, and this with good knowledge, but why didn't you work?"

"There were other things that happened. But I finally have to work."

"What did you do during this time?"

"I was live streaming on twitch."

"I see. So you have enough experience with computers anyway."

"Indeed."

"So you lived from the streaming?"

"Yes. That's why I didn't work."

"Okay. Let's show more of your skills."

"Okay."

Amira opened the terminal and typed in some commands. After one minute, she pushed enter. Then someone in the office, someone she didn't know, yelled something.

"Oh for god sake!"

"What did you do?" The man asked.

"I shut down his computer." Amira said grinning.

"Okay, that was unnecessary… but quite funny."

"Okay. So, what's next?"

"Miss Schroeder-Smith, we are at the end. So, we saw what you were capable of, and we will talk internally about your future here."

"That sounds good."

"Yes. I will accompany you to the exit."

Amira agreed, took her bag and walked to the exit. Both left the building.

"Goodbye Mr Fox." Amira said.

"Goodbye miss Schroeder-Smith."

Amira left, and walked to the next bus stop. When the bus came, Amira got on. She drove to the train station, went to the underground tracks where she caught the express tram to Royal Woods. Lincoln was sitting on his bed and talking on the phone to Eliška.

"Hey, I know we just hang out, but I kinda wanna do it again." Lincoln said.

"Great." Eliška said.

"So, when do you wanna hang out?"

"Well, there are a lot of days where we can hang out. Except Sunday. And not at my home."

"Why not at Sunday and at your home?"

"At Sunday I'm in the church and not at home... because I don't want to."

"Okay… So how should we meet? And when and where?"

"Let's meet at a restaurant. What about your father's restaurant?"

"No. Let's try Jean Juan's French Mex Buffet."

"That sounds terrible. I'm in."

"Okay. Then see you."

"Bye Lincoln."

Lincoln hung up. He stood up and walked to his door. Leni fell to the ground in front of Lincoln.

"Leni? What are you doing here?" Leni stood up.

"Uhm… I just wanted you to be safe?"

"I was in my room."

"Yes. Rooms are scary."

"What?" Lincoln asked confused.

"Well, you were alone. And I just wanted to hear that you are okay."

"Leni? Did you spy on me?"

"No. I would never do that..."

"Leni... You just did."

"No..."

"It's not nice to spy on your family, Leni!"

"You spied on mom and dad. If you do that, I can do the same." Leni said with crossed arms.

Lincoln grumbled.

"I go out with Eliška in a few days."

Leni jumped up and down in excitement.

"Yeah whooo!"

"Calm down Leni."

"My little baby brother has a date." Leni said and hugged Lincoln.

"Thanks Leni."

Both broke the hug.

"Hey. I'm going downstairs. If you want something, let me know." Lincoln said.

"Okay." Leni said.

Lincoln went downstairs and sat on the couch. He turned on his PlayStation and started playing. After a few minutes, Lynn junior jumped on the couch and sat down next to Lincoln.

"What are you up to do?" Lynn asked.

"I play games here." Lincoln said, focused on the game.

"Oh but you definitely have plans. Something in a few days I assume."

"What are you talking about Lynn?"

"Oh you know. I heard some things."

Lincoln realized what Lynn was talking about. He blushed and looked at his hands.

"Did Leni tell you?" Lincoln asked.

"No. I just heard it while she was talking to herself."

Lincoln rolled his eyes.

"Yes. I'm going out with a girl in a few days."

"That's great Lincoln. At least it isn't Amira."

"I know what you mean. But never say that again! Amira is a very good girl."

"I guess. But she is way too old for you."

Lincoln hit Lynn on her head with his controller.

"Hey!" Lynn shouted and put her hand on her head.

She turned away.

"I always wanted to protect you." Lynn said with a crying voice.

"Don't say such mean stuff!" Lincoln said.

"Do you think I let my brother go just like this. I love you Lincoln. You are so important."

"I'm sorry… I'm sometimes annoyed by how you act towards me. I love you too."

Lynn turned back to Lincoln.

"I just want you to have a good partner."

"I'm sorry."

"I need to go. It escalates every time we are in one room."

Lynn got up and left the living room. The tram left the tunnel and entered the railway station of Royal Woods. An announcement came from the speakers.

"We are arriving at Royal Woods Main. Final destination. We ask you to get out and say goodbye. Attention! This train will be closed, and taken out of service."

The tram stopped, and the doors opened. Amira got out.

"Finally at home." Amira said.

She walked out of the Main Railway Station and went in the direction of Franklin avenue. As she reached the Loud House, she saw Lynn playing basketball in front of it. She walked past her.

"Hi." Amira said coldly.

She walked to the backdoor of the garage and entered it. Amira closed the door, took off her shoes and went to her desk. She turned on her computer and started playing music. She saw a message appearing on the screen. Lincoln was playing online.

"He's playing..."

Amira looked sad at the screen.

"And I miss him again."

Someone knocked at the door at this moment.

"Come in." Amira said. Lynn entered the garage.

"Hi."

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to ask you if you are still upset because of what happened between you and Lincoln."

"Look... that's complicated..."

"Just tell Amira."

Amira thought about her answer.

"There are so many things I feel… so if you wanna call that upset… Then you are right."

"I think the question is stupid, but why don't you become Lincoln's girlfriend again?"

"Because I'm too old. And it's an actual crime."

"I see." Lynn said quietly.

"Why do you even care about me? You had hit me so hard that I had to get stitches." Amira said and showed Lynn the scar under her hair.

"Because Lincoln is my brother. And also he is feeling bad lately."

"I guess that's normal for siblings."

"Yes. Lincoln is my brother. Even if I remember him often, I love him. He is a good boy."

Amira raised her left eyebrow.

"A good boy. Sounds like you treat him like a dog."

"No I don't. He is what I just said. If I say it in a different way, he is a good brother and a good person."

"He truly is."

"He is currently playing video games. Do you want to play basketball with me?" Lynn asked.

"Well, I have nothing to do anyway. Let's go."

Both started playing. Lynn noticed that Amira was better then she thought.

"You're good." Lynn said.

"Really?"

"Yes. I don't lie."

"We'll thank you."

Both played on. Amira was good in that. But Lynn was better. Eventually, Lynn won with 18 points to 14.

"Yeah! Lynn will always win!" Lynn yelled excitedly.

"Well played."

"Are you frustrated that I won? Oh you are. Lynn always wants to win!"

"And Lynn isn't funny." Amira said annoyed.

"Hey! Oh… I know why you are like that. Are you hungry?"

"I guess."

"Then come with me."

Both went inside into the kitchen. They started looking through the kitchen lockers. Amira then found canned spaghetti with tomato sauce.

"Wanna eat this?" Amira asked.

"Yeah. It's not bad." Lynn said.

"So, it was a bit ago when you were here the last time. How are you doing lately?" Rita asked Amira.

"Better than before. I guess better."

"We kinda played basketball outside." Lynn said.

"And you didn't kill each other?" Lola asked.

"I guess so."

"I don't have the energy to do something anymore." Amira said while stabbing the spaghetti slowly with the fork.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Lynn senior asked.

"No." Amira said quietly.

"What's wrong?" Rita asked.

"Everything will change. That makes me scared."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said. Everything in my life will change. I'm not at home, I have to work for living… that makes me scared."

"But, you can still visit your home." Lana said.

"It's not the same."

"I have to agree on that." Lori said.

"Why do you agree on this?" Lola asked confused.

"Because what she said makes sense." Lori answered.

"Hang on. Lori has a point." Lana said.

"If you don't live at home anymore, and have a different location where you live, you don't live together with the people you knew your whole life."

Amira looked at her plate. Lori's words were identical to what she was thinking.

One week later:

Lincoln was in the bathroom putting on some perfume that Leni had given him. Lincoln looked at the mirror, which showed him his reflection.

"Okay. Let's hope Eliška feels the same way about you like last week."

He looked at his face.

"I'm not sure. Eliška is way above my level."

Lincoln looked at himself again.

"No. You are good for her. And you will treat her well."

Lincoln went to the stairs, walked down, put on his shoes and went to the restaurant he was going to meet Eliška.

Lincoln saw Eliška waiting in front of the restaurant. As they stood in front of each other they gave each other a hug.

"Hi. I missed you." Eliška said.

"I missed you too." Lincoln said.

Both entered the restaurant. After ordering the food and sitting at the table, it didn't take long for the two of them to eat. Lincoln had magret de canard while Eliška had coq au vin.

"You have to tell me something." Eliška said.

"What is it?"

"I heard noise while we talked on our phone last week. You told me you have sisters. Tell me about them."

"I see. So, there's Lori. She's the oldest and likes to be the boss. But she's a really lovable person. I love her. Then there's Leni. You met her at the mall. She has a heart of gold. Luna loves music. Rock music mostly. Luan can be really annoying. She loves humor and pranks. Don't visit us at April first. Lynn is my next sister. She loves sports. Basically everything about sports."

"Interesting. And then you come."

"Yes. Then my younger sisters. Lucy is a goth girl. Doesn't really show emotion. But is very poetic. Lola and Lana are twins. Lola acts like a princess and Lana like a… like the opposite."

"Like a polish port worker?"

"Yes. Exactly. Lisa loves science. And she does dangerous things. So don't go near her. And there's Lily. She's a toddler. But I don't see much of her personality yet."

"Wow. Do you confuse them with each other sometimes?"

"Yes. Once I called Lucy Lynn. But that's rare."

"That's very different how you live. I don't have siblings."

"Oh. I'm sorry." Lincoln said.

"Why. I think it's good as it is."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I don't need to share anything. But you have to."

"Yeah. You're right." After an hour they both left the restaurant.

"Where shall we go?" Lincoln asked.

"I don't know. Let's just take a walk." Lincoln nodded.

But over the next few minutes, Eliška began to breathe heavily. Lincoln was worried. and these concerns were justified. After fifteen minutes, Eliška ran to a bush and vomited. Lincoln ran to Eliška.

"Oh my god. Are you alright?" Lincoln asked shocked.

"I'm not feeling good. I need to go home."

"Come. I will come with you."

"No… you shouldn't…"

"You are sick and I don't leave you alone like this."

"Okay...Please take me home."

Lincoln took Eliška by his arms and accompanied her to her home. When she arrived, Eliška opened the door with a small key. She looked at Lincoln.

"Good. Nobody is here."

"Why is this good?" Lincoln asked.

"Reasons..." Eliška said.

They both went to their room. Eliška sat down on her bed and took off her shoes and socks.

"I need to rest." She laid down.

"Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"I want you to lay down next to me."

Lincoln blushed.

"Okay."

Lincoln laid down next to Eliška. She took his arm and hugged it.

"Thank you."

"I do everything for you."

She closed her eyes. Lincoln starts stroking her hair.

"Miluji tě."

Rita went to see Alison for the first time in a week. She went to the door and rang the bell. Nobody opened.

"Nobody there?"

Rita heard someone yelling. It was Alison.

"Wait? Alison is here."

Rita listened again. Alison yelled something like help me, Rita heard.

"Oh God." Rita said concerned.

Rita went to the back door, which was also locked. Rita looked around and saw an open window. She climbed up and got stuck in the window frame.

"Goddammit! Again? Why does this happen to me all the time?" Rita said angrily.

"Who's there?" Alison yelled from upstairs.

"Rita!" Rita yelled.

"Good that you are here! Help me please!"

"I need help myself!"

"Why?"

"Because I'm stuck in a window!"

"Fuck!"

"We have to wait until your mother comes!"

"She's been gone for two hours!"

"Well she has to come back!"

Constance arrived home an hour later. She entered the house. And she was angry.

"The road traffic office is the worst place on earth. Two fines. It's just a bad joke."

Constance puts her handbag on the table in the living room.

"People who work for the road traffic control belong in hell. But I was a cop so I belong in hell as well."

"Help me!" Constance heard from the kitchen.

"Rita?"

Constance went into the kitchen and saw Rita hanging in the window.

"What the..." Constance lost her words.

"Hi..." Rita said nervously.

"How?" Constance asked highly confused.

"I heard Alison yelling for help. And I tried to help her."

"And where is Alison?"

"I'm here!" Alison yelled from upstairs.

"I tried to get in through the window, and… well… you see what happened." Constance sighted.

"Shall I help you?"

"Yes. Then we have to help Alison." Rita said.

"It's time!" Alison yelled.

Constance grabbed Rita's hands and pulled her out. Rita fell on the floor and stood up.

"Thank you." Rita said.

"No problem."

"And now help me!" Alison yelled.

Both went upstairs in Alison's room, and saw her laying on the floor. Rita and Constance looked surprised at Alison.

"What happened to you?" Constance asked.

"My key fell down and I tried to get it back. Long story short, I don't get up anymore."

"We'll help you up." Constance and Rita grabbed Alison at her shoulders and lifted her up.

"Thank you. These where horrible hours." Alison said.

"How long have you been laying there?" Rita asked.

"Three hours."

"Dam the road traffic control." Constance said.

"I know. You hate them." Alison said.

"I hate them too. They always complain about our van." Rita said.

"Well what does the road traffic control dislike about your van?"

"They say it's in critical condition and that it won't make it through the control next year."

Alison gave Rita an odd look.

"You should know why."

"Do you need something?" Constance asked.

"Just water. I got thirsty." Alison left the room and went downstairs to the kitchen.

"Her pregnancy is getting really bad." Constance said. "Uhm, that's pretty normal." Rita answered.

"Possible. I connect the pregnancy with Alison more with office work than anything else."

Rita rolled her eyes. Lincoln woke up. He Looked down. Eliška was resting with her head on his chest, and was asleep. He Blushed, and put his and on Eliškas back. She woke up, looked tired at Lincoln, and snuggled up to his neck.

"I'm so happy it wasn't a dream."

"Me too." Lincoln said.

"How was you nap?"

"It was perfect. Feeling that you were there all the time was the best feeling I ever felt." Eliška said.

Lincoln got surprised.

"Thank you. It was great to be near you." Lincoln answered.

They stood up.

"I have to go. It's already late."

"Okay. Wait a moment."

Eliška left the room and came back half an minute later.

"Okay. One Thing before you go."

"Yes?" Lincoln asked.

"Hold and Kiss me."

Lincoln wrapped his arms around Eliška, and gave her a long kiss on her lips. They separated their lips and looked at each other.

"I love you." Lincoln said.

"I love you too."

They kissed again.

"Bye Eliška."

"Bye Lincoln."

Both walked to the front door. Lincoln walked outside, and turned back to Eliška. She blew a kiss to him. Lincoln did the same. He walked backwards away, until he couldn't see her anymore.

Rita and Alison were in the Kitchen. Rita was drinking a coffee, and stood in front of Alison.

"I have to apologize." Rita said.

"Because you were spying on me? It's nothing." Alison said.

"So, you forgive me?"

"Yes."

"Why now?"

"I needed time without you to calm down. We hang out way to often and it also was too much for me."

"I understand that."

Rita gave Alison a hug.

"Thank you." Rita said.

"Was there something else that you wanted to come here?" Alison asked.

"I just wanted to make peace with you." Rita said.

"Okay."

They broke the hug.

"Goodbye Alison."

"Bye Rita."

Rita left the house with a Relieved feeling.

End of Chapter