I was in my dorm room studying for finals. I didn't want to miss a single day of studying. But then something popped in my head. I felt like I was forgetting something. What was it that I was forgetting? Then, my roommate, Marisa walked up to me and asked, "Hey, Lori. Whatcha doin?"

"Just studying for the exam," I answered. "Shouldn't you be studying?"

"That can wait. It's not until Monday. We still have plenty of time. Come on! Let's go visit the gift shop."

Gift. That reminds me. I picked up my phone and looked at the calendar. It said it was Lincoln's birthday! How could I have forgotten my own brother's birthday? I was so focused on studying and golf that I forgot about his birthday. I felt so stupid. My eyes almost teared up.

"Are you okay, Lori?" she asked me.

"I'm fine," I lied. I wasn't fine. I literally forgot my brother's birthday. I hope Lincoln isn't too upset. He was probably having his birthday party at Gus' Games And Grub. I could just walk into Gus' and surprise him and maybe stay for the weekend. Yeah. That sounds like a plan, I thought.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go."

"Actually, I thought we could go to the outlet mall instead. There's a big clearance sale," I suggested.

"That sounds even better," Marisa replied.

I smiled at her. I wanted to have an opportunity to get Lincoln a gift and still have my friend be happy. So Marisa and I got in my car and drove to the outlets. The minute we got there I frantically rushed inside.

"Chill out. We're not in a hurry," said Marisa.

"I….have to pee," I lied. Why did I lie to her like that? I felt even more stupid.

"Want me to walk with you? I don't wanna start shopping without you."

"No, go ahead. I'll just meet you at the shoe store."

"Ok," she replied.

Finally! Now I can get Lincoln his birthday present without Marisa always asking me what's up. Now what would Lincoln like? I thought. I know he likes comic books and video games. Does he still like Ace Savvy? I wondered. I went inside the comic book shop. There were literally millions of comic books. Which one should I get? I know he has just about every issue of Ace Savvy. I remembered Lincoln started to get into something called David Steele. Could he have outgrown Ace Savvy by now? I searched everywhere for the perfect comic, until suddenly, I saw something. It was the very first issue of David Steele and it was on sale for 30% off. "This would literally be the perfect gift for Lincoln," I said. Suddenly, Marisa ran in, looking concerned.

"Lori, there you are. What gives? We were supposed to meet at the shoe store. Not to mention, you took forever in the bathroom," she complained.

I let out a sigh. I started to feel guilty. I inhaled and told her the whole truth. "Okay. You got me. I lied. The reason why I've been acting so strange is because it's Lincoln's birthday and I was so caught up in golf and my studies that I forgot!" It actually felt good to get it off my chest.

Marisa had a stunned look on her face. She was literally speechless.

"I know. I'm a horrible sister," I said, on the verge of tears again.

"No you're not," said Marisa. "I forgot my sister's birthday one time but I made it up to her and did some last minute shopping."

"Did your sister ever get upset?" I asked.

"She did get a little angry with me but eventually, she forgave me."

That almost made me feel better. I knew there was still plenty of time left and the day wasn't over yet. Hopefully, Lincoln will forgive me. So I was about to take the comic book off the shelf until I spotted another hand on the comic. It was Randy, one of the students.

"Hands off. This is my comic," he said.

"I don't see your name on it," I said. "I had my hand on it first. Plus, aren't you a little old for David Steele?"

Randy gasped. "You take that back! You are never too old for David Steele."

"Well, I was going to get this for my brother's birthday."

"Well, tough luck. I found it first."

I wanted to yell at him and stomp my feet. Instead, I took a deep breath and said, "I know how we can settle this-we'll have a staring contest." I gave him a competitive look.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Lori?" Marisa asked.

"Trust me. I'm very good at staring contests," I told her. I've even beat some of my siblings at them before.

"Alright, then let the staring contest begin," Randy said.

So we began our staring contest. I tried my best to keep my eyes open without blinking. It seemed easy at first, but I didn't see Randy blink once. Randy was so good! My eyes started to hurt and get a little watery but I didn't want to lose this staring contest. Just then, I saw Randy's eye start to twitch and get a little watery too. That could mean that I'm winning. Randy couldn't seem to take it anymore so he blinked.

"Here, just take it!" he cried. He handed me the comic and ran out, bawling like a baby. I almost felt bad for him but at least I finally got Lincoln's present. Just then, my stomach started to growl. I was so busy with classes, studying and trying to find the perfect gift for Lincoln that I skipped breakfast and forgot to eat lunch.

"Hey, wanna go grab some lunch?" I asked.

"Sure, I could eat," said Marisa.

So I paid for the comic, exited the comic book store and stopped at the food court for a quick bite. I started to wolf down on my food. Marisa gave me a weird look. "Wow, you must be super hungry."

"I am," I said, before swallowing. "But I also want to wrap Lincoln's present, make it to his party on time and surprise him. I believe he's having it at Gus' Games And Grub."

"That's very sweet of you," she said. "But I never heard of Gus' Games And Grub."

"It's a pizza arcade," I told her.

"Cool." Marisa smiled at me.

"Well, I better go get some wrapping paper and a bow," I said.

So me and Marisa went to grab some wrapping paper. After we got our wrapping paper, we got into my car and drove back to campus. I headed to my dorm room and right when I was about to wrap Lincoln's present, I just remembered that it was time for me to go to my class. "Shoot," I muttered. So I frantically rushed to my class and I didn't care if people gave me weird looks or thought, 'man, she must be in a hurry' because I had a birthday party to get to and a present to wrap.

During class, I could barely pay attention. I couldn't help but think about Lincoln. I literally live three hours apart from Royal Woods. Will I even make it in time for his party? I tried to focus but I just couldn't, knowing I won't make it in time. I reminded myself to stay positive and hope I'll get lucky this time. I probably might since I'm really good at golf and I've been learning and studying a lot. Before class was over, I answered all the questions on my paper and quickly ran out of class. Thank goodness it was my final class for the day. Otherwise, I would never make it. I wrapped up Lincoln's present and headed outside. Then all of a sudden, I heard my friends say, "Hey, Lori! Wanna practice with us?"

I groaned. I knew I had to practice for the upcoming tournament. I really didn't wanna lose. But is winning a golf tournament really more important than my brother's birthday party?

"I would but I have a birthday party to get to," I said.

"That's probably why you have a gift in your hand," said Raj.

"Yes. It literally is. Now please let me leave so I can go to my brother's party."

"Oh, come on! A little bit of practice before you go won't hurt," said Ewan. "Plus we wanna beat Par College."

I quickly exhaled. "I'm sorry but I can't! My brother's birthday is way more important than winning a golf tournament. Goodbye!" Saying no to my friends wasn't easy but what was I gonna do? Be a yes girl? I already had a lot of classes to get to and had to get his present and some wrapping paper. Plus, I live three hours away from Royal Woods now. I didn't want any more delays.

I did a huff and jumped right into my car and started driving. I still have plenty of time , I thought to myself.

I took a deep breath as I calmly drove. Just then, I noticed that my car was almost out of gas! "Oh no!" I cried. I'll probably never make it in time for Lincoln's party with my car so low on gas. I hoped that I would find a gas station. Right before my eyes, I spotted a gas station. "Oh, thank goodness." Maybe I should get some coffee too while I'm at it , I thought. So I went into the store, bought myself some coffee and filled my car up with gas. "Perfect," I said. I hopped back in my car and got back on the road. I was hoping this would be the only delay for the night. I was starting to feel relaxed until I ran into a big line of traffic. "Are you flipping kidding me right now?!" I yelled. Then I let out a sigh and plopped my head down on the steering wheel, causing my horn to honk very loud. I took a deep breath, regretting that outburst. I didn't want to go on road rage or make a scene. All of a sudden, I heard my phone ring. I took one hand off of my steering wheel and picked up my phone. It was my Bobby Boo Boo Bear. I let out a groan and reluctantly answered. "Hi, Boo Boo Bear," I said glumly.

"Babe, is everything okay?" Bobby asked.

I let out a sigh. "No! Everything's literally not okay!" I exclaimed. "Lincoln's birthday is today and I was so busy with college that I forgot. And everyone has been asking me to hang out with them but I had to decline so I can wrap up his present!" I was almost on the verge of tears again.

"Oh, babe. I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. It sounds like college has gotten pretty stressful for you," Bobby said, sympathetically. "Huh, Babe?"

I let out a sniffle. "It is."

Bobby chuckled. "You know, if it makes you feel any better, working at the Mercado has gotten stressful for me."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I told Abuelo that I'd take over the night shift but it turns out it's not as easy as it seems. I barely got enough hours of sleep and I've been a bit cranky lately."

"Wow," I said. "That sounds even worse. I don't think I can handle working a night shift."

"Yeah. Don't try working night shifts," he said. "Night shifts are no good."

"I won't. I sure would never work a night shift in a million years." Me and Bobby both laughed for a moment then he asked, "Did you at least get him a nice present?"

"Yes. I did. I got him the very first issue of David Steele."

"I thought he liked Ace Savvy," Bobby said, sounding confused.

"Me too. But it seems that he outgrew the Ace Savvy phase," I said. "I remember that one time when me and my sisters teased him over his Ace Savvy costume. He sure looked ridiculous." I sure thought that was a funny memory but I don't think Lincoln did now that I think about it. Now I started to feel bad about teasing Lincoln for his costume back then. I definitely won't bring up embarrassing moments when I get to Lincoln's party because I would literally rather forget that memory. Just then, more not so good memories popped in my head. I remembered the time I yelled at Lincoln for stumbling into my room and threatening to turn him into a human pretzel. I also remembered the time I forced Lincoln into dating Ronnie Anne just to get back with Bobby and the time I took my anger out on Lincoln when Bobby and Ronnie Anne moved into Great Lakes City. My heart started to ache just remembering all those hurtful things I did to Lincoln. Just then, Bobby said, "Babe, are you still here?"

I choked back tears. "Yes, I'm still here," I said. "I was just remembering something."

"What did you remember?"

I sighed. "I've done a few mean things to Lincoln in the past. You remember the double date at Jean Juan's French Mex Buffet?"

"Yeah. What about it?"

"I forced Lincoln into dating your sister, Ronnie Anne after he made her cry and you broke up with me. I overreacted and took it out on him."

"That was a long time ago. At least we got back together and we've all forgiven each other. And to be honest, it was partially my fault. You had nothing to do with the incident with Ronnie Anne and Lincoln. It's just…my family has this thing where they don't want us dating someone who insults our relatives and I kinda took it a little too seriously."

"It's okay Boo Boo Bear," I said forgivingly. "But that wasn't the only time I was mean to him. I angrily kicked Lincoln out of my bedroom, and took my anger out on him when you and your sister moved to Great Lakes City!"

"But I saw you did nice things for your little bro too. Remember when you helped him get over his fear of going into the Royal Woods House Of Terror?"

"I did do that," I said, feeling a little less ashamed. "But it was mostly you who tried to help him."

"You were still very nice to him though. Even though me and Ronnie Anne never fought a lot, fighting and getting on each other's nerves is normal for siblings. My cousins are all siblings and they fight a LOT! Heck, me and my cousins fight sometimes too. But we all still love each other very much and I'm sure Lincoln still loves you too."

"I guess you're right," I said.

"And the only thing that matters is what's past is past. You did what you did and you can't change it. But you can always make up for it. Kinda like what you've done before and what you're doing right now."

I started to smile a little because I really have become a better person and that talking on the phone with my Boo Boo Bear distracts me from all the traffic. "You're right, Boo Boo Bear."

Just then, the cars started to move. "Yes!" I shouted. Then I started to feel embarrassed because I remembered that I was still on my call with Bobby. "Oh, gotta run. Traffic is starting to clear up and I still have a party to get to."

"Okay. Bye, babe," he said.

"Bye." I ended our call and continued on the road. Everything should be literally fine, I thought. Just then, I saw that I was heading towards some train tracks. I quickly stopped my car and saw a train go by. It was a long one. "Ugh! How long is this train gonna be?" I complained. The train was going on and on and on. It was taking forever. After what seemed like days, I saw the kaboose. The train was finally gone. "Thank you,"I said. I started to drive again and hoped that it would be the last distraction of the ride. Then I noticed that it was starting to get dark. I turned on my low beam headlights. Driving in the dark is literally very difficult but I knew I had to. After a while, I started to feel a little sleepy. When I reached a stop sign, I picked up my coffee and when I took a sip of it, my coffee was cold. "Oh, that's just great," I said. I was still getting tired so I took a long sip anyway. I looked both ways and crossed the road. Another whole hour has passed and so far, there weren't any obstacles. But then I saw that it was starting to get late. I better make it quick, I thought. I pressed harder on the gas pedal and drove faster. Just then, I heard loud sirens and saw red and blue lights flashing. It was a police car and it was coming towards me. I quickly pulled over and rolled down my window. The police came out and said, "Mam, have you been speeding?" I saw a speed limit sign that said 30 mph. Instead I was going 50 mph. Dang it. I could've caused a crash! "Yes. I was." I sighed.

"That's a speeding ticket," said the officer. So the officer gave me a speeding ticket.

"I wish I didn't speed up," I mumbled to myself.

"You have 30 days to pay."

"Yes, officer," I said. I knew I deserved it.

"Goodbye." The police officer drove off. I let out a huge sigh. This has literally been the worst day ever. I forgot my own brother's birthday, I got caught in a traffic jam, I had to sit through a long train, my coffee went cold, I got a speeding ticket and worst of all, I'm missing out on my brother's birthday party. I hoped that it wouldn't be over yet because I noticed that I was almost in Royal Woods. "Hey, maybe today wouldn't be a disaster after all," I said.

Ten minutes later, I was finally in Royal Woods! "Woo hoo!" I celebrated. I was getting close to Gus' Games And Grub. I have literally reached my destination! When I finally arrived at Gus' Games And Grub, I got out of my car, grabbed the present and walked inside. "Lincoln is going to be so surprised," I said. "I hope I'm not too-"

Just then, I noticed that Gus' Games And Grub was empty. There were empty baskets and pizza trays. Then I saw some torn decorations that had fallen down and balloons that had popped. No one was there. The only thing I saw was a man sweeping. "I-I missed it? I missed the…party?" My voice started to break and my eyes started to well up. I dropped down to my knees. "Noooooooooo!" I shouted. I burst into tears. I was wrong. This really has been the worst day. I was literally too late! "Why? Why me? WHY?" I sobbed. I bet Lincoln is really mad at me for not showing up. Then Gus, the manager of Gus' Games And Grub, walked up to me and said, "What are you doing? Gus' Games And Grub is about to close. You should leave." I picked myself up off the floor and wiped away my tears. "I was just about to," I said, sniffling. I walked out the door, trying to pull myself together. "I suppose I could drive to the house and still give him this present," I said. I sadly got into the car and drove to the Loud House. I felt a little better though because nothing takes away the stress like a good cry.

When I got there, I grabbed the present and came into the house. "Hello?" I called.

"Is that my Lori Lou?" said a voice. I knew who that was.

My dad came running and hugged me real tight. "My Lori Lou is here," he said, happy tears pouring out of his eyes.

"Yep. I'm here. I couldn't make it to Lincoln's party but I still have a gift to give," I said, not being able to breathe.

He let go of me. Then Gramps walked over. "Lori Loud, I didn't know you were coming to visit."

"Well, I tried to make it to Lincoln's party but I was so busy with college that I forgot and I experienced multiple delays on the way to Gus.' Then I missed the party. But I still have his present."

"Well, that's good," said Gramps.

"At least you tried to make it," Dad said.

"I see someone stopped by for a visit." Mom came walking in the living room.

"Hi, Mom. Yes. I'm here to see Lincoln for his birthday. Where is he, by the way?"

"Good question," said Dad.

"I saw him walking to his room, the last time I saw him," said Gramps.

"He must've been exhausted from all that spying," said Mom.

I started to feel sad all over again because I knew Lincoln was very hurt that I didn't show up at his party and that he wasn't okay.

"I have to go talk to him and give him his present," I said, stubbornly. I walked up the stairs and knocked on Lincoln's bedroom door. He didn't answer. "Lincoln, it's me, Lori, your big sister."

"Go away," I heard him say.

Go away? That was kinda harsh. It actually hurt me but I smiled and playfully said, "If I go away, then I'll have to return the present I got you."

"I don't want another present. Everyone else, actually, everyone who cares about me, got me presents so I think I got enough presents for tonight."

"But I do care about you," I said, trying to be nice.

"Really? You didn't show up at my party."

"Please, Lincoln," I begged. "Just let me in!"

"Ugh! Fine." He opened the door. He was in his pajamas, his face looked very grumpy and it looked like he had been crying.

"Lincoln, are you okay?" I asked, concerned.

"Do I look okay to you?"

I've never seen Lincoln being this hurt before. I started to feel hurt too. He sat back onto his bed. I came into his room and sat on his bed next to him.

"Lincoln, I'm literally so sorry I didn't make it to your party. I had a lot of studying to catch up on."

"So your studies are more important to you than your own brother's birthday party?"

"Well….no. I mean, I do want good grades and to win more golf tournaments but-"

"I knew it! You care about them more than you care about me!"

"Lincoln, if you would let me finish….." He looked at me and I exhaled. "You're my baby brother and I literally love you. It's not always easy being a college student. I've been dealing with a lot of pressure. Like classes, assignments, exams. All sorts of things. When I'm away, I miss you. Not just you but literally everyone in this family. I try hard to balance my time between college and family." I let out a sigh. "You have no idea what I've been through today. I wanted to surprise you at Gus' Games And Grub. I tried to make it. I really did. But I had to stop and get gas, then I got caught in a traffic jam, then there was this big train, I got a speeding ticket and to top it all off, I missed the whole thing!"

Lincoln's face started to become less upset. "Wow. It sounds like you went through a lot of trouble on the road."

"I literally did. I arrived at Gus' Games And Grub a little bit ago and when I got there, it was almost completely empty. I was devastated and to be honest, it was the worst feeling I've ever felt. I felt even worse than I did when Bobby moved away."

Lincoln sniffed and wiped away tears with his sleeve. Then to my surprise, he hugged me. "Thank you, Lori." His voice was cracked.

"There, there, little bro," I soothed. "It's okay." I gently stroked his hair and let his head rest in my chest. My tank started to dampen but I didn't care. All that mattered is that I finally got to see my little brother on his birthday. We held our hug for a few minutes until Lincoln let go.

"Are you ready to open your present now?" I wiped the tears off his face with my two thumbs.

"Yes. Yes I am."

Lincoln and I both walked downstairs.

"There you are, Lincoln," said Gramps.

Dad was in tears. "I overheard your conversation."

"You were listening to us this whole time?"

"Uh-huh. Your story really tugged on the heartstrings."

"Gets me every time," said Gramps. They both hugged each other and started bawling their eyes out.

I rolled my eyes and smiled, then I heard another voice. "Lori?" It was Leni! She ran downstairs and took a tumble. "I'm okay," she said.

I helped her up and she hugged me. "I missed you, Lori."

"I missed you too, Leni," I said.

We broke our hug and then Lynn came running down the stairs with a football.

"Think fast." She threw the football and it was coming towards me. I quickly caught the football.
"Thanks a lot," I said through gritted teeth.

"Lori, I didn't know you were coming."

"Well, I was going to go to Gus' to surprise him but I was literally too late."

Suddenly, I heard a guitar riff. I knew who that was. "Lori!" She walked down the stairs with her guitar. "Our big sister is here," she said in a singsong tone, slamming on her guitar.

"Yep, I'm here," I chuckled.

Then there was a stampede of my siblings running down the stairs, sounding happy to see me.

"Well, if it isn't Lori Loud?" said Lana.

"How is my dear eldest sibling?" asked Lisa.

"Well, I'm good. Except, I've been through a lot of trouble while driving back from Fairway and I missed Lincoln's party but I still got him a gift."

"It must've been a rough ride," Luan joked as she burst out laughing. Everyone groaned. I was the only one who didn't didn't groan. Instead I smiled because I actually missed Luan's bad puns as well.

"Well, when I'm away, I miss you guys. I know I visit you guys sometimes on weekends but it still doesn't feel the same."

Everyone gathered around me into a group hug. "I literally love you guys," I said before glancing at Lincoln. "Are you ready to open your present, Linc?"

"Am I?" he said, smiling. He sat down on the couch and I handed him the present. "Here you go."

Lincoln quickly opened the present. When he saw the first issue of David Steele I got for him, he smiled kind of funny.

"Don't you like it?" I asked

"I do like it…" It didn't really sound like he meant it. Dad came close to me and whispered in my ear, "You didn't tell me you got him the very first David Steele comic."

"What's wrong with that?" I whispered back.

"I…may… have already bought him the first issue of David Steele."

I couldn't believe my ears. Dad already bought him the very first issue of David Steele? Dang it.

Lincoln picked up his other identical David Steele comic, looked up at me and smiled. "Oh, Lori. You didn't have to get me anything," he said kindly.

I laughed. "Want me to return it?"

Author's note: Hey. It's L Fray. Two years ago, when I first watched this episode, I wondered why Lori wasn't here. I assumed she was probably at college. I did a voice call with one of my online friends and he was wondering the same thing so I drew a comic of a deleted scene I made up with Lori arriving at Gus' Games And Grub, only to discover that she missed the party. I also wrote a fanfiction to go with it after doing roleplays with friends on it and after watching the episode from the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Forever series, Memories And More, where Starlight Glimmer looks for a picture for Twilight's scrapbook which is also kind of like Starlight's side of The Last Problem. So this is all what made me come up with the idea of Lori telling her perspective in Present Danger.