Okay, so last time, Ronnie Anne has been feeling a bit down over Bobby and Lori moving out and making Ronnie Anne choose whether to go with them or stay with the Louds. In response, she started pulling a few pranks on her brother and Lori while dragging Lincoln along for the ride. Shortly afterward, Ronnie Anne ran off after a fight with Lori. Where did Ronnie Anne run off to? We shall see.

Once again, I would like to thank DukeyDukeyDoo and Mike The Red Engine for helping me proofread this chapter.

Chapter 25: Decisions And Reconciliations

Meanwhile...

[Lincoln was following Ronnie Anne's trail when he heard his cell phone ringing in his pocket. He picked up the phone and checked the caller ID before answering it.]

Lincoln: "Bobby?"

Bobby: "Lincoln? Did you find Ronnie Anne?"

Lincoln: "Not yet...unfortunately."

Bobby: "Okay... Then tell me, Lincoln... Why did you and Ronnie Anne come with Lori to Jean Juans?"

[With no other options, Lincoln thought it best to tell Bobby the truth.]

Lincoln: "Well... You see, Bobby... The thing is... Ronnie Anne and I...kinda pulled a bunch of pranks on you and Lori all week so you'd stop pestering us about this whole couple thing...at least that's what Ronnie Anne told me. Then Lori found out and decided to take us along as punishment...before everything escalated from there."

[After a brief pause, Bobby spoke on the other end of the line.]

Bobby: "Lincoln...you're my bro. H-how could you pull all those pranks on us? I could've froze to death in that lake..."

[Lincoln stopped and hung his head down in shame before he heard Bobby speak again.]

Bobby: "Did Ronnie Anne drag you into all of this?"

[Lincoln sighed.]

Lincoln: "Yes... I don't want to say this behind her back, but I think it might've had something to do with you and Lori moving out tomorrow."

[After a few seconds of silence, Lincoln heard Bobby speak again.]

Bobby: "Okay, well...when you find Ronnie Anne, tell her that I need to speak with her real soon."

Lincoln: "Will do, Bobby."

[With that, Bobby hung up. Lincoln kept running down the sidewalk until he ran into Liam and Zach, who were helping a passed out Rusty to his feet.]

Liam: "Howdy, Lincoln!"

Lincoln: "Guys, have you seen Ronnie Anne run through here?!"

Zach: "Yeah, we did...but she didn't stop to talk to us. She just ran by and shoved Rusty to the ground. He scraped his leg and passed out when he saw the blood."

Liam: "I don't know what done ticked 'er off like that, but if I had to guess, it might've had somethin' to do with that purty dress she was wearin'."

Lincoln: "You think you guys help me find her? I'm afraid that she might be in trouble."

[The two boys looked at each other before nodding at Lincoln.]

Liam: "Sure can, Linc."

Zach: "Yeah! We'll help you find Ronnie Anne."

Lincoln: "Thanks!"

[They then laid Rusty down on the grass.]

Liam: "We'll be right back, Rus!"

[With that, Liam and Zach followed Lincoln.]

Lincoln: "Ronnie Anne! Where are you?!"

Zach: "It's a big town here, Lincoln. She could be anywhere!"

Liam: "I reckon we could try lookin' for 'er at Ketcham Park. It's just a few minutes away."

Lincoln: "Great idea, Liam! I just hope she's alright!"

[As the three boys headed to the park, Lincoln couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was waiting for them.]

Meanwhile, at Ketcham Park...

[Ronnie Anne was sitting on a bench with her knees against her chest while tears and mascara ran down her face. The Latina then started thinking to herself.]

Ronnie Anne: What the hell is wrong with you, Ronnie Anne? Why did you have to say that to Lori? Stupid! Stupid! Estupido! Why did you have to be such a bitch?! Lincoln's never gonna speak to you again after this!

[As the tomboy continued to mentally beat herself up, she heard a familiar voice call out to her.]

"Hey, Santiago! What's with that girly dress you're wearing?!"

[Ronnie Anne turned her head to the source of the voice and saw that it was Chandler with two of his friends. The red-haired boy was wearing a smirk on his face as he stared at Ronnie Anne and her current apparel.]

Chandler: "Did you hear me?! I said what's with that dress, huh? You waiting for your boyfriend?"

[The two boys laughed as Ronnie Anne stifled the urge to slug the redhead right in the jaw.]

Ronnie Anne: "I have no idea what you're talking about. How about you and your friends just mind your own damn business and leave me alone! Okay?"

Chandler: "Oh, I would, but...there's just one problem... I never really forgot about what you and Larry did to me on Halloween almost two months ago."

Ronnie Anne: "First of all, his name is Lincoln! Secondly, what took you this long to finally come to finish the job? Huh?"

[Just then, the fat kid interrupted.]

Fat Kid: "I think she might have a point there..."

[Chandler quickly turned his head to the fat kid and pointed at him.]

Chandler: "Shut it! You're in no position to think here!"

[Chandler then looked back at Ronnie Anne and retained his smirk.]

Chandler: "Anyway, I just needed to bide my time...that's all."

[With that, Chandler snapped his fingers while his friends marched over to Ronnie Anne. The Hispanic girl got off the bench and tried to run, but Chandler's friends have caught up with the Latina before the fat kid held her by her shoulders. Chandler smirked at Ronnie Anne's lack of resistance and walked over to her.]

Chandler: "Why are you trying to run, Santiago? You chickening out? Whatever happened to that tough girl who beat up that nerd McBride months ago?"

Ronnie Anne: "I am not in the mood to take any shit from you! Now, shut up and let me go!"

[Chandler responded by tearing off a piece of Ronnie Anne's dress, leaving her left shoulder exposed.]

Chandler: "What's the matter, Ronnie Anne? You're not even gonna try to fight back?"

Ronnie Anne: "Stop it!"

[The boy in the red hoodie tore off another piece of Ronnie Anne's dress, exposing her left leg.]

Chandler: "Wow! I never thought I'd see the day when Ronnie Anne becomes a coward!"

[With that, Chandler raised his fist and punched Ronnie Anne in the stomach.]

Chandler: "You made me look like an idiot in front of all my friends! Do you feel proud of yourself?! Huh?! Do ya, punk?!"

[For each punch Ronnie Anne received, her heart ached as she kept flashing back to the times when her father punished her for doing about anything that he considered bad.]

Ronnie Anne: "Stop! Don't! I'll be good this time!"

Chandler: "You don't get to decide that! You and Larry have caused me enough trouble as it is! And now, I want payback!"

Ronnie Anne: "His name...is Lincoln!"

Chandler: "Like that even matters, you worthless girl! You're outnumbered, and your boyfriend's not around to save you now!"

Ronnie Anne: "He's...not...my...boyfriend!"

[The fat kid shoved Ronnie Anne to the ground before all three boys hovered over her.]

Chandler: "Yeah, right! Not so tough now, are you? You're just a weak little girl! And when I find Larry, my boys and I are gonna let him have what you're having! Okay, boys! Let's kick it!"

[With that, Chandler and his friends started kicking Ronnie Anne and laughing while Ronnie Anne held her head for comfort. This reminded her of an experience from at least a year ago at her old home, when she accidentally dropped a plate of food on the floor. That moment resulted in her father kicking her to the ground while her mother and brother watched in fear. It was a very painful memory for her and she wished she could just escape it.]

[Suddenly, the red-haired boy found himself being shoved sideways to the ground, causing his two cohorts to stop kicking Ronnie Anne and look over at their friend before getting attacked by Liam and Zach. Zach had his focus on the red-hoodie boy, while Liam wrestled the fat kid to the ground. Chandler then looked up and, to his surprise, saw Lincoln staring down at him with a look of anger on his face.]

Chandler: "L-Larry?"

[Lincoln responded by kicking his side.]

Lincoln: "SHUT UP! My name is Lincoln! And you better leave Ronnie Anne alone!"

Chandler: "Oh, so you wanna fight for her, do you?! You don't have the guts!"

Lincoln: "Try me, asshole! Come on! I'll take you all on!"

[Chandler's friend's looked at each other with eyes as did Liam and Zach. Chandler then got up and charged at Lincoln, but the white-haired boy simply dodged his attack and tackled him to the ground. Lincoln then started laying several punches to Chandler's face, leaving him with a bloody nose and a few bruises on his face while the other two boys watched in shock. When Lincoln was done, he started breathing heavily as he stood on his knees.]

Lincoln: "You're DONE, Chandler! Do you hear me?! FINISHED! You will never lay a hand on my friend ever again!"

Chandler: "What are you gonna do to me?"

Lincoln: "Nothing for now..."

[Lincoln stood up before grabbing Chandler by the collar and staring into his eyes.]

Lincoln: "But I want you and your friends to get out of here! Right now! Stay away from Ronnie Anne and me! And if I ever see you hurting her again, I swear to God, I will squeeze your balls so hard, they'll go POP! GOT IT?! NOW GET LOST!"

[Having little options and with that last word being yelled so loud by Lincoln, Chandler nodded and got up before running to the nearest exit of the park while his two friends hastily followed suit. Lincoln then took a few deep breaths and looked over at Ronnie Anne, who was still lying down on the ground shaking with tears.]

Lincoln: "Ronnie Anne? Are you alright?"

[Lincoln slowly walked over to Ronnie Anne and tried to put his hand on her shoulder, but the Hispanic girl just grabbed it before looking up at Lincoln with her tear-stricken face.]

Ronnie Anne: "Leave me alone, Lincoln! I don't need your help!"

Lincoln: "Woah! Ronnie Anne! Shh-shh-shh! It's okay! He's not gonna hurt you ever again."

[Ronnie Anne kept staring at Lincoln with a mix of anger and sadness.]

Ronnie Anne: "Why do you care?! You were never meant to meet me there in the first place either! You should've just LET him hurt me!"

[Ronnie Anne kept breathing until she let go of Lincoln's wrist. She then buried her face in Lincoln's shirt before weeping on it. Liam and Zach simply looked at each other.]

Liam: "I reckon we best leave them two some space."

Zach: "Yeah... We better go see how Rusty's doing."

[With that, Liam and Zach walked away as Lincoln brought Ronnie Anne back to her feet and helped her back to the bench. As soon as they both sat down, the white-haired boy wrapped his arm around Ronnie Anne as she continued crying.]

Ronnie Anne: "Why did you have to g...go all this way here? I'm hideous! I'm...I'm just a...walking disaster...waiting to happen for...EVERYONE!"

[With that, Ronnie Anne continued sobbing. Despite her recent actions days ago, Lincoln felt sorry for his friend and let her cry on his shirt.]

Lincoln: "I...I was really worried about you, Ronnie Anne. Who knows what Chandler would've done if I didn't show up!"

Ronnie Anne: "Maybe I deserved that! Maybe I needed to be punished for what I did to Bobby...and your sister!"

Lincoln: "Don't say that!"

Ronnie Anne: "I don't want to lose any of you guys. I hardly have any family left. My father pushed me and Bobby around like objects and almost got me killed, then my mother had to go and get herself killed by that very same asshole! And now your sister and my brother are making me choose between them...and you."

[Lincoln then put has hand on Ronnie Anne's shoulder as she cried.]

Ronnie Anne: "I should've just died back in Fernville."

[Lincoln felt pale at such a horrible thought.]

Lincoln: "No! You don't really mean that, do you?"

Ronnie Anne: "That's what I've been thinking about since I got here. Lori says I'm nothing but a problem child... Maybe she's right."

[Lincoln made a face and turned the Hispanic girl's head to face him.]

Lincoln: "You think you're the only one who's upset about this? Lori's the only one of my sisters that can keep every one of us in line! I couldn't take charge of them after the Sibling Revolution of 2016, and I don't even know if Leni and Luna are even capable of doing so."

[Ronnie Anne looked into Lincoln's eyes and felt guilty for trying to push him away. Lincoln then started to tear up before weeping on Ronnie Anne's ruined dress.]

Lincoln: "I don't want my family to fall apart again."

[Lincoln then laid his head on Ronnie Anne's as the Hispanic girl put her hands on his head and rubbed his scalp.]

Ronnie Anne: "What am I going to do with you, Lincoln?"

[After about a couple of minutes, Lincoln and Ronnie Anne finally ran out of tears.]

Ronnie Anne: "You better give Bobby a call. He's probably looking all over for me."

[Lincoln nodded and took his phone out of his pocket before dialing Bobby's phone number. After a couple of beeps, Lincoln heard Bobby's voice from the other end.]

Bobby: "Lincoln, have you found Ronnie Anne yet?"

Lincoln: "Yeah, Bobby. I'm waiting with her at Ketcham Park."

Bobby: "Oh, thank God, bro. Can you put her on the line for me?"

[Lincoln nodded and moved his phone to Ronnie Anne, who answered.]

Ronnie Anne: "H-Hey, Bobby."

Bobby: "Oh, thank God you're alright! How are you feeling?!"

Ronnie Anne: "I've been better."

Bobby: "Okay. Lori and I will be coming over to pick you and Lincoln up. We'll be there in about five minutes or so."

Ronnie Anne: "Thanks, Bro."

[Bobby hung up before Lincoln looked at Ronnie Anne, who let out a sigh.]

Ronnie Anne: "I don't think he's gonna be happy when he sees me like this."

Lincoln: "You'll be okay, Ronnie Anne."

[With that, Lincoln gave Ronnie Anne a kiss on her forehead before the Latina laid her head on his shoulder. After about five minutes, Bobby and Lori arrived in their SUV. Bobby was doing the driving while Lori sat beside him with mascara stains on her face. When Bobby took a good look at his sister, he was incredibly shocked to see her in such a rough shape.]

Bobby: "Dios mio... What happened to her?!"

[Ronnie Anne didn't say anything, prompting Lincoln to speak up.]

Lincoln: "Chandler happened... He and his friends were bullying Ronnie Anne, but I chased them off and saved her. I guess he must've wanted payback for that prank we pulled on him last Halloween."

[Bobby sighed and unlocked the back doors before Lincoln helped Ronnie Anne into the second row seats and followed suit. Bobby then locked the doors and drove with his girlfriend and their siblings back towards the Loud house.]

[The drive was silent until they were halfway home. Bobby sighed as he looked at his sister through the windshield mirror.]

Bobby: "Ronalda Andrea Santiago...I'm really disappointed in you. I want to punish you for your behavior, but considering what Chandler did to you, I think that would be totally unfair to do so. You should be thankful Lincoln was there for you."

Ronnie Anne: "I'm...sorry, Bobby. I don't know what came over me."

Bobby: "Don't apologize to me, Ronnie Anne. Apologize to Lori...please."

[Ronnie Anne took a deep breath.]

Ronnie Anne: "Lori...? I'm really sorry for sabotaging your dates. I...I actually wanted to back out of the sleigh ride fiasco, but I guess fate wouldn't allow it. I wanted to apologize to you at the restaurant, but after seeing you dump the bowl of guac on Lincoln...I just lost control of my emotions. It must've reminded me of my father."

[Lori felt her heart sink when she heard those words. Ronnie Anne's voice started choking up as she continued talking to her.]

Ronnie Anne: "I get that your...extremely upset at me...and that you want nothing to do with me after all those...horrible things I said, but I never meant any of it. I screwed up big time, and you have every right to hate me. Because I really AM a problem child."

[Ronnie Anne then laid her head against Lincoln as she cried again. Bobby looked at his sister with a worried expression on his face.]

Lincoln: "Maybe we should just give them some time, Bobby."

[Bobby sighed.]

Bobby: "Good idea, bro."

[Bobby then looked at his sister through the mirror again.]

Bobby: "Ronnie Anne... We'll talk more about this when we get back home."

[After about fifteen minutes of driving, the group finally arrived back at the Loud House. Bobby got out first and helped Lori out of her seat before letting their siblings out as well. Soon after walking back into the house, Bobby told Lincoln to take Ronnie Anne up to his room. Bobby then guided his girlfriend up the stairs and into her room before helping her to bed and leaving the room to talk to Ronnie Anne.]

[As Bobby approached the door to Lincoln's room, he could hear Ronnie Anne sniffling from the other side and Lincoln trying to calm her down.]

Ronnie Anne: "I'm sorry, Lincoln... Maybe I should've just told them how I feel about this...decision."

Lincoln: "I know you are, Ronnie Anne... I've already accepted your apology minutes ago."

Ronnie Anne: "I just don't know what to do... I don't want to leave you, but I don't want to be away from Bobby either."

[Ronnie Anne groaned.]

Ronnie Anne: "Why did it have to be so difficult?"

[After hearing their conversation, Bobby thought to himself for a moment. He didn't realize how stressed his sister was about him and Lori moving out. She liked the Loud family a lot, especially Lincoln. The Hispanic teen took a deep breath and knocked on Lincoln's door.]

Bobby: "Lincoln? Ronnie Anne?"

[Bobby opened the door slowly before peeking into the room. He saw that Ronnie Anne had taken off her dress and was now wearing one of Lincoln's shirts.]

Bobby: "Hey, lil' Loud? Can I talk to Ronnie Anne for a bit? I won't be too long."

[Lincoln took one look at Ronnie Anne before nodding at her brother.]

Lincoln: "I'll be out in just a second, Bobby."

[Lincoln looked back at Ronnie Anne and told her what she had to do.]

Lincoln: "Ronnie Anne...? I think it's time..."

[Knowing full well what he meant, Ronnie Anne gave Lincoln a nod before the white-haired boy got off the bed and walked out of the room. Bobby in turn walked in and shut the door behind him before sitting on the bed with his sister.]

Bobby: "Ronnie Anne, why have you been pulling pranks on me and Lori all this week? I know you like to prank me a lot in the past, but why did you have to go and do it to Lori as well? Just tell me the truth."

[With no other choice, Ronnie Anne took a deep breath and told her brother what she had to say.]

Ronnie Anne: "You and Lori kept calling me and Lincoln a couple and it was driving us crazy."

Bobby: "Is that the only reason?"

[Bobby looked down at his sister as if trying to see into her mind. Ronnie Anne looked down again before she spoke.]

Ronnie Anne: "Okay... It's mostly about the move. You and Lori want me to choose between you and Lincoln. It's just not fair."

Bobby: "I thought so..."

[Bobby put his arm around his sister.]

Bobby: "Nie-nie... Do you know why I love Lori so much?"

Ronnie Anne: "Because you left brownies in her locker? Or was it because of what Lori said?"

Bobby: "And what did she say?"

Ronnie Anne: "That you two were literally meant to be."

Bobby: "Something like that, but... There's also another reason."

Ronnie Anne: "What do you mean by that?"

Bobby: "Well... Lori and I both have a lot in common. But do you know what I love the most about her?"

Ronnie Anne: "Besides talking on your phones all day?"

Bobby: "She knows how to look after her siblings. Just like I do with you... And now she and I are gonna have someone else to love in our lives soon."

[Ronnie Anne looked down at the floor again, feeling more guilty.]

Bobby: "By the way, have I told you about the time I first started hanging out with Lincoln?"

Ronnie Anne: "You mean how you became bros?"

Bobby: "You could say that."

[Ronnie Anne sighed and rolled her eyes. She seemed to recall a time months ago when Bobby mentioned Lincoln as his bro for the first time. It was a week after she came home from Gus' Games and Grub after Lincoln's misadventure at the Sadie Hawkins dance at Royal Woods Elementary. Bobby wouldn't stop talking about the time he and Lincoln spent at A-Truck-Calypse Now.]

Bobby: "I've been thinking about it for months ever since you and I moved in with the Louds. I thought that you and Lori would have some things in common like me and Lincoln. Like maybe..."

Ronnie Anne: "Like maybe she could be the sister I never had?"

Bobby: "How did you guess?"

Ronnie Anne: "You told me the same thing about you and Lincoln months ago."

Bobby: "Yes, well, I thought that maybe... Just maybe that she could complete you, just like me and Lincoln. Except nowadays, I don't think Lincoln's the only thing that completes me."

[Ronnie Anne groaned. She had a pretty good idea of what her brother meant, but she was still a little sad.]

Bobby: "By the way... I heard what you said in the car...and I am appalled that you would think Lori's like our father."

Ronnie Anne: "I guess I wasn't thinking at all...and I'm sorry... I should've worded that better."

[Bobby sighed and pulled his sister closer to him.]

Bobby: "Look... I know Lori might have her flaws, but she's still a human being, and she loves her family very much. Our father, on the other hand, was nothing but a callous, selfish, manipulative, serpiente. You understand, don't you?"

[Ronnie Anne nodded as another tear rolled down her cheek.]

Ronnie Anne: "What difference does it make, Bobby? You've protected me ever since I was three years old, but Lincoln and his family have been keeping us safe in their home ever since our father went crazy. I can't believe I have to let one of you go."

Bobby: "Nie-nie... I know this is really hard for you. But things are changing now and you need to make a decision by tomorrow night. You can come live with me, Lori and the baby... Or you can stay with Lincoln and be a part of his family... Whatever you decide or choose to do, I'll understand. Besides, it's not like Lori and I are moving out of town."

[Ronnie Anne looked up at her brother.]

Ronnie Anne: "I guess. But it's still kinda sad."

Bobby: "Well, I better give you until bedtime to think it over... Okay? I'm just gonna see how Lori's doing."

[Ronnie Anne nodded before Bobby tousled her hair and stood up. The Latino teen was about to head out of the room when his sister spoke up again.]

Ronnie Anne: "Bobby?"

Bobby: "Yes?"

Ronnie Anne: "What happened at the winter festival...I actually wanted to back out of it."

[Bobby gave Ronnie Anne a small smile and headed out of the room, leaving the tomboy to think things over. Almost immediately, Lincoln walked back into his room to see how Ronnie Anne was doing. He walked over to his bed and sat on it next to the Hispanic tomboy.]

Lincoln: "So, what'd he tell you?"

Ronnie Anne: "He's gonna let me come to a decision before tomorrow. So I think I have plenty of time to figure out what I'm gonna do before then."

Lincoln: "Well, Ronnie Anne... Whatever you decide to do, me and my sisters will be there for you...always."

Ronnie Anne: "Even if I'm far away?"

Lincoln: "Of course."

Ronnie Anne: "Thanks, Lame-O. I appreciate that."

Lincoln: "Anytime, Ronnie."

[With that, Ronnie Anne leaned her head on Lincoln's shoulder and closed her eyes. She felt a little better after talking with her brother...but she was still somewhat worried about what tomorrow might bring.]

A few minutes earlier in Lori and Leni's room...

[After Bobby left the room, Leni noticed something was wrong with her older sister and spoke to her.]

Leni: "Hey, Lori... What's the matter?"

Lori: "Why doesn't she like me?"

Leni: "Like, who are you talking about?"

Lori: "Ronnie Anne... She told me she wanted to get far away from me."

Leni: "Ouch... That's kind of a harsh thing to say."

Lori: "But, what did I ever do to make her so mad? Was it because I dumped that guacamole on Lincoln? I just wanted all four of us to have a good time before Bobby and I move out..."

[Leni then got out of her bed and sat on the edge of Lori's before putting her hand on her forehead.]

Leni: "Uhhh... This isn't really my department, but...maybe you're making Ronnie Anne choose between Bobby and Lincoln about the move?"

[Lori's eyes widened when she heard what Leni had just said.]

Lori: "How did you know about that?"

Leni: "Let's just say she told me and Lola about it while we were getting her dressed then I guess word spread to our other sisters."

[Lori looked down, feeling a little guilty. Part of her was still upset that her plans were ruined, but another part of her wished she could just take back what she did to Ronnie Anne and Lincoln back at Jean-Juan's. Leni kept her gaze at her older sister and spoke again.]

Leni: "Look...I'm not like, trying to side against you in any way and I'm no therapist, but maybe you should stop to consider what Ronnie Anne thinks about this new change."

[Lori thought for a moment and started to feel even more guilty.]

Lori: "Do you really think that's how she feels about this whole thing?"

Leni: "I'm not sure, but it's possible. Maybe you could ask Ronnie Anne about it?"

Lori: "I don't know, Leni. I still feel a bit scared about what she said to me. I don't really feel like bothering her right now. She told me in the car that my behavior at the restaurant...reminded her of...him."

Leni: "Who?"

[Lori gave Leni a deadpanned look before saying one word to her through gritted teeth.]

Lori: "Alex."

Leni: "Oh... Did she really say that?"

[Lori nodded.]

Leni: "That's, like, WAY too harsh!"

Lori: "But, what if she's right, Leni? I'm supposed to be a responsible adult and I acted out in public like some crazy person. How am I literally supposed to be a good mother if I can't keep my anger in check?"

[With that, Lori buried her face in her hands and she cried again. Leni felt bad for her older sister, but she didn't know what else to say, so she said nothing. Just then, the door creaked open and Bobby looked into the room. Lori stopped crying and looked over at her boyfriend.]

Bobby: "Babe? Are you feeling okay?"

[Lori stopped crying and let out a sniffle.]

Lori: "I don't know."

[Bobby walked into the room looked at Leni.]

Bobby: "Leni, could you give us some space? I'd like to try and make Lori feel better."

Leni: "Okay, Bobby. I hope you do better than me."

[With that, Leni stood up and left the room. Bobby then sat beside his girlfriend on her bed before pulling her close to him]

Bobby: "I spoke to Ronnie Anne...and she told me everything."

Lori: "What did she say?"

Bobby: "She's just afraid of choosing between us or Lincoln when we move out. I want my family to be complete, but I don't want to force Ronnie Anne into coming with us if she doesn't want to."

[It took Lori a few seconds to process what her boyfriend just said.]

Lori: "I...I kinda figured. I just never realized how scared she was about this whole thing... Maybe Leni's right..."

[Lori's tears started coming back as she thought back to that moment at Jean Juan's. She then covered her face and cried again.]

Lori: "I'm so scared, Boo-Boo Bear. Why did I have to provoke her like that?"

[Lori then leaned against her boyfriend and let the tears flow on his shirt.]

Lori: "What is wrong with me...? I never meant to do that to her! I'm so sorry!"

[Bobby rubbed his girlfriend's blonde hair as she cried.]

Bobby: "I know you are, babe...and so is Ronnie Anne. She told me about what happened at the festival."

Lori: "Oh, Bobby... I just wanted to protect you both. I just wanted all four of us to be a perfect family."

Bobby: "I know, Babe. I want that too... But you know this world isn't perfect."

Lori: "But I don't want your sister to think I'm a bad person. Ronnie Anne told me that my behavior reminded me of..."

[Before Lori could finish her sentence, Bobby turned to face her and put his finger on the blonde's lips.]

Bobby: "Lori, If I know my father, he's nothing but a horrid, controlling, excuse of a man. But you..."

[Bobby then stared into Lori beautiful eyes and wiped away her tears.]

Bobby: "You might not be perfect, but you're still that sweet, caring young woman I started dating last year...and I wouldn't want anyone else but you."

[Lori blushed and gave her boyfriend a small but loving smile.]

Lori: "Oh, Boo-Boo Bear, you're so sweet... I literally don't deserve you."

[Bobby then leaned forward and kissed his girlfriend on the lips.]

Bobby: "It'll be okay, Lori...I promise."

[Bobby then laid down with Lori in her bed while she wrapped her arms around him like a body pillow. Lori needed comfort after what happened. However, after learning about Ronnie Anne's dilemma, it was now clear that Lori had a lot to think about.]

Dream...

[Lori woke up in bed, only to find that there was no sign of Bobby or Leni anywhere. What worried her was that her stomach was normal...no sign of her baby bump whatsoever. She began to feel some sort of anxiety as she was no longer expecting.]

Lori: "Where's...my baby?"

[Just then, she heard a knock outside her door.]

Lori: "Hello?"

[Lori got out of her bed and walked over to the door. She opened it and saw no one there...she then looked left and right to see that the usual upstairs hallway was longer than it originally was while missing the stairway downstairs and the other doors...all except for Lincoln's room. Feeling an icy sense of fear in her chest, she slowly walked out of her room and towards the door. After walking down the hallway for what seemed like an eternity, Lori approached the door and opened it. To her horror, Lori let out a scream when she saw Bobby and Lincoln on the bed, lifeless and covered in blood while their mouths were sewn shut. And standing right next to them was Ronnie Anne holding a knife. The girl then looked over at Lori with a wicked smirk on her face, revealing sharp teeth.]

Ronnie Anne: "Hola, Lori."

Lori: "What is this?! What have you done to them?!"

Ronnie Anne: "Who says I can't have my brother AND yours? They're mine now and not yours!"

Lori: "What?"

Ronnie Anne: "You wanted me to choose...and then you left me to die! You FUCKING left me to die! You're just as thoughtless as my father!"

Lori: "You don't have to do this, Ronnie Anne!"

[Ronnie Anne yelled out so loud, it almost deafened Lori.]

Ronnie Anne: "YOU CAN NEVER TEAR ME FROM MY BROTHER AND LINCOLN AGAIN!"

[With that, Ronnie Anne ran towards Lori with her knife raised. Lori yelled out and turned around to see that the bathroom door was now visible, prompting her to run towards it. Halfway through the hall, Lori took a brief look back and saw Ronnie Anne chasing after her...along with Bobby and Lincoln's reanimated corpses. Lori ran into the bathroom, slammed the door shut and locked it before leaning her back against it. As she heard the banging on the other side of the door, she walked over to the mirror. She looked into the mirror only to find a familiar figure in the reflection...a figure that sent chills down her spine.]

Alex: "Looks like we're not so indifferent after all... Eh, puta?!"

[Just then, Alex laughed and reached his hand through the reflection like a portal. Lori screamed in absolute terror before making her way back to the door. She leaned her back against the door again and slid down to the floor as she saw Alex go out of the mirror and into the bathroom. The big man walked slowly towards Lori as the frightened blonde curled up in a fetal position.]

Lori: "Please...don't hurt me..."

Alex: "Look at you! You keep telling yourself you're responsible, but you can't protect anyone! You're just a self-centered, hypocritical, pathetic little slut! And I'm gonna do what I should've done to you months ago!"

[When Alex was right in front of Lori, he violently grabbed her neck and lifted her to her feet. All Lori could do now was close her eyes and wait until the pain was all over.]

Lori: "Somebody... Help me..."

[When Lori was almost out of breath, Alex stopped as he felt something sharp go right through his chest before disappearing in five seconds. Lori then slid back down to the floor, and looked up to see someone that she hadn't seen since staying at Bobby's old house.]

Lori: "Mrs. Santiago?"

[The woman looked down at Lori and extended her hand to her.]

Lydia: "Lydia...please... Take my hand if you want to be safe."

[Lori eagerly accepted Lydia's hand before the woman guided her to an unfamiliar doorway which led to a room consisting of nothing but light.]

Lori: "What is this place?"

Lydia: "This is my purgatory, Lori. I know that Alejandro's in jail now, but that doesn't fully satisfy me. He took me away from mi niños...and I won't stop until he gets what he truly deserves."

Lori: "I know you're upset, Lydia... Alex is a monster and a liar..."

Lydia: "Exactly... But enough about him, let's talk about you. Do you know why Ronnie Anne was chasing you like that?"

Lori: "She was incredibly upset at me because I wanted to move out with her and Bobby. Then she got herself attacked by one of her classmates at the park. I feel like I led her to get hurt just like how my dad did to me months ago."

[Lori's face crumbled before she buried it in her hands and sobbed.]

Lori: "I'm supposed to take care of your children! But I just put your daughter in harm's way! I'm so sorry! I failed as a caretaker and I'm probably gonna fail as a mother as well! Maybe there's something wrong with me."

[Lydia simply walked over to the blonde girl and put her hands on her shoulders reassuringly before looking into her eyes.]

Lydia: "Lori... It's not your fault. But whatever her decision will be, I know that you'll accept it no matter what."

Lori: "But, what am I supposed to do? Ronnie Anne's still upset over this whole moving plan."

Lydia: "Maybe you can try bonding with her. Try taking her somewhere that she really likes. I know she was sore at you, but she still likes you as a friend."

[Lori thought for a moment.]

Lori: "I guess I could try."

Lydia: "And by the way...what you said about failing as a mother...that is where you are wrong. I know that you'll be a great madre."

[Lori perked up upon hearing those words before walking over to Lydia and giving her a hug.]

Lori: "Thanks, Mrs- I mean, Lydia."

[Lydia slowly wrapped her own arms around Lori and hugged her back.]

Lydia: "It's my pleasure, Lori. You just take good care of my son and grandson."

Lori: "You know I will. I promise."

[Lori then broke the hug and went back into bed before seeing the woman walk away. As Lori closed her eyes, she could hear a voice calling her name.]

"Lori? Lori?"

The next day...

"Lori?"

[Lori opened her eyes and saw her sister and roommate staring down at her. She then looked at the clock to see that it was 7:00 A.M. before turning to look at her boyfriend waking up beside her. Then she looked at Leni again.]

Lori: "Leni? What are you doing up so early?"

Leni: "Oh! We're planning your baby shower and going away party this evening. But I'm not supposed to tell you that, because it's gonna be a surprise."

[Lori stared at her sister with a deadpanned look while Bobby groaned and slapped his own hand on his face. Leni had just spoiled another surprise.]

Lori: "Thank you for telling me, Leni. I will try to at least pretend to be surprised."

Bobby: "Yeah, we better not let the others know about it."

Leni: "Oh...right. Well, how about we go to the mall? Just you, me and Bobby?"

Lori: "Maybe just me and Bobby. You just stay here and prepare for us... Just don't tell anyone you told me...please."

Leni: "Got it!"

[Lori followed Leni out of the room and down the stairs. Leni then called out to her parents, who were just about awake in their room.]

Lori: "Mom! Dad! Bobby and I are going to the mall!"

Rita: "Okay, honey! You two enjoy yourselves!"

[Lori and Bobby went out the door and walked to their SUV. Lori took the wheel while Bobby sat next to her in the passenger seat. Lori was just about to drive away when she thought of something. Bobby noticed this and started to ask her.]

Bobby: "Babe...? Is something the matter?"

Lori: "I just had a thought."

Bobby: "What is it?"

Lori: "Maybe we should bring Ronnie Anne with us."

Bobby: "I don't know about that, babe. She might not be in any mood to go anywhere after what happened yesterday."

Lori: "I know! I...I just want to clear the air with her. I'm the one that acted immature at Jean-Juans, and I want to make things right with her before it's too late."

[Bobby sighed.]

Bobby: "I'll go see if she wants to come."

[Bobby and got out of the SUV before walking back into the house. After about five minutes, Bobby came back outside with Ronnie Anne and Lincoln following him. The Latina had her hoodie over her head and her hands in her pockets as she followed her brother to the SUV while Lincoln trailed behind. Lori could see that Ronnie Anne was still feeling down. Bobby sat in the second row seats with Ronnie Anne and Lincoln before Lori started up the SUV and drove her brother, sister and the Santiagos to the mall.]

[On the way to the mall, Lori stopped at a red light. Lori looked at her brother through the mirror.]

Lori: "So...Lincoln... Why do you want to come with us?"

Lincoln: "I'm just here with Ronnie Anne for moral and emotional support."

Lori: "I understand, Lincoln... Look...I'm sorry about what happened last evening. I guess Miss Perfect was acting up again...and my mood swings weren't much help either. Look, I don't blame you if you're angry at me for my behavior, but I just hope we can all have a pleasant time at the mall."

[Lincoln looked down, trying to find the right response.]

Lincoln: "I forgive you, Lori."

Lori: "Really?"

Lincoln: "Yeah... I think so."

[Lori felt a little bit relieved, but she still felt she let her only brother down. Just then, the light turned green, and the group was on their way again.]

[When they arrived at the mall, Lori searched around for a good parking place. Once they have, Bobby got out first and let his girlfriend out of her seat before letting Lincoln and Ronnie Anne out as well. The group then walked across the parking lot and into the mall.]

[After a few minutes of walking, a certain store owner called out.]

"Hey, kid!"

[They all turned and saw Flip running a Flippee stand with his arms crossed and a frown on his face. Ronnie Anne just remembered that she forgot to bring him back the wheelbarrow that she and Lincoln borrowed from him two days ago. She sighed and slowly walked over to the store owner.]

Ronnie Anne: "Hey, Flip. How are things at the store?"

[Flip was quite unfazed by Ronnie Anne's attempts to change the subject.]

Flip: "Y'know, kid...I'm not happy with you."

Ronnie Anne: "I can see why, Flip. I know I was supposed to honor my end of the deal, but I was going through a bit of a crisis and-"

Flip: "Cut the crap, will ya? I asked you to do one simple task, and ya didn't even follow through. That's all she wrote."

Ronnie Anne: "Right... So, how much do I owe you?"

[Flip started to ponder for a few seconds before looking down at the Hispanic girl.]

Flip: "About three-thousand dollars plus interest."

Ronnie Anne: "What?! Three-thousand dollars for an old wheelbarrow?! That's highway robbery right there!"

Flip: "Well, then it looks like you're up Ol' Flip's creek without a paddle...or a Flippee. Should've brought back my wheelbarrow when you've had the chance."

[Feeling appalled by Flip's price, Lori stepped in to do something about it.]

Lori: "Hold on a second! You're literally charging this little girl three-thousand dollars for a rusty old wheelbarrow? This girl has been through more hell than you! So you're either gonna to show her a little compassion...or else!"

[Flip started to shake as Lori glared him down.]

Flip: "Okay, lady! I'll just lower the price to a thousand and five-hundred. How's that sound?"

Lori: "That's still not good enough! Can't you settle for just five-hundred?!"

Flip: "Hey! I still need money to get a new Flippee machine! A thousand two-hundred and fifty!"

Lori: "Seven-hundred and fifty!"

Flip: "One grand! That's my final offer."

[Lori sighed and reached into her purse. She then pulled out a thousand dollars with interest before handing it over to Flip.]

Lori: "Does this cover your wheelbarrow?"

[Flip carefully tallied the cash to see if Lori provided enough.]

Flip: "All right, all right! A deal's a deal! Now get going! All of ya!"

[Flip then shrugged and put the money in his pocket before looking down at Ronnie Anne again.]

Flip: "Yer off the hook for now, kid. But the next time ya wanna borrow somethin' from me, don't forget your end of the bargain. Capisce?"

[Ronnie Anne sighed. Then she and the others continued on their way. As they walked through the mall, Lori noticed that Ronnie Anne was still feeling down.]

Lori: "What's the matter, Ronnie Anne?"

Ronnie Anne: "I...I have to use the bathroom."

Lincoln: "I think I'd better go with her. You guys keep going. We'll catch up."

Lori: "Okay, Lincoln. Just don't take too long. When you're done, meet us at the food court."

Lincoln: "Got it."

[With that, Lincoln took Ronnie Anne to the restrooms while Lori and Bobby continued on their way. Lori then took one last glance at Lincoln and Ronnie Anne as she walked beside Bobby.]

Later, at the food court...

[Lori and Bobby had been waiting at the food court for fifteen minutes, but there was still no sign of Lincoln or Ronnie Anne anywhere. Lori started to worry, which was noticed by Bobby.]

Lori: "It has literally been fifteen minutes! You think Ronnie Anne's still upset at me?"

Bobby: "I'm just as worried as you are. But at least she's got Lincoln watching over her."

[Lori sighed and got out of her chair.]

Lori: "Could you wait right here, Boo-Boo Bear? I need to see if she's okay."

Bobby: "Okay, Babe."

[Lori started to walk away, but Bobby grabbed her hand.]

Bobby: "Wait!"

[Lori turned around in surprise, only to be met with a small kiss to her lips.]

Bobby: "Just a little something for good luck."

[Lori blushed before walking out of the food court.]

Lori: "Love you!"

[When she arrived outside the restrooms, she saw Lincoln waiting by the door leading to the girl's room.]

Lori: "Lincoln... How's Ronnie Anne doing?"

[Lincoln sighed.]

Lincoln: "I don't know, Lori. She hasn't come out of there in a while. I tried knocking on the door, but I didn't get any response. I wish I could go in there and check on her, but I don't want to risk looking like a peeping Tom."

Lori: "That's fine, Lincoln. I'll see if I can do something about it."

[With that, Lori approached the door to the girl's bathroom. She took a deep breath and opened the door before walking in. She then approached the stalls and knocked on a few of them until she heard a familiar voice come out of one of them.]

Ronnie Anne: "Ocupado. Occupied."

[Lori took a deep breath and spoke.]

Lori: "Ronnie Anne?"

Ronnie Anne: "What do you want?"

Lori: "Can you come out of there?"

Ronnie Anne: "I don't feel like it."

Lori: "Well, can I at least come in?"

[Ronnie Anne sighed.]

Ronnie Anne: "Fine."

[Lori opened the door and walked into the stall.]

Lori: "Hey... This is...a pretty awkward situation here."

[Lori let out a small chuckle, which didn't seem to phase Ronnie Anne.]

Ronnie Anne: "Why do you want to see me? Haven't I done enough damage to you and Bobby?"

Lori: "Listen...I know why you pulled all of those pranks on us. Bobby told me everything about it. To be honest, the only reason why we teased you and Lincoln was because we love you both. We just wanted you two to look out for each other when times get tough..."

Ronnie Anne: "I know...Bobby told me last night."

Lori: "But I guess I was a little selfish by not thinking about what you would want."

Ronnie Anne: "What difference does it make? I'm just a problem child...an insignificant rebel who only makes things worse to those around her."

[Lori put her arm around Ronnie Anne and brought her closer to her.]

Lori: "You are not a problem child, Ronnie Anne. You're just a misunderstood girl, that's all. You've literally been through a lot before you met us."

[Ronnie Anne turned to look at Lori with tears in her eyes.]

Ronnie Anne: "But...I tried to ruin your dates...I got you guys suspended from Jean Juan's...and I hurt your feelings. Maybe Bobby would be better off with you and the baby than me."

Lori: "Don't say that, Ronnie Anne. I know you acted out of line during the last few days, and I have done so myself...I was kinda asking for those pranks. But think about all the things you've done for my family."

Ronnie Anne: "Like what?"

Lori: "Well, if you didn't distract your father, I might've lost my baby."

[Ronnie Anne gave a small smile.]

Ronnie Anne: "Yeah...that's true. Though he could've killed me for it, you know."

Lori: "Plus, you wanted to find the truth about my temporary break-up with Bobby. Even going through great lengths to reveal it in public."

Ronnie Anne: "It was mostly so I could see Lincoln again...but yeah."

Lori: "And you decided to join Bobby in giving yourselves up so that Lincoln would be set free."

Ronnie Anne: "Well...that situation didn't really go as planned..."

[Ronnie Anne sighed.]

Ronnie Anne: "But let's not talk about that any more, okay?"

Lori: "I understand..."

[After a few seconds of silence, Lori spoke to Ronnie Anne again.]

Lori: "Ronnie Anne, you're not just important to your brother...you're important to my whole family as well...especially Lincoln. He's a very sweet boy and he's lucky to have you as a friend. I know that me and my sisters take him for granted sometimes, but we love him very much."

[Ronnie Anne blushed.]

Ronnie Anne: "Thank you, Lori. I'm...sorry about what I said to you yesterday."

Lori: "Yeah...me too... I kinda deserved that anyway. Bobby and I will try to go easy on the teasing from now on."

Ronnie Anne: "It's okay, Lori. I forgive you."

[With that, Lori hugged Ronnie Anne, and the young Latina hugged back.]

Ronnie Anne: "You'll take care of Bobby, won't you?"

[Lori's eyes widened as Ronnie Anne said that.]

Lori: "You mean you're not leaving with us?"

[Ronnie Anne shook her head.]

Ronnie Anne: "Lori... Remember when you were babysitting all of us while you parents were away? Yesterday, Lincoln told me his own troubles, so I thought that maybe I can keep this house from turning into a pile of rubble like you did. You think you can teach me how you do it?"

Lori: "I...I guess so... But...won't your brother be upset?"

Ronnie Anne: "I'm sure he'll understand...hopefully."

Lori: "But-"

Ronnie Anne: "It's okay, Lori. I know how much you mean to him. You guys are gonna have a family of your own now, so I think I'll be okay spending my next six years with yours."

[Lori smiled warmly at the Hispanic girl before she spoke again.]

Lori: "I guess you really know how to take care of yourself. You know...for someone your age, you can cook really good. You think you can give me some pointers when Bobby and I move out?"

[Ronnie Anne smiled.]

Ronnie Anne: "I think that can be arranged."

[With that, Lori embraced Ronnie Anne and the Hispanic girl hugged back. Just then, they heard a knock on the other side of the door leading outside the bathroom before a familiar voice spoke from it.]

"You guys done?"

Lori: "We're ready to come out, Lincoln."

[With that, Lori and Ronnie Anne exited the girl's bathroom before the blonde smiled at her brother.]

Lincoln: "So?"

Lori: "We worked things out."

Lincoln: "I'm glad. So...what now?"

Lori: "How about we head over to the arcade?"

Ronnie Anne: "I'm in!"

Lincoln: "Sounds good to me!"

[With that, Lori headed for the arcade with Lincoln and Ronnie Anne by her side. As they walked through the mall, Lori pulled out her cell phone and sent a text to her boyfriend.]

Lori: Hey, Boo-Boo Bear.

[After about ten seconds, Lori received a text back.]

Bobby: Hey, babe. How did it go?

Lori: I managed to work things out with Lincoln and Ronnie Anne, so I think all is well now.

Bobby: I'm glad.

Lori: I'm just gonna take Lincoln and Ronnie Anne to the arcade before we go.

Bobby: Cool! You want me to come over and pick you up in half an hour?

Lori: That would be very appreciated! Luv u.

Bobby: Luv you too. ;)

[With that, Lori put her phone back in her pocket as she and the kids continued on their way.]

[Once they arrived at the arcade, Lincoln and Ronnie Anne had a good time playing skee ball, Dance Battle, air hockey and quite a few video games. Lori even took part in a couple of games with Ronnie Anne, including a shoot 'em up arcade called Race Against Time. Lori and Ronnie Anne each had a pistol and had to shoot their way through hordes of zombies to reach the end goal before the timer runs out. There were also some parts where they had to shoot human guards near the final level.]

[After about ten minutes, Ronnie Anne had gotten the most points from shooting tons of virtual zombies and did a little victory dance.]

Ronnie Anne: "Aw yeah! Go, Ronnie Anne! Most points! Yeah-yeah!"

[Lori playfully rolled her eyes as Ronnie Anne danced. Lincoln was playing skee ball when he turned his head to Ronnie Anne moving her butt. The white-haired boy was so distracted that he mis-aimed his ball and it bounced back, hitting him in the forehead and knocking him down to the ground.]

Lincoln: "Ow."

[Ronnie Anne stopped her dance and ran over to Lincoln. Lori took notice of her brother's injury and wobbled over to him.]

Ronnie Anne: "Are you alright, Lincoln?!"

[Lincoln sat up and rubbed his forehead.]

Lincoln: "Yeah, I'm okay."

Lori: "Do you need ice for that bump?"

Lincoln: "No... I think it'll go away in a few days."

Lori: "Still though, I can't let you suffer."

[With that, Lori brought her brother to his feet and gave him a kiss on his forehead.]

Lincoln: "That wasn't necessary, but thanks anyway."

[After about five more minutes, Bobby had arrived.]

Bobby: "Hey! How are my two girls doing?"

[Ronnie Anne stopped her dance before she and Lori looked at the Hispanic teen.]

Ronnie Anne: "Oh, we're having a blast!"

Lori: "Literally! Even Bumblebee's enjoying this."

[Lori put her hands on her stomach and rubbed it lovingly. Bobby then walked over to his baby mama put his hands on her shoulders while looking into her eyes.]

Bobby: "That's great. I'm glad that you two made up."

[Bobby then kissed Lori's cheek while Ronnie Anne stuck her tongue out while pointing at it as usual. The Hispanic girl then walked over to Lincoln and turned to look at his sister.]

Ronnie Anne: "Lori, do you mind if Lincoln and I take a little walk by ourselves? I want to talk to him about our plans..."

Lori: "Of course."

Bobby: "Do you mind if I come with you guys?"

Ronnie Anne: "Uh, no thanks, Bobby. That's okay. Lincoln can look after me. Why don't you just stay here and keep Lori company?"

[Bobby sighed.]

Bobby: "Okay, Nie-Nie. Just meet us back at the exit in twenty minutes... Okay?"

Ronnie Anne: "You got it, bro."

[With that, Ronnie Anne and Lincoln went on their way out of the arcade. Bobby watched his sister and 'bro' walk away before turning to look at Lori with a smile.]

Bobby: "You know...I'm really proud of you, babe... You and Ronnie Anne have turned things around."

Lori: "Thank you... I just hope you can take Ronnie Anne's decision well."

Bobby: "She's my sister, Lori. We've been through a lot in the past few years. Whatever her decision is, I'll make sure to support it no matter what."

Lori: "I'm glad, Bobby..."

[Lori then walked back over to Race Against Time, put her hands back on the gun and leaned forward, giving Bobby a good view of her rear end.]

Lori: "Wanna join me for one more game, Boo-Boo Bear?"

[Bobby was staring at Lori's behind until he snapped back to reality.]

Bobby: "Sure, Babe! I'm quite a lucky shot."

[Bobby walked next to Lori and put his hands on the other pistol before joining her in shooting the zombies on-screen.]

Meanwhile...

[Lincoln and Ronnie Anne walked through the mall. Curiously, Lincoln looked over at Ronnie Anne.]

Lincoln: "Well?"

Ronnie Anne: "Well what?"

Lincoln: "You said you wanted to discuss some plans with me."

Ronnie Anne: "Well, I'm considering about staying with you, Lincoln. I'm not gonna let you go through a chaotic household alone, am I?"

Lincoln: "That's...a good idea, Ronnie Anne... But..."

Ronnie Anne: "But what?"

Lincoln: "What about Bobby? How do you think he'll react to this decision?"

Ronnie Anne: "Well, I'm gonna tell him about it when we get home. Oh, and Lincoln?"

Lincoln: "Yeah?"

[Ronnie Anne took Lincoln's hand.]

Ronnie Anne: "Thank you for saving me last night. That was the most awesome and bravest thing I've ever seen."

Lincoln: "I had to do what I had to do. I couldn't let those bullies hurt you... Even if you were acting a bit...you know."

Ronnie Anne: "Normally I'd punch you in the arm as a way of saying thanks, but..."

[Ronnie Anne checked her surroundings.]

Ronnie Anne: "As long as you don't tell anyone about this, I have a better way of showing it."

Lincoln: "Like what?"

[Lincoln was immediately met with a kiss on the cheek from Ronnie Anne. The white-haired boy was surprised and blushed like a snow-capped tomato.]

Lincoln: "Uh..."

Ronnie Anne: "I'll take that as a 'You're welcome' Lame-O."

[Lincoln and Ronnie Anne looked ahead and saw that they were at the baby store. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne looked at each other before heading inside.]

Twenty minutes later, at the mall exit...

[Lori and Bobby were waiting at the entrance until they saw Lincoln and Ronnie Anne coming back. The white haired boy was holding a shopping bag, much to Lori's curiosity.]

Lori: "What do you guys have in that bag?"

[Lincoln and Ronnie Anne looked at each other before Lincoln spoke up.]

Lincoln: "It's a surprise, Lori. You'll just have to wait until we get home."

[Lori simply pouted, making Bobby chuckle a little. He always loved his girlfriend's pouty face, yet he knew she just curious of what's inside that bag. In any case, Bobby led her outside the mall while Lincoln and Ronnie Anne followed suit. Ronnie Anne was quite worried about how her brother will react to the news, but he needed to know before he and Lori were ready to move out.]

A/N: Okay, so I was originally gonna make this into one chapter, but as it got bigger, I thought it best to split it into two chapters. How do you think Bobby's going to handle the news of Ronnie Anne staying with the Louds? What are the Louds planning for Lori's baby shower? And finally, what did Lincoln and Ronnie Anne get for Lori? All of those questions will be answered in the next chapter.

Boris Yeltsin: Yeah, that tends to happen.

Mike The Red Engine: Thanks.

Gamelover41592: Wow is right.

DarthWill3: Maybe we will.

Hawkeye2006: Hopefully my next chapter makes up for it.

Jacksonangelo105: And poor Ronnie Anne as well.

Ellis97: Well, technically, Lincoln and Ronnie Anne aren't related by blood.

im was bored: OK.

Philip Craig1: I'm sure it will.

SirClearwater: I will give you my thoughts after the next chapter is out.

Guest: That's true. Ronnie Anne was kind of in the wrong here, but you also need to consider the fact that Lori should've heard Ronnie Anne's opinion on the upcoming move instead of being ignorant about it.