Well, folks, we are now in the third act of Baby Daddy Bobby, which means we are almost at the end.
Once again, I would like to thank DukeyDukeyDoo and Mike The Red Engine for helping me proofread.
Chapter 27: Looking for Closure
It had been nearly a month since Bobby and Lori moved out of the Loud House and February was just around the corner. Over the past few weeks, Lori had been taking online classes via her laptop (at the request of her school principal) and Bobby had been working overtime at one of his twelve jobs every day to provide for her and their unborn child. The Loud family went through a process and managed to legally adopt Ronnie Anne as one of their own. Lynn Sr. had opened up his own restaurant. Leni came by the apartment and built a crib for the baby. Koch got a job as a cable repairman, but it doesn't pay very well for him. As for Alex, he was set to be on trial a few days before Valentine's Day.
January 30th, Bobby and Lori's apartment, 7:03 A.M...
[Bobby woke up to the sound of his girlfriend throwing up in the bathroom. He then got out of bed and knocked on the door.]
Bobby: "Babe? How are you feeling?"
Lori: "I literally feel like crap! Of course, I'd have to be if I'm eight months pregnant!"
Bobby: "Do you mind if I come in?"
Lori: "Why not?! Go right ahead!"
[Bobby opened the door and walked into the bathroom just as Lori had finished puking in the toilet. Bobby then walked behind his girlfriend before helping her stand up.]
Bobby: "Good morning, Babe. You feel any better?"
Lori: "I tell you, after everything that's happened, I'll be glad when this thing is finally out of me."
[Lori then wobbled over to the sink and started brushing her teeth. She then looked at Bobby through the mirror and sighed.]
Lori: "Sorry, Bobby... I'm just...so nervous. There's only a few more weeks left until the baby arrives and I'm not sure if I can go through with the pain."
[Bobby stood up, walked behind his lover and wrapped his arms around her, putting both hands on her stomach.]
Bobby: "I know... I can hardly believe how much time has passed. I really can't wait to see the mini-me."
[Lori rolled her eyes in a playful fashion.]
Bobby: "Don't worry about it, Babe... When the day comes, you'll do fine, and I'll be right there beside you...helping you bring our child into the world."
[Bobby then kissed Lori right on the neck, making the blonde shiver with ecstasy.]
Lori: "Oh, Boo-Boo Bear..."
[When Lori had finished brushing, she took a sip of water, gurgled it and spit it back into the sink.]
Bobby: "You go wait at the table, babe. I'll be there to join you as soon as I brush up."
Lori: "Okay, sweetie. Just don't keep me waiting for too long."
[Lori then kissed Bobby on the lips and left the bathroom before the Latino took his turn to clean his own teeth.]
[As soon as he finished brushing, the Latino took a sip of water, gurgled it and then spit it into the sink. He then looked in the mirror and thought that he could see Alex walking towards him from behind. Bobby quickly turned around, but saw nothing. Bobby sighed and walked out of the bathroom feeling a little stressed.]
Bobby: What the hell's going on with me?
[Bobby walked into the dining room and kitchen where Lori was waiting. Jill was at the stove making pancakes for the couple.]
Jill: Good morning...parental...units...
Bobby: "Good morning, Jill."
[Bobby then sat down across from Lori. During the past couple of weeks, Lisa would come by the apartment to do a routine check on Jill to make sure that she was working properly. So far, there had been little problems with Jill ever since Bobby and Lori took her into their home.]
Jill: Is there something wrong...Bobby...?
Bobby: "No, Jill. I just needed to get up early for school, that's all."
Jill: Whatever...you say...Bobby...
[Lori then looked at Bobby with a look of concern.]
Lori: "I think Jill might have a point, Bobby. You look like you haven't gotten much sleep."
Bobby: "Oh, that? Probably just a side effect from all the hard work I've been doing."
[Lori then glared at her boyfriend.]
Lori: "What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying that you're sick of taking care of me?!"
Bobby: "What? No! That's not-"
Lori: "It's because I'm fat, isn't it?! I'm just not what I used to be months ago!"
[With that, Lori covered her eyes and sobbed.]
Jill: Dra...ma...
[Bobby sighed and grabbed his crying girlfriend's hands in a reassuring way.]
Bobby: "Nononono, babe! Look, I'm sorry... It's just...I've been having these nightmares, and it's been taking a toll on my sleep... But I know for a fact that you're not fat..."
[Lori opened her eyes and looked straight at Bobby.]
Lori: "Do you mean that, Bobby?"
[Bobby then put his hand on Lori's cheek as he looked into her eyes.]
Bobby: "You know me, sweetheart. In fact, you're still beautiful as the day we first started dating, inside and out."
[Lori calmed down and wiped the tears from her eyes.]
Lori: "Oh, Bobby... Sorry about that... I'm a real mess today."
Bobby: "It's okay, Lori. I know you didn't mean to act like that. How about we enjoy breakfast and get ready for school, okay?"
[Lori smiled before giving her boyfriend a nod in agreement. At that moment, Jill moved over to the table, turned the pan over and dumped the pancakes on a plate.]
Jill: Bon appetit...parental...units...
[Jill then placed a mug of coffee on Bobby's side of the table.]
Jill: And for you...Bobby... Have a nice day."
Bobby: "Thanks, Jill. I could use some coffee right about now."
[Bobby then took the mug and took a sip of coffee.]
Later, at Royal Woods High...
[During a history lesson, Bobby was sitting at his desk listening to his teacher giving a lecture about the American Civil War until he rested his head on the desk and closed his eyes.]
Teacher: "Santiago!"
[Bobby woke up with a start to see the teacher staring down at him.]
Bobby: "Sorry, Mr. Dupree... I must be exhausted after taking care of Lori."
Mr. Dupree: "I don't need excuses, Santiago! I need all of my students to pay attention, or they'll fail! Am I understood?!"
Bobby: "Yes, sir."
[As soon as the lesson was over, Bobby walked over to the restroom to relieve himself.]
[He then walked over to the nearest urinal and finally emptied his bladder into it. When he was finished, the Latino walked over to the sink, washed his hands and started drying them with a paper towel before he noticed that same figure in the mirror. Bobby turned around fast, but once again, he didn't find anybody behind him. Bobby then slapped his own forehead before exiting the restroom.]
Bobby: Get a grip, Roberto! You're only seeing things!
That afternoon during lunch...
[Bobby sat at his table with his lunch tray, which consisted of a slice of pizza and a milk carton, as Chaz and Tad sat across from him.]
Chaz: "Dude...are you feeling okay?"
Tad: "Yeah, man... Mr. Dupree said you've been falling asleep in class since yesterday."
Chaz: "Has the missus been working you too hard again?"
[Chaz chuckled while giving Tad an elbow nudge.]
Bobby: "Very funny, Chaz."
Chaz: "You know I'm only kidding. I mean, it's great that you're helping Lori around the house. I'd pretty much do the same to Leni if I was in your position...when we get married someday, I mean."
Tad: "Well, all talk of girls aside, maybe you should see the school counselor about this."
Bobby: "I'm alright, you guys... I'm-"
[Before Bobby could continue, he conked out right on the table. Chaz and Tad both looked at each other, worried about their friend.]
[Bobby opened his eyes. He looked around to find the whole cafeteria empty and barren.]
Bobby: "What the hell? Where is everybody?"
[Bobby was starting to feel scared at the eerie silence that filled the whole room. Just then, he heard footsteps coming from the kitchen, he wanted to turn his head to see who it was, but something was keeping him from doing so. Bobby started to feel his heart pounding faster as the footsteps got closer and closer. As soon as the footsteps were right behind Bobby...they stopped. After a few seconds of silence, Bobby was suddenly pushed onto the table as he felt a familiar hand holding him down.]
Alex: "Hola, mijo."
[Bobby couldn't move...and he couldn't speak...he was frozen with complete fear... The hand of his father was so big and so strong that it could crush a kitten's head.]
[The last thing Bobby felt, was a sharp pain like a knife going right into his back.]
[Bobby screamed as he woke up with a start before breathing heavily. He looked around and saw that he was surrounded by tons of students. Leni, Luna, Luan, and Lynn looked at each other from their table, worried for their oldest sister's lover.]
Later...
[After what happened in the cafeteria, Bobby was sent to the school counselor's office. Bobby sat on a chair right in front of Ms. Farrah McAlistair, who seemed to show some concern for the Hispanic teen.]
McAlistair: "Bobby? Do you know why you are here?"
Bobby: "Not really...no..."
McAlistair: "It's about your behavior lately. For the past three days, you've been coming to school devoid of sleep, falling asleep in class, and just recently you woke up screaming in the cafeteria."
Bobby: "Please, Mrs. McAlistair... I'm doing fine. It's probably from the stress of taking care of my girlfriend at home. I mean there's no rest for the wicked, am I right?"
[Bobby let out a nervous chuckle, but Ms. McAlistair wasn't convinced. The Latino sighed and told the counselor the truth.]
Bobby: "Okay...you got me... I've been having some night terrors lately and I...guess I was afraid of telling my friends about it."
McAlistair: "Now, we're getting somewhere. Have you been having these nightmares for the past few days?"
Bobby: "Yes...I have... I've been taking coffee, but that's been doing little to solve the problem."
McAlistair: "What were those dreams about?"
[Bobby went silent for a few seconds before he spoke.]
Bobby: "I don't really want to talk about it. They bring back a lot of bad memories."
McAlistair: "Well, if you don't find a way to help deal with this problem, we might have to suspend you from school for a few weeks."
[Bobby looked down, feeling scared. He wasn't sure if he could deal with more stress.]
McAlistair: "You must try to relax, young man. You need to try and forget about those bad dreams. You are dismissed, Santiago."
[Bobby got out of his seat and walked out of the office with a lot to think about.]
Meanwhile, at the Loud House...
[Things at the Loud house weren't anything out of the ordinary...other than the fact that Lori was gone and Ronnie Anne was now in her place. Rita had just returned home with her children and Ronnie Anne and was sitting on the couch watching the news. The kids were upstairs doing their usual antics.]
[Just then, there was a knock on the front door.]
Rita: "Coming!"
[Rita walked over to the door and opened it to find Bobby standing there.]
Bobby: "Hey, Mrs. Loud."
Rita: "Oh, Bobby, no need to be so formal. Just call me Rita."
Bobby: "Okay, uh... I just came here to ask for some advice."
Rita: "Well, come right in and have a seat at the dining room."
[Bobby nodded, walked into the house and followed Rita into the dining room. He sat at the table while Rita sat across from him.]
Rita: "So, what exactly is the matter?"
Bobby: "Well...I don't think I've been getting enough sleep lately and it's taking a toll on my school life."
Rita: "Is it from taking care of Lori every night? I know it's hard work, but you can't let the stress get to you. She needs you."
Bobby: "No, it's not that. It's just..."
[Bobby looked around before whispering into Rita's ear.]
Bobby: "I've been having nightmares about...him..."
[Rita thought for a few seconds before the words hit her.]
Rita: "Oh, right...him..."
[Rita then sat down next to Bobby.]
Rita: "Well, Bobby, sometimes things can't really go away immediately. These things take time."
Bobby: "But, my graduation is in a couple of weeks and I can't afford to fail. What if I get expelled? What if I don't go to college with Lori? What if I turn into a deadbeat dad with little to no time for his own son?!"
[Rita then put her hands on Bobby's shoulders to calm him down.]
Rita: "Bobby, Bobby, Bobby! Relax...okay? We just need to think of something to help keep your mind off of him."
[At that moment, Lynn Sr. emerged from the kitchen.]
Lynn Sr.: "Hey, Bob-O. What's the haps?"
Rita: "He's been having dreams about his father, and it's affecting his sleep."
Lynn Sr.: "Oh...I see..."
[Lynn Sr. then sat down next to Rita.]
Bobby: "I don't know what to do, you guys. I'm supposed to be graduating high school in a few weeks, and I can't afford to fail if he's on my mind."
Lynn Sr.: "Might I make a suggestion? Maybe you should see Clyde's therapist about this issue. You know she helped me during the first month of Lori's pregnancy, right?"
[Bobby thought for a moment until he settled on Lynn Sr.'s idea.]
Bobby: "I guess I could do that. Thanks, Mr. Loud."
Lynn Sr.: "My pleasure, Bobby."
[Bobby was about ready to leave, but stopped and turned around to look at Rita.]
Bobby: "By the way...are you doing anything this week?"
Rita: "I'm planning to go grocery shopping out of town tomorrow since we're still banned from the usual."
Lynn Sr.: "You're lucky to still be working there."
Bobby: "Okay, well here's a couple hundred dollars, Mrs. Loud. I think you should be able to get enough food to hold you until Groundhog Day."
[Bobby handed the matriarch of the Louds a couple of Benjamins and she gladly accepted.]
Rita: "Thanks, Bobby."
[With that, Bobby walked out of the house, got into Cathy, and drove back to his apartment.]
[That night, the Louds and Ronnie Anne were in the dining room having Lynn-Sagna for dinner. However, Lynn Sr. noticed that Ronnie Anne was looking kinda down.]
Lynn Sr.: "Is something the matter, Ronnie Anne?"
[Ronnie Anne said nothing as she played with her lasagna using her fork.]
Lincoln: "She's been acting like this for a couple of days. I don't know why, though."
[Ronnie Anne sighed, stood up and picked up her plate.]
Ronnie Anne: "Mr. and Mrs. Loud? Is it okay if I eat in my room? I kinda want to be alone."
Lynn Sr.: "I don't see why not."
Ronnie Anne: "Gracias."
[Rita then left the dining room and headed up the stairs to her and Leni's room. The family all looked at each other, confused.]
Lola: "What's with her?"
Lincoln: "Maybe I'd better have a talk to her about this."
Later, in Leni and Ronnie Anne's room...
[Ronnie Anne laid on her bed staring up at the ceiling. It had been a few days since the Louds legally adopted her, but it all felt so strange to her.]
[Ronnie Anne was then snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a knock on the door.]
Ronnie Anne: "Who is it?"
Lincoln: "It's me, Ronnie Anne. Can I come in?"
Ronnie Anne: "I guess so?"
[Lincoln opened the door and walked into the room before taking a seat on the edge of Ronnie Anne's bed.]
Lincoln: "Ronnie Anne...something's been bothering you for the past couple of days. Is there something wrong?"
Ronnie Anne: "I told you, Lame-O...I'm fine."
Lincoln: "C'mon, Ronnie Anne, you know you can tell me if something's bothering you."
[Ronnie Anne sighed. She had no idea why Lincoln had to be so insistent.]
Ronnie Anne: "I guess it's about...my mother."
Lincoln: "Ronnie Anne...she's been gone for months. Don't you think that it's time to move on?"
Ronnie Anne: "I know, it's just that...while Bobby and I were still living under...you know who, my mother hardly protected us. She was so scared of that asshole that she rarely had the guts to stand up to him. Rarely had the strength to protect us both."
Lincoln: "I see what you mean... You know...my parents aren't exactly perfect either, but they still love us for who we are."
Ronnie Anne: "Not perfect, you say? Care to explain anything that they might've done?"
Lincoln: "Well...you already know how my dad reacted when he found out Lori was pregnant...and things went crazy for a while... Well, to the point of life threatening at least. Even Leni's attitude was negatively affected by it."
Ronnie Anne: "I remember...you and your sisters told me about it at school... But, what about before Lori was pregnant?"
Lincoln: "Well, this one time last year, me and my sisters covered for each other to get out of spring cleaning to do our own things. But then our parents found out and made us wear the clothes we were wearing while doing those things."
Ronnie Anne: "I know... Those pictures of you wearing a diaper were a big thing on social media back then. But I think the punishment was a bit much for you guys."
Lincoln: "We kinda deserved it. Anyway, this other time, I wanted Zombie Bran cereal, so I offered to go grocery shopping for my mom. But then my sisters wanted to tag along and ended up getting us banned from the store. I tried to explain the whole story to my mom but she just refused to listen."
Ronnie Anne: "Really? Just like that? That's pretty cold, Lincoln."
Lincoln: "Pretty much. Thankfully, my sisters did end up getting me my cereal the next day, but I still don't understand how they did it."
Ronnie Anne: "Well, regardless, I still think your mother should've given you the chance to speak up. I mean, what ever happened to freedom of speech?"
Lincoln: "Ronnie Anne, maybe it's best not to make a big deal out of this. I mean, it's all in the past now."
Ronnie Anne: "No! A real mother should be protective of their kids and their well being! Mine wasn't like that because she was too scared! That is not cool!"
[Ronnie Anne groaned and covered her face while Lincoln patted her back.]
Ronnie Anne: "I'm sorry, Lincoln. I'm just going off on another tangent, aren't I?"
Lincoln: "That's okay, Ronnie Anne... Let's just forget about all of that and get some sleep, okay? I'll stay here and keep you company for the night."
[Ronnie Anne looked at Lincoln with a smile. It had been almost a month since they slept in the same bed.]
Ronnie Anne: "Yeah...I guess that'll be okay."
[What they didn't know was that Rita had been overhearing the conversation from outside the room. Especially the part where she wouldn't let Lincoln explain himself after the grocery store incident. The matriarch felt a mixture of hurt and regret before heading back downstairs. She walked into the parents' bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. Lynn Sr. was laying on the bed reading a book before he turned his attention towards the mother of eleven.]
Lynn Sr.: "Hey, honey. Wanna have some fun tonight?"
Rita: "I can't tonight, Lynn. I'm not really in the mood."
[Lynn Sr.'s smile faded, sensing that something was bothering his wife.]
Lynn Sr.: "Is something the matter?"
[Rita turned her head to her husband.]
Rita: "Honey...do you remember when I told you that we were banned from the local supermarket?"
Lynn Sr.: "Ah, yes, last year. When you first told me about it, I cried for ten minutes straight. I mean, it's a real pain trying to get ingredients from another store one town over."
Rita: "Yes, well... I overheard Lincoln and Ronnie Anne talking about it upstairs."
Lynn Sr.: "You did? How much did you hear?"
Rita: "Well, if I'd told you everything, we'd be up all night. But the one part that stuck out with me was when I was taking the kids home after we got banned."
Lynn Sr.: "Really? How bad was it?"
[Rita sighed.]
Rita: "I heard Ronnie Anne complain that a good mother should let her child explain the facts instead of talking down to him."
[Lynn Sr. cringed when he heard what his wife just said.]
Lynn Sr.: "Ouch... Should we punish her?"
Rita: "I don't know. Maybe Ronnie Anne's got a point. I mean, I want to be the perfect role model for my children, but then there are times when I fail at it. I've done a few things that I'm not proud of, but I'm trying my best as a mother should."
Lynn Sr.: "I know you are, honey. I mean, I've done my fair share of screw-ups as well."
Rita: "But, I don't want any of my kids to end up resenting me."
Lynn Sr.: "Look...why don't we stop this negative talk and get some sleep, okay? I'm sure you're making a big deal over nothing."
[Rita sighed and got into bed with her husband. However, as Lynn Sr. slept peacefully, Rita still couldn't get over Ronnie Anne's words from earlier.]
Rita: Maybe Lynn's right... What if you're just overthinking this whole thing? But...what if Ronnie Anne grows up isolating herself from me? You know what? I'm not gonna just lay in bed feeling sorry for myself! I'm going to show Ronnie Anne and Lincoln that I'm more than what they say! I'll take them to the store tomorrow, and I'm not gonna let them down one bit. I'll show them that I can be the best dang mom anyone has ever seen.
[Feeling confident in her plan, Rita went to sleep.]
The next day...
[After another long day at school, Bobby had arrived outside of Dr. Lopez's workplace. Bobby then got out of the SUV, walked right into the building and approached the front desk.]
Bobby: "I'm Bobby Santiago. I have an appointment with Dr. Lopez."
Receptionist: "Of course, Sir. Just need you to sign right here and have a seat somewhere. I'll inform Dr. Lopez shortly."
[The receptionist then placed a clipboard with a sheet of paper on the desk. After signing everything on the paper, Bobby took a seat and waited for what seemed like fifteen minutes. Finally, the door opened and Dr. Lopez peeked into the room.]
Dr. Lopez: "Bobby Santiago?"
Bobby: "That's me!"
Dr. Lopez: "Right this way, sir."
[Bobby stood up and followed Dr. Lopez into her office. When they got there, Bobby laid down on the couch while Dr. Lopez sat in her chair.]
Dr. Lopez: "So, Bobby... Tell me what's on your mind."
Bobby: "It's like this, Dr. Lopez. I've been having these nightmares...about my father."
Dr. Lopez: "I see...and how long have these nightmares been happening?"
Bobby: "About three days."
Dr. Lopez: "And do you live with anybody?"
Bobby: "Just my girlfriend at the moment. We're gonna have a baby in a few weeks."
Dr. Lopez: "I see...and what is her name?"
Bobby: "Lori Loud."
Dr. Lopez: "Ah, Mr. Loud's daughter?"
Bobby: "Of course..."
Dr. Lopez: "You know, I remember speaking to him seven months ago about..."
[Dr. Lopez stopped for a moment and cleared her throat.]
Dr. Lopez: "Anyway, let's just get back to the issue at hand."
Bobby: "Okay."
Dr. Lopez: "So...what's the best way to describe your father?"
Bobby: "I'd say he is...abusive. He is...manipulative... And he is sociopathic."
Dr. Lopez: "And where is he now?"
Bobby: "From what I've heard, he's sitting in jail."
Dr. Lopez: "This is going to sound painful, but... What was the worst thing your father has ever done to you?"
[Bobby's face seethed with fear. This was the one thing he didn't want to relive again, but he knew he had to tell it to her.]
Bobby: "He...he kidnapped my girlfriend's brother...he tried to have him killed... But, what happened after that took a turn for the worse... He shot my sister when she got in the way... And then he tried to use me as a human shield against a police squad."
[Bobby was on the verge of tears when he recalled what happened that night.]
Dr. Lopez: "And this is because of those memories that you started having these nightmares?"
[Bobby nodded, too upset to even speak a word.]
Dr. Lopez: "Then I think you know what you need to do in order to stop these nightmares; You must confront that monster head on! Give him a strong talking to! Get him out of your mind! Show him that you do not need him in your life anymore! It is people like him that have absolutely no place in your LIFE!"
[As soon as Dr. Lopez had finished her rant, Bobby stared at her, not knowing what to say. The therapist then calmed down and cleared her throat.]
Dr. Lopez: "You'll have to excuse me. I...get a little carried away sometimes."
Bobby: "I don't know if that'll work, Dr. Lopez, but I guess I can give it a try."
[Just then, the timer went off.]
Dr. Lopez: "Okay, I think that's all the time we have for today. Remember what I said...people who act like how you described your father, have no place in your life. Once you show him what you're made of, your mind will be free of him. Don't forget to come see me if you're still having these problems."
[Bobby nodded before he left the office.]
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Royal Woods...
[Rita was driving out of town to collect some groceries while bringing Lincoln and Ronnie Anne with her. They were headed to a grocery store outside of town since the Loud family was banned from their own.]
Ronnie Anne: "So, tell me... Why are you taking me and Lincoln shopping with you?"
[Rita sighed.]
Rita: "I heard you two talking last night."
Lincoln: "You did?"
Rita: "Yes...and I just like to say that...maybe you're right. Maybe I do tend to get a little ignorant when these kinds of situations happen. But, can I at least explain my side of the whole story?"
Ronnie Anne: "I guess..."
[As they kept driving, Rita told her story of Lincoln's supermarket misadventure to Ronnie Anne until she reached the part where the family was banned from the store and how she blamed Lincoln for it.]
Rita: "I guess I was just angry and disappointed that we have to get groceries out of town now, so I just took it out on Lincoln before I could give him the chance to explain everything to me. Shortly after we came home, the girls came into my room told me what really happened at the store. They even offered to go to another market to get Lincoln that Zombie Bran that he wanted, and I said yes. I should've just listened to the facts instead of trying to ignore it."
Ronnie Anne: "Wow...I really don't know what to say."
Rita: "I get it, Ronnie Anne. I screwed up, I failed Lincoln as a mother that day, and I'm not proud of it either. But I never intended to hurt my son over something that was out of his control."
Ronnie Anne: "Will you just forget about it? Look, I'm sorry I vented last night! But this isn't really necessary."
[Rita wanted to continue, but thought it best not to say anything else.]
[Finally, Rita, Lincoln, and Ronnie Anne had arrived at the store. The parking lot barely had any activity so there were hardly any customers.]
Rita: "Alright! Here we are. I'll be with you two so you don't cause any trouble. okay?"
[Lincoln and Ronnie Anne went out first before Rita did the same. As they walked through the parking lot, a group of three women got out of a blue Mercedes nearby.]
[The first one was around her mid 30s, had dark red hair and spoke with a New Jersey accent. Her name was Angelina Moretto. Angelina was born in Trenton during the 1980s. In her adulthood, she moved out of her hometown and settled into Detroit.]
[The second woman was named Yuri Petrovsky. She was in her late 20s, had her orange hair tied up in a bun, spoke with an Eastern European accent, and was kind of a ditz. Back in her home country, her father used to serve in the military until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Shortly after the fall of the former government, Yuri's father found work with the Russian Mafia in order to provide for his wife and daughter. However, after her father was targeted by the Mafia, she and her mother moved to the United States.]
[The third woman was in her early 30s, stout, had golden blonde hair wrapped in two pigtails and spoke with a Texas drawl. Her name was Esther Greene. Back in her hometown of Austin, she had a reputation of winning drinking contests and fights at the local bar. She later moved north to Detroit where she met Angelina.]
[As the family of three went inside the store, the three women were watching them nearby. Angelina and Esther were wearing hoodies to hide their identities while Yuri was wearing a dark red dress and high heels.]
Angelina: "Okay, goils, da coast is clear. Once we take everything we can carry, we can finally be out of dis miserable town for good."
Yuri: "I have to say, though...that boy with white hair is pretty cute."
[Yuri giggled and put her hands to her cheeks, much to Esther's annoyance.]
Esther: "Focus, ya dern ditzy dame! We came here to make a quick buck! Not to admire lil' boys!"
Angelina: "Esther's right, Yuri. We're only here tah rob that store without any witnesses. Now let's go over da plan one last time."
[Esther and Yuri paid close attention to Angelina as she spoke.]
Angelina: "Yuri, you're gonna be the distraction and make sure the cashier don't toin his back. Esther, you're gonna watch my back while I collect the dough from da manager's office. Are we clear?"
Yuri: "Da."
Esther: "I reckon ah can do more than watch yer back, Angie."
[Angelina shushed the country woman and put her finger on her lips before looking left and right.]
Angelina: "Puddin'...don't say dat out in the open...please."
[Esther nodded in response before she and Yuri followed Angelina into the store. As they were halfway there, Esther whispered to the redhead.]
Esther: "What about that there lawyer fella? I reckon he might make some noise out here."
Angelina: "Ah...fuhgettaboutit, Es. Hardly anyone evah comes to dis place."
[As Rita and the kids went shopping, Lincoln and Ronnie Anne both came to agreements as to what foods, snacks or drinks that they liked, as well as ingredients for Lynn Sr.'s famous dishes. However, when Ronnie Anne saw a woman talking with a cashier, she noticed two strange characters going into the back.]
Lincoln: "What's going on, Ronnie Anne?"
[Ronnie Anne quickly turned around and put her hand over her friend's mouth before shushing him.]
Ronnie Anne: "Just keep walking, Lame-O."
[With that, Ronnie Anne dragged Lincoln away from the scene, however, Yuri noticed the two kids as they walked away. When Yuri was done chatting with the cashier, she walked to a safe area where she pulled out a cell phone and spoke into it.]
Yuri: "Girls? It's Yuri... I think those two kids saw us."
Angelina: "What?! Damn it! Alright, just wait outside and see where dey go! We'll be d'here tah deal with dem shortly."
Yuri: "Da."
[Yuri hung up her phone and went outside the store.]
[A few minutes later, Rita had gotten everything she needed and proceeded to the checkout with Lincoln and Ronnie Anne. However, the two kids felt like they needed to leave as quickly as possible, so Lincoln spoke to his mother.]
Lincoln: "Mom...? Could we wait in the van?"
Ronnie Anne: "Yeah, we could use a bit of a head start while you pay for everything."
[Rita thought for a moment before giving the two kids her answer.]
Rita: "Alright, you two. Just don't wander around the parking lot and stay in the van until I come back. It can get pretty dangerous at this time."
Lincoln: "We won't."
[As Rita stood in line for the checkout, Lincoln and Ronnie Anne went outside the building and headed for Vanzilla. Yuri watched the two kids until they were at the van.]
Yuri: "Okay...they're outside, but their mother is not with them. Da, they're in old van."
Angelina: "Alright, you just keep watch. We'll deal with dose kids in a few minutes."
[Back in Vanzilla, Ronnie Anne and Lincoln started to discuss what was going on.]
Lincoln: "What's the matter, Ronnie Anne?"
Ronnie Anne: "Lincoln...I think the store is being robbed. I had to get us out of there as fast as I could."
Lincoln: "Were you seen?"
Ronnie Anne: "I don't think so... But as long as we're in here, I think we'll be safe."
[Suddenly, the door with the broken lock was opened. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne looked over and saw a stout woman staring them down.]
Esther: "Awwww! Now ain't that just the sweetest thang yah ever done see? A nice lil' ol' chat between boyfriend and girlfriend."
Lincoln: "She's not my girlfriend!"
Ronnie Anne: "He's not my boyfriend!"
Esther: "Yeah, sure! Now how about you two lil' sugar plums get out of that there car so you can meet mah friends, huh?"
[Lincoln and Ronnie Anne had no choice but to comply. When they got out of the van, they saw two more women. One was in her mid 30s and the other was in her late 20s.]
Angelina: "Well, hello d'ere, kiddies... Nice evening tah go shopping, ain't it?"
Lincoln: "What do you want? My mother told me never to talk to strangers."
Angelina: "Ah...what's da big rush? We just wanna have a woid with youse. Besides, you two look familiar somehow."
Lincoln: "Well...we wish we could stay and chat, but we have to help my mom with the groceries."
Ronnie Anne: "Yeah...so if you don't mind-"
[Before the two kids could walk away, the trio surrounded them.]
Angelina: "Not so fast, you little twoips! Yuri here told me that you saw us sneakin' around da back of the store. And we can't have any witnesses, now can we?"
Yuri: "Nyet! No witnesses!"
Esther: "Ya got that right, sug."
Lincoln: "What? I don't know what you're talking about."
[Suddenly, Lincoln was grabbed by the collar of his shirt and lifted off the ground by Esther.]
Esther: "Don't pretend bullshit, amigo! We done don't tolerate anyone who tries to lie their way out of their problems! Now give us the dang truth, or we'll force it out of ya!"
[Esther then showed Lincoln her fist, making the white-haired boy shiver.]
[Suddenly, the country woman felt someone ram into her stomach, making her drop the boy.]
Ronnie Anne: "Go! Get your mother! Quickly!"
[With that, Lincoln ran past the other two women and back towards the store.]
Angelina: "Don't let dat boy get away, Yuri! Move it!"
[Without a second thought, Yuri got up and ran after Lincoln, leaving Angelina and Esther behind with Ronnie Anne. However, Yuri had difficulty catching up to Lincoln due to her high heels. Angelina then looked at Ronnie Anne as Esther lifted her off of the ground.]
Angelina: "Yeah! I know you! You and your little boyfriend too!"
Ronnie Anne: "What?"
Angelina: "Yeah! Gena sent me to spy on ya back in November! Said that it was a favor for an old friend! I followed you two around everywhere ya went 'til the day after Thanksgivin'. Well, now she and da gang are behind bars, and it's all t'anks to you, your brotha and that dat boyfriend of yours!"
[Ronnie Anne's eyes widened, now knowing that this woman used to work for the gang that assisted her father.]
Ronnie Anne: "No! That wasn't me! My father was the one behind that whole thing, so take it up with him! He almost got me killed!"
Angelina: "Your daddy was a scumbag! And he only wanted tah use my friends just to get you and your brotha! But now dat he's in jail, you're as much to blame as he was!"
Ronnie Anne: "What are you going to do to me?!"
Angelina: "As soon as Yuri comes back with your boyfriend, we're gonna lock you both in the trunk! Den we'll have no witnesses at all!"
Ronnie Anne: "I told you, he's not my boyfriend!"
Esther: "Yeah! Ya'll just keep tellin' yerself that, little brat! But ah don't approve of lyin'!"
[With that, Esther pinned Ronnie Anne to the ground on her stomach, took out a roll of duct tape and tied the young Latina's hands with it. She then turned Ronnie Anne on her back and put one more piece of duct tape over her mouth. Once she was done, Esther lifted up Ronnie Anne and tucked her under her arm.]
Angelina: "Now, don't worry, kid. You and your boyfriend are goin' for a ride, and you're both gonna have some company."
[Ronnie Anne replied with some sort of muffled swear. But before they could do anything else, a familiar voice called them out.]
"Let the girl go, bitches!"
[The two women turned to the sound of the voice and saw Rita marching over to them with Lincoln following behind her. The white-haired by then pointed at the two women.]
Lincoln: "That's them, Mom!"
Rita: "I can see that, sweetie. Just stay behind me while I handle this."
Ronnie Anne: "Mrph mrh, Mrmh Mhr!" (Help me, Mrs. Loud!)
Esther: "Shut yer damn trap, little gal! That there woman ain't gonna do Jack shit for ya!"
Angelina: "Just put dat goil in the trunk, Esther. I'll handle this floozy poy-sonally."
[As Angelina walked over to Rita, Esther opened the trunk of the car and put Ronnie Anne in it next to a gagged up man in a suit.]
Esther: "Now don't ya'll struggle so much, lil' lady! Yew'll only end up hurtin' yerself!"
[With that, Esther shut the trunk and locked it, much to Lincoln's horror. He then saw the woman putting the keys in her pocket before patting said pocket.]
Lincoln: "Ronnie Anne!"
[Rita put her hand in front of her son to keep him from moving further as she stood her ground.]
Angelina: "So...whaddya want, toots? Don'tcha have a lot of shoppin' to do?"
Rita: "I'll say it again...let go of that girl, or else!"
Angelina: "Or else WHAT? Dat goil ain't none of your concern! So why don'tcha keep ya goddamn nose outta our business, capiche?"
Rita: "She is if it concerns my son! Now...let...her...go...or so help me God, you'll regret it."
Angelina: "Talk to the hand, ya old hag! 'Cuz it's got one thing tah say to ya's."
[With that Angelina took her hand and gave the blonde woman a slap on the face, making her stumble back a few steps. Rita managed to keep her balance and placed her hand to her sore cheek, while Angelina laughed. Lincoln was quite shocked to see his mother get slapped like that.]
Rita: "You know... My father once told me that talking it out with bullies would resolve everything...and if they refuse, you just have to take it to 'em!"
[Before Angelina could reply, Rita gave the Jersey woman a punch on the jaw, knocking a couple of her teeth out and sending her falling to the ground. Angelina then held her jaw and moaned in pain while Esther growled angrily at the blonde.]
Esther: "Oh no! You did not just punch mah gal, ya fat ass pig! Now yer gonna pay fer it!"
Rita: "What did you call me, you cocksucking cowgirl?!"
Lincoln: "Oh dang!"
[With that, Esther charged at Rita like a bull. But the mother of eleven grabbed her hands and struggled with her. The way this battle was going looked like something out of a sumo wrestling match.]
Esther: "Why don't ya just give up, ya hussy cunt?!"
Rita: "I won't let you hurt my children, you damn brute!"
Esther: "I've had mah share of fights where I come from...and I reckon I never lose!"
[Finally, after a long struggle, the two women began to fight. Rita gave Esther a few punches to her face before the country woman managed to give one to the mother of eleven, knocking her down to the ground. Esther laughed as she towered over the blonde woman.]
Esther: "Ha! Who's wearin' the big gal pants now?! Huh?!"
[Rita got up and wiped the blood off of her mouth. Esther then marched over to Rita and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt.]
Esther: "Ya'll shoulda just give up while ya still can! You don't have the guts to-"
[Rita only responded by headbutting Esther in the forehead, causing her to let go of her. Rita then used all of her energy to give the country woman a bunch of punches and kicks until she was nearly out of breath. Esther just stood there, dazed and confused.]
Lincoln: "Come on, Mom! Show her who's boss!"
[With that one amount of encouragement, Rita gave Esther one last big kick to the jaw. The big country woman then went down like a tree that was being cut down and landed on the ground unconscious. Lincoln ran over to his mother and hugged her.]
Lincoln: "Wow, Mom! You're the best!"
Rita: "Well...I didn't learn to fight from your Pop-Pop for nothing!"
[Rita smiled with confidence while she put her hand on her son's head. However, the celebration was short lived when Rita heard the sound of a gun cocking behind her head. She then put her hands up.]
Angelina: "Yea... You ain't lookin' so tough now...are ya, bitch?"
[Rita turned around and saw Angelina pointing a pistol at her.]
Rita: "Well...now that just doesn't seem fair, does it?"
Angelina: "Just shaddup ya mouth before I put a bullet in your head!"
Rita: "You wouldn't shoot a woman out in the open, would you? Everyone in the store will hear everything."
Angelina: "I don't wanna have any collateral damage here...but you're testin' my damn patience! I just want to take my fuckin' moolah and blow dis joint!"
Rita: "Why are you doing this? All I wanted was to have a nice day out with my children. I just wanted to prove to them that I'm not a bad person. I mean, it's hard taking care of eleven kids, but the last thing I EVER want to do is blame them for anything that's out of their control. If you had any children yourself, you'd understand that."
[Lincoln smiled at his mother's words. Angelina's hand trembled as her face started crumbling.]
Angelina: "Sure...ya got kids... But, me...I...I ain't got nothing left... My life has been goin' to hell thanks to dat...dat...deadbeat! My boss's old lover! All my old friends just...locked away or buried in da ground. Everyone I ever known...is gone..."
[Angelina looked away and started to cry.]
Rita: "Are you referring to-"
"FREEZE! D.P.D!"
[Angelina and Rita turned to see Castleton, who was accompanied by two officers and a cameraman. One of the officers was an African-American female in her late 40s and the other was an Asian-American male in his mid 20s. All three officers surrounded the two women with their guns aimed at the brunette, making her drop her gun and put her hands up. All the while the cameraman focused his camera on the whole scene. Castleton started walking over to Angelina with a smirk on his face and his revolver pointed at her.]
Castleton: "Well, look who it is... Angelina Moretto...the last survivor of Las Hermanas... We kinda figured you'd be here... Hands behind your back."
[Realizing she had no alternative, Angelina slowly complied and turned her back to Castleton, who still had his revolver pointed at her. The policeman then approached Angelina and slapped handcuffs on her wrists.]
Angelina: "Hey! Not so rough, you pig!"
[At that moment, Esther started to regain consciousness, but Castleton's subordinates took notice of this before running over to hold her down and cuff her before she could even get up.]
Lincoln: "Detective Castleton!"
[Castleton then turned to look at Lincoln with a smile.]
Castleton: "That's Sergeant Castleton now, kid. I got promoted months ago and transferred to Detroit."
Lincoln: "That's great, but those ladies have my friend tied up and locked in the trunk of their car!"
[As if on cue, they heard banging coming from the trunk of the Mercedes.]
Castleton: "Alright, Moretto! What have you got in the trunk?"
Angelina: "I'd show ya, but I've seen to have misplaced my keys. And even if I knew where dey are, I ain't tellin' you flatfoots shit!"
[Castleton did a search of Angelina, but couldn't find the keys.]
Angelina: "Ah, you coppers are such fucking pigs feelin' a woman all over!"
Female Officer: "Oh, quit your whining, woman! You sounding like a gun moll with a grating accent like that!"
Castleton: "Alright, that'll do, Joseph."
Lincoln: "That woman with the Texas drawl has them! I saw her use them to lock the trunk before she tucked them in her pocket!"
[Lincoln pointed at Esther.]
Castleton: "Nice detective skills, son... Joseph, Lang, check her for the keys!"
[The two officers did so, and after a thorough search, Lang pulled them out of Esther's back pocket.]
Lang: "Found them, sir!"
Esther: "No shit... That there boy's been readin' too many gol-dang detective stories."
Castleton: "Good! Now get that trunk opened!"
[While Joseph kept hold of Esther, Lang used the key to unlock the trunk. He opened it to reveal Ronnie Anne and the suited man. Lang then helped Ronnie Anne out of the trunk before removing the duct tape from her hands and mouth.]
Ronnie Anne: "Oh my God! It's so cramped in there!"
[Lang then helped the suited man out of the trunk and removed the tape from his hands, allowing the man to remove the gag from his mouth.]
Man: "Aw, Christ! That was one hell of a trip!"
[Lang then proceeded to check the rest of the car while Castleton walked over to Ronnie Anne and the man. The police sergeant then got on one knee and looked Ronnie Anne in the eyes.]
Castleton: "You okay, Ronnie Anne? Take a deep breath and tell us what happened."
Ronnie Anne: "It was just awful! I saw those women enter the back of the store, so I took Lincoln to our van to hide. But then those very same girls found us and locked me in the trunk of their car. I told Lincoln to get his mother before they got a hold of me."
Lincoln: "My mom was so cool! You should've seen it! She fought that Texan woman and didn't hold back! I mean, she was like a regular Ace Savvy, if he was a woman!"
[The cameraman then turned to Lincoln as he spoke.]
Rita: "Well, I don't know if I'd say that."
[Castleton then turned his attention to the suited man.]
Castleton: "What about you, Mr. Vyzer? Can you recall anything before you were kidnapped?"
Vyzer: "I don't know... I was just hanging outside the courthouse last night...then the next thing I know, something hit me in the back of the head and everything went dark. I don't know what those ladies wanted, but I guess they just didn't like me very much. That whack to the head must be preventing me from thinking clearly."
Lang: "Sir, you might want to come take a look at this!"
[Castleton walked over to Lang and looked into the back seat to see a black briefcase and a bag. Upon opening the case, Castleton and Lang saw lots of dollars in it.]
Lang: "What do you think, sir?"
Castleton: "Well, I'd say it's about five-hundred thousand. What about the bag?"
Lang: "I checked, and I think there's about nine grand. I think it came from the store."
Vyzer: "Wait a minute! Now I remember!"
[Castleton and Lang turned their heads to hear what Vyzer has to say.]
Vyzer: "Those girls must've wanted the money I've been collecting from Mr. Santiago. When I refused to give it to them, they must've knocked me out before taking it. And let me tell you, working with Alex Santiago for five years was no picnic."
[Castleton then closed the briefcase and shook his head before turning to look at Angelina again.]
Castleton: "Well, I think that's about all we needed to see here... Angelina Moretto...you and your friend are under arrest for robbery, kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder. You both have the right to remain silent...anything you say, can, and will be used against you in a court of law."
[Angelina just looked at the ground and sighed.]
Castleton: "Joseph, Lang, take Moretto and her partner to the car. We'll take 'em Downtown right after I have a word with Mrs. Loud."
[As Castleton's subordinates took Angelina and Esther to their police cruiser, Castleton looked over to Rita while the cameraman kept the camera focused on Castleton.]
Castleton: "Good evening, Mrs. Loud. How are things going with your family? Apart from now, that is?"
Rita: "Well, I'd say it's been going well...and you look different than before."
Castleton: "As I told your son before, I've been promoted to Police Sergeant... Plus, I've got a couple of well-disciplined officers that have my back."
Lincoln: "Well, thank you for coming so quickly, Mr. Castleton. I was worried that they were going to take my friend away!"
Castleton: "Just doing my job, son. You know, this is the second time I came to help your family."
Lincoln: "By the way, do you know that woman?"
Castleton: "As a matter of fact, we do. Angelina Moretto was the club secretary of Las Hermanas, the very same group that kidnapped you. But after Gena and her gang was arrested or killed, Moretto decided to lay low. It seems that she and her accociates have been planning on robbing this store for some time. Luckily, the manager called and we came to put a stop to all that."
Ronnie Anne: "She told me she'd been watching us back in November. I think she must've been part of the kidnapping back at the park."
Castleton: "Were Moretto and her friend alone?"
Ronnie Anne: "Well, no... There was another one with them. She had orange hair and spoke with a Russian accent or something."
Lincoln: "Yeah, but she disappeared right after I went back into the store. They said her name was...Yuri, I think?"
Castleton: "Don't you worry, son. We'll do a search for this Yuri, and when we do, we'll make sure she doesn't cause any more trouble."
Rita: "By the way, who is that man in the suit? And what does he have to do with Mr. Santiago?"
Castleton: "Oh, him? That's Edward Vyzer... He used to be the financial advisor at Santiago Superbikes before it went out of business. Now, he's a lawyer."
Ronnie Anne: "Wait... You mean this guy used to work for my dad?"
Vyzer: "Once...but not since the business went bust. Besides, that guy was NOT easy to work with. Having to work 24/7 counting all the money he made, no breaks whatsoever. A living nightmare in my opinion."
Ronnie Anne: "I see what you mean. I wish I could say that my life was easier with him, but I'd be lying if I did."
Vyzer: "Well, I for one am GLAD to be out of that line of work...and that he's now rotting in jail where he belongs."
Ronnie Anne: "Tell me about it."
[Castleton walked over to Vyzer and gave him his briefcase.]
Castleton: "So, Mr. Vyzer... How are you gonna get back to town?"
Vyzer: "I guess I can take a cab...or hitchhike. Do you know where the nearest phone booth is?"
Castleton: "Should be a couple outside of the store."
Vyzer: "Thank you."
[Vyzer stood up and walked over the store to find a phone booth. Castleton then turned to look at Rita.]
Castleton: "What about you, Mrs. Loud?"
Rita: "I think my kids and are gonna get our groceries for before we head home."
Castleton: "How about I accompany you there... I'm gonna have a little talk with the manager...and return the money to him."
[Rita nodded and started back towards the store with Lincoln and Ronnie Anne. Castleton then walked alongside the matriarch with the stolen money in his hand. As they were halfway to the entrance, Rita asked the police sergeant a question.]
Rita: "So... What happened to your old partner?"
Castleton: "Who?"
Rita: "Kochner...I think it was? How is he these days?"
Castleton: "Oh, him... He's no longer on the force due to some...disagreements. But I think I can handle things with my new subordinates from here on out."
Rita: "I see... I never did like that guy anyway...not since he pointed his gun at my kids."
Castleton: "No argument there."
[As soon as the group went inside, they saw the manager and a few workers waiting for them. Castleton walked up to the manager and gave him the money.]
Castleton: "It's alright, folks. The situation's under control."
Manager: "Thank you... I worked too hard to earn this much out here."
Castleton: "No need to thank me, sir... My men and I were just doing our job."
[The manager then turned to look at Rita.]
Manager: "Is your name Rita Loud?"
Rita: "Yes?"
Manager: "I saw you take on those women outside...and all to protect those kids."
Rita: "You did?"
Manager: "I know I should've stayed inside, but you were really courageous out there."
Castleton: "Well if anything, this woman's a real hero."
[The manager then reached his hand into the bag and gave Rita a three wads. Rita was surprised by this.]
Manager: "For what you've done, I'd like to give you three grand."
Rita: "I appreciate the gesture, but I don't think that's necessary. I just wanted to go shopping with my kids."
Manager: "Please, ma'am... Think of it as compensation for stopping those robbers. I rarely get customers except on the days before the holidays. But if I know a good woman, it's the kind that protects her kids from harm."
[Rita then looked over at Castleton, who simply nodded. Rita then took the money and thanked the manager before collecting her groceries and heading back to Vanzilla with Lincoln and Ronnie Anne following her.]
Ten minutes later...
[Rita was driving home while Lincoln and Ronnie Anne sat in the second row seats eating one cookie each.]
Lincoln: "Boy! What a day, Ronnie Anne. We go grocery shopping with mom, and then three women show up and tried to hurt us."
Ronnie Anne: "Yeah, but from what you told me, your mother went face to face with those girls and pretty much annihilated them. I can't wait to tell the others on how cool she is."
Rita: "Hey, Kids... I don't mean to interrupt, but... I need you both to do a small favor for me."
Lincoln: "Yes, Mom?"
Ronnie Anne: "What do you mean?"
Rita: "I know you two now think of me as a cool mom, but... Can you just promise me something?"
Lincoln: "Okay."
Ronnie Anne: "What do you have in mind?"
Rita: "Do you think you can keep all of this a secret from the others? I don't want your father to freak out if he knows, and God only knows what your sisters might do if they did the same."
[Lincoln and Ronnie Anne looked at each other before holding hands.]
Lincoln: "Don't worry, Mom. We won't tell anyone."
Ronnie Anne: "Yeah... Your secret's safe with us. By the way... You think you can do something for me as well?"
Rita: "And what would that be, dear?"
Ronnie Anne: "I know it's been months since I lost my real mom. But you and your husband have been looking after me and Bobby ever since you took us into your home. And after Bobby and Lori moved out, you decided to legally adopt me out of the kindness of your hearts."
Rita: "Of course we did. You're part of our family now."
Ronnie Anne: "Yes, so... I was wondering if... Would it be okay if I referred to you guys as Mom and Dad?"
[Rita poked up before looking Ronnie Anne through the mirror.]
Rita: "You want...to call me...Mom?"
Ronnie Anne: "Yes... You see the thing is, ever since my old mom...left, my life hasn't been the same. But you guys have been so kind to me and Bobby ever since we escaped from our old father. You've let us stay for so long that I've grown accustomed to your family...Lincoln especially. And now that Bobby's moved out with Lori, I sorta have been looking up to Lincoln and his sisters. But after today...you're like a role model to me. I know that you miss Lori ever since she moved out, I mean I miss Bobby as well. But if you want to, I could be like one of your daughters."
[Rita's heart melted. What Ronnie Anne just said brought tears to her eyes. Even though Lori moved out, it felt like Rita had gained another daughter, even if her first and last name didn't begin with L. She looked at Ronnie Anne through the mirror as a quivering smile formed on her face.]
Rita: "Oh, honey...you're already one of my daughters... But I'd be honored for you to call me Mom. I promise that I'll be a better mother than your old one was."
Ronnie Anne: "Thank you... I'm sorry if I hurt you last night. Also, I heard what you said in the parking lot...about trying not to be bad. From what Lincoln said, you were really awesome. In fact, you're like the coolest mom I never had."
Rita: "That's okay, Ronnie Anne... I'd give you a hug if my hands weren't fixed to the wheel."
[Lincoln then looked at Ronnie Anne in an awkward fashion.]
Lincoln: "So...I guess that means I'm your brother now, right?"
Ronnie Anne: "Best not to think too hard about this, Lame-O."
[Lincoln could only nod in agreement.]
Royal Woods Detention Center...
[Bobby drove into the parking lot while Lori sat beside him. Lori wanted to come with her boyfriend for emotional support. Bobby was nervous about how this would turn out while Lori put her hand on his shoulder to comfort him.]
Bobby: "I don't know if I can do this, Babe."
Lori: "Well, you can't just let him haunt your mind forever. Remember when you wanted me and Carol to make up on Halloween?"
Bobby: "That was different. I wanted you two to put an end to a silly competition. But this... This is me finally going face to face with the very man that made my life a living hell."
Lori: "And my family's lives too, you know? Come on, Boo-Boo Bear. You can do this...I know you can."
[Lori then took her boyfriend's hand and looked into his eyes.]
Lori: "I'm gonna be with you all the way...and I mean that, Literally."
[Bobby looked into his girlfriend's eyes. She had been encouraging him to confront his demons since after school yesterday. He didn't know if this solution could really work, but he had to try. Bobby took a deep breath and showed determination. The Latino then opened the door and got out of the SUV before walking over to the other side and helping Lori out. The couple then walked towards the doors ready to face the man who had tried to ruin their lives for months.]
Inside the jail...
[Alex sat on the bed in his cell, lifting a dumbbell. It had been two months since he had been thrown in the slammer, but to him, it felt like years. His hair was cut short, and he'd grown some muscle since he got locked up. As he lifted his dumbbell, he thought about everything that led him to this place.]
Alex: Stupid white trash Loud assholes! Why couldn't they just control their own kids?!
[Alex then dropped his dumbbell on the floor, stood up and started pacing around the cell.]
Alex: You always have to get in my way every time! Well, you better hope that these bars can hold me, because I might come back to haunt you!
[Just then, a guard came up and tapped his stick on the bars, getting the big man's attention.]
Guard: "Hey! Get off your ass, Santiago... You've got visitors."
Alex: "Is that a fact?"
Guard: "Yes, now get your ass cleaned up and greet our guests. You wouldn't want to keep them waiting, do you? Especially if you smell like sweat."
Alex: "If I wanted to keep them waiting, I would've had my ass kicked."
Guard: "Smartass."
[The cell door opened and Alex followed the guard to the shower room.]
[After taking a shower, Alex followed the guard through the halls and over to the window where he saw Bobby and Lori on the other side. Both of them were giving the big man stares of anger and disgust. As soon as Alex was at the window, he picked up the phone and began to speak into it.]
Alex: "Hey, Junior. Come to see how your old papi's doin'?"
[Bobby picked up the phone on his side and looked away from his father.]
Bobby: "Don't 'Junior' me...please."
Alex: "What's the matter, mijo? Don't you miss your padre?"
Bobby: "How can I? What you did back in Fernville was just...horrible...I can't even imagine what Lori and her family would go through if you actually went through with it."
Alex: "You're not still sore about that, are you? Well, you can blame your sister for fucking things up for me."
Lori: "Okay! You know what? Fuck this! Why do you literally keep blaming anyone else for all the shit you've done to us and my family?! You're the one who shot Ronnie Anne and nearly got her killed!"
Alex: "I never intended to kill my own daughter! I loved her and Junior too much! Ronalda was the one who decided to play stupid and get herself killed!"
Bobby: "How could you love me when you had a gun pointed at my head?! In fact, I believe those exact words were and I quote 'I have no children'! You know, it really HURT to hear you say that about us!"
Alex: "Okay! I didn't know what I was saying during the chaos! But, what about when this slut left you both on the streets, huh?"
Lori: "Oh, don't you fucking dare!"
Bobby: "I don't care! Nie-nie is much happier with the Loud family! Plus, Lori and I have a place to call our own, and we like it there!"
Alex: "So you would rather play big happy familia with some selfish puta while your papi rots away in prison?! I did not raise you that way!"
Bobby: "Well, maybe you didn't raise me and Ronnie Anne at all. I mean, you're supposed to be my father! A person who's supposed to provide for his family and help guide his children through this tough world. Not take them for granted just for his own selfish needs."
Alex: "I WAS! But what thanks do I get?! One child who turns into a womanizing scumbag, and another who thinks that violence solves every problem that she has! I should've just gotten a dog instead! Maybe even two! They're much better at listening than stupid children like yourselves!"
Lori: "How dare you refer to your own son as a scumbag?! Bobby might not be the most perfect person in the world, but he'd literally make a much better father than you ever were to him! Sure, I used to treat my siblings as soldiers at a boot camp, but at least I had my reasons! You, on the other hand, were nothing but abusive, self-centered, and to put it bluntly, a complete sociopath! If anyone's the scumbag in your family, it's YOU!"
Alex: "Okay, so I'm not a perfect father either! But then again, who is? Roberto! You've abandoned your own padre, took your sister and ran off with some fat puta, while I was left to fend for myself! Now look at what you've done! I'm now forced to scrub toilets that those guards keep making dirty instead of selling motorcycles!"
Bobby: "Well, maybe this is for your own good. Remember all those years of abusing me, Mom and Ronnie Anne? What about when you were taking most of my money from work, huh? I was left with hardly anything because of it! Our lives were hell living with you!"
[Alex then changed his tone and started begging.]
Alex: "Ay cabron! Please, don't do this to me! I had to pay the bills somehow! I mean, our home wasn't exactly a fancy mansion, but it was all we could afford. Why can't you kids see things from my perspective?"
Lori: "Now, you listen here, you son of a bitch! I literally couldn't give a rat's ASS about your perspective! You kidnapped my brother and tried to murder him! And if that wasn't enough, you literally took your own children's mother away from them! But you know what's worse? Just WORSE than abusing your own family? You literally tried to get rid of an unborn baby! MY unborn baby! Your own SON'S baby! Your supposed GRANDCHILD! You oughta be ASHAMED of yourself! Oh, wait! You don't have that ability to, do you? Because you are LITERALLY...an UTTER...WASTE...of a HUMAN...BEING!"
[Finally, Alex was on his last nerve and started banging on the unbreakable window.]
Alex: "FUCK YOU, PUTA! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT NOW THAT I'M IN HERE! YOU STARTED THIS WHOLE MESS WITH YOUR SEDUCTIVE CHARMS! FUCK! YOUUUUUU!"
[Lori was quite unfazed by Alex's insults, but Bobby, not wanting to tolerate such name-calling on his girlfriend, responded by yelling into his phone.]
Bobby: "Don't you DARE call my girlfriend a puta, you dumb fucking cabron! It's all your fault that mom's dead, it's your fault that you've lost everything, and it's your own damn fault that you're in there in the first place! I've waited so long to be rid of your pathetic ass, Alex! Along with all of your lies and deceit! Ronnie Anne and I are very happy with our lives and we do not need you anymore! You are not worthy of being my father, and you are certainly not worthy of being my son's grandfather! You are a slimy bastard, and I don't EVER want to see your ugly disgusting face, EVER, AGAIN! GOODBYE!"
[Alex kept banging on the window just before three guards subdued him with their batons. Bobby watched his father being beaten to the ground before running outside in tears. Lori then took one last look at the shell of a man being dragged away before following her boyfriend outside.]
[As soon as she was outside, she found Bobby on his knees with his hands covering his eyes...sobbing. Lori then started wobbling over to the crying Latino until she was right by his side.]
Lori: "Bobby? It's going to be alright. There's no way he can cause any more trouble for us."
[Lori then put her hand on Bobby's head and let him lean his head on her stomach.]
Bobby: "Why did Ronnie Anne and I have to be fathered by this...this...I don't even know what to call him now."
[Lori rubbed Bobby's head in a soothing way as he continued to cry.]
Lori: "Bobby...he never was your father. For all I know, he's been thinking about himself even before you were born. All he ever thought about was himself and not what you or Ronnie Anne wanted. All we can do now is just try to forget about him."
[Bobby then looked up at his girlfriend before he continued letting the tears flow on her baby bump.]
Bobby: "I know, babe... It's just...so sad. To think that this man...who's supposed to be my father..."
Lori: "I know this hurts, Boo-Boo Bear. But, you have a loving and caring girlfriend and a baby on the way. Even if that man was the one who conceived you, he can never be what you're going to be."
[Bobby felt the baby kicking inside his girlfriend's stomach. Lori then wrapped her arms around the Latino's head as he continued to cry. Lori started to shed a tear herself from seeing her boyfriend in so much emotional pain.]
Lori: "Don't cry, Boo-Boo Bear... It's going to be okay..."
Later, at the Loud House...
[Rita finally arrived home with Lincoln and Ronnie Anne. After pulling into the driveway, Rita got out and head over to the back before she started unloading groceries. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne got out and helped her out. Rita had two bags while Lincoln and Ronnie Anne each carried one. Rita then knocked on the door with her foot.]
Rita: "Honey! We're home!"
[After a few seconds, Lynn Sr. opened the door and hugged his wife tightly.]
Lynn Sr.: "Oh, good! You're back..."
Rita: "Okay... I wasn't expecting this."
[As soon as Lynn Sr. subsided, he let Rita, their son and their adopted daughter into the house.]
Lynn Sr.: "Do you need any help with the groceries?"
Rita: "I'd appreciate it so much."
[After about a minute, all the groceries were unpacked and stored in their proper places...but Lynn Sr. had something he needed to tell his wife.]
Lynn Sr.: "Honey, uh... Could you...come into the living room for a few minutes?"
Rita: "Why? What's going on?"
Lynn Sr.: "Just bring Lincoln and Ronnie Anne and I'll show you."
[With that, Lynn Sr. walked into the living room. Rita then headed into the living room as well while Lincoln and Ronnie Anne followed. When they got there, they found Lynn Sr. sitting on the couch holding the remote.]
Rita: "Alright... So what do you want to talk to us about?"
Lynn Sr.: "First things first... You all might want to sit down for this. I had the whole thing recorded on the DVR."
[Rita then sat next to her husband before Lincoln and Ronnie Anne sat alongside them. The patriarch of the Louds then pressed play on the remote and the program on the TV changed to a camera inside a police cruiser filming Castleton, who was driving.]
Castleton: "I'm Sergeant Ian Castleton and joining me are officers Raylee Joseph and Andrew Lang."
[The cameraman then turned to the two officers sitting in the back before turning back to Castleton.]
Castleton: "We just got a call about a disturbance at a grocery store just outside of Royal Woods, and we are heading over there immediately."
[Rita soon realized where this was going. She completely forgot about the cameraman that accompanied Castleton and his subordinates earlier. Rita then turned her head to look at her husband.]
Rita: "Why were you watching a live show?"
Lynn Sr.: "I thought I'd do it since Castleton was the one who's been helping us for months... But enough about that, just keep watching. We're getting there."
[As the party of four watched the program, the car finally arrived outside the store. Castleton got out of the car while his subordinates and the cameraman followed. The group then ran onto the parking lot where they found Rita held at gunpoint by a woman, while Lincoln was hiding behind his mother. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne looked at each other, surprised.]
Lincoln: "My mom was so cool! You should've seen it! She fought that Texan woman and didn't hold back! I mean, she was like a regular Ace Savvy!"
Rita: "Well, I don't know if I'd say that."
[Lynn Sr. then paused the tape before looking at his wife with a bewildered look. Feeling very embarrassed, Rita groaned and buried her face in her hands. Ronnie Anne then looked over to her adoptive mother and spoke up.]
Ronnie Anne: "Look on the bright side, Mom...We didn't necessarily tell anyone about this."
Rita: "Not now, Ronnie Anne... Just...go to your room..."
[Ronnie Anne shrugged before heading up to her and Leni's room. Lincoln then got off the couch before heading upstairs to his own room. Lynn Sr. then smiled and put his hand on his wife's shoulder.]
Lynn Sr.: "Now...don't feel too bad, honey... As far as I'm concerned, you were a real hero today. A real tough gal, if I say so myself. I'm so glad that I married you."
[Despite her husband's compliment, all Rita could do was sigh.]
That night, at Bobby and Lori's apartment...
[While Jill was at the stove cooking some pizza for dinner, Lori sat at the dining table waiting for her lover to come out of the bathroom. Ever since their visit to Alex at the jail, Bobby needed time to get over the grief. Finally, Bobby came out of the bathroom and sat across from his girlfriend at the table.]
Jill: Welcome...back...Bobby...
Lori: "So...how are you feeling?"
Bobby: "I think I'm a little better now that you mention it. I haven't seen...him since I gave him what he had coming."
[Lori then took Bobby's hand and held it.]
Lori: "Look...I know this wasn't easy for you, but you know it was for the best. All that matters is the people you love and who love you back."
[Bobby then looked into his girlfriend's loving eyes and smiled at her.]
Bobby: "I know... I'm just glad that you're by my side."
[Lori blushed and looked away as she heard those words.]
Lori: "Oh, you're just saying that to flatter me, Boo-Boo Bear."
Bobby: "No, really! I don't think I could've done this without you."
[Lori looked at Bobby again. His words really touched Lori's heart, and she was glad to have helped her boyfriend end things with his father once and for all.]
Lori: "Do you...wanna watch some TV with me after we eat?"
Bobby: "That sounds like a plan."
[Shortly after dinner, Bobby stood up and walked next to Lori before helping her to her feet. He then guided her over to the couch before the couple sat down in front of the TV. Bobby then picked up the remote and pushed the power button, activating the TV.]
[As Bobby began scrolling through the channels, he saw that Channel 8 had a program titled The Castleton Files. This show really piqued his interest since he remembered that this was the same guy who put his father behind bars.]
Bobby: "Oh, hey! Detective Castleton has his own reality show?"
Lori: "Huh? How about that?"
Bobby: "What do you say we check it out?"
[Lori nodded before Bobby changed the channel to the one that was airing Castleton's show. The program started off with Castleton driving a police cruiser while being filmed by a cameraman who was sitting right next to him.]
Castleton: "I'm Sergeant Ian Castleton and joining me are officers Raylee Joseph and Andrew Lang."
[The cameraman then turned to the two officers sitting in the back before turning back to Castleton.]
Castleton: "We just got a call about a disturbance at a grocery store just outside of Royal Woods, and we are heading over there immediately."
[As the program went by, the car finally arrived outside the store. Castleton got out of the car while his subordinates and the cameraman followed. To Bobby and Lori's surprise, once Castleton's group arrived at the parking lot, they saw Rita and Lincoln there as well.]
Lori: "Mom?!"
Bobby: "Lincoln?!"
[The couple watched the scene play through, not knowing what to say. When they saw one of the cops opening the trunk of a black Mercedes, Bobby was shocked to see Ronnie Anne come out of it.]
Bobby: "Nie-nie?!"
[Bobby and Lori looked at each other before turning their attention to the TV again. Lincoln then said something.]
Lincoln: "My mom was so cool! You should've seen it! She fought that Texan woman and didn't hold back! I mean, she was like a regular Ace Savvy!"
Lori: "My mother literally fought with someone?"
[Lori kept watching the screen, not knowing whether to be jealous or amazed.]
Bobby: "And all to save Ronnie Anne? I'd say Lincoln's right...you mom is pretty cool."
Lori: "Well...I..."
Bobby: "Think about it, if she hadn't stepped in, who knows what those women would've done to Ronnie Anne...and Lincoln for that matter..."
[Lori then put her index finger to her boyfriend's mouth before speaking through gritted teeth.]
Lori: "Not...another...word...Bobby..."
[Not wanting to face his girlfriend's wrath again, Bobby quickly went silent.]
Meanwhile, in Koch's apartment next door...
[Koch sat in his chair watching The Castleton Files on his TV. He seethed with fury as he watched his ex-partner on the set.]
Koch: "Look at you, Castleton... You get to have your own show while I'm stuck rotting away in this apartment with a dead end job. You think you're so big on TV, don't you?"
[Koch let out a scoff before he spoke again.]
Koch: "That show ain't gonna last long, Cas. Pretty soon, you're going to get what's coming to you. I just don't know when or how...but soon, you will."
[Koch was then snapped out of his rambling when he heard a knock on the door.]
Koch: "Who is it?! I'm busy!"
[There was nothing but silence for a few seconds before Koch heard the knocking again.]
Koch: "Ugh! For God's sake!"
[Koch got out of his chair and walked over to the door, grumbling all the way.]
Koch: "Whatever you're selling, I'm not interested in any...thing..."
[Koch opened the door to find a beautiful, young orange-haired woman in a blue coat, sunglasses, and a scarf over her head.]
Koch: "Woah, damn. I mean, hello there. What brings you here?"
[The woman then lifted her sunglasses and looked at Koch with sad eyes before speaking to him with a Russian accent.]
Yuri: "I'm looking for place to stay... My comrades are in jail and I have nowhere else to go... Do you think you can help a poor girl in need? Please?"
[Koch smiled and allowed the Russian girl to enter his apartment before shutting the door.]
Hawkeye2006: I don't think Koch is gonna deal with Castleton immediately.
Gamelover41592: Indeed there is.
ClearwaterMK2: We'll just have to wait and see.
Jacksonangelo105: Thank you.
DarthWill3: Well, you never know what might happen.
Mike The Red Engine: You are welcome.
wollyworld: Thanks.
Ellis97: Again, started the story back in 2017 and I'm just about almost to the end.
Guest: Soon. We're almost there.
Master Fan Reader: Maybe we'll get that near the end or in a future story.