Leni sat at her work table in her tailor shop, which she and Lincoln named the ''Loud style''. The workplace was filled with the sound of a sewing machine as her dextrous fingers pushed an orange piece of fabric through the machine. Chrismas being over, she returned to work as even in a relatively small town like Royal Woods her clothes were in high demand, in fact, people often asked her why she didn't pursue a career as a designer for a big company. Usually, she counterargued that she simply wasn't talented enough, or that she didn't like the idea of being away from her son and daughter for long periods of time. While these were both true, at least in the later part, the biggest reason was that it would draw too much attention, especially from journalists and such.
She sighed as the fabric smoothly slid down the machine. This part of outfit making was the most monotone and so left her plenty of time to think. Sometimes it was a good thing, as she usually got her best fashion ideas while idly sewing, but today she would rather do anything to avoid thinking. Last night her sister Lori, the person she is closest to besides her brother-husband and her children, cried herself to sleep in Lincoln's arms again, and although she seemed marginally better at breakfast it always made Leni sad to know she still carries all that guilt.
''Aunt Leni, where do the leather jackets go?'' sounded the voice of her niece Leia from the storage. She would often come to help her run the shop during holidays or after school as she adored fashion and cute dresses.
Her own children weren't into fashion like her. Liena was an aspiring cook, and a food critic as Luan liked to tease her due to her chubby nature. Her son Lyle, who looked like a child model with smooth facial features and long platinum blond hair, was a total dork just like his father.
''Just put them in the back, they are like totally not in season anymore.'' She replied, still concentrating on the sewing machine. She learned her lesson a year back when she accidentally sewed her fingers together and Lincoln had to mount the shop for her while she was in the hospital. She shuddered at the thought, 'Socks in sandals in the display of the shop, I had to write a formal apology to my customers for that.'. She didn't speak with her brother for a week because of that fashion crime.
The sound of bells chiming at the top of the door brought her attention back to reality as she automatically repeated her welcome line, ''Welcome to the Loud style, the best fashion in all of Royal Woods. How may I help you?''
A woman in a yellow vest and a dark blue scarf approached her work desk, her dirty blonde hair tied in a braid dangling from her shoulder. ''Jordan?! Omg, it's been ages, I haven't seen you since...'' Leni stood up from her table, excitingly greeting the old acquaintance.
''Since Lincoln was sent to the military school. Good to see you, Leni.'' Jordan returned the greetings.
''Where have you been? It was like, so hard to find a replacement female model around your age, especially since Lynn and Lucy were starting to show and...'' Leni started blabbering before stopping herself. She coughed and returned to her 'professional mode', ''Anyways, what can I help you with today?''
Jordan chuckled and took down her gloves, revealing a golden marriage ring. ''It's fine Leni, I was mainly here to check out the famous Loud style shop, and check on you. As to your question, I moved to Chigaco with my family, my father got a better job and wanted to move. I came back because my husband wanted to return to his hometown. Plus I managed to snag a job as a math teacher in the RW middle school'' She answered her question.
''Wait, who is your...'' Leni wanted to ask but was immediately interrupted.
''Chandler, we met again in college and married just half a year ago,'' Jordan said.
''Oh, that's great. And it also means you'll be working with Lynn. She is the current PE teacher. Just be careful of Lupa, she likes to torment new teachers. Actually, she made the former math teacher quit, something about a laxative in her lunch.'' Leni said, making Jordan cringe a little, not looking forward to her new student.
''Lupa, I assume that's Lynn's kid judging by her personality.'' Jordan sighed.
''Oh no, Lupa is Lucy's daughter, though I sometimes think she was supposed to be Luan's with how much she likes to prank and tease everyone, but she also likes stuff Lucy likes so I guess it's like a mix.'' She said tapping a finger on her chin as if deep in thought.
''Fun.'' Jordan deadpanned, ''Any tips on how to deal with that little devil?''
''Usually, if you ignore her or tease her back she'll leave you be. She's totes a daddy's girl but if embarrassed by it so maybe tease her about that. But you didn't hear it from me.'' Leni whispered to Jordan, cautiously looking around.
On the other side of Royal Woods
Lupa was snowballing with Lacy and Lemy in their backyard when suddenly she stopped mid-throw. ''What's wrong Lupa?'' asked Lacy coming out of her cover.
Lupa shivered and said, ''Someone is talking shit about me, I can feel it.''
Lemy and Lacy both shrugged and took the chance to throw their snowballs at Lupa.
Back at Leni's shop
Jordan quirked an eyebrow, ''Daddy's girl? But isn't Lucy a single mother?''
Leni immediately covered her mouth with her hand realizing her blunder, she quickly scraped her mind for how she could save the situation. ''Oh, sorry it's just that Lincoln devotes so much time to them that the kids view him as their dad.'' Leni blurted out, hoping it would salvage the situation. Luckily Jordan seemed to believe her. Her gaze drifted down and a slight smirk formed at the edges of her mouth, ''Heh, Lincoln was always like that. Your kids must be delighted to have him.''
While Leni was gossiping with Jordan, Leia burst into the room, her hands filled with winter coats almost obscuring her whole face. ''Leni, where do the coats go,'' she then noticed Jordan standing there, ''Oh, welcome to Loud style miss.''
Jordan looked at her puzzled, then back at Leni with a hopeful expression ''You had another child? Did you perhaps find someone special finally?''
Leni rubbed her hands together sheepishly and answered, '' Well yes and no. This is Leia, Lola's daughter, she is just helping me since fashion is her favorite thing. But I do have another child, my son Lyle, and no, I'm not married.''
Jordan looked even more confused than she was before, ''Wait, so with whom? If I remember correctly Hugh is still in jail. And who's Leia's father?''
Leni panicked a bit, not expecting the sudden barrage of questions. Thankfully Lincoln and Lori taught her how to respond in this kind of situation, '' Sorry Jordan, I'd rather not discuss that. And for your other question, we don't know who Leia's father is. Lola never said.''
Leia winced a little, she hated the fact that they had to lie like this. She hated that she couldn't admit that Lincoln was really her beloved father. And that her mother and aunts were spoken of as irresponsible sluts behind closed doors. But she knew it simply had to be this way, so she scuttled away, putting the coats onto the nearest empty vitrine, and hurried back into the storage.
Jordan simply looked at Leni, her judging eyes burying into Leni like worms, making her squirm under her gaze. She was used to receiving those from strangers, but when it was someone she knew, it really made her feel like crap. After a moment Jordan sighed and rubbed her eyes, ''Poor Lincoln. Sorry, Leni but I have some other business that needs my attention so I guess I'll see you later.'' with that, she turned around and promptly left the shop. Leaving Leni to continue her work in silence, only pierced by the humming of the sewing machine.
After Jordan left, Leia returned from the storage and jumped to hug Leni. ''Don't worry about them, Aunt Leni. It doesn't matter what they think about us as long as we have each other. Besides, I'm sure I can convince Daddy to give you special attention today. He still owes me for not ratting him to my mom for using her favorite tiara as a comic holder.'' She Said smirking. Leni rubbed her head and smiled, ''You are totes like Lola.''
After a few hours, it was closing time so Leni urged Leia to wait for her in her car, which she was still amazed she could drive, while she closed the shop down. She slowly walked down the aisle, checking if everything was properly ordered. When she walked to the doors of the shop, her eyes caught a particular piece of clothing on a mannequin by the door. She turned her head to face the mannequin wearing a light pink shirt with a cyan sweater hung around its neck. Her heartbeat quickened and she unconsciously tightened the grip on the door handle. She started to hyperventilate but when she blinked the cyan sweater disappeared and the mannequin was just wearing the pink shirt. She silently opened the door and walked out, locking it behind her.
Seventeen years ago...
It's been a week since the incident with Lori and Leni was currently attending her boring history class. Not that she really minded since she couldn't pay attention even if she wanted to. Ever since the incident things at home have been... difficult, since they returned from the hospital, Lori has been in a sort of catatonic state, barely responding to anything and only ever leaving her room to use the bathroom or to eat. The doctors didn't know why and simply theorized it was the sudden revelation of her pregnancy.
Speaking of pregnancy, their parents didn't take it well either. When the doctor told them, their mother broke down crying. Surprisingly their father didn't faint, although when they saw how broken he looked they wished the opposite. While they were individually visiting Lori, they were pulled aside by the doctors to discuss something. Leni overheard them talking about Lori's mental state and whether or not she'd be capable of taking care of the baby but Mom angrily dismissed her.
But the thing that troubled her most at the moment was Lincoln. While visiting Lori he suddenly fainted and had to be taken home. Physically he was fine, at least Lisa said so, but upon waking he acted like a living corpse. He barely ate anything and similarly to Lori barely responded to anyone. Everyone assumed it was simply too much for a boy like him, to witness his sister trying to take her life and then learn she was going to be a single mother. Thankfully his sisters helped him and he got a bit better, yesterday she even saw him snuggled up in bed with Lynn which was a little weird but they seemed content so she didn't disturb them.
Her train of thought was disturbed by the ring of the bell signaling the end of her last class for the day. She picked up her things and headed to her locker. Just as she was leaving the sound of thunder made her jump and she looked out of the window to see dark clouds gathering above the town. 'Great, a storm is coming, hope I didn't forget my umbrella at home.'
She did. Leni groaned in frustration and pulled out her phone to dial her dad so he could come pick her up. She hated doing this since she knew how busy her father was but she had no choice. But when she pressed the button, her phone didn't turn on, as she forgot to charge it. This time Leni screamed in frustration as she slammed her locker shut. 'Why, do I have to be so stupid? I can't even help my family because I'm so incompetent.' Leni crouched against the locker and put her legs close together, hiding her face.
''Hey there, why is a beautiful young lady like yourself sulking in the middle of the hallway?'' came the voice of a young man with a hint of a British accent.
Leni looked up to see a very handsome man with brown glistening hair, a pink shirt, and a cyan sweater tied around his neck. ''Hugh? What are you doing here? Aren't you in college?'' Leni blurted out, surprised to see Lincoln's former tutor. She then remembered why he was a 'former' tutor and a violent blush crept across her face.
''Actually, I'm doing a British culture club here at your high school to get more credits since the tutoring didn't really work out.'' Hugh answered, offering her his hand which she took and got up, ''So will you now answer my question?''
''Well, it's actually embarrassing, I forgot my umbrella at home and also forgot to charge my phone so I can't call anyone to come pick me up,'' Leni explained.
''What about your siblings? Don't you have three other sisters that attend here? Maybe just look for them to help you.'' He said.
''That would be totes embarrassing, plus I don't want to inconvenience them by my stupidity,'' Leni said, looking downcast.
''Oh come on, don't say that about yourself. Everyone forgets about things sometimes. I forgot my Citrus Garden gift card when I was dining there yesterday for example.'' Hugh said trying to cheer her up. Seeing as it did little to cheer the girl he continued, ''Tell you what? How about you go with me to the club and wait out the rain?''
Leni contemplated his offer. She still remembered when she and her sisters drove him from their home because they were crushing on him, which made it a bit awkward. On the other hand, she would be lying if she didn't find him dashing. Finally, she decided to take him up on his offer, ''Totes beats just sitting in the hallway.
The next few hours were the best she had experienced in the whole week. Leni didn't quite get all the etiquette and cultural references that were discussed at the club but simply watching Hugh and him gently correcting her whenever she made a mistake or praising her if she had done something right made her feel at ease, even happy. By the end of the club, she learned all about how to properly stir your tea or which forks are used for what dish.
She stayed till the end and then helped Hugh clean up. ''You did very well today Leni. A stupid person couldn't do that.'' Hugh suddenly approached her as she was cleaning the teacups.
''Yeah, I guess you're right.'' Leni giggled but then changed her tone, '' Thanks for lifting my mood. I know I can be a bother so I appreciate it.'' She really meant it, she always knew people viewed her as an airhead, but she didn't really mind. She knew that as long as she got her family she could manage whatever she set her mind to as they would always help her. However, after what happened with Lori she realized she always relied on her family without actually helping them in any substantial way. Sure she could make good clothes, but other than that she was pretty much useless, at least that's how she felt.
''No worry Leni, I quite enjoyed having you here. Actually, I wanted to ask you if you would be interested in joining the club?'' Hugh asked.
Leni didn't even need to think about it. Her time at the club was the best she had in the past week, although she didn't know whether it was the club itself or Hugh's presence. Either way, she really needed some excuse to not be home, and this way she could also spend that time with him. ''Thanks, I think I'll take you up on that offer,'' she answered. Not noticing the malevolent smirk that crossed Hugh's face.
They exchanged numbers so that he could message her updates about the club and then went their separate ways. While she was at the club the weather outside seemed to clear so she could walk home without getting drenched. She giddily hopped along the road all the way to 1216 Franklin Avenue. There, seeing the silhouette of her home, instantly the positive energy dissipated and she sighed, entering the house. The house was quiet, which would have been unusual a few weeks prior, but now it has become the norm. Not even Luan could lift the shroud as she herself was deeply troubled about the state of her two siblings.
She made her way up to her and Lori's room. Entering the door she saw Lori, as usual, sitting on her bed staring at nothing in particular. Just as she was changing into more comfortable clothes she heard Lori speak, a thing she hadn't done since she came back from the hospital. ''Leni, where were you? I know you don't have clubs today and I was starting to worry.''
She turned to see Lori finally looking at her, the concern visible on her face. Despite all she's been through, all the suffering and misfortune she still cared about her closest sister to overcome that. It made Leni warm inside to know how much she meant to her, but she also felt another emotion, one that was born from her insecurity and which she fed for a long time now, the last week only making it surface. It was disgust, disgust at herself, at how weak and pathetic she must be for it to cause her sister to still have to worry about her even when facing her worst challenges yet.
It was this feeling that made her lie to her sister. A thing she almost never did, particularly if it was something personal. ''A friend just invited me to help her look for some clothes. She like totes has no fashion sense so I have to help her.'' Leni answered. This seemed to satisfy Lori as she gave her a nod and returned to her noncaring state. She left the room and headed to Lincoln's room, she made it a habit to check on both of them when she came home, to make sure they were fine.
As she approached, she noticed the door to Lisa's and Lily's room was ajar, which was unusual as Lisa always closed the door when she was experimenting, and she was always conducting some experiments. It got her curious enough so she decided to peek in. Lisa was there, sitting behind her desk and reading some complicated paper as usual, but besides her, there was also Lincoln, currently sleeping with Lily lying on top of him.
''What's going on here?'' She asked Lisa pointing to Lincoln.
''Ah, hello dear sister unit. To answer your quesshion, our dear brother suddenly came into our room and resolved to interact with Lily until they were both tired and decided to take a nap. I am not aware as to what sparked such a surge in motivation but he seemed determined to learn how to best interact with Lily since technically she's still a baby. I hypothesize it's due to his nervousness about our new niece/nephew.'' Lisa answered, turning her chair around to face Leni.
Content, Leni retreated back to her room. Picking up her favorite fashion magazine, she was about to spend the rest of the day reading about new designs when her phone vibrated. She checked it to see it was a text from Hugh. ''Hey, so you told me you were really into fashion and so I got this idea. How about we make the next club meeting about British fashion. Could you help me set it up?'' it read. So instead she spends it texting with him, making plans, and learning about each other.
The next month she spent regularly visiting the club and even meeting with him outside it. Before she knew it she really fell in love with his charming personality. He was always so polite and complimented her, even when she did something stupid he simply corrected her and didn't get mad. Leni wanted to ask him out but was scared that she misinterpreted his intentions so she decided to wait. Still, she decided it was best to keep the fact that she was meeting with him from her family for now as she didn't want them to worry about her. As to her family...
Lori finally seemed to come to terms with everything that happened to her. She was still reclusive but actually started to talk to them, especially with Lincoln. Their parents even managed to get Lori to take her finals so that she could officially end high school, though her plans for college were gone for now. So now she spent most of her day studying for them since they were just a week away.
Lincoln was also doing better. He spends most of his time helping Dad with cooking and doing repairs with Lana. Lola joked he was training to be a father with all the housework he's been doing. When Leni asked him why he simply stated that he wanted to be useful since their family will get even bigger now. Lincoln even offered to help Dad in the restaurant but he refused telling him he should just enjoy his childhood.
It was just another Wednesday, Leni was currently in the club, having a tea party with Hugh and six other students. It was one of her favorite activities they did in the club since she could just chat and drink tea, especially the one Hugh always brought.
''Listen, Leni, I was wondering. Are you doing something tonight? If not I was thinking we could hang out at my place, I got this old projector and wanted to show you some classics.'' Hugh said as he took a sip of the tea from his cup.
As much as Leni wanted to say yes, she couldn't. She knew it would be the perfect opportunity. The two of them alone, at his place, she could maybe find the courage to ask him about his feelings. But she already promised she'd help Lincoln learn how to sew today. ''Sorry Hugh, but I already promised I would help my little brother today and I'd totes hate to let him down.'' she finally answered.
''Oh, that's fine, maybe another time then?'' he asked with a hint of disappointment.
After apologizing to him the rest of the club went by quickly and soon she was on her way home. She was very excited to teach Lincoln all about sewing, even if he said he only wanted the basics. It really surprised her when he approached her about it. She asked for his reasons but he would just say the same thing he told everyone. Soon she was again in front of her house, opening the door she was hit with a mix of sounds, which was thankfully again usual for their household.
However, something seemed to be off. Usually, she would hear loud music from Luna's speaker, Lynn running around playing football with some household item, or the twins arguing about something stupid again. But instead of that she heard yelling, and from the intensity and voice, it was her parents and Lori arguing in her room. Curious as to what was happening she sneaked upstairs where her other siblings were already gathered in the hallway.
''Like, what the heck is going on here?'' She asked approaching Luna who was currently busy holding both Lynn and Lincoln at bay.
''Dude, I'm not sure but they just came to her room and closed the door. Said they wanted to have a serious conversation with her now that she was better and gave me and Luan some money to take the others shopping but no one wanted to go so we stayed here.'' Luna said nervously looking at Leni.
Suddenly the yelling got louder. ''Lori, think about it, you would be sacrificing your future! I know you loved Bobby, and I'm sure he wouldn't want you to be a single mother. We just want the best for you.'' came the voice of their mother. ''It isn't the baby's fault I screwed up! I'm not going to have an abortion!'' sounded Lori's voice
The last word seemed to shock everyone. Luna put her hands on her mouth and so let go of both Lincoln and Lynn who both burst through the door into the room. ''Kids? What are you doing here?!'' said their father but was ignored as Lincoln started screaming. ''What the hell is wrong with you?! How can you even suggest Lori kills her own child.'' ''Yeah, that's scummy as hell, what did it do to deserve that.'' Lynn backed him up.
''Firstly, Language! Secondly, Lincoln, Lynn you're too young to understand but sometimes mistakes happen in life and even if it's painful it is ultimately better to let go...'' Their mother started, trying to calm her children down.
''Mistake?! You think my child is a mistake?'' Lori interrupted her speech through her teary eyes before running out of the room. Rita tried to stop her but Luna got in her way. After that the situation devolved rapidly, everyone was screaming, the children at their parents and vice versa. It was so bad that didn't even bother filing a noise complaint and instead decided to do some evening renovations seeing as he would be deaf either way.
While this was happening, Leni started to hyperventilate. She was never good with tense situations like these and so she ran. She stopped in front of their house and sat on the porch. As much as she hated it, she was weak, she couldn't deal with this, she needed to get away and let everything cool down. Hopefully, it would solve itself, or better, Lincoln would come up with one of his ideas and everyone would be happy, but right now she wasn't.
She opened her phone and dialed Hugh's number. A short moment later his British accent was heard from the phone, ''Hello Leni, what's going on?''
''Something happened at home and I just need to get away till everything calms down.'' She said, trying to keep her voice steady.
''Sure Leni, where should I pick you up?'' Hugh asked since he knew Leni didn't want her siblings to know she was meeting with him as it was embarrassing for her.
''Flip's should be fine, I'll head over there,'' Leni said as she hung up.
Soon she was at the parking lot behind the gas station sipping a flipee that was in her hand. When Luan asked her where she was going when she was leaving the house she told her she was just going to get some flipees, which was partially true, she just didn't mention the part about going to Hugh's place.
Finally, after five minutes a white 'People's Wagon' car parked in front of her, with Hugh behind the wheel. He walked out and opened the passenger seat for her. ''You're such a gentleman.'' She joked as she stepped into the car.
''Thank you, fair lady, I try to be,'' Hugh said as he returned to his seat and started the motor. The roar of the motor resonated as he drove down the now darkening street.
It was about an hour after Leni left that the arguing stopped. Lincoln eventually got their parents to back down and apologize to Lori. There was still some tension but everyone was relatively calm. ''Alright, now that that's out of the way, Leni promised to teach me some sewing. Speaking of Leni, where is she?'' Lincoln asked as he looked around the house for his fashionable sister.
Luan peeked from her room and called out to him, ''She said she was going to get some flipees, she probably just lost track of time in some clothes shop on the way back. She should be here soon.''
''Oh, okay, I guess I'll just wait for her in my room,'' Lincoln said and went to his room to play some games in the meantime. It was after beating the final boss in the game he was playing and looking at the clock that signaled it had been three hours since, that he knew something was terribly wrong.
