Chapter 1 Hidden Truth, Hidden Faces
Christina had always been one of the prettiest girls at Royal Woods Elementary. With her curly, bouncy hair and bright, expressive eyes, she was used to getting attention. But when she first saw Lincoln Loud, something changed. Lincoln was different from the other boys. He was upbeat, happy-go-lucky, and had a charm that made him stand out. His slightly better looks made other boys jealous, and most girls fawned over him.
One sunny afternoon, Christina found herself sitting next to Lincoln in the school library. She glanced over at him, noticing his bright smile as he read a comic book.
"Hey, Lincoln," she said, trying to sound casual.
Lincoln looked up, his smile widening. "Oh, hey, Christina! What's up?"
Christina felt her heart skip a beat. "Not much. Just, you know, reading. What about you?"
"Same here," Lincoln replied, holding up his comic book. "I love these stories. They always make me laugh."
Christina giggled. "Yeah, you always seem so happy. It's nice."
Lincoln shrugged modestly. "I just try to see the good in everything, I guess."
As the days went by, Christina found herself drawn to Lincoln's positivity and kindness. She admired how he treated everyone with respect and how his laughter could brighten even the darkest days. She began to develop feelings for him, convinced that he was the perfect boy.
One day, Christina decided to take a leap of faith. She found Lincoln by his locker, putting away his books.
"Lincoln, can I talk to you for a second?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Sure, Christina. What's up?" Lincoln replied, closing his locker and giving her his full attention.
Christina took a deep breath. "I… I really like you, Lincoln. I think you're amazing, and I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime."
Lincoln's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected this. "Christina, that's really sweet of you, but… I don't feel the same way. I'm really sorry."
Christina's heart sank. She forced a smile, trying to hide her disappointment. "Oh, it's okay. I understand."
But inside, Christina was devastated. She had put herself out there, and Lincoln had rejected her. The pain of rejection quickly turned into anger and resentment.
In a moment of hurt and anger, Christina decided to get back at Lincoln. She spread a nasty lie, claiming that Lincoln had done something terrible to her. The rumor spread like wildfire, and soon, the entire school turned against Lincoln.
Lincoln was shocked and confused. He couldn't understand why everyone was suddenly treating him like an outcast. When he tried to explain, no one would listen. The shock of the accusation left him speechless, and he became an outcast overnight.
Christina watched as her lie took effect. She saw the hurt in Lincoln's eyes, the way he withdrew from everyone, and the way his once-bright smile disappeared. At first, she felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. But as time went on, the guilt began to eat away at her.
Lincoln's silence was deafening. He stopped speaking altogether, unable to find the words to defend himself. His family, in disbelief, couldn't imagine their son and brother doing such a thing. Despite Lincoln's desperate attempts to prove his innocence, his words fell on deaf ears. Hurt and betrayed by those he loved most, Lincoln made a vow of silence. He never spoke another word.
Months passed, and Christina couldn't bear the guilt any longer. One day, during lunch, she stood up in the cafeteria, her heart pounding.
"Everyone, I have something to say!" she shouted, her voice trembling. "I lied about Lincoln. He didn't do anything wrong. I made it all up because I was angry that he rejected me. I'm so sorry."
The cafeteria fell silent. Students stared at Christina in shock, unable to believe what they were hearing. Lincoln, sitting alone at his usual table, looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. However, he now sported a chrome blank silver mask, which hid any facial expression, making it impossible to read his emotions.
After Christina's confession, the school was in an uproar. Lincoln's friends were furious, both at Christina for lying and at themselves for not believing Lincoln. The students who had shunned him felt a mix of guilt and shame.
Christina tried to make amends, but it was too late. The damage was done. She apologized to Lincoln, but he remained silent, whatever emotions he had, would never be known.
When Lincoln's family found out the truth, they were devastated. They couldn't believe they had doubted him.
"Lynn Sr., how could we have been so blind?" Rita cried, tears streaming down her face.
"I don't know, Rita. I just don't know," Lynn Sr. replied, his voice filled with regret.
Each of Lincoln's sisters had their own reactions. Lori felt a deep sense of guilt for not standing by her brother. Leni, always the kind-hearted one, was heartbroken. Luna and Luan were angry at themselves for not believing Lincoln. Lynn Jr. felt a mix of anger and shame. Lucy, Lana, Lola, Lisa, and Lily were all filled with sorrow and regret.
Lincoln's prolonged muteness affected the entire family. They missed his voice, his laughter, and his presence. They tried everything to get him to speak, but Lincoln remained silent. The pain of their disbelief had cut too deep.
Lincoln decided to go mute because he felt betrayed by those he loved most. He couldn't bear the thought of speaking when no one had believed him. His thoughts were a whirlwind of hurt and confusion. He wanted to forgive his family, but the pain was too fresh.
The Loud family was heartbroken by Lincoln's decision to remain mute and wear a mask. Each day, they were reminded of their failure to believe him when he needed them the most. The silver mask he wore was a constant symbol of the pain and betrayal he felt.
Lori often tried to reach out to Lincoln, her voice filled with regret. "Lincoln, I miss hearing your voice. I miss our talks. I know I let you down, but I want to make it right. Please, can we try to move past this together?" She would sit beside him, hoping for a response, but Lincoln would only nod slightly, his eyes hidden behind the mask.
Leni would often bring him small gifts, hoping to cheer him up. "Lincoln, I made you this bracelet. It has all our favorite colors. I hope you like it." She would place it gently in his hand, her eyes pleading for any sign of acknowledgment. Lincoln would squeeze her hand in silent gratitude, but the mask remained.
Luna tried to connect with him through music. She would play his favorite songs on her guitar, hoping to see a spark of the old Lincoln. "Hey, bro, remember this one? We used to jam to it all the time. I miss those days." She would watch him closely, but Lincoln's expression remained hidden, his silence a heavy weight on her heart.
Luan attempted to bring back his smile with her jokes and pranks. "Hey, Lincoln, why don't skeletons fight each other? They don't have the guts!" She would laugh, hoping to hear even a chuckle from him. But Lincoln's silence was unbroken, and Luan's laughter would fade into a sigh.
Lynn Jr. struggled with her guilt and anger. She would often sit with Lincoln in silence, her frustration evident. "Lincoln, I was so wrong. I should have believed you. I don't know how to fix this, but I want to try. Please, give me a chance." She would look at him, her eyes filled with determination, but Lincoln's mask remained a barrier between them.
Lucy felt a deep connection to Lincoln's silence. She would write him poems, hoping to express her feelings. "Lincoln, I wrote this for you. 'In silence, we find the truth, in the shadows, we find the light. Brother, come back to us, end this endless night.'" She would leave the poems on his bed, hoping he would read them. Lincoln would keep the poems, but his silence persisted.
Lana and Lola were united in their efforts to reach Lincoln. Lana would bring him small animals to care for, hoping they would bring him joy. "Lincoln, look at this little guy. He needs a friend, just like you." Lola would try to engage him with her pageant activities. "Lincoln, I need your help with my routine. You always know how to make it perfect." They would both look at him with hopeful eyes, but Lincoln's mask remained.
Lisa tried to approach the situation logically. She would present him with research on trauma and healing. "Lincoln, I've been studying ways to help you. There are therapies and techniques we can try. I want to help you find your voice again." She would sit with him, explaining her findings, but Lincoln's silence was unyielding.
Lily, though too young to fully understand, would often climb into Lincoln's lap, her small hands reaching for his mask. "Linky, talk?" she would ask, her innocent eyes filled with confusion. Lincoln would hold her close, his heart aching, but he remained silent.
Lynn Sr. and Rita were consumed with guilt. They would often sit with Lincoln, trying to reach him. "Son, we love you so much. We were wrong, and we are so sorry. Please, let us help you heal," Lynn Sr. would say, his voice breaking. Rita would hold Lincoln's hand, tears streaming down her face. "Lincoln, you're our boy. We miss you so much. Please, come back to us."
Lincoln's thoughts were a whirlwind of pain and confusion. He wanted to forgive his family, to speak again, but the betrayal had cut too deep. He felt trapped behind his mask, unable to express the depth of his hurt. Each day was a struggle, and though he appreciated his family's efforts, he couldn't bring himself to break his silence.
Now, 4 years later, Lincoln Loud navigated the halls of Royal Woods High School with a heavy heart. The once vibrant and cheerful boy was now a shadow of his former self. His silver mask, a constant reminder of the past, hid his expressions and emotions from the world. The mask had become a part of him, a barrier between him and the pain he had endured.
The students at Royal Woods High had grown accustomed to Lincoln's silence and his mask. Some whispered behind his back, others avoided him altogether.
"Ever since Christina lied about him, Lincoln's been so different. He used to be so outgoing."
"I know, right? Now he just keeps to himself and hardly talks to anyone."
"Yeah, it's like he's completely shut down. It's best to leave him be."
"I heard he doesn't trust anyone anymore. That lie really messed him up."
"It's such a shame. He was one of the nicest guys around before all this happened."
But there were a few who remembered the old Lincoln and wished things could be different. Girl Jordan was one of those few. She had been friends with Lincoln since second grade and had always admired him from afar. Seeing him now, so withdrawn and silent, broke her heart.
She recalled the countless times they had laughed together, shared secrets, and supported each other through tough times. Girl Jordan couldn't stand to see her friend in pain, especially knowing the cause. Christina's lie had shattered not just Lincoln's trust, but a part of his spirit. Jordan could still remember the spark in his eyes, the infectious smile that could brighten her day. Now, that light was gone, replaced by a mask of indifference.
Determined to help him, Girl Jordan decided that she needed to find a way to bring back the Lincoln she once knew. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she believed in the power of their friendship, even though the lie and her own cowardice had severed it. Those moments of weakness had driven a wedge between them, transforming their once-close bond into a fragile connection. Girl Jordan couldn't shake the regret she felt for not standing by Lincoln when he needed her the most. Yet, deep down, she held onto the hope that their friendship could be mended. She would be there for him, to make up for not being there before.
Girl Jordan often found herself watching Lincoln from a distance, as he shifted through the halls, she felt a surge of determination. She decided she couldn't stand by any longer. She found Lincoln alone in the library, his usual spot. Her heart pounded as she approached him, her mind racing with thoughts of what to say.
"Lincoln," she said softly, her voice trembling. "Can I sit with you?"
Lincoln looked up, his eyes meeting hers through the mask, his expression unreadable. The sight of his former friend speaking to him left him baffled. He remained silent, unable to convey his emotions through words or expressions. Jordan hesitated for a moment, then took a seat across from him, hoping her presence was welcome.
Girl Jordan took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice steadying as she found her words. "I know you don't talk, but I need you to listen. I'm sorry for not standing up for you before and after the accusation. I've always believed in you, Lincoln. But I was a coward, scared of what my friends would think if I defended you. Protecting someone labeled as a molester felt like social suicide. I feared losing everything. Regardless, I did lose everything—I lost you, Lincoln.
Despite my betrayal by not being there for you, that wasn't my biggest regret. My biggest regret was not telling you how much I love you. Lincoln, I don't just like you; I'm in love with you."
Lincoln's eyes widened in astonishment. After all these years, Girl Jordan had always believed in him, and finally, she confess her feelings.
Girl Jordan continued, "I want to help you. I know it's tough, but maybe we can start fresh. You don't have to talk if you're not ready. You don't even have to admit how you feel. For now, we can just communicate through notes."
Lincoln hesitated, his mind racing with doubts and fears. But there was something in Girl Jordan's eyes, a glimmer of sincerity and determination, that made him want to trust her again. Slowly, he nodded, a small gesture of acceptance. Girl Jordan's face lit up with a hopeful smile. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small notebook and pen, placing them gently on the table between them.
"Here," she said softly, "we can start with this. Write down anything you want to share or any questions you have. No pressure, okay?"
Lincoln took the notebook, his hands trembling slightly. He wrote a simple message: "I miss you"
Girl Jordan read the note and cried. "I miss you too."
Over the next few weeks, Lincoln and Jordan began to communicate through notes. At first, it was just simple messages—"How are you?" "Do you need anything?"—but gradually, Lincoln started to open up. He wrote about his feelings, his fears, and the pain of being misunderstood.
One day, Girl Jordan wrote, "Do you want to talk about what happened with Christina?"
Lincoln stared at the note for a long time before writing back, "It still hurts. I don't know if I can."
Girl Jordan nodded, understanding. "That's okay. We can take it slow. I'm here for you, no matter what."
Their bond rekindled more and more, and Lincoln began to feel a glimmer of hope. Girl Jordan's patience and understanding were different from Christina's confession. Christina had acted out of anger and hurt, but Girl Jordan's actions were driven by genuine care and compassion.
One afternoon, as they sat in the library, Girl Jordan wrote, "Would you like to go to the school dance with me?"
Lincoln stared at the note, his mind racing. He hadn't been to a school event in years, and the thought of facing his classmates filled him with dread. But then he looked at Girl Jordan, her eyes filled with kindness and determination. He took a deep breath and wrote back, "Yes."
Girl Jordan's face lit up with a smile. "Great! We'll take it one step at a time. You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with."
As the dance approached, Girl Jordan continued to support Lincoln, helping him feel more at ease. She would write encouraging notes, reminding him that he wasn't alone. On the night of the dance, Girl Jordan met Lincoln at his house. His family watched with hopeful eyes as he stepped out, still wearing his mask but with a hint of determination in his posture.
"You look great, Lincoln," Girl Jordan said, her voice filled with warmth. "Are you ready?"
Lincoln nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. He took Girl Jordan's hand, and together, they walked to the school.
Upon arrival, Lincoln felt the stares of his classmates, but with Girl Jordan by his side, he found the strength to keep going. They danced together, and for the first time in years, he felt a sense of normalcy. As time passes, Lincoln began to relax. He even wrote a note on his handheld whiteboard to Girl Jordan, saying, "Thank you for believing in me."
Girl Jordan read the note and smiled. "Always, Lincoln. Always."
Soon, the music slowed down, and couples began to sway to the gentle melody. Girl Jordan looked at Lincoln, surprised by the sudden change in his demeanor. He took her hand and pulled her close, guiding her into a slow dance. Girl Jordan's heart raced as she rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence.
"Lincoln, this is amazing," she whispered. "I'm so glad you're here with me."
Lincoln nodded, his eyes softening behind the mask. For a moment, everything felt perfect. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Christina entering the gym with Clyde. The sight of them together sent a wave of confusion and betrayal through him.
Girl Jordan noticed the change in Lincoln's posture. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, looking up at him.
Lincoln gestured towards Christina and Clyde, his eyes filled with hurt.
Girl Jordan sighed, understanding. "Lincoln, I know this is hard, but try to focus on us, not them. Tonight is about you and me. Let's not let the past ruin it."
Lincoln took a deep breath and nodded, trying to push the thoughts of Christina and Clyde aside. But the sight of them together lingered in his mind.
A little while later, Lincoln decided to get some punch. As he approached the table, he saw Clyde standing there, pouring himself a drink. They exchanged awkward glances before Lincoln began to pour his own drink.
Clyde broke the silence. "So, you came to the dance with Girl Jordan?"
Lincoln nodded, waving goodbye as he tried to walk away.
"Wait, Lincoln," Clyde called out, stopping him. "I need to explain why I'm here with Christina."
Lincoln turned back, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Clyde continued, "Christina's been trying to make amends. She's been reaching out to people who were close to you, hoping to get a chance to talk to you. She wants to apologize, Lincoln. And… I want to apologize too. For not believing you, for everything. I was jealous of you, man. You always got the attention from the girls, and I let that cloud my judgment. I wish we could be best friends again, start over."
Lincoln listened, his mind racing with emotions. He simply nodded, acknowledging Clyde's words, and walked back to Girl Jordan.
With the handheld whiteboard, Lincoln wrote a message to Girl Jordan: "Can you get Christina to meet me in the photography darkroom?"
Girl Jordan looked at him with concern. "Is everything alright?"
Lincoln wrote back, "I need to talk to her."
Girl Jordan nodded, understanding. "Okay, I'll get her."
While waiting in the darkroom, Lincoln's heart pounded. The room was dimly lit, the perfect place for a private conversation. Moments later, Christina walked in, her movements stiff and nervous.
"Lincoln," she greeted him, her voice trembling.
Lincoln took a deep breath and began writing on the whiteboard. "I wanted to talk to you about how your lie affected my life. It hurt me deeply. I lost my friends, my family's trust, and my voice. I felt like my world was falling apart."
Christina's eyes filled with tears as she read his words. "Lincoln, I'm so sorry. I was angry and hurt, and I took it out on you. I never meant for things to go this far."
Lincoln continued writing, "Before the lie, I thought you were a friend. After the lie, I felt betrayed and alone. My family didn't believe me, and I felt like I had no one. But then Jordan came back into my life. She believed in me, supported me, and helped me see the world differently. She's helped me start to heal."
Christina wiped her tears, her voice breaking. "I'm so glad Jordan is there for you again. And I'm so sorry for everything I did. Can you ever forgive me?"
Lincoln paused, then wrote, "I forgive you."
Christina's tears turned to ones of joy. "Thank you, Lincoln. You have no idea how much this means to me."
She moved to hug him, but Lincoln stopped her with a firm hand gesture. Instead, he gently took her hand, holding it for a moment before letting go. Then, with a deep breath, he reached up and removed his mask.
Christina gasped, her eyes widening as she saw Lincoln's face for the first time in years. His white hair, blue eyes, and freckled face were still there, but now with more defined features and a softened smile. She couldn't help but blush at the sight.
"Lincoln, you're… you're so handsome," she whispered, overwhelmed with emotion.
Lincoln, tears in his eyes, gently pulled Christina into a hug. She embraced him, crying tears of joy.
After their emotional exchange, they returned to the gym. As they entered, heads turned, and whispers spread through the crowd. Everyone recognized Christina, but they were taken aback by the handsome teen with white hair. Slowly, they realized it was Lincoln Loud.
A wave of applause and cheers erupted, filling the gym with approval and support. Lincoln felt a warmth he hadn't felt in years.
Clyde and Girl Jordan rushed towards them, their faces lit up with happiness.
"Lincoln, you did it!" Girl Jordan exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Clyde clapped him on the back. "Welcome back, buddy. I'm so proud of you."
The night ended on a happy note, with Lincoln, Girl Jordan, Clyde, and Christina taking turns dancing with each other. The music, laughter, and joy filled the gym, marking a new beginning for Lincoln and his friends.
After the school dance, Lincoln walked hand in hand with Girl Jordan, feeling a mix of emotions. The night had been a whirlwind, and now, as they approached his house, he felt a sense of anticipation and nervousness.
"Do you want me to come in with you?" Girl Jordan asked, her voice gentle. "My dad is willing to wait a bit in the car."
Lincoln shook his head and mouthed, "No, thank you. I got this."
Girl Jordan smiled and embraced him. "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow, then. Goodnight, Lincoln."
Lincoln waved goodbye as Girl Jordan got into her dad's car. He took a deep breath and opened the front door, stepping into the familiar warmth of his home. To his surprise, his entire family, except for Lori, Leni, Luna, and Luan, who had already left the nest, were huddled together with huge smiles on their faces.
"Lincoln!" they all exclaimed in unison, rushing to greet him.
Lincoln pondered how the news had spread so quickly. Lynn Jr., noticing his confusion, spoke up. "Margo was at the dance with her date. She called me with the good news, and I told everyone here."
Lynn, who was only two years older than Lincoln and still in high school, hadn't attended the dance. Dancing wasn't her thing, and she felt too ashamed of the wedge that had grown between her and Lincoln over the years. She regretted the time wasted not being with him during those school days.
Rita, Lincoln's mom, was sniffling as she approached him. "My beautiful baby boy, how much you've grown," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Lynn Sr., Lincoln's dad, beamed with pride. "I'm so proud of you, son. A chip off the old block."
Lynn Jr. tried to find a light-hearted excuse to hang out with Lincoln again. "Hey, Lincoln, how about we hit the park tomorrow? Maybe shoot some hoops?"
Lincoln nodded in the affirmative, and Lynn's heart swelled, knowing that part of her brother was back.
Lucy, in her monotone voice, playfully asked, "Does this mean I'm the quietest Loud again?"
Lincoln shook his head no and rubbed her head affectionately.
Lola chimed in, frowning. "So, you're still not talking?"
Lana placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "One step at a time, Lola. At least we get to see his face again."
Lisa, who had been keeping in touch with Christina and Girl Jordan in secret from Lincoln, questioned him. "What caused the change to finally remove the mask? Hopefully, gaining any studies on his psyche and well-being."
Lincoln wrote down his answer, describing the event with Clyde at the dance. Lisa read it carefully, nodding in understanding.
Lily, still young for her age, was just happy to see Lincoln's face. She ran up to him and hugged his leg, giggling.
The happy gathering was interrupted by Leni's voice from the family laptop on the living room table. "Can we see Lincoln's face too?"
Lincoln sat down and mouthed a hello to his distant sisters. Lori, whimpering at the sight of her brother, waved over Bobby, her boyfriend, to come to the screen.
"It's good to see you again, lil' bro," Bobby said, smiling. "Ronnie Anne would love to meet you again too."
Leni squealed in excitement. "Lincoln, you've gotten so cute!"
Luna, traveling the country with her girlfriend Sam and bandmates the Moon Goats, wiped away tears of happiness. She stayed silent, mirroring Lincoln's quiet demeanor.
Luan, joyous as ever, couldn't resist making pun jokes about muteness and masks. "Hey, Lincoln, why don't you ever talk? Because you're a 'silent knight'!" she quipped, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Lincoln felt the warmth of his family, the connection he had cut off now rekindling. However, a part of his mind still held some resentment for the betrayal of his family's trust all those years ago. His mask had symbolized his fear to cover his good looks, the same look that got him into trouble. Now unmask, a fear he no longer carries. Meanwhile, his mute nature symbolized the broken bond and trust from the people that matters to him. Not wanting to ruin the moment, Lincoln held these thoughts silent, hoping to find a way to let his voice be heard someday.