Chapter 4 Confess Ronnie Ann
The Burnt Bean retained its calm ambiance, but an undercurrent of tension now permeated the air. Christina could feel Girl Jordan's bottled-up emotions, aware that one wrong move could spark a confrontation. She chose her words with utmost care.
"Jordan, meeting you wasn't a mistake I regret," her voice gentle yet sincere. "I need to be honest. Initially, I had ulterior motives, but my enjoyment of your company was real. I wasn't always the cunning person you know now. That side of me developed over time. It might sound strange, but being pretty has its challenges. You know the jealousy I had to deal with—it's a constant issue. The people I thought I was close to wore masks. One moment, we'd be chatting about how much we disliked a teacher's quiz, and the next, it was about our ideal crushes. But as soon as one of us left the room, we became the main topic of ridicule."
Christina paused, her eyes locking with Jordan's. "You see, Jordan, when I met you, I felt like I had found a true friend. You liked me for who I was. The day we met, you complimented my hair. At first, I thought you were trying to size me up, to get a read on me. But as time went on, I realized you were genuinely interested in me. You saw beauty in me, inside and out. I didn't know people like you existed. I thought I had to be ruthless to survive. But you changed me, Jordan. The more we hung out, the more that side of me faded away. I was happier with you, but more importantly, I trusted you."
Girl Jordan's anger melted into sympathy. "Christina," she said softly, her voice revealing how deeply Christina's words had touched her. She continued, her voice heavy with regret. "But everything changed when I first saw Lincoln."
She leaned back in her chair, her eyes distant as she recalled the memory. "It happened in the bustling cafeteria of Royal Woods Elementary." "You, Molly, Rachel, and I were chatting about the latest episode of 'The Dream Boat.'"
Rachel's eyes sparkled with excitement as she animatedly declared, "Karen should totally get with Brian. He's poetic and deep."
"No way," Christina disagreed, shaking her head. "Bronson all the way. He's so handsome."
Cookie chimed in, her voice full of conviction. "Brock knows how to swoon a girl. He wrote a song about her."
Molly smirked at their differing opinions. "C'mon, girls, we all know brawny guys are the way to go. It's Blane she should get with."
Rachel turned to Girl Jordan. "What about you, Girl Jordan? Who should Karen choose?"
Girl Jordan, not particularly interested in the conversation, looked up, slightly confused. "Huh? Who? I don't know, that creepy spooky guy, I guess."
"You mean Bram?" Rachel raised an eyebrow. "Didn't know you were into the macabre type."
Girl Jordan apologized, her tone sincere. "Sorry, but you know how I feel about reality dating shows. It's not real love. The actors are just there to boost ratings with manufactured tension and drama."
"How can you not like 'The Dream Boat'?" Cookie exclaimed, flicking a pea at Girl Jordan with her spoon.
"Hey, watch it, Cookie," Girl Jordan said, unamused.
"That's for being a nerd," Cookie retorted playfully.
Rachel chimed in, "Seriously, Jordan, it's like the best show ever! How can you not be into it?"
Molly added, "Yeah, it's all about the drama and the romance. It's so exciting!"
Christina shook her head, laughing. "Jordan, you're missing out on all the fun!"
Rachel continued, "I mean, the twists and turns keep us on the edge of our seats. How can you not love that?"
Cookie nodded enthusiastically. "And the love triangles? They're the best part!"
Molly sighed dreamily. "Plus, the guys are super hot. It's like a feast for the eyes!"
Christina added, "And don't forget the fashion. The dresses they wear are to die for."
"Look, reality dating shows aren't about real love," she insisted, her tone growing more fervent. They aren't there for genuine connections."
Molly rolled her eyes. "Come on, Jordan. It's all about the excitement! Who cares if it's real or not?"
"But it's so fake!" Girl Jordan countered. "You can't honestly believe those relationships last. They just act all lovey-dovey for the cameras."
Rachel shook her head. "It's entertaining, though. That's what matters."
"It might be entertaining," Girl Jordan argued, "but it sets unrealistic expectations about love and relationships. People start thinking that drama and conflict are normal and desirable."
Cookie sighed. "Jordan, you're overthinking it. Just enjoy the show for what it is!"
"I can't help it," Girl Jordan replied. "I'd rather watch something that offers a genuine portrayal of relationships. These shows just promote toxic behavior."
Out of nowhere, Girl Jordan was interrupted by someone calling her name. "Hey, Jordan."
It was Lincoln, holding his tray of food. His neatly styled white hair, complete with the signature turkey tail at the back, his blue eyes, freckled face, and chipped tooth made him easy to spot in a crowd.
"Lincoln!" Girl Jordan exclaimed, her eyes brightening at his sudden appearance. "Are you feeling any better? Mrs. Johnson told us you were down with the flu. You've been out of school for a while. I'm sorry I couldn't visit, but, you know, it's the flu."
"It's a good thing you didn't," Lincoln replied with a smile. "My entire family caught it before I could even sneeze. Anyways, did I miss much while I was gone?"
"Not really," Girl Jordan said. "Except we have a new girl. In fact, she's right here. Lincoln, this is Christina. She just moved from Detroit and is adjusting to life in Royal Woods pretty well. And Christina, this is Lincoln, our so-called Girl Guru."
Lincoln's cheeks flushed slightly. "Aw, c'mon, Jordan, you know how first impressions are. It feels like you're purposely trying to keep me from being friends with her."
Girl Jordan laughed playfully. "Oh, relax, Lincoln. I'm just messing with you."
"Girl Guru?" Christina asked, curious about the nickname.
"A story for another time, Christina," Girl Jordan replied. "So, Lincoln, what brings you here?"
"Actually, I'm here to see you, Jordan," Lincoln said. "Since I was bedridden for a few weeks, I'm behind on homework. Do you think you could help me catch up? Everyone else is still recovering, and Lisa's not fully functional yet."
"Really, Lincoln? If you want to spend time with me, just say so," Girl Jordan joke, her voice teasing but warm.
"Well, yeah, I miss you, Jordan. Even before the flu, it felt like we hadn't spent much time together, given how our friend groups keep us busy," Lincoln admitted, his straightforwardness making Girl Jordan blush. It was clear as day she had a thing for him. Her friends knew it, she knew it, and even Christina, still kind of the new girl, could see it. However, Lincoln wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed when it came to a girl's heart.
"Oh, would you two just get a room already," Christina playfully interjected.
"Christina!" Girl Jordan exclaimed, her face turning a deep shade of red.
"What do you think I'm trying to do?" Lincoln said, completely unaware of the implication.
"Lincoln!" Girl Jordan exclaimed again, her friends laughing at the sight of her flushed face.
"All right, enough already!" Girl Jordan said, flustered. She took a deep breath and continued more calmly, "Lincoln, I'd love to help you with your homework. Come over to my house after school. Just you and me."
"Awesome!" Lincoln replied. "Well, I should get going. If I don't return, Clyde, Liam, Zach, and Rusty are going to throw a fit over the lunch trade. "See you later, Jordan. Bye, girls. And welcome to Royal Woods, Christina." He waved them all a farewell.
As Lincoln walked away, Christina narrowed her eyes at Girl Jordan, a teasing grin playing on her lips. "Just you and me, huh? Wow, Jordan, how long have you been eyeing him?"
"It's not like that!" Girl Jordan exclaimed, quickly lowering her voice to control her outburst. "Really, it's not. Lincoln and I are just old friends. We've known each other since second grade. In fact, almost all our classmates have known each other since preschool."
"Well, it seems like you two are more than just friends," Christina teased, making air quotes with her fingers.
"Don't even bother, Christina," Cookie cut in. "She's too scared to admit her feelings for him. Plus, Lincoln's not the type to be into romance or girls. He's probably just a late bloomer. Most of the boys in our class have already started noticing us. Which is okay I guess, but some of them take it way too far. "Like Rusty or Chandler, stay away from those two." Cookie shivered slightly at the mention of their names. "I think we all agree when it comes to Lincoln, his attitude towards us feels genuine, not forced. Almost all of us have spent time with him at some point."
Rachel chimed in, "Yeah, like that time he helped me with my science project. He was so patient and explained everything so well."
Molly added, "And I remember when he organized that fundraiser for the animal shelter? He got everyone involved and made it so much fun."
"The point is, he's more mature for not showing an interest in us," Cookie said. "But ironically, that's exactly what Jordan's afraid of."
"What do you mean, Cookie?" Christina asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, a while ago, Ronnie Anne confessed her feelings to Lincoln. She's that Latina girl who always wears a purple sweater and sits behind Lincoln in class."
"Her? The one you warned me about?" Christina said, surprised. "I didn't expect her to be into guys. How did you find out she had a crush on Lincoln?"
"Because Lincoln told me," Girl Jordan stated bluntly. "He explained everything to me."
Christina's eyes widened, her attention fully on Girl Jordan as she prepared to hear the story.
It all started like any other day, except Lincoln was bombarded with prank after prank from Ronnie Anne.
In Mrs. Johnson's class, she posed a question, "Okay class, there were numerous causes that led to the American Civil War, but what was the major factor?"
Lincoln raised his hand, prepared to answer with "slavery," but just then, Ronnie Anne slipped an ice cube down the back of his shirt. Startled, Lincoln blurted out, "Savory!" Mrs. Johnson chuckled, "Oh Lincoln, I guess we can 'savor' this moment in history." A few other students joined in the laughter. Lincoln turned to Ronnie Anne and said, "Really!?"
Ronnie Anne smirked, "Yeah, really, lame-o."
Lincoln scoffed and tried to ignore her. As the class bell rang, Lincoln tripped and fell, realizing his shoes were tied together. Ronnie Anne jumped over him, laughing. "See ya next fall, lame-o." Lincoln grunted, "Really!?"
Another time, when Lincoln opened his locker, a mountain of trash toppled onto him. He popped his head out of the pile, only to see Ronnie Anne smirking. "Why do you always look like garbage, Lincoln?"
"Really!?" Lincoln exclaimed, exasperated.
At lunch, Lincoln sat down on a whoopee cushion. He muttered to himself, "C'mon, Lincoln, that's amateur. It's one of Luan's oldest tricks." Ronnie Anne walked by, pinching her nose. "Woah, Lincoln, lay off the broccoli and beans."
Lincoln, now fully frustrated, stormed up to her. "Alright, that's it, Ronnie Anne! Meet me at 3:30 in front of my house after school."
Ronnie Anne replied sarcastically, "Ooooo, I'm so scared. See ya then, lame-o," giving him a gentle smack on the head.
Later, as Clyde and Lincoln were walking home, Clyde asked, "So, you really confronted your bully?"
"That's right," Lincoln replied. "She's coming to my house at 3:30 and we're going to settle this."
"Woah, woah, woah. She? You're going to fight a girl, Lincoln?" Clyde looked concerned.
"I'm not an animal, Clyde. I'm going to give her a strongly worded speech... as soon as I write it."
Lincoln noticed a sticky note attached to his head, held together with chewed gum, reading "Lame-o."
Clyde pointed to the note. "Looks like she left a note of her own."
Lincoln peeled it off with a grunt. Clyde leaned in and sniffed, "Mmm, watermelon lime."
"Clyde, focus. Help me get rid of the gum. I can't let my sisters see this."
"Why not? Your sisters have your back. I'm sure their involvement will help," Clyde insisted.
"That's where you're wrong. When they get involved, it's like a sisternado of meddling that only makes things worse. Once, I got a paper cut, and Lisa did some weird X-ray that left me glowing green. Then Luan and Luna wrapped my whole body in medical cloth, but the worst part was when Leni spilled hot chicken noodle soup on my lap!" Lincoln exclaimed.
"All that for a paper cut?" Clyde asked, incredulous.
"Alright, I'll help. Do you have any smooth peanut butter? It'll help get the gum out," Clyde suggested. "By the way, who's the girl giving you trouble?"
"Ronnie Anne," Lincoln replied.
"Ronnie Anne!?" Clyde exclaimed. "Oh, I've got to stick around for this. It's not every day you see your best friend get beaten up by a girl." He placed a hand on Lincoln's shoulder.
"Thanks for the support," Lincoln said dryly. "Before we head in, just try to distract my sisters."
Clyde gave a thumbs up. "You got it."
As Clyde and Lincoln walked into the house, they quietly passed Lily, who was playing with her blocks. They moved through the dining room, where they saw Lori on her cell phone, gossiping. "He wore cargo shorts on the first date? That's literally the worst thing I've ever heard."
Lincoln slipped by to the kitchen, covering the gum in his hair with his hand as he passed Lori, who was too distracted to notice him. Clyde, however, stayed behind to talk to her. Leaning on the table with a confident smile, he said, "Well, Lori, I know a guy who wouldn't dream of wearing cargo shorts on a first date." He flashed his eyebrows playfully.
Lori, now focusing on Clyde, covered her phone, slightly repulsed by his advance. "Hey Clyde, when did you get here?"
"Just now. Lincoln and I are heading to his room, but I could keep you company if you like?" he grinned.
"Oh, look at that. My phone's about to die. Better go charge it in my room," Lori said quickly, speeding off.
Lincoln, now in the kitchen, gave a thumbs up for getting rid of Lori. Clyde mouthed, "That wasn't a distraction." Lincoln just rolled his eyes as he looked for the peanut butter. He spotted the jar and opened it, only to find it empty. "Seriously, who puts an empty jar back in the fridge?" he muttered as he put the empty jar back.
Lincoln walked over to Clyde. "We're out of peanut butter."
"Well, our only option now is to cut it out," Clyde said.
"Cut what out, dude?" Startled, they turned around to see it was Luna.
"Luna!" Lincoln stammered, trying to think quickly. "We were, um, making a diagram for our science project. Of course, we need scissors for it. Do you have any?" He awkwardly leaned his head on Clyde's shoulder to hide the gum.
Luna raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Lincoln's awkward position on Clyde's shoulder. "Sorry, baby bro, I don't but Mom should have a spare pair of scissors in her room."
"Thanks, Luna," Lincoln replied as she walked past them. She muttered to herself, "I guess their relationship is closer than I thought."
The boys made their way to Lincoln's parents' room to grab the scissors. Lincoln picked up the spare pair from his mom's dresser and turned to Clyde. "Alright, let's head to my room and cut it off there."
"Why can't we cut it in here?"
"Because, Clyde, we'll leave hair strands everywhere. My mom and dad are already strict about keeping their room clean." Now, let's go."
"Won't your sisters notice the gum on your head? We can't just walk by them nonchalantly and expect no reaction," Clyde pointed out.
"We'll do what we did earlier with Luna—I'll lay my head on your shoulder. She didn't even care," Lincoln suggested.
"Alright, I guess. And thanks for that. This is my favorite shirt," Clyde said sarcastically.
"You're welcome," Lincoln replied with a grin.
As they headed up the stairs, Lincoln's head resting on Clyde's shoulder, they passed Luan. Her jaw dropped, too perplexed by the sight to say anything. On the second floor, they encountered the twins, Lana and Lola. The twins exchanged a knowing glance, sensing something was up.
Lana leaned in to whisper to Lola, "Do you think they're a couple now?"
"I have no idea," Lola responded, "but I never imagined our brother might be into guys."
"They must be up to something."
"Lola, even if they're dating or not, we shouldn't eavesdrop on them. It's rude," Lana replied.
"But what if they're experimenting? Shouldn't we intervene if it gets too intimate?" Lola insisted.
"You're just using that as an excuse to hear them make out, you weirdo," Lana shot back.
"I'm not a weirdo, you are! You use skunk spray as perfume," Lola retorted.
"At least I'm not a perv," Lana countered. "You're the weirdo!"
"You are!" Lana snapped.
"No, you are!" Lola fired back.
Their bickering escalated until a fight cloud formed, drawing the attention of their other sisters. Luan came up the stairs, while Lori, Leni, Lisa, Lucy, and Lynn Jr. emerged from their respective rooms. Lynn Jr. approached the twins, separating them as they growled at each other with locked eyes.
"Alright, break it up, you two. What are you fighting about this time?" Lynn Jr. demanded.
"Lana called me a weirdo!" Lola barked.
"That's because she wanted to spy on Lincoln and Clyde having a kiss session," Lana retorted.
"Kiss session!? What makes you say that, Lana!?" Lori shouted.
"We saw Lincoln resting his head on Clyde's shoulder, as if they were making a statement. They seemed closer than usual," Lana explained.
"Maybe Lincoln wants to show us if we accept him for coming out," Leni noted.
"I find it absurd that he thinks we'd love him any less. He shouldn't feel the need to flaunt his sexuality. After all, Luna rolls both ways," Lucy added.
"I agree, Lucy. It's just surprising, that's all. Seeing them like that really caught me off guard," Luan remarked.
Lisa adjusted her glasses and stated, "As the empirical evidence suggests, two prepubescent males are currently engaged in exploratory behavior behind that door. I propose an immediate intervention to prevent potential escalation."
"Hold on, I'm the oldest! This might all be a huge misunderstanding. Let's listen in first, and if what you're saying is true, then we'll intervene," Lori suggested.
Everyone nodded in agreement and pressed their ears against Lincoln's door.
"Hold still, Lincoln. You need to relax, or this will take even longer," Clyde said, taking a whiff of Lincoln's hair. "Mmm, you still smell like watermelon lime."
"Clyde, I can't hold still. You're being too rough," Lincoln complained. "Ow!" he yelped as Clyde accidentally nipped his skin while cutting the gum out of his hair.
"Lincoln, look into my eyes. It'll make this easier, trust me," Clyde reassured him.
"Okay, I trust you. Just be gentle," Lincoln replied, his voice tinged with worry.
All of Lincoln's sisters blushed at what they were hearing from behind the door.
Leni whispered, "Oh my gosh, are they really doing that?"
Lucy, trying to hide her embarrassment, muttered, "This is so unexpected."
Lisa, adjusting her glasses, added, "I did not anticipate this level of interaction between them."
Luan stifled a giggle, "This is like one of my comedy routines but in real life!"
Lola and Lana exchanged glances, wide-eyed with curiosity. "I can't believe this," Lola said softly.
Lynn Jr., trying to keep her composure, whispered, "Alright, everyone, let's stay calm. We'll figure this out."
Flustered, Lori finally said, "Okay, that's enough," and opened the door.
"Lincoln, you're too young for that. That kind of behavior is inappropriate around your sisters," Lori scolded.
Lincoln and Clyde stared at Lori and the rest of his sisters who were upstairs. "What are you talking about?" Lincoln asked, while Clyde held a piece of gum in one hand and scissors in the other.
Lori, trying to gain her footing, stammered, "Well, um, you see, um... What is going on here!?"
"Um, what do you think is going on here?" Lincoln asked.
"You and Clyde have been acting really shady all day, so I'm asking again, what's going on here!?" Lori demanded.
Clyde sighed. "Lincoln, I think we should tell them the truth. You'll feel better once you get it off your chest."
"No, Clyde, they won't understand!" Lincoln protested.
Lori, now with a sympathetic look in her eyes, leaned down to Lincoln's level and said, "Lincoln, you shouldn't feel ashamed of being in love with Clyde. His dads are a couple, and we love and respect that. It's going to be the same with you and him."
Lincoln and Clyde were jaw-dropped as they turned their heads to each other and back at the sisters. They said in unison, "What the hell are you talking about!?"
Lincoln continued, "I'm not in love with him!"
"And I'm not in love with him!" Clyde added.
"Lincoln, I don't know what's going on that got your sisters into thinking we're an item, so I'm just going to say it. Lori, Lincoln's getting bullied," Clyde revealed.
Lori, with a sigh of relief, said, "So that's what's going on. Wait, what!? You're being picked on? Who's the little asshat messing with you? When I get my claws on them, they're literally going to be a human pretzel."
"Phew, honestly I'm kinda glad Lincoln's straight. I want a sister-in-law," said Lola, wiping sweat off her forehead.
"Lola, that's not the issue right now. Our brother is dealing with a real jerk," said Lana.
"Yeah, Linky, you should've told us you're being bullied. We totes know what to do with a big meanie," said Leni.
"Guys, the reason I didn't tell you is because you'd just make it worse. You always blow things out of proportion," Lincoln said.
"Well, I'm going to put his face to the ground and de-escalate the situation that way. Now tell me who the poor sap is," Lynn Jr. said, raising her fist in the air.
"Stop it, Lynn. I've got this under control. I'm going to write a well-thought-out speech to express how I really feel. That'll make this bully think twice before messing with me again," Lincoln declared.
The sisters were visibly disappointed with Lincoln's plan to deal with the bully. Luan, channeling a well-known pink starfish, mocked him, "You mean like a weenie? Seriously, Lincoln, what's wrong with you? Sometimes to stop a bully, you have to beat a bully. Lynn, let's give him a Rocky montage. He needs the eye of a tiger, not the eye of a kitten."
"Enough, Luan. Despite what you say, I'm not fighting," Lincoln said, crossing his arms.
"Why not? It's okay to be scared. He'll respect you more if you win or lose," Lynn jr. said.
"It's not that. It just doesn't feel right. It's... it's... it's embarrassing," Lincoln said, turning away from his sisters.
In her monotone voice, Lucy tried to comfort him. "Lincoln, we've all faced bullies, whether at school or even at the annual tombstone convention. I remember when someone said my tombstone engraving needed 'a touch of inspiration'? What does that even mean? It's just writing on rock!" she said, her temper subtly flaring.
"I believe our gothic sister is emphasizing that you're not alone in this, elder sibling. There's no need to feel ashamed for experiencing a sense of powerlessness," Lisa stated.
Lincoln sighed and turned around. "What I'm trying to say is, I don't want to fight a girl, Lisa. It's wrong to do that. And honestly, even if I tried, I'd probably lose," he admitted, nervously fiddling with his fingers.
His sisters paused at his confession, then the house erupted with a loud squeal of excitement as they rushed to envelop him in a big group hug.
"Lincoln, why didn't you tell us you have a girlfriend?" Leni asked, her voice filled with joy.
"She sounds so pretty," said Lola.
Lincoln, his face turning blue, said, "Can't breathe... let go."
The sisters quickly apologized and let go. "Sorry, Lincoln!" "Didn't mean to hug so tight!" "My bad!"
"This changes everything! Do you know what this means, Lincoln? She really likes you," Lori said, her face lighting up with joy for her brother.
Lincoln shook his head in disbelief. "You're all insane. How can she like me? She shoved a burger in my pants yesterday. I can still feel the sesame seeds between my butt cheeks. I need to give her a piece of my mind.
"You need to give her a piece of your heart," Lori continued. "So, who's the lucky girl my brother's going to kiss?"
Lincoln's eyes widened at the thought. "Kiss her? No way! I'm not interested in her like that. And I'm definitely not telling you her name."
"Darn, I guess it's true. Lincoln is a little nancy boy," said Lola.
"Maybe he's actually in love with Clyde," Lucy suggested.
"It's Ronnie Anne!" Clyde shouted.
"Clyde! What gives, man?" Lincoln shouted back. "You're supposed to back me up here!"
"Lincoln, your sisters think you're gay, which isn't too far-fetched. There are girls in our class who say nice things about you. You're either too stupid to notice or... well, the other option. I'm hoping it's just stupidity because a few minutes ago, your sisters thought we were a couple, and I can't deal with that. I've already got enough of that at home."
Lincoln facepalmed. "Alright, let me make this absolutely clear: I'm not gay, and Ronnie Anne doesn't like me."
"Wait, her name's Ronnie Anne? Does she wear a purple sweater and have a ponytail?" Lori said with a beaming expression.
"Yeah, she does," Lincoln answered.
Lori squealed eagerly. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! Lincoln, I know she likes you because she's Bobby's little sister!"
"So what?" he replied.
"So what? Bobby told me Ronnie Anne confided in him that she has a crush on someone at school. She's too shy to tell him directly, so she's been pranking him to get his attention. I just never imagined it was my brother she was talking about."
Lori squealed, and the other sisters joined in, jumping up and down with excitement. "Do you realize what this means? We're talking double dates, family get-togethers, and who knows—maybe even weddings! I could be her bridesmaid, and Bobby could be your best man!"
Lincoln, trying to wrap his head around the situation, takes a moment to gather his thoughts. As the girls continued their excited shrieking and jumping, he tried to get their attention. "Guys," he said, "guys," he said louder, "GUYS!" he shouted until they ceased their celebration. Now that he had their attention, he began, "Lori, even if what you're saying is true and she has feelings for me, I can't reciprocate them. I don't feel the same way about her, and I don't want to hurt her."
"What am I supposed to do?" Lincoln's serious tone made Lori realize he needed some genuine advice on matters of the heart. With her extensive experience in dating, she softened her voice and said, "Lincoln, before I answer, I need to ask you some questions." He nodded in agreement.
"Lincoln, have you ever had someone who makes you feel special? Every time you see them, your heart pounds faster, and just seeing them brightens your worst days?" Lori asked.
Lincoln thought long and hard. "I... I don't know? Maybe? How do I know if I'll like Ronnie Anne that way? I don't have strong feelings for her now, but can they develop over time?"
Lori smiled gently. "Yes, they can. Love is a complex emotion. Sometimes, it takes time to understand your true feelings. And when it happens, it can be overwhelming. Remember how Mom and Dad met? She was a school crossing guard, and when she saw Dad walking by, she couldn't resist his charming British accent. One day, she slipped a love note into his pocket, asking him to meet her at The Banger's and Mosh, and the rest is history."
"So, you're saying it doesn't hurt to try and see if I like her?" Lincoln asked.
Lori nodded proudly. "Exactly. That's why we go on dates, Lincoln. It's to test the waters and see if that person is right for you."
"Okay, I think I get it. But let's say we go out, and my feelings for her don't grow. Should I still be with her even if it makes her happy?" Lincoln questioned.
Lori couldn't help but hug him, touched by his innocence and caring nature. She knew love was a new concept for him, not driven by any primal urge or romantic sense. He simply wasn't ready. Letting go of the hug, she placed her hands on his shoulders. "Lincoln, of course not. Your happiness is just as important as hers. If you go down this path out of obligation, it will only lead to misery for both of you. Yes, you might hurt her by saying no, and yes, you'll feel bad. But that doesn't make you a terrible person. Whatever you decide to do, we'll support you all the way.
Taking Lori's words to heart, Lincoln felt a newfound confidence. "Lori, I think I know what to do. I don't need to write a speech for this."
"You got this, bro! Just be honest," Lynn Jr. encouraged.
"Yeah, Linky, we're behind you all the way," Leni added.
"If anyone can handle this with grace, it's you," Lucy stated in her monotone voice.
Luna came up the stairs with Lily in her arms. "Dude, what's up with the high-pitched screaming? I could hear everyone from the kitchen. Also, Lincoln, there's some girl waiting for you. She said something about settling the score. Are you alright?"
Lincoln took a deep breath. "Well, I guess that's my cue. Wish me luck, guys," he said, waving to Clyde and his sisters as he headed to the door.
Luna, looking dumbfounded, asked, "Okay, what's going on here?"
"We'll fill you in on the details along the way. For now, let's just watch how Lincoln handles her," Luan said as everyone headed downstairs.
Lincoln opened the living room door and stepped out onto the front porch where Ronnie Anne was standing.
"Well, well, well, look who showed up. Honestly, I didn't think you'd have the guts to call me out. I figured you'd bring one of your sisters to fight your battles. So, what's the plan? Are we squaring off right here? Because getting pummeled in front of your house would be straight-up embarrassing," taunted Ronnie Ann.
"No, we're not. I initially planned to tell you what I really think of you. That plan hasn't changed, but my thoughts about you have."
Ronnie Ann laughed at Lincoln's attempt to settle this with words.
"Really? That's your big plan? To tell me off? Let me guess—you're going to call me a tomboy or wonder why I can't be like the other girls. I've heard it all before. You think you can rattle me? You don't even know who I am."
"That's exactly my point, Ronnie Ann. I don't even know you, so who am I to judge? Funny thing is, I was going to say something similar, but there's more to you than just being a tough girl. Your last name is Santiago, right? Are you somehow related to Bobby Santiago?"
Ronnie Ann was taken back by Lincoln's knowledge of her brother. "Yeah, how did you know?"
"You know Lori, right? The girl Bobby's dating? Yeah, she's my sister. Bobby told her about you. He mentioned you had a thing for some guy you've been teasing. We put two and two together and . . . is it true? Am I the guy?"
Ronnie Ann froze, her face flushing with embarrassment. "BOBBY!" she yelled, loud enough to scatter birds from the trees, cause Mr. Grouse the next door neighbor, to drop his plate of lasagna, and make a contractor on a roof lose his balance. She began pacing back and forth. "Bobby, I swear when I get home, you're getting pranked so hard it'll affect my future niece or nephew! I can't believe I confided in you!"
Facing Lincoln now, she rubbed her hands together nervously. "Alright, Lincoln, you win. From now on, I'll leave you alone. Just don't tell anyone at school, okay? I'll be a laughingstock, or even worse, my bad girl reputation will be ruined. Way to go, Ronnie Ann—girls like you don't get to have crushes," she muttered under her breath.
Lincoln watched how frantic she was, feeling flattered by the lengths she went to get his attention. He saw a side of her he hadn't seen before, and he actually found it kind of cute.
In order to stop her rambling, he gently grabs her hands and holds them together with his. Through the porch window, Clyde and Lincoln's sisters watched intently.
Lori whispered, "Aww, that's so sweet. He's being really mature about this."
Leni added, "Linky is such a gentleman! I'm so proud of him."
Luan grinned, "This is better than any romantic comedy I've seen!"
Lynn Jr. smirked, "I knew he had it in him. Go get her, bro!"
Lucy, observing quietly, said, "This is an unexpected twist, but it's heartwarming."
Lola and Lana exchanged glances, both nodding in approval. "I didn't see that coming," Lola admitted.
Lisa, with a smirk, said, "Remarkable, Lincoln. Truly an intriguing approach."
Clyde scoffs, "Oh great, now Lincoln's the romantic hero. Next thing you know, they'll be writing sonnets about him."
Luna, now caught up with the current situation, said, "Smooth move, Lisa. Slipping that listening device into Lincoln's pocket will give us all the deets."
"It was a simple endeavor. Being within optimal listening range ensures that we can now record every second of this interaction," Lisa said with a gleeful smile.
"Aw man, this is some bull. I was hoping for some ass-kicking, not French kissing," Clyde grumbled, disappointed by the turn of events.
"Well, we can either start shipping 'Ronniecoln' or 'Clincoln McCloud.' Which rumor should we spread, Clyde?" Lola tested.
"Alright, I get it," Clyde replied, rolling his eyes.
As they listened in, Lincoln said, "Girls like you should have crushes. Don't worry, I won't tell a soul. I'm actually happy you told me. The feeling about your heart skipping a beat, it's real." He blushed at his own words, scratching the side of his cheek.
"Oh," was all Ronnie Ann could muster. A comfortable silence filled the air as the two kids fidgeted and tried to hold back their feelings.
Then Lincoln spoke, "So what made you... you know, have a thing for me?"
Ronnie Ann, feeling a bit more at ease, said, "Well, I heard it by everyone—how nice you are, how patient and understanding you can be. And as of now, you just proved it." She chuckled softly.
"Really? I had no idea people saw me that way. Who exactly are you talking about?" Lincoln asked, clearly surprised.
"Well, there's Girl Jordan for one. She didn't tell me directly, but she always mentions how you put others before yourself. And then there's your sister, Lori. She says you can be a pain sometimes, but when it counts, she knows she can rely on you."
"Well, yeah, I'm her little brother after all. It's my job to annoy her." They both laughed at his joke.
"Fuck yeah! You hear that girls? She's talking about me!" Lori shouted, filled with pride.
"And that's another thing. Molly mentioned how funny you are. It's kind of charming, really," Ronnie Ann added.
With newfound confidence in her voice, Ronnie Ann expressed her feelings. "Lincoln, since the cat's out of the bag, I might as well tell you directly. I really like you and would love to get to know you better. Maybe we could go on a date or two?"
Lincoln's heart swelled with joy at Ronnie Ann's confession, a flutter of excitement that was short-lived. His expression softened, shifting from surprise to a more serious, gentle demeanor. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice steady yet sincere. "Ronnie Ann, I really appreciate you sharing your feelings. It took a lot of courage, and I respect that. But I don't feel the same way. I'm just not ready for a relationship right now," he admitted. "I do hope we can be friends."
Her eyes filled with tears. "Oh... I see. I understand. I guess we can be friends," she said, her voice trembling. As she started to cry, wiping away the tears, she added, "You know, I thought getting punched in the gut was the worst pain imaginable, but this... this takes the cake."
Guilt washed over Lincoln as he looked at Ronnie Ann. "I'm sorry, Ronnie Ann. I really am," he said earnestly. In his nervousness, he grabbed the fabric of his pants, seeking some small comfort in the stressful moment. Unbeknownst to him, the pressure crushed the hidden listening device in his pocket, triggering a sudden spark of static electricity. "Ow!" Lincoln yelped, as he move around and shake off the unexpected pain.
Ronnie Ann noticed his strange movements. "Lincoln, are you alright?" she asked.
Suddenly, the spark intensified, causing his pants to catch on fire. They both screamed at the burst of flames.
"Lincoln, pull your pants down!" she shouted urgently. Without hesitation, Lincoln dropped his pants to his ankles as Ronnie Ann rushed over to help. She frantically stomped out the flames, one hand on his shoulder for support. But amidst the chaos, Lincoln's panicked movements caused him to lose his balance. In a blur, he tripped and fell, landing right on top of Ronnie Ann.
Clyde and Lincoln's sisters rushed over to help, only to be met with a sight that left them speechless. Lincoln was sprawled on top of Ronnie Ann, his pants around his ankles. Ronnie Ann's hands were on Lincoln's neck, and his underwear was clearly visible, hovering over her but not making direct contact. The scene was frozen in a moment of awkwardness, with everyone unsure of what to say or do next.
Lincoln and Ronnie Ann stared at his sisters and Clyde, then turned their faces to each other. Slowly, they both got up, giving each other some space. As the awkward silence grew, Ronnie Ann cleared her throat to break the ice. "I think it's best if we all keep this a secret."
"Agreed," everyone said in unison.
"I think I should go," Ronnie Ann said, turning to Lincoln. "We can still be friends, right?"
"Of course we can," he answered reassuringly.
As Ronnie Ann took her leave, Lincoln and the rest of the gang headed back inside.
"Guys, how did my pants catch on fire?" Lincoln asked, bewildered.
"A little device called eavesdropping," Lisa said with a nervous chuckle.
"Forget about your pants, Lincoln. Why did you say no?" Leni asked.
"It's simple, really. I'm just not ready," Lincoln replied.
"But Linky, you two would make such a cute couple," Leni continued.
"Leni," Lori interrupted, "remember, we're going to support his decision whether we like it or not."
Leni shook her head in disappointment. "Thanks, Lori," said Lincoln. "Now, if you'll excuse me, since I'm already in my undies, I'm going to read the latest Ace Savvy issue in them."
Clyde pointed his thumb toward the door, signaling his departure. "I should head out too," he said, determination evident in his voice. "I've taken a few notes from Lincoln's experience with Ronnie Ann. I'm going to review them, hoping I can use them on someone special."
"Really? Let me see," Lincoln replied, grabbing Clyde's notebook out of curiosity. Flipping through the pages, he found a single entry. "Clyde, all you wrote was 'Be Anime Protagonist.'"
"And that's all that needs to be written," Clyde said proudly, crossing his arms and puffing out his chest.
As Girl Jordan concluded her story, Christina's brow furrowed in confusion. "The way you describe Ronnie Ann doesn't make her sound like a bad person. So why do you want me to keep my distance from her?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. The conflicting information seemed to puzzle her, making her eager to understand the reasoning behind Girl Jordan's advice.
"The truth is, Ronnie Ann isn't as bad as people make her out to be. When you really get to know her, you'll see she isn't as rough and mean as the rumors suggest. But if you rub her the wrong way, she will live up to those rumors. The thing is, Ronnie Ann is just shy. She's not comfortable with new people and is afraid to open up. That's why Lincoln told me about her confession."
Girl Jordan continued, her voice steady as she recounted the events. "Lincoln and Ronnie Ann became good friends, and she wanted his help to open up to the girls in class. Lincoln suggested that she tell me this story. Although she was reluctant at first, he convinced her. So, I spread her confession around school like she and Lincoln wanted, leaving out the detail about the burning pants fiasco. Only our group knows the full story—and now you too. So, I trust you to keep this secret," she said with a wink at Christina.
"My lips are sealed," Christina replied, making a zipping motion with her fingers.
girl Jordan smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting the depth of her appreciation. "You see, Christina, it was all thanks to Lincoln that we could relate to Ronnie Ann. That's what makes him unique. He sees us girls as more than just a pretty face; he sees the real us," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration for Lincoln's ability to understand and connect with others on a deeper level.
"More than just a pretty face? The real us?" Christina muttered under her breath, clearly intrigued. The wheels in her mind began to turn, reshaping her understanding of Lincoln. This revelation about Lincoln sparked a newfound curiosity in Christina, compelling her what it would be like to truly know him.