I hope your all having a Great Thanksgiving. I was having fun with this chapter, seeing where it was leading into and how the characters develop. I'm starting to see the gist of writing fanfiction. it feels as if your characters come to life with each word and writing you give them. Anyways feel free to critique my work, every voice opinion helps me be a better writer.
Chapter 7 Give Life A Smooch. . . or A Fist
The Royal Woods Mall was more lively than its usual day-to-day sprawl of shoppers. Today was special, as the rock band SMOOCH was performing live tonight. As folks began to line up for tickets, Luna and Lincoln waited with them, excited for the upcoming event.
"Thanks for coming with me to my first concert, Luna," said Lincoln. "It's a shame the guys couldn't make it. It would've been so much better if they were here."
"Ain't no problem, little bro," Luna replied with a supportive smile. "Your first concert is a big deal, and you can't rock out solo. So tell me again why did they bail on you?
Lincoln's voice lacking its usual enthusiasm said, "Clyde got grounded because he accidentally left Nepurrtiti outside. She's an indoor cat and gets really anxious if not inside. Rusty had to help out at his dad's store since they're selling SMOOCH merch because of the concert. Liam's family had their sheeps scatter all over the farm, and they've been trying to round them up all day. And Zach, well, he said his parents spotted a UFO in the woods and needs his help to track it."
Luna said, "Bummer, they sure have their hands full. But hey, more concert fun for us, right?
Lincoln managed a smile, feeling a bit better. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks, Luna."
As they made their way forward, Lincoln noticed a familiar face in the crowd. It was Christina, looking excited as she received her ticket. "Christina?" he muttered.
Luna's ears perked up at the name. "Christina? Who's that?"
"Oh, no one really," Lincoln said, trying to play it off. "Just a new girl in my class. We recently became friends, I guess. But it feels like we're more like acquaintances at best. I wonder what she's doing at a SMOOCH concert."
Luna's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well… why don't we ask her ourselves?" she said. She raised her hand and waved energetically. "Hey, Christina!"
Lincoln's eyes widened in surprise. "Luna, what are you doing?! I don't even know her that well. You're going to embarrass me!"
Christina heard her name echoing through the mall and spotted a teenage girl in rock attire waving enthusiastically. She didn't recognize the girl, but she did notice the familiar white-haired boy trying desperately to lower the girl's hands. She smiled when she realized it was Lincoln and decided to approach them.
As she walked over, she could hear Lincoln's frantic attempts to stop the girl. He was grabbing one hand after another, pulling them down, but to no avail. The girl just kept lifting them back up.
"Luna, enough! Can you just knock it off already?" Lincoln pleaded, his face red with embarrassment. He quickly composed himself as Christina approached. "Oh, hey Christina," he said abruptly. "I didn't know you were here. It's good to see you?"
"Likewise," Christina said with a playful smirk. "I'm here for the concert, of course. I didn't expect a dork like you to be a SMOOCH fan. And who might this be?"
Luna stepped forward, extending her hand with a broad grin. "Luna Loud, Lincoln's epic, rock-loving sister."
Christina shook her hand firmly. "Christina Bennett. I'm one of Lincoln's friends from school. So, are you guys attending the concert as well?"
"Yeah, it's just me and my sister," Lincoln replied. "She's a veteran at these things, so I asked her to come with me and show me the ropes."
"Awesome," Christina said. "It's nice to have someone to guide you. Better than being alone, am I right?"
Lincoln raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're here by yourself? Isn't that a bit..."
"I know, I know," Christina interrupted. "I'm giving off loser vibes. I tried to get Jordan and the other girls to tag along, but SMOOCH wasn't really their scene. I already bought my ticket, and selling it seemed like a waste of a good show. So, I figured, might as well make the best of it."
"Aw man, that's too bad," Lincoln said. Luna elbowed him in the ribs, making him wince. "Oomph. I mean, why don't you rock with us, Christina? You're not the only one whose friends flaked out."
"Really, you too? All your friends couldn't make it?"
"Yeah," Lincoln nodded. "They all had something that came up. It was just bad timing."
"Well, in that case, I'd be glad to join you guys,"said Christina.
They made their way to the center court of the mall, fighting through the wave of people by crowd surfing. When they finally reached the front of the stage, they marveled at the dazzling lights and thundering sounds before them.
Luna turned to Lincoln and Christina with a triumphant grin. "I told you this was the best way to get a front row seat. Now just follow my lead!" She then struck a pose, throwing up the goat horns and bobbing her head to the music.
"Woooooo! Your sister knows how to get down!" Christina shouted enthusiastically. "You weren't kidding about the veteran thing, Lincoln!" She threw up the rock pose just like Luna, jamming out, dancing, and playing air guitar along with the music.
Lincoln, however, was more reserved, tapping his foot and nodding his head to the beat. While he seemed to be enjoying himself, it was clear to Christina that he was still holding back, his movements restrained and shy. With playful glee, she said, "C'mon, Lincoln! Get into it. You've got to let your inner rocker flow through you."
Lincoln rubbed the back of his head nervously. "It would be nice. It's just... I'm not really much of a good dancer, ya know."
Christina stopped dancing immediately and walked toward him. With a playful grin, she squished his cheeks together, making his face look like a puckered blowfish. "You're telling me you don't know how to dance? Anyone can dance, Lincoln! Even if you don't know how, you just dance."
Lincoln's response was muffled by her hands. "I don't get it. Besides, what if I make a fool out of myself?"
Christina pulled him closer until their foreheads touched. In a soft, reassuring voice, she said, "Lincoln, you're here with two girls who just want you to have a good time. One of them is your sister, there's no way we're going to make fun of you. You have to trust us—trust me."
Normally, he would blush with a pretty girl this close, but this felt different. There was a confidence in her that made him want to believe her, a spark that reminded him of Girl Jordan. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Okay, so what should I do?"
Christina just laughed, amused by Lincoln's insecurity. "Grab my hand and follow my lead," she said. Lincoln took her up on her offer. She began to shimmy through the music, gently pulling him back and forth. Their movements resembled a playful tug of war. "Just let go and move to the music. Don't overthink it, just feel it. We're here to have fun, remember?"
To his surprise, Lincoln felt the music surge through him, its rhythm unlocking a newfound freedom. As they moved in unison, Christina lifted their hands into the air, fist-pumping together. Her guidance was gentle but firm, leading him step by step.
Gradually, Lincoln's confidence grew, and he started to take the lead without even realizing it. In a spontaneous burst of energy, he let go of her hand, grabbed her by the sides, and twirled her into the air. "Wow, I didn't know I could do that," he exclaimed, astonished at his own boldness.
"Me neither," Christina giggled.
They continued to sing along with the band, their voices blending into the energetic chorus. "Take my advice and don't be a mooch." In perfect synchronization, they air-guitared back to back, their heads bobbing enthusiastically to the relentless beat. The lead singer, Pucker Uppenheimer, belted out the catchy lines, "Grab life by the lips and give it a smooch! WHOOOOO! Give it a smooch!"
For Lincoln, it felt as if the universe was calling out to him. The sound, the atmosphere, the raw energy of the moment—it was as if he was in a hypnotic trance. Everything around him faded to darkness except for the spotlight that narrowed down on Christina. The music began to fade until he could no longer hear it.
Suddenly, acting on pure instinct, Lincoln cupped Christina's face with his hands and leaned in for a kiss. Their eyes closed as their lips met, sealing the moment with a touch of innocence and spontaneity.
As the music ended, Luna snapped out of her own world and turned her attention to Lincoln and Christina. "Whooo! Now that's how you rock, dear viewers. Lincoln, how are you holding up, baby brah—" she paused, her eyes widening in shock. Her little brother was locking lips with another girl.
They broke their embrace, but to them, it felt like an eternity. Christina fluttered her eyes open, gazing at the boy in front of her. "Lincoln," she whispered softly.
Not too long ago, he had been a shy, timid boy, but that kiss had erased all of his insecurity in an instant. He looked deeply into Christina's eyes, as if peering into her very soul. Then, without hesitation, he leaned in for another kiss.
Christina was taken aback. Should she be mad or grossed out by this sudden interaction? She didn't even know if she liked it. But whatever it is, it didn't feel wrong. So, she let the moment unfold naturally, feeling an inexplicable warmth spread through her.
As they released the kiss, their hands remained clasped together like a couple about to say "I do" at a wedding. Christina's eyes glistened with unspoken emotions as she looked at Lincoln. The confident, playful antics she usually wore seemed to melt away. She was used to playing with a boy's heart and knowing how to protect hers. But here was Lincoln, breaking down her defenses and exposing her vulnerable side. She glanced away, a timid gesture that was uncharacteristically rare for her. She felt an urgent need to act, to do something, but hesitated, caught in a whirlwind of indecision. What she really wanted was for Lincoln to make the next move.
From Lincoln's perspective, Christina's shifting gaze between him and the ground was unsettling. "Oh no," he thought, as panic started to rise within him. Had he gone too far with the kiss? Did she feel violated? His mind immediately assumed the worst. "Lincoln, you idiot!" he berated himself. "Now she thinks you're a creep. She's way out of your league, you loser!" His thoughts spiraled into a chaotic mess of self-criticism.
Then he felt the grip of her hands. It was firm yet gentle, steady with no signs of shivering or letting go. It felt as if she was signaling him to go further. He recalled the advice he had given to Coach Pacowski—to trust yourself. No more second-guessing; he had to go for it.
Lincoln pulled Christina closer, wrapping his arms around her waist with a gentle but assured touch. Christina responded by resting her arms over his, leaning back against his chest with a contented look. It was a posture they had shared before, a familiarity from their time together during P.E. Her head nestled against his shoulder, and she gazed up at him with a soft, unreadable expression in her eyes.
As Lincoln gave her a gentle squeeze, Christina snuggled into his embrace, her body melting into his. Her eyes shifted to the stage where the next song began to play, the music washing over them. They began to sway side to side in unison, their movements slow and harmonious, a stark contrast to their earlier, more erratic dancing. Every shift and turn seemed to sync perfectly, a silent communication through their bodies as they tuned into each other's rhythms.
Luna watched from a distance, impressed by how smooth Lincoln had swooned the redheaded girl. This level of intimacy reminded her of their parents, a testament to the genuine affection they had built in such a short time. She noticed how Lincoln's posture had transformed—his stance was more poised, his head held higher, both literally and metaphorically. The introverted nerdy boy she knew was now standing tall, exuding confidence and charm. She felt a surge of pride, marveling at the bright, confident young man her baby brother was becoming.
They continued to dance in each other's loving arms as the band played hit after hit. The music created a bubble around them, shielding them from the rest of the world. The lead singer, Pucker Uppenheimer, finally shouted, "All right Royal Woods, thanks for having us!" His announcement signaled the end of the show. As the lights dimmed, a wave of fans scattered out of the center court, their delighted chatter creating a symphony of excitement.
Amid the sea of ramble, the three of them didn't have much to say. They walked in silence, a good distance apart, as if nothing had happened between Lincoln and Christina. Luna, observing the two preteens in front of her, noticed the tension in their steps. They eventually stopped at the edge of the mall parking lot, where Christina pulled out her phone to call her dad for a ride. After a brief conversation, she hung up the phone and turned to address them.
"Well, this is where we part, guys. Thanks again for inviting me," Christina said, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and sadness.
Lincoln quickly responded, "We don't have to leave right now. We can keep you company until your dad arrives."
Christina gave him a small smile, appreciating the offer. "Thanks, Lincoln. I prefer it that way as well," she said.
The three of them stood there in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air. Lincoln and Christina both knew they needed to talk, but they found it difficult. It wasn't embarrassment that held their tongues, but a deep sense of shame. They felt as though they had committed a grave sin, betraying one of their closest friend, Girl Jordan.
Guilt gnawed at their hearts, each of them battling their inner turmoil. Lincoln wondered how he could live with himself now. The girl he thought he loved had become a mere afterthought in the heat of the moment. Christina, on the other hand, felt a pang of regret. Hadn't she promised to help Girl Jordan get closer to Lincoln? And yet, here she was, caught in a moment of weakness. Why had Lincoln kissed her? Why hadn't she stopped it?
Luna observed the pair closely, noticing the subtle signs of their unease. Their body language screamed "What did I just do?" loud and clear. She realized it wasn't her place to interfere. They needed the space to sort out their tangled emotions on their own. Deciding to give them some breathing room, she crafted an excuse to step away.
"So, why don't you two hang here for now? In the meantime, I'll call the rents or Lori to pick us up," Luna suggested, her tone light and casual.
Luna walked over to a nearby light post in the parking lot, her footsteps echoing on the pavement as she distanced herself from Lincoln and Christina. She stood under the yellowish glow of the streetlamp, about five cars away, and pulled out her phone. As she made the call, she cast occasional glances back at the two preteens, hoping they would use the time to sort out their emotions.
Now that they were alone, the weight of the evening's events pressed heavily upon them. Christina's voice was soft yet firm. "Lincoln," she began, "we need to talk about what happened tonight..."
Before she could continue, Lincoln took her hands, his grip gentle but resolute. "I know," he said, his eyes fixed straight ahead, unable to meet her gaze. Both were too trouble to make eye contact. "I'm just as confused and conflicted as you are. By now, I'm sure you're aware of our relationship Jordan and I have. So, I need your honest opinion—does Jordan see me more than just a friend?"
Christina leaned in closer, resting her head on his chest, seeking comfort in the news she was about to reveal. "Of course she does, Lincoln. She's head over heels for you, but I think you knew that all along. Now the real question is, how do we move forward from here?"
"I-I don't know. Even though we're not together, I feel like I've cheated on her. And then there's you. How do you feel about all this? Am I supposed to choose you over her? It's like I'm playing the both of you at the same time."
"I know what you mean, Lincoln," Her voice started to crack. "Jordan is also my best friend, but my feelings for you are growing. I want to let you go, but I can't. It isn't fair for you to choose. It isn't fair for any of us." She paused, struggling under the weight of her emotions. "You should listen to your heart, Lincoln. You decide what's best."
"I don't know if I can make a decision right now," He admitted. "What I do know is things will never be the same. So tonight, I just want you in my arms. Is that good enough for you, Christina?"
"Yes, it's good enough for me." she replied.
As Luna leaned back against the lamppost, she watched the shift in Lincoln and Christina's behavior grew. Christina was facing Lincoln, her head resting against his chest. There was no physical contact of a hug, except Lincoln's hand resting on top of her head. Her shoulders rise and fall in the rhythm of her quiet sobs, painting a poignant picture of emotional pain.
On her phone, Luna said, "Hey Lori, you think you can get here ASAP? Something has come up that needs attention." She hung up and decided to intervene. She walked back to them in a calm and gentle voice, "Hey, what's the matter, little rockers? Y'all having a mope fest that I should know about?"
Christina lifted her head from Lincoln's chest, quickly wiping away the remaining teardrops from her face. "Yeah, we'll be fine. Lincoln and I just don't want this night to end, that's all." She said, managing a weak smile.
Luna could tell there was more to the story. She could see through the façade of her words. "You guys want to talk about it? I know we just met, Christina, but I'm here for the both of you."
Christina shook her head gently. "No thanks, Luna. I think it's something Lincoln and I need to work out on our own."
She nodded, respecting their decision. The two adolescents gazed up at the stars, lost in their own thoughts. Meanwhile, Luna texted Lori and shuffled through her playlist, her eyes occasionally drifting back to the pair to ensure they were okay.
Just then, a van pulled up and stopped in front of them. The windows rolled down, revealing two familiar faces.
"Lincoln? Luna? Is that you two?" came a voice from the van.
"Mr. and Mr. McBride?" Lincoln responded, recognition dawning on him.
"Oh, it is you two!" Howard exclaimed. "I thought you weren't able to come to the concert?"
Lincoln raised an eyebrow, puzzled by their assumption and even more so by their unexpected presence. Something didn't add up, but he decided to play along with them. Cringing slightly, he said, "Oooo, wow, this is embarrassing. I was hoping not to get caught like this."
From the passenger seat, Harold leaned forward to get a better look at Lincoln. "Lincoln, what's going on? Clyde said you couldn't attend the concert because you were sick. Is that true?"
Lincoln sighed deeply, "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mr. McBride. I lied. I wanted to attend the concert with my sister and a special friend of mine." The McBrides shifted their gaze to Christina, who smiled nervously and gave them a small wave. Their frowns deepened as they turned back to Lincoln, clearly disapproving of his deceit.
"Oh, Lincoln," Howard said. "Clyde would be so disappointed if he found out about this. I don't think we could tell him."
"That's why I should be the one to tell him. Listen, Mr. and Mr. McBride, I know I don't deserve your trust after this, but can you keep this a secret for now? It'll be best if he hears it from me."
The two dads exchanged a glance before looking back at Lincoln, their expressions softening into warm smiles. "Of course, Lincoln. You and Clyde are best friends. I'm sure you two will work it out," Howard said reassuringly.
"Thanks, Mr. McBride,"He smiled back. "Oh, before you leave, did the rest of the gang go with him? Maybe Clyde isn't the only one I should apologize to."
Howard answers sympathetically. "I'm afraid so. It looks like you have a lot of explaining to do."
"I guess I do. Anyway, you guys should go. We wouldn't want them to see us together, right?"
Harold shouted, "Howard, step on it. Clyde would have a conniption if he sees us." As the van began to pull away, Harold's voice faded into the night, "Bye, Lincoln!" After they left, Lincoln just stood there quietly, processing the weight of the news. Luna and Christina quickly caught on to the gravity of the situation.
She gently placed a hand on her brother's shoulder, her voice filled with concern. "Are you going to be okay, Lincoln?"
"No, I'm not," he replied coldly, the hurt and anger evident in his tone.
Luna immediately moved to hug him, caressing his head tenderly. She could feel the tension in his body, the facade he had maintained for the McBrides now shattered. His eyes were distant, staring blankly ahead as he struggled with his emotions.
Christina, observing his state, felt a deep sense of empathy. She approached him, her own face mirroring concern and sorrow. "I'm sorry, Lincoln. They didn't just flake on you, they ditched you. Is there anything we can do to help? Lincoln just nodded his head no, his distress was evident and clear.
As the night wore on, Christina's ride finally arrived. "Well, that's my cue. Take care of yourself, Lincoln," she said softly. She leaned in to kiss his cheek but hesitated, sensing that the gesture might not fit the mood. Instead, she studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his emotional state, and settled for a gentle pat on his chest.
With a small wave, she walked to her car, turning back once to give a final wave before getting in. The two siblings waved back, watching as she drove off into the night.
As the car's tail lights disappeared, Lincoln turned to Luna, his voice low and serious. "Luna, can you promise not to tell anyone what happened between me and Christina? Especially our sisters."
Luna nodded, understanding the weight of his request. "I promise, Lincoln. It stays between us."
Lori then arrived in Vanzilla, and they both settled into the back seat. Lincoln slumped down, his head bowed, while Luna sat beside him, offering silent support. Lori noticed his somber mood and frowned. "Luna told me tonight didn't go so well. Do you want to talk about it, Lincoln?"
He paused, struggling to find the right words. "Clyde and I aren't friends anymore. Can Luna explain later? I'm not up for it right now."
Lori glanced at him with concern through the rearview mirror. She then turned to Luna, who gave a slight nod, signaling that it was best not to push further. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Lori started the engine, and they drove back home in silence.
The drive marked the end of a troubling evening, but the start of a new week at school did not bring any respite for Lincoln. His mood was unmistakably heavy, a stark contrast to his usual bright and attentive demeanor. The scowl on his face seemed permanently etched, a dark cloud following him wherever he went.
His friends noticed the change immediately when Mrs. Johnson's class began. Lincoln, who was typically focused and engaged in her lectures, was uncharacteristically absent. Instead of paying attention, his eyes were glued to the paper on his desk. He was furiously doodling a scene where One-Eyed Jack betrayed Ace Savvy, pledging his allegiance to the Card Shark.
From across the room, Girl Jordan observed him. She noticed the agitation in his movements and the troubled look on his face. Concerned, she decided to pass a note. She whispered to her classmates, "Pass it to Lincoln." The folded paper made its way across the room until it reached him.
He felt a gentle nudge on his arm and looked down to see a square piece of paper. Unwrapping it, he read the message inside: "Are you ok Lincoln?" Next to the scribbled words was Jordan's name.
Lincoln turned his head to look at Girl Jordan. She gave him a weak smile and waved, her eyes filled with worry. He managed a small smile in return, but it was fleeting. A flashback suddenly overwhelmed him, bringing back the memory of when he and Christina kissed. The warmth of the moment had turned cold in his mind, causing his smile to quickly dissolve into a frown. He lowered his head, returning to his doodles with a renewed intensity, almost as if trying to draw away the painful memories.
Girl Jordan, observing from her seat, noticed the shift in his expression. She mirrored his frown, her concern deepening. She couldn't shake the thought that perhaps she was the reason for his sour mood.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and the hallway quickly filled with the clamor of students. Lincoln trudged through the throng, his thoughts a turbulent mix. Suddenly, a voice called out to him, cutting through the noise.
"Lincoln, wait up!" Girl Jordan shouted as she hurried to catch up with him.
She finally reached him, both standing amidst the sea of kids. "Lincoln, what's going on? You know I'm always here for you," she said sincerely.
"It's nothing," Lincoln muttered, his eyes avoiding hers.
"Nothing? What I saw in there was definitely not nothing. What's making you so upset today?" she pressed, not ready to let it go.
"Look, would you just forget about all this? It's nothing big, really," he insisted, frustration creeping into his voice.
Girl Jordan paused for a moment, uncertainty flashing across her face. "Is this about me?" she asked quietly.
Lincoln was taken aback, momentarily thrown off balance. He quickly regained his composure and replied, "What!? No! Not everything is about you, Jordan. Just leave me alone and mind your own business."
The words came out sharper than he meant, and guilt instantly gnawed at him as he turned to leave. Girl Jordan stood there, momentarily stunned, her hand hesitating in the air before she let it drop. She watched him retreat, torn between respecting his wishes and wanting to reach out again.
Soon, the rest of Girl Jordan's friends gathered around her, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. "Wow, that was intense. I've never seen Lincoln this angry before," Molly remarked, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Not helping," Cookie interjected, pointing to a visibly disappointed Girl Jordan.
Their attention then shifted to her, noting the pain reflected in her eyes. "I don't get it," she said, her voice tinged with confusion. "He always comes to me when he's sad or upset. So why is this so different?"
"I think I know what's going on, Jordan," Christina said thoughtfully. Girl Jordan's curiosity piqued as she turned to face her friend. Christina began to recount the events of the night she met Lincoln at the concert. Her voice was steady as she detailed what transpired between Lincoln and Clyde's dads, carefully leaving out the more personal moments she shared with Lincoln. "...And so that's how it all went down," Christina concluded, her story hanging in the air.
Girl Jordan's face hardened, her eyes blazing with fire. "I can't believe Clyde and the others would stoop so low! They'll be begging for Lincoln's forgiveness by the time I'm through with them!" she declared, her voice unwavering.
She was about to march away, fists clenched, when Christina grabbed her arm. "Whoa, hold on there, Fast and Furious," Christina said abruptly, her voice cutting through Jordan's anger. "Listen, I know you and Lincoln have history, but I think you should let this run its course. You weren't there that night, and the look he gave... it screamed piss."
"All the more reason I should intervene!" Girl Jordan snapped back, her voice rising in frustration. "You don't know Lincoln like I do! All he ever wanted was for people to accept him for who he is!"
"Jordan, please, listen to me," Christina urged, her voice gentle but firm. "Lincoln is going through something you may not understand. You saw how he treated you earlier. That's not the Lincoln you know and love."
Girl Jordan fell silent, her mind whirring with Christina's words. She frowned, her head slumping as the weight of the situation settled over her. "Then how am I supposed to help him?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with worry.
Christina placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "When this is all over, just make sure he has a shoulder to rest on," she said softly. Girl Jordan nodded slowly, taking Christina's advice to heart.
Throughout the day, Lincoln remained in a sour mood. At lunchtime, he sat with his so-called friends, slowly munching on his tater tots, a scowl etched on his face. His friends exchanged uneasy glances, clearly noticing the shift in his demeanor. Clyde cleared his throat, breaking the uncomfortable silence. "So, Lincoln, is there something you need to get off your chest? You look as if Charles ate your entire Ace Savvy collection."
Lincoln looked up, his expression hardening. "Gee, I don't know, Clyde. You tell me. Is there something you need to get off your chest?" he retorted, his voice dripping with passive aggression.
Clyde stiffened, his defensiveness rising. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, his tone sharpening.
Lincoln forced a smile, but his voice still carried an edge. "Oh, I'm just messing with you, Clyde. I'm just a bit tired from the concert, is all. I can't believe you guys couldn't make it—you missed out on so much."
Clyde, Zach, Liam, and Rusty reacted nervously to Lincoln's testy behavior. Clyde's eyebrows darted up, searching for an escape, while Zach's face twisted into a cringe. Rusty rubbed the back of his neck, and Liam stared intently at his food, desperate to avoid eye contact.
Clyde hesitated before breaking the silence, his voice shaking. "That's great, Lincoln, but you know how my dads are about Nepurrtiti. Closing the back door was a mistake I won't make again," he chuckled nervously, shifting in his seat.
Lincoln's eyes thinned, his expression turning steely. "Funny you mention your dads, Clyde. I didn't think they were huge SMOOCH fans," he replied sarcastically.
"What do you mean, Lincoln?" he asked, his tone sharpening.
Lincoln leaned back, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I saw them at the concert. We talked a bit before they left," he said, his voice growing colder.
Clyde's eyes widened with panic. "What did y'all talk about?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Oh, they explained how disappointed they were in you for lying. If you hadn't fibbed about Nepurrtiti, they would've let you go to the show," Lincoln said, taking a bite of his food, a fake smile plastered on his face.
Clyde let out a nervous chuckle. "Heh, Heh, Heh, well, no harm done, right? Was there anything else they mentioned?" he asked.
Lincoln shook his head and waved his hand dismissively. "No, not really. That was pretty much it," he said, continuing to eat as if nothing was bothering him.
Clyde wiped his forehead, letting out a quiet "Phew."
They sat in uneasy silence, each boy silently praying that Lincoln hadn't caught on to their deceit about the concert. Lincoln's steely gaze bore into Clyde, making it clear he wasn't fooled. Rusty, sensing the desperate need to break the ice, attempted to change the subject, his voice rising in forced cheerfulness. The others quickly followed, their voices overlapping in a desperate attempt to fill the uncomfortable silence with irrelevant chatter.
Clyde joined in, laughing nervously while avoiding his piercing stare, but Lincoln's patience was wearing thin. He watched them beat around the bush and his frustration started to boil over. With a sudden burst of anger, he hurled his lunch at Clyde, sending food debris and condiments flying everywhere.
Lincoln slammed the table, standing up abruptly. "You think I'm fucking stupid, Clyde!?" he shouted, his voice carrying across the cafeteria as sparks of spit flew from his mouth. His outburst grabbed the attention of everyone nearby, the chatter dying down as heads turned to watch the unfolding drama. "This past year, all you've done is make snide remarks about me and girls. At first, I thought you were just trying to be edgy—I even laughed along sometimes. But I never imagined that your jealousy would lead you to ditch me like this!"
Clyde, now equally fed up, rose from the bench, his body shaking with anger. "Bout time you caught on! Yeah, I left you hanging! We all did! You know why? Because we're all tired of you!"
"What the fuck did I do to you, Clyde? Answer Me!" Lincoln's voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt.
Clyde laughed hysterically, his voice dripping with malice. "Heh, heh, heh. You really don't get it, do you? You've been dragging me down, Lincoln! I missed out on Chandler's parties, invitations to sleepovers, and making new friends because of you. Don't you understand Lincoln!? No one likes you! You're just a pathetic loser, plain and simple!"
They locked eyes, the air between them thick with hatred and animosity. Lincoln's nostrils flared as he let out a primal scream, "Ahhhhhhhhh!" In a swift, furious motion, he leaped over the table and tackled Clyde to the floor. One hand gripped Clyde's shirt while the other delivered punch after punch to his face.
With each strike, Lincoln's voice rang out with raw emotion. "I'm the loser!? I've been loyal! I supported you! And best of all, I've never abandoned you!" He continued his relentless assault, each word punctuated by another blow, until Clyde's nose was bleeding profusely.
The onlookers around them began to panic, the violence escalating beyond control. Emma's voice pierced the chaos, "Oh my god! Somebody stop him!"
Rusty, desperate to intervene, shouted, "Lincoln, that's enough!"
Even Chandler was shocked by the turn of events. He rushed toward Lincoln, hoping to prevent him from inflicting further harm. But as soon as he reached Lincoln, he was met with a brutal headbutt that sent him sprawling to the floor. The crowd erupted with a collective cringe, "Oooooooo" reverberating through the cafeteria.
Christina and the rest of the girls watched in horror as Lincoln continued his relentless assault on Clyde. Christina's body stiffened, her eyes widening with each brutal punch. A recent, painful memory flashed before her eyes—her father striking her mother in a fit of rage. The image of her mother's tear-streaked face and the sound of her father's furious shouts were still fresh in her mind.
Back in the cafeteria, Christina's body reacted instinctively to the resurfaced trauma. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, her breaths coming in ragged, shallow gasps. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably as she dry heaved, the bile of fear rising in her throat. Tears bubbled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks in a torrent of anguish. She couldn't take the sight before her any longer.
She shrieked, her voice a raw plea, "LINCOLN! STOPPPPPPPP!"
Her scream cut through the chaos like a knife, freezing everyone in place. All eyes turned to Christina, her sobbing echoing throughout the room. The sheer agony in her voice silenced everything around them. Lincoln's furious scowl softened, unsettled by her misery. Her friends rushed to her side, trying to comfort her.
As Lincoln looked around, he saw faces once filled with envy now twisted in sheer terror. Among the crowd were his sisters. Lucy's usually expressionless face was marred by a single tear rolling down her cheek. Lana and Lola clung to each other, trembling and scared of their own brother. Lisa, ever the rational one, shook her head in disapproval, her disappointment cutting deeper than any word.
When his vision finally cleared, Lincoln looked down at Clyde, bloodied and beaten. Disgusted by what he had done, he released his grip and stepped back. He walked past the onlookers, who parted to let him through, each step feeling heavier than the last. Whispers of disbelief and horror filled the room. Lincoln kept his head down, overwhelmed by a deep sense of shame. He exited the cafeteria, leaving behind a scene of chaos and a trail of blood.