Chapter Text
[It was two days after Girl Jordan’s pool party, and the whole incident with Lincoln and his friends while they were there. Lincoln couldn’t help but fear what the outcome would be on social media.]
Lincoln: Oh, this is so bad! What are other people going to say? This is embarrassing! I can imagine myself as a laughingstock. Even worse, I can also imagine Jackson's protective side kicking-
[Then, he got a phone call. It was Girl Jordan.]
Lincoln: AHH! It’s her! Um… uh… [He shakily picks up the phone and answers] H-Hello?
Girl Jordan: Hey there, Lincoln! Listen, you and I need to talk about what happened at the pool party a couple of days ago.
Lincoln: A t-talk?
Girl Jordan: Yeah. It’s somewhat important, but it's not that big of a deal at the same time. You'll know what it means. I’ll see you at my place after lunch. [She hangs up.]
Lincoln: Oh, no…
[After lunch, Lincoln is seen biking towards Girl Jordan’s house. When he arrives, he parks his bike and leans it on the fence. The gate was open. So, he enters the property without having to wait for anyone to open it. He sees pieces of his shirt and jeans that were ripped up on the night of Girl Jordan’s pool party.]
Lincoln: They’re still there… Oh, this is gonna be bad. [He looks around] Girl Jordan?
Girl Jordan: [From inside her house] Yeah?
Lincoln: She’s in there. [He heads towards the entrance of Girl Jordan’s house]
Girl Jordan: [Opens the door] Ah, there you are!
Lincoln: Yeah, I’m here. So, about the whole “talk” you mentioned…
Girl Jordan: Oh, that! Right! Come with me.
[Lincoln is taken to Girl Jordan’s bedroom to have a chat.]
Girl Jordan: So, I found out who made you and Clyde swim in your undies.
Lincoln: Who was it?
Girl Jordan: It was Artie Dombrowski. He was feeling prankish that night and had Ajax sic on you. I was told of this by Kat. I had a talk with him, and he felt sorry for telling you two to do so. He wasn't expecting his prank to go that far.
Lincoln: He apologized? [Girl Jordan nods] Oh, that’s nice of him. I guess I got something positive out of that disaster.
Girl Jordan: And with Rusty and Zach? Kat and Joy gave Rusty an EpiPen to keep the swelling down. [Remembers something] Well, albeit begrudgingly. [Lincoln chuckles] And Zach, well… It’s more complicated, but w-we're working on it. [Checks her phone] I hope.
Lincoln: That’s good to hear. Rusty’s allergic reaction looked so painful! But I’m just glad he's getting the care he needs. Hopefully, Zach is doing fine too.
Girl Jordan: And all those pictures taken from my other friends… Yeah, we asked everyone to delete them. So, you don't have to worry about being a laughingstock at school.
Lincoln: [Sighs with relief] Understandable. They would’ve posted them when they got the chance, most likely.
Girl Jordan: Yeah, I didn't think it was worth it. When it comes to stuff like posting pictures with no clothes, it just feels like... old material in a sense. And even if we did post those pictures, it would've been a hollow victory anyway. We all would've had to face "the wrath of Jackson Delaney".
Lincoln: [Chuckles] Yeah, Jackson has that effect on everyone. My only problem is that it... works too well. It's not like I'm trying to aim for being the popular kid in the school. Jackson just doesn't like me being humiliated for long periods of time.
Girl Jordan: I get that he views you like the little brother he never had, but my problem with him is that he doesn't have to be so... salty about every dang mishap that occurs in your life. We all still remember when he vandalized the Hockers' bus and the Roosters' bedroom because he didn't see what really happened that day. And that's not even the worst part of your roommate.
Lincoln: [Confused] Wait. What? [Girl Jordan looks away] N-Never mind. I don't need to know.
Girl Jordan: [Turns back to him] A-Also, I talked with Mollie. She said you have the potential in the cannonball contest, and she actually liked it when you were there.
Lincoln: Wait, she said that?
Girl Jordan: Yep! She even said that you looked okay in your undies. Besides, it’s not like it would’ve hurt anyone.
Lincoln: But I escaped from there because... You know, I was in my literal underwear there! Of all things!
Girl Jordan: I know, Lincoln.
Lincoln: [Sighs] Sorry. I didn't mean to get a bit angry there. It was just so stressful about what the outcome would be online. You know, with photos and videos of the party going online, and Jackson's protective nature, and all that?
Girl Jordan: I understand. Anyways, Mollie actually asked if you wanted to take part in the cannonball contest.
Lincoln: She did?
Girl Jordan: She's not exactly someone to take advantage of forfeiters.
Lincoln: That’s awesome! I honestly might just do it!
Girl Jordan: Perfect. So, what time do you wanna plan the contest?
Lincoln: 7:30 PM. This time, I won't be held back by something so embarrassing! [He holds out his hand.] Deal? [Girl Jordan shakes his hand in agreement.]
Girl Jordan: Deal!
Lincoln: Alright! It's settled!
Girl Jordan: I'll call Mollie to relay the news. See you there!
[As they head towards the front door, the kids look out the window and spot a car parked outside on the sidewalk.]
Girl Jordan: Did you tell anyone that you were coming over to my house?
Lincoln: I told everyone at my house except for Jackson; he was napping in the garage.
Girl Jordan: Could that be him then? He could be looking for you.
Lincoln: No, that can't be him. That looks like an old Mercedes. Jackson drives a Mustang.
[The car leaves.]
Girl Jordan: Do you think they were watching us?
Lincoln: I don't know. [Shrugs] But I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.
Girl Jordan: Let's hope so.
[Cut back to the Loud House, where the Louds are eating their dinner.]
Luna: You know, normally, I would hate having meatloaf again. But this time, it actually tastes good!
Lori: Yeah, this is literally so much better than the bunch of other times we had meatloaf! It actually tastes delectable!
Lisa: I will have to agree with you there, older sibling units. It’s well-made, has the proper ingredients, is cooked at the right temperature, and has an exquisite taste when you take your first bite.
[While the others enjoyed it, Lincoln and Jackson didn’t.]
Lincoln: This just is not for me.
Jackson: Or me.
Lori: What? What do you mean it’s “not for you”?
Lincoln: I just don’t like the taste of meatloaf, that’s all! It tastes weird!
Luna: Alright, guys! Let’s not argue over here! We just want to have a calm family dinner, not a crazy food fight.
Lincoln: [Sighs] Sorry, Luna. I didn't mean to complain.
Luna: Don’t worry, little dude. I get it. You and your friends came back from being... humiliated at a pool party.
Jackson: It's a miracle that it didn't escalate beyond that.
Lincoln: Actually, I'm practically used to taking blows for the team. What I am worried about is you and your... temper.
Jackson: Whatever. [Leaves]
[Lincoln pulls out his phone and checks the time. It was 7:15 PM.]
Lincoln: Oh, shoot! I gotta go!
Luna & Jackson: Why?
[Lincoln doesn't answer and gets up from the table and is about to go upstairs when his mother stops him.]
Rita: Hang on there, young man! Where are you going?
Lori: I-It's okay, Mom! Lincoln told me that he's hanging out at Girl Jordan’s house this evening!
Rita: Oh, I see. Very well, sweetie. You can go and get ready.
Lincoln: Thanks, Mom. [Heads upstairs to get ready.]
Rita: If you're not staying over there, then be home before midnight.
Lincoln: I will! Don’t worry!
[Later, he came back downstairs with a towel in one hand and a bag in the other, grabbed his helmet, and headed outside to his bike.]
[Over at Girl Jordan’s house, she’s on the porch steps with Mollie, waiting for Lincoln to arrive for the contest.]
Girl Jordan: What’s taking him so long?
Mollie: Relax, GJ. You know that he takes his time. You don’t want him to get killed out there!
Girl Jordan: I guess you’re right on that one.
[Then, they heard a bike lean up against the outside gate. The gate door opened up, and Lincoln stepped through.]
Girl Jordan: There he is!
Lincoln: Hey, girls! I’m ready for the contest!
Mollie: Alright, Lincoln. You’re on!
Girl Jordan: Whoever does the biggest cannonball in this contest will win!
Lincoln: Best of luck, Moll. [He reaches out his hand]
Mollie: Same to you, Lincoln! [She shakes his hand]
Lincoln: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta change my attire.
[Lincoln headed inside and headed to the bathroom. He proceeded to remove his orange polo, his jeans, his shoes, and his socks. He then put on his standard orange swim trunks and exited the bathroom with his clothes in one hand and his towel in the other. By now, Mollie had put her swimsuit on, and Girl Jordan had brought out a measuring pole.]
Lincoln: Alright, Mollie! I’m ready!
Mollie: Okay, Lincoln! Let’s see what you got!
[Lincoln steps onto the diving board after setting down his towel and his clothes. He looks up and takes a deep breath. He bounces up and down on the board three times, and on the third bounce, he lifts up into the air.]
Lincoln: Woohoo!!
[He tucks his legs in, plugs his nose, and closes his eyes as he descends back down. He makes a BIG splash upon coming in contact with the water.]
Girl Jordan: Whoa! Nice!
Mollie: That was a big cannonball there!
Girl Jordan: Tell me about it!
[Lincoln resurfaces a moment later, filled with adrenaline.]
Lincoln: WOOHOO!!! That was AWESOME!!
Mollie: Alright. Now, it’s my turn!
[Lincoln swims to the pool ladder and climbs out of the pool. Mollie gets on the diving board. Bouncing up and down on the board three times, she lifts up into the air after the third bounce. After tucking in her legs, she inhales deep and plugs her nose as she descends back down.]
Lincoln: Oh, boy!! [Covers his eyes]
[She makes a BIG splash, but not as big as Lincoln’s.]
Lincoln: Good work, Mollie!
[Mollie resurfaces as she brushes her hair away from her eyes.]
Mollie: Whoo! Thanks, Lincoln!
Lincoln: [He looks over to Girl Jordan] Who do you think is gonna win?
Girl Jordan: [She leans in and whispers to Lincoln] I think you’re going to win, Lincoln.
Lincoln: [He gasps quietly] Really?
Girl Jordan: [Whispers] Yup.
[It took a full 20 minutes with neck-in-neck cannonballing, until it came down to the last round, Round 10; Mollie had already done her turn.]
Lincoln: Alright, here we go. The final one.
[He looks up and down. He jumps up high on the board and launches into the air. He inhales deep, tucks his legs in, and plugs his nose.]
Mollie & Girl Jordan: OH, MY! [They cover their eyes]
[The splash was bigger than the previous ones recorded, reaching a height of 12 feet on Girl Jordan's measuring pole. He resurfaces a moment later, filled with much more adrenaline.]
Lincoln: WHOOHOO!!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!!!
Girl Jordan: Lincoln… you… [Checks her measuring pole] YOU WIN!!!
Lincoln: I DID?! [He swims up to the pool ladder and climbs out of the pool quickly.] How big was the splash?!
Girl Jordan: I just checked. Over 12 feet!
Lincoln: [He gasps and covers his mouth, surprised] NO WAY!!
Girl Jordan: You beat Mollie's record of 9.2ft.
Lincoln: YES, YES, YES!!! I DID IT! [As he began calming down, he and Girl Jordan looked over to Mollie, who was upset due to losing and ending up in second place.] Mollie? Are you okay?
Mollie: Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just... that you beat my best record. [As her lips began to quiver, tears were seen in her eyes]
Lincoln: Oh, gosh.
Girl Jordan: Mollie, wait! Don’t cry!
Mollie: Are you kidding, GJ? Lincoln beat my best record!
Lincoln: Just because you lost your record to me, doesn’t mean you have to be upset about it! It’s just a record! Please!
[A single tear runs down Mollie’s cheek as she sniffles quietly.]
Lincoln: Oh, for crying out loud. [He wraps his arms around Mollie and hugs her softly]
[Mollie was surprised by Lincoln’s hug. She shows a teary, yet warm smile and hugs him back.]
Girl Jordan: Aww! Cute.
Lincoln: [Comforting Mollie] It’s okay, Moll. You did your best.
Mollie: [She sniffles as she smiles] Thank you, Lincoln.
Lincoln: You’re welcome. [He breaks the hug a moment later.] There we go. You feel better now?
Mollie: [She clears her throat as she wipes her eyes] Yep. I am feeling better now.
Lincoln: That’s good to hear. [Girl Jordan looks at his watch; it was 8:20 PM]
Girl Jordan: It’s 8:20 now. You two should probably head home.
Mollie: Aww. Already?
Lincoln: She's right, Moll. I gotta head home. But Mollie, you can pay me a visit at my house tomorrow if you want.
Mollie: I’ll definitely consider it.
Lincoln: I’m gonna change back. You should too.
[He grabs his clothes and his towel as he heads inside Girl Jordan’s house and to the bathroom.]
Lincoln: Man, tonight was incredible! [As he dries himself off]
[Outside Girl Jordan’s house, both Lincoln and Mollie are now dried off and back in their usual clothes.]
Lincoln: Alright, GJ. I’m gonna head back home. [He slips his bag on his shoulder.]
Girl Jordan: Okay, Lincoln. Thanks for coming!
Mollie: Great work, Lincoln! You’re the best cannonballer in all of Royal Woods!
Lincoln: [Blushes] Thanks, Mollie.
[Lincoln gets on his bike and begins pedaling back to his house.]
Lincoln: That was such a good night over there.
[As he pedaled into the bike lane, he pedaled down the lane until he turned onto Franklin Avenue.]
Lincoln: Almost there.
[He sees his house a few houses away. He then pedals into the driveway and parks his bike in the garage. He takes off his helmet and sets it on the hanger.]
Lincoln: Whew! I’m home!
[He exits the garage and heads to the front door.]
Lincoln: Alright, now, I gotta get a shower, and get changed for bed. [He then notices a familiar sight rolling away from his house; it was the Mercedes from earlier.] That car again? What's that doing here on Franklin Avenue? [He enters the house and heads upstairs, unsure of what to think of the mysterious car]
[After his shower, he’s seen changed into his pajamas with a towel wrapped on top of his head. He exhales a sigh of relief as the steam from the shower exits the bathroom.]
Lincoln: Ahh… That shower was so worth it. [He puts on his bathrobe and ties it up] Can't wait to tell the others!
[He heads to his bedroom and sits on his bed.]
Lincoln: Okay. Now, to relax for a little while.
[But before he could do so, he heard a creek at the door.]
Lincoln: Huh? Who’s there?
[The door opened up, and in came his two youngest sisters, Lisa and Lily.]
Lincoln: Oh. Hey, Lisa. Hey, Lily.
Lisa: Hello, dear brother.
[Lily gives off a tired babble]
Lisa: I know you are, youngest sibling.
Lincoln: Something up, you two?
Lisa: We’re having trouble getting our needed rest.
Lincoln: And I assume you want to bunk with me tonight?
Lisa: Precisely, Lincoln.
Lincoln: Well, I can’t say "No" to that. I’ll help you up.
[He gets off his bed and kneels down. He lifts both of them up with ease and sets them down on his bed.]
Lincoln: There you go, you two.
Lisa: Thank you so very much, Lincoln.
[Lily babbles in agreement]
Lincoln: You're welcome.
[A few minutes later, the three are seen fast asleep, with a soft blanket covering them. The night progressed, with Lincoln smiling as he slept. The moonlight shone through the window. Enter Jackson.]
Jackson: I think I'll sleep on the couch tonight. [Leaves]
[The End.]