Family Bond

11

"Lynn, have you seen Lori? I could really use some help with the babies."

Lynn Sr. looked at his wife, struggling to hold two squirmy toddlers. Lily reached her arms out for him, while Lisa started to pull Rita's hair. He took Lily and rested her on his hip.

"She told me she was taking Lincoln out to cheer him up. She seemed vague, so I didn't ask questions. How about Leni? She's the only one who can calm Lisa down. Besides us, of course."

"She's taking a nap. I think she's coming down with something, the poor thing," Rita sighed. "We'll have to check up on her, if we ever get the time. Lynn Jr. is in the backyard, and Luan is in her room. I told her she was grounded until both of us could talk to her. Luna's left already."

"Where's she staying? We have to have a talk with her. She can't think that this behavior is okay. And I completely agree about Luan."

Rita looked uncomfortable as she answered. "Pop-Pop and Myrtle's."

"What?! Did you see them, they were livid! I don't want them to pressure Luna into admitting what she did. I mean, we'll have to tell them, but I think it'd be best if we did it."

"Actually, Pop-Pop has no idea what happened. I told him not to ask Luna anything, either."

"Poo-poo!" Lily shouted urgently, fidgeting from Lynn's grasp. His eyes widened in fear, and he held her away from him. 

"We'll talk later!" He yelled, running to her training potty.

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"Surprise, Lincoln!" 

Lincoln jumped as Clyde raced towards him, thrusting a present into his lap. He was shocked; lately, whenever people spoke to Lincoln, they treated him as though he would break. But Clyde acted as if nothing was wrong. That made Lincoln happy.

"Thanks, Clyde!" He grinned; he didn't want to act mopey and make Clyde treat him differently, too. Besides, he generally felt happy. 

"Open your gift," Clyde chirped. 

Lincoln ripped the wrapping paper off and gaped at the package. 

It was a shiny, brand new Super-Snap 95. There was a folded piece of paper attached to it. 

Hope you get better, Lincoln! -Rusty

I hope you feel better, Lincoln! -Girl Jordan

We miss you at school, Linc! Hope you get better! -Liam

Lincoln, I hope you come back to school. It just isn't the same without you! -Christina

I hope you feel better, Lincoln! You're an excellent student! -Mrs. Johnson

"When I heard what happened, the school put together a small fundraiser to buy this," Clyde gestured to the Super Snap, "a bunch of games, and a bus ticket."

"A bus ticket...?" Lincoln trailed off in confusion.

Lori smiled. "Ronnie Anne will be here at five."