Chapter 1612

"I honestly had no idea," Lincoln insisted stubbornly. "If I had known she was a girl, I wouldn't have hit her at all. But if she chooses to act like a boy, she should be ready to face the same challenges. She can't blame her opponent for being stronger if she ends up losing…" Helen sighed deeply and stood up, her voice carrying a touch of sadness. "You're right, but what if I told you she wasn't choosing to be a boy; she was pushed into that role? Lincoln, it's important to recognize that not everyone has the luxury of being their true selves. "We might not understand the struggles others face, but now that we're aware, perhaps we can respond with a little more compassion." Lincoln stared at her in confusion. "But why can't she just be a girl? Why does she have to pretend to be a boy?" "Because her family doesn't accept daughters," Helen explained. "The only way she can stay in that household is by pretending to be a boy." "I get it now, Mommy. Take me with you tomorrow; I want to apologize," Lincoln said, finally relenting. "You understood all that?" Helen asked. "Not completely," Lincoln admitted. "But I know it's not her choice to pretend to be a boy. Since I hit a girl, it's only fair that I apologize." Helen smiled warmly and gently tousled his hair. "That's my good boy." … The next day, Helen drove Lincoln and Ivy to the private hospital where Bailey was staying. As she unbuckled her seatbelt, Lincoln called out, "Mommy, you can just wait outside. We caused this mess; you don't need to deal with how others might react." "But what if Mrs. Portell is in there? Aren't you worried?" Helen asked, feeling uneasy. Lincoln shook his head. "I'm not afraid. I'm a man now, so you can trust me." He jumped out of the car, clutching a large bag of fruit in his left hand. With Ivy's hand firmly in his right, he hurried toward the hospital entrance. Before long, they reached the door of the hospital room. Lincoln knocked lightly before pushing the door open. The room was quiet. With her arm in a cast, Bailey Portell lay in bed, seemingly in good spirits. "Bailey?" Lincoln called softly. There was no response. Holding Ivy's hand, Lincoln stepped closer and placed the fruit at the foot of the bed. Just then, Jennifer Payne—Bailey's mother—walked in. Upon seeing them, her face flushed with anger. "Well, well, look who it is—the two little troublemakers! Who let you in here?" The commotion startled Bailey awake, and as soon as she saw Lincoln, she erupted in fury. "It's you! You're the one who broke my arm! I don't want to see you—get out!" She then turned to Jennifer, "Mom, make them leave! I don't want to see him!" Shielding Ivy, Lincoln struggled to get a word in. Noticing Bailey's distress, Jennifer grabbed the fruit and began shoving Lincoln and Ivy toward the door. "Did you hear that? My son doesn't want to see you! Get out! Who needs your stupid fruit anyway?" In no time, Lincoln and Ivy found themselves pushed into the hallway. Lincoln leaned against the door, trying to explain, but before he could say anything, Jennifer slammed it shut with a loud bang. "Ouch!" The door struck Lincoln squarely on the nose, causing it to swell almost immediately.