User blog:Metool Bard/Fanfiction: Art of the Mess

We often see the twins Lana and Lola depicted as complete opposites of one another. In fact, there's a whole episode dedicated to showing how different they are. But just how different are they, truly? Well, this next fan episode will explore just that. Presenting for your delectation, here is:

Art of the Mess
Plot Summery: When Lola begins pursuing artistic endeavors, Lana drives herself crazy wondering how her prim and proper sister could possibly enjoy such an unhygienic hobby.

Script
''[We open at Royal Woods Elementary. All of the students are sitting at a large table, engaging in various arts and crafts activities. Lana is noticeably missing from the group. We pan over to see her looking over a large roll of parchment spread out on the floor. Several tubes of paint are laid out next to the parchment. She rubs her hands excitedly before turning to the audience.]''

Lana: Ah, Arts and Crafts. Besides recess and lunchtime, this is my favorite period in school. It’s the one of the only times when I can get as messy as I want, and no one complains. [she scoffs] Well, unless you’re Lola, that is. Seriously, her idea of an art project is posing for a bunch of frilly fashion photos. But as for me…

''[Instead of finishing her thought, Lana laughs and runs across the paint tubes, splattering paint all over the parchment. She then jumps around on the parchment before falling on her back and rolling on the floor. It isn’t long before she’s absolutely covered in the stuff. She sighs whimsically, making a paint angel on the parchment.]''

Lana: Man, can you imagine Lola doing something like this? I mean, I get it. We don’t have to like the same stuff. But sometimes, I wish she’d just loosen up a little, y’know? It’s not like it would be the end of the world if her precious gown got a bit of paint on it.

''[She looks over to the side, where the other students are working on their own projects. She suddenly realizes that Lola isn’t with them.]''

Lana: Huh. That’s weird. Where is Lola?

''[Lana sits up in the paint and looks around. She suddenly spots Lola, and her eyebrows shoot up in astonishment. Lola is standing in front of an easel, a paintbrush in one hand and a pallet of paints in the other. Instead of her typical pink gown, she’s wearing a grey smock and a red beret. She peers over her canvas at a bowl of fruit sitting on the table. She sizes up the fruit before dabbing a bit of paint onto her brush and spreading it onto the canvas. Lana stands up and approaches her.]''

Lana: Uh, Lola?

Lola: Not now, Lana. This light isn’t going to be here forever, and I need to get this just right. [she sizes up the bowl of fruit again and dabs a bit more paint onto her brush]

Lana: Yeah, sorry. Just, uh… what’re you doing?

[Lola gives Lana a weird look.]

Lola: I’m painting. Is that okay with you? Or is it not Arts and Crafts time?

Lana: N-no, it’s definitely Arts and Crafts time.

Lola: Then what’s the big deal?

Lana: Well, I, uh…

''[Lana tries to articulate her thoughts, but she’s too dumbfounded to do so. Lola simply huffs and turns back to her canvas.]''

Lola: I don’t have time for this, Lana. Just go back to playing with your paint. I have some serious art to create.

Lana: [flabbergasted] Uh, wha…  You’re playing with paint right now!

Lola: [haughtily] No, I am using paint to draw a picture of this bowl of fruit. Learn the difference, you philistine.

''[Lana huffs and pouts. Suddenly, an idea pops into her head, and she grins mischievously.]''

Lana: Well, if you don’t mind working with paint, then I suppose you won’t object to a… paint hug!

''[With that, Lana tackles Lola and squeezes her tight, getting paint all over her smock. Lola squirms out of Lana’s grip.]''

Lola: Ugh, Lana~!

Lana: [laughs] Guess paint isn’t your thing after all.

Lola: [looking over at the bowl of fruit] Now the light’s all off! I’m gonna have to start over from scratch! Thanks a lot!

[Lana’s jaw drops.]

Lana: Wait, hold up. I-I just got your fancy art gown all messy. Don’t you care about that?

Lola: [deadpans] Lana, this is a smock. It’s supposed to get messy. Seriously, what kind of idiot do you think I am? [she groans and rolls her eyes] Unbelievable.

''[Lola grumbles to herself as she readjusts her canvas. Once she has it set up again, she continues painting the bowl of fruit. Lana simply stares blankly at her as she works. She doesn’t even move when the bell rings, indicating the start of the next period.]''

Lola: [looking over her work] Dang it. It’s still not right. [she shrugs] Oh well. I guess there’s always next time.

''[She packs up her art supplies and follows the rest of the class. Lana stands there, still incredibly dumbfounded. After a beat, she looks over at the camera.]''

Lana: What just happened?

***

''[We cut to Lincoln’s room later that day. Lana is pacing around, waving her arms about and ranting up a storm while Lincoln reads his comic book.]''

Lana: I’m tellin’ you, Linc! She didn’t even flinch! This is the girl who dresses up in bubble wrap before getting into the pool! This is the girl who makes such a big fuss every time I track mud into our room! And now she’s suddenly cool with getting messy?! How does that make any sense?!

[Lincoln lowers his comic and raises an eyebrow.]

Lincoln: I’m sorry, Lana. I just don’t see what the big deal is. It’s not like Lola has never gotten messy before. We used to have food fights all the time back when had our own kid’s table. Plus, don’t you remember how we all offered to paint the house for Mom and Dad that one time?

Lana: This is different, though! Lola was painting on her own without being told she had to! And she didn’t even complain when I got her clothes all dirty! It was super weird!

Lincoln: And for some reason, that’s upsetting to you?

[Lana is about to respond, but she stops short, furrowing her brow and stroking her chin.]

Lana: Well, now that you mention it, I don’t know how I feel about it. I mean, I guess I’m happy that she’s deciding to lighten up a little, but at the same time, this isn’t the Lola I know. What if something’s wrong with her? [she gasps] What if she’s been replaced by a pod person?!

[Beat]

Lincoln: Okay, no more late night sci-fi for you.

Lana: Sorry, sorry. This whole thing just… came outta nowhere for me, y’know? It’s like if Luna got up one day and randomly decided to play something that wasn’t rock ’n roll.

''[As if on cue, the sound of accordion music wafts down the hall. Curious, Lincoln and Lana go investigate. They follow the sound to Luna and Luan’s room. Much to their surprise, Luna is playing a lively polka waltz while Luan watches from her bunk. Lincoln and Lana’s jaws drop. Once the song has concluded, Luna gives Luan a curt nod.]''

Luna: And that, little sis, is what good polka sounds like.

Luan: Huh. So, you’re not mad that your double was playing the accordion?

Luna: [chuckles] First of all, no. I was mad that she was playing the accordion badly. Second, our family band has a whoopee cushion and a cowbell. I don’t exactly have the right to complain. Third, if you think an accordion can’t be used in rock or pop, you should try telling that to Paul Simon.

Luan: [shrugs] Um, okay then. You learn something new every day, I guess.

''[Luna nods and turns towards the door. She sees Lincoln and Lana staring at her, completely flabbergasted.]''

Luna: What?

[Beat]

Lana: Is it Opposite Day or something? Someone tell me it’s Opposite Day! That’s the only way any of this makes sense!

Luan: [concerned] Uh, Lana? Are you okay?

Lana: I don’t know anymore! Augh~!

''[Lana marches off in a huff. Luna and Luan watch her leave before turning to Lincoln.]''

Luna: Do we wanna know?

Lincoln: Lana’s upset because she saw Lola painting a picture today.

[Beat]

Luan: Okay. So?

Lincoln: [rubs the back of his head sheepishly] Yeah, I don’t know why this is bothering her, either. Actually, to hear her tell it, I don’t think she knows why it’s bothering her. I think she just needs some time to get her thoughts together. [after an awkward pause, he clears his throat] So. Do I wanna know what this is all about?

Luna: [shrugs] Just provin’ a point to Luan, bro. No biggie. 'Sides, if Mick Swagger can play country, why can’t I play polka?

Luan: [coyly] Oh. So, you’re saying you wouldn’t mind if I sent this recording to Sam?

''[Luna gives Luan a bug-eyed stare. Luan holds up her phone, giving Luna a cheeky wink. A second later, she darts past Lincoln, giggling playfully while Luna gives chase.]''

Luna: You delete that right now, or I’m gonna turn you upside out and inside down!

Luan: Aw, c’mon, Luna! You just said you were fine with playing polka! Waltz the problem? [laughs] Get it?

[Lincoln chuckles and shakes his head before heading back to his own room.]

***

''[We cut to that night in Lola and Lana’s room. While Lola rests peacefully, Lana is still awake. Hops is sitting on her pillow.]''

Lana: I dunno, buddy. I guess if Lola’s cool with painting, more power to her. Still, she could’ve at least told me why. It’s just not like her, y’know?

[Hops lets out a soft ribbit.]

Lana: I hear you, Hops. But if I ask her, she’d probably just get all snooty with me. You know how she is; always keeping stuff to herself. [her brow furrows] Unless that’s also changed about her when I wasn’t looking.

[Hops rolls his eyes and croaks.]

Lana: Yeah, you’re right. I’m probably overthinking this. Lola couldn’t have changed that much.

[She ponders this for a while before a lightbulb goes off in her head.]

Lana: But maybe I can put that to the test.

[Hops gives Lana a worried look.]

Lana: [chuckles] Don’t worry, buddy. I’m not gonna just dump a bucket of mud on her and assume she’s okay with it. This is still Lola we’re talking about here. I just wanna see how much she’s changed, that’s all.

[Hops tilts his head quizzically.]

Lana: Well, she seems to like doing art now, right? So, we’ll just make a bunch of art together! It’ll be fun, and maybe I’ll find out what’s bugging her.

[Hops raises an eyebrow.]

Lana: [sheepishly] Yeah, if something’s bugging her. Th-that’s what I meant. [she lets out a small chuckle] Y’know, part of me hopes she really is okay with getting messy now. That means we’re gonna be closer than ever. But, yeah, we’ll see.

[Hops croaks out a small sigh.]

Lana: I knew you’d understand. [she gives Hops a pat on the head] Good talk, buddy. I’ll see you in the morning.

''[With that, Lana falls asleep. Hops gives the camera a wary look before shrugging and falling asleep as well.]''

***

''[We cut to Royal Woods Elementary the next day. The bell rings, indicating the start of Arts and Crafts. Once again, Lola is dressed in her smock and beret. She sets up a blank canvas on an unoccupied easel.]''

Lola: Okay. This time, I’m doing this right.

''[She walks over to her backpack and takes out a stuffed giraffe. She sets the giraffe down on a table and sizes it up.]''

Lola: Alright, Genevieve. That’s good. Hold that pose.

''[She takes up her brush and pallet and peers over the canvas. After a nod, she begins painting. She continues for a while before peeking over the canvas again, only to see Lana staring out her. She flinches.]''

Lola: Yee~! Lana~! Get out of the way; you’re blocking my angle!

Lana: Heh, whoops. Sorry ‘bout that. [she shuffles around and watches Lola work] So, uh…  Whatcha painting?

Lola: [matter-of-factly] A portrait of Genevieve. I realized boring old fruit wasn’t working, so I figured I’d try a different muse.

Lana: Cool. Can I help?

[Lola gives Lana an incredulous look.]

Lola: Pardonne moi?

Lana: [deadpans] Lola, you know I can’t understand you when you talk fancy like that.

Lola: [groans and rolls her eyes] Look, Lana. I appreciate the offer, but what could you possibly do to help? I’m trying to create a masterpiece here, not some garbled splatterfest that you usually make.

Lana: Well, uh… [after thinking for a beat, an idea pops into her head] Oh! Maybe you need to use something different! That might help, y’know, get your creativity… going… or something.

''[Lola purses her lips and chew on the end of her paintbrush. She looks over at her stuffed giraffe again, and back at her canvas.]''

Lola: Hmm. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you might be right, Lana. This is definitely missing something. Okay, what do you have in mind?

Lana: [grins] I’m glad you asked. Wait right there.

''[Lana darts off. In a matter of seconds, she returns with several empty trays. She pours a bit of paint into each tray and sets them before Lola. Lola raises an eyebrow.]''

Lola: It’s paint, Lana.

Lana: Not just any paint. It’s finger-paint!

[Beat]

Lola: Finger-painting, huh? You think this’ll help me capture the essence of Genevieve?

Lana: Uh, sure! It’s absolutely help with, uh, what you just said. [she shrugs] I mean, it’s okay if you don’t wanna try it. I understand that finger-paint can get a bit mess—

Lola: Alright.

Lana: [does a double take] Wait, what?

Lola: I mean, if you think it’ll help, I’ll give it a shot.

''[She rolls up her sleeves and dips her hands into the paints. Lana watches in awe as Lola smears the paint onto her canvas, sizing up Genevieve every so often.]''

Lola: Hmm. Yeah, it seems to be helping, but I don’t know about this angle. Hey, Lana? Think you can paint Genevieve from that angle over there? Just… try not to get paint on her. I promised her she wouldn’t have to be washed when we got home.

Lana: Huh wha? O-oh, sure. No prob.

''[Lana submerges her hands into the finger-paint and walks around to where Lola indicated. She starts smearing the paint on a blank canvas without much rhyme or reason. All the while, she looks over at Lola, who is working with the finger-paint without so much as a grumble of displeasure. After a while, the bell rings, indicating the end of Arts and Crafts. Lola walks over and takes a look at Lana’s work. She frowns.]''

Lola: No no no. It’s still not right. I think I need a different muse. Thanks anyway, Lana.

''[Lola walks off to the restroom to wash her hands. Lana stares blankly at her for a bit.]''

Lana: Um, okay then. She’s… cool with finger-painting now. Good to know. [she strokes her chin, getting paint all over her face] I can’t jump to conclusions yet. Time to take it up a notch.

***

''[We cut to the next day in the second floor hallway of the Loud House. Lynn and Lana emerge from Lisa and Lily’s room. Lynn is lifting a large pottery wheel.]''

Lana: Thanks, Lis’. I’ll be sure to bring it back once I’m done with it.

Lisa: Do not worry about that, sibling. By all means, keep it. I certainly have no use for it now that our parental units are no longer getting parenting advice from our overachieving neighbors.

Lana: [chuckles] I hear that. C’mon, Lynn.

Lynn: [straining] I still don’t get this, Lana. What exactly are you trying to prove here?

Lana: [shrugs] I’m not really trying to prove anything. At least, I don’t think so. I’m just testing the waters, y’know?

[Beat]

Lynn: Actually, I don’t. Not really.

Lana: [sighs] Look, Lola’s been acting funny lately, and I wanna know why. Or at least, I wanna know that she’s actually okay with getting messy and not putting on some kind of act.

Lynn: [arching an eyebrow] Why would you think that she’s putting on an act?

Lana: Lynn, she played with finger-paint in class yesterday. Finger-paint! Can you imagine Lola doing something like that?

Lynn: [shrugs] I guess? I mean, there was that time we all offered to paint the house for Mom and Dad…

Lana: I’m not talking about that! I’m talking about Lola doing this on her own! Sheesh, am I the only one here who’s weirded out by all this?!

[Beat]

Lisa: I would refrain from answering that question if I were you, Lynn.

Lynn: Noted. [she sighs] Just tell me where you want this thing.

Lana: Just over here, Lynn. Thanks again.

''[Lana has Lynn carry the pottery wheel to her room. Once she gets there, she notices that Lola has set up one of her tea parties. However, Lola is not with her stuffed animal guests. She’s sitting on her bed, holding a sketchpad and a pencil. She scribbles a bit in the sketchpad, occasionally looking up at the tea party. Lana clears her throat.]''

Lana: Uh, hey, Lola. Are we… interrupting anything?

[Lola looks up and smiles.]

Lola: Oh, hi, Lana. Still trying to find my muse. I feel like I’m pretty close to a breakthrough he— [she notices Lynn and raises an eyebrow] Uh, Lynn? What are you doing?

Lana: O-oh! I asked Lisa if I could borrow her old pottery wheel, and Lynn has agreed to move it for us.

Lola: [nods slowly] Okay. Why do you think we need a pottery wheel?

Lana: Well, you’ve been really into art lately, so I thought we could do some art together.

Lola: [thoughtfully] So, you’re thinking I’ll be able to find my muse through sculpting?

[Beat]

Lana: Um, yeah. Sure. This’ll help you find… whatever that thing is you’re looking for. But, y’know, I’d understand if you’re not interested. I mean, clay is a lot like mud when you think about i—

Lola: [smiles] That’s very sweet of you, Lana. I’ll give it a whirl.

Lana: [does a double take] Wait, seriously?

Lola: Yes, seriously. Just let me get my smock.

''[Lola hops off of her bed and ventures into her closet. Lana stares blankly at her before turning to Lynn, who is starting to struggle under the weight of the pottery wheel.]''

Lana: See? Tell me that’s not weird.

Lynn: [straining] I-if I agree with you, will you let me put this freaking thing down?!

Lana: [sheepishly] Oh. Oops. Y-yeah, just set it down anywhere.

''[With a heavy grunt, Lynn sets the pottery wheel down. She takes a moment to catch her breath before giving Lana a look.]''

Lynn: [panting] You… owe me… big time.

Lana: Y-yeah, sure. Th-thanks again.

''[Lynn lets out a sigh and walks out of the room. Lola returns, wearing her smock and beret.]''

Lola: Okay, so, let’s get started! [she takes a look around] Wait, where’s the clay?

[After a beat, Lana facepalms.]

Lana: Dang it! I knew I forgot something. Hang on, I’ll ask around.

''[Lana darts out of the room. Lola shrugs, picks up her sketchpad, and goes back to sketching the tea party.]''

***

''[Lana knocks on Lincoln’s door. Lincoln answers, dressed only in his underwear and tucking a comic book under his arm.]''

Lincoln: Oh, hey, Lana. What’s up?

Lana: Hey, Linc. I was just wondering. Do you have any molding clay I could borrow?

[Lincoln rubs his chin thoughtfully.]

Lincoln: I’m not sure. I know I used to have some Play-Doh. [he suddenly gives Lana a pointed look] That is, until someone decided to mold it into donuts and eat it all.

Lana: [huffy] It’s called play-dough. What did you think I was gonna do with it? Besides, the jar said “non-toxic!”  That means it was safe to eat!

Lincoln: No, Lana. That’s just talking about— [he groans] Never mind. What exactly do you need clay for, anyway?

Lana: Just making some art with Lola. She’s cool with clay now, by the way. Can you believe it?

Lincoln: Uh, yes. My question is, why can’t you believe that?

Lana: [sputters] B-b-because it’s Lola! She doesn’t do messy! What about this is so hard to understand?!

Lincoln: I don’t know, Lana. Maybe she’s just trying to step out of her comfort zone.

Lana: [folds her arms] Last I checked, Lola’s idea of stepping out of her comfort zone is eating without a tablecloth.

Lincoln: Yeah, I don’t think you’re giving Lola enough credit.

Lana: [hysterical] But that’s the thing! I don’t know how much credit to give her! I don’t know if she’s actually changed, or if she’s trying to change, or if she’s just messing with me, or what! It’s driving me nuts!

[Lincoln sighs and places a hand on Lana’s shoulder.]

Lincoln: Lana, relax. You’re probably overthinking this. Just try to be happy that Lola’s trying something new. And if you’re really that concerned, why not just ask her about it?

Lana: [pouts] That’s not gonna work. You know how secretive Lola is. No, I need to see for myself just how much she’s changed. And on that note, about that clay…

Lincoln: [sighs again] Alright, hang on.

''[Lincoln goes back into his room. A few seconds later, he returns with a couple of packages of molding clay and hands them to Lana.]''

Lincoln: There we go. One for you, and one for Lola. And please, try not to eat it this time.

[Lana looks at the clay, and then at Lincoln.]

Lana: That’s it?

Lincoln: [shrugs] It’s all I can spare. Why?

[Beat]

Lana: This isn’t exactly gonna fit on Lisa’s pottery wheel.

[Lincoln gives Lana a bemused look.]

Lincoln: Lana, I don’t think we have enough clay in the house to properly use Lisa’s pottery wheel.

Lana: So, I basically wasted my time borrowing it from her? [she chuckles sheepishly] Man, I did not think this through, did I?

Lincoln: [rolls his eyes] Somehow, I’m not surprised.

Lana: [dryly] Ah ha ha ha ha ha. [she sighs] Well, I can still work with this. Thanks, Linc.

''[Lana heads back to her room. Lincoln sighs and shakes his head before closing his door.]''

***

[We cut back to the twins’ room, where Lola is putting the finishing touches on her sketch.]

Lola: And, done. Let’s see here…

''[Lola raises her sketchpad and looks it over with a critical eye. Her brow crinkles a bit as she strokes her chin.]''

Lola: Hmm. Closer. I dunno, it still feels like something’s missing. But what?

Lana: Hey, Lola. I’m back.

''[Lola looks up to see Lana return with the two small packets of clay. She arches an eyebrow.]''

Lola: I don’t think we need Lisa’s pottery wheel for that much clay, Lana.

Lana: [rubs the back of her head sheepishly] Yeah, well. This was all Lincoln could spare. He also said there probably isn’t enough clay in the house to use the pottery wheel. I’m sorry, Lola. I really didn’t think this through.

Lola: [rolls her eyes] Oh, what a shock.

Lana: [exasperated] Yeah, yeah. I already heard it from Lincoln. [she hands Lola a packet of clay] Let’s just get to it.

Lola: Alright then.

''[Lola sets her clay down onto her table and begins molding it. Lana is content to do so on the floor. As Lana squishes and squeezes the clay in her hands, a wide grin forms on her face.]''

Lana: Heh. This is kinda like my mud pies. Feels a bit drier, though.

Lola: [absently] Uh-huh.

[Beat]

Lana: So, uh…  Whatcha making?

Lola: [thoughtfully] I’m not quite sure yet. I started trying to make a sculpture of my sketch, but it’s not really coming out right. Maybe I shouldn’t use a model to find my muse.

Lana: You’ve been saying that a lot lately. What exactly are you talking about?

Lola: [haughtily] I don’t expect a philistine like you to understand.

Lana: [grumbles] Of course. Why’d I expect anything different?

Lola: Lana, please. I’m trying to focus here.

''[Lola hums and mutters to herself as she continues to mold her clay. Lana watches her work, absently mushing her own bit of clay. Soon, Lola’s clay begins to take on a definite shape. She carefully sculpts and smooths out the clay, even carving grooves into it with her fingernails. Lana can’t help but stare in awe. Finally, Lola takes a step back from her sculpture. It appears to be a striped cat.]''

Lana: You made a tiger?

Lola: I… guess so. I was kinda going for Cliff, but now that you mention it, it does look like a tiger, doesn’t it?

Lana: Yeah. [she looks over Lola’s handiwork] Huh. That’s actually not half bad.

[Lola purses her lips and strokes her chin.]

Lola: It’s… getting there. Not quite what I’m looking for, though.

Lana: [raising an eyebrow] Do you even know what this “muse” of yours looks like?

[Lola chuckles and pats Lana on the shoulder.]

Lola: Oh, dear, sweet, naïve Lana. A true artist doesn’t know what their muse looks like at first. But I think I’m on the right track to finding mine. Thanks for your help, Lana. Now, if you’ll excuse me…

''[Lola sashays out of the room, humming to herself. Lana looks over at her sculpture, then at her own clay. Her brow furrows.]''

Lana: Okay. So, Lola’s looking for her muse. Whatever that is. Hmm, I think I need an expert’s opinion on this…

***

''[We cut to Lana crawling through the vents, flashlight in hand. She still has dried clay caked on her hands and overalls.]''

Lana: Ugh, c’mon. I know you’re up here somewhere…

???: What’re you doing up here?

Lana: Yah~!

''[Lana jumps as a familiar spooky voice makes itself known. She turns around and sure enough, Lucy is sitting there, writing in her journal.]''

Lana: Ah. There. Found you. Good.

Lucy: Sigh. What do you want, Lana?

Lana: Lucy, you’re an artsy-fartsy type, right?

Lucy: I wouldn’t exactly put it that way, but yes, I do have an appreciation for art. Poetry is a form of art, after all. Why do you ask?

Lana: It’s about Lola. She’s been getting into art lately. Y’know, painting, sculpting, that kinda thing.

[Beat]

Lucy: And?

Lana: What, you don’t find that weird?

Lucy: [shrugs] Should I?

Lana: [groans] Why do I have to keep explaining this? Look, it’s simple. Lola and messy stuff do not mix. But ever since Thursday, she’s been playing around with messy stuff and not even batting an eye.

Lucy: I still don’t see the problem. Don’t you remember when we all offered to paint the house for Mom and Dad? I’m pretty sure Lola’s painted handprint is still on the side of the house with the rest of ours.

Lana: [facepalms] This isn’t that, though! It’s entirely different!

Lucy: How so?

Lana: Well, uh…  Sh-she’s doing this by herself. And she’s not complaining about getting messy. I don’t know how I can make this any clearer.

Lucy: Uh-huh. And you need my help, why?

Lana: Lola says she’s doing all this because she wants to find her “muse.”  I don’t know what that means.

''[Lucy purses her lips and thinks for a moment. She then scribbles something in her journal.]''

Lana: Uh, Luce?

Lucy: [reading from her journal] Muse.

Some picture a glowing light,

Others a monster that instills fright,

Others still see women dancing in the street,

And there are several forms to meet,

But one thing is certain: when you seek to create,

Your muse will be there, lying in wait,

To poke your brain so you can start,

Expressing what is in your heart.

Muse.

[Beat]

Lana: That… was a lot of words.

Lucy: You didn’t understand any of that, did you?

Lana: Nope.

Lucy: Sigh. Okay, let me try to explain. Basically, a muse is an artist’s creative spirit. Something that grabs your mind and inspires you to create. For instance, one of my muses is the wondrous, ongoing cycle of life and death.

Lana: Huh. But then, why is Lola trying to find hers? It looks to me like she’s already creating stuff.

Lucy: [shakes her head] Simply creating is not enough, Lana. I can string random words together into a rhyming scheme; that wouldn’t make the result anything insightful or profound. No, a muse gives your art meaning. It presents a message for the world to examine and interpret. I can only guess, but I think that’s what Lola is trying to accomplish.

Lana: And this muse thing is really that important, huh? So important that Lola’s willing to get dirty to find it?

Lucy: [shrugs] I suppose.

[Lana knits her brow and strokes her chin for a moment.]

Lana: Well, I don’t know how to help her find a muse, but I need to see just how far she’ll go. Good talk, Luce. Seeya.

''[Lana scurries down the ventilation shaft. Lucy shakes her head.]''

Lucy: Sigh. Poor naïve soul, missing the forest for the trees.

[She goes back to writing in her journal.]

***

''[We cut to the second floor hallway later that day. Lana enters the scene, carrying a bucket filled with a thick, sticky glue. Leni and Rita are with her. Rita is carrying a stack of newspapers while Leni is holding a wire frame mannequin.]''

Rita: Now, Lana. Are you sure we can trust you with this? I don’t want Lola to come crying to me because you got glue in her hair.

Lana: Relax, Mom. I’m not gonna force Lola into something she’s not comfortable with.

Leni: And you really think she’ll be comfortable with paper mash?

Rita: It’s called papier-mâché, sweetie.

Lana: Well, that’s kinda the thing, Leni. I don’t know what she’s comfortable with anymore. Ever since she’s started on this art kick, she’s been surprising me over and over again. It’s almost like I don’t know who she is anymore.

Leni: [blinks] She’s Lola, your twin sister. How could you forget that, you silly goose?

Lana: [facepalms] Ay yi yi. Look, when’s the last time you saw Lola getting messy and being okay with it?

Leni: [thoughtfully] Hmm. Well, she does like building sandcastles with you in the sandbox.

Lana: Okay, but apart from that—

Leni: And she likes to bake. That can get pretty messy.

Lana: Well, sure, but—

Leni: And didn’t she help us paint the house for Mom and Dad that one time?

[Lana lets out a frustrated growl.]

Lana: [through gritted teeth] It’s not. The same. Thing. How many times to I have to explain this?!

Rita: [sternly] Sweetie, calm down. There’s no need to get so worked up.

[Lana takes a deep breath to calm her nerves.]

Lana: Right. Sorry. I-I’m fine. I-I just gotta see this through. C’mon.

''[Lana leads Leni and Rita into her room. Lola is lying on the carpet, sprinkling glitter all over a sheet of paper. Once again, she’s wearing her smock and beret. This time, her smock and face are covered in glitter.]''

Lana: Uh, Lola?

[Lola looks up and smiles.]

Lola: Oh, hey, guys. I think I’m getting closer to a breakthrough. ''[she shows her handiwork to Rita, Leni, and Lana. The paper is covered with so much glitter that some of it is flaking off and falling into the carpet]'' What do you think?

[Beat]

Rita: That’s, um…  That’s very pretty, sweetie. What is it?

Lola: [frowns] Can’t you tell?

Leni: Is it a parade? Y’know, ‘cause of all the confetti and stuff.

[Lola looks at the glitter-covered paper and furrows her brow.]

Lola: Hmm. Not exactly what I was going for, but I can see why you’d think that. [she sighs] Looks like I still need to find a better muse.

Lana: [clears her throat] Funny you should mention that, Lola. I’ve got a new art project we can try. It’s called, uh, papier-mâché. [she turns to Rita] Did I say that right, Mom?

Rita: [smiles] Yes, sweetie.

Lola: [intrigued] Ooh, sounds French. What is it?

Lana: It’s pretty simple. You take a bunch of paper and dip it into glue. Then you put the glue paper onto something, like this wire frame here.

[Lola strokes her chin in thought as she considers Lana’s suggestion.]

Lana: I mean, it’s okay if you don’t wanna try it. Paint and clay are one thing, but this stuff can get pretty sticky and—

Lola: Question.

Lana: [blinks] Yeah?

Lola: [points to the bucket of glue] That’s not Ol’ Sloshy, is it?

Lana: What? No, of course not. C’mon, Lola. I wouldn’t do that to you. I mean, who do I look like, Luan?

Leni: No, you look like Lana.

[Beat]

Lana: [deadpan] Thank you, Leni.

Leni: [cheerfully] You’re welcome!

Lola: Well, alright. I’m trusting you here.

Lana: [blinks] Wait, you… actually wanna try it?

Lola: Yeah, sure. I mean, I’ve tried everything else to find my muse. What’ve I got to lose?

Rita: [smiles] I’m glad you’re willing to try something new, sweetie. Well, have fun, you two!

''[Rita sets down the newspapers while Leni places the wire frame mannequin on the table. The two of them leave the room. Lana continues to stare blankly at Lola as she rolls up her sleeves.]''

Lola: So, you just take a bit of newspaper and dip it in like this, right?

''[Lola proceeds to tear off a strip of newspaper and submerge it in the bucket of glue. Lana is as still as a statue, completely stupefied by this development. Finally, she throws up her arms.]''

Lana: That’s it. I can’t take it anymore. This is too weird!

[Lola gives Lana a befuddled look.]

Lola: Um, Lana? Are you okay?

Lana: [eye twitching] Am I okay? Am I okay?! I should be asking that about you!

Lola: What are you talking about?

Lana: What am I—  Look at yourself! First you got paint on your hands, then you got clay under your fingernails, then you got glitter on your face, and now your dipping paper into glue! And you’re not even complaining about any of it!

Lola: [totally lost] Did you… did you forget that I like glitter for a second th—?

Lana: This is because of Winston, isn’t it?! You’re doing all this artsy stuff just so you can get him to like you! You don’t have to change yourself like this!

Lola: Whoa, whoa! Where did that come from?! This has nothing to do with Winston!

Lana: Then what is it, huh?! What the heck is going on?! [she suddenly grips Lola by the shoulders and starts shaking her] WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY SISTER?!

[Lola wrenches her arm free of Lana’s grip and raises an open palm.]

Lola: Lana, stop! Get a hold of yourself!

''[She slaps Lana, causing Lana to let go of her and collapse to the floor. Lana pants heavily, rubbing her cheek.]''

Lana: Okay. Yeah. Th-that felt familiar. Ow.

[Lola sighs and shakes her head.]

Lola: Okay, I’m gonna try my best to explain this, so listen up. Just because you see art as an excuse to be a big uncouth slob doesn’t mean I see it that way. To me, art is about expressing yourself and making something truly fabulous for everyone to admire.

Lana: So? That doesn’t change the fact that it’s messy. How are you okay with that?

Lola: When did I say I was okay with it? I just accept that it’s gonna happen. That’s why I always wear a smock whenever I do art and wash up after I’m done. [she scoffs and rolls her eyes] C’mon, Lana. You can’t honestly think I’m that delicate. It’s not the end of the world just because I get a little dirty from time to time.

''[Lana’s eyes go wide. She remembers herself musing about the exact same thing last Thursday, right before she discovered Lola’s new art hobby. After a beat, her expression droops.]''

Lana: Oh. Welp, I’m an idiot.

Lola: [tilts her head] Lana?

Lana: [glumly] You’re right. You’re absolutely right, and so is everyone else. I thought you doing art was weird, but it isn’t. I kept suggesting all of these messy art projects just to see how much you’ve changed, but you haven’t really changed at all. You’re still the Lola I know and love, and I’m sorry I thought otherwise.

''[Lana walks over to Lisa’s pottery wheel and sits on it, heaving a great sigh. Lola approaches her, concerned.]''

Lola: Wait, I don’t understand. You’re always teasing me for not doing icky stuff. Why would this upset you? I thought you’d be happy about that.

Lana: Yeah, I thought so, too. But every time I saw you getting messy without griping about it, something in my head just kept telling me that this wasn’t right. I-I felt like you were turning yourself into something you’re not for some reason and… that scared me. I-I was so worried that something was bothering you, and you just didn’t wanna tell me. I know, it’s dumb. I’m dumb.

''[A heavy silence hangs in the air as Lola processes this. She then walks over to Lana and places a hand on her shoulder.]''

Lola: Yeah, you’re right. It was pretty dumb of you to think that. [she then smiles and gives Lana a hug]

Lana: L-Lola?

Lola: But it’s also very sweet of you. I’m sorry I made you worry, Lana. I know I can be a stuck-up picky pants sometimes, but that’s not all that I am. You know that, right?

Lana: Y-yeah, of course. I-I guess I just lost sight of it for a bit there. [she returns the embrace] I’m really sorry, Lola.

Lola: It’s okay, Lana. I get it.

''[The twins hold each other for a while before Lola’s eyes suddenly snap open. She releases Lana and snaps her fingers.]''

Lola: Wait a second! That’s it!

Lana: H-huh? What’s it?

Lola: I think I just found my muse!

Lana: Really? What is it?

Lola: Wait right here.

''[Lola goes back to the papier-mâché and sets to work, dipping strips of newspaper into the glue and pasting them onto the wire frame. Once the frame is covered in the stuff, she whips out a paintbrush and a pallet full of paints. She begins painting the papier-mâché sculpture, splashing paint on her smock as she works. Lana looks on, curious as to what she’s making.]''

Lola: Et voilà! My masterpiece! Well, what do you think?

''[Lana looks at the sculpture. Right away, she can tell that it’s a sculpture of her, right down to the globs of paint splattered on her overalls. She turns to Lola.]''

Lana: Is that supposed to be… me?

Lola: [nods] Uh-huh. I wanted to capture how you see art through the way I see art. I call it: “Art of the Mess.”

Lana: So, does that mean… I’m your muse?

Lola: Pretty much.

[A small smile forms on Lana’s face.]

Lana: Huh. Th-that’s pretty neat, Lola. Th-thanks.

Lola: No, Lana. Thank you. For helping me reach my true potential as an artist. [she giggles] Even if that wasn’t what you were trying to do.

Lana: [chuckles] Y-yeah, well. I’m glad you’re still you, Lola. That’s all that matters to me. [a mischievous grin suddenly spreads across her face] Hey, you know what this calls for?

Lola: [tilts her head] What?

''[Lana doesn’t respond right away. She instead takes a bit of paint from the sculpture and smears it onto herself. She then spreads her arms wide.]''

Lana: A paint hug~!

''[Lana tackles Lola, and the two tumble across the carpet. Lola shrieks in delight and bursts into a fit of laughter as Lana tickles her. She soon notices the state of the room, but she can’t seem to bring herself to be angry about it.]''

Lola: L-Lana~! S-stop~! Y-you’re getting paint everywhere!

Lana: [smirks] Aw, c’mon, Lola. I thought you were fine with getting messy as long as you were wearing that stupid smock.

Lola: [feigning indigence] Hey! Don’t mock my smock, or I’ll clean your clock!

Lana: [sneers] I’d like to see you try.

Lola: Oh, is that how it’s gonna be? Well, you asked for it!

''[The twins begin wrestling, laughing and giggling all the while. During the scuffle, a bit of paint splashes on the Lana sculpture. The result makes it look like the sculpture is winking at the audience.]''

The End

Triva

 * It's actually true that Paul Simon incoporated the accordion into his music, specifically in his best-selling album Graceland.
 * When Luna chases Luan, she references the song Passenger by The Grateful Dead.
 * I considered Lana actually using Ol' Sloshy for the papier-mâché glue and not telling Lola about it (or at least denying it while Leni points out that Lana grossing out Lola is kinda her thing), but I figured that would be too extreme, even for her.