A Sharp Ordeal
(originally titled Sam's Ordeal) is a Loud House fanfic written by Erich Zann III.
Sam Sharp discovers she's a lesbian when she falls for a girl in the eighth grade. Unfortunately, the confession doesn't go as planned, and Sam's entire world soon gets completely turned upside down.
"Sam's Ordeal" provides examples of:
- Alcoholic Parent: Erik, Sam and Simon's dad, took up drinking after a workplace injury left him crippled and in severely agonizing pain, the alcohol a means to numb said-pain. Downplayed in that Erik never raises a hand against his wife or kids, and is instead passive for the most part, if a bit scary. He gets better. See Recovered Addict.
- All of the Other Reindeer: After Sam confesses to Saoirse, not only does the latter cruelly reject the former, but she also turns a majority of the student body against her that even Sam's friends keep their distance from Sam to avoid incurring Saoirse's wrath.
- Alpha Bitch: Saoirse McCullen.
- Ascended Extra: Simon Sharp, a character's who's only been briefly mentioned outside the official TV show (via Sam's profile provided in the graphic novels), is a main protagonist here.
- Because You Were Nice to Me: Alric Johanssen, Simon's BFF, befriended the latter in kindergarten because Simon was the very first to not display any signs of disgust nor pity in regards to Alric's facial scars.
- Berserk Button: Badmouthing Sam is a sure way to incur Simon's fury.
- Closet Key: Sam first discovered she was a lesbian when she fell for Saoirse in the eighth grade. Unfortunately, Saoirse didn't reciprocate; quite the opposite...
- Cool Big Sis: Sam is one to Simon.
- Amanda has an older sister whom she was close with out of her five siblings. Said-sister, who happens to be a real-estate agent, helps Amanda find a house to move to, in Royal Woods...
- Dark and Troubled Past: Sam had this prior to the events of the official series.
- Driven to Suicide: In Chapter 9, Sam attempts to commit suicide by cutting her wrists in the bathtub. Thankfully, Simon and Erik intervene before it's too late.
- Facial Horror: Simon's best friend, Alric, due to an accident with lye when he was still a toddler. Downplayed in that only the right side of his face (his eye included) was affected, which Alric keeps hidden with his hair.
- Freudian Excuse:
- Gayngst:
- Kids Are Cruel: Saoirse McCullen most definitely qualifies; same goes for her posse.
- Parental Neglect: Downplayed; Amanda and Erik clearly regret not having more of a presence in their two children's lives.
- Promoted to Parent: Sam had to take care of Simon since they were little, due to their mom being swamped with work at the hospital, and their dad being rendered a passive drunk following a severe workplace injury.
- Recovered Addict: As of 15, Erik has announced his intent on quitting alcohol (having poured all his remaining liquor down the sink), realizing how much his kids need their father.
- True Companions: Sam's friends, Bridget, Luke and Estelle. Initially, they keep their distance from Sam once she's made a target by Saoirse and her posse. However, it's evident they regret doing so, and do their best to atone starting from Chapter 11.
- Simon's companions, Alric, Nori, Jimmy, and Eddie
