The Promise

Chapter 3

Marinette's first day at school wasn't as hard as she's anticipated. The people were friendly (granted she hasn't actually made any friends yet, but she could easily make some when she had more time), she's already learned about half the stuff they reviewed, and not a single akuma struck out during her time there... yet. Hawkmoth could be planning something huge for all she knew. What if he knew she wasn't there? What if he took that as an opportunity to attack? What if something had happened to Chat? These doubts invaded her head, refusing to leave. 

As the final bell rang through the halls, she made her way to leave for work. Yeah. Let's hope that goes as well as the rest of the day's been.

Audrey Bourgeois NEVER went easy on her employees. Ever. Rumors went you could get fired as easily as by looking at her when she doesn't want you to. It's a wonder how she maintains a steady work rate. Marinette heard her phone chime as a notification came through. She pulled it out, sighing at the new message Mrs. Bourgeois had sent her.

I need ten designs from you by the end of the day. I fired one of my old designers for forgetting to add sugar in my coffee. Do not fail me. Your shift starts at six.

Marinette groaned. How was she supposed to find inspiration? She wasn't in her beloved city anymore. She was now in a foreign place, away from everything that motivated her. Marinette spotted some students walking through a gate opposite the school. The sign beside it told her that this was a park. This must've been the students' hang out area. Marinette crossed the street and walked into the park, mesmerized by the amount of nature that surrounded her. There was a pond in the middle of the park. Marinette saw ducks and swans bob their heads into the water trying to catch fish. There was also a skatepark, with ramps higher than the ones Alix usually practiced on. Marinette found a black bench close to the pond to sit on. She smiled sadly as a pigeon landed in front of her, pecking at a crumb on the floor. 

"Can you believe the audacity that girl has? She literally barges into America and acts unruly. No wonder her biological parents didn't want her. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. Their kind did attack our people."

Marinette's thoughts were invaded by a snobby voice that sat in the bench beside hers. The girl was chewing her gum loudly as she talked to her group of friends. The girl reminded Marinette of Chloé, except worse. This girl actually had friends. Marinette got up and moved two benches away from the group before she overheard anymore gossip. 

Once Marinette had settled herself, her sketchbook in her lap, she gazed at the pond. She watched an elegant swan stick its long neck into the water. Maybe she should make a bird line. There were many inspirational birds. A swan would be a good start. Marinette picked up her pencil and started sketching. 

"Yes!" She exclaimed, an hour later, holding the sketchbook in front of her. Marinette was able to create multiple designs based from birds. Her favorite was the eagle design. It was a jumpsuit. A model to fit it would be hard to find, but it was a very sophisticated idea that shined with confidence. That was all she needed. Marinette checked the clock. It was a few minutes past five in the evening. She should be able to get to work early and make a good first impression. She quickly tucked her sketchbooks and pencil inside her backpack and heading off to catch a taxi. 

Marinette mentally reviewed everything she thought she ought to remember for her first shift. Next thing she knew, her head hurt. A lot.

"Ouch! Hey watch it!"

She heard a voice complain. Apparently, Marinette had bumped head-first into a classmate of hers, too busy to notice where she was going.

"Hey... you're that new kid right?"

"Uhh, yeah! Sorry about that." She took a look at her newest 'clumsiness victim'. She looked pretty badass, with two black, leather-bound side braids and big circular earrings with the coolest designs.

"I'm uh—" she stopped, feeling a short tug down from her purse. It was Tikki—did Chat activate his alarm?

"Uh... yeah, Marinette." She finished, the tugging quickly intensifying.

"Interesting name" the girl admitted, "I'm Je-"

She stopped. The girl's eyes widened as she spotted something behind Marinette. The group of girls came their way. Marinette barely noticed as her brain worked furiously. How would she get away to transform?

"I gotta go." Marinette heard the girl mutter, before leaving in a rush. 

"Huh... it was that easy."