Manchote

Chapter Six

The next day went nearly the same as before. When I woke up, my first thought was of Adrien. I was worried he wouldn't be allowed out, but I was still hopeful we'd be able to spend time together.

I spent the time before when we were supposed to meet helping Mémé set up book displays and print advertisement posters.

"When do you think we'll open?" I ask Mémé, remembering Adrien's request.

"If everything goes smoothly, we should be opening in less than five days," she replied. Almost immediately, I pulled out my phone and texted him the information.

He responded: "Awesome! Thank you!"

"Any news yet about today?" I typed.

"Not yet," Adrien responded. "But I'm working on it. I'll let you know as soon as I have a final answer."

I hoped it would be soon.

As the designated time got closer, however, it got a little harder to stay optimistic. I tried to be understanding that it must be difficult for Adrien to convince his father to let him out, but selfishly I wished it were easier to get an answer. Even more selfishly, I wished Adrien could just sneak out as he'd alluded to doing before.

I decided to get ready to go out as the tome drew nearer, even without an answer from Adrien. I felt like dressing up more than usual, but I still had to remember that I would be outside at the park. I decided on a simple blue checkered summer dress. I braided my black hair into twin brains and put on mascara and lipgloss. Pretty, but casual.

I checked my phone. Still no text from Adrien. My heart sank as I checked the clock.

"Any news yet?" I texted. Adrien didn't respond. I decided to go to the park anyway, and if Adrien was allowed to go, I'd meet him there. If he wasn't, well... I could explore the city more, although I'd be on my own.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and the air smelled sweet, the aroma of flowers being carried by the gentle spring breeze. Everything was bright that day. Even the pavement seemed to reflect some light, as if I was living in an over-saturated cartoon.

I used the GPS on my phone to guide me through the Paris streets. It still boggled my mind to think that Paris was where I lived now. It didn't seem like a real place, the way it was depicted in the media. It was kind of underwhelming, actually, although the landmarks were stunning and the people thus far were amazing.

I looked around for Adrien once I was at the park, but I couldn't see any familiar faces. I sat myself at a bench and checked my phone, but I still hadn't gotten a reply. I crossed my legs and waited.

And waited.

At least ten minutes passed before I made the choice to stand and at least wonder the park.

I hadn't gotten far before something grabbed me.

I gasped, my phone slipping from my hands and cracking onto the concrete as I was pulled into the air like a doll.

I screamed for help, but suddenly I was cupped between two enormous hands, trapped like a hamster in a ball. I could barely hear the shouting from the people outside, so I assumed they couldn't hear me either.

That didn't stop me from screaming, though. As whatever had grabbed me hurtled through Paris, I screamed until I was hoarse, begging to be let go. My heart pounded in my chest. I thought about Mémé at the bookstore. I thought about our fresh start. I thought about Adrien. Adrien. Hopefully he had been allowed out after all, and would realize I'd been taken. Surely he would run into at least one witness from the park. Then again... what even had taken me? An akuma villain? Something else?

I scratched and kicked and hit at whatever had me enclosed but nothing worked.

I was finally worn out and exhausted when we stopped. I was blindfolded and taken to a cold room. Something soft fluttered against my cheek, like a butterfly wing.

"You have nothing to worry about, Miss Blanche," said a voice. "As long as you give me what I want: your miraculous."