Crumbling Down

Summer Line

It's been an exciting first school year, I made some great friends and I even became part of the Parisian superhero duo Ladybug and Chat Noir. The school year is coming to a close and since my grades haven't slipped my father is letting me go back for the next school year. I'm excited that I'll be able to keep hanging out with my friends. 

Today my friends are having an end-of-year party that also doubles as Juleka's and Luka's birthday party, I wish my father would let me go. After all, how does he expect me to be socially adept if I never do any socializing, especially with other people my age? When he makes me do some of the modelling for his fashion shows, it's just exhausting having to be around tons of stuck-up adults who don't understand why you don't want to be there. Then again if my father ever found out I didn't want to go he'd be pretty mad and force me to go to more shows and probably take me out of school. 

Sadly my friends and I, of course, are used to my fathers 'protective' antics and they don't even get openly mad that im never allowed out since it rarely does anything other than cause an Akuma attack. I'm grateful that they pushed those few times to force my father's hand into letting me do something fun. It made me feel cared for in a way I haven't felt since my mom disappeared. My father was never really a caring man before then, but at least he tried to show that he cared, now he doesn't even bother. 

"Bing," chimes my phone.

Nino: Dude, you able to come tonight?

Adrien: No, my father said and I quote "that I am not allowed to partake in such unprofessional behaviour." when I asked him about it.

Nino: Aww man, your father really sucks balls, Adrien.

Adrien: Unless you know something I don't, then yes he does suck.

Nino: Well I gtg set up to DJ ttyl dude.

Adrien: Tyl Nino, wish you luck.

Nino: Thx 

Placing my phone back on my desk where I'd left it earlier I continue to finish the homework assigned by my father mainly because he wants me to be some kind of genius. I run my hands over my face, I'm exhausted doesn't my father realized that cramming my day won't make me smarter? Just overtired and unable to learn much. I don't even like learning classical piano. I'd much rather be rocking out on the Liberty with Rose, Juleka, Ivan and Luka. 

"Knock, knock."

Natalie my father's wonderful assistant who actually allows me some freedom peeks her head into my way too large room. 

"Adrien?"

"Yes, Natalie"

Quickly glancing down at the tablet I assume is in her hand she replies, "Your father, has booked you to model for his summer fashion line at Pampelonne Beach." 

Internally I just groan, honestly I'd rather be stuck in this apartment my father calls my bedroom than go pose for the camera in swimwear and other such things. 

"How long will I have to be there for?" I deadpan.

With a sad look, she says "He requests that you stay for the duration of your summer break."

"Do you think he would allow me to invite some friends so that I'm not alone?"

"No, I don't, but I can relay your question. I will be back shortly with your answer." 

"Thank you, Natalie," I say with a sad smile.

Sometimes I just wish that my father wasn't such a cold and professional bastard, I wish he wouldn't just take large quantities of my time and fill it with modelling jobs. Actually, I could wish all I want, but that won't change anything, only action will. I'm scared to take action because if I do I'm not sure how my father would react, we rarely spent any time together when my mom was here but now I only ever see him on a screen or at a major fashion event. Funnily enough, we live in the same house and he's home more often than I am nowadays since I've started going to school.