When a liar gets you left behind

Chapter Fifty-Seven: Boba, Bonding, and Billionaire Brats

Marinette was the kind of student who never missed a day of school in her life, never getting an early release or any kind of absence. With her identity as Ladybug, she had some excuses for certain absences, but nothing too frequent. So it was a surprise when she was suddenly called to the office during school hours for an early release.

As Marinette took the turn of the hallway, office windows have their advantages, because as soon as she turned the corner, she saw two familiar people at the office, talking to the receptionists. The person with black hair and purple tips standing close to the office window was undoubtedly Jagged, and the person with the purple pixie cut had to be Penny. Even with their backs turned, she could tell it was them.

Marinette sighed, her weariness apparent as she pushed open the glass door. "Sir, please calm down. I understand the urgency, but as I've said, you can't take a student out this early."

Jagged groaned, his impatience evident. "And why exactly is that?" he retorted, his tone filled with irritation.

The receptionist stood her ground, maintaining a steadfast demeanor. "Taking a student out early goes against school policy," she explained. "Unless they've missed the entire day, coming for one class isn't practical."

Jagged grumbled in frustration before suddenly brightening upon spotting Marinette. With a swift stride, he approached her and enveloped her in a tight hug, a look of relief washing over his face.

"This is Marinette," he declared, turning back to the receptionists."I came to get her."

Another staff member emerged from the room adjacent to the office, pinching the bridge of her nose in apparent exhaustion. "I apologize for the confusion, Mr. Stone," she said, her voice marked by an air of apology. "My student here is in training." Despite her apologetic tone, the staff member shot a sidelong glance at her student, who responded with an obvious eye roll and folded arms, their irritation evident.

The receptionist leaned in, attempting to whisper, but her voice came out louder than intended. "But it goes against school policy," she protested, desperation seeping through her words. The staff member, trying to maintain a facade of calm, forced a smile and leaned closer to whisper into the school her ear.

The staff member's irritation was evident as they gripped their fists tightly and gritted their teeth. "I'm having a parent meeting right now," they explained, their tone terse. "And the bickering is so loud that we can hear it all down the hallway, even with the door closed. So if getting rid of them is what we have to do, then so be it." The receptionists reluctantly nodded and turned to Jagged, offering an apologetic smile that didn't quite reach their eyes.

Jagged couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the unexpected change in the school representative's demeanor. It was clear that they weren't seeing things eye to eye, but he let it slide and offered an apology for the disruption.

Penny approached Marinette and hugged her side, her expression filled with genuine concern. "What happened?" Marinette asked.

Penny sighed and shook her head. "Your uncle was so adamant about taking you out of school for the day, and I must admit, I actually agree with him." Marinette opened her mouth to protest, but Penny spoke again before she could. "Marinette, please," she pleaded. "We just found out you've been getting bullied, and now we're hearing about nightmares that you've been having. We're worried about you."

Marinette stared at her, not knowing what to say. It was true, she had nightmares here and there, some worse than the other days she could not be grateful that they had never seen those, because those were the ones that would convince them that she needed help and therapy, or worse, need to be put in a mental alyssum. Penny gave Marinette a warm smile and pulled her into another side hug. "Besides," she said, "We've never had a family day together."