Highschool Lovers

A night to remember

The clock ticks softly as I pause in the hallway, breathing in the scent of lavender from the diffuser we've got set up. It sends calming signals throughout my frazzled mind, but nothing can drown out the tiny voice that echoes from the living room.

"Mama! Mama! Dress!" Mia squeals excitedly. She often mixes up her words, but I can tell exactly what she means. It's time for her to get ready.

"Okay, baby girl! Let's get you dressed!" I call out, forcing a smile despite the knot of anxiety twisting in my stomach. I can't help but feel the weight of the evening rolling in; a work dinner for Adrien means flashing cameras, scrutinizing gazes, and an endless barrage of questions about my burgeoning pregnancy. But tonight, it's all about Mia and the role I must play as both a supportive wife and a loving mother.

I scoot into Mia's room, where the pink walls are adorned with cheerful drawings she's made — a collage of suns, flowers, and stick figures. She's bouncing on the bed like a little spring, her blonde curls bouncing up and down.

"Pretty dress, Mama!" Mia claps, her green eyes sparkling with excitement. She truly does look just like her father.

"Thank you, sweet pea! But we need to get you ready first," I say, kneeling down and choosing a light blue dress that matches my own. It's soft and playful, perfect for her bubbly personality.

"That one! That one!" she beams, pointing at the dress in my hand.

"Alright, here we go!" I lift her under her arms, and she giggles, kicking her feet in delight as I set her down gently.

"I wanna help!" Mia insists, her little hands reaching for the buttons. I smile at her determination as she struggles, her fingers clumsily trying to fit one through the hole.

"Okay, let's do it together," I say, covering her small hands with mine. "One button... two buttons..."

"Yay! I did it!" she squeals, the final button clicking into place, and I can't help but chuckle at her infectious enthusiasm.

"You sure did, superstar! Now let's find your shoes." I rummage through the shoebox and pull out the tiny white ballet flats adorned with a silver bow.

"Shoes!" she yells, sitting back onto the bed, her eyes gleaming.

Moments later, we stand in front of the mirror, a sight both sweet and chaotic. Mia, with her dress twirling, and me, pulling my hair up into a sleek bun. I manage to pin every stray hair and step back to examine our reflection — a perfect duo.

"You look like a princess, Mia!" I tell her, and she twirls, the fabric of her dress flaring out.

"Mama too!" she replies, beaming with pride.

"Okay, all dressed up," I say, smoothing down my dark blue dress. "Now, how about some lipstick?"

"Lipstick! Pink!" she exclaims, bouncing again. I can't help but laugh, finding her request adorable and slightly outrageous.

"Just a little," I agree, carefully applying a touch of lip gloss and handing the tube over to her. I watch as her little lips purse together, attempting her first go at make-up. It's more smeared than applied, but she thinks she looks fantastic, and that's all that matters.

"Ready, Mama?" she asks, her excitement palpable.

"Almost, tiny dancer," I remind her, taking a calming breath. "Let's head to the car."

As we walk outside, I can feel the tension rising in my chest at the thought of the flashing cameras that await. Adrien stands there, impeccably dressed, with a warm smile that instantly soothes me.

"There's my girls!" he greets, reaching down to scoop Mia into his arms.

"Daddy!" she cries, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck tightly.

"Hey, Mia! You look amazing in that dress! Just like a little angel," he compliments her, and she giggles.

"Like you!" she laughs, her giggles echoing under the soft glow of the porch light.

I give Adrien a knowing smile, his charm and confidence radiating and infusing me with a calm energy. "Thank you, handsome."

He glances at me and the corners of his lips curl upwards. "You look beautiful, Y/n."

We walk towards the car, Mia still chirping away about her shoes and how she can jump really high, a conversation that doesn't quite warrant a full response but warms my heart nonetheless.

Once we're seated in the car, the tension builds again as we approach the venue. "Just remember, our team is there for us, Y/n," Adrien reminds me, clearly sensing my nerves.

"I know. It's just... the whole world feels like it's watching," I admit, fidgeting in my seat.

"Then let's show them our world." His eyes shine with an unyielding passion and an understanding that I deeply admire.

Minutes pass in a blur, and soon we arrive at the venue, lights blaring and cameras clicking. The air is buzzing with the mingling of voices and the crunch of heels on pavement. As we step out, I clutch Mia's hand tightly while Adrien wraps his other arm around my waist.

"Just smile," he whispers to me, and I nod, plastering on a grin for the flashing cameras.

"Mama! Daddy!" Mia calls out, bouncing on her little feet as we step into the gathering.

"Look here! Look here!" a paparazzo calls, snapping photos of our little family.

"Are you excited for baby number two?" someone shouts, and I can feel my heart race.

"Yes!" I reply, but before I can continue, Mia lets out a giggle loud enough for everyone to turn and look at her.

"What's so funny, sweetheart?" I ask, kneeling down to her level.

"Mama's tummy!" she laughs, pointing at my midsection.

The crowd bursts into laughter, some snapping pictures of her. "That's right, sweet pea! Baby brother or sister is in there!" I say, wrapping my arms around her.

"Baby! Yay!" she squeals, and her joy spreads to everyone around us.

"Okay, you two, let's go introduce ourselves," Adrien encourages, pulling me gently toward the dining area.

As we mingle, Mia's bubbling personality draws people in, and I find myself relaxing just a little more. Adrien adjusts the way he carries her, his warmth against my side making the anxiety lessen ever so slightly.

"Can we eat now?" Mia whines, as I kneel down again.

"Yes, sweetheart. We can eat soon, okay? Let's just say hi first," I say softly, watching her as she nods her head vigorously, oblivious to the grandeur around her.

"Dinner time, then ice cream?" Adrien whispers conspiratorially in her ear, making her eyes go wide with excitement.

"Yay! Ice cream!" she shouts, her tiny hands clapping in delight.

With each cheerful interaction, every moment filled with laughter, I find myself more and more at ease.

As we take our seats, the conversations flow while Mia continues to entertain us with tales of her day. Watching her, I can't help but smile, the worries of the world diminishing in the warmth of our little family.

"Tonight's going to be okay, isn't it?" I ask Adrien, my eyes meeting his.

"Absolutely," he replies, his unwavering gaze filling me with reassurance.

With Mia's laughter ringing in my ears and the strength of Adrien's love beside me, I realize that no amount of paparazzi could ever overshadow the happiness of our growing family. This night, despite its chaos, will be one to remember.