Miraculous short- stories book 3 by Summer Cheng @SummerCheng37.

The Bargain Part 3 by Summer Cheng@SummerCheng37

         Marinette's  POV:

          It has been years since Adrien and I became friends. I felt awkward when he came over today, and I am uncertain why. I am only in eighth grade. I sighed. I supposed maybe I had started to like him.

          I was not ready to tell him yet. I  did not know if he would understand. Besides, I found something shocking. I did not mean to.  I was looking for family history because the teacher gave an assignment about a family tree.  I found a copy of my birth certificate but it shows I was born a far way off from here. Then, it shows my last name was not Dupain-Cheng. What does this mean?  I discovered a small torn tag behind my dresser.  It must have fallen behind at some point and had my name scribbled on it in funny writing. 

            I found a small pink blanket that seemed familiar. I felt hurt—hurt because my parents hadn't told me everything. The truth is, I don't know what to believe anymore. Are the Dupain-Chengs even my parents? If so, then why have they been keeping secrets from me?

           "Adrien?" I asked. "What is it?" he inquired. Have you ever felt like you did not belong in your family?" I blurted out. "Yes, all the time," he said. He sighed. Sometimes, I think maybe my father did not want children. He barely pays much attention to me."  "What about your mother?" I asked. Adrien shook his shoulders. "I never met her."  "Oh." I felt bad for asking about his mom.

           "Are you alright?" Adrien wanted to know.  I shook my head no. He reached over and kissed my hand. I blushed. He grinned. Then, we worked on our homework. Deep down I was sad, confused, and troubled. Perhaps, Chole was right. Maybe, I was trash discarded to the side. That might explain why I did not see any evidence of my past that made sense.  

        I did not say another word about family to anyone. Instead, I kept my concerns inside. I made up a family tree based on what Mom and Dad, that is if that is who they were had told me. I had no other choice about the matter. When I finished, I put it inside a folder, and then my backpack to take to class soon. 

          After the snack and homework, I started to help with the supper. Adrien could tell I was sad because he kept telling jokes to make me laugh.  He stayed for supper. Then, afterward, he headed home in a hurry. I was not sure what the rush was since his father was out of town and he had no mother.

                 Time skip!

        During our Freshman high school year, I still hadn't told Adrien how I felt. The two of us got along splendidly as usual. I had started to stutter a bit.  Sophomore year Adrien and I drifted apart, I was hurt more about this than anything else, but I tried hard not to show it. A new girl was in school, Alya Cesarie. We hit it off and became best friends.  I was still not over Adrien. I did not tell anyone.

           I pretended not to care about him. It was obvious he wanted more to do with me. I was only a good excuse to help him forget he had only one parent. Besides, he had his new friends now.  It was clear he did not need me. 

           The teacher assigned me to work with him on a project. I went to his place since his father was away on business as usual. It was rare his father was home. The two of us worked together, but it was not pleasant. Adrien kept pointing out how absurd I sounded, "Miss stutter," and I called him "an insensitive swine."  I finished the project with him. It was obvious we were no longer friends. I  now despised him.  Fine, I loved him, but why should he care?  

             I  was surprised on Friday when Miss Bustier gave us an A on the project. At least the grade was not bad. I sighed. Why couldn't Adrien and I get along like we used to?

             After school, today, Friday, I walked home. Adrien followed me. Strange he had not done that in a long time. Alya was with me. "Don't look now, Marinette, but that blonde-haired boy, the prude is coming too," She said.  The three of us arrived at the bakery in no time. I entered and my parents welcomed all of us.  I smiled when I saw the refreshments. I sat at the table along with Alya, and to my dismay, Adrien did as well. Ugh, who invited him.

              The three of us did homework once we were done with the snacks. To my horror, my folks invited him to dinner.  "Sure, I will stay, it will be like old times," He said.  I gasped. "I am not staying if he does," I blurted out. I felt tears sting my eyes. 

           I walked off. Alya came with me. "Sorry, girl. It seems your parents are happy to have him here. What did he mean like old times?" She remarked. "We used to be friends, but he made new friends. Then, he quit talking to me except to hurl insults at me." I explained. Alya hugged me. "Well, that sounds awful.  I wonder why he did this to you." "I am not sure, maybe he found out the truth that I am trash. I was not wanted. My parents never loved me." I sobbed.

            "Your parents, but they do love you," Alya objected. "Then, why did they discard me in a rummage sale?"  I asked. "What do you mean?"  She asked.  I explained how I overheard Sabine and Tom Dupain-Cheng discussing how sad it was when they brought me home and how they were to have me here. "See my parents hated me. So, maybe that is why Adrien hates me now too." I sobbed more.

       I did not know that Adrien had left the table and started up the stairs to my room. He stopped only when he reached the top. He was about to turn around when he heard Alya and me talking. He eavesdropped on us. I never heard him gasp or shake his head in protest.

       Alya tried to reassure me that my real parents were the ones who raised me. That Tom and Sabine my adoptive parents loved me and that is what mattered.  I shook my head. I sobbed louder. She shrugged her shoulders and went home. It was clear she did not understand anything. 

      I  heard someone open the door after Alya left. I looked up to see Adrien standing there. "You coming to make fun of me?  Go ahead, I can take it. Chole is right, I am trash. Rubbish, no good." "Don't say that Marinette," He objected. "Oh, why should not I? You hate me." I stated. I saw the shocked look on his face. "But I don't hate you," he said. Then, Adrien pulled me to him and kissed my cheek. I blushed. I was too stunned to speak.

      After tonight, Adrien and I were on speaking terms again. I stopped hurling insults at him, and he quit insulting me. His friends laughed. He stuck his tongue out at them. "Listen, she is my friend, so leave her alone. If you don't, I will pound you," he said. I was surprised. It was the first time he had stood up for me recently.

       "Maritrash, get away from Adrikins!" Chole yelled. "Chole, she is not trash. Now, go away," Adrien shouted at her. She left in a huff.

          "Wow, Adrien you are sweet on Marinette!" Alya exclaimed. I blushed. I was not sure he felt that way about me. It was a nice thought though.

     Find out more as the story continues in The Bargain Part 4 

      Until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!