Mysterious Rose by Summer Cheng

Chapter 13 Flowers and a Vase from Paris, France?

           The day after her arrival to Georgia, Marinette goes out shopping with her Aunt Lydia.  She is glad to see that her niece is no worse for wear since she got her. She can tell Marinette is upset. She does not pressure her to speak about it though as Tom and Sabine have told her about Alya's death.  She also knows about the hit and miss situation when it came to the car. She knows about the boy Marinette crushes on, she knows just about all of it.  

          Aunt Lydia's  POV:  My dear niece, the dear girl, I feel sorry for her. She has gone through so much for her age.  It cannot be easy on her to loose her best friend.  It also must be hard for her to confess to her crush, when she also has a mysterious gift sender.  Why she must feel simply flustered about the entire thing!   Perhaps, this trip will help to ease her mind!

       Marinette's  POV:  As we go about the busy mall, my mind remains on three things.  One is about Alya with all the memories we had.  The tragic death she had and the no news yet as to how it could have taken place anyway! There is no new leads as to suspects.  Nothing!  Then, there is Adrien!  Awe, the thought of him makes my heart do flip flops back and forth.  Makes me feel happy, yet full of confusion!   Finally, there this guy who sends me gifts, and flowers!  Who is he?  How did he find out what my favorite flowers are and why does he send them?  

    Marinette sighs. She cannot seem to stop her mind from wondering back to home! She believes it to be due to her being homesick. She really does not want to be here!  She wishes she could be back home with  Adrien. She blushes at the thought of how he gave her the bracelet, and to the kiss he gave her forehead before the car pulls away to take her away from Paris.  She feels tears trickle down her cheeks. Why?  Why must her parents send her to America?   How will this help her?

   Aunt Lydia, takes Marinette to the food court. She does not ask what she wants. She buys her a smoothie and a small order of fries. She places them in front of her.  She waits to see how her niece will respond to the food.

  Marinette turns her head at the fries. She does not want them!  She never desires to eat them ever again!  How can she bring herself to do so when those were Alya's  favorites?  She pushes them away. She picks  up the smoothie!  She brings it to her lips. She feels the taste of yogurt, bananas and strawberries!  She grins. 

      Marinette's  Flashback       

   "Marinette, I am sorry,girl.  My twin sisters are both sick with the flu.  My folks are on a date and my older sister, is not available to watch them.  Girls night is cancelled!" Alya tells her.

   "Oh, that is okay. I will think of something." Marinette says into her phone.

    *Alya on the other end, "Thanks a million for understanding!  Listen I have to go before the girls make the house catch on fire!  Bye!"  

    Alya hangs up. She sighs. She thinks it stinks that she could not spend time with her bff, tonight!  It was something they were looking forward to for weeks now!  Yet, here they are unable to do it.

   Marinette  hears the click in her ear. She hangs up next. She works on a design. She hears a tap outside her window. She thinks, it is Chat!  She looks up to see no Chat!  She opens the door in confusion. She lets him inside.  

   "Hey, Marinette!" Adrien says.

    "A-Adrien, what brings you here?"  Marinette blurts out.

    "I heard  that your girls night was no go.  Well, I was wondering if you could go get smoothies with me and Nino?"  Adrien ask her. He does not expect her to say yes. Why should he when it is obvious she hates him.