Mysterious Rose by Summer Cheng

Chapter 20 Something's Off about Adrien

        One day later, Marinette is at school early for a change. She cannot figure out how she makes it on time. She sees Adrien's desk is empty. She sure hopes he arrives soon as the class will start in ten minutes. Sure enough, Adrien arrives to class ten minutes after it begins. She wonders, what kept him.

          After school, Marinette decides to speak to Adrien.

           "A-Adrien, why were you late?" Marinette asks.

         "Oh, you notice. I did not mean to come late, but I woke up late." Adrien explains.

        "Okay, glad you are alright then," Marinette says.

      "M-Marinette, do not say such a thing to me," Adrien says. He looks away. He thinks, she will be upset when she finds out the truth tonight.

     "A-Adrien, there are red marks on your face," Marinette says.

       Adrien does not say a word.

        Marinette feels awkward about the silence. It troubles her more than she chooses to let on anyway. She grabs his hand and feels him shudder.

         Adrien wonders why does she grab my hand? He blushes but turns to face her. He wishes he had not now because she is so pretty. He leans in and sees her gasp. He touches her lips with his thumb. He pulls away.

      "A-Adrien, it is o-okay, you can k-kiss me anytime," Marinette mutters.

         "Marinette, I have to go, my ride is here," Adrien says. He runs before he can kiss her or let her kiss him. He has too so tonight can still be special.

      Marinette lets him go. She sighs. She goes home sad Adrien does not allow her to kiss him for the second time. She thinks, maybe he does not like me. She goes to her room. She hears herself sigh again.

       Tikki hears Marinette sigh and wonders if it has something to do with Adrien's peculiar behavior at school today. She cannot figure out why he should almost kiss Marinette, but back away after he puts his thumb to her lips.

     "Tikki, Something's off about Adrien, today.  He was so odd at school."  Marinette says.

     "Yes, I saw it.  I agree Marinette, he did behave rather strange."  Tikki remarks.

      Marinette says, "Oh, then you know he almost kissed me."

      Tikki remarks, "Yes, I saw it."
  

     Marinette tells her, "Tikki, I do not if I can still meet the secret admirer on my balcony tonight."

     Tikki replies, "Marinette, how could even think about standing him up?   He will be hurt and think you reject him."

    Marinette responds,  "I know, Tikki, but what if  he is not Adrien."  She does not want some stranger to kiss her.

    Tikki remarks, "Marinette you will never know if you do not meet him.  I suggest you do it to find out.  Then, if you do not like him tell him before he kisses you."
 

   Marinette nods her head, she decides Tikki is right.  She must not worry so much ahead of time, who he is anyway.  It will do not help matters or change a thing.  She eats an early dinner, and does her homework.

  Meanwhile, Adrien thinks about Marinette and how close he came to the ruination of tonight. He is glad he left before he kissed her to early. He cannot spoil his surprise now. He wants everything to be just right.

    Adrien's  POV:
    He thinks, sorry, Marinette!  He did not mean to confuse her, but he longs to kiss her as soon as he can on her balcony tonight.

    Tom's  POV:
    He can tell his daughter is in love. He is not sure anymore if its Adrien or the letter writer. He just hopes she can be happy with whoever he is anyway.  

   Sabine's  POV:
  She knows all about the meetup tonight as Marinette has told her all about it. She hopes Marinette can confess to Adrien when she sees him and finally be happy with him.  She sure hopes nothing goes wrong.

 Tikki's  POV:
  She secretly knows Adrien's plans but hides it. She wants it to be special for Marinette.

     Marinette's POV:
     Tikki does not sound like she believes me.  She sounds like she doubts my honesty and that hurts.

     She believes Adrien's behavior toward her changes daily. She wishes he could just let her kiss him. Perhaps, then all would be right.

       Marinette finds a surprise note on her dresser. She cannot figure out how it got there. She reads it and sighs.

       Here is what the note says for those who wish to read it.

         Dearest Marinette,

          I   look forward to tonight and hope you do so too.  I cannot wait to see you.  

         I feel nervous because I  dread the thought of rejection.  Perhaps, I am just insecure about how you feel about me.

          I suppose, I shall find out right at six o'clock.  Do not forget me.

         I love you!

        Love,

      your secret admirer,

      xoxo xoxo  xoxo xoxo

     PS. I wrote this note to let you know that I have every intention not to let you down. Marinette, Mari, Bluenette, Bluebell, princess, I shall count the minutes until then.  

       Marinette blushes when she finishes the note. She believes him to good to be true. She sure hopes he turns about to be the boy she wishes him to be when he comes this evening.  She knows Tikki makes a good point. She plans to arrive at the balcony on time. She checks her watch and panics.  She sees it is closer to the meet up than she once thought.

    She better hurry and get ready!  She rushes to finish the baked goods he wants and changes into something nice. She feels awkward. She leaves her hair down since she recalls he likes it this way.  She nervously paces back and forth in anticipation of his arrival. She stands on the balcony right at 5:50 pm. She thinks, the next ten minutes cannot get here fast enough.

This story continues in Chapter  21   The  Balcony Surprise?