The Thanksgiving Lie

chapter 10

186 words
  Heads up!!!
   Theres a flashback moment, so I placed it in italics. If it proves to be confusing, let me know. I'll try to find another way to emphasize the flashback moment. 👌
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*around twenty minutes later*
*Agreste Mansion*

   Adrien crawled through his window. He felt totally at peace, now. His problems having virtually dissipated after crying and being hugged.

  Sitting on the windows ledge, he glanced around his room. It was still empty, but it no longer felt like a prison. For the time being, anyhow.

  His thoughts flashed back to a few minutes ago:

  It hadn't been long before he found himself purring. Tensing up, he immediately let go of her and pulled away slightly. Blushing with embarrassment, he hastily exclaimed, "I'm sorry!"

  But Ladybug didn't release her grip. With a giggle, she said, "So I was right. You CAN purr. But don't worry, Kitty. I know it just means you're feeling better. And that's a good thing."

  Hearing her say that, he immediately hugged her again. But knowing what was about to happen, he made a small throaty groan of self -annoyance, before relaxing against her. The purring came back instantly.

    Her acceptance of his purring, and not judging it as something other than him being happy; was another reason for the peace he felt.

  Adrien decided to stay on the windowsill.

  His back pressed against the side edge, he dangled one of his legs on the inside and swung it gently. He stopped thinking for a moment; adsorbing this wonderful sensation.

  The purring vibrated in his chest again. He rolled his eyes, but this time, he didn't fight it at all.

  His eyelids began drooping, as he sensed the sunrays that were penetrating warmly into his black costume. He hadn't felt this good since all his friends had joined them at Christmas last year.

  A knock sounded at his door. Completely caught off-guard, the teenager gasped and fell inwardly off the window.

  He rubbed his head with bewilderment. "Uh-! Plagg, claws in!", he whispered hastily.

  Adrien hurried over to his door and unlocked it. His father stood there.

  He instinctively adverted his gaze elsewhere and stepped back to allow his father in.

  "You may go to school again.", Mr  Agreste stated straightforwardly.

  Adrien whipped around in surprise. This wasn't at ALL what he had expected to be said. "Thank you...", he managed to choke out.

  Gabriel watched him for a second, noting his sons' eyes that were still puffy and tinged in red. He added, "Your responsibilities must always come first, and piano practice is one of them. So next time, don't make promises you can't keep."

  A look of confusion crossed Adriens' features.
  Promise? What promise?

  His father went on to say, "Clean your face and get out of that costume. I still expect you to do your piano practice.  Then tonight, you can keep the rest of your promise."

  Mr. Agreste placed a hand soothingly on his sons' shoulder and smiled gently at him. Then turned on his heel and left.

  Adrien slid down the wall and brushed one hand through his hair. Completely befuzzled, he said to himself, "What promise did I make??"