Enemies at Best AU by Summer Cheng

Chapter 4 Adrien Struggles to Hate Her

      "Adrien, you did the right thing when you told her the truth. It is something you should have done years ago," Plagg says.

    "Do not you think I know this already, Plagg?" Adrien asks. He tries hard not to show that he has any feelings left toward Marinette other than resentment. He can not let anyone not even her know he loves her.

      "Sorry, I ever brought it up, cuz,"  Plagg remarks. He fixes himself a snack of cheese crackers with pepperoni slices. It has been a favorite of his for years.

      Adrien notices the aroma of the food. He dares not ask about it since he knows his cousin loves the stuff, but he hates the smell of Camembert.  He can not figure out why a relative that seems so smart would stoop so low to each should odorous stuff.   

     Plagg sees Adrien pinch his nose. He laughs.  He should have known his relative would notice the stench the cheese gave off immediately after he prepared it. Well, he figures it is his loss anyway.  

          Adrien looks up from his laptop where he sent in his suggestions for a new suit pattern and sighs.   He wonders why he went to law school in the first place.  Sure, he got a degree, but who wants to hire a boy who took two tries to pass the bar?

      This was something, he could not share with anyone.  

       Adrien's  Flashback to four days before Law School Starts...    

        Adrien is all packed. He is all set to go to Harvard. He can not wait to study and become a lawyer. Perhaps, then he can finally put his past behind him and forget all about her.  Maybe, then he can move on in life and settle down for a change.

        He shrugs his shoulders and thinks, who is he kidding?  He might have everyone else fooled, but even he knows his heart longs for the girl who hates him. He can not seem to get over the loss of a friendship that was over before it began.  He replays the whole umbrella scene over in his head daily.

          He thinks, maybe if he had told her the truth none of this would happen. Then, again how was he to know she would react this way?   How was he to know the rain droplets on her hair and face would make him like her more than he did when they first met earlier that day in class a few years ago?     How was he to know she would not give him a chance?

         Adrien decides above all else he must guard his heart. He must not let anyone else in, he must not fall in love again, for it was to cruel the first time around, and that he must shove all thoughts about the woman he could not have to the side.

         End of Flashback...

           Adrien gets a text and looks to see it is from his old friend, Nino.  It has been years since he last heard from him.  He wonders what Nino could want from him after all this time.  He lost touch with the guy after high school graduation when Nino eloped with Alya and left for  Europe.

          It seems Nino needs to hire a lawyer for a job. It is a tough one, the problem is he and Alya had a lady come in twice a week to clean the apartment, but then they caught her stealing from them.  It seems they need his help to evict her since she moved in with them a few months ago.   

       Adrien scratches his head and thinks, this is it what I have been looking for a job.  He believes maybe this situation will be what it takes to forget about her, then again how do you go about forgetting a person you barely know, but have a hopeless crush on years into the future?

       Adrien's text to Nino

       I will see what I can do.  How soon do you need help?

      Nino' s text to Adrien

     As soon as possible, old buddy, do you know of anyone?

        Adrien's text to Nino

      Yes, I happen to know someone who has his lawyer's license and who can not wait to help. The thing is he never has practiced law before due to some personal issues.

       Nino's text to Adrien

       Oh, who might that be?  Is it someone Alya and I have met or it is just comrade of yours?

        Adrien's text to Nino

      Ouch, you wound me, old friend!  It just so happens that it is myself I was referring to anyway.

        Nino's  text to Adrien

        Well, I say in that case welcome to work, Lawyer Agreste!

         Adrien's text  to Nino

        Thanks, Mr. Lahaffe!  I have to call you this as my client.  It is the rules.

        Nino's text to Adrien

       Fine by me!  See you soon!

         Adrien's text to Nino

         Yes, see you!

        Adrien packs a bag to prepare for his trip to Europe. Then, he gets online and books a flight out of the country first thing this Wednesday!  He smiles as he gets the message flight from Paris to Europe 1-1-20  booked. Flight leaves at 2 pm, Mr. Agreste!  We hope you enjoy your flight!

           Return ticket booked for  1-12-20  flight leaves from Europe at 3:30 am.  Mr. Agreste and again, Enjoy your flight!

           Sincerely, Paris International Airlines.

        "Cousin, what you so happy about did you resolve things with Miss Dupain-Cheng?" Plagg asks.

         "On the contrary, cousin it just so happens that Nino Lahaffe and his wife Alya Lahaffe have just hired me on as lawyer for an eviction situation that involves a dishonest cleaning lady!  This boy is going to Europe!" Adrien says.

       "Wow, in that case, congratulations on the job!"  Plagg says. He secretly hopes in time Marinette and Adrien become friends. 

            Plagg, does not know how to tell his cousin that he and Tikki, Marinette's sister have been friends maybe even more for years.

           Adrien grins and thinks, this time tomorrow afternoon, I will be well on my way to being a proper lawyer. He just hopes he can keep his mind on the job and not on anything else.  The last thing he needs is to mess this up.