No room to swing a Cat?

30 - Bridging back

That was the last address on their list – yet Marinette was afraid of this one the most. She heard her heart beating in her ears, her breath quickened. Adrien squeezed her hand as a signal of supporting her and smiled.

"You can do it..."

"I'm so scared..."

"Why? They're your friends."

"Juleka is Luka's sister. She'll be mad..."

"You don't know it. And I'm sure she'll understand. Come on! We don't have time. Remember that we have to buy an engagement gift..."

Marinette lowered her head and followed Adrien unenthusiastically. Since this morning they had already visited most of their friends. They'd started at Mylène and Ivan's. Then they visited Nathaniel and Marc, who lived nearby. It wasn't surprising that Alix was their next-door-neighbour. Yet, Max as her roommate was a little unexpected. Marinette had an impression that he wasn't just a roommate... She tried to recall any hints that those two had ever been interested in each other, but didn't remember anything like that. They asked about Kim and Ondine, so Alix told them that they were always busy with swimming tournaments. Before Adrien and Marinette left the apartment, Max received a message from Kim who just visited Paris between sport competitions. After a few minutes Kim and Ondine joined them and accepted the invitation for the evening. Actually, all of friends agreed to come for the engagement party, even Sabrina. Although she made sure first that Chloe wouldn't be there... Marinette smiled evasively trying not to admit that miss Bourgeois was the only one that wasn't invited at all.

Now, only Juleka and Rose left on the list.

Marinette sighed and ranged the doorbell. Soon after that a tiny blonde appeared at the door. She squeaked with excitement when she saw them.

"Oh, God! Marinette! I haven't seen you for ages! And you, Adrien, even longer! Where have you been hiding?! What's up? Oh, God! You're together now?" Rose couldn't help asking, before she even invited them in.

"Is Juleka there?" Marinette asked looking around.

Rose seemed to be a bit embarrassed. That was obvious that her girlfriend had hidden in the other room when she'd got known who visited them.

"I'm sure she'll join us soon..." Rose whispered. "Do you want anything to drink? What brings you here by the way? Not that I'm not happy seeing you here! Of course I'm happy! We haven't seen each other for so long... Something happened that you've come so unexpectedly?"

"We wanted to invite you for an engagement party..."

"Oh! You're getting married?! Wonderful!"

Rose's exclamation made her partner leave the bedroom finally. Juleka was too curious and too astonished to hide anymore. She wanted to hear why Marinette had moved on so quickly after breaking up with Luka.

"Hi, Mar..." she muttered uncomfortable.

"Hey, Jules... Uhm..."

"I'm so sorry for my stupid brother..."

"Oh, don't be... Uhm... It's not necessary..."

"He's a complete jerk..."

"Don't say that. He used to be okay for the most of time."

"He behaved like a pig and you defend him?"

"Oh, you're so big-hearted!" Rose exclaimed in an awe. "You've forgiven him. That's so noble of you! And now you're with Adrien!"

"It will kill Luka. For sure..." Juleka muttered.

"Don't tell him, please..." Marinette whispered, suddenly realising that she wouldn't stand Luka's face when he'd say: 'I told you so!'