Music for the Soul: Book 2

Chapter 8

Marinette

It took a week for the Doctors to check me over and make sure everything was in order. After I woke up, they told me what was going on, and why I had a heart attack. After they left and it was just me and Chloé, she told me why. She told me how Damian showed up while it was just Clara here, how Clara feel asleep on Damian. And how they are getting along for now.
"Chloé, what do I do?" I asked as I gazed out the window. "I love Damian and Clara so much, but I don't want them in a position where I have to pick. Damians going back to Gotham, and Clara and I are here. I don't want him to give up his job at W.E. for me. It's going to be so weird if he stays. I know Clara has been waiting for him to show up. She's always wanted to know the man I know. The one that dried my tears and chased nightmares away. The one that pushed me to keep going. But......there is so much out there for him. I'm happy here." I said my voice cracking, "and I would hate to take that away because I'm being selfish." I wiped the tears away and wrapped my arms around myself. And just when I thought it couldn't be worse, my phone rang.
"Granny?"
"Sweetie, you need to leave town."
"Why?" I asked puzzled
"That Adrien guy and his wife Lila are here. They just checked into the hotel."
"Umm, thank you for telling me Granny. I'll talk to Clara and Chloé. Goodbye."
"Goodbye dear."
I hung up and sighed. "Adrien and Lila are in town. They just checked into Granny's inn."
Chloé gasped and bent over. "No. That's impossible, how did he find this place?!"
I shrugged "I need you to get Clara and Jane and bring them here. Have Flora spread the word that they are bad news." I stood up and rushed to the bathroom when Chloé left. I threw up everything that was in my stomach.
"Angel?" Damn. "Angel, are you ok?" Damian asked when he entered the bathroom.
I shook my head, before dry heaving. "Adrien and Laila are here." I cried. "Of all people....they're here!"
"Mom!"
I wiped my mouth, flushed the toilet and leaned against Damian. He wrapped his arms around my waist and held me.
"I'm here honey!" I called back.
"Mom, what's going on? Chloé sent me here, said it was urgent." Clara sat down across from Damian and I. I sighed and looked at my hands.
"Do you remember me telling you about these people that use to hurt me when I was younger?"
"Yeah, you said they put you in the hospital a few times."
I nodded "well, their in town. Your are going to stay with your father till they leave. Flora and Chloé and spreading the word that they're bad news, but they are bad people honey."
"What?! But mom I should be with you!" Clara yelled
I shook my head. "No, if they even get the slightest idea that your my daughter they will hurt you to hurt me. Don't worry, you'll be safe with your father, and his family. I know I was when I was with them." I said with a sad smile. "Damian, your going to take Clara home so she can pack a bag. Have Alfred pick you up. She can't go to school, I'll call the principal tomorrow. Alfred can pick it up then."
"Marinette, slow down. What about you?" Damian asked
"I'm going to stay here then go home. I'll be staying with Chloé and Jane. I can work from home for now. With the town being hostile towards them, they should be leave soon. Just don't let them see you or your family. Flora tends to tell people she doesn't like their rich and snobby." I chuckled, but it was gone as soon as it came out. I tapped their arm. "Go. I'll be ok." I told them both. "Mama and papa should be here in a few days.......shit!" I looked at Clara and sighed. "I'll make it work." Claras birthday is in a few days. I had this whole party planned. I can still make it work.
"Mom, do they even know dads in town?" Clara asked
I shook my head. "They don't even know he's your dad."
Damian looked back and forth before asking why.
"Knowing my parents they would have killed you the second they knew your name. One, for not being carful that night. Two, for not staying. Not matter how many I told them I left you. Anyway. Three, no matter how much they pushed, I liked that I still had something of you. And the second I told them your name they instantly would have called you a playboy."
Damian looked like a fish out of water. Clara and I laughed so hard I cried. Regaining my breath, I hugged and kissed Damian, before standing and pulling Clara with me. I walked over to my purse and pulled out the one ring I never wanted to give her.
"You remember how?" I asked and handed her my gun. She gasped before nodding. "Take care of it. Your uncle Jason will instantly know why I'm giving it to you. After all, he gave it to me." I watched her stuff it in the back of her pants, before hugging me. "Be carful. Be safe. And please stay in the hotel room. I'm gonna call Granny and ask to make her our favorite breakfast."  Clara laughed dryly. "This is a double win for you. You get time away from your crazy mom, get to know your father, and you get to meet the rest of your family. Alfred will be there so do worry too much."
"I love you, mom." Clara whispered
"I love you too, Sweetheart. Now, go with your father. Be safe. You know what to do if he comes after you." I shared a look with Damian and he nodded. Clara walked out into the hallway and I sighed, a few tears slipping out.
"You ok Mari?" Damian asked as he wrapped his arms around me.
"I'll be fine." I said as I leaned into him. He tilted my head and kissed me.
"I love you Marinette. I have never stopped loving you."
I smiled and pecked his lips, then his cheek. "I love you too, Damian. Always have, always will." I said, before pulling back, wiping my eyes and smiling. He frowned but nodded and left. I can do this. I can face him again. Maybe he's changed.