The subway was filled with incessant chatter as Marinette boarded. Her eyes scanned the seats in search of a place to sit. With no luck, she sighed and resigned herself to standing. She didn't spare a glance at the overhead bins, knowing that there wouldn't be room for her suitcase. Christmas in Paris was busy; travel was near impossible this time of year. Even so, Marinette couldn't help but smile to herself. This subway ride was the last obstacle in her way before she would see her family again.
A couple of days ago her university semester had ended. She took her time packing since her friends had decided to have a Christmas party before going to their homes. It was senior year for most of the girls, so they wanted to make sure they were able to celebrate together one last time. Marinette had knitted beanies for all of her friends, making sure that she picked all of their favorite colors. Everyone brought their favorite side dish, while her best friend, Alya, had cooked the turkey. When the group had learned that Marinette grew up in a bakery they put her in charge of dessert. As much fun as it was, the party was a lot of work and she was ready for a few weeks of rest.
Marinette was jostled out of her thoughts when she was bumped to the ground from her upright position. Her eyes widened with shock when she saw that she had landed on her suitcase, causing the zipper to bust. Clothes exploded from what once had been a very tightly packed bag, littering the dirty subway floor. She choked as she noticed her personal effects were being trampled under the feet of the passengers who were deboarding. Filled with anger and humiliation, she jerked her head up to find the culprit. She was met with the sight of a blonde man with flushed cheeks staring at a pair of her panties that he was holding.
"Excuse me!" she yelled, grabbing the garment from his hands.
His cheeks reddened to an unhealthy scarlet and his emerald eyes darted to meet her own and his jaw fell open. Panicking, he hurried to apologize. "I'm so sorry, miss! I didn't mean to run into you, an old friend of mine saw me and jumped on me and-"
"And that made you grab my underwear, you pervert?!"
He winced as if her words had physically smacked him. Trying to recover, he cleared his throat and opened his mouth to attempt to defend himself when he was interrupted.
"Marinette Dupain-cheng, is that you? It figures that after all these years I would find you on the floor surrounded by trash. The look suits you."
Taking her eyes off the flustered man kneeling in front of her, she narrowed her eyes at the blond laughing maliciously next to him. "Chloe," she replied through gritted teeth. Marinette then faced the man again. "I should've known someone like you would hang out with her. Very funny you two." With a huff, she began piling her personal effects into her busted bag.
"Here, let me help you."
Quickly snatching the shirt he picked up, Marinette snapped back, "I think you've already helped enough."
"Come on, Adrikins, this is our stop! Let's go!" Chloe announced, immediately turning on her heels.
Green eyes filled with remorse and Marinette felt a little guilty that she had let her wrath out on him. However, she wouldn't put it past Chloe to employ someone else to do her bidding. She had done that plenty of times in their years of schooling. Whenever Marinette had a bad day at university, she reminded herself that it could be worse. Chloe could have attended her school, but instead chose to stay in Paris to study. Thinking of this instantly made everything else better in contrast.
When the man stood to follow Chloe, she shook any thought of forgiveness out of her head. He was just like Chloe. Instead of sparing him another word or glance, Marionette focused on gathering her items. Had she given him the benefit of the doubt for a moment longer, she may have noticed the way he turned around and hesitated by the subway door. He looked down to the floor in shame before getting off.
Tears threatened to fall from Marinette's eyes while she stuffed her belongings in her suitcase. The subway soon braked at her stop and she scanned the floor one last time. She awkwardly exited the car, pulling her pack with one hand while the other held it shut. This method worked well, until she was almost reached the top of the steps and she lost her grip, effectively spilling her items down the stairs. The tears that had been accumulating began to pour and Marinette fell to her knees, not caring who saw. She couldn't feel anymore humiliated than she did in that moment.
People passed her by, many not even noticing the dark haired girl crying her eyes out. Some spared a glance of pity, and a few particularly grouchy people looked on her with disdain. Marinette didn't pay attention to any of them however, her vision watery and throat tight.
"Oh my goodness, are you alright?"
Snapping her head up to see the source of the high pitched voice, Marinette saw a woman a few years older than herself, dressed in a bright red peacoat that flared from her waist down to her knees. Black tights covered her legs down into her matching ankle boots. Her hair was two toned, black stands tied into two space buns with scarlet hair hanging to her shoulders. Although she was hard to miss with her vivid coat, the first thing Marinette noticed about the woman was her eyes. Deep sapphire irises that were laden with concern gazed upon her and all Marinette could do was shake her head.
"Here," the woman said, extending her hand, "let me help you up." Once she pulled Marinette to her feet, she looked down at the clothing scattered along the stairs. "Are those yours?" Finding herself still unable to speak, Marinette nodded.
The woman quickly gathered all of the garments and shoved them into the open suitcase. She then opened her very large black purse and produced a roll of duct tape. After securing the perimeter of the suitcase she turned to Marinette and stretched out her hand again. "My name's Tikki. That tape should hold you together until you get to wherever you're headed," she said with a bright grin.
"I'm Marinette. Thanks for all your help." She managed a smile as she shook Tikki's hand.
"You're very welcome. I hope your day gets better, Marinette." Tikki's words were laden with sincerity, as if they had been friends for a lifetime. Glancing at her watch, she exclaimed, "Oh! I have somewhere I need to be. Will you be okay if I leave?"
"I think I'll manage. Thanks again for your help, Tikki."
The redhead smiled brightly. "Anytime! Stay safe." She began to jog away, then called over her shoulder, "Maybe we'll meet again sometime!"
Muttering under her breath, Marinette said to no one in particular, "Maybe, Tikki. Maybe."
The rest of the journey home was pretty uneventful, which Marinette was incredibly thankful for. She had a headache and was sure she looked like a walking disaster. The trip became a vague memory, however, once she walked through the front door of the patisserie and felt her parent's arms around her. Their love melted through her skin into her weary bones and calmed her soul. A smile found its way on Marinette's face as she returned her parents affections.
Mrs. Cheng was the first to speak. "Oh, Marinette, we missed you so much," she said, then placed a kiss on her cheek.
"I missed you both, too," she replied, squeezing her parents tightly. The family stood that way for a while, making up for lost time, as it had been several months since they had been together. Finally, they came apart.
"Sweetie, what happened to your suitcase?" Tom asked when he lifted the taped up bag in order to bring it up the steps.
Marinette sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling her headache return full force with the reminder. "Can we just call it a long story and forget about it, Dad?"
A concerned glance was shared between the couple. "Sure thing, sweetie," her mom replied after a beat. She reached out to push her daughter's shoulder lightly toward the direction of the stairs. "Why don't you get some rest for awhile and come down later? You must be exhausted."
"Thanks, mom," she gratefully whispered, forcing a smile. Marinette then made her way up the three flights of stairs that stood between her and her bedroom. Once upstairs she gave the room a once over, noting that nothing had changed while she was gone besides a thorough dusting to prepare for her stay. The walls were still pink, her photos from over summer break were proudly displayed on bulletin boards, and her plants on the balcony appeared to still be alive, at least from this angle. Trudging up the steps to her loft bed, Marinette couldn't help but reminisce over the day's events. Fresh tears began to fall, these ones much less desperate than those that fell on the subway floor, but persistent nonetheless. Finally, she laid down and softly cried until she fell asleep.
After a few hours, Marinette awoke with a groan. Her eyes felt crusty and her skin was sore from where her clothes pinched her since she hadn't changed into pajamas. The buzz from her pocket let Marinette know that she had received a text. She typed in her passcode and squinted at the bright light coming from the screen.
Hey girl, the plane landed. TTY in a few weeks! xoxo
The message came from Alya, who decided to use her break to travel to Asia as an intern with professional journalists. It was a great way to get connections for after she graduated in the spring and would be job searching. The group would be heading to several different countries and writing about the ethic groups there. Alya immersed herself fully into the opportunity, deciding to not use her phone or computer for non work purposes while she was away so that she wouldn't be distracted.
Marinette was excited for her best friend, really, but wished she had someone to talk to. Rose flew to the country of Achu to spend Christmas with her long distance boyfriend, Ali. Juleka was sailing with her mom to Italy. After responding to Alya's text, Marinette noticed that it was 2:14 am in Paris. She didn't feel close enough to Alix or Mylene to justify calling them this early in the morning. With a sigh, she resigned herself to be alone until the world rose from their slumber.
After changing into her pajamas, Marinette crawled beneath her covers, where she tossed and turned restlessly for half an hour. Deciding that she was not going to fall back asleep, she pulled herself into the skylight above her bed. She remembered that it was late November when the frosty air bit viciously at her skin. She reached down and grabbed the blanket off her bed and wrapped herself in it's warmth. The night air had always helped her think.
Although today (or yesterday, rather) had been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, Marinette had been bottling her troubles for some time. She hadn't been able to talk to Alya much lately, not since she had gotten engaged to Nino. When she wasn't focused on her studies, she was busy planning a wedding, not leaving a lot of room for girl time. Marinette was happy to see the lycèe sweethearts preparing to tie the knot next summer, but worried that she would be alone. Most of her friends were in steady relationships and ready to receive a ring themselves. Sure, Marinette had been on dates, but nothing had ever come from them. She wasn't the only single girl in her friend group, but she was the only one to never have a boyfriend and she couldn't help but worry if she was undesirable. Alya had always told her to straighten her shoulders because guys are always nervous to go for the girls who are out of their league and "Marinette, you are a league all your own, only the best ones deserve you and everyone knows it." It always cheered her up and made her positive she would find love someday. However, Alya hadn't been around to remind her of this too much lately and the thoughts grew in Marinette's mind.
Also, this past semester at university had not been her best. Her major of fashion design was one she enjoyed, but she had been running out of inspiration lately and her professors noticed. She had scored poorly on several of her assignments over the past months. Her GPA was shot and she knew it, she just didn't know how bad yet. So, while everyone would be having fun or going on some grand adventure on their break, Marinette would be at work at the bakery. She hadn't talked to her parents about it yet, but was sure that they would hire her.
.o.O.o.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but we can't hire you."
Marinette's eyes went wide and she couldn't believe her ears. Her heart rate began to increase as she panicked. "W-what do you mean, Mom? I need a job over break and I counted on working here!"
Coming behind his wife and placing his hands on her shoulders, Tom answered, "Marinette, you haven't worked for us since lycèe, so we figured you didn't want to do it again. Business has been booming lately and we needed someone who could help us full time. It added a lot of expense to the budget, but we need her help to keep ahead of orders. We're still making a profit, but not enough to be able to pay both of you. I can't justify firing her during the busiest season of the year in order to hire you for a few weeks. I'm sure you can understand, sweetie."
"I understand, Dad," Marinette replied dejectedly, shoulders slumped. As disappointed as she was, she could never ask her parents to let their employee go for her sake. They always supported her in her dreams, though Marinette knew that they had hoped to pass the bakery down to her. It was good for them to find someone who had a true interest in baking. "Who did you hire to help you?"
Sabine opened her mouth to answer, but was cut off by the ringing of the bell at the front door. Turning from their place in the kitchen, the group saw a young woman holding an apron in the crook of her elbow.
"Marinette?!"
Gasping in surprise and recognition, Marinette exclaimed, "Tikki?! You work for my parents?"
Tom looked between the two girls in confusion. "You two know each other?"
Not yet recovered from her shock, Marinette blubbered and was happy that Tikki was able to coherently answer for her. "Yes, sir! We met yesterday on the subway. I thought you looked familiar, Marinette, but had no idea you were the famous Marinette Dupain-Cheng! What are the odds?"
After taking a deep breath, Marinette responded. "It sure is funny how things work out, huh?" She nervously giggled, embarrassed by their first encounter. Still, Tikki seemed friendly and genuine, so Marinette hoped to befriend her. After all, they were probably going to see each other quite often.
"Alright, that's enough standing around," Sabine announced. "Let's get to work!"
Tikki removed her signature peacoat and revealed the white baker's uniform underneath. She followed Tom into the kitchen as Sabine escorted Marinette to the door. "Your father and I really are sorry, Marinette. You're dressed beautifully today, why don't you go out and look for a place to work?"
Marinette looked down at her long sleeved gray dress. She had sewn it last year and decided to pair it today with black tights and knee high black boots. A pale pink belt around her waist added a pop of color. She decided to tie her hair in a top knot on the crown of her head, her signature hairstyle these days.
"Alright, Mom, I'll be back by noon. Wish me luck!" she called out after sliding into a long pink peacoat.
Several hours later, Marinette's feet hurt and she couldn't feel her cheeks. "It's w-w-way t-too cold for th-this," she groaned to herself, teeth chattering. It was past noon and Marinette had lost track of how many businesses she visited in her search. Unfortunately no one seemed to be hiring, but she didn't want to return home defeated, so she kept walking. As she passed by an alleyway she heard a soft mewing. Pausing in her gait, she turned towards the alley and waited quietly. A couple minutes passed and she was almost convinced she hadn't heard anything at all when another mew cut through the air. She headed toward the sound and overturned the boxes and trash that littered the area.
After flipping over a pile of newspaper, Marinette was met with a small black kitten with wide chartreuse eyes. It's expression looked afraid, but the creature was too stiff from the cold to dart away. She held her hand to it's nose to sniff before lifting the kitten into her arms. After feeling it shiver, she unfurled her scarf, wrapped it around the ball of fur, and began her trek home.
"Marinette, we were getting worried about you! It's almost two o'clock!" Sabine exclaimed, rounding the counter when Marinette entered the bakery.
"I'm sorry for scaring you, Mom," she sighed while her mother wrapped her in a tight hug.
Releasing her daughter, Sabine looked up to her and inquired, "Well, did you find any work?"
"No, but I did find this," Marinette replied, exposing the black kitten cradled in her arms.
"Oh my goodness, poor thing, out there in the cold! Take it upstairs and put some milk on the stove. There are some old towels underneath the bathroom sink you can wrap it in once Tikki comes out. Poor thing," she cooed, pushing Marinette past her confused father and up the steps.
After opening the apartment door Marinette got to work immediately She set the kitten on the sofa and laid her coat over his still shivering body. Luckily her parents were adventurous bakers, so they had a small carton of goat's milk that she poured into a saucepan. Once steam started rising from the surface she tested the temperature against her inner wrist. Deeming it safe for kitten consumption, she carefully transported the liquid to a saucer that she placed in front of the creature. He jumped up and began lapping the warm milk without wasting any time.
"Oh my goodness, what a cutie! Who do we have here?" Tikki exited the bathroom and knelt in front of the starving cat.
"A stray," Marinette responded, "I found him in an alley. Poor thing was half froze."
"He's very fortunate that you found him, although I don't think he's a stray."
Marinette knit her brows in confusion. "What makes you say that?"
"Look," Tikki reached her hand towards his neck and pulled on a piece of black ribbon that blended into his fur, revealing a small golden bell. "It's likely that he darted out of the door when someone opened it. The cat I grew up with was a notorious escape artist. I wouldn't be surprised if his owner was looking for him as we speak."
Alarmed, Marinette jumped to her feet. "Oh no, they must be worried sick. I'll have to get the word out that he's here."
"Let me help you!"
Pausing, Marinette turned to Tikki. "Aren't you working right now?"
The young woman shrugged her shoulders. "I'm sure they won't mind if I take off a couple hours early, especially if it's to help their daughter. I'll ask and come right back, okay?"
Marinette simply nodded her head. It wasn't long before Tikki returned, now off the clock. The pair took pictures of the cat and printed out as many flyers as they could. They began to post them around the city, concentrating on the area nearby where the cat was found. Shivering, the girls found themselves pulling their coats tighter and tighter as the sun began to set.
"I really hope the owner sees these posters. He's a cute kitten, but I want to see him reunited with his family."
"Me too, Tikki," Marinette replied, keeping in stride with Tikki. They only had a few more sheets to post before heading back to the bakery.
"Well, the only thing we can do is hope and wait. Oh, by the way, how did your job search go?"
Groaning, Marinette answered, "Not well. It doesn't seem like anyone is hiring. Or maybe it's my chronic bad luck."
"Bad luck?" Tikki asked in curiosity.
"Oh, the worst. Ever since I was little I've had a knack for being unlucky. I always managed to trip on air, the school bully was in my class every year and had a personal vendetta against me, no matter what time I start going somewhere I'm always late, and the list goes on. One time when I was fifteen we had a national television show filmed at our house and they broadcasted live in my bedroom, showing my photos of my celebrity crush at the time! It was so humiliating!"
Tikki couldn't help but laugh. "Marinette, we all go through embarrassing situations. That doesn't make you unlucky!"
"Easy for you to say," she grumbled.
"Well, if you're convinced you have bad luck, maybe you need to get some good luck in your life!"
"Yeah, because bottles of it are being sold on the street corner."
Tikki stopped and frowned at her friend's pessimism. Marinette turned to face her once she noticed she was walking alone and saw Tikki digging through her purse rather forcefully. "What are you looking for?"
"I," shove, "am," grab, "looking," grunt, "for... Ah, here it is!" She produced a small octagonal box with a red oriental design on top.
"Just how much do you carry in your purse?" Marinette wondered.
Tikki laughed again. "Way too much, probably, but I can't bring myself to empty it. Many people have called me their lucky charm because my bag seems to have exactly what they need. Speaking of, I think it's time you have a lucky charm of your own!" She stretched the box towards Marinettet skeptical face.
"A lucky charm?"
"Open it! My grandmother gave these to me and said they contained ladybug luck!"
Marinette quickly held her palms up. "Your grandmother? I couldn't possibly accept this!"
Tikki grabbed Marinette's hand and wrapped her fingers around the box. "Too late, I already gave it to you. Besides, my grandmother taught me to always help people wherever I go in life and I believe these will help you."
Hesitantly, Marinette opened the box. Inside was a pair of round, solid black earrings. "You said these have... Ladybug luck?"
"Yep!" Tikki announced with a grin. "My family has a legend that whoever wears these earrings will be blessed with the miraculous luck of the ladybug, the best kind of luck there is. I wore them when I interviewed to work at your parent's bakery and they hired me despite only knowing how to make chocolate chip cookies. I've learned so much from them and I love working there. I also wore them when I found you in the subway and I can tell we are going to be great friends already. So, as your friend, I want to pass on my ladybug luck to you. Please wear them Marinette!"
Marinette looked down at the earrings, then to the imploring eyes of her new friend. She found that she couldn't deny Tikki's request. "Alright, I'll wear them. But only until the end of December! They belong in your family."
"Oh, thank you Marinette!" Tikki hugged her tightly. "I promise you won't regret it!"
They finished hanging the flyers and headed back to the bakery. After giving the kitten a kiss on the nose, Tikki headed to her apartment. Marinette went upstairs to her bedroom and looked at the box.
"What's the worst that could happen? Let's see if these actually work," she said, slipping the earrings on. Curled up in bed, Marinette fell asleep and wondered if her life would finally start looking up.
