Chapter 3: Leaving
Another wild, raucous party. These were getting rather tiring, but Marinette's stepmother insisted it "brought life and laughter back into the house," so who was she to argue? Although, she didn't see her father anywhere either, perhaps he disliked these as much as she did? She dodged through the crowd and headed towards his study.
"Come in!" Marinette's father replied to her knock. She entered, shutting the door behind her and cutting off the noise from the party.
"What are you doing, shut up in here all alone? Are you scared of all the people?" She teased her father.
"Actually, I'm getting ready to leave tomorrow," he replied, not even trying to tease her back.
"Oh papa, do you have to go?" She said pleadingly. "You only just got back! I never see you anymore!"
"Don't worry darling, it'll only be for a few weeks. I'll be back before you know it!" He said reassuringly.
"Now, what do you want me to bring back for you?" Her father asked. "Your sisters- sorry, stepsisters- asked for, I believe, parasols and lace."
"Bring me... Marinette hesitated, thinking. "Bring me the first branch your shoulder brushes on journey," she said firmly.
"That is a curious request," he replied, amused.
"You'll have to take it with you," she explained, "and think of me when you look at it. And when you give it to me, that means you'll have come home. That's all I really want," she finished sadly, "for you to come home. I want to spend time with you again, and you should get to know your new family better!" She pleaded.
"After this trip, I'll stay for a while. I promise," he told her.
Marinette had a sudden, dreadful thought- "and what if something happens to you, and I never see you again!" She sobbed.
"Then you must cherish this house always, for me and for your mother. She is still here, even though you see her not." He told Marinette.
"I miss her," she said and looked up at her father with teary eyes, "don't you?"
"Very much," he replied, pulling her in and hugging her.
"Now," he said, pulling away, "I want you to be good to your stepmother and stepsisters. Even if they can be... trying, at times."
Marinette could have sworn she heard someone say "hmph!" from the other side of the door, but she ignored it. "Of course, papa!" She replied. He pulled her in for another hug, and this time neither of them let go for a long while.
The next day, Marinette and her stepfamily gathered on the porch to see her father off. Chloé and Sabrina kept reminding him of their lace and parasols, but Marinette ignored them and ran after the carriage, waving until it was out of sight. Her papa was gone, and she couldn't help but think about how this could have been the last time she ever saw him.
A/N: Wow, I only posted this story a few days ago, and last I checked, I already have over 120 views! Thanks for reading my story, you guys (yes, I'm including you, sis)! This is so cool!