(A/N: Welcome to Part Two of the Broken Series! In this part we will learn more about how Marinette fell into depression, and her recovery. I'm thinking of only having like 5-10 chapters in this series as well, and hope that each chapter is longer than the last. The plot might be different bare with me. I may have to change some things in the first part.)

"Smile because it confuses them, because it's easier than explaining what is killing you inside."

-Joker (given to me by silveristhelight)

When I was little, my life was a mess. I grew up thinking no one could love me. I would often cry at night. I couldn't sleep, so I threw myself into my school work. Or what little work I had. My parents would fight almost every night, one night it got worse. This was the night where they died. I was 8 at the time, my birthday was a week away. They had argued like they usually would and I would hide in my room like I usually would. But this time, I heard glass break. Like a glass vase or even a mirror. It was really loud and the sound resounded around the whole house. I heard sobbing and then all I heard was silence. Complete and utter silence. I decided to slowly make my way down stairs. What I found will never leave my mind. My dad was on the floor covered in blood and my mom, she was worse, she was covered in bruises and blood and a few broken bones that were out of place. I screamed and my neighbors came to check up on me. I was crying, and then my neighbor called the police. When the police arrived they took me out of the house and questioned me. I answered every question to the best of my ability. I was shaking. I felt so broken. Both my parents were dead. What was going to happen? Where would I be going? Would I have to go into foster care? Who would want me? But then my neighbor came into my line of view. Her red hair in a tight bun on her head, shined from the moonlight. She spoke in a calm voice and my breathing started to even out.

With Caline and the Police (Calines POV)

"She's an only child. She has no other family. We have no choice but to put her into Foster Care." I heard what the police said. She's an only child, and she's only 8 maybe 9. Foster care would ruin her, but do I have the space. I look over to the little girl that's sitting in a fire truck with a cloth wrapped around her. She looks so much like Audrey, well except for the hair. I heard what those 'parents' were doing. But how long will it take her to trust me. I do have the room, I haven't had the heart to clean Audrey's room, but this girl, she would love the skylight and the balcony.

"Where will she go for now? Foster care takes time." I go up to the officers, and stop in front of them. My stance is firm.

"I'll take her, this little girl should never have to go through Foster Care. I'll care for her, i'll protect her and love her." The police seemed shocked and looked at each other, one shrugged their shoulders and both shook their heads as if in agreement.

"Saves us the paperwork, go ahead Bustier. Just make sure she's safe." With a satisfied smile I head towards the girl. I stop in front of her and give her a smile.

"I'm Miss Bustier, what's your name?"

"I'm- I'm Marinette." She says timidly.

(Back to Marinette POV)

"Why hello Marinette! I know it's been a rough night but I was wondering if you wanted to stay with me for the night." I nod my head yes and slowly get up. The cloth that was wrapped around me fell off and I started to shiver.

"Here you go." The kind lady says while handing me the cloth.

"Thank you." My voice is so soft and quiet, I doubt she could hear me, but she smiles at me and picks me up into her arms. I rest my head onto her shoulders and wrap my arms around her neck. During the short walk to her house I must have fallen asleep, all I remember was feeling safe and warm in this woman's arms. The next morning I get up out of bed. I was in an unfamiliar room and I panicked at first. Then everything from that night came rushing back. Questions came to mind but I found no answers. Why did this lady make me feel so safe? Could I stay here with her? Why did she have a spare bedroom? Did something happen? I get up and walk downstairs. I see the kind lady in the kitchen making something, I walk up to the door frame and lean on it.

"H-Hello…" I say quietly and she turns around.

"Good morning sleeping beauty. How did you sleep sweetheart?"

"I slept fine." I whisper, I'm still too scared about trusting. I've been damaged emotionally. But she just smiles and nods.

"Breakfast is almost ready. I hope you like pancakes." I smile when the aroma of a home cooked meal has invaded my senses.

"I- I haven't had a home cooked meal before." I say a little more confident this time.

"Well! You're about to." I smile as she sets down a plate of 2 pancakes, eggs and 1 sausage link. I breath in a deep breathe and start eating right away. After some time I finish and drink a glass of milk that's at the corner of my plate.

"Thank you."

"It's not a problem."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I ask. Her smile fades a little.

"You remind me of my daughter, except for the hair. She was always so strong and she was adorable just like you with the freckles, blue eyes, all of it. She died when she was 7. I'll never forget that day. My husband was driving the car, Audrey in the back seat. When a semi couldn't stop and they died on impact. It's okay though. I've moved on. Marinette, would you like to stay with me for a while. I'm a teacher at the school next door. I can homeschool you and then you can go to school when your ready." I take a moment to process what she just said.

"You, you want me to stay with you. I'm not going into foster care?"

"Foster care is a horrible system full of bad people, I don't ever want you to go through what I had to. I was in foster care at your age. I was used and abused. I'll never let you go through that." I start crying, but for once I'm happy. I'm really truly happy!

"Yes please. I would love to stay with you uh-"

"Caline. My name is Caline Bustier."

"Hi, my name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng and I am 8 years old. My birthday is in 6 days, so I'll be 9 by then."

"That's great Marinette! Later today we will go shopping for some clothes, but for now you can use one of my shirts as a dress. Do you like your room?"

"I love it! And thank you for everything you've done!"

"Being happy takes time, so don't worry, everything will be alright."

-Carly

(A/N: Make sure to favorite, follow, and review! Love you guys. )