Second Chance
Chapter 4
Disclaimer: I do not own the series Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. No copyright intended. I do own the story line, because I made that all up with my brain. AU Story. Enjoy :)
The Next Day
"Luka, I have to go." I said smiling as I tried getting out of his grasp.
I managed to get halfway into the school building before Luka stopped me, pulling me in for a kiss. He smiled at me then gave me butterfly kisses, unable to unclaim my lips. It was sweet. It was also going to make me late.
"Just one more." He pleaded and I sighed.
Standing on my tiptoes, I pulled him down to be and kissed him, long and hard. His arms instinctively held me to him as he pulled me closer. By now a crowd had gathered and I swear I heard Nino in the background whistling at us. I gave him one last sweet kiss before pulling away.
"Better?" I asked.
"Better." He said, smirking.
"Now that is how you kiss someone." Alya says coming up to meet me.
"Know what? I've had enough of this crap!" Nino complained, then he grabbed Alya, almost tripping her in the process as he lifted her up and kissed her, passionately.
I giggled at their interaction, "I think you started something babe." I told Luka, smirking.
Luka chuckled as Nino then set a flustered and dizzy Alya down, carefully helping her regain her footing.
"There. How's that for spontaneous?" Nino challenged.
"10/10, I love you." Alya said, grinning widely at her boyfriend.
"Good cause I don't wanna hear another thing about Luka, got it!" Nino yelled at her.
Alya nodded, "I'm sorry, Nino."
"Good, now get your ass into that classroom before I punish you!" He said, pointing towards the classroom.
Alya blushed mad red and did what she was told, I was shocked to see her actually listen to someone. I looked over to Nino, eyebrows raised. He looked over at me and grimaced.
"Don't ask." He said as he walked towards the classroom.
"Do I even want to know?" Luka asked.
I laughed, "Alya has been getting on Nino's case about being more spontaneous and dominating. She's gotten ideas from what I've told her about us and-"
I got cut off by Luka leaning into me, smirking that devilish smirk of his. "Oh? You think I'm spontaneous and dominating?"
I blushed, "W-well-maybe-sort of, I-I just-um-"
"Oh my. I think I brought back your stutter, Ma-Ma-Marinette." He said, smirking.
He was enjoying this, me a blubbering mess at revealing my not so innocent side, that asshole. I shoved him away and puffed out my cheeks annoyed with him and myself for not controlling my blush and stutter.
"Don't go getting a big head over it-"
He laughed, "Mari, that's private." He said in mock surprise, hand over his chest, insinuating the double meaning.
I could feel my entire face heat up as I blushed madly at his bluntness, cocky asshole.
"I just told her about the times you'd surprise me."
"Oh, like this?" He said as he grabbed my ass.
I gasped and looked around, we had a few eyes on us, most of those eyes being my classmates. "Luka, quit it."
He laughed at my shyness and stood up straight, then kissed my nose. "You are so adorable when you're embarrassed."
I rolled my eyes, "I'm so glad you're getting a kick out of my mortification." I said, sarcastically.
He chuckled then kissed my cheek, "I'll pick you up tonight. 7 pm."
I smiled and raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Do you have something in mind?"
"I'm taking you out. It's about time we went on a proper date."
"And where are we going on this proper date that you've sprung on me at the last minute."
"Oh that you'll just have to wait and see. It'll be the best date you've ever had, you'll be completely swooning over me." He said, mischievous smirk and all. Making him that much more attractive.
I giggled, "Alright. Impress me."
I then kissed his cheek one last time then headed inside, going to class while Luka goes to work. I spent the whole day wondering what he was planning on this special date.
Time Skip: 7 pm
"Wow, so far so good Couffaine." I said as he pulled out my chair.
He took me to a beautiful restaurant with outside dining, twinkling lights hanging all above us looking like stars. He smiled as I sat down, setting my purse on the table.
"Thank you." I said to him as he pushed me in as well.
Tonight I decided to wear something simple, a cute light pink off shoulder dress, with trumpet sleeves and frill at the bottom. Also wearing light make-up and my pink ballet flats as my hair is down, brushed into even low pigtails that I have the sides braided into. Luka cleans up well too, wearing a teal suit with a white dress shirt, the top buttons undone.
"You're very welcome."
The waiter comes out with a bottle of wine, "Here we are Dom Perignon, may you taste the stars tonight."
"Merci, monsieur." Luka said to the waiter.
The man bowed as he poured our drinks. "Enjoy, mademoiselle and monsieur, your dinner will be served momentarily."
"Merci." Luka and I said to the waiter at the same time.
He smiled then left and I looked over to Luka. "You already ordered for us?"
He just shrugged and smirked and swirled his wine, wanting to toast. I giggled as we clinked glasses, hesitating for a moment before I drank any. You're not really supposed to drink while pregnant but if I don't he will know something is up and I really don't want to ruin this night he's planned for us. Just a sip couldn't hurt. The liquid went down my throat bubbling the whole way, it was actually really good. Our food got here in no time like he said, I'll have to give them props for being quick. Though they may have already prepared it in advance given how far Luka went to set this all up. A plate of chicken confit was set in front of me while a plate of salmon en papillote was set in front of Luka.
"Enjoy." The waiter said as we bowed and took his leave.
"Before we begin, a gift. For you, Marinette." Luka said, as he pulled out a velvet box from his jacket pocket.
I took the box with a smile on my face, opening it. "Luka, you know I'm not a material- oh my gosh! Luka, this is so beautiful."
Inside was a beautiful sterling silver necklace that had a heart shaped sapphire in the middle of it and a little 'L' letter charm next to it. I looked up at him smiling so widely, as he held up his wrist to show me it was a matching set. He had a silver charm bracelet on with a peridot heart shaped gem and the letter 'M' next to it. Our birthstones and initials, how sweet. And the night just started but he's already won in my book. Best boyfriend ever. I carefully took it out holding it up for a better view and I fell in love with it. Luka got out of his seat and came around to help me put it on. Kissing my cheek. I leaned back to capture his lips before he pulled away, kissing him gently. He pulled away first with a smile as he went to sit down.
"Thank you so much, Luka. I love it so much, I'll never take it off." I vowed as I held his hand across the table.
"I'm glad you like it." He said with a smile.
Shortly after we started eating and engaged in some small talk, once we were done, dessert came out and the music played softer. I smiled as I got up and took Luka's hand, pulling him onto the dance floor. I put one of his hands at my waist as I took the other. Laughing to myself as I realized I should have worn heels. He's 6'3" to my mere 5'6", I stand on my tiptoes as we start to dance. He lifts my feet off the ground, spins me around as it feels like I'm falling and I get lost in his eyes. I realized then that he showed me something that I couldn't see and opened my eyes as he made me believe this kind of love was real. The kind of love you read about in fairy tales, the kind of love my parents have. Now would be the best time as any. Tell him Marinette. I looked into his loving gaze and sighed.
"Luka, I-" he cut me off with a sweet kiss.
"I love you too, Marinette."
Not what I was going to say. I tried to hide my frown and just enjoy the rest of the night with him. We spent the rest of the night walking along the River Seine until we came back to the houseboat where he set up a little picnic blanket for us with a bunch of throw pillows around us in a circle, chocolate covered strawberries to the side and his acoustic guitar.
"Luka, what is all this?"
"For you. I wrote a song, would you like to hear it?"
"I'd love to."
I took off my shoes as I laid down on the blanket, an arm supporting my weight as I sat cross-legged and grabbed the guitar. Clearing his throat before he began.
He took a deep breath then started playing the tune he feels as me, I gasped at the realization. Luka smiled at my first reaction. He was telling our story.
"You crashed into my life so unexpectedly. I first thought you were a funny girl, always tripping over words and your own two feet."
I could feel my heart flutter in my chest, he wrote a song for me. I smiled and giggled remembering the first time we met, I was so nervous. Due to social anxiety not because I thought he was attractive. Okay maybe a little. Luka smiled as he sang.
"You're clear as a music note, sincere as a melody. You've been the music playing inside my head since the first day we met. I never want it to end."
My smile grows wider as I realize he used his confession to me the day Bob Roth tried ripping off Kitty Section and made them lyrics to his song for me. My heart swelled with so much love and joy towards him.
"You are a good daughter and a good friend but to me you'll always be the most extraordinary girl."
Tears brimmed my eyes as he looked into mine, filled with so much love for me it made my heart ache. He continued playing the tune as he closed his eyes, I closed mine too and felt the music all around me like a breeze in the wind. This was hands down the best night ever. He set the guitar aside once he was done and I kissed him.
"You were right, I am totally swooning over you. You are the sweetest, most thoughtful, romantic boyfriend ever. What did I ever do to deserve you?"
He chuckled as he held me, both of us falling to the floor and laying down on the pillows.
"What can I say? I'm a man of many talents." He said, smirking.
"Yes. Yes you are and it just makes me love you all the more."
He smiled as he leaned in and I gladly closed my eyes as we kissed right there under the stars. Ending the perfect night.
Time Skip: 2 weeks later
"Nice to see you again. How are you doing, Marinette?" Dr. Mackenzie asks me as I lay on the table.
My shirt lifted up as mom was sitting next to me in the chair. "I'm okay."
"That's great. Have you made your decision?"
"Yes. I'm having this baby." I answered confidently.
"That's fantastic news, congratulations are in order then. You are now 6 and a half weeks long. I've done the calculations and predict your due date to be October 24th and your conception date around January 28th-30th. It's a ball part estimation but as you get further in your pregnancy we'll be able to tell the exact dates."
Mom gasped realizing, "It was at the party wasn't it? Oh gosh."
"Mama, I'll talk to you about it later." I told her as I held her hand.
"Right, well today we will be able to check the baby's heartbeat. I'm going to be using some gel, it will be a little cold but you'll get used to it. Ready?"
I nodded and laid back as she put the gel on my lower abdomen and moved around the heart monitor. At first it was just a bunch of static until there it was. The first ba-bum. I looked over at my mom, seeing if she heard it too and I'm not just hearing things. She nodded and smiled as tears filled her eyes. She grabbed my phone for me and took a video of my doctor finding the baby's heartbeat, so we can remember this moment. After the appointment, she made one for another two weeks where we will be having my first ultrasound. Mom and I left and as promised, I explained to her what happened the night of the party and how that makes the most sense for me getting pregnant. I wasn't thinking clearly at all, partly because I was drunk and partly because I just didn't want to. We had a lot of sex that night, some I remember and some that's still a blue but from what Juleka said, we were going at it all night. Mom was disappointed how I got so drunk but didn't get super mad at me like I expected her to.
"Have you told Luka yet?" She finally asked as we pulled up to the school.
I bit my lip and looked away, "Not exactly."
Mom gasped and I turned to look at her as she was getting the doctor's note and her note to the school about my tardy. We were able to get an appointment first thing in the morning, I'd be back to school just in time for history, the class before lunch.
"Marinette, you have to tell him. He's the father, he has a right to know. This baby won't just affect your life, it will affect his too." Mom scolded.
"I-I know, mama, I know. I-I'm just scared…"
"Scared of what honey? I see everyday how much that boy loves you. I have every confidence that you two will find a way to make this work."
"Yeah and what if you're wrong mama? What if he knows and he drops everything for me. Drops his music, his dreams, drops all of it, for me. Settling for some job that he doesn't want to provide for us. What if he is miserable and spends his life regretting everything. Regretting me."
Mom sighed, "Oh Marinette, honey-"
I cut mom off by getting out of the car, "I've gotta get to class. I'll see you at home."
With that I walked up the stairs to the main doors and heard my mom's car drive off in the distance. I knocked on the door before I entered the classroom. Ms. B turned around and smiled at me, welcoming me back to class. I set the doctor's note on her desk then took my seat next to Alya. I looked on the board to find what history lesson we were on in the textbook so I could catch up. When I looked down to flip to a clean page in my notebook I saw a slip of paper and Alya's hand retreating. I opened the note.
It read, "Where were you this morning?"
I sighed and wrote back, "Doctor's check up on my IUD."
I hated how easily the lie came.
She tapped on the next note, "Why didn't you tell me? You've been distant the past few days. Are you sure that you are okay?"
I looked over and smiled at her, then wrote, "100%" and slipped it back to her.
She let it go but I could feel her skeptical gaze on me though the class and the rest of the school day. By the end, all of us decided to go over to Juleka's to watch the rehearsal, well everyone else did, I however brought my sketchbook and art supplies as I came up with concept ideas for the updated looks. I swayed to the music that was blasting out of the speakers. A sweet melody that turned into one of edgy, emotions wrapped all in one. The music then stops abruptly, then yelling. Ayla and I look over to see what the commotion is all about.
"Why don't you play the chord right, dipstick!" Juleka yelled at her brother.
"The hell are you talking about Jules? I am!" Luka yelled back.
"No, you're not. Rose and I changed it to this." Juleka yelled, then played a different tune all together on her bass, a lot of rifts and heavy notes that reminded me of '80's music.
"Well no one told me about it!"Luka yelled back.
I shook my head and smiled a little at the bickering siblings. I swear the only time I hear Juelka's voice is when she's yelling at her brother. I couldn't stifle my laughter, which led to breaking the tension and all eyes were on me.
I waved my hands, dismissively. "I-I'm sorry. It's just that you guys are so cute when you fight."
I put a hand over my heart as I couldn't control my laughter.
"I'll take that as a call for needing drinks. How about a 10 minute break, everyone?" Ivan announces.
Luka sets his guitar next to a speaker and walks up over to me, "If you think that's adorable then you should have been here this morning. She was yelling at me for using her eyeliner."
I raised an eyebrow at him, and he smirked. "What? I don't look this good naturally."
"Pffft, yeah okay. You're gorgeous."
"Oh?" He said, slyly.
Blush rose to my cheeks as I realized what I just said. "I-I didn't-you're not-not good looking. I-I was only. Ugh!" I said, getting flustered.
His grin grew wider as my cheeks grew pinker, he always does this, finds it absolutely hilarious. He then kissed my cheek and took my sketchbook out of my hands.
I gasped at the sudden loss of it, "Luka!"
He held a finger up to me and shushed me. My jaw dropped and I scuffed, "Did you seriously just shush me?'
"Hold on." He said, putting his finger on my lips. I pouted at him annoyed and looked away, rude.
His eyes studying my designs, I blushed a little more as he flipped to the page I was sketching of him. He was posing, his leg up and arm over his guitar between his legs. I had him wearing one of the outfits I had designed, it was a vest with snake skin bordering the hem, a plain white shirt underneath. The vest had a bunch of patches on it from other bands and I drew a different one for the band's logo. I drew a cat face hissing as the logo, his pants were ripped jeans, the band name written on his pant leg with a three-row pyramid belt, similar bracelets and accessories that he wears. He then flipped to the next page and the next all nods of approval.
"These are great, baby, you certainly have an eye for creativity."
He kissed my cheek as I smiled at his praise. Rose then came up to me and handed me a bottle of kiwi strawberry flavored water, my favorite.
"Oh, Marinette! Are these your new designs?!" Rose asked, eyes sparkling with delight.
I grinned sheepishly, "Y-yeah, what do you think?"
She flipped through my sketchbook in awe, taking it from Luka. Luka wasn't the only one with a full page. I did one of each of the band members, Ivan, Juleka, and Rose. I ditched the kitty masks that we always used and just sketched in some make-up designs. I also ditched the shoulder pads and everything else, I made different outfits for each member that shows their personality. I hadn't gotten a chance to color them all in but they got the jist by looking at them in black and white.
For Rose I drew her waving like she usually does with a smile, wearing a strapless dress that had 3 rows of ruffles with a jean jacket that looked similar to Luka's vest. I drew her wearing fishnet stockings and knee length converse with the band name on the laces. Her make-up was light, then dark around the eyes where a diamond shape was on her left eye. A headband with a rose on it along with other bracelets and accessories. For Juleka I drew her with her hand at her ear, putting hair behind it with a half smile. I drew her wearing a black lace crop top, the sleeves long and puffed out, a jacket like Rose's then with a plaid skirt with a chain looping around it. I had her in black fishnet tights and wedge boots that cover half her calf, the laces similar to Rose's. Her makeup was of a star over her right eye.
For Ivan I drew him with his right hand behind his neck, and his left in his pocket, a half smile on his face. Like Luka, I drew him with a vest that had our logo on it, with a t-shirt underneath that reads our band name. I drew him with camo style cargo shorts with a chain attached to his belt loop and lastly in combat boots. His make up had our original Kitty Section logo on his cheek along with Luka and the girls.
"These are fantastic! I guess all that is needed now is to make these into a reality. I can't wait to see how they turn out, Marinette!" Rose exclaimed, excitedly.
I smiled, knowing how much they like my designs really makes me feel one-hundred times better. I always second guess myself but their compliments give me all the reassurance that I need.
"Thank you, I'll do my best." I told them all.
"They will be great babe, I know you can do it." Luka encouraged me.
I nodded then got back to work on the sketches, coloring them in. Other than this, I'll have to take a day to go shopping. It's going to take a lot of materials to make these come to a reality but I have the utmost confidence in myself to get it done. Hours passed and everyone went home, Juleka and Rose went down to watch a movie as I lounged in a chair listening to Luka play his guitar. I love moments like this, seeing him so peaceful like this makes me know that he was born to play music. It's so beautiful it would be a crime not to share his gift with the world. It's simply amazing how he can communicate through music. I stretch and get up.
"I should head home, dad will need my help in the morning with the bakery." I told Luka.
"Let me walk you home."
I nodded and waited for him to slip on his usual blue hoodie that he's had forever. Taking my hand he walks me home. The walk is sweet and silent mostly but nice, just being near him makes me feel at peace. I sigh, I should tell him now. I can't keep putting it off forever. We got just outside the bakery when I turned to him.
"Luka, listen, there's something-" I started.
"Marinette?! Is that you? Honey, can you come in for a minute to help mom with customers!" Dad yelled.
I turned around and noticed all the people outside, waiting to be served. I sighed. Another time then.
"Yeah, papa, I'll be right there."
I turned back to Luka, he gave me a quick kiss. "You'd better go. I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"
I sighed, "Y-yeah I guess."
"Don't look so down. Here." He said, slipping off his hoodie and draping it over me.
"So it'll be like I'm next to you tonight. Well, I better get home and get ready for the night shift I picked up tonight. I love you."
"I love you too, Luka."
He kissed my cheek then walked away. I sighed as I brought his hoodie closer to me, loving how it still smells like him. Then I went inside to help my mom with the long line of customers.
Time Skip: One Month Later: End of March
Well things didn't go exactly as planned as both Luka and I were starting to get busy. He picked up more shifts at work when he wasn't rehearsing and as for me, I spent most of my free time between secret doctor's appointments, crafting stores and working tirelessly on the new outfits for Kitty Section. The Spring Jubilee was in 3 weeks, on April 24th when the first day of spring break officially starts. It's now March 30th and I'm 9 weeks pregnant now. And the time that we did get to spend together has been a little…weird lately, mostly because I've been weird. I freaked out one morning as I looked at myself in the mirror, discovering that I was starting to get a small baby bump. I definitely have to tell him soon, I can't keep it a secret any longer now that I'm starting to show. I'm still able to hide it with a hoodie for now but I won't always be able to. It's not like I'm doing it on purpose, every time I think I have the chance to, something always comes up and I miss my moment and chicken out.
Tonight all of us are going over to the Couffaine's to have dinner together, dad's even made some desserts for the special occasion. Mom was brushing off my dress as she was looking over any final touches before we drove over to the houseboat. Mom was really set on me wearing a traditional Chinese dress but because of how fitting it was, it showed my bit of baby bump. It was beautiful, red with a golden design on it and I had matching red ballet flats to go with it. I told her it was fine and if anyone asked I'd simply say that I was on my period and was bloated because of it. She even did my hair, curling it and putting it in a ballerina bun with a part of my hair going around it in a braid. Putting a red gem hair pin in to complete the look, the only thing I told her that I wouldn't change is the necklace that Luka bought me on our date, I have it safely kept under my dress as the collar comes up to my neck.
Ankara greeted us as soon as we stepped foot onto the deck. I was carrying some macaroons as mom was carrying her chicken casserole that she made for the night. Luka came up to me and paused as he looked me up and down.
"You look gorgeous tonight, Mari."
"Thank you, maman insisted on tradition."
"It suits you. I love it when you embrace your heritage." He complimented.
Mom pats his shoulder, "Such a good young man. It's good that you are so accepting of other cultures. Maybe I'll teach you some traditional Chinese painting one of these days."
Luka smiled, "I would be honored, Mrs. Cheng."
"So respectful. You've raised an amazing son Anarka." Mom said, smiling at Luka and patted his cheek affectionately.
Ankara laughed as she set the table, "Likewise Sabine. Marinette is a sweet girl, always helping me without even asking her."
"Don't think I forgot about you, darling. You are equally exquisite." Mom said to Juleka as reached out her arms and she hugged her.
"Thank you Mrs. Cheng." Juleka said.
We all sat down around the table that was brought up on deck and set up. Everyone fell into a comfortable conversation, some about school, some about the exciting news of Kitty Section and the upcoming Spring Jubilee, sharing laughs and having an overall good time.
"You know I have to say, I am simply over the moon about you two being together. A perfect match if I ever saw one." Ankara commented, looking at Luka and I.
Juleka snorted. "Please, it was bound to happen. Knowing what I know, it was only a matter of time before they started ripping each other's clothes off." She said sarcastically.
Dad choked on his dinner roll and had to take a drink of water, mom helped him calm down so he wouldn't choose.
"Juleka!" Ankara scolded.
"Sorry, Mr. Dupain." Juleka said, sheepishly.
Dad cleared his throat as he slowly recovered, "It's quite alright, Juleka. I'm well aware of all of that but just hearing it put so bluntly, just a bit of a shock. Marinette will always be my little girl to me." Dad said fondly, looking at me.
"Dad, really?" I said, giggling.
"Really." He said back with a smile.
"What about your love story Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng? I'd love to hear it." Luka said, changing the subject.
I smiled, practically giddy as this was my favorite story ever. My parents looked lovingly at each other.
"Do you want to tell it, Tom, or shall I?" Mom asked him.
"You can this time, you have a way of making sound so magical." He said, lovingly.
I giggled as I watched them. Mom smiled and cleared her throat.
"Well, let's see. It began when I was a college student here. I was 21 years old when I had saved up enough money to study abroad at this very prestigious art school here in Paris. I was running late to my orientation when I met Tom right in front of Andres ice cream cart. I had dropped some of my art supplies in my rush and Tom was just being a kind person to help me pick them up. Our hands touched briefly and it was like an electric shock between us. It was love at first sight."
Luka chuckled, "Now I know where Marinette gets her clumsiness from."
Mom laughed along with him. "That's such a beautiful story." Ankara commented.
I giggled, "Mom, tell them about the time Dad fell into the flour."
Mom laughed while dad grumbled. "We can skip that story."
"Why? It's so sweet."
Dad looked at mom and caved. "Well, Marinette's father has a bit of a clumsy streak himself. While we were still dating, Tom thought he would impress me with all the things he could bake. His father was there along with him showing me some of their family's old recipes. But Tom got a little competitive and as he had to grab more flour from the back, he slipped on an egg that fell on the floor and flour went everywhere. He was covered in it, head to toe. Of course I was laughing but I tried helping him up and I ended up falling too. It was the sweetest thing in the world to me." Mom said.
Everyone laughed at the story, loving it almost as much as I did.
"What about you Anarka? What was your love story?" Dad asked.
Ankara scuffed, "An ol' sad tale. I was young once too, fallin in love like everyone else except of course I had to fall for the lead singer of a band. I was 18 when I fell for the rebel, who had dreams of becoming a rockstar someday. I ended up pregnant with Luka but his music was more important. He came poking around once trying to find me and that's when I ended up pregnant with Juleka but he took off on tour before I could even tell him about the baby let alone the two year old he already had being watched by my mother. He hasn't been around since."
"Maybe it's because he doesn't even know we exist." Juleka muttered.
"Jules." Luka warned her, shaking his head.
Juleka scuffed, "What? I know you want to know more about him too. She never talks about him or anything. But one dinner with Marinette and her parents and you're ready to tell all about it? Why is that? It's your fault he's never come around to find us because you never told him about us. I get you were young and scared and thought he didn't want to be a dad but how could you know that for sure, mom? You never even gave him a chance!" She said to her mother, the most anger I've ever seen came out of her at once.
Ankara slammed her hand on the table, "Juleka Anne, that's enough! You will never talk to me like that or disrespect me again. I am your mother. I did what I had to for you and your brother and lord, it was not easy but I did it. Go to your room now and don't come back out until you're ready to apologize to me and our guests."
"But mom!"
"Now, Juleka Anne!"
She screamed in frustration and went to her room, we all could hear her door slam as. The way Anarka jumped was as if she heard a gunshot. I just got the urge to go over and hug her but I thought better of it. The mystery of who Luka and Juleka's dad was has always been a sore subject for her. And honestly I can relate to her on a deeper understanding now more than ever. I absentmindedly touch my stomach as dad clears his throat.
"Anarka, I apologize. I didn't mean to surface old wounds."
Ankara sighed as she sat back down and poured herself a big glass of wine. She gulped it down and sighed.
"It's alright Tom. She's right. There was a lot I should have done differently but my babies are all grown, time had long since passed." She said, slouching in her chair.
"C-Could you at least tell us his name?" Luka asked, hesitantly.
Ankara sighed thinking, "Jay. At least that's what I always called him."
Luka's eyes widened, "Jay? As in my middle name."
She nodded as she reached over and caressed Luka's cheek, "You're so much like him, my boy, yet so different."
"Maybe it's time for us to go-" Mom started saying.
Ankara got up and waved her hand, "No, please, don't let me spoil yer dinner. I'll go talk to your sister." She said to Luka, giving him a squeeze on his shoulder.
"Lord, give me strength to handle this child." She muttered as she went down the stairs.
We all sighed in the awkward silence, "Well, that went well." I said.
Everyone laughed, breaking the tension. Mom looked around the table, most of everyone had finished their dinner and dessert that dad brought, before all the chaos broke out. All that was really left was the clean up. She stood up behind dad, hand on his shoulders.
"Well in any case it's late so Tom and I are going to head out. Luka, please do thank your mom for the lovely evening. We would love to do this again sometime. Marinette, honey, are you coming home with us or staying over?"
"Um. I think I'll stay over if that's okay." I answered, standing up with her and dad.
Mom nodded, "Alright." She hugged me tight, "Be safe, I love you."
"I love you too, mom."
Dad then scooped both of us in a bear hug, "Goodnight sweetheart." Dad said.
I smiled, "Goodnight papa."
After my parents left for the night, I helped Luka clean up. I could tell that the conversation between his mom and Jules had upset him. We could still hear Anarka and Jules go at it in the background but we blocked it out. I was hesitant as I didn't want to push the subject but seeing him focusing so much on cleaning the same plate while doing the dishes was starting to bug me. I set my hand over his and leaned down so I could look up at his face, expression unreadable. I moved my hand to his cheek and turned his face to look at me, I looked into his eyes and there they were. Small fresh tears were forming. I had never seen Luka cry and I hated it. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheeks as if I could kiss the sadness away. He just pulled me close then and hugged me, we pulled away and I tugged at him. Leading him to his bedroom and closing the door, it was pitch dark in there, the only light we had was the moon reflecting off the water. I carefully got out of the dress and set it to the side of his bed as I went to his dresser and grabbed a t-shirt. I helped him out of his jeans and his t-shirt so he's comfortable, pulling his comforter close as I laid down with him. Holding him close to me. And that's all we did all night, I just held him as he cried. Today definitely wasn't the day to tell him.