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Miraculous Divergence – Season Four Episode Three Cerise Part One
By
Celgress
Françoise Dupont School Paris, morning
The students were seated and not so patiently awaiting the start of another school day. "Adrien, where is your dad? I haven't seen him since we returned from America two weeks ago." Marinette asked.
"There is some emergency involving our cousin's family in Congo-Brazzaville. He went there shortly after we returned to Paris. My father told me our cousin runs a business involving tourism there," Adrien answered.
"I hope it's nothing serious," Marinette said.
"Ah, sounds exotic, where is Congo-Brazzaville located?" Said Lila, who had grabbed the seat next to Adrien before Nino could earlier that morning.
"It's in Central Africa." Ayla who was seated on the other side of Marinette said.
"Oh, one of those shithole countries," Lila said.
There was a collective gasp from the study body. No one could believe even Lila would say such an overtly racist thing. Following the gasp you could hear a pin drop luckily Caline Bustier arrived to start class.
"Class a new student will be joining us today. I want you all to treat her with the utmost kindness and respect. She's been through a lot recently. Please give a warm Paris welcome to Cerise Agreste cousin of our very own Adrien Agreste." Caline Bustier said encouraging everyone to clap which they did.
Marinette shot Adrien a questioning look. Adrien shrugged at Marinette. He was as lost as she was.
The door of the classroom opened to reveal a well-dressed girl of medium complexion with short brown hair and brown eyes. The first thing everyone noticed was how sad she looked. The girl was accompanied by Placide I.T aka "Gorilla" and Nathalie Sancoeur who was using her mobility segway.
Nathalie handed Caline a folder. "You'll find Ms. Agreste's paperwork is in order. Please, look after her." Nathalie said.
"Don't worry. She's in good hands." Caline said.
Nathalie turned her segway and was about to leave when Cerise tugged on her left sleeve. "Please don't go," Cerise begged pitifully.
"You'll be fine Cerise go sit with Adrien. He'll look after you." Nathalie said. For just an instant Nathalie seemed annoyed by the action but it passed quickly.
"Alright," Cerise said resigned to her fate.
"Adrien we'll be waiting for you and Cerise after class. We'll talk then. In the meantime, please watch over her." Nathalie said.
"Sure thing, Nathalie," Adrien said. Nathalie and Placide I.T left.
"Could you please move so I can sit next to my cousin? Thanks in advance." Cerise said.
"You're voice sounds funny. Is that an African accent?" Lila said remaining seated.
"Yes, I grew up in Central Africa," Cerise said.
"Poor girl, Africa is one old big shithole," Lila said eliciting another collective gasp from the class.
"Lila go sit in one of the free seats at the back, now!" Caline yelled slamming her hand down on her desk.
"Okay, but remember I have a condition," Lila said with a smirk. She made a show of slowly getting up and strolling to the back.
Cerise looked like she was about to cry. "Don't let Lila bother you. I'm Marinette by the way. I'm dating your cousin Adrien." Marinette said.
"Thank you, I'll try not to let her bother me," Cerise said taking her seat.
"Let's begin class," Caline said.
Cafeteria, noon
"My parents were conservationists. About a month ago they died. They were murdered by militant-backed poachers from the neighboring DRC, and then I was sent here to live with my godfather's family," Cerise explained having finished her background story. All the students were gathered around the table where she sat with Adrien and Marinette. Everyone listened intently to her story.
"What does 'DRC' stand for?" Luca asked.
"Democratic Republic of the Congo," Cerise asked.
"You're parents were good people. They didn't deserve what happened to them." Rose said.
"Thank you, but it still hurts. I'm an orphan. I'm all alone in the world." Cerise said.
"No, you're not alone Cerise. You have me and my dad." Adrien said taking his cousin's hands in his own. "We're family. We'll stick together. Besides I've always wanted a sister."
"You mean it?" Cerise said her eyes brightening for the first time.
"Of course," Adrien said.
"Thank you," Cerise said patting his hands before Adrien withdrew.
"And we'll be your friends, right guys?" Marinette said. "Right," Everyone answered save one person.
"Cerise I have a question?" Lila said.
"Okay," Cerise said.
"Are you gay?" Lila asked.
"I'm I what?" Cerise said stunned.
"Are you gay? See your hair is really short and only gay girls have really short hair." Lila said causing another uproar. "Chloe you're gay now. I'm right, aren't I?"
"Oh, yeah, most of us lesbians have really short hair, wear flannel, operate heavy equipment, and have nicknames like Butch and Bertha. But I'm special so I get to be pretty." Chloe said channeling her former mean-girl self.
"So, Cerise are you gay?" Lila said pressing on.
"Cerise, you don't have to answer," Marinette said glaring at Lila.
"It's okay Marinette. I don't think I'm gay or bisexual. I've always liked boys but that could change as I mature. Either way, a person's sexuality is none of your business, Lila. And I'm deeply offended by your use of homophobic and racist stereotypes." Cerise said. Everyone clapped loudly.
"Whatever, I have a condition," Lila said before leaving.
While everyone was congratulating Cerise for her victory over the dastardly Lila, Chloe spotted Sabrina who was also leaving. Chloe ran to catch up with her. "Sabrina, please wait up!" Chloe said catching Sabrina in the hallway.
"Why should I?" Sabrina said rounding on Chloe.
"Look, you have every reason to hate me I'm a terrible person," Chloe said.
"Agreed," Sabrina said.
"But I'm trying hard, very hard, to change. And more importantly perhaps I, I, I realize I love you too Sabrina. That's why I pulled that terrible stunt in America. I was infuriated when I saw you dancing with another person. My brain cried out that should be me. I know what I did was wrong and I regret it. I also know I treated you badly before and took you for granted. I didn't know how to love. My mother, she's distant. I'm not trying to excuse my behavior but rather explain it. I'm far from perfect. I'll likely never be a good person like you, or Adrien, or Marinette, or my sister Zoe, but I want to be a good person for myself and for you. I'm sorry. I apologize for my every horrible misdeed. I know I don't deserve you, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and accept me for who I am; a hot mess who wants to become something more, something better." Chloe said. Once she started she could not stop everything came rushing out.
Silence reigned for what seemed like forever before Sabrina spoke. "Maybe this is a big mistake but Chloe, I, I forgive you. And I'll help you become a better person on two conditions."
"Name them," Chloe said as tears of joy welled up in her eyes.
"You never hurt me again on purpose or anyone else who doesn't deserve it," Sabrina said.
"Done," Chloe said.
"And you pay for our first five dates," Sabrina said.
"You drive a hard bargain, but double done," Chloe said. She added with a sniff. "I love you so much, Sabrina."
"I love you too Chloe," Sabrina said.
The pair were about to kiss when the end of lunch bell rang. The hallway flooded with students. Caught up in the rush, Chloe and Sabrina giggled as they headed to class hand in hand.
The Girls' Washroom a few hours later, near the end of the day
"Excellent work my creation." Cerise said to "Lila".
"I live only to please you Master Phanastasia," Lila said.
"Don't ever call me that name again in public. I will not tolerate such recklessness, understand?" Cerise scowled admonishing her newest Sentimonster.
"Understood, I'm sorry, master," Lila said sheepishly.
"Run along before we are seen acting friendly to each other," Cerise said.
"Yes, master," Lila said before leaving the bathroom her head bowed submissively.
'I hate you Ladybug. Soon, but not soon enough for my liking, you'll pay for what you've done. I'll take everything away from you including your life, I promise.' Cerise said gazing into the mirror above the sink an expression of malice on her face.
To Be Continued
Up Next – Season Four Episode Three Part Two