Promise (Discontinued)

“Okay, so-“ Lizette swallowed the mouthful of food, swinging one of her hands to point at Marinette. “She tried to fully expel you? Because. You knew she was lying.”

“Yes. And my friends- classmates are kind of stubborn and won’t do any research. Well, Juleka and Rose did. They apologized to me but they spoke about how worried they were to be targeted next. Chloé and Sabrina know as well, but I don’t exactly get along with Chloé.” Marinette twirled a piece of her hair. She leaned in and pointed to a specific page. “Oh, this is the design I had from the last dance we had.”

“Chloé is the mayor’s daughter, right? Anyway, the entire class is stupid, is there anything else I missed? You said you left your books here now. Why did you stop bringing them with you?” The model seemed to gasp, bringing it up close to his face, “This is actually really cute. You made this yourself?”

Marinette’s smile widened as she nodded, “I did! We don’t have exactly all the space in the world, so the dress is in storage right now but if I could, I’d show you.“ She spun slightly, the first question simmering in her. “Well. One day Alya got mad at me. Something about stealing Lila’s designs for that Gabriel contest and ripped one up.”

A gasp escaped Lizette’s mouth, this time in more of a horror fashion. “No!”

“Yeah. I’m lucky it was just doodles and personal projects, not paid ones.” Marinette attempted to look elsewhere, as if somewhere in her mind she was trying to excuse it.

Lizette shook her head, “Alright, well I’ve made a decision while sitting here.” He stood, moving to toss the wrapped into the trash. They stopped right back in front of his classmate. “I’m going to stick by your side. Think of me almost like a guardian angel!”

Marinette laughed, “Okay.” But seeing the determined look on Lizette remained, her smile dropped. “Wait, you're being serious? I’m sure it’s fine, Lizette.”

“Hm. Okay, then we’re friends. You can’t exactly push away a friend, hm?” Lizette leaned to take a cream puff off of the plate. He melted, taking a seat, “I have to be friends with someone who has parents who bake.”

“It seems to be a running thing that everyone wants to be my friend for the baked goods.” Marinette kicked her feet a little. “Oh, lunch is over soon, we should head over.” She grabbed her sketchbook, shutting it.

Lizette groaned, “Fine, I guess I can actually go to school.” 

The two said goodbye to Marinette’s parents and headed back towards the school. By the time they got back to class, there was already trouble targeting the two.

“Marinette! Why would you push Lila? She was just asking to borrow notes for class.” Alya had stormed over, inches away from Marinette’s face.

A frown had formed on her lips and a look of worry crossed her eyes. “What are you talking about, Alya?”

Lila sniffed, “Alya don’t worry about it, I understand she doesn’t like me.” She practically wailed.

Alya looked to Lila with sympathy before turning back. “Right after we finished eating, Lila went to the locker room. She said you pushed her into the locker after she asked to borrow the notes from today’s class!” 

“¿Neta?” (Really?) Lizette gasped, “Damn, Marinette I had no idea you could teleport. You should have told me.”

Marinette raised a hand to cover her mouth. Her body shook for a moment with giggles.

“Are you calling Lila a liar?” Alya huffed, hands now on her hips.

“Seeing as Marinette was with me the entire time for lunch, yes.” Liz squeezed between Mari and Alya. There was now a forcible gap between the two. “You know, you’re awfully close. Mind if you back away?”

“Lizette, you don’t have to lie for Marinette.” Lila brought in her pitiful look, “I know she’s probably forcing you to be her friend.”

“Force? Why would I force her?” Marinette scoffed.

“Seriously, Marinette. Why are you doing this? You used to be so sweet.” Alya fixed her glasses. She had a look of sadness while staring at her old friend.

Laughter. Laughter escaped Lizette as he bent over. A hand was placed on his stomach. “Ha! Marinette-“ Their other hand grabbed onto the wall, leaning against it. “Marinette forcing me-“ She let out a cackle.

Alya seemed past her sadness, now turning into frustration, “Why are you laughing?” She stepped towards Lizette.

“Because Marinette can barely hurt a fly.” Lizette stepped towards Alya as well. “I mean, I ran into her and she apologized even if it was my fault. Yeah sure, I don’t know everything about her, but come on. Look at her!”

Marinette’s cheeks flushed, “This feels very backhanded!” She squeaked out.

“You know I mean it well!” Lizette turned, “Well, maybe you don’t. But anyway. Long story short, Marinette didn’t do anything. I was genuinely with her the entire time. I don’t exactly like liars, so.” She shrugged, keeping an eye on the clock. 

“Maybe it wasn’t her. Someone did bully me. She looked like Marinette. I swear. I wouldn’t lie!” Lila cried. It was a bit obvious she was grasping for straws.

Lizette climbed the steps and slipped into the seat. Marinette was quick to follow, shoving past Alya. They hummed, “Don’t you have a lying disease?” were the only few words out of Lizette’s mouth as the teacher rolled in.

The class remained silent as Bustier continued on with the lesson. It was as if they had to take the rest of class to soak in every word. For Lizette, they honestly didn’t care. The moment class ended, he stood and walked out, saying goodbye to Marinette.

Out on the street was an array of students, along with cars waiting to pick them up. There was Lizette’s brother, leaning against a car. “Hey, little sister.” He called, sliding his phone into his pocket.

Lizette, who was actively frowning, approached Dulce. “Hey. Can we go? I don’t want to stick around this place longer than I need to.” He adjusted the bag on his shoulder.

“How bad was the school day?” His face that had a smile before, turned to a face of worry. “They treating you okay?”

“We’ll talk about it at home.” They mumbled. He tried to shove past him, but got jerked back. Dulce pulled the back on his shoulder. “I said we’ll talk about it at home.” Lizette groaned.

“No. We won’t.” Dulce sighed, “Desgracia compartida, menos sentida. If you let me know, we can share this pain together.” 

“You sound so old.” Lizette grabbed the bag from her brother. “Promise me you won’t go all crazy if I tell you.”

Dulce inhaled, “Depends on what it is.” He couldn’t lie. He couldn’t give a false promise, especially when it came to his brother.

“Fine.” He couldn’t help but look away from her brother. She shuffled slightly, looking uncomfortable. “There was a girl. She was lying about knowing us. Knowing mom. When I talked about it to the teacher, the teacher didn’t do anything. Something about a lying disease. You know that’s bullshit.”

“¡No mames!” Dulce’s mouth was agape. His hand fished out the phone and typed away. He held it to his ear as it rang. There was an answer, but Lizette couldn’t hear. “Yes sir, I’ll be late. There’s been an issue at my sister’s school. Someone began to spread rumors about her and I. Along with our mother.” 

Lizette’s eyes widened. Is that Gabriel Agreste? “Dulce like I said we can handle this later-“ She was sushed as a finger was held up.

“I apologize. Yes sir, I’ll let the school know. Thank you. Goodbye.” Dulce hung up the phone. His eyes darted to the entrance and began walking.

“Dulce, hablo en serio. Parar.” He followed after. Lizette tried to swallow the lump in his throat, even when they were standing in the principal’s office.

“Ah, Mr. Santos, Lizette, what can I do to help you?” Mr. Damocles was a bit alarmed, questioning why they had just barged in.

“Lizette, tell him what happened.” Dulce moved to stare at him. “Tell him, or I will.” He hissed.

Lizette seemed to get smaller with every word. He felt a bit embarrassed, even if he was just as mad as Dulce, “Lila. That girl in my class. She was spreading a rumor that she knew my brother and I. But she also said she knew my mother. My mother is dead.” Her fist clenched. “I told Ms. Bustier and she said there was nothing that could have been done.”

Mr. Damocles tapped his desk, clearly nervous. “Well,” He swallowed, “I am very sorry that happened, but Lila Rossi has a lying disease. She happens to lie and that’s out of her control. It’s out of our control.”

“You have to be kidding.” Dulce approached the desk, “Show me the paper. The medical records that say that she has a lying disease. And even if you can show me that, there still has to be a punishment. She was lying about our dead mother. What kind of principal are you? Do you have no shame?”

“Mr. Santos! If you do not calm down I will have to call security in.” Mr. Damocles stood, backing slightly. “You’re acting a bit violent!”

“Violent? How is he acting violent?” Lizette furrowed her brows, stepping forward. “You have to understand from our side that this isn’t something that is even excusable!”

“I said what I said. Now please get out. I will call security!” He slammed hands onto his desk.

Before Liz spoke, Dulce interrupted. “Let’s get going, Liz. Now.” He grabbed her hand and walked out. His expression was sullen. 

Lizette didn’t say anything. She followed in silence. Thoughts were racing in their mind, “Why? Why was he so reactive? Dulce didn’t do anything wrong.”

Dulce had stopped suddenly, not turning around even when Lizette had run into him. There was nothing coming from him and it greatly worried her.

“Dulce? Dulce, listen. I’m sorry.” Lizette could barely muster out. There still wasn’t a response. “¿Estás bien? Dulce?”

“My name isn’t Dulce,” The voice came out, but it seemed like it wasn’t from him.

Lizette let go of her brother’s hand. He backed up, dropping his backpack. “Dulce, me estás asustando.” Her body shook, fear overwhelming her. 

A purple light emitted around her brother. Within seconds, her brother was a new person. Unlike his previous dress pants and dress shirt, he now wore an all white suit. White wings grew out of his back, extending about five feet either side. His bun was released, curls falling down to his shoulders. A golden halo floated above his head. “Lizette, my dear sister. Call me your guardian angel.”

She muttered out two words, “Holy shit.”