Forty Seven

Forty Seven


Marinette's point of view

The night was long and unrelenting, and the strain that coiled in my chest increased with every second that passed. Lucy's icy, poisonous words reverberated in my head like a menacing lullaby from which I was unable to break free. Like an obstinate record on repeat, her piercing eyes, her deliberate head tilt, and most importantly, the subtly terrifying menace she left behind, played repeatedly.

I rolled onto my side in an attempt to get away from the thoughts that were holding me, but the ceiling did not help. Restless shadows were cast on the walls by the dim light from the lamps outside that seeped through the drapes.

But what if she had not finished? It seemed that she was not the kind to give up easily.

Moon's little figure was illuminated by the warm, rhythmic light of his night lamp as his breaths filled the room. I should have been reassured by his tranquility and innocence, and in a sense I was. Even the comforting sound of his breathing, however, was insufficient to block out the unsettling thoughts that were running through my mind.

"How will I proceed?" I said softly into the silence not expecting a response but just a question I am asking myself.

I was sitting up by the time dawn arrived, with my knees drawn up to my chest as the room was softly illuminated by the early morning sun light. I sighed deeply and ran a hand through my knotted hair.

I tried to get rid of the residual nervousness by whispering to myself, "All right, Marinette. This is not the worst you have encountered. Don't allow her to get in your head." I said I went to the bathroom to wash my face before heading to the kitchen.

The scent of freshly brewed tea and a subtle trace of lavender welcomed me as I entered the kitchen. Grandma had already woken up, her recognizable figure was already occupied with the morning chores.

She said, "Good morning, sweetheart," without looking back.

"Good morning, Grandma," I said, sounding more worn out than I meant to.

Her brows furrowed as she turned to face me and assessed my looks. "You appear to have had very little sleep, hope all is well?."

I dragged a chair out and sank into it. "I didn't get enough sleep last night, I was just tossing around."

She sat across the table from me and set a hot cup of tea in front of me. "Darling, what is the matter, what are you thinking about?"

I put my hands around the cup for comfort while I paused. "It has to do with work. Someone rather, she is just someone that is giving me a tough time."

Grandma's face was marked with worry as she cocked her head. "Continue."

Before getting started, I took a zip of the tea and allowed its warmth to soothe my anxiety. "There is this woman named Lucy. She caused a stir when she visited the restaurant some days back. She accuses me of being the reason Terry declined her request to be her mentor, and has been tormenting me since then."

Grandma scowled. "Why would she hold you responsible for been rejected?"

I clarified, "Because Terry is mentoring me. She believes I do not deserve it. Among other terrible things, she branded me a charity case, and ever since then she has been finding ways to get rid of me."

The kitchen table was covered in golden warmth as the morning light poured in through the window. Across from me, Grandma sat with a warm mug of tea in her delicate hands. I pushed my own cup away, touched it very lightly, and let out a long sigh.

Grandma narrowed her gaze and tightened her hold on my hand. "Do you believe she would go as far as to actually hurt you?"

"I am not sure," I said. However, she is the kind of person that does not accept rejection. She has connections, money, and a mindset that suggests she is accustomed to getting what she wants. The last thing I want to do is take any chances."

Grandma's face hardened as she nodded attentively. "We won't take any chances atball. Moon and I will remain in the house, and I will be vigilant about anything out of the ordinary."

I was somewhat relieved by her composed decisiveness. I murmured, my voice trembling with appreciation, "Thank you."

She squeezed my hand one last time and then released it. "Marinette, that's what families are for. Enough about that woman now," she said, grinning slightly. "Let's concentrate on what we have control over. What about breakfast?"

As Grandma went around, singing softly to herself, the kitchen quickly filled with the aroma of toast and fresh eggs. I watched her with a slight smile as I leaned against the counter.

I remarked, "I'm beginning to believe that you might be able to open your own restaurant. Just to get your scrambled eggs, people would wait in line."

She waved a spatula at me while laughing. "Who would treat you to home cooked meals if I was too busy managing a restaurant?"

I teasingly said, "I think I'd survive."

With fake seriousness, she snapped out, "You would not last a week."

As I laid the table, I shook my head and laughed. My mood lifted when I heard Moon's gentle coos drifting from the living room.

Grandma looked toward the door and remarked, "It sounds like someone is awake."

I responded, "I will go get him," and started to move in the direction of the sound to pick him up.

When Moon spotted me, his large, inquisitive eyes glowed, and he extended his small hands while making sounds with a bright smile on his face. I kissed his plump cheek as I picked him up.

I held him close as I whispered, "Good morning, little man. How was your night?"

In answer, he gurgled and pulled at a lock of my hair.

As I brought him back to the kitchen, I said, "Someone's in a good mood this morning."

As she observed us, Grandma's expression softened as she turned away from the cooking gad. "When he is with his mother, he is always happy."

Cradling Moon in my lap, I took a seat at the table. I ran my fingers over his silky curls and remarked, "He is the highlight of my day."

Grandma continued in a kind voice, "And you're his world."

We laughed and told stories while eating breakfast together. As I played small games with Moon, making goofy faces or feigning to steal slices of his toast, his chuckles filled the room.

Grandma observed us and remarked, "Marinette, you are doing quite fantastic, I am proud of you"

The unexpected praise took me by surprise, and I blinked. "I am not sure of that. I am merely trying my best."

She firmly stated, "And your best is more than enough. Moon is content, healthy, and cherished. That is the only thing that counts."

Her comments touched me, and I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Grandma, thank you. Without you, I don't know what I would do."

She patted my hand from the other side of the table. "My dear, you do not have to face this alone. We work as a team."

Grandma cleaned up the kitchen after breakfast, and I played with Moon in the living room for a while. His laughing was contagious, and I lost myself entirely in the moment, putting my previous concerns aside.

"Do you think he will become a chef like his mother?" Grandma smiled and leaned in the doorway to ask.

I raised Moon above my head and made him squeal with delight as I said, "Maybe." Or perhaps he will pursue a career in science, art, or something else entirely. I will be content as long as he is."

Grandma's face softened as she nodded. "He is fortunate to have you as his mother."

I was a little reluctant to leave for work when the time came. Moon's little hands gripped my shirt as though he didn't want me to leave as I planted a kiss on his forehead.

I gave him to Grandma and whispered, "I will be back soon, baby."

"Are you certain you will be alright?" I looked at her and asked.

Grandma smiled at me comfortingly. "Marinette, we will be fine. You just concentrate on your task and let me handle the rest."

After a brief period of hesitation, I nodded. "All right. But if something seems strange, give me a call. Promise?"

With a pat on my arm, she added, "Promise. Go now. You have a pleasant day. "

I grinned as my sense of purpose returned. I took their support and love with me as I went out into the crisp morning air. I was aware that I was not alone in overcoming any obstacles that lay ahead.