Chapter 7: Measurements

Once at the mansion, I hurry upstairs. Adrien doesn't follow he said he was going to wait downstairs for everyone. I go into child's pose and do deep breathing for about twenty minutes before coming up and getting everything ready. I even have a paper with their names and places to measure. Adrien walks in with everyone except Chloe.

"Hey, Marinette," Rose says in her usual peachy voice.

"Alright, I have bits of everyone's outfits. Also I am going to take some measurements," I say getting down to business.

I start with Rose. I hurry and take her measurements writing them. Then I show her a few things about her dress before showing her the sketch. Then I go to Juleka and the rest, ending with Alya. Afterwards everyone but Alya, Nino, and Adrien leave.

"Dudette, if you need us to do anything, we will," Nino says. I just nod. "Should we leave?"

"Marinette said that she isn't distracted easily when it comes to her designs. So she allows me to stay in here with her and talk, I see no issue with you guys staying a little while," Adrien says. Alya already knows that, though usually she still leave. Today is different though.

"Marinette, are you really going to be okay with having all these projects to do," Alya asks.

"Uh-huh, I will be fine," Sounding dull as I answer her.

"If you say so," Alya says.

I let them talk and chat all they want, Nathalie comes and asks if they wish to stay for dinner. They tell her yes and she turns to me.

"Marinette, Mr. Agreste is wondering how you are feeling," Nathalie says.

"Is it really that important? That is the first thing anyone all day has said to me. Please understand you all have nothing to worry about," I say harshly causing everyone else in the room to glance at me. Nathalie nods quickly and hurries out of the room.

"Girl, what was that?" Alya asks what they all are thinking.

"Nothing, now what were you talking about," I say and it drives her to talking about Ladybug. I wish I could be more in tune with the conversation.

Soon dinner comes and I have a couple dresses ready for final fittings. I hope to have all the dresses done tonight. Mr. Agreste is at the dinner table.

"Father, are you scheduled for dinner?" Adrien asks as we all sit down.

"No, I decided maybe I should. Marinette has made time for you all. So maybe I should make time," Gabriel states.

"You asked me to intern yet you are learning from me. That makes no sense," I say.

"Yes, I guess you're right. But I am learning a few things from you as you learn a few from me. You are already learning that time is essential and putting projects aside can cost you, is that correct?" Gabriel pin points.

"I guess you are right," I answer.

"So how do you still find time to be with friends and family?"

"I just find time. I am actually a pretty organized person Mr. Agreste."

"I see, then let's eat."

I guess he noticed that he is pushing into what time I had planned. Alya, Nino, and Adrien goof around as I hurry and eat. I bid them good night and continue my work.

"How long do you think she will be up tonight," Nino asks.

"It depends," Alya says.

"It depends?" Adrien asks.

"It depends on how much she wishes to get done today and when she actually gets it done. I have seen her actually black out because she had gone almost 4 days without sleep," Alya says and I can hear the worry in her voice. "And that was the one time she had a total of 10 projects at one particular time. I am afraid that she will run herself dry with this and still somehow manage to go longer without sleep. I don't want that to happen. I swear she never seems to remember that she actually has to sleep sometimes."

"Wait, what! I will talk to my dad. This can't ...." He stops mid-sentence. Probably because Alya was telling him not to, that I would be angry. The door opens and they step though.

"We got permission to stay over today," Nino tells me as Alya starts prepping the floor.

"Cool," I could care less. I need to get the dresses done. I know that tonight there is a chance that I won't sleep.

"You boys will be taking the floor," Alya says, "I will take the couch and Marinette..."

I interrupt, "Someone can take the bed, I will be sleeping here."

I look up at Alya knowing that she is not happy with that.

"Marinette," Nino and Adrien both say. I look back at the project.

"Listen, I don't care if you think that is un-healthy. I already know that, I just want to sleep next to my projects, for inspiration," I say.

They continue with their antics but they eventually decide that Adrien will take the couch and Alya will take the bed. Soon I turn off the lights and continue with my project using a lamp. I know Alya is watching me as I continue. Hours go by and I start to hear snoring and I look to check up on them. I see Adrien and Nino sleeping over by the TV, which must have been what made them go to sleep. I walk over, stretching my hands as I go, and turn off the TV. Alya's eyes are shut but I can see them moving underneath the lids. I walk over.

"I am almost done, I will sleep soon. I am sorry to worry you, but please sleep," I whisper and I watch her turn over. I sit back down at my project. I am not going to be able to go to bed today. I made a promise without a second thought. I made a promise I have to break. The next few days go by in a blur. I still have yet to sleep and I know that it is pretty visible now. Alya continues to ask how well I slept, I continue to lie to her and say that it was fine. I know that she is skeptical now.