01-03-22, 7:28 pm

They had reached Place de Vosges and soon the bakery's back door. Marinette turned the knob as they came up to the third floor and entered the living room.

"Good evening, maman, papa," said Marinette. Both Sabrina and she bowed.

"Thank you, Sabrina." Sabine smiled.

"You think we should start paying them, honey?" Tom half-joked.

"Oh, no no. I enjoy coming here uncle, really. I'm sure Lila does too," she replied insistently.

"You want snacks, darling?" asked Sabine, turning on the television and opening the refrigerator.

"We have Canistrelli with almonds. I can make a quick, squeezed orange juice as well." Tom began preparing the juice without her response. Sabrina only giggled and murmured a thank you to the hospitable parents.

Marinette rubbed her belly. "Whether Sabrina wants them or not, I'll eat them anyway."

An authoritative yet gentle voice suddenly interrupted their conversation. The sound of cameras flashing and clicking reached their ears as well. Both Mayor André Bourgeois and the Chief of Police, Roger Raincomprix, were in a Press Conference.

Evening wasn't the usual and best time to hold relevant things such as these, which only attracted a bigger crowd.

"I understand the increasing fright of Paris, especially with the thought that history may be repeating. Children and Adults alike were tortured for the interests of Friloux and her subordinates. I can only imagine what the victims that have survived today might be feeling.

"As mayor, I say with utmost sincerity, that the recent kidnappings do not tell us that your safety as a Parisian citizen is no longer guaranteed," said Mayor Bourgeois.

"In your opinion, will this situation last?" asked a female reporter, holding out a microphone.

The camera shifted to the Chief of Police, Sabrina's father, causing the girl to straighten her back as she listened with bated breath.

"As your Mayor has said, this case is being investigated and security has been tightened significantly. Guards have been assigned to patrol in the mornings, middays, and nights," he responded slowly, putting emphasis on each word, "there is definitely a chance the Friloux Crisis will repeat all over again despite our efforts, that is unless the majority of our citizens cooperate."

"It's admirable how quickly our government responds," Sabine commented, satisfied.

Tom nodded, chewing the almonds from the snack. "Your father is a good man, Sabrina."

"The Friloux Crisis was only given the name after Friloux was imprisoned. The government didn't take many precautions against it back then, which resulted in thousands of kidnappings—deaths, rather," said Sabine crisply.

Sabrina only sighed, looking at the television and still uneasy somehow. "It's evening, so I'm honestly worried to walk back alone, especially since dad couldn't pick me up from the theatre."

"What further actions will be taken against this?" A man raised a question.

Mr. Bourgeois took the initiative to answer. "Whether or not this question would be asked, the Chief of Police and I had the intention of addressing this. I'd like to announce the new school ordinances as established by the city council. These regulations apply starting next week. This applies to Écoles maternelles, Écoles Élémentaire, Collèges, and Lycée. Depending on the respective time periods that all classes are dismissed, students are mandatorily required to return home.

"Students will either be picked up, or if they are to go home alone, they must have an excuse letter signed by their guardian. There will be guards and teachers who will facilitate this process," he said. "Rare situations of having no guardian will be handled accordingly."

Roger voiced out, "In addition, weekends will be a bit more dangerous. We wish not to strip students of their freedom completely, but again, this is to assure your safety. It is compulsory that all students wear an ID when going out. Écoles maternelles, Écoles Élémentaire, Collèges must have a guardian of legal age, or older as company when entering malls, stores, parks, and such," said Mr. Raincomprix seriously. "This is a situation not to be taken lightly. One life taken is too many."

"Excuse me, Mr. Mayor," a woman spoke up. "Your daughter, Ms. Chloé Bourgeois, as well as the Chief of Police's daughter, Ms. Sabrina Raincomprix, are still students. Will all ordinances apply to them?"

"Huh? That's such an unnecessary question," Marinette remarked, sipping her juice with disdain.

"Just because they're higher-ups, people immediately assume their children are far more favored." Sabrina gulped down the Canistrelli and crossed her arms.

The mayor answered calmly, although his tone indicated he was clearly offended. "All will apply to them. Both our children are from Lycée Carnot. Like all students, they will have to wear IDs and are required to return home immediately."

"If there are no means that we can pick them up, they must also submit an excuse letter," said Roger with matching sternness.

The Mayor went on, "To our dear parents, whether you work at home or at a workplace, we advise greatly to please care for yourselves and your children. At weekends, stay at home. Purchase what is needed in the daytime as much as possible.

"Keep in mind. All citizens will be asked for identification. We will distinguish if they are students or not. Disobeying these regulations will correspond to punishment. Allow me to repeat once again, this is for the safety of all."

"We request and expect your full cooperation. The long arm of the law will reach those responsible, and serve justice—" Roger's voice was cut short.

Tom turned the broadcast off, head turning to Sabrina worriedly. "You should get home, Sabrina."

Sabine took the last drink of her juice, instructing Marinette to clear the dishes. "He's right. It's really dark. You want us to call you a taxi?" asked Sabine with concern.

Sabrina shook her head in response, wiping the coffee table although Tom insisted he could handle it. "I'm worried, but that'd just be a waste of money and time. We couldn't even take a taxi going here since they were all packed."

"I can pay and wait with you." Marinette scrambled to her feet and swallowed her last piece of Canistrelli.

Sabrina put a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. "I know a shortcut, it's around the cemetery near here. I can really just fast-walk home," she told them.

"Oh yes, there's a lot of people in that route. Get there quickly, okay? Don't go to any alleys or stop for anything. Text Marinette when you get there," Sabine instructed.

"Be safe, Rin." Marinette led her to the door. She then whispered, "There's a chance she'll be headed in the direction of the shortcut you were talking about. If you see anything, tell me."

She gave a subtle thumbs-up. "Thank you, have a good evening!" said Sabrina with a wave of goodbye.

"Thank you too. Remember what Sabine said, okay?" replied Tom, raising his finger conditionally.

"I will." She smiled, and went out.

Sabrina made her way to the Raincomprix household. She practically scurried while still being cautious of vehicles. Her rushed steps only grew louder. Her eyes scanned her surroundings and she gripped the pepper spray in her pocket. Her father had told her to bring it at all times, thankfully.

People were still walking left and right. She couldn't understand why it was both a relief and a threat.

However, as she reached the aforementioned cemetery, she heard a sniff. Sabrina hid behind a drinking fountain, hearing suppressed cries.

Their friendship didn't mean knowing all of their secrets; they knew each other's boundaries. Some things were better left unsaid. But it had been too long. Lila kept both Sabrina and Marinette in the dark, and it felt like she was omitting some sort of truth.

Even at a far distance, Sabrina saw that the figure held a bracelet. The person passed a lamppost and turned around. Her features were illuminated, and as Sabrina adjusted her glasses for the millionth time, she could see that the bracelet was red. The girl wasn't even holding it, she was gripping it as though she was choking another's neck. Sabrina's eyes only narrowed at the same time her lips parted.

Shit. Marinette was right.

"Lila."

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~1333 words~