SEASON 4 - LUKANETTE

LUKANETTE - TRUTH - PT 6

As we walked along, and almost at the bakery, who should we see waiting outside but Jagged Stone himself.

I didn't expect to see him so soon. I wanted more time to think about what I was going to say.

'I wonder what he's doing here?' Mari whispered. 'Don't worry, I'm here for you.'

I was so grateful to have my melody here with me. She squeezed my hand and it calmed me down so much. I wanted to kiss her right then and there, but now wasn't the time.

'Marinette!' Jagged greeted her. 'So good to see you again!' Then he looked at me. 'And who's your boyfriend? I tell you; you have good taste in choosing this amazing girl!'

'Funny you should ask that Jagged' Mari began. 'His name is Luka Couffaine.'

Jagged gasped when he heard my name.

'Please sir, I need to know, are you really my father?

Jagged sighed. 'Yes, it's true. I am your father.'

'Then, if you knew all along...why did you abandon me and my sister? Were we not good enough for you?' I asked sadly.

Jagged sighed. 'I was too lame to take care of a kid, let alone two. I'm sorry son but I spent my whole life on tour. I live in hotels with a crocodile. I could never be the father you'd need me to be. Besides, it made for a super cool song! Have you ever heard 'My Guitar Is My Only Family?'

I had tears in my eyes hearing this. Family meant everything to me. My mom and my sister were my whole world. Sure, I loved music, but in my mind, you don't put music before family, and just pretend they don't exist!

'It WAS my favourite song' I replied. 'But not anymore. Maybe your next song should be called "Heartbreak" I seethed angrily as I let go of Marinette's hand and opened the door to the bakery and stormed inside.

I just wanted to be anywhere else but there at that point. I couldn't believe that the performer I admired most and idolized would abandon his own children like this in favour of his music career.

Marinettes parents saw me hurry past them into the living room. I was a frequent visitor being Marinette's boyfriend, but this was the first time they had ever seen me upset.

'Luka, is everything okay?' Sabine called out after me but I was too upset to answer her as I went inside and sat down on the couch and hugged a couch cushion.

A few moments later the bakery door opened and I could hear hushed voices. Then Marinette's dad Tom came in and sat next to me.

'I understand you've had a surprising revelation today' Tom said.

'Yes sir' I said sadly.

'Look, if it's any consolation, I didn't have a great relationship with my own father until lately either. I didn't see him for 20 years.'

'Really, 20 years?' I asked. That was longer than I'd even been alive.

'Yes. He was more a stuck in his old ways kind of guy, really traditional, not really in keeping with the newer modern trends. It was all because he didn't believe in the modern techniques of breadmaking. Because of that he ostracized us. But I missed him so much. In fact, for my 40th birthday, Marinette surprised me with a visit from him. It made me the happiest man alive. Now we have a great relationship again, all because my daughter didn't give up on him' he said smiling and looking up at Mari.

I smiled and looked up. My angel was standing in the doorway and smiled at me, but she was also keeping a watchful eye out. Probably for Akumas.

Tom continued. 'Now I'm not saying that there's any such thing as a perfect parent. And there's nothing you can do to change the past. But you do have the power to change the future and give someone a second chance to make it right. And grow your future together.'

Second chance. Of course. That was my super hero power so of course I should be willing to give people a second chance. Tom was right. We can't change the past, but we do have the power to change our future, together.

I smiled. 'Thanks Mr Dupain' I said.

'You're welcome, Luka' he replied, and he opened his arms for a hug which I gratefully accepted. Marinette came over as I got up and I hugged her too.

'I think I owe my dad an apology' I said. 'And be willing to give him a second chance.

I walked back out to the bakery where Jagged was talking with Sabine.

'Luka, I'm sorry...' Jagged began.

'No, I'm sorry. I understand now that there's not much we can do about the past, but it's never too late to grow a relationship in the future together.'

'If there's one thing I can do son, it's taking emotions and turning them into great songs.'

'Me too' I replied with a smile.

'In that case, shall we write one together son?' Jagged asked.

'I'd like that, Dad' I replied and we hugged each other.

'Aww!' Tom and Sabine said together.

'Anyway, it's late, I'd better head home before mom wonders where I've got to!' I said.

'I can give you a lift son, my car is around the corner!' Dad replied.

'Okay, thanks Dad!' I replied.

I walked up to Marinette and kissed her goodnight. 'Thanks for everything today my angel' I whispered.

'You're welcome my prince' she whispered in reply.

I gave her another Eskimo kiss and kissed her nose again. We both sighed happily.

I waved goodbye as I opened the door to the bakery.

'Oh, Marinette!' Dad said. 'I almost forgot! The reason I came by was to ask you to come up with a design for my new album, CrocoRock!'

'No problem! Leave it with me!' Mari answered as Dad joined me at the door as we walked to his car.

'You have to get to know my sister Juleka too, she's great!' I said to Jagged as I got in the car.

'I'd love to get to know you both so much better now son' Dad smiled as we buckled up.

When Dad dropped me off, he said, 'If it's all the same to you son, I won't come on board this time round. Your mother and I don't exactly get along all that great. But here's my number so we can make sure to organise a time for you, me and Juleka to catch up, okay? Besides, we need to make time to work on our song! Anyway, I'd better get going. I'm performing a song for Prince Ali's birthday party at 10.'

'Sure thing, Dad. Thanks for the lift. Goodnight!' I said as he got back in his car, waved and drove off.

I went inside and saw mom sitting on the couch.

'Mom? Are you okay?' I asked her as I sat down next to her. It looked like she had been crying.

'Aye lad, I'm fine...Juleka tells me that you now know who your father is...'

'Yes mom. I'm sorry I had to force it out of you like that.... I just.... had to know....'

'It's okay son, I understand. It's just...it was a rather painful time of my life when he... abandoned us'

I hugged her.

'I'm so sorry mom. I didn't mean to upset you. And I want you to know that I don't resent you in any way keeping it a secret from us. But Jules and I deserve to know our father and have a relationship with him.'

'I know that now laddie' she replied. 'I don't mind if you and Juleka want to get to know your Dad. Just as long as he stays far away from me. Deal?'

'Deal' I smiled. Given time, I might be able to change your mind I thought to myself.

'Goodnight mom' I said as I kissed her cheek.

'Goodnight lad. Sweet dreams' she replied as I headed off to bed.

As I got into my pj's and settled down into bed, I smiled. Finally, all seemed right in my universe. I sighed happily and slept very well that night.

THE END