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Another day, another failed attempt to confess to Adrien. Marinette thought as she walked home from the park.
Her train of thought was interrupted by a man swearing, and throwing down a spanner.
“Are you alright?” Marinette asked the man.
He was middle-aged, with a stout build, thick beard and shaved head. His overalls where covered in oil, and he had nasty glare.
“Stupid thing is screwed!” He spat.
“Maybe I can help.” Marinette offered. causing the man to chuckle.
“No offence girl, but if I can’t fix it. you can’t.”
“Oh right! Girls can’t fix engines! I’ll show you, you sexist pig!” Marinette snapped in response. Pointing angrily.
The man chuckled, impressed at her courage. “Tell you what girl. If you fix this piece of junk. It’s all yours.”
Marinette put on overalls, tied her hair back tighter, and got to work.
She found the issue, a leaking battery had caused a severe amount of corrosion. She stripped the engine to bits and threw the parts into a solution of hot water, and lemon juice, she had used the same trick to repair a rusty gear on her sewing machine a few weeks ago.
After drying and replacing the parts, grunting and snarling at the effort, she plugged in a new battery and turned the key, the engine roared to life and sounded good as new.
“That is amazing!” The man, who had revealed himself as Kenny said. Bringing Marinette a coke for a job well done. “You ever think of becoming a mechanic?”
“Nah. I’m going to be a fashion designer” Marinette replied, grinning smugly.
“Well, if you change your mind. Call me.” Kenny insisted, giving her the keys and his card.
Marinette stuttered, and tried to explain that she was only fourteen and couldn't drive yet, but Kenny had already walked away.
“Ok.” She chuckled nervously. “I guess I have a car now.”
This could only happen to her. Was this a victory? She proved her point, but she couldn’t enjoy it for at least three years.