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Marinette's P.O.V

The next day, I went to school feeling better from talking with Chat the past two nights. I still haven't fully recovered from the blow that hit my family but it was slowly healing. Improvement, slowly but surely. There was still a feeling of breaking and sorrow looming in the air like a storm cloud, the whole works.

I walked into the classroom to see that there were only a few people who were surprised to see me. Early was not a term in my dictionary until today. I even surprised myself when looking at the time this morning.

I sat in my seat and searched for my design book until pausing when someone called out, "Hey, Marinette!"

My head shot up to see Kim and Max standing in front of my desk. I grew worried when seeing the looks on their faces then felt more eyes drawn in our direction. The two looked furious and disappointed, making a nervous pit in my stomach flare with worry and trying to figure out what happened.

"Y-Yeah," I stuttered, curiosity scratching at my brain.

"Don't play innocent with us! Why did you do it?" Max yelled, face red with rage. I was taken back and that's when I heard the phone's buzzing like crazy behind me. Then there were gasps and whispering. What was going on? What was happening? What was on their phones and the two boys in front of me talking about?

"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, quickly and probably looking guiltier for something that I had no clue about. This wasn't looking good, and I didn't even know what was going on to begin with!

Kim tutted in disgust and Max kept glaring at me while going to their seats. I watched them go and with just a glimpse of other narrowed eyes and shaking heads with disappointment, disgusted looks towards me. I turned back and slightly shrunk in my seat. I just got to school and people are suddenly hating me with no clue as to why.

More people came into the room, some ignoring me and others giving a cold glance. Alya walked through the door and as I was about to greet her, she walked to the back where Lila sits.

I was stunned when she completely ignored me and turned back around, bowing my head. Whatever was going on must be really bad and admit that it scared me a little. Soon, Chloe walked in the room with a crying Lila wrapped under her arm, Sabrina trailing behind them with concern.

I didn't miss the small smirk on Chloe's face before going back to her worried one. I immediately knew that those two were up to something. Whatever fake rumor they spread was a part of this act. Is this what Lila was planning to do to make all my friends avoid me? If so, then why was Chloe a part of it? Unless, was it because of what happened yesterday in class?

"Are you sure you are going to be okay?" Chloe asked, comfortingly, and Lila nodded, both flawlessly acting. The liar went to her seat but not without casting me an evil smirk before going back to being "sad." Chloe glared at me before taking her seat.

Soon, Nino came in without waving or looking at me in general. A sinking feeling came when seeing my crush walk through the door, seeming normal. Our gazes met and a sudden wave of nerves washed over me. Did he hate me too?

Adrien smiled and waved a little "hi," making me flush. Confusion wrapped around my mind relieved that not everyone hates me. Why wasn't he mad at me too? Does he not know about the situation yet?

My hands grew sweaty when seeing Adrien and Nino talking. I tried to make out what they were talking about, but was too far away. Miss Bustier walked in and greeted the class before taking attendance.

My mind traveled to a different place in wonder with what lie Lila and Chloe spread to make my friends avoid me like a disease. I flinched when comparing my situation with my other situation. I need to find out what's going on and end this rumor before things get even more out of hand.

The bell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts and packed my bag. I checked my phone to see if I received the text too, but there was nothing. I stood out of my seat to then be pushed back down, lucky to catch the back of my chair before falling back any more.

I watched as Alix kept walking to the door without giving a second glance my way. I hurried out the door before anyone else tries to mess with me and went to the restroom.

Once in the restroom, I went into a stall and sat on the toilet. Tikki didn't fly out of my purse, probably thinking that I'll yell at her again. Placing my face into my hands, I took a couple deep breaths in and out. I need to calm down and think, since...since I am truly alone this time.

How did my life get so messed up?

I heard the squeak of the door opening and two girls walking in, talking.

"I can't believe Marinette would do that. Who knew someone that looked so sweet and innocent could do something so horrible to Lila," I recognized the voice to be Rose's.

"Me neither, and I thought she was pretty cool," Juleka replied. I listened closely to their conversation and waited to hear what Lila and Chloe have been sending to the class.

"I wonder why Marinette would beat up Lila. I honestly thought Lila lied for a second until seeing that video and those pictures. I'm glad she got it out that Marinette is nothing but a-"

I growled and slammed the stall door open. Anger boiled within my system and clenched my hands into fists with rage. Rose and Juleka stepped back in shock and looked terrified like they just seen a ghost.

"M-Marine-"

"They're lying!" I shouted, then my anger melted into sadness when the two took another step back. Now, I was acting like the monster that Chloe and Lila gossiped about.

I was about to apologize for yelling but the two were already gone. My legs were shaky, and I wasn't sure if they would hold any longer. I walked out of the bathroom with my head down and walked towards the exit. I could feel hateful looks and disgusted eyes all watching me leave school.

What they couldn't see was the utter loneliness and hurt of betrayal that my closest friends think I would do something so abusive like that. I need to figure out a plan to expose Lila and Chloe for the liars they are, but how?

I entered the bakery, as quietly as usual with no welcome home and a chill in the air. Papa looked up at me for the first time in a long time but it wasn't a look I expected. Many emotions were written on his face, and I knew that he also got the video and photos.

"Papa, I can explain-"I said but he raised his hand. I shut my mouth from saying anything else. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and trying to think of what to say.

"I don't want to hear any excuses, Marinette. I want the truth. Why did you take your anger out on that girl? Is it because of me that I didn't tell you about your mother? Why? I thought we raised you better than this," he said, quietly.

"I promise that it wasn't me. I wouldn't do that to anyone and whatever you saw was fake," I defended. Papa stared at me for a second before sighing and wrapping his arms around me. For a moment, I was confused and still a little hurt that he would think I would do something like that, but soon returned the hug.

"I'm sorry, Marinette," Papa apologized, rubbing my back reassuringly. The warmth was all too familiar and the feeling of betrayal washed all the worry away. I buried my face into his chest and sighed in relief that at least someone believed me. Someone still cares for me. I've been acting so cruel by leaving him to mourn by himself.

"I-I'm sorry too," I whimpered, closing my eyes and basking in the comfort.

"You didn't-"

"We lost someone important, and I left you to grieve by yourself. I'm so selfish. I'm sorry for being such an idiot these past few days," I apologized, gripping my father's shirt and breathing becoming unevenly heavy.

"Marinette, you are far from being selfish and an idiot. I don't want to hear you call yourself that ever again and don't think you did anything wrong. Let's just say, we both did something bad, alright?" he said. I nodded.

"I love you, Papa," I said quietly, sniffling.

"I love you too, Marinette," he replied, bending down and placing a kiss on my forehead. We smiled at each other and decided to make mama's favorite cookies later before I headed upstairs. There was still someone else I had to apologize too.

Once I was inside my room and the trapdoor fully closed, I let Tikki out. She zipped over to a pile of cookies on my desk and began to eat. I stayed in my spot for a moment to gather my thoughts before heading over to the small Kwami. Tikki seemed to tense as I got closer making me feel worse for what I did.

"Tikki...words can't express how awful I feel for yelling at you. I knew you were worried for me, but I let my anger out anyway. I was selfish in my own feelings when I should have thought of yours as well. I'm so sorry," I said, bowing my head and went stiff when met with the silence.

A small force collided with my cheek and felt tiny arms hugging it. I laughed a little and hugged the small bug back the best I could. I cupped Tikki in my hands and leaned forward, placing a kiss on her head.

"Does this mean, I'm forgiven?" I giggled a little.

"Oh Marinette, I wasn't mad in the first place. I was just giving you some space, and...I didn't want to be yelled at again," The red Kwami admitted, sheepishly. I sighed and nuzzled my forehead gently on top of her head.

"You want to go for a run. It's been a while since you actually transformed." My eyes widen in realization and gasped a little.

"Oh gosh! I totally forgot to go on patrol two times! Chat is probably wondering where in the world I am!" I screeched, frantically. Tikki shook her small head and smiled while I started to make my way up to my loft.

"Luckily, there were no akumas out during the time," Tikki reassured. I scurried up the stairs to my loft and unlatching the skylight, opening it up a bit. Tikki perked up and flew away to hide for some reason.

"Come on, we can-AH!" I stopped and fell back into my room when seeing familiar green cat eyes suddenly in my face. I sat on my bed and blinked when seeing Chat poke his head into my room. He raised an eyebrow as a nervous smile grew on my face.

"H-Hey, Chat!" I stuttered, waving nervously and thanking the stars that Tikki hid when she did.

"Marinette, who were you just talking too?" Chat asked, giving a suspicious look.

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