Chapter 1 - Reflections (from Chloé's POV)

Sabrina and I sat in the back of the limo as Jean Bertrand drove us to school. Between us was Mister Cuddly, strapped in with his own seat belt. He's been my closest companion since I was little, and I still like to keep him nearby since he helps to comfort me.

I looked over and saw Sabrina staring outside with her usual cute smile, and thought about how lucky I've been to have her around. I've been a terrible friend to her, but she's stuck by me in spite of that. I've vowed to start treating her the way a friend deserves to be. I turned my gaze back to my own window, and stared at the passing buildings while my mind wandered.

It's been a week since I filled in as Ladybug, and I was still going over the events of that night in my mind. When Chat brought me the earrings, I was both excited and terrified at the same time. I wondered then if I could actually be the hero that Paris needed. But I was surprised at how confident I felt while wearing the costume- it seemed to heighten my senses, my thoughts became a lot more focused, and my movements were quicker and more precise. In short, the experience was everything I dreamed it would be and more. But in spite of how much I savored the opportunity, I'm okay with leaving it as a one-shot thing. The everyday responsibilities would probably become a burden after a while, since I'm still kind of spoiled.

Through it all though, the experience has taught me what's really important. I feel like my life has a sense of purpose now, and that's making me a more responsible person. I was surprised to learn that helping others can be very rewarding, and it isn't as important for me to be in the spotlight anymore. People had already figured out that it was me on top of the arch, after comparing news footage from the night of Eclipser's battle with that ridiculous video I made of "Ladybug" interviewing "Queen Bee"… but I tried to downplay it as much as I could. I did make a brief statement to the press at their request, but kept it very low-key.

I also have to admit that walking in Ladybug's shoes, and having to make quick life and death decisions, has given me a clear view of what it feels like to be a responsible hero, not concerned with personal gain but with protecting others. It was a real eye-opener for me, and I was gratified by how it made me feel about myself. A few days ago, I convinced Daddy to set up a foundation for the Institut Curie cancer hospital in Paris, but I insisted that it be put in the Bourgeois family name without mentioning me specifically.

And then there's Marinette. I'd always taken such pleasure in making her life a living hell, but when I look at her now I see the face of my hero, and all I want to do is run up to her and hug her, thanking her for putting up with me and for forgiving me. Luckily I'm able to control myself and not act like a crazy person. Plus, I'm not going to do anything that might give away her secret.

I turned my attention back to my traveling companion. "So, whatcha thinking about, Sabrina?"

Sabrina looked over at me and smiled, with her hands folded in front of her. "Well Chloé, I'm just so happy with how nice you've been to me lately! I mean, I can't believe that you asked me to tutor you, instead of telling me to do your homework for you! It means a lot to me, this way I feel like I'm helping out AND I get to spend more time with you."

I smiled back at her. "Yeah, well… I figure it's time I start taking school more seriously. After all, I probably won't be able to get by forever on just my good looks. And I know you've talked about becoming a teacher, so I suppose this gives you some practice." I looked out the window for a few seconds, then turned back and saw she was still looking at me. I said to her, "You know what else?"

"What, Chloé?" She leaned in toward me. I softened my expression, and put my hands on hers.

"This is all so new to me, and it's hard for me to come up with the right words, but… you're a really good person, Sabrina. I haven't earned the right to call you my friend. I made you my personal slave, and you just smiled and made the best of it. Please, promise me that you won't let me or anyone else do that to you again... you're worth so much more than that. You have to learn to stand up for yourself, girl. Okay?" She nodded at me sheepishly. "Anyway, thank you so much for hanging with me all this time, even when I was at my worst."

As we pulled up next to the school, I saw a tear running down her cheek. I took a tissue from my purse and dabbed it away, then used the tissue on my own eyes as I reached for the door handle.