Disclaimer: You flatter me, but I don't own The 39 Clues.


Natalie couldn't help but be in love with herself.

She had been called narcissistic, full of herself, and selfish. It wasn't her fault that she was so fabulous and beautiful. They didn't understand. She knew that they couldn't.

Every time that she saw her reflection, she smiled, as one naturally would upon seeing something magnificent. Each time that she thought of something clever, she would give herself a pat on the back. (Figuratively, though, as she wouldn't want to risk wrinkling her beautiful clothes.)

But that wasn't the reason she felt the way she did about herself.

Being a Cahill, Natalie was surrounded by betrayals and lies. It was different for her than most, though. She had grown up hearing stories of the such, not to mention lived her life by them. She had abandoned people, lied countless times, and so many other things. They were to be expected of Cahills, even at her young age. Natalie had seen things that most adults couldn't handle, and was hardly phased. Many of her family members experienced similar things in their youth, but no one truly knew what it was to be the great Natalie Kabra. She realized that and knew it would always be that way. Natalie was the only one who would ever understand and perfectly match herself, who wouldn't betray her, and would only lie to her when it was absolutely necessary. Not to mention she looked stunning.

It was one of the reasons she acted the way she did around the others. Why be kind to people who do not understand you?

Perhaps it wasn't the best way to interact, but Natalie agreed with herself that it was for the best. When you trust people to know who you truly are, it will be more painful when they stab you in the back. Goodness knows that Natalie had had enough pain to last a lifetime.

Perhaps it was a bit unhealthy to love herself the way she did, but Natalie did not care. It was her life, her love, and no one could change that.