Nobody knew that Marinette Dupen-Chang's birthday was on Saturday until Wednesday, when she handed hand-drawn invitations to every person in her class—including Chloe.
"Girl, you didn't tell me your BIRTHDAY was coming up!" Aliya ran her fingers admiringly over the inks on the invitation. "How late were you up making these?"
"Not that late."
"Marinette, these are seriously awesome!" said Nino.
"Just look at these beautiful flowers!" said Rose. "There's a ladybug on this one!"
"For our favorite superhero, of course!" said Aliya.
"I'm glad you all like them," Marinette said. "My parents will be baking goodies for everybody, so come hungry!"
"This is so nice, Marinette," said Adrien. "You're doing all of this for us, but it's your birthday!"
"I'm too happy—happy to!" Marinette said. "It's um, to pleasure you—it's my pleasure!" Her face turned bright red.
"Marinette, you're too sweet," Aliya said. "Planning a great party for all your friends is the best birthday you can imagine, right?"
"Rife—right!" Marinette gave Aliya a grateful look.
"That's awesome," said Adrien.
The bell rang, and the students scattered to their seats. Marinette gratefully flopped into hers, stifling a yawn. Aliya gave her a thumbs up.
That afternoon, Aliya started a group message with the entire class.
ALIYA: We gotta get our girl some kick-ass gifts!
ROSE: We can't let her think we forgot her birthday!
CHLOE: I DID forget her birthday. You had better do this for my birthday, too!
ALIYA: We'll get to that later. Does anybody need gift ideas?
IVAN: Me plz
MYLENE: I'll help you, Ivan. I think Marinette would appreciate SOME of your taste in music! ;-)
CHLOE: I'm not getting her a gift. She's never gotten me one!
ADRIEN: C'mon, Clo. If you're the only one who shows up w/o a gift people will think you're lame.
CHLOE: I am NOT lame!
SABRINA: Chloe is NOT lame!
ALIX: I've got some killer ideas.
MAX: I believe I can think of a suitable gift for Mlle. Marinette.
KIM: She likes jewelry, right?
ROSE: What girl doesn't like jewelry?!
ADRIEN: K guys, I need help here. What does Marinette like?
ALIYA: Fashion!
ROSE: Yes! She's an amazing designer!
CHLOE: She's an amateur designer with horrible taste.
ALIYA removed CHLOE from the conversation.
SABRINA: Rude!
ALIYA: Nobody's making y'all go. But if you come, you'd better bring a gift.
SABRINA left the conversation.
ADRIEN: I'll think of something. Thx guys!
ALIYA: No problem! Anybody else need ideas?
JULEKA: No thx
NATHANIEL: I'm good
NINO: I'll just go 2 the mall w/Aliya and she'll pick out something cool.
ALIYA: Great! Thanks, everybody! See you on Saturday! 3 pm sharp!