Chapter 2 - Alya's Response (from Alya's POV)

It was the start of another week, and I hated having to get up. I didn't sleep very well last night because the twins were up making noise until after midnight, and with nothing but a wall separating us I couldn't avoid hearing it. I had to get up twice to get them back in bed, and I didn't sleep well after that. On top of everything else, I had an abscessed tooth that was was killing me.

When I walked into school Monday morning, I looked around for Marinette. She was nowhere to be seen, but then again she's late quite a bit so I wasn't too worried. I grabbed a comfy spot next to a pillar where I could sit and wait for her.

As I started looking through my math book, I heard Chloé and Sabrina walk into the entryway, talking and laughing together. She stopped when she saw Ivan and Mylène together, then walked over to them. As I tried to listen in, it sounded like she was apologizing to them for causing them problems in the past. Then she walked back to Sabrina, leaving both of them scratching their heads.

So what's been going on with Chloé anyway? Ever since last week, her attitude seems to have done a complete flip. This wasn't the first time I saw her apologize to someone during the past week. And yeah, we all know about her gig as Ladybug- I even covered it for the Lady Blog. When she was asked what she thought about the experience, what blew me away most was her response. All she said was she was happy to help out the people of Paris. That was it... no carrying on about how great she was, or anything like that.

I suppose I should be happy with her new attitude, but I'm very suspicious. I still can't believe that being Ladybug would change her personality this much and this quickly. After all, becoming Queen Bee didn't have much of a positive effect on her- as far as I could tell, it only made her more obnoxious. And that stupid "bee symbol" spotlight on her roof is a perfect example.

When Marinette finally came through the door, I stood up and waved as I walked up to her. "So, you decided to get here before the bell today, huh?" I teased her.

"Hi Alya! Actually it's been a pretty stress-free morning for me. I got hungry and spent a little extra time enjoying my breakfast. So, how was your weekend?"

"Well," I said, "my tooth's still been bothering me. I've been taking antibiotics and painkillers and they're making me a little loopy. And then last night, Ella and Etta were being little brats and kept me up with their playing. But I'll be fine."

"My poor, poor friend," she responded. "If you think you're up for it, let's head to the skating rink after school and I'll pay your way in. Maybe Nino and Adrien can join us too." I told her that sounded like a good idea, and she put her arm on my shoulder.. "Now let's head to class."

As we walked up the stairs, I turned to her and asked, "So what do you make of how Chloé's been acting lately?"

"Good question. I've gotta admit it feels really weird to have her suddenly start being so nice to everyone. A sign of the apocalypse, maybe?" I laughed at that and we kept walking.

When we got to the top of the stairs and walked toward the door, I saw Chloé and Sabrina again. Chloé was leaning against the wall next to the door and seemed to be looking around. When we got close, her attention shifted to us- specifically to Marinette. Then the most bizarre thing happened… she held up her hand and waved, and Mari gave a quick wave back!

Wait a minute… that seemed way to casual! After we got into the classroom and sat down, I grabbed my friend's arm.
"Girl, what's going on between the two of you?!"

"Nothing, Alya," she replied with a slight nervous twitch. "Seems like she just decided to start treating me better. Maybe she really does have a heart beating inside, and after being Ladybug she's learning there's a better way to live her life-"

"No, I'm not buying it for a second," I snapped back. "Something isn't right here. She's treating you like her best friend, and she's going around apologizing to everyone. Someone like her doesn't just remake herself out of the blue. She must be up to something, and I'm gonna find out what it is!"

"Alya, please don't make a big deal over it. Give her a chance-" Suddenly the subject of our discussion came through the door with Sabrina, glanced over at Marinette, then sat down in her usual spot. Right behind them, Miss Bustier came in to get class started.

I folded my arms in disgust. How can Marinette defend that spoiled little brat, after all she's done to her and to everyone else? I couldn't even concentrate on what was going on in class after that