TO READ THIS STORY FROM THE BEGINNING, PLEASE CHECK OUT "CHLOÉ'S REDEMPTION 1: CHLOÉ'S AWAKENING", ALSO ON THIS WEBSITE.

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 I would start treating her with more respect. I turned my gaze back to my own window, and stared at the passing buildings while my mind wandered.

It's been a week now since I filled in for Ladybug. I was still going over the events of that night in my mind. When Chat Noir 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 compared to my experience as Queen Bee, I felt a higher level of confidence while wearing the Ladybug 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. At the same time, it gave me an appreciation for the sacrifices that Ladybug and Chat Noir both make every day for the greater good. In spite of how much I savored the opportunity, I'm okay with leaving it as a one-time thing. The responsibilities would most likely overwhelm me after a while- as satisfying as it was, I can't deny that I'm still pretty spoiled.

Since then, I've been putting myself through a crash course on acting like the real hero I've always wanted to be. Ladybug/Marinette helped me get started with that by counseling me, but it was up to me to continue the process. I've had to completely reinvent the way I see myself. I grew up being told that I'm God's gift to the world, entitled to whatever I want. Now, after realizing I've literally been harrassing Ladybug every day at school, I can see that there's nothing heroic about my actions- I've been nothing more than an obnoxious bitch. But in spite of that, old habits do die hard. Over the past week I've had to bite my tongue quite a few times to keep from spouting off rude comments to people, but the more I work at it, the easier it becomes.

I'm amazed at how good the experience has made me feel about myself. It's making me a more compassionate person… and somehow a more humble one. Thanks to that ridiculous video I made of "Ladybug" interviewing "Queen Bee", people had already figured out that it was me on top of the arch… but for once, I actually tried to stay out of the spotlight. I did make a brief statement to the press at their request, but kept it very low-key. Then, a few days ago, I convinced Daddy to set up a foundation for the Institut Curie cancer hospital in Paris, while insisting that it be put in the Bourgeois family name without mentioning me specifically.

And don't get me started on Marinette. The girl whose life I'd always taken such pleasure in making a living hell. Now I see that she embodies all of the qualities I've wanted to have, but never knew how to attain. She's become a role model for me, not only as a superhero but as how an everyday person should act. 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 who she is.

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 that she was still looking at me. I said to her, "You know what else?"

"No Chloé, what?" 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, I'm going to treat you like a real friend from now on. And 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.