CHAPTER 2

I arrived at the steps of my school, about 15 minutes early, waiting for Alya. Adrien and Nino are talking to each other. I tuck one of my bangs behind my ear and blush furiously. I definitely still have a crush on Adrien. We went on a date once, but i wouldn't really call it a date, because we were still with Alya and Nino. Adrien and Kagami broke up ages ago, and Lila has hit on him a few times, but he is still firm with who is loves. Which I have no idea who it is.

"Hey girl! Sleep well?" Alya says cheerfully as she walks up to me.

"Yep. No akumatizations." I reply. I'm still staring at Adrien. He notices and waves, and i become an even brighter red.

"I think someone still likes...You know who."

"I can't Alya," I say, "You know my duties-" I pause as Adrien walks up to me i stare at him with wide eyes. He's just so...elegant.

"Hey Marinette," He begins, with Nino close behind him. "Me and Nino thought it would be cool if we met up for ice-cream later, after school good?"

I gape at him. Is he serious? Alya answers for me. "Sure thing, we'll be there!"

"Okay. See you," They boys walk off and i stare at Alya in shock.

"Did..."I start.

"Adrien just asked you out!"

"No he didn't! He asked if all of us could go for ice-cream!"

Alya pauses. "Do you want it to be a date?" I stare at my shoes, baffled. Luckily, i'm saved by the bell.

I sit in my usual seat, but something is different today. Zoe is missing, and the whole class is whispering and mumbling to each other. I turn to Alya. "What's happened?"

"Chloe's told everyone that someone sent Zoe a death threat," Alya informed me.

"Oh, yeah she told me last night," I said. "she called me over to the hotel-" I was interrupted by Miss Bustier's rhythmic clapping.

"Now, now class. I'm sure we all know why Zoe isn't here today. The police are getting involved with what has happened and i'm sure the culprit will be found soon." The teacher shifted her gaze over to me. "Marinette, I'll need you to come with me." I gather my things, and i can feel the eyes of my classmates burning into the back of my head. I turn around, and Alya gives me a questioning look, and i shrug. I have no idea what is happening, so i'm sure i can't be in trouble. I haven't done anything wrong.

I arrive with Miss Bustier at the Principal's office. I sit down in one of the velvet armchairs, with Mr Damocles staring back at me. "Good Morning Marinette. I'm sure you know what's happened with Zoe Lee, am i correct?"

"Yes,"

"Well, the mayor got the police involved, and they've traced the IP address to your PC."

I gape at the principal in shock. "Are you saying that I'm the one who sent Zoe a death threat?"

"Yes. If you admit to it, the whole process will be a lot easier,"

"But...I didn't do it!"

"There is solid evidence that you did it Marinette. But it is important you go home right away," Mr Damocles suggests, ushering me out the office.
I scoop up my things and sprint out of the school. Tikki flies out of my bag and glides alongside me. "There must be a simple explanation, Marinette!" She says in an attempt to comfort me.

"I don't know, Tikki. You heard Mr. Damocles. Apparently there is hard evidence against me!" I reply hastily, before telling her to hide as i enter the bakery. Two police officers are in the landing, one i recognise is Sabrina's dad, Officer Rogers.

"Officer Rogers, I'm sure this is all some misunderstanding-" My mom starts, but is interrupted by the ginger.

"Now, now, Mrs. Dupain; there is clear evidence that your daughter committed the crime. She just has to apologise and it will be over," The officer says, and turns to me. "So?"

"I swear, Officer Rogers, I didn't. I'm one of Zoe's best friends'."

"But the IP address of 'HOAXED37' traced to your PC."

"If we think about it logically, I have no motive to say these hateful things to Zoe. We're friends, why would I?"

He pauses. "Okay, Mr and Mrs Dupain, where was your daughter around 6:30?"

"In her room, probably," My dad says. I bit my lip. Zoe had asked me to come to hers, so I was...leaving the house!

"I wasn't, I went to see Zoe."

"Did anybody witness this?" Everyone exchanged glances.

"No. Okay then," he sighs. "Sorry Marinette. It's clear it is you who sent the message."

"I swear i didn't!" My voice starts to crack and my heart feels as if it's in my throat. I didn't do it. Tikki knows i didn't do it.

"This is a serious crime, but not serious enough to press charges. But if this happens again, charges will be pressed," The officer says, and then proceeds to leave. My palms are balled up in fists.

"i didn't do it." I mumble.