"Marinette, if you can help me get these ciammon rolls into the box, you can leave for your sewing class." I nod, crunching the last bite of toast. Ever since I turned eighteen, I'm paying my rent through helping at my parent's bakery. We live upstairs in apartment. Though my parents are fanastic, because they give me a little extra to help with sewing supplies. At first, I thought that was to much, but Mama and Papa encourage me to go after my dream of being a designer.

"And a bow to make it pretty!" I giggle and hand Mama the box. "See you later!" I always save enough time to buy a coffee before going to class. I like the class and the girls, but I feel like I have to keep half of my life hidden from them as I'm also Ladybug, Protector of Paris. My best friend is Cat Noir, and I tell him everything I can without reavealing my idenity.

"Marinette? Did you hear?" Jasmaine comes running over to me, magazine in hand. "No, what?" I set down the bag at our table and start to take out my supplies. "There's going to be a contest for a photoshoot with Adrien Agreste!" My breath catches sharply. I was close friends with Adrien when I went to class, until he moved to London. But even if we were friends, I always felt shy around him, even as Ladybug. "Adrien moved back to Paris, and they need a girl to the shoot with him."

Oh, I want to do it, but not just for the fame or money. It could be my chance to reconnect with Adrien, and maybe I'd have another friend. Sometimes it isn't easy being a superhero. Though, my parents do know I'm Ladybug, and I swore them to secrecy. They understand the risks, and I just couldn't stand lying to them anymore. I hate lying anyway.

"Would it be funny if Ladybug signed up for the contest? I've heard she has a crush on him." My cheeks flush pink as I work my needle through the thread. "That's just gossip," I say, lightly. But my mind is whirring. Why not? If I signed up as Ladybug, Adrien could get to know me even though he'd have to understand I have secrets to keep, and maybe one day I could tell him I'm Marinette.

When I tell Nikki later, she hestiates. "I don't know, Marinette. That sounds risky." "Its not like I'd be revealing anything. Besides, if anyone can keep a secret, it's Adrien." "Do what you think is wise."

"You make me sound like a owl," I tease her, and grin. I run my finger across the soft pink blanket, calming me. "And I want a friend where I can finally be myself."

"Marinette, you have some mail!" Mama calls. "Time to fill out that form!" I run downstairs, and skid to a stop. "My, someone's eager. You want any coffee?" I nod, and Mama stands up to pour another cup.

"Yes! Its here!" With shaking hands, I leaf through Style Queen Magazine looking for the contest page. "There's a photoshoot contest with Adrien!" I explain to Mama. "Jasamine let me know at class today."

"She is up on the trends, isn't she?" "Its good to be in the loop. Here it is!" A small stiff rectangular card flutters to the table, and Mama hands me a pen. "How did you know? I haven't even said anything but signing up yet!" "When it comes to Adrien, I knew you wouldn't say no!"

Mama finishes her coffee as I fill out the form.

Name: Ladybug

Age: 18 (They can that)

Current Ocuppation: Chasing Butterflies Around Paris

Future Dreams: Fashion Designer

"Well, that was simple. Let's go put in the mailbox!" I must be a little exicted because I hear Mama tell Papa, "who was that human blur that just went by?" I laugh. My parents can be so silly, and they're the best parents a girl could wish for.

Before I can chicken out, I slip the card in the mail, listening to the lid swinging shut. "Let's head back through the park," I suggest to Tikki.

I like to sit at the fountain and listen to the water, and today I stare down into its depths. "Please pick me, Adrien. I'm not only a superhero, I'm just a girl who needs a friend."

"Marinette, look!" I leap for any kind of danger, but I don't see anyone. "I thought I saw a speck of black watching us on that rooftop." "Your probaly just seeing things, Nikki. Come on, Papa's probaly looking for us." But then I freeze, and slowly scan the rooftops for myself. Nothing, but a peaceful happy feeling washes over me. I take it to be a good omen.

Papa is singing as he prepares the bread dough, and I tie up my hair and put on my apron. "Do you want to work on the current and rasisin bread, sweetie? That one's next to go in the oven." "Okay."

I like rolling bread dough and when I get upset or scared I can whack the dough as hard as I wait. Bread dough is very good thearpy.

"Mama tells me you signed up for a contest. Might Adrien have anything to do with it?" "Papa, there'll be other girls there besides me. I'll need a lot of luck to get picked." "That shouldn't be so hard for you, since your Lady Luck." "If I get picked, all the money will go to a apartment of my own." "You may do as you wish, honey. But Mama and I love having you here." "Thanks, Papa. I love here too."

One of my favorites parts of the day is when we all have dinner as a family. However, I'm thinking of a very different family right now, the Agreste's.

Adrien's father is never around, and Emile, his mother disappeared long ago. I remember hearing Adrien saying that at mealtimes, it was just him, eating alone. With my parents being busy with the bakery, I grew used to eating alone, but then we started to feel like strangers for a time. Mama put her foot down (nicely) and now the bakery is closed at 12-1 and 6-7 so we can eat dinner together.

Has Adrien ever eaten a meal with his father? I always feeling like food tastes better when your with the ones you love. "Your head is really in the clouds, tonight," Mama snaps me out of my daydream. "She's dreaming of her man," Papa warbles. "Very funny," I giggle, and stand just as the Effiel Tower lights click on. "That's my cue."

"Good evening, M'lady. And meow was your day?" Cat Noir asks as I sit down beside him. "Well, let's see," I swing my feet back and forth. "I rolled a lot of bread dough today, plus I signed up for a contest." "A contest?" "Yes, its a photoshoot with…" Cat's eyes are glowing green in the darkness and they take my breath away. "Adrien Agreste." "Lucky him. I'd love to a shoot with you, Bugaboo." I shove him playfully. "We're both busy, and you love your naps to much." "True. But I would give up napping if it meant spending more time with you." "Oh, Cat." I lean my head against his shoulder, and true to form, he starts purring.

Its when on patrol and with my best friend, that I can be myself, goofy and having fun. "Cat?" I whisper. "Yes, love?" "You want to know why I signed up for the contest?" "So, you can win a lot of money and buy me cat treats." I snort, cracking up. "No! I want to get to know Adrien better. I'm lonely. Though I wouldn't trade the world for you." "Same. Though it might be temping for the world's biggest yarn ball."

I enter my bedroom via my balcony, still smilng, heart glowing. I drop into my room with a muted thud. "Spots Off," I whisper. Its after midnight, and I don't want to wake my parents who get up at such a early hour. I walk over to the mirror, and stop,staring at the girl in the mirror.

Her bluebell eyes are sparkly, full of starlight, and her grin on her could rival the moon's. Was it just because I was with Cat that I look so happy? Its to late at night to think about that, so I quickly slip into my pajamas and crawl into bed.

I wonder what Adrien is doing right now. Is he asleep, awake like me? Though I'm tired, my mind whirs with constant thoughts.

I have two cures I use for turning my brain off at night. One is sewing, the other is listening to music. I choose the latter, plugging in my headphones. Before I know it, I'm asleep.

The sun is bright and the sky is blue as I run through the streets of Paris with Adrien. I don't know why we're running but I can tell we're having fun. He looks back at me and smiles and my heart does a extra thump that has nothing to do with running. When we stop, he pulls me into a hug until I catch my breath.

I can still feel the gentle warmth in the morning as I ready for the contest, french-braiding my hair and putting on a light bit of make-up.

I feel a little shy as I tread down the staris for breakfast, but I smile when I see my parents looking proud. "There's our girl! Adrien won't be able to take his eyes off of you!" "Tom, stop teasing. Eat up, honey. Your going to have a big day."

I eat my eggs and toast and quickly scrub my plate in the sink. "I love you both," I hug them as we walk to the door together.

Little do I know when I walk out the door, my life will be changed forever.