Happy Tuesday readers!

I was struggling to come up with a title for this chapter, but the recent episode Stormy Weather 2 inspired me (don't worry, no spoilers. But for those of you that are hating on SW2, go look at a blog Thomas Astruc retweeted recently about the episode. It breaks it down and really explains everything in detail).

Without further adieu, Chapter 9: The Winds of Change.

Chapter 9:

"Goooooood morning, Paris! It's time to rise and shine!"Marinette's alarm turned on to the local radio station as a new show started. "I know it's early, but here's something to put a pep in your step." Marinette's sleepy eyes cracked open as a new American pop song blasted over the airwaves.

"I wake up in the morning
Wide awake for the day
And I say, "What a morning!"
It's all okay…"

Despite how little sleep she got last night due to patrol, Marinette jumped out of bed, oddly refreshed. For once, she wasn't running behind; because of this, the girl decided to use the time wisely. Forgoing her usual outfit, Marinette flicked through several options until settling on something she had bought with her mother last week. She even took more care with her hair and makeup. Once she was satisfied with everything, Marinette took one last look in the mirror.

She had elected to wear her hair down today, only adorned with a lightweight blue beret. The girl felt very comfortable in her black leggings, ending in a new pair of grey ankle boots. The ensemble was topped with a cream-colored sweater that came down to about mid-thigh. It was one of those comfortable chunky sweaters with the long-oversized sleeves. Oh yes; this was a good choice.

"Morning, sweetie." Sabine turned to the stairs as she heard her daughter moving around upstairs. "Wow! That's a new look. Any reason in particular you're switching things up?" She pushed a plate of breakfast down the counter.

Marinette shrugged. "Nope. Just felt like something different." As she munched on her breakfast, Marinette shared her thought. "Maman, I feel… kind of strange this morning. Like… I'm not dreading the day ahead. This is the first time I've felt this way since… kindergarten."

Sabine thoughtfully dried a dish with her towel. "Could this have anything to do with Chloe's apology?"

"Maybe…"

"Well, maybe if you get there early this morning, you two can have a talk. Your father made you something to give your friends." Her mother retrieved a box from next to the refrigerator. Opening the lid, Marinette noticed that it was several different types of chocolates. "Your father keeps your friends' favorite flavors on file for special occasions. He looked back through our records to figure out what Chloe likes. Who knew that chocolate marshmallow bon-bons were a thing?"

Rising from her seat, Marinette kissed her mother on the cheek and rinsed her plate to put it into the dishwasher. "Tell Papa thanks for me. I think I'll go ahead and head towards school." She grabbed her backpack and waved behind her. "See you for lunch!"

xXx

Marinette sipped the coffee she had purchased at the kiosk outside of the school. As class representative, she had worked with her fellow reps to petition the school to allow third party food and beverage vendors to sell their wares before and after school. A few had become clear favorites among the student population. One of the vendors was friends with Marinette's father, using the same practice of memorizing his customers' usual orders. Marinette had taken advantage of this, also asking for what Chloe normally got.

After the revelations of the day before and seeing that Chloe was actually trying to mend fences, Marinette wanted to make a contribution too.

"Marinette?" The girl swung her head as Chloe walked up beside her. "Are you early? That neverhappens." Marinette smirked.

"What? People can't change, Chloe?" The blonde gave a wry smile in response. "If not, I guessI can give this Caramel Macchiato, venti, skim, extra shot, extra-hot, extra-whip, sugar-free concoction to someone else…" Marinette dangled the coffee away from Chloe.

"No!" Chloe made a grab for the cup, careful not to spill on either one of them. "I… always knew you had it in you?" The bluenette patted her shoulder.

"It's a start. I wanted to extend an olive branch of my own." The girls sipped their coffee as they moved among the crowded courtyard to the locker room. "So is Sabrina still in the states with her family?"

Chloe glanced at her designer watch. "I think they're on the plane now. With the time difference, she should be back in school tomorrow or the day after." Reaching their respective lockers, Chloe twirled her combination into the lock. "Why so curious?"

Marinette shrugged as she put her overcoat into the locker. "Well, if you don't already have any lunch plans, we were going to invite you to my place for lunch."

"We?"

"Yeah. Adrien, Alya, Nino, myself…"

"Oh fun. Being a fifth wheel sounds SO much better than eating by myself." Chloe swung her locker door shut with a little too much force, making it slam. Marinette swung her door with the same amount of force. With all of the commotion, the students that had already gathered began to glance their way.

"Come on, Chloe! You made some good progress yesterday! What would your life coach say? Would they want you sitting alone or attempting to make some new friends?" Suddenly aware of all the attention they were receiving, Marinette took Chloe by the arm and moved them into the hallway. "My mom really wants to meet you." The blonde girl's eyes widened. "Yes, she knows about every underhanded thing you've ever done to me. But you know what? She was ecstatic when I told her what happened yesterday. It was actually her idea to bring you to lunch."

Tears once again began to glisten in Chloe's eyes. "Your mother… was happyabout that? She really wants to meet me?" Marinette rubbed Chloe's arm reassuringly.

"Yes! She and my dad even made you something." As Marinette pulled the box of chocolates out of her bag, the school's akuma alarm began to blare.

ALL STUDENTS PLEASE PROCEED TO THE NEAREST CLASSROOM. AN AKUMA ATTACK IS IN PROGRESS. PLEASE PROCEED TO THE NEAREST CLASSROOM FOR YOUR SAFETY.

"I gotta go!" Marinette and Chloe dashed off in opposite directions.

Next chapter is on the way! Hopefully sometime within the next two weeks!

STAY CREATIVE!