I still couldn't get over the fact that I won both my nominations.
They gave me a small golden plastic statue of the Eiffel Tower with a film tape circling around it.
They engraved 'Sea Queen' on it.
I went to the after party and I didn't stay long. It was too loud for my taste.
I'm grateful that there is no school tomorrow so I had time to stay up late and enjoy the calm rooftop.
After I downloaded my Short and proudly posted as a Winner of the Parisian Short Film Festival.
My coffee was warm in my hands as I let my speakers play classical music.
"You and Sea Queen must be good friends," Cat says, making me choke on my coffee.
Wrong pipe! Wrong pipe!
Cat quickly apologizes and gently slaps my back to help.
But I recovered and looked at him.
When his eyes widen, I realize something.
I haven't taken off my Sea Queen contacts.
"...You're Sea Queen?" He gapes as he points at me.
I smiled sheepishly, "You're a fan?"
Cat continued gaping before he smirked, "Actually yes."
I chuckled and motioned for him to sit on the empty chair.
"Would you like coffee?" I offered.
He shook his head, "I would actually like to say that I'm more impressed. You are very strong."
I smiled sadly, "I told my story to the whole world. I just hope that it brings me some peace as well to others that could relate."
Cat then holds my hand, "I'm sure it will."
We spend some more time talking. I told him about the Mexican culture that was shown in the film, explaining what is the Day of the Dead.
And I was blushing when he started to tell me about the videos I made were amazing.
Cat was quiet and he looked like he wanted to say something, but went quiet.
"Felino? What's on your mind?"
"Do you really live with your aunt and uncle?"
I was silent as I thought about what I should say.
The truth? Or lie?
So I chose something in between.
"No, I don't live with them," I started. "I'm actually emancipated. So technically, I'm a legal adult and allowed to live alone.
"And my UTube checks are what pays for, well, everything," I answered. Leaving out crucial information about my complete status.
"Wow," Cat breaths out as he runs his hand through his hair. "But, are you okay?"
His worry really was touching. It's amazing how good of a friend he is. I'm happy to have him in my life.
"I'll be okay," I answered with a soft smile.
Cat smiled and I swear his eyes got teary as he hugged me tightly.
I immediately hugged him back and rested my head against his shoulder.
Yes, I'll be okay.
We will be okay.
Adrien treated me differently ever since that night.
And it was obvious to everyone around us. We hung out and talked more during school and after. We shared inside jokes and talked a lot through social media.
I actually convinced him to make a different private account with a name of his own invention. And to only let his friends know that it was him.
So in my InstaChat and SnapGram, he is known as Adrien_A. I'm surprised no one else has used that name, but I'm glad it was available.
But what really made me happy is that for his photo he posted it as the portrait I did of him in Adventure Time style.
"Jolene, are you ready?" Adrien asks as he and Nino wait for me outside of class. It was the end of the school.
I'm officially part of their squad. Once a dynamic duo, now we are the three musketeers. I know it's cheesy, but I think it fits.
I smiled, "Yep."
It was the weekend and we didn't have homework due any time soon.
And so we decided that we should use that time to look at Halloween stores together.
Our school got permission to use the courtyard for a Halloween party.
Everyone was pitching in and it was actually Ms. Bustier coordinating everything.
It was naturally a costume party, but we also had the option to dress regularly. Though I doubt anyone would not be dressed up.
"Dudette, what costume should I get?" Nino asks as we are finally in the Halloween Store. "So many options and so little time."
Giles was naturally following Adrien, but he thankfully gave us distance to give us some sort of privacy.
"We still have a little over a week," I pointed out as we browse. "But personally, I think you would make an awesome Ninja Turtle." Michaelangelo being the one that comes into mind that would fit Nino's personality the best.
Nino's eyes shined, "You really think so?"
Adrien and I shared a look before smiling at our friend, "Yes."
"Alright, it has been decided!" He immediately went to look for an employee to help on his mission.
"What about me?" Adrien asks, making me look back at him. "I still have no idea what to dress up."
I hummed as I tap my fingers together as I circle around him. My mind envisioning him with different outfits.
"As a model, you already wear pretty outfits," I state as I stop in front of him, "So let's try a different approach and do something that you would not wear in front of magazine covers."
"I like where this is going," Adrien says. "A zombie?"
"That's a good start," Then I pulled him towards a wall that had a lot of Halloween monsters. "Tell me what appeals to you?"
He looked at the wall, his finger under his chin as his eyes examining all the details.
"What are you going to be?" He asks while still looking at the images.
I smiled, "It's a surprise."
"Can you give me a hint?" He looked at me with a cheeky smile.
"Okay, just because we are best friends," I say wryly. "It's part of the Disney franchise."
"But that's a lot of characters!"
I smirked, but he just sighed as he looked back at the poster wall. "Well, I like a lot of them, but I would really like to change how I look like regularly just for one night."
"Hey, dudes!" Nino says as in his hands I see that he has his costume. "I got mine."
"That's cool, Nino," Adrien smiles.
"And I see that you still haven't got yours," Nino puts on his serious face as he fixes his cap. "Miss, what seems to be the situation?"
I chuckled, before clearing my throat, "You see, officer, my friend here wants a complete makeover."
Nino nods firmly as he looks at the poster before back at Adrien. He does this for a couple of times before exclaiming, "I think I got it!"
"What?" We both ask.
"How about a creature and not a character? You know, so that you can be like a party animal," He points his finger guns at Adrien while nodding his head.
And that got me an idea.
"...Does a humanoid-dragon sound good?" I offered.
"Yes!" Both boys said and I laughed.
This is going to be so much fun.
We bought a lot of supplies since I promised that I would help them with their makeup.
Adrien said that he could have one of his father's employees make him something within the time frame and I could help out with the other parts that would go for his costume.
Thankfully, Adrien dropped me home while I kept the supplies with me since I'm going to be the one putting on his makeup.
Now, I'm messing around the color palette to see which one would best suit Adrien.
To match his hair, gold tones would work really nice.
But if I got him a black wig… his green eyes would really pop out.
He did say that he wanted to look different than what he usually does…
-skip-
"Jolene!" Nino greets as he sees me in school. "Check out the playlist I made!" He gives me a list and I nod in approval.
"Nice," I grin. "Are you going to put on some slow dance songs?"
"That's where you come in, dudette," He points his finger-guns at me.
I blinked, "Really?"
"Heck yeah! You have a great taste in music," He fixes his cap straight. "Plus maybe you could add some more… exotic varieties. Some American songs would be fun to put in. Plus others that are not here."
Okay, valid reason.
And so, I helped Nino add more songs to the list. Marinette and Alya came by and we greeted them.
Alya mentioned that she was helping her mom with some of the food, while Marinette is helping her parents with the pastries.
The things that I am contributing to the party were the plates, napkins and other utensils that would be used. I already was bringing them little by little so that I didn't have to bring all of it at the same time. You have to play it smart.
Adrien mentioned that he could bring some lights that he uses for his photo sessions.
I couldn't wait for Halloween.
Ever since Halloween morning, I haven't been able to not sing any Halloween themed song in my mind.
In school, I even dressed up just a little bit.
My blue wig and dragonfly pins helped a lot in cosplaying Coraline in her blue and white star sweater.
The school day went by easily. Even Ms. Bustier let us have a little fun by presenting our reports about the 'Spooky' Legends around the world. Even if it was for extra credit.
And I was the only one to actually do it. (I'm such a nerd.)
I would have never thought that my friends would be scared of La Llorona.
Though I think I didn't make things better when I added creepy background music as I retold the legend. Or how I perfectly timed it so that when I finished, there was a haunting wail of 'ayyy mis hijoooooos' at the end.
There was no way I could have been able to hide my giggles when everyone practically jumped out of their seats. Or how Chloé and Sabrina immediately hugged each other with pale faces.
By the time school ended, Adrien and I walked to his limo so that way I can immediately start with his makeup.
"Hey, Adrien, Jolene!" I heard Alya shout somewhere behind us.
We looked back to see Alya and Marinette running down the stairs.
"What's up?" I thought they also volunteered to help out set some of the decorations that Rose, Alix, Mylène, and Juleka donated.
Alya looked at Marinette who suddenly went red face as soon as she was within three feet of him.
Oh boy.
Seeing that her friend was a lost cause, Alya interfered for her friend.
"We are just wondering why you guys are leaving together," She placed a hand behind her head.
"Oh, I'm going to do Adrien's makeup," I grinned. "It's going to be awesome."
Marinette then seems to come to her senses. "Makeup?"
I nodded, "Oh, it will be a real treat. And I have to start now, if we want to be back in time for the party."
"We will see you soon," Adrien waves as he opens the door for me. I climbed on in, Adrien following behind and we both waved at them before he closed the door.
"Make yourself at home," I say as I hang my backpack at the coat hanger. Adrien did the same for his bag.
Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Adrien doesn't know I lived alone. Cat Noir does.
So, that means….
"Are you aunt and uncle coming here anytime soon?" Adrien asks awkwardly as he looks around my apartment.
There were no family photos hanging around anywhere. Just an acrylic painting I did of Corona Del Mar Beach. I was feeling homesick and my therapist suggested that I did a painting to help me. Which it did.
Seeing the beach, even through a painting, made it feel a little like home.
"Um, no, they, um, going to work late," I mutter and that was enough for Adrien to drop the subject. It's not that he can call out on my lie.
"Let's go to my room, it has all the materials," I motioned for him to follow me and he did.
When I opened the door, it was already different from the outside.
It was definitely more decorated.
It had glow stars stuck on the ceiling, creating my favorite constellations such as Orion and Pegasus, to name a few. Not because they look pretty, but for their stories.
On my walls, there was a large bookshelf filled with books, notebooks and sketchbooks. Next to it, was a shelf where my wigs are displayed on head mannequins. Thankfully, I keep my Sea Queen wig hidden from sight at the back of my closet.
My desk was almost as long as my queen size bed.
It had my drawing tablet, laptop and a small section where some more sketchbooks and my school books were standing against the wall.
On the spare walls, there were several posters that I had made. For example, I had several watercolor paintings. One of them is Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle during the sunset. Another is the Little Mermaid's underwater castle. With sealife and merpeople included.
I also did an acrylic painting of the World of Color (at night) where you could see almost all of Pixar Pier in beautiful lights.
"You really like Disney," Adrien says as he walks around, admiring my paintings.
However, he stopped at my bay window where the purple curtains parted, lighting up the whole room. His hands gently went through the stained glass wind chimes. The soft tinkling sounded through the room.
He looked back at me and smiled, "You like colors."
I smiled softly as I stood besides him and I copied what he did a few seconds ago, "Yeah." No matter how many times I see this, I find the reflection of the colored glass against the walls with the sunlight to be breathtaking.
I'm a child of light, as my mom would say. I really hate the darkness.
"Now, let's start what you came here for," I then moved so that he could sit in my office chair.
Adrien sat down and I immediately grabbed my things while ordering Alexa to put on my focus playlist which consisted of many instrumental songs of movie scores and some of my favorite classical songs.
I got in front of Adrien and playfully said in an Italian accent, "You are going to be a masterpiece."
Adrien laughed and I went to work.
This was it. I was finally finished.
"Now it's time for the big reveal," I say as I turn the chair around so that he could face my body length mirror. "Ta-Da!"
"Whoa…" Adrien says as he gets off the chair and walks closer to his reflection.
He moved his head in different angles, showing off the black scales details that framed his face. Then he carefully touched the top of his forehead where there were horns sticking out. And he played with a lock of his black wig hair that reached to his shoulders.
"You did amazing!" He grins as he looks at me.
"I know I did," I smile foxily. "I'm so glad you like it."
Then he hugged me. It took me a few seconds to hug him back.
We stayed like that until Adrien's phone rang. It was Nathalie telling him that he should be heading back to his house.
I accompanied him to his car and Giles had the most interesting reaction. I really tried my best not to giggle, but some did escape.
"See you at the party!" I waved at Adrien before Giles drove away.
When I went back to my room, I opened my closet and pulled out my costume.
It was Maleficent's black outfit in the live action 2014 movie. I even had the staff.
Now I just had to put it on and do my own makeup.
As I made my way towards school, there were already a lot of trick-or-treaters.
And many of them were looking at me when I went past them.
It was one of the few times I didn't mind to be stared at. I know I was doing a great cosplay.
By the time I got to school, I had taken at least a dozen pictures with complete strangers.
"Jolene?" Rose greets. She was dressed up as a pink fairy with glittery wings and ballet shoes. It definitely suited her.
"The one and only," I grinned.
"Your costume is so cool," Juleka says. She was dressed up as a purple and black vampire. Fake fangs included.
"Thank you, you guys look amazing too," I smiled.
And so, I walked with them and I already saw that almost everyone was here.
Nino the Mutant Ninja Teenage Turtle was manning the DJ set, already in his own little world as he was jamming to a remix of 'Spooky Scary Skeletons'.
I saw the rest of my classmates and they looked amazing.
Max was a mad scientist. Kim is Frankenstein's monster. Now that I think of it, Max could have been Victor Frankenstein.
Mylène is a mime.
Ivan and Alix are zombies.
Nathaniel is a Viking.
Chloé is a golden dressed princess and Sabrina her lady-in-waiting in purple.
Alya is dressed as Captain Marvel which I approve of big time.
And there were so many other awesome costumes, but I was busy looking for two people that I haven't seen yet.
Adrien and Marinette.
But I didn't have to wait for my best friend for long.
He came in and I already saw a lot of the girls were fawning over him.
But Chloé took it to the next level.
"Oh my god! Adrikins!" She squeals as she runs into his arms and kisses his cheek. "You look so… different. In a good way," She says quickly.
My friend already looked so uncomfortable as he did his best to get Chloé off of him.
So the good friend that I was, I went in, as the saying goes.
"Adrien," I greet as I make my way towards them, my staff clacking against the floor to get their attention. "Your outfit really fits in with the theme."
He got black leather-like pants, tuck in under some black pirate boots. His black tunic hoodie shirt had a green sash wrapped around his waist. And on his back, he had black dragon wings.
"Jolene!" Adrien grins.
However before he could say anything else, Chloe had to say something.
"Now just who are you trying to impress? The outcasts like you? Ahahaha," She chortles.
I rolled my eyes at her rather pathetic attempt at insulting. Though it did stung. Just a little.
Adrien didn't like it as I saw his frown on his face. "I think Jolene's costume is amazing. Plus, I would really appreciate that you didn't make fun of her. She's one of my best friends."
Chloe stopped laughing and she looked surprised, angry and sad at the same time.
"Wh-what?"
"Chloé, I would really like that you would treat Jolene with more respect. Or else," He stopped, hesitating for a second before . "Or else we will not be friends."
Chloé gasps and looks close to tears, "Are you serious, Adrikins?"
I silently ask him that too with my eyes.
Adrien only nodded firmly. "So please, be more respectful, or I will no longer be your friend."
Chloé looked close to tears. She then looked at me for a second before putting her back nose up, "You don't look bad."
"You too," I replied wryly.
Chloé huffed, but then she relaxed when she saw that Adrien was smiling.
"Let's go, Sabrina," She commands as she struts away from us. Sabrina skittering behind her.
"This is a cool party," Adrien says as he looks around.,
I grinned as I did the same, "Yep. It brings back memories."
Oh in the days when I was younger, back in preschool and kindergarten. Where we could dress up during school and at the end of the class, we would have a little 'party'. Sweet innocent and fun times.
And we just started talking. Mostly me about some memorable things I have done during this time of year. Though it was hard not to mention my twin.
I tried not to think much about her or my family. I think if I did, I'll probably be a downer for the rest of the night.
I was in the middle of explaining to Adrien more about my very superstitious and righteous fear of La Llorona, when I saw Marinette.
She was dressed as a stylish witch. Her black and white stockings worked well with her tulle pink skirt that was tucking in her black long sleeves scoop neck shirt. And her little witch hat is so cute. It was connected to a black headband so the hat was tilted to the side. On the base of the hat, it had a cute pink bow and little jack-o-lantern that was glowing with yellow-LED light.
"Marinette," I greet as I wave my hand. "Your outfit is awesome and so cute."
Marinette smiles, "Thank you. You look amazing too."
But then she blushes as she looks at Adrien, "And you are amazing." She blushes harder, "I mean, your outfit. But you're amazing too! I mean…" She laughs off nervously as she tries to hide her face.
"Thank you," Adrien says as he scratches the back of his head. "Your costume is pretty cool. Did you make it?"
Marinette was lost to dreamland for a few seconds, before she blushed again, "Y-yeah."
"Marinette!" Alya exclaims as she comes to her friend's rescue. "Why didn't you tell me that you were here. Sorry, Adrien, but I'm going to steal her for a little."
Adrien laughed, "No problem."
Adrien then offered to take me out to dance and I accepted. Though I left my staff with Nino for safekeeping.
We danced and laughed and I lip-sync with the songs that were playing.
I was having fun. We were having fun.
But that was cut short.
"You are a disgrace to Halloween!" I heard a nasally voice yell from the entrance.
And it didn't take long to see and feel that it was an akumatized victim.
He looked like Jack Skellington in the opening of his movie, but his pumpkin head was moving like a real head, with moving eyes and a mouth.
He raised his hand and summoned a mini pumpkin that was lit on fire.
He threw it at someone who was dressed as an astronaut. That person transformed into a little green creepy alien.
We all started to scatter, but he was throwing pumpkins like a madman.
Those that were hit, were transformed into scary counterparts or what they were. Kim was hit and now was exactly like The Monster.
And those that missed, let out a lot of green smoke that made it difficult to breath and see through.
"Hehehehe! Now my minions, show them what is the true spirit of Halloween!"
And if you guess that those that were transformed by Jack O'Lantern were chasing and cornering us, then you would be right.
"Jolene, over here," Adrien pulls my hand and starts to lead me towards the library.
I followed as best as I could, but the skirt was making it difficult. So with the other hand, I picked up as much as I could and ran along with him.
Adrien opened the first door that he saw and got us inside.
And it was dark.
My hands started to shake, but I took deep breaths to calm down.
I'm not alone. I can feel Adrien's hand. He's here with me.I heard a click and soon there was light.
I looked at Adrien and his eyes looked up and down towards me, "Are you okay?"
I nod and before I could say anything, the door shook violently.
My feet stepped back and I would have fell backwards if it wasn't for Adrien holding me steady.
He went to open the door, but it didn't budge. He tried everything, even trying to kick it open.
Outside, we could hear the shouts of our friends and classmates, Jack O'Lantern laughing, and the groans, hisses and evil cackles of his victims.
I looked at Adrien. He looked so frustrated and worried as he pounds his fists against the door. I know what I had to do.
"Adrien," I whispered, getting his attention, "You really need to transform into Cat Noir."
"Wh-what?" He stutters as he is starting to sweat. "What are you talking about?"
I moaned as I put my face in my hands before looking at him.
"I saw you transforming when Nino was the Bubbler in your house. I have kept your secret since," My eyes locked into his. "Please, save us. You and that flying kitty."
Suddenly, something went in front of my face and it took me a second to see that it was the flying kitty.
"Adrien, she knows," He says.
And I couldn't help the 'aww' that came out as I saw him.
He's so tiny… and so cute.
My finger went to scratch the back of his ears and he purred.
But then he moved away and hid behind Adrien with a blush on his cheeks.
Oh my gawd, he can blush! Cute!
Then he shook his head and floated in front of me, "I'm Plagg. By the way."
"You're very gorgeous."
Plagg blushes again as he looks at Adrien, "I like her."
Adrien looked so conflicted, but also serious. "Now is not the time for that. Time to transform.
"Plagg, claws out!"
I had to cover my eyes with the sudden brightness. When I opened my eyes, I saw Cat Noir.
"We are going to need to talk seriously," He says with a soft frown.
"Yeah," I agreed. "But first, you and Ladybug need to save Paris once again."
Cat nods and he easily breaks the door down.
"Hide and make sure Jack O'Lantern doesn't get you," He orders as he runs away.
"Be careful," I whispered as I saw him leave.
Carefully, I put my head towards the hallway and saw that it was empty.
...I've always been good at hiding.
Ladybugs covered my vision and I let out a sigh of relief.
About a minute later I received a text from Adrien.
Adrien: Where are you?
Me: I'm in my room.
Adrien: I'll be there.
And it was silent and so I waited.
My breath was shaky and my hands were gently hitting against my heart to calm me down.
I screamed when I heard rhythmic tapping against my window. But I let out a sign of relief. It was Cat.
I opened the widow and he climbed in. I closed the window and the curtains once he settled inside.
We awkwardly looked at each other before I just sat on my bed and he sat on my chair.
"Are you mad?" I ask softly.
Cat's face softened, "No."
"Plagg, claws in," Cat said and I looked away. When I looked back, Adrien was there with Plagg floating above his shoulder.
"Sooo, now you know Adrien's secret and my existence," Plagg says as he floats around, examining my room. His paws touched the glass wind chimes a couple of times before he went back to see me. "You really never told anyone?"
I shook my head. "Not a soul," I promised. "I would never reveal this. If my life depended on it, I would die keeping it a secret."
Adrien frowns as he holds my hands, "I trust you. But please, take care of yourself."
"As long as you take care too. I bet saving Paris is a dangerous job," I replied wryly.
He smiled just as wry, "Let me tell you that it's definitely hard work."
We chuckled as we decided that we should enjoy the rest of the school party.
Kim and I had a dance off the moment we both realize we were the only ones that memorized the iconic Thriller dance.
Tomorrow will be another day.
AN: First, I want to thank kuro sora wa and M1LK T3A for leaving a review. I also want to thank M1LK T3A, Nameless Angel 00, Estela prime and wierdunusualchick for following/favorited this story. You guys are amazing.
Next, I want to apologize for not updating for a while. I've been struggling with finding motivation to enjoy things I live to do after losing a loved one last month. If I take a while to post again, I'm sorry, but I am trying my best to be okay. (How weird, right? Using my own character's words to cheer me up.)
And lastly, I want to thank all of those that still took the time to read this. I know that I'm not the best writer in the world, but I enjoy writing and I'm glad people are enjoying reading it. And because of that... Thank You Very Much. I appreciate all of you.