Something had happened to Lila. The school was given a short notice that Lila would be traveling with her mother again on an embassy errand. This time they would travel to Germany.
Not surprising, thought a few in the class that still believed in the liar, but the others made a few comments or just rolled their eyes. Apparently she would be away for a few weeks.
"Probably to hide from dad" Catie thought. She had noticed how her dad had shut himself inside his office more than usual during the weekend. He didn't want to be disturbed and said it was a work-matter. Catie knew it had something to do with Lila. He refused to tell her anything, but she had noticed James looked smug in the car ride home the other day.
"What do you think she's going to do in Germany?" Rose piped up during recess.
"Hopefully it would be something for the environment. I heard Germany has a lot of pollution." Mylene felt hopeful.
"Maybe she's attending the UN-conference?" Sabrina had managed to slip away from Chloe for a while and wanted to be involved in the group's conversation. She needed a break from Chloe and her nagging about the "unfair treatment" that the "new girl" got, meaning Chloe was jealous that Catie got to use a tablet instead of pen and paper, or take a break in the middle of the day, or skip out on gym class.
"The UN-conference is only for the appointed ambassadors, so neither her mother nor Lila would be allowed to attend. Also, the main UN office is in Switzerland, not Germany." Alya pointed out, much to the surprise of the others. Alya usually would be the first to defend Lila. What happened?
"Either way, I hope she has a good time. She did look a little distraught at the end." Rose looked worried as she spoke. They had noticed how Lila had seemed to have isolated herself more.
"She was saying stuff like how Catie was being mean to her." Mylene shared the worry.
"I don't really know. Catie seems like a cool girl." Juleka spoke in her low voice, but her impression of the new girl was that she seemed like a nice person.
"It honestly felt like Lila was getting jealous over Catie." Alya crossed her arms, waiting for the girl's reaction. She was surprised when no one defended Lila, but instead seemed deep in thought.
"Honestly… I do feel the same." Alix said after a long pause.
"Now that you mention it…" Sabrina began. "Chloe and I looked up what EDS was, and it actually sounds so much worse than arthritis."
"Catie explained it a little when she told us, but it was really short. I did my own research and I can't believe that Catie would even think of attending gym class at all." Alya sighed. She had done some research because she felt the explanation Catie gave was too vague. After she read up on it she's been looking out for Catie, especially during gym class.
"I've noticed her arms looking bruised sometimes after gym. Did anyone notice that last time? When we played volleyball, she caught the ball. Her wrists and forearms were so bruised, I can't believe they didn't give out." Alix gave her observation to the class. Some nodded as they also had noticed that.
"If it were up to me, she wouldn't participate in gym class at all." Alya shook her head.
"I agree. At least Lilas' arthritis can't cause dislocated joints or bruises." Alix nodded in agreement.
Alya scoffed at that, making the other girls look at her in confusion. She didn't care what they thought of her. But given that Lila was "away" on her trip, it made it easier to get the rest of the class on board. But it seemed that they had already begun being skeptical of Lila.
Nino had explained how the boys had opened their eyes after gym last week. He had also told her about what Adrien said, about Catie being pushed in front of a car and that's why she was absent that week. Also that Marinette and Adrien both believed it was Lila who had done it. When Nino had said that, Alya had gone paler than white. She had shaken her head in disbelief and didn't want to believe it. But Nino had been adamant that Adrien and Marinette believed it was her.
He couldn't forget the best part, about how Adrien had yelled that if Lila hurt Marinette again she would be sorry. Alya cheered loudly at that. That meant that her bestie could continue to pursue her crush. They tried to play matchmakers during the weekend, but Adrien had photoshoots and Marinette only said she was busy. She figured it had to do with his outburst, where he claimed he'd rather date Chloe than Lila. She tried to talk to her about it, but Marinette always changed the subject or started to talk over her. There had to be a way for Alya to make her bestie listen.
As the bell rang to signal the start of a new class, Catie and Marinette walked out of the locker rooms all smiles and giggles. Catie had actually been allowed to walk home from school today, her father had told her in the car ride to school. She squealed in excitement and had trouble sitting still in the back of his car. She had almost bolted out of the car when they had arrived.
"You should come with me to see Kitty Section doing their band practice." Marinette happily said to Catie. Not only did she get the good news that Catie was allowed to walk home, but that the liar would be absent from school for some time. No more drama! Unless there would be akumas, which there would be. Of course Shadowmoth would.
"Who are they?"
"It's a small band made up of Rose, Ivan, Juleka, Luka and Adrien."
"Really? I'd love to go! I just need to confirm with my mom and dad that it's okay." Catie took out her phone and sent a message asking for permission. She lit up when she got the okay, on the condition she would be home by seven.
When she told Marinette, both girls squealed in joy at the good news at the same time as they reached the classroom.
—
"You live on a boat?" Catie was surprised when they reached Julekas home.
"Yeah, well…" Juleka started but didn't know what to say, blushing in embarrasment.
"That's so cool!" Catie was honest. She had never been on a houseboat, so hearing that one of her classmates was living on one, made her want to go there more. "Can I come to your place everyday?"
Juleka blushed. She thought the new girl would think it was weird, but hearing her say that made her feel good about it. Somehow she had pictured Catie as someone who was not easily impressed as she had experienced so much.
"Do you really think that? I thought you would be disappointed." Juleka actually took the courage to ask. Somehow she felt she could be honest with this girl.
"I'm serious. I kind of want to own a houseboat when I'm older now. You inspired me."
Juleka turned several shades of red at this. Without a word, she turned around and walked onboard. Marinette took Catie's hand and led her on the boat as well.
Catie could notice that the midnight haired girl was nervous. Probably because of Adrien. She could tell Marinette had looked a little sad in class whenever she looked at him. She was still seated next to Catie in the back, even when Lila wasn't in school. Her excuse was that she wanted to keep Catie company.
"Are you nervous?" Catie asked her friend when they sat down while the others set up the stage. The only two missing were Adrien, who would arrive a little later, and Luka.
"What? Me? Nervous? Of course not."
She was obviously nervous.
"I've noticed how sad you looked today whenever you looked down at that boy. Something the matter?"
Marinette laughed for real. "Your perception is crazy scary."
Her statement made Catie giggle.
"So?"
Marinette sighed. "Yeah, sort of. I mean… He basically said he'd date Chloe over Lila."
"And?"
Marinette looked surprised.
"In what context did he say that?" Catie asked further when she wasn't given an answer.
"Well… It looked like Lila was clinging to him. I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but I saw him jank his arm from her and he yelled he'd rather date Chloe than her."
"Then why are you upset?" Catie really didn't understand. What was wrong with that statement? Even though Chloe had barely talked to her or even acknowledged that she was there, even Catie would date Chloe over Lila.
Marinette blinked in disbelief at Catie.
"Are you serious? He said he'd rather date Chloe of all people. I don't know. It just… hurt." Marinette looked down at the deck, avoiding eye contact.
"So? I would rather date Chloe than Lila. That doesn't mean he wants to."
"Wait, what?"
"Yeah. If I had to choose between those two, Chloe wins hands down. I'd rather deal with a spoiled brat than a manipulative narcissist."
Catie had a point, and Marinette knew it. She just realized that she had been jealous of Chloe, because her name was the first to come out of Adrien's mouth. Although, maybe it was a good thing. The more she played that sentence in her head, the more she realized what he meant. Somehow, she wasn't surprised that Catie managed to steer her mind on the right path with so little words. She really was something.
"Hi Marinette. Am I interrupting something?"
Marinette jumped at the familiar voice. She slowly turned around to look at him.
"Hey Luka. Are you good?"
"Yes. Are you?" He asked, then he noticed a new face beside her. "I don't believe we met. My name is Luka, and yours?" He asked as he stretched out a hand.
Marinette looked at Catie. She couldn't believe what she saw. The confident girl, who always knew what to say or do, was blushing!
"I-I… I'm Catie. I moved here a few weeks ago."
"Hello Catie. Welcome to Paris. How come you haven't tagged along before?"
"Ah, well… I was… Kind of… Grounded." Catie felt embarrassed. What was wrong with her? Her heart rate had gone up, her face felt warm and she struggled to get a full sentence out. This was an entirely new feeling for her, and it felt so strange.
"Grounded? For what?" Luka tilted his head, looking puzzled.
"Because my dad… He's kind of… Strict. I got too close to that... Lollipop thing and my dad… He's a little overprotective." Catie managed to get some sort of full sentence going. Was she getting sick?
"Oh, you mean the sentimonster?"
Marinette wanted to giggle, but she held it. She had never seen Catie flustered before, so this was a sight to behold. The more they talked, the more Catie seemed to control herself at least. Also, a sense of relief washed over her as well, as it seemed that Luka had forgotten she was even there the moment he laid eyes on Catie. She wanted nothing more than for him to be happy.
"Well, I better get going. We're about to start. It was nice meeting you Catie. Please come by more often." He gave her a small wink as he walked on stage.
Catie still looked flustered after he left. When she saw Marinette holding in her laughter, Catie blushed even more. That triggered Marinette into a fit of giggles as Catie looked and felt embarrassed. She shot a side glance at Luka and noticed he was looking at her, probably because of Marinettes' giggle-fit. He then looked down at his guitar as a small smile appeared.
"Care to share?" Alya said behind the girls.
Catie jumped. Why she felt embarrassed right now, she didn't know. Only that she felt like she had been caught doing something embarrassing.
Marinette giggled again and gave Catie a light nudge in her side. "I think Catie has a crush."
"Really? Who?" Alya said as she sat down next to Marinette.
"Wait, what? A crush?" Catie had never felt anything so strongly like this before.
"Catie turned into me when I try to talk to you-know-who."
"Who am I crushing?" Catie really didn't understand what they were talking about.
"Yeah, who are you crushing on?" Alya said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Marinette giggled and pointed at Julekas brother. Alya followed the direction and squealed.
Both Alya and Marinette started to laugh, but then engaged in another topic. Catie on the other hand, tuned them out. Was she having a crush? It was a feeling unfamiliar to her. She had only felt like this once during Japan, with one of her close friend's older brother. She didn't know what it was, only that she wanted to be with him more. Though he had only had eyes for someone else, and since Catie didn't know when she would be moving next she hid her feelings away. As soon as she saw him happy with the girl he liked, she was happy for him and the feelings quickly disappeared.
Juleka seemed like a nice girl. Would she be angry with her? And maybe it would be best to hide it away, since they might have to move again. Once her father had finished with his work in the army, they would move back to the states anyway.
The rest of the evening went fine. Although Alya said several times that she swore she saw Luka look at Catie, and that Adrien had looked at Marinette. They both denied it. Marinette didn't dare to hope it was true, even though she wanted it to be. Maybe he was just worried considering what they had learned about Lila? That must be it.
"It's getting late. I need to get going or else dad will come here himself and get me." Catie said with a shy smile as the clock neared seven.
"Oh, that's too bad. But we'll see each other at school, right?" Alya confirmed.
"Of course." Catie smiled as she took her bag and waved to the group as she walked off the boat.
"Are you sure you don't want us to go with you?" Marinette asked. She didn't want the "accident" to happen again. Even though there probably wasn't anything she could have done, she felt a little guilty about it. She had been only a few minutes behind, but didn't see anything until people screamed about an accident. That's when she ran up and saw Catie sitting in the streets, unable to move and looking like she would pass out any second. It's astonishing that she didn't.
"No, I'm fine. I can take care of myself, you know." Catie gave a stern but grateful look.
"We know, it's just…" Marinette began but was interrupted. By Luka nonetheless.
"Are you leaving?" He asked, looking a little… Sad?
It was a look Marinette hadn't seen him have since they broke up and she was afraid to see him. Their friendship had turned that much stronger since after they had their talk.
"Yeah, sorry. I have a curfew at seven and I need to get home on time. Otherwise my dad would not let me out again for at least a week." Catie looked away, her cheeks turning bright pink.
"How about I take you home?" Luka offered, but didn't wait for her to answer before he took her hand and led her to his bike.
"Uhm… What just happened?" Alya whispered to Marinette as they looked at the pair disappearing around the corner. Marinette was just as dumbfounded.
"I have no idea."
—
The next day Catie was still dropped off by her dad, since he hadn't caught the guilty one yet. She didn't know what he meant by it, as he refused to tell her who it was. She was still adamant that someone had bumped into her, and that's why he didn't tell her.
"Catie!" Alya waved at her as she climbed out of the car. Next to her stood Nino and Adrien. She figured they were waiting for Marinette. She walked up to them with a big smile. Hopefully this day will turn out as good as yesterday was.
"So? Tell us what happened yesterday!" Alya didn't wait for her to fully approach the group.
"Did something happen yesterday?" Nino asked.
"You can say that." Alya winked at her boyfriend.
"Dude, do you know what they are talking about?" NIno turned to his friend who shrugged and shook his head. He wasn't really listening as he kept a watchful eye in the direction of the bakery.
"When Catie had to leave, she was offered a ride home." Alya intentionally kept the details vague, as she hoped Catie would fill them in herself.
"More like forced." Catie crossed her arms and puffed, but a shy little smile could be seen on her face.
"Wait, what happened? What did I miss?" Nino scratched his head, kind of regretting he declined going to the practice. But he had to watch his little brother.
"Nothing. It's nothing." Catie tried to brush the nosy teen off, but couldn't help but laugh at Alyas' face as she leaned into her more.
"Marinette is coming." Adrien announced as he lit up. Nino looked confused, but Catie and Alya gave each other a knowing look and giggled.
"Hey guys!" Marinette ran up to the group when she saw them, not without noticing that Adrien had followed her from the moment she noticed them till she stopped. The closer she got, she could've sworn his smile grew.
"Nope! No! Just my imagination. Stop that."
"So? Tell us what happened yesterday!" Marinette then turned to Catie, asking the exact same question as Alya.
Catie laughed. "There's nothing to tell. He gave me a ride home and that was it."
Marinette and Alya exchanged looks. Nino still looked confused and Adrien still not listening.
Just as they were about to grill Catie, she turned bright red, turned on her heels and ran inside. Marinette and Alya looked at each other, but then noticed that Luka was on his way, giving his twin sister a ride. Aha! So that's why she ran away.
"She really is like you." Alya laughed as she grabbed her best friend's arm and turned to walk inside as well.
"Due, seriously. Do you have any idea what that was about?" Nino gave Adrien a light push to get his attention.
"What?"
"Forget it. Come on, we should join them." Nino couldn't help but smile and shake his head. Knowing what he knew, he silently cheered. Maybe they wouldn't have to give up on being matchmakers?
—
