The bell rings and all of us students leap out of our chairs. I particularly like school, but our fencing instructor can get impatient! "Remember to check your email tonight about tomorrow's assignment!" Our teacher calls. I wonder what it is, unless the teachers are planning some kind of early Halloween party for us.
I watch Marinette walk alone to the front doors as usual, and my throat grows tight. I wish I was walking her home right now, making snacks and laughing, having fun. But my fencing skills don't just help me as Adrien, they help Cat too, meaning I'm helping Bugaboo.
When I get home, I head straight to the bath, turning the faucet to hot and pour bubble bath in. "Oh, my aching muscles," I groan as I sit down. Its good to relax, even if I can't for long, for a science test looms on the horizon. I debate going to Marinette's for dinner as Cat, but then I dismiss the idea. I wasn't invited, and I shouldn't slack off on studying.
Though the food is good and hot, the kitchen seems cold and empty, and I feel like something's missing. As I'm spooning rice into my mouth, it hits me. I'm not only missing Princess, I'm missing her family.
Ding! The mystery email comes through and I just stare at it for a moment. Tomorrow's assignment is dress-up as your fear. My fear isn't spiders or the monster under my bed. In fact, its sad that the man I fear most is my father. I don't sleep well, and I stare at my clothes and put together a outfit similar to Father's. "Not bad," I tell myself looking in the mirror. The only thing missing from my look is Father's cold expression, and I shiver slightly.
Maybe I'm being to hard on him, but he's had years to move on, and besides, I'm here, and when Father's heart hardened from grief, its like I lost him too. I miss Mother every day, but instead of shutting people out, I let them in. Well, particularly Ladybug and Marinette, though I don't even know if M'lady knows I don't have a mother anymore.
Throwing on a sweatshirt, so Nathalie can't see my look, I slide into the car to school. Everyone is excited about dressing up as their fears. Everyone, expect me.
I search for Marinette, for maybe she'd be able to boost my mood, but I can't see her. Its not until class starts and our teacher calls on her, do I know she's there.
Not feeling hungry at lunch, I decide to transform and get some fresh air up on the roof. Its then I see Marinette, and from here I can't tell what her outfit is, so I try to get closer.
She's sitting against one of the apple trees, sketching or writing something, and talking out loud. "Maybe one day they'll see me. Even if it isn't in Paris. I may like being invisible, but being invisible gets lonely."
Now that I can see her clearly, I take a look at her outfit. She's wearing a simple gray dress, plain and simple, it would never stand out in a crowd. However, Marinette doesn't need a flashy outfit or tons of money to catch my eye. She's kind and sweet, with a gentle heart.
I walk over to her. "I notice you everyday, Princess." Marinette gasps, glancing up in shock. "Cat! Where did you come from?" "Doesn't matter. So, being invisible is your fear?" Marinette sighs. "Its one of them." "You'd laugh at my fear," I tell her, sitting down and resting my head on her shoulder. "Cat, I wouldn't be a good friend if I laughed at you. But if you want to tell me, I'm listening." "My father. He's just so….so cold, Marinette!" It all starts to tumble out. "I want to have a meal with him, to busy! If I get a good grade, he doesn't care! The only place I feel loved is with you!" "Sounds like we're both invisible. But I see you too, Cat. You make me laugh and smile on my darkest days. Even you just being here beside me makes me feel better." I can't keep the secret any longer. "Marinette, I need to tell you something." "Okay," she whispers. "I….I don't have a mother, and that's why Father shut me out. You wouldn't believe how much I miss her."
"Cat?" "What?" "Its okay to cry," she tells me gently. Its like a release, and she holds me tight. "I know its hard, but I need to get back to class." "Okay. I'll pick up right after school." "I'll be waiting." I help her to feet and our hands cling to each other.
Its hard to let go, but somehow I manage. "Claws In." Its hard to face your fears, but its good to talk about them too. Especially with someone like Marinette Dupain-Cheng.