When I walk into class the next morning, I see all the girls huddled in the corner. "Marinette, come join us!" Kagami calls me over. "What's the huddle for girls? Are we playing a prank on the boys or something?" "I think we'll wait for Halloween if we play any tricks. But I'm hosting a pumpkin carving party!" Zoe says, excitedly. "Oh, Zoe! That sounds like so much fun! When is it?" "Tonight. I know its short notice, but the play at school starts next week." "And your the star! Of course I'll come!"

We break from our huddle and I turn to see Adrien watching us, or is he just looking at me? I blush anyway, and walk over. "If you are planning a water-balloon fight, I'm your man." I laugh. "Isn't it a little cold for water balloons?" "Not if your me or Felix." "Zoe's having a girls party tonight, and we're carving pumpkins." Adrien's face falls just a bit. "Oh, that's great." "Hey," I catch his arm. "You okay?" Maybe I should have kept the party to myself, after all I don't want him to feel left out. "Yeah, I'm fine, Marinette."

I wish I believed him, but I don't. At lunch, I sit with Kagami and Zoe, zoning out as I eat my mac and cheese. Adrien is sitting with Felix in the corner, and Adrien stabs at his salad, as if he's angry at something. I sigh, appetite evaporating. "Marinette, you okay?" "I just wish I knew how to cheer Adrien up, that's all." I confess I told him about the party. "Maybe he wanted to spend some time with you. You know how busy he is." I nod, spooning my food into my mouth. There has to be a way to bring back his smile.

Cat picks me up as usual, but his eyes are a bit dull. "You look like you could use some catnip," I tell him. "What's wrong?" "Just missed you today. Is there anywhere we can go hug for awhile?" Party or no party, I need to cheer him up. "Yeah, we can hang out in the courtyard. Come on."

We find a quiet place against one of the walls, and Cat pulls me into his arms, and I wrap my arms around his waist. We stay like for a long while, just hugging with no talking. Eventually, I have to ask, "What brought on your sadness, Kitty?" "I don't know. This morning I was happy, but then my mood changed. One of my friends got invited to a party, and I guess I was feeling a little left out."

Maybe that's why Adrien left school without telling me goodbye today. Maybe he was feeling the same way, but he didn't want to hurt my feelings. "Do you feel alone a lot, Cat?" Cat cuddles me closer. I wonder if we look like a couple from the outside, our foreheads touching and we're in our own private bubble. "I used to be alone all the time, Marinette. But once I started hanging out with your family, I've been happier. Your place feels like home." "I'm glad you have a safe spot. And your not the only one to feel alone." "But you have so many friends!" Maybe that's what it looks like, but how do you keep friends when half of your life is secret, or you tell them things they would never understand? "Even if that's true, you'll always be my very best friend." As the words leave my mouth, I realize how true they are.

"Cat, I have to be somewhere in a little while, but would you still like to come over?" Cat nods, and we hold hands as we head home. Cat takes a nap in his box, and I wander down to the bakery, an idea forming.

"What a good idea, Marinette! Yes, I think that would be lovely." If Cat can't hang out with me, then Cat can hang out with Mama, who Cat adores.

My phone buzzes as I head back upstairs, finding a text from Zoe. "Bad news, I can still have the party, but it won't be at my place. Any available?" I text back I'd love to host the party on my balcony. I'm preoccupied as I walk back into my room, but when I look up, Cat is on my computer.

"Princess!" Cat grins a nervous smile as he clicks out of the window. "Did I see something about water balloons?" I ask, suspiciously. "Princess, don't you know cats don't like water?" "What is with boys and balloons today?" "Mama wants to have tea with you, since I'll be gone this evening. Besides, someone has to keep an eye on you!" "What? Me, naughty? Never!"

Cat heads downstairs, and I dress for the party and once Zoe gets here, I'm busy helping her set up. The crafts are fun, and pumpkin carving is messy business! "Marinette, can you help me with mine?" one of the girls asks. "Coming," I walk over. She's trying to do a crayon design, but the lid of her pumpkin isn't coming off. I may be Lady Luck, but I still have clumsy moments and I get my head stuck. "Instead of the Headless Horseman, Marinette, your Pumpkin Head!" Zoe giggles. "Very funny. Can you lead me down to my mom? She'll know what to do."

"Mom, I got a pumpkin-" I don't even make it through when I hear Cat shriek. My mother told me later he dived under the couch, with his tail sticking out. "Pumpkin Head!" Cat stammers. "I've heard legends of the fearsome fellow!"

"Hold still, sweetie." I breath a sigh of relief as Mama gets it off my head. Then I walk over to the couch. "Cat, its just me." Cat peeks out from his hiding place. "Is it safe now?" "Yep. Coast is clear." "I think I lost of one my nine lives," Cat says, and for some reason I crack up. "Can I give you a kiss to gain it back?" Cat nods, and even if I mean for it to be a gentle peck, I close my eyes as my head flutters off to cloud nine.

I hear his baton buzz. "Sorry to kiss and run, but I have an appointment!" Before Mama and I can ask anything, Cat is out the door.

I go back to the party, where the girls are all in a circle, telling ghost stories. Rose is telling a particularly scary one when suddenly all the girls start shrieking. "Bombs away!"

I freeze, but not from the cold water. I know that voice anywhere, its Argos and Cat. Ducking into a corner, I transform. "Come out and show yourselves!"

"Ha! We tricked you!" Argos grins, high-fiving Cat. All the girls agree it was a pretty good prank. "We'll get you back though. Should we have them carve a pumpkin as punishment, girls?" "Let's paint their nails!" Rose claps her hands in delight, and I give her a wicked grin at the boys horrified expressions. "Excellent. Someone find Marinette, and let the nail painting begin!"