A Paw for a Spot || MLB FF

14) Betrayal.

Marinette's POV:

Things were going strangely well. Adrien, Chloe and I were inseparable as we tried to figured out a way to expose Lila. We decided it'd be best to tell her what was happening so she could be a bit more helpful. It was now Thursday. Adrien had been waiting for me outside my Bakery so we could arrive at school together, I'd gotten pretty good at not running late.

"Why is everyone staring at us?" Eyes were turned at Adrien and I as we entered the school grounds.

"Not us. You." Adrien concurred.

"Okay... But why?" Looking around feeling rather unsettled at the unasked attention. A wave of blonde hair danced her way through the crowd and towards us.

"Chloe, what's going on?" Adrien asked her as she stopped in front of us.

"Lila again." She said in an unamused tone, "She's started more rumor's about Marinette." Chloe spilled the latest tea.

"Me? What did I do this time?" My voice croaked. My anger boiled at Lila, trying to contain my pure hatred for the girl.

"Let's go somewhere a bit more... private." Chloe positioned herself in between Adrien and I, linking arms as she led us to our little storage locker.

"Chloe, what is going on?" Adrien urgently asked, locking the door shut and flicking on the single light bulb which was all but ready to blow. Chloe shuffled uncomfortably, moving from one feet to the next, rubbing her arm anxiously.

"Before I say anything. I just want to let you know that I do not believe Lila, and I trust you have good intentions." Chloe began, I felt myself hold my breath as I waited for her to continue.

"She's basically told everyone you're using both Adrien and I for our 'popularity' and money." Her words tumbled out of her mouth rather fast, but fast enough for me to understand what she had said. I finally let out the breath I was holding.
"That is not even true, at all." I directed my attention to Adrien, "You don't believe her, do you?" Adrien's eyes met mine.

"Of course not, princess. I know you and I trust you." He leaned down to kiss my forehead and gave me a reassuring smile.

"I'd never use the two of you for popularity... and money? I don't even know where she's gotten that idea."

"We believe you, Mari." Chloe gave my arm a gentle squeeze as the bell deafened us.

"Ugh, this is going to be one hell of a day." I buried my head in my hands, hiding myself from reality.

"It'll be okay. You still have Chloe and I." Adrien comforted me, removing my hands from my face and directed us to the door. As the three of us walked to class, people kept glancing their way at me, muttering things under their breath and silently giggling to their friends.

"Just ignore them." Chloe whispered. I looked back at her and forced a smile. Silence fell upon the classroom as we entered, everyone staring daggers into my soul.

"I didn't think you were like that, Marinette." Alya started up, the class followed in hums of agreement.

"I really question why I was even friends with you in the first place." She added one last statement before abruptly sitting down next to Nino, a sympathetic look on his face as his gaze moved down to his anger-riled girlfriend. Adrien and I took our usual spots while Chloe sat across from us next to Sabrina.

"You okay?" Adrien looked over at me, sensing the pain which was coursing through the small cracks torn in my heart.

"I'm fine." I turned away, focusing my attention on the board.