No Longer Enemies

Chloe's POV

I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. I tried to tell myself that she hadn't heard the last part, but I knew by the flash of emotion on her face that she had. I turned and ran off, hearing Marinette call after me, "Wait!" But I ignored it. Instead I went straight home and stuffed my face full of chocolate.

It had been two and a half hours before I finally gathered up the courage to call Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I checked my phone and noticed that I had 18 missed calls. Wow. I thought. I didn't know she cared. I quickly pushed the thought away. I knew better. It was more likely she wanted to tell me she's not interested in me and that I should leave her alone. Despite what I told myself, my heart was racing as I called her back. "Hello? This is Marinette." I froze, suddenly terrified. I forced myself to respond. "H-hi Marinette. It's Chloe." There was a slight pause on her end then she said, "I'm so glad you're okay. I was worried when you weren't responding." Before I could stop myself, I blurted, "I'm sorry about earlier, and I understand if you want me to leave you alone. I know it's wrong to like another gal but I can't help it. I'm really sorry, I'll go now." I went to hang up bit her voice stopped me. "There's nothing wrong with liking another girl." She said, quickly, as if she was trying to give me a reason to stay on the phone. "But all my life, my mum looked down on people like me. She'd freak out and fire me if she knew I was like this." I said, forgetting that I was trying to hang up so I could sulk with ice cream in peace. "I thought everyone had the same feeling about freaks like... well, like me." I added. "You are not a freak." Marinette said. "And I'm not going to hate you for something like that. You know two of my best friends are like that too, and I don't hate them. And, well, I had a girl crush, though only for a short period of time. Then she started dating Adrien and I got over her. But this isn't about me." Marinette gave an awkward laugh and I found my heart warming as well as my cheeks. Before I could convince myself that it was a terrible idea, I blurted out, "Can we meet up somewhere?" There was a small pause, then Marinette said, "Sure. I can meet you at the park in 10 mins if that works." I nodded without thinking about how she couldn't see me, being as we were talking via phone call, and said, "I'll be there." I hung up the phone and put on my lucky socks. Hopefully this day will end better than it started.