A Watching Feeling

Page 8

 "You can forget all about that." She tells me, brushing off her clothes. Before she can pull away, I wrap her in a hug again and hold on tightly. After trying and failing to escape my hold, she hugs me back, reluctantly at first then more eagerly.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. I've never seen him like that but I know how scary he can be when he's mad and I can't even imagine." I apologize, shaking my head.

"That's the first time someone hugged me voluntarily." Chloe muses aloud then shakes her head. "Mad, huh? He tried to kill me last night. That was beyond mad and it was for you."

"Is it really so surprising that someone would want to watch me?" I ask her. Chloe chuckles.

"Since we're being honest, not at all. Do you know why I bullied you, Dupain-Cheng?" I frown and shake my head.

"I just assumed you hated me." I tell her. Chloe shakes her head.

"You are so blind, Marinette. It's because I'm, ugh, jealous." I stare at her, uncomprehending.

"Jealous." I repeat. Chloe rolls her eyes.

"Yes! Okay? You have an awesome life, Marinette. You have parents that love you, friends that love you. Everyone who meets you, loves you. Except the jealous ones that want to be you."

"No way. So, that means Lila-"

"Is also jealous? Of course. She doesn't think anyone will like her unless she lies about her life being amazing. But you? You have an amazing life and you don't need to lie about it. Your parents own a famous bakery, your uncle is a world famous chef, your grandma travels and tells you stories about her travels."

"How did you-?"

"I pay attention." Chloe tells me, sounding offended. I giggle.

"I never would have guessed." I chuckle. She smiles. I hear a sound above me and Chloe gasps in horror. I look up and spot Chat Blanc staring down at Chloe. "Wait, Chloe." She starts to back up and Chat Blanc drops down onto my bed in front of me. "Chat, stop it!" I yell.

"What?" He asks, glancing back at me. Chloe kicks him in the face and I'm surprised. Chat growls and I snap back.

"Chloe, Chat! Please! My parents are going to hear!" Chat stops and stays still before sitting back on his haunches. Chloe keeps her eyes on him but settles down.

"Dupain-Cheng, your parents don't know he's here?" I shake my head before remembering she was still looking at Chat Blanc.

"No." I tell her. She smirks and looks at me.

"What a bad girl." She teases. I smile slightly. Chat growls and I put a hand on his arm to try to calm him. Surprisingly, he stops right away. I could almost feel him lean into my touch but I pulled away, clearing my throat.