Darkling

3. Office Space & Text Dates

   For the next few weeks as the school was preparing for the annual Halloween bash. Lila weaved more students into her web of lies. As the hallways became decorated with orange, purple, and black streamers. Poster hanging on bulletin boards and classroom doors. Friends of mine hanging on to every word that came out of Lila's mouth. Even the 'Ladyblog' had shifted more towards photos of Lila and my alter ego. There was even a section dedicated to Ladybugs' likes and dislikes. Today was no different as I leaned against my locker watching from afar. Seeing Lila surrounded by students, while the whole situation was mind-boggling. Besides her milking her "sprained ankle," people were now convinced that I was jealous. Rumors had spread of me being envious of Lila's friendship with Ladybug. To me threatening her in the bathroom, which I will admit I most likely did. But at least I did not physically hurt her as she did me.

Honestly, it was disturbing, the whole situation and how easily people believed her. Yet I am the jealous one; why would I be jealous of someone who is trying so hard to mold themselves into how she thinks people view her. Heading to my Algebra I class I heard the intercoms announce my name.

"Will Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Lila Rossi make their way to my office." That was the voice of Mr. Damocles the principal.

'You've got to be kidding me!'

Turning on my heels I headed to his office. Ignoring the judgmental stares from those on both sides of the halls.

Phone pinning to notify me of a new text message.

Wow, so now you steal from people Mari. -Alya

What are you talking about? -Me

She did not respond as I entered the principal's office. Stunned to see my parents standing behind an empty chair. While Lila was sitting in another one, sobbing.

"It's the only thing I have left of my grandmother." Lila cried as I closed the door and made my way to the empty chair.

"What's going on here? Mr. Damocles, why are my parents here?" But he deflected my questions as he started to console Lila.

"Sir, my daughter would never steal from anyone. This is all one big misunderstanding." Papa claimed as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

'Stole! Mr. Damocles thought I had stolen something from Lila?!'

"Well until we can figure this out. Marinette I will need to check your belongings."

"What! Absolutely not!" Clenching the strap of my purse. Turning to look at my parents "this isn't fair, I didn't take anything of hers!"

"Marinette the sooner you cooperate the sooner we can leave," Maman whispered gesturing to my backpack. Another sob came from Lila and while everyone else turned to look at her. Slowly opening my purse, I gestured for Tikki to hide somewhere. The kwami quickly flew over to a plant by the bookshelf.

Standing up I grabbed my backpack and walked over to Mr. Damocles's desk. To dump the contents of my purse then the same with my backpack. We all watched as he went through books, binders, and even my pencil bag. Also, to both of our embarrassment, he went through my small period bag. There was nothing out of the ordinary.

"You see my daughter would never steal" Papa repeated. Nodding Mr. Damocles told me to gather my things. Quickly shoving my stuff back into its proper place, I took it back to my chair. Carefully signaling for Tikki to sneak back into my purse.

"We should also check her locker, just to make sure" Lila argued. Grunting in agreement we all exited the room and headed towards my locker.

"Is this really necessary, I don't even know what I'm being accused of stealing." Nobody responded as we arrived at the locker. Rolling my eyes, I started to spin the dial of the combination. Popping the door open, inside were photos of my family and friends. The shelf held my English, History books; stepping aside to let Mr. Damocles look inside. He grabbed my history book and flipped through the pages. His hand stopping on a page, and he turned to glance between Lila and me.