accused (mlb)

chapter 3: on the run

It was another day of my running away from the authorities. It was showering in Paris. I pulled my hood over my head and quickened my pace as the clouds gathered aloft. Droplets of moisture began to drop off the lamposts. The wind whipped into a frenzy as people ran for cover. Some others opened umbrellas as the clouds coughed out great gouts of water. Thunder rumbled and lit up the evening sky, which illuminated the sky for just a moment. The rain trickled down the New's story screen. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng disappeared unexpectedly two weeks ago. It happened after an incident where Lila claimed that Marinette Dupain-Cheng hurt the cherished superhero Ladybug. Now, we will hand over to Lila Rossi."

"Thank you, Nadja. She has been bullying and hurting my BFF Ladybug for two weeks now. I didn't say anything as she also threatened me. I was so shocked. She is usually so well behaved and kind. But we do have some hopes for capturing her. She has been spotted across the streets of Paris." She sighed even though I could tell she was faking it.

The news story burrowed through my head. I have heard this story countless times already. Just hearing Lila's name made my face grow hot. Because of her, I lost everything. Once I see her, I'll make sure I'll throw her across Paris. I walked across the winding, long road. It was quite busy as I was near the Eifell tower - a precious tourist attraction. I turned my attention to the tourists themselves. The wind started picking up again. My hood flapped helplessly in the gusts of wind. "Great my disguise is gone," I muttered under my breath. Suspicious gazes shot back at me. Officer Roger noticed this too. Cold air bit my lungs.As a gust of wind shivered down my neck. I picked up my pace as Roger started following behind me. Facing forward, I began to sprint. To where? I wasn't sure, but all I knew was that I had to get out of there. My shoes pounded heavily on the ground which caused water to splash up my leg. The steady pounding of footsteps echoed into my head. In the corners of my eyes, everything seemed a blur. The wind and droplets of rain whipped my tar-black hair in my face. My pigtails rose behind me as I dashed. My breaths were short and frantic, my eyes were wide with tears streaming down my face. Fear washed over me as I tried to think of a way to get rid of him. I felt a bead of sweat roll down my forehead and splatter to my chin. The anger and fear I developed after the few days gave me more strength. The soles of my feet thump the ground, I wasn't giving up. It was a way to release all my energy into running away and proving my innocence. I had to embed my all into running away. It didn't take long for the other officers and citizens to notice me. Before I knew it, I was being chased by a herd of people. I couldn't even transform! That would be stupid considering I had to hide my identity. With tears in my eyes, I ran into an alley. I glanced inside my voice

"Tikki spots on," I said in a quavering voice. I swung towards the Eiffel tower while glancing over the outraged herd. They looked around in exhaustion as they desperately tried to find me. One of them saw me: my alter ego. I felt a bead of sweat drip down my head while my eyes started to tear up again. I blinked them away and went to the citizen who called me. "Yes?" I asked, trying to hide my nervousness.

"Are you okay? Your eyes are red," she asked concerned

"Oh...yes I am fine." I laughed nervously.

"I bet it was that Marinette again? Isn't she bullying you? Speaking of Marinette, we are looking for her. We just had her in our grasp. Can you help us?"

I glanced away. I knew that my face turned pale.

"It was her!" she gasped.

I lost it. I turned to her as I felt my blood temperature rise and my eyes turned into a beady glare.

"NO! SHE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG! SHE IS INNOCENT! DO I LOOK LIKE I HAVE BEEN STABBED! DO YOU THINK MARINETTE WOULD DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS! NO! SHE WOULDN'T!" I yelled with tears in my eyes. I noticed that she was on the brink of tears too. "I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I am just so tired of this crap. Have a good rest of your day." I said quaveringly. I quickly glanced away and swung to the top of the Eiffel tower. I finally had time to myself. I glanced across Paris. It was a busy day, some citizens were bustling around the streets. The drizzling finally stopped, ending that gloomy day. It was almost the start of the cold season. Winter. At least Christmas is near. Others glanced up at the Eiffel Tower and admired the view- they started to frown once they noticed me. Why can't I be a normal girl? Without so many roles and pressure...without being constantly framed.

I sobbed my heart out. Why did this keep happening to me? Suddenly I heard a sniff behind me. I wasn't alone. What was going to happen to me? I glimpsed behind me.