Shadow

20

{+}{+}{+}

Alya's P.O.V

   It's lunchtime and everyone at my table is wondering the same thing.

   Where are Adrien and Marinette?

   I haven't seen nor heard anything from those two since our first class. I know Marinette and Adrien occasionally eat at their homes for lunch. Yet, they'd inform us if they were doing so. Either they forgot at the same time or...

   "Do you think they're hiding somewhere together and having a secret date?" Rose squealed, imagining the cute scenario in her head.

   I pursed my lips. No, I don't think that's it. I would have probably believed it before but Marinette has definitely changed. She isn't the girl who fawned over the mere thought of Adrien anymore. I've seen the two growing closer on friendly terms recently. Although, Adrien seems to be acting like the weird one now.

   Did their roles switch?

   Speaking of Adrien, what's going on with him? He has been gone for a week and then shows up without so much as an explanation as to why he was gone. Now that I think about it, he has been acting differently too. Has Nino even noticed or is he being fooled by Adrien's facade?

   I have a strong theory on why Marinette is acting off but what's going on with Adrien?

   I scan the lunchroom again, still finding neither person in sight. I let out a sigh before returning to poking my food.

   "Alya, is everything okay?" Mylene asked concern showing on her face. This gained the rest of the table's attention, looked in my direction. I sit up straight and force my usual happy personality.

   "Yeah, girl. I'm good. Just trying to solve a hard mystery for a blog article I'm doing," I half lied, standing from my seat, "I think I need to take a little walk before classes to help me think. I'll catch you guys later!"

I made my way out of the lunchroom and began to walk the halls.

As much as I love my friends, I need to solve this on my own. They don't have a speck of a clue on what's really going on. The only slip-up that gave away Marinette's issues was when she had that reaction earlier.

Was this what I was like when Lila was here? Was I this oblivious to all her lies and tricks? I feel like a huge idiot and what did I get out of it? Hurting Marinette. I hurt Marinette. I'm supposed to be her best friend but ended up betraying her for a phony. Although I'm not the only one who betrayed Marinette, I still should've known better.

That's why I need to make things right. I need to make it up to Marinette. I owe her for that at least...even if she doesn't consider me a friend anymore. For now, this operation is under wraps.

"I wonder if Adrien is somehow tied in all of this?" I theorized in my head, "He started acting differently around the same time Mallorie arrived. Or it could all be a major coincidence. I'd still like to help Adrien too.

"Maybe, I'm being too noisy? Being noisy is a partial reason why I've hurt Marinette. Should I just watch it out from the sidelines or get involved?" I thought, going deeper into my mind, "You know what, I'll continue to keep an eye on things and stand up for Marinette when she needs someone the most."

I won't mess up again. If Marinette needs someone to stand by her, I won't hesitate to be at her side.

I'm snapped out of my thoughts when someone bumps into my shoulder. Whoever bumped into me continued without saying anything. I twisted around, fixing my glasses.