To Be a Hero | MLB

31: The Texts

But when I get back to my room, I don't go straight to sleep. Instead, I slide under my covers and pull out my phone. My phone's texting app has a little number seven hovering on its corner, telling me I have seven missed messages. When I open it, I don't even try to hold back my smile.

There's an unknown number added to my contact list, and all seven messages are in there.

From Tuesday, there are four texts.

Hello, Tori, this is Antoine.
Did I spell your name right? I hope I did.
Anyway, how are you?
Did you get home all right?

From Wednesday, there are two.

I texted you too soon, didn't I?
I knew I should have waited.

And from today, there's only one.

Maybe I am texting the wrong number, or maybe you do not want to answer me. Either way, this is embarrassing, and I will wait to hear from you before I text again. I hope you are okay.

I grin and type out, hi Antoine! yes, this is Tori. i hope ur still awake.

I don't even have to wait thirty seconds before his response comes through. Oh, thank God. I thought you gave me a fake number.

haha, I send back. that would be mean. but nope, i'm really me!

That makes me happy. You make me happy.

I grin until my cheeks feel sore.

That probably sounded strange. I meant I feel happier around you.

it sounded fine. and you make me happy, too.

So... about yesterday, he sends, and I feel my heart speed up. I don't want any reminders about my time as Reverb. About the time Ladybug and Chat Noir beat me. I do not think your brother likes me.

I laugh out loud. Jakob's overprotective, but he means well. Then my message sinks in, and I realize just how true it is. I can't stay mad at him, or Jaxon, or anyone in my family. Because at the end of the day, once I get past all the pettiness and disagreements, they're still my family, and I love them. And I know they love me, too.

I'm sure he does. Another text comes through, and I look back down at my phone. So, what have you been doing for the past few days? You seemed... upset when we met at the Seine.

yeah, my mom took my phone, but she gave it back a few minutes ago.

At 23:45 at night?

I stare at his text for a few minutes, wondering what he's trying to say.

I forgot you are American. 11:45.

I laugh a little. yes, that late. and by the way, how does my accent sound to you? i've always wondered that, but i've never asked anyone. I don't mention I've never had anyone to ask.

It sounds adorable. It suits you.

i could say the same about your voice.

Thank you. :)

Then something occurs to me. wait Antoine my mom gave me a little more freedom tonight, so do you maybe want to meet again tomorrow after school? I hold my breath, praying the first word of his response won't be sorry.

Of course. Should we meet in the same spot? Our bench in the park?

I smile at his wording. Our bench. Our. Like we're a unit, or something. I like the sound of that. yes! see you tomorrow, then!

See you tomorrow. Good night.

good night. I turn off my phone and smile up at my ceiling. Maybe Ladybug didn't win after all. Because I think I've found something in my life that can bring me even more happiness than my Miraculous.

For now, at least.