Am I that Unlovable? by Summer Cheng

Chapter 59: End of Part 2

    Marinette's  (Ladybug's ) POV:

      I finished getting ready.

      I  fixed the hot chocolates to go.

      I grabbed up the marshmallow bag.

    I frowned. How would I get to the school?

   My car was not back from the shop yet.

    I called a taxi.

     I breathed a sigh of relief when it finally arrived.

     I climbed into the back seat, grateful that the to-go mugs had matching lids.

      I   arrived a few minutes later outside the school. I looked around.

      Where was he?

   "Chat?"

   I called out.

   I slowly approached the school's steps. I started to climb them.

   I felt the wind snatch away the bag of marshmallows. They fell to the bottom of the stairs.

   "I will be right back, my lady." I heard a voice say.

   I  only nodded my head.

  I saw him come back with the bag in his hands.

   I noticed most of the marshmallows were all swished now. I cringed from the embarrassment of it all.

    "Ladybug, it is ok. I am sure all will be well."

    I entered the building after him.

    I went to a table and set down the hot chocolates.

    I took a seat. Chat took a seat across from me.

    I sat quietly as he took a sip from one of the mugs.

   I smiled at the way he slowly drank it.

   "Chat, I appreciate the flowers." I gestured to the vase. 

   "I am glad you like them."

 After we finished the hot chocolate, there was this awkward silence.

     "Ladybug, care to dance?"

     "Yes, I would love to."

    I danced with him.

   I noticed his eyes looked like they might fill with tears. 

    "Ch-chat?"

    "Yes, Ladybug?"

     "Why are you sad?"

   "I worry that you will regret meeting me."

     "Chat, you are the same man who made me happy no matter what."

      "Well, you are the same woman who made me happy no matter what."

           I danced with him some more.

        The last song finished, and he sat down.

          I sat across from him once more.

         "Ladybug, when I speak and dance with you, I feel more alive. Why is that?"

          "I don't know, but I feel the same about you."

          I saw Chat tap his fingers across the table like he was nervous.

          I placed a hand over his hand to reassure him I was happy to be with him.

          Chat sighed as he pulled out a camera. He took a picture of me. Then handed me the camera, so I took one of him.

       Next, he came to sit beside me, wrapped an arm around me, and took a photo of us together.

       I set the camera to the side as I reached up and felt the edges of his mask.

    "Wait, don't..."

   "  Chat, I do not understand because I thought you wanted me to know the real you."

     "I do, but I am afraid that once the mask is gone, you will run away from me."

 "  I would not do that to you."

   Chat shook his head. I sighed as I  let go of the mask.

Was he ashamed of me?  Is that why he did not want me to see his face?

   "You don't trust me." I blurted out.

  Little did I know how much that would hurt him.

    "I do, but..."

 "But nothing, Chat. Look if it bothers you that much I will be the first to remove the mask."

   I reached up to remove mine.

  Chat shook his head. 

       "What is the matter?"

       "Chat, tell me. Please, what is it?"

   "Ladybug, don't hate me."

  "I could never hate you Chat."

    I put a hand on his left cheek and he did not pull away. I did not know what came over me. In that moment he was all I could think about.

     I kissed his other cheek. I pulled away slowly.

   "Ch-Chat, please let me remove the mask."

  "Do not let such a thing come between us."

       I felt tears form in my eyes as I spoke.

      "Ladybug?" I heard him say softly as he reached up and held my face in his hands.

      I saw his eyes close as he kissed me.  I felt his lips brush against my left cheek, then the corner of my lips.

   So, this was what it was like kissing Chat.  I felt like I could burst from the love I felt coming from him.

    "Ch-Chat?" I muttered.

    "Sh, sh, Lady don't leave me."

   I felt him kiss my lips once more before he released me.

   I could see when he opened his eyes that he was truly afraid.

Afraid I would regret everything. How could I? He was the one who taught me how to love again.

     Suddenly he stood up and turned around. He stood with his back towards me.

      I could see him tremble. I stood up and went to him.

      I wrapped my arms around him. "Chat, you mean everything to me, I promise."

     "I know, and you mean everything to me too."

   I could hear his voice crack as he spoke. What was wrong?   

    Was this the end already?

The story continues in  Beginning of Part 3: Chapter 60

 Until then,

bye-bye, Little Owlets!

Summer out!