Friend or Enemy? - A Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic

Chapter 2: Elle

Elle got out of Adrien's limousine at the gym and thanked him for the ride. She walked inside and headed to the locker room to change. She had an hour and a half of private volleyball lessons, and because tryouts were the following day, it was going to be especially grueling.

When Elle opened the gym door the net wasn't up. That could only mean one thing. Conditioning.

Elle was finally released and she started to walk home. Her legs were sore from jumping and running the whole practice, but it was just a mile to the house, and there was no use asking her father to pick her up, the answer would be no.

When she got home she asked if her father was in. The answer was no, he would not get back until late. Her brother? Yes, but he was in his room on 'do not disturb' mode. Well, she might as well get some homework done. She walked to her room, but then thought better of the homework idea. She balled up on her bed and cried.

Her brother came to the open door and said, "Hey, do you want to play a board game or- are you OK?"

"Yes (sniffle). No (sob)."

He came to sit on the bed next to her.

She cried silently. Then all the sudden burst out between sobs in a flurry of emotion: "I just tried so hard. I aced every test. I paid for my own volleyball lessons, and I practiced for hours every day. I skipped a grade for crying out loud, all because for some reason I thought that if I was perfect at everything, he would want me. I waited for him for 14 years. I sent every perfect report card, certificate, and award, but no. He only took me back when my guardian died and he had no choice. And I thought that maybe when I got here he would finally accept me. I've been here for two weeks, and he hasn't even told anyone that he has a daughter. What did I do wrong? I feel like a waste of space. No one wants me here, why didn't he just get me another guardian?" She broke down in sobs.

"Do you want to know a secret?" her brother asked.

Sniffle "Yeah."

"I've always wanted a sibling, a sister specifically, but I never thought I'd have one. That is, until you showed up. I didn't know you existed but when Father told me I had a sister I was the happiest I've ever been in my life. Well except for one other time."

Ell looked at him inquisitively. "When was that?" she asked.

"When I met you" he said with a look of perfect sincerity.

He offered her his arms and she fell into the embrace.