Dreams Come True

Chapter 3, Confidence

Marinette's POV:

The bell rang and she ran out of the classroom, her hair streaming out behind her, long and dark. She ran into the bathroom, and stopped when she got to the sink, and stared at the reflection of her in the mirror.

A strained smile appeared on her face, distorted and superficial.

She didn't hear anyone until the last moment, when Alya walked into the bathroom behind her. She walked up and stood next to her, leaning on her shoulder and smiled.

'Hey Girl,' she said brightly.

She stayed silent.

'You know, you look really, really nice with your hair down,' she said, not noticing her friend's silence.

She looked down at her hands. 'What did you mean "Adrien thinks so too"?' She asked melancholically.

'Girl, didn't you see!? Adrien was totally staring at you!' Alya said, hugging her encouragingly.

She looked up at her hopefully. 'Are-are you sure?'

'Yes!' Alya exclaimed.

She could feel a smile begin forming on her face...and then-falter. 'It doesn't mean he likes me,' she said sadly and looked back down at her hands again.

'Girl, look at me,' Alya said, walking to stand in front of her, holding her friend's shoulders with her hands and bending down to see her face from below. 'Adrien does like you. He would actually have to be mad to not like you. You need to brighten up. I know what I saw, he was staring at you, Mari.'

She looked up at her, and stared for a second before hugging her, 'Thanks, Alya. You're the best.'

'I know,' she said smiling, and Marinette let go and walked out of the bathroom with her friend's arm over her shoulder.

'You know I'm still not telling him right?' Marinette said as Alya shoved her playfully and sighed...