The Hidden Princess

Chapter Seven: Birthday Surprise

-Three years later-

Emma's P.O.V.
"Happy birthday, Emma!" Tikki's excited voice filled the quiet room. Groaning, I turned over to my other side. "What time is it?" I sighed. "It's five in the morning. You don't want to be late for school on your birthday, do you? You have a week left of school and you graduate at the top of your class." She was far too excited and cheerful for this early in the morning.

"Alright, I am up. You have proved your point." I grudgingly got of my warm bed. It's been a little over three years since I met Alex and Tikki. I sighed as I threw on a plain blue dress that came down to my knees and brushed my long blue-black hair. "It's been oddly quiet this week, hasn't it?" Tikki flew over to me.

"Yes, it has. Hmm....that reminds me...I wonder how Chat is doing. I have not heard from him in a while. He has not been on patrol either." I sat down on my bed. "He's fine. I wouldn't worry about him too much." Tikki giggled. She knew something that I didn't. "Tikki, what are you not telling me?" I looked sharply at my kwami. "Don't worry about it, Emma. You'll know soon enough." Tikki smiled.

Sighing quietly, I got up and gathered my things for school. "Come on, Tikki. Let's transform and take a stroll around Paris before school." I tried to smile. "Are you sure, Emma? Don't you want to see Tom and Sabine before you leave?" She looked at me, her expression turning to faint worry. "No. I do not wish to deal with them this morning. Tikki, spots on." My voice became soft as I transformed.

Getting out of the house through the balcony, I let out a loud sigh. I needed fresh air. My mind has been far too clouded lately. I made my way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower at six on the dot. Sitting down, a tear rolled down my face. Wiping it away, I wanted to disappear at that moment. I cannot cry now, I have to remain strong. I cannot let this get to me. I tried to stop the tears from escaping my eyes.

"What are you doing up here so early this morning, My Lady?" I heard a familiar voice. Turning to look, Chat was standing behind me. "N-Nothing, Chat. Why are you here?" I looked up at him. "I felt like I needed to be here. Were you crying? Your eyes are a little red." He sat down next to me. "Sorry, Chat. I can't help it. A lot has been going on lately and it's getting to me." I sighed. I was comfortable with him and I felt like I could talk to him.

"What's going on?" Chat set a hand on mine as if to say that he was there for me. "I am at the top of my class and for the past three years that I have been here, I have been bullied every day and often beat by a few people, but it is not a big deal. I have just been under a lot of stress lately and I feel worthless." I tried to put my wall back up, but I failed, resulting in a few tears falling.

"My Lady, you are not worthless, not to me. I am here for you." He smiled kindly. "Thank you, Chat." I looked away. "What's else wrong?" His voice became genuinely concerned. "Nothing. A thought just crossed my mind. I should go." I stood slowly. "Please, wait. I...I want to show you who I am. As a matter of fact, I need to. You need to know who I am." Chat grabbed my hand.

A bright light flashed out of the corner of my eye. I tried my best not to look. "Chat, I cannot know who you are." I sighed, a tear falling. My emotions were taking over the longer I stayed. The thoughts were filling my head. I needed a distraction. "Then close your eyes and turn to face me. I will close mine too. You can transform back to your civilian self and we can both open our eyes on the count of three. Okay?" Chat held onto my hand tightly.

"I don't think that's a good idea." I tried to keep my voice steady. "Please. My eyes are closed, M'Lady." Was all that needed to be said before I closed my eyes and turned to face him, transforming back to my own self. "Alright. My eyes are closed and I have transformed into my civilian form." My hands began to shake. "On the count of three. One...Two...Three..." We both opened our eyes at the same time.

I couldn't help my reaction. Tears began to flow from my eyes as I transformed back and tore my hand away from his. Using my yo-yo, I quickly made my way to school, transforming back right before I hit the ground. I ran into the school and into the washroom. I couldn't believe it. I would have never imagined this day turning out the way it has.

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Hey guys. So, it's been a bit since I've updated. How are all of you? I hope you all are good. This was a very odd chapter for me to write due to the amount of emotion put into this. Have a miraculous day. Love y'all.

Word Count: 921