Heartbroken Hero

Chapter 15

Marinette finally reacted.

But as always, she was too late.

Her legs jolted awake, and they started moving towards the limo Adrien and Louise were stepping in.

"No!" she cried as the limo door shut and started up, her hopes and dreams shattering.

She fell to her knees right there by the sidewalk and watched as the motorcade sped off down the street.

"S-spots on!" she yelled shakily.

Tikki peeked her head out of Marinette's bag, a concerned and empathetic look on her face. "You can't, everyone will see!"

Marinette blinked and looked around, realizing she was still very much in public. Students were looking at her in confusion, wondering why the girl had screamed such strange words.

She bit her lip, choking back a sob and getting to her feet. She wiped her tear stained eyes, feeling completely helpless.

Alya ran up to Marinette, pulling her into a hug. "I am so freaking sorry, girl."

"I am too," Marinette mumbled in response. "What am I gonna do, Alya? Adrien is gone."

"Not necessarily," Alya smirked, pulling out her phone. "I did my research and... this fashion show Louise is talking about is being held in Los Angeles. And the next flight is in... 25 minutes."

Marinette widened her eyes. "So wait, you're saying..?"

"There is still time to catch him!" Alya finished, beaming proudly.

Marinette jumped up in happiness. "Oh, Alya, you're the best!"

"I try," Alya smiled.

"Can I come?" a voice mumbled from behind; it was Chloe.

Marinette turned around to face the blonde. Her arms were crossed shyly.

"Sure," Marinette nodded. "Of course."

"I know I kinda suck as a person... but I want to be there as support when you kick Louise's butt," Chloe smirked.

"Thanks," Marinette winked. "But even though a part of me would like to do more than that, I'm hoping I can attack her with truthful words instead of my fists."

Chloe scoffed, looking away. "You're no fun."

"Anyways," Marinette swiveled to face Alya again. "Maybe I should go by myself and then you guys can meet me there?"

In truth, Marinette wanted to take the fastest route to the airport as possible; her yoyo. But she obviously couldn't tell Alya and Chloe that she was Ladybug, nor could she carry 2 other people with her as she swung through the air...

Alya laughed. "Nonsense, I can just have my mom drive us."

"The airport is 20 minutes away, we would just make it there in time," Chloe added. "And that doesn't even include traffic."

"True, but how else are we gonna get there? Call up Ladybug and Chat Noir for a ride?" Alya suggested jokingly.

Marinette teetered back and forth nervously. Every minute they spent debating on how they're going to get to the airport is a minute wasted.

She could just get it over with and go as Ladybug right there, avoiding all of the traffic easy...

Then, a lightbulb went off in her head.

"I'll just hitch a ride from Ladybug," Marinette suggested, smiling.

"What? I was just kidding," Alya mumbled.