Cat-Call 2 (Mari-Chat sequel to Cat-call)

Ch.9 History Book (AlyaPV)

*Flash back to the day pharaoh took her hostage*

"I know! I'll make a small mark on the corner of this history text book! If someone from my school is Ladybug, this mark will be a good give away!" I enthused with excitement just before picking up my vibrating phone. "Marinette? Yea girl, I'm on my way. See you there..." I said as I placed the book in my bag and made my way out the door and towards the museum.

*Present day*

I watched as my best friend trudged up the stairs slowly. Her eyes were dull and her lips formed a rigid line across her face. She looked tired, more so than usual. Ever since Adrien's accident, Marinette's been very depressed. She barely said anything anymore and we hardly hung out. "Morning girl...." I greeted as she slid into the seat next to me.

"Hey..." she muttered as she rested her head on the table.

"Rough night?" I asked as I opened up my textbook and took out a pen. She nodded without lifting her head. I glanced up as Nino walked in, followed by an exhausted looking Adrien. Marinette's earlier expression mirrored his perfectly. "What's up with these two lately?" My mind wondered as he took his usual seat in front of us. Nino waved at me before sitting beside his friend. Things had been going very well with us, especially after finding out about each other's alter egos. I just wish my best friend could share my happiness.

"Do you know anything about Adrien's condition?" I asked in a low voice. She shook her head again without lifting it off the table.

"Nothing's improving. He still doesn't remember anything..." she trailed off sadly.

"How do you know? Maybe you're over reacting again" I rationalized as I nudged her with my elbow.

"Yesterday, we ran into each other at the library, but he didn't recognize me..." she trailed off, her expression down-trodden.

"I'm sure these things take time, just give it a little while. I'm sure he'll come around!" I assured as I put my arm around her shoulder and squeezed her into a quick side hug.

"You really think so?" She asked lifting her head slowly. Her blue eyes were round and watery.

"I know so!" A soft smile played on her lips as she glanced down at the back of his head.

"Good morning class! Please open your books to page 87..." the teacher instructed. Marinette lugged the book out of her bag and placed it heavily on the desk. After flipping to the page, she bent down to look for a pen.

"Finally remembered to bring your book?" I teased as she rummaged around in her bag.

"Yea, I would lose my head if it wasn't screwed on..." she muttered but I didn't hear her. My mind wandered elsewhere when I caught sight of a familiar mark on the corner of her text-book page.

"Uh...Mari?" I began when she finally sat up. "T-this book, have you lent it to anyone recently?" I asked anxiously. My heart was racing.

"Umm, not that I remember, why?" She asked eyeing me curiously. My tongue tied in my mouth as I gestured to the mark I had made several months prior. "Huh, that's strange. I don't remember that mark being there when I first got the book..." she trailed off as she studied it. Our history teacher began the lesson shortly after.

I glanced down at my hands as I crushed them between my thighs. "That mark, it's the same one..." my mind raced as I stole glances at my best friend. "This whole time...could she be...?" My mind spun as I remembered her weird and erratic behavior. Her constant tardiness and ability to disappear during an akuma attack. "Impossible, clumsy Marinette? There's no way she can be THE Ladybug, is there?"

(A/N This chapter is dedicated to DancyDawnBlack she gave me the idea for the mark in the history book and gave me permission to use it! So I will take advantage and add it to this story and see where it leads! Also, don't forget to check out my original novel Camp Red Lake! It's not Miraculous related, but it includes a cute blond boy and a shy bluenette!)