Guardian of the Miraculous (Sequel to Niece of the Guardian)

Pool Trip

   It's been two days since the last Akuma attack. That was probably the second most draining day ever, the first being the day that I talked to the police officer...yeah I'm gonna stop there. I am currently sitting in class, half listening to the conversation I was listening to while thinking back to the attack and dissecting it carefully. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with it even though I dissected it multiple times and still couldn't find what made it different than the usual Akuma attack.

   Mrs. Bustier walked into the class and stood at her desk. The room quieted down and I snapped out of my thoughts. "Okay class, so I know that it has been a very stressful week with a bunch of standardized testing and an Akuma attack. I talked to the Principal and was able to book the pool so we are taking a pool trip today!" The class erupted into cheers around me but my stomach dropped. My wound was healed but there was still a scar that most likely was permanent. 

   My face must have turned pale because Dylan was looking at me with worry. "You may all go home and get ready, we will meet back up here in half an hour and leave for the pool on the bus." I walked out with Adrien and Gorilla pulled up. I climbed in the back, silently worrying to myself. We pulled into the driveway and I walked out of the car in a daze. I got to my room and sat down, contemplating faking sick just to skip the treacherous trip. 

   Once I came up with a plan to avoid going into the water, I walked to my closet and pulled out my swimsuit. It was a two piece, the top black and white plaid sports bra style and the bottoms a black high-waisted piece, connected to the top on the sides with a metal ring. I put it on and pulled a black sundress overtop. I strapped on my black sandals and grabbed my bag with my towel, a book, my sketch pad and pencils, and my glasses case. 

   I walked downstairs and climbed back into the car with Adrien. "I'm still surprised my father let us go to this." Adrien said. I smiled at him and said "I think we both deserve this though, we do work a ton. And uncle Gabriel was considering using me for the next few photoshoots. Then I really will be as busy as you are." Adrien looked at me with wide eyes and said "Are you sure?" I shrugged. "Why not. It will probably be a lot more fun for you having me be there. Besides, there's already tons of drama surrounding me being royalty, this won't make any difference."

   He wore an astonished look. "How? How are you so selfless?" He asks. I shake my head, trying to ready myself for the lengthy explanation. "Long story short, I grew up before I was done being a kid. That involves a lot of putting others first. My reality was bad but some of my family had it just as bad. I became like a mother to my now five-year-old cousin back in America and ended up watching him almost every day. I loved being an older sister but it involved a lot of maturity that most kids my age didn't have." 

   He opened his mouth to say something but I just held my hand up. "I don't need pity, don't want it. It's over now and his home life is much better than mine ever was, I'm happy for him." Adrien nodded and looked away in thought. I twisted my hair in anticipation for the long day it was going to be. We arrived at the school and I stepped out of the car, walking over to our friends. 

   They all turned to look at us and I felt Dylan's stare on me. I blushed under his gaze and tried to fight the rising heat I felt. "Like what you see bud?" Nino joked, elbowing him in the side. I noticed Dylan blushed and I smiled. "Okay class, please load onto the bus and sit with your desk partners." We all loaded onto the bus and I sat down at the window. Dylan sat down next to me and slipped his hand in mine.

   I glanced over at him and faked a smile. It will be fine. No one will make fun of you and Dylan won't just break up with you because of scars. If he does then he is stupid. I mentally reassured myself. Alas, I couldn't quell the nervous knots in my stomach. We arrived at the pool and every step I took towards the building made my stomach twist more. If I got teased ever it never bothered me except that the scars bring back painful memories.