Moving on with the Bully (Book 2 of the Bullied Series)

Chapter 2

Adrien's POV

The day after our hectic arrival home, it was shopping day. Natalie has said that she was taking Marinette alone, but I quickly persuaded her otherwise. Besides, I needed to get my mind off of the awful, toxic place Marinette called her house. I was so angry and sad when I saw her room; I was also mad that I hadn't taken her out of there beforehand.

We went to the same mall Marinette and I had been to before, but I avoided the store that we had run into Chloe and Lila at. Marinette seemed excited, but also nervous about getting a new wardrobe. We hit every single store and walked out with at least three hundred dollars worth of clothes from each. Natalie, Gorilla, and I carried the many bags.

After two or three hours had passed, we arrived back at the house. Marinette helped unload all of the clothes up and into her room. Natalie set down the final bag.

"Thank you, Natalie," Marinette thanked her for the billionth time.

In her same monotone voice, Natalie replied, "It's no problem."

Natalie began out of Mari's room, but stopped in her tracks when Marinette said, "I promise I will pay you back."

Natalie turned around and walked directly up to Marinette. She stood in front of her for only a moment before her arms were wrapped lightly around her shoulders. I saw Marinette tense before she melted. Natalie pulled back from the embrace but was still connected to Marinette's shoulders.

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng, you are paying all of us back by simply being safe."

Marinette held the eye contact and I could see tears welling up in her oceanic eyes. She nodded lightly to Natalie. She pulled away from Mari then and made her way to the door.

When she was in the frame, she said, "No crying, Marinette. Besides, you have to put on a fashion show for Adrien."

With that, she was gone. Marinette turned to me with watery eyes, but a smile. She walked over to the bags of clothing and started taking some stuff out. Once she had a whole pile in her arms, she walked toward the bathroom. She tossed the garments on the bathroom floor and turned toward me.

"You wait on the bed," she instructed. "I'll show you everything I got...which will probably take a while."

I smiled excitedly and nodded to her. I had been in and seen my fair share of fashion shows, but I had a feeling this would be my favorite one ever. I waited patiently on the sofa for Marinette to get into her first outfit. She came out within minutes, and my jaw almost hit the floor. The dress she was wearing was a light pink, slip dress that stopped just above her knees. It hugged her curvy yet slim body beautifully and even showed a little cleavage. Her cheeks were the same color as her dress and I assumed mine were stained the same color. She strutted for a minute before pausing in front of me.

She began to ask, "What do you—"

"Beyond beautiful, Marinette." I interrupted while holding eye contact.

She remained staring at me as her cheeks darkened. She was so beautiful. How had I hurt her for so long? How was I ever cruel to such an amazing girl?

I took a moment to reflect on the past year and how far I've come. I used to be an absolute asshole. The old me in this situation would be all over poor,  innocent Marinette.

"T-thank you, Adrien," she smiled and the floor. "Natalie said that this would be good for a casual event."

"That would be good for an awards show or something. Or for a date," I said before I could think.

She looked up right as I said it and her mouth opened like she was going to say something before she closed it. She smiled lightly before she started to laugh hysterically. It was like a symphony to me, and I had to laugh along with her.