Scheming, scheming, scheming and more scheming part 1
Marinette stood in her room, tying her hair back and slipping into her favorite polka dot pajamas. She let out a soft yawn, glancing at her desk where her diary sat closed, waiting for her to jot down the day’s events. Instead, she opted to turn off her lamp, crawl into bed, and pull the covers up to her chin.
She stared at the ceiling for a moment, her thoughts swirling about the Winter Ball, Lila’s growing influence, and the overwhelming task of decorating. she muttered to herself before closing her eyes and falling asleep.
The next morning, Marinette woke to sunlight spilling into her room. She stretched and rubbed the sleep from her eyes before hurrying through her morning routine. After a quick breakfast, she dashed out the door, arriving at school just as the hallways buzzed with chatter.
By the lockers, Alya, Rose, Alix, and Mylène were huddled together, giggling about something. Marinette approached with a smile.
“Hey, guys! What’s up?” she asked, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
“We’re planning a shopping trip after school!” Rose chirped. “Winter Ball outfits, obviously!”
“Yeah,” Alya added with a smirk. “I’m thinking something bold. Gotta make a statement, you know?”
Mylène smiled. “I’m going for something soft and dreamy. You?”
Marinette opened her mouth to answer, but her eyes caught sight of someone standing just beyond the circle. Lila.
“I was just telling the girls about this fabulous boutique downtown,” Lila said smoothly, stepping closer. “They have the most stunning dresses. I got my cousin’s wedding dress there, and people couldn’t stop complimenting it.”
The group seemed captivated by her story, and Marinette forced a smile. “That sounds... lovely.”
“We should go together!” Rose said, her eyes sparkling.
“Totally,” Lila agreed with a warm smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’ll show you all the best styles.”
Marinette bit the inside of her cheek but nodded. “Sure, let’s make a day of it.”
After the final bell, the group made their way to the boutique Lila had mentioned. The moment they stepped inside, Marinette’s jaw nearly dropped. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and racks of designer dresses lined the walls. A soft classical tune played in the background as a sharply dressed sales associate approached with a polite smile.
“Wow,” Rose breathed. “This place is... magical.”
“It’s expensive,” Alix muttered, already flipping over a price tag and grimacing. “No wonder Chloe shops here.”
As if on cue, Chloe’s unmistakable voice rang out from a nearby aisle. “Sabrina, hold this dress for me. And this one. Ugh, why does everything here look so good on me?”
Marinette groaned internally as Chloe strutted into view, with Sabrina struggling to carry a pile of glittering gowns. Chloe’s gaze landed on the group, and her lips curled into a smirk.
“Oh, look who it is. You’re all... shopping here?” She let out a laugh. “I didn’t realize they allowed just anyone in.”
“Quit it, Chloe,” Alya said, rolling her eyes.
Chloe ignored her, turning instead to Lila. “Finally, someone with taste. Lila, are you here to help these... people pick something halfway decent?”
Lila smiled sweetly, though Marinette could see a flicker of calculation in her eyes. “Oh, Chloe, everyone deserves to feel beautiful for the ball. I’m just here to help my friends find the perfect looks.”
Chloe scoffed. “Ugh, whatever. Just stay out of my way. Sabrina, shoes. Now!”
Sabrina scrambled to grab a shoe catalog, nearly dropping the dresses in her arms.
Marinette clenched her fists but forced herself to focus on the racks of gowns instead of Chloe’s grating voice. Rose and Mylène were already trying on dresses, while Alix cracked jokes about the outrageous price tags.
Still, Marinette couldn’t shake the feeling that the unexpected pairing of Chloe and Lila spelled trouble. She made a mental note to stay on guard—just in case.
As the group browsed the store, Alya's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and smiled.
“It’s Nino,” she said, answering the call. “Hey, what’s up?”
The rest of the group exchanged knowing looks as Alya wandered a few steps away.
After a brief conversation, Alya returned, shrugging apologetically. “Sorry, guys, I’ve got to go. Nino wants me to help him with something for the Winter Ball. You know how he gets with DJ setups. total perfectionist.”
Rose waved her off with a smile. “Go, go! Tell Nino we said hi!”
“Will do. See you later!” Alya called as she hurried out of the boutique.
With Alya gone, Marinette, Rose, Alix, Mylène, and Lila continued browsing. Marinette couldn’t help but notice how seamlessly Lila inserted herself into the conversation, pointing out dresses and chatting animatedly with the others.
“This dress would look amazing on you, Rose,” Lila said, holding up a pastel pink gown.
Rose beamed. “You think so? It’s so pretty!”
As the group laughed and chatted, Marinette’s attention was drawn to a mannequin in the corner wearing a stunning scarlet red dress with delicate gold and black embroidery. She walked over, running her fingers over the fabric. It was perfect elegant yet understated.
Before she could say anything, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Well, well, Marinette. Found something in your price range, or are you just window shopping?”
Marinette turned to see Chloe standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and a smirk on her face. Sabrina hovered behind her, still clutching an armful of clothes.
Marinette took a deep breath. “Actually, Chloe, I was just admiring this dress. Not that it’s any of your business.”
Chloe’s smirk widened. “Oh, please. A dress like that? It’s way out of your league. Maybe stick to the bargain bin.”
Before Marinette could respond, Lila stepped in, her voice dripping with false charm. “Chloe, don’t be so harsh. Marinette has a good eye for style. I’m sure she’ll find something... eventually.”
Marinette bit her tongue, unsure whether Lila’s comment was meant to be helpful or subtly condescending.
“Whatever,” Chloe said, flipping her hair. “Just don’t get in my way, Dupain-Cheng. Sabrina, come on!”
As Chloe and Sabrina walked off, Rose joined Marinette, her brows furrowed. “Don’t listen to her, Marinette. That dress is gorgeous, and you’d look amazing in it.”
Marinette smiled weakly. “Thanks, Rose. It’s just... Chloe and Lila in the same room. Feels like a recipe for disaster.”
Mylène nodded in agreement. “Yeah, but at least we’ve got each other. Let’s focus on finding something we love and having a good time.”
“Agreed,” Alix said, holding up a vibrant red dress. “Now, let’s see if this makes me look like a total rockstar or a rejected Christmas ornament.”
The group burst into laughter, the tension easing slightly.
As the evening wore on, the group began wrapping up their shopping. Marinette had decided to hold off on buying the dress, wanting to explore other options, but the others were thrilled with their finds.
As they exited the store, Marinette noticed Lila lingering near Chloe, whispering something that made Chloe laugh. Marinette frowned but kept her thoughts to herself.
“Thanks for coming, everyone!” Rose said, hugging Marinette tightly.
“Yeah, this was fun,” Alix added, balancing her shopping bag on one hand like a trophy.
“See you all tomorrow!” Mylène said as they parted ways.
Marinette walked home alone, her mind swirling with thoughts. The day had been fun, but Lila’s constant presence left her uneasy. Seeing her cozying up to Chloe only made it worse.
She climbed up the stairs to her room, she set her bag down in her room, her phone buzzed on the desk. She picked it up and saw Adrien’s name flashing on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat as she answered.