14. Day 1 Part 7

"MY LIFE IS OFFICIALLY OVER!" Chloe Bourgeois was not best pleased, as she stumbled through the door that led to her plush hotel suite, dropping her bags en route and throwing herself on her bed in a wildly exaggerated dive.

The week had started out with such promise, too. A swanky party to look forward to, where she might actually get to spend some quality alone time with Adrien and shock horror her own father. Her enjoyably constant torment of Marinette, which had culminated in a masterful stitch-up of the pigtailed one, leaving her in hot water with the teacher. Plus, there was everything she'd come to take for granted... Like the freedom to buy, say, go or bully whatever, wherever or whoever she wanted.

Now thanks to some bizarre insect beastie that resembled something you would get if you poured radioactive sludge onto a hornet, all that had changed overnight. Now, it appeared that Chloe was under twenty-four hour surveillance, her every move observed, her every decision critiqued by this unwanted pest. At least Pinocchio managed to give Jiminy Cricket the slip for a little while... The blonde felt that Zzubo was so persistent in her monitoring, the kwami would follow her to the ends of the Earth, and then back again. There was no escape from her fate, none at all.

Chloe wouldn't deny there had been some nice moments with her newfound companion, and on a few occasions the bee creature had surprised her with the help and assistance she'd offered. The heiress had even been, albeit reluctantly, getting used to having her around. Although, expecting to stay for the next forty years was pushing it a tad...

Everything was in tatters now. That turncoat Zzubo had betrayed her in front of her entire class, making the heiress confess her worst excesses in front of all of her victims. How she had achieved that trick with the letter and handwriting Chloe had no idea, but it didn't really matter. The damage was done, and there was no going back now.

Why did she do this to me after all I've done for her the blonde lamented, sniveling into her pillow I've fed her the best nougats in Paris, given a limited edition bag to hide in, and even let her see me naked! I wouldn't even do that for Adrien until we were married!

She glanced angrily at the hold-all Zzubo was still sitting in, probably too afraid to emerge and face her wrath. As well she might be, the heiress fumed this is an even worse case of treachery than the time Marinette almost stole Sabrina from under my nose. That kwami is lucky I didn't just throw her bag under a passing truck on the way home. Of course, she'd still find someway to avoid being squished, and come flying straight back to deliver yet another 'riveting' lecture about my misconduct. After all, as she never tires of telling me, her species are a strange and mystical breed who have flourished for generations upon generations blah blah blah blah...

In fact, it was during Chloe's soliloquy about what a windbag her new kwami could be, that she began to feel a little drowsy. It wasn't long before her eyelids drooped of their own accord, and she found herself fast asleep, the exhausion caused by the fractuous events of the afternoon finally catching up with the blonde.

And, funnily enough, that's exactly what she began to dream about.

...

After her elongated (and extremely loud) yell, Chloe felt like she was on the verge of a panic attack. What to do... How to best salvage this situation... Could there possibly be a way out? Think, girl, think..."

Unable to formulate anything resembling a plausible explanation for her outburst, she decided to go withthe first idea that popped into her head. "Aha, good joke guys, had you all fooled, didn't I?" The heiress stretched her lips into the most unconvincing of grins. "A bit of fun before we go home for the day. Honestly, you serfs are just so gullible. Oh well, glad we've cleared that up. See you tomorrow, everyone."

Chloe's faint hope that her spontaneous plan would prove effective was quickly dashed against the rocks. "Wait just a minute, Miss Bourgeois..." Commanded Miss Bustier, in an authorative voice.

The blonde screeched in her tracks a matter of inches from the open door and precious, precious safety so close, and yet so... as the teacher stood up to walk to the side of her desk, which was a silent signal for Chloe to turn around and face the music. Uh oh.

"Do you really expect us to believe." Miss Bustier continued, adopting a deadpan tone. "That you went to all this trouble, to write a note, recite a fake confession to the whole class, and then deafen everyone with the loudest scream I've ever heard, to pull a gag? I'm sorry my dear, but I find that very hard to believe. I can think of a better explanation for the sudden denial of your actions, though..."

"Y-you c-can?" Chloe was powerless now, her Plan A being a complete flop.

"Your all-too-brief attack of a guilty conscience has left you, and now you've reverted to type..." The teacher shook her head. "There was me thinking you could be on the verge of a breakthrough. What a shame. Nevertheless, at least your temporary state of civility didn't depart your tongue in time to stop you from unburdening yourself of your recent erroneous actions. Despite your sudden and disappointing change of heart, I will take everything you've said a few moments ago as fact, and will devise suitable punishments over the course of the evening for your consideration tomorrow. Just to give you a little heads-up. You may go now."

Her head in a daze, feeling weak at the knees, Chloe staggered out of the room in earnest. There was one more thing she could attempt to get out of this predicament, a tried-and-tested method that hadn't let her down yet, but she couldn't do it here. She needed to return to the hotel as soon as possible...

"Oh, and one more thing. I'll be ringing your father as soon as everyone has left, to explain the serious nature of your transgressions. I understand he has used his pull as the mayor of the city to let you off the hook on many an occasion, but with you telegraphing your offenses at such a high volume that most of the school would've be able to hear them, I think it's safe to say your days of evading discipline are over, Miss Burgeois. Have a pleasant evening."

Miss Bustier's words put an immediate halt to Chloe's final plan, and her headlong descent into the pits of despair was further exacerbated by the teacher's next few sentences. "Oh, and Marinette, you don't have to bother with your extra homework now. And, to make up for your unfair treatment, you are now exempt from homework for the next week. I apologise for accusing you of a crime you didn't commit. You're an wonderful student, I should have known you weren't responsible. That's it. Class dismissed."

Chloe felt so angry and frustrated, she could've exploded into tiny fragments there and then. So not only am I totally going to get it in the neck now, but that Marinette is going to come out smelling like roses and cheap perfume... Again. I bet she's staring my way right at this moment, revelling in my public shaming. Well, I 'm not going to look at her. Just turn around and leave, girl. Just leave, and no-one has to get hurt...

Of course, like with most things one plans to not do, the urge to do them becomes ever stronger, so regardless of her personal wishes, Chloe found her eyes being drawn almost magnetically to her most hated rival's seat, dreading to find out what kind of smug, smirking expression would be present on that misshapen face. She was sure they'd be one, because she'd be doing exactly the same thing.

What she would find there instead would mollify the blonde. There was no gloating. No snickering. No rejoicing in her enemy 's misfortune. Instead, a look of amazement was written everywhere, as though the pigtailed girl couldn't quite believe what had just happened well, that makes two of us. And even... When she noticed that Chloe was gazing at her, a half smile? A slight nod of approval?!

Arrgh, I can't stand it! I have to get out of here! The thought of winning Marinette of all people's favour was too much for the heiress to process. Without waiting any longer to see what Adrien's response to this farce was, Chloe sped off ahead of everyone else, kicking open the double doors of the entrance, leaping down the outside stairs two steps at a time, and then flinging herself into the back of her waiting limo .

Jeeves, feeling the vehicle rock at the impact of someone jumping in, thought at first it was one of those rough street kids trying to hitch a free ride in a posh motor, and was about to spin around to tell them to get lost. It was only when he heard that tell-tale voice which had almost nagged him into a early grave (or at least, early retirement) telling him to "step on it", that he knew the right passenger was in the car.

His confusion at why the usual demure Chloe had decided to behave like a ruffian in entering the vehicle quickly took a distant second place to the fear of what would happen if she complained to her father he took too long in setting off.

He was still on thin ice from last week when he accidentally dropped one of his female charge's bags while helping to load them into the boot after another over-extended shopping trip. Sure, there was nothing fragile in there (it was an exclusive imitation fur jacket, FYI) but as she said at the time "It's the principal of the thing".

Besides, he mused to himself while driving off, he had four kids to feed, and in the current market, it would be almost impossible at his age to get another job. So he'd better stick with his current occupation, even if it meant putting up with his employer's brattish daughter, who he'd long since noted, behaved with far less maturity than his youngest.

She was six.

...

ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

BBuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

BBuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

ZZzzzzzz...Huh?!

Chloe's natural breathing during slumber was being copied by something that wasn't human. It sounded more insect-like, and was very close indeed...

The blonde slowly opened her eyes, to see just what was going on...

Only she couldn't, because the same yellow and black blur from earlier was smushed up against her face, this time securely wrapped up in her arms .

Chloe instantly jolted awake, figuring out what had happened almost immediately. I can't believe she had the nerve to... When I'm so cross with her... How dare she... Mind you, it still feels as nice as it did before... Wow. This is heaven. Maybe I should stay for a bit...

NO! Chloe's stubborn nature eventually overcame her more personal desires, and she rose swiftly from her lying position, determined to show Zzubo she was still upset with the kwami, and no amount of cuddling would negate her ire.

But, displaying quick reflexes to grab at the bee creature, once more Zzubo proved to be faster. No sooner had Chloe sat up to accost her, then the kwami quickly transferred herself from the face to the head of her wielder. Unfortunately, the heiress couldn't stop her hands in time...

And ended up poking herself full in the eye. Ouch.

Shrieking like a banshee, Chloe ended up dashing around the room, one hand over her bloodshot pupil, the other one frantically hanging in the air like someone trying to flag down a passing jet.

All this time, Zzubo remained somewhat relaxed from her nap, esconced on her wielder's fine crop of hair as she was, waiting for the fireworks to calm down.

Eventually, the eyeball decided to stop running at the same time as Chloe, and she settled on a nearby chair, still rubbing it vigorously. That's when Zzubo decided to speak.

"Are you alright, Chloe? That seemed like a pretty nasty jab. I'm sorry if I caused you to do that to yourself. But, as you've no doubt seen by now, I do not appreciate being grasped like that. Everytime you try to snatch me, I 'm afraid escape is my only option. You're not going to succeed, so you might as well give up."

"But it's okay for you to come and share my bed, without permission?" Chloe interjected, blinking rapidly to make sure her sight wasn't affected. "How did you get in there, anyway? Last time I checked, you were in your bag..."

"You were tossing and turning in your sleep, as if you were having a nightmare..." Zzubo told her. "I came over to you, to see if there was anything I could do. No sooner had I approached your pillow, then you reached out as if you wanted a hug. Seeing as it looked like it could relax you, I obliged..."

"Hang on... Didn't you just say, you couldn't stand to be held like that?" Chloe inquired, happy to note there was no evidence of visual problems, while still carrying on the conversation.

"There is a difference between an embrace and attempted capture, you know. I can tell if it's one thing or the other." Zzubo sighed, still atop her wielder's head. "Anyway, what exactly is your problem with this? I like doing it. You like doing it. What else matters? I actually slept under the covers with all of my previous holders, and I think if you give it a bit of time , you'll accept it as second nature."

Once again, Chloe thought Zzubo was joking about, although she should really have known otherwise by now. "You mean to tell me..." She frowned. "It's compulsory for all kwamis to share their sleeping quarters with their users? Sounds a bit far-fetched to me..."

"Well, it's true..." Zzubo declared unanimously. "... At least, for me and you. Quite frankly, a lot of issues seem to stem from your poor interaction with others. Well, I'm here to help you with that, even at bedtime. So, make sure one part of the sheet is clear for me from now on, please. Not that I need much space, mind you..."

"Hold on just a minute... I know this sounds like a silly question..." Chloe growled. "Don't I have any say in this? Or indeed, in any part in my life anymore?"

"Of course you do..." Zzubo replied with candour. "You get to choose what side of the bed you sleep on! Which is it to be... Left or right?!"

"You know what I mean..." Chloe was beginning to lose her temper . "You just appear one day out of a weird box, and take control of everything. Telling me how I should look. How I should behave. What I should say. Then, you fool me into getting myself into the biggest trouble of my entire life. Exactly how is what you're doing supposed to help me?! I'm far worse off now than I was this time yesterday, and it's all your fault..."

"Oh, really..?" Zzubo brushed a few strands of Chloe's hair away, to make herself more comfortable. "Let's put that theory to the test tomorrow, shall we? You might have to answer for your petty acts, for which you have no-one to blame but yourself. But seee how the others treat you in class after your confession today, and find out for yourself what's changed. I think you may be pleasantly surprised. In fact, you might just look on that as the moment your whole turned around for the better, and you may just realise how lucky you are to have me around..."

"Forgive me for being a little skeptical..." Chloe scoffed, before a feeling of resignation set upon her. "You'e really not going anywhere anytime soon, are you?"

"Nope." Zzubo lightly tapped her wielder's scalp. "So you better get used to having me around. I can be fun, you know. Maybe a trifle harsh, but everything I say comes from a place of love. I see great potential in you, Chloe Bourgeois, and I'll be here every step of the way to see you fulfil it. When the day finally arrives that you transform into the superhero I know you can be, to fight alongside Cat Noir, Ladybug, and who knows... Maybe a few new friends you haven't met yet, I'll be the proudest kwami this side of the Seine. This I promise you."

Chloe didn't quite know what to say to this. On the one hand, the mere notion of a high-class girl like herself exchanging fisticuffs on the rooftops of Paris with baddies seemed preposterous to say the least.

On the other hand, the thought of so many people relying on her to save the day, having faith that she'd always be there to protect them, was beginning to appeal to her greatly. And no, not entirely driven by her selfish ego. Though, there was that, too.

All she knew is right now, she felt choked up at Zzubo's heartfelt statement of belief in her. She struggled to think of the right words to say in response, and when they eventually arrived...

BEEP BEEP!

Chloe's phone rang so suddenly it made her flinch, and forget what she was going to say. Even the usually unshakeable Zzubo jumped at least two inches in the air upon hearing it.

Taking the mobile in her hand, she checked to see who it was. Sabrina. Wow. I wonder how her day's gone. Probably a lot better than mine, even though she's been at a funeral. She took the call.

"Hi, Chloe! This is just a quick call to tell you not to worry, because I'll be back first thing in the morning."

"H-hi Sabrina. G-glad to hear you're doing well. W-was it a good service?"

"W-wha... HELLO? Is this Chloe I'm talking too? Have I got the wrong number?! Let me just check..."

"...Don't be silly, Sabrina, of course it's me! Don't you recognise my voice by now? I've only like, known you for years and years!"

"O-oh, it IS you Chloe! S-sorry, I just couldn't tell for a minute... Your voice sounded funny. Almost like it was a bad connection..."

"Well, it is me. And I was just wondering if the funeral went okay! You know, the one I let you off doing my homework for?!

"H-huh?! Y-you mean... Y-you really want to know? Y-you're not just asking me that to tease me about it later? B-because, if you don't mind me saying, it is rather a sensitive subject for me right now..."

"Damn it Chloe, just tell me already! I'm not going to ask again!"

"O-oh, okay. Sorry. Just making sure. Well, it was very sad of course, saying goodbye to Nana. But I know she's in a better place now. It was so depressing... Watching her stuffed full of tubes in that hospital bed, fighting a losing battle, day after day. Now her spirit's finally free though, her pain is over at last. For that, at least, I can be grateful... Wait a second. Chloe... Are you crying?!"

"U-uh?! N-no o-of c-course n-not. A-as y-you s-said, i-it's a-a b-bad c-connection. Y-you k-know a-as w-well a-as I-I d-do, S-Sab, t-that I-I n-never c-cry. C-crying i-is f-for s-sissies..."*SOB*

"Oh my gosh Chloe... You are crying! But why would you be upset? I don't understand. You barely even knew my Nana and... Wait. I know what this is about. Oh no, Chloe... I'm so sorry. I've bought back memories of that day, haven't I? I-I didn't realise what I was saying. P-please forgive me..."

"W-what?! *SNIFF* I don't know what you're talking about, Sabrina. Listen I have to go now. I can barely hear you with all this static in the background. One more thing... I've been very disappointed in the quality of my homework you've been doing of late, so for the forseeable future I'll be doing it myself. Do you hear me?!"

"B-but Chloe, you always get top marks because of me. I-I don't know what you'd..."

"That's an order Sabrina. Now, go away. And, say hi to the rest of your family for me. Offer them my sympathies. See you tomorrow."

"I-I will Chloe, but are you sure you don't want to talk for a bit longer? I-it really sounds like you need someone..." *CLICK*

With that, Chloe hung up. She swiftly threw away the many tissues she'd used over the course of the call, and got up to saunter emotionlessly back to her bed.

Zzubo, who by now had flit from the blonde's head to her right shoulder, was obviously worried, and began stroking her owner's cheek. "I share your friend's concern, Chloe. Are you sure you're alright? Because if there is anything you need to discuss, I'll always be here for you..."

Chloe's face turned deep red, and through gritted teeth she had this to say, or mostly scream. "I'll tell you, what I told Sabrina, Adrien and the countless other meddlers who've asked me that question. I-I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT! I-I'M C-COPING! I-I'M GETTING OUT OF BED EVERY MORNING, AREN'T I? I-I'M GOING TO SCHOOL, AREN'T I? I-I'M SLEEPING AT NIGHT, AREN'T I? I-I'M EATING, DRINKING, BREATHING... T-THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE WHO 'LIVE' DO, ISN'T IT? L-LIKE MY DADDY SAYS, ALL I NEED IS TO DO STUFF, AND I'LL BE ALRIGHT. S-SO WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP ASKING ME ABOUT IT? W-WHY CAN'T EVERYONE JUST LEAVE ME ALONE?! I-I'M F-FINE..."

At this point, having officially got through her hundredth tissue of the day, Chloe realised something was missing. Namely, a comfortable presence on her shoulder, as Zzubo was nowhere to be seen.

Well, can't say I'm that surprised. The blonde thought pitifully, as she cleared her throat. No-one can stand my wailing for too long, not even apparently as patient a kwami as Zzubo. I should just accept it. I'm beyond help. The only thing good about me, is my heritage and wealth. I truly am a lost cause...

What Chloe didn't know was the real reason behind the bee creature's disappearance wasn't her caterwauling at all. It was due to the unexpected return of the owner of the hotel, who's evening meeting had finished early so he'd dashed to the building to pay his daughter a surprise visit.

If receiving a message informing him what a disruptive influence his offspring was on the rest of school the moment he arrived wasn't bad enough, now he'd heard her throwing a tearful tantrum upstairs, frightening the guests and staff alike.

If word of this disgrace gets out, she'll be costing me poll ratings and business he thought, as he rushed to her room to confront her.

Zzubo's sharp ears had heard him entering just in the nick of time above the sound of Chloe's sobbing , and the kwami managed to squeeze underneath the bed undetected.

Chloe herself wasn't so lucky, and was still in the middle of her self-administration, which made it look like she was talking to herself for a full minute after her father was present.

So it was a very shocked heiress who noticed the new occupant shortly after she quietened down, and she froze with trepidation as Andre Burgeois asked her one simple question in a booming voice:

"Chloe, what exactly is going on with you?!"

...

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Last part of day 1 coming up soon folks, and it's a doozie. brace yourself!

Apparently, I have more questions. Well, here are some answers.

Guest: I update when I have the urge to write, so who knows? As for the shipping forecast, you'll just have to wait and see...

Saberstorm: I ain't Adrien, so I can't answer that. Sorry. :( (I do like cats, tho.)

EchidnaPower: The secret formula to life itself. If you didn't record it at the time , I'm afraid it's lost forever now. Oh, well...

That's it. Till next update, compardres...