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Alya bounced on the balls of her feet, giddy with excitement. Everything was ready. Nino was manning the makeshift DJ station, ready to pop the tunes as soon as Lila stepped foot into the park. The decorations were up, food and drinks were out, and Lila’s friends were ready and waiting to surprise her when she appeared. Including, of course, Jagged Stone, Clara Nightingale, and Prince Ali.
She still couldn’t believe that she’d managed to get ahold of them, much less that they were all free today. Lila’s plans with them had fallen through so many times, she was going to be so excited that they could show up for her birthday.
She’d tried to get Ladybug, too, but when she’d asked if she’d come to the surprise party she was throwing for her best friend, Ladybug had been confused.
“Your best friend’s birthday party?” she’d asked.
“No, your best friend’s birthday party,” Alya had corrected.
Ladybug had turned to Chat Noir, eyebrow raised playfully. “Aw, why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday next week, kitty?”
“It’s not.” Chat Noir had said, grinning as if they were sharing an inside joke. “But we can celebrate it anyways. You know spending time with you is as good as any birthday present.”
Turning back to Alya, Ladybug had shrugged. “Sorry, I guess I’m busy that day. We’ll be celebrating my best friend’s un-birthday. See you, Alya! Bug out!”
And with that, the two superheroes had jumped to the rooftops, leaving a bewildered but not surprised Alya behind. Getting a straight answer out of those two was like pulling teeth.
But anyway, barring random supervillains and frustratingly cryptic superheroes, Lila’s birthday party was going to go off without a hitch.
Lila appeared then, flanked by Mylene and Rose, and gasped, pressing a hand to her smiling mouth as she took in the scene before her.
At almost the same time, there was a rustle of branches and a crash.
“Sorry!” Marinette squeaked quietly to Alya, standing up and brushing herself off before picking up the bakery box. “Sorry, I’m late, I know, I had to put the—”
The rest of her sentence was cut off as everyone yelled, “SURPRISE!”
Jagged Stone put his guitar down and rushed forward—
—right past Lila, straight to Marinette, who hugged him back as he scooped her up in his arms. “Happy birthday!”
Cue the record scratch.
Literally. Nino’s hand slipped on the DJ board.
“Um, what?” Alya wasn’t sure who said it. Everyone was gaping at the rock star in bewilderment.
Clara Nightingale twirled forward, grasping Marinette’s hand as soon as Jagged let her go. “You’re surprised, I bet. Happy birthday, Marinette!”
Even Prince Ali came up and wished her a happy birthday, clapping Marinette on the shoulder as she looked around at them. The two exchanged a look, and Alya could tell that Marinette was just as lost as she was.
“Wait,” Alya said, waving her hands and coming to Marinette’s rescue. “It’s Lila’s birthday, not Marinette’s.”
Jagged turned around. “Who’s Lila?”
Alya blinked.
“Hello, Jagged Stone? This is Alya Cesaire from Francois-Dupont.
“The high school?”
“Yeah. Anyway, it’s my friend’s birthday next week, and I got your number from my friend to ask—”
“Marinette?”
“Yeah, Marinette. Anyway, it’s our friend’s birthday next week, and since she’s helped you out a couple of times, we were wondering if you’d come to a surprise party we’re throwing for her. You know her, right? It’s—”
“Know her? Of course I know her! She’s my niece!”
“Wait, really?”
“Well, honorary niece. But we’re practically family. She’s a rock n’ roll girl, of course I’ll come to her birthday party!”
“Awesome! It’s a surprise, so don’t say anything to her, okay?”
“Sure thing! You can count on me!”
“Lila Rossi?” Alya said hesitantly, and pointed.
Lila was pushed to the front of the group, where she shuffled nervously.
Clara Nightingale gave Lila a once-over, then turned back to Alya. “Miss Rossi, you say? I thought you said it was Marinette’s birthday.”
“Hi, Ms. Nightingale, this is Alya Cesaire. Um, you probably don’t remember me, but I actually was in your music video as an extra.”
“Oh that’s wonderful to hear! How can I help you, my dear?”
“Yes, well, it’s my friend’s birthday soon, and it turns out you know her. She helped you with your song.”
“...I’m afraid I don’t understand. I don’t remember anyone lending a hand.”
“I think she said you asked her to be in the song, but she couldn’t because of certain complications, but she still ended up helping you with it.”
“Oh! You mean your friend who helped with the video! I remember her, she’s a real sweet kiddo.”
“Yes, her! Anyway, her birthday is next week, and we’re throwing a surprise party for her. I was wondering, since you two know each other, if you’d be willing to stop by. I know she’s a huge fan of yours.”
“Oh, I’d love to! With all of her help, it’s the least I can do!”
“Thank you so much! She’ll be so excited!”
“Yes,” Prince Ali agreed. “I remember the dolls you made for the sick children. That was definitely this girl.” He pointed to Marinette.
“But, Lila’s helped with your charities, too, hasn’t she? On global warming?” Rose asked timidly. “She came to visit you in Achu.”
Ali’s brow furrowed. “Global warming? No, my charity is to help kids in the hospital. And I usually do that abroad, not in Achu.”
“Hello, Prince Ali? Your highness?”
“Rose?”
“No, actually, this is her friend Alya. I heard… well, I heard you were going to be in Paris next week, and since you get along so well with our class, I was wondering if you’d come to our friend’s birthday party next week if you have the time.”
“Oooh, a party sounds so much fun! I’d love to come if I can manage it. Whose birthday is it?”
“Oh, I don’t think you got to see her when you last visited, but she’s helped you with your charities.”
“Ah, yes. Rose’s friend? The one who donated to the hospital drive?”
“That sounds like her. If you could come, I’m sure she’d really appreciate it. We want to surprise her for her birthday.”
“If I can manage to be there, it would be my pleasure. I would be honored to help out my Parisian friends.”
The awkward silence was broken by a wheezing, choking sound. Everyone turned to see Adrien bent double in the back, laughing his ass off.
Alya turned back to the celebrities. “So… none of you know Lila?”
“Sorry, nope.” Jagged responded. “And I guess it isn’t Marinette’s birthday, either.” He looked really disappointed.
“Sorry, Jagged,” Marinette said. “My birthday was a few months ago.”
“Aw, man.”
Unsure what else to do, Alya nodded at Nino, who shrugged and started the music back up. Later, Lila would apologize for lying, saying that she was just worried about making friends in a new school and new country.
But for now, everyone continued as well as they could, chatting over cake and dancing to Nino’s wicked tunes, Jagged Stone’s favorite hits, and Clara Nightingale’s newest album.
And if Lila suspiciously disappeared from school after a couple of lawyers and her furious mother appeared… well…
They didn’t know that yet.