
A/N 1: Outfit for the chapter. Ignore scarf and gloves.
Hairstyle
Françoise Dupont High School - Miss Bustier's Classroom
Mr. Damocles is introducing a pretty woman to the class. "This is our new guidance counselor, Miss Evelyn Meadows."
The students are content to have a guidance counselor while Marinette rolled their eyes.
{A/N: This is what I imagine what Ms. Meadows looks like.}
"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Ms. Meadows greeted.
Dupain-Cheng scoffs. "Yeah, I'm sure we could all use someone to tell us to take a deep breath and count to ten when we're stressed...As if that helps anything." She mutters to Alya.
'You kinda do need help, Marinette.' Lily thought.
It was true. That girl needed serious therapy and guidance. She needed help in order to get over Adrien.
"Marinette, please stop talking while Mr. Damocles is speaking." Miss Bustier politely requests.
"Sorry." Marinette sheepishly apologized after getting caught.
"After school, you will all have a guidance session with Ms. Meadows so you can start the process of adjusting and getting comfortable with her." Mr. Damocles explains.
"Great," Marinette mumbles under her breath. "Can't wait to have someone to tell me how I feel. I'm sure there's nothing better I could do with my time."
"Don't worry, I won't be forcing you all to speak to me, I know how that feels when I myself was in high school," Evelyn says. "If you'd like to sit in silence and just listen to music, I'd be perfectly okay with that." She assures optimistically.
Rose's eyes light up at this suggestion. "Really? You mean it? We're not actually going to have to talk about our feelings?" She asked, hope in her tone.
"Of course not, dear." Evelyn confirmed.
Rose leans back, visibly relieved. "Oh, thank goodness!"
"Okay, I'll give this a try." Alix says to herself, nodding.
After Evelyn and Mr. Damocles leave the classroom, Miss Bustier turns back to her class.
"Now, everyone, take out your Literature books I assigned." She instructed.
"I think this new school counselor is gonna be good for all of us. You can probably talk about your dad when you're ready." Nino told Adrien, getting out his Literature book.
"Yeah," Adrien replied, also retrieving his book. "Maybe I will."
"Dude, this is all thanks to Lily! I bet she's the one who suggested a school counselor." Nino figures.
Adrien chuckles. "I wouldn't put it past her. She's always trying to look out for us." He looks back at Lily, who smiles at him. He smiles back.
Marinette watches the interaction between Adrien and Lily. Her expression sour as she sees Lily smile at Adrien. She had been told by the others that the two got together after Christmas. It was during a Christmas party at Lily's house. She didn't know why she and Alya weren't invited at all. She had wanted to give Adrien a Christmas present, but she was unable to catch up to his bodyguard who visited the bakery for a Yule Log pastry. Then she found out that Adrien went missing but was soon told that he was at Lily's house. Apparently, her classmates and their families had a Christmas party at Lily's house. She overheard them that they had a good time being there. Not to mention that Adrien and Lily kissed under the mistletoe, on the lips.
'Oh how I wish that I was the one who got to kiss Adrien's lips.' Marinette thought sadly.
Guidance Counselor's Office
After classes, it was now time for guidance sessions with Ms. Meadows.
Evelyn had called Marinette first into her office, and now Marinette was sitting in the guidance room on the couch with Evelyn sitting in front of her.
After finding out that Adrien and Lily were now an item, Marinette had been having a hard time trying to get over Adrien. But it was really hard, considering that she and Adrien are in the same classes. Maybe talking with Ms. Meadows might help her in some way.
"Hello, dear, as you know, I'm Evelyn Meadows. Can you please say your name so we can begin?" Ms. Meadows asks the bluenette, holding a notepad and a fountain pen.
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng." The klutz replies obediently, keeping her head down as she speaks.
Evelyn becomes sympathetic but doesn't want to jump into personal questions right away. "Let's start off with some basic questions. What is your favorite color?"
"Pink." Marinette quietly replies.
"Pink? I love it! A bright, vibrant color!" Evelyn smiles warmly, writing down Marinette favorite color. "Now, next, what are some things that you like to do in your free time?"
"Fashion designing." Marinette replied hesitantly.
"Oh, that's nice," Evelyn says as she writes it down. "How long have you been interested in fashion design?"
"Since ninth grade." Marinette replied.
"And what about before that?" Ms. Meadows asks as she makes another note down.
"I liked baking because my parents owned a bakery, but I'm too clumsy, so... I got interested in fashion designing." Marinette plays with her pigtails.
"Clumsy?" Evelyn is intrigued with her statement. "Now, don't worry, I'm sure you're just being too hard on yourself, but let's talk about some of your difficulties. Can you tell me some of the reasons you perceive yourself to be clumsy?"
Marinette sighs, getting annoyed. "What's the point of this? Aren't you supposed to make me feel happy?"
"Marinette, one of the ways I can help you feel happy is to work through your weaknesses and insecurities," Ms. Meadows replies. "Sometimes, talking about what makes us unhappy can eventually make us happy, because we learn to accept and understand ourselves more. Let's talk about your clumsiness."
"I don't want to talk about my clumsiness!" Marinette shouted. Then she let out a sigh, "I just want to know how to handle...rejection."
"Rejection? Of what?" Ms. Meadows questioned.
"...heartbreak." Marinette admitted.
"I see." Evelyn understood, "Could you tell me about the person?"
"Well, he's amazing, at everything. Blonde hair and green eyes. His smile is so warm, you just feel fuzzy all over. Whenever I looked into his eyes, it's like my mind goes blank for a moment and I can't think of anything else." Marinette beamed in a dreamy tone.
"You really liked him, huh?" Evelyn asked.
"Actually...I still like him." Marinette admitted.
"But you know that he's in a relationship now?" Evelyn asked.
"I KNOW!" Marinette shouted and then let out a sigh, "I know he has a girlfriend now. But it's just so hard to get over him. Especially since we're in the same classes."
"I see," Evelyn understood, "Why don't you try being friends?" She suggested.
"What? Are you sure that's a good idea?" Marinette questioned.
"It's up to you if you don't want to. But I personally think that you should start being clear about your feelings. You shouldn't avoid your crush. Developing a friendship firstly by talking is better. If you're still unsure, try look above your love interest eyeline, don't take the same exits and entries. Come before and leave after your infatuation or vice-versa." Evelyn suggested.
Marinette let out a sigh, "He doesn't want to be my friend." She admitted.
"Well, that's sounds complicating." Evelyn commented.
"You have no idea." Marinette stated.
"I somewhat do. Instead, just focus on your goals, try to maintain a positive outlook and practice mindfulness." Evelyn suggested.
Marinette looked down at her hands in her lap, "Do you think I'm broken?"
“You’re not broken, Marinette. But you’re holding onto something that’s hurting you.” Evelyn stated.
Marinette clenched her hands into fists on her lap. Her feelings for Adrien were still there in her heart. Even though, Adrien and Lily were just starting to date. She hoped for a chance to catch Adrien's attention. At the right moment, she'll make sure that he belongs to her and only her.
Miss Bustier's Classroom
After the session, Marinette left the office, joining her classmates.
"So? How was it?" Alya asks her.
Marinette let out a sigh, "Okay, I guess." She replied.
"You guess?" Alya's brow arched.
"I don't know. I felt like her advice was useless." Marinette admitted, crossing her arms on her desk and letting her head rest on them.
Alya shrugged, "Maybe, maybe not."
Marinette glanced at Adrien in the corner of her eye. He was talking to Nino about something. She wished that she was able to talk normally in front of the green-eyed boy, but it seemed impossible.
Guidance Counselor's Office
"Please say your name before we begin." Ms. Meadows tells Adrien as he sat on the couch. She is holding her notepad and fountain pen.
"Adrien Agreste." He replies.
Ms. Meadows writes down his name. "Favorite color?"
"Green." Adrien smiled.
"Green," Evelyn nods and writes down his favorite color on her notepad before she continues. "Now, next, what are some things that you like to do in your free time?"
Evelyn notices that Adrien goes blank for a moment before he starts to reply. He seems hesitant and unsure of what to say.
"Hmm..." Evelyn hums, she doesn't want to push him to elaborate. "What about your friends? Do you have any close friends you like to hang out with?"
"Yeah, all of my classmates are my friends, but I mostly like to hang out with my best friend and childhood friends," Adrien smiles, "I also hang out with my girlfriend."
"Oh, that's really nice!" Evelyn says, smiling warmly. She quickly writes down a note on her pad that reads: 'Adrien's friends', "So what's the lucky girl's name?"
Adrien blushed, "Lily Rossi. She's my childhood friend who soon became my girlfriend. She's amazing. She's kind, brave, smart, creative and considerate towards everyone she knows or meets. She's our class representative and she tries hard to keep her promises. She's also not afraid to stand up to anyone who tries to hurt me or our friends."
"Well, you must be feeling very lucky, Adrien." Evelyn teased.
"Yeah." Adrien smiled softly.
It was true. He felt very lucky when he and Lily admitted their feelings towards each other. It was even better that they now know each other's alter egos. As Lady Scarlet, she does her best to come up with a plan, even without using their powers. He had seen how much she cares about the Kwamis who are under her care. They care about her in return.
"How about family?" Ms. Meadows asked.
Adrien saddened at the mention of family, "I still have my dad. But my mom...she disappeared some time ago." He explained.
Evelyn's gaze softened. She could tell that Adrien truly missed his mother. She had seen it in many teens before coming to this school.
"My dad...sometimes I feel like I'm losing him. He always caught up in his work and hardly spends time with me." Adrien admitted.
"When someone loses their spouse, they sometimes distance themselves in order to forget the pain that their loved one is gone. But I believe that kind of plan is never the answer to moving on." Evelyn explained.
"You think so?" Adrien asked.
Evelyn nodded, "Have you tried talking with him?"
"Yeah. But he hardly listens. However, he has tried show up for some events." Adrien replied.
"What events?" Evelyn asked.
"Well, he did somewhat show up for Parent Career Day, even though it was a video call. He let me have a birthday party with my friends and we watched my mom's old film. He even let us attend Lily's Christmas party with my friends and their families." Adrien stated and then chuckled sheepishly, "I have a feeling that Lily and her parents were somehow able to get my dad to attend those events."
Evelyn chuckled, "I'm sure they're very persuasive when it comes to their loved one's needs." She stated.
"I think so as well." Adrien agreed.
"Do you mind if I ask a personal question, Adrien?" Evelyn asked.
"Sure." Adrien replied.
"Do you think of Lily's parents as your own?" Evelyn questioned.
"...Yeah, Lily's parents are like an aunt and uncle to me." Adrien admitted.
"That's good. It's great that you have people who support you when you need them." Evelyn stated.
"Yeah." Adrien agreed.
"Now, what are your hobbies?" Evelyn asked.
"Fencing, modeling, basketball, photoshoots, and Chinese lessons." Adrien replied.
"Oh my, that's quite a bit of hobbies." Evelyn commented.
"Yeah, I have a schedule to follow," Adrien said.
"Oh," Evelyn tilts her head, "Well, those aren't hobbies then."
Adrien furrows his brow. "What? They aren't?"
"If you're required to follow a schedule that includes those activities, but you don't want too, then those aren't hobbies," Evelyn explains.
Adrien looks away and seems slightly embarrassed by what the guidance counselor just said to him.
"I mean... yeah, I guess I don't really have any real hobbies then..." He admitted.
"Well, do you have any activities you like to do? Maybe those can be your hobbies," Evelyn smiles.
Adrien thought for a moment before replying. "I like video games, listening to music, reading, and anime. Does that count as a hobby?"
Evelyn nods with a smile in agreement. "Those all count, and they are all great hobbies. Now, next, I've got a few more questions."
Miss Bustier's Classroom
A couple minutes later, Adrien left the office with a tranquil soul.
"How'd it go, dude?" Nino asks his best friend.
"Pretty good, Ms. Meadows gave me some good advice." Adrien replied.
Evelyn calls in a few more of the teens, who all came out optimistically while Chloé pretended that she was bored.
The glam queen had only given Ms. Meads minimized answers because she didn't trust her just yet. She wasn't about to tell a stranger about her abandonment issues. But she did talk animatedly about her awesome half-sister.
Guidance Counselor's Office
Lastly, Ms. Meadows called Lily in, and the designer sat down on the couch with her legs crossed.
"Tell me your name, please," Evelyn says to the Rossi girl.
"Lily Rossi." Lily replied.
"Favorite color?"
"Red and sometimes orange. Actually, I like all the colors of the rainbow."
"Interesting. What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your hobbies?"
"Well, I like to fashion designing, craft, write, draw, dance and cook in my free time." Lily responded.
"That's a lot of hobbies." Evelyn writes down a note about Lily's hobbies.
Lily shrugged, "What can I say? I enjoy doing them."
"Adrien told me that you're his girlfriend, how is your friendship with him?" Evelyn questions.
"It's really great. I never thought that I would be in a relationship with him." Lily answered.
"Does he treat you well?" Evelyn asked.
Lily smiled softly, "Very well. He's a total romantic." She replied.
"That's nice," The counselor replies. "However, I can tell there's something bothering you. Are you having trouble in school?"
"No, I get all A's and B's," Lily replies, wanting to feel proud of herself, but she just felt stressed.
Evelyn pauses to think, trying to figure out what's wrong with Lily. "Is everything alright at home, with your parents or other family?"
"My parents are my life; this has nothing to do with them. It's something... completely different." Lily picks at her nails.
"Something completely different? What is it then?" Evelyn prompts, noticing that Lily is reluctant to share what's bothering her.
Lily glances at Evelyn for a moment and then let out a sigh.
"It's my biological mom. She's been trying to establish contact with me." Lily admitted.
"I thought that May Rossi is your mother." Evelyn inquired.
"Actually, May Rossi is my aunt. But she and my uncle John adopted me after my mom gave birth." Lily stated.
"I see. Why did she give you to her sister?" Evelyn asked.
"Aunt May is infertile. My real mom wanted to focus more on her career after my real dad abandoned her. She didn't want to raise me. So she gave me to Aunt May and Uncle John." Lily explained.
"I see. Why does it bother you that she's trying to contact you?" Evelyn questioned.
"She hasn't contacted me in over 15 years. I have no idea why she wants to get to know me now." Lily stated.
"Maybe you should ask her when she calls again." Evelyn suggested.
"Do you think that's a good idea? What if it's something bad?" Lily questioned.
Evelyn shrugged, "You'll never know unless you answer her next call." She said.
Lily looked down at her hands on her lap and let out a sigh, "Perhaps you're right."
Evelyn smiled softly at Lily with reassurance. Lily smiled back.
Outside the office, all the teens had left for home. The only person who was outside was Adrien. He was waiting for Lily.
Soon enough, Lily appeared from the office, and she was surprised to see Adrien waiting for her.
"You waited for me?" Lily asked.
"Yeah, I wanted to." Adrien replied.
Lily smiled softly at him, "Thank you, Adrien."
"You're welcome," Adrien smiled back, "Now, let's get your stuff and I'll give you a ride home."
"Sure thing." Lily agreed.
The two went into the locker room and Lily got the things she needed for tonight's homework from her locker. Then they left the locker room and walked towards the Agreste car. Unknown to them, a certain bluenette was watching them as the couple entered the car and soon drove away. Marinette placed her left hand on the wall as she let out a sigh.
'I'll wait for you, Adrien. I'll wait until you realize that you've fallen for the wrong girl.' Marinette thought with a longingly expression.
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