Marinette arranged a meeting with the school counselor. Her heart bounced in her chest. "Marinette!" The counsellor smiled, taking a sip of her tea. "Salut, Madame Boustiere"

"What seems to be the problem?" Mrs. Boustiere Asked, taking another sip of her tea. "I'll need to be taking some time off in a few months.. at least a year" Marinette sighed, biting a hangnail.

"Oh? How come?" Mrs Boustiere said puzzled. Marinette took a deep breathe. "I'm pregnant" she couldn't meet Mrs Boustiere's eye. "Oh! Congratulations!" She said happily. Marinette was stunned.

"Your not mad?" Marinette Asked. Mrs Boustiere gasped. "Not at all! I say 'Les enfants sont une bénédiction' <Children Are a blessing, in French.. super sorry if it's not.. my French is rusty 😊>

"If you know you will be heavily pregnant or in hospital during exam time, speak to the college or school about making a plan to suit your needs during this time.

Schools and colleges are usually very accommodating for expectant mothers and can arrange a separate room for you to take exams in, or perhaps extra time for breaks or even to take the exams in hospital.Juggling parenthood and academic demands can be very time-consuming.Therefore adding a part-time job to the mix may not be feasible. However, there is support available to help you financially.Social welfare..If you're parenting without the support of a partner, you may be eligible to apply for the one-parent family payment. This provides weekly financial support for single parents.Make an appointment with an advisor at your local social welfare office before or straight after your baby is due.You should be able to discuss how to apply and find out about any other supports for single parents and those in education.Another option available to those already receiving one parent family payment or other social welfare payments is the back to education allowance, which provides a weekly allowance to those seeking to return to second or third level education. Speak to an advisor in your local social welfare office about this option" Mrs Boustiere smiled, explaining all this.

She took a deep breath. "Marinette? Are you without the help of a partner?" Mrs Boustiere frowned. Marinette nodded her head.. "Adriens really Supportive"