Her red wavy hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, and her green eyes scanned the various booths around the room. Each one promised a different future, a different path.
"We have three spots left at the Metropolis Museum of Art," a woman told Ariella, handing her a colorful brochure.
Ariella flipped it over, intrigued. "How long is the internship?"
"All summer," the woman replied with a smile. "I teach classes in three different art forms and sometimes travel to different countries to teach."
Ariella's interest was piqued.
She could imagine herself immersed in art all summer, far away from Smallville and the lies from her family.
She smiled at the woman. "Thank you."
"Application is due in March," the woman explained. "We announce who made it in April through the mail."
Ariella nodded, tucking the brochure into her bag as she continued through the bustling fair. The noise of chattering students and teachers surrounded her.
"Who wants to hang out with their parents all summer long?" Pete's voice cut through the crowd, bringing a small smile to Ariella's face.
"Yeah," Clark sighed beside him.
"Sorry, Clark," Pete said, noticing the slight tension in his friend's voice.
Ariella glanced at Clark from the corner of her eye just as Chloe, dressed in a blazer and dress pants, came running towards him.
"I was, uh, kinda going for professional," Chloe said, adjusting her outfit. "Did you know that the Daily Planet only takes four high school interns from the whole state?"
"Aw, you're a shoo-in, Chloe," Pete said, trying to be supportive.
"Tell him that," Chloe replied, nodding towards the Daily Planet booth. "He said they received over five hundred applicants last year." She sighed. "I doubt I'll even get an interview."
