Aiden x Reader (but you're Ashlyn)

Episode 5

>>>><New Faces and Names><<<<

"When it's your turn, state your first and last name and say something about yourself. As an example, I'll start us off. My name is Thomas Walter, and this is my first time teaching my own class. I look forward to being with you all!" Our teacher smiled.

I stood up and spoke quickly, trying not to draw attention."Ashlyn Banner. I like dogs."
Aiden went next."I'm Aiden Clark. I enjoy bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, racing, and water skiing—"He would have continued, but the teacher shot him a look. All those hobbies of his seemed a bit excessive...It was Ben's turn next, but he was asleep.The nervous kid from earlier stood up.

"Hello, I—the—uh—Logan Fields. I mean, I'm Logan. I, um, enjoy astrology."

Then the girl who had been recording in the hall stood up.              "I'm Taylor Hernández! I'm in the mechanics club. Come say hi if you get the chance."

Then the loud boy still missing a shoe stood up."I'm Tyler Hernández. Yes, we're twins. I'm in the baseball club."

I kind of zoned out as the rest of the class did their introductions, until I heard the teacher start the projector and speak.

"Alright, now that introductions are done, let's talk about the semester-long group project! Today, you'll be choosing your group partners for the project, and each group should consist of six to seven people. Oh, and no one will be allowed to work alone. The rest of the class will be dedicated to the project, so go ahead and sit wherever you want with your group for today."Everyone started moving around, and I locked eyes with Aiden and Ashlyn. Our group ended up consisting of everyone who didn't have a group.

Aiden, Ben, Tyler, Taylor, Logan, and I all sat in a circle.

"Our main focus this semester will be the history of Georgia's oldest city, Savannah. This is also the topic of your project, and the specific topics you'll choose to present are outlined in your rubric. Additionally, there is an overnight field trip to complement the project! Of course, it's optional, but those who attend can earn extra credit. If you're interested, the permission slips are on my desk and include all the details you'll need. For the rest of the period, please decide on a topic your group would like to present. You have twenty-five minutes, so use it wisely. Don't forget to have the slips signed and return them by Monday."

We quickly added each other to our contacts and created a group chat to discuss project matters.

Looking it over, I walked right by without a slip."Ash, you're not going on the field trip?" Aiden asked.I glared at him."I'd rather stay home."

>>>>>><At Home><<<<<<

I finally made it home, and let me tell you, the day had been a marathon. High school is a whirlwind of activities and assignments—way more work than I anticipated. Seriously, who knew that people would actually want to socialize so much? It's like, all day long, it's one event after another, and everyone's constantly buzzing about who did what and who's friends with whom.

I closed the door behind me, the muffled chaos of the school day fading away as I sank into the quiet of home. My stomach growled, and I headed straight for the kitchen. The familiar routine took over as I grabbed a bag of chips and a jar of salsa from the pantry, popping them open with practiced ease. I plopped down at the kitchen table, savoring the crunch and the tangy bite of the salsa. The constant chatter and the relentless pace had drained me. I was looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet, to just unwind and not have to think about the next social interaction or the avalanche of homework.

When I'd polished off the last chip, I stood up and was about to head to my room, ready to dive into my after-school routine, when a sharp knock echoed through the quiet house.

I froze, my hand still in mid-air, soap suds dripping from my fingers. My heart skipped a beat. Who could it be? I wasn't expecting anyone. I leaned to see who it is where I sat at the table, filled with curiosity. There stood Aiden, along with what I assumed was his family. He gave me a smile before turning to my dad.   "Hi!"

277 word count