Young Folks (Ross Lynch AU)

seven.

"Ah, Miss Othrough!" Mr. Danforth grinned as I approached him after class. "Applying for the trip?"

"I wasn't planning on anything else," I smiled politely.

"Excellent, excellent. There were about 35 students who have already applied, but I honestly haven't been impressed with many of the applications," my teacher muttered, then lowered his voice. "Don't get too excited now, but I believe you have a very good chance of going on this trip. You are one of my favorite students so far, and I can tell this would be an excellent experience for you. But, don't tell the others, I haven't said anything to anyone but you, Miss Othrough."

"Thank you so much, Sir! It's an honor, honestly. I love this class so much and it would be so amazing to go on this trip. Thank you!" I exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

"It's my pleasure, Miss Othrough. My pleasure," Professor Danforth smiled kindly.

"I must be going now, Professor, but thank you so much for even giving this opportunity to us students. I'll see you tomorrow in class!" I stated, walking out the door of the classroom. I exited the building and took a left, feeling the cool, late-September breeze hit my skin instantly.

It was September 24, one month before the trip. Professor Danforth told us that applications were due tomorrow, and that he would read over the remaining applications over the weekend. He said that the students going on the trip would be announced on Monday.

I was nervous. I wanted to go on this trip so badly, I would probably kill for it. Literally. I wasn't one to usually feel this way, but this trip was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I wasn't planning on missing out.

Even though Mr, Danforth said I had a high chance of going on the trip, I still had a pit in the bottom of my stomach. There was still a voice in my head that bounced doubts around inside my skull.

Why would you get to go on this trip?

You aren't good enough.

Mr. Danforth is just saying that to make you feel better.

There's no way you're going on this trip.

I shook my head, trying to clear it of the negative thoughts. But they just wouldn't go away. Instead, I decided to ignore them the best I could, focusing on the path I was walking and the city around me.

I walked briskly down the sidewalk, the route already familiar after less than a month. I had walked this at least once a day, perhaps twice on some occasions, or even three times one day.

As soon as the coffee shop came into view, I broke out into a smile, the. Frowned immediately as I thought about what I was going to do.

Cue the butterflies.

I nervously stepped through the door, the little bell at the top ringing, signaling I was back, yet again. I walked up to the cashier, who was standing behind the counter, focused on the frappe that was being made behind her by a barista. I cleared my throat quietly, trying to grab her attention. Apparently, it worked because she turned around and smiled at me.

"City Heights Café, how may I help you?" She asked.

"Hi, could I speak to the manager, please?" I asked as kindly as was possible at the moment, though my voice squeaked on the last word due to nervousness.

"Of course," she smiled and walked off towards the back of the shop. She returned about a minute later with an elderly woman at her side.

"Hi, how can I help you?" The woman asked.

"I was looking to apply for a job here. I already received the application, but I just found out that my school is offering a three week trip to Alaska. I've already applied for the trip, but I don't know if I'm going yet. However, I just wanted to ask you if this would be acceptable and if I could till apply for the job, knowing I won't be here for a period of three weeks," I explained nervously.

"Of course, hon, that's no problem at all! What's your name, sweetie?" she asked.

"Aspen Othrough," I smiled brightly.

"What a lovely name! Well, Aspen, you can go right ahead and apply for the job. If you get it, which I'm guessing you will, we can start you before your trip, and after you get back you can resume work. Oh, and my name is Jane Griffin, but you can call me Jane."

"Alright, well, thank you so much, Jane! I should know if I'm going on the trip by Monday, and I'll probably have the application done by that time, too, so when I turn it in I'll let you know if I'm going or not," I stated.

"Perfect! Feel free to turn in the application at any time, hon, and good luck with your trip!" Jane smiled kindly.

"Thank you!" I grinned, waved, and left the coffee shop.

This ones a bit shorter, sorry, but I felt it was a good place to stop.

How are you guys liking it so far? I can tell you right now, this will be no ordinary fan fiction. It's gonna be fucking wacko

Oh and no, Aspen is not depressed. She's just doubting herself right now because she's just worried about the trip. We ain't goin down that road