Ashton's Lessons
Ashton woke up the next morning pretty casually. His house was nothing to special, just a couple of pictures, bedroom, kitchen, and dining area all to himself. The Red Octoling made himself up some coffee in his signature OOMI mug, sat at his table, and enjoyed the bright early sunrise.
Not too long after he sat down and took a sip of his drink, Serena came bursting through his door, obviously startling Ashton.
Ashton: Oh for peet's sake, Serena! Could it hurt you to knock first before you barge in, nearly spilled my coffee!
Serena: Haha, sorry bud! Good morning!
Ashton: Yeah yeah, good morning. What's got you coming over this early?
Ashton could tell Serena was in an extremely energetic mood, which isn't uncommon of her to act like, but considering the time of day, it was pretty unusual to Ashton that she'd be this excited about something.
Serena: Ohhhh I'm glad you asked! I have the most amazing news for you!
Ashton: (Sipping his coffee) Oh yeah, and what would that be?
Serena: I got youuuuuuuu-... A DJ PRACTICE SESSION WITH MARINA!!
Right after hearing this, Ashton's eyes dropped to the size of a pea, and his coffee spilled right onto his table.
Ashton: Wha-.. What? WHAT??
Serena: That's right! This afternoon, Marina, yes, THE Marina, is offering to give you some lessons on how to be a great DJ!!
It took Ashton quite a moment to process the news he's received.
Ashton: I-... I don't know what to say. I mean, I wasn't being completely serious about yesterday. I was just a little down is all. Y-you.. you didn't have to do that.. thank you...
Tears started to roll down Ashton's eyes as he jumped out of his chair and gave Serena the biggest hug he could imagine. Serena held her arms wide open to comfort her best friend.
Serena: (Wiping off Ashton's tears) Its what friends do, I want you to be the happiest Octoling in Inkopolis. Marina was surprisingly open to it as well, I'd think she'd be too busy for stuff like this, but you lucked out!
Ashton: Hehe.. I suppose you're right. Thank you.. again.
Serena: No problem!
Ashton: Well, guess I better get going.
Ashton cleaned up his table and house a bit. Serena smiled sweetly to him as they both walked out the door.
Serena: I'm gonna go see what my sister is up to, have fun with your lessons. I'm excited to see what you learn! See you soon!
Ashton: Heh, thanks. Perhaps if I get my own DJ system one day I can show you a thing or too.
Both laughed and waved goodbye as they each went their separate ways for the day.
About a half hour later, Ashton walked up the stairs to Marina and Pearl's studio. He approached the entrance and gave a couple swift knocks, obviously anxious to what he'd learn. A few second later, Marina open the door.
Marina: Ah! You must be Ashton, Serena told me a lot about you! Come in come in!
Ashton humbly walked into the Hooks' living room, which was also pretty much their recording studio as well. As they walked in, Pearl was sitting in her comfy chair with a delicate cup of tea.
Pearl: Sup squirt, here to get some DJ training from Ms. Marina herself?
Ashton: (Nervously) Uhhhh.. th-that'd be correct.
Pearl: Ah I'm jus' messin' with ya kid, Marina don't bite... except that one time I poured coffee all over her system, haha.
Marina gave a sour look at Pearl, as she shrugged and went back to enjoying her coffee.
Marina: Anywayssss... lets get you all hooked up! You didn't happen to bring a headset or anything with you, did you?
Ashton: Umm.. I did not. Sorry-
Marina: Not a problem! I believe I have a spare in the closest, I'll be right back!
Marina went to grab the extra pair of headphones while Ashton just stood anxiously, thinking, "This is not gonna go well if I keep screwing up.." Marina arrived shortly later with a headset nearly identical to hers.
Marina: Here we are! Should be a smooth fit.
Ashton took the headphones from Marina and placed them on.
Ashton: Heh, thank you.
Marina: Well, let's get started!
Ashton learned quite a bit of DJ-ing that afternoon, Marina was a fantastic teacher and helped him the entire way through. In just a day, Ashton grew more and more confident with what he wanted to do with his time.
Ashton: Wow.. that was an amazing experience. I can't express my thanks for teaching me how to be a DJ, Marina. But, thank you, so so much!
Marina: I'm more than honored to be your teacher, you improved so much today! I'm proud of you Ashton, good luck with your time as a DJ!
Ashton: Thank you again! Hmm.. I suppose I'll give this back to you.
Ashton began to give the borrowed headset back to Marina.
Marina: Ah, Keep it! It suits you!
Ashton had no words after that much of Marina's hospitality, and simply smiled sweetly and nodded.
Pearl walked into the room right about then, and gave Ashton some interesting news.
Pearl: Yo, you wanna keep up the good DJ work? I Heard a new party facility is opening soon. Perhaps you could apply there!
Ashton: (Shocked) Wow, this day is just full of surprises, that would be amazing!!
Marina: Ermmm.. I don't know Pearl. That new place opening up seems kinda sketchy, and we don't even know who runs it.
Pearl: Hmmm, well, what do you say, kid?
Ashton thought about it for a moment, before reaching a confident response.
Ashton: You know what, let's do it! What's the worst that could happen?
Pearl: That's the spirit kiddo!
Marina still had a nervous look on her face as Pearl gave Ashton the address of the facility.
Ashton: Awesome, thanks! I best get going now, thank you so much again Marina, I owe you and Serena big time.
(Heading out the door) Bye!!
Marina: Bye Ashton! Remember to DJ responsibly!
Marin and Pearl waved their protege goodbye as Ashton bolted to meet his potential new boss...
