A/N

Hey everyone! So I wrote this last year to participate in Marinette March but life got in the way and I ended up not continuing it. But after reading it again and tweaking it a bit here and there, I figured that I should share it as a one shot.

Hope you all enjoy it!

"Wait!" I shouted as I ran towards the lady that was closing the door. "Here's my ticket. I'm supposed to be on this flight." I explained to her. She took my ticket and examined it before giving it back to me.

"Ah, welcome aboard Ms. Dupain-Cheng. Have a wonderful flight!" she smiled. I thanked her and made my way inside to look for my seat. Checking the label on the seat as I passed the first isle, I briefly glanced at the ticket in my hand to make sure I was searching for the correct isle. After a couple more steps, I spotted my isle. I reached up and pushed my luggage in to the compartment above before finally sitting down. As I fastened my seatbelt, I greeted to elderly man in the seat next to me. With a friendly smile, he greeted back.

Once I settled in, I opened my phone to answer any last minute messages before switching it off for the rest of the flight. "So are you also going Russia?" the elderly man next to me asked. I smiled and was about to answer him when I realised that he'd said Russia instead of New York. I had gotten onto the wrong flight. My luck could've not gotten any worse.

"Oh no!" I quickly unfastened my seatbelt whilst explaining. "I'm supposed to be on a flight to New York, not Russia."

I reached up to take my luggage when he said, "Whoa! Relax kiddo, I was just playing a joke on you."

I looked at him with a confused expression. "Excuse me?" I asked.

His facial expression changed from amusement to concern as he realised that his joke had backfired. "This flight is indeed going to New York. I've been messing around with all the passengers today," he said with an apologetic smile. "I'm really sorry Miss. I didn't mean to stress you."

I fasten my seatbelt once again and sighed in relief. "It's okay, Sir," I said with a slight smile. I could tell that he didn't mean any harm and holding agrudge wouldn't do me much good.

"Flight 102 from Paris to New York is ready for take-off. Please sit back, relax and enjoy the flight." announced the pilot, confirming that I was definitely on my way to New York.

"So what brings you on a flight to New York City?" asked the elderly man.

New York City. The land of opportunities. The Big Apple.

I think about how to answer his question. Where should I start from?

Should I start from last week?

"Marinette!" called mom excitedly. "It's here!"

I ran downstairs and saw my mother waving the envelope in her hand. Behind her was papa and Alya, both gleaming with equal excitement. I walked up to them and took the brown envelope in my hand. A part of me is excited at the thought of being a step closer to my dream whilst the other is afraid of the possible rejection. I knew that in order to know my fate I would have to open the letter. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, mustering all my courage, I ripped the side of the envelope and slowly pulled out the folded page that would decide the next four years of my life. Gently unfolding it, I finally opened my eyes, eager to know what was in store for me.

Dear Marinette Dupain-Cheng

We are pleased to inform you that after careful analysis and consideration, you have been selected to participate in The Audrey Bourgeois Institution of Fashion internship program. Please note that this program has a duration of three years. You will be contacted soon regarding your flight and accommodation details. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to TABIF.

It seemed like a good place to start from but would only make sense if I told him about last month.

I was working on a new costume for Kitty Section when Alya came over. "Girl, do I have news for you!" said Alya entering my room with a huge grin.

"What is it?" I asked curiously, still focused on the sketch I'd spent the last hour working on.

"The latest online scoop is that Audrey Bourgeois is going to be starting a new internship program at her Fashion Institution and she's going to be taking in applicants from all over France, including Paris," Alya squealed.

I couldn't believe my ears. This was exactly the kind of opportunity I needed to boost my skills, my career and bring me closer to achieving my dreams of being a fashion designer. I told my parents about the internship and they agreed that I should apply for it and follow my dreams.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should make the most of it," said Maman.

"Of course, this is what you need to get closer to your dreams," said Papa.

With a green light from my parents and Alya, I decided to apply for the internship. It took me a week to design and create the perfect dress to submit for my application, which left me with three days to post everything.

"Application ?" asked Alya.

I handed her the filled form for inspection. Her eyes scanned each and every printed and written letter, search for any form of mistake or catch in the contract. Once everything looked good, Alya placed it into an envelope which she carefully placed on the desk.

"Design plans?" she demands.

She once again scanned the page and once deemed fit, she secured it on top of the form.

"Okay, now the main course," says Alya, pointing to the design sample behind me. I hand her the hanger with the outfit still on it. She carefully examines the entire piece, making sure not to cause any damage while ensuring that it is absolutely perfect. With a nod of approval, all the examined items are wrapped up neatly and ready to be posted to Audrey Bourgeois Fashion Institution. Alya and I walk across to the post box and push the package into the slot without a second thought.

The more I think about it, there's only one answer that seems fitting.

"New Beginnings," I reply with a smile.