Fifteen

Chapter 17: Shining

"She's really good!" Jaden exclaimed. "Yeah she is." Elsa beamed. "It's almost hypnotic!" Preston responded. Jaden really liked the sound of her voice. She seemed to channel the queens of every kind of genre: jazz, blues, rock, R&B, etc.

Aria was an amazing singer, but he never would have guessed how great of a performer she would be. Her nerves seemed to have gotten a hold of her at first, but once she got on that stage, she was a new person.

He smiled at himself as he thought his dad would probably try and convince Aria to get signed by a label immediately. The unusual pang of homesickness hit him hard. It was nice to get out of New York for a bit, but he already missed his dads. They talked multiple times during the day and had already mailed him a care package. I'll be away for a little over a week and it's this bad. What the heck am I going to do for a whole semester? He thought sadly.

He knew his dads, especially Roger, would find a way to be involved daily. Heck, he even surprised me with a change in residence plan. Jaden was shocked to learn that he would not be living on campus with his fellow classmates, but rather in a not-so-small townhome just outside campus.

It was too much, but he was grateful for the privacy. So far, things were turning out okay. He lucked out meeting the guys during lunch. Preston was so hell bent on getting the last barbecue sandwich that he couldn't help but give it to him. It was nice being around people his own age that also didn't care about status or finances.

"I don't even know why I'm still surprised! She's a natural." Sophia Kate settled beside him. "How long have y'all been friends?" Jaden felt like somehow everyone was connected. He didn't really have many friends – just kids belonging to his dads' acquaintances. Jaden couldn't remember the last time he felt close enough to someone to give them the title of friend. Travis.

The thought chilled him to his core. Yeah and look what good that did me! "We met about six years ago at dance camp in Houston." Stefan's ears perked up. "Which one?" Elsa inquired. Please say No Limit! Please say No Limit! Stefan pleaded. "No Limit in Houston, Texas," Sophia Kate responded. And with that Stefan had his in.

"You mean to tell me that you don't think Canon continues to be innovative and creative leaders in the photo industry?" Faye asked. "Come on, Faye. Even you have to admit that Canon is turning into the Apple of the industry. They're recycling and copying. They're too afraid to take risks like Nikon."

At this point, Faye realized that JT had clearly lost his mind. "You have got to be kidding me. Have you seen the latest articles by CNET? You're evidently too drunk to have this conversation." JT laughed heartily. "I think you're just too proud to realize that Mommy and Daddy dearest wasted money on getting you the wrong camera."

Faye's gaze narrowed as he pointed to her camera. "Not that it's any of your business, but I saved up and bought this on my own. I spent years researching the brands and styles that were best for me. I stand by what I say about Cannon and I have the portfolio to prove it." JT noticed her squared shoulders and accepted the challenge. "Where is it?"

She blinked at him rapidly. "What? Where's what?" He smiled. "Your portfolio – I'd like to see it." Great job, Faye! "It's not with me, crazy! It's back in my room. That's beside the point!" Faye retorted trying to change the subject. "Don't go around spewing your opinions as facts or assuming things about people. I don't think you need any more reason to make an ass out of yourself." And with that retort she stood up and walked towards the crowd in front of the stage.

"Dude, what did you do?" Tyler asked watching as Faye stormed off. JT grinned as he also watched. "I think I just found the one girl who legitimately sparks my interest." He smiled. "And she didn't have to get naked to do so." Tyler shook his head. "You're a pig you know that!" JT chuckled. "Yes I do! So, what's up with my sister from another mister?"

Tyler smiled as he saw Olivia and Gracia talking. "Olivia. She seems really sweet and shy. She reminds me of someone I used to know." Yeah, more like someone you used to love. But she's not Heather. Tyler corrected himself. JT's voice seemed to grow cold. "You all are hopeless romantics."

Gracia and Olivia joined the group as they danced and watched Aria perform. As she sang Good for You by Selena Gomez, Gracia couldn't help but notice the way Caleb was looking at her. Now that's a great reason to stay in Texas! She thought as her gaze landed on Stefan who stood a few feet beside her. His expression almost matched Caleb's to the tee.

She frowned at the potential problem unfolding in front of her. "Hey, what's with the frown?" Her impish grin made Gracia smile. "Don't worry about me. I didn't know we had a celebrity in our midst, Sophia Kate. Aria is a freaking pro!" Sophia Kate looked up at her friend and smiled. "She really is! I'm hoping this whole thing brings her out of her shell."

As she went on about her plans to force Aria into socialite overnight, Gracia couldn't help dissect her features. From the moment she saw her at lunch, Gracia had some outrageous thoughts about her hair, eyes and those lips. I wonder what they would feel like underneath mine. How would they look on my –

Sophia Kate moistened her bottom lip with the tip of her tongue and Gracia bit back a strangled moan. This was not like her. She did not chase girls – they pursued her. But she's not like other girls. Gracia agreed with that thought, but she also didn't know whether Sophia Kate played on the same team or not.

Brooke walked in silence in no particular direction for a few minutes. She wanted to explore the gardens nearby and was thankful for the change in scenery. It seemed the number of students in the courtyard had multiplied and she was in no mood to have a claustrophobic fit in front of people. She was appreciative of Aria's amazing vocals to distract everyone. "So, what building are you staying in?"

Brooke was startled by the question that came from behind her. "What do you care? Going to vandalize my room?" She retorted not turning around. "I'm in Ellenton with Caleb." Brooke eyed Avery suspiciously. "That's for athletes – are you swimming for the school?" He shook his head no and Brooke had to remind herself that they weren't in Colorado and she didn't care. "They wanted me to, heck my entire family and town wanted me too, but I declined."

Brooke knew she shouldn't pry, so for a few minutes they continued their walk in silence. "Any particular reason why? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Subtle, Brooke – you're not supposed to care. Avery smiled gently at Brooke, but there was a lingering sadness. "I honestly don't know. I know it doesn't make sense, I love to swim and I'm great at, but I feel like if I continued to do it that love would disappear."

She could see the range of emotions playing out on his face and had to stop herself from reaching out to touch him. "It makes absolute sense." Brooke reassured. "My grandfather told me to never major in something that I love or am good at, because having someone tell you how to do something that you're naturally gifted at is a sure-fire way of diminishing the light it brings you." The smile she gave him was genuine, but he didn't return one.

"Was that before or after he trained your parents to launder money?" Well of course he would retort with that. Brooke looked down at the ground realizing that they were not the same people they were when they met. "My maternal grandfather is who told me that. He's been a major help when I was shipped off and separated from my parents and the only home I knew." Avery's brows furrowed.

"I didn't know what my parents were up to and don't think it's fair that everyone is judging me for their mistakes." She wiped the lone tear that ran down her cheek. "I expected this from people who don't know me, but not from you. I'm sorry I never called you, but I didn't expect for you to leave me in the middle of the night after everything that happened. So, yeah maybe I'm the sinner in this duo, but you're no saint."

The dread that snaked its way around Brooke was worse than any anxiety she'd had in the past as she walked away.