Chapter 19: Bright

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There were upperclassmen handing out sleeping bags and the look on some of their faces let Tyler know they hadn't read their emails fully. "Let me guess, y'all didn't know about the lock-in tradition." Tyler sighed, filling them in on what the remainder of the night had in store.

"Well, on that note Deja and I will be on our way!" Quincy winked at the DJ. "We will catch y'all later! When Aria is done eye fucking ole boy – let her know we said goodbye." Sophia Kate almost choked on her drink at his comment.

Caleb knew Quincy was just being his usual loud and blatant self, but he did not like everyone knowing that there was apparently something happening between Aria and Stefan. "Quincy, quit it! There's nothing going on between them. Aria is just finally letting loose and enjoying herself." Gracia replied. Quincy rolled his eyes and mumbled something under his breath.

"Well, let's just hope she continues to let loose with Stefan throughout the night!" Deja exclaimed across her shoulder as they made their way out. "Where are they going? And why are they locking the gate?" Aria asked as she made her way off the stage. Sophia Kate grabbed her to the side to whisper something in her ear. "They said what?" She screamed making Sophia Kate laugh.

"Dude, where did you learn how to dance like that?" JT asked smiling at his best friend. "Seriously! You've been holding out on us." Elsa slurred. "It's no big deal. I just felt like dancing." Stefan felt Caleb's cold stare on him and could care less. He wanted to get to know her more and if she did too, then nothing and no one was going to get in the way of that.

"Hey guys, let's head over to our spot so we don't lose it." Daisy yawned. "I told a few of the guys to bring over some sleeping bags for us to use." As they made their way to their corner, JT added more logs to the fire while Faye and Olivia spread out the sleeping bags. There weren't enough and some people would definitely have to share.

"You can share with me if you'd like." Sophia Kate said to Gracia. She wasn't comfortable sharing with any of the guys and wanted Aria to figure out what she wanted to do about the Caleb and Stefan tension that was obviously growing. "I'd like that," Gracia smiled as she nuzzled into the roomy bag. The weather seemed to chill unexpectedly, so she was grateful for the warmth from the sleeping bag and Sophia Kate. "Can you believe tonight?" Gracia asked tying her hair into a messy topknot bun.

She was still in shock at how lucky they all were to have met each other. She never believed the movies, books or articles when they talked about seeing someone for the first time and feeling something spark. And that is exactly what is happening between Caleb, Aria and unfortunately Stefan. She sighed. Yeah, it's also what you hope happens between you and Sophia Kate. Gracia stuffed that thought away as they lay down and talked about what Texas U had to offer.

Aria could not believe everything that had happened. Not only did you dance with two different guys, but you also sang in front of a large crowd. She sighed. Yeah, and now you are sandwiched between two deliciously handsome guys. Who are you?

They didn't have enough sleeping bags and Faye offered up the idea that she shares with Stefan, while Gracia thought it'd be best that she shares with Caleb. People I just met are pimping me out. Not being one for confrontation of any kind, Aria chose a happy medium literally. She used one bag to lay on the ground and the other as a comforter for all three.

Everyone was asleep except for Sophia Kate and Gracia, who Aria could hear their muffled voices whenever the bonfire quieted. She could feel the hard planes of Caleb's chest on her back as his steady breath tickled her neck. He fell asleep pretty quickly, so she didn't have the heart to remove his hand from her waist.

Stefan faced her as he slept and she couldn't help but take in his features. As her legs touched Stefan, she cursed Quincy for her attire. He wore shorts so the skin on skin contact was a little overwhelming. "You just gonna stare at me all night?" His voice was strong, but quiet. Seriously Aria, who are you right now and can you stay this way forever?

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