Fifteen

Chapter 22: Run, I'm A Natural Disaster

BANG! BANG! BANG! Jaden could hear the loud thuds from the courtyard kitchen. "Just give me the syrup!" She hollered kicking the non-cooperative deep freezer. "What did that thing ever do to you?" He asked trying to hide the smirk on his face. Brooke turned around abruptly obviously startled wiping the tear stains from her face.

"Brooke what's wrong?" She sighed giving the freezer another kick. "Nothing. I just want to get this out there for the breakfast and head back to my room." Jaden could see her hand rising for a blow to the freezer and caught it. "Maybe we should try a different approach," he reasoned. "Here, you take that side and I'll get this side. This thing is packed tight like a game of Tetris."

With his help she was able to loosen the items and out came three bags of maple syrup. "Thanks!" She beamed letting go a little too quickly. "Whoa there, eager beaver! I don't think getting me crushed is a nice way of saying 'Thank You.' What would you tell my fathers?" He laughed. "I doubt they'd appreciate their only son getting flattened like a pancake for some syrup!" He chuckled to himself at his own joke, while Brooke looked at him with a sad smile and raised eyebrow.

Brooke couldn't believe herself. I can't believe how angry I got and over syrup for that matter! She thought. But deep down she knew what she was really upset about. She just wasn't in the mood to talk about it, especially not to Jaden. "What do you need all that syrup for? They have some bags out already." This newfound information seemed to anger her immediately. "What? But those girls told me that they had run out in the front."

Brooke looked over to the girls manning the waffle station and frowned as they stared laughing. Great – I'm back in high school and on the opposite side of the Bitch Brigade. She could see the question forming in his mind and stopped him before he could ask. "I'm fine – so don't worry about it or me. Thanks for helping out." She said while walking back towards their group of friends. The sooner I check on Elsa and Daisy the sooner I can get out of here.

"So, what are you doing today?" Tyler asked eating the last few bites of waffles. He knew that look on Preston's face and if he didn't scarf his food down it'd be gone in no time. "I'm going to try and walk around campus later today to just get a feel for everything. Since it's Sunday, I figured there wouldn't be too many people out and about." Olivia couldn't believe what a night they'd all had.

She'd fallen asleep talking to a very cute guy, who seemed sweet and sincere. Her sister was busy arguing with JT, who seemed like trouble and evidently got to Faye. Then there were Brooke and Avery who were adorable together even if neither wanted to admit it. She was also happy that Elsa had a friend like Daisy to look after her. Sophia Kate, Gracia, Preston, and Jaden were also really cool and funny.

They also were sweet enough to bring breakfast from the kitchen to the fire for all of them to eat. Although, Olivia was sure that Preston had ulterior motives. Then there was the apparent love triangle between Stefan, Aria and Caleb that was heating up by the minute. Olivia was a pro at people watching. She could pick up on the subtlest of clues, so when Caleb and Aria thought no one could figure out what they were up to that morning they were wrong.

Olivia liked Aria – she seemed smart and levelheaded. And clearly knows how to let loose and have fun. She obviously has way more bravado then you! Olivia sighed. In her opinion, she felt Team Stefan was the better option. Despite her bold moves with both boys, Olivia knew that once the liquid courage was gone and the light of the day hit her that Aria would snap out of whatever phase she was in. But for now, she enjoyed the free show that was clearly bound to unfold.

"That's a good plan. I wish I could join you, but Preston and I have to drive around and go job hunting." Olivia smiled up at him. He was a hard worker and loved his brother like she did Faye. "Maybe we can do something later tonight." What? Did you just say that? Will he think I'm asking him out? Take it back! Take it back! She snuffed out the growing anxiety that coiled around her chest.

"I'd really like that. What's your number, so I can call you after our search." He seemed nice and there was no harm in making friends and even study buddies for the core classes. Olivia threw caution to the wind and did the one thing she never thought would happen – gave her number to a hot guy.

Aria was both exhausted and excited. "You should really stop smiling like that or we're going to have a repeat." Caleb grinned. I cannot believe that all just happened. I just dry humped this incredibly sexy piece of man in public. What is wrong with me?

"Yeah don't hold your breath, mister." Aria looked at Caleb and stuck out her tongue. "You really know how to wind me up don't you? I'll be thinking about that tongue all day now." Aria shook her head and laughed. "You're incorrigible."

He sighed as he pulled her closer. "And you are beautiful." The fear that grew in her chest was powerful and instant. "Caleb, I don't...I don't do this..." Before she could finish, his lips were on hers. It was a sweet, delicate kiss, but made her melt nonetheless. "I don't do this either, trust me. I don't want a repeat unless you do. I promise – no hot and sweaty business. Scouts honor!" Aria chuckled. "Were you even a scout?" He shrugged. "Semantics."

She stood on her tippy toes in hopes for another kiss and he granted it. It was deep and passionate and seemed to pour out what Caleb wasn't able to verbalize. They were tucked away behind a large tree after folding their bags. They didn't expect anyone to find them, but the rustling of leaves gave them away. "Rise and – oh..." Gracia beamed knowingly. Across from her, Gracia watched as an angry Stefan stalked their way.

Caleb let go of Aria never taking his eyes off of Stefan. I don't like you. He glared, as Stefan got closer. "Hey, Aria – can I talk to you?" His voice was level and devoid of any emotion. Aria looked between him and Caleb and sighed. I have to be in an alternate universe. "Yeah," Aria smiled slightly giving Caleb a squeeze before walking towards Stefan. I don't know what is going on, but I need to figure this out ASAP.