Fifteen

Chapter 23: Side to Side

Preston stuffed his face as Sophia Kate and Faye ate. "How is it possible for you to look the way you do and eat so much?" Sophia Kate giggled taking a sip of her orange juice. "Seriously! Have you ever considered doing one of those eating contests?" Faye laughed throwing her empty bottle away.

They heard the tapping on a microphone and looked towards the stage. "Good Morning Warriors! We hope you all enjoyed your first Texas U bonfire, lock-in and breakfast." The tall blonde announced. "My name is Macie Allen and I am the chair for the Fish Fest activities. I'm going to quickly go over some events and schedule changes for this week."

She continued. "The annual Texas Undie Run is tonight at midnight, so be there with your minimum donation of $5 and prepare to have fun. Classes will begin Monday morning at 8am, so remember to use this opportunity to meet your professors and get to know fellow students. You have this week to adjust and figure out what works for you and will make you successful come fall."

A tall, slender man walked beside her and whispered something in her ear. "Really?" She responded before looking back at the crowd. "For those auditioning for Mrs. Adele Boudreaux's Company auditions have been moved to today at 5pm, so please be there on time." Macie continued with her announcements, but something clicked that had Sophia Kate sitting upright with a shocked expression.

"Oh my God!" Sophia Kate exclaimed throwing her plate away before heading towards the showers. "What the heck was that about?" Preston laughed. JT and Jaden had an equally confused expression. "It's the dance announcement," Daisy said as she plopped down beside them. "Apparently, they were set for Friday but something happened so they moved them. Sophia Kate and Aria were going to audition, but now I guess they don't have as much time as they originally thought to practice." She filled them in.

Judging by their expression, Daisy could see that the information was clarifying things. "Wait, the audition with the Dragon Lady is today?" Preston inquired finally putting the pieces together. He spoke with Sophia Kate briefly about the audition that select dancers endured at Texas University. "Yup." Daisy shook her head. "Damn," Olivia and Faye said in unison.

"What's going on, Stefan?" Aria smiled. "I wanted to ask you something." His voice was shy and softer than before. "You can ask me anything. I think we established that with our 4 am talk." She chuckled as they made their way to the courtyard. There was definitely something going on between her and Caleb. She couldn't deny it, but there was also something brewing between her and Stefan.

The two guys were so different and interesting in their own ways. They both made her feel things that she didn't know were possible in one person - let alone two. "So, I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me." Stefan asked not removing his gaze. "Well aren't you a straight shooter," Aria sighed. "I am – it's all a part of my charm. So, what do you say?"

"Stefan, I ..." Aria began, but quickly noticed Sophia Kate running towards them. "We have to go!" She exclaimed through short breaths. "What's going on, SK? You're scaring me!" She didn't understand, but once the next few words left Sophia Kate's mouth between breaths the fear she felt was real. "Mrs. Boudreaux...audition...today...5pm." You have got to be kidding me! Well, isn't this just the day that keeps on giving?

As Sophia Kate began to drag Aria towards the dorms, she quickly remembered her earlier conversation. She was a few feet away from him, but the look on his face clearly meant he wanted an answer. "Stefan, I would love to!" She shouted as Sophia Kate began to sprint towards their dorms. The smile was unmistakable and made her immediately follow suit. If the night before and today were any indication of what the school year would be like it was bound to be an interesting one.