Fifteen

Chapter 34: Runnin' Home to You

They had managed to find a happy pace that allowed them to still talk and jog. They weren't in the lead, but no one was really counting. Stefan made her laugh more than any other guy (outside of Quincy) ever did. They could talk about so many different things and it was nice. Their familial similarities did a number for them and Aria enjoyed that. It didn't hurt that he was sex on a stick.

"You're doing it again," Stefan laughed as they passed another group. "What am I doing?" she chuckled knowing the answer. "You're too competitive for your own good. Slow down!" Aria reveled in the cool breeze and feel of the concrete beneath her feet.

She loved running. Outside of dancing and singing, running came third on her scale of happy places. She could zone out and just be one with nature. "I can't help it. I really love running!" He sped up to meet her. "I can see that. I wanted to ask you something later, but I think I'll do it now before I pass out!"

Aria laughed as she linked arms with him to match their steps. "You've got this," she smiled as they moved closer in step. "I can't wait for our date." It hadn't come out how he expected as he obviously admonished himself internally. "You can't?" The question was honest and it made her feel small, but she needed to know. "Who wouldn't want to go out with you?"

Aria sighed and thought of whipping out her high school yearbook. "I want to get to know you more, Aria. I know that Caleb is into you and you have every right to pursue that if you want. I really hope you don't though. I just want to take you out on a date, so I can stop running and make a fool of myself sitting down." She laughed at his honesty.

"Stef – " She felt a hand tug on her arm. "Can I borrow her for a second?" Sophia Kate asked yanking Aria back. "I can't wait either!" She called out as Sophia Kate dragged her back.

"What has gotten into you, woman?" She asked as the slowed down to a walking pace. "Caleb is too scared to pursue you!" Aria stared at her friend in disbelief. "Say what now?" Sophia Kate sighed. "He's being an emotional, brooding pussy who's too afraid to say he wants you." It all came out in a rush, but Aria understood the point.

"SK, he's not interested. Let it go." She turned to run, but was swung backwards. "No. He is interested and just needs incentive." She raised her eyes menacingly. "What do you want me to do? I'm not chasing a guy that doesn't – " Sophia Kate covered her mouth and smiled.

"He likes you, A. And I know you like him. You deserve to be the girl that gets the guy. You should get both guys if you want! Be the girl who knows what it's like to feel butterflies or moths fluttering around in your stomach, the girl who gets kissed in the rain but somehow manages to still look pretty. You deserve to be the girl that gets to be a girl and not worry about everyone else but yourself."

Sophia Kate sighed. "Yes, there could be something there with Stefan, but there could be magic with Caleb! I just want you to experience the magic! I feel like Stefan is the Boy Next Door that is expected, but Caleb is Boy from the Wrong Side of the Tracks that needs your tender love and care! #TeamCaleb."

Aria waited until she was done before removing her hand. "You finished?" Sophia Kate mulled it over. "You deserve to be the person you want to be and I think Caleb brings that out." It was a fair observation. Stefan was beyond handsome and would fit right into her family dynamic, but Caleb called out to a part of her that she didn't know existed.

There was something about the way he looked at her that was instinctual. "Where is he?" Her moxie from last night had returned and she wanted to make good use of it. Sophia Kate grinned widely. "That way."

Caleb could feel her gaze on him before he made eye contact. He was walking with Avery and JT as she made her way towards them. "I was told you needed incentive," she smiled. Caleb was sure he could die in that very instant and be the happiest man alive. Her body was a work of art. It was masterfully knitted together by God himself and if he weren't so enthralled, he would have punched JT and Avery for looking.

"What are you – " He started but she reached for him and leaned in to his ear. Her scent drove him to oblivion. "You should start going after what you want, Caleb. There not always going to be around when you think you're ready." With that she pulled on his earlobe gently with her teeth before giving a parting kiss on his neck and left. Sophia Kate ran up to them grinning. "I told you – mind blown!"

I just did that. Did I just do that? Aria thought running full speed ahead. This may have not been a typical 5k, but she planned on running anyhow. "Where's the fire?" Jaden caught up to her and managed to keep up. "You run?" She questioned not slowing down. "Yeah," he retorted keeping the pace.

"My family is big on marathons." She smiled internally taking note of a future running partner. "I just need to get out of my head for a few." She smiled passing up the lead group. "I understand that. Mind if I tag along?" She shook her head no and together they ran in a comfortable silence.