Fifteen

Chapter 41: I Won't Stand in Line

For as long as she could remember, Gracia loved taking baths and showers. There was something about the water hitting her that made her instantly smile. She enjoyed every bubble and all of the soap suds. This was where she came to relax and prepare her mind for the day.

It was the first day of pre-school as Preston called it and she was just as nervous as if it were the real thing. She had never heard of colleges giving students the opportunity to try their courses for a week to see if it was a good fit, but it was a growing testament to how involved Texas U was in their students' academic success. As she looked through her closet for an outfit to wear, she heard her phone chime and smiled to herself.

Now that Aria had a phone, they were all able to form a girl group text that had her laughing all morning. Sophia Kate was complaining that Aria managed to wake her up as she was heading out for a morning run with Jaden, while Faye and Olivia luckily got to sleep in. In the group text with the guys, Gracia learned that Preston and Tyler were up early solely because Preston "needed" a hearty breakfast to make the day great.

Caleb and Avery both lived in Ellenton and planned to go see the coaches of the swim and baseball teams. JT, Brooke and Stefan, like Faye and Olivia were sound asleep, while Elsa was already dressed and ready to tackle the day. She was hoping to meet professors before class to go over some questions about the syllabus. Everyone had their own way of setting the tone for the new week.

"You ready for class?" Tyler asked his brother as they made their way back to their dorm room. They had an hour before their first class and both were still in their pajamas. "I guess so," Preston answered truthfully. "I think it's a cool concept, but I doubt the professors are going to be as hard as they are when fall gets here." JT and Stefan were still sleeping when they entered the room and Tyler knew that was a huge no go. "Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!" He cooed laughing as JT groaned. "What time is it?" Stefan croaked. "It's 8 o'clock."

The way in which Stefan darted up from bed was a sight. It was as if someone poured cold water all over him. "Fuck!" He yelled racing towards the closet to grab clothes and then his toiletries. "Where's the fire," JT asked amused by the sight in front of him. "I told Aria I'd walk her to class and it starts in 30 minutes."

It earned him an eye roll from JT, a chuckle from Tyler and a "Oh boy!" from Preston, but he didn't care. He was a man of his word and was definitely not going to let Aria down on her first day. "I'll be quick!" He yelled running into their in suite bathroom.

Their dorm room was different than Faye and the other girls. The rooms were equipped for four people and had its own bathroom. For four boys it didn't seem too much of a hassle, but Elsa, Daisy and Brooke realized sharing a bathroom was far different for girls. Elsa was already dressed and ready, so she didn't really factor in. Daisy was a natural beauty and didn't really fuss with makeup, but it was their first day and each girl wanted to look their best. "What are you going to wear?" Elsa asked looking at both girls in their towels. "I don't know," Brooke answered honestly, while Daisy pulled out a pair of skinny jeans and a crop top.

"I really hope this week is a breeze," Daisy sighed laying on her bed as she shimmied into her jeans. "Is all that necessary?" Elsa giggled. "It is when you buy your jeans from Fashion Nova." Brooke laughed applying mascara. "Whatever hater! They have great jeans! I mean, just look at my ass!" She smiled giving them a twirl.

"I honestly doubt the professors will be tough on us. I mean, the semester hasn't even started. I bet we just have discussions and bullshit around," Brooke hoped as she threw on a navy blue dress. "I guess we'll see," Elsa said as Brooke put on the final touches to her makeup.

They all stood in the mirror and admired their appearance. "It's going to be a great day, dolls!" Elsa typed to the entire group warranting smiles from Brooke and Daisy. "You're a sap, you know that," Daisy laughed as they made their way out.

Olivia smiled when she saw Preston and Tyler make their way towards her. They were going to walk to class together once Gracia got there. Tyler smiled widely at her. She looked so beautiful in her simple white dress and sandals.

"Good Morning, Liv." The way he said her name made her cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. "Are y'all going to be like this all morning?" Preston asked bluntly. "Cause ain't NOBODY got time for that!" Olivia couldn't hide her embarrassment, but she figured Tyler could tell because he immediately changed the subject and picked on Preston.

"There she is," Preston smiled as Gracia made her way to where they were standing. She looked incredible in a fitted black skirt and matching crop top. "You guys ready for our first day!" Gracia laughed as they settled into a groove and made their way to their first class. Olivia and Tyler were in different buildings so they parted ways and he secretly hoped she had a great first class to set the tone.

Olivia and Elsa were in their element. They had each taken close to ten pages of notes that were vital information to Wednesday's quiz. "I can't believe there were people there without a pen and paper," Olivia said in shock. "They all think it's a game, but when we're at the top of graduating class that's when they'll realize."

Elsa was so happy to be back in school. She loved it. The books, lessons, lectures - they were all her thing. Plus, thanks to RateMyProfessor.com she and Olivia were able to get everyone some of the greatest and well-versed teachers on campus for Fall semester. "What would our friends do without us?" Elsa laughed walking out with Olivia to their next class.