Fifteen

Chapter 43: Bellyache

Lunch with everyone seemed different. The reality of school hit everyone and their dynamics seemed a bit off. At least to Olivia it did. She on the other hand, like Elsa, was having a great day. School was going just as they had imagined and were enjoying every bit of it. She even seemed to be falling in love with her Psychology course that gave her hope for a potential major.

The tension between Caleb, Aria and Stefan was deafening. Apparently, Caleb and Aria had the same Intro to Business course and from the looks of things, Aria was not pleased. She and Stefan seemed to get closer, which Olivia approved of.

Faye and JT could not stop talking about how tough their professors seemed, which seemed to be the growing consensus around the table. All in all, reality was setting in and Olivia was happy they were finally getting a break from the social activities. Tyler seemed to have enjoyed his classes, but Olivia simply enjoyed watching his mouth as he talked about it.

He was so adorable in a quirky kind of way. His sandy, brown hair complimented his unique eyes. She really liked him, because he was different from the boys in her high school. There was no pressure with him.

The Parlor was an outdoor grill staple on campus with its outside patio seating, ivy vines and bird's eye view of one of the campus parks. They selected a corner table in the shade, but that didn't stop Jaden from feeling more than a little exposed. "So, did you enjoy your classes?" Daisy asked. "You mean did I actually have fun being given a mountain of work that is all due by Friday?" Jaden chuckled. "Of course."

Preston chimed in. "It's insane how much they expect us to do this week." Gracia nodded. "I'll admit, it's college and kind of smart to hit us hard this week in preparation." Elsa chimed in. "It really shows how important academics is to Texas U. For a moment there I was worried."

Next to Stefan, Aria crossed and uncrossed her legs. Her bare flesh brushed against his leg, and he swallowed hard. She stilled, pausing mid-air with her water glass on the way to her lips. Shit, I barely touched him. She thought. But even the small gesture sent fire coursing through her veins.

Ever since their kiss and walk around campus, she and Stefan had grown closer. They were getting to know each other deeper and she loved every moment of it. But there was still the longing she had for Caleb.

She knew she was crazy to still think of him that way, especially after the way he treated her, but she couldn't shake it. There was something about him that she wanted - rather needed.

They could see Brooke walking towards them. "I forgot my bag." She informed as Daisy handed it to her. "Walk back with us." Jaden offered putting an arm around her. As they got up and ready for the next round of classes, a group of guys walked up to them.

"I told you it was her! Brooke Brunson, the infamous criminal within our midst!" They laughed and Jaden wanted to hit the guy. "Do you have a problem?" Daisy asked defensively and Jaden smiled. He was happy to know that Brooke had other people that had her back.

"No problem," the douche answered. "Just wanted to take a photo of the walking what-not-to-do exhibit with you." Jaden prepared to push the guy, but Brooke put a hand on his forearm. She gently applied pressure and smiled slightly. Damn. She could shut him up with a simple touch. His gaze immediately landed on Olivia who was grinning.

Brooke interjected," I think we should get to class." She shifted her attention to Avery who seemed just as heated as Jaden. "I'm fine." She reassured everyone, but herself. Jaden seemed to relax a little. It was apparent that their friendship was stronger than Brooke thought. Maybe it could be something more. She thought as they walked past the group of douche bags.

"You're stronger than I thought," he said as the group split for their second round of classes. Avery seemed to linger for a second longer, but she didn't know what to do. She wasn't going to leave Jaden who was consistently kind to her for Avery and his moods. "Good." She grinned linking arms with him.

A light shift in the air had Jaden looking up from Brooke's welcomed smile. He expected to find Preston or JT smirking at him, but neither were present. He glanced around, searching for the reason of his unease. There was a crowd of students near the Quad and he scanned the faces, looking for someone familiar. Suddenly, his breath caught.

For the quickest of seconds, his eyes met those of one of the onlookers. Those eyes were familiar enough. They matched his perfectly. Travis? He blinked rapidly, but when he looked again, the guy was gone. Brooke leaned into him. "Everything okay?" He swallowed hard and surveyed the crowd again. "Yeah, fine. Sorry." He said. "I thought I saw someone I knew."

"You excited about our date?" Stefan asked walking Aria to her classroom door. "I would if I knew when it was going to happen." He smiled. "So, I take it you don't like surprises?" She chuckled. "You can say that." She leaned into him. "But I take it you like them?" She was getting closer to him and he could smell her scent stronger than before.

"Maybe I do," he flirted. "Well then maybe..." She was a kiss away from him and Stefan begged for her to lean in an inch more. "I'll think of a way to surprise you," Aria chuckled pulling her head away. "Bye Stefan." He laughed at her coyness. "Bye pretty girl."

The nickname was growing on her. He gave it to her on their walk after the Undie Run. "What's that smile for?" Sophia Kate asked. She was already changed and ready for their first class with Madame Boudreaux.

"I take it has something to do with Mr. Caleb." The frown on Aria's face was instant. "You guessed wrong." She said flatly. "What happened?" Aria began to change and wanted to avoid the subject, but she knew Sophia Kate would press on. "He doesn't do relationships and I'm not going to force someone to do something they don't want to."

That was what he told her, but deep-down Aria knew it wasn't true. Caleb just wasn't into her and it stung a little. She had a guy that was into her - very into her and she couldn't shake the boy that ran away.