Fifteen

Chapter 44: He Won't Go

Classes seemed to make the week fly by. It was as if everyone was too busy studying to notice that it was already Thursday. So many things had happened during the week that seemed to change the dynamic of the group.

Some changes were subtle, like the growing attraction and friendship between Brooke and Jaden. JT and Faye continued in their banter that hinted towards flirtation. The friendship between Stefan and Daisy was growing, but she couldn't admit that an attraction was present on her end.

While others were more blatant, like the relationship that was blossoming between Stefan and Aria. Almost everyone seemed confused by Caleb's actions or lack thereof, but Olivia could put two and two together to figure out his motive.

Olivia was pretty content with the dynamic and how things were playing out in their group. Her sister seemed to have gotten her mojo back thanks to her competitive nature and willing competitor found in JT. The two had added so many great portraits to their portfolio that they were gaining recognition from fellow students and professors.

Gracia and Sophia Kate had finally settled into a groove that was purely platonic, but Olivia could tell there was still something there hidden deep beneath the surface. Only time would tell what was really going on between them.

Avery had given in and decided to join the swim team, which was great for him as it brought on a much-needed distraction. He realized he focused harder on his craft as Brooke and Jaden grew closer and closer together.

Daisy finally opened up to the entire group about her addiction and it somehow made them closer. She and JT came to a much-needed understanding and it was as if their friendship had grown to another level.

Preston was more of a nerd than he let on. As the week progressed, he, Olivia and Elsa were the top students among them. Then there was Tyler. Olivia wasn't sure what they were, but she would settle for very good friends. Isn't that what the celebrities always titled it? She thought smiling to herself as she sat on the dance floor. Faye needed new material for a homework assignment and opted to take pictures of Aria while she danced and practiced.

"I want you to just be natural." Faye instructed. "I'm invisible." She fired away as Aria hit poses and executed turns and spins that Olivia couldn't imagine possible. As she landed, JT and Stefan walked in and the smile on her face was beyond obvious.

The matching grin shown on Stefan's face and Olivia could hardly contain herself. "Stefan, whatever you're doing - don't stop." Faye instructed capturing the pure joy that was shown on Aria's face. "I'm not doing anything," he chuckled, nervously scratching the back of his head. "Sure you're not," JT chimed in pulling out his camera.

"What the heck do you think you're doing?" Faye exclaimed. "Taking pictures." JT retorted flatly. "Not of MY subject you're not!" As they were about to start an argument, Avery, Preston, and Caleb walked in. The look on Aria's face was hard to discern, but that didn't stop Faye from snapping it.

She just decided to ignore JT and the two of them snapped away. Aria continued to dance, but it was as if an internal battle was going on within her and it played out in her moves and facial expression.

The song changed into a melancholy, slow song and Faye attempted to lose herself in the cool methodical process of the photos. As 'Coloring' by Kevin Garrett began playing the poses, positions and moves Aria made told a story that Faye was determined to capture.

She wasn't a difficult subject to shoot, with the angles of her jaw, aquiline nose and full lips. The camera loved her, especially in the slight shadows cast throughout the room.

Most photographers cherished the creation of a photo. The passion and the art of it all. Not Faye. What she enjoyed the most was the truth in each frame. The camera held the inherent truth about life. In her opinion, photoshop could spin a brilliant tale, but raw film was honest and pure. It was really hard to hide in black and white, which is why she knew before developing that these photos would be magnificent.

JT seemed to be just as enthralled as Faye was which excited her. Aria was eager to see how they had managed to capture her in their images. Faye snapped another few rounds before stopping to switch lenses. As Aria moved to get a sip of water, she could feel his eyes on her. She didn't dare meet the stare, because every time she did, she saw things that he wasn't ready to admit.

The whole thing was confusing if she let herself stop and think about it, but she wouldn't. She would ignore the keen interest in Caleb's eyes, because she knew better. Caleb had probably built a social career on being the good-looking playboy that he was portraying.

Instead she walked over to Stefan and returned his genuine smile. This she could do. This was honest and straightforward. "You're amazing when you dance," he smiled and she couldn't help but blush. "You're too sweet, you know that," she stepped into his one-handed embrace.

"I tell him that all the time," JT chimed in from behind them. "Shut it!" Stefan called out, giving Aria a parting squeeze. "One more set and then we'll let you love birds be." Faye chimed in, making Aria avoid everyone's gaze. Especially his.

As they moved to the next set of shots, Aria tried to ignore Caleb's intense looks as best she could. As 'Aguanile' by Marc Anthony chimed through the speakers she moved with the rhythm and beat. His gaze was becoming more and more difficult with each shot Faye and JT took.

The way they snapped away it was apparent the intensity was great for the photographers, but they were not perfect for her. Why does he always do this to me? Why do I react this way? He turned me down! He's not interested.

The way she figured it she had gotten lucky. Here she was at a new school with great friends and a guy that genuinely liked her. She refused to let Caleb disturb that. He is not going to turn my world upside down. She thought as she stole a glance at him and sighed. I have my pride!

"That was amazing, Aria," Olivia cheered. "She is amazing," Stefan chimed in earning him jeers from Preston and JT. As she made her way over to sit with the group, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Caleb. She wasn't prepared for the look on his face or how it made her feel. Sadness. And with that she knew that what was going on between them was far from over.