Fifteen

Chapter 45: Truth Hurts

Jaden couldn't believe it was already time to leave. He had convinced his dads to let him stay a few days longer, but they could never know the reason why. He needed to get a handle on Travis and quickly. There was something blossoming between him and Brooke and he didn't need trouble or danger on his tail as he pursued her.

As he watched her say goodbye to the girls, he couldn't help but smile. She had changed so much from the spoiled brat he barely knew years ago to this young woman that had a big heart. He was looking forward to getting to know her more each day and hoped she'd take his offer and visit him in New York before school started.

Gracia smiled as she hugged Aria goodbye. She was going to miss these girls. Granted it was only for a month and a half, but it seemed like forever after the week they all had. "Don't have too much fun without us," Aria smiled. "I won't." Gracia assured. "I gotta keep Caleb in check." The mention of his name did something to her and Gracia picked up on it.

"Be patient with him, Aria." Gracia advised, but she knew it fell on deaf ears. "Don't Gracia. There's really no point." And with that she gave a parting squeeze and made her way to Stefan and JT. Gracia didn't know what it was going to take to get Caleb to open his eyes, but she had the summer to get his mind right.

Faye and Olivia said their goodbyes as everyone crowded around their parked cars. Faye was not looking forward to the drive back, but she had a bunch of fond memories to look back on as they made their way home to Macon, Georgia.

She was right about her pictures. They were breathtaking and she knew that Aria would be her muse again once school started. She and JT had a flirty, yet competitive banter that was benefitting both photographers. She liked him as a friend and maybe a little more, but only time would tell.

Olivia hated goodbyes. She was awkward already without the added pressure. "I'll text you when we make our first stop," Tyler informed her and she couldn't help but smile. They were good friends and she liked it like that. There was no pressure to do anything she wasn't ready for.

The pace was slow and mutual. Tyler was the gentlest guy she had ever known and she was grateful that their paths had crossed. She looked forward to what the fall had to offer to all of them, especially her and Tyler.

JT was too busy snapping photos to notice the pair of eyes on him. "You're having a blast aren't you?" Elsa asked laughing at him. He was clearly in his element. "I really am. Everyone is like my own personal canvas." The stream of emotions was so raw and genuine that he knew the images would be beautiful.

He captured a still of Faye staring at the sunrise and smiled. She was as beautiful as she was bold, fiery and combative. She gave him a run for his money and as much as it scared him, JT found himself thrilled by the thought of her. He knew fall was going to be incredible, but what it meant for them was still to be determined.

Elsa made her way over to Preston who was busy munching on his third breakfast burrito. "Your stomach will never cease to amaze me." She commented with a chuckle. "That's not the only part that amazes you." He retorted making her blush. "I don't know what you're talking about." She blurted making her way towards Brooke.

Tyler was beyond grateful for this group of friends that he and his brother managed to secure. Their moms were so happy to hear that they had found good people to surround themselves with in a new place.

He was most thankful for Olivia and Daisy. He and Daisy had gotten closer as the week went on and there was obviously something there between he and Olivia. He couldn't wait for school to start and for them all to be back together again.

Preston was thankful for the fun events had, but he knew that when fall came things would be different. The reality of school would be more pressing. The blatant love triangle between Aria, Caleb and Stefan, as well as, Brooke, Jaden and Avery would implode on itself.

The romantic dynamics between his brother and Olivia, as well as, JT and Faye would either blossom or ruin everything. He also couldn't deny the fact that Elsa in all her Type A madness piqued his interest. He was attentive and understood that though this week had its share of drama it was nothing in comparison of what was to come.

Brooke was sad to see everyone go, especially Daisy, but she missed her grandparents. The idea that their home was now what she thought of when she heard the word was both comforting and sad. The week had been rough at times, but for the most part it was great thanks to the people standing beside her. She didn't know what she was going to do about Avery or about the changing dynamic between her and Jaden. All she knew was that she was hopeful for what the fall semester had in store.

Sophia Kate looked on as everyone prepared to go their separate ways. She wasn't ready to head back to Sadler and Aria knew it. Going back meant she had to face Trey and her small town that now seemed smaller than ever. She wished she could stay. She wished fall would start now and she didn't have to face the real-life issues waiting for her. Then there was the fact that she needed to deal with the feelings she had this past week. Gracia was a force to be reckoned with and Sophia Kate knew, just by looking at her, that there was a storm on the way.

Caleb couldn't stand looking at her in his arms. It didn't seem right. But I'm the idiot that pushed her away. He thought angrily. He knew he was scowling and he didn't care. He didn't want to say goodbye, especially if it meant not being able to see her.

He told himself throughout the week that it was the right thing, but as he talked more and more with his sisters and lack thereof with the folks back in California he didn't know how true that was. What he knew for sure was that he and Aria had unfinished business.

Stefan loved the way she felt in his arms. It felt good. He had the perfect date planned for them thanks to his brother, but it had to wait until school started. She pouted when he told her and it just made him fall even more.

He was sad to see her leave, but looking forward to what fall had in store for them. Caleb had apparently given up and for that he was grateful. He was going to treat Aria like the Queen she was and he'd be damned if anyone got in his way.

Aria waved goodbye as she sat down on the shuttle bus headed to the bus station. She still could not believe how blessed she was to meet such an amazing group of people. As she waved goodbye she couldn't help but think about all that was in store for each and every one of them.

This was going to be a very interesting fall semester and as excited as she was for her classes and blossoming friendships there was a part of her that balled with anxiety for what it meant.

None of them knew what was in store for them, but the fact of the matter was these fifteen freshmen were in for an awakening unlike any other.