Fifteen: Free Fallin'

Chapter 25: Why Don't We Fall in Love

The morning flew by in a haze and everyone sat down for lunch talking. "So, there's this thing called the Founders' Ball happening this Saturday at the Athletics hall. It's supposed to be very rich and very swanky." Elsa informed them. "Yeah we got tickets to it," Sophia Kate smiled.

"Wait! What? How? This is like thee event for the school year and only select seniors and founding families are allowed." Elsa was in a state of shock. "Yeah, what gives, SK? Even I know about this event thanks to my Grandpa and the guest list is iron clad." Jaden stated taking a bite out of his shrimp Alfredo.

"Well," Sophia Kate smiled widely. "The guest list is iron clad, but if you're a performer for the night you get to bring guests of your choosing." They all cheered and clapped gleefully. "You're performing, babe?" Gracia asked her with a peck to the cheek. Sophia Kate blushed but wasn't embarrassed. They told the girls first and then the guys and both parties said the same thing, "Finally!"

"I'm not performing shit," Sophia Kate laughed. "Aria over here was asked to sing a song. Thanks to DJ AudiTory's television segment that starred ours truly a few groups have been asking for her services." They all looked at the songstress and smiled. She was a ball of nerves about the whole thing, but Alexis stated that Madame Boudreaux would be in attendance and this would be a good look for the Dance team's relationships with other groups.

"You're going to do great, Aria Jane." Stefan smiled and she returned it. They were both worried about how their relationship would change since everything came out, but it hadn't changed for the worst and that was what mattered. "So, this is a ball. We're going to need gowns, ladies. Boys, you're going to need tuxes. How are we supposed to get all this by Saturday?" Brooke asked frantically. Memories of her past life that was filled with balls and dinner parties came to mind. They didn't have enough time to get everything ready.

"I think I can help with that. Aria and Sophia Kate, you get out on Wednesdays at 4pm right?" Daisy inquired. They nodded their heads. "Okay, great! Ladies meet at our dorm by 4:30 pm and we'll go get our dresses. Guys, there's a store downtown called Dirty Arrow that sells and rents tuxedos. Go there tomorrow while we're out so we can have everything ready by the weekend."

Everyone was pleased with the plan and looking forward to a night of lavishness and fun. "This is going to be so much fun," Jaden smiled to Brooke as they made their way out of the cafeteria. "I hope so. I don't really know about mingling with Texas U's rich and famous." Jaden grabbed her hand and kissed it. "It'll be a great night and I'll be there to protect my Baby Thug."

She chuckled as they made their way to their classes. Neither noticed a pair of jade green eyes on them. "Don't do that to yourself, Avery." Caleb stated. "You need to talk to her. Tell her the truth about everything." Avery shook his head. "I'm glad you got your girl, Caleb. Aria and you are made for one another. But Brooke and Jaden are the real deal and I'm not going to mess that up for her. I'll see you in the gym later." With that Avery was off to class.

"What was that about?" Aria asked as she walked up to Caleb. "Nothing." He answered giving her a kiss. "I like when you do that." He smiled against her lips. "Oh really?" He gave her another and deepened it. "Get a room!" Gracia called out walking up to them with Sophia Kate in tow. "Come on Aria we don't want to be late for class." Aria pouted. "But I miss his lips already." Caleb laughed and gave her a quick peck before Sophia Kate hauled her away.

"Where's Preston?" Caleb asked as Gracia and him began walking to class. "He said he had to talk to Elsa." She shrugged. "So, when am I going to hear the three words that I deserve to hear, because I'm the baddest bitch in the land." Caleb laughed heartily knowing where his best friend was going. "Oh, wise and gracious Gracia...you...were...RIGHT!" She did a happy dance and began poking him while saying "I told you so!" They laughed as the reached Gracia's building, which was directly opposite from Caleb's.