Fifteen: Free Fallin'

Chapter 62: Sway with Me

The weeks before Christmas break seemed to fly faster than a bullet and they hated it. Caleb and Aria submitted their project and were beyond pleased at the comments they were receiving from classmates and Professor Matthews.

Olivia and Elsa were at the top of their classes, while Preston surpassed even his expectations as being the top freshmen Biology student at Texas U. As they all gathered in Jaden's living room for the last time that year they looked around and smiled at one another.

"Okay, we've taken all of the pictures and the food is almost ready, so let's exchange presents." Daisy clapped as everyone sat down. "We'll pass the gifts around," Aria said motioning for Sophia Kate to help her under the tree.

After a few minutes everyone was surrounded by small piles of gifts. Aria made her way back to Caleb and sat by her small pile. "Everyone open their secret Santa gifts first." Gracia called out tearing into hers. They all smiled and thanked one another as they figured out who their Secret Santas were.

"Aria, this is too much." Avery said showing off the classic state of the art waterproof watch she got him. "I had to spoil my favorite swim star." JT held up the new portfolio she had given him. "Seriously, Aria how did you know I needed a new one? And how do you have two people?" She smiled at him and shrugged. "A good Secret Santa does her detective work. Also, we're an odd numbered group so someone had to get two and I volunteered."

Caleb kissed his girlfriend on the forehead before everyone began ripping into their other gifts. The boys all groaned as they finally got to their girls' boudoir photos. "Now you guys have something to keep you warm at night during the break." Faye smiled giving JT a wink.

Caleb opened the small velvet box that reveled a black ring with a gold Celtic symbol on in. "Do you like it?" Aria asked with a smile. "I love it, Ace. How'd you know I have a thing for Celtic symbols?" She shrugged and took out the ring. "I've seen it in your work before, your tattoos and the necklace you and your sisters all have. I just wanted you to have something that matched from me."

She tried every finger to see where the ring would fit and landed on his ring finger. She smiled shyly up at him and he gave her a kiss that was gentle and searing. "This symbol on the ring," Caleb said as he spun the band, "is called a sailor's knot. It's the strongest knot and symbolizes love and so much more."

Aria didn't know that, but smiled at how it applied to them. "You're my anchor, Ace. You keep my grounded and safe. I will do everything in my power to keep you and your heart safe and I mean it. I want that smile on your face to never leave." She kissed him deeply earning a few catcalls from the audience.

"Here's your gift." Aria eyed the small box and then opened it. Her gasp wasn't missed as she studied the pink sapphire ring intensely. The band was rose gold and wrapped in knots that mirrored Caleb's ring exactly. "How did you know?" He shook his head and laughed. "I didn't. I guess we're just made for each other in every way." He put the ring directly on her ring finger and smiled before kissing her hand.

JT handed Faye her gift and she eyed him suspiciously. "I thought we weren't exchanging gifts." He shrugged. "I was walking past some place and it caught my eye." Faye was speechless once she got the wrapping paper off. "Is this first edition?" Faye asked as she looked down at the Wizard of Oz book in her hand. JT smiled at her expression and before he knew it, she was on his lap showering him in kisses.

"Stop all that! You two are too long for that." Preston called out as they waved him off. "This is the best gift anyone has ever gotten me! How did you know I love the Wizard of Oz?" JT gave his signature smirk. "I listen to you, Faye. I know it doesn't always seem like it, but I do. I hear you and I see you." Whether he meant to or not, those words washed over Faye. She kissed him passionately not caring about their rules and he let her.