Chapter 1

Aria

She could feel their eyes on her, watching her as she clutched her older brother's arm as he guided her through the hallways of Rosewood high. She could hear their whispers, their clear but subtle voices. Did they pity her, blame her? She was grateful for the darkness, grateful she didn't have to see those eyes, those many eyes staring back at her. She felt sick; her nerves raw and peeled back as though it was an open scab. She was bleeding, drowning from the inside as she kept pace with Daniel's steps. She didn't have to see his face to know that he was barely keeping his temper under control with the many stares aimed at them.

At her, the freak show.

The girl, whose boyfriend had caused her accident, had caused her blindness.

She looked over at her brother, giving him a small smile, noticing how it seemed to calm him. She squeezed his arm with confident fingers, a confidence she didn't quite feel. It was a lie, everything was a lie. It was just a façade she showed the world, a world that had shut her out, had made her an outcast, an outsider. Where had that once vibrant carefree girl gone? The girl who had had it all, popularity, had been the head cheerleader of the Rosewood high Sharks and had been talked about every week as though she was a celebrity, the girl who had been invited to all the school parties, had many girlfriends and who had been on the school committee, part of glee club, and had a role in save the homeless animals foundation? Where was she? She had died that night, that night of the accident.

The same accident that had killed Wesley, her Wesley, the one person she had loved most in the world. Her heart ached for him, called out to him. She missed him. She wasn't mad. She didn't blame him. It was all her fault.

She should have stopped him that night, kept him from getting behind the wheel. She knew he had been drinking, had smelled it on his breath when he had kissed her. How she missed his kisses, the way he held her in his arms, the way he viewed the world. She couldn't hate him, couldn't hate him for one mistake, an error in judgment. She had willingly got into the car with him. She was just as at fault. She had known the consequences of alcohol and driving.

After all, it was her fault that Wesley had lost the control of the car. She had distracted him, had argued with him. They both had been drinking; both of their minds had been impaired by alcohol. She shook her head clear of those memories, not wanting to think of that night anymore. It was over, it was long gone. She wouldn't let them be an issue anymore, to plague her every thought.

Aria didn't need them, but she was grateful for the dark sunshades that hid her damaged eyes. She didn't want to feel everyone's eyes on the scars that surround her eyes. She didn't want to give them something else to gape about. She knew what they said behind her back, knew that they secretly blamed her for Wesley's death and her blindness. Her friends did. She missed them, but she knew they would never welcome her back in their clique.

It had to take losing her eyesight to gauge the real Spencer, Hanna and Alison, and Emily. Friends who had been with her since infancy, all their mothers had been friends. She mourned those friendships. It left emptiness in her heart, a bad taste in her mouth. She had been a fool to think they would have stuck by her, been at her side, helped her recover and heal. She had done so alone. All she had left was her family.

They loved her, especially Daniel, always Danny. They were so close in age, just a year apart. He was her protector, her big brother, someone who would always look out for her, to help her in any way that he could. She loved him too, loved his strength. Strength she didn't possess. She admired him, looked up to him. She could count on him, always.

Aria wished she could keep her tension locked away, but she couldn't. She knew Danny felt it, felt her apprehension. He could always read her, knew what she was thinking. She felt as they came to her first period class, English. Smelled the change in the atmosphere as it fizzed around her nose. The different smells, so many smells as she heard the drumming of her own heartbeat as it beat in her chest cavity.

"I can walk from here on my own," Aria said to Danny, sensing him about to protest. She unfolded her walking stick from her purse as she moved towards the classroom door. "Danny, don't".

She could feel his building frustration as he stared down into her face, seeing the determined look on there as he towered over her lithe form. She loved him, but something's she had to do for herself. He was going off to college next year, how would she ever fend on her own if she allowed him to do things for her? She wasn't helpless.

"I'll be waiting right here after your first period ends," Daniel said as he hugged her and kissed the top of her head, before taking a step back. "Don't be afraid to ask for help, you're going to love Mr. Fitz".

She didn't know Ezra Fitz. She couldn't recall ever meeting him. Was he a teacher there before her accident, before Wesley's death? She didn't remember. She couldn't picture him, didn't know what he looked like. She still remembered what her family looked like, what Wesley looked like, her friends. She couldn't place one teacher.

"Okay," Aria said softly, releasing a breath of air from her mouth as she focused on walking into the room, knowing there would be people watching her, waiting for her to fall or otherwise make a mistake. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her crumble, hurled up in a ball off somewhere. "And you know I won't".

She knew he would wait until she went inside the room, until she found common ground and found her desk. She took a deep breath, counting quietly in her head as she moved her walking stick along in front of her as she used her hands to guide herself inside the classroom. All the talking just moments before ceased, everyone watched her, watched the girl who was blind. She felt herself growing self-conscious, but she brushed it off. She focused on counting her steps, feeling out in front of her for an empty desk. She heard barely concealed snickers as she tripped over her own feet, nearly toppling face down until she caught herself.

Aria didn't mind their laughter, their cruelness as it gave her inner strength to continue to move forward. She felt as a tall shadow fell over her, felt the touch of breath as he moved close to her body and took hold of her arm, and then he guided her down into an empty chair at the front of the classroom. She knew the shadow was male, could smell the hint of smoke and nice cologne that whiffled off him. She turned her head to where his face should be, offering him a smile. He startled, catching his breath before breathing normally again. What had she done? Were their boogers in her nose? Corn flakes in her teeth? What? She didn't understand.

Her face must have showed confusion, because he immediately released his hold on her arm and stepped away. Had she done something? Made him uncomfortable? She debated on whether she should apologize or not. She had no idea what she had done wrong as she sank down into the hard seat, feeling down the walking stick as she began folding it back up to put it back inside her purse. Next she took out her Braille textbook and tape recorder once her walking stick was safely tucked away. She could still feel the eyes of everyone on her as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying to block them out. Did they glorify in her handicap? She crossed her legs, before running fingers through her dark silken hair that was styled in a pixie cut. She liked the shortness, didn't miss having long hair.

The tall shadow moved away from her desk once he saw that she was situated. She silently mourned his absence, thinking it odd. She had no idea who he was. Who was he? What did he look like? Sound like? She wanted to know. She wanted to thank him. She breathed a sigh of relief as everyone's eyes turned from her and looked towards the teacher up front. She didn't miss those sharp gazes; those blame filled eyes, those eyes that mocked her. She wasn't a circus act, she didn't enjoy it.

"Welcome class, welcome to another school year," Mr. Fitz said in his scratchy deep voice that sounded nice to Aria's ears. She tried to match the voice to a face, but she came up short as the barely constructed face fizzled out. She had never heard a voice like his, a voice so deep and arousing it surprised her. "Join me in welcoming Ms. Aria Montgomery as the newest addition to this class".

Aria knew her pale cheeks were aflame as she felt those same mocking eyes looked towards her again, blaming her again for Wesley's death and her own blindness. It felt as though they basked in her misery. She tried to sink lower in her chair, wishing Mr. Fitz hadn't done that. She didn't want special treatment, didn't need it. They already hated her enough. She rearranged things on her desk as though to block out their stares, those intense stares that made her angry and sad all at once.

"I need for everyone to open their textbook and turned to chapter one and start reading,"Mr. Fitz said as he came to stand before Aria's desk. Aria's nostrils were instantly filled with his scent, that scent of smoke and nice cologne. Her pretty china doll like face tilted up as she stared in the direction he was standing, gasping slightly. He was the male who had helped her. She couldn't stop herself from blushing as she recalled the touch of his hand on her arm. His hand had felt strong, warm. "If you don't finishing reading the chapter, then it would be for homework tonight, and then I want you all to write an essay on what you have read. It should be in APA format".

"Do we have to do a reference page too?" A girl asked who was sitting behind Aria. Aria could feel as Mr. Fitz glanced over her head to direct his answer to the girl behind Aria. She wondered what color were his eyes, his hair. She shook herself, feeling stupid. He was her teacher. She didn't have to know what he looked like. "If so, then I know it has to be in alphabetical order".

"Yes, there should be a reference page as well as in-text citations throughout your paper," Mr. Fitz wasn't looking at the girl behind Aria anymore but at Aria. Aria felt the weight of his gaze, but she didn't mind him staring at her. His gaze didn't fill her with sickness. It wasn't mocking her, or blaming her at all. "Your pages should also be numbered".

"How about a title page?" one boy called from the back of the room. "I really hate those".

Everyone in the class laughed except for Aria. She found that she liked Mr. Fitz's deep chuckle as it circled around her, coaxing her to join in. She shook off the contagious sound, not liking how it made her ache deep inside.

"Yes, everyone would need a title page," Mr. Fitz looked towards the boy in the back. "You may not like it, but it's essential for passing this class. We will be tackling a lot of essays which is one of the requirements for this class".

Aria clicked on her tape recorder as she opened her textbook, using her fingers to read the Braille text as Mr. Fitz spoke some more in the background. She wanted to catch every word he said. He had a way of speaking that filled Aria with ease and made her want to learn more from him. She tried not to notice, but she felt him every time he came near her desk, felt those unknown eyes of his on her person. She knew he didn't mean anything by it, but she didn't like it. It felt as though he thought her incapable of learning on her own.

Mr. Fitz asked her to stay after class when it came time for second period. She packed her things away, and then she stood up carefully and took out her walking stick, very much aware his eyes were on her. She felt as Mr. Fitz moved to stand by her, his tall shadow radiating a pleasant energy. She sensed he wasn't a threat to her, that she didn't have to fear being alone with him. She also knew that Danny was just outside the door in case she needed him. She placed hands on top her walking stick and leaned down on it, bearing most of her weight as she looked up into his face passively.

"I just wanted to let you know I'll be available anytime to help you," Mr. Fitz said in that deep scratchy way of his. "Do you have any questions or concerns about the class so far?"

Aria was grateful for his concern, but she didn't want to be treated any differently from anyone else.

"I really appreciate your concern, Mr. Fitz, but please don't treat me differently from anyone else. I assure you I can manage just fine," Aria said as she reached down to search for her bag, grabbing empty air. Her bag wasn't where she had left it. Her breath stilled as he stepped closer to her to pick up her bag, and then he slid it onto her shoulder. She smiled her thanks, static going through her body when his fingertips had touched her shoulder. She hoped he didn't pick up on it. Once again she was happy for the darkness. "And I will".

She could sense his friendly smile. She wondered what it looked like as she tried to imagine the image in her mind.

"Fair enough, but still, I'll be here if you need me," Mr. Fitz said in a persistent voice as he examined the pretty girl closely, taking in everything about her. "What other classes are you taking besides English III?"

Aria knew he was just trying to make conversation.

"I'll try to remember that," she gave him one of her own friendly smiles. She couldn't see the disconcerting look that was displayed on his face. "I'm taking Algebra II, and Environmental Science. The principal thought it was best if I start out with only three classes, and then I'll be able to add another course once I'm sure I can handle the work load".

She was blind not stupid, she knew he felt sorry for her, for the poor little blind girl.

"Please do, Ms. Montgomery," Mr. Fitz voice took on an urging tone. "If you ever need help in your other classes, feel free to come see me. I would love to help you".

She gave him a cool smile, before walking over towards the door and felt as Danny's hand wrapped around her arm. She looked back over her shoulder as Danny steered her out the classroom, knowing her eyes were meeting Mr. Fitz's. She didn't know him, but he seemed to care about her. Did he really want to help her? Or was she just some charity case to him? Mr. Fitz was all she could think about as she went through her other two classes, thinking of his generosity. She didn't know him, but she wanted to know him. She wanted to find out why he cared about a girl he hardly knew.

"What do you want for lunch?" Danny asked her as they walked into the cafeteria arm and arm. She could feel everyone's eyes on her again, judging her, mocking her, even pitying her. Danny felt her discomfort as he gave her arm a light squeeze to let her know he was there, that he wouldn't leave her side. "You can either get a fish sandwich, or a grilled chicken sandwich. French fires, a fruit cup, and chocolate pudding are the offered sides".

"I'll take a fish sandwich," Aria said as she folded her walking stick and put it into her purse and sat down at the table Danny had picked for them. She wished he didn't spend so much time with her. She wanted him to spend some time with his own friends. At least he still had his friends. "But no chocolate pudding, you know I hate it".

"I won't be long," he said against her head as he kissed it. "And I was just about to say that".

He left to go get their lunches. She felt all eyes on her again, heard the many whispers swirling around her. She tried not to let it bother her. She hated being the center of attention, the butt of a joke. She hadn't asked for this, hadn't asked for any of this. She felt as a tall shadow stopped at her side, smelled the scent of smoke and nice cologne. It was Mr. Fitz.

"Ms. Montgomery, are you alright?" he asked with concern. "Would you like for me to get you something?"

There it was again, his generosity.

"I'm fine, thanks," Aria said with a kind smile, her pouty lips lifting up into a beautiful smile. She couldn't see him, but she knew his eyes were directed at her mouth. It gave her pause, made her wet her lips self-consciously. "You don't have to; my brother is getting my lunch for me".

He nodded, before realizing she couldn't see him so he spoke instead,

"Okay," she couldn't get over the deep set of his voice, the scratchiness of it. His blue eyes roamed over the girl's pretty face, having a desire to know what color her eyes were. "I hope your brother's getting you the fish, it's delicious. It's even my favorite".

Not that she was complaining, but why was he being so friendly towards her?

"Thanks, again Mr. Fitz," Aria was drawn in by his kindness. "Fish is my favorite also".

It took a minute for him to speak again, knowing he should probably walk away from this pretty girl.

"You're welcome, Ms. Montgomery," Mr. Fitz said as he pulled his eyes away from the girl's face, growing self-conscious when he saw that everyone's eyes were on them. He was happy to see her brother returning back to the table. "I better go, I see your brother making his way back over here".

He walked off, Aria's head following him as he left the cafeteria. She liked him as her teacher. Her other teachers weren't as kind or sweet to her. He was. She found herself intrigued by him. Who was Ezra Fitz? Why did he like her? She didn't want it to be because she was blind. She found herself frowning, not knowing what a beautiful picture she made.

"Here you are," Danny said as he placed her tray of food in front of her, and then he sat down with his own. "How do you like your classes so far?"

"This really is good," Aria said as she bit into her fish sandwich, tasting the tartar sauce and cheese. "And I can't say, I'm just trying to get through them as best as I can".

"I bet it is. I got the grilled chicken instead," Danny said in a dejected voice as he frowned down at the pathetic grilled chicken sandwich in his plate. "Are your teachers treating you well?"

Aria laughed softly at her brother's tone, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

"You had to, you're allergic to fish," Aria said with a musical laugh, bumping his shoulder with hers. "As well as they can. I don't expect special treatment. I don't want it".

"Yeah, I am," he wiped his cheek off with the back of his hand where she had kissed him, not wanting to have an allergic reaction. "Some special attention isn't always bad".

She did get his point, but she didn't want any teacher treating her with kid gloves.

"Why didn't you just go over to the vending machine and get you a ham and cheese sandwich?" she asked as she ate some of her fruit cup. "It's not, but I don't want to be treated as though I'm special, or different. I want to be seen as though I'm normal, in spite of my blindness".

"I don't know why I didn't think of that," Danny said as he spooned the chocolate pudding into his mouth. "And you are normal, Aria. Just because you're blind doesn't mean you aren't normal".

She liked his logic. He always made sense. She loved how much he knew her and got her. She would be lost without him.

"You shouldn't spend so much time with me, you should be spending it with your friends," Aria lightly scolded him. "You shouldn't lose your friends because my friends deserted me".

He wrapped an arm around her and hugged her close to his side, kissing the side of her head.

"I do spend time with my friends. They understand," Danny told her as he kissed the side of her face again, before pulling away. "Your so called friends are idiots. Don't worry about them anymore. Try to make new ones".

Aria heard Danny's advice, she really did, but she didn't know if people wanted to be friends with her. She wasn't like them anymore. She was blind, a freak to some. To some she didn't deserve to be treated with kindness, to be treated as though she was another human being. They blamed her for Wesley's death and for her own blindness. She felt their hard stares once more, felt their hate. They wouldn't forgive her.

There, my newest story. I wanted to try something different to see how you guys like it. Did you? Please review and let me know! I really love how this story is turning out so far.