Aria walked into the hallways of Rosewood High School. Today she wore a black tank top with a blue denim skirt. Unusual for someone who was so out-of-the-box and wore eccentric clothing al the time. Aria walked down the hallway where her friends were waiting for her. As she went towards them, she passed the hot English teacher, Mr. Fitz. Of course, he was Mr. Fitz to everyone else. He was just Ezra to her. He was her English teacher, yes. But he was something more. He was hers. They had met in a bar when Aria and her family had returned from Iceland for a family vacation. Aria and Ezra had begun talking. The next day, he walked into his classroom and saw her face. His words said it all. "Holy Crap.". Indeed, it was unexpected for the both of them. But they got through it. And the best part about it, was thy got through it together.

"Good morning, Aria." Ezra said with a smile.

"Morning!" Aria said, as happy as could be. He laughed as he walked to his classroom door. When he reached it, he turned around to face her and smiled at her. She smiled back. With the huge grin on her face still, she walked up to her best friends.

"Someone's a little bit exultant." Spencer said, returning a smile.

"Yeah..What's up Aria?" Emily inquired, with raised eyebrows.

"I am gonna say she is getting some…extra credit I mean.." Hannah said with a smirk. All the girls shared a laugh. Aria looked back to Ezra's classroom door and smiled to herself. She loved being with him. She loved Him.

Ringgggg

First period bell rang. The girls made their way to English. The girls passed Mr. Fitz's desk and went to their own desks. As Aria walked past, she slightly looked up at her teacher. His eyes were already on hers. They shared a smile that nobody else saw. It was their own, and Aria felt so happy.

"Ok. Class. So. We are going to start off with our own little group writing. I want you to pair up. Then. Write in your own words about how you think To Kill A Mockingbird should have ended, or what you think about the ending and why. Alright?" Ezra said as his eyes locked on Aria's. She felt butterflies in her stomach.

"Alright. So let's get started! I cant wait to hear what you guys come up with!" Ezra said. He seemed to be in a great mood this morning. And Aria could tell she wasn't the only person who noticed.

"Aria. Can. Well, Can we be partners?" A familiar male voice asked.

"Uh, Sure Noel." Aria said with a smile. Noel was one of the most attractive and popular boys in Rosewood. He was on the lacrosse team, the football team, and the basketball team. He was hot, athletic, smart, and funny. Aria knew of many girls in Rosewood that would love to be asked to study with Noel Kahn. He was one of the "It" boys at Rosewood. Every girl wanted to be with him. Every guy wanted to be him. Noel and his best friend-Sean Ackman, who just happened to be dating Hannah- were on top of the world. They were the most popular boys in Rosewood. Aria thought back to when she had the biggest crush on Noel, just like about half the girls in Rosewood at the time. 7th grade. So many things had changed since 7th grade. The Jenna Thing and the girls falling out of touch with one another but mostly, their best friend, Allison had disappeared and now 3 years later, Ali's case had be reopened as a murder case. Spencer, Hannah, Emily, Aria, and Alison had been the most popular girls in school. Then, Ali went missing. Her family left Rosewood, and people stopped talking about it. The rest of the group lost each other. They stopped texting, calling, hanging out. They just sat alone in their bedrooms at night, thinking about Alison and how each had their own special secrets that just Alison knew, and not the rest of the group. Ali knew all about Aria's father having an affair with one of his students, Ali knew all about Spencer breaking up her sister, Melissa and her boyfriend Ian because she made out with him, and then made out with Melissa's next boyfriend, Ethan. Ali knew all about how Hannah slimmed right down from being the chubby girl and going to the size 2 jeans she now wore, but mostly Ali knew about the toothbrush and how Hannah shoved it down her throat after eating so she could stay thin. Ali knew all about Emily being "confused" on if she liked boys or girls, and Ali knew that Emily was in love with Ali. Yes, Ali knew all about each of the girls.

"Aria?" Noel asked. "Are you ok?"

"What? Yeah. Why?"

"Well, I asked you 3 questions and you just stared blankly in front of you. And. And."

"And what?"

"Well, You are crying."

Aria wiped her hand under eyes. Noel was right. She was crying. There were tear streaks running down her face. Aria quickly wiped them away with her hand. She politely excused herself from their group. She walked up to Ezra's desk, where he eyed her suspiciously.

"Yes Ms. Montgomery?"

"Can I be excused to the restroom, please?"

"Uh." Ezra leaned in a little bit closer and whispered. "Aria? Are you ok?"

"I am fine. Just. Bathroom. Please?" She begged him. She didn't want too many people to see her crying, especially the girls. They would already know something was up though. Aria rarely excused herself from class, especially her English classes.

Ezra nodded to her and she backed up and turned out the door. She quickly walked down the halls of rosewood once again. Then she began to jog. Before she knew it, Aria was running towards the restroom. Once she got there, she locked herself in a stall. She covered her face with her hands. Why was she crying? Nothing was wrong. Fifteen minutes ago, she was perfect. How did this just hit her? Ali's case was just recently reopened as a murder investigation. Was it finally getting to her? The stress of school and AP classes? Dating her teacher? Her parents separating? The mysterious A terrorizing her and her friends. Everything was almost too much to handle. But Aria was always the one to hold her high no matter what and not let her emotions get the best of her. She didn't understand what was going on. She finally got a hold of herself. She heard her cell phone buzz in her purse. She got it out and read the message.

From: Ezra

Aria? You ok?

Aria smiled slightly. He cared. She hit reply and texted him back quickly

Yes. I am fine. Just a little. Stress, I guess. I am sorry I left class.

No, It is fine. I am just glad you are ok. But I do miss you. Are you coming back, or should I send the search party out?

Haha. How funny. I am in the bathroom, I didn't lie Mr. Fitz!

Do you want me to send Han, or Em, or Spence?

No. I want you.

Unfortunately, I would be fired for a few reasons. Going into the girls restroom would just be one of them!

I know. I really, just want to leave. I think I might go home..

Ok. Text me later then?

"Aria?" Spencer. That was her voice.

"Yeah?"

"You ok?"

"Yeah. Did Ezra send you after me?"

"No. I asked him if I could use the bathroom. He smiled at me and nodded his head. The look on his face was more of a thank you, rather then a yes you may go." Spencer reported with a small laugh. Aria laughed too.

"Aria. We need to stick together. Through all of this. It is hard on all of us. And I know we all need days off, and we wish we could get away from it. But, if you go home, then it is going to taunt you more. You wont have anything to take your mind off it."

"I know. It's just. Confusing and scary. And still really weird to think that our best friend is dead. Actually dead. At 13 years old, she went missing. We find out she's now dead, and now 3 years later they reopen the case and try to figure out who killed her. Killed her! It is just so…"

"Crazy." Spencer finished for her.

"Yeah. Exactly."

"Listen. We shouldn't be talking about it here. Lets just forget it for now. And talk more later. Lunch we can get together with the girls and maybe we can hang out tonight. Just. Let us help you through the day and help us through the day ok? We need to be by each other's sides."

"Spence. You are too smart for your own good."

Spencer smiled and the girls walked back to English class. Aria knew she was going to be questioned later by Ezra, by Noel, and by the girls.

The bell rang ending first period. Aria couldn't believe how fast time had gone by.

She missed the majority of her English class and writing what she and Noel thought of the book. Noel. Aria walked up to Noel.

"Noel. I am so sorry. I. I hope you aren't mad at me. I can't believe I just. I just left. Like that. And you. You had to do the assignment. By yourself. I am so sorry." Aria pleaded. She felt so guilty. Poor Noel.

"Don't worry about it Aria. Fitz let me join Hannah and Sean's group. Are you ok, Aria?"

"Well, that was nice of him. I will do my part of the assignment tonight and if you want to still be in my group, I can put your name on it. And thanks for asking, but I am ok." Aria said with a smile at her lips.

"I'd really like that Aria. A lot."

"Great! Thank you, for being so understanding." She said as noel gathered his things and stood up.

"No Problem." Noel said smiling. Aria smiled back. "Well, I gotta get going. Coach wants to talk to me. Have a good day Aria. Maybe I'll catch up with you later at lunch or something."

"That sounds great Noel!" Aria was happy Noel was being such a good friend. He probably pitied her, but she didn't care. He was so nice! Aria gathered up her things as well, and looked around the class. Ezra had stood up and walked to the front of his desk, and leaned on it slightly. Aria couldn't believe how hot he looked. Spencer, Emily and Hannah were waiting for her to the side.

'Hey Aria. You ready to go?" Hannah asked.

"Yeah." She looked at the girls. They looked like they were ready to cry too.

"Uh. Actually. Aria. Can I. Can we talk?" Ezra asked as she walked past his desk.

Aria looked into her eyes an back towards her friends. She nodded and said "I'll catch up soon."

The girls smiled at Aria and Ezra. Then they shared a knowing smile with one another. And as they walked out, they shut the door behind them. Aria sighed with relief that they had closed it. Aria turned her attention back to Ezra, who was starring at her.

"Aria. I don't like to see you unhappy."

"I am not unhappy Ez. Just a little stressed out, like I said."

"I am worried about you. I care for you. A lot. I am in love with you and I don't like to see you like that."

"Ezra. You don't have to worry about me. I am ok. I love you." Aria gave his hand a tight squeeze and turned to walk out the door. She reached her next class a little bit late but Spencer had told Mrs. Williams about the bathroom incident and Williams understood completely. Everyone knew. Everyone understood if the fur girls needed a break.

"Alright class. Today, is a reading day! Please read chapter four, then fill in the answers on this homework packet. Make sure you find the correct answers because some of these questions will be on your test next week!" Aria opened her book and rested it on her lap and on the desk. Her phone vibrated again. She slyly got it out and put it on her lap so the book was blocking it. She clicked READ. It was from Ezra.

Can You come back to me now?

=) Oh how I wish I could. History is boring today. We have to read and answer this packet of questions.

I bet it is better than sitting here grading these papers.

I am going to have to say no on that one. I would love to be there grading papers with you.

Yeah? I'd love that. I just got to this one young women's paper. She's amazing. So smart. And funny. And beautiful.

You speak very highly of her.

I do. I am in love with her. And I wish she'd come over to my pace tonight for dinner..

I bet she'd accept. What time?

8?

Done.

Great!

Is that why you texted me?

Well. I asked if we'd talk later when you were in the bathroom. You never replied. So I wanted this to be later..

Cute. Alright. I will see you later. Williams is looking at me funny. Probably because I am the only not writing. Haha

Get going! You better not be texting your other teachers while in my class!

Only the hot ones ;) Bye Ezra =)

Aria started to answer her questions for history. She just finished the last question as the bell rang. Her day went on, and as Spencer had predicted, it got better. Aria skipped her study hall and went to Ezra's classroom. She knew that he had a free period at this time as well. She walked in and closed the door behind her. The Curtain was already pulled down. Aria locked the door behind her as she walked in.

"Hey."

"Hey!" Ezra said, his mood seemed to brighten immediately. "I haven't been able to get you out of my mind all day!" He went over and gave her a big hug.

"I know what that is like! This day has been just dragging on. I want it to be 8 already."

"Join that club. I have after school detention tonight. So I wont get to my place until about 6."

"No problem. Detention, huh? Get to have bonding time with all the badass kids of Rosewood. What a great way to spend your evening."

Ezra laughed and said "Tell me about it." He gently removed the strand of hair that was just floating in front of her face. They starred into each other's eyes, without saying a word. He leaned down slowly, his eyes fixed on her lips. Their lips gently touched. He pressed harder and she pulled his closer. His hands were on her waist and her hand wrapped around his neck. She tugged at his blazer.

"Aria. We shouldn't be doing this. Here." He said as he straightened himself back out.

"ok. We can save that for tonight." She said with a wink.

"Now I really wont be able to get you out of my head."

"Aria Montgomery, please report to the main office immediately." they both heard over the loudspeaker.

"Any idea what that is about?" Ezra asked.

"Not a clue. But I am sure by the time I get there, my mother will already be there."

"Better go quick then." Ezra said as he gave her a quick peck on the lips. He watched her cute little ass as she walked out of his classroom.

Finally, the day had ended. It was such a long day for many people in rosewood. Ezra had finished grading the papers from earlier and had moved onto the next two classes. He saved most of the grading for detention days. He greeted each individual as the entered his room. His attendance sheet showed he had 2 people in detention today. Great. It'd be easy. That was a plus. The two students walked in.

"Alright. If we have to be here until 6, lets just get through it without any complications. I really don't wanna stay here until 6, so maybe if we are good, we can get out of here earlier than normal.

"Mr. Fitz?" Someone behind him asked. It was Aria

"Montgomery? Really? How'd you land detention?" One boy named Caleb asked.

Ezra looked at Caleb then back to Aria and to the yellow piece of paper in her hand. His eyes widened to her. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Apparently skipping class is frowned upon." Aria said as she sat between Caleb and a boy she recognized as a punk who just didn't give a damn.

"No Shit, Princess." He said, his voice full of sarcasm.

Aria ignored him and turned to Caleb.

"What about you?"

"I've been in detention every night since 8th grade. I'm here because I'm hated and the teachers feel I am a threat." He used air quotes around threat. Suddenly Aria became very aware of her surroundings. She was glad detention was with Ezra and not a different teacher who wouldn't notice small things like this. Ezra was watching closely, she knew it. But she couldn't muster up enough courage to look at him.

"Don't be scared Princess. It's not like you are gonna be murdered then stored in a hold in your backyard for 3 years. Those are slim chances. Oh. Wait." The punk said.

Aria turned to him. She had enough. "Listen. I get it. I am popular, little miss goody-two-shoes. And you are the weird punk asshole who nobody likes, and you are perfectly fine with that. And you don't like me, or my friends. Fine. Whatever. Make whatever jokes about me you want, but don't start in about Alison. Or any of my other friends. I don't give a fuck what you say about me, behind my back or to my face. So since we have to be here for 3 hours together, at least put your punk-ass guard down for a little bit and try to be human so we all don't go insane with you!" Aria shot back full of rage.

"Ok." Was all he said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I'm Steele by the way." He said putting his hand out.

"Aria" She said taking his hand and shaking it.

"I know." He said as he smiled. "You arent too bad princess."

"No shit."

He laughed and turned back around in his seat.

"Alright. Now that we are all friends and got all of the unkind words out of the way, lets begin, shall we? You all know the rules, no leaving, one break halfway through, no cell phones, no electronics, only silence and homework. Lets get this 3 hour time over with." Ezra said. Of course he had to explain the rules, but it wasn't like anyone listened to them. And Ezra wasn't going to say a word. Aria got out her math book and pretended to do some of the problems. She was really just daydreaming. Her phone vibrated in her skirt pocket. She got it out and put it on silent so the others wouldn't hear it vibrate. It was a text. She opened the phone and saw it was from Ezra. She glanced at Steele, then at Caleb. Steele was already asleep, drooling on his desk, and Caleb was too busy writing an email to the school pretending to be his parole officer to get him out of detention early. Aria looked back to her phone, read it and then glanced up at Ezra, his eyes on her with a small smile playing at his lips.

You Look Hot today.

She quickly responded, a smile on her face.

Why Thank you. I guess you don't look too bad yourself.

So. Decided to join all the bad-ass kids of rosewood today?

Haha. I did say that didn't I? I guess I am just as bad-ass as the rest of them

Oh really?

Oh yes.

So you get detention, for skipping class? What class?

It was just Study Hall. But with Hilton. He hates me.

Nah. Nobody could ever hate you. Why'd you skip? Why not simply sign out?

I was already late. Besides. I was. With a certain teacher..

Oh. So you skip class to make out with your English teacher in his classroom?

That's correct.

That's hot.

Haha! It is! =)

Isn't that skirt a bit too short for dress code?

Yes. But everyone loves me remember? They wont say anything.

I was not complaining.

I dressed for you this morning.

You did well. Very well.

Haha. Why thank you.

What else you got on?

?What do you mean?

Underneath…what is under..matching?

Of course matching!

What color today?

Those red ones =)

Mmmm. One of my favorites. I like them. I like them even more off of you..

**Author's little side note**First time publishing my works, but i love aria and ezra-he is sooo hot- and the whole teacher-student relationship is sooo wrong, but soooo right. This story will obviously continue...i just havent figured out how to do chapters yet and all of that. but more will be on its way possibly tonight, even! So i hope you enjoy it!(and yes i know-an awful place to stop, but i started to fall asleep and wanted to be wide awake and give this story my full attention... =) thanks for reading!)