Aria knew it was a mistake as soon as she turned the corner.
She had decided today, to take a different route home from work. Yet now her heart was pounding, adrenaline rushing through every part of her body. There he was, looking as beautiful as ever. Stood outside the coffee shop was Ezra. Aria instantly panicked. Should she turn around and walk in the other direction? Or should she brave the walk past him? It had been 2 years since she and Ezra had last spoke. Aria had no time to think. She gingerly carried on walking, not trying to grab his attention yet not trying to avoid it either. Ezra took a sip of his coffee. His stunning pink lips looked softer than ever. Aria instantly missed being able to press her lips against his. She hoped he wouldn't see her. His head lifted. He had seen her.
"A-Aria." He stuttered.
"Hi Ezra" Aria said breathlessly, she swallowed hard.
Aria stared lovingly into his soft blue eyes unsure of what to say. Oh how she wished she could just let him hold her, embrace her, hug her.
"Are you on your way home?" Ezra asked curiously.
"Yes." Aria could feel the butterflies in her stomach.
"Let me walk you" Ezra said in such a soft way, that Aria could say nothing, do nothing; but smile.
As they walked side by side, Aria felt as though no time had passed. All her feelings for Ezra were exactly the same. She loved him, and she wanted the world to know. She was Older now and no longer his student, they had no reason to hide. She wondered what was going through Ezra's mind.
"What are you thinking?" she questioned Ezra.
"I've missed you Aria." The words tugged at her heartstrings.
"I've missed you too Ezra." Aria replied, whilst twirling her long dark hair through her fingers nervously.
The two of them, who had barely said a word, sat on a nearby bench in the park. Aria couldn't help but to rest her head on his shoulder. She felt so safe when she was with Ezra. It was as though it was just those two in that one moment; as though all the people passing by didn't exist in their world.
Aria felt a cold, wet tear spilling down her face. Ezra gently lifted her head with his strong but gentle hand. With one hand cupping her face, he brought up the other to wipe the tear away. They stared longingly into each other's eyes. Finally, she gave into him. Firmly pressing her lips against his, they became lost in the moment. It was so perfect. Ezra pulled away.
"Aria, I have always loved you. You know that right?" Ezra whispered sending a shiver down Aria's spine.
She nodded. Aria felt apologetic.
"I'm so sorry. What happened with us before, it was all my fault." Aria's eyes dropped to the floor as if ashamed.
"Aria," Ezra said sounding almost angry. "Nothing was ever your fault, don't you ever think that. We were wrong to think it could work back then, you were my student. But what happened was in no way your fault."
Aria felt speechless. She took a deep breath.
"I love you Ezra."
"I Love you more." He said breathlessly.
Ezra kissed her again. This time more passionately. His hands grazed her face, her hips, while aria's fingers tugged at his thick hair. Aria felt so happy, at the thought that maybe this time they could be together. Maybe this time, no-one would get in their way. Maybe this time, they could make this work.