The first day of school ended and I was headed to the Grill to meet up with the girls. I open the front door to the restaurant and found my friends at table by the window.
"Hey Girls, did you guys already order food." Aria asked.
"Yup, don't worry Aria, we ordered you a vegetarian burrito." Hanna said.
"You know me to well." Aria smiled.
"Okay, well Aria what did you do over the summer." Spencer asked.
"I needed to clear my head with everything that has happened, so my dad let me stay with my grandparents in Iceland." Aria replied.
"Well, good for you. I know it has been hard since it's been just you and your dad. You just have to keep your head up and don't let anyone bother you. "Spencer said.
"Thanks, Spence." Aria said.
"So Aria, don't you think that it's funny that Ezra moved here from Iceland. You guys seem to have so much in common for just meeting each other." Hanna chimed in.
"It's probably just a coincidence. Two people could like the same things." Aria replied.
"Aria, it was probably fate that brought him here, so he could meet you. Today, you guys were in class acting like you've known each other your whole lives." Hanna said.
"Guys, he is just a friend and I'm done talking about this. Hey, look our food is here." Aria said avoiding the conversation.
"This conversation isn't over." Emily replied.
They ended the conversation for the rest of the day. It was like old times for the four girls. They were laughing and having a good time. Aria suddenly noticed that she had been out longer than an hour.
Aria P.O.V
My dad is going to kill me. I have to hurry up and get home. Crap, I didn't even get his beer or cigarettes.
"I'm sorry guys, but I have to go." Aria said as she grabbed her purse and ran out the door.
"Aria, wait." Hanna said, but it was too late.
Aria ran to her car because it pouring down. Aria hopped into her car and tried to find the closest store to her house. She swung the door open to the store, and ran to the back to get a case of beer. She walked to the cash register and asked for a pack of maribol lights. The clerk asked her for her idea. She handed the man her fake id which said that she was 24 years old. Aria left the store and pulled into her driveway. Aria opened the front door.
"Where have you been young lady? I asked you to be here right after school." Byron yelled.
"Dad, I had a meeting after school for my photography class." Aria said softly.
"Don't lie to me girl. What school has a meeting on the first day of school?" Byron said as he grabbed Aria's arm and threw her into the wall.
"Dad, please stop." Aria pleaded.
"You are pathetic. No one will ever care about you. You're a terrible person." Byron screamed at Aria as he kicked her into the stomach.
"You better have my cigarettes and beer. "Byron said as his notice the bag of his things on the floor.
Aria was lying on floor crying and coughing.
"Look, what you did. My cigarettes are smashed because of you." Byron yelled.
Byron took the broken up cigarettes and threw them at Aria. He then opened up a beer and walked into the living room leaving Aria by herself.
Aria P.O.V
My head is so dizzy. I feel so numb and my stomach feels like it's going to explode. I can't keep staying here anymore. I need to leave I thought to myself. I looked for my dad. He was passed out on the couch in front of the fire place. I crawled up the stairs and managed to walk into my bedroom. I went into my closet and pulled out a duffel bag. I packed some clothes, make-up and some toiletries. I grabbed my laptop and a picture of my mom and brother. I quietly made my way down the stair. I grabbed my purse from the floor and slipped out the back door. I walked around the house and got into my car. I had no idea where I was going, but I couldn't stay here. I pulled out of the driveway and just went driving around Rosewood. I'm going to any of my friend's house because I'm not ready to tell them about my father. I went into my favorite bookstore. I went to the bathroom so I could clean myself up. I looked at myself into the mirror and my eyes were red and puffy from all of my crying. I had bruises everywhere. I splashed some water on my face and then dried my face. I went back out and ordered a soy latte. The waiter brought me my coffee and then I decided to clear my head by looking for some new books. I went into the aisle where there were romance novels. I was looking through a book when I heard the doorbell ring. Someone must have just walked in.
Ezra P.O.V
I decided to get some fresh air, so I drove around town and saw a bookstore. I went to check it out. I walked into the store causing the doorbell to ring. There wasn't really anyone here. I walked to the register and order myself a cappuccino. I was walking through the aisles when I noticed a brunette with her head buried into a book. Seeing this girl's hair made me think of Aria. Man, I can't get this girl out of my head. I started to walk behind the girl.
Aria P.O.V
I was in the middle of reading the second chapter of a book when I felt a shadow behind me. I turned around and it was Ezra. I can't seem to get this guy out of my head. I don't think I want to either.
"We've really got to stop meeting like this." Aria said with a big smile as she stood from the floor to face him.
"Maybe, it's fate." Ezra stated as he moved closer to Aria centimeters away from her lips.
"What brings you here on such a late night?" Aria asked as she moved a few steps away to look at some books trying not to cave into Ezra's charms.
"I needed some fresh air, and wanted to explore this little town. What are you doing here?" Ezra replied.
"Same as you, you want to go sit down. "Aria asked.
"I would love to." Ezra said.
Aria and Ezra headed over to a table, so they could talk.
"Well, since we already have coffee, how about we get to know each other better." Ezra smirked.
"Okay, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Aria asked.
"I'm majoring towards English, so I would love to be an English teacher." Ezra replied with a smile.
"Me too." Aria said with a grin.
"I will be right back." Ezra said as he wandered towards the back of the book store.
Ezra P.O.V
We have so much in common, I thought to myself. I notice something back here when I was walking through the aisles. I walked through the fiction novels when I saw the old, antique jukebox playing some music way before my time. I scrolled through the music selection and found my favorite song. I typed in B-26 and tried to find my way back to the front of the store. I saw Aria staring out the window, looking so determined. I slipped back into my seat and Aria smiled at me. The music started playing through the speakers. Aria's face lit up as she heard the song playing.
"Man, I love this song," Aria said.
"B-26," Ezra replied with his boyish smile.
Aria smiled at Ezra because she realized he is one who put the song on.
"Okay, my turn to ask you a question. What are your hobbies?" Ezra asked.
"Well, I love to read obviously, I love black and white movies, I love to travel and I write too, but most of it is personal just for me" Aria stated.
"I'm impressed." Ezra said.
"Why?" Aria asked.
"I tried writing, I didn't get very far. If you're writing for yourself, its pure passion. Could I read some of yours sometime" Ezra said.
"Yeah, you really want to." Aria asked.
"Yeah, you're smart; you've traveled, got good taste in music. I love to get to know you. Ezra said.
"Yeah, I'd like to know you too." Aria replied.
Aria excused herself to the bathroom. She really liked this guy, and she was freaking out because she was scared that she would end up chasing him away. Aria was looking at herself in the mirror when she heard a knock on the door. Aria opened the door and saw Ezra standing outside.
"Hey, you okay. I was worried." Ezra asked as he moved closer to Aria.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Aria said as she went to the other side of the bathroom to grab a paper towel even though her hands were dry.
"Aria, are you scared I'm going to hurt you." Ezra asked worried.
"No, of course not, why would you ask that?" Aria asked.
"Because, every time I get close to you, you make an excuse to move away and you avoid eye contact with me." Ezra replied.
"I'm not scared of you, Ezra. I really like you, but I'm scared that you will get hurt because of me." Aria said.
"Aria, you are so special and different than any other girl I've met. You're not going to hurt me. "Ezra stated.
"It's not me who will hurt you, but my dad will." Aria whispered as tears were forming in her eyes.
"Aria, does your dad hurt you?" Ezra asked.
Aria was scared to tell Ezra about her dad abusing her. She was becoming dizzy and everything was blurring. Ezra noticed that Aria was about to fall, so he picked her up and carried her out of the bathroom. He took her to the lounge area and laid her on a couch. He asked the waiter for a bottle of water and a cold washcloth. The waiter came back and handed him the water and washcloth.
"Is she Okay, what happened?" the waiter asked.
"She's fine. She just fainted. I will take care of her." Ezra said.
"If you need anything let me know." The waiter said.
"Thank you." Ezra said.
Ezra P.O.V
I placed the cold washcloth on Aria's head. This poor girl really has a tough life. I think she was about to tell me that her father hits her. She doesn't deserve this. Seeing this girl go through so much pain caused my eyes to tear up. He covered his face with his hands; he didn't notice that Aria had woken up until he felt a little hand touch his.
Aria P.O.V
I felt someone put a cold cloth on me. I felt a little dizzy still, but not as bad as before. I opened my eyes to see Ezra crying. I lifted my hand and touch his hand. I want to know what's wrong and why he is crying.
"Aria, you're okay. I'm so glad. I was so worried about you." Ezra said as he wiped his face.
"Ezra, I'm okay. I've fainted before plenty of times. I guess it happens when I get really scared." Aria said.
"I'm sorry if I pressured you back there about your dad." Ezra said.
"Ezra, stop beating yourself up about this. You did nothing wrong." Aria said.
"Aria, I need to ask you though, is your dad abusing you in any way." Ezra asked.
"Ezra, you can't tell anybody." Aria said with tears streaming down her face.
"Aria, you can't let him get away with this." Ezra said worried.
"Ezra, I know that. I don't tell anybody because like I said he is all I have left, at least here. If he is taken away, I will have to live with my grandparents in Iceland." Aria said.
"Can you at least let me help you?" Ezra asked.
"Ezra, you can't. You can get hurt. You don't know my dad." Aria said as she hopped up from the couch and grabbed her things and heading for the door.
"Aria, why is it so hard for you to let someone protect you from being hurt." Ezra said as he caught up to her and grabbed her arm softly before she left.
Aria was turned around when Ezra grabbed her arm as she was trying to leave.
"I'm sorry Ezra, I have to go. Thank you for everything." Aria said as she ran out the door.
Ezra P.O.V
I'm not letting her slip away that easy. I watched as Aria ran out the door. I took off running after her.
"Aria, wait." Ezra yelled,
Aria P.O.V
It hurt me to run away from Ezra after everything he has done for me. This is the way that it has to be because I can't let him get hurt. I run until I get to my car, and pull the door open, but someone closes it. I turn around to see Ezra.
"Ezra let me go." Aria pleaded.
"No. Aria, I may have just met you, but I have feelings for you that I can't shake off. I'm not letting you go home to your dad. Please, come stay at my apartment." Ezra said.
"Okay, just for one night, besides I really don't have anywhere to go." Aria said as she pointed to her things in the back of her car.
"He doesn't know that you left." Ezra asked.
"Nope, I snuck out after he passed out on the couch." Aria said when tears were falling down her face.
"Did something happen tonight?" Ezra asked.
"My dad got really mad at me for coming home late. He threw me into the wall, he kicked me in my stomach, and then he threw his smash up cigarettes in my face." Aria cried out.
"Aria, it will be okay. We'll go to my apartment, and you can get a goodnight's rest. You can follow me." Ezra said.
"Okay. Thank you so much Ezra." Aria said.
"You're Welcome. I just want to protect you." Ezra said with a grin.
Aria opened the door to her car and slid into the driver's seat. Ezra closed her door for her. He then walked across the street to his car and hopped in. He started the car and drove toward his apartment. While he was driving, he looked in the rearview mirror to make sure Aria was right behind him which she was. I drove past Hollis College and turned into the Hollis apartment buildings parking lot. I found a spot and parked, and Aria parked right beside me. I got out of my car and went to Aria's car to help her with her bags. I took her bags and showed her way up to my apartment. We were in front of my door 3B. I unlocked it and let Aria in.
"You live by yourself. Where are your parents?" Aria asked.
"There in Iceland. They are owners of the Osgood Art, so there always away. They let me make a decision to choose where I want to go to high school. They let me stay here because my uncle lives here. He is an English professor at Hollis College." Ezra replied.
"That's funny, he probably knew my dad. My dad was a professor there." Aria said with a smile.
"Was?" Ezra asked.
"Yeah, my dad was let go because the dean found out about his drinking problem." Aria said with a disappointed face.
"I'm sorry. What does he do now?" Ezra asked.
"Basically he tutors students and deals drugs." Aria said with a fake smile.
"How about we get you ready for bed?" Ezra asked.
"Sure." Aria said.
"You can sleep in the guest room. Also, Aria you can stay here as long as you need." Ezra said.
"This is great. Thanks for everything you've done for me." Aria said as she smiled.
"No problem. The bathroom is the right next door." Ezra said with his boyish smile.
"I'll be in the living room if you need anything." Ezra said.
Ezra walked into the living room leaving Aria in the guest room.
Aria P.O.V
When Ezra left the room I went to grab some shorts and a T-shirt to put on before bed. I took my toothbrush to the bathroom so I could brush my teeth. After I was done brushing my teeth I went to the living room and sat next to Ezra on the couch. Ezra was reading "The Great Gatsby". I smiled at him while he was reading with passion.
Ezra P.O.V
I noticed Aria was gazing at me with a smile.
"What, do I have something on my face?" Ezra asked with a smile.
"No, you just seem so passionate about reading." Aria replied.
"Well, I've been reading since I was five years old. I guess I have loved it ever since." Ezra stated.
"You know you're different than any boy I met." Aria said.
"I hope that is a good thing." Ezra replied.
"It's a good different." Aria said.
Ezra showed Aria his collection of books on his shelf. Aria seemed to have a copy of almost everyone. Ezra was admiring Aria as she was gazing at every book. Ezra scooted over closer to Aria. Aria felt Ezra's breath on her neck, causing a shiver down her spine. Ezra took his hands and gently caressed Aria's arms. He then turned her around to be face to face with her. He was staring into her eyes with passion. Ezra brought Aria's face towards his, and pressed his lips to hers. Aria kissed Ezra back and wrapped her arms around his neck. After their little make out session, they broke apart. Their foreheads were still pressed together.
"I've wanted to do that for a long time now." Ezra whispered with a smile.
"Me too." Aria said.
"Where does this leave us?" Ezra asked.
"Ezra, I really want to be with you, but what if you get hurt." Aria said.
"Aria, you're the only one I'm worried about getting hurt. Let's be together." Ezra replied.
Aria thought about it.
"Okay. We can be together, but we have to be careful, and maybe see if my dad can accept us." Aria said feeling happy.
Ezra picked Aria up and spun her around causing her to giggle.
"I haven't felt this happy in a long time. You make me very happy." Aria said.
"I feel the same way." Ezra said as he kissed Aria's lips passionately.
The night ended with the couple falling asleep on the couch in each other's arms.
