Chapter 2

Aria POV

After yesterday's meltdown in the girls bathroom, I decided that I needed to be emotionally stronger and not let things get to me too much. Ezra knew I was sensitive but I didn't want him to think I was a total mess since we broke up. I mean I am a total mess, but I didn't want him to get that. I had a plan devised by the girls and I. I was gonna ask Ezra for help with my college essay. I'd been putting it off for way too long. There was only me and a few other people who he hadn't helped yet. I'd ask him if I could stay after class and talk to him about where we were at. I needed him to know how I felt. Maybe he thinks that I don't care either and that's why he's being so harsh and cold with me. I do tend to give off bad vibes, especially when I'm down. Like my Mom says, I put up a good front. When I'm hurt and I wanna shut someone out, you could die of frostbite. I quickly applied some powder to my face and shoved a few rings on my fingers as well as my gorgeous feather earrings that.. that Ezra had given to me. I sighed but continued to put them on. Stay strong Aria, I thought to myself, it'll all be fine.

I met Em at the school gates and we walked in together. We quickly met up with Spencer and Hanna before walking to class. We all had different subjects today apart from the double last period where we had English, with Mr Fitz. I just wanted the day to fly so I could ask Ezra if I could stay behind and have some help with my essay.

"So, are you doing the plan today?" Em asked me as I payed for some fruit juice in the cafeteria. "Yeah," I replied, "I know that if I can just be alone with Ezra for a little bit I can get it out of him that he still cares. That he still feels something for me no matter how small it might be." She gave me a supportive smile as I grabbed my juice and followed her to a table where Hanna and Spencer were already sat working on something for first period. "So what are you planning to say to him exactly?" Emily continues whilst Spencer lifts her head slightly to hear my answer. "Well, um.. I don't actually know yet. But with him I seem to just be able to say what I want to say without thinking, you know? Like I don't feel I have to plan the phrase in my head. It's as if he just draws it out of me." Hanna smiled at me. "I really hope things work out Aria. Honestly." "Thanks Han." I swallowed the lump in my throat and sipped some juice to get rid of the butterflies in the pit of my stomach. I was suddenly very nervous.

The whole day seemed to drag. It was the lesson before lunch. History. I just needed to get through one more period and then it'd be lunchtime and then English. I sat in my seat and got my History textbook and workbook out of my bag. We were studying American history right now and it was dull. I stared out of the window and thought about Ezra. How much I missed him. How I wish I was with him right now, at his cosy little apartment, making out on the sofa and watching old movies. Eating vegan take out and messing around before taking things to the bedr- "Miss Montgomery? Earth to Aria!" I was shaken out of my thoughts by our equally dull History teacher, Mr Jones. "Aria, please look alive. Go hand out the lined paper please, surprise pop quiz!" Everyone groaned as I rose and walked to the back of the room. "Urm there's none left Sir, want me to go the office to get some more?" "No no, that's not necessary. Mr Fitz is just next door, go and see if he has any." My stomach dropped. "I'll go to the office Mr Jones it's fine, I don't mind. I'm sure Mr Fitz is using his" I protested but it was no use. "No Aria it's fine we don't have all day. Just pop next door. He's an English teacher! He'll have an abundance of paper of all types. We need lined, about 30 sheets should do. Off you go" I sighed and walked out the door. I paused for a moment before I resumed walking. I breathed deeply. Just calm down Aria, I thought to myself. It'll be fine and not awkward at all. He'll be too busy with his class to even notice me grabbing a few sheets of paper. I took a few steps to the door and opened it so quickly that I didn't notice his room was empty of students. There was just him sat on his desk grading papers. He looked up then quickly down, then up again. I'm not surprised he was shocked to see me. I'd practically avoided him for two months and now I was coming to his classroom when he had a free period.

"M-Mr Jones asked me to get some paper. I need about 30 sheets" I said quietly. Trying not to make eye contact, I scanned the room but remained fixated on the same spot. "Urm yeah sure," he coughed quietly, "lined?" I nodded and followed him with my eyes as he got up and went to the back of the class to retrieve it. "So do you have a test?" he asked, obviously in an attempt to break the ice. "Yeah," I answered, "surprise pop quiz." "Ah, good old Mr Jones, huh?" he laughed softly, yet awkwardly as he came back to hand me the paper. I weakly smiled and took the paper out of his hand. I stood for a second and looked into his eyes. They were hypnotic. I had to go before I did something that he probably wouldn't like and I couldn't let that happen, not if I wanted to play out my plan. I turned to get the door handle before out of nowhere I felt Ezra's hand on my arm. I was spun back around and his lips came crashing down on mine and we kissed with so much passion, I could feel my whole body coming alive. I dumped the sheets of paper on a nearby desk and the kiss became more and more intense. Heat rose throughout my soul as I ran my hands through Ezra's soft, curly hair. His tongue explored my mouth and I knew this was on a whole other level. His hands on my back caused me tingles all over. I knew this was going to go too far so I pulled away slightly and he gave my hair one last rub before pulling away with me and staring into my eyes. There was a moment of uncertain silence. I knew what I wanted to say but didn't want to rush anything. "I miss you so much" he finally said, holding my hands tightly. I could see tears forming in his eyes so I hugged him tightly. "I miss you too, so so much. I never stopped loving you Ezra." His hands touched my cheeks as he smiled at me and kissed my forehead. "We need to talk, okay? Please. Come to my apartment tonight? Around 7?" I smiled. "Sure. I'd like that. I was actually going to see if you'd be able to help with my college essay after school?" He nodded and I smiled. I took the paper that I'd put on the desk next to me and held his gaze as I walked backwards to the door and out, returning to History with the biggest smile ever on my face.

Thank you for the feedback on Chapter 1! Hope you liked Chapter 2, Chapter 3 coming very soon! xx