Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Pretty Little Liars

Aria was no stranger to the Sanders family. Ester and David were like second parents to her. Even when Steven and she would get into any type of disagreement they were right there for her; a shoulder, a hand and even an ear if she needed them. But this were one of those times that she wished she had her mother.

Ella had married Zac when Aria was only a freshman in College. It was a small wedding with her a judge Zac's parents and her grandparents along with Mike. Till this day, Ella's relationship with Zac only grew stronger as the days pass. Aria wished many times that she had that type of relationship with Steven.

She would often wonder if Steven would change his mind about marriage-about having children. Aria would sometimes stay up late at night thinking about their sweet love making just hours before and wished he would stop acting as if he was still in college.

Aria walked up to the main house wondering if there was anything she could do to help. It was finally time for this big gathering and so far! Half of Steven's family was at the house talking and trying to get things in order.

Once or maybe three times if possible, the Sander's family would open up their property to the neighbor's and have this big party. Family, Friends, everyone who were willing to drop everything came.

"Aria," She was greeted with warms hugs from the few family members that she had meant over the years, "It's good to see you again"

Smiling widely Aria embraced Stevens Aunt and gave her a tight squeeze. It wasn't as tight as his aunt's but it was welcoming, "I wanted to see if I could help?"

Laughing at her questioned Sharon Sanders shook her head, "Of course not. Let the help get it. I want you to meet Steven's mother's side of the family." She made a sour face, "Don't tell anyone I said this but I would really like to trip Ester's sister down a flight of stairs," Aria giggled, "Don't laugh, "Sharon mocked, and "She's a nightmare. Sometimes I wonder how the two can be related"

Aria followed Sharon into one of the sitting rooms. There were a bit a laughter as she looked around the room to see it full to max capacity. She scanned the room and saw a few familiar faces and a few that she never saw before.

Looking more into the room as Aria followed Sharon to the middle of the room Sharon spoke up, "This is Aria Montgomery!" she said proudly, "She's my nephew's love, what's it now? Going on Five years?"

Aria's face turned beet red. She had known Sharon to always speak her mind but she never known her to interrupt a conversation. "Yes, next week actually" she smiled

As soon as Aria had said those words a face that she never thought to be seen again turned to look at her. It was a face that she would never forget as she stood in the archway connecting the sitting area to the hallway that would lead into the dining area "Aria?" she questioned absolutely shocked, "What are you doing here?"

"You two know each other?" Ester asked as she gave Aria her usual, "How?"

Diane smiled as she showed her fakeness of it all, "She dated my son!"

"Wow, this really is a small world." Sharon giggled, "Wesley is right upstairs" just then Wesley and Steven came into view and Aria opened her mouth ever so slightly, "or not"

"Aria," Steven smiled as he went to stand next to her, "Aria, are you okay?" he asked as her face went pale white, "You look like you seen a ghost."

"I think I have" she whispered as he wrapped an arm around her waist

"How have you been?" Wesley asked taking a step towards her, "It's been a while?"

Aria nodded as she took a sip of her Gin that Sharon had so proudly given to her, "I know and I've been good. Working"

"Oh," Diane spoke, "Where?" she tilted her head, "The last time we spoke-"

"At the local High School" Aria cut her off as she caught a few glares, "Steven and I are teachers there. Together"

She nodded, "That's great dear!" she smirked, "Ester, a word please?" Diane gestured towards the empty room.

LINE BREAK

The night felt long for Aria. So far Wesley, Steven and Stacy stayed together as a group as they talked and talked. Wesley hasn't mention not a word about Ezra and Aria couldn't be more than grateful for it. He knew or what she thought everything about their relationship and she couldn't image what Steven would think if he knew that it wasn't Wesley but Ezra that she had dated.

Sipping her drink Steven gave Aria a kiss to the cheek as he kept his arm around her waist and tight to his side. This was the first time since they started dating that Steven felt like he had competition.

Aria looked up at Steven as he gazed into her eyes and pecked her lips, "I love you!" he whispered causing Wesley to roll his eyes and Stacy to laugh at her cousin, "What?"

"Nothing," Wesley looked around the crowd, "I'm just wondering how long it will be before we eat?"

"Soon," Aria smiled, "I think I saw someone passing out stuffed mushrooms?"

"I don't want a mushroom" he grumbled, "I want real food"

Stacy looked at Wes and then at Aria as she sent him a look that she had never seen before and that was saying a lot because over the years Stacy and Aria grew as sisters. She sipped her drink and smiled widely when she saw the familiar face she had been waiting for all night. "Ezra," Stacy all but screamed, "It's about time we see your face." She gave him a hug and he returned it.

"I'm sorry!" he laughed, "I had a few calls that needed my attention." He pulled away and turned to face their group. But froze suddenly when he saw Aria, "Aria" he muttered, "What are you doing here?"

She shrugged and looked up at Steven, "This is my girlfriend" Steven told him. "I mention that I've been in a relationship for almost five years!" he looked at Ezra confused

Ezra nodded, "I remember you saying that" he looked at Aria once again, "Of all people."

"Well, this is a small world" Wesley tried to throw a joke with ended in Ezra giving him a death glare, "Sorry"

"Alright," Ester announced, "I want to thank each and every one of you for attending tonight. I know this is usual for me to be throwing something as big as this but I just can't help myself" She laughed, "The guest of honor finally arrived and I would like to introduce my nephew. Ezra Fitzgerald, he will be teaching this year at the local high school and I couldn't be more proud of him. He's such a wonderful person inside and out and I want to welcome him to the community." Ester looked at Ezra as she spoke, "Would you like to say a few words?"

Ezra nodded and walked up towards his Aunt as she reached out to hand him the microphone, "Thank you!" he smiled his famous boyish grin, "Hello everyone. I know this might seem a little weird and out of place but I will get to know you eventually." He looked at Aria for a brief moment and placed a tight grin on his face before turning back to look at his mother who had turned and looked to his gaze. She arched an eyebrow and shrugged a little, "I know this will be a great opportunity for me and I know I already love the neighborhood. Thank you!"

As people clapped for him Ezra walked away and over to his mother, "What is she doing here? Did you know about this?" he asked angrily, "How could you!"

"Me" his mother asked "You wanted to move here. I have plenty of jobs open for you" she defended herself, "besides; I thought you were over her!"

"I am" he spoke lying as he did, "I'm just shocked that's all"

"hmm" Diane looked over at the couple, "Don't worry dear. Aria and Steven won't last."

Ezra looked towards Steven and Aria as they laughed together as they walked over to a free table followed by Wesley and Stacy, and a few other people that Ezra didn't know. "What makes you think that? They seem to be in love" As angry and upset as he was he was also brokenhearted that he wasn't the one pulling out Aria's chair. The one guiding her as she sat down to when they walked over to the table.

At this point all Ezra seemed to want to do is run. He wanted to get the hell out of there and he wanted to take cover. He wondered what she would be doing, if she was thinking about him and now that he got his answer. It most certainly wasn't the one that he wanted. Ezra wanted Aria to be sad and thinking about him. He wanted her to come running back to him and into his arms and not towards his cousin. Of all people in the world, of all places to go. She had to end up in the one that he decided to go to. Aria ended up with a person who doesn't even want to have children, get married. To settle down and have that wonderful family life.

Maybe his mother was right. For as long as he's known Aria, he's known her to want that life. To want a life of children and growing old together with her husband; her soul-mate.

Not waiting for his mother response Ezra thought to it to get to know the couple. To get to know who Aria really is… Although he partly knew her, he knew that years and distance can bring on new meanings. Maybe Aria has changed? Maybe she hasn't. That was something that he wanted to find out.

So this was just a filter chapter. I hope you enjoyed it? Maybe, maybe not?

I know this was a little lame but I kind of wanted it out there.

As for those who's reading and reviewing I want to thank you. And just so you all know I'm putting my own mix into this story. Soon enough Aria and Ezra will have their deepest moments. Truth and lies with come out. Stay tune!

Please don't forget to review. Love ya!