Chapter3-Birthday Part Two

"What? Why would you leave early? It's your birthday, Aria. It could have been a fun night." Hannah said through the phone.

I sighed. "I'm tried and I-I wasn't in the mood tonight."

"Not in the mood? Aria, what's wrong with you?" She asked nervously.

Nothing was wrong with me. Honestly, I just... I didn't want to do that sort of thing with Ezra. I was done with that.

"Look, you need to figure out what you want. A guy like him won't wait forever." She said, getting pushy.

"Hannah-"

"Hello, Aria." Jason said, pulling up in his car.

I froze in my spot, my back turned to him.

"Aria, who's that?" Hannah asked. Of course she would. Great. How would I explain that to her and Spencer and Emily? I couldn't. I hadn't even told him about the first time Jason started talking to me.

"It's just Mike. He's trying to sneak back in. I-I have to go." I stuttered quickly, making any excuse I could.

"Better hope he's not-" She started but I stopped her. I closed the phone quickly and turned around to face him.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my fear hidden. No doubt he already knew I was afraid of him. I walked up to the passenger side and looked in the open window.

"I came to see you. Since it's your birthday and all." He said, a smirk on his face. His hair looked greasy, like it was unwashed. He was wearing a plain black t-shirt and jeans. No jacket at all.

"Why do you care?" I asked, running a hand through my dark hair. He never cared about me. That's why he raped me in the first place. But, as stupid as I was, I kind of liked him. He abused me, took my virginity from me. But that didn't mean I still didn't have feelings for him.

"I just thought you'd want to see me." He said, folding his arms behind his head. He didn't seem to have a problem being around me. Like it was an enjoyable thing for him.

"I don't." I said, putting my hands on my hips. Oh, great. I felt so stupid. No one did that anymore. It was like putting your foot down. How freaking stupid was I?

He smiled at me. "Get in, Aria, we need to talk."

"Why should I? Last time I trusted you, I lost my virginity." I growled. I was pissed. I shouldn't have to trust him, I shouldn't be doing this.

"I'm sorry about that." He said, his smile disappearing. He started his car and leaned over to push the passenger door open. "Just get in so I can explain."

"I can't, Jason. My parents will notice I'm gone." I said, lying so he'd leave me alone. I just wanted to get further away from him.

"Tell them you're with Spencer. They'll believe you." He said like it was no big deal.

I sighed. "I'm not going with you, Jason."

He sighed. "I kind of figured that. No one ever bothers to talk to me. It's worse when people break into my house, thinking I have weapons inside."

"Jason, it's not my fault like Mike broke in." I said, getting mad. It wasn't. He was just lucky enough that Jason wasn't mad and that I could stop him before things got ugly. Which they did.

"I just want one friend, Aria. Why can't that be you?" He asked softly. So now he was the good guy? I was so confused.

"I can't trust you, Jason. Not after what you did to me." I said, on the brink tears. I hated bringing that up. Especially around him. But I had to.

He looked upset, honestly. "I told you, I'm' sorry about that. It won't happen again. Well, unless you want it to."

I rolled my eyes. "Why won't you just leave me alone? I don't want to go with you, Jason. I don't trust you."

He laughed. What was so funny? "I'm not gonna do anything to you, Aria. I swear."

I bit my lip. I wanted to go with him but I was scared. What if he did something again? Was I ready for that if it happened? I ran back to the house and made it look like I wasn't going. I told mom I was leaving then I grabbed my coat and left again. I ran down the steps quickly and got into the car. "Just go."

He smiled and started driving. "So... how've you been?"

I rolled my eyes. Really? That was such a stupid question. "I'm coping. You know, since you raped me."

"I don't see that as rape, Aria. I see that as you not enjoying something I did." He said pleasantly, like he was trying to change my mind. He glanced over at me, seeing how pissed I was, and took my hand. "I don't care if you hate me. It won't change how I feel."

I pulled my hand away quickly. "Of course I hate you."

He laughed and pulled up into the driveway. It brought back a lot. Memories of Aly, the night Jason raped me, and the night Aly went missing. It was too much.

"Come on." He said, motioning for me to get out his side. I took his hand and let him pull me to my feet. "Your present's inside."

I rolled my eyes. "Huh uh. No. I'm going in there alone."

He laughed, shaking his hair from his eyes. "You rode in my car with me. Alone. It's not gonna be any different."

I gritted my teeth but followed him inside, our hands still touching. Why didn't this feel awkward? I shouldn't find this normal. My body should be crying out, telling me this was wrong. But it wasn't. It was doing the opposite, telling me I liked him. Why couldn't I make up my mind?

Okay, I know some people are having a hard time dealing with Ezra and Jason. I like both of them.

I'm not trying to make either out to be the bad guy. I got reviews from a couple of you saying Ezra's the bad guy or Jason wouldn't rape Aria. So what?

Its my story and I can do what I want. Not trying to sound mean though.

Anyway, in the birthday chapters, I wanted to make it smooth. Aria begins feeling something toward Jason. I know it might be hard to believe but bare with me. She realizes soon that he isn't the bad guy at all. Everyone hates him and says that he's too dangerous to have any good in him but Aria refuses to listen. Even if she knows they might be right.

So, now that you've heard all that. I just wanted you to know that I don't put blame on these characters.

Thanks for feedback though! Greatly appriciated.