Chapter 6

I watch at the moon reflects off Ezra's chest, a thin layer of sweat glistening in the light. I run my fingers in a random pattern, my touch feather like.

I see a smile tug at his lips and I worry I've woken him. I let out a breath of relief when I hear a snore fall from his lips and feel a smile tug at the corner of my own lips.

I let my mind drift in a million directions evading my body of the sleep I craved. The most prominent thought pulling at the corners of my mind is why Ezra didn't contact me while he was away. He seemed genuinely upset by his family and their drama but my brain is telling me to put up some barriers around my heart in preparation for the inevitable heartbreak.

My heart is telling me to close my eyes and drift off into a peaceful sleep in the arms of the man I love and trust in his love for me.

Within minutes I'm in a peaceful slumber dreaming of the man I love.

"So… that's why I didn't hear from him while he was away." I take a sip of my warm coffee swirling the rich flavours around my mouth humming in appreciation.

"See? I told you there was a reason Aria." Spencer tells me after a short pause.

"I know." I tell her with a smile.

"No wait. I can't do this Aria."

"What are you talking about Spencer?" I feel the frown lines on my face.

"Family issues? Seriously, Aria. You have got to be kidding me. Please tell me you made him fight for forgiveness and you didn't just allow him back into your pants." She slams her coffee on the table not even sparing a glance at the coffee now dripping down her hand.

"Spence? What are you talking about? You didn't see him. He was… depressed and clearly had a bad week." I try defending Ezra even though she's hit a sore spot. My mind is fighting my heart at the moment, and Spencer may just be enough to push it in the lead.

"I'm not saying he didn't have a tough week. I get it ok, the whole family issues thing… or do you forget I'm a Hastings? But if he's so in love with you why did he shut you out? He's coping their shit from being with you. So clearly you are worth it… but he's willing to risk losing you by treating you like shit. And yea ok, his family was tearing him down all week and made him question his accomplishments… but none of that warrants ignoring your girlfriend."

I feel a tear slip down my check as her words register with my brain… her words pushing my fears to the forefront of my mind.

"I'm sorry Aria. But I love you and I need you to protect your heart. I'm not saying Ezra doesn't love you. All I'm saying is there is more going on here. A lot more." She reaches across the table and caresses my hand.

It only takes a second until I decide to trust my mind over my heart. I feel the walls start to assemble around my heart.

"Aria?" I don't respond as my mum makes her way into my room.

"Aria, honey?" I feel the bed shift as she perches next to me and softly brushes a lock of hair off my face.

"You're scaring me. What's going on?" She tries again, her voice as sweet as honey.

"Ella, Aria. Ezra's here to see you." As soon as I hear my dad I flip around so fast I shock my mum.

"Tell him I'm not here." I finally whisper to see my parents looking at me with shock.

"Ok. I'll tell him." My dad nods before turning around.

Neither mum or I talk until we can no longer hear dads foot steps.

"Aria. What's going on?" Mum tries again.

"I just need time to think. That's all." I feel her place a kiss on my forehead before reluctantly walking from the room.

Within two minutes I hear my cell phone buzzing in my pocket. I reach for the phone and pause when I see Ezra's face flash across the screen.

I hit reject not ready to face him yet.

Immediately after I get a text from Ezra. I hit delete without reading the message.

I get up and grab my bag before flying down stairs and out the front door only one destination in mind.

"Aria? Thank god you're here. When you didn't pick up my call I was worried about you."

A/N: Hit the review button and let me know if you want me to continue. Sorry for the wait.

xx