CHAPTER SEVEN

EZRA

"I have a thing for black and white movies," Ezra calmly stated over his chicken sandwich. Looking up towards Maggie, he continued, "I mean, I like the classics: 'It Happened One Night', 'On the Waterfront',… There's something about a film captured in nothing but the purest of colors that grips me. They pull me in, every time."

"Ok?" Maggie asked in confusion, glancing up for only a second from the papers she was grading. She flashed him a small smile before taking a bite from her salad and looking back down.

"Rosewood has a theater that shows only the classics. I didn't know that. I've been living here for almost two months now and I didn't know that."

"The citizens of Rosewood have a lot of money. Money they certainly like to throw into useless projects such as 'Film Noir' theaters," Maggie replied carelessly. Ezra ignored the statement, thinking she probably didn't intend to hurt his feelings or anything. She was just preoccupied with grading her student's exams before the end of the lunch period.

"Well, in any case, now I have to like here. I wasn't planning on liking it here. Or staying around for more than my initial hiring period but… I have a thing for black and white movies," Ezra finished. Standing up, he tossed his empty lunch bag towards the trash before turning for the door. "I'd like to take you to the movies on Friday. After school. I'll pick you up at eight?"

Maggie glanced up at that, seeing only his back as he headed for the door. "Sure, see you at eight."

Making their way from the theater late Friday night, Ezra couldn't help but to smile as he took in the reactions of people around them to the film they had just seen. It wasn't his first time viewing that particular movie, but he always enjoyed seeing the response of newcomers. Their reactions, for the most part, seemed to be positive.

"For a film shot only in black and white, they really captured some deep emotions."

"The music selection was phenomenal; it really added another angle to the story."

Glancing towards Maggie as they strolled down the sidewalk, Ezra's heart sank just a bit at her careless demeanor. He got that not everyone appreciated the original method with which films used to be shot, but she could at least pretend to like it… for him.

"So, what'd you think?" He asked hesitantly, already knowing her answer.

Maggie shrugged in response. "It was alright. Not really my thing, though. I mean, I get that these films are classics and should be regarded as such but, in my mind at least, they can't be compared to what we have today."

Ezra stopped short, furrowing his brow in confusion. "What we have today? Like what? Harry Potter? Avatar? Or how about Twilight?" He scoffed.

"Don't take my comment so personally, Ezra," Maggie scolded. Continuing their walk back towards his flat, she continued, "You're more… well cultured than most men. You like a good novel, hot cups of tea and classic music. But you also need to accept that not everyone likes the same things you do."

Ezra rolled his eyes but didn't respond. He was trying his hardest to keep their… relationship going. He wasn't even sure that's what this was. They hadn't discussed titles or met each other's families. After tonight, he was starting to think that maybe that was a good thing.

As they approached his small home, Ezra let a soft smile creep onto his face at the sight of Aria and Noah, sitting out on the porch. He watched as Aria lit a sparkler and gently handed it to her son. Noah wasted no time in taking off in circles around the front yard like a maniac. His wild giggles and crazy hair had Ezra chuckling in a matter of seconds. Maggie glanced up at him in confusion.

"Do you personally know them? I'd think it's extremely dangerous to hand such a young child a firework," Maggie said. "Maybe you should say something."

Ezra aggressively exhaled. He wouldn't let her judge Aria's parenting skills. "Yes, I do know them and Aria is a wonderful mother with impeccable decision making abilities. I think they're just fine."

He left Maggie to head up the porch, glancing back quickly to see the astonished look upon her face. She probably wasn't used to someone actually speaking back to her.

"Hey, Ezra," Aria greeted with a warm smile. "I found a box of sparklers left over from the 4th of July and promised Noah that we would light them if he cleaned his room."

She glanced towards Noah who was now crouched in the grass trying to light a forlorn leaf on fire. "Noah! What did I say about doing that? You either hold onto the stick and stop touching it to things or we're done."

Noah immediately jumped to his feet. "Sowry, Mommy!" He yelled back, once again taking off on a run around the yard.

Ezra again found himself laughing at the situation. Noah always seemed to be pushing his boundaries.

"I picked up most of the leaves for you last weekend but I guess I'll have to give it another go around tomorrow," Ezra told her. "Also, someone left a package for you at your door but you weren't home so I took it inside my place."

"Thanks, Ezra," Aria replied graciously. Their relationship had turned from friendly neighbors into instant friendship over the small time they'd known each other. Ezra really appreciated that and he was always quick to help whenever he was needed.

"Hi, there. You must be Aria. I'm Maggie, Ezra's girlfriend," Maggie introduced, coming up the small set of stairs to stand beside him. Ezra tensed as she grabbed his hand in hers and pressed herself to his side. He hadn't been aware that they'd officially become an item.

He quickly glanced towards Aria and in doing so, didn't miss the look of disappointment that quickly flashed across her face. She was able to erase it before Maggie noticed, however, and quietly stood to extend her hand with a small smile.

"It's nice to meet you, Maggie," Aria replied quietly.

The awkward silence that fell among the three of them was too much for Ezra to handle so he made a quick decision and headed back down the stairs.

"I was just taking Maggie home actually. I'll see you later, Aria," He threw over his shoulder. Maggie's protests only quickened his strides. He wasn't sure why he was suddenly so mad at her for introducing herself as his girlfriend… but something just didn't feel right.

Sliding his finger along the cool condensation that had collected on the side of his glass, Ezra took a small sip of his beer and glanced towards the clock hanging on the far wall. It was just after midnight and after taking Maggie home, he felt that he deserved a drink or two. Relationships shouldn't be this much work. He wanted easy, he wanted someone with whom it took no effort to connect, someone that shared his passion for classical music, books, and movies. Someone, especially, that wasn't judgmental of his relationship with his next-door neighbor and her son.

"You look like you're struggling with the world's next biggest crisis," someone chuckled from behind him. Turning slightly on his stool, Ezra took in a man around his height with short, cropped blondish hair. He extended a hand towards him and soft smile before sliding into the barstool next to him.

"I'm Toby Cavanaugh, I don't think we've met?"

"Ezra. Ezra Fitz. I'm teaching English over at Rosewood High."

"Well, that would explain it," Toby laughed. He signaled towards the bartender for a drink and then turned back towards him. "Wait a second… Ezra Fitz? Do you happen to know an Aria Montgomery?"

Ezra glanced towards him in confusion. "Yes?..."

"Well, it's about time I finally met the infamous Ezra," Toby responded with a smile. "My fiancé, Spencer Hastings, is one of Aria's best friends. Aria talks about you all the time. Won't shut up, really."

Ezra chuckled as he took another small sip of his beer. "I moved in next to Aria and her son, Noah, a little while ago. They're great, very easy to get along with."

"The way they talk about you, I'd come to think you were some kind of saint. That's good, though, they both need someone like you around. Spencer and I, we try to help them out as much as we can but it's hard. I own my own construction business and Spencer's in medical school… it's just hard, Man. So we really appreciate your help. Especially after…"

Ezra sat in apprehension, nervously waiting for whatever Toby was going to divulge next. After a few quiet minutes, Toby shrugged and threw back the remainder of his drink before standing and throwing a few bills down on the bar top.

"That's not really my story to tell. Just know… we're all pulling for her and Noah. Here's my number, should you ever want to grab another beer or something," Toby responded, sliding a napkin with his cell number scribbled across it towards him. He slung his jacket across his shoulder and shot Ezra a smile before heading towards the door. "It was nice to finally meet you, Ezra. Catch ya around."

"Yeah," Ezra responded in confusion. "See ya."

Sorry for the delay in updating, I've been pounded with work and family gatherings so I've been busy. Ezra is now in a somewhat forced relationship with Maggie and is now aware that something's happened to Aria and Noah. What do ya'll think it is? As always, if you read then please review, I really appreciate it!