Harsh screams were heard as Aria awoke from her slumber, making a mess of the sheets, her hair sticking to her back in a sticky mess. Her hand fell to her forehead pushing back her bangs, her eyes wandering to her partner lying by her side on the bed. Whale had stirred slightly but had not been awoken by Aria's screams.

She moved her legs over the bed and got up, picking up a shirt from the floor and pulling it on. She walked down the steps to the kitchen, intent on getting some alcohol into her system as soon as possible. She pulled out a glass and some whiskey and sat at the kitchen counter.

Aria knew that alcohol wasn't the answer, especially after all the shit that she's gotten herself into to, but after another restless night of bad dreams she wasn't sure what else there was to do.

-x-

Work at the church didn't seem to get any better seeing as Killian just seemed to ignore Aria every chance he got. He wouldn't even look at her. It made Aria feel horrible, she was sure that he was acting this way because of the kiss. Although she knew that she should feel guilty for what she had done, she didn't. It had felt so good to kiss Killian Jones. She couldn't explain the feeling; she didn't know why she felt that way seeing as she barely knew him; for some reason though he provided her with a sense of comfort and safety. He was one of the few souls in Storybrooke who didn't know what she had done.

-x-

After Aria completed her hours for the day it was time to head over to Pixie Dust for her night shift. It was a Friday night so there was a livelier crowd, the place being packed with Storybrooke residents in search of a night life.

Among them was Aria's friend Jefferson. He sat at a stool at the bar, glass of whiskey in hand smiling at Aria as she came over.

"Another?" she asked.

"Yes please" he said. After pouring some more whiskey she left the bottle by Jefferson's hand, knowing he'll probably want to keep going.

-X-

After a long night of working the night was finally winding down, although at one a.m. there were still plenty of customers gallivanting about. Aria was finishing cleaning up the last few tables before closing up for the night.

Aria glanced over to the bar and saw that Jefferson was still there. She started to walk over to him when suddenly she heard someone call out her name from behind. Aria turned over, a wash rag lying over her shoulder while as her hands carried the leftover dishes.

Before her stood Vanessa Moreno, a tall slender woman with olive skin, long, curling brown hair, and piercing green eyes. She also happened to be Thomas' lawyer, the one who did a damn good job to make sure she lost custody of her children.

"Hmm still waitressing I see" she said, a smirk forming on the tip of her lips.

"What do you want Vanessa?" Aria said coldly.

"Oh nothing. I just came to see how you were doing" she said. "Actually I wanted to ask you something."

"What?"

"How did you deal with it?"

Aria gave her a quizzical look. "Deal with what?"

"Thomas' little friend. It's not very big, although I guess I can get used to it since he definitely knows how to use it" Vanessa said, triumph shining in her eyes.

Aria could feel her heartbeat increasing as anger rose through her body. She was like a volcano and she was about to explode. They hadn't been divorced for even two months and he was already shacking up with this prick.

"You stupid little bitch" Aria moved forward, dropping the dishes and forming her hands into fists. She moved towards Vanessa, her arm moving towards her face before something caught at her arm, bringing her to a halt.

It was Jefferson. As soon as he saw Vanessa he knew there would be something up. He stood behind Aria using his hand to lower her arm.

"Aria stop. This is exactly what she wants" he said softly, trying to calm her down.

"No I will not stop. She has no right to just come in here and…." Aria stopped realizing Jefferson was right. Vanessa liked to cause trouble, especially when it came to Aria.

Letting Vanessa get to her would only mean further trouble, most likely a trip to the slammer, for good this time.

She let out a deep breath as Jefferson released her arm. She picked up the dishes and went back to the kitchen.

-X-

Once home Aria sat down on the couch as Jefferson locked her door. He had offered to bring her home after the encounter at the restaurant, worried about what she might do if left alone.

Aria tried to hold back to the tears but instead she got muffled sobs as she held her hand over her mouth. Jefferson quickly went to her, sitting beside her, taking her into his arms.

She let herself fall into his arms and began to cry. Jefferson laid his head over hers and moved his hand up and down her back in a soothing way.

"It's going to be all right Aria" he whispered to her. "It's ok. I'm here. I'm here."