A/N: Heyyyyy! I'm sorry! Finals have begun and I'm have my nose stick to my books. I have been so busy that I forgot to finish writing this chapter! Anddddd you're not going to like it that much but before you throw tomatoes at my face I promise I have everything planned out and it's going to be all sorted out. Didn't say when though.

Ezra's POV

It was in third period when I started to notice something was off with my friends. I wish I was with Aria right now. Why did she have to be one year younger than me? I was shaken out of my thoughts when the bell rung signalling the end of this period. I was about to go to my locker when my three best friends approached me and stopped me before I could go look for my girlfriend. Just as I was about to ask them what they wanted, Toby said the four words everyone dreads to hear.

"We need to talk." Toby said in a monotone voice.

"What's going on?" I asked, clearly I wasn't aware of what they wanted me to talk about.

"Are you dating Aria Montgomery?" He asked cringing when he said her name.

"Yes, she's amazing and smart and beauti-" I started but was cut off by a pissed out Toby.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" I was taken aback by his sudden outburst. People must have heard Toby screaming because they slowly were gathering around the scene. Some people were whispering but I couldn't make out what were they saying. "After all we've worked for to be the most popular guys in high school and you're throwing all that away to date a loser?"

He was crossing line very quickly. I stepped closer to him then grab him by his shirt "You don't know her, so don't about her like that. Ever. Again!" I loosened his grip on Toby's shirt thinking he had learn his lesson, but I was wrong because as the next words came out of his mouth I felt apang in my heart as anger flashed through my whole body.

"She's just a slut." Toby said like it didn't mean anything to him.

"Say that again." My anger only getting bigger by the second. By the corner of my eye I saw Aria slowly approaching us, then I heard my name being called by her. I ignored it just because I wanted to be focused on the words that were about to come out of Toby's mouth.

"She's just a slut." That was enough for me. I punched him as hard as I could and sent him to the ground.

"Ezra!" Aria shrieked grabbing my arm, trying to take me away from the scene. I was staring at her when I feel something rough across my cheek. It was strong enough to send me against the lockers and to the ground. He had punched me too.

"Oh my God, Ezra!" Aria hurried by my side as she hold me against her. When I look up my frien- ex friends and everybody else was gone.

"I'm okay." I say as I stand up.

Aria's hand reaches to my cheek and I lean against it. "What happened?" She asks.

"Nothing." I say ignoring her beautiful hazel eyes trying to search mine.

"Ezra, that wasn't nothing. Talk to me please."

"He crossed the line. First he said you were a loser and then slut and then I jus couldn't-"

"Ezra you don't have to protect me from snarky comments. I'm mature enough to ignore them." Aria was starting to tear and I wasn't sure why.

"Aria I will always protect you, no matter what." I made a pause, unsure if it was the right time. But I didn't care anymore. "I love you"

I looked at her hazel eyes and the shocked expression on her face made me doubt my decision and my future with her. "You-you love me?" She asked me whispering, I barely could hear her.

"Yes, I love you, so much." I was so nervous about her answer to my statement. I could feel my hands getting sweaty.

"I love you too. So much." And with that, her lips where on mine and we stay like that just enjoying the moment. God she was perfect and I couldn't be more in love with her.

Aria's POV

That afternoon, we both went to his place. We were currently cuddled in the love seat that was loacted in his living room in front of the TV, watching an old movie just like we always do, only this time we share some kisses. I can't believe he loves me. Last year, I was on a point of my life where I thought that no one could love me, put me above all things and make me feel like I was the only girl in the world. I knew I could always count on Ezra or my dad, but I started to think they were better off without me. People at school bully me because I'm a bookworm and because I like different things than they want. They make me feel like being different is the worst thing in the world.

Somewhere half the movie I had started tearing up – without me noticing – suddenly not feeling great about myself. Ezra pulled me out of my thoughts by wiping away my tears.

"What's wrong?" He asked, his voice was full of concern and I could see the worry in his eyes. Suddenly it hit me. I was causing him to suffer. I stand up, grab my purse and put on my shoes.

"I just remembered I had an umm an exam- a hi-history exam tomorrow first thing in the morning and I have barely opened my book to study. Gotta go." I made my way to door, Ezra following behind. Before he could kiss me goodbye I was out of the door and hurrying home.


Later that night in my bed I kept thinking about Ezra. He was so upset when I left. He has been calling me non-stop the whole day and leaving text messages on my phone. I haven't read any though. I couldn't bring myself to do that because I know if I do I would be at the door of his house begging for forgiveness. How could I have been so dumb not to notice I was ruining his life?

Ezra's POV

I can't sleep. Not without knowing what's going on with Aria. She was so happy then suddenly she was upset and nervous and she left without a goodbye or some sort of explanation to her sudden change of mood. I have tried to reach her all throughout the afternoon without getting any answer. I was starting to worry. Why is she acting like this? I couldn't help but blame myself. Maybe I didn't treat her like she deserved? Maybe I wasn't enough.

A/N: Poor Aria, I feel for her. I'm sometimes like her. Doubtful. But then I remember the people who love me and get over it. I hate that feeling though. Please review I love hearing how you're liking this story. Ten reviews and I'll update faster. Last chapter I didn't get 10 and that influenced on me not knowing if it was worth writing more. I love you guys, y'all make me smile.