Their date went by smoothly even if both Ezra and Aria's minds weren't at peace. They both acted like nothing happened a few hours back, but they couldn't help but worry. Aria was worried that Ezra would find her weird and leave, or that he'd become suspicious about something, and Ezra was worried about Aria.
How was he supposed to act if his suspicions were true. Was he supposed to simply pretend that he wasn't worried about Aria? Because that was lying! He was worried out of his mind! He didn't know her for long, but he already cared deeply about her. He had noticed how skinny and pale she was. She was always hesitant to spend money and she didn't own a lot of clothes... Ezra was worried that she wasn't eating properly and that she was going to get sick. If she had run away from her father like he suspected, she must had been having trouble with having enough money to pay for school and sustain to her needs.
But he couldn't just address the subject with Aria. First of all he didn't know how to bring it up and second, if his suspicions weren't true, Ezra feared that Aria would get mad at him for thinking such things about her. Maybe Aria's story wasn't at all what he thought and maybe she preferred to keep it for herself.
So Ezra just shut up and pretended that nothing happened.
They went to the movies and watched a comedy, but neither of them really laughed. Their date was filled with tension and awkwardness and no one really knew what to say. As soon as the movie was over, Aria sprang out of her chair and almost ran for the exit.
When they were finally out of the theatre, they stopped near the doors and looked at each other silently.
"So..." began Aria.
"Hum... it was a great movie," tried Ezra.
"Yeah, that young actress was really good..." added Aria.
"Maybe we should call it a night?" suggested Ezra awkwardly.
"Yeah, sure, goodbye Ezra!" said Aria, turning around to leave.
"Aria wait!" he called out.
She turned towards him quickly with a confused expression.
"What?" she asked
"Hum... It's really dark outside, we're in New-York, tons of people live here. Some are good, but others aren't. I don't think you should walk alone in the dark," said Ezra rather nervously.
In that moment Aria's heart swelled. It was the first time in so much time that someone was worried for her, but at the same time she became nervous. Ezra really was a sweet guy; always caring for her and everything, but she just couldn't let him see where she lived. She'd be so ashamed... She was renting an apartment in one of New-York's poorest neighbourhood and it was clearly not up to Ezra's standards. As much as it scared her to death to walk alone in the dirty dark streets of New-York, Aria preferred this to seeing Ezra mock her or worst, stop talking to her.
"Oh it's alright! I've done this a thousand times!" said Aria, trying to sound calm.
"Come one Aria! Let me drive you home. It would put my mind at peace. If you don't accept for yourself, accept for me, I would sleep better knowing you are safe and sound," he added.
Aria was at loss for words. Ezra sounded genuinely worried. She took a moment to re-think about it and realized that she was being foolish. She'd have had to walk at least for an hour to go to her apartment. In the dark. Alone. Not only she'd be scared to death, but she also wouldn't be really wise. Anything could happen to her. She shouldn't jeopardize her life when she was finally building one that she loved. And if Ezra judged her and left her because of the place she lived in, then it would mean that he wasn't worth it. But deep down she knew that Ezra wouldn't judge her. He was always proving her that he was someone she could trust.
"Okay, " she agreed. "I accept," she said with a smile.
Ezra was surprised to see Aria change her mind. Ever since he knew her, she had been acting like a stubborn woman. But he was also really relived.
He even took Aria's hand in his as they walked to his car. He didn't know how, but their little argument seemed to have reminded him of the purpose of their night out: a date. So he put the tension aside and tried to enjoyed Aria's company, and show her that he cared.
He was quite happy to see that Aria didn't flinch as much as he thought when he took her hand. She tensed a little bit but immediately relaxed. It was a great step for both of them. It meant that Aria finally trusted him. Maybe, in time, they'd be able to address the delicate subject of her past.
