Seriously you guys have been so sweet and inspiring along this journey. Please keep your reviews, opinions, and feedback coming. Y'all have no idea how much they mean to me. They keep me writing even when I think I have no time or any ideas. Thank you all 3
Ezra ran a frustrated hand through his hair as he let out a large breath of air and leaned back against his seat. He couldn't even begin to understand what Jackie was thinking when she came into the Grille today or why she would still want to be married. Ezra checked his phone to see that Aria hadn't returned any of his calls or texts. No surprise there. He buckled his seatbelt and pulled away from his former home. He decided to go to Aria's apartment in hopes that a face to face apology would make amends. When he arrived at Aria's door he composed himself and took a deep breath before firmly knocking. No answer. He knocked again. He waited a few minutes, but yet again no answer came. He began his speech anyway.
"Aria, I know you're in there. I know you read my texts, and listened to my voicemails. I know you probably hate me and think I'm the biggest douchebag in the world, and honestly you're right. I never should have let Jackie speak to you that way. I never should have let her speak to ME that way. I shouldn't have even let her come over to us. I'm so sorry. I know she humiliated you and there's nothing I can do to make up for that, but please know how sorry I am. If there was anything I could do to make it up to you I would do it. I promise you Aria, my marriage is completely over. I have no interest in staying married to Jackie. But I do have incredibly strong feelings for you Aria. I know we've only been seeing each other for a short while, but-"
Ezra's words were cut off as the door swung open. A hopeful look appeared on his face, but it quickly diminished as he realized it was one of Aria's friends.
"Aria doesn't want to see you or speak to you. Please leave. Now."
Ezra was crushed. Not only at the girl's words but also because he could hear Aria's cries coming from inside.
"Fine. I'll leave. But please tell Aria how truly sorry I am, and that I'm going to make it up to her." With that, he turned around and headed home.
Line Break
Aria wiped away the fresh set of tears that had just fallen after hearing what Ezra had said.
Spencer returned from the door, and rejoined the other 3 girls on the couch.
"Not that I'm defending him in any way. At all. But he did seem really genuine about his apology, and torn up that you wouldn't speak to him. I really do think he feels bad Ar." Spencer said.
"He can't feel half as bad as I feel right now Spence, so honestly I don't really care." Aria harshly replied
"You're right. I'm sorry."
The girls spent the rest of the night watching movies, talking, crying, and hanging out in a way they hadn't since high school. It felt great, and they all admitted they had missed it. They ordered chinese, and when the doorbell rang, Hanna shot up to get it. As she opened the door, she realized it wasn't food at all. In came an army of florists carrying bouquet after bouquet of roses.
"Aria Montgomery?' One of the men asked
"Um yeah, that's me." Aria replied confused.
"Great. These are for you. Have a good night." The man nodded before heading out of the apartment, closing the door behind him.
Aria walked over to the counter and plucked the card out of one of the many bouquets and read what it said:
"Aria, I can't apologize enough for what happened at the Grille. I know you must be furious and I completely understand. I will work endlessly to make it up to you. I'm going to do whatever it takes. I sent you 8 bouquets of roses. One for each date we've been on. I hope you like them, although I imagine every rose is only half as beautiful as you. - Ezra"
Aria rolled her eyes in an attempt to act like her heart beat hadn't quickened. Of course she was still angry at Ezra, and no she wasn't going to forgive him, but God these roses and that note had melted her. Ezra certainly was charming, but Aria wasn't easy, if Ezra really wanted to win her back, then he was going to have to prove to her he deserved it, and it was going to take a lot of work.
Line Break
Aria walked into her 8am class the next day to find a large cup of coffee, and her favorite pastry from the Brew sitting on her desk. Aria read the note attached to the pastry bag: "Aria, I know you're still angry, and you have every right to be. Regardless, I know how much you hate this class and how early it is, so I hope that this helps at least a little. Nothing would make me happier than knowing it put a smile on your beautiful face. -Ezra"
Aria couldn't help but let a smile overtake her face as she read the note and took a bite out of her scone. She hated to admit that Ezra was trying really hard, and he was doing well. Knowing her favorite flowers, her favorite snacks, her least favorite class. Ezra had been paying attention.
After class Aria was walking down the hallway when she saw Ezra coming the opposite way. She inhaled a large breath and walked up to him.
"Hey, do you think we could talk?" Aria asked, not looking up from her shoes. She knew if her hazel eyes met his striking blue ones she would give in, and forgive him all too easily.
"Yeah, of course. Do you want to go to my office?" Ezra responded nervously. He hadn't had time to prepare a speech, he never thought Aria would be the one to approach him.
"Actually, I'd really prefer to do this somewhere a little more privateā¦"
"Oh, absolutely. You can come over tonight, I'll be home by 5."
"Okay thanks, I'll be over around 6" Aria said before walking off.
Line Break
Ezra was running around his townhouse like a madman trying to clean, cook, and decorate. He had managed to tidy up the majority of his living room and kitchen, light some candles throughout the downstairs, and get dinner in the oven by the time there was a knock on the door. Ezra turned on the stereo to play softly and dimmed the lights before going to answer the door. He knew he was being over the top, and that Aria hadn't even agreed to dinner, but he needed this chance to win her back. He drew in a shaky breath before opening the door. Aria was on the other side, dressed in yoga pants and a t-shirt, her hair was a mess, and you could tell she had been crying.
"Hey, come in."
"Thanks." Aria said, looking around to appreciate the candles, the flowers, and the effort Ezra had clearly gone to to set up this spur of the moment evening.
"Look Ezra, I really appreciate this, and all the extra efforts you've been making to apologize. I really do. But right now, we just need to talk." Aria said bluntly.
"Yeah, you're right. We should talk." Ezra said sitting on the couch.
Aria remained standing, pacing back and forth in front of the coffee table.
"Aria I can't even begin to apologize for Jackie-" Ezra started before Aria cut him off.
"That's not what I came here to talk about." Aria said, eyes downcast, pacing, and chewing on her thumbnail.
"Oh?"
Aria reached into her purse and grabbed an unopened pregnancy test, then tossed it onto the coffee table.
"I think I'm pregnant."
