I'm currently snuggled into Ezra's side watching a movie while he leaves light butterfly kisses down my neck. I moan softly when he sucks the patch of skin under my ear. I quickly turn around in his lap to straddle his body and kiss him lustfully. "You know what?' I whisper in his ear. He brushes a loose strand of hair behind my ear, "What?"
"This little guy is gonna have the best daddy in the world." I reply, referring to my barely noticeable baby bump. I make emphasis on each word, trying to convince myself along with Ezra that Ezra will a daddy. Cancer can't take that anyway from him. I won't let it.
"What makes you think the baby's a boy?" He asks, curiously. I rub my stomach mindlessly. "I just feel it. I don't know how to explain it. Ever since I found out I was pregnant I've been picturing a little Ezra in my arms." I want a little baby boy with beautiful blue eyes and dark curls. Ezra laughs a little, "Hey, well I wouldn't mind a beautiful little Aria. She'll be daddy's little princess."
I smile at the thought of Ezra as a father, "Either way, they'll be the most beautiful little boy or girl." Ezra places a loving kiss on my lips, "like you." I lay my head on Ezra's chest, blushing.
"Hey, why don't we go out tonight? It's been awhile since I took you to diner." Ezra suddenly asks. I sit up and turn towards him, "Babe, that would be amazing. Are you sure you're up for that?" Ezra chuckles a little, "Yeah, I'm up for anything that makes you happy. Why don't we go to that vegan place you love?" I smile brightly at him before quickly pecking his lips, "I'd love that. Thank you, Ezra." He kisses my forehead, "Anytime, sweetheart. I'm gonna go take a shower before we leave." I smile, "Okay."
After Ezra leaves I decide I want to take a walk before I start getting ready for diner. I grab my coat and bag before writing a quick note for Ezra, Went for a walk. Be back soon. I love you.-Aria I place the note on the living room table before heading out the door.
I let out a sigh of contentment when the cool winter air hits my face. I've always loved walks outside of the apartment. The air helps me clear my head.
I walk to the small park across the road and take a seat next to a large oak tree. Ezra and I used to come her all the time when we first started dating. In fact, he even carved our initials in the tree's bark, E + A Forever
I think about how much has changed since Ezra carved those words. I'm pregnant. Ezra has a brain tumor.
My pregnancy still hasn't really sunk in yet. I mean, if anyone were to get pregnant at 17, I would think it would be Hanna, not me. I've always been responsible as a child. Sex or alcohol never really interested me. I'll admit it I'm kind of a nerd. This definitely isn't the future I planned for myself but I wouldn't change a thing. Well I mean, except Ezra being sick.
I rub my belly mindlessly and think about Ezra and I taking our little one to this park and sitting in this very bench. I cannot wait to be a mother.
I'm interrupted from my thoughts by someone calling my name from behind. "Jake." I respond when I see who it is. He gives me a giant smile, "Long time no see!" I fake a smile, "Yeah. Haha." The last time I saw Jake he was telling Ezra to back off of me when he was trying to tell me about what happened with Maggie! There is no way I'm letting Jake back into my life. He sits down next to me on the bench. Ugh. "So how are you?" He asks.
"I'm great. I'm actually still seeing Ezra." I reply, hoping Jake backs off. "Really? Wow. I thought you would've grown out of that by now." What the hell was that supposed to mean?
"Grown out of what exactly?" I ask, trying to hide my annoyance. He chuckles a little, "Oh umm nothing. I meant I thought you would've realized how stupid you were being." I feel my face go red, "Who do you think you are, Jake?"
He laughs, "Aw come on, Aria. I'm just being a concerned friend." I scoff, "We're not friends, Jake."
"Well why don't we change that? Come to dinner with me. Tonight." I laugh a little, "I can't. I'm going out with Ezra tonight."
Jake scoffs, "Oh cut the crap, Aria. We both know you aren't still seeing that bastard." I stand up, "I am and you have no right to talk about him that way. If anyone's a bastard, it's you."
He smirks, "You're coming with me, Aria. Right now let's go." Jake grabs my arm harshly. I suddenly get a terrible feeling that Jake isn't planning on taking me to dinner. I nervously pull away before discretely putting my hand in my purse to find my phone. I need Ezra. "Uh actually. I have to go. Ezra is probably looking for me."
Jake pushes my body roughly against the tree close by. "And he'll keep looking for you…for a very long time." Panic surges through my body as I let out a scream. "Let go of me, Jake!"
I wiggle loose from his grasp and kick him in the groin. He screams in pain and falls to the ground as I sprint back to the apartment building.
I when I get back to 3B I'm panting and practically collapsed on the floor outside Ezra's door. Tears run down my cheeks out of pure terror. Who knows what Jake could've done to my precious baby, let alone me if I hadn't gotten away?
Suddenly the door to Ezra's apartment swings open revealing my loving boyfriend. He notices me on the ground and his eyes widen, "Aria! What happened? Are you alright?" He scoops me up into his arms and carries me inside like a four year old.
I fake a laugh, "Oh you know, just clumsy old me. I tripped on the welcome mat." There is no way Ezra is finding out about what Jake did. Ezra would kill anyone who laid a finger on me. It's not that I don't want Jake dead, I just don't want Ezra in jail.
Ezra smiles, obviously relieved. "Where does it hurt? Do you want me to get you some ice?" I shake my head no, "No thanks, babe. I'm fine. I should start getting ready for dinner." I hop up and head over to the bathroom the get changed.
Line break
I put the finishes touches on my makeup and look myself over in the mirror.
I'm wearing a red cocktail dress with black stilettos. My hair is up in a low bun and I'm wearing the diamond hoop earrings that Ezra bought me for my birthday last year.
I smile at my reflection. For the first time in weeks I feel…beautiful.
I walk into the living room to find Ezra watching TV on the couch. His back is turned to me so I quietly walk behind him and wrap my arms around his neck before lightly kissing his ear. "Hey Sexy." I whisper huskily in his ear.
Ezra stands up and wraps his arms around me before kissing me lovingly. "Hey beautiful." He replies against my lips. "Ready to go?"
I nod before grabbing my black pea coat and my bag. We head out the door hand in hand.
Ezra's POV
I lead my beautiful girlfriend into her favorite restaurant, The Bistro.
"Table for two please." I ask the waiter once we get inside. She leads us to a small table next to the window. Aria used to love this seat when we first started dating. I wonder if she remembers. Sure enough, Aria squeezes my hand and gives me one of her beautiful smiles.
I have to admit, Aria looks absolutely gorgeous tonight. Not that she even doesn't. I'm just so happy to see her excited to get out of the house. Lately the only place she wants to be is copped up in my tiny apartment watching old movies or cuddling in my bed.
To be honest, tonight isn't just about getting out of the house. I have something I need to talk to Aria about and I'm extremely nervous about her reaction.
Last week, I had a doctor's appointment that I never told her about. The doctor told me some news that really made me question whether or not I'm going to make it through this. I try to stay positive for Aria because she really is the reason I'm trying my best to stay alive. I'm terrified about what will happen to her when I'm gone and I'm terrified of being someone where Aria doesn't exist.
Aria smiles at me from across the table, "Thank you so much for tonight, Ezra." I bring her hand to my lips, "Anytime, sweetheart." I couldn't bring myself to look Aria in the eyes. I don't want to see her devastated after I tell her the news.
I fidget with my napkin for a second trying to past time. "Ezra." Aria says suddenly. "Look at me."
I sigh and comply. "Is everything ok?" She asks me, a worried expression on her beautiful face.
"Actually no. I went to the oncologist last week." I tell her nervously.
Her eyes widen, "What did he say? Are you ok?" I immediately regret telling her. I give her hand a gentle squeeze. "Ezra! What is it?" She practically yells.
Just then our waitress appears, "Good Evening my name is Jennifer. I'll be your server tonight. Are you two ready to order or do you need an extra minute?"
"A few more minutes please." I reply. She nods and walks away.
I wait a few minutes before speaking. "I asked him about my chance of survival and he told me I have a 67 percent chance and an even lower chance of fully recovering from surgery." My heart breaks in two when I see a single tear rolling down Aria's cheek. "Shh." I whisper wiping away the tear.
I take a deep breath before continuing, "Look, Aria. When I'm gone-"
"No. Ezra stop please. I swear I'm leaving if you don't stop. I'm not listening to this. Y-you're not leaving me and our baby. No. No." Aria stops me midsentence, her voice breaking on the last word.
"Aria, let me finish."
She yanks her hand out of mine, "No, Ezra! I'm not going to listen to you talk about dying! You're not going to die! You can't. You c-can't leave me." She begins to hyperventilate as more tears run down her cheeks.
"Aria, I need you to promise me that when I go, you will move on and forget about me. My biggest fear is that you won't leave the house and you'll shut out your friends and family. You can't Aria. Please. You need to be happy. For me and for the baby." My voice cracks on the last word and my eyes fill with tears. "Please." I whisper again.
Aria takes my face in her tiny hands, "Ezra, I can't promise you that. You know I can't. But for you I'd try." She uses her thumbs to wipe away my tears. "I love you." She whispers.
Jennifer comes back with a notepad and pen, "What can I get for you two?"
Aria stands up and grabs her purse off the table, "Actually, I'm leaving."
I grab her arm, "Aria-"
"I need some time to think, Ezra. I'll see you later."
Aria's POV
I walk out of the restaurant and towards The Brew.
I don't even know if Emily is working tonight but I need someone to talk to.
How could Ezra be so selfish! Doesn't he understand that I need him? Doesn't he know how much he means to me?
I wipe the endless flow of tears from my eyes and take my heels off. There is no way I'm walking in these.
As I look around I realize I have no idea where I am and it's pitch black outside. At this point I have no clue what to do. I'm lost and there's no way I'm calling Ezra right now.
Suddenly, I feel someone roughly grab me from behind. I scream but the stranger covers my mouth and nose with a piece of cloth. I try to breath and I immediately feel dizzy. "Ezra!" I scream. The stranger tightens his arms around my body.
I try to wiggle free from his grasp but it's no use. I'm getting weaker and weaker by the second.
I feel my body go limp as the man lifts me up in his arms. Everything around me fades to black.
Okay everyone I realize it's been FOREVER since I last updated and I'm so sorry. My only excuse is homework and I know that's pathetic. Anyways I know this chapter will probably have a lot of mistakes but I really wanted to update for you guys so I'm sorry. I'm writing the next chapter right now so that should be up by next week and I also have one or two one shots i'll be posting soon. Tysm for reading and as always please please please review. (the more reviews the faster the update!) xoxo
