A/N Thank you for all your kind reviews guys. You're the BEST! How about that finale?! Holy crap! Some people are going to find hope in what I'm about to say, and others are going to shun me for all of eternity, but its the truth. The second the revealed Tobys face I was shocked. EVERYONE has been so dead set on it being Ezra that I was honestly worried. I didn't think he could do it, but you never know with these writers. But, here is the controversial part, I don't believe for one second that Toby is really part of the A team. I'm not a huge fan about "Spoby", mostly because I focus all my energy and attention on Ian Hardings tongue. But, I firmly believe that after he got pissed about Spencer keeping things from him, he went to see Mona. He had to know that her secrets were A related, so he went to Mona pretending to still have a grudge against the girls. He offered inside information, and Mona believed him. Or she has something on he, and/or Spencer that makes Mona have the upper hand and he has to be part of the team to save them. Either way, it was definitely Toby who called Emily and said "you have one minute to get out." He knew nate was coming back and wanted to save Emily. They've always had this bond. And c'mon, he made Spencer a chair! haha, just kidding. Also, Paige, shes got to be part of something. She got a call saying "I owe ya one." They immediately assumed it was garrett, because she got him release. When was the last time this show set up a logical answer to something and then it turned out to be true? oh, thats right, never. The only other person who "Owes" something to Emily would be paige. OR depending on what happened with Caleb in the light house, maybe him. Whos knows after Nate shot him, that Emily didn't kick nates ass, or maybe the gun was stolen and Emily shot caleb to make it seem like it was Nates gun and Nate shot Caleb so that caleb wouldn't get in trouble. Either way, Garrett didn't make that call. Ans who was that creeper at the hospital to see?
Disclaimer: I don't own PLL, however, I do own those brilliant ideas up their ^ and down here. v
The next morning passed with Aria in a daze. She couldn't believe summer was official over. Her classes this year were mostly electives and she got out a few hours earlier than most of them. Spencer and Aria had gotten all but their government credit finished so they took a class at Hollis two days a week in exchange for an early release everyday. Stopping at her locker before her first class of the day, Aria was bombarded by her friends.
"Did you tell Fitz?" Hanna questioned rather loudly.
"Yes..." She answered in a whisper looking around to see if anyone heard Hanna. "and I'd prefer we kept this quiet. If A doesn't know I don't want them to find out."
"What did he say?" Spencer asked under her breath as she looked at her phone.
Aria grabbed her books and mumbled back to Spencer. "He's not happy, but he agrees that now going to the police is only going to make us look guilty."
The four girls started walking down the hallway toward classrooms.
"I've got Chem, with Simpson first. What about you guys?" Emily sighed.
"Art" Aria replied cheerily.
Hanna pulled her schedule from her purse, "French." she groaned. "Spence, please tell me you have this class with me?"
A big smile spread across Spencers face, "AP Economic Statistics."
Aria furrowed her brow, looking at Spencer. "I thought you had all of your math credits, for high school and your degree."
"I do." Spencer replied looking back confused. The girls stopped at the end of the hall where they all had to part for their separate classes.
Hanna looked at Spencer with a disgusted face. "So, you took an AP Economy Statures class..." Hanna stumbled on her words not remembering what Spencer had said. "...for an Elective?!" All three of the girls looked at Spencer with incredulous looks.
"Hanna, its Economic Statistics, and Yes?" Spencer corrected and looked back at them with the same look. "Okay, how long have you guys known me? Aria likes Art, and Literature for electives and I like learning things I might actually need one day."
"Hey!" Aria shot back, slightly offended.
Emily rolled her eyes, reaching for Spencers schedule to read her course descriptions. "Yea Spence, because I'm sure you haven't learned enough 'theorizing probability of random variables' in your other seven math courses."
The bell rang and each girl continued to their respective classes. The rest of the morning passed in a blur for Aria. She never fully paid attention in any of her classes. Mostly the day was filled with teachers handing out syllabuses and explaining what was already written for each student. In her fourth and last class of the day, Aria sent Ezra a text.
Aria:
Hey, I get out of class in 20 min. What if I grab some Chinese and meet you during your lunch?
Ezra got the message just after he finished explaining his own syllabus and told the kids in his class they could have the last 20 minutes of class to talk quietly. He picked up a book and pretended to read, as he texted behind his book. He thought about the irony of him, the teacher, hiding his phone from the students.
Ezra:
I would love that! I get lunch after fifth period so that should work out perfect. Stop texting in class. ;)
When Aria received Ezras reply she moved her purse onto her desk so that she could easily type without being noticed. Although Ms. Stanton, the Lit teacher whos class she was in, probably wouldn't mind much. She was friends with Ella and knew that this was a filler class for Aria, and one she could ace without even attending regularly. However, she didn't want to push her luck. The book for the class was one Aria had read more than once on her own time. As she replied to Ezra she was brought back to the time he taught at Rosewood. They used to sneak and text each other quite a bit when he told the class to read. He knew Aria was usually ahead of their reading schedule anyway and didn't mind her wasting time to talk with him.
Aria: I was just thinking about all the times we used to do this in your class. :)
Ezra smiled to himself at the memory. He loved the way her dark tresses would fall over her face as she concentrated on typing. His stomach would flip every time she would push her hair behind her ear and look up at him, after she finished her message. Her beautiful brown eyes would peer into his, and sometimes it felt like she was looking at him through a window. She didn't see the exterior that everyone saw. She looked through the window no one else knew existed and saw the real Ezra.
Ezra: Get here quick, I want a kiss.
When Aria received Ezras message she was walking out of her final class. She had to stop by her locker and grab a few things, before heading to her car.
"Want to go to the grill?" Spencer said from behind Aria, surprising her.
Aria turned around, closing her locker. "Sorry, I'm having lunch with Ezra. Tomorrow?"
Spencer rolled her eyes, smiling. "Tomorrow."
After waiting in a longer line than normal at the Chinese restaurant Aria thought she would be late. However, since the kids were in school and the adults at work traffic was scarce. She made it just in time to rush onto campus and look for 'Mr. Fitz'.
Ezra sat at his desk, looking over his lesson plan for the next couple weeks checking everything for the hundredth time, just to make sure. A knock came to his door and a smile graced his face. He looked up as the door opened expecting to see his love. Instead stood a tall, slender brunette he recognized as Rachel. She and Jackie had been friends in College, but he had never hung out with her more than a few times in a large group.
Ezra stood up looking a little confused, but trying to be polite. "Rachel... Hi How can I help you." Before she could answer the door opened and Aria walked in. "I go extra bour-" Noticing Ezra wasn't alone, Aria immediately was back tracking. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I can come back later."
Aria was turning to leave when Ezra stopped her. "Aria, wait!" He said stepping forward. "This is Rachel." He continued as Aria turned around. Rachel reached out to shake Arias hand, even though she held too many bags of food to carry. Aria awkwardly shifted everything to one hand, quickly shook Rachels hand and repositioned the food.
"It's nice to meet you, Aria. Vary... interesting name." Rachel said in a tone that made Aria question her sincerity.
"You too..."Aria mumbled under her breath.
"Are you one of Ezras students?" Rachel asked Aria. Her eyes burned into Aria like she already knew the answer.
Ezra walked over and grabbed a couple bags from Aria, and cleared his throat awkwardly. "Actually, Aria is my girlfriend."
"Oh," Rachel started in a sarcastic tone. "How nice." Her eyes finally stopped scrutinizing Aria and looked to Ezra. Her expression immediately turned flirtatious. She stared into Ezras eyes and he could feel the awkwardness of the moment growing.
"So, are you a teacher here too?" Aria asked skeptically. She definitely didn't dress like any of the female teachers at Rosewood. Her clothes were the kind Hanna pined for in fashion magazines; noticeably expensive.
Rachel laughed "Oh, no. I could never teach." Aria couldn't help but notice the Rachel spoke was like teaching was beneath her. Aria looked at Ezra to see if there were any signs of offense on his face. Instead, he had a warm smile. He grabbed the rest of the food from Aria and took it to set on his desk. Aria looked back at Rachel confused.
"So, how do you two know each other?" She asked slowly turning mostly towards Ezra. When he looked her way she raised her eyebrows meaningfully.
"Mutual fr-" Ezra stared. before Rachel interrupted.
"We were friends in college. Jackie, his ex fiance, was one of my best friends. She was a great girl, Ezra. You two are perfect for each other." Rachel walked toward Ezra as she spoke, putting her hand on his shoulder and running it down to his elbow. She glanced at the desk with the food on it. "I'm sorry to barge in, I called the school this morning to find out when your lunch was. I was going to take you out for lunch so we could talk about Braden."
"Braden? The boy I'm tutoring?" Ezra looked confused. "I didn't know you had a son."
Rachel, standing no more than a foot away from Ezra, laughed and playfully slapped Ezras shoulder. "No, Braden is my brother. I just wanted to talk to you about what you'll be helping him with, decide some times, focus on what Braden needs in his life. He has been through a lot."
"We definitely need to talk about those things. How about we schedule a time to have coffee?" Ezra asked.
"That sounds perfect." Rachel replied with a warm smile on her lips.
Ezra had an unsure look on his face. "Are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience you."
"No Ezra it's fine. Really! I'll see you tomorrow." Rachel walked away as she spoke; brushing passed Aria who had been standing awkwardly to the side, watching their interaction.
When the door clicked shut Aria turned to Ezra. "What was that about?!" She demanded, jealously.
"What do you mean?" Ezra asked with an innocent smile, as he took the food out for them to eat.
"What do I mean?" Aria asked dumfounded. "Come on. You can't tell me you didn't get the vibe that she was flirting with you."
"Really?" Ezras eyes grew wide. "You think she was flirting with me?" A smile slid across his face, and a small laugh escaped his lips.
"Ezra!" Aria knew he was joking, but she was not in the mood for games.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It was harmless, in college she flirted her way into every club, every party, through classes. It doesn't mean anything. Plus..." Ezra reached out to cradle Arias face. Gently, he leaned in, and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "I love you."
Aria smiled, realizing her fears were unnecessary, and leaned in to kiss him again. "Foods getting cold, Mr. Fitz."
Ezra smiled back at Aria. "Lets eat." The rest of lunch passed nicely. The couple sat, and ate; Exchanging the occasional kiss and talking about their day.
Ezra was tired after the first day of being back into a normal routine. He had forgotten how obnoxious high school kids could be. Then again, when he thought about it, Rosewood kids had never asked that many ridiculous questions. Ezra was looking forward to relaxing on his couch with a scotch, and spending the rest of the evening being lazy. When he stuck his key in, he found the door was already unlocked. Red flags went off in Ezras head. He ran through the morning quickly, and distinctively remembered locking the door and having to jiggle the knob to get his key out; it was always getting stuck. Trying to think of a solution he checked for the key under the mat, when Aria used it she always took it inside until she left; the key was in its proper place. Ezra opened the door on edge, ready defend himself. He scanned the room and quietly set his things down. After Aria had told him about the new A, Ezra thought it safe to keep a baseball bat next to his door; now he was thanking himself for the idea. He had yet to see anyone, but would rather be safe than sorry. Walking toward the living room, bat in hand, Ezra stumbled over a backpack in the middle of the room. He caught his balance, just as a hooded shape sat up on his couch. Ezra pulled the bat back to strike as fast as he could.
"What the hell, man!" The hooded figure yelled throwing back his hood and jumping away from the couch. Ezra caught his swing just before he came down on the kid he now recognized. Ezra threw the bat on the couch immediately pissed off.
"Wes! What the hell are you doing?!" Ezra yelled, frustrated.
Wes threw his hands our questioningly. "Is this how you treat your guests? Almost beat them, and then yell at them?"
"None of my other guest break in, and fall asleep on my couch!" Ezra shot back.
Wesley let out a sigh and put his head down. "I'm sorry, Ezra... I just..." Wes trailed off and ran his hand threw his hair. Ezra recognized the mannerism, it was on he often did himself. "I should just go." Wes pulled his hood up and started walking towards his backpack.
"Wait." Ezra called. Wes turned around and what was left of Ezras anger crumbled. For one spit second their eyes had met. In that one second, before Wes looked back down, Ezra saw the little brother he used to know. It was the little brother who had sat with Ezra watching movies at full volume to drown out their parents fighting downstairs. It was the little brother who had fallen apart when the barely existent father they had, became the emotionally detached father. Ezra knew that when Wes had become competitive and charming it had been because he wanted attention. After their parents divorce Wes had leaned on Ezra, but it wasn't long before he pulled away because of the developing commitment issues. "You can hang out for a little while... if you want."
Wes shrugged. "I don't want to bother you."
"I don't have any plans." Ezra shrugged with a smile, before his face growing serious. "And, I miss you."
Wes looked up. "I need your help."
Ezra walked over and sat on the couch with Wes following. "Okay," Ezra said looking shocked, Wes never asked for help, but eager to help. "Whats up?"
Wes took a deep breath, and Ezra could tell he was struggling with something. "I lied to you before. I'm sorry." Wes looked up, as if he was waiting for Ezra to understand.
"About Mom..." Ezra trailed off. He knew his mothers offer was too good to be true, but it was surprising to think Wes would tell him, and seem remorseful.
"Yea, how'd you know?" Wes furrowed his brow.
"Mom, always has a plan up her sleeve." Ezra said truthfully. "I know she doesn't like Aria, but using you is wrong."
"Wait, Ezra. What are you talking about?" Wes grew even more perplexed.
"Didn't you mean Mom sent you over here to get between Aria and I; the loan had nothing to do with it." Ezra said, getting up to pour himself, and Wes some scotch.
"N- No." Wes answered quietly.
Ezra walked back over and set one glass in front of Wes and took a drink of his own, as he sat down. "Then what did you lie about?"
A laugh escaped Wesleys lips as he stared at the glass Ezra sat in front of him. "You know I'm not 21 right?"
Rolling his eyes Ezra began to reply. "I'm not an idiot. You've been sneaking into your room wasted girls in one arm, and a bottle of vodka in the other since you were fifteen. You're a college kid now, and I was in college once too remember."
Wesley picked up the tumbler and threw back the golden liquid. "The whole deal I tried to offer you, it was a lie. I got into some trouble at my University, and they kicked me out. I transferred to Hollis, but they wont let me into housing because of my... record."
"Record? Like Police record? Wesley, what did you do?" Ezra set his glass down and turned to his bother, worried.
"No." Wes let out a cynical laugh. "You know mom wouldn't let that happen." Ezra knew Wes had a point. Their mother never met a problem money couldn't fix, and was hell bent on keeping the family name spotless. "Mom made sure that no reports were filed, and everyone was quiet about everything. But, the school made it clear that no size 'Fitzgerald' library was going to keep me enrolled there. Somehow it leaked to Hollis about speculations of what might have happened, so they wont let me in housing. Mom cut me off from inheritance until I graduate and prove myself. I send her a copy of my tuition, she sends a check to the school, other than that, I'm on my own. I need a place to stay. "
Ezra pursed his lips. "What did you do?"
Wes looked down at his lap, then back up to Ezras eyes. "I'd rather not talk about it, if that's alright."
Ezra nodded his head, and looked out his window, thinking. "So, what were you going to do when Mom started asking me about my loan payments?"
"You and Mom never talk. I figured, I would get a job, send payments, and no one would know." Wes shrugged, like it was a brilliant plan.
Ezra nodded again, thinking of how dumb of an idea that was. He didn't want to turn his brother away. He felt it was his duty to help his, obviously lost, younger brother out. "I want to help you Wes, but," Ezra looked around his apartment. "this is a studio apartment. I don't even have a bedroom door."
Wes turned to Ezra, more eager now that he knew Ezra was considering the idea. "I know, I'll put a dresser in that corner over there." Wes pointed to the corner by the window. "I'll sleep on the couch, when you want to have time with Aria ill leave, I'll be quiet, watch whatever stupid movie you want to watch, you'll barely know I'm here."
"Where did you stay last night?" Ezra asked slowly.
Wes let out a sigh and looked out the same windows Ezra stared at. "My car." He mumbled so low that it barely audible.
Ezra let out a breath, "Okay, but there are some ground rules."
"Of course," Wes nodded, "whatever you want, bro."
"Aria. You will act like the perfect gentleman Mom raised you to be around her. I saw the way you looked at her. Any games, and you're gone." Ezra raised his brow at Wes. "Understand?"
"Of course," Wes nodded.
"Girls." Ezra began again. "If you bring them back, don't be a slob. Respect them, or take it to her place. School. Go every day. Do all your homework... Oh, and don't come home at three a.m wasted and wake me up."
Wes grinned. "Understood... Thank you, Ezra." Ezra could see how sincere his brother was. It made him hopeful that he could restore their relationship to what is had been. Ezras phone went off, and he stood smiling at Wes.
"I'm going to take this outside. The take out menus are in that drawer by the computer, find something to order." Ezra said before closing the door.
"Hey, babe." He said into the phone.
"Hey!" Aria replied cheerily. "Whats up?"
"Umm," Ezra wasn't sure how to explain to her all of what just happened. He didn't really want her to see how conniving his family could be. That was why he had deflected her question the night before about his mother. He knew he was being foolish, but part of him felt that she would judge him for all of his families missteps.
"Is everything okay?" Aria asked, suspiciously. Ezra might have blown off her fears during lunch about Rachel, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Rachel had an agenda. She had sat and tried convincing herself that she was just being jealous and paranoid, because Rachel was friends with Jackie. That hadn't done the trick. So, she told herself that it was because before they had gone public she hadn't been with Ezra around other females, besides co workers. She hadn't realized how many girls flirted with him. She couldn't blame them he was attractive, but Aria could never tell if Ezra pretended not to notice, or really didn't notice. However, that solution didn't sit with her either. After some time, she concluded that she was simply paranoid that everyone was out to get her because of A. It seemed everything in her life came back to A. That calmed most of her fears, but it didn't stop her from dialing Ezras number to see what he was doing. It was pathetic, and she knew it. But, she did it anyway.
"Yea, I guess. I need to talk to you about something, about Wes. Can we meet at around seven?" Ezra wanted to talk to Aria about Wes before she walked in one day to Wes sprawled out on the couch.
"Sure, I'll be over then." Aria said concerned.
"Actually, meet me at the park. I'll explain later." Ezra put his hand in his pocket and leaned against the door. It just hit him how much alone time with Aria he would be giving up by having Wes live with him.
"Uhh. Okay?" Aria said it more of a question.
"I promise, you'll understand tonight. I love you. Bye." Ezra said.
"Love you too, babe." Aria hung up, and the silence stretched on. Ezra still held the phone to his ear. He stood there for a second rethinking his decision to help Wes. He knew it was the brotherly thing to do, but would his relationship suffer?
Ezra took a deep breath and went inside.
"Italian, or Chinese?" Wes fired at Ezra.
"Always Italian." Both boys said in unison; a smile gracing both of their faces.