Chapter Eleven: Make a Memory

"...If you don't know if you should stay

If you don't say what's on your mind

Baby just, breathe there's no where else tonight we should be-

You wanna make a memory..."

~ "Make a Memory" - Bon Jovi

Aria was warm when she woke up. Cocooned with Jason in the warm blankets, she smiled. Leaning over to find the light in the dark room, she found it and flipped it on. Two envelopes were sitting on the nightstand. Curious, Aria grabbed them opened the top envelope. Flipping open the top, she pulled out a ticket.

It was too a Mediterranean cruise and it had Jason's name on it. Opening the other one, Aria pulled out the second ticket and smiled.

Aria DiLaurentis

It was written in Jason's usual scrawl and just seeing her name written like that had butterflies flying in her tummy. Lips on her neck had her looking over her shoulder to him blinking against the light.

"I see you found you're surprise," he said with a tired grin.

"When did you put these out?"

"Last night when I closed the curtains. You were asleep."

Aria nodded and smiled, "Thank you. What time is it?"

Jason looked over his shoulder, "A little after eleven. Our flight doesn't leave till five."

"But we do have to check out in a half hour," Aria said pulling back the covers.

"Yeah but," Jason said smiling as he grabbed her tightly, "We only have to get dressed. Spencer and Emily said that they'd come and take care of the dress."

"What about packing a bag for the trip?"

"Hanna is on it with Caleb. I planned this out to the last detail. Don't worry."

Aria laughed as he rolled over so the she was under him, "I don't like not being in control."

"Well you're just going to have to trust me on this," Jason said lowering his lips to hers for a kiss, "Because I plan on making this a trip you won't forget."

"Can we talk?" Jackie said knocking on his office door.

Ezra, who'd been in the middle of grading papers, looked up with a smile.

"Yeah, come on in."

Jackie smiled and sat down on one of the couches that were in the room.

"How's your Monday been?" Ezra asked putting down his pen and papers.

"Interesting," Jackie said, "I got a call from Harry Benedict. You remember him, the guy you were supposed to have drinks with on Saturday?"

"How was Harry?"

"Remarkably well and you didn't get drinks with him. In fact, he can't remember the last time he saw you. He was calling me to get a hold of you to have drinks."

Ezra looked down at his pen and picked it up, "Harry didn't show up."

"Because he didn't know about it," Jackie snapped, "So where the hell did you go Ezra?"

"That's not really your business is it?"

Jackie looked murderous, "It's my business now because you lied to me."

"Jackie I-"

Hanna Rivers appeared in the door and he groaned, "What do you need Hanna?"

She raised an eyebrow at him, "It's so good to see you too Ezra."

Jackie watched the exchange and her eyes narrowed, "Ezra…"

"Am I interrupting?" Hanna asked knowing full well she was, "I'm sorry I just wanted to return you driver's license. You dropped it when you left the wedding on Saturday. Byron found it and I told him that I'd give it to you."

Hanna set it down on the book case and smiled, "Have a good day Ezra. You too Jackie. It was nice to see you."

Ezra watched her walk out in her expensive outfit and heels and he closed his eyes.

"Wedding?" Jackie said angry, "Who's wedding did you go to that Byron was there?"

He didn't say anything.

"You went to her wedding didn't you? You crashed that wedding just to see her didn't you?" Jackie yelled bitterly, "Why would you do that? I take that back I don't want to know why and don't even bother coming home tonight because you're not welcome! Goddammit Ezra!"

Jackie stormed out of the office as Byron popped his head in.

"Everything okay?" he asked with a cheery smile.

"Yeah, Hanna was just returning my driver's license and Jackie is mad at me."

"Driver's license?"

"Yeah she told me that –" Ezra stopped. Hanna had only said that to piss Jackie off. Byron had no idea that he'd been at the wedding, "-that the wedding was good."

Byron smiled, "It was. Aria called earlier to say that they had landed in Athens a few hours ago. They'll get on their cruise from there and won't be in touch for two weeks."

Ezra nodded, "I hope they have a good time."

"I do too," Byron said putting a stack of papers on Ezra's coffee table, "Aria has always wanted to travel there and she'll be in heaven getting to take pictures of everything. I fully expect to feel like I went on the cruise too. Here are the papers I told you about. Have a good day."

Byron left and Ezra leaned back.

Everything was a mess.

Aria stood on the sidewalk next to Jason as he hailed a cab. Two weeks in paradise with him had been wonderful. She blushed at some of the memories she'd made with him. Getting to make love with him in the big bed of their suite…those were some of her favorites. She pressed her lips together to stop herself from laughing at the idea that they'd gone through a few boxes of condoms in two weeks. She's laughed after they'd finished the last box only to find that Hanna had tossed in a few extra boxes along with a note to have fun. People weren't supposed to come back from vacations exhausted but she was sure that was how Jason felt. He didn't know what a full night's sleep was for the past two weeks.

Every day had been wonderful and she'd enjoyed every minute with him. Cyprus had been her favorite place to visit. Getting to walk through the markets hand in hand with Jason and just see everything had been the highlight. They'd gotten lost there for hours just seeing everything and it was everything she could have hoped for.

A cab stopped for them as the rain continued to pour down. Jason held open the door for her.

"I'll get the bags," he said holding the umbrella as the drive stepped out to open the trunk.

She nodded and slipped into the warm, dry cab. It was only a few minutes later that Jason was closing the umbrella and slipping in next to her. Jason gave the cab driver their address and reached for her hand.

She smiled at him, "What do you want for dinner?"

"I figured we just get take out," Jason said looking out the window, "Unless you feel like going to the store this late to get groceries."

"Oh that's right," Aria said putting her hand to her forehead, "Hanna cleaned out the refrigerator and anything in there is probably bad by now."

Jason chuckled, "Chinese?"

She stood in their kitchen in comfortable yoga pants and one of Jason's t-shirts waiting for him to return with food. Flipping through two weeks' worth of mail, she sorted the junk, the bills and the cards. Tossing the junk away, she looked up as Jason walked in through the back door soaking wet.

"I prefer the heat to the rain," he said putting the bag of Chinese food down and shrugging off his wet jacket.

"Don't we all," Aria mused opening a formal looking card, "Traffic wasn't too bad?"

"For a Saturday? No but the restaurant was surprisingly empty," he murmured pouring a cup of coffee that had been freshly brewed.

"Empty?"

He nodded, "Lee saw me and knew our order right away as usual. He told me that it was a sluggish night. Are these the bills?"

Aria nodded as he grabbed the stack and began opening the card. "It happens."

Jason took the stack of bills and walked through the arch way to the living room and sat down on the leather sofa. She vaguely heard the sound of the news in the background. Her eyes widened at the sight of a wedding invitation from Jenna Marshall. Reaching blindly for the phone, Aria dialed Spencer's number and waited.

"Hello?"

"Jenna's getting married?" Aria asked a little louder then she intended.

Jason heard her and leaned against the archway watching her with a raised brow.

"Yeah, did you get an invite too?"

"Who else got one?"

"Hanna and Emily," Spencer sighed, "I'll be honest, when she said that she wanted to invite you guys it surprised the hell out of me too. Toby says that she's just trying to put the past behind her and move on. I don't know what to think."

"I didn't even know she was engaged," Aria admitted, "She didn't say anything to me at your wedding."

"Yeah well it happened quickly. The guy's name is Max Gatebridge. He's the principle of Rosewood Elementary. Good with kids, likes to cook, enjoys working out. Basically the most decent guy I think Jenna has ever dated. He's got a halo around his head and I think he's a virgin."

"How long has this been going on for?"

"Four months? Give or take," Spencer sighed, "Hanna already accepted the invite. She said she's going just to see what happens. The invitations arrived the day after you and Jason left for your honeymoon. Which by the way, I want details later. As for this whole Jenna thing it's weird. She's had a whole personality face lift since she met this guy."

Aria crossed her arms over her chest and watched Jason make a face at her, "Are Emily and Paige going?"

"I haven't talked to them. Toby and I have been busy. Building another subdivision is a pain in the ass and we're in the process of trying to prepare the selling the lots or build houses on them. Not to mention, my dad has been bugging me and Toby no stop. Apparently he wants to see Jason."

"For what?" Aria asked handing the invitation to Jason to occupy his curiosity.

"Catching up? To Apologize? I don't know. Melissa told him that that ship had sailed long ago and that there was a reason he wasn't invited to the wedding. I just don't really want him to try and get involved with whatever he's doing. I'm pretty sure Jason doesn't want to see him."

There was the sound of voices in the background and Spencer sighed, "I've got to go. Melissa just walked in with Toby and they're fighting about something. I'll call you back later."

"Alright, I'll talk to Jason about the invite. Bye."

Spencer hung up as Aria disconnected the call. Putting the phone back down on the receiver, Aria began to take the food out of the bag.

"Who is Max Gatebridge?" Jason ask putting the invitation down.

"A principle at Rosewood. Apparently Jenna is engaged to him and getting married. Hanna and Spencer are going next month," Aria supplied, "I don't know why we were invited but Spencer told me that Jenna is trying to turn a new leaf I guess. Jenna is having a personality change thanks to this guy."

"Personality change?" Jason questioned, "That's not a good sign. Most marriages that are based on personality changes don't last long."

"I honestly don't know. But it's next month if you want to go. Free meal and a chance to see family."

He stood up, walked over to the calendar and flipped to the next month.

"Nothing is planned for that weekend," he said, "We might as well go. I told Spencer that I'd look at some legal document for her anyway and I can do while we're there. I guess she's in the process getting ready to selling houses and wants to have no loose ends when they start selling them in September. Did you want to watch a movie while we eat?"

"I don't care," Aria said tossing away the bag that the food had been in, "Pick whatever you want."

"They have that new political thriller out if you want. It's on-demand."

"That's fine. Can you put that invitation on the front of the refrigerator so we don't forget?"

Jason did as she asked and picked up a container of rice, "Are we going to work on thank you cards tomorrow afternoon? We should probably try and do as many as possible while we can."

Aria didn't reply but looked outside. Something was by the trashcan. It was too small to be a raccoon and it was shivering.

"I'll be right back," she mumbled as she went to the door.

"Aria?" Jason questioned following her.

She put on flip-flops and grabbed the flashlight that Jason always kept by the door before stepped out into the pouring rain.

"Aria!" Jason called again from the back door step as she flipped the flashlight on. Walking towards the creature, the light shown on a small furry body that moved behind the trashcan. The animal gave a whimper. Moving the trashcan back, Aria was shocked to see a little black puppy. The puppy was shivering and looked up at her with dark eyes in terror.

"Oh you poor thing," Aria said crouching down to pick him up, "Come here I won't hurt you."

The puppy didn't protest as she picked up his too thin body and held him close. Walking back quickly to the house, Jason held the door open as she walked in.

"A puppy?" he asked confused.

"Can you get a towel?" Aria asked, "He's freezing and covered in mud."

She walked to the empty sink. Turning on the water, she adjusted the temperature before putting the tiny puppy down in the water. Instantly the caked mud started coming off.

"Where did you find him?" Jason asked coming back from the laundry room with a towel.

"He was behind the trashcan," Aria said cleaning the puppy off with warm water, "I saw something moving and he's too small to be a raccoon."

"Does he have a collar or was one out there?"

"I didn't see one."

Running her hand over the puppy's tail, she stopped at the base hearing the puppy made a noise that sounded like a growl, "Can you get the scissors?"

"Why?" Jason asked confused.

Aria held the puppy up, "Look at his tail. There's a rubber band wrapped tightly around the base."

Jason picked up the towel and opened it, "I'll hold him while you cut. He's going to bite and squirm and not he's going like you touching him."

Aria put the puppy in Jason's arms and opened the drawer looking for scissors. Finding a pair quickly, she turned back to see that Jason was gently toweling off the poor dog.

"Here I'll hold his mouth and head. Just be careful because he's not going to like this."

"I wouldn't like it if someone tied off my tail to get rid of it either."

Jason held the dog tight. Once she touched his tail, he began squirming and making sounds of protest like Jason had predicted. Jason's strong arms held the puppy in a vice grip as she quickly cut the rubber band. The puppy tried to wiggle and snap at Jason's hand.

"I got," Aria said holding the bloody and dirty band over the trash.

"See buddy," Jason said letting go of the dog's muzzle, "It wasn't that bad. She's not going to hurt you."

He ran his hands over the puppy's head. Aria looked at the base of the tail and could see that there was some bleeding and it looked sore while most of the fur was gone. The skin was rubbed raw and would most likely have to be checked out by a vet.

"I don't like the idea that someone had a rubber band around his tail. That's cruel and it's obvious who ever owned him wasn't feeding him. He's skin and bones practically," she said quietly running her hand over the top of his furry head.

"What do you want do?" Jason said loosely wrapping the towel around the exhausted puppy.

Aria gently took the puppy from him. The dog rested his small head on her shoulder and she cupped his bottom trying to put as little pressure as possible on the base of his tail.

"He's going to have to go to the vet," she said, "I kind of want to keep him but I don't think it's a good idea."

Jason shrugged, "If you want him and he's not infected with some kind of disease, I don't see the problem with keeping him. I don't really think it's a good idea to send the dog back to where ever he came from. He's starved and had a rubber band around his tail like you said. If that's not abuse I don't know what it."

She laughed, "Puppies are a lot of work."

"So are kids," Jason said sitting down on a chair, "You've got to start somewhere."

"He's so silly," Aria whispered to the puppy, "If we keep you, you have to promise to be my partner in crime and eat his shoes, not mine."

"Like he's going to listen to you. He's half asleep and doesn't care. He's got the best seat in the house."

"Isn't he a flatterer," she smiled to the puppy.

"It's why I'm so good at my job," Jason smiled, "What to do think is a good name?"

"Henry?"

"Henry the black lab?"

"That's sounds bad. Buddy?"

"Everyone has a lab named Buddy."

"Butch?"

Jason was silent and for a moment as Aria swayed back and forth gently with the puppy in her arms.

"When I was in the tenth grade we had to read To Kill a Mockingbird and the character Atticus always inspired me. We could call him Atticus," he suggested.

Aria smiled, "I like that…Atticus."

Hearing her say Atticus, the puppy lifted his head and looked at her tiredly.

"I think he agrees too," Jason said with a smile.

Running his silky smooth ear between her fingers, Aria smiled, "Atticus the black lab."

Atticus turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After having him for a month, Aria couldn't imagine life without him. She looked over her shoulder at the curled up sleeping puppy in the back seat of the Volvo. Ella and Zack had agreed to watch the dog while she and Jason attended Jenna's wedding and reception.

"He's not tearing up the seat is he?" Jason asked jokingly as they sat waiting to turn onto Ella and Zack's street.

"No he's asleep," Aria said, "I can't believe how big his is."

"Who knew once you started feeding a growing puppy they got bigger."

"Smart ass," she sighed, "You're just jealous."

"That he got a belly rub this morning and I didn't?"

"Did you want one?"

Jason smiled, "I love your belly rubs."

"Maybe if you behave you'll get one later," Aria said smiling back.

"I hope so."

He pulled into the drive way and killed the engine, "I'll get the bags if you want to get the dog."

Aria nodded and got out of the car as Ella and Zack came out.

"You're here!" Ella exclaimed happily while giving Aria a hug. "I'm so happy to see you."

"Thanks Mom. I missed you too."

"Now let me see this puppy of yours."

Aria opened the door and picked up Atticus, "This is our puppy. He's eleven weeks."

"Oh he's so cute!" Ella gushed, "He's looks cuter in real life then he does in pictures."

"I'm cuter in real life too," Zack said with a smile as Ella laughed.

Aria smiled giving her stepfather a hug as Ella moved to give Jason a kiss and a hug.

"How's Philly?"

"Busy," Aria smiled, "But I like it and wouldn't have it any other way."

"Let's get you guys inside before it rains. They've been forecasting rain all weekend," Ella said wrapping an arm around Aria's shoulders.

Aria carried Atticus inside as Jason followed eagerly discussing sports with Zack.

Ezra glanced around the ballroom. Receiving an invitation to Jenna's wedding had been a surprise but Jackie had jumped at the chance for an evening out without the kids. It was a pleasant break but looking at the seating chart and seeing who they'd be seated with made him feel sick.

Table Five- Toby and Spencer Cavanaugh, Caleb and Hanna Rivers, Ezra and Jackie Fitz, Emily Fields and Paige McCullers, Jason and Aria DiLaurentis

Hanna and Caleb were already seated as well as Emily, Paige, Spencer and Toby.

"It seems like we're with them again," Jackie said annoyed, "Of course Jenna had to put us together. She knows all about our issues."

"Be nice at least," Ezra sighed, "Try not to be rude to them."

Jackie glared at him, "Don't drool all over Mrs. DiLaurentis."

They walked to their seats with tension in the air. Sitting down, Spencer glared at him.

"What did you think of the wedding?" Paige said smiling at them both trying to defuse the tension already mounting in the air.

"It was beautiful," Jackie said with a fake smile.

Ezra ignored the rest of the conversation as he saw her walking over with DiLaurentis. The dark blue knee length dress she wore was sleeveless and the sweetheart neckline flattered her bust. Her legs were long in expensive black high heels that matched the clutch she carried. He forced himself to look at his glass of water as they drew closer. Jason helped her to sit down in the chair next to Spencer after she'd given her sister-in-law a hug. She smiled at everyone and he felt his heart stop. She wore the same earrings from her wedding day and her ruby red lips looked kissable. His line of sight was broken as Jason DiLaurentis sat down next to him.

"Fitz," he acknowledged quietly but there was something in his tone that Ezra picked up as a warning.

"Jason," Ezra said back stiffly, "How was the honeymoon?"

"Enjoyable. How's Rosewood?"

"Enjoyable."

Jason nodded and didn't say anything else to him. It was going to be a long night.

Aria laughed at Hanna's story of how Caleb nearly ran over the neighbor's cat with the trash can the night before and screamed when the cat gave him a start. Taking another bit of her chicken, she looked at Jason who'd been quiet all evening. She'd done her best to ignore Ezra's staring and she knew that sitting next to him made Jason uncomfortable. She was grateful that he'd put himself between the two of them though.

"Jason," Spencer began, "Do you think you could come over to my house tomorrow before you leave and look at those contracts for me?"

"I will. What time should I be over?"

"When are you to leaving to go back?"

Aria looked at him, "Didn't you say you wanted to go after lunch?"

"Yeah, Zack invited us to go out to lunch with him and Ella."

"Is that what you two were whispering about earlier?" Spencer teased with a smile.

"Something like that."

The sound of a phone ringing broke the chatter. Jason pulled his phone out of his suit pocket.

"Excuse me," he said standing up and throwing his napkin down on his plate.

Aria looked over her shoulder and watched him go.

"Does he always take phone calls in the middle of dinner?" Ezra asked the silent table being rude. The question hadn't been really inappropriate, it had been Ezra's tone that had most everyone sitting in discomfort.

She looked at him confused and just as she was about to reply, Caleb jumped in.

"Wait a second, if it's business then you can't miss those. And I'm pretty sure it is. Jason isn't one to take social calls at dinner."

Jackie pinched the bridge of her nose and looked like she'd rather be anywhere than at the table with Ezra.

"Some calls you can't miss because if their clients or partners or business people they need you at that moment," Caleb finished with a shrug.

Hanna put her wine glass down, "Do you know how many times the phone has gone off at night because someone is having difficulties with their computer? I don't know what a full night's sleep is anymore."

Spencer shook her head, "How many dinners have you walked out of because of a freaked out bride or client? Poor Caleb is left alone at restaurants more times then you are. How many times Toby have we adopted him to come sit at our table for dinner?"

"Plenty of times," Toby shrugged, "I don't mind it though. I have another male to talk to instead of having to listen about female drama."

Spencer glared at him as Hanna laughed, "I'm sure you enjoy it. For some reason, brides and clients like to freak out right at dinner. Don't get me wrong, I love my work but sometimes you can't just shut your phone off."

"Exactly," Caleb said picking up his rum and coke, "Jason is one of those people who can't shut off their phone."

Aria smiled, "I don't mind it because only takes his partner's call after five. Everyone else goes to voice mail unless it's really urgent. Then his secretary will call letting him know."

"I wish you did that," Spencer said to Toby who was leaned back in his chair.

"I'm not that bad," he defended, "People just call me late."

Emily smiled, "Yes you are. I get a call in the morning from Spencer as she blows off steam on her treadmill. Pissed that you left after she really made an effort to cook a nice meal."

Aria brought her own glass of wine to her lips and took a sip.

"I think it depends on your line of work," Paige said, "I mean, being a teacher I don't get many late night calls but Emily does with the restaurant."

"Everyone has a problem with the cash register," Emily smiled rolling her eyes.

"I'm happy I don't get any calls," Jackie said with a smile that Aria could tell was forced, "It gives me more time with my kids."

"How are your kids?" Aria asked changing the subject. She didn't feel like talking about phone calls anymore.

"Good. Everyone is behaving, healthy and relatively happy. That's all I ask for these days."

Aria nodded and an uncomfortable silence passed over the table.

"Didn't you say you had pictures of your new dog?" Hanna asked Aria desperate for something to talk about. Had the Fitz's not been there, Aria was sure that they'd been talking about many more intimate subject then just an awkward conversation about phone habits.

"I did!" Aria said more than happy to show Atticus off. It was better than sitting in silence with Ezra. Grabbing her clutch, Aria took out the three pictures she had and passed them around with a smile. Jason returned a few minutes later and conversation flowed again as he brought back the news that Phillies had lost the current baseball game which forced Toby to take out his wallet and pay both Caleb and Jason each their hundred dollar winnings for whatever bet they'd made. Watching Spencer glare at Toby was the best part Aria mused taking a sip of wine.

The text message Hanna sent her also had her laughing too.

I knew it. Jenna is a sadist. - H

Ezra took a deep breath and watched as DiLaurentis walked out of the hotel lobby. Aria stood patiently waiting for him to return. Her black dress coat indicated that they were leaving and Ezra plucked up the courage to walk over and talk to her.

She saw him coming towards her and smiled. His heart must have skipped a beat.

"Hello Ezra," she said in her melodic voice, "Did you have a good time?"

"I did. You?"

"It was good. I enjoyed seeing Jenna. She looks happy."

"Hanna said you went to the Mediterranean for you honeymoon," he said sticking his hands in his pocket nervously.

Aria smiled again, "We did. It was really wonderful. Jason always has a way of find the best ways to have a good time on trips. I was happy to get to spend time with him alone. No phones, emails, texts. Nothing."

"That's good. Jackie and I went to New York City for ours she liked seeing the Statue of Liberty," Ezra said feeling let down. He almost hoped she'd had the honeymoon from hell.

"Jackie said that you guys might be moving," Aria started again; "You should talk to Toby. He and Spencer just built this subdivision. I'm sure he'd love to sell you a lot."

"I will. Are you and Jason planning on staying in Philly?"

"I'm not sure. I know that both he and I are getting sick of the city. You never know, we might move back to Rosewood if Hanna has her way. She spent all morning trying to convince Jason the reasons why we should move. He said if she ever wanted to be lawyer she'd make a good one. That's code for he's considering it."

She looked out the glass doors and back at him as a sleek black Volvo pulled up, "I have to go but it was good to see Ezra. I hope everything keeps going well for you and Jackie. Tell her I said goodbye."

"I will."

He watched her walk out the doors and slide into the car next to Jason.

She'd said that they were thinking of moving back to Rosewood.

A part of him desperately hoped she didn't. When she was out of sight, she wasn't on his mind so much. When she was there, it was all he could think about and focus on. If she came back, he didn't think he'd ever get over her and any willingness to would be destroyed.

She couldn't come back because Spencer was right.

He was still very much in love with her and no matter how much he tried to tell himself that he was over her, it was a lie.