"So my flight leaves at nine so I should be there at seven, at the latest," Aria said three days later. Ezra and I were helping her pack because Byron was getting back on Wednesday. She quickly and neatly folded her clothes into the small, carry-on suitcase that she'd brought. She closed the suitcase and closed it, effortlessly. What she did next surprised me. She grabbed one of my suitcases from the closet and started packing up my closet!
"What are you doing, Aria? I'm not going anywhere," I reminded her. Aria stopped and sat down on the couch. She motioned for Ezra and I to come and join her. We did and we both gave her the same confused look.
"Aria? What are you doing?" Ezra asked. Aria grabbed her purse and pulled out two envelopes. She handed one to each of us. We sat there shocked, but unsure of what to do.
"You open it. Come on, both of you," she nudged. I threw a quick glance at Ezra before running my finger along the envelope, opening it. In the envelope, there was a plane ticket. One plane ticket. One that was not a round trip.
"Aria! How many times do I have to tell you that I cant come back to Rosewood?" I said.
"I got one too," Ezra said, "Aria, how did you pay for these?"
"Well, since I was so depressed when you left, my parents gave me a credit card to get me out of the house. It's linked to their bank accounts so they will never find out. They never go to the bank unless it's necessary," Aria explained, "Come on! You guys have to come back with me!" she pleaded.
"Aria, your father told me that if he ever saw me again, he would murder me. I don't know if this would be a good idea?" Ezra reminded her.
"And I don't exactly feel like apologizing to Byron and Ella because all of the crap I put them through. They haven't seen me in years! They'd get so angry. I can't put up with it,"
"Please? It's been a month!" she said looking at Ezra, "And for you it's been almost your whole life!" she turned to me.
I looked to Ezra for guidance but he looked just as conflicted I did. Finally, he spoke.
"I'll go, for you Aria," he said and then he turned to me, "Will you?" he asked
I sat there and bit my lip. "Fine. I'll come."
"Please buckle you seatbelts and put away all electronics, our flight will be landing in Philadelphia in fifteen minutes," the flight attendant spoke over the loud speaker. I reluctantly put my phone into my bag. I had been playing Angry Birds for the last three hours. I looked over at Aria. She was cuddled up, asleep in Ezra's arms. Ezra had a book in his hands. To Kill a Mockingbird. He had told me that it was his favorite book. When the flight attendant finished talking, Aria slowly began to wake up.
"We're home, Aria," Ezra smiled. He placed a light kiss on her forehead.
"Chloe, my dad's coming home tomorrow," Aria whispered groggily.
"You can stay at my place for the time being, if you don't want to check into a hotel," Ezra offered. I nodded, stretching out my arms.
"No!" Aria cut in. Her voice was still a little groggy.
"Aria, nothing is going to happen," Ezra reassured her.
We landed about 10 minutes later and we were at baggage claim soon after. I stood around, waiting for my over-stuffed, navy blue duffle bags to come around the belt. I saw them come in our direction and Ezra helped me pull my stuff to the floor. Right after, Ezra saw his things and he grabbed them before the belt could take them away. Aria's small carry-on was already with her so we were in the airport parking lot in no time. Aria's car was close to the main building so we got there fairly quickly. And before I knew it, we were in Rosewood.
A/N: Thank you all so much for your reviews!
