A/N: Like always, thanks for the reviews! Y'all are amazing!
On a side note, OMG! I'm sooo happy right now. I can't even breathe! The Seattle Seahawks are off to the Super Bowl! AHHH! So excited! Feb 2nd can't come fast enough! GO HAWKS! Anyways, now that im done rambling, hope you enjoy this chapter! Lol
Soon, days turned into weeks and eventually into two months. Aria, had moved out of Spencer's house and taken Spencer's old apartment she had offered her. She was reluctant at first, claiming she could find an apartment on her own, but Spencer insisted until Aria accepted the offer. She was grateful for it, as she didn't have to worry about rent or anything, and it was much easier than going apartment hunting. Aria had applied at Rosewood High for a job, and even at Philadelphia High, but they were already full on staff, and Aria would only get called in to substitute every now and then. She loved her current job too though. She worked with Hanna at her Boutique, and it was quite the job. It was fun, and she could work with her best friend.
Also, after several attempts, Aria finally managed to win Emily back, which made her very happy. And life with Olivia couldn't be any better. She cherished every moment she spent with her, which lately had been a lot. Ezra had even let her spend the night at Aria's on various occasions. Although no words were spoken between Aria and Ezra, as he still refused to listen to her, they somehow managed to share their daughter with no problem. At first, Olivia was beyond confused when Aria didn't come live with them, but after a little bit of lying, they made her understand why. Aria grabbed her coffee mug as she shoved her phone into her purse and headed towards Ezra's. Within minutes she arrived. She didn't knock, or ring the doorbell, she simply waited out in the car until Olivia came out. Ezra didn't want her anywhere in the house, which hurt.
"So where do you want to go today sweetie?" Aria asked, once she seated her in the back.
"How about the park?" Olivia suggested. "It's starting to get sunny."
Spring was just around the corner and it was the perfect weather for a day out in the park.
"Sure." Aria replied. "And we'll do lunch afterwards?"
"Ok Mommy." Olivia smiled.
Ezra stood by the window, coffee mug in hand, and watched as Aria left with Olivia. It still angered him that Aria was back, and even more so that he had allowed her to spend time with Olivia, but the past two months, he'd noticed Olivia seemed happier than he'd ever seen her before. He couldn't take that away from her, even though it upset him that Aria was able to connect and bond with Olivia even after being gone for four years. Every day, he had to push away the urge to let her explain, always reminding himself, that there was absolutely no excuse that could justify her leaving.
He had promised himself to get over her, to forget her, completely erase her from his heart. But how could he do that, when everytime he saw her, all those feelings just kept getting stronger? He hated that he couldn't control his feelings. Sure, he was angry, but he still loved her. And that just made him hurt more. Setting his coffee mug down, he decided he had to do something, anything, to make her feel the same pain, same hurt, same emptiness and loneliness he had felt. And he knew exactly how he was going to do it.
"Hey!" A cheery voice greeted him. "No Olivia again?"
"Not today. She's spending the day with a friend."
"Oh" Katie simply replied. "So the usual? Burger and fries? Pickles on the side?"
"You got it." Ezra smiled.
"I'll be back shortly."
Ezra nodded. He took out his phone from his pocket and played around with it as he waited for his food. He came across one of his old pictures, it was on Olivia's first birthday, all three of them standing behind the giant birthday cake. He let out a frustrated sigh as he shoved his phone back in his pocket.
"Here you go" Katie returned, placing the food in front of him.
"Thanks."
Katie gave him a big smile.
"Well if you need anything, just call me over."
Ezra gave her a polite nod. He finished his food in no time and knew the moment was coming. He felt terrible for what he was about to do, only getting Katie's hopes up, but he just wanted to do something to get back at Aria. It wasn't fair for Katie, but he couldn't help it. He stood up and walked over to Katie.
"Hey, you heading out already?" She asked him.
"Yeah." Ezra simply said.
He was quiet for a while, debating if he should actually ask her out or not.
"Um, I was wondering, would you like to grab a coffee or something?"
"Um-" Katie was shocked.
"I know, I always refused before, but we can grab a coffee and then do dinner tonight? I want to make up for all the times I said no." Ezra smiled. "So what do you say?"
Katie smiled.
"Im out in ten minutes. We can go to the coffee shop across the street."
"Great. I'll wait for you outside."
Katie nodded and went back to work. Ezra sat on the bench outside, waiting for her. He really did hate himself for doing this because he knew that Katie had always wanted a date with him and she really liked him. And as much as Ezra told himself that maybe after a date, he would like her too, he knew that wasn't the case. Katie was only a friend, and he would never be able to love anyone how he loved, loves, Aria. He was startled when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Hey, I'm ready when you are." Katie's cheery voice stated.
"Lets go!"
"Olivia baby, where do you want to go eat lunch?"
"Can we go to The Grille?"
"Sure."
Soon they were both seated at a booth. Aria kept noticing Olivia glancing around.
"Baby, is something wrong?" Aria asked.
"No, I'm just looking for Katie."
"Who's Katie?"
"She's our friend who works here. I wanted you to meet her."
"Oh." Aria simply said. "Maybe next time." She smiled. "So what are you getting?"
"What I always get. Mac and Cheese. What about you Mommy?"
"I think i'll get that too."
Soon they were both finished and ready to head out. Aria froze when out of her peripheral she spotted someone she knew so well, with a girl. She tried to ignore it, but she just couldn't. She could clearly see Ezra walking towards the Grille, with his hand guiding the unknown blonde to it. She needed to get out. She wouldn't be strong enough to face him.
"Come on Livey, get in the car. Time to go."
"Ok Mommy."
Once she was seated, Olivia noticed her father along with the woman.
"Mommy look! That's Katie, the one with Daddy."
Aria swallowed hard.
"Really?" Aria asked.
"Yeah, she's really nice. We should go say 'Hi'."
"That's great honey, but maybe next time."
Aria sighed. Of course Ezra would be seeing someone. But since in the past two months, he showed no signs of dating anyone, it gave Aria hope that he still loved her and would eventually forgive her. But seeing him with her, only made her hopes diminish. She couldn't let someone snatch him away. She wouldn't. She would do all in her power to win him over and was more than determined to do so.
"So tonight at six sound ok?" Ezra asked.
"It sounds lovely." Katie replied with a huge smile.
"Well I'll see you later."
"Can't wait." She stated before getting in her car.
Ezra gave her a courteous nod, before getting into his own. In a way he was a bit excited to be going out for the first time, Katie was wonderful. She was kind, beautiful, sweet, and funny. Any guys dream girl. But it was simple. She wasn't Aria. Tonight, in his eyes, it was only going out to dinner with a friend. He knew Katie was excited for it, she'd been waiting for this date forever, so the least he could do was try and make it good. He checked the time, seeing he had three hours to get ready. Aria was suppose to drop Olivia back off at seven, so he texted her a simple message telling her to drop her off at nine instead. He knew Aria wouldn't mind. And any other day, he would've let her sleepover at her house. But he wanted to see her face when she dropped her off and found out he went on a date. He wanted her to feel pain and jealousy. He knew he was wrong for wanting this, but he didn't care. He was still too hurt. And Aria deserved it too.
Aria reread the text again.
Don't drop her off at seven. Keep her till nine. I have something going on and won't be home until then
She sighed. That text only meant one thing. He was going on a date with that Katie girl. It hurt her that Ezra had managed to move on. Even though all the girls claimed he still loved her, it was evident he didn't. He wouldn't even take ten seconds to talk to her. But she couldn't blame him. For all he knew, she was a terrible person. She needed to change that. She looked at her cellphone to check the time. It was a little past six, so she decided she'd drop by at Spencer's before going to Ezra's.
"Olivia, you're staying with Mommy a little longer. Wanna go to Auntie's Spencer's?"
"Ok Mommy. With baby Ayden?"
"Yes sweetie" Aria smiled. "Come on."
"After you" Ezra said, opening the restaurant's door.
"Thanks." She smiled.
They were soon taken to their table.
"So, French vegan food?" Katie asked. "What do you recommend. I've never tried it."
"Yeah, it's pretty good." Ezra replied, "Um, I would recommend the..um" He skimmed through the menu "The tomato avocado toasts. They're really good."
"Is that what you're having?" She asked.
"Yeah."
"Ok then, I'll have that too." She smiled
They placed their orders, and as they waited, Ezra regretted his decision on the restaurant. He didn't even know how or why he ended up there. He was planning on taking her out to a Italian restaurant, but somehow ended up at Aria's favorite vegan restaurant. He knew it was a mistake, as it would only make him think about her, but they were already there.
The time soon ticked away, and they were both on their way out. Ezra dropped Katie off, and being the gentlemen he was, walked her up to her door.
"Thanks for tonight." Katie told him sincerely. "I had fun."
"Me too."
"I hope we can do it again."
"Um, yeah" Ezra smiled.
"Well goodnight."
"Goodnight." Ezra responded, giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek.
Katie smiled and gave him a small wave, before stepping inside. Ezra sighed as he walked back to his car. He noticed the time once he stepped into his car. 9:20. So he was late, but only 20 minutes. He soon pulled up into his driveway, thank god Aria wasn't there yet, and went inside. Not even five minutes later, he heard the doorbell ring.Weird. Olivia always just came right in. When he opened the door, he was met with Aria and a sleeping girl in her arms.
"I know she usually comes in, but I didn't have the heart to wake her." Aria told him truthfully.
Ezra gave her a small nod, before stepping aside to let her in. He didn't speak to her, just took the sleeping child from his arms and went upstairs to put her down. Aria figured this was a great time to try to talk to him. So she waited, looking all over the house as she did so. She really did miss her house. She wondered if her photography/art room was still there. Knowing Ezra though, he'd probably thrown everything away out of anger. She was startled when she heard a harsh voice behind her.
"What are you still doing here?" He asked harshly.
Aria didn't answer his question.
"How was your date?" She asked him.
He gave her a puzzled look.
"I saw you with her today, outside the Grille. Katie right? How was it?"
"That is none of your concern." He replied angrily.
"You're right. I was just curious."
Great. Ezra thought. He could feel her anger and jealousy. Just what he wanted. He walked closer to her and spoke again.
"Again, why are you still here? Did I not make myself clear? I don't want you in this house Aria."
"Ezra please. It's been two months. Will you please just let me explain. Can we please talk?"
Ezra shook his head and walked towards the door. He opened it signaling her to leave.
"Go."
"Ezra please." She begged. "I love you."
Ezra grew angry hearing these words. He slammed the door shut and got close to her.
"You love me?" He let out a sarcastic laugh. "That's bullshit."
"Ez-"
"No!" He spat. "You're gonna hear all I have to say." He told her.
He sighed, and swallowed away the threatening tears.
"How could you just leave? How could you just leave your family behind?" He yelled.
"Do you think it didn't hurt? We all felt hurt and betrayed, Aria. All of us." He continued.
"Ezra pleas-"
"You left so suddenly, were gone for four fucking years, and then return as if nothing happened, making everybody's life much more complicated."
A few tears fell from his eyes.
"I spent all these years, waking up everyday and asking myself what I had done wrong? And never found an answer."
He sighed. Aria was now sobbing.
"All this time, I spent wondering where you were, if you were still alive, if you were ok out there. Do you think that's fair?" He yelled. "Do you?"
"All these years were hell for me, for Olivia." He sighed. "You don't know anything about your daughter. You missed out on so much. You don't know the little details I know about her, like how she picks out all the yellow fruit loops from her cereal. Or how she needs her teddy bear when she sleeps. You know nothing about her. You weren't there when she needed you. You weren't there when I needed you."
"I'm sorry." Aria sobbed. "Bu-"
"No you're not." He interrupted. "I spent so many days wondering if you were still alive. Everyday hoping you were still breathing out there."
He sighed, running his hands through his curls.
"But you know what?" He asked her coldly.
He laughed softly and shook his head.
"Now that I think about it, it would so much easier if you were actually dead. Having you out of our lives forever, gone for good, dead "He emphasized on that word. "would've probably been for the best, because as you can see, we don't need you."
As soon as those words left his mouth, Aria's whole world stopped. His words had stabbed her right in the heart, and she could hear it slowly tearing. This was it. She was giving up. All hope she had in him was lost. Sobbing and shaking, she managed to get out the door. Not saying anything else. She shut the door behind her, got in her car, and cried all the way back home.
Ezra regretted saying that. He knew he didn't mean it. He too would die, if Aria ever did, he loved her too much. But he was angry and wanted to hurt her, give her the equivalent, if not more, pain she caused him. But how come now that he saw her hurting, crying like never before, he wasn't pleased? Instead he was hurting too. Seeing her in that much pain, hurt him. He loved her. But he couldn't just forget about those painful years. He couldn't. He slid slowly down to the hard and cold floor, and let himself cry for the first time since Aria's return.
The days slowly passed, and Aria was still locked up in her apartment. She couldn't face Ezra or Olivia. She was too hurt and depressed to do anything. She knew this was affecting Olivia, it'd been almost a week since they'd last seen each other, but she wasn't strong enough to do anything. Ezra's words had caused a wound that was impossible to heal. She brought her knees up to her chest and cried. Her friends had constantly called her, but she always ignored. She didn't want to talk to anyone. All she did was sleep and cry. Eating wasn't a priority anymore. A soft knock on the door, caused her to look up. She wiped away her tears and hesitantly, she walked up to the door and opened it. She couldn't help the smile forming on her face when she saw who it was.
"Hi Mommy!"
"Hey princess." Aria hugged her daughter.
"I missed you Mommy. I thought you left again."
"I would never leave, Mommy's has just been feeling sick."
"Are you ok?" She asked concerned.
"I am now that you're here." She smiled.
She looked up and smiled at Spencer.
"How did you manage to get her?" Aria asked. "I thought Ezra was still upset with you."
"Oh he's beyond angry still. But Ella managed to get her, and let me see her. Olivia told me she hasn't seen you since last Saturday."
"Yeah." Aria simply said.
"What happened?" Spencer asked. "We've all been trying to reach you."
Aria turned to Olivia.
"Baby, why don't you go into Mommy's room and watch TV?"
Olivia nodded and scurried off. Once she was sure the door was shut, Aria broke down.
"Aria what's wrong?" Spencer asked concerned, placing Ayden in his carseat, and rushing to her side.
"H-he told me, he wished I was dead." Aria choked out in between sobs. "He said everyone's life would be much easier if I was dead and gone for good" Aria cried.
Spencer moved closer to her friend to comfort hurt.
"Do you know how hurtful his words were? My heart shattered to pieces." She cried.
"I know" Spencer soothed "I know."
"He hates me."
"He does not. He's just hurting."
Aria cried harder into Spencer's embrace.
"Everything will all work out in the end." Spencer encouraged."I promise."
Ezra walked to the door hearing the doorbell ring.
"Coming" He called as he came down the stairs. He figured it was Ella dropping Olivia off.
But instead, he was met with a very angry Spencer.
"What are you doing here?" Ezra asked bitterly.
"How could you?" Spencer yelled, pushing herself inside.
Ezra gave her a puzzled look.
"How could you say all those words to her? How could you tell her it'd be easier if she was dead." Spencer sighed
"Do you know how much pain you caused her? I mean, you don't give her the chance to explain, and then you throw her all these hurtful words? She'd been doing nothing but crying."
"Good." Ezra spat.
Spencer glared at him.
"Good?" She asked in disbelief.
"She deserves to feel pain. She deserves to hurt. She caused us, caused me, so much pain, she deserved to feel it too." He yelled angrily.
Spencer shook her head. Not believing the Ezra she was hearing. She couldn't take it anymore. It was eating her up.
"You don't think she already went through enough!" She yelled. "I mean God!, How would you feel having to leave your family behind, only to wake up in a fucking hospital bed everyday, wondering if that day would be the last one you ever lived?" Spencer yelled, as the tears escaped.
This made Ezra's head snap back to her, as he felt his heart racing.
"W-what?" He asked confused.
Spencer sighed, wiping away her tears.
"She had cancer Ezra." Spencer finally told him
A/N: Soo.. Aria was sick. That's why she left. Several of you guessed. You smart smart mind readers lol. Anyways, as the story goes on, it will explain how and why she left because of her illness. Hope you enjoyed. Please review! :). Oh and The Hardened Heart will be updated soon. I promise. Oh, also if you haven't read my one shot , "Say Something", I posted a while back, y'all should. :)