I'm going to say I am sorry in advance if you don't like this chapter. I too thought back and said 'if I was a reader I would be upset' but then again it has to happen for it to flow the way I want it too.
Thanks those of you who are keeping up with this story.
I am posting this a day before the hurricane is supposed to hit. Actually I have about 12 hours before it'll get here and I didn't want to leave y'all hanging for too long.
As soon as I know what's going on and if I still have power I will update ASAP I promise.
Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Pretty Little liars
Ezra pulled up to the house and automatically parked and got out. To say you could cut tensions with a knife was a lie. He finally gotten the answers to his many questions and he didn't like the outcome. He didn't like the fact that Aria was so willing and easily able to give up on what they had.
Slamming the car door shut Ezra turned on his heel when he heard a car pulling up behind them. Smirking to himself he looked at the woman in front of him not daring to take a look at Aria as she got out of the car. He walked up to India full force and kissed her right on the mouth. Letting their lips linger for that brief moment he could feel Aria's eyes on them. He took India's waist and gave a little squeeze as he tried his best to make Aria regret even giving up.
Pulling away he smiled and gave India a little wink before taking her hand and leading her up the stairs. The wedding was to be held in the field out back and the reception was to follow. Considering Ezra was already dressed and ready to go the last thing he had to do was grab the wedding rings from his room and have the time of his life.
Aria stood next to the car as tears rolled down her cheeks staining her perfectly done makeup. Taking her things out of the car Aria walked into the house when a few more cars pulled up. Not turning around to see them she walked directly towards the door that lead downstairs but was stopped as she reached the doorknob.
"I'm glad your back Aria," Rachel told her, "is everything okay now?"
Aria just nodded her head and opened the door not wanting Rachel to see her face. Only the thoughts of wanting to get out of that house flooded her mind.
Reaching the room Aria heard voices and stopped short of the last landing, "What was that?" she heard India ask, "Was that Aria?'
Ezra let out a groan, "She doesn't want me" he threw something down and Aria jumped as the book came sliding next to her, "She hates me and I can't take it anymore. She called our situation bull shit."
Aria looked down and knitted her eyebrows as she picked up the book, "Well, how do you think this situation looks Ezra" India inquired. Aria peeked out from around the corner and looked at Ezra as he paced the floor "You've lied to her repeatedly since she got here. When was the last time you told her the truth?"
Aria watched as Ezra licked his lips and fixed his cufflinks. He let out a breath and shook his head, "Aria's done. There is nothing else I can do."
"You can tell her the truth." India spoke loudly, "tell her!" she pointed with determination. Aria took that last speech as her cue to hide and she ran up the stairs and out the door.
Aria rounded the corner and heard the door close behind her before she looked at Rachel who was in the kitchen with the catering company. Rachel looked at Aria and noticed her run down makeup. "What happened?"
LINE BREAK
The wedding was as beautiful as Aria ever imagined it would be. Star lights lighten up the party, the center pieces were to perfection and Aria had to admit that Helen's dress was beyond beautiful.
The ceremony wasn't as long as Aria thought it would be. It was short and to the point and she wasn't sure half the time where her head was at. She could picture herself and Ezra up there speaking their own vows and that scared her. How can she care about someone so much after everything they've done to you? She couldn't get the imagine of Ezra and India together.
As much as she argued with Rachel about being there; Aria ended up losing. To Aria's dismay, Rachel can be very persuasive when she wants to be.
Sipping her cocktail as Aria watched Ezra from her table. She wondered why Ezra all of a sudden iced her out completely.
"Here" Wesley said taking a seat next to her placing another cocktail in front of her, "How are you?"
"I should be asking you that" Aria smiled, "How's your lip?"
"It'll heal" Wesley laughed, "You want to dance?"
Aria tilted her head towards Ezra and India, "You think that's wise?"
Wesley followed Aria's gaze and then reached for her hand, "He's just upset that you turned him down,"
"You, you're defending him?" Aria asked shocked, "Even after what he did to you?"
Wesley shrugged, "He's my brother Aria, and I did slap a few hurtful words at him."
Aria looked down trying to feel some type of remorse, "I don't want to be here." She looked up at Ezra and India as they laughed, "It's not fair"
Wesley let go of Aria's hand and placed a friendly kiss to her temple, "I'm sorry"
LINE BREAK
The song ended and India excused herself. Ezra looked over towards the table just in time to see Wesley giving Aria an apologetic smile as he kissed her near her temple. Ezra flared his nostrils as he stalked back to the table and harshly moved his chair. Sitting down Aria looked at Ezra with a confused look and then went back to her drink.
"Are you having fun?" Ezra spoke to her for the first time that night, "Enjoying your time here" Aria stayed quiet as she looked anywhere but at him, "Are you too good for me now? Lost your voice"
Squeezing her eyes shut Aria got up from the table and felt Ezra grab her arm. She looked down at his hand and then at him, "What?"
"How could you do this to me?" Ezra asked her causing a few guest to look at them, "I've given you everything and you-" he paused feeling a little stupid for asking her at what's supposed to be a celebration.
"I don't think this is the time and place to have this Ezra," Aria took her arm back, "Your date is coming back" she looked at India as she flashed a smile and sat down next to Ezra.
Ezra watched as Aria walked away and then looked at India who smiled at him, "I told you to tell her the truth"
Rolling his eyes Ezra told her to 'shut up' before taking back his drink and following the direction that Aria just walked to.
Aria walked over towards the staging area as she spotted Riley. He greeted her over and embraced her in a hug as he introduced her to a few of the band mates.
"So, how do you know Riley?" Cathy asked as she bent down to grab a microphone
"We met during a college tour" Aria winked at Riley.
"Aria here," Riley placed an arm around her shoulder, "Has an amazing voice" he commented, "Maybe we should get you up on stage!"
"Yeah right," Aria pushed him away, "Fat chance for that"
Cathy stood up and looked at them, "What do you sing Aria?"
"I don't"
"Seriously Aria," Riley argued, "What would it take for you to activate your little voice?"
"Really?" Aria turned around to see Lynn and her kids playing around, "I don't feel like it."
"Yeah, smart choice," Riley rolled his eyes, "I want to book gigs not send them running"
Cathy and Aria both slapped Riley on each arms before they all broke out in laughter. Ezra rounded the corner of the stage and saw the trio laughing. He paused his steps before shaking his head and walking over towards them, "Riley," He stuck out his hand, "Thank you for coming."
Riley nodded his head, "Thank you for having us." He took his hand back and looked at the time, "The DJ should be done within a few minutes and then the band will be ready to go."
Ezra just smiled and looked over at Aria, "I need to talk to you." Aria nodded not wanting to cause a scene "I will see you all later" Aria told them as she stalked off into a secluded area.
Crossing her arms over her chest Aria looked up at Ezra who never once met her gaze. She wondered what he wanted from her this time. She wondered if he would actually tell her the truth or more lies.
Sticking his hands in his pockets Ezra kicked a few rocks before looking at the party, "What happened between us?" he asked softly afraid that he if spoke firmly she would run, "We would on top of the world"
"You lied to me Ezra" Aria said dropping her arms, "I defended you, I gave myself to you and you betrayed me."
Folding in his lips Ezra cursed in his mind, "I know I screwed up, I know that." He froze as he saw India looking over at them.
"What is she to you Ezra?" Aria asked when she saw what or who he was looking at, "What am I? I know you lied to Robert, I know you've been keeping something from me. Why am I here?"
Hesitantly Ezra shifted from foot to foot before speaking, "I don't know Aria" Aria maneuvered her way in front of him, "Why can't' you tell me the truth Ezra? What are you afraid of?"
"Look at me" Aria demanded, "Why-"
"I'm trying. But I know once I look at you I'm going to fall apart." He cut her off, "I'm sorry."
"Okay," Aria bit her lip with a laugh escaping, "Keep lying then." And with that Aria turned away from him and headed back to the staging area where Riley was now introducing the band.
LINE BREAK
Ezra found himself in a wondering mind. He couldn't even look Aria in the eyes knowing that she knew that he was lying. Even after so many years it was like she still knew him, or of him.
Taking back his beer he looked at the crowded wedding party and wondered where Aria could be. He had been at least three hours since he last spoke or even seen her.
Eric patted Ezra's back as he sat down next to him, "People are starting to take off. You should go make your rounds," he told him, which only earned a nod from Ezra. "Are you okay? To think about it I haven't seen you on the dance floor."
Shaking his head and then leaning back into his chair Ezra spoke, "I'm not in the mood."
"Aria?" he asked already knowing the answer.
"Yes, and no I don't want to talk about it" he took a sip of his beer and looked over at him father, "It's your wedding day and I don't want to lay my drama on you!"
Smiling Eric hugged his oldest son, "That's what I'm here for. Now talk to me Ezra"
Aria and Riley sat back enjoying the music and trying to catch up. Every so often Helen would come over to them and request a song, or the kids would come running towards the stage and they would have to remind them not to play around the staging area. Especially the back considering there were a lot of electrically wires.
"So, Cathy is your girlfriend huh?" Aria smiled with a smirk in her tone, "I knew it."
Riley made a sour face, "How?"
Shrugging her shoulders she answered, "It was the way the two of you acted around each other. I mean, I see love there!" she bumped him, "I'm happy for you!"
"Thanks Aria," Riley gushed jokingly, "What about you and Mr. Millionaire?' Aria rolled her eyes, "I know there's something going on" Giving Riley a look she bit her lip. "Tell me. I want to know how you and Ezra Fitzgerald got involved"
Aria stayed silent for a few seconds and then she answered, "Remember the reason why I went to Syracuse?" Riley nodded, "Yeah, because of som-"He cut himself off, "That was him?" He stood up and looked around the stage to see Ezra talking to him father, shaking his head, "You know that ticket still stands."
Aria laughed out loud with a little snort, "As much as I would love that I don't think that would be smart."
"Yeah, you're probably right" Riley looked around the party, "I guess people are starting to leave"
Aria looked around and shrugged, "It's getting late"
Riley looked up at his band before smiling down at Aria, "You want to make a statement?"
"What are you talking about?" she asked him confused
"I have an idea" Riley took her hand and pulled her along. He picked up a microphone and tapped it a few times. The song that Cathy was singing had just finished and Riley went up the stairs to say that they were going to take a few minute breaks. Running back to Aria he took a confuse Cathy with him "Aria's going to sing with you!"
"What?" Cathy and Aria both exclaimed, "Are you high?" Aria asked laughing, "I am not going up there!"
"You told me you were leaving tonight" Riley arched an eyebrow, "I have a song in mind that would get his attention. You're leaving anyway, so why not make a splash?"
Cathy smiled with wide eyes, "I'm in. I don't know what's going on but I love this idea."
Aria let out a little laugh before looking up on stage, "What song?"
LINE BREAK
Riley looked around the area ready to push Ezra's limit. He knew that Aria was a once chance deal and knew that Aria was worth fighting for. After hearing about what happened Riley wanted to just through conflict in his face. But he knew that would sit too well and on the spot thought of this idea.
As Cathy got ready and listened to the lyrics over and over again, he pulled Aria on the side and thought he should tell her the truth, "Hey," Aria smiled, "What's up?"
"Are you ready for this?" He questioned helping her with the ear piece, "Because I don't know if this is smart anymore!"
Aria looked at him quizzically, "Do you want me to back out? Because this is your idea"
Licking his lips Riley finished what he was doing and took down of her hands, "I don't want to push you. And the real reason I asked was because I know my band sucks." He looked down, "I really need a pick me up"
"What are you talking about?"
Looking her in the eyes, "My band is great don't get me wrong. But the only reason we got this gig was because I overheard Helen and my parent talking. She never wanted us and he told her that it was them or nothing." He looked down ashamed, "I know why people are leaving, and it's not because of them. But it's because this isn't really their music. They usually play rock n roll, or R&B. This soft music is something Helen put together."
"Hey," Aria graced his cheek, "You want your style music to be heard?"
"That's all I ever wanted for them" he admitted, "But we have to play what the client wants."
Aria nodded understanding everything he was trying to say. "I will help you. You know some times you just have to put your foot down and say, 'hey, this is what we're playing. Like it or not" she smiled gracefully, "Now," she took the microphone back from him, "Let's go make a dramatic statement."
"Are you sure?
"Positive. I need to do this."
Fixing his suit Riley went over to the table where Eric, Ezra, and India now sat. Bracing himself for a different approach Riley smiled as he took a seat next to India and took the olives out of her martini. "Yummy!" India laughed at him and rolled her eyes.
"Is everything okay?" Mr. Eric Fitzgerald asked, "Your choice of music is pristine"
Riley gave him a curt nod, "Thank you, sir' He looked over at Ezra who was now looking at Riley skeptically, "Ezra,"
"Riley," Ezra huffed annoyed, "Aren't you supposed to be back there" he pointed towards the stage
Riley looked over to the stage and got a little nod from Cathy before smiling, "You know, not that I'm complaining and all this party is amazing." He eyed everyone at the table, "I just thought the whole reason everyone thought about leaving this party was because it was boring. So, Aria and I thought why not make a splash. Do something different"
"What are you talking about?" India asked, "Think this party is amazing"
"India," Eric spoke up, "What kind of splash?" he looked around the crowd, "Because I couldn't agree more." He chuckled which caused Ezra to tilt his head back as he looked over at Helen, "Honey, I love you and all. But I agree; this party is a little boring. There's too much slow dancing. No one is really enjoying themselves. And if Riley and Aria," He looked over at Ezra, "Think they can help liven up the room, why not give it a try?"
"Fine," Helen huffed, "It better be good." She snorted out, "Because we are paying you good money for well fun entertainment"
Riley stood up and grabbed the microphone from his coat jacket. "Can I have everyone's attention." He announced, "I want to congratulate Eric and Helen for a life of love and happiness." Everyone clapped and Ezra crossed his arms over his chest wondering what was going on. "Now, for the real party" Riley let out a breath as he sat back down and draped his arm over India's chair, "This is going to be sweet"
Cathy walked on stage as the band started to play the melody to the music. It started off as keys first. Adjusting herself Cathy smiled as the band started to pick it up a little. Then came Aria with the up beat…
There's a whole lotta things that I will forgive
But I just can't take a liar
Aria sang as she walked up the stairs.
I was by your side 'til the very end
'Til you pushed me in the fire
Aria then looked at Ezra as she connected the mic to it's stand. Continuing to sing with a nervous twitch she moved her eyes to the party and smiled into the words as she watched people get off their chairs and dance. An actually dance, not this slow nonsense but they actually having a good time.
I tried to believe you but something is wrong
you won't look in my eyes, tell me what's going on
Returning to stare to Ezra- Aria hoped that he wouldn't be set. With death thoughts roaming the back of her mind she tried to tell herself that this wasn't just for her, but for Riley too!
It's you and me against the world
That's what you said, that's what you said
If you can't be honest with me
Then I'm afraid this is the end
Hurry up, hurry up
if you ever really cared about me
tell the truth, give it up
you sound guilty 'cause you're stuttering
Aria smiled widely into the lyrics as Cathy joined in with her. Who would have thought that even after a few minutes she would be able to pick it up? Releasing her French twist hair due as she got more into the song. Aria let her hair flow to her back giving her hair a little hair as she ran her finger through it-
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
Yeah you're stuttering
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
Yeah you're stuttering
Now the seconds turn into minutes now
But you won't give me an answer
You can tell me this, you can tell me that
But don't say you don't remember
'Cause I know you better than you know yourself
So don't say I'm crazy, I know very well
It's you and me against the world
That's what you said, that's what you said
If you can't be honest with me
Then I'm afraid this is the end
Hurry up, hurry up
If you ever really cared about me
Tell the truth, give it up
You sound guilty 'cause you're stuttering
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
Yeah you're stuttering
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
Yeah you're stuttering
Ezra sucked in a breath of air unable to think at this moment. Looking over at his father who seemed to join into the music he laughed out loud. He never saw his father dance to a hip music. Shaking his head as he grabbed Helen's hand and lead her over to the dance floor Riley looked over at him and smirked.
Finally looking up at Aria as she danced around on stage and enjoyed herself, he felt his lips turn into a smile. He knew that this song was meant as a message, he just didn't know how much of a message until she kept singing.
I-I-I don't, don't wanna hear you're sorry now
The best thing you can do for me is just spit it out
I-I-I don't, don't wanna hear you're sorry now
Stop, stop stuttering your words, it's only making you look worse
Hurry up, hurry up
If you ever really cared about me
Tell the truth, give it up
You sound guilty 'cause you're stuttering
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
Yeah you're stuttering
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
Yeah you're stuttering
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
(Keep on stuttering, yeah you're stuttering)
Oh oh oh oh oh, ey ey ey ey ey, oh oh oh oh whoa
(Keep on stuttering, yeah you're stuttering)
One thing he knew for sure after Aria had finished and left Cathy to start off into a new song. Was that he was up shit creek and for once in his life he never knew how to row without a paddle.
Song is not mines if you didn't know, it's from Fefe Dobson- stutterin. I love that song and if you listen to it while your actually reading it it'll be better. I guess you need to hear the music to understand IDK. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
See you next time!
P.S Sorry for any mistakes I didn't proof read this chapter