Ezra's POV

A million thoughts race through my head as I hold my sobbing wife close to me while I try to calm her down. Something apparently happened to Gregory, and Aria hates herself for it. I want to find out what's wrong so I can fix things, but Aria won't tell me anything. I need answers, but I know I can't push her too hard.

"Aria, you can talk to me. I swear I won't judge you, or blame you for anything that happened while you were locked up. If Gregory is hurt it's Nick's fault, not yours." I say, trying to soothe her.

"But I let it happen Ezra. I didn't protect my baby boy." Aria says through her heavy sobs.

"You did protect him Aria! Gregory is alive, and he's safe. Things could have turned out very differently you know." I tell her seriously.

"You don't understand." Aria says with a sniffle.

"So help me understand." I say as I grab my wife's hand, and give it a gentle squeeze.

"Gregory was two years-old at the time. I was breast-feeding him on the couch when Nick entered our room after a day of work. He handed me a sex costume, and he sent me to the bathroom to try it on for him..." Aria starts to say.

The word costume causes me to grimace. I hate the idea of that monster giving Aria costumes to wear. He treated her like an object that was created for his own personal pleasure, instead of the wonderful and complex human being that she really is.

"Ezra, are you okay?" Aria asks me softly.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking that you didn't deserve to be treated in such a degrading way. Please continue." I say as I give my wife a nod.

"Okay. So I went to the bathroom to change, and I made the mistake of leaving Gregory alone with Nick. All the sudden, I heard Gregory crying for me, and when I got out of the bathroom I saw Nick's hands on my little boy's penis..." Aria says as she begins to cry even harder if that's humanly possible.

Absolute rage and furry begins to fill my body. It's bad enough that he hurt Aria, but now I'm finding out that Nick molested my son. Who the fuck is heartless enough to hurt an innocent child? My innocent child. I'm going to make that son of a bitch pay if it's the last thing I do.

"Ezra, please say something." Aria squeaks out.

"I hate that man. I literally hate him Aria." I growl furiously.

"So do I. I might find a way to forgive him for hurting me, but I'll never forgive Nick for doing that to Gregory. The thought of it makes me sick." Aria says through her tears.

An even worse thought pops into my head. What if Nick did other things to Gregory? I know that talking about what happened is going to hurt Aria, but I need to get to the bottom of this. I need to know the whole truth if I want to help my son.

"Aria, was this is a one time thing or did it happen again?" I ask her seriously.

"I-I don't know Ezra." Aria says as she avoids looking into my eyes.

"What do you mean you don't know?" I ask as I try to keep the irritation out of my voice.

"When we were in the hospital, I asked Gregory if he remembered what happened. He said he didn't. Then I asked him if Nick had ever touch him down there. He said no." Aria says as she chokes on her own tears.

This is great! Gregory doesn't even remember what happened. Maybe the incident didn't scar him after all. What happened with Nick must have been a one time thing. I feel relieved knowing that it didn't go on for years.

"Aria, that's great news! Why are you so upset?" I ask with confusion in my voice.

"Because I don't know if I believe him Ezra." My wife says as she stares into my blue eyes.

"Why would Gregory lie to you about something like this?" I question.

"Ezra, Gregory would lie about anything if it meant keeping me happy. There's kind of something else I should tell you." Aria says as she avoids looking into my eyes.

"Go on." I say with a nod.

"Once when Nick came to get me from our room, Gregory begged him not to take me. Our son knew that whatever went on in Nick's room was bad, because I'd always come back crying..." I start to say.

Poor Aria. I've rarely seen her this upset, and she's upset a lot. I can't imagine how difficult talking about this must be for her.

"Anyways, Nick decided it would be a great idea to take Gregory with us, so he could watch me get raped." Aria says as she begins to hyperventilate.

I feel sick to my stomach. My son had to watch Nick violate his mommy in the most degrading and violent way possible. His innocence was completely destroyed by that so called man.

"Nick put him in the closet, so at first I was hopeful that he didn't see anything. Later when I asked him about it, Gregory lied and told me that he didn't see what was going on. Later when I questioned him at the hospital Gregory told me that he saw everything. He even asked me questions about what he saw." Aria says through her tears.

"I'm so sorry Aria." I say as tears begin to form in my eyes.

"I'm the one who should be sorry Ezra." Aria says as she shakes her head slowly.

"No. Nick should be sorry. He was the one who did this to our son. None of it was your fault Aria." I tell her truthfully.

"How can you say that? I'm Gregory's mommy, and I didn't keep him safe." Aria says with shame in her voice.

"What could you have done? You're barely one-hundred pounds, and Nick is over three hundred. There wasn't anything you could have done to defend yourself or Gregory from that despicable man." I say as I pull Aria closer to me.

"I should have tried to escape Ezra. I knew it was only a matter of time before Nick hurt Gregory, but I was afraid for our lives. Nick threatened to kill both of us if I ever tried to escape, so I decided not to risk it." Aria says through her heavy breathing.

"Aria, no one blames you for not trying to escape. You were literally living a nightmare, and getting away from Nick on your own would have been extremely difficult." I assure her.

"I guess. I just worry so much about Gregory. I think of all the times he was alone, and my mind begins to wander..." Aria starts to ramble.

"Aria, there is something I never told you about the night you were rescued." I say, cutting her off mid-sentence.

"What?" Aria asks me curiously.

"While you were in a coma, the doctors decided to run some tests on Gregory. They knew that the chances of him being abused were high, so they checked for anal penetration and throat gaps. Both tests came out negative." I say, trying to calm my wife's nerves.

"A-Are you serious?" Aria asks as tears of joy begin to form in her eyes.

"I'm dead serious. I didn't want to tell you about what happened because I thought it might upset you, but now I know that you would have liked to hear about the tests." I say with a sigh.

Aria responds by wrapping her arms around me so tightly that I can barely breathe. She's relieved all right. Thank God.

"Oh Ezra, I've always has this deeply-rooted fear that Gregory was abused in the same way I was. Now I know that he wasn't, and I feel so relieved." Aria says through her tears.

"I'm sure you do sweetheart, but we still need to tell Dr. Nelson about what happened. She should probably talk to Gregory about what he saw the night Nick put him in the closet." I tell my wife gently.

"Yeah, and about the time I walked in on Nick touching him." Aria says in agreement.

"Good idea." I say with a nod.

"Oh Ezra..." Aria says through her tears.

"I know baby girl, I know." I say as I begin to rub circles on her back.

"Y-you're not angry at me are you? I know I should have told you about this earlier, but I was so afraid that you'd hate me." Aria says as she stares into my blue eyes.

"Honestly, I wish you had told me earlier, but I understand why you didn't. You'd been through so much, and it's natural for us to want to burry our demons." I tell my wife softly.

"Thank you for understanding." Aria says with a sniffle.

"Of course. And I could never hate you Aria. You know that." I say to her.

Aria responds by pressing her soft lips against mine. I kiss her back gently, before slowly and reluctantly pulling away.

"Aria, there is something else you and I need to discuss." I tell my wife as I brake the kiss.

"What?" Aria asks me curiously.

"Your session with Dr. Nelson. She told me that you're clinically depressed." I say with a heavy sigh.

Aria doesn't say anything, and she avoids looking into my eyes.

"Aria, this is nothing to be ashamed of." I say, trying to comfort her.

"She thinks I'm crazy Ezra, and you probably do too." Aria says as more tears begin to form in her eyes.

"No one thinks you're crazy Aria!" I exclaim.

"Yeah right." Aria says with a scoff.

"Do you remember that week we spent in Australia after your college graduation?" I ask her suddenly.

"Uh-huh." Aria says with a nod.

"We for a hike, and you tripped over a rock and broke your arm. I had to take you to the hospital, and sit with you while they put on the cast because you were in so much pain." I say as I think back to that trip.

"Trust me, I remember." Aria says with a blush.

"Were you embarrassed then?" I ask her curiously.

"Well yeah! I broke my arm because I tripped over a rock." My wife says with an eye roll.

"Okay, but if you had broken it in a car accident would you have been embarrassed?" I ask with a chuckle.

"Probably not. Why are you asking?" Aria asks with confusion in her voice.

"Because I want you to know that depression isn't any different from breaking an arm. You're hurt Aria, and we need to get you medical help. It's as simple as that." I say as I rest a hand on her shoulder.

"But it is different Ezra... I just don't know what's wrong with me. I feel so happy sometimes, but other times I feel so sad, like nothing will ever get better. And I don't know why I feel this way. On paper my life is perfect. Nick is in jail, and I'm safe with you and Gregory. So why can't I just move on?" Aria asks me through her tears.

"Aria, we both know that it isn't going to be that easy. You still have to get through the trial, and you have to deal with all the unresolved feelings and tensions. I don't blame you for being sad because I still feel sad sometimes too." I tell my wife truthfully.

"I'm just so sorry that I put you through all of this." Aria says as she shakes her head slowly.

"You didn't put me through anything Aria. It was all Nick. The only thing you've ever done was make me feel like the luckiest man on the planet. I love you, and we're going to get through this." I say as I grab her hand and give it a gentle squeeze.

"I love you so much Ezra." Aria tells me softly.

"I love you too sweetheart." I say before planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Do you think I could stay down here with you tonight?" Aria asks me hopefully.

"Won't Gregory miss you?" I ask her curiously.

"Oh yeah." Aria says with a frown.

"It's probably better that you go upstairs tonight. I'm getting up early to pick up the medication Dr. Nelson prescribed for you, and I don't want to wake you." I tell my wife.

"Right. I'll see you tomorrow then?" Aria asks as she climbs off the couch.

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow." I say as I watch her walk upstairs.

As soon as Aria is out of sight, I begin to weep shamelessly. I feel so badly that this happened to her and Gregory. All I know is that if I don't do something about Nick, I'll go crazy. How can Aria feel safe in her own skin if that monster is still alive? I have to take him down. I will take him down. And I have the perfect plan.

I climb off the couch before opening the front door, and locking it behind me. I feel badly about leaving Aria and Gregory alone, but I'll be back before they know it.

I sigh, before walking into Rosewood Firearms with a wad of cash in my hands. Other than the man working at the front desk, the shop is completely empty. Perfect.

"What can I help you with today sir?" The clerk asks me curiously.

"I'd like a semi-automatic riffle please. Give me the fastest one you have." I tell the man sharply.

"Why do you want one of those?" The man asks with alarm in his voice.

I have to play it cool here. If the man even suspects that I'm planning to shoot someone with the gun, he won't sell it to me. Finally, I figure out exactly what to say.

"My father died last month. He was always into guns, but I never was. I want to start a collection to remember him." I ramble nervously.

"I think that's great son, but you need a license in the state of Pennsylvania." The man reminds me.

Shit. I forgot all about that. Luckily, I stopped by the bank before I came here.

"Sir, I'm not out to cause any harm. If you sell me the gun, I won't tell anyone. The sale could be an under the table purchase." I say as I hand the man five thousand dollars.

The man's eyes grow wide with shock, and I can tell he's considering taking my offer.

"No one can know about this." The man mutters as he hands me a packaged gun.

"No one will know." I assure him.

Aria's POV

My eyes flutter open as I feel someone shaking me gently. What's going on?

"Mommy, you were crying in your sleep again." Gregory says with a frown.

Again? I don't even remember having a nightmare. Maybe crying in my sleep is natural for me now.

"Thanks for waking me." I mutter before kissing Gregory's forehead softly.

"You're welcome. I don't like it when you cry Mommy." Gregory says with a frown.

"I know you don't, but I'm fine now." I say as I force a smile.

"Where is Daddy? I went downstairs to say good morning, but he wasn't there." Gregory tells me nervously.

I quickly think back the conversation we had last night. Ezra left early this morning to pick up my prescriptions.

"He went to get me some medicine. He'll be back in no time sweetheart." I say as I force a smile.

"Medicine? Are you sick Momma?" Gregory asks as his eyes grow wide with fear.

Shit. How am I supposed to explain my depression to a five year-old? He doesn't need to know what's going on, so I quickly think of the perfect lie to tell.

"Gregory, do you remember when you saw blood trickling down my leg, and I told you about what happens to my body once a month?" I ask the boy.

"Uh-huh. Mommy's get their period once a month so they can make babies." Gregory says as he begins to laugh hysterically.

"Exactly. Well, I'm on my period now, and when that happens my tummy starts to hurt. I told your father about it last night, and he decided to buy me medicine to help with the pain." I say to him.

"That's nice of him. Does your tummy still hurt Mommy?" Gregory asks me softly.

"I feel much better this morning. It's nothing to worry about Gregory." I say as I ruffle the boy's curls.

"Just in case..." Gregory says before bending down to kiss my stomach.

I smile at my son's actions. He's so sweet and considerate just like his Daddy. Gregory is going to make an excellent husband someday.

"Thank you my sweetheart." I say before kissing my son's forehead, and pulling him close to me.

"I love Daddy, but I'm happy he's not here. Sometimes I just like being with you." Gregory tells me softly.

"I know honey. I like spending alone time with you too." I tell the boy truthfully.

Gregory responds by burying his little face in my chest. I smile, before I begin to rub his back gently. How can I be depressed when I have him as my son? Maybe Gregory is the only medicine I'll need to get better.

"What do you want to do today honey?" I ask him curiously.

"Can little Aria come over? I want to tell her all about how much fun I had at Double Happiness!" Gregory exclaims.

"Sure. I'll call Hanna to see if she's free." I say with a slight smile.

"Awesome! What time is Daddy getting home? Little Aria loves Daddy, and she'll probably want to see him when she comes over." Gregory tells me seriously.

I glance over at the alarm clock on my nightstand and gasp when I realize that it's already eight-thirty. Ezra should be home by now! Where is he? I immediately grab my cell phone from the nightstand, and dial his number. Oddly enough, it goes straight to voicemail.

"Ezra, can you call me when you get this message? I thought you'd be home by now, but you're not. I'm starting to get worried... Anyways, please call me back." I say into the phone.

"Momma, is something wrong?" Gregory asks as his eyes grow wide with fear.

"No, don't worry about it honey." I say as I force a smile.

At that minute, my phone begins to ring. I let out a long sigh of relief. It's probably Ezra. A gasp escapes from my lips when I realize that it's not Ezra. It's the Rosewood P.D.

AN: What did you think of Ezra and Aria's conversation? Did Ezra's reaction surprise you, or did you see it coming? Most importantly, what does Ezra plan on doing with the gun? Why is the Rosewood P.D. calling Aria? Who's nervous ;)? Please review and tell me your thoughts. Thank you so much for reading!

Side Note: I wrote a one-shot a few months ago, and I finally decided to publish it. It's called "Mean Mommy" if anyone wants to check it out. Thank you :)