Aria's POV (Two Weeks Latter)
Today is the big day. In less than three hours, I'll be sitting a few feet away from the man who kidnapped, raped, and tortured me mercilessly for five years straight. I know that I won't have to say anything during the preliminary hearing, but seeing Nick in the flesh is still going to be terrifying.
"Aria, are you okay? You haven't touched your breakfast." My mom says as she gestures towards my plate of scrambled eggs, which I haven't even made a dent in.
"Yeah, I'm great." I mutter before forcing down a bite of the eggs.
Ezra, who is sitting next to me at our kitchen table, wraps an arm around me and offers me a soft kiss on the forehead. He's been amazing these last couple of days. I've been having a lot of nightmares and anxiety over seeing Nick again, and he's always there to comfort me and assure me that everything will be okay.
My family and friends have been supportive too. My parents and brother agreed to sit near me and Ezra during the hearing, and Hanna and Emily agreed to watch Gregory during the hearing so he won't have to see Nick until the actual trial. It's nice to know that they have my back through all of this. I honestly don't know how I'd get through today without everyone's unconditional love and support.
"Aria, please don't worry about anything. If Nick so much as looks at you funny I'll get past the guards and strangle him to death." Ezra growls.
My husband's words cause me to shutter involuntarily. Every time he mentions hurting Nick, I think of him shooting the man in front of a judge. I know Ezra agreed not to bring his gun to court, but I'm still worried that he'll do something crazy at the last minute.
"Ezra, I don't think you're helping." My mother says as she gives him a warning look.
"I'm sorry honey. You know that I won't actually hurt Nick. I'll just close my eyes, and imagine hurting him in various different scenarios..." Ezra starts to say.
"Enough!" Ella growls furiously.
"You're right Ella. I'll shut up now." Ezra mutters before planting a kiss on the top of my head.
"Try to remember what Dr. Nelson spoke with you about. Nick did horrible things to you in the past, but he doesn't have the power to hurt you anymore. You're perfectly safe, and there are several people in the court-room who want to protect you from that man." My mom says as she rests a hand on my shoulder.
I know that everyone is right. Nick doesn't have the power to physically hurt me anymore, but he does have the power to make me burst into tears just by looking at me. Hopefully I can get through the preliminary hearing without any tears...
"Aria, please eat some more. This isn't healthy for you." Ezra says as he gestures towards my full plate of eggs.
"I'm not really hungry." I say as I push the plate away from me.
"We know Aria, but what if you just took five bigs bites..." My mom starts to say.
"Jesus Christ! What am I, five years old?" I snap before bursting into tears.
My mom and Ezra gasp, before exchanging a nervous glance. They were used to dealing with me when I was a normal, and slightly hormonal teenage girl or young woman, but abduction and rape are definitely not up their alleys. I can tell they don't know what to do with me today.
"Aria, you don't have to finish the eggs." Ezra tells me softly.
"The eggs? Do you think I give a crap about the damn eggs?" I scream as I throw my hands into the air.
"Baby..." Ezra starts to say.
"I wish you'd stop calling me that. I'm not your baby! I'm a grown woman!" I tell Ezra angrily.
"Aria, I'm not saying your a baby in the literal sense. It's supposed to be comforting..." Ezra starts to say.
"I know what it's supposed to mean Ezra. I just don't like when you call me that." I say as I try to compose myself.
"Honey, you're not being fair to poor Ezra. He's just trying to help." My mom says with a breathy sigh.
"Well he's not helping, and neither are you." I say as I cross my arms over my chest.
For a minute, my husband and mother look genuinely hurt. I want to kick myself for being so awful to them. I know that they're trying to help me, and that they're worried about my emotional health. I wish I had the words to describe how much I appreciate and love them, even though I'm terrible at showing it.
"Momma, Momma!" I hear my son's voice say.
I glance over at the doorway, and smile when I see Gregory and Hanna standing there. My baby boy runs away from his godmother and sprints into my arms, where I secure him tightly and pull him even closer to me.
"I'm sorry... He wanted to say goodbye to you. I hope this isn't a bad time." Hanna tells me apologetically.
"No, it's a perfect time. I need some Gregory kisses." I say as I glance down at my son, who looks terribly worried about something.
"Mommy... You're crying." Gregory says with a whimper.
"Gregory..." I start to say.
"Why are you sad?" Gregory asks me curiously.
Do I tell my five year old what's really wrong? Gregory is a worrier like his father, and I don't want him to worry about me. More likely than not I'll be fine after the trial, and this entire morning will blow over.
"I'm not sad. I'm just... nervous about the trial. It's going to be hard seeing Nick again." I tell Gregory truthfully.
"Why? You used to see Nick everyday, remember?" Gregory questions.
"I know, and he did a lot of things that really hurt me. Maybe that's why I'm afraid of seeing him. I don't want those negative emotions to resurface." I explain to the boy.
"Mommy, remember when I was three and I got scared every time Nick came into our room?" Gregory asks me suddenly.
I definitely remember. Gregory used to burst into tears every time he heard the garage door open after Nick got home for work, and it would take me a solid hour to calm the toddler down. For a while, I was worried that the fear Gregory had towards Nick was linked to the sexual abuse he had to endure, and it broke my heart.
"Of course." I say as even more tears begin to pour out of my eyes.
"Do you remember what you told me?" Gregory asks.
No, I don't. My time with Nick seems so long ago, and parts of it are a giant blur. I don't remember what I did to calm my son during his phase of being petrified by Nick.
"No. What did I tell you?" I ask as my voice softens.
"That Nick is nothing but a bully. Bullies act tough and scary, but they're actually cowards underneath the surface. You told me that I was stronger, braver, and kinder than Nick, so I shouldn't be afraid of him. Remember now?" Gregory asks.
Actually I do remember saying those things. I can't believe Gregory remembers my little talks considering he was so damn young.
"I do. Thanks for reminding me baby." I say before planting a soft kiss on his forehead.
"You're welcome. Now you know that you don't have to be afraid because you're stronger, braver, and kinder than Nick. You're better than him, so he's the one who should be afraid." Gregory tells me seriously.
My son's words cause me to cry even harder. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful he is, and I can't believe I raised such a perfect little boy. I don't know what I'd do without him in my life.
"Momma..." Gregory says as a concerned look washes over his little face.
"I love you so much Gregory Ezra Fitz. You're my hero, and I want to be just like you one day." I say as I burry my face in my son's chest.
"You do? That's funny because I always wanted to be like you." Gregory says with a puzzled expression on his face.
His words cause me to cry, then laugh, and then cry again. He gives me so much hope and strength, and he has no idea. I wish he could be with me during the hearing today, but I know it wouldn't be in his best interest.
"I'm going to miss you so much today Gregory. I can't wait to see you after the hearing." I tell my son truthfully.
"I can go with you and Daddy..." Gregory starts to say.
"No! You have fun playing with your aunties and little Aria. We'll be together again in no time." assure him.
"Okay... I love you Momma." Gregory tells me softly.
"I love you too baby boy. Be good for your aunties." I tell him seriously.
"I'll be very good." Gregory says before walking over to Hanna, and waving goodbye to me.
"We'll see you soon Aria, good luck today." Hanna says with a teary smile.
"Thanks for watching Gregory for me." I say as I force a smile.
"It's my pleasure. Bye Aria." Hanna says before walking out of the kitchen with Gregory, and closing the door behind her.
Hanna was smart to get away quickly. She knew that if she didn't get Gregory away from me, I'd never be able to let go of him.
"You and Gregory sure are a match made in heaven." My mom says with a small laugh.
She's right. We know each other so well, and we both love each other with all our hearts. Gregory is such a perfect son, and I'm so grateful for him.
"You already seem calmer after talking with him." Ezra says with a slight smile.
"I am... I'm sorry I was so rude earlier. I'm just stressed, but I shouldn't take it out on either of you. I love you both so much, and I know you're only trying to help me." I say as I stare at my mother and husband.
"We know Aria. Don't worry about it." My mom says before kissing my forehead lovingly.
I glance over at the clock and gasp when I realize that it's already nine o'clock! My lawyer wants us at the courthouse by nine thirty, and it's a twenty-five minute drive. We have to leave now if we want to make it on time!
"Ezra, we should probably get going." I say as I give my husband a gentle nudge.
"Are you sure you're ready?" Ezra asks as he stares into my hazel eyes.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." I say trying to convince him and myself.
Line Break
Several reporters swarm around our car as Ezra pulls up the courthouse. Our lawyer warned us that there would be several people trying to speak with me as I enter the court-house since this is such a highly publicized case. Even though I expected this, I'm still startled by the large number or reporters hanging around.
"Aria, just don't say anything to anyone. Are you okay?" Ezra asks as he turns to face me.
I wouldn't say I'm okay, but I think I can get through this. I give my husband a small nod, and he opens my door and helps me out of the car. Ezra and I walk hand in hand towards the entrance of the courthouse, and numerous people scream out questions and snap pictures of me.
"Aria, Aria, how do you feel about seeing Nick again?"
"How is your son?"
"Do you think the defendant will plead guilty?"
"Block them out Aria. You don't have to say anything." Ezra whispers into my ear.
At that moment, my lawyer Jennifer sprints towards me and Ezra. She looks frazzled, but calm at the same time. I feel relieved to see her.
"Come with me. We'll enter through the back." Jennifer Dunphy says as she leads us away from the reporters that are swarming the entrance of the courthouse.
Even though we're dodging several reporters by entering the courthouse through the back, we aren't able to lose the reporters who have been following us the whole time. Why can't these low-lifes leave us alone today?
After what seems like eternity, we finally get to the back entrance, and the security guards force the reporters to wait outside. Jennifer leads us to our seats in the front row of the courtroom, and I take a seat between her and Ezra.
"Are you okay? You didn't answer any of their questions, did you?" Jennifer whispers to me.
"No." I say as I shake my head vigorously.
"Good. I don't think I've ever seen this big of a crowd at a preliminary hearing." Jennifer mutters as she turns to face the full courthouse.
It's ironic. So many people rushed out of bed this morning so that they could see the face of a monster, but I would have given anything to go back to sleep and pretend like this whole ordeal was nothing but a nightmare.
"Aria, Nick and his attorney will be walking through those doors any minute now. I just wanted to give you the heads up." Jennifer tells me seriously.
I let out a breathy sigh, and Ezra gives my hand a gentle squeeze. Even though I don't need protection from Nick anymore, I feel safer because Ezra is here. He'll be right next to me the entire time, and knowing that calms my nerves tremendously.
When the doors to the courthouse burst open, and Nick enters the room with his guards, I have to cover my mouth to keep from gasping. This man doesn't look like Nick at all. He's easily thirty pounds lighter, and he looks afraid... Vulnerable even. For a minute, I feel sorry for the man, but then I remember what he did to Gregory and my pity is replaced with anger.
All the sudden, I hear Ezra gasp loudly. What's going on? I shift my attention away from Nick, and cry out when I see my ex best friend standing alongside him. Wait... What's going on?
"W-why is she standing next to that asshole?" Ezra asks Jennifer furious.
"Spencer Hastings? She's his defense attorney." Jennifer replies.
My lawyer's words cause me to burst into tears. How could Spencer do this to me? Maybe this is revenge for me killing her innocent child. I feel sick. Absolutely sick.
"Aria, what's wrong?" Jennifer asks as her eyes grow wide with worry.
"Spencer Hastings used to be Aria's best friend." Ezra says as he shakes his head slowly.
"Oh my God... She can't do this! It's a conflict of interest..." Jennifer starts to ramble.
"Silence please." The judge says as he begins to hammer his sound block.
Ezra's POV
Other than Spencer's appearance, the preliminary hearing went exactly as planned. The judge read a list of everything that the state is charging Nick with, and he pled guilty. This morning I thought that after the hearing ending, Aria would feel relieved and happy. Boy was I wrong.
Spencer defending Nick shocked both of us. How could someone do that to their old best friend? Aria has been through so much, and that was the last thing on Earth she needed. My wife hasn't spoken since we began the journey home, and her silence is starting worry me and Ella. Both of us are furious, but we're trying to remain calm and appear unfazed for Aria's sake.
"Aria, Hanna and Emily will be home with Gregory when we arrive. Aren't you excited to see him?" Ella asks, obviously trying to get her daughter to smile.
Aria doesn't respond. She just stares blankly out the window. Ella and I both sigh, and exchange a nervous glance. Aria hasn't been this out of it in months.
When we pull up the house, Ella and I both get out of the car, but Aria doesn't move. I use this opportunity to pull Ella aside so we can discuss the situation.
"I can't even believe..." Ella starts to say as tears of anger begin to stream down her face.
"I know, I know. Neither can I. Let's not worry about Spencer right now though. I can get Aria upstairs to our bedroom if you explain what's going to Emily and Hanna." I tell my mother-in-law.
"What about Gregory? He'll want to know why his mommy is so upset..." Ella starts to say.
"Don't say anything to him yet. Just keep him busy playing with little Aria, and I'll explain everything after I get Aria taken care of." I instruct.
Ella looks hesitant, but she finally nods in agreement. I walk over to the car, and try to coax Aria into getting out.
"Come with me honey. Don't you want to lay down in your bed for a while?" I ask her gently.
To my dismay, I don't get a response from Aria. This isn't going to be easy.
"Okay. I'll help you out." I mutter before picking up my wife, and carrying her into the house bridal style.
Luckily Ella left the front door open, so I don't have to knock. Everyone is in the kitchen, so no one questions why I'm carrying Aria's seemingly lifeless body upstairs as I pass through the living room. As soon as we enter the master bedroom, I place Aria on the center of the bed, and take off the heels she wore to court.
Aria's attire doesn't look comfortable to take a nap in... I could undress her, but I don't want her to feel exposed. We haven't been intimate in years, and I don't want her to think I'm taking advantage of her in any way shape or form.
"Aria, I'm going to undress you now, okay honey. I hope you don't mind." I tell her truthfully.
I manage to wriggle Aria out of her dress skirt and blouse, and I finally opt to take off her lacy bra. I try not to stare at the sight in front of me, but Aria is so beautiful that the task is nearly impossible.
"Do you want to sleep in a nightgown or in one of my shirts?" I ask her softly.
Obviously I don't get a response, but I eventually decide that getting her into a shirt would be much easier. After I clothe Aria, I wrap a pink blanket around her, and lay down next to her. She looks so hurt, and so vulnerable.
"Aria... You don't have to do this. You can talk to me you know. I can help you." I say, trying to convince her to say something.
My wife doesn't respond, and I'm starting to think she's "gone." Tears begin to form in my eyes, and I pull Aria close to me so I can hold her in my loving arms.
I hate Nick for hurting her. I hate Spencer for betraying her. I hate myself for not being able to get her out of this dissociative state.
"I love you so much Aria Fitz... I'm so sorry for everything. I wish I could take all the pain away, and suffer in your place. You didn't deserve any of this because you're the kindest person I know... If there's anything you need will you let me know?" I ask through my heavy sobs.
A startled gasp escapes from my lips when Aria's hazel eyes flutter open. I got her to wake up. She's here again. Thank God!
"Ezra... I want to be alone." Aria tells me softly.
Her words cause my heart to shatter into a million pieces. Why doesn't she want me here? I wish my wife would open up to me again.
"A-Are you sure?" I ask her.
Aria nods, and I get the message. She doesn't want me here. Maybe it isn't personal. Maybe she just needs some time alone to think things over.
"Okay. I'll give you some space. I'll be downstairs if you need anything." I mutter before hopping out of bed, and closing the bedroom door behind me.
AN: What did you think? How will Aria handle this? A lot of you saw Spencer's role in the story coming! Was anyone surprised? Why would she betray Aria? The next chapter is told from her POV, so you learn a lot more about her and her motives. I have the next chapter written, so I'll update as soon as I get 35 reviews on this chapter. Thanks for reading :)