Being with the girls lightened my mood completely. I loved how close we were and how much fun we all had together. After a while, I had completely forgotten about every problem I had. That didn't last long though. "Girls? Can I come in?" Veronica knocked on the door. The girls all waved me aside, indicating for me to hide and I got up quickly and hid myself in Spencer's wardrobe.
"Come in, Mom."
"Where's Aria?"
"Not here.. She wasn't in school today. We haven't seen her."
"Oh."
"Is something wrong, mom? You look kinda pale."
"Everything's fine. Its just Aria has gone missing and we need to find her ASAP."
"Why? Whats wrong? She's probably just gone out or something."
"Girls, I don't want to worry any of you, but Byron and Ella broke up last night and when Ella went to see Byron to talk things through, she found him... dead. The police have arrested Ella on suspicion of murder." The girls each gasped and with that I pushed the doors open. Now looking as pale as Veronica. My legs shook under my weight. Veronica looked at me before glaring at the girls. She then looked at my swollen stomach. "Aria... you're pregnant?" I felt like I should have been crying but I couldn't. It was like i'd run out of tears.
"Aria," Emily got up and held my arm, helping me to keep my balance. "Come on, lets sit you down." She helped me to the arm chair where I collapsed into a heap.
"Aria, i'm so sorry you had to find out like that. If I had any idea you were here, I..."
"Its... its fine. Where is Mike?"
"He's fine. He's staying with a friend. I better ring the station and let them know you're here safe."Veronica stepped out of the barn, not going far, and rang the station from the front door of the barn. The girls shot to my side to comfort me.
The following day, the girls and I stayed off school. I felt numb. Dad had hurt me so much the night before he died. I didn't even know if I was sad he'd gone. At just gone 12, Veronica came in with a police detective in tow. One I didn't recognise. "Aria, are you ready to talk?" Veronica asked. I nodded. Truth be told I didn't think I'd ever be ready but I knew I had to sooner or later. "Would you like me to stay?" I nodded again. Having a lawyer present could be handy.
"I'd like the girls here too, if that's ok?" Veronica looked over at the police officer who nodded his head once before stepping forward and taking a seat in front of you.
"Aria, my names PC Griffin. I know this must be incredibly hard for you, but I need to ask you a few questions. We need to make sure everything your mum has said about the events leading up to your fathers death are true."
"She hasn't killed him. I know she hasn't."
"That's precisely what we are trying to establish. Now Aria, can you tell me what happened that evening?" I took a deep breath and told him my version of events, except changing the fact that the baby to my father was a teacher to a one night stand. "Thank you, Aria for your cooperation."
"When can I see my mom?"
"Soon." He smiled. "Aria, I have no doubt she will be given the all clear. Both yours and your moms statements match."
"What about Mike?"
"Mike will be interviewed later on this afternoon." My heart started beating faster. What if he told them about Ezra? "I'll be in touch Aria, please try not to worry too much." He then handed me a card with his number on and a plastic bag. "If you have anything you think may be useful for the case, don't hesitate to give us a ring. In the bag is your mobile. It was found on your dads possessions. The battery was dead but i'm sure you're mom said you would be glad to have it back."
"Thank you, officer." Veronica showed him out while I gawped at him as he left trying to take everything in.
Once Veronica left the room, the girls eyes all turned to me. "The police had your phone! They could have so easily have read your texts from Ezra!" Hanna gasped!
"Spencer, could I borrow your charger? I need to check what messages I've received."
"Yeah sure, it's over there, plugged into the wall." I plugged the phone in and waited for it to turn on and for the texts to begin coming through. The phoned beeped and beeped and beeped. I opened the most recent text first.
"Well, I've sorted one problem out for you, now what are you going to do about this problem? –A"
I stared at the phone, confused as to what the text meant. It wasn't long before it beeped again.
"That baby is MINE bitch –A"
