Chapter 1

"She's better for you Ezra. I can't compete with Symone. She's close to your age. You can be seen with her. I wouldn't blame you if you want to be with her." Aria Montgomery said intensely.

She was looking into her forbidden boyfriend Ezra Fitz's blue eyes. She felt like shit. Why wouldn't she? Ezra was hanging around her friend Symone for the past few days. In fact, she nearly blew it by flipping out at the Dance-a-thon tonight. Luckily, her friend Spencer Hastings covered for her. Aria knew she owed Spencer for this one.

"Aria, I've only known her, what two days. Besides I'm in love with someone else already. You know I love you." Ezra bent his head down for a kiss but stopped suddenly due some students hanging around nearby.

"I love you too. But do me the favor and let me know before you go out or have any previous engagments. I don't want a repeat of this morning." Aria smiled wiping a tear from her eye.

"Tell you what, I'll make it up to you later. Around 11pm stop by my apartment we can have some food, chill out for a bit. You can stay over if you'd like."

"I'd like that."

"Ok I'll see you at 11?"

"Yea, I'll have to have my friends cover for me."

"See you in a little while." Ezra said giving Aria a quick peck.

Aria ran to her car. Someone was waiting for her.

"Symone?"

"Yea it's me. Did you wanna hang out tonight?" Symone said.

"No, I'm sorry I already made plans with E-a friend for tonight. Um, just out of curiosity what are you going to do about Ezra Fitz?" Aria asked nonchalantly as she leaned against her car.

"He's cute. But I'm not sure he's my type. Wait why are you asking?"

"He's a good guy. And I confided in him after the divorce. He's a good friend to me now. I know it sounds weird but he's the only guy friend I can actually trust. Please keep this to yourself." 'Crap' Aria thought.

"No wonder you've been defensive… Oh My God! Aria are you in love with him? You know it's ok right?"

"Yea, Wait, what?" Aria said in shock.

"Yes I know you're in love with Ezra Fitz. I could see it in your eyes at the dance, when you came up to us both times. But honestly, Aria I am not looking for a relationship now. He's what 25,26?"

"23."

"I'm 20. He's over my age limit for a guy. If anything, I'd probably go for a guy in New York. Long distance relationships aren't my thing. Aria, he's yours I won't tell I promise. And I don't date teachers."

"So this is safe with you?"

"Yea but you've gotta let me know when you finally make you're move."

"I'm not saying a word to him about my true feelings until graduation."

"Ok, I've gotta head out, I guess I'll hang with some old high school buds or my parents, don't be afraid to call or email me sometime. See you later Aria."

"See ya." Aria said, 'Good to know someone else is on my side with this' she thought to herself.

A/N: This is in the setting after the dance a thon and it wont follow after the "if you don't succeed lie and lie again episode after the story takes off on its own :P

Please review and new chapters will be up soon