Chapter 13
Aria POV
"So, the DiLaurentis' can't make it?" Emily asked. Spencer nodded sadly.
Aria finished chewing a bite of her salad before asking, "Why not?"
"They didn't really give me a reason. I don't believe they had other plans I just think it may be hard for them with Alison still missing," Spencer replied. The girls nodded in understanding. They were all dealing with Alison's disappearance in their own way. Her having gone missing during their sleepover while they were sleeping took its toll on the girl's friendship. That was the main reason for the loss of communication while Aria was in Iceland. Sure they talked in that year but it was never like before.
"So, is Clark coming?" Hanna questioned biting her lip as she smiled. Aria looked down and fiddled with her fork. The smile fell from Hanna's face. "He's not?"
Aria shook her head. "We got into a small argument this morning. Nothing big." Hanna nodded. The girls ate their food in silence.
The girls all turned in unison at the sound of girls cooing over at the cafeteria doorway. Aria smiled at the sight of Ezra with Zane. Zane was wrapped up in Ezra's arms with his face hidden in Ezra's neck.
"Is that Mr. Fitz's son?" Hanna practically shouted. Spencer, Emily, and Hanna were staring at the two of them with their mouths agape. Aria smiled, rolled her eyes, and shook her head slightly as she forced a forkful of salad into her mouth. Hanna looked at her. "What? Do you know something we don't?"
After she finished chewing, Aria answered, "That's Zane, Ezra's nephew."
The girls all looked at each other with pursed lips and raised eyebrows before all three sets of eyes rested on Aria. Looking at each of them, Aria scrunched her eyebrows together. "Ezra?" Spencer asked. Aria's eyes widened in realization.
"Well, I, uh," Aria hadn't told her friends about staying with him while her mother was in the hospital. Aria closed her eyes to compose her thoughts before answering their unasked questions, "While my mother was in the hospital I stayed with him. He said something along the lines of that we're roommates and that I should call him Ezra while I was staying with him."
Hanna smiled to the girls. "Okay. How in the hell did you end up staying with Mr. Fitz?"
Aria smiled slightly. "Well, he came to visit my mom in the hospital," Aria paused as the girls cooed. Aria rolled her eyes and continued, "My dad didn't want me staying at the hospital or alone at home so he asked Ez- Mr. Fitz if I could stay with him which, obviously, he said was okay."
Hanna leaned in and whispered loudly, "So where did the two of you sleep?"
"Not together." Aria made a point to tell Hanna that. Hanna sat back with disappointment on her face. Aria narrowed her eyes at her and Hanna raised her shoulders in exasperation. "He slept on the couch and I slept in his bed."
"So, you've met his nephew? What's his name again?" Spencer asked getting them back on topic.
"Zane and no I haven't met him. I found a picture of him on Mr. Fitz's desk in his apartment and asked about him. He loves that boy to death." Aria smiled in remembrance.
"Did anything happen?" Hanna asked. Aria stared at her for a moment so Hanna elaborated. "Between you and Ezra." She purred his name and chuckled when Aria blushed. Her eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open. "Oh my Gosh! Something did happen, didn't it?"
The blush deepened. Hanna and the girls immediately sat up straighter and cleared their throats as they looked above her head. She leaned her head back and looked up and was met by two pairs of blue eyes. She smiled up at them before looking back at the girls. She slowly turned around in her seat.
"Aria, I'd like you to meet my nephew, Zane. Zane can you say hello to Aria?" he asked the boy. Zane stared at her for a little while with wide, bright blue eyes. Aria smiled at him. The boy smiled and then hid in Ezra's neck. Aria chuckled.
"Well, hello Zane. I've heard a lot about you." She reached up and lightly pinched his side causing the boy to let out a giggle.
"He doesn't talk to strangers so don't take it personally. You're lucky you got a smile and a giggle out of him," Ezra said smiling down at her. Aria returned it. They looked into each others eyes for the longest time before Hanna cleared her throat and Ezra instantly averted his attention back to Zane. "Okay, buddy. You ready to go?" The boy nodded against his neck. Ezra turned back to the girls. "I guess we should go. I'll see you girls tonight." Ezra turned to leave but Aria stopped him.
"Tonight?" she questioned.
"Uh, yes. You're mother invited me to the dinner for Alison DiLaurentis' birthday." The girls looked at one another. "I-I hope you don't mind."
Aria smiled reassuringly. "No, we don't mind. It's just, why would my mom invite you?" She asked.
Ezra shrugged and readjusted Zane on his hip. "She said your father couldn't make it and that she wanted me to go." Aria smiled and nodded. Ezra smiled and left.
Aria watched him leave before slowly turning around and looking down at her plate. She looked up at her friends. "Why would my mom want him to come?"
Emily always being the caring one, answered, "I'm sure it's nothing. Maybe she wants to think him for taking care of you while she was unable to." Aria nodded unbelievingly.
Ezra POV
Ezra stood in front of the full length mirror putting on his white tie when he felt someone push on his leg. "Move, Uncle Ez! I need to look!" Ezra moved out of the way as he finished doing his tie. He smiled when he saw Zane's appearance.
"Aren't you a bit dressed up for a three year old? I mean it's just dinner, Zane," Ezra questioned. Zane stood in the mirror looking at himself. He had a light purple button down on with a grey vest on over it and dark grey dress pants. Zane ran his hands through his hair trying to spike it. He turned to Ezra and looked up at him with big eyes.
"Awia is gonna be der," he stated before turning back to the mirror and trying to spike his hair again.
"Ah," Ezra smiled and nodded. He disappeared into the bathroom and came back with a bottle in his hands. "Here, turn around." Zane turned to him. Ezra put some gel in his hands and ran it through Zane's hair. He ruffled it up giving it the messed up look. "How's that?" he asked and motioned for him to look in the mirror.
Zane looked in the mirror and grinned. He turned back to Ezra and threw his arms around his neck. "Fank you!" Ezra nodded. Ezra went stand when Zane put his hands on his shoulders. "Wait! My tie!" Zane ran to his suitcase and pulled out a purple and grey striped tie before running back to Ezra. Zane handed it to him and Ezra tied it around Zane's neck. "How I look, Uncle Ez?" the boy asked stepping back and spreading his arms out wide and tilting his head to the side with a wide grin plastered on his face. Ezra smiled.
"Handsome. Aria will love it. I have a question though. What makes you think getting dressed up will impress her?" Ezra wondered. Zane shrugged his shoulders.
"You dress up," he said. "Awia likes you." Ezra smiled softly. Zane could see that?
"You ready to go, Little Man?" he asked. Zane held up one finger and stepped up to Ezra. He ran his hands through Ezra's hair giving him the messed up look. Zane grinned at Ezra.
"Now I am!" he shouted cheerfully. Ezra scooped him up in his arms and laughed.
Aria POV
Aria looked in the mirror and smiled. She had on a yellow top that featured a short, flow sleeve silhouette with a scoop neckline, gathered bustline, and flowing bodice. The top was coupled with a pair of white short shorts. Her make up was light and her hair was curled. This wasn't what Aria had originally planned to wear but ever since she found out Ezra would be attending she felt…giddy. She was excited that he was going to be there. The same guy she kept telling herself to forget about was going to be at a party with her and her friends. Not only that but he was bringing along his adorable nephew. Aria smiled in satisfaction as she scanned her body in the mirror. She bounded down the stairs when she heard her mother call for her.
"You ready, sweetie?" Ella asked. Aria smiled widely and nodded. "Well, you look lovely."
"Thanks," she said as the three Montgomery's piled into their car.
On the way to Spencer's house, Ezra had called Ella for directions. Aria strained to hear his voice through the phone. Just the sound of his voice sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
Aria was helping Spencer set up the table and chairs. She was constantly looking at the gate to see if Ezra and Zane were there.
"Aria, he isn't here yet," Spencer said agitated. Aria sighed. Her head shot up when she heard the gate slam closed. She smiled when she saw Ezra walk in with Zane. She let her eyes scan his body as she bit her lip. He was wearing a black fitted button down with the sleeves rolled up to the middle of his forearm. The shirt was tucked into a pair of black fitted jeans. The white tie brought out the brightness of his eyes. His hair was different. It was messed up and only slightly curly. She blushed and waved when she looked at his face and he was staring back at her with amusement in his eyes. He grinned at her and gave a small wave back.
She turned back to her duty at hand and set up some chairs. She felt a soft tug on her shorts. She looked down and grinned at the little boy. He reached up his right hand and handed her a single red rose. She grabbed it and brought a hand to her chest. "For me?" she questioned. Zane smiled and nodded. 'Well, thank you, sweetheart," she sniffed the rose and smiled down at him. He looked down and swung his hips from one side to the other.
Zane looked up at Aria and used his pointer finger to motion for her to come down to his level. She bent down and looked at him. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "You look pretty," he whispered.
"Awwwe! Thank you! You look very handsome," Zane smiled and ran his hand down his tie. Aria looked up when she saw a pair of legs step up behind Zane.
"He's a sweet talker," Ezra soothed. Aria smiled. She stood up and looked in Ezra's eyes. "I'm surprised you got him to talk. Actually, no I'm not surprised." Ezra smiled at her. Aria blushed and looked down at Zane. Zane stepped closer to Ezra and wrapped his arms around his leg.
"Well, looks like someone is an Uncles boy," she said. Ezra laughed.
"Yeah, he's my Little Man." Ezra motioned to the flower in her hands. "He made me stop and get you the flower." Aria looked down at it and smiled. She broke part of the step and then stuck the flower in her hair.
"It's beautiful. Thank you," she said sincerely looking him in the eye. Ezra smiled softly and nodded.
"It is," he said seductively. He wasn't looking at the flower. Clearing his throat, he looked down at Zane.
"Okay, buddy. Let's leave Aria alone so she can hang with her friends." Zane glanced up at Ezra and nodded sadly.
Aria bent back down to eye level. "I'll come hang with you in a few, okay?" Zane's face lit and he nodded happily.
Ezra chuckled. "You just made his day."
Ezra POV
Ezra was standing with Ella and Miss. Marin as he sipped his wine. He found himself unable to pay much attention to the conversation. Aria and her friends were sitting on the ground in a circle playing with Zane. Aria was tickling him and Zane was lying on his back giggling crazily. Ezra smiled at the sight.
"She's great with kids," he heard Ella say. Turning back to her, he smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, Zane really likes her. I didn't pick that outfit out, he did. He said he wanted to impress Aria." Ezra smiled. The attraction to Aria must run in the Fitz family. Ezra shook his head slightly.
"He's a really sweet kid. Not much of a talker though," Miss. Marin said.
"He doesn't talk to strangers. I was a little surprised when he told Aria she looked pretty today." That was something Ezra had to agree with. Aria looked carefree and beautiful.
Ella smiled knowingly. "Why doesn't he talk to strangers? I mean not that that is a bad thing but I'm curious." The smile fell from his face. Ella saw it and spoke again, "You don't have to tell me."
"Uh, no it's fine," Ezra breathed out and looked down. He looked back up. "My brother was very strict toward Zane. He never laid a hand on him but he would yell at him for little things. I think that kind of shut Zane down." Ezra looked over at the group. Zane was on the outside of the circle walking behind them and patting them on the head. He patted Aria's head and she stood up and chased him around the group. Ezra smiled.
"Well, Zane is adorable. He certainly has your charm," Ella said. Ezra blushed and smiled. "He's practically attached to your hip."
"Yeah. We have this sort of bond I guess. Clarissa, my brother's ex-wife, let's me see him whenever I want. I haven't been able to visit as much as I used to due to my job and the preparation for work over the summer." Zane walked over to them. Ezra bent down. "You having fun?"
Zane nodded. He let out a big yawn and blinked rapidly. "Okay, I think we better head home."
"No!" Zane whined.
Ezra picked him up. "Yes!" Ezra whined back. Zane gave him a mean look. "It's about your bedtime." Zane nodded sadly. He looked back at Aria. Ezra sighed. "Go say goodbye to Aria." He set Zane down and watched him run over to Aria. Aria was still sitting in the grass. She smiled at him and opened her arms out wide. Zane giggled and fell into them with his arms around her torso. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and rocked them from side to side. She let go of him and he kissed her on the cheek again.
Turning back to Ella, Ezra stated, "I'll give him credit. He is very smooth with the ladies." Ella and Miss. Marin laughed. Ezra chuckled and turned back to Zane who was now standing at his feet with his arms up in the air. Ezra picked him up and Zane instantly let his head fall to Ezra's shoulder. Ezra said his goodbyes and made eye contact with Aria as he walked to the car. Zane was asleep before they left the driveway.
Aria POV
She couldn't get Ezra out of her head. Her feelings for him were obviously not going away. Being with Clark only made her put aside her feelings for him but they were always looming around. The night she made love with Clark, something seemed off but she had dismissed it determined to forget about Ezra Fitz and let Clark Riley be the man of her dreams. But wanting something is different than actually getting it.
She lay in bed that night staring up at the ceiling. Thoughts of him filled her mind keeping her from getting any sleep. Sighing, she threw the covers off of her and swung her feet over the side of the bed. She went to her dresser and pulled out a pair of white fleece short shorts and a big black sweatshirt. She tied her hair up in a ponytail, grabbed her keys, and pulled her door open softly and silently. She crept downstairs and opened the front door before slipping out.
She knocked on the door softly. It was three thirty and she was standing at this mans door. She turned to leave when the door swung open. The man rubbed his eyes and yawned out her name. She smiled and waved slightly. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to talk. I hope I didn't wake your mother." Clark shook his head. He motioned for her to come in but she shook her head. "Can we talk out here?"
Clark stepped out and closed the door softly behind him before they both took a seat on the steps. Aria stuck her hands in the pocket of her sweatshirt and looked straight ahead. "Aria, it's three thirty. What's up?"
"I think we should break up," she rushed out. Clark stared at her. For the longest time he remained silent and just stared at her.
"What the hell? One small argument and you run?" Clark shouted.
"Clark, keep your voice down!" Aria whispered loudly.
She looked in his eyes and was surprised by the fury she saw there. "The hell I will! What, all you wanted was the sex?" he asked harshly.
Aria looked over at him in shock. "Come on, Clark! You know me better than that!" She sighed. "I have feelings for someone else, okay. I just don't feel comfortable doing this anymore. Every day I feel like I'm cheating on you."
"This is about Fitz, isn't it?" Aria looked away from him. "It's just a schoolgirl crush, Aria."
"No." Aria paused. "It's more than that…I think."
"You think? You're giving up on us for something you 'think' you have for a teacher who would never want you?" Aria looked over at him. Tears sprang to her eyes and she quickly looked away. Maybe Clark was right. Maybe Ezra wouldn't want her. She sniffled.
"It doesn't matter. I have feelings for him and I can't be with you while I have these feelings."
Clark clenched his jaw and stared straight ahead. "You're nothing but a slut." Hastily, he got up and walked inside slamming the door behind him. Aria bit the inside of her cheek and let a few silent tears make their way down her cheek. She wiped them away with her sleeve and got up to get in her car.
She drove. She didn't know where she was going but she didn't want to be home to cry in her pillow. She parked her car and walked up the steps to his apartment in a trance. She knocked on the door. She didn't care what time it was, she needed him. Ezra opened the door in nothing but a pair of sweatpants.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "Did I wake you?"
"No. I was doing some reading," he whispered back. When she looked up from the floor, his face softened. He opened his arms and Aria fell into them as she sobbed. He held her. He pulled her into his apartment and closed the door softly behind them.