All characters, except Clara, belong to Sara Shepard and ABC Family

Chapter 4- Aria

The minute I stepped into my apartment, everything had caught up to me. 'What did I just do' I thought to myself.

'You know exactly what you did' shot back my conscience. It was right. I was the one who leaped forward and played along. Now, I'm playing mommy to daughter of the love of my life. And my "daughter" was my student.

Why I had decided to play pretend was clear to me. I couldn't' bear to see disappointment fully sweep over Clara's always sunny face. When Ezra blurted, and hazily I might add, that I wasn't her mom, her face totally dropped and it hurt my heart to see it. I may not have known her very long, but I felt an immediate bond with this little girl.

The bond is why I resorted to our new arrangement. I know Ezra was mulling over the thought having me play mommy too. I'm sure it won't be too hard. Of course they'll be a few small lies that come along, but aren't there lie in every family (God knows there was enough in mine.)

I looked at my watch, noticing it was 3:30, which gave me 3 hours until dinner. I lazily stretched out on my bed with my laptop and planned out tomorrow's lesson plan.

Once that was finished, it was 4:00, so I decided to kill some time by watching an episode of "FRIENDS". I remember a couple times in high school where I wished my life could be like the show. No secrets, no issues, no problems. Just a peaceful life surrounded by friends, coffee, and my writing.

After 2 episodes, I clambered off the bed and went into the shower. I mindlessly hummed "Happiness" by The Fray, or as Ezra and I referred to it, "B-26", as I washed my hair with my favorite lavender scented shampoo. As I slipped on my fluffy white robe, I heard my front door open. It must be Spencer. She and I have keys to each other's apartments for both leisure and emergencies.

"Hey! Where's your wine opener," she asked while she set a wine bottle on my kitchen counter.

"In the drawer to the left of the sink. What's the wine for," replied while reaching on my tippy toes for two wine glasses in the cabinet.

"I felt we should toast to making it through the first day. How was it for you?"

"Long. Kind of thrilling, but tiring. You'll never believe what happened though."

"What?"

"Ezra has a daughter."

"Ezra...as in Mr. Fitz?"

"Who else. And here's the kicker. She looks exactly like me, and I'm teaching her."

"No!"

"Yes! There's also a small thing that goes along with his daughter. I'm pretending to be her mother."

"What do you mean by 'pretending to be her mother'," she asked.

I launched into my whole story, while Spencer looked on with interest and beweilderment.

"Wow. So now, you're Clara's 'mommy'. Who would've thought. Aria actually had kid with the teacher," Spencer joked.

"Haha...very funny," I retorted.

"Ok, now time to be serious," Spencer said. "Are you sure this is right? I mean, how are you and Ezra going to pull this off?"

"We'll figure it out. I couldn't help myself. Clara looked so sad, and I couldn't bear it. I guess Ezra and I will have to talk this over later."

"Sounds good," Spencer said. "But you know, I'd like to meet my 'niece' soon. Maybe tomorrow. In class?"

"I'm not sure, Spence. I'll let you know how tonight goes and get back to you."

"Alright. Now on a more romantic note, how did it feel to see him again?"

This took me some time to think. Spencer just looked at me curiously as I formulated my answer in my head.

"It felt...wonderful, and yet melancholy. I was shocked at first, but once he started talking, the warm and fuzzy feelings came back. It felt as if the missing piece to my puzzle was finally found."

"So, you're still in love with him?"

"Yes. Undoubtedly."

"So...what would you say if I set us up on a double-date this afternoon. I ran into Toby and Noel, and Noel wanted to know how you were. And I couldn't say no to Toby."

"You didn't," I looked at her incredulously. Spencer only nodded for affirmation.

"Please Aria. Do this for me. I used to really like Toby. What if this sparks something. You could just tell Noel that your seeing someone else, but wanted to catch up with him, or something like that," Spencer begged.

"I..uh..fine. Only one time though. Never again."

"Thank you so much! Now, we should you out an outfit for tonight."

After 15 minutes of raking through my closet, Spencer and I chose a black chiffon type dress with a white swirly pattern, nude pumps, a series of long gold chains with rhinestones hanging here and there, and a pair of simple gold hoops. I did my hair and makeup and grabbed my bag.

It was 6:10, which gave me a good 20 minutes to get to Carmine's.

"Well, I'm off! How do I look?"

"Gorgeous! Good luck!"

I swear I could vaguely hear her yell, "Have fun with you're hot English teacher and your mini-me!," as I entered the stairwell.

I got to Carmine's just in time. I pulled open the door to see Clara and Ezra at a table by the window.

"Mommy," came Clara's bright bell-like voice.

'Here goes nothing.'

Here you go everyone! Chapter 4!

Who can't wait for the dinner scene? I can't!

Enjoy! and review!

Aria's outfit and Clara's outfit are on my profile