Disclaimer: I don't own anyone except for Clara.
Hope you enjoy! I'm having so much fun writing this story! Read and Review!
Chapter 12-
Aria POV:
"Rise and shine, girlies," yelled a voice that I could only distinguish to be Hanna's. I opened my eyes, and there she was, impeccably dressed in a white sundress and teal wedges. I glanced at the clock, which read 10:00.
"Hanna," I groaned. "It's a Sunday morning. Sunday mornings are made for sleeping until noon."
"Not when I haven't seen you for 3 days and haven't heard a word. I haven't received a single text or call from you Aria. I thought you were dead or something," she mock-reprimanded me.
"I'm sorry, but there's been a lot going on lately...with Ezz...I mean the new job," I quickly recovered. I wasn't ready to tell Hanna about Ezra and Clara just yet. Hanna only looked at me suspiciously and said, "It's fine, hun. Just go and get your 5 foot self showered and made up. We're going shopping today! I'll wake Sleeping Beauty," she said motioning to Spencer, who was snoring.
30 minutes later, I was showered and dressed in a floral top that tied at the side, jeans, and oxford peep toe wedges. I went back into Spencer's apartment to find Hanna impatiently flipping through a copy of "Glamour" that was on the coffee table. "God, she was such a pain in the ass to photograph," I heard her mutter. Probably about some celebrity on the cover.
Once she heard my snicker at her comment, she looked up at me. "You look nice. I like the shoes," she said smiling.
"Thanks! Where's Spencer?"
"Oh! Miss Sleeping Beauty put up a fight and I had to practically drag her ass into the shower," Hanna laughed.
"You DID NOT drag me! I got up," defended Spencer from the bathroom.
Hanna and I waited for 20 more minutes, until Spencer emerged from the bathroom, wearing a striped chambray tunic with a brown belt around the waist, leggings, and small oxford shoes. (all outfits on profile)
"Ready to go," asked Hanna, taking up her bag.
"Yes," Spencer and I replied in unison and we filed out of the apartment.
"Lucas was hinting toward marriage last night," said Hanna as we sat down at a little cafe in Greenwich Village.
"What do you mean," I asked. Before Hanna could answer, a waiter came over to place our orders. When we were finished, Hanna continued.
"We were walking in the jewelry district yesterday, and he stopped by a window to ask me which diamond ring I liked best in the window."
Lucas and Hanna had been dating since senior year in high school. Lucas had now gotten a job on Wall Street as a junior executive. They were both so in love with each other, that it sometimes got sickening to watch. But most of the time, they were adorable.
"Ooooh! Hanna's getting married," exclaimed Spencer.
"I don't know yet. But he was certainly hinting at it," said Hanna. "So, I've pretty much talked about my life the entire way here. What's new with you two?"
Spencer then gushed about Toby, nothing I hadn't heard before and talked about her job for a little bit. She also told about the cafe date with Noel that turned sour. When it came to my turn to spill, I looked at Spencer anxiously. She gave me a nod of encouragement.
"Well, my job has been great. The students are adorable. There's one that has seemed to take a liking to me. Her name is Clara Fitz."
Hanna's face now showed an expression of excitement and shock. "Clara Fitz? Is she, you know, his?"
"Yes. And she's mine."
Hanna now looked confused. "Aria, you were never pregnant. How could she be yours?"
I paused, trying to figure out how to explain the fact that I was playing "Mommy" to the man I am in love with's daughter. And while playing "Mommy" I created a bond with the little girl and was rekindling a relationship with her father.
"She looked exactly like me," I nervously started. "It was only natural for her to think I was her mother. Her actual mother left when she was a tiny baby and I don't think has any intention of coming back. When Ezra came to pick her up, she asked us both if I was her mommy. And the look on her face was heartbreaking. Ezra and I couldn't bear to say no. So now, I'm playing 'Mommy' to Ezra's daughter." It all came out in a rush, but Hanna comprehended it. Spencer and I both looked at each other, gauging Hanna's reaction.
"So this little girl thinks you're her Mommy?"
"Yes."
"Ok, I just wanted that all cleared up. I'll support you in whatever you choose to do. And I'll make sure Lucas does too."
"Thanks, Han. It means a lot. Do you want to see a picture of her? I have one in my wallet that Ezra gave to me yesterday."
I fished out an adorable picture of Clara and handed it over to Hanna.
"Holy shit! She's like a carbon copy with Mr. Fitz's eyes!"
"I know," I laughed, taking back the picture.
"Will I get to meet her?"
"Aria said that we could visit during her class this week. You're going to love her Hanna. She's adorable and has a great fashion sense," said Spencer.
"I'm liking her already," said an excited Hanna. Then a huge smile spread across her face. "Wait, you've been spending a lot of Mr. Fitz, then?"
"Please, call him Ezra. We're not in high school anymore. And yes," I replied sheepishly.
"Hmm...I think I see a romance reforming. Don't you Spencer," she teased.
"You haven't the slightest idea. She spent practically all day with those two yesterday. And after the Noel outburst, she went over to his townhouse and stayed the night with him. They cuddled and fell asleep on his couch," giggled Spencer.
"No way! Aria! How do you feel about him," said Hanna excitedly. She always seemed to be for Ezra and my relationship after she saw how I truly felt about him.
"I still love him. More than ever now. And I know that he still loves me too. We talked about it a couple nights ago, and are making an effort to rebuild our relationship," I said. "And, he told me about you two's newly formed friendship he left. That you two texted just so he could know how I was doing," I teased. "That was really sweet, Han."
"No problem. So you two are getting back together?"
"We both certainly want to. But, we may have a small problem. Her name is Jackie Molina."
"No! Not the ex-fiancee bitch!"
"Yes! Ezra's going out to dinner with her sometime this week. I'm worried that she'll try to make a move and go a little too far."
"Aria," said Spencer. "I already told you, I'm sure Ezra won't let Jackie ruin anything. You should've seen they way he looked at you. It's so romantic! Don't you agree Hanna?"
"Yes. Totally. I don't have the texts anymore, but he was always talking about how much he missed you and loved you. He wouldn't dare let anything happen. And if he does, I'll be there to kick his butt!"
By this time, the waiter had come with out breakfast, and we spent the duration of the meal squealing about the goodnight text I received from him last night, and Emily's recent post card from Madrid.
"Hanna. Really? Diane Von Furstenberg," asked a skeptical Spencer. "You may be able to afford it, but not Aria and I who are on a teacher's salary."
"I may have some money saved up from bonds and stuff, but I still can't afford this store, Han," I said.
"Please guys," begged Hanna. "I saw a dress in here I really want to try on for this gala event at the magazine. It'll be fun to browse around!"
"Fine," Spencer and I groaned and we stepped foot in the store. It was now around 6 p.m. and we spent the entire day going from store to store. My feet were starting to hurt and I wasn't really in the mood to go into another store. I had already bought a black and white polka dotted bow tie blouse, a flowing chiffon aqua tunic, a red floral dress, and a fedora. I didn't really want to spend anymore. (all items from shopping trip on profile)
"Here it is guys," yelled an excited Hanna.
"Excuse me miss, but you must keep your voice down," said a sales woman, which earned a laugh from Spencer and I.
Hanna went into the dressing room and emerged in a stunning navy silk dress with cutouts at the side. It was beautiful on her.
"Hanna, you look gorgeous," Spencer and I both said.
"Thanks! I'm going to get it. I'll be back out in a second."
We were walking to the cashier, when something caught Hanna's eye.
"Aria, this dress is perfect for you. You should try it on."
Hanna held up a gorgeous navy lace dress. I came over and looked at the price tag.
"Hanna, I can't. Its $470! I don't want to fall in love with a dress and not be able to have it."
"If it looks fabulous on you, I'll buy it. My treat," she said smiling.
Sure enough, it as gorgeous on as it was off. It clung in all the right places and was the right height.
"Wow, Aria. You NEED this dress," said Spencer.
"I agree. Go take it off so I can pay," said Hanna.
"Hanna, I really can't let yo-"
"Aria! Shut up! I want to buy it for you. So I'm going to," she laughed.
"Thanks Han!"
After Hanna paid, we left and found a restaurant to eat dinner at. When we were finished, Hanna and Spencer opted to go see a movie, while I was exhausted beyond belief. I quickly said my goodbye's and went home.
I dropped my bags to my apartment floor and flopped onto my bed, with my remote control and phone in hand. I was watching a new sitcom called "Happy Endings" for about an hour until my phone rang. I quickly picked it up, smiling at the caller.
Ezra: Hey. How are you?
Aria: I'm good. Spent the day shopping with Hanna and Spencer.
Ezra: Nice. Get anything good?
Aria: Yup.
Ezra: So...I know its late, but I was wondering if you wanted to come over for take out tonight. Clara and I haven't eaten yet.
I heard Clara's bell-like voice in the back ring out "Tell Mommy I say hi!"
Ezra: By the way, Clara says hi.
Aria: I heard. Tell her I say hi too.
Ezra: So...you do want to? Come over for dinner, I mean.
Aria: Maybe another time. Hanna wore me out today, and I want to get a lesson plan ready for tomorrow.
Ezra: Oh, ok.
I detected disappointment in his voice.
Ezra: Well, goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you.
Aria: I...I'll see you tomorrow. Tell Clara I say goodnight.
I hung up and put a hand over my eyes. Why couldn't I have told him I loved him too. He knows I still do. Out of frustration with myself, I closed my eyes, and sleep overcame my body.
There's chapter 12! I had fun writing this one, especially Hanna.
Enjoy! Reviews are love!
.soprano.