Gah! This was totally overdue, but here it is! A brand new chapter for my lovely readers. I DON'T OWN ANYTHING.
Early Saturday morning, Ezra had been called in at an ungodly hour at the newspaper for a crisis on the latest edition. He rose, rubbing his eyes to clear the fogginess that was his vision. Aria was curled up underneath the thin throw blanket that they used for the warm month of May, facing him. Her lips were parted and thing breathing escaped them; thin, even breathing. She had slept soundly throughout the night, which was a relief. Ezra was reluctant to leave such a sleeping beauty on their day of relaxation, but duty called.
He showered, letting the scalding water wake him up. Unlike most people, Ezra didn't like lukewarm or medium temperature water. The ice hot degrees loosened up his muscles and the steam made his tiny bathroom like a relaxing sauna. Aria never understood why he was so partial to it, but Ezra hadn't a clue either. He scrubbed his body down with body wash. The scent of his shampoo filled his nostrils, relaxing him. Simple things like that were his releases.
With water droplets hanging off his damp body, Ezra pulled himself into the old, dark gray robe he'd had for years since his days at Hollis and exited the bathroom, steam rolling every which way from the open door. His still tired blue eyed gaze wandered over to the bed. Aria continued to sleep soundly. Ezra didn't blame her though; she hadn't gotten much down time with the nightmares.
The daily routine continued with dressing in a button down and a pair of slacks. He didn't need to have such elaborate attire like that of a teacher, but it still felt nice to get dressed up, rather than typing away at his laptop in sweats. Ezra was allowed to work at home, in fact, it was encouraged so he'd gain inspiration.
Once ready, he ambled back over to the bed and climbed on. His knees sank into the mattress, causing there to be a dent from his weight. Aria stirred, but only to wrap the covers around her tightly. Ezra chuckled and the grin forming on her lips from whatever dream she was having and pecked her forehead before leaving a tiny written note for her on his pillow and heading out.
The newspaper had been fairly gracious to Ezra. At most, he was glad he worked there. It was flexible hours and something he had a passion for, which didn't hurt in the least bit. Yes, he missed teaching, but the building wasn't too far from his apartment and he could be home with Aria whenever possible. His time wasn't taken up grading papers and forming lessons plans. Perhaps his firing from Hollis was a blessing in disguise.
Ezra pushed back the doors to the office he had been called into. The head editor sat at his desk, filling out a few papers. He too was dressed casually for the weekend. Obviously, he hadn't expected having to call everyone in for a quick meeting that morning.
"Ezra," he greeted warmly. The younger man wasn't nervous, only curious as to what was going on. Ezra rubbed the back of his next and tried to suppress a yawn in front of his boss. "How're you?"
"Just fine, Michael," he replied. "Although I'm not sure why you called me here."
"Right," said the older man. His fingers traveled to pick up a stack of papers. If he had called Ezra in and broken his sleepy stupor for more work that needed to be done over the week, Ezra would throw a fit. But once the papers were revealed, they were applications. "I know it's only been a few weeks that you've worked here, but you show great potential. So much in fact, I've been considering moving you up to the New York branch of the paper."
Ezra wasn't like most people. While most would jump for joy at such an opportunity, he stood, staring blankly at Michael. Ezra wasn't in shock, but couldn't find the right words to say. "It's you decision entirely," Michael continued. "But a great experience none the less."
If he had been alone, Ezra would've taken the job the minute the words flowed from the other man's mouth. He would've bought a tiny studio apartment in the Upper West Side in the matter of minutes and moved. But, Ezra had Aria to think about and she was more of a priority than anything. She was his world; what his life willingly centered around. Ezra did dream about what life would be like in the great city with Aria by his side, but this wasn't an option he could jump at and say yes. Things needed to be taken into consideration.
"I don't know what to say, Sir," Ezra stammered. He rubbed the back of his neck again out of nervous habit. Different scenarios ran around in his mind, each with Aria by his side. But, she was still in high school. If they went, he'd have to enroll her somewhere or she'd have to take online classes. Aria did love New York and had been tampering with applying to NYU. But there was also consent from Ella and what Aria did have to say about the ordeal. Part of Ezra knew she'd go wherever he did. "It's something I'll have to think about."
A lump formed in Ezra's throat, but he pushed it down. Michael simply nodded. "The position wouldn't start until mid-June so you have time to decide. Think it over."
"Will that be all?" His finger toyed scarcely at the iridescent buttons on his shirt.
"That's it," his boss replied. "I'll see you Monday."
Ezra simply nodded and fled the room like a bat out of hell. Would he tell Aria right away? Or wait? She'd want to know as soon as possible. Especially if it was bothering him, Aria could pick up on Ezra's emotions in the snap of a finger. His satchel slammed against his dress pant leg as he walked as fast as possible back to the apartment building. Ezra just wanted to curl back up and mull over his options.
When he closed the door to his apartment lightly and set down his satchel, Aria's nimble fingers were picking up the dainty piece of paper with his note written on it. She smiled and went to go lay down again when he wide eyed glance caught him. Aria's smile grew wider now at seeing Ezra in the doorway. He slid off his socks and shoes before changing back into his comfy sweats. He missed them instantly.
"Hey you," she spoke. Even in the morning light, Aria was radiant. Her skin glowed with a fresh light and her eyes gleamed. Of course, that was probable because of the sleep she'd gotten the night before. Her pink lips continued to smile as Ezra pulled her close to his chest. Sunlight streamed over them, sending a warm, tingling feeling. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah," Ezra said, combing his fingers through Aria's flaxen chocolate locks. They were always curly when she woke up from sleep having been set all night. His mind toyed with keeping the promotion to himself for a bit or telling her on the spot. From previous experience, keeping things from Aria never turned out to be fruitful when Ezra was only trying to protect her. "I was offered a promotion."
"Really," Aria marveled, settling so that her chin was propped up onto his chest. "What did you say? Did you say yes? You don't seem thrilled about it."
"It's in New York." The room went silent. Aria simply stared at him, trying to read Ezra's expressions. They were a mix of confusion and being torn. It was easy for her to see he wanted to take it, but there were other things to think about. "Starts mid-June."
"I'd be out of school," she murmured, the gears turning in her otherwise cloudy head. "Just enough time to enroll in a school in the city." Aria refused to leave Ezra's side. Without him, she couldn't start again. If he went to New York, she'd go with him.
"Aria, there's so many complications." Despite his chiding tone, Ezra rubbed small, soothing circles on her back. Aria wouldn't have any of his excuses though. What was there to be complicated? It was either they go to New York or they don't. "I don't want to leave you." She bit down on her lip, trying to think of ways to convince him.
Ezra always did everything imaginable under the sun to make her happy. He put in nothing but effort. Sometimes, it made her feel a bit selfish. Aria never got the chance to anything in return for him because of all the drama and turmoil surrounding her life. This was her chance. Perhaps it was also a way for them to start over. A new city, a new life for them both as one solid unit. Screw seeing a therapist, she thought. I just need to get the hell out of Rosewood.
"You wouldn't be leaving me," Aria spoke, carefully choosing her words. "I'd be going with you." Ezra opened his mouth to protest, but she silenced him with a sweet kiss upon his lips. "Listen to me; it would be a way to start fresh. Maybe this is what I need as well. You need to take this opportunity and I need a life that isn't in Rosewood. We can do this, Ez."
He continued to tamper with his hair, braiding a few strands together messily. Aria always loved having her hair played with or brushed. She hummed lightly, waiting for Ezra's answer. His mind was whirring though. Aria was determined, if not more, to tag along. Ezra wasn't one to stop her. She was his air. Maybe she was right; maybe this was what they needed to make a step toward progress from her nightmares and his career. "We'll talk about it to your mother tomorrow. We'll go out to lunch."
Aria smiled, glad she won this round. Comfort would be an understatement for what she felt. In some ways, Aria felt relieved that there was a possibility she could start a brand new life with Ezra, rather than be separated like the always were for work. She needed him now more than ever and they both were well aware of that fact.
Her body snaked up his to press a tender kiss against his lips. It was one of gratitude and thanks for giving her such an opportunity as well as letting him grant himself such potential. Aria's fingers toyed lightly with the tiny curls at the nape of his neck while Ezra's hands ran up and down the sides of her body, feeling her curves that she seemed to gain over the year. He smiled against her lips while his hands settled on her hips. Aria careened herself so that she was straddling Ezra now. Her neck was craned downwards to meet his lip, hands now on his shoulders. Both their breathing became labored, having to pull away to gasp for air.
"I love you," he whispered softly into the morning air. The clock across the wall read nine in the morning, still too early for them both on a Saturday morning. His arms wrapped tightly around her, bringing Aria down to a laying position on stop of his chest. She pressed her lips against his tee shirt and sighed contently.
"I love you too," she replied, looking up at him with wide eyes. Ezra kissed her forehead and for once, Aria was sure things would be okay.
So tell me; would you like to see them start a brand new life in New York? I've been toying with the idea and I love the vision of Aria and Ezra in a tiny apartment overlooking Midtown or cooking in a little kitchenette. Let me know!