Chapter 12:

"During today's appointment I just want us to get to know each other a little. I want you to feel comfortable around me, more like a friend than a therapist." Dr. Anderson said, looking directly into Aria's eyes.

Aria nodded.

"Okay, so my name is Deborah Anderson, I've been a psychiatrist for seven years. I love chick-flicks, playing volleyball and I'm a sucker for a good romance novel. Is there anything you want to know about me?" Dr. Anderson said.

Aria shook her head.

"How about you tell me a little about yourself?"

Aria took a deep breath. "Okay, Dr. Anderson-"

"Call me Deb. We're friends, remember?" Deb said with a smile.

"Okay." Aria hesitated for a moment. "Um, I like writing and um, old movies and classic books."

"What's your favourite book?" Deb asked.

"To Kill a Mockingbird." Aria replied instantly.

"Good choice! I love that book too." Deb said, getting up and going over to her shelf, pulling out a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.

Aria smiled. "My boyfriend really likes it too. He has like three copies and I usually read one of them when he's working."

"What does your boyfriend do?"

Aria hesitated for a moment. "He's...a teacher."

Deb nodded. "How long have you two been together?"

"One year and three months." Aria replied, smiling.

"How did he react to the accident?" Deb asked.

Aria looked uneasy at the mention of the accident. "He's been really worried about me."

"Which is understandable." Deb pointed out. "Do you think he's helping you cope?"

Aria shrugged. "I guess. I mean, I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for Ezra."

"But?" Deb prompted, leaning forward.

"But" Aria started. "I don't know if I want him to help me. I mean, I love him for trying to stand by my side but I just sorta want to be alone for a while."

Deb looked thoughtful for a moment. "Why do you think that is?"

Aria looked uncomfortable with the question and just shrugged. She didn't want to admit that she didn't feel like she deserved Ezra ever since the accident.

Deb waited a moment before changing the subject. "What about your family? How did they react?"

Aria shrugged. "I haven't really been around them much since it happened. I know they're worried about me and they call me sometimes but I just don't really want to talk to anyone. I'm usually either at Ezra's or occasionally with Hanna or Emily."

"Why don't you want to talk to your family?" Deb asked.

Again, Aria didn't respond.

"Aria, maybe talking to your family will help you. I mean, they've known you your entire life and they love you."

"I can't deal with it. My parents look at me the same way everyone else did when I first had the accident. It's taken some time for my friends and Ezra to stop treating me like I'm made of glass but with my parents it's like they think I'm still a little girl." Aria said, frustrated.

"Did you try telling them that?" Deb asked.

Aria shook her head.

"Okay, well our time for today is almost over but before your next appointment, I want you to try and talk to your family, okay?" Deb said.

Aria nodded, getting up. "Okay." She hesitated before adding "Thanks Deb."

Deb smiled up at Aria. "See you next week."

*PLL*

"So how was it?" Ezra asked pulling out of the parking lot.

Aria shrugged. "It was okay. She seems nice, I guess."

"Are you going back next week?" Ezra asked, looking over at Aria before focusing back on the road.

Aria hesitated for a split-second before nodding. "I think so. Deb, my psychiatrist, wants me to try and communicate more with my family."

Ezra nodded. "They miss you. Byron stopped by my office today and was asking about you. Your family's really worried."

Aria sighed. "I know. I think I'm going to go home today, just for a little while. It might be good for me too, I haven't seen my parents or Mike in about a month."

"Want me to drop you off right now?" Ezra asked.

Aria hesitated for a moment before she nodded. "Yes please."

Ezra switched lanes and headed towards the Montgomery's house. He pulled into their driveway a few minutes later and looked over at Aria.

Aria looked over at him nervously. "Could you come with me?"

Ezra hesitated. "I don't know, I don't want to intrude..."

Aria looked down, knowing he was right. This was something she should do by herself. They were her family after all. She took a deep breath. "Can you pick me up in an hour?"

Ezra nodded."Sure." He took Aria's hand and squeezed it. "You'll be fine." he murmured.

Aria smiled gratefully before giving him a kiss. "Thanks. I needed that." she replied, playing with his hair before giving him a peck on the cheek and getting out of the car. She waved as Ezra drove away and then rang the doorbell, bracing herself.

A few moments later the door opened, revealing a surprised Ella.

"Hey mom."

Hey, sorry this chapter is so short. Next chapter will be longer. Don't forget to REVIEW!

-xo Sobia