Aria

Weeks seemed to shoot by now that Ezra was back in her life. Nothing seemed missing anymore like it use to. Things seemed almost normal. There was no more 'A' tormenting her and her friends, since that had all been resolved at least 5 years ago, she had Ezra back in her life, she had the most perfect daughter she could ask for and she'd even managed to gain a stable job with a decent pay. The only way life could get any better at the moment was if some sort of miracle happened; winning a large amount of money for example.

During the weeks that had passed, Aria and Ezra had happily gone on a few more dates that had run as smoothly as the first had. Though they weren't exactly official yet as a couple, and they hadn't gone as far as letting each other stay over like they use too, everything was running perfectly at just the right pace they both needed. It was only now that Aria was fully understanding again the beauty of new relationships and how exciting they are. It had been so long since she'd had a relationship that she'd forced her mind to forget how good they could actually be.

Now that they were a little over halfway through the semester, Summer's birthday and Christmas was approaching. Luckily, Aria had already thought ahead on what to buy Summer and she already knew what she was getting her for both events; for her birthday she would be getting her a disney princess charm bracelet with her name on it, and for Christmas she was going to get her a play-castle that was pink and made from wood. The problem that had arisen, however, is what Summer was going to do for her birthday party and who was invited. Aria was set on the idea of having two parties; one being what Summer chooses to do with her own friends, and another been a family + friends party at her apartment.

One thing that greatly upset Aria and still scared her, was the fact that her parents and her brother, Mike, didn't know anything about Summer. Aria had been too afraid to tell them at the time she was pregnant and, because she never planned on setting foot in Rosewood ever again, it was easy for her to keep it a secret. Questions were arising in Aria's mind, though. Should Aria invite her parents to Summer's birthday party to meet her? Or should she take the cowards way out and leave it another year? Another problem, was whether Aria should attempt to make contact with Summer's father. Even though Aria had been told specifically by Mrs. Fitz to never try and contact William, the guilty feeling of Summer not having a father was always in the back of Aria's mind. However, a new thought had arrived now - a new father for Summer. Could Ezra be Summers father instead?

" Mommy! Mommy! Someone called Ella is on the phone for you!" Summer came bursting into Aria's bedroom just as she had finished getting changed. Instantly, Aria froze as she heard the name Ella and hurried over to Summer with wide, frightened eyes. Had Summer just revealed to Aria's mother that Aria had a daughter?

" Okay, sweetie." Aria said nervously, letting Summer lead her to where she'd left the phone - on the sofa back in the living room. " Now why don't you go and find me my purse while I talk to Ella, so we can go shopping with your aunts straight after I get off of the phone?" Aria picked the phone off of the table as Summer nodded and sprinted towards the bedrooms.

" Mom. Hi," Aria said down the phone anxiously, gripping the phone tightly in anticipation.

" Aria. It's so great to hear your voice, we haven't spoke in months. I've been worried about you," Ella replied. Luckily, she didn't sound shocked but normal. Maybe Summer hadn't revealed anything after all. Though Aria still held her breath in anticipation.

" I know, I'm sorry. With my new job down here and catching up with the girls again I've just been so busy. I've been meaning to ring," Aria replied.

" So would you like to explain to me who that little girl was on the phone?" Ella asked suspiciously. Aria's whole body tensed in fright. Should she tell Ella now? Or should she wait and explain in person? Why hadn't she just told her parents all those years ago? Because you didn't want them to be disappointed in you. Aria's mind told her.

" Oh, um... I'm babysitting for a new friend who I work with, she's had to go into work today, it's an emergency and she didn't want to take Summer with her," Aria quickly explained, trying to keep her voice smooth so it didn't sound like she was lying.

" You made a new friend? Is this a new boyfriend that you haven't told me about yet, Aria?" Ella teased. Aria giggled awkwardly. You have no idea... She thought.

" No, no. I haven't dated in years, Mom. No it's a girl. She's an... Art teacher at school, she's called Olivia Clark." The was the most blatant lie she had told Ella ever. Olivia and Aria were far from acquaintances, never mind friends. Ever since the day where Olivia warned Aria to stay away from Ezra, they hadn't spoken another word to each other.

" That's great that you're making new friends. So why aren't you dating? Isn't it about time you should be searching for Mr. Right?" I've already found Mr. Right.

" I guess... there's just nobody out there that's caught my eye," Aria answered hesitantly.

" Are you sure? Because you don't sound it." Ella teased again.

" I'm sure, mom. Now I've got to go, the girls have just arrived since we're going out shopping today with Summer. I'll speak to you soon, okay?"

" Okay, Aria. I love you and really miss you? I promise I'll visit you soon." Ella said, and guilt washed through Aria as she realised she hadn't seen Ella in about 6 months. Every time Ella had visited, Aria had had to get a babysitter to look after Summer so that Ella didn't find out. Byron sometimes made an appearance, but she didn't think she'd seen her father in a year.

" Okay, mom. Love you too... Bye," Phew. Aria let out a breath of relief as she put the phone done. Thankfully, Summer chose now to burst back into the room rather than earlier. Hearing the door knock, Aria went to open it knowing that the girls had arrived. She felt as if the only lie that she hadn't told to her mother was the fact that she was going out shopping today.

" I found your purse mommy!" Summer announced cheerfully.

" Thank you, baby." Aria kissed Summer on the head before opening the door. " Hey!" Hanna, Emily and Spencer all stood outside the door eagerly, each of them had a bright smile upon their face.

" It's shopping time! I think we're way over due one after all this time," Hanna announced, flicking her blonde hair behind her shoulder.

" I know right, I mean when was the last time you guys set foot in the mall?" Spencer said. Quickly grabbing her purse, Aria helped Summer put her shoes on before they both joined the girls at the door.

" Um, yesterday?" Hanna said as if it was blatantly obvious.

" Not everyone has a job in the fashion industry Hanna, meaning not all of us are shopaholics." Spencer teased.

" Well then it's time to go spend some of your parents gold mine," Hanna replied sarcastically. The three of them all rolled there eyes. It had never seemed to bother Spencer when people made fun of the fact that she did live off of some of her parents money.

" Sorry guys but we're not just doing clothes shopping today, I am desperate for a new book!" Aria announced, as they all headed down the stairs. Summer kept quiet in Aria's arms, giggling at the the girls.

" I really need a new swimming costume, maybe a new swim bag too..." Emily contemplated.

" Guys, they have like everything on fifth avenue so quit worrying!" Hanna protested.

" I don't think they're worried about that, Han. I think they're more worried that you're going to spend a lifetime in Bloomingdales like you usually do." Spencer smirked wickedly.

" Hey it's like heaven in there!" Hanna crossed her arms over her chest.

" Whatever, Han." Aria said, rolling her eyes. This would be a good day after all.

To: Aria

From: Ezra

Hey, are we still on for movie night tonight? I haven't watched a silent movie for ages. I can't wait - E xxx

To: Ezra

From: Aria

Hey, of course we are! I would never miss silent movie marathon. I'm with the girls at the moment so I gotta go but I'm excited too. See you soon -A xxx

" Ooo, is that you're on the phone to Aria?" Hanna asked with raised eyebrows. There shopping trip had gone extremely well. Each of them had gotten what they needed and the girls had bought Summer a few cute, not too expensive presents which she adored. They managed to have a good catch up and a lot of fun, just like old times.

" It's Ezra Han... It's embarrassing that you still call him Mr. Fitz," Aria replied, a hint of a blush appearing on her cheeks. The girls were all back at Aria's apartment now, and since Ezra wasn't due to arrive for another hour or so, Aria had invited the girls in for some coffee before they left.

" Just because you call him that in bed..." Hanna teased with a wink. Blushing harder, Aria's eyebrows shot into the air.

" Hanna!" Emily scolded her.

" What? It's obviously true." Hanna winked at Aria again.

" Actually... me and Ezra haven't done anything like that in a long time..." Aria replied in a quieter voice, feeling slightly embarassed.

" What? Isn't it about time?" Hanna asked.

" Hanna!" Emily scolded her louder this time.

" What Emily? It's not like you and Spence don't want to know the dirt on Ezra and Aria too," Spencer and Emily both looked sheepish as Hanna mentioned this.

" Well we were wondering. He hurt you Aria and we don't want him to hurt you again. How are things going between you two?" Spencer asked more thoughtfully and sympathetically. The differences between Hanna and Emily had always been immense, but that had somehow never managed to effect their friendship.

" I've already explained to you guys what happened. My dad... it was him who convinced Ezra to leave..." Aria said, her heart dropping as she mentioned those words again. It was extremely hard for her to talk or even think about for obvious reasons. " But we're going great. He's being a perfect gentleman and we're taking things slowly... He's coming over for movie night tonight,"

" Awh, that's sounds really sweet Aria. I'm glad you're happy," Emily said.

" So when are you kicking us out to get ready for Fitz?" Hanna asked, wiggling her eyebrows up and down.

" Soon." Aria replied awkwardly. " Anyway..."

" Ezra!" Summer squealed with delight as Ezra came through the door of Aria's apartment. Ever since Aria had mentioned that Ezra was coming to visit again, Summer had been incredibly excited. For some reason, Summer had already taken an immediate liking to him, even though they'd only met twice now.

" Hey baby girl..." Ezra ruffled Summer's hair affectionately before planting a short, welcoming kiss on Aria's soft lips.

" Hey you." Aria greeted him. Her eyes brightened at the sight of her soon-to-be-boyfriend. " Do you want a drink before the movie starts?"

" Some water would be great thanks," Ezra said. Eagerly, Summer held out a hand for Ezra and he gladly took it with a beaming smile. Leading him over to the sofa, Summer lightly pushed Ezra down onto the sofa while she sat eagerly with him, leaving a space for Aria. This caused Ezra to chuckle at her.

" Mommy can I have a juice please?" Summer asked politely.

" Of course sweetie, but remember we don't push people, okay?" Aria scolded lightly, hiding her own giggle at seeing Summer pushing Ezra.

" Sorry, mommy." Summer pouted with a small frown. Soon, Aria rejoined the too, handing them both their drinks. After placing in the movie disk, Aria settled between both Summer and Ezra. Instantly, Ezra put his arm around Aria and pulled her closer to his side affectionately, while Aria snuggled closer into him. Summer did the same and convened herself under Aria's welcoming arm. Any stranger passing by would have believed that they were the happiest family in the world, just by the way they all fit together like a perfect picture.

For the duration of the movie, the three of them sat in the same position. The only time either of them moved was to get a small drink. Since Aria had seen this movie many a time - since it was one of her favourites - she found herself thinking how perfect that the moment actually was. She could definitely find herself getting use to this and it pleased her that Summer had liked Ezra the minute he spoke to her properly. Seeing both Ezra and Summer together, you could tell that they had very similar features. It incredibly annoyed Aria, though, that these features weren't actually Ezra's own features. Running into Will again was the last thing she ever wanted... Though as Will's name popped into her mind, Aria wondered how Ezra would react if Will actually turned up again.

" Summer, do you want me to carry you to bed sweetie?" Aria spoke to the sleeping form of Summer softly while Ezra leaned over to switch the large lamp on that stood directly next to the sofa. Even though Aria tried shaking her a little, Summer seemed in an already deep sleep so Aria felt that it would be cruel to try and wake her.

" Do you want me to take her?" Ezra offered, his eyes filled with nerves from asking. Aria was a little shocked by the suggestion, but what could be better than Ezra and Summer's relationship growing even further?

" Sure," Aria replied after only a few seconds of contemplation. Smiling brightly at the pair, Aria watched as Ezra softly scooped Summer's body off of the sofa and carried her into her own bedroom. Waiting patiently for his arrival, Aria grabbed the knitted blanket - one of the belongings she'd actually brought with her from her bedroom at home - and wrapped it around herself. Ezra was back in a matter of a minute, and he plopped back down next to Aria and resumed his earlier position by placing his arm around her again.

" You know, I think she actually might like me," Ezra stated proudly, kissing Aria on top of her head before leaning his chin on the place where he'd kissed.

" Like you? I think she loves you!" Aria exclaimed happily. " Then again, why wouldn't she? What's not to like?"

" Kids usually don't like me, well I've only met one kid before and he cried when his mother passed him to me," Aria giggled at this.

" When did that happen?" She asked, still chuckling.

" Let's just say it was a very bad parent-teacher conference," This caused Aria to burst out laughing and Ezra chuckled along with her, holding her closer to him.

" Well, Summer is a lot like me. As you probably saw since she managed to sit through the majority of a silent movie, not many people can do that without getting bored,"

" Well that's true," Ezra said, grinning boyishly. " She has your beautiful hazel eyes," Aria turned up to look Ezra in the eye as he said this and they both stared at each others lips for a moment, both thinking the same thing. This time, Ezra made the first move and gradually moved his lips forward to meet hers. The kiss was soft and sweet, like their usual, but soon turned more heated and passion filled. It wasn't long before both Aria's arms were around Ezra's neck while her hands played with his short, dark brown hair. Ezra's arms encircled her waist, slowly pulling her closer while their tongues delicately invaded each other's mouths. After their longest, most passion filled kiss yet, Aria abruptly pulled away, only just managing to remember that they're supposed to be taking things slow.

" We shouldn't do this... not yet anyway..." Aria told him awkwardly, but she still kept her arms around his neck. He nodded with understanding eyes, placing a small kiss on her nose before they both returned to their original position cuddled up together. " But... do you want to stay the night? I mean... we could watch some more movies?"

" That... would be perfect," Ezra answered, gleeful at the fact that he and Aria had finally moved a step further. One step further to a hopefully long and happy future together...

A very fluffy chapter, but I think this was needed after all the drama that's been going on with them both. This was really another 'happy' chapter following on from the last, but this time there was a lot more family scenes. I definitely enjoyed writing the Summer/Ezra moments, hopefully everyone enjoyed reading those bits! I hadn't really wrote about Aria and the girls for a while so I think that was necessary too, but overall nothing much really happened. Sorry about that guys :P

However, this chapter does bring up a lot more questions which are going to appear in the storyline, and this chapter also hints on some of the plotline in the near future. The biggest plotline coming up is including Aria's parents, who are currently oblivious to the fact that Aria and Ezra are together again and that Aria actually has a daughter. So that should be interesting :P

Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and more updates will be coming soon! Please review to tell me what you think and thank you so much for the ongoing support!

-DareToDream