Hi guys! Thanks to my reviewers for the last chapter. Xoxo Courtney

"I was thinking I would make up the time I missed this morning, before we ate…" I started.

She giggled, as she stood up, grabbing my hand as she started to drag me towards the bed.

Right before, she lied down on the bed covers, we heard the door knock. I took her hand in mine as we happily walked to the door. She squeezed my hand, giggling, as I opened the door.

My smile faded at the sight in front of me. Aria squeezed my hand tighter, as I felt her eyes burn into my head in fear.

"Ella," I gulped.

Aria POV:

My jaw dropped as I saw my mother standing outside the door. Her eyes widened at our hands, squeezed, but then relaxed. It wasn't like she didn't know about us. It was them that put us where we are now.

"Aria. Ezra," she murmured, trying to smile, but it wasn't working. We all knew she wasn't happy at the moment.

"What are you doing here," I demanded. I didn't want to see my parents this recent after the incident at the hospital.

"I just wanted to warn you," she began.

"Leave," Ezra stepped in, squeezing my hand even tighter. I wrapped my arms around his waist. He leaned into me.

"Just give me a chance to speak," she said sternly.

"Go. Speak now," I said, not amused.

"Can I come in?" she asked Ezra desperately.

"No," we both said in unison. Hating her wasn't the only reason why we didn't let her in. There were "wrappers" all over the floor, the apartment was a mess. I had intended on doing some cleaning today. Plus, the dishes weren't done because I had made breakfast.

"Okay. I can see why," she confessed. Ella turned to Ezra. "First of all, are you okay?"

Ezra nodded his head, keeping his straight face. She looked over at me. "How about you? Are you okay?" she asked, worried.

I couldn't help but give away a slight smile as I nodded. "Just cut to the chase mom, why are you here?"

Ella sighed, and began. "Look, I don't want to cause any trouble. You guys have been through enough already. I'm on your side, and I always will be from now on. That's a promise," she said. "Aria, you're my little baby girl, and I need to protect you. And you, Ezra, well, you're a very close friend, and I trust you that you have done no harm to my daughter," she stated, tearing up.

"I love you daughter; and I would never THINK of hurting her. I would regret it for the rest of my life if I did," he admitted.

It reminded me of when he said that in the hospital. I smiled. "I love him mom," I added.

I reached over with one hand and grabbed her hand. "Thank you, for supporting us. It's what we need right now."

Ezra nodded, and smiled. Ella spoke again. "Unfortunately, I'm the only person who approves. Byron has been ranting for several days. He goes around the house, yelling, screaming, and he punched the wall…" she trailed off.

Ezra and I both gasped. We never thought Byron was that type of person, not counting what had happened in the hospital. "What I'm trying to say is, he's not taking it well. And he said that hee's coming here in five days. Ezra better be gone. The police will track Rosewood to make sure he left town for good; and Aria has to be back home. Aria, you can't leave with him," she said, as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Even though, I know that Ezra would give you a better life than Byron and I ever could."

I went over and hugged her, as a tear escaped from my eye. How could she think that she hasn't been a good mother through the sixteen years of my life? "Mom, you have created who I am. And I am so thankful for who I have become, and what I dream to do. Because you and Ezra are the only people that will make them come true; because you and Ezra believe in me, and always have," I explained.

Ezra put up his hand and rubbed circled on my lower back, comforting me. That caused all my tears to spill.

I parted from me and Ella's hug and entangled myself in Ezra's arms. "But, Ezra isn't leaving. He's staying here, for me."

Ezra kissed my hair. My gaze turned up to meet his eyes. I kissed him gently.

Ella frowned. "But then the cops will come and take him away," she explained. "Honey, you're going to lose him either way."

I grimaced at her words. I wasn't going to lose him was I?

Aww So, at least Ella is on their side. She's giving them a heads up and telling them what's expected to come. But, of course, she's noting that Ezra is going to leave either way, even though she knows Ezra is perfect for Aria and will protect her with everything he has. Next chapter will be a little sad… Please review! Love ya! Xoxo Courtney