Hey guys! I just need to say thank you for all the lovely reviews. They always make me smile and I'm so glad that you've liked my first story so far! So, I can't thank you all enough: It would take an eternity.

It's official! I have the last 4 chapter planned out! I promised that I'd give you guys a happy ending, and maybe I'll even do an epilogue, if you really want it!

Alright, enough with the chatting, let's get right to it! Xoxo Courtney

"Please," he begged, starting to choke up. "I need you," he continued.

I looked at him lovingly before I climbed into the bed beside him. He pulled me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. He nuzzled his head into the crook of my neck and started to cry. I felt wet tears stain the back of my shirt.

I never saw him this upset before; but I knew that from now on, I had to take care of him.

He was going to go into depression mode, and I needed to make sure he stayed well. The sounds of his silent cries were muted, as he finally fell asleep, his legs intertwined with mine. I took his hands and placed them over my chest, as I closed my eyes as well.

It's been three days since we heard the tragic news about Hardy, and Ezra has been getting better; I have to admit. I still remember the day after we begged me to sleep in the bed with him like it was moments ago. I had woken up with strong arms held together, squeezing the air out of me.

After me calling his name a couple of times with no response, I had to slip myself out of his grip. He had slept way longer with usual, and when he did open those beautiful blue eyes of his, he stayed in bed all day.

Now, he was talking more, walking around, and was even more romantic, which I guess, was always a good sign.

It was 8 in the morning today, and I heard Ezra's footsteps across the hotel floor. The floors were creaky, and I always felt that I would fall straight through the floor. Room service brought up some French toast and orange juice for us, and I was setting the small table that was in front of the couch. Ezra came up from behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, picking me up. He lifted me and brought me over to the green, soft couch. He lay me down and kissed my neck, my earlobe, then my jawline, and finally my lips.

He parted his swollen lips form mine. "Well, good morning to you," I said cheerfully, stroking his face.

He swooped in for another kiss before replying. "Good morning," he said, showing off his boyish smile. Yeah. He was definitely making progress.

"Ready for breakfast?" I asked, taking his hand and pushing him down to sit on the couch. I straddled him and kissed him passionately. Ezra brushed some hair away from my face.

"Sounds delicious," he answered, as I maneuvered myself off of him and gave him his plate. We sat there, eating and watching Saturday cartoons, like we always used to at his apartment. The time was spent with silence, along with some small laughs, and playing with each other's hands.

After what seemed like forever, Ezra spoke up. "I'm going to call Hardy's home phone. You know, see if his fiancée answers. I just want to give my regrets….and maybe help arrange a funeral, or something.." he started.

"You'll be doing the right thing by doing that," I replied, kissing him on the cheek.

He nodded, as he took out his phone, which had been cracked from when he dropped it on the floor.

Ezra POV:
I thought that I would rather be done with it now than later. Aria saw that I was getting better. I'm thankful for that, and that I'm not a lot worse like the first night I found out. I couldn't believe A was getting to ME now. I'm afraid that they'll take Aria, my baby, away from my one way or another. I dialed Hardy's old house number and held it up to my ear. It ringed a few times before a small, high voice answered. "Hello?" they asked. The voice was scratchy, and sounded much older than me.

They sounded like the world had ended. That must be his fiancée. "Hey!" I answered, trying to raise the mood a little.

"Who's this?" she asked, politely.

Good job, idiot, not telling her your name. I felt Aria run her hands through my hair, and I relaxed, smiling. "My apologies, I'm Ezra Fitz. I was Hardy—"

She cut me off. "His best friend from college right? I heard a lot about you," she said.

"Really?" I asked, surprised. "Well, you must be his fiancée," I continued, bracing myself for what was going to happen next.

"Yes. My name's Jess. And well, I was," she began. I heard sniffles on the other end of the line that she was trying to hide. She took another breath. "I'm sorry to say that Hardy's d—"

I didn't want her to finish. "That's why I was calling. I heard, and I wanted to send my regrets. He was a great friend."

"Wait, how did you…?"

"Don't ask. I'm terribly sorry for what has happened; and I was wondering if I could help with arranging a funeral. My fiancée and I would be more than happy to help."

I know that she smiled. "Fiancée? Hardy didn't tell me that…?" she noted, laughing.

I chuckled. "Well, we just got engaged. We're moving to California, and getting married there."

"Congratulations!" she exclaimed. "I bet she's perfect."

"She is," I said, while talking the love of my life's hand in mine. "As I was saying, is there going to be a funeral?"

"Um, well…no. Hardy's wounds were quite harsh, and I just can't handle a funeral. To be honest, I would be sobbing the whole time. So, we're just going to cremate him, and bury that privately; but thank you for your consideration, Ezra," she explained.

"That's fine. I completely understand. Jess, I wish you and your family all the best, and maybe we'll visit soon, okay?" I tried to reassure her.

"That would be great! Okay.. best to you and your fiancée. Once again, thank you!"

"Okay, bye.." I finished, as I ended the call.

I looked over at Aria, whose eyes were burning into me. "Are you okay?" she asked.

I nodded, and pecked her nose. "Yeah."

Aria POV:

That call must've been hard for him, but he seemed very mature, like he always was. He was the strongest person I had ever met. I had mentioned that when he woke up in the hospital after the kidnapping.

"Can I ask you something?" I questioned.

Ezra turned to face me and smiled. "Of course, sweetie. Anything," he replied.

I nodded, and stroked his leg. "When did you find out about A?"

Ezra gulped, and began to explain. "It was the day that I found you in Jason's house. I got my first text from A. I noticed that this person had been the cause of our first fight/break up, and Spencer told me the whole story," he murmured.

"So, they found you a while ago…" I tried to follow.

Ezra nodded. "I'm just fearing that they're going to take you away from me, and I honestly don't know how to live without you."

"You won't lose me. I'm wherever you are. You're my husband to be," I cheered, grinning.

Ezra caressed my cheek, and then ran his hand down to my neck. "And you're my bride to be," he replied.

"So…..graduation is tomorrow," I pointed out. I felt like somebody had pressed the fast forward button on time. It felt lie just yesterday I was a freshman.

"And it's also your 18th birthday," Ezra noted, playing with my fingers, and kissing them.

I smiled. "And…I don't want you to come to the ceremony."

Ezra's smile faded into a frown. "Why..?" he asked, confused.

"Because I don't think it's safe for you. I want to protect you, that's all I want to do. To keep you safe."

"Aria, that's crazy talk. I'm coming," I replied.

"Please. As much as I want you to be there, in the audience, you can't. It's just better this way," I said sighing.

Ezra looked like a light bulb had lit up above his head; yet I couldn't see what he was thinking. "So…..you don't want me to be in the audience… I can be anywhere but watching you from off the stage…" he said, smiling.

"Anywhere, but watching me from the crowd. I don't want you up in a tree with binoculars either," I pointed out, grabbing his face.

"Great. I got it covered," Ezra sighed happily as he attached our mouths. I knew that there was something he was thinking of, and there was a part of me that couldn't wait to see what it was going to be.

Looks like Ezra has an idea in order to get to see Aria graduate! The next chapter will be a happy one! (but then something tragic occurs, and then the unexpected, and then a ahppy ending!) Don't forget to review! Have you liked my story so far?