The rewrite! And I've changed quite a few things, but the direction of the story will be the same. Only some little changes.

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When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part
- Louis de Bernières, Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Aria Montgomery had never expected for her family to fall apart. She had never expected for her father to break the fundamental basis of his marriage, she hadn't expected for him to be so careless and cruel. At sixteen years old it was safe to say that she didn't have much life experiences but she certainly knew of disappointment, a couple of weeks back she would have gone as far as to say her life was perfect but then she caught her father interlocked in an passionate embrace with an woman who wasn't her mother.

She hadn't told her mother about the affair, Alison had. Which angered Aria greatly as it wasn't the blonde's decision to make. And as always Alison hadn't done it out of moral issues but rather out of spite. Which was, primarily, the reason why Aria hadn't spoken to the blonde in the past two weeks—which meant she also wouldn't be seeing any of her other friends. Being a part of Alison clique meant that you would listen and agree with her whether you wanted to or not.

But yet Hanna told her about the latest gossip, Emily invited her out and Spencer called her every night. This consoled her, knowing that her friends still wanted to speak to her made her feel much better though her heart hurt as she thought about the current state of her family. Ever since the secret had been revealed her family had been in shambles. Her brother barely spoke to her, her father didn't even look at her and her mother wept for both herself and what her daughter had been through.

Her hands gripped the edges of the hard-back book and despite her eyes being fixed at the words in front of her she was unable to concentrate. The words were all blurry, and her head was full with thoughts not concerning the words Virginia Woolf had written. A knock on the door caused her to raise her gaze, and the door opened. Despite what she had thought—it was not any of her family but instead one of her closest friends.

"Hey stranger" Spencer teased, with a smile. She plopped herself down on the nearest chair, which happened to be opposite her bed, and then watched as Aria eyed her with a curious gaze "How's it going?" She asked, and Aria could tell she wasn't trying sound too sympathetic.

The petite brunette placed her book down on her bed, and then swung her legs over the bed "I am okay" she said, pursuing her lips into a thin line. Her friends were clearly aware of everything that had gone on in her family and as was every other resident of Rosewood.

Her friend watched her sceptically, but didn't question her much to her relief. She, then, got up from the chair and opened her friend's closet "OK! So I am no Ali or Hanna but I have a vague understanding of fashion." She said, and took out a couple of different dresses. Aria almost let out a laugh out of disbelief and stood up as well. She knew Spencer would have something planned as it had been her birthday a couple of days back but Aria had decided that she didn't want to do anything big.

"Where are you taking me Hastings?" Aria asked, amused, as Spencer looked at all of the dresses and held them against Aria.

"We're going to a night-club" She replied in a hushed whisper so that Aria's parents wouldn't hear "Ali knows someone who knows someone who can get us into P3. It's apparently one of the popular clubs in Philly." She said, enthusiastically.

Aria sighed "Ali's going," She commented, dishearteningly, and her friend looked at her.

"Come on, Aria, you're going to have to forgive her eventually" Spencer stated as though it were an obligation as opposed to a choice. Aria shook her head in disbelief and then, angrily, stomped to her bed and sat down.

"I cannot believe you're taking her side" Aria stated, with a scoff "But I guess I should have known you all would take her side." She added, bitterly.

Spencer placed the dresses into the closet "We are not taking sides, Aria." She replied, slowly. "But despite Alison having gone about it the wrong way she did the right thing. You should not have kept your mother in the dark. The minute you found out two months ago you should have told her."

"It sure sounds like you are …" Aria said, and wrapped her arms around her chest "I don't want to go anywhere. Could you leave?" She asked, "—I think I just need to be alone and just evaluate everything that's gone on and come to terms with the fact that, because of spite, Alison may have torn apart my family."

"—Aria" Spencer drawled,

"Please … just leave" Her voice was shaky and she didn't look at Spencer as she left but once she was gone she pulled her legs up to her chest and closed her eyes whilst leaning her face on her knees. A lump formed in her throat as she thought about her family and whether they would ever return to what they had once been. The sound of her mother slamming her bedroom door reached her ears, and immediately she got changed and rushed out of the house without so much as a word.

It was wrong of her to solely blame Alison for exposing her father's infidelity when the truth was the one and only person she should be blaming was her father. And she did blame him, she blamed him for tearing their family apart and ruining them. She sniffled, tears rolled down her cheek. A sigh escaped her mouth as she realized she had nowhere to go. The only place which would welcome her was the library and it was tempting her every second.

Hollis College Library was open to both students and none, alike. It was only a ten minute walk, and she absolutely adored sitting there and just reading. No one bothered her or listened to music on their head-phones extra loud. Also, it would be empty which, as of late, became something she was quite fond of was. In this little town almost everyone knew the occurrences of the Montgomery household and would look at her with pity.

The harsh December wind hit her causing her to shiver slightly, and as she walked into Hollis she was greeted by a warmth which caused her to sigh with relief. The library was just beside campus, and was, as she suspected, empty. Most people had gone home for the holidays, or were off campus. She walked through the aisles of books and felt comfortable—at ease. It was strange but books brought a sort of peace towards her.

As her gaze was fixated on a book beside her she bumped into someone, her eyes looked up at the man apologetically. His blue eyes startled her, and a gulp escaped her mouth. He looked at her with a small smile.

"I am so sorry" He said, his voice was just as beautiful as his eyes. She nodded, unable to reply, before walking on. Amused, he watched as she walked away. Aria found a little corner where she curled with a copy of Harper Lee's novel. Ezra couldn't help but watch her through the spaces between the respective books. The way she moved a loose tendril of hair behind her ear as she was, so clearly, engrossed in a book which was, by no doubt, one of his absolute favourites.

She was certainly very beautiful, and for some reason he felt a need to get to know her. Hesitantly, he walked towards where she was sitting. His shadow didn't cause her to break her gaze from the eloquent words of Lee.

Ezra wondered whether he would be disturbing her. He probably would be but he needed to speak to her, he felt an urge to get to know her despite not having even heard her voice. He had his hands in his pocket and he smiled softly.

Clenching his jaw, he spoke "Do you like it?" His voice startled her, and she looked up at him with wide eyes "—uh, the book I mean." He added, nervously.

Aria nodded, and smiled. She bit her lower lip "I do" She replied, "It's one of my favourites"

"Mine too" He added, a small grin tugging on his lips. "You should read her auto-biography. Its' amazing" He commented.

"I know—I've read it."

His smile grew even bigger and he took a seat next to her. She tilted her head side-wards so that she could see him "You're incredibly well-read for what? A freshman" He questioned, she bit her lower lip as she realized he thought she was a college student. She nodded.

"Most people when they start college go on booze rampages, and hook up with everyone and anyone as a part of a rebellious streak." He said, nonchalantly. She shook her head, "The most rebellious thing I have ever done is dye my hair pink, and get a stomach piercing." She said, with a slight laugh.

"I have a question for you. Not one I would usually spring on a stranger but considering you look like you're very much a fan of Harper Lee's writing I am going to be bold" Aria watched him, curious as to what he may say, with narrowed eyes.

"Do you think she took liberties with the narrator's voice?—many say the author did" Ezra asked, and her head fell back as a melodic laugh escaped her mouth "No, I am serious. Why are you laughing?" He asked, curiously.

"—I had just thought you were going to ask me something extremely bold, and slightly offensive" She replied, amused, looking at the handsome stranger. He laughed, and scratched the back of his neck nervously "And, I think whoever said that missed the point"

He raised his eye-brow in curiosity "Go on" He encouraged,

"The author was writing something she remembered from an adult's perspective about things she remembered from when she was a kid. Things she's passionate about" Aria added, licking her lower lip, as she watched him with a curious gaze.

"Do you think that's fair to apply that insight in retrospect?" He asked,

She nodded, "Yeah… why not? Kids see a lot probably more than adults. T-they just don't have the word yet to express their feelings." She said, a sigh escaping her mouth as she thought about what had occurred in the past two months.

"W-why do they see more?" He asked, sensing something was wrong with him in terms of the way she was feeling.

Aria shrugged "Because they're curious … and they act on their feelings" She replied,

He smiled a little "And you think adults have lost that ability to act on their feelings?" He asked, curiously. "I don't know. You tell me …" Aria said, her voice flirty, her gaze flickered over his lips which he noticed.

Something came over her, she wasn't usually so flirty with strangers she had just met but there was just something about him. And it wasn't just her beautiful blue eyes, or boyish smile. She felt a pull towards him. An attraction, and a desire to need to know more. Aria looked down at her book and played with her fingers, nervously. She shouldn't be doing this, the last thing she needed to get into was this mess. She was practically lying to him regarding her age, and she knew better than anyone about how lies could destroy you.

"I'm Ezra Fitzge—Fitz" He introduced himself, she eyed him curiously.

"You were about to say Fitzgerald, weren't you?" Aria questioned, and then he clenched his jaw nodding.

"I suppose I still haven't got used to using Fitz …" He said, with a defeated sigh.

Her hazel eyes, with specks of blue in it, watched him "You changed your name. Do you mind me asking why?" She asked, not wanting to be intrusive but at the same time being incredibly curious into the insight into this stranger's life.

"—my family. I just didn't want to being associated with the likes of them so I truncated my name and packed my bags and transferred to Hollis" He replied, vaguely. She nodded, and a small sad smile crept onto her face.

"I know how you feel …" She said, softly "Sometimes I wish I could just change my name and go somewhere new and just be who I want to. It's like having a brand new canvas, one I can paint on without having it outlined for me."

Ezra watched her as she spoke, he knew exactly how she was feeling. He had been through all the self-doubting, and pain of having everything planned for him. Sometimes he still would feel the way she was currently feeling.

"But what we both have to realize is even if we have our lives outlined doesn't mean we can paint over the edges" He replied, and then scrunched his nose "I'm sorry, that was an awful piece of advice. Did it even make sense?"

She let out a little giggle and turned to face him "It made perfect sense" She said, encouragingly "I'm Aria"

"That's a beautiful name. Well-suited." Ezra complimented, and a faint blush came onto her cheek. He observed how her eyes glistened with delight as she looked at him. She smiled, a laugh escaped her mouth. She didn't know why she was laughing but she was—and he joined in. The once quiet library was filled with the echoes of their laughter. He licked his bottom lip nervously, "I would like to get to know you more"

Her lips parted "You would …?" She asked, nervously.

"I would …" He replied, softly "I could cook dinner for you—granted I can only make two dishes—but if you want you can come over" He said,

For a moment she didn't reply, and Ezra feared he would face rejection. A million thoughts rushed through her head, she thought of the implications once he found out her true age and of her parents and of Alison but, despite it being dishonest, she wanted to continue with this—someone, an older handsome smart guy, was interested in her and he seemed oh so wonderful—what harm would one tiny-teeny lie bring about?

Aria Montgomery was a dreamer, there was no doubt about it. And this felt like a dream, one she didn't want to wake up from and she felt as though revealing her true self would, in a way, cause her to wake abruptly. She turned to face him and watched him, his face was full of nerves and anxiety, and she nodded.

"Sounds wonderful. When do you want me?"

It was stupid, and careless and frankly naïve.

Christmas was just three days away, who went on a date days before Christmas? Not normal teenagers but then she wasn't normal. Aria lied in order for him to even remain interested, and she would tell him. Today. She was going to tell him, as soon as she stepped into his apartment. Five hours, it took her five hours to get ready today. Of course, part of that five hours was actually getting out of bed and doing the everyday things but still five hours.

She cared about what he thought for some reason and, despite their nightly talks on the phone and meetings in the library, they were still strangers. Aria didn't know him, he could be an axe murderer. A laugh escaped her mouth. Ezra Fitz may be many things but a murderer wasn't one of them. He was sweet, and kind and so breathtakingly funny. She hadn't felt this way about a man, or anyone really. Was it crazy? Absolutely, but she wasn't one to aspire to live a mundane existence.

Her friends were at their seemingly perfect homes having a traditional Christmas whilst her own parents were pretending to get along for the sake of their children. Aria didn't know whether hearing her parents argue or watching them pretend to get along was worse. Mike seemed to take the bait, and thought they had finally mixed things but Aria knew better. Her parents were liars, and it seemed as though that trait was hereditary.

Lights were up, and the decorations were absolutely perfect as she left her house. She ignored her mother's frown, and her father's questioning gaze. A lie escaped her mouth, something about going over to Spencer's house. The cold air hit her causing goose bumps to rise, she held onto her coat and bit her lower lip. Her foot stepped on the icy concrete and her hands were buried in her pockets. She regretted her decision to not grab a pair of gloves. From across the street she could see Hanna, who smiled widely, crossing the road.

"Hey Aria, I've missed you!" Hanna said, and wrapped her arms along with Aria in an attempt to get warmer. "I saw on the discovery channel that penguins waddle to gain heat. Let's waddle!" She said, enthusiastically.

"Uh no, Han. I'm fine." Aria replied, rolling her eyes "How's Christmas with Pastor Ted? Has he gone biblical on you yet?" She asked, teasingly. Rosewood may have been a small-town, but it didn't resemble anything which was shown on television screens or what people thought. There was scandal, and rumours and unlikely relationships.

Hanna shrugged "I have decided to tune it out" She said, nonchalantly "And my mother has decided to cook for the first time and make batches of sugar-filled treats. It's like she's trying to make this hard for me." A miserable sigh escaped her mouth.

Aria looked at her friend, and smiled sadly. Hanna, by no means, was over-weight but she didn't fit Alison's extremely high (and stupid) standards "You're not fat, Han. You should eat all the sugar you want!" She said, encouragingly.

"Ali seems to think I am" Hanna mumbled, bitterly.

"And since when have we allowed Alison to dictate the way we feel about ourselves" Aria added, angrily.

"Since forever!" Hanna said, loudly, almost as if it was obvious "When Ali doesn't like something she gets rid of it. And I don't want to be thrown out like an old pair of jeans" She said, and Aria watched her in disbelief.

"You're more than a pair of jeans, Han. You're a person. A wonderful, funny and beautiful person." Aria said, hoping it would boost her confidence. She hated the things Alison did—no one should feel the way a person did after Alison was done with them.

Hanna didn't reply, "So where are you going all dolled up?" She asked, noticing her curled hair and make-up. Her friend didn't reply, and kept her gaze straight ahead of the road which had specks of snow on it. "What? Are you going on a date?" She said, joking, and her eyes widened as she saw Aria's face "OH MY GOD! Aria Montgomery. Tell me everything. Who's the mystery guy? Is it Noel? It's Noel, isn't it?"

Aria shook her head, and shuddered as she thought of her irrational crush. Ever since Middle School she had a thing for Noel Kahn, he was smart and popular and most importantly, he was absolutely beautiful but it had faded. To come to think about it she hadn't even thought about him ever since she met Ezra. It was innocent, wasn't it? An innocent lie, but her feelings for the older man were anything but innocent. It was something she would flush a deep red to speak about, and so she didn't.

"It's not Noel. You don't know him" Aria said, vaguely, "Listen, Han. I have to rush, I am going to be late. I'll speak to you later!" She said, and quickly hugged her before she hurried down the roads of Rosewood. She worried about slipping but brushed it off fastening her pace.

33 Hybbert Street.

Nervously she looked at the apartment complex, and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She entered the apartment building, and then walked up the stairs until she reached the second floor. The gold plated number 3B was staring at her. For a brief moment she closed her eyes pondering how exactly she had arrived at this moment but then, wide-eyed, she knocked on the door. Aria could hear the sound of dishes and pans. He opened the door, his hair in messy curls and a dish-cloth on his shoulder.

She smiled, and he leaned in placing a soft lingering kiss on her cheek. He removed his lips and looked at her with a boyish grin "I, half-expected, for you not to come" He said, as he held the door open for her and then closed it after she walked in.

"Is that so?" Aria said, teasingly, as she looked around at the apartment which was filled with vintage posters and books.

He nodded, and crossed his arms across his chest "I feared you might have found someone else who frequents the Hollis Library who is far handsomer than me, and also knows how to cook without causing a fire." He replied, jokingly.

Aria spun around, and scrunched up her nose as she smelt the faint burnt smell of food "I don't think I would ever stand you up" She said, and all thoughts of being honest and revealing her true age had left her mind.

"I like the sound of that" Ezra said, with a smile "Also, you look absolutely beautiful." She giggled, and his smile grew "You don't look too bad yourself." She replied, "Do you need help cooking?" And he nodded.

"Help would be greatly appreciated for the sake of both of our stomachs" He said, as he walked towards the kitchen. Aria rolled her eyes, and kicked off her heels. She took off her coat, and placed it on a hook. Ezra turned around and watched as she removed her damp socks due to the snow and her inappropriate choice of shoes. "Weren't you cold?" He questioned, his eyes on her pale skin and the dark maroon lace fabric against it.

She nodded, and walked towards "Yes, I was. But girls are crazy" Aria said, nonchalantly, and grabbed a spoon. He watched as she took control of everything without even so much as asking, she felt at ease and confident as if she had been in this position an million times although he was sure she hadn't. Soon enough dinner was served. There was a candle placed on the table as they ate. They spoke and laughed and just, generally enjoyed each-other's company.

"Sometimes I think she's crazy" Aria spoke of Alison, "She's—just—drives me crazy. It's like everything. All of our lives are just a big game to her, and she will do whatever she thinks is right. She makes decisions for us and makes me feel inadequate and as if I have no say in my own life."

He nodded, and licked his bottom lip "You're no inadequate of anything, Aria. I've only known you for a couple of days, but I think you're absolutely amazing and wonderful. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend. And it's okay to cut someone off if they're toxic" He advised,

Aria looked down, and nodded "I am sorry for boring you with stories of my destructive relationships" She apologized, Ezra shook his head "I don't mind hearing anything so long as it's about you—would you like to dance?" He asked, abruptly.

Her lips parted, she looked at him unsure as to what to say. He jumped out of his position and walked over to where his records were, she watched him. He held his hand out for her and pulled her up causing her to squeal. Her hand looped around his neck and she rested her head against his chest as they swayed.

Moon River, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style someday
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're going, I'm going your way

She closed her eyes, and felt his hands on her waist. She could feel his heart-beat race, she needed to tell him. And she really wanted too, but the last thing she needed was for this absolutely perfect moment to be destroyed by the awful truth of the situation. There was no way he would want to be with a high-schooler, and sophomore much less. Aria opened her eyes and then could see his eyes look at hers.

His lips are an alluring sight, and she moves her hand up to his cheek. She stokes his skin, and he leans down. It seems like a lifetime before his lips finally touch hers, and for the first time ever she feels a connection she knows which won't fade. It is absolutely exhilarating being in contact with him. They are absolutely immersed in each-other and her hands brush through his curls. He pushes her against the wall, and then his lips pull away from hers. He placed a soft kiss just beside the strap of her dress and looked at her.

Her hazel eyes are wide with worry, and concern. It felt so right, but she couldn't go on with this. The past couple of days she was deluding herself into thinking that this could ever work, but she knew better than anyone that and relationship which began with a lie couldn't possibly work.

"I am so sorry, I have to go" Aria said, quickly. Her every word shocking him "I really am sorry. You're wonderful. It's me, there's things I haven't told you" She explained, and he released his grasp on her shaking his head.

"You don't owe me anything. You do not have to tell me anything," He looked at her not with anger but concern making it so much harder for her to leave, he watched as she threw on her boots. A sad smile on her face.

Aria bit her lower lip "I have to go" She said, and left his apartment.

Three weeks passed, and every morning for a couple of days she was awoken by the sound of calls or messages. He begged for her to explain why she left, he apologized for things he hadn't done and spoke of how he thought they could have been something. Every single time she felt her heart break. Everything had changed. Alison had disappeared and no one knew where she had gone too, there were theories of her being kidnapped or having run away.

It was just a normal sleepover, Aria had finally made up with Alison. They were laughing, and she was trying to get over the relationship she had never been in. Nothing was out-of-the-blue but then she woke up to Spencer telling her Alison had gone. The police had searched all over town, and Philadelphia. No one had heard from her, or seen her. Even her closest friends didn't know what had happened and then her parents had sprung upon her that they were moving all the way to Iceland.

Her phone rang and it was Emily. Out of all her friends, Emily was having the hardest time dealing with what had happened. The other three girls had just thought Alison would return and had run off with someone but Emily was afraid, and scared, and nervous for her friend's sake.

"Are you at the airport?" She asked, Aria shook her head and then rolled her eyes realizing that she was on the phone.

"No, I am not." Aria replied, "I just have something I need to take care of before I leave. Em? Please don't worry about Ali, she's fine. We're all sure of it, and eventually she will return." She said, with full confidence.

"I just have an really bad feeling" Emily said, her voice breaking "Well, I am not going to disturb you any-more. Call us when you land" She added, and then hung up.

Aria looked at the 3B sign in front of her with an miserable sigh escaping her mouth. She needed to see him but didn't exactly know what she was going to say. Aria wanted for him to hold her in his arms and for him to forgive her. She knocked on the door, hesitantly, but much to her surprise it wasn't the curly haired man who answered the door but rather a woman.

The blonde, who looked like she stepped off a Victoria secret catwalk, looked at her curiously whilst clad in only a men's shirt "Hello, how can I help you?" She asked, her hair was messy and she was beautiful. She didn't even want to imagine what had gone on before she had arrived.

Aria bit her lower lip, a lumped formed in her throat. She couldn't believe he had moved on so fast, but she couldn't blame him. It was stupid of her to even think that an older and smarter guy would be into her. She forced a smile "I think I'm at the wrong apartment. Sorry!" She said, and then heard the door slam in her face. From outside, she could hear the sound of laughter. A waterfall of tears slid down her cheek as she walked down the stairs.

She wiped her eyes, and couldn't wait until she left this small town.

So that was that. Let me know what you thought! :)