Ezra POVI sat down on the couch with a book but I couldn't get into it. It was after 10:00 now. I should accept that Ella might not come and try to sleep, but I knew I would just toss and turn all night. Things were falling apart and I had no idea how to put them back a loud buzzing filled my apartment. I hopped up so quickly it made me dizzy and had to lean against the wall for a moment before buzzing Ella in. I still had my forehead rested against the wall when a subtle knock came to the door.I took a quick look around and spotted Aria's jacket draped over the arm of the couch where I had left it so I would remember to return it to her. Her mom would recognize it. I quickly picked it up and threw it in the closet before opening the door."Mrs. Montgomery," I greeted formally before gesturing for her to come was looking at me with that mama bear glare in her eyes when I turned around after closing the door."I can't stay long. Keep it short," Ella told me, no inflection in her voice."Do you want to sit down?""No."I nodded, running my hand nervously through my hair. I had to get the bomb dropped. There was no more avoiding it."I'm in love with Aria," I spilled out. It wasn't gentle, and it probably wasn't the best way to tell her, but my mind wasn't thinking entirely rational right now."Aria?" Ella snapped."Please, just listen. When we met, I had no idea she was my student. We met before school even started. And I tried to keep my distance, trust me I tried. But me and Aria…. I can't leave her. I won't do that again. Not now," I looked down, waiting for her reaction."And Aria?" Ella's voice wasn't so harsh but I didn't know what to make of it."Has a good head on her shoulders. Every decision she's made around us has been right. Every time she brought me back when I tried to walk away, every time she walked away. I can't blame her for any of it. You know Aria. She's strong. She wouldn't stick around if she didn't want to be here. If I had forced her into anything, you would have known. I would be gone," I felt like I was rambling, but I had to keep going. I had to make her see, "I love you're daughter Mrs. Montgomery."

Ella sighed, "Where you ever planning on telling us?"

"We've been talking about it since I left Rosewood High. We'd officially agreed to just days ago. That's why when you confronted me in the police station… I thought you knew," I ran my hand through my hair again. It seemed like we were getting somewhere but I couldn't be sure.

"I have to go," Ella said abruptly.

"Ella, please-"

She spun back around shaking her head, "I have to think about this. For now, you keep your distance. Understand?"

I nodded and watched as Ella left, slamming the door behind her.