The Learning Experience

Four

The next day, Ezra and Aaliyah were invited to go ride bicycle with Jack. "Why did I have to come?" She asked.

"Cause we're friends and we are getting to know one another." Jack replies.

Aaliyah nodded and saw her sister and her friends. She smiled at them, but noticed the look on her sister's face causing her to continue her ride.
~~~
The next day, Aaliyah walked the halls to see Ezra. "Hi."

"Hey, I've been doing some thinking. If you don't get that apartment, you can come live with me."

"Ezra, I don't know because of how long it's been since we started dating..."

"I know, but I would like to know you better. We can see how things go between us."

Aaliyah smiled and nodded. She would do just that. She saw her sister and wondered why she acts the way she does over Meredith coming around. Aaliyah looked at Ezra as class started.
~~~
At home, Aaliyah was helping her mom cook talking about Ezra. "He asked me to stay with him if I don't get the apartment."

"That's sweet, but I understand where you are coming from."

"Where's Aria and Mike?"

"Not going to be here. It's just you, me, and your father."

Aaliyah smiled as she heard her phone ringing. She left the kitchen to answer it and smiled as she saw it was Ezra. Ella walked back in as Aaliyah hung up. She noticed the look on Ella's face. "Mom?"

Ella hand the letter over causing Aaliyah to read it. Aaliyah covered her mouth as she couldn't believe what she was reading. "Dad is having an affair.' She said. "And Aria knew?" Ella nodded. "I can't be here. She knew and didn't say anything."

"Aaliyah..."

"No! Mom, how can you be so calm from all this. Aria knew about this affair for a year. And maybe this A person is right. He has been staying awfully late. I can't be in this house knowing about his affair and Aria keeping this from us."

Ella sighed as she watched her oldest leave. "Aaliyah...'

"I'll be at Ezra's."
~~~
Aaliyah knocked on Ezra's door causing him to open it. "Aaliyah?"

Aria stopped in front of Jake's door watching her sister with tears going down her face go in Ezra's apartment. She knocked on Jack's door to see him. "Aria? What brings you by?'

"I just need you to hold me."

Inside Ezra's apartment, he held Aaliyah as she slept on his chest. He hated that she came her in tears over her father's affair. Her sister kept this a secret and now she's heartbroken from all this. He raised up and laid her down as he went and ordered food. A knock at the door caught his attention. He walked over to the door and saw Jack. "Aria told me what happened."

"Yeah. Why is Aria going there?" Jack gave him a look. "You need to tell Aaliyah or I will."

"Don't. Let Aria tell her."

"That will piss her off even more." He said. "Go. I need to get her in bed."

Jack nodded as he left. Ezra shut his door and locked it. He walked back over as Aaliyah started to wake up. "Hey." She said.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes."

"Let me go order something. Get some sleep and I'll be back."

Aaliyah nodded as she stood up and went to his bed. Ezra smiled as he called in their food and left to get it. Hopefully things are calm down tomorrow.