Frozen in Time

Chapter 14

"So we're really going to this thing, huh?" I asked once Emily picked up the phone.

"If Noel is the culprit of these messages, then we need to see why he's doing it. The only way we can follow him around without him knowing we are spying on him is at this party!"

"So we're just going to follow him around? Invade is privacy? Just like he does us."

"He's done much worse! We've all gotten threats from 'A' and if he thinks he can control us we have to show him he can't!"

"What if Spencer's wrong? What if it's not Noel, and even if it is why would he know where Alli is?"

"That's what we have to find out!"

Beep beep beep

"Hold on, I have a call on the other line," I said "we'll all talk about this together at school tomorrow."

"Okay, bye," then she hung up.

Beep beep beep

A picture of Ezra showed up on my screen.

I hit decline.

~•~

On Friday night I carpooled with Spencer to 'Camp Mona' and prayed that this wouldn't be as bad as it sounded.

Spencer put the car in park and grabbed her flashlight.

"Ready?"

"Yep!" I said opening the door. Though, I was lying.

We waited for Hanna and Emily before we went up to what looked like a sign up sheet.

"Let's do this!" Emily whispered.

Hanna followed behind us, scoping out her hideout.

Beep bop beep boop dading boop boop

All of our phones went off at the same time.

We knew what that meant.

It's scavenger hunt time,
Can you find me?
Look hard bitches,
I'm the prize!
Kisses, -A

"No fricken way!" Hanna shouted, there was definitely more anger in her voice than anything.

"To the scavenger hunt!" Spencer said.

Hanna rolled her eyes and walked towards the sign up sheet.

~•~

The four of us zipped up our 'Camp Mona' hoodies as we walked toward the woods.

"Well if there's one thing Mona is its flashy!" Spencer pointed out.

She pointed to the glitter letters on her hoodie with bling circling around them.

"Hey everyone! Let me give you a tour!" Mona said.

She showed us the massage tables, candy counter, and scavenger hunt line.

"I think you'll have tons of fun!" She shouted, "just roam around and enjoy yourself's! If you need anything I'll be at the massage tables! The scavenger hunt starts in thirty, don't miss it!"

"Oh we won't!" Spencer said.

Hanna gave her a look, as to say not to be too obvious.

"So where to first?" Emily asked looking around.

"Well, Hanna should probably be put in the woods to scope out any 'A' sightings! Emily, you go with me and we'll walk around to see if 'you know who' is watching! Aria, you can stay up here by the entrance and alert us if you see him come in!" Spencer was always good at barking orders.

"I, I, captain!" Hanna saluted Spencer and went towards the woods, binoculars in hand.

We all separated in search of 'A' monster.

Beep beep beep

It wasn't ten minutes and Hanna called.

"'A' sighting! Report, 'A' sighting!"

"You do know we aren't in the military right?"

"Just report to location!"

I hung up and started trudging through the leaves and dewy grass. She was supposed to be one hundred and thirty six steps past the cabana north east. I wouldn't know. I accepted my next call.

~•~

"Aria meet me in the woods! Please, we need to talk!" Ezra insisted.

I didn't want to give in, but I did. Some part of me knew I wasn't going to regret it. I just wasn't sure what that part of me was.

I went in the back way into the shadow covered woods, so Hanna wouldn't see me. I didn't need this secret coming out. Not yet.

Opening the the door of the Cadillac I felt relief. Like I knew in my mind there was no sure sign of what was going to happen next, but I didn't care. It felt right.

"Thanks for meeting me here."

I bit my lip as if a sign I hadn't forgave him yet. Like a blockade from all things Ezra.

"Look, I've been thinking. About us. I know it was wrong of me to flake the other night. I just kept thinking of how hard it would be, if this, whatever this is, continued. It would be hard for both of us.

"I came to a realization. I don't care how hard it will be. I need you in my life. No matter the cost! Forgive me?"

I wanted to forgive him so much, I just wanted to see where this would go.

"No," I said.

I was trying to focus on his eyes. His beautiful eyes. I knew if I looked down at those perfect lips I would give in.

He leaned in closer, "forgive me?"

My eyes went to his lips them back to his eyes, I almost folded right then and there.

"No!"

He came even closer. Our noses were touching. I could feel him breathing as the air hit my upper lip every time he exhaled.

"Forgive me?"

I couldn't do it! I couldn't hold back any longer. I leaned in and kissed those perfect, luscious lips that I had craved.

He kissed back.

We were there in that car for what felt like hours. It wasn't long enough.

In the end I could see a flash out of the corner of my eye. The scavenger hunt was starting. I pulled back, and we just sat staring into each others eyes.

"Aria Montgomery," he said.

"Ezra Fitz,"

I couldn't help but smile when I said his name.

"I'm in love with you,"

My heart rose up from the pit of my stomach and exploded into a million happy pieces.

"I'm in love with you too,"

And I really meant it.