In The Off Chance (A Jaria Story)

Chapter 2 - "Thank You"

Really sorry I haven't updated in a while. I'll try to be more active :)

Aria's Point of View -

Jackie Molina. Ugh. Why does she have to act all sickly sweet, prancing into Ezra's office like she's his best friend. Who even came up with the nickname "Z"?

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. I was doing it again. I uncrossed my legs and adjusted my seat on my couch. I shouldn't be mad at Jackie; It's not like she did anything wrong. Besides, her and Ezra were over anyway. Maybe I was just mad at Ezra. Or maybe myself. It's just so hard for us to come out as a couple but we were trying. But him today introducing me as a "former student" definitely didn't help. I mean, I understand why he wouldn't want to introduce me as his loving girlfriend to Jackie of all people, but still. It doesn't give me a good feeling. It makes me feel as if Ezra and I are moving backwards as a couple when we should be going forward.

I'm having a hard enough time already and I don't need the extra relationship problems. I still had the chills in my spine from the night... the night that we found Ian's dead body. I swallowed hard and pushed a piece of my hair behind my ear. I couldn't believe he committed suicide and confessed to killing Ali. And when I heard Melissa's bone-chilling, shrill scream I felt my soul leave my body. But then when I saw Ian, actually dead, I felt so empty. He wasn't a good person. But it still was one of the worst things I've ever experienced. And Mrs. Hastings wants us to go to his funeral.

A knock on the door made me shake out of my thoughts. I got up and swung open the door to see Jason DiLaurentis. My stomach twisted when he looked up at me with those big green eyes, his golden hair looking so -

And then I saw Mike. He stepped out from behind Jason, wearing the most sullen countenance. "Mike," I said disapprovingly. "What were you thinking?" I snapped as he walked past me. "Hey! Mike!" I couldn't believe he was ignoring me, like a child!

I turned back to Jason. "He broke into your house?" I asked worriedly.

"Never got in, actually. Caught him at the window. The house was dark. I'm guessing he thought no one was home."

I looked over my shoulder and then gazed back to Jason. I let out a deep sigh and shook my head. "I- I'm really sorry, he's never done anything like this before." Jason just stared at me intently. "But thank you for not calling the police."

"Don't worry about it."

"I really don't know what to tell you. Look if...if I tell my parents they are gonna flip out," I sighed. "But if I don't, then he's - " I began to groan before Jason interjected.

"No, don't. He knows he's been busted," He sounded so soft.. and I could hear the caring in his voice.

"Um..." I began to say when I noticed him staring at me. His face looked so sweet. He somewhat resembled a puppy dog which sort of made me want to melt right on the spot. "Why - Why didn't you call the police?" I questioned.

"I've seen enough cops at my house for one year," Jason answered.

I swallowed. "Right," I said. But there seemed like there was more to it. There had to be. We stared at each other for a moment and the silence was an odd mix between awkward and comfortable. I decided to break it, thanking him once more. What else could I say? "Anyway... thanks. Thanks again," I uncomfortably laughed for a moment.

"Yeah," Jason said, biting his lip.

"Bye," I mumbled. I awkwardly began to shut the door, ending this strange conversation.

I flopped back onto the couch. I know I was dating Ezra but that didn't stop me from noticing how drop dead gorgeous Jason DiLaurentis really was.