Define Ezria

Chapter 23

"Quit moping around Mike I'm sure you'll be fine" Dad said exaggerated for the forth time.

"Leave me alone Dad" Mike threw him a dark look and continued picking at his food.

I stayed out of the conversation about the end of Mike's lacrosse team due to the fact for some unknown reason, I felt responsible.

I knew that I literally had nothing to do with Noel's expulsion but that didn't prevent me from feeling like I was the reason why Mike's team 'was sure to lose their cup at regionals'.

"So" Dad cleared his throat, giving up on Mike " how was your day Aria?"

"Fine I guess" I lied and forced my lips to a smile that came out more like a grimace.

Spencer had been ignoring me all day.Every time I tried to talk to her on the hallways she just run away and in the many classes we share she ignored me altogether.

The worst of them all was by far English. Ezra was being really cheery and funny today which I guess had something to do with Noel's absence.

Spencer however didn't find him funny at all. Every time he would make a joke, Spence would snort mockingly like she'd kill to be anywhere than there.

Ezra didn't miss the little sparky remarks she was making either and gave me a questioning look I pretended not to notice.

All in all I was a mess. Spencer's behavior was killing me and I had to come clean to Ezra about my friends knowing before he found out in the worst way.

"Wow what is that?" Dad brought me out of my thoughts, while he pointed at my throat.

I looked down confused only to widen my eyes at the sight of my necklace. I had forgotten to take it off last night and besides I didn't think that Dad would notice it. I was wrong.

"Oh that old thing?" I lied picking it up and pretending to examine the jade."I found it in my drawer. I got it two years ago at the fair and even though it's fake I like it"

"It's fake?" Dad looked skeptical and for a moment I thought I was caught before he shook his head and smiled,"Speaking of which the fair will be here this Saturday, are you excited?"

"I'm not four anymore Dad" I rolled my eyes but to be honest I hadn't thought about it until then.

The annually Rosewood Rec Festival or else The Fair,as most people call it, was one of Rosewood's oldest traditions. Each year around October the fair would come to town and it'll be a blast for everyone.

We were abroad last year so obviously I didn't go but this year I was as available as they come. The Fair had pretty much everything. From a ferry's wheal to food booths and even a small ice ring.

The girls and I used to go every year since we were old enough to walk. A pang of sadness deemed my excitement when I remembered this was the first year Alison won't be joining us.

"Well, will you go?" Dad asked and I shrugged, "Probably, I don't know. Excuse me I have to go pick up some books from Spencer's" I pushed my plate away and got up.

Dad frowned, looking at his watch. "Now? It's almost ten Aria, I don't want you to be out this late alone"

"Dad I'll be back in half an hour top and I'll get the car don't worry"

I grabbed the keys and my phone before he had time to reply and practically run out of the house.

If Dad knew where I really was going he'd sure as hell freak. It only took me five minutes to get there and by the time I parked the car and made my way in, the moon was well and truly out.