Chasing Fate

Chapter 6

3 weeks later

Ezra's POV

I woke up to an empty bed, confused as I slowly sat up. Aria had stayed the night like she had on most nights since her prom, and I can't remember her even getting out of bed. I got up to see the bathroom door closed, and began making the bed and tidying while I waited for her to come out. I didn't realize that there was a heaving sound coming out of the bathroom until 10 minutes later, and I immediately rushed to the door and asked if she was okay.

"Aria, hey, are you okay? Can I come in?" I asked, an obvious tone of concern in my voice. All I heard as an answer was a quiet "Mhm.", and I immediately rushed in.

She was leaning against the bathtub, the toilet lid open. Her face was pale and she seemed to be in pain. I rushed to her side and sat next to her and rubbed her back.

"What's wrong? Are you sick?" I asked worriedly, my arms now wrapped around her.

Before she had the chance to answer, she quickly leaned over the toilet and began throwing up. I grabbed her hair from out of her face and rubbed her back, doing my best to comfort her. I soon got up to get her water and some Advil, and left her for just a moment, leaning against the bathtub.

When I came back, she had a rectangular box in her hands. She was looking up at me, her eyes filled with worry and confusion. She put the box down and put her arms up, hinting for me to go over and embrace her.

I sat next to her and pulled her on my lap, my arms wrapped around her.

"You okay, love? What was the box?" I asked quietly, my tone calm.

She sighed, and began to speak, her voice obviously shaky.

"A pr-pregnancy t-test" she said, almost in a complete whisper.

I took a sharp breath and held her tighter. "You know that whatever happens, I love you, right? And I will never abandon you, ever. I'll be here, by your side, no matter what." I said, her head nuzzled in my neck. I could feel her nod as I began to stand up.

"I'll leave you to it. I'll make some breakfast, okay love?" I asked calmly, turning towards the door.

I began preparing pancakes, french toast, eggs and bacon, cooking massive amounts of food always being my nervous habit. I anxiously awaited Aria's results. I couldn't fathom the idea of being a father; not that I wasn't happy about it, I just needed to take it all in.

After what felt like forever, Aria exited the bathroom, tears in her eyes. She didn't even have to say anything and I knew exactly what the future held for us.

"Aria, listen to me. I am in love with you. Always have been. And always will be. I know this isn't the ideal situation, and it's definitely going to be tough. But we can get through this. I know we can, I know that we'll be okay." I said, trying to keep it together for Aria; but on the inside, a million thoughts were swarming through my head.

I pulled her towards me, her tears soaking my shirt, and held her tightly. We stayed like that for what seemed like forever, not wanting to face the reality of our actions.

ººº

7 days later

Aria's POV

I had just begun to accept the idea of a being growing inside of me, and how I was already in love with it. I knew this was going to be tough, but Ezra and I both wanted a family– It was just happening sooner than expected.

Today was the day that I was telling my friends, extremely anxious to see their reactions.

We were having a small get together at a nearby restaurant. I was petrified to see what they would say, and how they would feel about it.

I began cleaning the house, in a complete nervous frenzy, as Ezra walked through the door, takeout in his hands. He put the food down and came towards me slowly, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"You cleaned yesterday, Ar. You have no need to be nervous, they are your friends and they shouldn't have a problem with this, because they will love you for who you are and whatever happens with your life. Okay? They won't love you any less, Ar." he said calmly, but I couldn't help but think what would go through their minds.

"Yeah, Ezra, I have every reason to be nervous! I'm only 19, and I'm pregnant with my former teacher's baby! What does that look like?" I said, now frantically playing with my hair, nervous beyond words.

A look of pain crossed Ezra's face, and he took a step back.

"That's all I am to you, your former English teacher? That's it?" he said, his voice filled with pain and disappointment.

"No, Ezra, it's just..." I paused, unable to find the words.

"Carrying your former teacher's baby isn't the ideal situation for you. I get it." he said, now slightly angry.

I sighed as tears streamed down my face. He turned to the door, looking back at me. "I'm going for a walk." he said flatly, slamming the door behind him.

What had I done?