Define Ezria

Chapter 27

Adulthood. The big one eight. Legal to vote and, if I wasn't American, drink. My birthday snuck up to me and before I even realized it Spencer was throwing me a party.

Friday was looming and I didn't know how to feel about it. My dad had already made reservations at Paula's for lunch which was what we did every time.

My parents put their differences away for a day and the four of us were about to celebrate my 18th birthday over elaborate dishes.

"How can you not be excited?" Hanna asked for the millionth time over lunch at Thursday. "I can't wait to be an adult"

"Han we were forced into adulthood the moment our best friend was murdered!" Spencer blurred out exaggerated, but bit her tongue as soon as she realized what she had said.

"I'm sorry. But you know what I meant. We already have more responsibilities than most adults, why do you want so bad to turn eighteen?"

"Sex"

I chocked on the broccoli I was trying to chew and started coughing violently at the three letters that fell off Hanna's red lips so effortlessly.

Emily patted me on my back and Spencer looked at me with a frown before turning back to Hanna who was smirking.

"I'm pretty sure that boat sailed a long ago... in a tent... in the middle of the forest. . ."

This time it was Hanna who chocked on thin air." I meant legally. You can do anything with younger or older people and it'll be okay"

She said that last bit looking at me straight in the eye and my stomach surged. I had completely forgotten about that.

It's been two weeks since my date-out-of-a-movie with Ezra and during that time we had barely any alone time.

School assignments could only be ignored for so long and Ezra was busy grating papers to meet at his apartment.

I longed for him and the fact I could actually be with him in one day left me both excited and terrified.

"Well it's your birthday Aria, we can do whatever you want" Emily brought me out of my rather inappropriate thoughts.

"No we can't" Spencer cut her off "I've already planned everything"

"Whatever" I said truthfully "as long as we're together I don't care what we'll do. Now if you'll excuse me I have a paper to collect."

Spencer smiled triumphically and waved me off while the rest grilled her for information.

I paid extra care not to trip with my high heeled boots as I made my way to Ezra's classroom.

"Come in" his faint voice echoed through the door and I popped my head in to find him buried in papers at his desk.

"I just want to take back my paper on Macbeth?" I made it sound like a question and Ezra's eyes snapped to mine and I didn't miss the little gulp as his eyes traveled south over my electric blue dress and lingered on my thighs were my boots ended.

"Miss Montgomery...please sit I just have one more to finish" he said as formal as ever and glanced at the door which I hadn't locked since I was in fact here for my paper.

The fact I had dressed up however may or may not have been for him.

I took a seat directly in front of him and pretended I was interested in the grading prossess, all the while leaning forward and giving him a good preview of what my mamma gave me.

I wasn't playing fare or safe but then again he didn't either.

"Okay that's it." Ezra stood up abruptly and took my hand forcing me on my feet. "Come with me"