Pretty Little Liars: 16 & Pregnant (Sequel)

Start the Day off With a Lie

The Next Day
Ezra's Pov

"Okay, have a good day Piper." I say as we come to a stop outside of her kindergarten class "I love you, see you at home."

"Bye Daddy, love you too." Piper smiles, before joining her friends in the classroom. I walk back through the elementary school halls and out to my car, this routine something that we do nearly every weekday. I always drop Piper off at school on my way to work, however, today's going to go a little different. Before heading to the Hollis campus, I have to make a stop to drop off the package I was given last night.

This is the third time I've done something like this for V. The other two pretty much went the exact same as this one; after receiving the package, I deliver it to the address I was given earlier, all while minding my business and not prying. I'm not allowed to ask any questions, and I'm of course forbidden from opening the packages. I just deliver them to the address and leave.

I feel horribly guilty for what I'm doing, mostly for the fact that Aria doesn't know. But I would never work for V voluntarily, in fact I've never hated anyone or anything more than I hate that psychotic stalker. The only reason I'm doing what I am is because V is practically blackmailing me to. And to be completely honest, I don't mind all that much. Dropping off packages every so often in exchange for my family's safety is without a doubt worth it. This all started off with a message from V pretty much saying that if I didn't agree to do what he asked, he'd do something to Aria the kids. I didn't have to think twice about agreeing.

I double check that I have the right address before getting out of the car with the package, then carry it up to the doorstep of the small one-story house. All the curtains are pulled closed and I don't hear any noises coming from inside, but I'm only meant to drop off the package and leave anyway.

As I drive to work, I wonder exactly why V is having me do this. It seems so simple and easy, I mean all I'm doing is leaving a package on someone's doorstep. Part of me thinks that it's V's weird way of keeping things interesting, but another wonders if maybe whatever's in the box is something V doesn't want to be caught with himself. Whatever the reason, if it's keeping my family from being harmed, it's worth it.

Aria's Pov

"Stella if you want to go out, you're putting clothes on." I say sternly, looking at my completely-nude toddler who refuses to do just that.

"No!" Stella retorts, running away from me and toward her open bedroom door.

I shut it before she has a chance to leave "Don't even think about it missy. You're not leaving this room, and you're definitely not leaving this house, until you put something on."

"Mommy no!" She squeals, laughing.

"Why do you think this is funny?" I huff "If you want to go anywhere today you're gonna have to put clothes on. Now come here and I'll help you." Stella just stands on the other side of the room, her bare little belly sticking out and a mischievous grin on her face. She's stubborn beyond fathomable sometimes, I don't know what we're going to do when she's older.

"I'm not in the mood for this, Stella Rae." I sigh "Now I'm gonna count to three and you better be over here. If not, you're going in timeout." The cheeky smile on her face is replaced by a dramatic pout, and her eyebrows furrow together.

"One," I start, receiving a loud whine from Stella "Two—" Much to my relief, she walks over to me before I can get to three.

"Thank you, good job listening." I tell her "Now, arms up." She puts her arms above her head, and I pull her shirt on in one swift movement. Once Stella's fully dressed and ready to go, we head out to the car.

"Where are we going Mommy?" Stella asks from the backseat.

"Well, we need to grab some groceries, but I was also thinking about going to the library too." I tell her.

"And the park?" She asks.

I glance outside at the sunny weather "Yeah, I guess we could stop at the park."

By the time we finish everything I needed to do and are ready to head to the park, Stella is passed out in her car seat. Toddlers always fall asleep at the worst times, for example, right when you're about to get out of the car to go somewhere. So after deciding that waking Stella up will only make her grumpy and most likely unwilling to leave my arms, I drive us home with the intent of going to the park another day.

As I pull into the driveway, I'm reminded of another struggle of parenthood; bringing your sleeping child inside when you also have groceries. So, after carrying Stella inside and up to her bed, I go back out to the car for everything else. And as I'm unpacking the groceries, I hear my phone vibrate.

As Alison once said, 'Friends share secrets, that's what keeps us close'. Does this rule not apply between husbands and wives?

-V for Vendetta

"What?" I say under my breath, re-reading the message. I'm not exactly sure what it means, but to be honest, I'm not sure I even want to know. Does this rule not apply between husbands and wives? If by rule, V means that sharing secrets keeps people close, then is this some kind of hint that Ezra's hiding something? My mind flashes to some of the worst case scenarios, but I try to convince myself that V is only attempting to shove a wedge between Ezra and I. I don't have to worry, we tell each other everything, right?