Let's go back to the start

13. Halloween

Ezra's POV
It had been a few weeks since I had last seen Aria. I missed her so much. I ended up finishing my book and sending it to the publisher because I hadn't heard anything back about my transfer. I was interrupted from my thoughts with a loud knock on my office door.

"Come in" I yelled from desk. I watched as Ella, Aria's mom popped her head in the door.

"Are you busy?" She asked.

"No come in and sit" I replied pointing at the chair. Did she know about me and Aria I thought. She shut the door and took a seat.

"I have a huge favour to ask" she said pulling a flyer out from her purse.

"Yeah anything" I replied smiling. She handed me the flyer.

"Would you mind chaperoning at the Halloween dance? were low on teachers and I know the kids would love to see you again" she asked still smiling.

"Um yeah sure no problem. I'll be there" I said hesitantly knowing Aria would be there and that she didn't want to see me.

"Great your the best" she replied getting up to leave "I know you were Aria's favourite teacher and she's been a bit down for weeks. Do you mind having a chat to her?" She asked turning around before leaving.

"Yeah sure" I smiled before she closed the door and left. I put my head in my hands. What had I just agreed too.

Arias POV
"Come on Aria!" Hannah yelled "just pick one."
I was searching through the racks of clothes trying to figure out what to be for the Halloween party tonight. Everyone else had there costumes picked out weeks ago but I didn't think I would go not having a date and all. But I had been speaking to Riley a fair bit and he agreed to be my 'friend date' to the dance. Hannah and Caleb were going as Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, Spence and Toby were going as Bonnie and Clyde, Emily and Paige were going as a cowboy and Indian. I grabbed a lacy rose gold dress off the shelf and knew then that I was going to go as Daisy from The Great Gatsby. I purchased some jewellery and a head piece to accompany and text Riley my idea so he would match.

We spent the afternoon doing our hair and make up and talking about Riley. We put our dresses and accessories on and took a few selfies before making our way down stairs to the boys that Mrs Marin just let in. Riley looked fantastic in his black suit and combed over hairstyle.

"Wow you too look great" I said looking between Caleb and Riley.

"Wow you both look absolutely stunning too" Riley said smiling. Hannah made her way over kissing Caleb on the lips.

"Sorry to interrupt but Han this is Riley, Riley this is Caleb and Hannah one of my besties." I said introducing everyone.

"I've just met Caleb but it's nice to finally meet you Hannah" he said shaking her hand.

"Nice to finally meet you too Riley" Hannah said grinning.

"Well you all ready to go?" Riley asked making his way to the door.

Hannah stopped and whispered in my ear so no one could hear "Aria he looks very similar to Ezra. Dark hair, blue eyes just looks a little younger. Could be brothers" she whispered then giggled loudly so both boys looked.

We linked arms with the boys and headed towards Rileys limo parked out front. Where there was champagne and strawberries waiting on ice. We quickly grabbed a glass each and toasted to an amazing evening. We polished off a few glasses each before pulling up out front the schools gym where the Halloween ball was being held.

Ezra's POV
I arrived early to help set up the last few things. The band was doing sound checks and the first few students started filing through the doors. I decided to wear just a simple costume by placing a superman shirt underneath my suit so if anyone asked at least I was dressed as something with out too much thought. Not long after the band began to play and the gym filled up quickly. I stood by the punch bowl making sure no one had a chance to spike it chatting to Mrs Welsh. I had a clear visual of the front doors and kept waiting to catch of glimpse of Arias beautiful face.

Not long after the doors flew open and Hannah walked in with Caleb and in came Aria I'm guessing dressed like Daisy from The Great Gatsby. She looked amazing. But right beside her stood a young dark haired man I'd never seen before. Great she had moved on already. Right then and there I wanted to run away but I had promised Ella I would be here to help out. I excused myself from Mrs Welsh and made my way to the bathroom. I spent a few minutes trying to pull myself together before making my way back out.

I watched Aria dance with the man on the dance floor leaning in close and laughing. She seemed to be having a really good time. My heart was slowly but surely breaking all over again. I stepped outside into the cold air taking a deep breathe. I grabbed a flask from under my suit and took a long hard drink. What the hell was I going to do?