Let's go back to the start

19. The Drop

Ezra's POV
1 month later
It had been a big month. I had been hanging out with Aria a lot. Her family had really excepted me into their lives although they never let Aria stay at my place till past 11pm. Although she did quite a lot when she was meant to be staying at Spencer's. I had dates for my book tour starting in eight weeks with six stops scheduled so far. I had nearly finished my next novel with only a few more chapters to go.

I made my way into work on Friday morning thinking how I couldn't wait for the weekend to see Aria. I grabbed a coffee from the Hollis cafe and made my way into my office to find Jackie siting behind my desk. I hadn't spoken to her since I had gotten back together with Aria and quite frankly would be happy if I didn't have to see her ever again.

"Morning Z" she said smiling.

"Morning Jackie" I replied placing my bag down.

"So do you want to hear my exciting news" she said standing up.

"Sure what is it?" I asked wondering why she had to tell me.

"I'm pregnant and the babies yours" she said smiling rubbing her stomach. I nearly choked on my coffee.

"How do you know it's mine?" I asked surprised.

"Because your the only one I've been with" she replied.

"Jackie I'm really not in the mood for any of your games" I said hoping that what she was saying wasn't true. She pulled out a ultrasound photo and placed it in my hand.

"It's no game Ezra and feel free to get a paternity test because it's yours" she said before leaving my office. I stood in shock staring at the photo. It couldn't be true.

Arias POV
I heard back from the music producers and decided that due to school I wouldn't be able to become a performer. So I quite happily signed over my songs and eventually would be paid royalties once the songs were recorded and released. I continued writing songs as I really enjoyed it. I grabbed my phone from my hand bag and text Ezra. 'Can't wait to see you tonight'.

The whole school day went like a blur, possibly because I was waiting for Ezra to text back but it never came. Straight after school I made my way to his apartment and let myself in. I watched as Ezra didn't even move he just sat there drinking his scotch. I threw my bag on the table and sat beside him. He still didn't look at me. I started to get worried.

"Ezra what's wrong?" I asked placing my hand on his thigh.

"I've really screwed things up big time" he mumbled still staring at the blank tv screen.

"Ezra please look at me! What's going on?" I asked getting really worried. He broke his eye contact from the tv and looked into my eyes. I could see his puffy eyes where he had been crying. I shuffled closer and pulled him in for a hug "you can tell me anything" I whispered pulling back and looking into his eyes.

"She's pregnant Aria...Jackie's pregnant and its mine" he replied as a tear slid from his eye. I wiped the tear and leant in to kiss his lips. "I think I need to get away for a while and just clear my head" he said.

"Sure if that's what you need" I replied "Are we ok?" I asked.

"Yeah" he replied taking my hand.

"Are you ok?" I asked knowing exactly that he wasn't and possibly wouldn't be for a while.

"I don't even know where to begin to answer that question." He said looking down at his drink.

"I understand" I said.

"Good because I don't. There are like a million thoughts fighting in my head right now" he replied looking back to my eyes. Before getting up to pack a bag.

"Wait your leaving tonight?" I asked shocked.

"Yeah" he said looking up while placing some clothes in a bag.

"For how long?" I asked standing up from the couch.

"I don't know" he replied walking into the bathroom and grabbing some things.

"Well where are you staying tonight?" I asked so confused as to why he was doing this.

"A motel, I have a few college buddies I can stay with too" he said shoving more things into his bag before zipping it up.

"That's good...can I call you?" I asked. He made his way to the door and burst into tears. "Ezra?" I asked not knowing what the hell to do. He turned back around and walked back over placing a kiss on more forehead.

"We will talk soon ok" he said before leaving and closing the door behind him.

I stood there as a tear dropped from my cheek. Why didn't he stay I could have helped him through this.

Ezra's POV
I jumped in my car not sure where I was going to go. After finding out about the baby I needed time to think and couldn't do that while Aria was around. I didn't want to burden her with thoughts of my unborn child. I drove up into the mountains and hired a cabin for a week. I decided to spend my week finishing off my story and to decide what to do about the Jackie situation.