Forget Me Not

Chapter 14

"I love her

and that's the

beginning and end

to everything."

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Alison

Marley and I arrived at Rosewood a little after three in the afternoon. When we got to my dad's house, his face lifted in a tight smile at Marley.

"Hi, Grandpa!" she smiled and ran to his arms as I put our suitcases on the floor mat.

"Hey Mar!" he hugged her tightly before freeing her so she could run into the family room to play with the toys my dad had set out.

"Hey, Dad.." I muttered, forcing a smile and a distant hug.

"Alison. Nice to see you both." He smiled another tight smile and led me into the same room as Marley. I didn't need him to, though, because this was the house I grew up inside. I sat on the uncomfortable, white couch for an unbearable ten awkward minutes before standing and announcing I was heading out.

"I'll be back in a few..I'm gonna go to the store and pick up some ingredients for Christmas dinner..I'm cooking."

"I was hoping you would cook," my dad said sheepishly.

"Can you watch Marley while I'm gone?" He nodded and I threw my coat back on, practically running out the door. I drove down to the local Target and started my shopping there.

Ezra

Aria and I were walking through the Target that was just ten minutes away from the apartment. We had already gone out for breakfast with Hardy and Spencer and that was great...I didn't realize how much I was really missing out on when I moved to California...especially Aria. God, I missed her and I was with her right now!

"What did you need again? Eggs?" she asked, turning towards me, she literally took my breath away. She smiled brilliantly at me and I took her hand firmly in mine, making sure I wouldn't lose her again.

"Yah! And you're getting cake mix right? Cuz I'm kind of really craving cake." She rolled her eyes at me and I laughed. It was so natural, our relationship, like it was meant to be.

We were just making our way to the checkout line when we both stopped dead in our tracks.

Alison was standing right in front of us. As soon as Aria saw her she tried to let go of my hand, but I wouldn't let her. I kept hold of it strongly, hoping to reassure her.

"Ezra?" Alison asked me as if she was in a dream, like it wasn't possible that I was in Rosewood with Aria.

"Alison.." I responded, keeping my face neutral.

"You didn't return any of my calls.." she was almost whining and it was annoying.

"Like you needed to call him to know where he was!" Aria spoke up, looking Ali straight in the eyes.

"What?"

"Don't play dumb, Alison...I know you have eyes here..." When Alison didn't respond Aria continued. "Jason. Jason told me everything, Alison." I looked down at Aria, confused, she just gave me a look that said she'd explain everything later.

Alison's face drained of what little color she had. She looked between the two of us, keeping silent. If she hadn't lied to me, if she never started all of the shit she did, I would feel bad for her. I would go over to her and comfort her. But that wasn't my place anymore. I didn't to be done with her, I needed to divorce her.