LOVED

Chapter 1 Ezra

DEDICATED TO MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ONSCREEN COUPLE

Ezra Fitz has just moved to Rosewood, after having his fiancée leave him at the alter. This small town is completely different from the norms of his previous big city life. He strives for simplicity and is eager to start the next chapter in his life. He has just accepted his first teaching position in the English Department at Rosewood High, and is determined to be happy, honest and trustworthy. Aside from his lovely mother, Maddy, Ezra embraces not knowing a soul, as previous circumstances have added disbelief and doubt to his persona. Although unaware, Ezra Fitz is a hopeless romantic.

First day of work at Rosewood High.

Today is the first day of Ezra's Fitz's new life, a second chance. For the first time in, what seems like forever, he's in total control of his future and the feeling is exhilarating.

Ezra's first class of the day begins to assemble and the students find their seats. Once everyone is seated, Ezra introduces himself and talks about where he lived prior to moving to Rosewood, where he went to college, and about a few of his hobbies along with his love for literature. He briefly discusses the syllabus and what he expects from each student.

Taking roll is next on the agenda. Ezra makes a point to familiarize each name with the student's face. His nerves start to settle and excitement kicks in, giving him a sense of euphoria. Everything seems to be going exactly as planned, that is, until he calls out her name. As Ezra looks at the student roster and calls out "Aria Montgomery," he casually glances in the direction of the young lady who responds. At that very moment, his jaw drops and eyes beam. His gaze is fixed and time seems to stand still. Oddly enough, he feels somewhat vulnerable in the moment having been rendered completely incapable of movement, as if paralyzed. Ezra unintentionally studies the young lady's face, every line, the contour of her neck, the color of her silky, chestnut hair. She is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. All of the sudden his pulse begins to race and he loses all sense of logic. There are no words.

The uncomfortably, quiet atmosphere prompts one student to ask, "Is everything okay Mr. Fitz?" With that, his trance is broken. Ezra then begins to word stumble and realizes he has lost all eloquence of speech. Once he gets his bearings he finally responds, "I'm fine. Teachers can lose their train of thought too, must be my nerves or something."

After completion of roll Ezra sits back down at his desk and tries to remember what he had planned next for first period, but nothing comes to mind. He begins to sweat profusely at the thought of not knowing what to do until, all of the sudden, he comes up with an even better idea. Ezra stands back up to address the class once more.

As Ezra begins to speak, he simultaneously reminds himself to avoid glancing in or around the area the young lady was sitting in an effort to maintain his composure. He then says, "in an effort to get the most out of this class, I feel it is important for us to get along. Doing so will open a whole new avenue of learning in that you can lean on one another and help each other out. When you come to my class I need your minds clear and focused so you can truly benefit from the lectures and assignments given each day. With that said, I would like each student to write a summary detailing what's most important to you, your likes, dislikes, and what your plans are for the future. Once I read over them, I will determine, by way of who has the most in common, who gets assigned with who for the remainder of the term."

The students work on their assignments throughout the remainder of class. The bell rings and class is dismissed. As Miss Montgomery passes by on her way out, Ezra makes a conscientious effort not to look up, but is unable to comply. As he looks up she smiles and his heart melts. Once the young lady exits the room, Ezra panics as his internal alarm silently screeches, "what the hell was that?"