Switching Lies

Rosewood, Pennsylvania

"Ezra, I told you that dinner was a bad idea," Aria groaned in his office at Hollis Monday morning.

"Your parents didn't… completely freak out," Ezra said.

Aria pouted, "That doesn't make it any better. We're still out and things are still weird. My dad hasn't looked at me straight all weekend."

"For the record, the dinner was on Saturday, so that was only yesterday," she scoffed and he put his hands on her cheeks, "But look on the bright side. We are out. No more hiding, no more secrets. From anyone. Its just us."

Aria seeamed calmed down for a moment and her pout lessened and then she piped up again, "But still, what if they decide they don't want us to be together. What if this all blows up?"

"Aria, calm down," Ezra said softly, kissing her forehead, "You know what. Maybe we all just need a break, some… time for everyone to figure this out, get comfortable with it. What if we went out of town for a few days? Just to get some alone time and let your parents clear their heads. Hmm?"

Aria sighed, "Maybe…"

"Come on, we could go stay with my cousin in Missouri, you cold meet his daughter, she's about your age, and we could go sight seeing. I know you're looking at a college near Kansas City, we could take a tour together, just get away from it all."

Aria smiled, "Oh-okay. Lets do it."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Aria leaned in and kissed Ezra. This could be a good thing.

Kansas City, Missouri

"Hey Kathryn, would you mind if we had some visitors in town next week?" John asked, hanging up the phone as he walked into the kitchen.

"Now? Do you think that's the best idea?" Kathryn asked skeptically.

"Oh come on Kathryn, they're family. My little cousin Ezra, from Pennsylvania, and his girlfriend. He wants her to meet Bay and I haven't seen him in forever."

"We're just starting to get things together, John. I don't know-" Kathryn shook her head.

"Then what's a better time. Our family is starting to come together. Everything's going well, but we've kind of been in a bubble, just the six of us. I think it's a good Idea for us to have some family members over, to help us move back into the world."

"Well, where are they going to stay? We can't exactly put them in the guest house," Kathryn pointed out.

"No, but we also have three spare bedrooms and a spa bathroom that we never touch," John pointed out.

Kathryn sighed, "Alright. When are they flying in?"

"Next Saturday or Sunday, depending on when Ezra can find tickets, for spring break."

Rosewood, Pennsylvania

Wednesday

"Mom, please. I know this is all really complicated, but I think it would be a good idea for all of us. To give you a chance to clear your heads and for me and Ezra to learn how to be out in the open without… well, without Rosewood."

Ella shook her head, "I just don't know. I mean, we just found out you've been dating you're teacher this entire school year, and now you want to go on a trip with him? Can we please just take this one step at a time?"

"Its just one week mom. And we'll be staying in his cousin's house with their daughter. A-and she's my age so maybe I could make some friends outside of Rosewood. Please mom? Please? This is for you just as much as it is for me," Aria persuaded.

"And how exactly is that?" her father asked.

"It's a chance for you and mom to comprehend this without any distractions. Without having to run into me on a date with Ezra around town, or pretend to be civil around him. Just time for this to settle down."

Ella and Byron shared a glance before Ella sighed, "Okay, but I want to phone number and address of where your staying, and I want you to call me when you land. And I need to talk to both Ezra and his cousin before you go."

"Thank you thank tank you!" Aria shrieked, jumping up to hug her mom.

Aria pulled back when her phone dinged in her pocket, pulling a strand of hair out of her mouth. She opened the text message.

Remember, You can run but you can't hide. I'll be with you in Misery. Oops did I spell that wrong? -A

Philadelphia International Airport

Saturday

"Thank you again, Mrs. Montgomery, for letting us do this," Ezra said courteously as he unloaded his and Aria's luggage from the Montgomery car.

"You watch over her, Ezra. And remember-"

He smiled, "I know. No alcohol, no big parties, keep her safe. We're staying with family. Everything should be pretty quiet."

"And neither of you are going to admit it," Aria said coming up next to them, "But you both know this is really a test. To see if he'll bring me back in one piece."

Ella rolled her eyes, but Ezra laughed, "Okay, you guys better go. Don't wanna miss your flight.

"Thank again mom," Aria said as she hugged her mother. And then her and Ezra made their way into the airport.