Chapter One

Ezra Fitz stood alone in his apartment, looking out his balcony that looked out to the bright New York City streets. He had just gotten home from a long day at work. Ezra was a teacher at NYU, not too far from his apartment. Last year, he'd moved to New York to get away from Rosewood, his life, and Aria. Aria was his ex-girlfriend and his former student. They'd tried a student/teacher relationship for a while, while he was still at Rosewood High. Memories of Aria came across his mind, yet again.

Aria held his hand, laughing. Ezra spun her around in his apartment, kissing her passionately. She let go of his hand and walked over to get her water from the kitchen. They were in his small apartment in Rosewood. "Shouldn't you be studying for your English exam?" He asked her, looking with appreciation. She looked back and said, "Not when I have you as my teacher. You've taught me very, very well." She laughed and turned back around. A few minutes later, she screamed lightly as Ezra grabbed her from behind, turning her around and kissing her.

His thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing. He laughed at their moments, put down his glass, and picked up the phone. It was his boss, Sam Jonas. "Hello?" Ezra answered, walking out onto his balcony. "Hi, Ezra. Sorry for calling so late, but I just got word that there's going to be a new student in your 7:00 class. Her name is Aria Montgomery. So, I'll see you tomorrow." Sam replied, hanging up. Ezra's eyes were fixed on the same thing he had been staring at. Wanting to look away, he just couldn't. He looked inside at his dresser. Finally, he looked away and out to the streets of New York, wondering where she could be staying. "Shit." He said, leaning over the railing. The cold December air chilled his hand as he set it against the railing. He put his phone on vibrate and sat down on the snow covered chairs on his balcony. "So much for clearing my mind." He mumbled to himself. He heard a knock on his door and got up. "I'm coming!" He said, noticing he was walking very slowly, still in shock. He opened his door and his whole body stiffened.