So this is my new story. It's a little different than what I've written so far.

First of all, it's AU. I have a very clear plan about where I want to take this story, but would love to read comments, ideas and anything you want to say.

The first episode features some background, you will know more later.

Some important things:

1. Like any AU story, forget all that happened in the show, I changed a few things. I am here to clarify what isn't clear. The characters are still themselves.

2. Like the rest of my stories, I was inspired by a song. This time it's "Little Do You Know" by Alex and Sierra. Hence the name of the story.

2. English is not my native language; I apologize in advance for all the mistakes.

3. Hope you enjoy, please review so I know whether to continue with it or maybe move on to something else.

(A note for people who read "compass" – I didn't abandon it. I'm just waiting for some inspiration. I promise to continue it)

ENJOY!

"Mom," she shouted as she entered through the door. She was already planning a quiet evening at her apartment, but the plan changed when her mother called and begged her to come over in the evening after work.

"We're here," she heard her mother call from the living room. She took off her coat and hung it and put her bag on the table. She went into the living room and saw her mother and father sitting next to each other and in front of them she saw George.

"what are you doing here?!" She shrieked and jumped at him, he stood up and they hugged each other, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would've asked for a day off"

"I'm only here for two days , there is a lawyer's conference and then I have to go back, Lemon would kill me if don't. But I took the opportunity to bring your dad some papers about the practice and to see you guys. And you especially. We miss you"

Zoe grew up in Bluebell and lived there all her life. She had a close group of friends that over time became her best friends to this day: George, Lemon, Lavon, Annabeth and Wade, who also is her ex-boyfriend.

When she was 18, her parents moved to New York so her mother could advance her career in public relations. She remained in the south for 4 years before moving to New York, too.

"I miss you guys, too. But I'm coming soon for your wedding!"

"you better. How long you plan to stay?

"I don't know… a while. I ..." she started saying but hesitated ... "I just need some space, time for myself"

"I get it. Well, everyone is excited to see you again. It's been 6 months since your last visit"

"I can't believe it's been so long .. It's going to be weird... How is everyone?" She asked and was genuinely enthusiastic.

"they are doing good .. Lemon is busy with the wedding preparations. Lavon is the mayor now so Annabeth is calmer. She hated his trips with the team"

"Yeah, I'd hate it too if I had a baby at home" they laughed, "I can't believe he's the mayor. It's amazing."

"Yes, it's great. He won unanimously. Who wouldn't want to say that his mayor is a NFL star?"

"that's awesome. I could barely talk to him lately," she said ruefully

"I know he tried. But we didn't know how you were after all that has happened and we didn't want to push you so we waited for you to turn to us ... I'm sorry we weren't there"

"No, don't be. It was me. I kept distance from everyone, but now it's all good and I want to make up for everything and catch up"

"Oh George, did Zoe tell you about the article she did?" Candice interrupted

"Mom! Please!"

"Wait, what article?" George was curious

"here" she handed him a copy of the magazine

he couldn't stop the laugh from coming out "Seriously? the 30 most eligible bachelorettes of NYC?"

"She made me do it," Zoe rolled her eyes

"Hey now, not true." Candice intervened "They turned to her first and I just thought it was a good idea and yes, maybe I pushed her little. I still think it's a good idea"

"Can I take it? I have to show everyone"

"Noooooo way" Zoe protested

"Sure , I have many copies"Candice went to bring more

"god, please don't talk about it" Zoe almost begged

"You know I can't hide anything from Lemon"

"I know " she sighed "once Lemon knows, Annabeth will also know then Lavon and then ..." She stopped before completing the sentence.

George gave her a smile "sounds about right"

she sighed "You know, maybe I'll come earlier. How about next week?"

"Sounds great, but I won't tell anyone in case something goes wrong. We really miss you there"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Candice, Harley. Thanks for dinner" Dinner passed pleasantly, with George telling them all the latest gossip in town.

"It's nothing, dear. We'll see you at your wedding next month. We are looking forward to it"

George and Harley went to another room to discuss the papers that George brought with him

"So Dad is selling his part to Brick?" Zoe asked her mother when they were alone

"It seems that way. Why, it bothers you?"

"No, it's just .. I always thought you'd return to Bluebell someday. And Dad loved the practice"

"I know, but selling his part doesn't mean we won't go back to Bluebell. There was a time your dad wanted to give you his part but since you've decided you want to be a surgeon, there's no reason to keep it. It's much better this way; Brick will do a good job"

"Yeah…"

"Okay, now I really have to go," George said goodbye to Candice and Harley

"Where are you staying?" Zoe asked suddenly

"At the hotel where the conference is being held, it's more convenient"

"Okay. Come on, I'll walk with you. I'll go back to my apartment"

"Let's get going"

"Bye Mom, Dad"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So .. Now that we are alone, you can tell me the truth. How are you?" George urged her while walking towards his hotel

She sighed and pulled her coat around her tighter, "I ... I'm fine, really. It was a difficult time but I overcame it. In the end, that was for the best. He wasn't the love of my life," she said sincerely

Seven months ago she broke up with Nathan, who was her boyfriend for two years. He went to medical school with her. One year into the relationship they started having problems and a year later it was over. Not that it surprised her, deep inside she felt it was going to happen. He made things worse when he blamed her for their problems. Nathan came from a well-known family in New York so their separation became public and everyone was talking about it. It was the hardest thing for her, the exposure. She stayed in her apartment for almost a month; she came out only when she really needed to and devoted all her time to school and work.

"Okay, if you say so, I believe. We were worried about you"

"I know ... But you don't have to worry anymore. All is good now," she smiled but George could see through the smile that she wasn't telling the whole truth. He preferred to let it go for the time being. They walked in silence for a few minutes until she spoke

"So ... How is he?"

George knew exactly whom she meant, "He's good. He bought the Rammer Jammer"

"He did? It was his dream, that's amazing," she was genuinely happy for him

"I know, Wally finally agreed to sell, he realized there isn't anyone better than Wade to run the place" he told her and she smiled without saying another word

"He's single, you know"

"Don't go there," she warned him

"Zoe, you were best friends. You were a couple for eight years. It was impossible to separate you since you were little. What happened?"

Zoe and Wade broke up four years ago after eight years together. The break up was horrible and bitter and immediately after, Zoe left to continue her medical studies in New York.

"Distance" she said simply "I wanted to study in New York and he wanted to stay in Bluebell"

"Zoe. We both know that's not true"

"Maybe. But it doesn't matter. It belongs to the past," she said just as they arrived at his hotel.

"He'll be there all the time, you know, when you get back. We can't go back to what happened when you broke up"

Their friends were torn between them when they broke up. The girls took Zoe's side and the guys took Wade's side. The relationship between Zoe and Wade died but the break up has caused rifts in the group as a whole. It was a difficult time for everyone but they came out of it in a good way. Except for Zoe and Wade.

"I know, don't worry" She didn't want to talk about it, but he kept talking

"he is my best man and you're Lemon's maid of honor. The two of you will have to get over yourselves"

"George, we're adults, we are able to behave politely. Please stop worrying. And tell your bride to stop stressing out! I know she sent you to make sure that there will be no problems," she smiled

"She did, but it's not the only reason I'm talking to you about it. We care"

"I appreciate it, but trust me, there's nothing to worry about"

"He still loves you"

She scoffed, "I doubt it"

"you still love him"

She didn't answer and looked away from him

"Well, I don't want you to hate me, we'll stop here. You sure you don't want me to walk you home?"

"I'm sure, my apartment is really close. Goodnight George 'She hugged him tightly," Give my love to everyone and see you soon"

"I will. Bye Zoe"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

George came back to Bluebell the next day and Lemon invited everyone to dinner.

"Okay, speak. How she's doing?" Annabeth was anxious

"she's good but I feel she's a little bit lost"

"What do you mean?" Lavon asked

"From the outside it looks like everything is fine, but we know her, the break up was hard and she is still recovering"

"You think it was the breakup itself or the mere fact that it was public?" Lemon wondered

"I think it's more the fact that it was public and all this exposure was hard for her. But I think that it's not all ... I don't know, maybe you can find out more when she comes to visit," George told them

Throughout the conversation Wade sat there uncomfortably, drinking beer and listening to everyone. At one point, they all fell silent; each lost in thoughts until George stood up and walked over to his suitcase

"Speaking of Zoe ..." He put on the table a number of copies of the magazine

"What is it?" They looked in confusion at the cover "the 30 most eligible bachelorettes of NYC"

"Page 17, thank me later," George said smugly

"Oh my God! She didn't!" Lemon squealed

"yep"

"Zoe Wilkes, 13th place" Lavon read the title aloud and couldn't hold the laughter.

"Ooh, she looks really good!" Annabeth gushed

They were all talking about the interview, and didn't pay attention to Wade who went to the couch, beer in one hand and a magazine on the other. He sat down and started to read...