Chapter 1

It was the last week of summer before senior year started. Right now Zoe should be enjoying her last few days of freedom with her friends and getting ready for what was supposed to be her best year of high school. Instead, she was getting off of a plane in the middle of no where, getting ready to meet a complete stranger who, as it turns out, is her father.

Zoe was used to the fast-paced lifestyle of New York. She loved it there. She loved the noise and the bustle. There was always something to exciting to do. The Big Apple was home to her. It was the only home she knew. It was where her friends and family were. Well, aside from her father.

Zoe's summer had been going great until the past month when she found out that the man who she had considered a father for the past seventeen years of her life isn't actually her father. Apparently, her mother had an affair with some doctor from some town called Blue Bell while away on vacation; a fact that Mrs. Hart had kept hidden all these years. But as is true with all lies, the truth eventually came out. Which left Zoe and the man who she thought was her father devastated.

In the weeks that followed the outbreak, Zoe's former father, Dr. Hart, moved out and filed for divorce. He couldn't bear the thought of being around the woman who betrayed him or her daughter. Zoe hadn't heard from him since he stormed it. He wanted nothing to do with her now that he knew she wasn't really his daughter. This hurt her more than anything. He may not be her biological father, but he was the only father she had ever known.

Her mother had gone into a depression after her father left them, locking herself in her room, only coming out in search of more alcohol. Zoe could hear her crying herself to sleep every night. It was tearing her apart. She couldn't stand it any longer. Which is what led Zoe to where she is now. Blue Bell.

Zoe looked around the tiny airport. It was so small that she could see the entire airport from where she stood. She grimaced as realization hit her. This tiny country town was her new home. No more Big Apple. No, more like fresh apple pie.

Zoe took a deep calming breath and made her way over to the baggage claim to pick up her luggage. The rest of her belongings would either be shipped to her later or sent to storage. At this point, Zoe didn't even care anymore. She kept an eye on the conveyor belt, watching for her luggage to come by, while surveying the airport out of the corner of her eye.

There wasn't much to see. A few people here and there, most of whom appeared to work here, a gift shop and a coffee shop, other airport necessities, nothing extraordinary by any means. It was nothing compared to the enormous airports she was used to.

Moments later her luggage came sliding along. She pulled it off of the conveyor belt and set it on the ground, extending the metal bar so she could roll it along. She sighed and made her way over to the exit, dragging her belongings along behind her.

She didn't have to worry about finding her father because when she stepped outside he was the only person standing there. He looked to be in his late forties or early fifties, greying hair, average size. If she was honest, he looked like your average dad, with a country twist of course. He was wearing a plaid top and jeans. He smiled brightly when he saw her headed over. He extended his hand in greeting.

"You must be Zoe," he said cheerfully.

"That's me. I guess that means you're Harley," she said flatly.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Zoe. I know this isn't exactly the way you planned to spend your senior year, but I promise you, if you give Blue Bell a shot, you will grow to love it here."

Zoe didn't want to be rude, so she simply nodded her head and forced a polite smile. There was no way she was ever going to love Blue Bell, at least not like she loved New York, but she was going to try to make the most of this unfortunate situation. It was her senior year after all. She didn't work her butt of the past three years to have a miserable senior year. After high school she could move anywhere she wanted for college. This arrangement was just for one year. How bad could it be?

There was an awkward silence before Harley finally intervened by motioning to the truck parked on the side of the road and saying, "Well, this is my truck. You're probably eager to see your new home and get settled in."

Zoe nodded and made her way over to the truck. Harley took her luggage and placed it in the bed of his pickup truck. They both got in and Harley began the slow drive back to his house. He pointed out the various shops and attractions along the way, not that there were very many. Zoe knew she wouldn't have much trouble finding her way around town. She supposed that had to count for something.