Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and ocs. Enjoy and feel free to tell me what you think.
Chapter 1
Allyson Dawson exhaled a breath as she rolled onto her back, her sienna brown eyes staring blankly at her white ceiling. She didn't need to be awake for another hour and a half, yet she couldn't sleep. She released a groan as she pushed herself into a sitting position, arching her back and stretching her arms above her head. Her eye lids fluttered shut as a brief moment of bliss filled her body before she kicked her sheets from around her legs and swung her bare feet over the edge of her queen sized mattress. She lazily ran her long pianist fingers through her wild espresso curls, grumbling to herself as her digits snagged on a few tangles before her thick locks fell into place once more, resting on the small of her back. She quietly padded across the thick carpet of her bedroom, gently pulling her pristine white door open before peeking into the hall way. The large apartment was quiet in the early morning, something Ally rejoiced in. Silence, it was a very rare item for her to have. She shook her head, deciding she could at least make her younger brother a decent breakfast before being forced to wake him up.
Ally piled her wild curls atop her head in a messy bun, chewing on her plump bottom lip as she stretched her arms above her head once more. The action forced her thin black tank top to ride up, revealing about six inches of her ivory skin, her boxer shorts slipping down her narrow hips fractionally to reveal the tattoo on her sharp bone. She moved gracefully about the kitchen, allowing her thoughts to consume her as she went through the familiar task of making pancakes. She shared an apartment with her seven year old brother, had been practically raising him since he was born. She loved Colton, he was her word, however there were times when she wished their father hadn't walked away, times when she wished her mother would sober up. These were wishes that would never be fulfilled, and being a young woman of twenty one, Ally knew that. She released a sigh, setting the buttermilk pancakes onto a plate, piled high for her younger brother. She set them on the granite island, deciding to get dressed for work before waking up her younger brother.
She was a nanny, taking care of an intelligent little girl. Rosalie was six, yet sometimes she was wiser than her age implied. She had lost her parents three years ago to a drunk driver, she was living with her uncle who was always gone on business. Carla, the house keeper practically raised her, had hired Ally, managed the home. Ally shook her head of her thoughts, pulling on a snug fitting plain white shirt, a coal black half vest, and a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, the legs shredded. She slid her dainty feet into a pair of black suede boots before pulling her hair tie from her wild locks. She shook her hair out, smiling at her appearance before living her bedroom to the one down the hall. She stood in the door, simply watching her younger brother before her cell phone rang. She quietly cursed under her breath, sliding the small device from her back pocket and holding it to her ear.
" Hello?" she answered, not bothering to check the name on the screen.
" Ally-Cat, baby, can you do me a huge favor?" her mother. Ally couldn't help but screw her eyes shut in frustration. It was six in the morning and their mother was slurring her words. This, of course, told Ally that her mother had spent the night drinking, not stopping at all.
" Mom, I need to get Colton ready for school," Ally mumbled, to tired to really have this conversation with the woman. Penny sighed into her mouth piece, the sound much to loud for Ally's ears.
" But Baby, I need your help," her mother reminded her of a petulant child who wasn't getting her way. Ally rubbed the bridge of her nose, shaking her head.
" I'm sorry Ma. I can't help you. I need to get Colt ready for school and than I need to go to work," Ally spoke, not waiting for her mother to reply before she ended the phone call. She closed her eyes, silently counting to ten to control her breathing before her eye lids fluttered open once more. She nodded to herself, mentally agreeing that she did the right thing before sliding her cell phone into her back pocket once more and entering her little brother's bed room.
" Colt, hey buddy, it's time to wake up," Ally spoke, her voice soft as she gently shook his shoulder. He mumbled, rolling onto his other side.
" I made pancakes," she spoke slightly louder in her husky voice.
Colton pushed himself into a sitting position, his eyes bright as he met his sister's amused gaze.
" Really?" he was eager, just like always. She chuckled to herself before nodding her head.
" Grammy's secret buttermilk recipe. If you want the stack, than you better hurry and get ready for school," He was out of bed before Ally straightened to her full height of five feet six inches. She chuckled again, shaking her head as she left her brother's bedroom. Her cell phone rang once again, forcing another groan from Ally's lips as she slid the device from her back pocket once more.
" Hello?" she really needed to learn to check who was calling before she answered.
" Ally? It's Carla. I hate calling you so early, but would you mind coming in at eight instead of nine? Rosie's Uncle is coming home tonight, and I could really use an extra set of hands," Carla was pleading, something the older woman never did. Ally chuckle, nodding her head before she remembered Carla couldn't see it.
" Yeah, I was actually planning on coming over early today anyway. I should be over there in twenty, thirty minutes," Carla thanked her before disconnecting.
" Can I go to your work after school Als?" Colton's voice jolted her from her thoughts as she glanced over her shoulder.
" You want to play with Rosie don't you?" he grinned, nodding his head. Ally shrugged her shoulders, sliding her thumbs to hook the front pockets of her jeans.
" Sure. Tell Trish to bring you to the town house. I'm sure Rosie would love to spend some time with her best friend," Ally teased, knowing her younger brother adored the little girl. Colton rushed to the kitchen island, pulling himself onto the bar stool as he ate his breakfast. Ally smiled fondly at her brother, ruffling his short espresso curls.
" Hurry up and eat. I need to leave soon and you can't be late for school," Ally spoke, washing the dishes in the sink.
Carla answered the door to the town house, a thankful smile on her ruby red lips as she saw Ally.
" Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you are helping me out. Mister Moon hates to come home to a mess, and Rosie, darling child, is in to everything lately," Carla explained, watching as Ally shook her head before passing the threshold.
" It's no problem Carla. I'm sure I can start her piano lesson early, give her extra time with that to keep her out of your hair," Ally commented, watching as Carla's eyes brightened.
" Only if you promise to play a few songs as well," Ally chuckled, nodding her head.
" Of course. I also take requests," Carla shook her head as she led Ally through the familiar town house, knowing things were going to change.
" Rosalie, Miss Ally is here," Carla called out, waiting for the young girl to reply. A squeal echoed off the pristine white walls before foot steps could be heard.
Ally felt herself being tackled by the small force she had come to associate with Rosalie Alice Moon. She chuckled as platinum blonde waves filled her visions, small arms encircling her neck, short legs wrapping around her own slender waist.
" It's great to know I was missed so much, even though I saw you two days ago," Ally chuckled, hugging the girl back as well. Rosalie nuzzled the crook of Ally's neck, resting her cheek on the older woman's delicate shoulder before speaking.
" You're my best friend Ally, I don't like being away from you," Rosalie spoke, her childish voice breaking the young woman's heart. Ally allowed a small smile to play on her lips before pulling out of the five year olds grasp.
" You're one of my best friends too Rosie. Why don't we go play on the piano until it's time for lunch. And later, Colt is going to come by to play with you," Ally knew how much Rosalie adored her little brother, they were best friends and often caused mischief together. She squealed before grasping Ally's hand and leading her through the rather large town house.
Austin Moon enjoyed the quiet. He was an international sensation. He adored his screaming fans. He loved the spot light that was always pointed on him. He enjoyed his fame. Yet, nothing could beat silence, leaving him to his thoughts. He was on a plane, returning to his home town of Miami to spend time with his only niece, the only family beside his mother and father that he had left. He couldn't stop the smile on his lips as he thought of little Rosalie. He regretted not being able to actually raise her himself, always on tour for his record. However he had built himself up to where he would be able to take some time off. Now he could spend time with his little Princess. She was the spitting image of his brother, platinum blonde waves, cocoa brown eyes, sun kissed skin. But she also reminded him of her mother, always laughing, always full of energy.
" Are you excited?" his best friend since pre school, Dezmund Worthy, questioned.
" Yeah. I haven't seen Rose in six months. I can't wait to see how big she's gotten," Austin was practically bouncing in his seat.
His lanky, red headed friend chuckled, shaking his head as he took in his best friend. Dez stuck by Austin's side through the thick and the thin. He understood the blonde pop star's moods better than any one.
" You know, for a heartless bad boy, you certainly adore your niece," Dez stated as he played with his small recorder. Austin shrugged his shoulders, a slight smile curving on his lips.
" Rose is the only one who doesn't judge me, who doesn't expect anything from me," Austin answered easily, running his long fingers through his shaggy, platinum blonde strands as he relaxed in his seat.
" That's the wrong note Ally," Rosie's giggle's filled the town house as Austin pushed the front door open. He couldn't stop the grin on his lips as Dez fell in step beside him.
" Carla, I'm home," he called out to his house keeper, watching as the older woman appeared. Carla looked to be in her late thirties, her raven hair cut short to her shoulders. Her emerald green eyes were always bright, her skin snow white. She was short, petite, yet reminded Austin of his mother.
" Mister Moon, Mister Worthy. You're early," Carla was nervous, something only Austin saw. That was when he heard three unfamiliar voices.
" No it wasn't, listen."
" Ally, she's five, don't bore her with the mechanics of the piano."
" Don't forget Rosie, Als is really good at the piano."
" Carla, who's here?" his voice was quiet, controlling his temper as he waited for his house keeper to explain. She chewed her bottom lip between her blunt teeth, quickly thinking of what to stay.
However, she never got the chance. Ally decided to bring every one refills of iced tea.
" Hey Carla, I hope we aren't making to… much noise?" at the end of her sentence, her head was cocked to the side as she met Austin's narrowed gaze. His fists were clenched at his sides as he glared at the young woman in his home.
" Who the hell are you?" he questioned, practically feeling Dez's eyes bouncing between the two. He ignored Carla as she slipped away from him, taking the four glasses from Ally's hands and leaving towards the kitchen.
" Sorry, I'm Ally Dawson, Rosalie's nanny. If you don't mind, may I ask who you are?" Her delicate eyebrow was arched in question, waiting for the stranger to explain who he was.
" Uncle Austy!" however the explanation came in the form of a five year old little girl. Ally watched as a wide grin stretched across the stranger's face before he dropped into a crouch, opening his arms for his niece.
" Rosie Posie," Austin chuckled as she wrapped her slender arms around his neck.
" Did you meet Ally? She's the best, she's been teaching me how to play the piano and the guitar and the violin and," Austin chuckled, stopping her before glancing at the young woman.
" Is this the best Ally?" Austin questioned, his eyes narrowing to slits once more. Rosie nodded her head eagerly, stepping out of her Uncle's arms and rushing the half a foot towards the young woman.
" Ally, this is my Uncle Austin," Rosalie exclaimed, oblivious to the tension that hung between the two. Dez coughed in an attempt to ease his friend, before sighing as he shook his head.
" Hey Rosie, why don't you show me the music room your uncle set up for you. I want to see how good you are at the piano," Dez commented, allowing the little girl to grip his index finger and lead him through the house.
" Your services won't be required any more. I'll be staying with Rosie now," Austin stated, watching as the young woman's eyes widened.
" Pardon me?" she stumbled over her words unsure if she had actually heard him correctly or not.
" I don't repeat myself Miss Dawson," Austin claimed, watching as her sienna brown eyes narrowed in thought for a moment before a look of defeat settled over her features, her delicate shoulders slumping slightly.
" Alright. Let me gather my things, than I'll be out of your hair Mister Moon," her voice was curt as she pivoted on her heel, returning from the way she came. Carla had decided now would be the best chance to talk her employer into changing his mind.
" Mister Moon, you can't honestly be serious about letting her go, can you? Rosalie adores Allyson. She's her best friend, the mother she never got to have," Carla exclaimed, watching a nerve tick in the blonde man's clenched jaw.
" In case you didn't know this Carla, she isn't Rosalie's mother," Austin stated, his voice calm, his tone even. Carla shook her head, resting her hands on her small hips.
" You're right. But that child needs more than just you and her grand parents in her life. Mike and Mimi are wonderful, they adore her. But they don't understand what it's like not to have their parents. The same goes for you, Mister Moon. I apologize for speaking bluntly. Do you know how many nannies I went through before I found Ally? I lost count after fifteen. None knew what to do about Rosalie's tantrums. None knew how to stop her tears. I found Ally at the park with her younger brother. Rosalie was throwing a tantrum and she noticed that I couldn't handle her on my own. That woman worked miracles. She saved you from finding a new house keeper," Carla was ranting, but she didn't particularly care. Austin needed to understand, he would need help and Ally Dawson was the only one who knew what to do.
" Why do you two have to go? Can't you stay for dinner? You promised to sing me a lullaby tonight," Rosalie was finishing for reasons to keep her two favorite people their, Trish was part of the package. Trish's toffee colored eyes were dancing between the little girl and her best friend, Colton's doing the very same. Ally smiled sweetly at the little girl, dropping to her knees as she held her shoulders.
" I can't tonight Baby Girl. Your Uncle wants to spend time with you, and well, I haven't really spent any time with Colt or Trish for a while. I promise though, if you need anything, I'm just a phone call away. Carla has my number," Austin watched as this strange woman kissed his niece's forehead before brushing past him and leaving his town house.
Ally laid in bed, wide awake as thoughts drifted through her mind. She would have to find a new job now. That was just fantastic. She was really enjoying getting to know Rose. She silently cursed under her breath, shaking her head physically in hopes that it would rid her of her thoughts before rolling onto her side. It was only ten at night, and despite the fact that she was running on five hours of sleep, she wasn't tired, not in the least. The shrill ring tone of her phone forced to her fish for her cell phone which was on her night stand that was settled behind her.
" Hello?" she answered her phone, silently praying that it was Rosalie.
" Miss Dawson, right?" she knew that arrogant drawl, even if she had only heard it for five minutes.
" Mister Moon. How can I help you?" she was polite, her voice curt.
" I was wondering what lullaby you sing to Rose to put her to sleep," he wasn't really asking, and Ally didn't feel as if she was inclined to tell him.
" That is our song Mister Moon. You'll have to find one for yourself," with that she ended the call, tossing her phone onto the night stand once more. However she was forced to blindly fish for it again as the same ring tone filled her bed room.
" Hello?" she was slowly growing annoyed with the small cellular device.
" Ally-Cat," her mother's slurring words filled her ears, forcing a groan past her lips as she forced herself into a sitting position.
" Yeah Ma, what do you need," Ally tiredly rubbed the bridge of her nose, exhaustion settling on her shoulders.
" Can you come pick me up?" There was no escaping her this time, Ally knew that.
" Where are you?" After quickly jotting down the directions to the seedy bar, Ally reached for a discarded pair of cut off shorts before grabbing her wallet and car keys.
She knocked quietly on the door of the apartment across the hall, chewing on her bottom lip nervously as she waited for her neighbor to answer.
" Ally dear, what can I help you with?" Missus Greene questioned, smiling brightly.
" Could you keep an eye on Colton for me? He's sleeping, but I don't want him panicking if he wakes up and sees that I'm gone," Ally commented, begging the older woman with her eyes. Missus Greene chuckled, before nodding her head.
" Don't worry dear, I'll keep an eye on him," she agreed, watching Ally smile gratefully before jogging down the hall barefoot. The drive was slow as Ally searched for the unfamiliar bar, finally finding it on the other end of town.
" Ma, do you have some place to stay?" Ally questioned as her mother slid into the passenger seat of her Ford Focus. Penny giggled, hiccupping slightly before nodding her head.
" Y-yeah. I'm… Um, I'm staying at a friend's house. She's right down the street," Ally drove as her mother fell asleep against the window, shaking her head as she followed the drunken directions her mother had given her.
By the time Ally returned to her apartment complex, it was nearly two in the morning. She groaned, running her long fingers through her wild curls as she slowly climbed the five flights of stairs. She really didn't wish to wake up in the morning, but she knew she wouldn't really have a choice. She was Colton's alarm clock, she had to take care of him. She twisted the brass door knob, expecting to see Missus Greene dozing on the low sofa, however the sight that greeted her, wasn't what she was expecting. On the low black suede sofa was Colton, curled into a man with shaggy platinum blonde hair, his legs stretched out in front of him.
" What the hell are you doing here with my brother?" her voice was a low whisper, yet it still caught his attention. She wasn't very fond of the cocky smirk that was playing on his lips as his cocoa brown eyes met her own sienna ones.