A/N: Hello loves! Sorry for the wait. It's taking me longer to think about my ideas than usual… Thanks for reviewing, especially the ones that say "I just found your story and I love it." Those are awesome. Anyway, this chapter is happier, I think, and it's a start of something new. I hope you like it. Read on, my friends.

XXX

Taylor and a few other security members stayed behind to investigate further in Aspen, Colorado. But other than the little shake up with Jack Hyde, the trip was very successful for the family of five. They returned home after spending a relaxing weekend together. Maddie felt that she got the things she needed, time to not think about all her former and present problems. She enjoyed the scenic view of the trees which gave a calming feel within her bones. The fresh air and nature made her mood lighten, enjoying alone time with just her and her thoughts.

Upon hearing about Taylor's stay in Aspen, Maddie had thought more deeply about her encounter with Jack Hyde. He seemed nice, but as she knew, many people are not what they seem. Her parents' reaction to the sound of his name baffled her, and she was very curious as to what the man meant to the family. She would soon find out. She decided that she was done being sheltered. Despite what her father thinks, this did concern her, more than anyone, and she would no longer be afraid to ask questions and receive answers.

"Welcome home." Christian announced as the family walked back into their Washington home. Teddy had already gotten into his car to return to his apartment with Emilie, after a tight hug from each family member and a kiss from his mother. Phoebe, however, was staying in her parent's home. Hearing about Madeline's sudden return home, Phoebe came back home to reconnect with her sister from her LA apartment. She had just recently finished her art studies and was planning on finding a nice job at a studio, but was glad to be home for a while. Their luggage was brought in by staff as they all walked through the house quietly. Ana went to make herself a glass of wine for herself and Christian while Phoebe and Maddie lounged on the couch.

"Did you girls have a good time?" Ana asked, uncorking the wine.

"I think we did. I enjoyed all the scenery, so much to paint." Phoebe's eyes lit up with excitement.

"How about you, Maddie?" Christian asked.

"I really enjoyed it. It was just what I needed. Thank you." Maddie gazed at both of her parents with a warm smile.

"Of course, sweetie. We'll have to go back another time before you start school."

Maddie's smile dropped. "School. Right. Speaking of, what am I going to do?" Maddie had almost forgotten. Maddie had been only been to her private school in Washington for two years. And her school in France is obviously much different than the one here. Other than that, she was homeschooled.

Christian frowned. "You'll be attending your previous school, Charles Morgan's Academy."

"And don't worry, you won't be entirely alone. The Carter's son, Zac, he'll be a senior next year, just one grade above you. Speaking of, they'll be joining us for dinner tonight."

"Tonight? We just got back."

"I know. We had planned this out before we decided to go to Colorado, but Mrs. Taylor already knew so she was prepared. They won't be over until about six-thirty." Ana shrugged.

Great. People. Maddie inwardly frowned at her own thought, wondering why she felt so unsocial. She headed upstairs to her bedroom without another word. She felt fatigued and decided to journal a little bit while in the comfort of her bed. She opened up her floral journal, flipping through the ink covered pages. She mostly wrote some of her favorite quotes, lyrics, and phrases that were stuck in her mind. The cool thing about it, was that it was full of multiple different languages like French and German, but 75% of it was English. She had always felt more at ease with either a pen or paper in her hand, or ivory piano keys underneath her fingertips. Those were her moments. After tracing over a certain phrase, she dozed off into a light slumber.

Ana quietly brought in her small luggage bag and fondly smiled at her sleeping daughter. She reached for the open journal to set it on her night dresser when a dark phrase caught her eyes. In a cursive script, the words were written with obvious emphasis. You Belong.

XXX

After a two hour nap, Maddie showered, blow dried, and loosely curled her hair quickly, putting very little make-up on. She didn't really need it, but since it was a dinner, she thought she would put on a little mascara. She came to her closet and frowned. What do they usually wear? Quietly, she tip toed across the hall to take a peek at Phoebe. Her dyed, dark black hair was in a ballerina bun, her bangs straightened down in the front. Her pale skin looked radiant, especially with the bright pop of red lipstick that covered her lips. She was wearing tight skinny jeans with black flats, and a flowy , long sleeved cream shirt, with a black collar. Checking herself in the mirror, she spotted her younger sister peeking through the door. "Don't know what to wear?"

Maddie smiled at her sister's guess and nodded. Phoebe stood up and dragged her sister by the hand, returning into Maddie's closet. Running her hand through the selection, Phoebe pulled at a bright, floral dress, with many shades of pinks and light blues. "Here. It's not too dressy, just the right amount. Very summer-y. It would go well with your skin tone." Maddie had received Christian's more darker complexion rather than her mother's porcelain white skin. The dress clenched at her petite waist, and showed off her woman-like curves. Content with both of their looks, the sisters went downstairs, arm in arm.

By the time they reached the bottom of the staircase, Mrs. Taylor was bringing in their guests. Lisa Carter greeted Ana with friendliness as her husband, David, shook Christian's hand firmly. Aubrey and Autumn, the twin sisters, both looked stunning, and to Maddie's luck, were dressed in completely different ways. Aubrey had her auburn hair in a stylish side bun, wearing a casual, yet flattering deep blue dress that agreed with her brown eyes. Autumn's hair was a beautiful ombré that waved down to her shoulder's. She wore a cool, pastel green romper that seemed totally appropriate for the occasion despite what you would think. And coming in from the back, like a cool movie star (flipping his like one as well), was the incredibly handsome Zac. He wore blue jeans, a plain white shirt, and a rocker-style leather jacket. His hair was tossed around, seeming as if it was "thoroughly fucked". Though he was raised by a respectable family, his whole demeanor screamed rebel. He was like the best of both worlds for teenagers. A respectable young man from a high society family to please the parents, and a sexy rebel a girl would want (girls always do what they are told not to do. Parents say find a respectable guy, they go for the mysterious, rebel guy. It's simply nature.)

They all sat at the table enjoying conversations. Christian and David talked about the recent British Open Golf tournament, the twins and Phoebe spoke about their newest vogue magazine they got, admiring certain fashion tips. Lisa told Ana about her newest recipe she found. Ana had really enjoyed getting to know her over the years. Ana was very nervous about finding good friends when she married Christian and was brought into his higher society, not counting Kate, of course. Ana had found that Lisa was the most genuine of the ladies around here, and enjoyed her friendly spirit. Zac and Maddie stole small glances toward each other, but remained quiet. Maddie wasn't going to lie, she was attracted to him, but the glances towards each other were nothing more than awkward eye contact, nothing lustful whatsoever.

After diner was finished, the older couples enjoyed a glass of wine out on the back porch. Autumn had mentioned a party at her boyfriends' house, and had invited Phoebe to come along, so the three of them left shortly after dessert. Zac came up next to Maddie, his hands in his pockets. "So. Do you want to show me around?" He asked, his green eyes flickering with amusement.

Maddie smiled. "I think you know where everything is, Zac."

"I know. I'm going to test you."

"Very well. Follow me." Maddie shrugged. She made her way upstairs, showing him around the rooms he already knew. Their last stop was the music room. "And this is the last room to show you."

"Alright. You passed." He smiled, then walked around the room. He looked at each instrument, lightly brushing his fingers on their polished wood. "You know, I wasn't allowed in here when we used to play."

"Really? Well, welcome to our music room." Maddie watched him curiously, sitting down on the piano bench.

"Do you still play?" He nodded towards the piano. She nodded. He raised an eyebrow. "Prove it."

Maddie laughed, and closed her eyes, playing a sad melody, the first one that popped into her head. When she returned from the world she played in, she realized a warm body was sitting next to her, amazement in his eyes, though he brushed it off. "That was okay. Check this out." He used to fingers like a three year old, and played "twinkle twinkle little star".

Maddie giggled. "Wow. You're a true mastermind."

"I get that a lot." Smiling warmly at her, he then decided to change the subject. "So how are you?"

"Uh. Fine."

Zac shook his head. "I mean how are you, really?"

Oh. "I'm okay. It's hard to process stuff, you know. It's all confusing." A dark cloud formed over her mind. She really hated talking about this. She just felt that she was over it. She didn't want to always be asked how she was, and handled with caution. She wanted a fresh start. "Zac? Can you promise me something?"

He frowned, but nodded. She continued, "When we hang out, can we not talk about the past? Can we just pretend that it never happened? I'm constantly reminded by my family and friends and tabloids that I was missing. I know I was, but I'm ready to move on. Could you do that for me?"

Zac smiled sadly. "Sure. Consider it done."

"Good." Maddie looked at the time on her phone and smiled. "Follow me." She grabbed him by the hand and raced up the third floor. She went through a small room and went out upon the balcony. "This is my favorite spot in the whole entire house." The moon and stars shone brightly through the trees.

Zac whistled. "It's quite a view." They stood there for a while, then Zac noticed their parents returning into the house. Nudging her, they both returned to the bottom floor.

Christian's eye's narrowed at the sight of the two kids coming downstairs together, but kept his mouth shut. The Carter's waved goodbye, saying that they should get together again. After having a small conversation with her parents, she went up to her bedroom, retiring for the night. In the soft moonlight laid a pale piece of paper especially left for her. It was Zac's number. She grinned to herself brightly. A fresh start you want, a fresh start you shall get, Maddie.

XXX

I thought I would write a less dramatic chapter, bringing in some more characters, including Zac. And I'm just going to tell you, that my OC Zac is literally based on Zac Efron. (Now do you guys get my HSM reference at the top? "The start of something new?") I mean what a hottie. Anyway, I'm going to bed.

Review, pretty please? And the drama is just around the corner. (evil laugh)