Want You Back

Chapter 1

It was a warm summer day in Los Angeles. The palm trees rustled and sun was shining on the asphalt. Zoe Carter was back at her birthplace after such a long time. She took a deep breath and enjoyed the Los Angeles air. Zoe missed the surroundings. She missed the people. She missed everything that was going on. Her father traveled a lot, because of his job. So Zoe, her twin brother James and her mother always had to come along. There was never a place that was really like home. Born in Los Angeles, then to New York, then to Waterford, then to Sydney and finally to London. For 22 years Zoe had been on the road and finally found her way back home.

Not only is LA her hometown, but her singing career could start here. Zoe had a very good voice, angelic, and maybe Zoe will jump over her shadow and try her luck. And what better city to start your dream career?

Zoe walked through the streets with a huge grin. It was a good feeling. A little familiarity and a little joy. Abruptly Zoe stopped. A flashback came into her head. Her stomach grumbled. Hands trembled.

It was the time when Zoe and the Carter Family lived in Australia. She was 17 years old and the new girl at Richmond High School. James, her twin brother, always found it easier to make new friends. Zoe just didn't feel like making friends, since they would be moving again. But at the time, there was a boy who was a year older. For no particular reason, Zoe found him very interesting and over time she developed strong feelings. Unfortunately, she couldn't really keep those feelings to herself. But there was a positive twist. The boy in question, had also developed feelings for Zoe and the two entered into a relationship. But, what Zoe didn't know was, that it was just a bet. He was supposed to get Zoe into bed, which he had managed to do. Zoe had become the victim. Everyone made fun of her and she was bullied in a way. There was no end to the tears and yet those strong feelings were there. Her parents caught on and took advantage of the situation to move to London. Zoe was in therapy to get over the pain and the different feelings.

She processed the memory, as best she could. But there he stood now. The boy who had caused so much pain to her.

"Zoe?" said the person, who had left Zoe in such shock. "Hi Ashton." replied Zoe with a fake smile. "Wow. We haven't seen each other in a really long time! How are you?" The question was meant serious, you could see it in his facial expression. Why did Ashton pretend to be innocent?

"I'm great, and you?" Zoe forced herself to say. It was simply unpleasant. Ashton had apparently forgotten everything. But Zoe just had an uncomfortable feeling.

"Sorry. Hi Ashton. Can I take a picture with you?" asked a brunette girl, approaching Ashton. "Apparently you're doing pretty well. See you around." said Zoe. It was the perfect situation to escape Ashton. But why did a strange girl want a picture with him? Zoe wondered. Did I miss something?

Ashton jogged after Zoe and tapped her on the shoulder. "Sorry we got interrupted." Zoe just nodded silently. "What do you say, I buy you a cup of coffee?" Zoe breathed in. "Okay." For old time's sake, maybe Zoe is still looking for some answers.

Ashton picked up two Americanos and sat down across from Zoe. It was a bit awkward and strange atmosphere. And his green brown eyes could pierce souls. Zoe found it hard to even look at him.

"So, what are you doing?" started Ashton the conversation. Zoe took a sip of the very hot coffee. "I'm working in a coffee shop right now, maybe trying to build a career. Finally fulfilling my dream. And I thought, then I'll move back here. And you?" replied Zoe. "I'm in the music business. I'm in a band called 5 Seconds of Summer." That explains a lot. So this guy has become famous now. "So you got a big career." Zoe said wryly. "You could say that. After you moved away, the band was formed. I'm the drummer and I have three really nice guys by my side. And you're here to fulfill your singing career?" "Yeah, that's right. I just love making music and I hope my plan works out."

The two talked for a really long time. It seemed like everything from the past was forgotten. A laugh or two appeared on their lips. Ashton had changed. It was a positive change. Zoe even gave him her number. Was it so easy to forget the pain and look forward? Was it the right decision?

"Zoe, there's something else I want to tell you. I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart for my mistake. I didn't have the chance to do it earlier. I was so naive and my ego was just too big. I couldn't put myself in your shoes, but I know how much it hurt you and I'm so sorry. I hope you can forgive me someday." Ashton said. "Now this was unexpected. I think I need to process this. I've had a really hard time trusting other people. The only person is James." Zoe replied. Ashton scratched his head in discomfort. "Thanks for the coffee. I have to go now."

Zoe jumped up, because tears had come to her eyes. Somehow the situation was so confusing. On the one hand, the pain still hadn't been forgotten, everything Zoe had been through. But on the other hand, Ashton had changed and it was good for Zoe to see him again. What decision should Zoe make?