-Author's POV-

So maybe it was true, arrogance shadows the truth behind a masked smile. She was afraid to lose what she had, that maybe this chapter that has abruptly erupted into her life is too good to be true. Kimberley and Cheryl would grow sick of her she'd thought, but god did she love them. It was a shielding mechanism, the constant backlash to her parents, strangers, and friendly faces.

She hides herself completely, only ever appearing in front of the women who have captivated her heart entirely.

Madison awakens from her nap, groaning from the throbbing pain still pulsing to her wrist. She tries her best not to roll over and accidentally sprain it further, lying on the sofa in such a peaceful ambiance gave her a few minutes to slow down the rustling happening in her mind.

~~~~~

Ten-year-old Madison sits on the steps of her grand home, unsure why her mood had suddenly took a 360 turn.

She frowns, throwing pebbles to the ground.

A mother and father who didn't acknowledge her as a child, giving the infinite away so carelessly, resulting to Clara and Connor to be responsible for her.

She sighs, looking up at the stars that have looked upon her for years.

"Hi Mum.. Hi Dad," She'd speak to the stars every night; they were the only portal, the only spark of light in her world. She'd speak to the moon every night, hoping her words would sound through the winds, and find themselves to the foolish parents.

A silence lingers in the air, the odd cricket and breeze only to be sounded.

"I turned ten today," She whispers. "I wish you were here."

And so it happened every night, for as long as Madison could remember, the stars and moon owned her heart.

The nights owned her.

~~~~~~~

A tear slips, but she's quick to wipe it away and disregard the emotion. She wasn't going to allow herself to slip back into the depression that once consumed her life, the gloomy clouds had drifted away, and she was finally happy in the Tweedy-Walsh household.

She sits up to the sound of footsteps nearing the living room she'd been occupying all afternoon, releasing snores and soft breaths into the lavender scented air.

"And she's up," Kimberley smiles, but soon pouts with a raised eyebrow. "Are you feeling better?" She asks, sitting beside the drowsy teen.

"Yeah fine," She lies, sighing to the feel of her mother's fingers running freely through her silk locks.

"Now the truth." Kimberley edges closer, bringing the teens head to her lips. She places sweet kisses to the warm temple, lingering her lips in affection.

"Of course it hurts," The teen shrugs, "That's pretty much it."

Kimberley smiles, "It'll heal within a few weeks, now," She readjusts herself, wrapping an arm around her daughter. "First let's start off with the fact you're grounded—"

"Wait – what?!" Madison shoots out of her Mother's touch, a confused expression painted to her face.

"You are grounded—"

"But why? Look I'm injured.. How are you going to ground me when your favorite daughter is wounded?" Madison sighs dramatically, collapsing into her mother's lap and looking up into the unimpressed blue-greys.

"You're my only daughter—"

"Even a better reason why you shouldn't ground me." She pouts, giving her best puppy dog eyes.

"You're still grounded—"

"I didn't even do anything—"

"You disrespected your Mam, and you're also giving Emma a hard time during your lessons—"

"What's she said?" She asks, sitting back up and meeting the blonde at eye-level.

"She didn't have to say anything—"

"So what are you saying then—"

"I'm saying you're grounded—"

"Until?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Until I say so—"

"Where's Mam—"

"She's having a shower—" As Kimberley's words leave her lips, Madison abruptly jumps off the sofa and bolts up to the master bedroom with the blonde in tail.

"Where you goin'!?" She shouts, keeping up with her.

"Mam!" Madison shouts, storming into the bedroom. "MAM!"

Cheryl jumps in the shower, hiding her modesty as best as she could. The en-suite door flings open, followed by her wife and daughter.

"MAM!" The teen shouts again, pacing back and forth as she speaks.

"What!?" Cheryl screeches, silently thankful the glassed shower was fogged away from sight.

"Mum's grounding me—"

"Good—"

"But Mam," Madison groans, narrowing her eyes at a smiling Kimberley. "I didn't do anything—"

"Could we possibly have his conversation after I've had me shower!?"

"Fine!" Madison huffs, pushing past a sniggering Kimberley and waiting for her Mam in the women's bedroom.

"Don't you go caving in now," Kimberley speaks to her wife, leaning against the bathroom counter.

"Says you!" Cheryl shouts over the water, "She's the one that's got you wrapped around her little finger—"

"Not this time." She smirks, although knowing in the back of her mind if Madison pushed her a little further she'd cave and give her whatever she requested.

The water is abruptly turned off, and out comes Cheryl fully naked.

Kimberley licks her lips, taking in every water droplet trickling down her wife's wet body.

"You're a dog," Cheryl giggles, grabbing a towel and drying herself up.

"Oh can I be a puppy?" Kimberley grins, giving the Geordie a playful wink. She saunters over, and smacks the exposed backside.

Cheryl makes unclear noises, pulling a face and sarcastically laughing at her wife's humor.

"I married a comedian," She covers her body with the towel and exits the en-suite, her eyes instantly locking with Madison who's taken comfort on their large bed.

"You alright crazy?" Cheryl grins, walking away and into the en-suite before Madison gets a chance to fire up her earlier protests.

The teen huffs; falling back into the pillows and mindlessly fiddling with the clasp sealing the black cast.

"Might as well just give up," Kimberley sticks her tongue out, and follows her wife's trail.

"Never!" Madison shouts in reply, rolling her eyes as she waits for her parents to return.

"Stop it," Cheryl giggles, trying to push her wife away. Kimberley stubbornly stands behind the Geordie, wrapping both arms firmly around the petite body, her lips working fiercely against Cheryl's wet neck.

"You cutie," Kimberley giggles, continuing her assault.

"Get away let us get dressed in peace," She squeals from her wife's teeth sinking into her neck, and hands grasping playfully to her body.

"I can hear youse!"

"So go away!" The blonde shouts back to her daughter still occupying their bed.

"Kimba she'll never – Kimba!" Cheryl releases a noisy squeal, "Get away you loon!" She pushes her wife away successfully this time, "Let us get dressed, out, out, out, out." She shoves her from the back, forcing her out of their walk-in-closet.

"Cling—"

"Loser—" Kimberley replies to her daughter.

"Obsessed—"

"With you," The blonde winks, jumping into bed beside her daughter and cautiously taking her back into an adoration filled cuddle.

"I don't want to cuddle." Madison mumbles against her mother's chest.

"Well I do." The teen rolls her eyes; her smile hides away from the blonde's blue-greys.

Cheryl returns, towel drying her hair and smiling at the sight of her girls cuddling.

"Mam," Madison tries again, this time keeping her tone soft and sweet.

"What is it sweets?" Cheryl replies, playing along with her daughter's antics. She drops the towel into the wooden laundry basket, climbing into bed beside her girls.

"But I didn't do anything," She begins, a pout already forming to her full lips.

"You sure about that?" Cheryl raises an eyebrow, allowing the teen to say her part.

"No I didn't," Madison frowns. "I don't understand why I should get grounded?" She huffs, looking up at a smirking Kimberley. "It's not funny." Her voice cracks, instantly getting the blonde to tear down her stern walls.

"No—"

"What?" Kimberley breathes, looking at her wife wiggling her finger.

"Don't, I know you—"

"I'm not—"

"You will," Madison frowns, not understanding a single word her parents were exchanging.

Kimberley was close to caving to her daughter's innocent voice.

"Madison, you're grounded for disrespecting us and not allowing Emma to do her job—"

"But I didn't—"

"Madison so help us god! You're not getting your way, that's it. End of discussion."

The teen remains silent, never before told off the way the Geordie just gave it to her.

She huffs, turning away from Cheryl, and hiding her face into the blonde's arms. Kimberley suppresses the urge to speak, not wanting to be told off by the Geordie herself.

"Have I made meself clear?" She asks, waiting for her daughter to reply.

Madison shrugs, but never looking at her mother.

"I said have I made meself clear—"

"Cheryl," Kimberley whispers, widening her eyes at the brunettes tone.

"Let's hear it then?" Cheryl reaches out and gives the teen a light shove to the shoulder.

"Yeah," Comes the muffled reply. "Loud and clear."

"Alright then," Cheryl smiles, sliding off the bed. "Do youse want to eat?" She asks, standing by the bedroom door.

"Nah I'm good, Mado?"

"No." She keeps her face hidden into the side of the blonde.

"Alright well I'm going to make meself a sandwich." Cheryl exits, leaving the mother and daughter alone.

"Mum," She rasps, looking up to the blonde.

"What is it?" Kimberley breathes, readjusting their position and allowing the teen to lie on top of her. The sprained wrist limply lands carefully beside the compassionate blondes left forearm.

"But I didn't do anything." She repeats, playing with Kimberley's short blonde locks.

The mother sighs, wrapping her arms gently around her daughter's petite frame.

"Could you unground me?" Madison smiles softly, giving her sparkling green orbs a try.

"Babe I can't," Kimberley pouts. "You need to learn to respect others—"

"But I do—"

"But you don't."

"Fine." Another sigh escapes Madison's lips, she relaxes further into the crook of her mother's neck, inhaling the sweet scent only the blonde could ever produce.

Kimberley smiles softly, she'd forever wanted to hold her child in her arms. The exact way she was currently holding the teen, with so much love in her heart, a million stars could never amount to the times she's thought of this exact moment.

~~~~~~~~~

It was a horrific night, filled with anger, distress, and question.

How?

How could anyone take life, and never give the ability to carry another child? Kimberley's slipped into depression, the tears forever flowing, the sobs escaping like words she'd once sounded freely.

Cheryl gulps the tears back, needing to stay strong for her wife. She cautiously creeps into the bedroom, carrying a hot bottle, and a steaming bowl of soup.

"Hey baby," She gets silence in return, already used to the silent treatment she's been getting from the blonde.

Time was needed to heal.

Time would be given.

"I made you some soup," She smiles, setting down the hot bowl, and walking around the plush bed to face the lifeless blonde. "Can you sit up so I can feed you?" She chokes on her own words, meeting the sparkles blue-greys that once danced with happiness.

It was days of this; the uncertainty of how to care for her wife was daunting on her. The home fills with a silence, not a word exchanged, only Cheryl speaking to her wife, but getting no reply in return.

She helps Kimberley sit up, carefully reclining her back into the pile of pillows.

"Here you are," Cheryl smiles, placing the hot bottle to her wife's stomach, and reaching over for the warm soup. She carefully shuffles closer to the blonde, and spoon-feeds her.

Kimberley remains still the entire time, staring off to the distance, never acknowledging the loving brunette.

"You look beautiful," Cheryl bites her lower lip, not wanting her sadness to be known. She fights back every sob begging to erupt past her lips.

"I made this soup meself," She laughs lightly. "I made sure to add a bit of chili sauce.. I.. I know how much you love a bit of spice." She sniffs, continuing to feed her wife.

"You're so strong Kimba," A tear slips. "So strong baby."

~~~~~~~

Kimberley returns to reality, the sound of her daughter rambling away brings a teary smile to her expression. The arms clasped around Madison tighten in protection, finally able to hold her child this way, the way she's always dreamt to.

"But they were nice, when I first met Brian I wanted to kick him right in the balls," Madison speaks freely, her head still lying against her mother's shoulder, with a hand blindly playing with the blondes locks.

"I told him to fcuk off of course," She giggles innocently, "But I guess they're nice lads—"

"Are these the morons that drove you here?" Kimberley finally speaks; eventually composing herself.

"One of thems name is Brian," Madison sits up, leaning on one elbow to meet her mother's eyes. "The other ones name is Travis—"

"So Dumb and Dumber brought you home?"

Madison giggles, "No Mum."

"Come here, enough of these idiots and let me hold you." The teen smiles; falling back into the loving arms.

Cheryl slightly kicks the door open, shutting it with the back of her foot. She downs the rest of her water and climbs into bed beside her wife and daughter.

"Are we having a slumber party?" She giggles, shuffling into her wife's open arm.

"Sure is," Kimberley smiles, pouting her lips for a kiss.

"If I'm sleeping in here keep both of your lips to yourselves."

Kimberley and Cheryl share a smile.

Both attacking the teen with their lips; smacking it against their squealing daughter.

"I'M INJURED!" Madison shouts, laughing nonetheless to each kiss placed to her face.

--------

Emma smiles, finally seeing the teen progressing in the subjects she's provided her with. She wondered why it was that Madison did a quick switch, ultimately cooperating and giving time, along with effort for their schooling session.

"Done," Madison smiles, sliding over the filled paper.

"Let's have a look," Emma returns the smile, her hazel eyes avert down to the paper as she scans through the problems.

They were all correct.

"See," She looks back up to the grinning teen, "You've got this.. They're all correct sweetheart."

Madison giggles, "Really?" She bites her lower lip, suppressing every squeal.

"Yes really," Emma mirrors the happy teens expression, "Hey," She glances at the clock. "We've got about.. Hmm.. An hour or so left of school," She air quotes. "Why don't we go for a walk? Call it physical education."

"Will Mam be okay with this?" Madison asks, already standing to her feet and following Emma out of the Library.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Just as the older woman speaks those words, Cheryl walks out of the living room and spots her daughter and teacher walking her way.

"Hey you two," She smiles. "You done already?" A pout forms, looking down at her watch with a frown.

"Emma and I are going out—"

"Emma and you are what?" Cheryl breathes, unsure if she was okay with this little arrangement.

"I figured it would be a good idea to take her for some fresh air. Sitting in that library all day isn't good for her."

The Geordie sighs, nodding a fraction. "Alright," She smiles at her daughters beaming grin. "Have fun bubs."

Madison hugs her Mam, inhaling the sweet scent, "Thanks Mam."

"You're welcome," The hug releases. "Take care of me girl Emma." She raises an eyebrow in tease, watching the girls walk out of the house, out of sight, but forever left in her mind.

"So where to?" Madison asks, climbing into the woman's car. "Sweet ride by the way," Her eyes absorb the luxury car, taking in the cream colored leather.

"Thanks," Emma smiles, starting the car and driving down the extensive drive way. "What is it you like to do?"

"Well," Madison bites her lower lip, "I like to do a lot of things—"

"You like ice cream—"

"What kind of question is that?" They giggle.

"Alright, we'll have some ice cream and walk around town. How does that sound to you?—"

"Sounds perfect."

The car ride is filled with laughter, two souls merging together in a light filled bubble. Madison is finally allowing herself to let people in, trusting the beautiful woman currently driving them for a sweet treat. She wasn't sure what it was, but she discovered a sense of comfort with Emma, the niggling questions were being put to rest.

"Here we are – oh we could actually go to my cousins studio after if you'd like? I know you're into music." Emma speaks enthusiastically.

"Guess that'll be cool," Madison shrugs, climbing out of the car and walking around to the woman's side. "What does he do? Is he an artist?" She asks, walking beside Emma, and entering the ice cream parlor.

"No he's a manger slash producer, slash wannabe, slash, slash, slash." They laugh, linking their arms together.

She has found a friend.

Someone apart from the snobby girls she'd once hung around with, no, someone mature and wise.

A humble soul she's been enchanted by.

"What are some famous people he's worked with?" Madison asks nosily, accepting the ice cream treat and sitting down at an empty table.

"Hmm well," Emma licks her lips, spooning more ice cream into her mouth. "Ella Henderson—"

"Wow really?" The teen's eyes grow wide, uncaring of the ice cream currently slipping down the corner of her lips.

Emma giggles, reaching over and wiping the teen's mouth clean.

"Yes really."

Madison blushes, "Who else?" She licks the corner of her lips.

"Miley Cyrus—"

"She's a bit of a whack-job now to be honest—"

"Probably because of him." They laugh loudly, getting a few strangers attention.

"So he's pretty successful?"

"He wasn't, not until these past few years." Madison nods, articulating every word. "He'd probably sign you." Emma winks.

"Nah." The teen shakes her head, "Not for me.. I was doing it all for the wrong reasons—"

"What were these reasons?" Emma asks curiously, finishing the rest of her ice cream cup.

Madison clears her throat, unsure why she was spilling all her secretly. "I wanted my parents to see me.. My biological ones like." She whispers, looking down at her now empty cup.

"Well," Emma smiles, reaching across and resting her hand over the teens cast. "They saw you didn't they—"

"Mam did," Madison shrugs. "That's all that matters."

"You don't think your Dad saw?"

Madison shakes her head, "I.. Well.. From what Mam told me, I don't think he cares much."

Emma frowns, trying her best not to speak badly of the Geordie. "I'm sure that's not true."

"Well," The teen shrugs. "We'll never know.. So," She perks up. "How about that studio?"

The hazel eyed beauty smiles sympathetically at Madison, already knowing damn well Jamie had watched every performance, and trying hard to figure out the best way to reel the teen into his life.

Here Emma was the bait, and Madison has now been pulled right in.

"It's just a short walk," They walk through the streets, both never taking much notice of anyone around them.

Their babbling never simmered down, talking about everything and anything their minds could process.

Emma halts to a stop, "Ah," She gazes up, reading—

J's Record Inc.

"This is it," She beams, permitting the teen in first.

"It's very..." Madison looks around; the walls paint black, wooden flooring reflecting the same color, with steal colored metal popping out in the modern space. "Dark – I like that." She beams, walking behind Emma.

"Well.." The woman begins, "He went with dark colors seeing as our last name is Blackwood—"

"That last name is different," Madison giggles. "I wish I had a cool last name like that."

Emma grins, opening the glassed door. "Go on," She encourages the teen through.

"Jamie!" She calls out, "I've got a guest."

The grey haired man spins around in his seat, taking in his daughter's appearance for the first time.

"Hello," his manly tone resounds against the studio walls.

Madison's heart beats viciously against her chest.

Jamie.

Jamie.

That name sounds familiar.

"Jamie Blackwood," His hand reaches out for a shake, "You must be Madison—"

"How do you know my name?" She gulps, standing closer to Emma.

"Why don't you take a seat and I'll explain—"

"How do you know my name?" She repeats with a bite in her voice.

"Madison—"

"I said how the fcuk do you know me—"

"I'm your father."