Chapter 1- Home sweet home.

**Narrative POV**

1, 2, 3, 4. The beat kicked in, sending a jolt of energy through the air. The music blared, and it was time to ignite the party. The tunes flowed, and the dance floor came alive...

"Hello, Las Vegas! Thank you all for coming out tonight. Seriously, you guys rocked!" The girl on stage beamed, showering the audience with blown kisses.

Sporting a sassy combo of a blue denim top and ripped high-waisted jeans, matched with blue sneakers and a casually cocked cap, she exuded the essence of cool.

The chorus of her admirers rang out, "We love you too, Kye!"

With a smile that radiated warmth, she descended from the stage, the audience's chant of "Kye, Kye!" following her like a melody in the wind.

As she touched the ground, a man swiftly approached, extending a bottle of mineral water. She accepted with a grateful smile, "Thank you."

"Anytime," he replied before stepping away.

Soon, another figure came into view—this one decked out in a blue-striped white shirt and full-length white pants. A headset clung to his ears, a clipboard in his grip.

"Hey, Bob," she greeted, a wave punctuating her words.

"That was pure awesomeness, Kye," he acknowledged with a grin.

"You know it," she responded, a smirk forming on her lips.

"Hey, let's not let this success inflate your ego," he playfully warned, a theatrical roll of his eyes in tow.

She let out a delightful giggle, "Oh, come on! I'm heading home!" Her arms stretched heavenward in unadulterated jubilation.

"Home?" He raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Yes, remember? I told you… Please don't tell me you forgot to notify the agency?"

"Okay, I won't tell you," he acquiesced with a sheepish grin.

"What kind of manager are you? You didn't tell them? What are we going to do now?"

His response was an eyeroll followed by, "Calm your horses. I told them, they're cool with it, but there's a little twist."

Her eyes rolled in sync with his, "And what's that twist?"

"You'll find out when you get there."

Exasperation seeped into her voice, "Ugh, fine. At least they agreed to let me go. One more year, and I'm a free bird!"

Curiosity piqued, he probed, "So, what's the grand plan once you touch down?"

A smile lit up her face, "I'm diving into high school life, Bob. I want to be a regular student."

"Noble ambitions," he acknowledged with a nod, though realization dawned a tad late. "Wait, did you just say high school? That doesn't sound exciting at all. Sorry, but that ain't happening."

A blend of stubbornness and defiance colored her retort, "Hold up! You're my manager, not my dad."

He flashed a grin, "Well, this manager can run to the agency and make sure high school's off the table."

She gave him a mock glare, her voice carrying a plea, "Please... I've been homeschooled for a long time. I want real friends, Bob. Real high school stuff—laughter, tears, gossiping about boys, you name it."

"But you've got friends!"

A derisive snort escaped her, "Friends? Really? Antha's fine, but Gilda and Lily? Spare me. Gilda's all, 'Did you see that car? I'm buying it.' And then Lily, 'Oh, not just seen, I've bought it.' And Antha's like, 'Kye, you getting one?' I nod and zone out. Then Gilda, the drama queen, rolls her eyes and says, 'She's such a bore.' Seriously, between us, she's the snooze-fest. I'd rather be alone."

He leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, "Guess what? They're not your age, Kye. They're way older."

Her exasperation bubbled over, "Exactly! I want buddies who get me. Someone my age or slightly older, teenagers who aren't walking clichés. I want a girl pal to giggle over boys with, chat about crushes, dish out advice. I want to make memories, enjoy the ride. And someday, when I'm old and gray, I want to tell my kids, 'Hey, my teen years rocked, and it wasn't just about singing.'"

His retort teemed with disbelief, "So, in your grand plan, your hypothetical future daughter is going to be fangirling over boys and going on dates?"

With a swift roll of her eyes, she retorted, "That's all you heard? Seriously?"

His chuckle danced in the air, "I'm just relieved you're not planning to repeat the chaos that was your last school stint."

"Come on, it wasn't that bad."

"It was a nightmare! Remember the egg onslaught, the memes? My hair was gone for months because of you!"

Her laughter chimed, "But my hair grew back."

"The hate club, Kye. The glue!"

A mischievous smile curved her lips, "Ah, the memes were kinda funny."

His mock glare intensified, "You're lucky I'm still here."

She promised with conviction, "This time, it's different, Bob. No chaos, no haircuts. I'm going, but incognito."

He looked baffled, "Incognito? I don't even want to know. I just want to see my wife again. Let's get a move on."

With a theatrical eye roll, she muttered, "Finally, I went home."

~~~

**In California**

Within the walls of a lavish home, a woman orchestrated a cleaning frenzy with the maids.

"Clean the room across from Ken's. Our girl's coming home," she gushed with a clap of her hands.

Racing into the kitchen, she caught a mouthwatering aroma in the air, "Food!"

Downstairs, a seven-year-old boy sprinted toward the source, holding onto a tablet.

"Mom, mom!" His voice brimmed with excitement as he entered the kitchen.

She turned, her attention shifting from the stove, "What is it, darling?"

"In this article, they said Sis is arriving today!"

"Absolutely, sweetheart. Kylie is indeed on her way," she confirmed, a smile touching her lips.

"Finally, I won't just see her on TV. She'll be here in person?"

A tender peck landed on his chubby cheek, "Yes, my love. Now go freshen up; she'll be here soon. Mr. Alex is fetching her from the airport."

The boy dashed off, his elation palpable. The sound of his joy elicited a hearty laugh from his mother.

**Ten hours later. Airport ✈️**

The waiting area buzzed with people, paparazzi in tow, all sporting customized tees bearing Kye's visage. Banners waved in the air, bearing messages of love and excitement.

Kye emerged, clutching her luggage, her fans a sea of eager faces. A few extended offers of assistance, met with gracious declines.

Clad in a red crop top and high-waisted trousers, she exuded effortless cool. Sunshades perched atop her nose, her hair elegantly coiled into a messy bun.

Paparazzi and fans surged forward, security stepping in swiftly. Smiling, she waved, the crowd echoing with cheers.

A reporter queried about her intentions for being here.

Graciously, she replied, "Spending time with my family, connecting with home. I've missed this place."

"How's it feel, being back?" Another voice joined the fray.

"Happiness, pure happiness. I'd love to chat, but I was a bit exhausted. My apologies."

Nods of understanding rippled through the reporters.

Amidst the cacophony, a voice pierced the air, "We love you, Kye!"

She responded with fervor, "I love you all too!" Blown kisses followed, igniting more fervent shouts from the crowd.

With security paving her path, she stepped out of the airport, inhaling the crisp, familiar air.

"Home, sweet home."