• My name is Emma, but right now I might as well be wearing a sticker that says “Hello My Name Is: Emotional Wreck”. Why am I freezing to death sitting on a bus stop bench in the middle of January? Why am I scowling blankly into the distance? Why are my cheeks stained with frozen tears that didn't quite make it to my chin? Well it all starts with one thing, one thing that, more often then not, ruins lives, a stupid boy. I didn't know what I was in for when I showed up for auditions as the lead singer for the most popular local rock band in the Charlotte area. Standing outside the room watching all the other hopeful people enter and exit I got more and more anxious, I finally decided to walk out now with my dignity intact when a bouncy blond walked out followed by a guy holding a clipboard who called “Emma Madison?” Crap... “Uh... yea I'm coming” it felt like a doctors office routine, I didn't like it but I followed the guy anyways into a small white room that made me feel claustrophobic. Sitting at a table on the other side of the room were two guys and the one who let me in joined them. Together they were Casino Cash, the one band that everyone here was obsessed with. “Hey Emma I'm Riley” said the handsome blond in the middle “I'm the guitarist , and this is Trent” he said gesturing to the lanky brunette on his left “He's the bassist, and this is Evan, our drummer” he patted the tall, buff brunette who let me in. They all smiled and waved warmly but their friendly gestures did nothing to soothe my nerves. “So Emma... have you heard our music before?” asked Riley. “Oh... of course” was all I could muster, “Great” he said flashing the most beautiful pearly white smile I'd ever seen. I couldn't help but notice how it glinted off his green eyes. “well...” he continued “we would like you to sing a song of ours, it doesn't matter which one, just pick your favorite” then he flashed me that perfect smile again and my knees almost gave way. After a second of composing myself I started to sing Lost, my favorite song. When I finished I wasn't expecting their reaction. They huddled together and started whispering excitedly and fervently. Riley was the one to speak up “We didn't think we would find you so soon” I had no clue what was happening “wait, what?” I stuttered. “Well you have a great voice Emma. Just the right edge we want and just the right purity too” Riley explained. “But... you... does this mean... I'm in the band?” I couldn't believe what I was hearing. “well we have to keep auditioning to be fair to the others but... you have definitely caught our interest”. The rest of that afternoon was a blur, I walked out of that room with my head high, a smirk on my face, and the next thing I knew I was laying on my bed when my phone rang. “Hello?” I greeted “Emma? It's Riley, from Casino Cash” I snapped my mouth shut from the gaping 'O' it formed to reply “Oh hey Riley” “Hey, well the band is meeting tomorrow at the Dot Cafe at noon... and since you are our new lead singer that means you too” I could practically hear that perfect smile in his words. “Oh gosh, this is amazing! I'll definitely be there! Thank you guys so much!” I felt a little embarrassed by my sudden excited outburst. “Great, see you tomorrow” he finished. It didn't occur to me then that this boy would break my heart, only that this band might possibly make my career. A couple months passed breathlessly, we did tons of gigs and the guys welcomed me so warmly I really felt like I belonged. Riley was complicated though, his interest in me blossomed, but when he seemed so close to making things between us happen, he would surprise us all by avoiding the inevitable. Months later I was in my room brainstorming song ideas when my phone rang, “Hello” I said knowing perfectly well who the caller was “Can you meet me at the Dot? Like, now?” Riley asked sounding anxious. “Of course I'll be there in a few minutes” I answered wondering what was wrong. I walked in and saw him sitting at a table with two cups of coffee. He had ordered for me and, of course, it was exactly right, he knew me too well. I sat down and asked him what was wrong “Nothings wrong, but I want to give you something” he pulled a small rectangular box out of his pocket “Emma I really do like you, a lot, and I don't want to stay just friends anymore, so... well... here” he slid the box across the table, stunned by his words I was slow and clumsy to take it. I opened it and inside was a beautiful silver bracelet with three charms. A microphone, a guitar, and in between them a little heart. I picked it up to examine it, awestruck, then I became aware that he was awaiting a response “Are you asking me out?” I guessed, his answering smile gave no mistake that he definitely was. For the next year the band thrived, as did our relationship. Soon though, a music producer became interested in Riley, not the band, just Riley. I didn't see it coming until that day in January when he took me beneath a tree in the park. “He offered me my own album Em! And tons of money too” he defended. “Riley, you're breaking up the band, and leaving us here. All of us, in... in... including me?” I stuttered through the tears. “Emma” he sighed taking my hand “This is my future, but as much as I hate it, you and the guys aren't in it” I didn't realize until he pulled away that he had undone the clasp on the bracelet that he had given me more than a year ago. He stuffed it in his pocket and walked away turning to say “I'm leaving for California tomorrow. Sorry” then he disappeared. I knew that he wasn't sorry, that all the promises of forever were empty, that every “i love you” he whispered was a star-crossed lie. I stumbled to the bench where I wait for god knows what. When the bus pulls up I climb in with no destination, a broken heart, and the hope that wherever this bus goes is free of pain and heartache, and feeling like I may never sing again.