I shook my head, desperatly trying to make sense of what I was looking at. The loud bass boomed, coursing through my body. Of course, upon closer inspection I could see that the three people really weren't us.

I studied Nick and Brian, seeking an explanation.

Brian covered his head with hands and blinked back his confusion.

"All I have to say is that their asses are mine!" Nick seethed.

I rolled my eyes. Leave it to Nick to bring up the subject of his manliness. I grabbed his thin arm with my hand "and just how do you expect to do that?" I asked pointedly--only half kidding.

"Man, leave me alone--I think I deserve to be pissed--"

"Kiddos--I'm glad you could come!"

I turned at the sound of our manager, Chris's familiar voice. He was weeding his way out of the crowd that had gathered in front of the Cinderella Castle.

Anticipating Nick's sudden adrenaline rush I jumped in between him and Chris, stopping him from lunging at our so-called manager. Needless to say, Nick abstained from any kind of physical contact.

"You wanna tell us what in God's name is going on here?" Brian cried.

Chris ran a hand through what little hair he had remaining on his balding head. "Well....lemme explain--"

"You'd better!" Nick seethed.

"Well--legally I'm NOT at fault. When you two came and suditioned that day," he said referring to Nick and I "I saw incredible potential--I STILL do. The fact is though--you're still amateurs, with virtually no experience. Britney, Jay, and Mark all have wonderful track records. Jive records wanted to sign with them right away. They were hesitant to go with you."

"So, clarify something for me," Brian began, "isn't it YOUR job to help us find someone who WILL sign with us? Isn't it YOUR job to do your best to help us? You deceived us Chris!"

"So--our big break isn't going to come?" asked through teary eyes. If there was one thing that I could change about myself, it would be the fact that I find myself battling the urge to cry at the most awkward situations.

"Well, not right away..."

"That's our name too, 3 Make Harmony!" I said, in despair that Chris would steal Nick's idea.

"You don't own the name anymore," Chris said simply.

"Excuse me?" Nick asked. "I thought up that name!"

Chris patted Nick's shoulder "that's rough kid, real rough."

Before Nick could make a move I placed my hand on his forearm to gently remind him not to stoop to Chris's level. I could feel the muscles contracting as he clenched and unclenched his fists.

"Well, I think we can all agree that our business with you is finished."

"I guess so," Chris stated flatly. He turned to walk away, and then faced us again "oh yeah--good luck breaking into the business--cause it's not very likely to happen at this point."

I starred numbly at this man as he disapeared back into the crowd. What did this mean? I needed to sit down. I scanned the area for a bench, and ran desperatly towards it when I found one. I felt dizzy, and the concrete seemed to sway as I fought for my balance. My head was spinning and I felt naseaus. I faintly recognized that Brian and Nick were following me. I sank into the bench and put my head into my hands trying to make sense of what just happened. I felt an arm encircle my back, though whether it was Nik's or Brian's I do not know. I didn't care. Before I knew it I was quietly sobbing. Filled with shame and despair I stood up and ran in search for a ladies room. I needed to be alone. There was no way I was going to let Nick and Brian see me in such a vulnerable state. I don't know how, but I ended up crashing into Nick anyway. It was then that I stopped fighting the urge to cry. I let out a low childish wail as I sank against him. My dream was gone. I had quite school. I was living in a roach infested apartment that I hated...and worst of all I held a part-time position at my neighborhood McDonalds.