Broken Glass

Chapter 3

After that night at the bar, Maria had been more than true to her word. She, Natalie, Jessica, and Emilia had become very close that night, Emilia being their "oh so powerful leader", though she never felt like one. Maria had never missed one of their performances either, it seemed wherever the four of them could be together, they were. As they'd grown closer in time, each had experienced their own turmoil. Eric had been hit by a car shortly after graduation, it had torn Natalie apart. They had been planning their wedding for the following summer. A year or so later, Jessica's mother lost her battle with breast cancer.

No matter the situation, the four of them loved and supported the other. They really meant everything to one another. Over time, everyone's careers seemed to have changed, everyone except Emilia. She was currently the rising star on Broadway, and every director was trying to cast her in something. Jessica was now running her mother's flower shop, Natalie had become a nurse, and Maria was currently working at a preschool.

One afternoon, they had decided to meet for lunch and walk through central park to talk about their latest escapades. The summer breeze was warm and there were birds everywhere. As they continued laughing and talking, they'd noticed a guy sitting beneath one of the big trees fiddling with his guitar. Emilia had grabbed Maria by the arm and raised her chin, trying get her attention, they stood there watching for a few moments. He was singing out loud and messing up rather badly, that's when Maria stepped forward.

"Hey buddy, you, uh, you know anything else? Because we're sick of hearing you butcher this one." As she started to laugh, Emilia and the others joined in. They couldn't help it, since the night at the bar, everyone seemed to grow much bolder.

The guy looked up at the four of them laughing, his face had turned beet red. Trying to play cool he smirked at her, "Sorry, I don't take requests."

They stopped laughing, looking between one another noticing their banter, Emilia nudged Maria closer to him and winked.

"No requests? What kind of guitar player doesn't take requests?" Maria asked flirtatiously.

"If you want a request, it'll cost you. How about I play for you over dinner instead?" He snickered, glancing back at Jessica, Natalie, and Emilia who were grinning eagerly.

"Dinner?" Maria asked, looking to her friends for support. They were all nodding furiously. "I could do dinner, I'm Maria." She said extending a hand.

He stood up and took it, "Frank."

"Frank, these are my friends, Jessica, Natalie, and that's Emilia." Maria introduced the girls to Frank who all waved. Emilia seemed to be studying him, noticeably giving him a once-over, she was quite good at reading people. Finally, she smiled at him and said hello.

"So, Maria, Friday? I'll pick you up around 6?" Frank smiled at her.

Maria acknowledged excitedly, "Sounds great." Quickly writing her phone number on a piece of paper from her purse, she handed it to him and said goodbye.

As they walked away, Emilia placed an arm around her, "He really liked you! You'll have to tell us everything."

Now

The sound of a phone ringing echoed throughout the house, it was in the early hours of the morning, Emilia stumbled out of her bed to find the source of the noise. After tripping several times in the dark, she groggily answered.

"H-hello?"

"Eve..."

"Maria? What time is it? Have you been crying?"