Maureen Johnson, drama queen, extraordinaire, did not enjoy waiting in line. However this particular line wasn't as bad as some since there were all different types of people in it with her and these people made an audience. There's nothing a drama queen likes better than an audience. Maureen looked around herself. Directly in front of her was a senile old lady who had wispy cotton candy hair and looked as though she might get blown away by the wind at any time. In front of her was a greasy, seedy young man and, standing a respectful distance away from him with her nose wrinkled in disgust, a pert, prim young lady. Then, standing at the counter, tapping her foot impatiently as she waited for her change was- Maureen froze, catching sight of a figure she would know anywhere, though she hadn't seen her for five years. 'Joanne!' Maureen tried to exclaim, but her throat was stuck and she couldn't breathe, let alone turn cry out. The lawyer turned to leave.

How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
You're the only one who really knew me at all

Joanne had seen every side of Maureen and some how, although she had been on many dates in the last five years, a part of the drama queen still loved Joanne. She wished she could follow Joanne, or cry out, or anything. She tried to tell herself that she was over her ex-girlfriend, but the truth was she was afraid. Afraid of rejection and having her self confidence shattered, just as she had been afraid of commitment, afraid of losing her identity, years ago.


How can you just walk away from me,
When all I can do is watch you leave
Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears
You're the only one who really knew me at all

Mark was supposed to be the one who couldn't let a thing drop, not her. She was supposed to be the queen, unfazed, beautiful, loved by all. But the truth was that she had low self-esteem. She flirted for reassurance that she was a person worthy of love. She surrounded herself by friends who praised her, old loves and trophies of accomplishment so at the end of the day she felt worthwhile. She worked so hard to make crowds cheer and went around with a devil-may-care attitude because deep in her bones she was sensitive, insecure and cared what everyone thought of her.


So take a look at me now, oh there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me,
Just the memory of your face
Ooh take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against all odds and that's what I've got to face

Joanne turned to leave. She's so perfect, so dependable, so smart Maureen thought. She's probably found someone knew, someone more like her. She's probably happily committed to someone who's committed to her. She probably is glad she got out of the relationship with me… if she ever thinks of me at all.


I wish I could just make you turn around,
Turn around and see me cry
There's so much I need to say to you,
So many reasons why
You're the only one who really knew me at all

She wished she could have one more chance. A chance to explain how she felt. But then she'd always had trouble sharing her feelings. It all had to do with that insecurity thing, she was afraid that if she shared her feelings than she would be silently ridiculed for feeling something that was totally out of character with her. She wanted to tell Joanne how she felt, but she wanted her identity.

So take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face
Now take a look at me now, cause there's just an empty space

But to wait for you, is all I can do and that's what I've got to face
Take a good look at me now, cause I'll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
It's the chance I've gotta take

Joanne walked out the swinging double doors, oblivious to the distress of the woman behind her.

Take a look at me now