. . . . . .

"Jurina! Jurina, wake up! Look!" Yuka shouted from across the aisle. "Can you see it? It's the Statue of Liberty!"

My eyes slowly opened to Kaori shaking my shoulder. Rubbing the crust from my eyes, all my friends were huddled to their windows. Sakiko gestured me to join them in their sight seeing.

"It's America." she said serenely. "So beautiful. I wonder what adventures are waiting for us!" She was right. It truly was a breathtaking sight. Asides from the Stature of Liberty, I hoped that we would get to see more of America's wonders. I wonder if it'll be completely different from Japan. Hopefully, we would have a translator; our English is so broken.

. . . . . .

An hour later, after retrieving our luggage and going through international customs, we're now on a bus headed to our first lesson. The bus is filled with screams and squealing. Seems like everyone is mighty excited for this new adventures. But why am I not? While everyone is jumping up and down, and taking pictures, I'm in my seat with my iPod on full blast. I can't be homesick already; I just got here! Am I nervous? Or is this just my way of showing I'm excited? Looking out the window, I can definitely tell that New York is so much more different from Tokyo. Unlike Japan, there's so many ethnic races out on the streets: Whites, Africans, Latinos, Asians. I hope I get to meet all kinds of people! It's actually nice being surrounded by people other than Japanese for a change. Slowly, I got lost in my own little world until, finally, we pull up to this huge building in the city. The squealing got even louder as the girls shuffled quickly out of the bus. I was the last one to come out and was awestruck by an amazing sight!

"Ladies, welcome to Radio City Music Hall!" our professor shot his hands up, pointing to this incredible establishment. "This is where most of our rehearsals will be held, and when the time comes, our Broadway production will showcase here!"

We were all bellowing on the top of our lungs, people passing by looking at us funny. I can't believe with every step I'm taking I'm closer to my dreams. I know what I came for and I ain't leaving until I get my prize!

. . . . . .

What an exciting day!

After our visit to Radio City Music Hall, we dropped our junk off at the hotel and went sight seeing. We stopped by the Statue of Liberty again and went on from there. We went everywhere, from a Hop-on Hop-off tour to the Empire State Building. Screw noodles and rice; we chowed on some old-fashioned New York hot dogs and burgers. Also as a special treat, instead of sake, we drank some American beer, but it wasn't to my liking. Our first day was not bad. Now we're back at our rooms, getting ready for our lesson tomorrow. I should be exhausted right now, but it's 11 in the afternoon in Tokyo. Everyone else is knocked out but me right now. I head to the balcony to clear my head, and get some of that New York air. I feel my phone in my pocket, wondering if it could work here in America. It's worth a shot.

". . . ." Please pick up. ". . . . Hello?"

"Rena? It's me." I spoke with relief in my voice.

"Oh, hey Jurina. How's New York?" she told me with a tinge of sad/happy in her tone.

"We had a great first day. We went sight seeing. And tomorrow I have lessons."

"Ah, I see."

"How's everything?" I asked with concern.

"Okay, I guess. Actually, I thought you wouldn't call me at all."

"Well, I miss you." I suddenly say. On the phone, I could feel her tense up. Please, don't hang up.

"I miss you too." she said and she wasn't faking it. Could it be she still had feelings for me too?

"Rena, please take care of yourself. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can."

"No need to worry."

"I love you."

ooo

5 MONTHS LATER

"Ladies! Opening night is tomorrow and we must make this perfect!" the director yells from the bottom of the stage. We went through the last 3 numbers one more time and fucked it up again. The director was growing exceedingly frustrated, slamming his hat to the ground. "Enough! Everyone take 5!"

At last, a break! All of us crashed our bodies to the ground in utter exhaustion. Never has the hard, wooden floor felt so comfortable in my life! Each drop of sweat covers the floor, making it slippery. Somehow, I was able to lift up this sack of pudding called my body and went to the snack table. Apparently all the good stuff was taken so I settled for water and cheese crackers. While I was stuffing my face like a voracious animal, a familiar voice makes me turn around.

"How unladylike of you dear!" my mother made face, walking with a handkerchief. "Don't eat like a beast." I was shocked to see my mother here. With my eyes staring wide, the door opened again with my dad and Jon coming to greet me.

"Workin' hard, or hardly workin'? Nice to see you sweetheart." My dad flew his arms to me, not bothered by my grossness.

"Wh-what are you guys doing here?" I said with a mouthful of cheese.

"Jon flew us out here so we could see your show." my mother replied. "Oh my! Isn't this exciting!"

Oh great. Just my luck! Now I have to deal with my parents yapping about me and the show. Why the hell are they even here?! For my entire life, they never gave a damn about me and only now they care?! Seriously, bro. Back fucking timing!

"Well, thanks." I said sarcastically.

"Jaa, it was nice seeing you dear. We have to go back to our hotel now. Get ready for the big show tomorrow! Good luck!" My parents wished their final words and left. Now it was just me and Jon here. Obviously, our break time exceeded beyond the time limit, but the director didn't say anything.

"Jon, thanks, but seriously, why the hell did you bring the, here?" I was slightly irritated.

"What's wrong with it? Don't you want your parents here?" I didn't have to repeat myself. Jon already knew about my life story. He knew that my parents never cared before, so they shouldn't care now. "Well, I'm sorry. I'd thought it would make you happy."

"No it's okay." I apologized. "At least you had good intentions in mind."

"Yeah, and it's the least I can do after what happened with that Rena girl." Him mentioning it, I now remembered that night. Worry then suddenly flushed over me and I ran to get my phone.

"What's wrong, Jurina?!"

"Rena! I have to call her. Make sure she's okay. That the creep's not gonna her hurt again." I rapidly said as I dialed her number. Jon's hand stopped me, settling my phone on the table.

"It's fine. I made sure Rena was safe before I came here to New York. You shouldn't worry, when you already have this show on your hands."

"Jon, you are the best!" I leaped forward for a giant bear hug. I truly felt grateful for Jon. Him being here made me want to do an even better job with this show. He reciprocated and hugged me back.

"OI! Back to work everyone!" The director finally remembered and I dashed off. Let's get this show on the road!

. . . . . . .

"WAHHH!" The director let out a victory cry as the curtain closed. This show was a success! Those who were wearing hats threw them into the air; we all stomped our feet like elephants trampling their enemies. This is the greatest feeling in the world! We spent a good 30 minutes dancing and crying with joy. After months of hard work we were able to pull this off! The audience behind the curtains also kept their applause for us.

This is truly was an opportunity of a lifetime.

"Jurina! Juri, let's go! The after-party's gonna start soon." Akane grabbed me from the crowd and left. As we walked outside, our friends and a huge black Lincoln limo were waiting for us. I was instantly starstruck and ran shotgun. During the ride to the after-party, we danced all around in the car, sticking our heads out of the sunroof. New York at night was certainly at its best. There are some similarities, but there was still something special about New York City. I managed to keep my head out throughout the whole ride to the nightclub. Then I snapped out, and pushed everyone out of my way to be the first one in. The Darby has definitely lived up to its name. The inside was astonishing; everything was well laid out. We arrived at the right time, while everyone in the cast and staff huddled inside. The party has just begun.

The dance floor was full, confetti was thrown, even clothes were torn off! Everyone was totally partying their asses off, including me. I tried to take it slow with the drinking and kept my natural high going. I, too, was in and out of the dance floor. Yuka, Kaori, and I were busy getting drinks while Akane and Sakiko were hitting up the pool table.

"Well look who it is." Jon popped out of nowhere. He approached me with open arms. "Congratulations." His embrace was warm and I didn't want to let go. But i drew back as Yuka tapped my shoulder. They gave me that look when I was with someone "special" and left us alone. I hate it when they do that.

"Come sit down and have a drink with us." He guided me through the rough crowd to the other side of the venue where it was more at peace. I catch sight of my parents sitting with some other people, my mom waiving at us. She patted the empty space next to her. I really didn't want to sit next to her, but I had no choice. All of them congratulated me at once. Being the center of attention was nice, but my parents acting as if they cared nagged at me.

"Jurina, I would like you to meet Yamashita Yuki, Kamakura Jesse and Jason Lee. They've come from California to see your show." I extended my sweaty hand forward to shake theirs. Immediately I knew they were talent agents that have probably come to scout me. Nervousness washed over me and I was sweating tequila.

"Jurina, it's nice to meet you." Mr. Lee said; he spoke pretty good Japanese. "We're representatives from Osbrink Talent Agency in LA. I think you know why we're here." I didn't have to ask any questions after that. For the next hour, the table became littered with contracts and deal gigs. This was just my first show and I'm already being showered with deals. It's too good to be true!

"Well, hopefully, you will consider your options carefully, and call us when you're ready." They handed us their business cards and left. Now it was just me, my parents and Jon alone.

"Isn't this exciting?! I'm so proud of you!" My mom smothered me in a hug. Slowly, she released me and I pushed myself away.

"No need to thank us dear. Thank Jonathan. He's the one that got them to come here." Hearing that made my mood turn around. I squeezed Jon into another bear hug as a gesture of my gratitude. My parents then excused themselves, my father having business to attend to in the morning. They were gone.

Slowly, the hands on the clock ticked and before I knew it, the party slowly died out. All my friends had gone back to the hotel. Me and Jon were all alone on the terrace. I thought I had my fun and decided to head on home. Then I had forgotten I had no ride so Jon offered me a ride home. It was almost midnight and the streets were still packed with people. I guess this place does deserve the name "The City that never sleeps."

. . . . . .

"Thanks for everything, Jon." I thanked him for the nth time.

"My pleasure." Suddenly, things got strange. The atmosphere around us completely altered as Jon stared into my eyes with power. Normally, I'm the one with a fear-striking gaze, but I was rendered powerless. I didn't notice but his hands had cupped both of my cheeks. We both leaned in

"No!" I shrieked.

"What's wrong?"

"I-I-I can't do this. I won't!"

"But I know you like me." Jon stated egotistically.

"I do. I do like you. But I still love someone else."