[So let's just recap where I'm at here, because I have the most mixed day in terms of feelings ever. I find out Nini is auditioning for Gabriella in East High's first-ever production of High School Musical: The Musical, my parents were getting a divorce, only to have my dad kill himself and my mom shortly after I found that out. It's been one hell of a day, that's for sure, and now, the primary objective is figuring out where I go from here, but first, I still have some commitments around town. First up, my theater commitments to my local community theater's opening night for The Greatest Showman. I decided to show up, despite everything that happened. I then met with the director, Derrick Miller. He knew of the situation, and was amazed that I decided to show up anyway, despite all of that, as he expressed as he came to see me as I walked in the door of the theater.]
Derrick Miller: In all of my years of directing community theater for the city of Atlanta, never have seen this passionate person, who is willing to set aside personal and family tragedy to perform for us. It's a miracle for sure.
Emma Wood: I'm just doing what I think is right. I made a commitment to show up to opening night as a background singer and dancer. I do what I have to do.
Derrick Miller: Your commitment is unparalleled Emma, and since this very well might be your last show with us, should you be moving elsewhere after what happened. While I didn't want to do this, I need to ask one last favor of you…
Emma Wood: Name it Derrick.
Derrick Miller: I need you to go on as the lead.
[I was immediately taken aback. I assumed that he meant that I was going to be taking the female lead of Anne Wheeler, and that's what I assumed when I replied, but the next words he said absolutely shocked me.]
Emma Wood: So Mikaela had something come up last minute?
Derrick Miller: No. Marco did. He had to go to the hospital for food poisoning as of thirty minutes ago.
Emma Wood: So what are you saying?
Derrick Miller: I need you to come on as P.T. Barnum.
[Like I said, shocked as could be. He was asking me with thirty minutes notice to take on THE lead in the show, like what? Rather, he was asking me with thirty minutes notice to take THE lead in the show, which would be gender-bending. However, I knew that I was ready. I had studied the script and the songs in and out from the beginning, but still, this was a lot of faith that the director is putting in me, and I'm not really sure if I'm ready for it.]
Emma Wood: So you're asking me to be the lead and anchor of the show at this short of a notice?
Derrick Miller: Are you down to do it? A chance to shine in your last show with us?
Emma Wood: Let's do it. One last chance.
Derrick Miller: Perfect. Thank you so much Emma.
Emma Wood: Of course.
[So yeah, me, going from losing both of her parents, to now being the star of the show of the community production of The Greatest Showman. This day couldn't have turned around for the better so quickly, and now, here we were, about to open the curtain to start, and everyone else in the cast was glowing for my incredible opportunity. From Harry Ross, our Phillip Carlyle, to Mikaela Burns as our Anne Wheeler, to Skye Cooper, our Jenny Lind, and just about everyone else on the case came to say good luck and congrats on this final effort. They knew that this was my last show with them, and they were all going to do everything in their power to ensure that it went successful, for me, which I greatly appreciated. Then, the director stepped on stage, which is definitely unusual, but it was for a special reason. When the claps concluded, he spoke.]
Derrick Miller: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out tonight for our production of The Greatest Showman. I wanted to be the ones to tell you that the programs you were given as you walked in with the cast list are no longer 100% accurate. Our leading star, Marco Robinson, is out with food posioning. With that, with just thirty minutes notice, I have choose to gender-bend for tonight's performance, and get an up and coming actress, in what will be her final performance with us more than likely, an opportunity to shine. Emma Wood will be your P.T. Barnum tonight.
[I could hear from backstage the applauds and cheers that were meant to me, and I could hear that as Derrick, our legendary director, formally introduce our show for tonight.]
Derrick Miller: Please cheer her and all of our other actors on tonight. And now ladies and gentlemen, I give to you, The Greatest Showman. Enjoy.
[And then, it all went by like an absolute dream. It almost didn't feel like we were already at the end of the performance, but we were. Now, it was time for one final song, which I think you all will know very, very well.]
Ensemble (singing): (Woah)
Emma Wood (singing): Colossal we come these renegades in the ring
Ensemble (singing): (Woah)
Emma Wood (singing): Where the lost get found in the crown of the circus king
Ensemble (singing): Don't fight it, it's comin' for you, runnin' at ya
Ensemble (singing): It's only this moment, don't care what comes after
Ensemble (singing): It's blindin', outshinin' anything that you know
Ensemble (singing): Just surrender 'cause you're callin' and you wanna go
Ensemble (singing): Where it's covered in all the colored lights
Ensemble (singing): Where the runaways are runnin' the night
Ensemble (singing): Impossible comes true
Emma Wood (singing): Intoxicatin' you
Ensemble (singing): Oh, this is the greatest show
Ensemble (singing): We light it up, we won't come down
Ensemble (singing): And the sun can't stop us now
Emma Wood (singing): Watchin' it come true
Ensemble (singing): It's takin' over you
Ensemble (singing): Oh, this is the greatest show
Emma Wood (singing): It's everything you ever want
Emma Wood (singing): It's everything you ever need
Emma Wood (singing): And it's here right in front of you
Emma Wood (singing): This is where you wanna be
Ensemble (singing): (This is where you wanna be)
Emma Wood (singing): It's everything you ever want
Emma Wood (singing): It's everything you ever need
Emma Wood (singing): And it's here right in front o' you
Emma Wood (singing): This is where you wanna be
Ensemble (singing): This is where you wanna be
Ensemble (singing): Where it's covered in all the colored lights
Ensemble (singing): Where the runaways are runnin' the night
Ensemble (singing): Impossible comes true, it's takin' over you
[It was at this point, as it happens in the movie, that I handed over the tophat over to Phillip Carlyle, Harry Ross.]
Emma Wood: This is for you.
Ensemble (singing): Oh, this is the greatest show
[We then smiled at each other, as our Phillip put the tophat on for the very first time.]
Harry Ross: What will you be doing?
Emma Wood: Watching my girls grow up.
[I then gave him the ringmaster's stick.]
Emma Wood: The show must go on.
Ensemble (singing): We light it up, we won't come down
Ensemble (singing): And the sun can't stop us now
Ensemble (singing): Watchin' it come true, it's takin' over you
[As Phillip then ran on stage, I for the final time during a performance stepped off. As we listened to Harry sing his heart out, I was getting congratulations and hugs from the director and other producers, for a fantastic final performance with the local Atlanta teen theater group.]
Harry Ross (singing): This is the greatest show
Ensemble (singing): Where it's covered in all the colored lights
Harry Ross (singing): Where the runaways are runnin' the night
Harry & Mikaela (singing): Impossible comes true, it's takin' over you
Ensemble (singing): Oh, this is the greatest show
Ensemble (singing): We light it up, we won't come down
Ensemble (singing): And the walls can't stop us now
Ensemble (singing): I'm watchin' it come true, it's takin' over you
Ensemble (singing): Oh, this is the greatest show
Harry & Mikaela (singing): 'Cause everythin' you want is right in front of you
Harry & Mikaela (singing): And you see the impossible is comin' true
Harry & Mikaela (singing): And the walls can't stop us (now) now, yeah
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show (Oh!)
Ensemble (singing): This is the greatest show!
[After that, all of the cast members came back on stage, to give a bow. Everyone did a fantastic job. I was blown away. So much blood, sweat, and tears I had put into this theater group the last few years. It was gonna be tough to see all of this go. It was when that thought crossed my mind, and we were turning to leave, that the director came out with a mic, and handed it to me, and then the crow started chanting and saying they wanted a speech from me, which I obliged and gave one.]
Emma Wood: You know what, I was going to try and make some elaborate speech to thank all of you, and elaborate on where my head and feelings are that. Instead, how about I just sing part of a song instead?
[As I turned the music on and began singing, people were applauding.]
Emma Wood (singing): New world, era that is being left behind
Emma Wood (singing): Symbol of a brand-new chapter
Emma Wood (singing): Thoughts burn, people that are now lost in time
Emma Wood (singing): Am I supposed to know the answer
Emma Wood (singing): I'm bleeding, no time to breathe in
Emma Wood (singing): I'm now way too deep in, to turn back time again
Emma Wood (singing): A feeling, I once didn't believe in
Emma Wood (singing): Now one of the many reasons I won't give in
[For a brief moment, as I was quickly running through the next set of lyrics in my head, I then had the best idea for what will ultimately be the best option for me to go once I can get settled and everything.]
Emma Wood (singing): Light em up, all the shadows that I've known
Emma Wood (singing): Black and white, while my world's turning more gray
Emma Wood (singing): I'll rise above, for the shield I'll now throw
Emma Wood (singing): Red and white, but the hero's inside me
Emma Wood (singing): But the hero's inside me
Emma Wood (singing): But the hero's inside me
Emma Wood (singing): Am I supposed to know the answers
Emma Wood (singing): It's time to announce my brand new chapter
Emma Wood (singing): Light em up, all the shadows that I've known
Emma Wood (singing): Black and white, while my world's turning more gray
Emma Wood (singing): I'll rise above, for the shield I'll now throw
Emma Wood (singing): Red and white, but the hero's inside me
Emma Wood (singing): But the hero's inside me
Emma Wood (singing): But the hero's inside me
[As the applauds after my little performance concluded, I decided to make my announcement, to tease everyone about where I'm gonna be heading next.]
Emma Wood: I edited the lyrics to that song as you all may have noticed. Instead of stars and stripes, I put red and white. The reason behind that? I think I know exactly where I'm going next, and that is our hint for where I'm going. I won't say specifically where publicly until I can confirm it for sure, but yeah. Thanks again everyone, and perhaps one day I'll be back.
[With that out of the way, it is now time for my second task, just a mere four days later, before I leave Atlanta for the considerable future. What might that task be, you ask? Yes it is another performance-based task, but hey, a girl into singing has gotta keep her A-game up, right? This time, it's at a local cafe, that has live music performances. I had my little girl band, including Mikaela, Skye, Daniella Berry, and Maria Parker.]
Skye Cooper: This is gonna be so hard to not have you around for these anymore.
Mikaela Burns: Your voice is unparalleled to anyone else Emma. We're definitely gonna miss you.
Maria Parker: For sure.
Daniella Berry: No doubt about it.
Emma Wood: Hey, it's not like we won't stop talking to each other and be amazing, because both of those things will continue to happen. For now, let's make this last performance together something truly special.
Skye Cooper: What's the song for tonight?
Emma Wood: I think I got a great idea.
[You may not have heard of this song before, but I think in a way it helps to explain in a way my life, and the future that I am now embarking on. With that, enjoy the show.]
Emma Wood (singing): When I was young
Emma Wood (singing): I saw the fire
Emma Wood (singing): Flames ignite
Emma Wood (singing): Across the seas
Emma Wood (singing): Icy depths
Emma Wood (singing): As I grew tired
Emma Wood (singing): Waves crashing in
Emma Wood (singing): On my destiny
Skye Cooper (singing): Oh I know you can never go back
Daniella Berry (singing): Every card they dealt you was all black
Mikaela Burns (singing): And your blade will ever be stained with red
Emma Wood (singing): But know my honour never could crack
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And we're here to take our crowns
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And this is our kingdom now
Emma Wood (singing): A nation's eyes
Emma Wood (singing): Are on my great wings
Mikaela Burns (singing): She plants her flag
Skye Cooper (singing): On foreign land
Daniella Burns (singing): We'll be worlds apart
Emma Wood (singing): Oh but this sword sings
Emma Wood (singing): A language we
Emma Wood (singing): All understand
Skye Cooper (singing): Oh I know you can never go back
Daniella Berry (singing): Every card they dealt you was all black
Mikaela Burns (singing): And your blade will ever be stained with red
Emma Wood (singing): But know our honour never could crack
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And we're here to take our crowns
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And this is our kingdom now
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And we're here to take our crowns
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And this is our kingdom now
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And we're here to take our crowns
Entire Girl Band (singing): We are the queens
Entire Girl Band (singing): And this is our kingdom now
[We then all hugged each other. That was easily one of the best performances we have ever done. So much has happened, and so much was about to change. I was happy that I got to end things with my groups on the best note that I possibly could. I was having the time of my life, and I wasn't going to change a thing.]
[It is now a few weeks later. In my hotel room, I was processing, researching, and trying to figure out if the move I wanted to make was going to happen. Yes, before I even go any further, I'm considering the jump to East High, where the High School Musical movies were shot. Yes I know they have a theater program. Yes I know that would be an absolute dream come true to go there. Yes I know Nini goes there so I would have leeway when trying to make friends and all that, but I wanted to be 100% sure that this was going to be a viable long-term option for me. As I was verifying everything I needed when moving to a new school, my phone started ringing. When I looked over at who was calling me, it was one of Nini's moms, the generous and kind Dana Salazar-Roberts. I picked up my phone and answered it, to see what she might need.]
Dana Salazar-Roberts: I'm so sorry to bother you right now.
Emma Wood: Don't ever apologize. What's up?
Dana Salazar-Roberts: Nini has a lot going on right now.
Emma Wood: Like more so than normal or?
Dana Salazar-Roberts: I think she might be having relationship issues again.
Emma Wood: Oh…
Dana Salazar-Roberts: Do you think you'll be able to fly out again and support her?
Emma Wood: Luckily for you, I'm about move out to Salt Lake to attend East High full-time after what happened. Might have to fly back in a week or two to confirm the sale of the house, but I'll be there now for Nini, always.
Dana Salazar-Roberts: You can do that?
Emma Wood: For Nini, she's like an older sister I never had, so I'll do anything possible to help her when she needs it most.
Dana Salazar-Roberts: Thank you Emma.
Emma Wood: Of course. Anything to help y'all out.
[Was I expecting to be in Salt Lake City this soon? No, I wasn't. Did I do anyway for Nini? Yes, I did. As I said, Nini was like an older sister to me that I never had as the only child in my family. I would do whatever it took to help her in a time of need. After my long flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City, I was able to make it to Nini's house. After I was let in the door, I went straight up to Nini's room. I quietly opened the door and I was standing in the doorway, as I heard the end of a new song Nini was singing.]
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): And I miss the days when I was young and naive
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): I thought the perfect guy would come and find me
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): Now happy ever after, it don't come so easily
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): All I want is love that lasts
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): Is all I want too much to ask?
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): Is it something wrong with me? Oh, ooh
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): All I want is a good guy
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): Are my expectations far too high?
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): Try my best but what can I say?
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): All I have is myself at the end of the day
Nini Salazar-Roberts (singing): And all I want is for that to be okay
[As Nini finished her song, that is when I finally spoke to her for the first time in a long time in-person, because one of the things I've always done is not interrupt her while she is singing.]
Emma Wood: Nini Salazar-Roberts. Still writing songs about boys and your relationships I see.
[Nini then turned to the doorway to see who was speaking, and she saw me standing there.]
Emma Wood: Like I mean really, you can't pick anything else to write a song about?
Nini Salazar-Roberts: Emma?
Emma Wood: Hey.
[Nini then got up, and ran up to me, and we then embraced. With that, get ready Wildcats, because the besties are back together, and we ain't backing down anytime soon. Go Wildcats!]