As I stepped out of the plane terminal everything hit me like a brick wall. “ You’re not in Kansas anymore, ” my conscience told me with every step I took towards the guy with beautiful wide eyes, holding a perfectly put together sign reading “Chance Delgado”. Yup, that was me. The Chance Delgado. Or at least I thought l would be. And that guy was no ordinary guy. He was Trent Delgado. And he was my love. The only one I ever have and ever will. Other than my music of course.
 
“Ello, love!”  Trent said calmly, dropping his sign, reaching out for a hug. But I gave a kiss instead and he kissed back. Just what I needed to shut my conscience up.

“ I missed you,” I said holding back tears of pure joy. I never thought I would get there. Being in London, being with Trent, and our careers both were starting to takeoff.

We got my luggage off of the merry-go-round and walked out to the parking lot carrying my load. Suddenly he stopped.
“Put this on,” he said handing me a blindfold, wearing that gorgeous mischievous grin.

“Why? What’d I do this time?” I questioned, but obeyed because there was no need to fight already. We walked a little bit further and then we stopped and I didn’t feel Trent near me anymore. "Trent?" I asked full of wonder. And all of a sudden my blindfold was gone. In front of me was a sleek and shiny limo.

"Your chariot awaits," he bowed with a fake British accent bowing while a driver opened the door.

I hopped in, giving the driver my bags. My mind wandered all over the place. Could this have gotten any better? Finally my mind stopped and settled on Trent. I thought back to the airport, him standing there holding a name, but not mine. Why did he put Delgado on the sign?

My thoughts were interrupted by the limo halting all at once. I looked out the window to see a gorgeous building with curling iron gates and sculptures of women carved into the sides. The facade to drew me in and made envision life inside, without getting out the vehicle. Trent stepped out and opened the door for me.

“Here” he said handing me two keys. “One to the building and one to the rooftop,” he said nonchalantly, as if living in an amazing building was everyday, plain jane. “Be careful opening the elevator and I’ll be right up. Go fix yourself up extra so I can take you out to dinner. And Chance, don’t do anything stupid.”

I was going to argue there was no need ,but it wasn’t everyday that I was in London, staying in an amazing building, and probably going to an amazing five star restaurant. I put my key into the door and walked into the foyer. Luscious bright firetruck red roses while creamy white roses stood by the elevator. When I stepped into the elevator there were even red and white rose petals placed carefully on the floor in the shape of a treble clef. I wanted to adventure around this majestic place, so I chose the top. When I arrived there were more roses leading to a door. “ This must be the rooftop,” I thought out loud. I put my key into the door but it wouldn’t work. I tried the other key. Nothing. Strange? I gave up and rode the elevator to the  middle floor.There before my eyes seemed to be a Tumblr picture in real life. I found the bathroom fully equipped with a spread of Mac products. “Something’s up…,” I thought out loud again. Maybe too loud. Trent walked into the bathroom putting out a Christian Dior red dress I had never seen a day in my life. When we were together in the U.S. we never had money for anything that nice and as soon as I step foot in London I was showered with expensive gifts.

“Here, we will be dining with your producers and a couple new songwriters I’ve met while here. The ‘Big Guy’ from Sony is coming as well. So we have to look our best, “ he said, laying out a pair of Christian Louboutin, red bottom black pumps and the rest of my beauty supplies. Figures my first night there and we are already doing business. But again I thought, no need to argue it is the FIRST day here. So I got to work. In all the new items I had just been given I couldn’t find my favorite perfume, so in a rush I dabbed whatever I could find on to my neck. So when I stepped out I smelled of rotting hydrangeas and freshly curled hair. But Trent was standing there, looking dapper in a sleek Armani suit  and smelling light and sophisticated in his signature scent Acqua Di Gio cologne.

***

When she stepped out that terminal she took my breath away and my heart almost stopped, she didn’t look like that when I left. Still only five foot’ two, but she eluded boldness and sensuality. The woman had and probably still has passion for music in her eyes and heart. And that’s how I won her, through music. I learned a while ago that if you tell a woman what she wants to hear she’ll do whatever you ask. And once she reached me my plan was in action. I had to act sweet and innocent. Keep her off my scent. But as she got closer my mind went blank. Somehow I managed to stay composed and get the words “Ello love” out my mouth. I reached out for a hug ,but she ignored that and kissed me. I didn’t realize how much I had missed the taste of her cherry lip balm and  warm lips against mine. Her aroma, so heavenly. Fresh, clean, and crisp like fall apples.

My plan was simple and easy. Step one, get Chance a record deal, if she gets famous I get famous, the easier of the two, and step two marry her. Marrying her wouldn’t have been so bad, she had personality and looks, but she wasn’t in to me. Even if I failed at one I would still be able to control her in some way shape or form.

About a month before Chance arrived I played cards with this guy from Sony. Long story short I won, and he owed me. Big time.
“If you can get me in with the head of music production, just a meeting, I’ll wipe your debt away clean.” The smartest words I’ve ever spoken. I didn’t need a sure thing, just a meeting. I knew once someone heard Chance sing they would want to have her. That’s what made her so perfect. 

I blindfolded Chance and took her to the house. I knew that she loved the whole classic Parisian architecture thing, so I found a beat up old place and had it fixed up. Her favorite colors are simple as a newborn baby’s mind. Red, black, and white. I had a floral shop deliver and design the foyer with elaborate red and white roses. When the blindfold came off she lit up.

“Go up and get ready for dinner we have business to take care of,” I hand her the keys half heartedly and watched her excitedly enter the building. Knowing her she would go up to the top floor of the three story building, try, fail, and go to the floor labeled “main.” That gave me just enough time to get in her suitcase grab the makeup bag, a dress, and surprise new Mac Cosmetics and Louboutin red bottom heels.

“Get out! I can’t get ready with you in here. How I look in the end is all a surprise,” she sounded frazzled but sensual and I could feel my heart skip a beat. Another thing I had learned, don’t mess with a woman when she is getting dressed. I went and got myself ready in a brand new Armani suit and waited for the “Angel of Music” to come out.

***

“Why couldn’t you just put on a nicer perfume? You smell like dollar store perfume,” he insulting ,though he looked like he didn’t want to hurt my feelings ,but I could tell this was going to be just the beginning of the nights insults.

“Stand straighter,” “Make sure to use your diction, sometimes your words get lost,” and even “Remove a layer of lipstick, you look like a clown.” He tried to makeup for it by being corny and sweet, sticking his hand out to lead the way. I did not give into him. So I walked past and pushed the down button on the elevator. We rode down in silence and hopped in the car again in silence.

“It’s the best restaurant on the West side of London,” he said breaking the silence.  And I just rolled my eyes. If he thought I wanted to be working on my first day there he was sadly mistaken.

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I didn't love what he was doing, which I did, but we couldn't have a quiet romantic dinner before we got into business?

My phone buzzed in my purse, breaking the silence. The screen read mom and I answered rapidly, like player on family feud.

"Mom! I totally forgot to call you! I am here I am safe and I am actually on my way to do some business." I tried to hint nonchalant I don't want to be working and she catches on fast. This is why I love my mom.

"Chance grow a pair. If you don't wanna be working just tell Trent no. And if you can't do that then maybe your with the wrong manager,"she was straight to the point, as always.

"This is everything I've always wanted right mom?" there was a pause on the other side, " You can't answer cuz you know it's true and you don't want me to give in. I am now on the proper path to stardom. I'll send you pictures when I get the chance, but I have to go I think this is the restaurant here." We gave our "byes" and " I Love You's" as the car pulled up next to a magnificent building. Just by the looks it seemed to hold a dozen stories.
And the next thing I knew Trent was holding the door open for me and I couldn’t help but give in and smile. Damn his charm. So I kept on smiling.

When we got seated at the table he started in again.
"Get your elbows off the table and smile babe. You look prettier when you smile," I faked my smile and he frowned. We sat there in silence. I could feel the tension between us get stronger and start to suffocate me quietly. Trent and I always had our little spats. Thinking back, I don’t think we ever got over them, but we would pretend. As proof as soon as those executives and writers walked into the room we became as in love as could be and happier than a penguin on ice.

“Hello Mr. Kelleher! Nice to see you again. This sir, is Chance.”
"Nice to meet you sir I have heard nothing but good things and I am very excited to be here," it wasn't all lies, but it wasn't all truth. And I could feel the little voice in my head when I forced my smile. It must have looked too forced because Trent had the nastiest look on his face. He bowed and I followed and sat. We got right down to business.

"Listen Mrs. Delgado--."

"My name is not Delgado yet," I interrupted fast. It only made sense when Trent said it. Not when the whole world did. And Trent again just gave a little nudge under the table.

"Ah yes sorry. Chance. Your beautiful full of talent and I just need you to have the right look. Are you up to it?"

"I was born ready sir. I know it sounds cliche ,but I honestly think I came out the womb singing," my faux smile turned genuine. And Trent seemed to smile as well. I listened to the table laugh and I giggled a little.

"Ok Delgado I'm sold. She is somethin. I want you two in my office first thing tomorrow so we can draw up a deal and this talent can hear her first hit."

I frowned and again a nudge from Trent under the table.

"Sure thing sir, is 10 ok?" Trent seemed to be putty in this guys hand. And this time it was me dealing out the pain I punched him under the table. Just a little too hard. He heaved in pain under his breath and threw his head back into a waiter carrying a hot entree. That entree splattered all over my dress.

My shriek of pain was silenced by Trent's death stare. While the waiter tried to help clean me up he just stood there. As if this wasn't basically his fault. I excused myself to the ladies room and I came back to find Trent missing.

"Trent went to get your car early. It's such a shame," Mr.kelleher shook his head sympathetically and my stomach got knots of nervousness. Had he dropped us already? "Might I suggest you get a less clumsy boyfriend. When you get big we will fix that. He may have balls ,but that's not the image my marketers have in mind. It could probably ruin your image entirely."

"Uhm, ok. Will try sir," I said my voice shaking. What did that mean?Trent walked in quietly with a slight smile on his lips.

"Babe the car is coming now. Sorry Mr. Kelleher see you tomorrow at 10," he spoke like I hadn’t just had my dress ruined by a bowl of lava hot pesto. To avoid further confrontation I gave in and got up. As soon as we entered the car he started in.

***

I tried to make small talk on the car ride to the restaurant, but I was rejected every time with an icy cold shoulder and darkness. I thought it was just me. She usually listened to and hung on to my every word. There was something there I had never seen before.

“Hi Mom!” she suddenly screeched out loud. For as long as I could remember, since freshmen year of high school, Chance’s relationship with her mother was like she was her older sister. She never really liked me, I caught cold stares and whispered insults from her every time I came around. That just made being with Chance more fun.

I zoned out, lost in thought and was awaken when I heard her purse zip back up and we were at the restaurant in, what seemed like no time.  I reached my arm out and tried to act civil and at least somewhat interested in her.
I whispered “At least pretend you’re in love with me please," and she smiled and the act began.

When the writers and head honchos walked in I was ready and gave Chance a light tap on her back to get her attention.
"Mr. Kelleher so nice to see you again. This is the love of my life and talent of us two Chance." Lying was my specialty. But she didn’t show not one bit of happiness on her face. She looked as if not one fiber of her being wanted to be involved. So I nudged her and she resisted. I gave her a nasty look and she did as instructed and socially polite.

"Delgado your girl here is perfect," Mr.kelleher already dipping into the compliments.
I tried to hold Chance's hand under the table , so she could see I was was actually caring, but she resisted me like a brick wall. And I wasn't going to give up. She must've thought I was trying to tell her to fix something because she hit me. Hard. So hard I let out a little cry of pain and threw my head back. Right into a waitress carrying a steaming hot dish. Which of course with my luck landed in Chance's lap and on the expensive new dress I just bought.  But it was her fault that she hit me. I could feel her stare at me and I glared back , rage filling my eyes. I almost forgot where we were, but I managed to gather myself enough to act like I cared. She got up to go clean herself and i watched her sashay away, and my voice got caught in my throat.
“Uhm, I think we are going to leave,” my voice was raspy and stuck from both nerves and a sudden heat I felt from watching Chance walk away.

“Before you leave I have a question, Are you planning on marrying her?” Jim, one of the writers, caught me off guard.

“Well of course I am,” I tried not to hint at the fact I didn’t really want to, “I love her. Why, not?”

“Because you’re not good for her. At all. Her image would be ruined within five seconds of you pulling a stunt like that once she is big. Do you want that happen?” Mr. Kelleher jumped into the conversation.

“I understand sir, but what had happened here was just an---.”

“An accident? In this world we are all trying to help Chance get into you cannot use that as an excuse. And it will not be easy for her to come back from.,” Mr. Kelleher showed no end. He embarrassed me to the point I almost cried. But I held my composure.

“Yes, sir,” I answered like an obedient slave or puppy to his master. But in my mind I knew what needed to happen. A new record company. I couldn’t give up on my rise to fame. They wanted control over what I had already claimed mine. Only way they couldn’t get rid of me was to marry her. The master plan was born at that very second.  I left to get the car.

***

“How the hell did you let that happen Chance? Get your s*** together. I have worked too damn long and hard for this to just slip away. You are lucky he is keeping us,“ He continued to rant and yell until I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Listen! He said I should dump you. Yeah you have ‘balls’ ,but he said I need someone less clumsy it could ruin my image. Obviously the problem here isn’t me,” I yelled with all my strength. I then proceeded to ask the driver to pull over. I opened the door as calmly as I could. “ The problem is you. And I think I’m going to fix that,” I slammed the door and let the water works flow like the nile river. I cried and walked as the car followed me slowly. And finally I stopped and turned around. The back window of the car slid down.

“Chance. Get in the car.” I just stared because he sounded sincere. “You’re going in the wrong direction, it looks like its going to rain, and I don’t want you to get sick”

“No,” and I kept on walking.

“Fine you forced me to do this. Remember that.”

***
When I got back I waited outside and watched the pretentious scoundrels who tried to steal my Chance talk, probably about me. Then Chance came back out of the, bathroom she looked better than when she left. I could see her start to talk to the bit of evil at our table and I walked in. I caught part of the conversation before I interrupted.

“He’s no good for you and you should leave him, put your career first.” I didn’t have to look up to know who it was.  Mr. Kelleher feeding Chance crap.

“Yes sir, whatever you need,” her voice cooed. I was shocked. She didn’t care about me anymore? I had to get a ring on her finger, fast. I couldn’t stand to hear more.

“Babe, the car is ready. Lets go,” I interjected myself into the conversation. I twirled her around and watched the ripple of her dress while putting my arm around her. Her eye twinkled like that little star we always sing of to little kids. But I couldn’t let what I had just heard slip.

As she sat down I laid down the law, “How the hell did you do that chance? How could you stab me in the back? I have worked to damn hard for you to come here and screw it up. Spilling pasta on yourself. You saw that waiter coming," my anger boiled inside me. By the time I had finished yelling my face was burnt orange, and her face was vanilla white.

“Stop the car,” her voice strong despite her physically shaky appearance. She stepped out calmly but turned back to insult me, “The problem is you.”
***

Trent jumped out of the slowly moving car.

"Oh wow you jumped out of a car going one mile per hour. SUCH a rebel," I made my sarcasm more than evident and he walked over and grabbed my arm. I turned to around to slap him and instead was overpowered by his kiss. I became completely engulfed and  felt like I was going to melt any second from the heat and power. All of a sudden, mid-kiss, he just pulled away and got right back into the car. I don't remember following him into the car, but next thing I remember we are sitting in the back silent.  When we finally got back to the house he retrieved two wine glasses and filled one completely to the top. I sit on the long, downey and white chaise in the living room swallowed by a bundle of my dress, blankets, and pillows. I thought of what happened that night and tried to dissect what Mr.Kelleher told me.

"Chance," He called my name softly, "come with me." I struggled to get up out of my mangled mess and walk over to Trent silent. "Take this and follow me," he handed me the more full glass of wine, because lord knew I needed it, and he walked to what looked like the back of the house. We turned a corner and there were these majestic stairs leading up. We went a whole flight and a half up until I broke the silence.

"Look, I’m sorry for what I said in the car earlier. Granted most of it is what Mr. Kelleher said to me…," and the silence began again.

"I know that's what he said he told me that too," he paused and waited and I felt the atmosphere get darker and heavy. "How could you agree with him? I saw you smiling and nodding yes and I heard what he was saying. Why did you agree? Have I not done enough for you? I know I'm not the best looking or the most talented and I probably couldn't do much for your career other than this, but I love you."

" Trent listen, I didn't agree with him," He cut me off almost instantly.
"You did I watched you, don't lie," he shoved me a little and continued to walk up the steps "Do you love me? Honestly you don't act like it. There are things other than music out there. I'm standing right here," he kept going. I never answered. When we reached the top floor he opened the door and there stood the most beautiful thing I had ever saw. Collages of every little picture Trent and I took together my favorite white Callalily, lush and pure,  all over. We looked so happy and there was something in our eyes, like we weren’t there.I searched all the pictures for that same look and I couldn't find it.

" I do love you," I whispered and a tear slowly formed and dripped like melting ice down my face. And I winced in surprise of the cool wetness dripping out of my eyes.

"Good" and he smirked, and took a large gulp of wine.

***
“Chance, get your ass back in this car,” my voice waved in fear. Did she lose all form of any feelings for me? She wouldn’t even respond. “You’re going the wrong way!” I shouted after her and still nothing. The driver slowed the car and followed her for about a block and half til I finally had an idea. I hopped out of the still moving car and kissed her. Something was different. When we had kissed at the airport there was nothing behind it. But this kiss I could feel heat, passion, a spark like I had never experienced. It scared me. I had to pull away and get these sudden feelings out of my head. I figured she’d follow me into the car like a pet and it’s owner.

We didn’t speak the whole ride home and when we did my newly calculated plan was set into action. I had Chance’s habits down to a science. She would always get lost in thoughts after every fight or spat we had. So to loosen her up I poured us each a glass of wine. Chance’s brimming to the top. I snuck out while she was lost in La-la Land and set up these cheesy collages I made of us. Pretty much a timeline from when we met in eighth grade to the day I left for London. I got the idea from Tumblr. From what I had read online proposal’s are successful when they involve things your partner thought you’d forget. So I asked her sister for the design of a ring Chance made our sophomore year in college, had it made by her favorite jeweler, and engraved. I also had a garden of her favorite flowers growing on the rooftop.

When I finished setting up everything I called her out of her daze.“Chance,” almost cooing. She stood up and followed like an obedient dog . As I watched her stand up from where she sat, the flow of her hair and spark in her eye made me weak. I was coming to a realization, I really had feelings for Chance. Sure it may have been purely lust, but you couldn't blame me.

I handed her the glass of wine and led her up the stairs in the back of the house in completely  tensionless silence. We had gone about  2 flights when she finally decided to break the perfect silence.

"Look, I’m sorry for what I said in the car earlier. Granted most of it is what Mr. Kelleher said to me…," her words enraged me, but I couldn’t find the words to fight back. “Trent, answer me,” her eyes looked happy and the words rolled off of my tongue quick.

"How could you agree with him? I saw you smiling and nodding yes and I heard what he was saying. Why did you agree? Have I not done enough for you?  I gave up a successful career to come over here and start a new life for us,” my words felt sharp and I could see them pierce her heart.

“Trent, I didn’t agree,” she lied and pouted like I should’ve gave in.

“I watched you.” I turned my back to her and continued upstairs toward the rooftop. I opened the door and as she came through I watched her distressed face become thrilled and then shocked in a matter of seconds.

Something had changed in Chance and I couldn’t figure it out. Something had changed in me. We stood there in soundlessness as I watched her scan and process the view I had created for her.

“I do love you,” a tear ran down her face. I reached out to wipe it off and took a large sip of wine.

“Good,” she was right where I wanted her. But I wasn’t sure if I was where I wanted to be.

***

“Trent, I need you to listen to me,” I began slowly, “I don’t care what happens with Sony. There will be others. If we lose this place because we don’t get Sony, I don’t care. As long as we don’t lose each other through this whole process,” I lied as I choked on tears. His hand grabbed my shoulder aggressively.

Slurring his words, Trent dropped his then, empty,  glass on the ground and swung right for my face. “You can’t say you don’t want us to change,” tempestuously screaming from the rooftops, “ We are miles from home and what we know as truth and comfort. We don’t KNOW this place. I barely know this you. The old you would hang on my every word. And now you have to make a choice, Chance. It’s me and home and maybe later on we can try again. Or music and the great unknown.”

My mind went blank I couldn’t think. To choose between the only two things I’ve ever really wanted was like putting a baby in front of mom and dad and expecting them to choose one,slightly more biased towards one, but not wanting to hurt the other.
“Trent, don’t make me choose,” hardly managing to get the words out.

“If you don’t choose, I’ll choose for you. Choose the music and you can go to the meeting tomorrow alone, choose me and we are on the next flight home.”
   “Trent, I need you at this meeting, You’re the one who set this up. Why are you doing this?” my voice sounded more exasperate with every syllable.

“So you’ve made your choice? Music. I wish you the best at your meeting tomorrow,” He seemed completely emotionless and still.

“ I never said that,--”

“ But your eyes said otherwise,” he interrupted me before my thought was fully processed.

“Be that way then. You will still be here in the morning, you will wake up next to me, and you will be next to me at the meeting tomorrow morning. You will never leave. You need me. Without me your career is nothing ,” my thoughts all found themselves out of my head and formed the words.

Turning his back to me he spoke calmly, “Here,” tossing a tiny light blue box from Tiffany’s behind him, “You can have it. I don’t want it, but then again you might not either,” he kept his voice steady and continued to leave the roof.

Panicking, I grabbed the box and ran down the stairs after Trent. I searched room to room and he was no where to be found.  I clenched the box hard and became overwhelmed. I fell into the chaise and pondered.

***

“I don’t want this Sony thing to get in the way of us,” she sounded as if she was going to break down.

I finished the rest of my glass in one gulp and through the glass down. “ We’ve changed you know. We aren’t the same people. But I thought maybe we could make this work,” I drunkenly hiccupped. “I don’t know this new Chance. The old Chance would savor my words and be able to recite everything I had said to her. But now I need you to make a choice, it’s me or the music, You’ve got talent and looks, there will be others.”

“You can’t ask me to choose,” her words were volatile and I swung at her half-heartedly.

“If you don’t choose, I’ll choose for you. Choose the music and you can go to the meeting tomorrow alone, choose me and we are on the next flight home.”

“You can’t expect me to choose. I am my own person I make my decisions for myself.” That was the final straw.

“So you’re saying music. Have fun alone.” I felt empty and cold. I watched her eyes for any sign of regret or confirmation.

“I never said--.”

I cut her off quick, “You didn’t have to. Your eyes did it for you.”

“Be that way then. You will still be here in the morning, you will wake up next to me, and you will be next to me at the meeting tomorrow morning. You will never leave. You need me. Without me your career is nothing ,” her words ran over in my head and I realized I had lost.

I put on my game face and turned back to leave, “Here, have this. I don’t want it and you probably don’t either, but take it. I don’t need it where I’m going,” I tossed the small blue box behind me and left the building, caught a cab, and went to the nearest hotel. Another brilliant idea formed in my mind. I emailed Kelleher. I told him Chance had thrown a diva sized fit when she got in the car. Fired me. Said she was going to embarrass him in front of all of his workers when she arrived in morning. If I couldn’t have her, no one could.

***

When I looked up from my thoughts and tears the clock on the wall read nine a.m. I rushed to the bathroom to prepare myself for my meeting and cover all signs I was up all night crying. On my way out the door I stared at the little Pandora’s Box Trent had thrown at me, grabbed it, and called a cab.

When I arrived at Sony’s building I was directed to the top floor. As I rode the elevator up my hopes of Trent being on the other side of the door rose with every floor. When I reached the top floor I smiled wide. When the doors finally opened my heart sank and smile vanished. No Trent.

I was bombarded by a skinny size two blonde receptionist. “ Hi! You must be Chance, Mr. Kelleher’s  10 ‘ o clock.  He will see you shortly. I was told to expect two people. Are you alone?” She was way too bubbly and ditzy for it to be 10 in the morning.

“Yes, I am, ” I could hear myself echo in the grand penthouse style office.

“ I’m sorry m’am I was instructed to only let you in if you were here with your manager.”

My mouth dropped open wide and my face flushed white in anger and embarrassment. How could I not be allowed in? To avoid confrontation I got back on the elevator and went home. I would have fought on, but I’d had more than enough confrontation for a life in that past day.

When I stepped through the door to the building all the rose petals that were once here seemed to disappear. On the ride up to the main floor I could smell Trent’s cologne. When the elevator door opened couldn’t help but call out his name, “Trent! Trent!”. I ran to every room checking. His suitcase was gone and nothing but the smell of his Acqua Di Gio cologne was left.

I felt barren, empty, and incomplete. Then I remembered the box. I dug through what seemed like mounds of useless trinkets and got the box out of my purse. As I opened the box I saw the very ring I designed our sophomore year of college. I put it on and it fit like a custom made couture gown. I felt something on the inside of the ring. Inside was engraved, “I’m in it if you are, 110%.”  I couldn’t get the ring off fast enough. I threw it in the trash and fell into a ball on the cold concrete floor. My life was in shambles.

***
When I woke up the next morning I was hit with sudden reality. I have to go home. The clock read 10:30 which meant Chance was getting rejected right about then. I called another cab to go back to the house and gather my things. I packed while deep in thought. I had to start all over. Find someone else. Become someone else.

I looked all over for the ring I tossed, cleaning as I went, but it was no where to be found. I left my set of keys on the cold granite counters and walked away, never looking back.