I met him at a party that I should not be at. I was 17 years old, he was at a music concert that I was auditioning for. Tonight was my first solo night at the bar and although I am a minor, I knew that I could nail this public audition. I grabbed my guitar and sang my songs from my heart. The tempo I played and sang in was a jazzy and indie fusion mix. After I played my set, I stepped off the stage and was finally able to hear the audience, people were asking for an encore, so I smiled and headed backstage to grab my guitar case. 

I hit the bathroom before meeting the owner to let me know if he’d like me to come back. I looked at my watch and saw it was almost 10:30 at night. I should head home as it is a Thursday night. I walk to the owner who I met a few weeks back and he nodded at me, shook my hand, and said, “Can you play here every week on Thursdays at the same time?” I smile so widely and go in for a hug, the owner was polite enough to push the embrace off to the side, patting me on the side instead. He walks off after telling me to stop by during the evening before opening next week to complete my employment paperwork. 

I am in disbelief and filled with happiness, and I start to jump on the spot with a slight squeal. I am ready to leave but this young man bumps into me casually. He has a very charming smile and energy. He looks at me and says, “Hey, great set, I’m Liam, Ummm, not sure if you’re here with someone but can I buy you a drink?” I look at Liam, he has auburn brown hair, a piercing in both ears, he has a tall muscular body, and he seemed to be genuinely interested in speaking to me. I reply, “I am already leaving but maybe we can talk some other time. Will you be here tomorrow?” I look into his gray orbs as he smiles and says, “I will! If it means I can see you again.” We leave each other smiling, I am feeling tired, and walk to my car. I earned this car from working at a car shop when I started living there at 11 years old. The foster home I had lived in for 5 years had a very friendly foster parent who owned his own car mechanic shop. The car may not be much to look at but boy can she move. I haven’t had a single problem since my foster dad and I built it together. I haven’t seen that home again since I was 16, this car was my going-away present. He passed away a few months later, he had a heart attack while working in his car shop. His wife didn’t check on him until she finished dinner, by then his body was cold, and it was too late to save him. I always regretted not going to the funeral, but I had heard too late, and the funeral passed while I was at my new foster care home. 

The drive home only took 15 minutes and the gas was pointing to near empty. I knew I would have to get money and this gig seemed to be the first of hopefully many more to come. 

I unlock my door to the side house, untie my boots, put my instrument down, and head to the restroom. I always feel fortunate to have this little place all to myself. For someone who has no family and is still in high school, this is a God send for someone as lonely as me—after brushing my teeth, taking a warm shower, and removing my make-up. I flop onto my bed and see the time off of my cell phone. It says 11:45 pm. I can’t believe I have to go to school soon. I start going over that graduation is in a few weeks. It’s finally warm weather again and I can focus full-time on being a musician.