Ugh. Amanda’s songs are terrible. All she does is rhyme girl with world and thinks that constitutes lyrics.

“Fine. We’ll do the old Emme one.” I grab the song she wrote for the freshman welcome performance.

An old song is better than no song.

I get to the hallway where everybody is lined up for the auditions. The dance, art, and drama department members went this morning. This afternoon is vocal and instrumental music. I take a few deep breaths and see Emme sitting by herself, her hands in her lap.

My heart practically jumps out of my chest when I see her.

“Emme!” I pretty much squeal at the sight of her. She gives me a smile.

I knew it. She’d never let me down.

I know I say this a lot, but this time I mean it. She’s a good friend. And I’m an awful friend. But I’ll find a way to thank her. I’ll make it up to her somehow.

“I knew you’d be here, I knew it.”

“Sophie!” I hear Amanda call out.

I ignore her.

“I just need you to know that —”

Mr. North pokes his head into the hallway. “Okay, we are running a few minutes behind. Sarah Moffitt, you’re up, then Emme Connelly. Let’s go!”

She’s here for herself.

I’m so mad at Emme, I want to rip her hair out of her head. But then I remember, she’s not as tough as me. If she’s going to ruin my chances of getting into the showcase, I’m going to return the favor.

“Oh, I forgot about your little attempt to steal the spotlight. Yeah, good luck.”

She turns and smiles at me. “Thanks!”

I get in her face. “God, I was being sarcastic. It’s laughable that you think you can waltz in and become a singer. Sure, you’re an incredible, amazing songwriter. But I’ve heard you sing, and your voice is nothing special. Never has been, never will be. Here’s the thing you need to realize: A bad singer can ruin a good song, but a good singer can make any song better. So let’s be clear on who’s been doing who a favor all these years — it’s me, the voice. But I guess we’re both about ready to get that proof when you fall flat on your face in there. So really, good luck.”

The color starts to drain from her face.

Her name is called out.

She hesitates, but then leans in. “You know, Sophie, I came here today with every intention of accompanying you. I didn’t want to have that on my conscience. But thank you, really, thank you for being honest with me for once.”

She walks into the audition room.

My mind races to try to see what I can do. But it’s useless. When she comes out of the room, she has a huge smile on her face and she races past me. I see her getting picked up by Ethan, with Ben and Jack there to congratulate her.

Everything swirls around me. I think I’m going to be sick. It’s the biggest moment of my life and she ditches me. And people think that I’m the bad friend?

Amanda puts her arm around me. “You don’t need her.”

I take a deep breath. I know I can do this. No, I don’t need Emme.

My name is called out and I walk into the room. I wish we could go with a different song. I don’t want to owe Emme anything. Because she is nothing to me. She has gotten me as far as I needed her to.

The rest is up to me.

Exams are over, second semester auditions finished.

There’s only one thing left before we’re freed for winter break.

The entire senior class is in the auditorium awaiting our fates.

I wish we could just look at a list, but leave it to Dr. Pafford to want to create even more drama.

He steps to the podium and starts going over the lineup for the Senior Showcase. All of the usual suspects are named — Trevor Parsons, Zachary David, Sarah Moffitt — and I hold my breath. I’m not worried about the band making it, but I want Emme to get in so bad. Her song is better than anything I’ve ever written.

I’d hate to think what not getting in would do for her confidence, especially before her audition for Juilliard.

I’m staring down Dr. Pafford, trying to will him to say Emme’s name.

My hands are balled up in fists. I’m so tense, I nearly jump when Emme touches my hand.

She whispers in my ear. “It’s going to be fine, Ethan. Really, I’m going to be okay no matter what.” I get goose bumps from her breath on my neck.

Dr. Pafford clears his throat. “This leaves us with one spot left.”

Only one spot? He hasn’t mentioned either the band, or Emme, or Sophie.

I will lose all faith in humanity if Sophie is chosen over Emme.

The entire room is silent. Anytime we’ve had a featured performance, it has always gone to Carter — no questions asked. And now with him out of the running, that spot is up for anybody. Truthfully, I sort of assumed the band would get it. I think everybody does.

I grab Emme’s hand. I know how much being in the showcase would mean to Jack and Ben, but I want her in it. It needs to be Emme.

Dr. Pafford finally continues. “We are going to do something different this year. Our final, featured spot will showcase two songs. First, Emme Connelly, Jack Coombs, Benjamin McWilliams, and Ethan Quinn performing an original song by Mr. Quinn, and then Miss Connelly will end with her song.”

There is some applause, mostly from the other students who made the showcase. Jack and Ben get up and start celebrating, but Emme just sits in her seat.

“Red! Come here!” Jack has to pick Emme up off her seat to give her a hug.