This is the story of me, Emily Cross, I was your average 17 year old girl. I read a lot, work at Comico's diner on 8th street and live with my mother, my 4 year old step brother and my stepfather. So, "what's the story?" you ask. Its simple. Now I'll go on a limb here when I say my story may be similar to yours. I don't know your life. I just smile to hide my cries and laugh to hide my fears. My friends would say I'm strong. That I hold onto the smallest slim of hope of happiness and shed no tears. But unlike some of you my story may seem depressing. But don't pity me. I hate that. Though it may seem like it, this story isn't one of sadness and non-stop depression. No. This is the story of my journey to learning about my life, my purpose, my existence. This is a story of how one person handed me the latter i needed to escape my bonds and learn a little about "The me inside myself."