Johnny watched her in calm amusement. He enjoyed the way people got so touchy about their work. And he understood. They felt like they were doing such a good job, but they always had insecurities. Johnny plagued on those insecurities, and they fell for it every time. The trick was to just not pay too much attention to him and to continue working despite his comments. And like clockwork, she returned to her spot on the chair across from him. Now she was really ready.
Her next song was much better he had to admit. It wasn't that unoriginal, cookie-cutter, pop, bubblegum crap. Yet, he still had his comments about it. "Better. Though there is still something missing. I can't put my finger on it, but..." He sighed and took a moment to think. "You're only putting part of yourself into the songs. The first was about some silly crush you have on some boy and you want him to be yours. And the second one is all about how boo-hoo you feel cause he didn't want you. I'm right, aren't I?"
He pushed himself up and walked over to her. "Emily." With a gentle touch, he moved a strand of her hair from her face. "These songs are not who you are. These songs are about some poor schmuck that you let get under your skin. You need to toughen up. You aren't just the girl who has the crush on the boy. Who. Are. You. I told you not to come to me until you figured that out. You wasted my time."