The Line

by Courtney Brandt

  Lucy was nervous the entire ride over to the dance, but not about fooling the South Washington administration. She was worried Sam wouldn’t be there. She was concerned she’d never get the chance to explain herself. As they pulled into the parking lot, she exclaimed, “I know – let’s check and see if his car is here. If not, we can just go home!”

  Mandy shook her head, “Oh no, Ms. Karate. I remember the deal was, we would crash South’s homecoming. One cannot crash South’s Homecoming from South’s parking lot.”

  Lucy looked down. Mandy was right. The pair began walking towards the South gym. Not even blinking an eye, the Forrest Hills Guard girl bought the tickets and Lucy let out a deep breath as they entered the school. She relaxed long enough to be completely shocked when she turned the corner. There, in the same handsome suit from the week before, was Sam. He hadn’t seen her, so Lucy grabbed Mandy’s hand and sprinted for the nearest girl’s bathroom.

  “What is it, Lucy? It’s tough to run that fast in heels!”

  “Sam’s here!”

  “Is he alone?”

  “I didn’t see. Will you go check? I could be wrong. What if he is? Do I look all right?” Lucy babbled.

  Mandy looked at her friend. Recognizing the bass drummer obviously needed some help with the situation, she said slowly, “Sure thing. I’ll go see if it’s him. In the meantime, why don’t you just concentrate on breathing normally?”

  Lucy waited while Mandy went back out into the dance. Lucy chewed her fingernails, mentally debating if she should follow. Finally Mandy returned to the bathroom. Lucy couldn’t read the expression on her friend’s face. Unable to wait, she asked impatiently, “Is he out there?”

  “Yes.”

  “And?”

  “I’m going home. My work here is done.”

  “No, no, no Mandy. We talked about me coming to the dance and straightening things out with Sam. We specifically did not talk about Sam driving me home. Remember? I get into trouble when people drive me home.”

  “I think you should stay.”

  “Well...”

  “Lucy, you need to hear Sam out.”

  “If you’re sure…”

  “Believe me, just go. I’ll see you on Monday.”

  Watching her friend go, Lucy knew she had no choice. It had been her choice to be in the car alone with Nevada, and her choice not to listen to Sam’s explanation. Whatever he had to say to her – she had earned every bit of. The junior gathered her things and walked out to see Sam waiting for her. Having not seen him in a week, Lucy’s heart skipped a beat when she saw his familiar figure. Trying her best to keep her composure, she couldn’t help it as a smile broke across her face. An identical smile broke across Sam’s face. Silently, he held out his hand and led her out onto the dance floor. With perfect timing, the DJ switched from an up tempo song to a slow dance.

  Pulling her close, Sam commented, “I wasn’t sure if you’d show.”

  “I wasn’t sure if you would.”

  “Touché.”

  “Sam, I—”

  “Lucy, I have to get a few things off my chest before you start talking.” He continued, “I haven’t been able to get in touch with you this week because my parents basically put me under house arrest after my fight with Jerm and subsequent unapproved departure from the parking lot. Given what I saw, at first I was glad because I didn’t want anything to do with you, but then I found myself thinking you were probably getting the wrong idea.”

  “Sam…honestly…”

  “But then I was able to convince my mom after laying on the schmaltz pretty thick that I didn’t want to miss my senior year Homecoming.”

  “So you’re here by yourself?”

  “It would appear that way.”

  Lucy admitted, “I’m glad.”

  “And you risked being here – what if anyone from my Line saw you?”

  “What have you told them?”

  “Nothing – it’s none of their business.”

  Lucy was grateful for small miracles. “Anyway, Sam, I—”

  “You want to do this here?”

  Lucy looked around at all the happy dancing couples. She really didn’t want to cause a scene, but she wasn’t going to be able to move forward with Sam until she apologized in person. She took a deep breath and answered, “Yes, I do.”

  “Okay.”

  Lucy could feel the arms around her tense up, but she said, “What you saw a week ago wasn’t anything. It—”

  “It sure looked like something.”

  “I listened to you, will you please listen to me?”

  “Fine.”

  “So, it’s like I said in my e-mail and countless phone calls. I don’t want to be with Nevada. I want to be with you! I made the biggest mistake of my life by even going to Homecoming last week without you. I just… I got confused.”

  “You’re sure?”

  Lucy nodded her head solemnly as Sam continued, “The thing is, I’m not sure I want to be with you. Seeing you and Nevada last week was like a punch in the stomach…after I had already been punched in the stomach by Jerm. Now, every time I close my eyes I picture you two together and I can’t think it’s not going to happen again. I don’t go to your school. Hell, I couldn’t even be there for the dance last weekend.”

  Lucy willed the tears pricking the back of her eyes away. She said desperately, “But you’re here now. That has to count for something.”

  “Lucy, you ran the first chance and made out with your ex-boyfriend. Honestly, how do you expect me to ever trust you again?”

  The tears that were threatening, now flowed over. Hearing Sam’s accusations—

  The truth. Those aren’t accusations.

  Lucy hiccupped and said, “I’m sorry, Sam. I made a mistake. Trust me, it didn’t happen that way. I had no idea Nevada was going to be there or what he was going to do.”

  “I’ll say so.”

  The couple stopped the pretense of dancing and Sam removed his arms from Lucy’s waist and said, “I just don’t know, Lucy.”

  He walked away, leaving a devastated Lucy in his wake.

  This isn’t how things are supposed to go.

  How does this end?

  He turns around and walks back to me – and forgives me for what an idiot I’ve been. We get our pictures done and laugh about what idiots we were.

  This isn’t fiction. You cheated on him. People break up for things like that.

  But I think I love him…

  Lucy numbly exited the dance. She looked around vacantly at the parking lot and idly wondered how she would get home. Opening her phone, she pressed the #2 button, speed dialling the one guy who was always there for her.

  * * *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: STORMY WEATHER

  “I really appreciate this, Tom.”

  “No worries, Luce. What were you doing here anyways?”

  “I thought…well, who cares what I thought.”

  “No dice with Sam?”

  “How did you know?”

  “You’re my best girl – I think I should be able to understand a few things about you by now.”

  “Yeah, well I don’t think you’d like me too much if you knew what I’ve been up to.”

  “I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding. It’ll work out, you’ll see.”

  “I thought that, but now I’m seriously doubting every romantic comedy I’ve ever been sucked into.”

  “Just give it some time.”

  “That’s all I have, anyways.”

  “Emergency trip to Krispy Kreme?”

  “Nah. I really just want to go home and sleep.”

  Lucy woke up on Monday morning with two distinct emotions. She was still very much heartbroken over Sam’s decision and at the same time completely nervous about the upcoming indoor competition. Knowing she could actually do something about one of her issues – she completely threw herself into the practices, putting all her energy into marching the best possible show as second bass. A
s fifth period was totally different now the competition was so close, the days quickly blurred together. Everyone inhaled their lunches so they could get their drums and be ready to practice as soon as the gym cleared. They had marked off the competition lines on the basketball court and spent the class time running the drill and music over and over again. During the afternoon marching practices for the band on Tuesday and Thursday, the drumline only had to show up during the last hour of practice.

  Finally, on Thursday afternoon, the rest of the Forrest Hills marching band was invited to watch the 21st indoor show (as the drummers affectionately named it) that their percussion section had been working so hard on for the past month. As the drumline played their last note, they heard shouts and cheering go up from the band. Breathing hard, and trying to catch her breath, Lucy looked around and shared smiles with her fellow percussionists – they had a show they could really be proud of.

  From the closing set, Jerm walked out in front of the Pit and addressed the band, “Hey guys, thanks for listening to us today. If you aren’t doing anything this weekend, come cheer us on at our first indoor competition.”

  The drumline captain cut an interesting figure. No one really knew the exact truth behind his eye patch, but it gave him a weird sexy Jack Sparrow edge that had everyone in the band fascinated. With his personal invitation, Lucy thought a few people might take him up on his offer to come watch the Line compete. As the percussionists walked back to the band room, there were lots of pats on the back and good luck wishes.

  During Friday’s class period, Jerm decided it would be best if they didn’t do anything except clean the drums, and explained himself, “We’ve all worked hard enough, so today and at the game tonight we are just going to have a good time.”

  Lucy thought back to when the season started in August – before all the fights, drama, and her introduction to Sam Powell. In the stands, as everyone sat around joking and laughing with their section, Lucy could hardly believe her junior year on the Battery was almost over. After the next two weekends, it depended on the football team to see how long the marching band would continue to play.

  Performing at halftime was excellent. In top form, the Line was right on beat and had fun trying to out-do each other with extra visuals. Lucy couldn’t stop laughing as the bass line attempted a planets visual, all of them rotating in different orbits around third bass in the middle of trying to do their drill. They barely made it back to their spots on the right count. Not to be outdone, the snare line attempted a stick toss from one end of their line to the other, and failed miserably. Herschel had to finish the show with one drumstick. Lucy was out of breath from laughing as they finished the show and marched off the field.

  As they packed their drums away after the game, Jerm told the group, “I’ll see everyone tomorrow morning. Now, go home and get a good night’s sleep, because tomorrow we’re going to kick some ass!”

  Lucy tried to follow her captain’s instructions, but found herself as excited as she was the night before her auditions earlier that spring. Beyond her enthusiasm, she knew there were a few others things nagging her subconscious. Although Sam’s silence continually bruised her heart, she couldn’t blame him. She desperately wished there was a way he could know she was proving herself to him. Although Nevada had made it abundantly clear he would be ready to welcome her back with open arms, she had refused him. Hugging her pillow closely, she sighed, at least she would get to see Sam tomorrow. Optimistically hoping he would actually talk to her, she rolled over and finally drifted off.

  The bass drummer literally bounced down to breakfast in the morning. Her mom was waiting for her, good luck banana pancakes ready and commented, “You know, Lucy, the forecast is predicting some bad storms later today.”

  Lucy looked outside and saw nothing but blue skies and Bob Ross happy clouds. Mouth full of delicious breakfast, she answered, “I’m sure it won’t affect the competition too much.”

  “Bring your umbrella just in case.”

  Her mom meant well, but Lucy laughed as she imagined herself trying to manage the bass drum, mallets and an umbrella. Finishing her pancakes, she went upstairs to pick up her uniform. Henry had suggested, much to everyone’s delight, that they drop the formal marching band uniform and dress something closer to the punk feel that Billie Joe and company wore. The guys balked at eyeliner, but were okay with tight black jeans, studded belts, white button up shirts and skinny ties. Lucy and Molly openly rejoiced when Henry said it was okay for them to wear skirts – and had decided on matching plaid skirts, fishnets, a white button up shirt and pigtails. Stuffing a few other things into her bag, she heard a horn beep outside and ran out to Tom’s minivan.

  “So, I realize I’ve been a bit caught up in my own life drama over the past week and totally forgot to ask – are you ready?” Lucy asked as she climbed into the vehicle, referring to the individual tenor competition Tom was competing in.

  “I think so. Just be ready for some surprises.”

  Lucy smiled, knowing Tom wouldn’t let her, or the rest of the audience, down. He was a born performer. They quickly pulled up to the school, where everyone moved their own drum into the equipment truck and then boarded the bus. The good mood was infectious as they drove towards the competition. Lucy sat with Tom, and tried not to think about who Sam was sitting with. She debated texting him – if nothing else, to wish him luck, but decided she would try and be a mature young adult and tell him in person.

  * * *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: INDOOR

  The Forrest Hills drumline stepped off the bus into a blustery November afternoon. The sky was clear, but there were some menacing clouds in the distance. The drummers had arrived early so they could support the individual and small groups that were entering the individual competitions. It was the right of any percussionist to try their hand and come up with their own routine and be judged accordingly. Forrest Hills’s percussionists were usually well represented. Like most individual competitions at indoor, the 1st place winners in each category would be asked to perform their piece after the Finals that evening while the judges tallied the final scores.

  After Jerm, Tom, Nevada and the cymbal line had pulled their equipment off the truck and received good luck wishes and last minute tips, most of the other drummers went inside the gym to get a good seat. Lucy proudly remained behind. As each member in the individual competition could choose someone to be their “second,” the bass drummer was flattered when Tom asked her to assist him. After she helped him unload his quints and secure everything for his warm up, she gave her friend some space to clear his mind and concentrate on his solo. Looking around, she caught sight of some of the members of the South Washington drumline who were also backstage. She glimpsed a recognizable set of broad shoulders and felt her stomach turn over. Sam turned around and met Lucy’s eyes – she waved at him, but instead of returning her wave, the snare drummer turned around and ignored her.

  Warming up with the cymbals, Nevada had witnessed the exchange and approached Lucy, making a typical exasperated guy sound. Forgetting her silent treatment, the junior asked, “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”

  “Looks like your ‘boyfriend’ is ignoring you.”

  With the exception of Tom, Molly, and Jerm, Lucy hadn’t particularly forthcoming with the rest of her section about the status of her relationship with the South drumline captain. Knowing Nevada would jump at the opportunity to exploit things, she answered, “Maybe he’s busy. He’s got a solo to prepare for.”

  Then, and probably because Sam’s gaze was intently staring at the pair, Nevada leaned in and whispered into Lucy’s ear, “I wouldn’t ignore you.”

  Lucy looked up and saw Sam’s eyes darken, and playfully pushed Nevada away. She didn’t want to restart a relationship with Sam because he was jealous – more than anything, she wanted to go back to August and start with the truth from the beginning. Walking back towards Tom, she focused on helping him. Lucy was unable to keep the smi
le off her face as she helped Tom set up his equipment on the gym floor. Always unconventional, the quirky tenor player was wearing jeans and his drumline shirt. Besides the usual whisk and mallets, Lucy was pretty sure she glimpsed some other ways of getting sound out of the tenors.

  As they tried to keep smiles off their faces, the pair shook hands, and joined the rest of the Forrest Hills drummers in the bleachers. Tom started his routine and did not disappoint Lucy’s expectations. Between some very difficult playing and visuals he mixed up his routine much more than the average quint player. The junior used all kinds of mallets, a samba whistle, a vuvuzela and even the ping pong balls.

  After the other tenors competed it was time for the snares. Jerm walked out confidently with his snare drum. From the moment his traditionally gripped drumstick hit the drum head to the moment he was finished, the gym was silent. When the Forrest Hills captain saluted the judges, letting them know he was finished, people were on their feet congratulating him.

  As the applause died down and Jerm walked off, Sam walked out to the middle of the floor. Lucy was surprised to see the pair actually acknowledge each other. Like Jerm, Sam’s routine was technically very difficult and no less amazing. No matter the status of their relationship, Lucy was proud of Sam’s effort. With the individuals finished, there was nothing more to do than wait to warm up for Preliminaries. The competitors with the highest scores would be invited back to Finals in the evening. After everyone got something to eat, it was time to change into their uniforms and begin warm-ups. Once outfitted, the Forrest Hills drumline called upon their inner punk and looked like some sort of bizarro Green Day fan club.

  Overall, there were twenty-five drumlines competing at the event. Not all of the groups were as big as Forrest Hills, so there were two separate category divisions and there were ten lines competing in Forrest Hills’s division – only four would make it to the Finals that evening. From those four lines, best section trophies and overall best drumline would be awarded.