Keeping in Line (27 page)

Lucy Elizabeth Karate really hadn’t thought she would get emotional at her graduation, after all, she had had her entire senior year to prepare for it. However, the simple question triggered some undeniable fact. Being one of the sole drumline girls of the Forrest Hills HS marching band, it had always been her responsibility during concert season to make sure that her boys had their formal wear on appropriately. Now…abruptly, those days were gone. She wouldn’t be tying anyone else’s ties. Wouldn’t be learning a new show. Wouldn’t have lame inside jokes. Who would make sure…? A finger under her cheek interrupted her thoughts.

“What’s the matter?” asked a concerned Wes.

Lucy quickly wiped away the two tears that had formed and pasted a smile on her features, “Nothing – let’s go get our diplomas.”

* * *

Irregular Orbit

Bronwyn had to admit, marching was different than she expected it to be. Take for example, today’s practice.

Henry shook his head, “Guys – I don’t need to tell you that was horrible. Start again!”

The Battery grumbled as they reset the opening to the drum solo. Their Instructor clicked off counts on his drum sticks. This version wasn’t as bad, although Bronwyn hadn’t been quick enough and ended up just missing getting Tony’s bass drum in her back.

“I told you – it’s supposed to be an irregular orbit!”

J.D. asked, on everyone’s behalf, “What does that look like?!”

* * *

Luck (Bronwyn POV, Keeping in Line)

Although everything had abruptly changed in the past two weeks (for the best!), I still felt I needed something to ensure my good luck. Looking around the percussion room as we packed up our equipment for the competition the next day, I looked on the percussion room wall. There was a busted shelf that held relics and trophies from previous Lines – plenty to be proud about, enough to find inspiration from. Tucked away, I unearthed a scratched up, spray painted, gold mallet. Attached to it – a note:

From the Front Line…

This mallet has magical properties – good luck!

* * *

Colors

There were many significant colors that made up the Forrest Hills HS marching band.

The crisp kelly green of the uniform coats, so similar to the field on which they marched.

The solid black uniform pants, with matching dark berets and Shakos, and most recently the drumheads of the same color.

Shining silver, on the rims, on the keys, on the buttons, on the braids of the leadership who wore them proudly.

And finally, stark white – to match the hash marks and yard lines on the field, found in proud stripes on their uniforms, and the spats on their feet.

* * *

Eternity (100 words)

Of all the band buses to break down, it was the drumline bus that did. While they waved goodbye to the others, the long wait set in for the magic part that was needed.

Lucy, who had already finished her homework, and didn’t feel like helping Tom start his, laid down on the warm grass and idly wondered what it would be like to be stuck forever at a rest stop with the drumline.

Hearing the familiar sound of drum sticks on a practice pad, a random burp, and Molly’s laughter, she decided it wouldn’t be so bad.