The first thought that came to Sasha's mind when she woke up the morning of August 15 was Band camp starts today… and I'm drum major! Ahhh! Yes, it was the first day of band camp of her senior year. She had been looking forward to this day all summer. She would finally get to see if the band would respect her as drum major, she would get to experience being a senior in the band, and most of all, she would get to see him… No Sasha, she thought, don't think about him. You have a boyfriend, remember?

She rolled out of bed and into a cute pair of shorts and a band T-shirt. After pulling her hair back into a messy bun and throwing on a pair of ankle socks and tennis shoes, she was ready. She hopped into her ugly little Volvo and made the arduous 40 minute drive to Madison High School, not caring that she'd be 30 minutes early. Maybe Charlie would get there early too… Stop it! You have Mark and he loves you, she told herself.

Since the drive to school was long, the CD player in her car was broken, and she had nothing else to do, Sasha thought about that summer on the way to school. She had to admit to herself that she really, really, liked Charlie. She also had to admit to herself that she didn't really like Mark as much as she used to. The easy solution would be to dump Mark and go for Charlie. All except for one problem: Charlie was her assistant band director. Plus, Mark was practically in love with Sasha and she'd feel horrible if she just dumped him like a sack of potatoes. But, by the time she arrived to the Madison High Yellow Jacket Pride Band Hall, Sasha was sure of what she had to do. She knew a relationship with Charlie probably wouldn't happen, she needed to break up with Mark. She just was afraid to do it.

The first person Sasha saw upon entering the band hall was Charlie. He looked so cute when he was concentrating over scores… he wasn't that much older than Sasha… he was still in graduate school, only 25. And she was only 17. That's only 8 years… You really need to get a hold of yourself. While she was thinking this, what Sasha didn't realize was that she was standing in the doorway of the band hall staring intently at Charlie. He looked up and casually said, "Hey Sasha, what are you doing here so early?"

Charlie was hoping Sasha would arrive early so he could spend some time with her one on one. He didn't want to admit it, but he kind of liked Sasha. She was really mature for her age, and pretty too. She was a great trumpet player, and she would be an awesome drum major this year… Whoa, this is a student you're talking about here… Mr. Kendell would never tolerate that, and you know it.

After gazing into each other's eyes for minutes on end, Charlie finally broke the gaze and awkwardly cleared his throat. "So um, since you're here so early… do you mind helping me organize some of this music?"

"Not at all," replied Sasha. As she joined Charlie on the floor among sheets and sheets of marching music, she asked, "So have you had a pretty good summer?"

"It's been alright, I guess. Although I have to say I've really missed being with you… um, you band kids. All of you, I mean." He blushed and thought to himself, Nice going Charlie, you know you can't have the girl but you still manage to hit on her anyway.

Sasha, seeing that Charlie was flustered, thought I wonder if he meant that… I hope he missed me… no, of course he doesn't like you. But those eyes, they held my gaze for so long… if only…