Arrivals

by oboefae

This is basically about the two different arrivals when our marching band goes to BOA Grand Nationals. I wrote it for an English project, which is why the style's kind of odd, but it works here, too. Thank you John Steinbeck for your stylistic influences.

1. Indy

"Indy"

The buses pull up alongside the loading docks of what appears to be a huge white bubble. Inside they are silent. The shades are pulled. Kids caught looking out the windows are given a tap on the shoulder and a "you-should-know-better-than-that" glare. Gigglers are immediately hushed.

But the mood is the opposite of what would be expected. There would be a buzz of excitement if the passengers were allowed to make noise. As it is, the feeling is made evident in the way their eyes meet and the silly grins that flash across their faces. Their entire demeanor says one thing: We made it!

Silent hugs and quiet Good luck's and This is it's abound as they are herded into two files. One thing, however, cannot be said, for to voice that kind of relief feels like a jinx: We made it!

Warm up is a blur. Body breakdown. Up four; down four. Backwards; forwards. Flip-flops. Then instruments: scales, exercises, tuning. Circle up after everyone is tuned. Put your hand on your neighbor's shoulder. Feel the pulse; share the energy that can be summed up in five words: We're here! We made it!

Three files this time, everyone in their place. Grab lost-looking freshmen and drag them to their spots. Move to a huge garage and stare directly forward. Do not look at the other band.

As the door goes up their eyes meet one last time. In their short time here, they've voiced almost nothing and said everything. The tears and laughter, frustration and triumph of an entire season culminate into a single thought, stronger now than ever before: We made it!