The Official Fluter's Catalogue
PG-13
Summary: I play the flute in marching band. Follow me throughout each day as I record my experiences in this fan fiction. All real-life. Nothing is made up. Just real, harsh, gripping facts of what it's like to be a teenage girl who plays the flute. And trust me, my life isn't dull.
Category: Marching Band
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One Time At Band Camp
Rookie camp was crazy, and I loved everything about it. I couldn't wait for the next week which would be full band camp. I'd get to see all my friends that I hadn't seen in a while. I was mostly looking forward to bonding with Hayley. I had talked to her on the internet over the whole summer. We talked almost every night and I already knew a lot about her. We had never really hung out in real life before.
I was kind of nervous the first day. Right when I saw Hayley, I didn't know what to do and thousands of thoughts flooded my mind.
'What if she isn't like how she is on the internet? What if she thinks I'm weird? What if I'm not fun enough for her? What if we don't get along in real life What if? What if?!' Finally I took a deep breath and walked over.
Kayla was already there at Hayley's side, and so was Hayley's friend Lilly. Sarah Riner was there too. At the time, I had been almost to the point of obsessing over Sarah. I wanted her to be my best friend so bad. It was insane! I was willing to take anybody who wanted me. I was desperate for friends in band and for people to like me.
Hayley was in the middle, so I was glad I didn't have to face her first. Kayla greeted me happily, which was a breath of air and took away some of my nervousness.
"Hey Julie, my home slice!" She looked like she was already enjoying herself. Sarah saw me as well and waved and smiled. She approached me to talk to me because she knew how I wanted her to be my best friend, and I wanted to be hers too. We talked for a bit, then I knew I could avoid it no longer: Hayley was out in the open.
"Hey Hayley!" I said awkwardly and already felt stupid. Hayley smiled. She looked a bit nervous as well. It's really weird to learn so many things about a person, and know them so well through instant messaging, and be almost best pals that way, and then finally have to meet them in real life.
I don't really remember what happened next, maybe she does, but all I know is after that we clicked! So much for being worried. Hayley was exactly as I thought she would be: fun and random and hyper and smart. She was a really amazing person.
Soon Mr.Barnett told us all to take our seats in our own sections. I followed Hayley and Kayla to some seats in the second row. The order went me, Hayley, then Kayla. I don't remember much about that part, but I remember Hayley had on some converses. I had bought some during the summer and decided to wear them the next day. Because of her, I have six pairs now and practically live in them.
Band camp was so exciting. We'd goof off like insane toilet brushes. It was awesome. Every day I looked forward to the next. I also got to admire my crush from afar. He was in the saxophone line and during basic block I'd watch him out of the corner of my curious eye.
I remember when I had met him at rookie camp. It was during water break, and I saw him sitting alone. I asked Kayla who he was and she told me it was Hayley's cousin. I had heard of him being a pimp-wannabe. Which now I know is far from that. I suggested that we go sit with him so he wouldn't be alone.
We approached him and I said "Hey Hayley's cousin!" He stared at me with an eyebrow raised and said "Is that my name? Hayley's cousin?" He had huge eyes that were a bright blue and he had short blonde hair. I already immediately felt something when we first talked. I felt a connection that I had never felt before. I stared at him and wondered what it could be.
Every water break after that we'd sit with him. I found out one thing: he liked to talk. He told us stories about war and hunting. And he could recite whole scenes from movies which was the most interesting thing. He had the most amazing memory. It was cool the first couple of times, but soon after he did the movie reciting the next couple thousand times it started to get, how you say, annoying.
Back to band camp. Marching was a bit confusing at the time. One time we had a drill down and I remember I was one of the last nine left standing. I was really proud of myself. Then I messed up and I remember hopping up and down, then I went and sat down by Caleb ( Hayley's cousin, the guy who I talked about ). Sometimes we'd walk with each other back up to the band room. It was puppy love.
We started putting our routine together. I thought it was so hard at first to have to march to all the same spots perfectly every time, but soon after I realized it's okay to slack just a little and it was more fun. Soon everyone knew the show by heart. I could practically do it in my sleep, marking time and all.
We had to pass off our music to our section leaders. The songs we were doing for our show were "Carry on My Wayward Son" and "Vehicle". Later we would learn "Georgia On My Mind". We had to also pass off our school's alma mater and the Star Spangled Banner and then of course our school's fight song. I have yet to pass off that. It's been almost two years. Muah ha.
School would be starting soon, which I was not looking forward to at all. We practiced every day after school for two hours. During the whole time Caleb and I flirted and got to know each other better.
Finally, I remember it was a rainy day, my favorite weather. It was cold and wet and dark and me and him were standing out in front of our school's front steps. I came out and asked him if he liked me. He said yes. Then I told him I liked him. He didn't really say anything. The rain started blowing in under the awning and he took my arm gently and pulled me closer to him so I wouldn't get wet. I knew them that I truly liked Caleb. He was gentle and caring, and I gave out a laugh which sent a puff of vapor into the chilly damp air.
That night I went home with Sarah. It was the first time I'd ever spent the night at her house ( but there were much more to come later ). We talked about the Caleb situation and she was really excited for me. She said he looked like a raccoon though and I smacked her with a pillow. Sarah, he isn't raccoon boy! Anyway, I remember trying to get to sleep that night after watching Saving Private Ryan with her, and all I could think about was Caleb. It was so hard to get to sleep.
The weekend rolled by, then we arrived at practice again. That day it was raining as well. And I took Caleb outside and asked him if we were going out. He said yes. The rain paused in mid-air for that split second and hung there like quicksilver stars held by metallic strings. All I could see were his eyes through the mist, and I lived in that moment forever. I still do.
Thanks to all who reviewed! Yes Kayla, I called you wonderful! You are, kiddo. You really are. To everyone else who told me about their band experiences: Thanks! It was very interesting to read about how things went for you. I love hearing about it and I would still appreciate more people sharing it with me. Thank you so much, everyone! Again, I am not taking reviews for this fic because it is non-fiction and real. This wasn't a story I had in my head, so I am not taking credit for it. It's just my life. Thanks again!..Julie