Back home in Tumwater, VA, Nathan finally was able to get psyched about his upcoming date with destiny. He practiced crab stepping for a unique drill set in the closer and marked time in his back yard as his dog watched. When not working on his marching steps, he was glued to his copy of the marching band drill, analyzing every move and picture.
It had been two days since he had arrived home and tomorrow was the first day of his marching band experience as a section leader. While reading his drill book, his cell phone suddenly began to ring. "Hey Nate, how was the trip?" a familiar voice asked when he picked up the phone. "Great, I memorized my music and found time to relax on the pristine Puget Sound coast. I definitely have no complaints at all. So, how's life been treatin' ya, VA?"
Virginia Diesel was Nathan's best friend and competitor since 9th grade. A junior like Nathan, she somehow always ended up sitting one chair below Nathan in band and made all the honor bands that he did. Her appealing personality and attractive figure masked her sarcastic commentary and loud voice that could be heard anywhere on field. It was no surprise when she was chosen as one of the drum majors from a very competitive pool of applicants. "I'm doing alright. Are you ready to be chewed out by Kojak tomorrow at leadership camp?" she replied over the phone.
Mr. Kojak was the infamous drill creator and instructor. He was very tough on everybody and to have him compliment you was an honor. "I've braced myself for all his sharp criticism. It's better to be trashed tomorrow instead of at rookie camp. That really would be embarrassing. Anyways, I really hope that he's in a good mood tomorrow," Nathan responded. "Well, I've gotta go. See ya bright and early tomorrow on the parking lot." "See you there. Oh, don't forget to bring a water bottle and put on some sunscreen. Okay, goodbye Nathan," Virginia said before hanging up.
By the time he had finished talking to Virginia, it was about 9:30 and Nathan needed to hit the sack in order to wide-awake for tomorrow. Before he went to bed, Nathan prayed, "Dear lord, answer my prayers and make this marching band season the greatest in the history of Yakima High School Marching Royal Dukes." With that, Nathan turned off the light and let the darkness of the room envelop him.
A/N: Howdy y'all. Guess I better make some introductions, being this the 2nd chapter of my first work. Yes, I am A Man Named Stahl, and yes, like many of my associates, I am a blue-ribbon band geek. Love band. However, let's not drift away from the main subject, this new work. This is partly based off my three-years of marching band/band in general, soon to be four years. Hope you all like it and enjoy.
