1Chapter 1: Sore, in more ways than one.
Mandy stared blankly out the window at the passing trees.
...tree...tree...tree...
She looked puzzled. It was as if she was pondering human existence, her gaze so hard. The blue honda pulling up to the parking lot, full of mini-vans and SUVs. Mandy got out, grabbing her equipment bag from the backseat. She started across the lot, locking her car on her way out.
What will happen this time... She thought to herself.
She tried hard to seem enthused. She really did. Somehow, last weeks break-up with Spence, would not stop haunting her. Perhaps because the tall, percussionist stood a whopping 100 feet from her. She held her breath as she passed him. They didn't speak. They didn't make eye-contact. They acted as if they had never met. It nearly killed her to see him, and have to act like she didn't still have feelings for him. She walked into the busy band room, wearing a slightly tightlipped smile. The last thing she wanted was an interrogation by Kelly, the captain. She passed the various sections without notice. Walking out to the hall she was abruptly greeted by several girls tackling her to the ground.
"So, how have ya been holding up?" Was one girl's question.
" How's Spence? Was another's. Ouch. Sore subject.
"Erm...He's...fine, I think." Was Mandy's reply.
"You think? What's that all about?" Was the question of a tall dark haired girl in oversized aviators, obviously the captain, Kelly.
" We broke up last week." Mandy said meekly.
The group stared at her, wide-eyed.
I know what a goldfish feels like now. Was her immediate thought.
"You're joking, right?" Was Kelly's solemn conclusion.
"Erm...yea, it's true. And I would rather talk about something else. I'm trying to deal with this calmly, and rationally. Which does not include an entire guard sectional of crying and gallons of ice cream. Alright? I'm fine, Kel." I lied.
It was just a little white lie...
"Alright girls. Grab your equipment and head outside." Demanded Kelly, attempting to transition to a new subject.
Distracted, Kelly and Mandy were the last out to practice. Awkward silence followed Mandy wherever she went.
"Set up the block. Start warming up with the flourish exercise. Four drop spins, right hand flourish, four drop spins, left hand flourish and 4 drop spins. Set!" Kelly barked at the group of girls. "DON'T MOVE AT SET!" Was another bark.
"Sickkkk..." Mandy groaned. She knew she had to whether or not she wanted to. Mandy's dream was to be captain one day, and she wasn't about to let a little flourishes get in her way of making the best impression possible.
"I thought I said "SET", Mandy? But I know someone who wanted the captain position wouldn't be talking while at Set." Kelly said sarcastically, inches from Mandy's face.
"Of course not."Mandy responded smiling , eyes facing forward, perfectly still. Just when she thought her day was getting better, the drumline passed through the gate. Her eyes blurred, wet. She shook her head.
I have to do this...with or without him.
AFTER PRACTICE
After practice, Kelly came up to Mandy. She tried to walk faster. She wanted so badly to get in that car and drive away. To miss her by a minute and escape the conversation She knew was coming. But, she wasn't fast enough.
"Mandy! Mandy, wait up! I have to talk to you." shouted Kelly from the group behind her.
She slowed. She knew she didn't have a chance as far as ditching her now.
"Yeah? Hurry..I have to get home soon. People to see." Mandy lied, getting desperate.
She approached Mandy eventually, taking her sweet time.
"I wanted to see if you were okay." Kelly inquired.
"I told you and the other girls I was, didn't I?" Mandy replied. "I've gotta go. I have things to get done at home. I'm a busy girl." She said turning on her heel, leaving the situation as complex as it had started.
"What am I going to do with you, Mandy?" Kelly shouted over the blaring radio of Mandy's car.
"Hopefully nothing soon." Mandy said smiling as she pulled out of the lot.
Mandy pulled up to the mailbox, grabbed the mail and pulled into the driveway. After a brief key-hunt she unlocked the door.
Bill, Bill, Bill…and of course nothing for me.
She tossed the mail on the countertop and walked to her room. There, she kicked off her shoes, grabbing her laptop. Signing on, she noticed her pal, Lucy, online.
GuardGirl24: hey luce.
Bassgirl17: hey manders.
GuardGirl24: whats new?
Bassgirl17 : not much.
GuardGirl24: fun.
Bassgirl17: you know it. ;)
GuardGirl24: haha.
Bassgirl17: sorry bout you and spence.
GuardGirl24: its ok. it was bound to happen sooner or later.
Bassgirl17 : still, heartbreak is never fun.
Guard Girl24: yeah. I can't help but think there was someone else. You know?
Bassgirl17: yeah…
GuardGirl24: brb.
: k
GuardGirl24 is away
Mandy scurried off the bed, changed into pj's, and grabbed some ice cream on the way back.
GuardGirl24 returned from away
GuardGirl24: back
Bassgirl17: yep..
GuardGirl24: you okay luce?
Bassgirl17: right as rain, why?
GuardGirl24: No reason. Just wondering, you seem kinda down.
BassGirl17: yeah, well after last season's drama… I'm not exactly looking forward to this season.Unlike some people:)
GuardGirl24: haha very funny. Other than my most recent..erm…dilemma I am very excited. Anyway, I g2g. ttyl lucy.
BassGirl17: alright. Gnight.
GuardGirl24 has signed off.
On the other side of the computer, Lucy looked at the screen with sad eyes. She knew she would have to tell Mandy sooner or later about Spence, but when? She closed the computer lid and set it on the floor. She got up and turned out the light, and got into bed dreading the next day. She eventually close her eyes and went to sleep.
Mandy carefully set the laptop down and got under the covers with a fresh spiral bound notebook and a pen ready to start a new journal.
I miss hanging out with Spence. I miss his hugs. I miss having someone there to keep me warm during fall competitions, and someone to cheer me on during the winter. I wish I knew what he was thinking…
…And with that she drifted off to sleep.
2 weeks later…
As the end of the week approached, Mr. Izzo gathered everyone around before practice ended for a quick run through of things to go over and to remind everyone of upcoming events.
"Attention everyone. Can I please have everyone's attention?" He said loudly.
The entire ensemble shut up eager to hear Mr. Izzo's comments.
"I used to come to practice with this ensemble scared. After tonight, I am not scared anymore. Interpret that how you like, but know you have all made me a very proud man. As far as upcoming events, We were invited yesterday to participate in a neighborhood parade, which takes place on Saturday. Note that it is not nationally televised so don't make a big deal out of it. Focus almost all of your energy to your show. Not all though, because South was invited too. Keep that in mind as the parade gets closer. I have negotiated with the other directors and we will be going informally due to the lack of new shoes for the freshman, as will south and any other bands participating, as far as I know. Awesome practice guys, go home!" He shouted.
The entire group cheered.
Saturday
Everyone met up bright and early at 6 o'clock to prep for this parade. All dressed in shirts with the ensemble logo, blue jeans and white shoes, they all looked uniformly informal. At 8 everyone sardine packed themselves onto the buses that took us a mere 3 miles up the road for the parade starting point. The drum majors lined everyone up and the section lieutenants warmed up their sections. As everyone was getting ready to leave, they heard a distant drumbeat. As the drumbeat got louder, up over the hill marched South's band. The ensemble marched right past Brookwood, which was not a problem. The problem lay in the fact that South marched right past Brookwood in full uniform. Mr. Izzo went red. Really red. He then said some things that should not be repeated. He should have known that the other band's director couldn't be trusted.
The parade started, and everyone was steaming. All around them bands warmed up, bands in full uniform. They were the only ones dressed informally. They tried there best to look professional even though they were severely underdressed. They decided that it was more important to have fun and excite the crowd then show up South. Days later Mr. Izzo informed them that, without his notification the other band directors had met and re-decided to go formal knowing Brookwood had no choice. Once he knew that he made on simple decision. They had to kill them. In competition, I mean. They had to go to competitions and just murder everyone else. It was only fair.
I look forward to reviews so far! Don't get discouraged, it will get more exciting! Thanks to dutchesscourtney for this AWESOME opportunity. :) Much love, Graceful Dream
