Episode 17: Ready for Combat

March 11th


There are moments when you live in the calm before the storm, the raising anticipation before the violence of the thunder and lightning crashing down upon you. That is what it is like in the moments leading up to big events. No one who tells you this is not as such, is full of it. You have to have the serenity in yourself to weather that initial rush and be ready for it. What are some of your experiences with the calm before the storm? Share below.

RavenHussar

T3 Collective


Chapter 621: The Bus

Saturday, March 11th, Afternoon

(Song lyrics in italics)

The school bus seats were uncomfortable; that was saying something positive. Their day started in the AM at the school for a walk-through, and then they loaded onto the bus, which boosters and cheerleaders decked out with banners and painted windows. She expected the banners to be in tatters by the time they pulled into Raleigh. The bus ride was expected to be a two to two and half hour trip.

She picked a seat and ensured her bag was tucked next to her. Looking ahead, Brett Pierce-Burke saw her best friend and co-captain take the seat ahead of her. Her other friend and fellow starting forecourt member took the seat next to her across the aisle. Per Coach Scott's rules, they were dressed to represent the school. Brett wore a tasteful skirt and blouse, while Baylee Miller, sitting in front of Brett, wore a dress, and Avril Popova, sitting across the aisle, wore what Brett assumed was a romper and blazer.

Brett watched as the three coaches climbed aboard the bus, Coach Scott being the last. The driver closed the door behind Coach Scott. He stood at the opening of the seats and looked over his team.

"Tonight, we're heading to Raleigh for the championship game; we know that. Let's rest and replace, and enjoy this trip. Remember, you represent the school and your family, so act in a way to bring honor to both. As the most senior person on this bus, I'll choose what we'll listen to, and today, we'll be talking about serenity," Coach Scott said.

Brett nodded, tucked into her seat and the bus's outer wall. She tucked her chin into her chest and crossed her arms under her breasts; Brett sighed and closed her eyes.

"Are you ready?" Baylee asked.

"Hun?" Brett asked.

"Are you ready for the ride?" Baylee asked.

"Yeah," Brett said.

"What's on the playlist?" Avril asked.

"Some song by a band called Godsmack," Brett said.

"Ah!" Avril said, "I'm not the one who is so far away."

Brett laughed, "Yeah, that one," she said.

"Fun," Avril said and tried to get comfortable in the bus seat.

Brett looked out the window as they pulled out of the school parking lot. The streets were lined with cars and SUV windows painted, and Tree Hill Ravens flags flying from some vehicles. After the second bus with the school cheerleaders was followed behind, Brett saw several cars and SUVs pull out to follow.

As I sit here and slowly close my eyes
I take another deep breath
And feel the wind pass through my body
I'm the one in your soul
Reflecting in the light
Protect the ones who hold you
Cradling your inner child

This was a big thing for the town. Championships do amazing things for the population, and they were on the way to another championship game. Brett sighed and reached into her bag, and pulled out her pair of Chastity Davis Specials. Brett opened up the ears and put on her sunglasses. Leaning back, Brett put in her earbuds and pressed play on her smartphone.

Music started to play in her ears, and she closed her eyes. Brett didn't want to show the rest of the team how nervous she was. Her hands were put into such places to hide the shaking. The words of Sully Erna filled her ears, but for whatever reason, they didn't calm her down. It wasn't her first championship game; she, Baylee, and Avril had played in several in junior basketball and even in volleyball for those few years. But for some reason, this one is probably the biggest game in her life.

I need serenity
In a place where I can hide
I need serenity
Nothing changes, days go by

"Whoa! Khloe, you don't look so good," Jewell Loyal, one of the freshman reserves, said.

"Yeah, Khloe, you look a bit green around the gills," Jade Loyal, a starting junior and Jewell's sister, said.

"I think we're going to need the bucker!" Flannery O'Brien, the junior sixth man, called out.

Coach Pierce-Scott got up and rushed down the bus aisle. Several girls started to open the windows just as the wrenching sound came from where Khloe was sitting. When the foul scent hit Brett, she sat up and opened the window by herself.

Where do we go when we just don't know?
And how do we relight the flame when it's cold?
Why do we dream when our thoughts mean nothing?
And when will we learn to control?

Once Khloe was done, they pulled into the nearest rest stop. Jewell walked Khloe to the restroom to get cleaned up. Coach Sinclair was digging in a case they brought for saltines and water. Coach Pierce-Scott drew the short straw and had to dump the bucket. Once Jewell and Khloe returned, they were off again.

Tragic visions slowly stole my life
Tore away everything
Cheating me out of my time
I'm the one who loves you
No matter wrong or right
And every day I hold you

Khloe picked a new seat and had some saltines and a water bottle. After being on the road for a few minutes, Brett paused her playlist, removed her sunglasses, and headed to where Khloe was sitting. Brett sat across the aisle from Khloe.

"Motion sickness sucks," Brett said.

"I'm not car sick," Khloe said.

"You're not?" Brett asked.

"I'm not," Khloe said.

"That's what Jewell said it was," Brett said.

"That's what I told her," Khloe said.

"Why?" Brett asked.

"Because I'm embarrassed," Khloe said.

"What are you embarrassed about?" Brett asked.

"Other than puking on the team bus?" Khloe asked.

"Yes, please," Brett said.

"I don't want them to know I puked because I'm nervous," Khloe said.

"Is that all?" Brett asked.

"Is that all? I think it's pretty major, Brett," Khloe said.

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about; we're all nervous, even coach; if they say different, then they're lying," Brett said.

"Even you, Brett, you look cool as a cucumber," Khloe said.

"Yes, even me," Brett said.

"You don't show it," Khloe said.

"Khloe, I'm like a fucking duck right now," Brett said.

"A duck?" Khloe asked.

"Calm above water but underneath paddling their fucking feet off," Brett said.

"Oh," Khloe said, then it sunk in, "Oh! Wow! Holy shit!"

Brett nodded, "Yeah," she said.

"So, what are we going to do?" Khloe asked.

"I suggest eating your saltines and drinking your water," Brett said.

"Why?" Khloe asked.

"You're going to need your strength; you're going to need it; we still have a game," Brett said.

"It doesn't matter; I'm the last off the bench; I'm probably not going to play," Khloe said.

I hold you with my inner child
I need serenity
In a place where I can hide
I need serenity

Brett nodded; Khloe was probably right. "Everyone should be prepared to play from me, the first off the bench to you, the last," Brett said.

"You're just saying that," Khloe said.

"I'm not," Brett said.

"Okay," Khloe said.

"Well, I have to get back to my seat," Brett said and started to get up.

Nothing changes, days go by
Where do we go when we just don't know?
And how do we relight the flame when it's cold?
Why do we dream when our thoughts mean nothing?

"Brett," Khloe said.

"Yes?" Brett asked.

"Thanks, our talk helped," Khloe said.

Brett smiled, "Save it for the victory celebration afterward," she said, which made Khloe smile. Brett finished getting up and returned to her original seat.

And when will we learn to control?
Where do we go when we just don't know?
And how do we relight the flame when it's cold?
Why do we dream when our thoughts mean nothing?
And when will we learn to control?
I need serenity
I need serenity