Hearts of Honor: A Band of Love

Ketchup

Conducting with Dr. Tall passed the time quickly. Before I even knew, it was time for lunch. I followed the rest of Woodrow, unable to find where Lucinda was at.

I watched as Brigid talked to friends without looking my way. I guessed she wanted nothing to do with the look she gave me, so I dropped it. 

I searched for Lucinda and the rest of Beckley-Stratton, but they were no where to be seen.

The color guard coach and her son gave out lunch to everybody. I barely touched mine, but I sat and stared at Mr. Bailey eat his. I looked over at the table where Brigid sat and she too was also watching Mr. Bailey eat. Our eyes locked and she gave a warm smiled and continued talking with the people next to her. 

I continued my search like a madman for Lucinda or anyone from Beckley-Stratton. That's when Bryson walked up to me.

"Hey Anthony."

"Bryson! Where are y'all sitting?"

"Um, over there somewhere." he said as he pointed in the general direction. "Well, that's all I came over here for. Bye Anthony."

I mustered up the strength to say bye back and when I turned my attention back to my food I saw the color guard coach's son, Aaron.

Aaron was talking to our French horn player, Jake, who happened to be in silver band. I could see from the laugh on Aaron's face and the annoyed look on Jake's they were talking about his placement. I kept watching their conversation until I saw them move onto the subject of Brigid. Jake shook his head and left.

I took the opportunity and walked up to Aaron.

"What did you and Jake talk about?"

"Nothing."

"You know you want to tell me."

"Nah." he said as he started to walk off.

"Wait," I said. He looked over and started back toward me.

"I bet I can guess what you were talking about."

"Then what were we talking about?"

"I, I don't want to say."

"Why?"

"I don't want to be wrong."

"I won't make fun of you. Just guess."

I took breath in. "You were talking about who Jake might like."

Aaron nodded his head.

"It's Brigid, isn't it?" I asked as I put my head down.

"Nah, although, they have been close lately. Why are you worried about it?"

I looked at him confused. "You already know, and so does Jake."

"I don't remember then."

"I, I like Brigid. Remember?"

"Oh, yeah. I do now." He said as he looked around. "Lunch is ended. Shouldn't you be going?"

I looked around at the Woodrow kids helping out and all the other kids filtering out of the cafeteria. I missed my chanced to catch up with the eighth graders. I then helped out with the rest of Woodrow. It was hard for me to keep my distance from Piper and keep my eyes off Brigid.