Reconnect: The Story of an old flame

Part 12: That sunshine...

I was fast asleep and dreaming... well, for the first time in my life I didn't remember what I was dreaming about. At some point, I felt an arm pull me closer and my eyes fluttered open.

I looked at the hand that was entwined with mine and curled up close to my chest. Then I felt it, the kisses that were being spread along my neck and shoulders and the warm feeling building up in me again.

That same hand that had held mine moments earlier was now running up and down along my stomach. Then moments later, I was looked up at Jake, who smiled faintly as he leaned in to kiss me... what an early morning delight.

2002

On the last day of drum camp, I took a break and made my way to the lady's room.

We all have secrets- I have one too. I'd always found a way to keep it, and I always found a way to make it work. As I stood in front of the restroom mirror and washed my face, I wondered what my life might be like if I didn't have this secret lurking over me. With a shrug and the same type of resignation I always accepted, I turned to exit the restroom but the sound of my name made me pull back.

"Sara Estrada?"

It was our Band director, Mr. Michaels.

"Honestly- she's the one that's been doing everything. She's doing great- she's been very helpful." I heard Mr. Pine said.

"It's hard to believe it's the same Sara. She's always been... a bit flaky." He said. I didn't take offense- it was true.

"Well that's hard for me to believe since she's one of the most dependable people here." Mr. Pine said. "We can't keep waiting on Tanya. I know she has family problems and I'm happy to find a place for her in the PIT- but this is the drumline. You know, you were a drummer."

"I know- You're right. It's just- I'm not sure how dedicated Sara will be to this. It's not just her- it's her friends. The four of them are enough to drive you crazy." He said, making Mr. Pine chuckle.

"We need to cut our loose ends and make sure we're putting the right people in place." Mr. Michaels continued.

So- they were talking about cutting me. That hurt. I know, I know- I had never been a dependable person before, I was a flake, a slackoff but I really had been trying these last few weeks. I sighed- I guess your past always catches up with you.

"Look- Jake!" Mr. Pine's voice rang out. I was glad the walls were thin for once. I heard the sound of Jake's steps as he approached the office.

"What's up?" He said- I heard the clicking of his sticks. Was he always practicing? I suppose that's why he's so good. I wish I was that good at something.

"Why don't you ask Jake? After all- he's the section leader." Mr. Pine said.

"About?" Jake asked.

"About Sara Estrada." Mr. Michaels said. "How's she doing?"

"Sara?" Jake repeated. "How's she doing? Why don't you ask Vino or Mr. Pine- you've been watching her."

"I want your opinion." Mr. Michaels insisted.

I held my breathe. This was it. I was done for- Jake hated me. It was obvious. All that hard work for nothing...

"Honestly- we were skeptical. About Amy too, but more about her. I can't remember a time when she wasn't sitting on the sideline, or coming up with excuses not to do something." Jake said and I felt myself growing anxious.