Reconnect: The Story of an old flame

Part 18: Revel in your struggles

August 2002

"I know. I know." I muttered as I zipped past Mr. Garcia, one of the assistant directors for the woodwind section. 

"Very late." He said, shaking his head. 

"I know. I'll explain later- I just need to get dressed and get outside." I said, running towards the girl's restroom. 

I'm sure it was longer but it felt like I was in and out in less than five minutes. I held my cymbals tightly, my set book was hanging around my neck and I ran the entire way to the field, going as quickly as I could. 

I spotted Mr. Pine standing with the PIT, talking to Mimi as he helped her with a part she wasn't quite getting, as the rest of the band continued to run through sets. He didn't spot me, however; until I was right next to him, catching my breath. 

"Hey." He said, turning towards me. I couldn't see his expression well behind the sunglasses but his lips were cut in a straight line. 

"Sorry I'm late. Here." I said, handing him a note which he glanced at. 

"You're up to it?" He asked, looking back at me. 

"of course." I said with a chipper smile. "All better... but I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this to anyone." 

"I have to tell Mr. Michaels." He said. 

"Really?"I asked ."It was no big deal." 

He stared at me for a second. 

"Okay. Just be careful." He said, tucking the note into his pocket. "And get out there- you've already missed like an hour."

I smiled and turned to jog out onto my place on the field. I looked around, noting how a few students glanced at me through their peripheral vision as Mr. Michaels called out instructions. Still, I didn't care... until I saw the look on Jake's face.

I nearly stumbled when I noticed it- dark as night. He looked pretty pissed. Maybe more annoyed? The point was that Jake hadn't scared me like that since before I joined the cymbal line. It was almost like we'd never spoken and he was more intimidating than ever.

I fell into line and turned to look at the girls who were at attention. 

"Set 43." Patty mumbled quietly without moving. I nodded and got into place- based on the formation, I had already deduced what part we were in more or less. 

Practice lasted only a short while later. We were limited to the number of hours we were allowed to march during the school week and so I only got to do a couple of run through before we were dismissed.  When it was over and we were walking back towards the bandhall- I knew there would be questions as to where I had been. 

"So, what happened?" Amy asked as we waddled back. I looked around- we were pretty much the last ones and a little far back from the group. 

"I had to go to the nurse during fourth." I said quietly, making sure I would out of anyone's hearing. Amy frowned. 

"What did you do?" She asked and I shook my head. 

"Nothing. I swear I didn't do anything." I said. This had happened once before last year and Amy was the only that found out about it.

"Are you sure? You promised." Amy said with concern. 

"Yes, listen. I'm sure. I didn't do that, I just got a little tired." I said, "And they kept me until I looked better."