Marching Band: The Journey [EDITING]

11 - More Football and Band Room Messes

"When I say purple, you say teal! PURPLE!" The cheerleader at the top of the pyramid screamed to the crowd. Of course they responded with a 'TEAL!'.

Today was Saturday: Football game.

Our school was up against our sister school; Herritage. We were winning, of course. The crowd was wild, the cheerleaders were loud, the football game was going by like a breeze, and the band was tired. Can you imagine sitting on hot steel bleachers, under the bright sun in black marching uniforms? It sucks. Balls. As seniors and juniors, we're used to it. The sophomores are just groaning since it's only their second year in these things. It was the whining freshmen that were annoying the hell out of us.

"If these freshmen don't shut it, I'll shut it for them." Phillip warned, glaring back at the stands. It was third quarter, my savior. We get it off which means no sitting in the stands with naive children.

"I'm not going to hold you back. Be my guest." Em comments, sipping on her Sprite. Our school just scored a touchdown and the crowd went crazy.

"We better get back to the stands before times up." I tell them, starting my way back. On the way, I spot Tony on the field. He looks mad, probably because he's on his way off. "Hey, you guys go on up. I'm gonna try and talk to Tony."

Em and Phillip nod in agreement before going up the stands. It seems like they were needed because something broke out up near the flutes and clarinets. While they dealt with that, I turned towards the field where Tony was kicking up grass.

"TONY!" I shout out, hoping to get his attention. It works because he looks over. He shoots me a small smile as he jogs towards where I am against the metal fence. "Everything okay?"

He stays silent as he just stares at me. Next thing I know, he gathers my hands in his and kisses my knuckles softly. Tony lets out a sigh before looking me in the eyes. His hazel ones are clouded over in frustration.

"No. I messed up the last few plays and the only reason we just got a touchdown is because Reese saved my ass. Coach is pissed so he's benching me." He admits, running a hand through his hair a few times.

"Then take a few minutes to calm down. Once you have, pay all your attention back to the game and support your team. You're their team captain, and they need you. When the whole thing is over, ask Coach for the game footage so you can review your mistakes and come up with ways to fix them. You need to be dedicated to this one hundred percent. Now, go get 'em tiger!" I cheer him on, kissing his cheek. He shoots me a genuine smile before running back to the rest of the team.

I watch him go for a bit before turning to the stands. It seems as if whatever commotion happened was resolved. I join my section up in the stands just as the time runs out for the third quarter. Gavin looks pissed off, and before I can ask him what's wrong, Austin has Rielle get the band to play a quick song. When we finish it, he sits back down. Adrian, who is on his other side, tries talking to him but fails.

I sit down, closer than usual, and lean over to whisper in Gavin's ear. "Everything cool or do I need to smack some people?"

Gavin and I were never close. He was always better than me in middle school, and even when we started high school. Sophomore year I got better, and it wasn't until Junior year that I passed him in chairs. I would have made section leader again this year, but there were too many clarinets so Austin thought it better for me to be captain. Ever since I passed Gavin in chairs, we always practice together when we get the chance.

He looks over at me with his grumpy face at first before he breaks out into a small smile. "Nah, it's fine. The freshmen were biting my ear off about the heat. I almost dumped their water on them."