Broken

Band Camp ~ Chapter 1

First day of freshman year. I'm actually genuinely excited. I get to meet new people, experience new things. Its great.

Im on the drumline, which is always the highlight of my day. Seeing people I actually enjoy being around is nice.

* * * * * *

I wake up out of a light sleep filled with excitement. Today's the first day of band camp.

I get ready, run downstairs to get breakfast, and pack my bag.

"We gotta go!" My mom calls coming downstairs.

Before she can say anything else, I put on my shoes and rush out the door to the car.

When we get to the school, I grab my things and walk into the band room, seeing everyone in small groups greeting eachother as if it's a class reunion.

Not knowing many people, I walk over to my section, the cymbals, to wait. Megan is the cymbal captain. Her and I get along pretty well.

As people are getting things ready, I stand there patiently, impatiently awaiting our arrival to camp.

"Alright everyone let's load up!" Mr. Brasure, my band director, calls about 15 minutes later.

I run to the bus with everyone else, hoping to get a decent seat.

Well, that didn't work.

I ended up sitting alone, which is okay I guess. Im a keep-to-myself type of girl. I like talking to my friends and hanging out, dont get me wrong. Im just really shy, and quiet.

We pull out of the parking lot and make our way to the camp.

I watch the sun on the trees as it lights up the leaves and reflects the water on them. The light beams through the windows of the bus, foreshadowing the nice summer day thats yet to come.

We arrive to the camp about 20 minutes later. Its surrounded by a thick forest with two buildings. The grass is coated in a layer of dew, along with a slight fog hanging low, chilling the air. The sun hasn't found its way over the trees yet, so theres still a light shade over the field.

"Ok, everyone go in and take a seat. We'll get started in about ten minutes." Mr. Brasure announced.

Everyone started scrambling with their bags, shoving earbuds and blankets in them.

We all flooded in, everyone going to their section with their instruments.

The drumline went out back to the trailer to get the drum equipment, stands and cases were pulled out to unload.

I stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do or where to go. I dont know many except other freshman, who seem to know their place.

"Lauren!"

I come back to Earth, realising someone is trying to get my attention.

Walking around the side of the trailer, I see Megan walking over to me with a pair of cymbals.

"These are yours, you can take them in and sit down if you want." she says in a kind tone.

I smile and take them, heading back to the larger building.

Sitting down, I take out my phone and scroll through social media.

Everyone's already started posting pictures, it's not even 8am yet people chill.

A few minutes pass, boredom begins taking over and I've only been here 10 minutes.

I set my phone down amd lean back, breathing in the cool morning air.

"Come over here guys."

I look up to see Megan, followed by a couple other classmates.

"Ok, this is how you hold them," She demonstrated, slipping her hands through the straps and flipping them over.

"And this is how you play."

She crashed them together.

Seems easy enough.

I do the same as her, and once they're on, I crash them together, as well as everyone else in my section.

"Ok, we're gonna get started! Section leaders if you would come up to the front here to get music and we can begin!" Mr. Brasure instructed.

Megan headed up to the front, grabbing our music. As she walks back I set up a stand and prepare to be confused.

She sets it on the stand and I stare blankly at it.

"These are crashes, and these are chicks." She explains, showing us what a 'chick' is.

The concept is pretty easy.

The band goes through all the songs as well as the scales to warm up. Time flies, and soon enough we've gone through everything at least three times.

"Alright time for everyones favorite.. Block band!" Mr. Brasure has a big smile on his face as he speaks.

Everyone groans, standing up and making their way to the field.

Oh yea, I have to do this too...