Chapter Text
“RESET FOR LAURA!” J.P. yelled at us from the podium as I dropped and did 15 push-ups. Drum majors can be harsh at times. “You have to take larger step sizes if you want to avoid getting trampled by a tuba player!”
“I’m sorry!!” I yelled back in slight embarrassment.
“Yeah Laura, you really need to be aware of everyone else around you. I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.” Danny said, lugging her tuba back to set 1.
“Not to worry, Danny.” I grunted coming up from my 7th push up.
We are a month into the season and I’m still relatively new to this. Who knew marching band would be so much work? I don’t think I’ve ever done so many laps and push-ups in my entire life. It’s not too bad though, other than the fact that practices eat up a lot of my time for homework, resulting in sleepless nights with nothing but hot cocoa and cookies to keep me going. Maybe it’ll pay off in the end? I sure hope so.
“Sorry won’t cut it frosh.” Laf said as they ran back to the previous set on the field.
“Oh give her some slack, she’s still learning.” Perry rebutted. I got up and wiped the turf off my hands.
“Thank you Perry! And Laf, I’m a junior like you guys.” I mean I know I’m short but, come on.
“Well you have the experience of a freshman plus you’re pretty tiny.” They said with a grin on their face. As much as I wanted to slap them, they helped me out when I first started so I do owe them my respect. And I guess they’re right about my lack of experience. Before I could think of a comeback, Perry stopped both of us and directed our attention to J.P. who was giving the band a pep talk.
“Alright guys, we have our very first performance next Friday at our first home game and I know we’ll do fine as long as we truly believe in ourselves - ” He went on. I noticed he always gave us a small speech during most of our practices… wait did he say next Friday? Oh god, I am so not prepared! What if I forget everything? What if I ruin it for everyone? Or worse, our next school newspaper headline will be: Death by Tuba. I should really stop being pessimistic.
***
We walked onto the field in single file. I watched from the corner of my eye, as the giant mass of bodies screamed and cheered us on from the bleachers. Wow okay, I didn’t know people at our school actually liked the marching band but that’s great. Even the football team praised us from the sideline. Which is hard to believe. I swear they’re all rude, idiotic boys who can’t keep their mouths shut about the ridiculous parties they’ve been to and girls they’ve hooked up with.
My train of thought is interrupted when I see a football player adjusting their helmet before stuffing their long hair inside it. That’s odd but whoa. That boy must spend thousands on conditioner because that is the most luscious hair I’ve ever laid eyes on. He stands up straight and I read his name and number: Karnstein. 13. Hmm “Karnstein” sounds vaguely familiar… “AND NOW HERE IS YOUR SILAS HIGH MARCHING BAND!!” I hear the person on the speaker introduce us and see J.P. raise his hands for the count off. I guess I’ll think about it later, it’s show time.
***
Our first performance was honestly better than I thought it’d be. The football team even won with a score of 48-0. Number 13 made majority of the touchdowns which wasn’t surprising since he was a remarkable wide receiver. That was pretty impressive, not going to lie, but whatever. I’m normally not a big fan of football but I obviously don’t have much of a choice but to watch the games here. Anyway, thank god I didn’t forget everything I learned so hooray for me.
Laf, Perry, Danny and I were in the band room talking about getting some food in celebration for tonight.
“I was thinking iHOP since it’s our ideal place to go after a successful performance.” Perry suggested.
“Sounds good to me.” Laf said.
“Gonna come with us, Laura?” Danny asked me as we all walked out onto the campus.
“Um no thanks. I think I’m just going to head home. You guys can go without me.” iHOP did sound appealing but I was exhausted.
“Aww no come on, it’ll be fun! I can dri-” Danny tried to persuade me but Perry interrupted her.
“That’s okay, sweetie, we’ll see you Monday.” She smiled and waved me off.
“Alright, well, have a good weekend frosh.” Laf and Perry walked away, trying to drag Danny along with them.
“Get home safely, Laura.” Danny said before turning around and leaving with the others.
“I’ll be fine, see you!” I said over my shoulder, walking towards the back parking lot. I know I’m new to this whole marching thing and I appreciate the kind assistance from everyone and all but Danny sure is awfully vigilant whenever I’m around… maybe a little too much for my liking.
I pulled out my phone to text my dad that I’d be waiting for him in the back of the school. I rounded the corner of the locker rooms and was immediately met with a face full of shoulder pads that then dropped to the ground, taking me with them.
“What the hell! Watch where you’re go-” Their yelling ceased as soon as I looked up and locked eyes with them. I’m pretty sure I forgot how to breathe. It was a girl. She had piercing black eyes and dark hair that contrasted her incredibly pale skin. This girl was absolutely gorgeous. I felt my heart beginning to rapidly pound against my chest and I guess I was blushing as well because what was anger plastered on this girl’s face turned to amusement. Get yourself together Hollis!
“I-I’m so sorry!” I leapt off the ground, picked up her shoulder pads, and handed them to her.
“No worries, cutie.” The girl smirked. She picked up her gear and winked at me before walking away. I stood in a haze trying to recollect myself. The nickname cutie echoing in my head. The low and sultry timbre in her voice made it even worse.
Then it hit me. I turned around and squinted at the girl’s back who was now at a distance. My jaw dropped. Karnstein. 13.