In high school, I definitely was what you would consider to be a "band geek" or a "music nerd". While I didn't decide to major in music at the University, I was determined to go to a school where I could pursue music in my free time. I had been counting the days until band camp, and finally that day was here.
I'm looking forward to being a part of the color guard, which will allow me to combine my love of music with my love of dance. I had looked forward all summer, and while I was nervous to be a freshman in college, I am excited for all the opportunities that the band and university has.
"Jessica, we're here!" my mom says, which shakes me out of my daydream. Finally, we are at the camp!
She helps me unpack my bags and we're greeted by a friendly young hot guy holding a clipboard. "Name?" he asks.
"Jessica...Jessica Smith..." I say, stuttering because of how utterly gorgeous this guy is.
"Nice to meet you, Jessica! I'm Dan. I play trombone. What instrument are you...?"
"Color guard." I answer.
"Nice," he says, with a smirk on his face. "Okay, cabin 12. We don't have practice till 3, but make sure you're on the field at that time. The other guard girls will help you with that. You can spend some time with your mom, but like I said, be on the field at 3. That's where you'll get oriented to camp. The returning members haven't arrived yet." He smiles, which makes a shiver go down my spine again and clench in my stomach. "Oh, and be careful, there's not a lot of cell service up here in the woods."
"Oh..okay..." I murmur, grabbing my bags and heading off to cabin 12.
Once I'm there, there's tons of screaming and introductions. Lots of names I don't remember. One girl with curly red hair is particularly nice and helps me get to the field at 3.
"I was new once too," she says excitedly. "I'm your section leader. My name's Cassie."
We are told about the field, the expectations, our uniforms, and do some basic moves. By the time it's time for dinner, and the sun is down, I'm exhausted.
"Is it always this ...exhausting?" I ask Cassie.
She laughs. "Today was easy. Wait until tomorrow, and the next day when the returners are here. We'll be worked till you can't move."
I gulp. "Okay."
"Don't worry," Cassie smiles. "You can do it."
The next week goes by in a blur of horns, color guard flags, and drumsticks. There's activities and icebreakers I attend, but by the end of the night, I've forgotten everyone's name and I'm just exhausted.
Finally the last night arrives and we're let out of practice early.
"Early?" I ask Cassie. "Really?"
"Yep!" she says, laughing. "We have a party on the last night."
"A party? Noone told me about that."
"Yeah, it's a secret. Like, an initiation into the band. It's fun. Come, get dressed."
"I have nothing to wear..." I murmur. "It's fine, I don't need to go."
"Yes, you do," Cassie tells me and pulls me towards her bunk. "I'll help you find something to wear."
That's how I find myself walking to the gym, where everyone is congregating. Wearing a borrowed black dress from Cassie, my brown hair braided into a nice long braid. Cassie is stunning in a blue dress that looks great with her bright red hair.
"Welcome!" one of the section leaders shouts, staggering over to me and Cassie.
"Steve, cool it!" Cassie shouts at him. "Jessie's a freshman and you don't deserve her. Wander away."
"Cool, cool," Steve says.
"What was that?" I ask.
Cassie pauses. "Do you drink?"
"Uh. Drink what?"
Cassie laughs. "Alcohol."