The Line

by Courtney Brandt

  At the end of the long and sweaty sectional, Lucy was still no closer to deciding what to do about Sam. She made her way through the crowded percussion room and put her drum away and silently headed out to her car. Even Mark had noticed how quiet she had been. He had tried repeatedly to push her buttons and get her into a fight, but nothing seemed to get through to his section mate.

  Finishing with the cymbals a few minutes late, Nevada looked around the percussion room and didn’t see Lucy anywhere. Tom, who had been picking up the tension between his two friends since the ride up to band camp, winked at Nevada, and commented, “She went out to her car just a few minutes ago.”

  Nevada took a deep breath and rushed out to the parking lot.

  Because the Line had practiced an extra half hour, the parking lot was pretty much deserted. Lucy heard someone across the parking lot.

  “Wait up, Helena!”

  Lucy paused and looked up with a smile, only one person in the marching band called her by that name. It was an inside joke that had started the previous week. Lucy had joked with Nevada the only reason he spent time with her was because she was an expert masseuse. He had christened her Helena, as it was the most Swedish name he could come up with.

  “Only for you, Sven Petersen,” she returned the joke and turned around, coming almost face to face with Nevada and those intense hazel eyes of his, unable to stop her heart rate from increasing. The chemistry and tension that had been between them at band camp suddenly flared up again.

  Nevada cleared his throat, and said, “Hey, Lucy…”

  “Oh, hi, Nevada. Sorry I didn’t call you back last night. I was completely wiped out from band camp,” Lucy replied lamely.

  “Yeah.”

  “So, why did you call? Your other masseuse wasn’t available?”

  “No, she went on strike, actually.” Nevada cleared his throat and continued, “The reason I called was, uh, um, to see if maybe you wanted to get some um, coffee some time soon. You know, a payback for all your services.”

  Lucy blinked her eyes in utter and total disbelief. First of all, there was the shock of being asked on two dates, two days in a row! Secondly, she had waited so long to hear those words from Nevada’s mouth, she was momentarily at a loss for words.

  Say yes!!!

  Of course I’m going to say yes, but shouldn’t I at least mention I’m also going out with Sam?

  Isn’t it a little early to make that call?

  What do you mean?

  Since you technically haven’t been out with Sam, there’s nothing Nevada actually needs to know about.

  Eventually, though, I’ll have to tell him.

  That’s your call. I mean, if you tell him, do you think he’ll still want to go out with you?

  No. Maybe. I doubt it.

  For now, isn’t it enough they go to different schools? And isn’t it ‘riskier’ to date them both at the same time?

  Without giving things much further thought, Lucy blurted out, “That sounds great.”

  A grin broke across Nevada’s handsome features and he said, “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  The bass drummer wanted to stand for the rest of the evening with her long time crush, but the moment was completely broken by the rest of the Line coming out to the parking lot. Nevada tucked his hands in his pockets and walked away saying, “See you in class on Monday. We’ll talk about our coffee sometime next week.”

  Lucy, now in a Nevada-induced haze, got into her car and thought she heard music. She did hear music – it was coming from her cell phone. Looking at the screen, Lucy was not surprised to see who had sent her the text message.

  >> Can’t wait til Monday. Ice cream Saturday?

  * * *

  CHAPTER FOUR: BEGINNINGS

  At home, Lucy tried to delay her response to Sam by writing in her journal where she penned a very Nevada-centric entry. She sat down to try and do some studying, however, her green eyes seemed to have a mind of their own and kept darting over to the cell phone laying on her bed. She wanted to respond to Sam’s invitation, but wasn’t exactly sure how to best express herself. Two hours ago, she would have known her exact answer, but then again, that was before Nevada had officially shown interest. Giving up on studying, Lucy went to check her email and maybe do a little chatting with some of her friends, secretly hoping Cartwright213 would be online. They had “met” online Lucy’s freshman year and she could still talk to him (at least she hoped it was a him) about all the people in her life with complete honesty. Lucy frowned as she saw he wasn’t online. She was about to turn off her computer when an instant message popped up on her screen. It was from snarejockey1. She quickly thought through all the drummers she knew, but none of them matched the name.

  snarejockey1: Pretty please, with Swedish fish on top?

  Lucy smiled at the screen. Sam was charmingly persistent and this little message also solved her dilemma of accidentally running into Jerm and Mandy on Monday.

  What exactly are you waiting for?

  Isn’t this technically cheating on Nevada?

  You haven’t even gone out with Nevada and already you’re giving up on Sam? Whoever said you had to be exclusive?

  Well… I’m not sure I ever saw myself as someone who could handle dating two guys at the same time.

  C’mon, he asked so nicely. With Swedish fish on top. Also, because the actuality of Sam and Nevada ever running into each other isn’t very good at least until November.

  Chewing on her bottom lip, Lucy typed.

  bassgirl17: Sorry I didn’t text u back. Was at band practice.

  Not a total lie…she had been at band practice…

  snarejockey1: Me too. The one where I wear the drum, not sit behind it.

  bassgirl17: Good to know. It must have been one hot practice. It’s like a million degrees out today

  !

  Lucy herself was still gross from her practice earlier today. She was glad Sam couldn’t see through the computer,

  snarejockey1: Yeah. I wouldn’t want to be around me right now. How was your practice

  bassgirl17: We’re just getting together. So…it’s a little rough.

  snarejockey1: Just give it some time. Anyway, how about tomorrow night

  bassgirl17: Sounds great.

  snarejockey1: That’s what I was hoping you’d say. I’ll see you around 7?

  bassgirl17: :) Looking forward to it.

  snarejockey1: Sweet dreams.

  Lucy signed off and got out her journal again, trying to reconcile her feelings. Having wanted a boyfriend for most of her teenage years and determined to take bigger risks, it was difficult to turn down two offers, even if it meant she wasn’t being completely honest. Lucy swore she would tell them both, eventually…

  Between everything that was going on, practice and boys and the start of school, Lucy had some trouble falling asleep that night. She woke up late the next morning with the previous day fresh on her mind. Over a breakfast of banana pancakes, Lucy pondered the burning question of what exactly one wears to eat ice cream with a very cute boy one has just met.

  Maybe I should have actually paid attention to what Gina and Mandy were talking about yesterday…

  You could always call and ask their opinion.

  And say what, ‘Oh by the way, I’m going out with the captain of South’s Line?’ I don’t think so.

  To make the day go faster, Lucy pulled out her studies for AP US History. After what seemed like five minutes, Lucy glanced at the clock and was surprised to see she had studied for two hours. Walking into the kitchen, Lucy casually mentioned to her Mom she would be going out “with a friend” that night. She thought she was off the hook until her mother asked, “Who are you going with? You and Tom haven’t been out in awhile.”

  “No, I’m actually going with uh, Sam.” Lucy made a move to leave the room, not wanting to answer the inevitable question.

  “And who is Sam?”

  Unable to stop herself, Lucy said tentative
ly, “He’s a drummer, Mom, and he goes to S.W.”

  Her mom knew of the huge rivalry between the two schools. The two institutions competed at everything: sports, academics, debate, basically, at any time you could have one team vs. another team, South Washington and Forrest Hills were there trying to get the bragging rights.

  “South? I take it you haven’t introduced your new friend to the rest of the Line?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Well, maybe you should.”

  “We’re only hanging out. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”

  “I guess you know best then. Be home by midnight.”

  Lucy really did not know best. All she knew was she was really looking forward to tonight and seeing Sam again. As much as she wanted to call Mandy and Gina, she still wanted to keep Sam to herself. This fact, however, did not stop her from calling and telling them about her developments with Nevada. Both girls were very excited for her. After getting off the phone, Lucy tore through her closet, looking for something that looked like she wasn’t trying too hard for a simple evening of ice cream. After countless options, she decided on low-rise khaki shorts with one of her favorite thrift store t-shirts and black and white Puma track shoes. She wasn’t going to change her personality for some guy, and a sundress or skirt was definitely not Lucy Karate.

  Promptly at seven o’clock, Sam’s black PT Cruiser pulled up in front of the Karate household. Lucy, wanting to delay interaction between the South Washington senior and her parents for another evening, ran out to the car, yelling behind her, “Bye Craig! Bye Pam!”

  Sam, a little confused, asked, “Who’s Pam?”

  “My pug.”

  “Okay, she could come with us – I don’t mind.”

  Lucy liked her date more already. Pam could break any awkward silence or tension. She answered, “Hold on, let me just run in and get her.”

  Lucy grabbed a surprised Pam and her leash and ran back out to the car. Sam opened the door for the pair. During the drive over, they chatted easily about the upcoming school year and what classes they would be taking. Lucy only felt a small amount of pressure to tell Sam she really played second bass for the Forrest Hills Flyers drumline and, in a mere three months, they would be competing against each other which would most likely cause him to never want to see her again.

  They had been at Scoop It Up for over an hour and the ice cream cones were long gone when Lucy suggested going to the local park, where they could take Pam for a walk. After strolling, they settled on the swings. Rocking gently, Lucy asked, “So Mr. Senior, do you know where you want to go to school next year?”

  “I really don’t know. I mean, it seems so far away right now that it’s not really a reality. I know I’m supposed to have it all figured out, but…”

  “You never know, Runaway Truck Ramp could take off and then you’d get to be a drummer professionally.”

  “As great as that would be, I think it’s more realistic I do something in music education.”

  Lucy looked over at him and smiled. She said, “I could totally see you doing that.”

  “Thanks.” He took her smaller hand in his larger, muscular one causing Lucy’s heart to beat a little faster. Sam looked at her intensely, and tracing small designs on her callused palm, said, “You know, I can’t help feeling we’ve met each other before.”

  Lucy gulped. Sam was a smart guy, and he was going to figure things out sooner or later. She racked her brain for another subject or any distracting small talk. Just then, none other than Murray walked up. It was the first time Lucy had seen him since the end of the previous school year. Murray ran on the cross-country team who sometimes practiced at the park. Flushed and sweaty, he had obviously just finished a workout. Lucy was glad he wasn’t wearing anything blatantly Forrest Hills, but realized something with Forrest Hills HS on it would have been better than not wearing a shirt at all! Lucy noted with interest the junior class president must have been working out over the summer.

  “Hey Lucy!” her classmate said with obvious enthusiasm.

  Lucy gulped again. She had wanted a distraction, but she really didn’t want another guy to be it. Given Sam’s proximity, and her unwillingness to turn her first date into some sort of group function, she answered with considerably less eagerness, “Hey Murray.”

  Lucy didn’t say anything else, hoping the junior class president would take the hint. He clearly did not get she was on a date. Lucy sighed as he sat down in the next swing, forcing her to make awkward introductions. Fortunately, and much to Lucy’s delight, Sam chose this moment to take charge. Taking Lucy’s hand, he pulled her up and commented, “Nice to meet you, Murray, but we were actually just leaving.”

  Lucy smiled for a number of reasons. First of all, take that Murray! She had liked him ever since they had Biology together during their freshman year and now here she was – cute boy in tow. Second of all, Sam was still holding her hand!

  “Come on, Pam,” Lucy called over to her dog. Trying to control her smug grin, she said, “See you in school soon, Murray!”

  It was getting late, so Sam drove Lucy back home. As they pulled into her driveway, Lucy got out of the car slowly – she had never been on a real date, so she had no idea how to act, other than what she had seen on TV and in films, or what Mandy had told her. With all her guy friends, she usually just gave them a hug (Tom got a kiss on the cheek) and went inside. Her heart fluttered nervously, and she didn’t know if she should linger or what sort of signs to give Sam as they walked to the door. Lucy was glad for the small miracle that was the side garage door. There was more privacy there than under the blazing lights of her front porch.

  Lucy took a deep breath and turned around once they reached the door, ready to tackle Sam with a lame hug. As luck would have it, there was no need for all her concern. As she pretended to fumble with her keys, Sam’s strong hand shot out around her waist, pulling her slender body in close to his larger muscular frame. As Lucy held her breath, he leaned in to kiss her as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The kiss started out softly, but their attraction, which had been building since they met at the movie theater, quickly made the kiss much more intense. Lucy surprised herself, sneaking her arms around his broad shoulders, inviting him closer. After making out with South’s drumline captain for the better part of a half hour, the Forrest Hills second bass drummer forced herself to step breathlessly away. She looked up at Sam and asked with swollen lips, “Is that a drumstick in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”

  “You can always reach in and find out for yourself…”

  Smiling while she smoothed out her clothes, Lucy forced herself to breathe normally and asked, “So, I’ll see you soon?”

  Tracing her lips with his index finger, Sam answered softly, “You can count on that. I’ll call you.”

  Lucy stumbled wordlessly inside, unable to keep the smile off her face. What a perfect date…and there was only one person in the whole world who she could spill all her feelings to – Cartwright213. She crossed her fingers, hoping he would be online and breathing a sigh of relief to find he was.

  Cartwright213: Were we out enjoying the last of our summer holiday?

  Lucy smiled. In the course of their online friendship, she had determined Cartwright lived somewhere in her general area (at a minimum they seemed to be on compatible time zones), was also in high school, and had a pretty decent explanations for the often annoying and confusing behaviors of his gender.

  bassgirl17: Yes. I have so much to tell you!

  Cartwright213: It’s not my fault you’ve been at band camp.

  bassgirl17: I know. So, do you remember me telling you about Nevada?

  Cartwright213: Let’s see if memory serves me...“a red-headed dream?”

  bassgirl17: *blush* So, he asked me out!

  Cartwright213: And…?

  bassgirl17: I said yes, but…

  Cartwright213: How can there be a ‘but’? I thought you liked this guy foreve
r.

  bassgirl17: I met another guy.

  Cartwright213: You have been busy. *Smirk*

  bassgirl17: It’s not like that! I don’t know who I like better or if I should tell each other about the other.

  Cartwright213: Well, if you all go to the same school I’m pretty sure that one’s going to work itself out.

  bassgirl17: That’s just it! They don’t!

  Cartwright213: The best thing to do is to be honest. What if one of these guys was dating some other girl? How would you feel?

  Lucy paused and looked at the screen. She had never considered the possibility. While she had an eye on Nevada and his social interactions, it was entirely possible a cute boy like Sam could be dating another girl.

  bassgirl17: Not that great…

  Cartwright213: So, maybe you should tell them?

  bassgirl17: The thing is technically…

  Cartwright213: Technically doesn’t cut it – you should be honest – end of story. ‘Cause if you don’t, the whole thing is going to blow up in your face.

  bassgirl17: Yeah…but Nevada isn’t going to be happy when he hears about Sam.

  Cartwright213: Who would want to share bassgirl?

  bassgirl17: Ha ha, very funny. With me, you know it’s always going to be more complicated than that.

  Cartwright213: How so?

  bassgirl17: Sam happens to go to a rival high school, and is on THE rival drumline.

  There was a slight hesitation before Cartwright responded. Lucy was too excited to finally share her news with someone to really take notice.