Performance mode - prologue

Instructions

We’re about to step onto the field. It’s late, and the stadium lights are shining down on us like spotlights, blinding my eyes and reflecting on my glittery uniform. I look over to see Terra breathing it all in. This must be great for her, as she’s a theater kid, and preforming is one of her passions. As for me, it’s just nerve racking. My arms are burning from holding our flags, as if my flame-colored silks were actually made of fire burning through my shoulder. Ally, our coach, calls us over and we all stand in a circle. There are only eight of us and we spent all summer together practicing, so we feel like a family. Ally tells us that we’re going to do great and reminds us to use facial expressions and project to the judges’ box above the bleachers. “What do we do it with?” She asks, turning her head to Cora and smiling. Cora jumps with her hands in the air and screams “INTENTION” we all laugh. It boggles my mind that we’ve only known that each other for less than a year, yet we have so many inside jokes and traditions. It was only a moment of laughing and talking before the band began to move again. It was time. The color gaurd lined up holding our flags at left shoulder hip, with the silks flung over our left shoulders. Edith starts the clicks by clicking her poles on May’s, the May does the same to Kristi, then Kristi to Terra, Terra to Jake, Jake to me, me to Julia, and Julia to Cora. Then Cora clicks Julia and we go back to the front. Now that clicks were finished, we can go on with some good luck. I hope so, at least. We begin walking down the track, my sole-less gaurd shoes bouncing a little as I walked. The band walked around to the other side to get set at set one. I quickly walk to get my flags stripped and set, praying to anyone who would listen that I had set them right and I wouldn’t mess up. I knew there were people in the stands here to see us, and I knew my parents, my brother, my grandparents, and my aunt were up there somewhere. I set my last flag and took the purple flag for the first movement to my spot. I took a deep breath and attempted to adjust my facial expression. The first movement is supposed to look intimidating, but I probably looked more scared than scary. The announcer turned on the mic and began speaking, announcing our school, instructors, and show. “Drum majors Lilah Greenery and Regan Fair, is your band ready?” The drum majors kept beat with their gloved fingers against their sides. They pivoted on their stands and did their salute. The crowd went wild, the music started, and I went into performance mode.