Always.

I remember when I was in the 8th grade, also known as my first year in marching band. I wasn’t really in the band, I was in color guard and a couple of the middle schoolers got to perform and go to competition with the high school. It was then I knew I wanted to be the drum major one year. I was hoping it would be my junior year, but we had some really good seniors who got to instead. But I practiced my but off, and showed good leadership skills so I’d have a higher chance of getting it this year. I was so nervous and afraid that I wouldn’t be good enough to do it though, or that I would be a disappointment if I did get it.

I’m a friendly person, you could say. Do I like everyone? No. Do I make it a point to get along with everyone in the band? Of course, because I wouldn’t be a good leader without doing it. For the most part everyone was great, there were a couple underclassmen that acted a bit out of hand sometimes, but it was nothing I couldn’t handle. I had good laughs with the most of them, especially the drum line, mostly because I’ve worked with them, or marched with them before.

After I quit doing fall guard after 8th grade, I didn’t want to march the flute. I wanted to kinda expand so I was in the pit, which was okay, and I was in the drum line. I liked it so much I did it for two year, but I still marched flute in parades in everything. So I learned what it was like, and how to understand and help them during marching season now.

Everything has been good; we’ve worked harder this year than any other to prepare for competition. I think we were all ready for a trophy, and not just a pity trophy for having the best food or something. But right now, it was our first night performing in front of the school, family, and friends.

I was beyond nervous, for us, but for me mostly. I know I just have to direct but it means so much to me not to mess this up for us. I want everyone to know how far we’ve come and how hard we’ve worked.

Liam told me earlier today that he wished he didn’t have to go to the locker rooms so he could see it, but I said, just tell me if it sounds good from back there. Harry was in the stands with Ryleigh, who we almost didn’t babysit today. I completely forgot about the game Monday when he told me we had to babysit, and after my conversation with Hannah, I told him. We talked to her mom about bringing her to the game and taking her home to finish watching her after halftime. Potter wasn’t too happy about me ditching the second half of our first game, but I explained to him and told him it wouldn’t happen again.

I also told my dad about the game, I used to think he would come since he really liked football, but he’s never been to a game to watch in my whole 5 years marching. It didn’t hurt me too much anymore, because I don’t believe him when he says he’ll be here anymore.

Now, with a minute on the clock left, we started marching onto the track around to the back of the field. Everyone was dressed in their red and black uniforms with their feathered hats, while Danielle and I were in out black dresses and long white gloves.

We stayed at rest until we were called to go one the field. Everyone marched to their spots scattered across the field, while Danielle and I made it to the middle, all I could focus on was Ashton and his snare in the back.

When Ashton stopped, the guard girls ran to place their things as the announcer spoke of the soloist and who has helped with band this year.

“Drum Majors, Kelly Ericson and Danielle Peazer is the Wolf Pride Band ready?” A little unconventional, but I like it.

Danielle and I proceeded with our salute, “You may now take the field.”

I ran onto the main podium, and waited for Danielle to climb up to hers.

“Band ten hut!” I yell.

“Prite.”

I take a deep breath and turn towards Danielle, she smiles and nods at me, and I return then direct my attention back to the band.

Both of my hands rise up, and the horns follow. I winked at them and sent a big smile before giving them another straight face.

I began conducting, counting 5,6,5,6,7,8 in my head while saying my ‘da’s’, and the show began with the first huge note hit by the brass.

I went through the whole show, conducting with all of my might, making sure everyone was on. Through the show Danielle and I switched podiums too, then my main focus was not tripping. For our first show it wasn’t too bad, and at the end when we cut them off and stood at attention, I listened to the crowd cheering behind me. Out of everyone I could hear Potter screaming his old lungs out.

Danielle and I turned to face the crowd and saluted them before turning and climbing down the podiums to march at the front of the band.

Huge smiles were plastered among out faces as we marched off next to each other. We lead the band to the front of the band room outside and marched in a circle. This part always scared me because I was afraid of falling in this huge spiral, but I lived with it.

As soon as everyone was in the circle, and Ashton’s drums stopped once again everyone stopped and cheered.

“Ok, okay guys!” I yelled. Everyone turned attention to the middle of the circle. “You guys were fantastic!” I squealed and cheers erupted again.

“Yes, we are so proud of all of you, you were amazing. BUT,” Danielle adds, “There were some mistakes, and we will fix them Monday during class. Seriously though, that was incredible.”

“OH BABY!” Mr. Potter yelled. “That was one of the best first shows we have ever done! Now, you guys have the rest of halftime, but are back on those benches for 4th quarter! Got it?!”

Everyone responded yes as they either left to go to the band room or leave their instruments by the stands.

I walked quickly into the room and stripped out of my dress in the middle of the room, and was left in my shorts and tank top.

“Oh my gosh, Kelly that was the best first football game we’ve done since what? Eighth grade?” Danielle squealed.

“I know! We make a good team, yo.” I proceeded in putting my dress into its cover and sliding off my shoes to put in it.

“Yea, I think we should talk about the mistakes Monday during homeroom, can you get out?”

“Yes, I can. I’ll see you then, k? I got to go.”

“Yea, bye Kelly.”

I didn’t watch her leave as I mumbled goodbye and rushed into the uniform room and hung my stuff up and turned right back around to grab my things.

“Aunty Kelly!”

I turned around to see little Ryleigh running toward me, when she reached my open arms, she jumped up into them. She was small enough for me to at her age of 7. She calls Harry and I aunt and uncle because it was just something she picked up. We also know her mom and father really well, so they don’t really mind it.

“Hi, baby girl! How are you?” I asked, placing her on my hip.

“Good! You looked so pretty in your dress.”

“Awh, thank you! You look pretty in yours too! It’s my favorite color.” I pointed out her purple dress she wore, with them she had on white sandals. “And your hair is very lovely too!” I told her, making her hide her face into my arm and mumble a thank you. Her curly hair covered her face, so I couldn’t see her.

“I’ll get your bag.” Harry walked over and took my gym bag from my arm.

“Thanks.” I replied, slipping my feet into my black and white Adidas.

As we reached the door of the band room, Niall walked through the door.

“Oh, Niall!” I smiled at him.

“Kelly! Good job tonight.”

“I was just going to tell you the same thing! You were incredible and your solo was the best it’s been! Seriously, fantastic job.”

“Thanks Kelly, that means a lot coming from you.”

Awh. I smiled at him and continued walking, “Have a good night, Niall.”

“You too.”

Ryleigh was peaking at him through her hair, and sent him a small wave to which he returned.
We continued walking towards the parking lot, we stopped at my car which was a few down from Harry’s.

“Do you wanna drop your car off at home, and then we can take mine to her house?” he asked, putting my bad in the back seat.

“Yea, that’s fine.”

“Aunty Kelly, can I come with you?” Ryleigh asked leaning back to see me.

“Of course you can.”

“Alright, I see you there Kel. Drive safe.”

I smiled at him when he turned and walked to his car and put Ryleigh in the back behind the passenger’s seat.

Once she was buckled in I got in the car and drove from the school. My home wasn’t too far away, so it wasn’t a bad drive.

“Uncle Har(hair) talked to a girl tonight. Her name was Car-something I don’t know.” Ryleigh spoke from the back.

I looked in the rear view mirror at her staring out the window. “Oh, did he?”

“Yea, she was nice. She wasn’t as pretty as you though.”

I let out a soft chuckle, “Thanks sweetheart.”

The rest of the estimated 3 minutes home were silent, and Harry’s car was already there waiting for me. I got Ryleigh out of the car and she ran over to Harry’s. I shook my head smiling and grabbed my purse and phone charger out of the car before shutting and locking it.
When I climbed into Harry’s car I put my stuff on the floorboard and buckled my seatbelt.

“I’m so proud of you.” He smiled at me while backing onto the road.

“Thanks, Harry.” I pulled my feet onto the seat and swung my arms around my knees.

“You looked so happy after you were done. Mum and Dad said they were sorry they missed it, they were planning on coming and something came up.” He whispered when he started talking about his parents.

“It’s alright.” I shrugged, “I’m just glad this cute little girl was there!” I turned and reached to tickle her side. She squealed and pushed my hand away.

“Uncle Har said you looked really beautiful in your dress.” I turned to smirk at Harry.
“Is that right, sweetheart?”

“Yep!”

Harry sent me a dimpled grin before focusing again on the road.

I took my phone out of my pocket and unlocked it before scrolling through Instagram. “Well, thank you Harry.”

“You’re welcome.” He replied almost inaudibly.

The rest of the car ride there was short and sweet, with quiet music playing on the radio. Harry had one hand on the wheel, and then his teeth were on his forefinger of his other hand. We pulled into Ryleigh’s home a few minute later, Ryleigh waited for Harry to get her from the back while I grabbed my bag and got out myself.

“Alright Ry, what are we going to do tonight? Junk food and movies?!” he asked her as they walked to the door. Her small hands were captured in his large ones, and it has to be one of the cutest sights I have seen.

“YAY!” she cheered.

“You’re mum is going to kill me.” He shook his head and reached into his pocket for the key. He opened it effortlessly and motioned for me to go ahead. As they walked in I opened the door for both of them. “Let’s go get you changed into some pajamas.” He says picking her up off the ground.

“Okay,” she giggled.

And before I could move, I just thought about how wonderful it was seeing Harry with a child.

Notes