The Line (27 page)

Fred leaned into me and said, “There's no place like home, is there?"

* * *

“
Why do they always run?”/ “Just breathe!” (Sam)

The collected South Washington drumline had no choice but to stare as Lucy Karate dashed out of the restaurant following her dramatic speech. As a group, they had witnessed a number of crazy teenage girl episodes before, but it was rarely (if ever) directed at their beloved Captain.

There was obviously no choice but to break the tension. Snoopy, the goofy fourth bass player, said slowly, "Wow, I thought Tracey was crazy, but you really know how to pick em.'"

Sam, still in shock, looked at the percussionist, and couldn't form a response. Lucy's announcement was the very last thing he had been expecting. He knew she was different, but at the same time couldn't believe he hadn't recognized another drummer. What had come over him?

“Hey dude, just breathe! It’s going to be alright, besides, how long were you two even dating? A few weeks? That’s nothing.” These words of wisdom came from his most trusted section mate, Neil.

While others nodded at this advice, one of the cymbal players asked, “What I want to know is, why do they always run?”

They all laughed half-heartedly, and tried their best to lighten the mood, but there was no bringing the somber tone up…the section quickly disbanded and headed their separate ways, leaving Sam to wonder if it was all a bad dream.

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