The noonday sun beats down on us standing in fron of Kmart, and we are holding our buckets out hoping for donations. Band Boosters put us up to it, but it still feels strange begging for money so we can go to band camp. I've never been away from home before and it's exciting and scary. Today feels worse, though, in orange tshirts and holding plastic containers. I wonder what will come of this. My parents told me if I wanted to go I need to raise the money myself. School has been out for a few weeks, and band camp is coming up in two months. Camp is hundreds of dollars away, and each handful of change seems miniscule compared to how much it will take for me to actually get there. My best friend Emily is looking tired, and I am not sure if it is the heat or the demoralization of this particular duty.
We watch as the minivan comes to collect us after hours of asking for donations. There are about fifty of us scattered all over town in pairs, and working in shifts. "Dude, did you see the brochure? It's gonna rule. We have to get out of here!" "I know, totally, we need to do this." "This still sucks, though." "I know."
We are getting into the van when a few kids come by talking shit. "Come on girls, get in," says Mrs. Pethoud. I notice that Felicia is in the front seat making friends with the enemy. Emily gives me a sidelong glance and I nearly choke on my laughter as we pile it. Suddenly life seems full of surprises.
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