Chapter 1 - Fredrick, Maryland
2/24/10 - Written By Rossfort Crossbow
They were late.
Two bathroom stops had resulted in time spent lollygagging, but how could you blame them? Choosing an appropriate gas station snack was an arduous task. Even if they didn't think they were particularly hungry when they stopped, if a band member didn't have something salty or sweet of their own to snack on when the van was pulling away, they'd often regret it. Regret would turn to bitterness and the coveting of one another's snacks. Everyone was willing and excited to share their treats, but not having one of your own to contribute could leave a feeling of insecurity. You'd be doomed to be unfulfilled, enjoying the tastes of others' snacks but not having the consistency of your own to provide personal fulfillment.
They were looking for 70-east. The normally relaxing purr of the van engined had turned into a stress-inducing growl. Drivers had swapped. It was now Matt Martin who rested his weary eyes. Patrick had taken over driving responsibilities. It was he who noticed the time crunch.
"Weren't we supposed to be there for sound check like... now?"
The cabin remained quiet.
"I think the show is supposed to start at eight," he continued in support of his original question.
Ross muttered an unsure "I don't think so..." but Patrick had already pulled up a text message for reference.
"You need to leave at noon tomm. Show will start at 8ish with Dan Fisk. Plan to arrive around 5:30/6 It would be wise to take mics and stands along jic."
Ross peered over the driver's seat to notice that it was already after six, immediately bumping his head on the back of Patrick's chair. Traffic was just busy enough to where quick accelerations and in this case: quick braking seemed warranted.
"What's J-I-C?" Matt asked.
"J-I-C?" Ross repeated, holding one arm out for balance and trying to stable his laptop with his other.
"Yeah. From the text message."
"Just In Case." Ross and Patrick informed Matt after a brief, seemingly rehearsed pause. They said it at the same time, Patrick remaining calm and Ross adding just a bit of frustration to his voice. Matt had no response or acknowledgement other than closing his eyes and pretending to fall back asleep.
Ross got lost in his thoughts. Some time passed. Patrick tried to make sure that the road passed faster. Matt pretended to sleep. Hank was asleep the whole time but woke with the urgency in Patrick's voice.
"Ok I'm on 70-east. What do I do now?"
Ross quickly checked his directions.
"Exit 56. Hey, we're almost there."
Matt opened an eye. "How furr?"
"Only a few miles." Ross responded. Assuming that their other caravan was making time that was as good as they were, the stress levels started to drop. Our heroes were closer to their destination than they had expected. It wasn't an especially long drive-only six hours-but a stretching of the legs was well earned, and eagerly anticipated.
"There it is!"
Catch our heroes live if you're in the area. What will happen at Cafe Nola will be a feat for the eyes and the ears: an experience that only being there can provide.
