Summer Solstice 2002

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FICTION

AIN SPLATTERED IN FAT droplets against the glass window. A pair of blue eyes gazed outside at the dreary scene, wishing for sunshine and another classroom. Back at his old school. Sighing, Tommy Ryder listened as his math teacher drolled on, lecturing about algebraic fundamentals and other similar equations that bored nearly every seventh grader in Tommy's room. The weather made him feel even more depressed than usual. His family recently moved to the town of Sprechsville, leaving behind his friends and the familiar home he'd lived in for his entire life.

Now they were half a continent away.

For all Tommy thought, they might as well have been in a far distant galaxy. Beyond his reach, elusive memories, briefly visiting him in the form of adolescent daydreams.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and breaking him from his drifting reverie.

"Remember," said Mr. Walker. "Chapter five is due on Monday. And no stories about dogs and homework. Have a good weekend."

The students raced towards the doorway, eager to embrace the freedom that the dismissal bell ushered in, the prospect made doubly tantalizing as the weekend approached. Tommy walked down the busy halls, filled with the scurrying forms of his fellow students, many laughing and joking among themselves. He was envious of their uplifted spirits. At his old school he'd carried on in like manner, with his friends and schoolmates.

Now he was the new kid, recipient of the probing stares, hushed whispers, the soft giggles, never knowing if he was the brunt of the humor or if he was just being paranoid. Tommy, popular at his old school, desperately wanted to fit in at this new one. His parents told him to give it time. Things happen slowly, the other children will eventually open up. It takes a while.

Two weeks into school and he still barely knew anyone.

But Tommy noticed some sort of a clique that ran through the student ranks. Of course, this wasn't unusual, but it seemed the popular crowd held some form of respect over the rest of the students. Tommy saw this in subtle ways. Members of this elite group would always find their way to the front of the line, unchallenged. Without a hint of animosity. Even the teachers favored these same students.

They were never yelled at, or picked on even in jest.

Tommy walked in front of the school, his hood pulled over the top of his head against the rain coming down in a steady, unrelenting drizzle.

A miserable day, a grim companion to his equally gloomy thoughts. With eyes downcast, he almost jumped out of his skin when he heard a husky voice shout his name.

"Hey, Tommy!"

Looking back, he saw two boys approaching him. The first he knew to be Peter Mitchell, the quarterback of the football team. He was tall, with blond hair and piercing gray eyes. The other one was Matt, but Tommy didn't know his last name. Matt played on the team also, and was by far the biggest kid in the school. Tommy felt a twinge of fear. He didn't want to be on their wrong side - that was for sure.

"Hi." Tommy gave them a neutral stare, trying to read their intentions.

"You're the new kid in school, right?" Peter stood in front of Tommy, several inches taller than him.

"Yeah, we moved here from Virginia last month."

"Long way from home," replied Peter. "Things are a lot different here, you know."

Was there an implied warning in his tone?

"I'm learning that, but it's not too bad." Tommy nodded, attempting to feel more confident than he felt.

Matt chuckled, a low, almost sinister sound.

"Maybe, maybe not." Peter stared hard at the shorter boy, measuring him with an emotionless gaze. "You look like you want to make some friends here." It was a statement.

"Sure, I'd like to." Tommy felt a bit mystified. Where was this leading?

"Well, you may have noticed, that there are a few of us who stick together pretty much. Matt, me, and a bunch of others. We have a nice little group. Do what we want. No one bothers us."

Tommy was silent, convinced that they had something in mind for him. And maybe not altogether pleasant. His heartbeat quickened.

"Well, if you're interested, we've been watching you since school started. We're thinking of letting you into our group."

Peter seemed sincere. Tommy could not detect any malice in the boy's demeanor. That could also mean he was a very good liar. Matt waited at his side, unreadable.

"What do I have to do?" Tommy felt a surge of hope rising in his chest.

"Not much, really. Just a quick initiation. Come tomorrow at Harper's Hill." He pointed to a wooded area which skirted the side of town. "It's not far. Some of us will be there at seven. We meet there every week. We'll decide then to let you in or not."

Initiation? Tommy felt uneasy at hearing the word. What did he mean by that? Was he to be made a fool of?

Peter narrowed his gaze, as if he could read the discomfort in Tommy's eyes. "Don't worry, we're not gonna beat you up. That stuff is for kids, believe me." Peter smiled for the first time, revealing teeth that gleamed white perfection.

"You have a chance to be in the group. Let's shake on it, you have my word." He stuck out his hand, and Tommy grasped it, his own palm slightly moist.

"Tomorrow then. See ya." The pair walked off, fading into the dismal evening rain and mist.

Tommy was again alone. He wanted so badly to be accepted, and he realized this might be the chance he'd been looking for. But it was so odd. The two appeared listless in some way, not so much physically, but deep within their eyes. He felt wary.

Tommy followed their departure uneasily, trying to figure out if this opportunity was a blessing or a curse.

Harper's Hill was not difficult to find. Behind the old church, past the Werton farm, and up the dirt trail to a forested area frequented by teenagers and trappers, both roaming the woods for different reasons. Tommy rode his bike up the track, leaving behind wispy clouds of dust. He'd slept little the night before, a fitful rest filled with disturbing dreams. Stress can do amazing things to the body, he thought. Stomach was knotted, making queasy little noises, and he knew it was due to the nervousness that churned around in his mind.

The path grew narrow, the ground littered with colorless pebbles. The forest loomed darkly in front of him, and he fervently hoped that he wasn't making a mistake coming here. From several yards ahead there appeared a figure, standing silently with broad arms folded.

"Decided to show up." Matt's hulking form waited as he peddled the remaining distance to the end of the bike trail. "You can leave the bike here. We have to go on foot. Come on."

Tommy followed the other boy as he led him under the shadowy eaves.

The air was damp, and Tommy looked around at the moss-covered trunks. There were many old trees there, limbs strangling each other to gain a greater vantage position and embrace the sun. Matt led him onward wordlessly, and Tommy experienced a growing sense of trepidation. Where were they going? He didn't want to seem squeamish, so he trudged along quietly. The path came to a fork, and Matt went left, as the woods thickened and bushes choked off any smaller vegetation.

"All right, there's a secret path here. You have to swear never to tell anyone where it is, okay?"

Matt turned around, and although his body language revealed no threat, his underlying tone did.

"I swear." Tommy responded immediately, not wishing to provoke the boy.

Matt stared at him for a few seconds, then went into the woods. The two picked their way through a small beaten trail, not plainly visible from the main path. They continued further, and then the trees opened wide. A small clearing came into sight, and standing in the middle were Peter and two others, whom Tommy had never seen before. They looked like brothers, both with dark hair and wearing black clothing. Behind them was a short tree stump, pocked with holes and crawling with fungus. It dominated the glade, and the boys formed a loose semi-circle around it.

"Tommy, here you are." Peter nodded.

"This is James and Roger, friends of ours."

The pair inclined their heads slightly, faces concealing any emotion.

"The way to join our group is very simple. Next to me is an old stump, with a lot of holes in it." Tommy looked questioningly at the rotted trunk.

"All you have to do is stick your hand in any of the holes, and hold it there for one minute."

Trepidation flooded Tommy's brain. Was that all? A deeper suspicion nagged at him - there had to be more to it. Was there something inside the stump?

"I don't understand. What's in there?"

Peter nodded. "It isn't just any stump, but I guess you figured that out already. Something lives in there."

Tommy held his breath, sweat forming on his brow.

"A large wood spider."

Tommy shuddered, wishing now that he'd never come. "I don't think I want to put my hand in there."

"It won't kill you, if that's what you think." Peter remained standing motionless, face impassive.

"Still, if that's your idea of my joining this group, it doesn't make any sense."

"You want to belong, right? Here's your chance."

Tommy shook his head. "Not if it means being bitten by a big spider. That's crazy."

"You don't understand. It's not just any spider. It can make you into someone very special. Give you certain abilities." Peter grinned malevolently, his eyes glittering.

They were insane, Tommy thought. Dangerous. He felt like running, but doubted that he could escape the others. It was a long way back down the hill. "And what if I don't want to try?"

"Unfortunately, you gave up that option when you showed up here." Matt moved behind Tommy, blocking the trail.

Tommy's mind raced, his eyes darting all around. "What kind of power?"

Peter smiled. "You'll feel better, stronger. Smarter. And people don't mess with you. Not even your own parents."

"Why would you want me in your group then? You don't even know me."

"It wanted you here."

Tommy's mouth opened wide. "What?"

"Just take my word. Now, it's getting late. Stick your hand in, and get it over with. Unless you want us to do it for you."

James and Roger moved closer, and Tommy knew it had been a trap all along.

"What if it doesn't bite me?" He was desperate.

"You can leave. We won't bother you anymore, as long as you don't tell anyone. Fair enough?" But Tommy knew there was nothing fair about this plan. He felt Matt brush up behind him, and he reluctantly moved forward. The trunk took on an evil appearance.

"Any hole?"

"Yes." Peter answered.

"And only one minute?" Peter nodded.

Tommy inhaled sharply, the horror of what he was about to do pressing in on his lean frame. The stump had numerous openings, and he tried to think where the spider might be. It was impossible to tell.

Then another thought crossed his mind.

What if there wasn't any spider? Maybe the whole thing was some sort of sick joke, part of the initiation, to see how he reacted. He looked at a hole near the top, and slowly placed his hand near the opening. Glancing around him, he saw the hungry look in the eyes of the group. His heart fluttered with fear.

"Do it." Peter's voice took on a cruel commanding tone, and Tommy stuck his right hand inside. The tree was rough, and he felt damp moss caressing his skin. His teeth chattered, and he sweated profusely. He imagined a network of tunnels burrowing through the old stump, and he shivered at the idea of a wood spider guarding its confined lair.

"All the way." Peter gestured with his head, and Tommy thrust his arm inside, up to his shoulder.

"Now we count." Matt started at sixty, working his way backwards.

The seconds passed by, and Tommy expected to be bitten at any moment. He felt terrified. He kept his hand down the hole, body trembling beneath the intense scrutiny of the group.

If this is what it takes to fit in around here, I want no part of it, he thought. The forest closed in about the clearing in mute oppression, a primeval observer of the bizarre ritual. The veins in Tommy's neck bulged outwards, and he silently willed the unseen spider to rest undisturbed.

"Thirty seconds," said Matt.

Halfway through. Tommy didn't know if he could last much longer. His breath was hot and steamy as it issued from his mouth in frantic puffs. Please, please. Don't let it come, he thought. His eyes betrayed the maddening sense of fright that he felt welling up inside.

A soft sound broke the stillness - a rustling noise, as of something crawling, scraping against wood. From inside the stump.

"It's awake." Peter's face cinched in a diabolical expression.

Tommy reached the breaking point. He gasped, and began pulling out his arm.

"No you don't!" Matt and James pinned him mercilessly against the stump.

"Your time isn't up yet." Matt reached ten seconds, not missing a number.

Tommy was whimpering now, as the rustling grew louder.

"It's looking for you," said Peter. "It craves human flesh."

"Five seconds," continued Matt. Tommy knew the spider was getting close.

"Four." The count was like a death toll.

"Three."

"Two."

Matt's eyes were locked on Tommy's.

"One."

"All right, you promised!" Tommy struggled against the stronger boys, unable to break free.

"I lied," said Peter. A sharp pain stabbed into Tommy's hand and he screamed. It felt as if a fork had impaled his skin. His hand grew numb, and the uncomfortable sensation crept up along his arm. Saliva dripped from his mouth, and he felt light-headed.

Matt and James released Tommy and he collapsed to the ground, as everything grew dark around him.

Tommy opened his eyes.

He lay on the ground, looking up at the early evening sky. A cool breeze gave him gooseflesh, and unpleasant memories stirred within his waking consciousness.

He pushed himself to his feet, groaning at the tenderness in his right hand. There was a small purplish mark on the top of it, with two red holes. His vision was hazy, and he had trouble with his surroundings. He was in a clearing, with trees all around. A rotting stump was the only object in the area.

"How do you feel?" Tommy was startled by the sound of someone's voice. It was unfamiliar.

"The pain will go away soon. And the marks."

Tommy rubbed his hand. It was feeling better.

"You'll feel disoriented at first, but that is normal. The dizziness fades quickly."

The voice was right. He did feel clearer. Even sharper.

"Things will be different now. Your body and mind will discover that doors are now open which were closed to you before. It will take time."

Tommy lifted his head and stared at the stars that were already shining.

"Your perception has increased. Everything you thought you knew will be put aside. A whole new world awaits your curiosity."

It was dark. But Tommy could see as if it were daytime.

"Yes, it is a gift. You have been chosen. Not everyone passes the test."

Now he remembered. Peter, Matt, and the others. The wood spider.

"Yes, you know. I can see your mind. Know your thoughts. Feelings. Emotions. That is how I feed. I have chosen you to be my vessel. I thrive on the vitality of your life. Don't worry, I take only a little at a time. In exchange, you are gifted above normal humans. A fair trade."

Tommy gazed around, trying to identify the source of the odd voice. He looked at the stump, and on top of it sat the fattest, ugliest spider he could have imagined. Two forelegs waved in the air, and its hide was a mottled gray, hairy and deformed. The thing was horrible.

"Yes, now you recognize me. You see my physical form, although I am so much more than just a spider. I am imprisoned inside this arachnid body."

Repulsion churned in Tommy's stomach. How could it talk to him?

"Through your thoughts. Shortly, I will be with you always. Caring, guiding, protecting. Come close, the final step needs to be completed."

Tommy felt himself moving towards the grotesque creature, unable to resist the urge to flee. He was fighting for control of his own mind. Soon it would be too late.

"Do not be afraid. You have felt my touch once. It gets better with each bite. Eventually, you will crave the sensation. Relish the sweet pain."

Horrified, Tommy watched himself approach the spider. With every fiber of his remaining resolve, the boy strained to break the creature's hold on his mind. Block your thoughts, shut it out, he told himself. He closed his eyes, forcing the image of the spider from his mind.

The voice was silent, and Tommy sensed the creature could be resisted. He tried to visualize his old home, friends, and most importantly his family. Yes, he thought, they love me. I can't let this monster hurt anyone else. It's done enough damage already. Tommy felt renewed strength flow through his veins.

He opened his eyes.

Tommy stared at the spider. The creature was an evil entity. He did not understand where it came from, or what its origin was, but it had to be destroyed. A wave of fierce anguish assaulted him, and dropped to his knees. His hands clapped over his ears, Tommy's head felt like it was being split apart. His ears rang from the intensity.

Staggering backwards, he scanned the clearing. A desperate plan began to form, and he didn't know if the spider still read his mind. Several forms appeared from the trees. Peter and the rest stepped into the clearing, their legs unsteady, striving to take control back from the spider.

"Please." Peter's lips rasped out a faint plea. "Help us."

Tommy found what he was looking for. He stumbled to the edge of the tree line, and picked up a large rock. With deliberate purpose, he walked towards the stump, each footstep a battle. He drew closer to the spider, which had not moved, its legs scraping the wood in agitation.

Tommy raised the rock over his head, and a wave of pain wracked his body. Frightening images of torture and agony seared through his mind. "No, you don't understand what I can do. Foolish child." The spider scrambled backwards.

"Kill it." Peter was on his knees, tears streaming down his cheeks.

The rock came down on the foul creature with a sickening crunch. Immediately Tommy felt a wave of nausea pass through him, and he crumpled to the dirt. He gagged, his stomach grumbling in discontent. His hand burned from the wound.

The other boys faltered, as the shackles of control were shattered. Long minutes passed and they lay on the moist soil, sobbing, speaking softly to each other. They were regaining the ability to think for themselves once more, and Tommy wondered if it had all been a terrible nightmare.

They huddled together, embracing like lost brothers reunited. Silently, the boys sat in the darkness, savoring their new freedom.

"You saved us, Tommy. Maybe all of us."

Peter smiled. A warm, caring, smile this time. A human smile. Returning the look, a broad grin crossed Tommy's face.

"I hope there's nothing else I have to do to join your group, is there?"

They all laughed and cried.