Embers: The Foundation

Chapter 1

At an abandoned playground in the rear of an old daycare center, a trio of young men anxiously awaited the arrival of two others. It was just after midnight and they were noticeably nervous about what was to come.

Suddenly, headlights emerged from the darkness. The three young men stood up and the two that were smoking stomped out their cigarettes in the gravel.

The car parked in front of them and the two adolescent men that they had waited so eagerly for, appeared as the doors opened. The young man that exited the passenger side of the car walked directly to the group that awaited him. Without a word, he threw a punch that struck the nose of the member of the group that stood closest to him. The others were quick to pick him up off of the ground.

Alright, so, tell me. What the hell happened? The puncher asked.

I don’t know what to tell you. Things just got outta hand. The young man who took the punch answered.

You don’t say? The puncher sarcastically replied. Do you mind telling me why? He asked.

They were home. You said they wouldn’t be there, but they were. One of the others replied.

Then you should have walked away. You should have followed the plan. You had a very specific set of instructions. And what you did wasn’t part of it! The puncher thunderously explained.

But they saw us. We had to or else they’d tell the cops who we were. A member of the group replied.

How the hell did they see who you were? The puncher asked.

They ripped some of our masks off. One of the others explained.

You idiots! You shouldn’t have been in there in the first place! We could have gone back when they weren’t there. What the hell were you thinking?! The puncher scolded.

We went in and once we were there we couldn’t stop. This wasn’t a halfway deal. One of the others explained.

It all worked out, dude. We got the stuff and you got what you wanted. The young man who took the punch suggested.

The puncher took a deep sigh and shook his head.

Look. This stays here. From this moment forward, nobody talks about what happened. Not to anyone, including each other. Can you morons remember that? Or is that too complicated for you to follow? The puncher asked.

The group collectively nodded their heads.

If I even get a whiff that any of you open your mouths about this, I promise that I will kill you. The puncher stated sternly.

That’s bull. announced the young man directly to the puncher’s left. You needed us to go do your dirty work for you. You ain’t gonna kill nobody. You don’t have the stomach for it. So why don’t you shut up and stop giving us such a hard time. He finished.

The puncher pulled the pocket knife from his jeans pocket and swiftly thrust the blade into the stomach of the young man that spoke. The puncher quickly pulled it out and drove it into his neck. The strike killed him instantly, to the shock of the remaining members of the group.

Nobody talks. Get that through your thick skulls. The puncher coldheartedly stated.

Put him in your trunk. The puncher said to his driver as he wiped the blade on the dead man’s shirt.

Hurry up! Before somebody drives by. The puncher said as he marched back to take his seat on the passenger side of the car.

Chapter 2

Late in the prior afternoon as the sun’s reign over the day neared its end, Luke and his closest friends began the walk back toward the dirt road lined with their dusty pick-up trucks and beat up old cars.

It wasn’t unlike many Midwestern summer days. The afternoon had turned from a sweltering heat with thick muggy air to a dusty haze as the sun began its descent. As it melted into a line of cedar trees, the cool of the night air rolled in.

So, when do you think we’re gonna get paid for this? Danny asked as they ascended on their vehicles at the crest of the valley field.

They had pitched hay all day long in a field owned by their high school baseball coach.

Remember them sandwiches Coach brought us at about noon? Luke responded.

Yeah. Danny said.

I’m pretty sure that was it. Luke answered.

Oh, to hell with that, I need cash! Jimmy said as the six of them were huddled around the water coolers in the back of Luke’s truck.

You got a hot date tonight or something? Junior asked.

Did you finally get that real burly fella that works down at the feed store to give you a chance? Cole interrupted before Jimmy could answer.

No, I still owe your mom for child support this month, kiddo. Jimmy responded while he playfully tapped Cole on the back.

Ah, well played sir. Cole said as the two began to wrestle in the space between Luke’s truck and Junior’s car.

Wouldn’t it be easier for you guys to get like, real jobs with paychecks, hourly wages, stuff like that? asked Eric, Cole’s cousin who’s family was on a visit from out of town.

Yeah, I’m sure the pay would be better at a real job, but the company wouldn’t. Luke said amongst the ruckus at their feet.

All right you two, am I gonna have to get involved in this? Junior asked, as Jimmy and Cole had rolled into the thick weeds along the road.

No! they both hollered, and immediately brought their childish play to a halt.

I don’t need you crushing me with your ten gallon ass. What’d you eat for breakfast this morning anyway, a chicken? Jimmy asked teasingly.

Actually I didn’t eat breakfast today; your sister didn’t wake me up until late. Junior blasted.

A cascade of laughter overtook the group as Jimmy and Cole picked each other up off the ground and straightened their hats and shirts.

Yeah man, how could you beat this anyway? No real job lets you hang out with your buddies all day long, make your own schedules, get a sweet tan, chat with all the old timers about how things used to be. Danny added to Luke’s answer to Eric’s question after the slight interruption.

The scenery changes too. Today we’re pitching hay, next day we’re off helping with corn, soy beans, pumpkins, fencing, you name it. Luke explained.

There’s enough old boys around this town with different fields of whatever that we can pick and choose what we do and when we do it. They always need help with something. Cole added.

It ain’t ever boring, either. If we ever get tired of doing something, we just go do something else for a while. Junior added.

And every once and a while a group of chicks passes by and you get to get up and give ‘em that flexing hulk look, you know? Jimmy said, as he hopped up on the tailgate of Luke’s truck and imitated a body builder’s pose.

No, no you definitely don’t want to do that. Luke replied.

He allowed for a short pause to allow Jimmy’s embarrassment to sink in.

I see your point now. Working all day in the hot sun with a bunch of sweaty, bare-chested dudes and getting paid in sandwiches for one hell of a hard day’s work. Come on, what could be better than that? Eric said sarcastically. No, no…..I uh, I hear you. He finished.

See Cole, you got to bring this guy around more often. I am really starting to like him. Luke said.

Bravo on the insult. That’s just, fantastic work. Danny added.

He totally fits right in with us. Junior said.

Couple more days around us and you’ll be a full blown, top of the line insult comic. Jimmy said and then tapped Eric on the back.

Well that’s all you guys do all day long is just dig on each other for every little thing. Do you really secretly hate each other, or what? Eric asked.

No, man, it’s not like that at all. Danny said.

If you can’t laugh at the stupid stuff you do, or what your closest buddies do, then what’s the point? You got to have a sense of humor about stuff, dude. Luke said.

Plus it keeps us from getting a little too full of ourselves. Jimmy added.

I know that if these guys ain’t poking fun at me, either they’re mad at me or they just plain don’t like me no more. Junior said.

I see what you’re saying I guess. I just don’t know how somebody hasn’t got a busted nose yet. Eric replied.

Nobody said they didn’t. Luke said and they all shared a laugh.

Great, now I’m gonna have chigger bites all over me…..and I rolled in them weeds too, so there ain’t no telling what else I got. Thanks a bunch Cole. Jimmy said.

Hey, I got a note from the doctor that says I ain’t infested with chiggers, worms, crabs or anything else no more, so whatever bugs you got hopping around on you ain’t from me. Cole said and they all enjoyed a laugh.

They’re probably from that new girlfriend I saw you with last night, what outhouse did you find her in? Luke asked Jimmy.

Your new lady friend got some crotch crickets, buddy? Danny said amongst the laughs and before Jimmy had time to respond to Luke’s remark.

Where’d you see me with a girl last night? Jimmy asked.

"I seen you walking around outside of Kaleidascoops with some girl I’ve never seen before." Luke said.

And you didn’t stop to hang out? Jimmy asked.

He was more upset that his friend had other things to do the previous night than the fact that he was being made the butt of their jokes.

Well, you looked like you were working it. I didn’t want to step on your groove. Luke said.

"Oh, that was my cousin. Her name’s Amanda. My aunt and uncle are in town visiting my folks and we all went out to ‘Scoops last night for a little bit." Jimmy said.

So, she doesn’t have crotch crickets then? Cole asked as they shared another laugh and drank from the water coolers.

You’re sick dude, that’s my cousin, and it’s not like it is at your family reunion. Jimmy said.

Hey, we’re just lonely, that’s all. And there are two of us here, so watch what you say about our reunions big boy. Cole said jokingly.

Well, you guys are getting me all surly. Jimmy responded amongst the laughter.

There’s one way to find out if she’s got them critters on her, buddy. Junior said and then winked at his friend.

Aw Junior don’t even say that, I do not need you making out with my cousin, man. Jimmy responded.

All I’m saying is you should just let old Junior have a look see at her. Then we can put any cricket questions to bed, ok. I’m just trying to help. I mean, she ain’t bad, right Luke? Junior asked.

Oh, she’s right up your ally for sure. Luke replied as he laughed.

Yeah, you always were a sucker for chicks with bugs all over them. Danny said.

Huh? Junior asked.

Nothing buddy. Danny said as he shook his head.

After the minor distraction, Junior looked back in Jimmy’s direction and raised his eyebrows.

You ain’t meeting her. Jimmy said.

Junior frowned and dropped his shoulders a little as he turned back toward the water coolers. He tipped it forward to drain the last little bit of water out of the bottom and noticed a loud clanking sound as a bunch of weight fell his way.

What the hell? Junior hollered as the quick shift in weight frightened him for a moment.

Ah, I’m glad you reminded me. That a boy. Luke said and he rubbed the top of Junior’s head.

Gentlemen, Luke proclaimed as he unscrewed the top of the cooler.

They’ve been on ice all day long. As we worked in the hot sun, they sat in this ice cold drum just waiting for us to get done. Luke said, as he paused to look at the crowd gathered below him at the tailgate.

Who wants to know what I have deep down in this chasm of ice cold air? Luke asked.

Oh my, I can’t take much more. What is it good sir? Jimmy said.

The only problem is that there are only five of them, so two of us will have to share. Luke explained and lifted five longneck bottles into sight.

Since Cole and Jimmy already shared a girlfriend, shouldn’t they get it? Danny said.

What happened now? Eric asked enthusiastically.

Oh, what a juicy nugget you’ve kept secret from your family. Luke said to Cole.

Do we have to relive this one? Cole asked.

Oh I think we very much do. Junior said.

Ok, so last summer our boys Jimmy and Cole here find love in the form of a young lass named Cara. Luke started as the others listened intently. So she’s being wined and dined and getting the most sensual back massages any high school girl could dream of, from the both of them. She saw every movie the drive in had to offer at least twice, just really living the sweet life. She was making out with one while texting the other, I mean she had it all…twice. That is until the day came that she mixed up the days of the dates and who was supposed to be where and when. She makes a date with Cole to go on a romantic walk in the park, on the very same day at the very same time she makes a date with Jimmy to play badminton in the very same park. Imagine the awkwardness as our two boys find each other in the park, Cole in his best walking shoes and Jimmy in his best badminton attire and Cara standing in the middle. It was ugly for a few days, but I believe everyone is better for having the experience. He finished.

Especially us. Danny said.

Well, if your mom would have just picked one of us, we never would have had that mix up. Cole said amongst another grouping of laughs.

That doesn’t make any sense; Cara’s not even my mom’s name. Danny said.

Well it should be. Jimmy said, as he tried to relieve some of his embarrassment.

What? Danny asked confusingly.

Whatever. Cole and Jimmy said collectively.

They sat for a moment and drank from their brown bottles, as they took in the sights and sounds of their perfect existence. The trees at the edges of the field blew in the wind, and crickets and whippoorwills commenced their singing as night crept in. The sky had nearly completed its evolution into dusk and was fully orange in color.

Luke, seated on the side of the bed of his truck, tilted his head back for one last gulp from his sweating brown bottle. As his head came back to its standard position, he noticed some movement in the field in front of him.

Oh shit, it’s Coach! he exclaimed before he fell backward off the side of his truck into the weeds.

The other boys heeded Luke’s cries of warning and hurriedly discarded their refreshments as they scrambled to put themselves in a simulated state of relaxation after a hard day’s work. They returned to their respective perches just as their coach rolled up in his truck.

I sure hope you boys are going to recycle them root beer bottles now. Coach Jefferson said as he maneuvered up on the crew.

Yes sir. Of course we are. Luke responded nervously.

Good. Not much better than a cold, frothy root beer at the end of a sweltering hot, itchy day of pitching hay. Is there Junior? Coach Jefferson asked with a devilish grin.

Nervous and unable to spit a response, Junior just smiled and let out a half-hearted snicker.

Mm-hmm. Coach Jefferson uttered. So, you boys got anything else going on Monday, or are you coming back out here? he asked.

I guess it depends on whether or not you’re going to have a cooler full of root beer waiting on us, huh Coach? Jimmy responded.

The others rolled their eyes and shook their heads in response to Jimmy’s dim-witted remark. Coach Jefferson responded with a stare of disbelief at the density of one of his players.

We, absolutely can, if you need us to. Luke said, as he tried to rescue his friend.

I could use you, for sure. I know you have a lot of other customers that are counting on you too, but I got a row of fence that’s down and I got to get them stalls cleaned out before I move the horses back over from the far field. Coach Jefferson said.

I did promise old man Jones we’d come out and cut up a tree that fell out near his barn, but that should only take a few hours. We’ll get there first thing and we’ll be out here after that. And if it winds up taking longer than I think, some of us will stay and some of us will come over here. Luke replied.

Well, I suppose as hard as you boys work, getting paid in sandwiches and all; I can overlook a few root beers, eh? Coach Jefferson said.

You just don’t find sandwiches of that quality everywhere Coach. Jimmy replied.

All right then. Well, whatever you do be careful tonight and we’ll see y’all at church in the morning. Coach said as he started back toward his home.

See you Coach. They all said as he left.

Hell of a point he makes. What are we gonna do tonight? Danny asked.

We need to all do something together tonight. Cole contributed.

We do something together almost every night, dude. Jimmy said.

I’m just saying. It’s like one of the last Saturdays we have until school starts. It’s getting close to the end of the summer, then its senior year, and then it’s all over. Cole said.

You’re right dude, we need to cherish these moments. Danny said sarcastically.

You’re an ass. Cole replied.

Well, I don’t feel like doing anything that costs a whole lot of money. Luke said.

Come on dude, you’re young, you gotta live a little. Jimmy said.

I also got paid with a bologna and cheese on white today; I’m a little short on funds. Luke said.

You dick, you got cheese on yours? Junior snapped.

Why don’t we just go down to Beaver Point tonight? Cole suggested.

Sounds all right to me, and yeah Junior, I got cheese on mine. Luke replied. Anybody got a problem with having a camp out tonight? he finished.

Sounds like a fabulous time. Jimmy said in his very best British accent.

What’s Beaver Point? asked Eric.

It’s a little sand and gravel bar on the Harris River just outside of town. Cole said.

River? That thing ain’t much more than a creek with a couple of spots deep enough for swimming in. Danny said.

Well, yeah. It’s called as a river anyway. Cole agreed.

Why’s it called Beaver Point? Eric asked.

Because beavers use that spot as a route to get from one side of the river to the other. There are tracks all over that place. Jimmy said.

I don’t get it, what’s so special about this one gravel bank? Eric asked.

Well, high school kids here have been frequenting that particular spot for as long as anyone can remember to have bonfire parties and jump off the two rope swings that are hanging down there. Hell, I think even our parents hung out there. It’s like a….uh…. what do you call it, Luke? Danny asked.

A right of passage, brother. Luke answered.

Exactly. Danny responded.

Plus it’s one of the only places you can get to the river without having to use four wheel drive. Most paths going down there you gotta have a truck or somebody who can pull you out after you get stuck. Jimmy added.

The bad thing is the cops know that too. Junior said.

Yeah, that ain’t no lie. I can’t tell you how many parties have been busted up by squad cars rolling up real slow on a bunch of us without their headlights on, just to jump out and scare the pants off us. Danny said.

That’s gotta be pretty damn funny to see though, watching a bunch of kids scream and scatter through the woods like a mess of deer when the lights come on and the sirens start blowing. Luke said as he laughed.

The bottom line is it’s a good place for us to be doing what we’re not supposed to be doing. Cole explained.

Every town needs one of them. Eric replied, as he then understood Beaver Point’s meaning to his cousin’s group of friends.

At least we know there’ll be chicks down there. Jimmy said.

Dude, there’s chicks everywhere. You just gotta know where to look. Danny said.

You’re one to talk, when was the last time you were even around a girl by yourself? Jimmy asked Danny.

About seventeen years ago. Some chick named Lucy. Danny replied.

Hey. Isn’t your mom’s name Lucy, Jimmy? Junior asked as the group laughed.

Yes, thank you Junior. I believe that was the joke. Jimmy responded.

Is Emily and all them going to be down there, Luke? Cole asked about Luke’s longtime girlfriend Emily and her friends.

I’m sure they’ll meet us wherever we want them to. Luke replied.

She don’t have any plans or anything? Junior asked.

No, I’m just supposed to call her when I get back home. Luke responded.

Is she gonna be able to round up her friends to come along, you think? Jimmy asked.

Why, are you feeling frisky? Luke asked.

I’m getting there. Jimmy responded