The Ritual

I suppose looking at us you’d think we’re a strange mix of people in the woods. I suppose coming across any group of people in the woods at night would be a little odd. Especially when they’re carrying sharp objects. But anyway, the point is, is that we don’t have a lot in common. For one we’re each getting different degrees. Steph is getting a degree so she can get into designing, and coding games. E wants to get a degree in literature. Stevie wants a music degree, and is already in a band: The Dying Crows. I do modeling from time to time. I don’t make much, but it keeps the rent paid. I am getting a degree in both film, and photography. I will be majoring in film though. It’s all a cover really though. This is the first step to my true goal in life. The second is our styles. I wear all black, silver chains, and choker necklaces. E is somewhat similar in vibes. Bold, dark make-up, and dark colors. Mostly punk or rocker inspired looks. Today Steph is wearing greens, and black. With a pastel purple mini backpack. Emmet’s the kind of guy to show up to school in a tailored black suit. Luckily he’s wearing a more practical sweater and jeans right now. His shoes are not for walking in the woods though. I pull out my flashlight once I’m confident we can’t be seen from the streets. They let me take the lead trusting me to guide them. They really are the bravest people I know. Even Emmet. Coming out here with me like this. Knowing the possible dangers. It makes me proud they call me their friend. I walk down a familiar, but completely unmarked path. It’s near the lake. You can see it just behind the dense trees. Of course no one comes here. It’s between private property, and the branches and roots are too thick here to easily weave your way though it. I stop in a sandy clearing. Invisible to eyes on the outside. I suppose we to are invisible where we stand now. The smell of night, and pine drifts though the air. Calming me. The others don’t look so relaxed. Emmet’s nerves seem to be brushing off on Steph. Though Stevie looks just as stone faced as always. There’s an alter here. There’s three spots I go when I want to be alone. The pavilion near the woods in my backyard. The place near the mountains were there’s a cave for me to store candles, or here. Now it’s our place. I take out the candles, and arrange them. We sit in a semi circle, and Steph moves to light them with my lighter. We’re using a thick, black rock for the alter table. It was carefully carved long ago. Rectangular, and flat. We tie them down. They struggle. Steph no longer looks nervous. Stevie looks determined. Emmet is breathing fast, but his eyes are focused. I take my large knife from the backpack, and raise it.