Chapter 10: the Trap

The next chapter of "Harold and Emily were meant to be".

God this was hard to wrap up. And I'm not so happy with the end result.

I can't ever give up writing. I tried once, when my dad was alive and he told me to stick with it.


Well this chapter was like half done when dad passed away. I just tried to finish it. But everything feels... off.

The character feels less alive to me, the story itself less immersive.

I finished this chapter as best I could, but- well you can read it and see if you want. It doesn't capture the same effortless magic that I had when he was still alive.

God it sucks that he's gone.

Anyway, here it is, Chapter 10 of my free book. For those who were waiting, I'm sorry this update took so damn long. I hope you can understand, I was (and am) going through some serious shit. Still grieving.

For newcomers, you can read the past chapters here: Chapters 1-9

If that's all TLDR, the main character is named after my dad. He is a highschool student like me. He has a crush on a girl named Emily and is having her over for a bonfire. But it's not all fun and games. Harold's best friend Joe recently lost his puppy to a coyote attack. Now Joe and Harold, and their girlfriends hatch a plan to enact revenge on the coyote.

Without any further drivel. Here's:

Chapter 10: The Trap

                "I texted my mom to tell her I was taking the bus to a friend's house, when should I ask her to pick me up?" Emily as she boarded the bus that Harold, Joe Jones, and Kait regularly rode.

                Harold grinned, "Well it's a bonfire, and we're planning to trap a nocturnal animal so it'll be late. How long would she let you stay, if we're up to business?"

                She wasn't sure whether he meant to be suggestive or not, but she couldn't help but smile when she saw his 

expression, so she bit her tongue, and looked away. "I guess I'll just ask her to pick me up as late as possible."

                They chose seats at the very back, and Harold started to get into his plan. But... when other students began to fill the seats in front of them, he glanced at them and then fell silent. 

                Emily felt as though they were, all four, wrapped up in a curtain of privacy. She knew she didn't have all the information, in fact she barely had any. But she knew she was in the loop and the other students were not. She knew that Joe's dog had been menaced- she assumed many in the school knew that much. But she also knew that the four had intentions in front of them: to make it right. That much had been said, and the rest would be shared when they were to themselves and other ears were gone.

                Their ride was filled with waiting, and the expectation skimmed the awkwardness right off the silence like the congealed film off a glass of old milk.

                --------

                They got off, the bus chuffed with effort and pulled away.

                They gathered in a circle facing each other, and Harold started talking, "So, we'll start with a fire. But first we need to get some food. Joe and I will raid our freezers for some hotdogs and corn or something, to cook-"

                Kait said, "I've got marshmallows at home."

                "Perfect, grab 'em. Maybe we can scrounge up some chocolate and grahams and slap together some s'mores too. I don't want to assume your mom n'dad will let you bring over a whole bunch of stuff, but if there's anything else you feel is worth taking, bring it over. Thanks Kait."

                Joe was a mask of grim determination and focus. "Harry are we really doing this? I don't mean the fire. That's easy. I mean the coyote. what about the fucking coyote?"

                "Of course we are, Joe."

                "Ok, then. Let's talk about that. We don't need to hash this shit about food."

                Harold nodded. "Yes we do, because none of us want to work hungry." He laughed, but Joe didn't. Then he focused in: "We are gonna get that bitch, but we can't let the parents in on this- at all. Adults will have some reason to stop us, if they know what we're doing. Step one isn't just for our bellies, it's our cover. But you- Joe, you are going to be scrounging more than food for us. Bring some of Rufus' kibble or whatever you fed him. The stinkier the better. If you're comfortable with it, I think you should bring his collar too. Just don't let your folks see the bonus material."

                Joe nodded. "Alright, when are we meeting back at your place?"

                Harold checked his phone, "30 minutes?"

                Kait shook her head. "Make it 45. I wanna change into something warmer, it's gonna get chilly in a couple hours." Then she looked at Emily, "Are you gonna be ok? We're about the same size."

                Emily unzipped her back pack, and pulled out a fleece jacket. "Thanks, I'll be alright though."

                When there was nothing more to be said, they split up, first Kait went towards her house, and the three walked in the other direction, where Harold and Joe's houses were attached by a backyard, where they separated a little further.

                "Emily." Harold said.

                She looked at him, and waited.

                But he did not speak again, and after a flutter of quiet, she asked, "What is it?"

                He grinned again, "Nothing. I just wanted to say your name."

                She hit his foot with the toe of her shoe. "Harold."

                He reached out and held her hand. "It's wild to be here with you. I..."

                When no more words came, she squeezed his hand, and said, "Me too."

                He nodded. And his grin turned into a full smile. "Thanks for coming."

                "You kidding? Why would I not come- what kinda girl would miss a bonfire?" She giggled, they drew closer.

                His heart started to beat harder, and they were in a storm of emotions. He gazed into her eyes and it was a marvel to find peace.

                "Besides," She said, "How I wanna help you catch that coyote, so animal control can come and take it away."

                The mood broke into a million delicate pieces and fluttered away.

                His face got a little grim, and she drew back. She wondered if she'd said something wrong- then he interrupted her thoughts: "It's ok. You didn't say anything bad, in fact it's good you gave me a wakeup call. I was getting a little distracted. It's only natural though. On the one hand we've got to help Joe, but on the other... Well let's just say that's not the only goal I've got for tonight."

                Her mouth dropped open, and she furrowed her brow. "That's awfully forward, Harold."

                He raised his eyebrow, then laughed. "Oh god! No, I meant I've been wanting to spend time with you, outside of school! It's a goal. The whole time I was digging the pit, I was plan dreaming about sitting around the fire with you... Not that I wouldn't go for the other thing, but that's not what I meant!"

                She blushed, and tried her very best not to smile. But she failed, and they both started to laugh. To change the 

subject, she backtracked, "What exactly is plan-dreaming?"

                "You know. I was making plans... But they weren't entirely realistic. So it was more like daydreaming... But here we are."

                She moved closer to him, close enough that their bodies were almost touching. Her breath was barely a whisper, "And?"

                He moved in- she wondered if he'd kiss her. He was about to... Then, "Hey guys, I got some hots and- oh... Sorry." Joe turned around when he saw them, he was holding a plastic grocery bag at his side...

                "It's ok." Harold said, and he ran his hand through his hair.

                "Don't be sorry," Emily said, "We were just talking."

                Joe turned back around at that, and laughed in their faces. "Harold you better not ever try to talk to me like that."

                "Shut up Joe."

                Joe laughed even harder, "Sorry man, I know... Wanna... Talk about it?"

                Emily laughed too, and then Harold laughed to. "Hey, Emily, Joe, you guys hang here a minute. I'm gonna go raid mom's fridge. Em, can I take your bag?"

                Emily nodded, but gave him a sideways glance, "Em? How are you gonna call me Em, then act all chivalrous in the same sentence?"

                Harold sputtered, "I... Um... I-"

                "Relax. I'm just screwing with you. I like the sound of that."

                Now it was Harold's turn to blush, and he saw Joe was blushing too.

                "What?" She asked.

                "I like the sound of that too." He chuckled.

                She thought about what she had said last, and once she realized she wrinkled her nose, "NO! I meant, I like the sound of Em!"

                "Sure that's what you meant." Joe said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

                "Shut up, Joe." Harold and Emily said at the same time.

                She passed her bag, and Harold took it. He hustled to the porch, and set their backpacks down on the table, "Em, your bags over here."

                "Thanks Harry."

                And then after, Harold disappeared inside, Joe said, "So, you know he's like obsessed with you right?"

                She shrugged.

                He continued, "And you know he hates it when people call him Harry."

                She raised her eyebrows, shook her head.

                He waved a hand dismissively, "But I think you're ok. He doesn't mind it so much when it's someone he admires greatly... I'm the only one so far that gets away with it, but I'm cool with adding you to the list."

                -------

                Harold ricocheted through his house, grabbing condiments for the hot dogs, skewers for the fire, lighter fluid-

                "Hey, I was wondering where you were. Bus should've let off almost an hour ago."

                "Hey dad," Harold could barely conceal his excitement- he tried not to talk to loud. "I'm having a bonfire for Joe- cause of the dog. And... Emily is here too!"

                His dad beamed. "Well, don't let me keep you. You kids need anything from me?"

                "No, I don't think so. We're just gonna cook some hots, and eat s'mores and stuff.

                His dad chuckled, "Ha ha, have a good time son." Then he directed his voice towards the back door, and yelled, "And make sure Joe Jones knows if I see any alcohol, or signs that alcohol was had, I'll whoop his ass so his dad won't have to!"

                They heard Joe's voice, muffled by the distance and the door, "Don't worry about it Mr. Maria, we're good kids!"

                Harold's dad laughed. "Good kids my ass." Then he looked at Harold, and continued. "I told Joe Jones I had better not see any alcohol out there. But I'm not going to be out there, you understand?"

                "Dad, Joe was telling the truth."

                His dad laughed. "That's great to hear. But that's not my point. I won't be out there till the morning, and I don't wanna see bottle caps- or other trash. Stay safe. But more importantly, clean up when you're done."

                "Roger that. Thanks dad."

                "And Harold." His dad's face was momentarily grim, "Stick together. Coyote's usually stay away from people, but especially right now it's better to play it safe.

                Then he shot back outside with everything they needed.

                "Harry, I can't believe your dad thinks I'd bring alcohol over here."

                Harold shrugged. "Relax Joe. He was just fucking with you. I don't think he cares, as long as we're safe and don't make a mess."

                Joe's grin was deadly. "Well that's a relief." He pulled a flask out from his coat pocket, took a swig, and passed it to Harold.

                He tasted it. It burned his throat, and made him cough. "What the hell is that?"

                "Whiskey, from my dad's cabinet. If you don't like it pass it back!"

                Harold took one more small sip, and held the bottle out to Emily.

                She shook her head. "No thanks, not while I'm at a stranger's house."

                "Hi Em, I'm Harry, we're not strangers." He smiled to show it was all in good humor. "But to be honest, you're not missing out- it tastes like garbage water. If you change your mind, let Joe know. What's Joe's is mine, and what's mine is yours." He capped the flask and tossed it back to Joe.

                "Thanks for volunteering my stuff there, Harry. But you got it wrong. What's my dad's is mine, and I'm happy to share with Emily, and anyone else but you don't factor into the equation."

                Harold showed Joe his middle finger.

                "Bite me, Harry."

                Harold laughed. "Sorry Joe, but I think we should just stay friends."

                Emily giggled.

                Harold bent down over the pit, and started to build a fire- as best he knew how.

                Then Kait showed up wearing a hoodie and long pants. "Guys, my folks sent me with too much." She laid a bag by the fire pit, it was full to overflowing with cola, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and potatoes chips.

                She looked at Harold, who was still struggling with the fire. "Trouble over there Harry?"

                He bristled a little bit when Kait called him by his hated nickname. But he swallowed his budding distaste, and sat back on his heels. "Well. Yeah."

                "Let me give you a hand, you loser." Joe walked over and hunkered down.

                They fumbled over wood, and paper, and when they couldn't achieve a steady flame, they doused the entire contents of the pit in lighter fluid and tossed in a match- flames snuck across the fuel-damp logs and licked the wadded up papers.

                In a short time they had a fire they could pretend to be proud of.

                Kait threw another log on. Joe and Harold took the chairs from the porch and circled them around the fire.

                They munched on the chips Kait brought, and set up skewers to cook the hot dogs.

                The sun was red on the far horizon, and the sky overhead was a deepening to an inky purple.

                Harold looking up, at the sky above them, his eyes chasing some flitting movement.

                Emily looked up and saw tiny shadows zig-zagging through the air over their heads. "Bats, hat's so cool."

                Kait pulled her hoodie up over her hair. "Yeah. Really cool."

                Joe pulled his chair closer to hers, and reached an arm around her shoulders. "They're harmless."

                She sighed. "I know."

                Then he gave her arm a squeeze, "Unless they get in your hair!"

                Harold was laughing, but managed a much needed, "Shut up Joe."

                Then a quiet- not full silence, but the sacred quiet of fire snaps and cricket song- fell on the group. As the last gleam of the sun settled like dust in the west, they knew it was time to talk.

                The fire cast them each in a circle- separated them from the wider world. They were there, together, within this light. Outside the reach of the warmth and light, darkness beyond reckoning.

                Harold spoke, "We're here tonight for Joe. And for Rufus."

                Each set of eyes, glinting in the yellow light went to Joe. He wound the handles of the plastic bag tighter around his fingers. He wanted to speak, but they would not rush him.

                "I... That little dog was a good dog. Emily you didn't know Rufus, but just fucking trust me on this one. A great pup. And it's... It fucking sucks what happened to him." He unwrapped the bag he'd brought, and pulled out the little blue collar- now quite frayed, and still stained with old blood.

                Kait hugged Joe around his neck, and the others nodded.

                "Well it fucking sucks. But we can't change the past, can we? The thing is- the thing is... That goddamned coyote that did this-" He held up the battered collar, "-That fucker is still out there. And I want to change that."

                Emily spoke up, "So other pets will be safe."

                Joe nodded. "Yes. And because it fucking deserves to die, and I want revenge for Rufus." He took out the flask, and drank. He passed it to Kait, and she drank too, and passed. Harold took a swig, and handed it to Emily.

                She held the silver flask in her hands, it reflected the dancing light of the fire, and her eyes were beautiful. "To die... I thought we were planning to get it captured or trapped so animal control could cart it away."

                Joe shook his head, "No. The only away that's far enough is hell."

                He held out his hand for the flask, Emily took a hard knock from the drink, and handed it back to him. Her face writhed under the intensity of the whiskey, but she kept it back, and kept most of her composure. At last she spoke, with a bit of a rasp, "Toss me a cola."

                Kait tossed it, Emily caught it, and took a swig. "I'll help set up the trap. But... There's no way I'm killing anything. I won't stop you guys from doing it if you want- if you need. But I'm not helping with that part."

                Joe shook his head. "I don't want help killing it. I want to do it myself." There were tears making demands in corners of his eyes, threatening to run down his cheeks. He did not bother to wipe them, but let them fall.

                Near silence again, dredged up from the depths of their hearts and transmitted onto their small circle of the world. The chirp and cree of insects in the bushes, like a gentle chant which pulled them closer together.

                At last, Joe spoke. "How are we gonna do it Harry?"

                Harry held up some rope, "We're gonna bait the shed. Tons of dog food. Tons of meat. Rufus' collar-"

                Joe pulled something else out of his bag. "I also brought this." It was a worn square of blue fluff. "His doggy blanket. If that bastard likes the smell of my dog, he'll come drooling for this."

                "Perfect. We'll put that in the shed, maybe up by the rafters, so they coyote can't shred it. The rest right in the middle of the floor. We'll scatter some dog food, and pieces of hot dog around the woods behind the shed to coax it to the main course." He hefted the rope again, "Now this we tie to the door handle. Once the fucker goes in the shed, we pull the door shut. He can't get out. Joe the rest is up to you."

                Joe nodded. "How will we know the bastard is in there. It's too dark to see the shed from here, if we shine a light for look out, it'll probably be spooked."

                Emily gulped down the rest of her cola, and clinked the can against the brick of the fire pit. "A couple of these. Balance them around the bait. Coyote knocks them down." She dropped the can on the gravel, for effect.

                "It's a good idea." Harold said. "You've been watching survival shows haven't you."

                She smirked. "Nope. I'm just a genius."

                Kait took out three more colas, and passed one to Joe and Harold each. "Drink up."

                "Cheers," Harold said.

                "To revenge." Joe added.

                They drank, and then they set up the trap. Joe rubbed the blanket all across the outer walls of the shed, then dragged it across the floor and tossed it over the rafter. They put an empty can on the middle of the floor, with a paper plate balanced atop it. On the plate they balanced Rufus' dog food, Rufus' collar, scraps of raw ground beef, and hot dog, and the other empty cans.

                Lastly, they broke hot dog into pieces, and threw them along with handfuls of kibble into the woods beyond.

                Harold tied the rope to the door handle, and left the door ajar.

                Then they went back to their seats.

                "Who wants the rope?"

                Joe reached for it. "I'll take first watch, I s'pose."

                "And I'll cook up some hot dogs." Harold offered.

                They waited, and they ate.

                Joe periodically passed the flask. But nobody got rowdy.

                When somebody joked, the laughter was subdued. This was all too solemn for comedy.

                After a while Harold stood and pushed his chair back.

                He sat on the ground closer to the fire, and looked up at Emily. He tapped the ground beside him. She moved to join him, and they sat pressed up against each other at the sides.

                Kait looked at Joe.

                He grunted. "No, I'd love to believe me. But I need to be ready in case that mangy shit knocks the cans. I gotta be quick."

                She nodded, and simply pulled her chair as close to his as possible, and began to run her fingers through his hair.

                They ate their fill, the food smoky and char, and all together good.

                They drank more cola, and Harold brought out waters.

                When he came back he handed Emily a bottle, and planted a kiss on her forehead.

                "You missed." She said, her face turned up towards his.

                He trembled, and breathed deep.

                "Yeah, I suck, let me try again."

                "Boo!" Joe whispered, "Get a room."

                But they didn't.

                Harold kissed her again, this time more on the mark.

                She closed her eyes and kissed him back.

                Joe pushed his chair back too, and laid on the ground beside the fire. Kait laid beside him, her head on his shoulder and nuzzled against him, "I'm cold."

                Joe pulled her close, and she laid her head on his shoulder.

                They were each thrilled to be so close- pressed up against- their desires. But they were all new to each other, and they were draped with awkwardness and hesitation. They cuddled. They hugged. They kissed. They then held hands.

                And they wore away the minutes in vague happiness.

                But their spoken purpose kept them in a state of waiting. Each person's ears were trained for the clink of aluminum on cement.

                But it never came.

                The roasted some marshmallows and then lost interest.

                The hours gnawed at them. And they didn't want it to end.

                Emily curled up against Harold, her face against his. And his lungs were full of her scent- she fell asleep, but he could not.

                All he could do was look at her, and press his face against her hair.

                She moaned softly in her sleep.

                "God, they're so cute." Kait said.

                Joe put fake exasperation in his voice, "Hey, so are we Kait!"

                They chuckled, Harold heard them kiss, a longer kiss than any so far. On the plainest level, Harold was happy for Joe. On the subtler level, he didn't care because he was too wrapped up in his own moment. He wanted her to be awake, to kiss her the same way. And he wanted her to stay asleep, so he could keep looking at her.

                Then her phone buzzed in her pocket, and moment was dashed to the very reach of the low fire light.

                She opened her eyes, and smiled when she saw him. She wiggled closer to him. Harold could feel warmth swelling between his legs, at her movement.

                Her phone buzzed again. She woke up more, and pushed her thigh between his legs- very gently. She giggled, and sighed, "That's gotta be my mom."

                "Goddamn it." Harold sighed.

                "I know. But... Not bad right, for our first date."

                "Our first date." Harold repeated.

                She sat up, and checked her phone. "Yep, my mom's here."

                Harold gained his feet, and then helped her up.

                "Let me get your bag and walk you to the front."

                She grinned, he could tell she was content. So he teased, "Hey, read too much into it. I'm only walking you up there, because there's a vicious coyote out here somewhere."

                "Yeah sure you are." She took her bag, and they walked to the side of the house.

                Once they were there she pulled him close, and he pushed her against the paneling of the house. He kissed her deep, and their hands were clumsy with excitement.

                He held her hips, and pulled her towards him. She graced his thigh with the tips of her fingers.

                Her phone buzzed again. "Dammit! My damn mom!"

                "Yeah, yeah, just another minute."

                "No, come on. I don't want her to be suspicious."

                He nodded, and stole one last kiss, "One more for the road, right? That way I can keep a nice flavor in my mouth."

                She giggled, and he walked her up front, then suffered the discomfort of meeting her mom, and waved goodbye sheepishly, as they pulled away.

                He watched their tail-lights until they turned the corner, and then stood a moment longer in the chill darkness.

                There was no moon tonight. Only stars, and they were a glittering diamond horde. But it was the high wind which fascinated him- the smells which he caught drifting overhead- changing leaves, cold freshness mingled with a cloying sweetness. And on the edges of that, the lingering smell of Emily's hair, herbal with an subtle musk which he found enticing.

                The night air filled his lungs, and power was in his veins.

                He thought about the coyote. And dared it to come face him. He was not afraid.

                He made his way back to the fire, and walked up unnoticed by his two friends who were climbing down each other's throats.

                "Don't mind me," he said, and tossed another log on the fire. "Joe pass me that rope."

                The fire was still nice, but it was nicer when she was still there. He laid down in the grass, where she had been sleeping. Held the rope in one hand, and breathed deep the autumn air.

---------------------------

Okay... Well like I said. I'm not happy with the way this came out.. It's all kinda... Blah.

If you have suggestions, please let me know. I want this story to be good. But right now it just feels empty.  I feel like if my dad were to read this he'd say the same thing.

Perhaps I'll work in some revisions. At the very least I should trim it. Because it is way to long. But for now here it is.

UPDATE:

Here's chapter 11