The Pond
Thomas Washburn Jr
Copyright © 2015 Thomas Washburn Jr.
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Cover Design & Layout
Thomas Washburn Jr
Edited by Steven K. White
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The small boat drifted lazily upon the flat glass-like surface of the water. No breeze made for a slightly troubling and precarious situation for the two teenage girls inside. It had been more than two hours since the boat had drifted to the center of the pond. That was also about the same time the wind had stopped, leaving the small wooden rowboat in its current position.
Inside the craft the two teenage girls sat huddled next to each other. Their haggard facial expressions, and shivering, despite the warm of the day, spoke volumes about their current state of fear and panic.
“Do you think that thing is gone?” A skinny redhead said. Her eyes scanning the shoreline nervously as her hands wrung the front of her white t-shirt into a knot.
“I...I think so.” Said a chubby blond-haired girl. Her eyes dark and sullen, her face streaked with mascara from crying.
“I hope so.” The redhead said.
“What do you think it was?” Asked the blond.
“I don't know. What do I look like, an animal expert or something?” The redhead snapped. Obviously off put by the question.
“No, I just...” The blond started to say, she hadn't meant anything by it. It was just a simple question.
“What — you thought I'd have all the answers? Jesus, Beth, can't you ever think for yourself, or do I have to do it all for you?”
Beth didn't reply, Amy's comments stung, and were hurtful. Why did she always have to be such a bitch? She didn't even know why Amy had befriended her. Up until this year, she'd hardly spoken to her. Actually, she did know why, she just didn't want to admit it. Amy was in love with her older brother, Scott, and was using her to get to him. For once, she'd wanted to have a real friend. Someone she could talk to and hang out with. She'd never had a real friend before, always being the outcast and loner at her school. Most of the kids just picked on her or ignored her — she preferred the latter. Because of all that, she'd let herself be blind to the obvious.
A splash along the shore caught both girls' attention. Spinning toward the noise, they saw only ripples upon the water. Amy huddled closer to Beth, obviously unnerved by the sound. Her recent burst of anger seemingly forgotten. Fear washed over both girls and neither spoke as their eyes continued to be locked upon the shore.
Another two hours passed, and still there was no sign of what chased them into the boat, earlier. The sun was starting to drop and the black flies were swarming with ferocity.
“We can't just sit here all night.” Amy said as she swatted angrily at the black flies attacking her.
Beth said nothing, she didn't really feel like talking to Amy, anyway. Her attention focused on the shoreline.
“Hello, earth to Beth.” Amy said, sarcastically, in an annoying, whining voice.
Beth turned her head, looking at Amy with a scornful gaze. Her sarcasm and blunt rudeness over the past few weeks were really pushing her to the edge. Today had been the straw that broke the camel's back. Once they were safe and on shore, she'd be happy to never speak to the bitch again.
“Yeah, you're right, we can't sit here. Wanna swim for it?” Beth was half kidding about the swimming part. She'd had more of an idea of trying to paddle the boat in by hand, as there were no oars.
Amy didn't like the idea, but she didn't see any other options. “Don't think we have much of a choice at this point. Wind doesn't seem like it's going to pick up anytime soon and the sun's setting. I don't wanna be stuck out here after dark.”
They had maybe a hundred and fifty yards to shore, another hundred to Beth's car once they hit land. It was a risk, and they knew it. If that thing was still around, they'd never make it. Hopefully, it had lost interest and gone away.
“No point in waiting around. If we're going to do this, lets do it,” Amy said in a snide, condescending tone. Her patience was wearing thin. She was tired of pretending to be Beth's friend. Truth was, she couldn't stand the fat bitch. In her whole life she'd never met anyone as pathetic and timid as Beth. She felt embarrassed to even be seen with her. If it hadn't been for the fact she though her brother was one of the hottest guys in school she would have never even spoken to her.
It was obvious she was going to have to make the first move. Beth sure as hell wasn't going to do anything unless she did. If she went in, Beth would follow — like a lost puppy. The same thing she always did. Quickly glancing at shore once last time, she stood up and dove into the water. Never looking back toward the boat, she swam as fast as she could. Her heart racing at the prospect of that thing still lurking in the woods.
Beth wasn't far behind Amy getting into the water. She had her reasons for letting that mouthy bitch go first. One thing Beth wasn't, was stupid. She wanted to formulate a plan, figure out her options and possibilities before just diving over. Amy had forced her hand and taken any chance of that away. Swimming as fast as she could, she tried to concentrate on making it to land. Still, her thoughts went over what to do and the various scenarios that might await them. Stopping to catch her breath, she saw Amy pull herself up onto the muddy shoreline. It wasn't much further, maybe fifty yards. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to continue on.
Amy's fingers sunk into the muddy soil on the pond's bank as she pulled herself from the water. Never had she felt such a rush of relief and terror mixed together. Her eyes immediately scanned her surroundings for any sign of the creature that had chased them into the boat. There was nothing. Everything seemed calm. That only added to the sense of unease ripping at her guts.
Turning toward the water, she saw Beth was close. “Hurry up,” She whispered as loudly as she dared — afraid if she spoke any louder that thing might hear her.
Beth made it and was scrambling to get to her feet. Moving quickly toward Amy, she'd already fished her car keys from her pocket. “See anything?” Beth said as she tried to catch her breath.
“No, lets go. I don't wanna wait here anymore.” Amy was beginning to panic. Every second they stood out in the open was a second closer to that thing coming back.
Beth was actually on the same page as Amy for once today. Both girls started toward the car, moving as quickly as possible without making too much noise. They were only about twenty yards away when a loud bear-like roar filled the air, accompanied by the snapping of branches and heavy footfalls. It was coming from behind them.
“Oh Jesus!” Amy bellowed as she turned to look behind her.
“Run!” Beth screamed, but Amy didn't respond or move. She seemed to be frozen — her whole body was shaking. “Amy, run!” When she didn't respond, Beth grabbed her shoulders and shook her. Still she stood, locked in a catatonic state of fear.
The sounds were getting closer as Amy let out a blood-curdling scream. A giant black blur burst forth from behind the trees. A mass of unrecognizable teeth and claws. Beth saw it and her survival instincts took over. The mass was almost upon them, so she reacted. Knowing she'd never be able to outrun it, she made a decision. With all her strength, she pushed Amy toward it, and ran. Screams filled the air as she slid the key into the door. Unlocking the door, she slid into the seat and started the car. She swore she could hear Amy s
creaming, “You bitch!”, as she drove away.
The next day, the fantastical tale of what happened filled the headlines around the country. Of course, Beth left out a few minor details. Never in her life had she gotten so much attention. It was strange going from a nobody to a somebody in the blink of an eye.
An armed search party was sent out to the pond, but Amy's body was not found. Just torn up, blood-stained ground where the attack had happened and a few bits of clothing. Several days later, a rabid and slightly deformed black bear was shot and killed near the site. When it was cut open and examined, human remains were found, along with a class ring that simply had the name 'Amy' engraved on it.
About the Author
Thomas Washburn Jr was born in 1978 in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine and still resides in the state. Thomas has written 4 published books. The horror novels 'The Returners', 'Legend Of North Lake & Other Short Stories' and his newest release, 'Mr. Witcher', as well as the short stories series 'Santa Claus Monster Hunter'. He's also published the Non-Fiction band guide: 'So You Want To Be In A Band'. Which draws upon his experience as a musician and promoter.
He spends his free time enjoying the outdoors, hanging out with friends, reading and playing video games
If you enjoyed this story, please take a moment to check out one of his other works & webpages
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