As bleak as Rick's future seems upon graduation, he has no idea what radical changes await him as he battles the Shishwhaka in Folklore. The last time the amphibious creatures emerged from their hibernation, only loggers lived around Millistique Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. As soon as a couple of the men turned up missing, the remaining loggers packed up camp and moved while the creatures returned to hibernate for another hundred years. Thus, the beasts remained part of local folklore until now. This summer is their summer. Find out how Rick saves his town and regains respect for his trouble-prone family as he battles not only the Shishwhaka but his girl friend's family in Folklore.
Folklore
By Brian WillshireAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2009 Brian Willshire
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4389-8702-6Chapter One
"What a crock of crap," Rick said as he tuned out the graduation speaker.
Several classmates turned and chastised him with a "shh".
Rick looked down and scuffed his foot on the only dead patch of grass on the entire football field. "They probably made sure my seat was over this patch as a final gift," he huffed just under his breath. Rick ran his hands over his legs and shifted his lanky frame to fit more comfortably into the cramped seating. Rick's navy-blue gown hung off his slightly muscular chest and flapped in the breeze as it concealed his best pair of faded blue jeans.
Rick glanced up at the graduation speaker for Millistique High. Pinching his hazel blue eyes nearly shut, Rick scanned the crowd for his older brother and sister. They had promised to attend the first high school graduation in Reynolds' family history. Even though his heart filled with the hope that his family would support him in his proudest moment, Rick knew better. They would have their excuses, and he would not want to hear any of them. The truth was they were jealous. This latest and greatest slight caused anger to displace hope in Rick's heart.
The speaker stoked Rick's smoldering anger with his speech. "This is the most exciting time of your life, a time when you can shape your limitless future to your liking."
As his smoldering embers grew into flames, Rick unconsciously balled the graduation gown into his clenched fists. How could the speaker say something so stupid? Rick's future had been decided for him a long time ago when he was born the youngest in the Reynolds family. His family proudly held the most notorious reputation for toughness in the county, maybe even in the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The three siblings lived together in their parents' house. Their father died an alcoholic's death long ago, and the three packs of cigarettes a day their mother smoked caught up to her a couple years later. However, his parents' absence never made much difference since the Reynolds children learned to fend for themselves at an early age.
Although they more than qualified for food stamps, it was a matter of pride with the Reynolds that they remained self-sufficient, and the deer they poached off state-owned land was not regarded as government assistance. Rick's parents bought food when they had enough money, but it was up to the kids to fix it for themselves. If no food could be found, the children provided for themselves. They often begged to eat at a friend's house when they were younger and fished or hunted when they were older. "It's a tough world out there, and we're teaching you how to survive," his parents would always say.
Peter Reynolds, the oldest, died his junior year in high school while driving under the influence of several substances. The only thing he did right that night was take his own life and not allow his ignorance to affect any innocent lives.
Barb, Rick's older sister, surprisingly won a medal in track during the only time she was eligible. However, she dropped out five credits shy of graduating in order to prove to the world she did not have to live by its rules, that she did not need "some stupid piece of paper". After a year of the world proving to her otherwise, Barb passed her graduate equivalency exam and entered the army.
There was no doubting Barb's physical prowess and readiness for combat. However, it was her combative personality that landed her in trouble. Barb only lasted three months before receiving a Dishonorable Discharge. It seemed she had problems following orders. Always bragging that not even the army was tough enough to handle her, Barb ended up tending bar at Fish, Deer, and Beer. She made a decent living when she managed not to drink all her tips. She also had Mikey, her five-year old son, whom she all but ignored. "I feed him and put a roof over his head. Ain't that enough?" was the extent of her maternal instincts. Rick felt sorry for him. Since Barb did not know who the father was, Mikey was stuck with the Reynolds name. Nevertheless, she helped pay most of the bills, at least those they chose to pay after receiving the third past-due notice.
Finally, there was Lester, just released from prison for breaking and entering into the houses he helped roof. Barb and Rick missed him greatly because he was the best hunter in the family and usually put meat on the table. Their dad used to give him two bullets and would tell him to bring back two squirrels. Lester never failed at this task. In fact, sometimes he brought back three. Rick never really counted on Lester showing up because if his brother didn't stand to directly gain from something, he didn't bother with it.
Rick shrugged and gave the speaker another shot and listened again.
The speaker continued, "Success ...", but Rick immediately tuned him out, for that unattainable word increasingly fanned his flames. Rick barely stayed in his chair as he scoffed at the thought, "Success?" All he ever wanted was for people to respect him for who he was, not label him for what all his family members had done. Was being given a fair shake too much to ask? He recalled all the slights he had endured, the fights others started with him just because he was a Reynolds, the suspensions he served because he defended himself. His chest swelled with anger.
Rick wanted to scream. If no respect could be shown to him, then he would show none in return. He would simply get up and leave in the middle of the ceremony. Since they falsely labeled him a troublemaker, he would show them what kind of trouble he could really make. Rick twisted in his seat as he searched for a route that would cause the biggest scene. As he did so, Rick's gaze fell upon a familiar figure standing at the top of the bleachers, and all his frustration melted away.
Chapter Two
Lyle Odessa stood firmly with his arms folded before him; his long gray hair cascaded over his shoulders. Barely taller than five and a half feet, Lyle, nevertheless, radiated strength. Everyone knew Lyle, locals and tourists alike, because he owned the general store on the lake. Normally, Lyle was instantly recognized as the eldest Native-American in the area, but today he stood out even more than usual. Rick noticed Lyle wore ceremonial head and arm bands. Rick shrugged and thought,
Probably just some sort of honorary dress for the occasion.
Rick knew his friends would not be caught dead with someone like Lyle. Sure, they thought nothing of hanging out with people with various body parts tattooed or pierced, but to be seen with someone who so proudly embraced dated traditions- no way. Nevertheless, Rick was proud to work for Lyle and was flattered that he attended the graduation.
Having completed his speech, the speaker sat down and the president of the school board stood up. It was now time for the graduates to receive their diplomas. The school board president droned endlessly through the names that were punctuated by various noisemakers. Rick received no cow bells, air horns, whoops, hollers, or even mildly enthusiastic applause for his name when it was read. However while crossing the stage, Rick heard Lyle's clapping. After receiving his diploma, Rick punched the air above him with it and waved to Lyle in thanks. Lyle cupped his hands before himself, shook them in shared victory, and smiled broadly.
When the time came to toss their caps into the air, Rick threw his to the side. While the others hugged...
