Chapter 10: Under Pressure
DHI Book Club Discussion by pibbs
protected by Fair Use, bitch
Simon gets woken for more late night secret butt secks in the woods. Simon protests but Kannon the creature is persistent, then gas-lights him.
‘Not tonight,’ said Simon.
‘But you’re a member now,’ said Kannon.
‘You can’t miss a meeting.’
‘Why?’
‘There are so many things to do! I think Hemlin has been practising a new trick with Thump!’
So, Simon goes. That's the chapter.Kannon huffed and moved his whole body back into the room. ‘You ask too many questions. Maybe I was too hasty in my decision in inviting you into the Secret Circle. I thought you were going to be more like your sister.
Chapter 11: The Monster Inside You
More campfire games, and boring dialogue.
Magical imaginary friends, here to entertain you, and fulfill your heart's desires, folks!‘Football,’ said Ryan.
‘I was saying I wish Hemlin played for Liverpool!’
Zam nodded but Simon knew he didn’t have a clue who Liverpool were.
‘So you like football as well, Simon?’ Simon nodded.
‘Do you have a favourite team?’
Simon shook his head. ‘Not really. I like Manchester United, but don’t really support anyone like Ryan does.’
‘Does your dad like football?’ asked Zam.
Simon paused for a second. ‘Yeah, he loves it.’
‘Does he have a favourite team?’
‘Manchester United. That’s why I sort of like them.’
‘Has he ever been to see them play?’
‘When he was younger, I think.’
‘Why not now?’
Simon shrugged. ‘We live too far away. He lived closer to Manchester when he was my age.’
Zam is a creepy fucker. Probably the lead kid buggerer.‘Why did he move?’
‘He got a job here after he met my Mum.’
‘Where does he work?’
‘For a bank. Why?’
‘I’m just trying to get to know you better,’ said Zam.
‘It’s okay, Simon,’ said Ryan. ‘Zam always asks about our parents.’
Simon gets peeved with his sister's handler, Grork, because he lead her out there into the cold without a coat. His English temper flares out of control!Did you know Amie’s dad works in a bank as well?’
Ryan chuckled and Zam’s expression darkened.
‘What?’ he growled.
‘Amie’s my sister,’ said Simon.
Spluttered? Someone has a thesaurus.‘Can I have a word?’ Simon spluttered.
‘Umm, I just wondered why you didn’t let Amie take her coat.’
What?Grork nodded and he let his smile fade.
‘I can see that you care about your sister,’ he said. ‘And you’re new to the Circle, so I’ll let this pass. But don’t throw around accusations unless you’re certain about something. It can do far more harm than good. Handbag?’
Simon paused. 'What?”
‘What did you say just now?’
‘Nothing. Excuse me; I need to finish my story.’ Grork returned to the tree stump beside Lindsay and Claire, the earth shuddering with each heavy step. The creature sat down and continued talking like nothing had happened.
Chapter 12: Shawshank Recondition
1/3rd done!
Simon gets very little sleep. At breakfast next morning, his parents are angry someone's tracked mud on the carpet.
He's late to class because his mum made him scrub her carpet.Simon spun back to face his dad. ‘It wasn’t me.’
‘Who was it, then? Gremlins?’
What?
Simon's shoes are now caked with mud, though he never walked through mud.
Back in detention, they share stories of their abuse:
How many times are we going to have to repeat this scene?‘What did you do?’ said Simon.
Jonathon sighed. ‘What do you think?’
‘What time did you get home last night?’
Jonathon didn’t answer.
‘Hey?’
Jonathon raised his head. ‘Shush.’
‘No, come on, tell me. I got in at half past five.’
Jonathon dug his head back into his crossed arms.
‘Six,’ he mumbled.
‘You were late, what were you doing?’
Jonathon groaned.
‘Were you watching Hemlin?’
Jonathon’s head shot up. ‘Shh! Don’t say their names.’
‘Why?’
‘Because. It’s the rules.’
Snitches get stitches.Simon frowned. ‘Punished?’
‘If you break the rules, you’ll be punished. Or worse, they’ll kick you out of the Secret Circle.’
‘Punished how?’
‘I don’t know. There was this kid from a few villages over from Hedgely. His name was Luke. He told his brother about it, I think…’
‘And?’
‘He didn’t come back. He was sent to live with his uncle.’
‘Why?’
‘Something happened, but I don’t know what. Must have been serious if his parents sent him away.’
END OF CHAPTERS