I go to the riverbank and dip a toe in.
Shit, it’s cold!
“Best to just jump in, Brother Harry,” Ray says. “We’ll be right behind you.”
I turn back. “Promise?”
Ray smiles. “Of course. Brothers are there for brothers, right boys?”
“Damn straight,” Max says.
I turn back to the river. It’s flowing quickly, but not so quickly that I’ll be washed away. I close my eyes, count to three, and take the plunge.
Shit, shit, shit! It’s like a thousand tiny needles poking into me at once.
Luckily, it’s shallow. I’m able to grip my feet to some rocks on the river’s bottom and stand myself up, bringing my head out of the water just in time to hear three more splashes around me.
I rub my eyes and through the dim light of Ray’s candle I can see the other three poke their heads out like prairie dogs, laughing roughly.
And I can’t help it. I laugh too.
I no longer feel weird about being naked. We’re just four brothers enjoying each other’s company. It’s not long before we’re splashing at each other and cackling like maniacs.
I’m used to the water temperature now. It almost feels warm.
Finally, Ray gestures to the bank. “Brothers, we must finish the initiation process.”
“There’s more?” I ask.
“Don’t worry.” He smirks. “The hard part is over.”
We get out and Ray reaches into his bag and pulls out a couple towels. “Dry off and put your clothes back on, Brother Harry. Once you’re ready, join the other brothers in a circle around the candle.”
I nod, doing as I’m told. I towel off quickly and throw my clothes on, leaving my shoes and socks off. Ray, Max, and Corey are already sitting in a circle by the time I’m done.
“Initiate, please stand in the center of the Fraternal Circle,” Ray instructs.
I do as I’m told, shivering against the cold breeze.
Ray grabs the bag and pulls out a vegetable knife.
My blood freezes in my veins. “Whoa,” I say. “What are you going to do with that?”
Ray holds up a hand. “Stay calm, brother. It’s nothing that the three of us haven’t gone through and survived.” He pushes his hand in my face. “Take a look for yourself.”
I squint, and sure enough, there’s a pale pink X across Ray’s palm. Corey and Max display theirs as well.
“Brother Corey, will you hold the candle?”
“Yes, Brother Ray.” Corey stands up and grabs the candle from the center of the circle.
Ray turns back to me. “Brother Harry, your left hand, please.”
I swallow. “Is it going to hurt?”
Ray snorts. “It’s a knife. It’s not going to feel pleasant.”
“But it’s just a little sting,” Max says. “Worth it for a lifetime of brotherhood with The Club.”
