The Black Lake

“So we’re all agree then?” said Ryan.
“Course we’re all are. I’m not sure about Mandy though.” replied Katie.
“Are you kidding? I’ve been wanting to get the hell out of this small town and find somewhere else to spend my summer vacation! Besides, I got Joe here to tag along with me, you know we can have some alone time out there.” Joe embraced Mandy from her back while kissing and nibbling her left ear with his lips.
“Oh guys please get your selves a room.” Katie said shaking her head.
“Okay so we’re going to the Black Lake then, that’s about thirty five miles away from here, looks like everyone’s ready, now pack your things inside the Rover, my car, so I’ll take the wheel.” But then Joe started to protest,
“Ryan you promised me you’ll let me drive dude.”
“Yeah I did, when we get back from there.” Ryan answered. Joe was mumbling to himself and Ryan thought he heard the word“cheater” out from his mouth.

Like normal college students, they blasted the sound system of the car mp3 player to almost maximum volume listening to Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance. Ryan swore he almost chicken out when an angry looking biker staring at him, probably because of the noise they made when they stopped at the traffic light junction. It happened only for a few seconds then they hit back the road again.

“Guys, did you know that The Black Lake has it’s own myth? I heard that deep down the lake lies dead bodies of past people who died because of poisoning. The people back then was very poor, starving and fleeing from the early World War 1. Then they found the lake and drink the water from there. Some even bathe in the Lake. Those who drank the water died instantly. While those who bathe there died after three days. Folks from the town said that the water was infected by radiation from chemical weapons back in the days. All the corpses were thrown away in the lake.” Joe was telling the story with a serious looking face.
“Very cute Joe, I like it. You can write a novel now or what?” Mandy gave her boyfriend a nice middle finger. Katie was quite. She was unsure whether she wanted to speak it out or not. But then Ryan interrupted.
“Those are just rumors to scare outsiders for not coming there. Didn’t you guys know the place is reserved by the local authority so that they can promote a new place to visit for tourism? Few weeks ago a couple was arrested for being caught fishing there at the lake, they were crazy, said something eat their friend, but the police was sure it was just an excuse to escape the blame.”

Arriving at the lake, everything looks so peaceful, serene and relaxing. The breeze blowing gently made the long grass as if trying to wave to welcome them. The lake covered a massive area, almost circle, and at the middle of the lake was a nice big dead tree with no leaves on the branches. There were few flamingos seen perched on the branches, resting themselves but soon fly away to join another group of flamingos flying toward another direction.

“Ryan are you sure about this? What if the rumors are true? And the cops?” said Katie hesitantly.
“Oh please Katie, you believed Joe’s story? He’s an asshole. It’s not like you didn’t know him. Not to worry much bout the cops, it’s Sunday, the local authority of this area are off duty.”
“I’m sorry it’s just that . . .”
“Katie, we’ll be fine. Rumors are just rumors. Anyway, I’m going to explore the area with Joe, get yourself together and stay with Mandy. Help her with barbecue and stuff. After this we’re going to have a nice warm swim. We’re not going this far for nothing.”