Secrets of Society

I have always heard whispers about underground groups like the Illuminati, the Freemasons, or Skull & Bones. Stories told with Boogeymen to scare us into obedience and conformity. I never thought I’d actually stumble upon a veritable den, or that they’d have any real affect on my life outside these fairy tales. ——— I was slowly sinking into the uncomfortable, decaying chair in the library. A history of fluff and coils dead and gone. Ugh, just like what my thesis is going to be, I lament to myself as I push yet another hour into my research. While the history, mythology, and sociology surrounding secret societies in the US has been a joy to explore, the amount of dead-ends and blockades I’ve come across are simultaneously infuriating and intriguing. Every time I come to a halt, I just know there has to be something profound behind this unseen door. Why else would this information be “lost” to us common folk not in the know? Sighing, I drop my glasses on my laptop and rub my eyes. The floor creaks behind me as a deep voice asks, “That good, huh?” I plop my glasses back on my nose to see Sebastian grab a worn seat across from me. Another belabored sigh escapes me. “Yes, unfortunately, it’s just that good. What’re you up to today?” "The same as you: researching my ass off in an attempt to make headway on my thesis," Sebastian offers with a shrug. "But how can you be struggling to write about the over-commemoration of the Confederacy and how it contributes to racism in America?" I asked sarcastically. "Honestly, there's too much material to siphon through. You'd think with all the current research out there we'd have a better handle on this socially," he grumbles back to me, "Plus, you know how personal this feels to me. Knowing these assholes owned human beings, not to mention my ancestors. It's infuriating we're still putting up with this shit." I nod back, trying to be empathetic. I can't even imagine what that feels like to know that your ancestors were kidnapped and tortured. "I'm sorry, Seb. It sucks that your research is dredging up these feelings for you. And I can only imagine how difficult racism has made your and your family's lives." "Thanks, but I know there's only so much we can do as individuals...for now. Maybe once you crack your secret society codes," he emphasizes with air quotes, "you'll be able to infiltrate them and tear down those fuckers. I'm sure they're some of the biggest perpetrators." Sebastian cracks a grimacing smile before opening up his laptop and getting to work. Hours into the night, I stretch wide and let out a groan. The library is practically abandoned at this time of night, just Seb and me holding down the study area. I've been able to make a little bit of headway on a lead about Skull & Bones, but again I find more dead ends. I look around at the stacks to take a break from my screen. As I bring my awareness back to the room, I start to feel the hairs on my arms stand on end. I furrow my brows and begin scanning more intentionally. There are plenty of blind corners, but nothing peculiar or out of order. "What are you thinking about, Mar?" Seb startles me from my focus. I shake my head, "Nothing, just moving my eyes around and taking a brain break. I think I need to call it quits today." Seb nods his head in agreement. "Let's go grab some grub and ditch this place." We pack up and head out, not even seeing a librarian at the front desk as we leave. That feeling of dread just tickling the back of my mind as we walk out into the night. The closest late-night eatery is a pizza place close to campus. There's a small line when we step in, but still several open two-tops in the front. The back bar seems to be where everyone is meandering to. It's dark with pulsing music and flashing lights streaming down the hallway that separates the two sides of the restaurant. We both order a couple slices and take a seat up front, decompressing and sharing the progress made on our papers. After scarfing down my pizzas, I start to bus my table. Out of the corner of my eye I see a figure just standing in the hallway to the back bar. They're too far down the dark hall for me to make out any details, but that tickle of dread in the back of my head starts trickling down my neck. "What's up, Mar?" I jump at Seb's question, turning back to him. "Nothing...I just saw someone in the hall," I glance back to the now-empty hallway. "Anyone you know?" Seb asks hesitantly. I shake my head, "No, I just saw them sort of blocking the hall. It was kind of weird." I keep staring down the passage, wondering if I would catch another glance at the anonymous figure. I can't block out the remaining shiver at the base of my neck that's been shadowing me this evening.