Jackson Barrett braced himself against a haybale as the old red tractor sputtered along. The hayride was full. He sat shoulder-to-shoulder with his girlfriend Emma on his left and some girl he’d never met on his right. They were packed like sardines. It was the second-to-last Saturday in October, and the Becker Bonfires were the talk of campus.

 

“I don’t know why you dragged me to this,” Jackson complained. Everyone in the hayride was speaking loudly—probably already a bit buzzed—and so he had no need to whisper.

 

“Everyone in my sorority has been talking about it all week,” said Emma, picking rogue strands of hay off her outfit. She wore denim on denim—a blue denim jacket on top of blue jeans. A bold choice to be sure, but Emma was one of the most beautiful girls on campus, and no one dared critique her outfits.  Her jacket was unbuttoned just enough that you could see hints of the black lace bra she wore underneath

 

“Plus,” she continued, “I thought you’d want to check out your competition.”

 

Jackson loosened his tightly closed fist, revealing a crumpled piece of paper. Why look at it again? It’s just going to piss me off. But he began to smooth the wrinkled paper anyway. After it was completely unfurled, Jackson looked at the face on the flyer. The man was about his age, with a high-fade haircut that complimented his wavy brown hair. He had brown eyes as well, and wore a red flannel.

 

The flyer read, “Return MSU to its roots. Vote Cantwell Becker IV for Student Government President!” The “IV” was printed in big, bold letters that stood out from the rest of his name.

 

Jackson crumpled the flyer again and threw it out of the hayride. Whether it was from the cold or the rage bubbling up inside him, he began to shake. The Presidency is mine. He thinks he deserves it because some old ass building is named after his great grandfather. That’s not how this works. Not anymore.

It had been insulting enough when he was required to make a $10 “donation” to the Becker campaign just to get a spot on the hayride. The line for the hayride had been long, too. Chuck Becker must be making a fortune from these bonfires. I may need to ask father for some assistance. The thought of asking Grennon Barrett for more money made him feel sick to his stomach. No, maybe I can just talk Becker out of this nonsense. Offer him an advisory role or something.

 

He looked over at Emma. She was trying in vain to scroll through QwicPik. The cell service was already starting to get sketchy. Jackson picked some strands of hay out of her long brown hair. She turned to him, her bright blue eyes were searching for something. She reached up and ran her hand through his blonde hair. Finally, she said, “You don’t think you’ll lose to this guy, do you?”
 

“Of course not,” Jackson faked a laugh. “The Beckers are has-beens. The Barretts are the future.”

 

“Good,” she said, turning back to her phone.

 

Jackson looked off into the distance. The orange glow of the bonfire was just coming into view.

 

 

***

 

 

“Bob, ladies, bob!”

 

In the middle of the space sat an inflatable kiddie pool filled with water. Moments ago, Hunter had dumped in a bushel of apples. Six girls were lined up against the wall, all wearing different colored dirndls. Chuck had liked Maggie and Olivia’s outfits so much that it was now a required uniform for all the girls working on his campaign.

 

When Chuck gave the starting cue, all six girls rushed to the kiddie pool, fell to their hands and knees, and plunged their faces into the water. It was a beautiful sight. The dirndls were short enough that Jackson and Hunter had clear views of all their asses as the ladies sunk their heads into the pool. Each wore different colored thongs to match their outfits.

 

Suddenly a blonde head popped out of the water, apple in mouth.

 

“Very good, Olivia!” Chuck clapped. “Now bring it over to your bucket here!”

 

Apple still in her mouth, Olivia crawled across the space on her hands and knees. She wore a light-blue dirndl and her eyes were dazed. When she reached the bucket at Chuck’s feet, she dropped the apple in and looked up at his face.

 

“Well done, Olivia. You’re in the lead. Keep it up!”

 

With that, Olivia turned around and began crawling to the pool. Her ass bounced in the air as she did so, giving the boys a great view of her light-blue thong sandwiched between two pale cheeks.

 

“Uh oh, Olivia, looks like Maggie’s giving you a run for your money!”

 

Maggie’s brunette head had just surfaced with a bright red apple in her mouth. Her eyes were glazed over.

 

“You know the drill, Maggie. Drop it in your bucket over here.”

 

Maggie obeyed, setting out on her hands and knees.

 

Chuck breathed in the cool fall air. Over the weeks of October, he had invested a lot of his and his friends’ time into developing the “VIP Section”. Rather than the entrance being open to the field where the bonfire was held, they had reconfigured it so that you now entered from the cornfield. The corn was tall, ready for harvest, and the passages they had cut through it were positively labyrinthian. It was important that Chuck’s secret weapon remain, well, secret. Only he and his close associates could navigate through all the twists and turns of the maze.

 

Chuck was growing increasingly secretive as the bonfires grew in popularity. Right before the apple bobbing began, Hunter had notified him that there were approximately 200 students in attendance, and there was still a long line for the hayride. That’s $2,000 we’ve raised already.

 

There was a soft plop as Maggie dropped her apple into her bucket. “Back you go,” Chuck ordered. Maggie slowly turned around and began crawling back to the pool. Her green thong, matching her green dirndl, flashed between her pale white cheeks as she meandered back.

 

Chuck’s autumn reverie was interrupted as a camo-clad student walked into the enclosure and whispered something into Hunter’s ear. Hunter nodded and announced, “Jackson Barrett just rode in.”

 

“Good. And his girlfriend, Emma DeBruyne?”

 

The student began whispering into Hunter’s ear again. “His gal’s done come along too,” he confirmed.

 

“Excellent,” Chuck said, rubbing his palms together. “If Barrett asks for me—and he will ask for me—bring him here. Quickly.”

 

“Yes sir,” the student said before swiftly exiting.

 

In the meantime, the apple bobbing competition had picked up. Several of the dirndl-clad ladies were crawling back and forth between the kiddie pool and the buckets. Chuck peered into each of the containers. Olivia was still in the lead.

 

“Are you enjoying your night off?” Chuck asked. He had allowed Hunter to hang out at the bonfire tonight, assigning his other associates to hayride duty.

 

“Sure am,” Hunter said.

 

“Good,” Chuck said, watching Maggie’s ass crawl back to the pool. “You know, Hunter, you’ve always been very loyal to me, to our cause. I want to reward you for that loyalty tonight.”

 

Hunter raised an eyebrow. “How you aimin’ to do that?”

 

“Maggie is mine, but I’d like to give you a night with the blonde, Olivia. You can do whatever you want. Just don’t hurt her.”

 

Hunter’s eyes lit up. “You swear? You ain’t pullin’ my leg?”

 

Chuck laughed, “Yes, I swear.”

 

Just as he said it, Olivia dropped the last apple into her bucket.  With the pool depleted of apples, the other five girls sat kneeling around it, resting their butts on their heels.

 

“Looks like Olivia is tonight’s winner! Congratulations!”

 

Olivia didn’t respond.

 

“As your award, I’d like to give you a night with our very own Hunter Matthews,” Chuck said, patting Hunter on the back. “You’re to obey his every command, do you understand, Olivia?”

 

“Yes,” she said in a dreamy voice.

 

“Good,” he said, turning to the other girls. “The rest of you may go back to bonfire now. As always, make sure you treat our male guests to a good time. The election is quickly approaching, and we need to win hearts, minds, and dicks to pull this off.”

 

The girls stood up and exited the enclosure in a single file line. Hunter and Olivia stayed back.

 

The camo-clad student returned and announced that Jackson Barrett was being escorted here as he spoke.

 

Chuck turned to Hunter. “Find some remote dead end in the corn maze and take her there. But first,” Chuck leaned in close and whispered something into Hunter’s ear.

 

Hunter nodded, took Olivia by the arm, and exited the enclosure along with the other student.

 

Chuck paced back and forth. He had been waiting for this moment all month. Finally generated enough attention that even Jackson Barrett will grace us with his presence. This was a good sign. It meant everything was proceeding as planned.

 

“Jackson Barrett to see you, sir,” a student in a brown flannel announced.

 

Chuck turned around. Jackson Barrett was even taller in person. Chuck guessed he must be 6’4”. He sported a blonde undercut and wore a brown button-down shirt under a burnt-orange sweater. His blue jeans ended in a pair of brown leather boots.

 

“Hi, Becker,” Jackson said, strolling into the enclosure and glancing around. “Oh, sorry, I’m told I should call you The Fourth.”

 

“It’s good to see you, Jackson. Thanks for coming out all this way. I imagine you don’t get out to the ag reserve too often.”

 

“Can’t say that I do.”

 

“I hope you found everyone welcoming.”

 

“I certainly did. The mandatory campaign donations are a nice touch, I won’t lie.”

 

Chuck laughed, “They’re not mandatory. Well, only if you’re dying to come to the bonfire, I guess.”

 

“My girlfriend demanded it. I’m not sure how you’ve managed it, but these backwater bonfires of yours are the talk of campus. I’ve heard the frats are shutting down for the night.”

 

“Is it crazy to think that MSU students want more… traditional gatherings? It’s not too hard to beat out what the frats are offering these days.”

 

Jackson shook his head. “Again, I’m not sure how you’re doing it. And, frankly, I don’t care. I’m here to talk about the election.”

 

“Ah, yes, the election,” Chuck said. He ran his fingers along the black sheet that hid his ace in the hole. “It’s shaping up to be a good one. Who would have thought? Lots of interest in student government this year.”

 

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Jackson said, taking a few steps closer. “You’re drumming up a lot of interest. There’s no doubt about that. I could use someone with your campaigning skills.”

 

“Oh, you could use someone like me?”

 

“I could use you, to be precise. I’d like you to join my team. You’ll be my right-hand man.”

 

“Mmm, I don’t think so.”

 

Jackson thought he could hear a girl screaming in the distance. It was impossible to tell whether they were screams of pleasure, typical party shenanigans, or… something else. He glanced back at Chuck.

 

“Listen, you’re an underdog, Chuck. Can I call you Chuck?” He didn’t wait for confirmation, continuing on, “What you’re doing here is impressive. I’ll be the first to say so. But it won’t be enough. You know the Barretts are large donors to MSU. You’ve seen the renderings for the new computer science building—‘The Barrett Innovation Center’. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

 

“I don’t think so, actually,” Chuck said, glaring now. “I’m not sure that’s what MSU needs.”

 

Jackson looked genuinely confused by this. “It’s the 21^st century, Chuck. Of course we need new tech facilities!”

 

“I’m not so sure about that.”

 

Jackson stood silent for a moment. I need to reevaluate my strategy. This isn’t working. He heard the screams again, this time closer. They were coming from a woman, and she definitely didn’t sound happy.

 

“Listen, Chuck, I have a lot of respect for the Becker family. Becker Hall is one of the finest pieces of architecture we have on our campus, no new tech hub will change that.”

 

Chuck looked up now, his hand still stroking the covered object. I have his attention now. Good. “Hey, I’ve heard you’ve got a giant jack-o’-lantern around here somewhere,” said Jackson. “Is that it? I’d love to see it. It’s truly impressive what you all can grow out here.”

 

“You’d like to see it?” Chuck asked, quietly enough that Jackson wondered whether he was talking to himself. “Okay, I’ll show you.”

 

Chuck slowly pulled the black sheet away. The light of the jack-o’-lantern filled the enclosure with its orange-yellow light. Jackson had to briefly shield his eyes. He had mostly been buttering Chuck up, but he was actually a bit impressed now that he saw it.

 

“Wow,” he said. “That’s what I’m talking about. People shouldn’t shit on you ag science students. That’s the biggest fucking pumpkin I’ve ever seen!”

 

“Grown right here on the reserve,” Chuck whispered.

 

“Amazing,” Jackson said. “So, like I was saying, I respect the Beckers. My family respects the Beckers. And if you join me, I know that all of MSU will respect a Barrett/Becker ticket. What do you say?”

 

“Me… as your Vice President?”

 

“Exactly! We’d be unstoppable.”

 

“Hmm…” Chuck said, gazing at his jack-o’-lantern. “No, that doesn’t work for me. How about a Becker/Barrett ticket?”

 

Jackson sighed. I tried. Oh well. “Fine, if you can’t see reason, then we can do this the hard way.”

 

Chuck turned to face him slowly, smiling a wide, manic grin. “I’m way ahead of you.”

 

The screaming was growing louder now. Jackson could tell it was coming closer. And he thought he recognized the voice. Is that…? No, it can’t be. But the closer and louder the screaming grew, the more certain he became.

 

“Let me go! Do you know who I am? I’m going to have you bitches arrested! Fuck! You!”

 

He stared at Chuck, horrified. “What is this?”

 

Chuck was smiling from ear to ear. “The hard way.”

 

Maggie and Olivia dragged Emma into the enclosure kicking and screaming. Each had an arm interlocked with hers, pulling her into the middle of the space. Once Chuck gave the signal, they released her and she fell to the ground. The two dirndl-clad ladies gave Chuck a quick curtsy before leaving the same way they came.

 

Emma was breathing heavily, her once shiny, well-kept brown hair now a mess. She looked up at Jackson, wide-eyed. “These people are fucking batshit!”

 

Jackson turned to Chuck, trying to stay calm. “Becker, you want to explain what the hell is going on?”

 

“Sure,” said Chuck as he patted the jack-o’-lantern. “You see, Barrett, I wanted to make sure we were absolutely clear on how this election is going to go down.”

 

“I want to win as much as you do, Becker. But leave my girlfriend out of this. Jesus, how far did you have your girls drag her?”  

 

“Sorry, but I can’t leave your girlfriend out of this,” he said, turning to Emma, who was still on the ground. “Emma DeBruyne… I’ve heard you have over 200,000 followers.”

 

“Eat shit, creep.”

 

Chuck shook his head and chuckled to himself. “I’m afraid neither of you recognize your new reality. That’s okay. Let me ease you into it.”

 

“What the hell are you talking about, Becker?” Jackson glanced at Emma, her eyes full of rage. He hadn’t noticed it before, but she was now lit in a green hue. He turned back to the jack-o’-lantern to see green flames flickering behind its smile.

 

“Nice party trick, Becker,” he said. “Okay, Emma, let’s get out of here. I won’t let those girls bother you again.”

 

“You’re not going anywhere,” Chuck said. “I still need to show you what the future holds.”

 

“Fuck off,” Jackson said as he took a step towards Emma. Or, at least, he tried to take a step towards Emma. He tried to take another step, too. Nothing. He couldn’t even move his arms.

 

“What…?” He looked at Emma, who was staring vacantly at the jack-o’-lantern. All the previous signs of anger had melted from her face.

 

“Here’s what’s going to happen: Jackson, you’re going to withdraw from the election. Call it nerves, lack of free time, or just plain seeing the light. You’ll announce you’re pulling out first thing Monday.” Chuck took a few steps towards Emma. “You, my dear, are going to endorse me in front of all your social media followers. Daily.”

 

“You’re fucking nuts,” Jackson snapped. He was still trying to move, but to no avail. Emma didn’t say a word, and that scared him even more.

 

“Stop talking,” Chuck said, not even looking at him. “Emma, we’re going to show your boyfriend what’s what.”

 

What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Jackson had meant to say that out loud, but no words came out of his mouth.

 

He was about to learn what he meant. Jackson watched in horror as Chuck slowly unzipped his pants.

“Emma, crawl on over here, will you?”

 

The sinking feeling in his stomach was growing rapidly as Jackson watched Emma begin crawling on her hands and knees. This can’t be happening. Why is she listening to this maniac?

 

“Think I’m going to need a little lube before the real show begins,” Chuck said, reaching into his pants. “You don’t mind helping me out, do you, Emma?”

 

Emma kept crawling towards him, taking no time to respond.

 

Chuck freed his dick from his pants, waving it around in Emma’s face. She knelt in front of him, unresponsive.

 

 

 “Emma, I need you to suck my dick now. And don’t be nervous because your boyfriend’s watching. He doesn’t mind, I promise.”

 

With that, Emma opened her mouth wide and wrapped her lips around his girth. Chuck let out a loud groan as she began swirling her tongue around the full length of his cock. He grabbed a handful of her pretty brown hair and began guiding her head back and forth along his shaft.

 

After another groan he looked over at Jackson and smiled. “You’ve trained her well, I won’t lie.” He pushed and pulled her head up and down his length, her mouth enveloping his throbbing dick. “Or maybe she learned from someone else. Impossible to tell with whores like this.”

 

Jackson stood still and silent as a statue as Chuck fucked his girlfriend’s mouth. A mixture of rage and helplessness bubbled inside him. If I could only get my hands on this asshole. I’ll kill him!

 

“Your mouth is so warm and wet, Emma, just how I imagined it,” he said as he continued to slide her head up and down the length of his cock. “I… wanted to fuck… your pussy but… I don’t know if I’ll make it that… far.”

 

Emma feasted on his dick as he thrust in and out of her mouth. Her tongue traced circles around his shaft. Chuck felt himself getting closer, trying to prolong the inevitable. Emma sucked with abandon as he facefucked her. He was growing so close now. His cock was absolutely throbbing, ready to blow his load in this beautiful girl’s mouth.

 

After a few more moments he let out a loud moan and shoved his cock down her throat, holding her head so that the entire length of his shaft was in her mouth. Jackson watched as his hips spasmed, knowing Chuck was sending load after load of cum down his girlfriend’s throat. Asshole! Fucking asshole!

 

Chuck panted as Emma finished licking up every drop of cum he blew into her mouth. When she was done, he pushed her head off his dick and said, “Sleep.”

 

Emma collapsed backwards onto the ground, unconscious. Her mouth fell open as she passed out, and Jackson thought he could see a trail of cum leaking out across her lips.

 

“Well, I sure feel a whole lot better,” Chuck said, zipping his pants back up. “Yeah, I think I’ll keep Emma around for when I get… stressed. You don’t mind, do you?”

 

Just wait till I get my hands on you, you fucking pussy, was what Jackson thought, but could not say.

 

“Didn’t think so. I knew you’d come around,” Chuck said, walking over to him. “Now, I think it’s time for you to join Emma in dreamland. We’ve got a lot of prep work to do before the Halloween bonfire next Saturday.”

 

Jackson watched as Chuck strolled over to him and placed his finger on his forehead. He had to reach up high to do so. For once, Jackson felt a twinge of fear.

 

“Good night, Barrett,” Chuck smiled. “Sleep.”

 

And the blackness overtook him.