Chapter 18: Part One Pedition
6 p.m.
I hear an rm. Is that how they call people to eat? There is a knock at my door. It’s Brooke.
“We are gathering early tonight. I do not know why. Are you ready?” she asks.
I gather myself quickly. She puts something in my pocket. She whispers “protection” I nod my head.
I put on a smile and follow her out the door. As we go down the steps I see a familiar face. It’s Cami
Dawn. I run to her.
“I have been so worried about you,” I tell her.
“I am fine. I came home to be with my family. I am sorry I did not tell you bye. I had to get home.” She
responds.
She is not being honest. I smile. We continue to walk. Sargees up to her. She pats him on the
head. I wish I could talk to her. She looks at me “Soon” she says as she walks ahead.
We all arrive at dinner. The bell is still ringing loudly. This is ridiculous. There are so many people
here. I wonder who all these people are. Brooke and Cami stand on each side of me. They each
grab my hand, Brooke on my right, Cami on my left. They are trying to get into my head. I can feel
them.
“Do not be afraid. You have to be strong.” They say at the same time.
They keep holding my hands. I remain calm. The crowd keeps gettingrger. There is a small stage in
front of us. There are many tables. People are rushing to put food on the tables.
“We must join him on the stage,” Brooke says as she pulls me forward.
Cami is behind me. They both still have my hands. We walk through the crowd. Everyone is looking
at me. They know who I am. I can tell by the way they look at me. They all look so tired and defeated.
We make it to the stage. My brother is sitting in a chair with a microphone. He is wearing a brown suit
and dark sunsses. He looks old and tired himself.
“Come sister. Join us.” He says.
We are seated at the table. My brother looks at all the people in the crowd. “You may sit,” he says into
the microphone. My brother is their leader. This is not good. This is going to be disastrous.
I am seated between Cami and Brooke. The two of them are so close to me I cannot move.
“Am I ok?” I ask Brooke.
“Yes. Everything is perfect. Just do not panic.” She says.
Cami nods to reassure me that this is normal. Daniel starts to speak to the crowd. He is speaking in
anguage I do not know. I am very confused.
“Only a true believer can understand what he is saying. It is hisnguage that God taught him. Only his
followers know what he is saying.” Brooke tells me.
I am not going to panic. I am going to just sit here and pretend he is brilliant.
“My sister hase to joins us. She will be here will us until the end. She and her twins areing
home to the fellowship. Her children have been taken from her by the descendants.” He tells the crowd.
“We are going to help her recover them. We will be a family here. You may eat my family.”
Daniel walks to the table. He ces his hand on my shoulder. “My dear sister, Stop worrying. I will get
the twins back for you and you will live here forever.” He says.
I smile at him. “Thank you brother, all I want is for us to be family again.” I kiss his hand that is on my
shoulder.
He walks away to sit at a table with the men. I want to cry. I will let him think he has me. I have Cami
now. Step one isplete. And now I have to figure out how to get my children.
The meal is served by young women. They all look exhausted. I scan the crowd of people. They
all look worn down and scared. I wonder what he is doing to these people. He has formed a cult. I knew
he was twisted.
Smile. I have to smile so he doesn’t know I am thinking about what horrible things he has been doing
here.
“Brooke, do you think tomorrow you could show me around?” I ask.
Brooke and Cami both lookup. “I think that is a great idea. I am sure Daniel will agree. What do you
think Cami?” she responds.
Cami looks so nervous. I continue to smile my best smile. “I think we should show her the beautiful
school you built for all the children.” She replies.
“I think that is a wonderful idea. We can discuss it tonight at the bonfire.” She is trying to change the
subject.
We continue to eat in silence. I am not sure what to say or do. I will continue to just act happy to
be here.
“Is everything alright Izzy?” my brother asks.
I had no idea he was behind me. I stand up and smile at him. “Yes, brother,” I answer him. “I was just
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asking Brooke and Cami if I could see the rest of this amazing ce tomorrow. Brooke mentioned
she had a school built. I am anxious to see what my new life will be like here with you and my children.”
He leans into me and whispers in my ear. “I am so happy you are here with me. I have missed you, my
dear sweet sister.” It is almost sinister the way he spoke to me.
I pretend not to notice. I want him to think I am the obedient sister. I want him to think I am on his side. I
want him to think that I will be here for him. I want him to think that I will raise my children here with him
in this damn cult he has built.
“I have missed you too my brother,” I say as I lean in and kiss him on the check.
I sit back down and continue to smile. I cannot wait to kill him.
“So, tell me more about the bonfire,” I ask.
Cami looks terrified. I wonder what in the hell he has done to her. “Be careful of your thoughts. He is
very powerful. Not as powerful as you. I can feel the apple in you. When you let go you will be more
powerful than your brother and your mother.” Brooke says to me.
She can see my worry for Cami. “She’s fine. Stop worrying. You have to keep your emotions in check
so your powers can grow. He was hard on her when she got her. He wanted her to prove she was with
him. He can be very difficult. He expectsplete loyalty from the fellowship.” She stops. He is looking
at her. “The bonfire is amunity gathering we do every night. Wee together and pray for one
another and reconnect with God.” She smiles at him.
She is good. He must think he has her right where he wants. Maybe I will let her kill him. She deserves
it.
“No. I don’t. I want the bitch that took the children.” She says as she looks me in the eye.
“Mind your thoughts Perdition.”