Chapter 7
Blakely
After years of planning, I just couldn’t let things end with my mom. Sure, Jack was pissed but this may be my only chance to find out what happened to my sister. If my mother has Alzheimer’s, it could already be too late. The scary thing is, as we walked past the youth room and into the larger common area, I had this vision of crepe streamers, paper wedding bells, and a frilly blue dress.
The day my sister was married, the room where my mother sat was so different. It was filled with folding chairs and my sister stood in her best Sunday dress, next to a tall man in a dark suit.
Why didn’t I ever hear from her again? Surely, no matter how restrictive the cult, she would’ve been allowed to write to me by now. More and more I’m convinced something awful happened that day.
Jack’s parting glance made it clear what he thought of my plan to stay overnight but I’m not an idiot. I’ve got a cell phone taped under my bra strap in the back. As soon as I can, I’ll send him a text and let him know I’m okay. My GPS will give him my location at all times, even if they try to move me.
I got this bad feeling someone is listening as I try to wrench more information from my mother. “Mom? I’m sorry I left. I really am. I just couldn’t marry my father’s brother.”
Her dull eyes clear for a moment and hone in on mine. “You ruined everything.”
“Me? I was only fourteen. You had no business asking me to marry Uncle James. He was more than three times my age.”
“So? The rest of us survived worse. He’s a good man and you would’ve done well.”
I forgot how hard it is to argue with dumb, blind obedience. “I just wanted to wait, to marry a man I cared for, one more my own age.”
“Your uncle is well to do. He has power, influence. When you left, he made sure your sisters and I paid for your disobedience.” Mouth pursed, her glare couldn’t be more hateful and my heart, which had been hoping for a loving reunion, is just about split in two.
“I didn’t mean to cause you problems.”
I turn away from her hateful gaze to where the wall crumbles under years of paint while she berates me. “First Faith, then you. I’ve had to beg for handouts for the last twenty years. Do you have any idea what that’s like?”
“Do you ever hear from her?” I hold my breath, hoping for a scrap of information that will lead me to my sister. Maybe this trip hasn’t been in vain.
My mother’s face grows pained. “Didn’t you know? She ran off, too. I figured you were in cahoots with her.”
“Of course, I didn’t. You told me she got married and moved to another cult.”
“Oh yes. That was the story David gave at the time. It seemed easier. She never even said goodbye.”
“What really happened, Mom?”
“Right after the wedding, her new husband said she was rebellious and he took her somewhere where she could learn to behave like a proper wife. He said I was a bad influence.” Her eyes get dull again and she plops down in the chair, child-like.
I kneel in front of her. “Didn’t you ever ask to see her? To know more?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course not.” Her arms fold and she twists her head toward the door where someone knocks.
“Come in,” we both say at once.
David Young enters and gives me a creepy once over. “You filled out very nicely, Blakely. You have bountiful breasts for feeding babies and wide hips for birthing. Tell me, are you married?”
The conversation is beyond inappropriate but what did I expect? I need to try to be polite so I can spend a little more time with my mother. Perhaps somehow, I can find an address for my sister.
I cross my arms over my chest. “No. I’m not married.”
Not getting the hint, he continues to stare, blatantly. “Good, good. I assume you’ll join us for services, later. We’re celebrating having you come back into the fold.”
David puts his arm around my shoulders and I fight the urge to throw up or run from the room screaming.
“I’m notinthe fold, David. I’m just staying for a few days, to get to know my mother better.”
“Why of course, you’re in. We have it on video.” Chuckling, he leaves.
