I was surprised at what Layla said and curious about how they changed.
So I asked, "What do you mean? What happened?"
Layla took a deep breath, then started, "I don't know what happened. They are just way worse than they used to be. Like, when I got there they seemed normal.
We greeted each other, hugged, and said it's been a long time. You know, the usual stuff.
Then we started talking, which was going great, it was just about the normal stuff. Catching up on what such and such did with who and what other little petty drama happened while I was gone.
But, at some point, I can't remember when, things changed. The conversation shifted, so slightly that I didn't even notice. It shifted into a more religious tone.
As the night went on the tone, unbeknownst to me, kept getting more and more fanatical.
It was like I was being brainwashed. Because I didn't think anything was wrong or odd about anything that was being said. Maybe it wasn't that I didn't think, but that I couldn't tell. That mind mind was being warped further and further into some deranged zealot.
Honestly, thinking back on it is terrifying.
Because after dinner I looked at the clock and thought, 'it's getting late, I should start getting ready to go back'. But, my next thought was, 'go back? Go back to where? I'm home.'
I felt like something was wrong, that something was off. But, I just couldn't figure out what it was. What I had forgotten.
That was until I went back to my room. I was sitting in my room and couldn't figure out what I had forgotten. Then I looked out the window at the driveway and the Cancry.
It was sitting in the driveway like a beacon, a light house to guide me out of the darkness of that house.
Because when I saw the car, all of the memories came flooding back. The memories brought a killer headache and a primal fear, that I was in extreme danger. That I needed to escape, as quickly as possible.
So, I opened the window, jumped out and ran to the car. I didn't hesitate a moment and peeled out of there. I left my shoes behind and didn't get to grab the clothes I had left either."
That was a lot to take in, I said, "You can always get new shoes, I'm just glad you're safe."
Layla sighed, "Yeah, but I loved those shoes. I didn't want to waste money buying things I already had."
"Yeah, I get that. Was it just your parents acting weird? Or were your brothers off too."
"They were all weird, creepy, and completely deranged."
"How do you mean? Like, extreme religious stuff? Because I get it, I don't like that kind of stuff either."
"No no. Much worse than that. Like I said it started off easy. They talked about Mrs. Patterson and her kids.
About how her youngest had been doing in school, getting good grades, behaving better, more disciplined, how he was taking part in extracurriculars and becoming a part of the community.
About how her oldest was now expecting a child and got a raise at work.
Then about how Mr. Williams had been coming to church more often after his divorce. He was taken for just about all he had, both in terms of money, and in relationships.
My family thought that it was a good thing. That the community and the new young Lead Pastor would be good for him.
Since the new pastor took over things had been going much better. Everyone was happier, doing better in their lives, and things were looking up for everyone in the congregation.
The congregation as a whole had gotten closer together. The community had fostered an ideal that everyone a part of the congregation was a good person you could trust.
As for those outside of the congregation? Just get them to join. Who wouldn't want to be a part of a happy and reliable community?
They all were a prime example of what good could come from being part of the group. Better grades, a promotion, a child, all of this came from being a part of the congregation.
The rules the congregation followed were easy.
Weekly fasting, you can't eat on Wednesdays. That's easy.
There could be no musical instruments, worship is exclusively vocal. Another easy one.
Public confessions and penance, in order to be closer to the community you had to confess your sins in front of everyone, as well as accept judgment from everyone.
On Sunday there is the Agape Feast. A feast held early in the morning to celebrate the abundance of God. Where you must eat until you are absolutely full to show true appreciation.
Once you were confirmed to be a part of the congregation you would get to join the later communion.
Where you could get Anointed. What you were Anointed with changed with how devoted you were.
The ones who were part of the congregation but not fully devoted were Anointed with Holy Water. Holy Water symbolizing death to the old life and resurrection into the new.
Those who were fully devoted were Anointed with Holy Oil. Holy Oil symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Then finally those that went above and beyond with their devotion, they were Anointed with none other than the Pastor's own blood. The Pastor's Blood being the most pure sign of devotion, and symbolizing the Holy Bloodline.
The Anointments are a part of the night rituals that are the foundation of the communion.
The night ritual involves bonfires, dancing, chanting, and even offerings.
Nothing that would seem strange or out of place with any other nightly party.
You light a bonfire, say a few prayers, then people can start dancing around the fire, singing their favorite verses, and even partaking in the consumption of lots of red wine. Enough so that it can freely spill all over you. Your inhibitions, truly released.
The offerings are always a part of the lord's offerings to us, we are only returning the favor of his own bounty.
Fruits, vegetables, wine, nothing strange. Sometimes there will be chickens, goats, sheep, the animals blessed to us. The lives we can reap without hesitation, because that is their purpose. To be our nutrients.
So of course they must be fresh. We couldn't offer anything less for our Lord.
At the end we walk across the hot coals of the bonfire, to show our dedication to walk even across fiery brimstone for our lord.