chapter 8
Three New Cult Members
A thunderstorm raged through the black night. Rain poured down.
,and washed the abandoned streets. A car slid quietly into the dark forest. It stopped for a moment.
"Listen. The head of the cult, Joshua, he's a little messed up, so don't be afraid of him. He wants to hold a welcome ceremony for us into this strange cult. I want us to act and play along as if we love him.
,and the cult. It will be fun, like a reality show called "the bible disciples." Michelle, sitting next to Abraham pouted as she watched Isaac in the back seat staring into space. She was hoping that maybe Isaac would show some signs of objection or fear.
"Maybe we should give up on the idea, Abraham, you know this cult makes me sick, and this Joshua guy freaks me out." The car stopped by the big tent. It was barely lit but full of loud music ,and dancing as always.
"You're right, Michelle! I can't stand them either, but we said we would do this, and we can't turn back now. If I disappear for a few minutes, don't worry, keep eating, drinking, dancing, and partying! Let's live the day lest tomorrow we die!"
Abraham burst out laughing from his jokes as Michelle heard a clicking sound ,and realized it was her laughter. Isaac was sure he had missed some great fun and joined in without understanding. Abraham helped them out of the car and led them enthusiastically into the tent.
"Welcome, how are you? Join us, join the happiness, praise us."
The cult members were happy to see them ,and received them with fondness; hugging ,and kissing them. Isaac was amazed. He was sure this was some sort of game. He smiled everywhere like a toddler who had been promised gifts ,and that promise was materializing before his eyes! Abraham searched the crowd, struggling to find the object of his desire, Sara. From the corner of his eye, he noticed her sitting by Joshua. Abraham's heart ,and penis jumped happily at the sight of her smile, her lips, the body that made him salivate, and the curves that challenged his sanity. Michelle suspected something was wrong with Abraham, he seemed joyful. She immediately croaked,
"I want to go. We should leave! Are you sure they're sane? They should all be admitted to a mental asylum." He started laughing.
,and almost knocked her down as he thumped her shoulder.
"Come on, Michelle! You're exaggerating! Were you in the secret service? The CIA? We have a party here. Let's live it up, kill a few hours ,and then go home (laughing like a hyena) tired but happy" Abraham returned everyone's hugs with a little bit of extra to the ladies! Joshua hugged them enthusiastically, especially Isaac, but Abraham hurriedly came between them quickly ,and then quickly hugged Sara lustfully when he noticed Michelle was busy talking to one of the women.
He whispered in her ear, "I have missed you so much. Soon I will be one with you, and you will be mine."
She tried to avoid his touch, but he was relentless, holding her tightly to his body.
"Let go of me now, Abraham, you know only Joshua decides who I belong to. I can't promise anything." Joshua raised his arms meaningfully ,and everyone fell quiet. Abraham, caught by surprise, retreated, "My beloved children. Brothers ,and sisters! We are granted a special honor today, the visit of Abraham ,and his companion Michelle." He continued in excitement, ",and of course the beautiful, handsome boy – Isaac! Son of Abraham! Today we shall welcome them among us."
Everyone cheered and congratulated the family. Michelle ,and Isaac were embarrassed, smiling happily to everyone, while Abraham, who would rather rip Joshua's teeth out, felt a deep disdain ,and almost threw up in the pervert's face. Abraham worried anxiously.
"Maybe Michelle is right. I should have gotten out of here. But unfortunately, that angel called Sara, and the rest of those young sirens pleasing my dark-senses cloud and purify the venom of the pervert." He quickly walked towards Isaac ,and signaled Michelle to come to him immediately.
"Stay close to Isaac at all times. Especially when I'm not near you! Make sure you never lose sight of him."
"Why? Do you think something bad would happen? If you're worried, why don't we take our big feet ,and disappear?" Losing his calm, Abraham's face was white as a sheet ,and anger filtered through his brain. He grabbed her slender throat.
"Stop it! Shah! What's wrong with you? I don't want you to repeat that again. So, what if I'm married? Let me breathe ,and stop choking me, you hear me? Or I won't let go of your throat." His grip tightened.
"Let go of me, Abraham! Let go of my neck right now! I am your partner, not some chicken. Fine, I won't talk anymore," from the corner of his eye, Abraham noticed Joshua peeking towards Isaac in a malicious look, licking his lips. Joshua clapped his hands still in authority until everyone fell quiet.
"This is it! Brothers ,and sisters. We shall begin the ceremony of Abraham, Isaac, and Michelle with the blessing of God, thy will shall be done! Bring me the robes, the sacred oil, and the ceremonial chairs."
The objects had already been placed at the corner of the tent. Some of his men brought them and laid them next to him in a calculated manner. Abraham, and after some hesitation, approached Joshua.,and whispered,
"Say, Joshua, I would much prefer you did the ceremony without Isaac! You must understand. He's shy, confused,,and scared." Joshua was deeply insulted, and he lashed out like a lioness protecting her cubs.
"Out of the question, Abraham! Isaac is indisputable! You, I can let go." He winked. "Michelle I can give up, and so can you, but Isaac is a must. He is the heir after all" whispered into Abraham's ear cunningly "don't forget, as soon as I crown you as one of our, you will have Sara ,and all those dancing maidens. As many as you like, as often as you like ,and wherever you like, understand? or shall we call the whole thing off."
Abraham was sure Joshua knew his weakness. How else would he have him figured out! Joshua looked deep into Abraham's eyes and smiled. Abraham knew there was only one answer.
"Okay. Let's begin the ceremony."
Abraham made his peace with the situation, but he was still worried about Joshua's glances towards Isaac, who was currently singing.,and dancing. The cult people lightly scented incense ,and torches which they held in their hands ,and positioned themselves around Joshua, Abraham, Michelle, and Isaac in a circle. They dressed all three of them in gray robes ,and Joshua in a red one as Michelle tried hard not to laugh at the situation. The ceremony seemed ridiculous, the people grotesque ,and insane in this surreal environment. Those who did not have mustaches sat down in chairs around the four of them ,and started clapping ,and chanting biblical chants. Abraham smiled at Isaac, and together with Michelle, they stroked Isaac's hair, who suddenly seemed fearful ,and worried about the unknown. The stroking began to wrap him in peace. The cult members placed chairs next to them, and Joshua declared authoritatively.
"Sit my brothers. We shall begin the ceremony! I expect you to do whatever I tell you to during the ceremony even though it may not make sense to you."
Abraham ,and Michelle sat down ,and placed Isaac between them. Joshua sprinkled oil drops on their hair and spread some on their foreheads. The cult people seemed hypnotized. They all continued to whisper ,and murmur chants.
"My dear friends. We are gathered on this important day in our humble abode to pick a new chairman for the party ,and so."
Everyone's mouths fell open. They stared at each other in amazement. Abraham ,and Michelle covered their mouths quickly to hide their laughter. Joshua paled, realizing he had made a mistake ,and raised his arms towards his people, signaling them to stop ,and listen, and continued hesitatingly,
"I apologize to my friends; this was about something else that had nothing to do with us. I would like to continue where we left off." He walked up behind their chairs and placed his hands on their shoulders gently.
"We have gathered here today to welcome into our hearts Michelle, Abraham, and Isaac, what city? What street?"
Abraham, excited ,and longing for Sara's body, answered excitedly. Michelle tried to stop him from revealing their address but reacted too late as Abraham proudly answered. Joshua smiled in satisfaction as if he remembered something important. He shook off his thoughts and continued.
"Like I said, to welcome our new brothers, we hold this sacred ceremony with the blessing of our Lord, blessed be my brothers."
The cult people started singing ,and dancing in an odd way, which reminded Abraham ,and Michelle of something in between a drunken kangaroo's leap ,and the walk of a stoned penguin. Abraham ,and Michelle gritted their teeth ,and tried to avoid laughing, while Isaac smiled enjoyably – it reminded him of a cartoon on television. Abraham whispered to Michelle, "I would admit them all forcibly ,and then move them to cages in the zoo."
Michelle nudged him with her elbow ,and whispered, "Look at Isaac, he seems to be enjoying it more than you ,and me together."
They peeked at Isaac, who was clapping enthusiastically, trying to hum the words to the chants ,and moving his body from side to side with the rhythm. Joshua approached them again ,and sprinkled oil on their cheeks ,and foreheads, trying to linger on Isaac's face. While he was rubbing the oil on him, his fingers started to stroke Isaac's face, but Abrahams's threatening look forced him to move on.
",and so, on this holy day, God gives us his sons Abraham ,and Isaac, for him ,and for us! The sacred Abraham ,and Isaac." The followers were in a sort of trance, contorting their bodies ,and faces.
"Our beloved sons Isaac ,and Abraham, with this, the lord ,and I welcome you as our new members." The atmosphere became even more hypnotizing. The people were unaware of their being ,and functions as they moved.
"Dear brother Abraham, you the new prophet, a descendant of our great past prophets! You are the new prophet who shall from now.
,and forever be known as Abraham the second prophet you are Isaac's father; the Lord has given you his wisdom ,and might, you are a symbol ,and proof of His existence!"
"Abraham, my brother! God shall soon test you! The Lord will test your faith in Him! You shall go through the renewed binding of Isaac. Don't forget from whence you came ,and where you are headed! You are the new prophet destined to wipe out all evil from our world. erase the memory of Amalek. You chose to destroy the memory of Eve seducing Adam, which drove them from heaven, Eve the outcast. Eve, the daughter of Satan."
Everyone began chanting ,and dancing at Joshua's signal as he hugged ,and kissed them both ,and especially Isaac with an exaggerated enthusiasm which brought Abraham's fury to a new height, and he secretly pushed Joshua away from Isaac. Joshua raised his hands again ,and they all fell silent.
"It nearly slipped my mind to announce something of great importance! Abraham, the apostle of God, is also the heir!" Everyone was confused ,and amazed.
"God has picked Abraham the father of Isaac to be your successor. One of these days, eventually, when I stop being your leader.
,and go on my way, you will not remain without direction or leader. Abraham will announce himself as the leader."
Abraham was stunned ,and received enthusiastic clapping ,and cheers accompanied by friendly hugs. Abraham watched Isaac with love, and without understanding, he hugged ,and kissed him ,and wept. Michelle could not believe her eyes. She watched the fantastic vision of Abraham, Isaac, Joshua, and his people.
"How can this be? This Joshua has completely lost it and is messing up Abraham's head!" She retreated worriedly. Until now everything was fun ,and games, this had now turned into danger."
Something weird was happening during the ceremony. Abraham was going through a mystical experience, the likes of which he had never experienced before. He felt the heavenly forces ,and divine strength wrap him ,and strengthen his body ,and mind. He was sure he became an inhuman entity with incomprehensible ,and unimaginable powers ,and whispered to himself.
"The hand of God mustached me, and he has chosen me to be the heir. I am the man to fight evil. I will win the battle."
"Abraham, Abraham. What's wrong with you? Snap out of it! You're starting to scare me! "
Sara disappeared from the tent. Michelle's hands held Abraham's body and shook him from side to side forcefully. She whispered in his ear continuously until he started to shiver and cried out in fear as he looked at her, at Isaac, Joshua, and the cult members in wonder.
"Where am I? What am I doing here? Is it you, Michelle? Where's Isaac? Is he safe?"
Luckily, these moments of confusion ,and anxiety passed, and he managed to return to reality ,and sanity. He began to recognize ,and remember the place ,and the people around him, but he could not comprehend the experience he had just gone through. He anxiously looked for Isaac and sighed in relief when he found him dancing with the cult children. Abraham calmed Michelle down and forced himself to smile at her.
"I'm okay. My head was somewhere else, and you were worried. It's good that Isaac is Okay, keep watching him."
Joshua walked to the bowl of food on the long ,and narrow dining table ,and began eating as his eyes followed Isaac. He was careful not to let Abraham see what he was doing. The cult members put food on their plates and sat down to eat on the rugs. Abraham glanced at Michelle from the corner of his eye, and when she didn't watch him, he got up quickly ,and disappeared into the woods. Michelle blended in and started eating. Her face darkened as she noticed Joshua watching Isaac lustfully. She searched the tent, looking for Abraham.
"Where are you, Abraham? That nut job Joshua is undressing Isaac with his looks ,and you're not here?"
Abraham was walking discreetly, and quietly between the trees towards Joshua's shack. The black van was parked outside. He took out gloves which he brought with him, looked around to make sure no one was around, and whispered to himself, "I know you're the singing pervert everyone is looking for. I just need to find some proof."
He quietly opened the door and looked inside meticulously but didn't find anything. His gaze fell on some blankets at the back of the van. He moved them from one side to the other but found nothing odd or suspicious in the sheets or the car. He checked it again ,and left the car, closed the door soundlessly ,and whispered angrily, "There's nothing in the car, I'm sure I'll find something in the shack."
After reaching the door of the shack, he made sure all was quiet ,and calm, walked in, and closed the door behind him. The cabin appeared clean, organized, and tidy. Abraham walked around, opening drawers, shelves, clothes, under the mattress, under the bed, in nooks ,and hidden corners. He searched the shoe rack, the bathroom, and every other possible place. Finally examined the objects on the table with a disgruntled look on his face. He felt frustrated ,and stupid ,and in an uncontrolled rage flanged the ashtray, pencils, and a vase to the floor. In the dresser by the table, he came across a folder. He looked inside the folder and found a few pages which Joshua had written in which he described the description of the children he molested ,and his dark sensations.
"It can't be! I turned the whole place down, checked everything,
,and found nothing! But I'm not giving up."
He got ready to turn towards the door when his gaze fell on an object by the old telephone sitting on an old dresser. It was a beautifully designed gold ,and black pen inscribed "to Joshua with thanks from Henderson Bank." Abraham held the pen in his hand, and unknowingly his fingers shook.
"So, you like beautiful things, do you, Joshua?" The loud sound of thunder could be heard, and rain continued to pour down. Abraham now stood opposite the door, afraid of the depressing weather but even more afraid of the dark threatening structure.
"I must leave now and go back to those idiots! Michelle must be worried about me, and I must check if Isaac is okay!"
Abraham's face grew somber. He scanned the house with his gaze.
,and banged on the wall in despair.
"I didn't find anything, Joshua! You are smarter than I gave you.
credit for."
He started walking towards the door when his foot accidentally stumbled on a small rug lying on the floor. Abraham tried to continue, but his mind refused to listen. He sensed something wrong, and his eyes combed the house again ,and stopped at the rug on the floor. Abraham leaned down on his elbows and examined the carpet curiously. Suddenly his heart sped up. He noticed that one edge of the rug was placed on the floor, but a piece of the fabric at the other end of the carpet disappeared into the wooden floor of the shack. He moved the rug and felt an adrenaline rush. A large, concealed hatch was revealed.
"I got you, Joshua! I finally got you!"
An intoxicating sensation of victory descended. The secret hatch frightfully creaked when raised. Abraham retreated to the smell of mildew ,and mold coming out. Abraham took a flashlight out of his pocket ,and carefully went down the steps as the tension, anxiety,,and fear also increased with every level he took. Wooden steps lead into a narrow two meters long hallway ending in an old dirty moldy brick wall at the center of which stood a wooden door with a key in the lock. Abraham hesitatingly touched the doorknob.
"What am I doing? Maybe the police should come in here? NO! I must know what's in there." He breathed deeply to overcome his fear and opened the door! For a second, he was frightened to hear the loud creaking ,and stopped.
"I shouldn't go in there! What if Joshua returns? He might take me out for discovering his secret! Kill me, get Isaac ,and kill him too. Better to leave it all and go back to the tent." Abraham's hands dropped off the knob, and he went back to the wooden steps. Caution ,and reason screamed out in his head.
"Abraham, you need to get away from here, before it's discovered you've visited the shack of hell."
But curiosity ,and dare overcame caution ,and kept his body from moving.
"Abraham, don't be a pussy, you've come this far. You must go on!
,and if Isaac is Joshua's next victim? You won't be able to forgive yourself! You have no choice – God has decided that it's your destiny."
Abraham went back to the door and opened it expecting the worst. He closed his eyes ,and then opened them slowly. It seemed the earth had stood still. Humanity bowed its head down to evil! Abraham frightfully took a few steps back at the secret, shocking.
,and disgusting world of the singing pervert! The walls of the basement look black and cracked. The room, which was always closed, locked, and unventilated reeked of mold. The lighting was poor ,and casted shadows on the walls, which gave the basement the look of Dante's inferno. He walked in and noticed children's clothes hanging in the closet. Various props that were used by Joshua to fulfill his sick needs lay on the shelf. Another bookcase held diverse types of wigs ,and fake beards ,and a large stack of clothes ,and several tinted sunglasses. Abraham picked up a priest's robe, sunglasses, hair ,and fake beard. He imagined Joshua wearing them all sitting in his van, scouting for victims. Abraham felt a heavy feeling of disgust ,and rage, and he was getting ready to leave when he suddenly spotted a small shiny object in an open drawer. Inside the drawer, he saw a square pendant with 12 gems that Joshua wore around his neck. Abraham closed the drawer, returned the robe, wig, and fake beard,and left the basement. He quietly shut the door and went back up the wooden steps. Peeked over the opening. When certain no one was around, he stood on the wooden floor ,and quietly closed the hatch, placing the rug back to where it originally was. He peeked out of the shack, making sure everything was okay, went out, and closed the front door behind him, hurriedly going back to the tent. Michelle ,and Isaac were dancing.
,and frolicking with Joshua ,and his people, who were chanting ,and dancing in ecstasy. Abraham reappeared with a somber look, but when he noticed Joshua's curious, suspicious look, he sent him a sweet smile to dissipate his concerns.
"Where have you been, Abraham? Why weren't you with us? Are you feeling well? Did something happen?"
"Joshua. my master! I deeply apologize! I went to check if I forgot.
the gift I prepared for you in the car. Sadly, after searching the car, I realized I left it at home ,and will bring it the next time we come.
Michelle ,and Isaac are tired by now, and I would like to take them home. I thank you for everything."
Abraham hurriedly cringed to Michelle ,and Isaac ,and nudged them forward. Joshua blocked their way. Michelle ,and Isaac smiled with embarrassment. Abraham paled as a shiver went down his spine. His legs were shaking, and he was sure Joshua knew everything ,and decided to stop them ,and maybe kill them. Joshua smiled at him.
"Why are you so nervous, Abraham? Why don't you stay overnight? You can sleep in the tent, and I'll take a walk with Isaac ,and tell him stories about the bible, the cult, and its members, I'll show him."
Abraham stood threateningly in front of him, interrupting him.
"No, thanks, Joshua. We'll leave that for next time. We're very tired now."
Abraham had never felt such fear ,and distress as he did at this moment. He knew they must leave now before it was too late. He continued to nudge and push them as he waved goodbye falsely.
,and tried to look away from Joshua's conniving angry eyes. They got into the car silently and headed home in the dark. He turned on the radio and listened curiously to the news.
",and so, the stock exchange continues to soar! ,and now for a bulletin by our criminal affair correspondent. The two children molested by the singing pervert have been found in an orchard, barely breathing. Luckily for the police, they have managed to randomly identify the singing pervert's face after secretly moving the cover he placed on his victims' heads. Most likely, we have another description added to the description given by Benji Aronson. As stated, they identified a tall, fat man, wearing a priest robe, a heavy beard, and sunglasses."
Michelle ,and Isaac slept peacefully. Abraham looked at them silently, turned off the radio, and continued driving in silence