she figured it would be beyond the normal parameters of any police search for missing people. A secure place to develop a new identity without the necessity of always looking behind her, and living with the uncertainty of being recognized as a missing person.
The bus traveled up a narrow, winding driveway finally stopping in front of a large barn-style structure. Exiting the bus they entered straight into the building where refreshments awaited them. Taking a cup of hot tea and several biscuits Maggie sat alone. People milled around her but no one showed any interested in her, she felt she was being ignored. It was odd and contrary to the previous mood of the group. Hadn't they asked her to join them? Perhaps she had made a mistake coming here?
Looking around the hall she counted fifty people and noted the majority were most likely in their teen years. She wondered if any were as young as her. There seemed to be an even split of male and females and while the men were dressed in normal clothing such as jeans and t-shirts, the girls all wore the same type of simple loose fitting dress. Murray, who came and sat beside her, explained that after each outing they all gathered to share the evening’s events and to discuss how they could better “reach out” to others. Their conversation was interrupted as a woman followed by a number of men of varying ages entered the room taking up seats at the front of the auditorium. An immediate stillness descended on the assembly and they stood as if to attention. Once the new arrivals were seated the group then relaxed and began to chatter amongst themselves. “They are our spiritual leaders,” explained Murray. “The man in the middle is our Bishop, he is the rock of our commune and we call him Brother Peter. The others are deacons and we have one deaconess. In due course I’ll be introducing you to Brother Peter and if he accepts you as part of our earthly mission you will then be initiated as one of us.”
People stood, taking turns with the microphone as it was passed around, sharing the significant high-lights of the evening. When Murray spoke she noticed he made little mention of her. As the evening progressed, Maggie watched Peter, taking particular note as his eyes wandered around the room, looking at each person, staring, appearing to be in deep thought. She observed Peter’s eyes settling on her a number of times causing her to shudder knowingly, she had seen that look many times before. Maggie knew she was trapped since it was imperative she stay in the commune, no matter what. She steeled herself to accept what lay ahead until it suited her to make changes.
Murray stayed close beside her throughout the evening. At the conclusion of the night's program, he carefully explained that he was her sponsor and until she was accepted by Brother Peter, he would be the only person she could interact with. This was to keep pure the harmony of the group. Maggie resolved to go along with it and play out the role. However, she was already formulating a plan in her mind.
Chapter 12
- Did her mother miss her; had she called the police yet? Did she even realize Maggie had left? -
Maggie settled into the small secluded unit she had been allocated. It was sparsely furnished but had all the necessities she needed and above all was clean. She immediately sat on the bed, bouncing up and down, testing how comfortable it would be and indeed it was. She would get a good night's sleep with no fear of disturbance from any unwanted company. Before leaving, Murray, giving her a broad smile saying, “I’ll call by in the morning and have breakfast and fellowship with you. Something we will do each day until you are accepted by Brother Peter. After which you will be a full-fledged member and allowed to travel outside with the group as part of our mission.” At least Murray seemed thrilled.
Having unpacked her meager belongings, Maggie changed into her pajamas and clambered into bed. Exhausted but with many thoughts swirling around in her head, she considered the few items she had taken from home and in particular identity papers such as her birth and baptism certificates. She needed to find a safe hiding place, somewhere easily accessible in the event she wanted to leave but secretive enough not to be found. It was imperative that no one discover who she was. Searching around the room, she found an empty pickle jar; she stuffed the papers into it and screwed the lid on tight. Waiting until all was still she buried it in a flower bed located close to the front door. Maggie placed small rocks on top to mark the spot, spacing them randomly so as not to draw attention.
Pleased with the foresight to have hidden the papers she went back to bed. She lay still waiting for sleep, her thoughts drifting to her mother and the questions that brought with it. Did her mother miss her; had she called the police yet? Did she even realize Maggie had left? Sleep finally took her away into a cheerful place where there were no threats and no pretense.
Chapter 13
- "Only those such as I who are blessed with insight. I can see you are no stranger to a man's desire." -
It came as no surprise to Maggie when she was summoned to meet Peter. Murray, as he’d promised arrived early the following morning to have breakfast with her. Bringing with him a plate piled high with pancakes, dripping with maple syrup and accompanied by a flask of delicious piping hot chocolate. As they ate and drank, he announced that Peter wanted to meet her that morning.
Murray seemingly very excited, went on to explain that this was exceptional and that, as a rule no one ever got summoned to meet the Bishop before they had been at the commune for at least a week, sometimes two. This was generally enforced to allow the person time to reflect and consider whether they were capable of the commitment expected of a community member. He said that Bishop Peter must have looked upon Maggie with favour or seen an aura of spirituality about her. Murray's true motives for his enthusiasm then came to the fore when he proclaimed he would be greatly rewarded and recognized for his good work. Maggie wondered if he meant in this life or the next.
Peter’s residence was well secluded from the rest of the commune. Nestled amidst a bank of shrubs and trees and behind a substantial wall where privacy and protection were assured. Murray clarified that this was to guarantee Peter would keep himself untarnished from worldliness in order that he could lead the people in truth and full light. With that statement he left Maggie at the gate instructing that she could press the buzzer once she felt ready to enter into Peter’s presence. Waiting until Murray was out of sight, she pressed the buzzer to an immediate response. The electric gate opened and she passed through, following a brick pathway to the house where she found the front door already open. As she hesitantly lingered at the door she could smell burning incense and hear mystical music, a voice called for her to proceed inside.
Maggie entered the room where her eyes immediately fell upon Peter who was sitting cross legged and naked on a cushion in the middle of the room. He looked directly into her eyes and she knew he was seeking a reaction but she held his gaze until he gave way first.
After a few seconds he simply said, “Come and sit.”
Maggie stifled an urge to laugh as she drew closer and sat on the only chair in the room, located directly in front of Peter, making his every part visible to her.
“Are you shocked?’ he asked to which Maggie shook her head. Peter explained that he was naked in his search for the truth, that he stripped himself of all of the worldly baggage in his quest to find the true light and that if she wished she could join him. Maggie, rather than responding moved just a little in her chair parting her legs just sufficiently to allow Peter a brief glimpse. She watched for his reaction and as she had expected his eyes immediately moved seeking her most intimate parts. Even at her young age Maggie’s experiences told her exactly what inner light Peter was seeking and she was quite prepared to let it glow. She would, however, make sure that it was to her advantage.
“Does your search for truth and light mean that my body will become a vessel?” she mischievously put to him.
Peter gave a barely perceptible smile, "It will ensure that the blessings you receive
