Escaping Jonestown by Juliea Christine (the beach read txt) 📕

sense into.

I tried to guess what day it was when it happened. Wednesday seemed fitting. The incident made me realize just how dangerous this place really was.
Loudspeakers now boomed sermons into ears for hours at a time, but on this particular day, we were told to report to a common area. There was a sort of stage and a podium, with a deep well right next to it. Jones stood erect, a child mumbling with tears next to him.

“You see people, why we need punishment, is indeed to teach. And this is what I intend to show you. This boy was caught stealing food today. Food that is for all of us. This is an incredibly selfish act.”

Two guards hoisted by the boy and tied his ankles together. I watched in disgust as they dangled him into the well, headfirst. He was crying, his tears streaming down his forehead, soaking his hair and dripping off into the deep, dark hole. The blood rushed to his head, and I watched as his pale skin began to turn into a violent crimson. In my mind, I thought they had every intention of killing him. Yet, at what seemed like the last second, he was pulled up and released. His face was still bright, mixed with incredible fear and hurt. We were dismissed soon after, but as I walked away slowly, I couldn’t get the image of him out of my mind.

Another day, another incident. This seemed to prove true as various forms of torture and humiliation took place. Public spankings were frequent, given to both children and adults. Beatings would happen midday, and classes on the belief of socialistic quality became required in the evenings.

I listened quietly as his voice rang on the brave and courageous Joseph Stalin, portraying him as a close to perfect leader. Looking over the crowd, I saw once again, everyone seemed to be captivated. Then my stare caught another’s. The boy, named Jackson.
We formed an understanding, and I squinted my eyes as he mouthed out a location to meet him at. A tense form of nerves and excitement filled me. I had a desire to talk to him again, though I didn’t even know what about.

“You may be dismissed.”

This time, I didn’t lag or stay behind. I was determined to stay with the crowd and blend in. Standing out was only a consequence here. After I thought a good amount of time had passed, I went out to the farthest building, next to where most of the agriculture was located. Jackson was already there, sitting and waiting for me.

“Hello.” His voice was gentle yet strong. I noticed now how dark his blue eyes were.

“Why did you want to meet?”

“You seem different,” His tone sounded unsure, “I needed to talk to you.”

“But why?” I asked, taking a seat next to him. Out of habit, my hands began tangling in the grass, breaking off the strands and playing with them.

“You don’t believe in this,” His words made me nod, “I don’t either. I want to leave.”

“There are guards everywhere.” As we spoke, I spotted one passing from afar, signature gun in hand.

He nodded, “I know. My parent’s really think that he’s their savior.”

“Mine too.”

We talked for a while, and he became like a fresh breath of air. There was no real education here, and nor was I able to socialize with anyone my age. He was 16, only a year older than I was. We were both in the same situation.

“I’ve never had a girlfriend.” He admitted after a while.

“I’ve had a boyfriend,” I smiled, “But I’ve never been kissed. He was too shy.”

He turned his head to face me, and I found our hands intertwine. Things became like slow motion, and I couldn’t stop myself from kissing back when his lips met mine. It was a unfamiliar sensation, but I found that I didn’t want to stop. My arms wrapped around his shoulders and I showed no resistance as he pulled me close. The pure bliss of the action separated us from our surroundings.

He pulled back, “We need to get going. I’ll see you soon.”

I looked around, realizing how late it was. He kissed me once more, providing that same sensation. He ran off, out of the sight of the guards. I walked back to my living quarters, my heart beating quickly, not out of fear, but out of excitement. Being removed from normal life, I longed for the things that normal teenagers had. My first kiss had fulfilled my expectations, but left me confused and slightly frightened.

Talks of Suicide

Talks of Suicide

Jackson and I began spending time together at night, escaping the civilized wilderness that encased us. We would stay out of sight from eyes, talking of a future in which we were told not to think. Our hands would remain tightly laced, not wanting to separate from the only thing keeping each other sane.

“Lucy,” His fingers made their way into my dark hair, “I want to see you after we get out of here.”

A quick smile formed, and then vanished, “If we get out of here.” My voice was dark, but I really was only being realistic.

“We will, promise.”

His arms, much stronger than mine, wrapped around me and held me in a comforting position. I let my eyes close, drifting off into a happier place. I would have to go back soon, but all I wanted was for him to keep me, to let me sleep in his arms. I held on to the world for as long as possible, but soon I had fallen into dream land.

“Wake up.” The cold voice made my eyes open, and I found myself face to face with none other than a burly, angered guard.

I was still touching Jackson, and I winced as the guard grabbed his wrist violently, putting the gun to his head and telling him to leave. He refused, not wanting to leave without me. My heart sunk as the guard raised his gun.

“No!” I latched onto the guard, “Please, don’t hurt him. Jackson, leave!”

Jackson gave me one final look before running off. I know he didn’t want to leave me, but he staying meant more trouble for the both of us, possibly even death.

“Come.”

I had no choice as I was hoisted up, being tugged on by a muscular pair of hands. My shoulder stung, and I felt as if it were being dragged out of its socket. I was desperately trying to keep up, but I ended up being dragged across the dirt, my knees becoming bloodied in the process.

“Where am I going?” My voice cracked, and went unheard on the guards ears.

I saw that there was a gathering of people, right along the stage. My eyes widened. I was going to be punished. I was going to be held head first down a well, or stuffed into a box, or beaten half to death. And what would happen to Jackson? I assume worst. My head spun, and I felt shocked as the guard simply dropped me, walking away. The crowd looked afraid, and I was unsure of what was going on.

“What’s happening?” I asked a woman, who looked especially panic stricken.

“Outsiders!” She shrieked back at me, her shrill voice making me wish I hadn’t chosen her to ask.

I was still confused, but as our leader climbed on stage, I couldn’t help but be relieved that it wasn’t about me.

“There are outside forces,” He spoke grimly, “And they want to infiltrate, hurt and destroy our purity. They are against everything we stand for. They are fully willing to hunt us down and destroy us all.”

His voice was booming, and the little children were starting to get scared. My ankle was grabbed, scaring me as well. I turned, afraid. My smile grew as I saw Katie.

“Luce, what is he talking about?”

“I don’t know,” I whispered, honestly unsure, “I didn’t think anybody could even reach us, with how remote the jungle is.”

“You must understand,” He clasps his hands together in a sympathetic fashion, “ We will be forced to leave earth if these outsiders keep returning.”

“What do you mean?” Asked a daring woman in the front.

“If needed be, we have an escape plan. We will all go out together. Together we will raise our glasses and see to the end. Will a carefully planned mixture of cyanide and relaxers, we can escape.”

Applause. My mouth dropped open. How could anybody dare applaud someone who wished for us all to kill ourselves? Why should we drink poison for his own paranoia? I held Katie closer, knowing that I couldn’t let anyone separate us again.

We needed to escape, or we would surely die here soon.

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Publication Date: 07-10-2012

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