text: Juliea Christine Escaping Jonestown 
   
   
   The Beginning  
   
   
   
   
   The Beginning 
   
   
  	“And tomorrow, we will make the trek to Guyana, where we will live in a utopian paradise not found here, where we will live for Christ, and live out our lives without the outside threat of those who wish to destroy us.” 
  	Applause erupts from around me, and I have to resist covering my ears with my hands. Beside me, my parent’s faces brighten, as they cheer and clap with uninterrupted enthusiasm. My five year old sister Katie is beside me, confused. Her large emerald eyes search around, noticing the happiness on everyone’s faces. Her lips burst into a smile and she tugs on the leg of my pants. 
  	“Luce, why aren’t you happy?” Her smile wilts as she takes in my tense posture. I open my mouth to form a lie, but I can’t bring myself to it. How do I cover for the fact that I feel we are in incredible danger? 
  	“Lucy,” My parents are looking down at me, disappointed, “You’re being rude to Father. Please show your appreciation.” 
  	I looked up at my dad, “Funny, I thought you were my father.” I cross my arms, and the scowl, but turn away. 
  	I feel my sister’s fingers intertwine into mine and I feel bad for scaring her. Forcing a smile, I pick her up into my arms and tell her to clap. She beams at me and joins in with my parents. A prickly feeling erupts all over my skin, and the scene in front of me seems to fade into shadows and blocks of colors. Our leader, the ever so admired Father Jones, appears to me like a scream of red. Whenever I picture the idea of a god, I think of bright light and purity. The opposite stands before me, and I can’t help but shiver as I watch him grin at his followers, knowing he controls us, knowing that nothing will stop him. The idea is terrifying, but not quite as terrifying as this same setting in a distant, lone jungle. 
  	The next thing I know, I’m being ushered out, along with my family. The next hours pass by in a haze, we pack and ready ourselves, but none of it feels good enough. I walk across the hardwood floors of our condo, kissing whatever independence we had left goodbye. I wasn’t sure how long we would be staying in Guyana, but the thought of never coming back made me ill. I found myself slouched over the toilet, spewing up the little amount of food I had eaten. 
  	“Luce…” Katie’s soft voice alarms me.  
  	“I’ll be out in a minute.” I flush the toilet and make a quick attempt of brushing my teeth and washing my face. 
  	“Bathroom’s free.” Smiling, I go to leave her, but she blocks my path with her little form. 
  	“What’s happening, Luce?” Tears form in her eyes, “Where are we going tomorrow?” 
  	“Katie, listen to me. Don’t question anything in front of anyone else. No matter what happens, I am always your sister and I will always be there for you.” 
  	Fear instills us both and I let her sleep in my bed. It is the last night I will live here, and it is the last night a sense of safety will cover me like the warm blanket that adorns us. I snuggle against her, my hand brushing through her sort hair.  
  	“Goodnight, Katie.” 
  	My eyes close at last, and I relax as my dream world closes in, offering me a peaceful recluse from reality. 
   
   
   
   Into the Jungle  
   
   
   
   
   Into the Jungle 
   
   
  The light hit my eyes in a bright, sharp way. The sky was clear, filled with nothing to block the intense sunlight. We’ve been here barely three days, and already we were split into groups and sent to work in the fields. Some of the women were working in the bakery, preparing and cooking food. My sister Katie was helping bake bread, which was a positive aspect on such a hot day. 
  	The weeds seemed to possess no desire to leave as I hacked away, doing no harm. My muscles already cried out, sending a signal that I would be sore tomorrow. With no clue where either of my parents was, I felt alone.  
  	The structures we were to live in were already set up, and several men were still working on building other small houses. Vigorous jungle surrounded the entire camp, with only a windy, unclear road out. Guards lined the edges, armed with rifles and blank expressions.  
  	Within the next week, the amount of guards doubled, along with sermons multiple times throughout the day. Parents seemed to become the most involved, and were willing to punish their children if they did not behave. It became quite clear that we must behave. 
  	“Luce!” A pair of tiny arms wrapped around my waist. My heart almost stopped as I bent down to hug her.  
  	“Katie, follow me. Stay with me.” Happiness began to fill me as we held hands, walking to the dining building. We were required to eat as a family while Jones delivered a speech. 
  	 A guard watched us, his eyes heavy and black. I shivered as he called another guard over, and the town began whispering. My pace quickened as I spotted empty spots. Looking over my shoulders, the guards were gone. 
  	“My people, I have much to say,” His face is serious and unreadable, “I must first start with, that our agricultural work is going as well as I had hoped. This is all thanks to you, your children, your dedication. We must work together, we must be a family. This why we must practice severing ties. The families you came with are now not your only families. Please, listen to me when I say this. Your wife, is no longer just your wife. Your children, are everybody’s children.” 
  	I stared up at him with incredulous eyes, as his lips still moved, pronouncing words I did not wished to here. He would tell us of how good we are, and of how good we could be. Then, he would instill a threatened punishment. Now, he was attempting to cut off every ties we had to our parents and siblings. The claim was that he wanted us to know all of our family. 
  	“We must practice people. We don’t want to become like the outsides. This is why we must have consequences. This is why we must have guards. If we need to teach you a lesson, it is for the very good of our family.” 
  	His eyes scanned the crowd, studying the faces of his followers. The charisma that he seemed to have possessed willed the people to gleam with a light not seen before. My eyes stared back, a cruel and blank expression overcoming me. I didn’t want to show him any satisfaction. His eyes fell on me, and I immediately felt a change in the atmosphere. 
  	“Take this as example, this girl, right here. She will not cohort with anyone who is not her sibling. Guards, please, separate the girl and her sister. People, watch, we are making a change, for the good of us all!” 
  	People cheered as the guard ripped Katie out of hands. A cry shredded from my throat, and another guards gripped me roughly by the shoulders. My screams grew louder and the guard growled, covering my mouth. Applause grew louder, and I found my sounds made no such impact. I was unheard. 
  	Dinner was soon dismissed, and many went back to work. A guard still held me, and I made no attempt to move. Katie was long gone, and I watched as everyone vanished, leaving me with a small amount of guards, and our graceful leader himself. 
  	“Lucy,” My heart stopped. How did he know my name? He cleared his throat, “We must learn to work together. You are mine Lucy. Katie is mine too, not just yours.” 
  	A sound of anger escaped me, “You can’t take her away. You can’t. You’re a liar if you think I won’t protect her.” 
  	His hand harshly slapped across my face, and I held my jaw, surprised. Not that I should be, but the pure jolt of it was a strange reality. I had successfully angered him, and now I was a target. 
  	“If you really love your sister you would want to community to protect her. Think wisely, Lucy.” 
  	He was gone after a few moments, along with the guards. I was by myself, still holding my jaw. With a tremble, I lowered my hand. I couldn’t help myself as sobs consumed me, making my body shake in a vigorous fashion. My breath was sharp and I couldn’t stop my chest from heaving. I felt in pain, mentally and emotionally. 
  	A hand touched my shoulder. 
  	I spun around, expecting to see a guard holding me at gunpoint. Instead, a boy, looking to be of my age, was standing behind me, his eyes full of sympathy. 
  	“Who are you?” I whispered. 
  	He was silent for a few minutes, “My name is Jackson. I was near you when he singled you out. I’m very sorry, and I thought you should know that.”  
  	I nodded, confused, “Thank you.” 
  	His presence was an odd comfort, and I actually felt a sense of peace with him sitting next to me. He sat for a while, and then his eyes stared into mine. He opened his mouth to say something, but instead stood up, quickly walking away. 
   
   
   
   The Art of Humiliation  
   
   
   
   
   The Art of Humiliation 
   
   
  I had lost track of the days. At first, it had been a need for me to know the days, the times, the months. After a while, I gave up the sense of time, letting myself fully give into Jonestown. The threatened promise had held true, and I barely ever saw Katie. Talking to my parents was a rare treat, but they were too brainwashed to try to put any 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. 
   
   
   Publication Date: July 12th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-julieachristine