The Book of Zion
By D.T and Mr Stepford
1 Darlene 2
The room was white with vaulted ceiling and Darlene had no idea how she got there. She was in the middle of a circle of people the men were wearing all white suits and the women were wearing white dresses with veil covering their faces. Darlene then noticed she was wearing a wedding dress. She had often thought of marriage as an arcane concept best left to others. But as she felt the embroider lace on her gown a sense of peace fell over her along with a assurance this was right. This is were she belong this is the true churc...” Darlene awoke unsure of what she just dreamed and unsure of where she is. The room looked like it was in a clinic of some sort, kind of like the nurse’s office at her school. As she looked around she saw a young woman in an old fashioned nurse’s outfit complete with cap sitting near the cot where she lay knitting something. “Oh, good, you’re awake. How are you feeling?” “Thirsty.” “Well, that’s easy to fix.” The young woman set down her knitting and poured some water into a plastic cup and added a bendy straw. She brought it over to Darlene. “It’s important to stay hydrated in your condition.”
Darlene took a few sips and then lay back against the pillows. “What happened? How did I get here?” “You had a episode dear, but Sister Annkia was there to help you praise the lord. But your vital look good lord willing you will be out of here in no time” the nurse grab hold of Darlene at first she thought it was to take her pulse. But soon she realized it was for something different when the nurse closed her eyes and bowed her head " heavenly father we thank you for the healing you have bestowed over sister Darlene. We pray that you will continue to watch over her and her precious child and guide them on their path of physical and spiritual recovery we ask this in the name Jesus and the prophet amen”
Darlene mumbled something since it seemed like it would be rude not to. It felt weird to hear herself referred to as “beloved sister”. She wasn’t anybody’s sister, though there had been times when she wished that wasn’t the case. And what was that bit about spiritual recovery supposed to mean? Darlene suddenly became aware that she was wearing a hospital gown. “Um, where are my clothes?” “You torn your pants and shirt up during the fall. Beyond repair I am afraid. But Sister Annkia brought something for you to wear when you get out” the nurse said as she opens the closet door. The dress the nurse took out of the closet featured a full skirt that would probably hit Darlene at mid-knee, short sleeves and a high neckline. And it was pink, a very vivid, Pepto-Bismal, bubblegum pink. Darlene ran a hand through her hair, which seemed longer than she remembered. “That was very nice of her. Wait a minute, why can’t I leave now?”
“That is a very good question young lady” said the doctor as he enter the room “As you can see doctor the patient is up and quite ready to leave” said the nurse “yes I see” replied the doctor as look at her chart “Well judging from this I see no reason to keep you I will have Sister Annkia bring you in for a check up in a couple of days” “A couple of days? I was hoping to leave town today” said Darlene " Well I am afraid that would be impossible. Just because you are well enough to leave here doesn’t mean you’re well enough to travel. I will call Sister Annkia, nurse would you help our patient get dressed” " of course doctor” replied the nurse “Excellent don’t worry about a thing Darlene we here in Covenant know how to treat our guest” said the doctor as he leaves the room
“Have I died and gone to the Twilight Zone”, Darlene wondered as the nurse, whose name she still didn’t know, helped Darlene get dressed in clothes that fit more perfectly than anything she’d ever worn in her life. White bra and panties and a slip, knee socks and patent leather Mary Janes, and the incredibly pink dress.And if the dress wasn’t weird enough the nurse insisted on putting a matching pink headband on her. “Just stick it out until tomorrow, and then you can catch the bus and you never have to come back here again”, she told herself as she followed the nurse out into the waiting room.
As they walked down the corridor Darlene noticed that the dress forced her to walk differently. Here strides were smaller and more demure and her hips had a feminine sway that made her feel both strange and admittedly good. Cloth were always an afterthought just throw on a pair jean and shirt and go on with her day. But this dress felt different it felt like a part of her. As they enter the waiting room Darlene saw Annkia waiting for her. “My dear sister you are looking so much better” said Annkia as she grab hold of both of Darlene hands " and I must say you look just lovely in that dress. I know you are not use this type of attire, but trust me when I say that great joy comes when you live by Gods standards of modesty and femininity”
Christ, what was it with everyone grabbing her? “Thank you,” she said, again to be polite. “I’ll have this stuff cleaned and make sure it’s returned once I get home.” Not that the apartment she lived in was the least homelike. Once she’d turned 16 her parents had fired the nanny saying she was old enough to look after herself. A cleaning service came in once a week, but beyond that it was just her since her parents were always traveling for work. “I won’t hear of it, this is a gift " said Annkia “Beside what this talk about leaving us so soon” Annkia let go of one of Darlene hands but here hope for freedom was dashed when Annkia wrap her arm around Darlene’s and begin to lead her out of the clinic arm to arm. “I have strict orders from the doctor that you cannot travel” Said Annkia the nurse walked ahead and open the door for them “God Bless” said the nurse “God bless you dear I will see you when you get home” replied Annkia
“I can’t be away for too long,” Darlene said. “People will notice I’m gone.” Okay that wasn’t quite entirely true, but Darlene decided the other woman didn’t need to know that. She was all but certain she’d find herself locked in cell somewhere for the duration of her pregnancy. The last exchange between Annika and the nurse then registered. “Wait, you two live together?” That didn’t fit. She was reasonably certain the nurse wasn’t young enough to be Annika’s daughter, “Now if your hearts set on leaving us I can’t stop you” Annkia continue “but the earliest you could possibly leave is Monday. It is too late tonight and the buses do not run on Sunday. Beside how could know if this place isn’t right for you until you attend one of our glorious church services” Church that word stunk to the pit of Darlene stomach and increased her desire to flee by ten folds. If it wasn’t for fear of passing out again and her inability to even do a power walk in her Mary Jane she would flee this instance. No she knew she had to wait until the moment was right
Just then Darlene noticed the couple that was involved in dispute walking toward them. There was another lady with them as they got closer Darlene got a better look at the lady and a sense of disbelief fell over her “is that the girl that was fighting with them?” She thinks to herself . “Blessing Brother Roberts” Annkia said as they approached “Blessing to you Sister Annkia” said Robert “I don’t believe you have been properly introduce to our friend Elizabeth” like Darlene Elizabeth look drastically different from their first encounter. Her tight tank top and short short are replaced by a white lapel blouse with sequin and a knee length skirt with black and red horizontal stripes. She was holding what look like a bible in her hands.
“Elizabeth it is such a pleasure to meet you” said Annkia “The pleasure is all mine mame, “replied Elizabeth " I must apologize for our last encounter I am afraid I wasn’t at my best” “No need dear the Prophet told me that the two of you had a very constructive conversation” said Annkia “Yes, he really made everything so Crystal clear....and you sister” Elizabeth said as she looked over at Darlene “I glad to see that you too have decide to take the better path” “I haven’t decided to take anything yet,” Darlene said. Aside from the next bus out of there that was. Did everybody in this town know her business? If, IF she decided to have the kid, she definitely wasn’t turning it over this bunch of freaks. ‘Elizabeth’s’ rapid turnaround smelled way too fishy. People didn’t change just like that. “I understand your dilemma....I was there too...but once I LET GO of my doubt SURRENDER my pride and SUBMITTED to GOD’S will. ...I felt a love that was undesirable and I knew where I belonged”
“That’s nice for you,” Darlene said trying very hard not to sound rude as well as trying to extricate her arm from Annika’s grasp. “Well we must be off” said Robert “Yes it was a real pleasure to officially meet you. I look forward to seeing you at church, God Bless” said Elizabeth “God Bless you” said Annika as the trio walked away “Ah the enthusiasm of a new convert always touches my heart” Annkia said to Darlene. As they began to walk away Darlene looked back as the trio turned the corner and although so couldn’t be a hundred percent sure she could swear she saw Robert and Elizabeth holding hands
“So where to now?” Darlene asked. Part of her was curious as to how they’d removed the other woman’s tats so quickly. Having considered getting a tattoo herself, she’d done some research and laser removal sounded way too painful. And since she’d never found a design she wanted to keep forever, she’d invested in skin decals and henna treatments which would fade painlessly and naturally over time. At one time though she’d had up to six holes in each ear. Nose rings were just too disgusting and no way was she letting some stranger put what was essentially a nail gun anywhere near her eyes or any other sensitive body parts. Now she was down to the two holes in each earlobe. She’d let the ones in the shells of her ears close up when they’d failed to get her parents’ attention.
She went to shove her hands in her pockets but the dress didn’t have any. “Hey,” she said coming to a dead stop, “what happened to the stuff that was in my pockets?” “Oh I gathering those item up and along with a few essential every proper lady needs put them in a purse for you. It is at home which we will be arriving at shortly” “Thanks,” Darlene said not bothering to point out she wasn’t a “proper lady”. She felt like she’d stepped into a verbal minefield. “So, um, where’s home, your home, I mean?” “Well it right next to the church of course” said Annkia as she began to walk again gentle tugging Darlene along “dinner should be ready when we get there. Everyone is so excited to meet you” As they approached the building Darlene felt her jaw drop. The house was HUGE. She didn’t recognize the style but it had at least three floors. Granted the church building had been huge enough to take up a whole block but that wasn’t as much of a surprise. This house was almost as big. It seemed more like a mansion than a place where a clergyman should live.
I’m definitely taking the first bus out of here, she told herself as she and Annika went up the front steps which led to a giant wrap-around porch. As they stepped on the porch the door open and behind it was a lady who looked a couple of years younger than Annkia” that is a strange uniform for hired help” Darlene thinks to herself . The woman was wearing a short sleeve turtle next and a red skirt. “Welcome home first sister” said the lady “Thank you Sister Annabelle may I introduce you to Darlene” “it is a honor to have you in our humble home Sister” Annabelle said to Darlene “Um....thanks” replied Darlene . Just then a young girl around the age of 12 approached her hair was in a ponytail tied up with a little bow and she was wearing a floral printed dress “Mother Annkia Sister Darlene welcome” said the little girl she then turn attention to Annabelle “Mother I have assembly all the child in the living to meet Sister Darlene” “thank you dear” replied Annabelle
She had almost gotten used to everyone calling each other Brother This and Sister That. And it kinda sorta made sense that as the prophet’s wife, Annika would be known as First Sister, and maybe it made sense that the children would call her Mother, but if this girl was Annabelle’s daughter, why was she here?“I’m not actually a sister,” Darlene felt compelled to point out. “I don’t belong to the church ye-you know.” She’d almost said ‘yet’. What the hell was getting into her? The little girl grab hold of both of Darlene hands and looked at her with her baby blue eyes and said “We are all brothers and sister in the eyes of God” the child then wrap her arms around Darlene and gave her hug. Almost insync Annabelle and Annika put one hand on Darlene back and the other on the back of the child. “From the mouth of babes “said Annkia
Darlene felt herself tearing up again though she couldn’t have said why. This was all so far outside her experience. And she felt something inside her, something that had long since gone numb from disuse start to stir to life. The longer the huge lasted plus the combination of both Annika and Annabelle softly rubbing her the harder it was to hold back the tears and for some reason that thing that Randall said to her when she first arrived “I hope we can be the family you always needed” was playing over and over in her head A tear dripped down her cheek. “I’m sorry,” she said with a sniffle. “Oh, don’t be,” a voice she recognized as the nurse from the doctor’s office said gently blotting Darlene’s face. She had come up the steps behind them. “Tears are sometimes just Heavenly Father’s way of washing out the hurt.”
Normal a saying like that would made Darlene eye roll, but this time it made her feel happy and comforted. She even sensed a small hint of a smile come across her face. No longer wearing her nursing outfit the nurse had on a navy chiffon dress. The young child finally unhinged herself from Darlene waist and gave the nurse a curtsy. “Welcome home Mother Kelsey” said the little girl " It’s good to be home my precious Sarah” replied Kelsey as she leaned forward and kissed Sarah on the forehead. “Well we can’t be selfish and keep Darlene all to ourselves, it is time for her to meet the rest of the family” said Annkia “Of course first sister” Kelsey and Annabelle said in unison Sarah grab hold of Darlene hand “Come sister it is time to JOIN the rest of the family”
As she passed over the threshold for a moment Darlene felt a sense of homecoming, though it was so brief she almost missed it.The house was neat as a pin. The living room to which she was led was as large as the one in the penthouse she lived in although the furniture here seemed less posh and more, well, homey: soft chairs and sofas, tables with rounded corners. As they entered the room the other children stopped talking among themselves and lined up. Darlene thought her eyes must be playing tricks on her.
They were all girls as neatly dressed as Sarah from 14 to 1. They lined up in groups a group of 4 two groups of 3 and two groups of 2. “Hello children” said Annkia “Hello mother Annkia” said the children in uinson although Darlene could hear the set of four just say mother. " Say hello to Darlene” " Hello Sister Darlene” replied the children. Darlene was amazed how still the children stood not a fidged it was like the von trapp had come to life. From the kitchen emerged three women two were pregnant and the other was holding a baby . It didn’t surprise Darlene that they look immaculate even though they were pregnant.
Kelsey walked over the lady holding the baby. “So how was my angel today” she asked “perfect as usual” replied the lady as she gave her the baby. All the ladies walk over to the line each taking the head of one of the group with Kelsey standing at the end holding her baby. It was only then that it sunk in to Darlene. She felt faintly dizzy. Fifteen kids and apparently two more on the way. No wonder the house was so big. She could hardly imagine how there could be room for all of them. Some of the girls closely resembled their mothers, but aside from the baby, whom she couldn’t see, they all had the same eyes. His eyes.
She’d learned about polygamy in school when Warren Jeffs had been on trial. Her teacher had emphasized the horror stories of child-brides and lost boys. And yet, if the expressions on the faces of the women was anything to go by, maybe they did it differently. For a school report, Darlene had researched a group that practiced polygamy but in such a way that the men had basically no say in the matter. In that system God told each woman who she was supposed to marry, she then would tell her parents who told the priesthood council who would tell the groom. She’d read a few testimonials from women about how they’d received inspiration as they called it.
Realizing that she was just standing there staring, she lifted a hand and said, “Hello.” “I know it is a lot to take in, it why we don’t discuss it with non member outside of our home because of the stigma attached to it . We learned it was best for people to see the love and blessing this type of union can produce for themselves. " Annika said as she lifted her hand and summed Darlene to come to over to which Darlene dutifully oblige. “Let us introduce you properly this my oldest Jacqueline the girl took Darlene hand and cursty " Blessing to you” she said as she went down the line each child gave her name grab her hand curtsy and said “blessing to you”. Darlene wasn’t sure how she would remembers all these name but she paid close attention to the sister wives she hadn’t formally meet Margaret Jennifer and Samantha.
As she reached the end her smile widen as Kelsey baby reached out grab hold of her finger. “Whats her name” ask Darlene “Julia” replied Kelsey. Like all the others she had the prophet eyes “The prophet has arrived " Annkia proclaim Darlene look over and there he stands by the door in all his glory. Darlene fell into line behind Kelsey as the Prophet approached the family kneel down. Darlene stood there confused " should I kneel or is this a family thing....why I am even considering this” she thinks to herself.
The Prophet puts his hand on Annkia head and said a blessing over her. He then proceeded to go down the line and repeat this however Darlene noticed that each blessing was individualized for each person something that Darlene found touching. As he reach the end of the line Darlene couldn’t help but look up into those blue eyes " why am I looking up” Darlene thinks, it was then that she notice that she was kneeling too. “My precious sister what a blessing it to have you in my home” said the Prophet as he laid his hand on the top of Darlene head. The family arrange themselves in a circle around Darlene as the Prophet prayed over her. “Heavenly Father I proclaim an anointed blessing over this child and the child shes carry for as long as she is under this roof she will be protected and loved as I love my wives and children. Family what say you to Darlene” said the prophet “God love you and We love you Darlene may we be the family you’ve always wanted” the family said in unision
Darlene felt a strange heat in her scalp and what was with the waterworks she wondered as she blinked rapidly. My nose must be beet red. And yet, what would it be like to be part of such a family. To grow up surrounded by love. “Mama, why is she crying?” one of the younger girls asked. “Heavenly Father is washing away the hurt my darling” Margaret said to her daughter Hormones, Darlene told herself, that’s what it has to be. Somebody handed her a tissue and she wiped her eyes and face. She was also feeling a sudden wave of embarrassment for having run out of the Prophet’s office earlier.
“Than—” she paused to clear her throat. “Thank you.” She couldn’t think of anything else to say.“It is my honor sister” the prophet said as he take her hand and lead her to her feet. The family comes in around Darlene as the Prophet grabs hold of both of her hands. “As long you are here this your home” said the Prophet “this is your home” Annkia as she gently rubs Darlene back “and this your family” continue the Prophet “this is your family” said Annabelle as she too begins to rub Darlene back. “Praise God” said the Prophet which caused a chain reaction through out the family “Praise God” “Praise God” “Praise God”
As the touch of the two women Darlene felt a stiffness she’d all but forgotten about melting from her shoulders. She stopped hunching them which she had unconsciously done for most of her life. This caused her to stand straighter. At the same time she became aware of just how strong and powerful the prophet’s hands were, and how delicate and fragile her own were by comparison. And yet she somehow knew that this strength would never be used to harm her. Whatever else was going on with these people they seemed genuinely glad to have her around, and for someone who’d been told that she’d been a mistake, it was as cold fresh water to someone who’d been lost in the desert.
Praise God Praise God Praise God Darlene eyes were locked on prophet eyes as each family member from child to adult said Praise God Darlene began to hear those words that Sister Elizabeth said to her “LET GO of your doubt” Praise God “SURRENDER your pride” Praise God “SUBMIT to GOD’S will” Praise God Praise God “YOU KNOW WHERE YOU BELONG” PRAISE GOD’S Annkia was last proclaim as she lean in a kiss Darlene on the top of her head.Her knees felt incredibly wobbly and as Annika kissed her she felt them give way, but the arms of the others supported her and she began to feel steady again. Could she belong here, as part of this family? But if so, in what capacity? Darlene’s thoughts were jarred away as her nearly empty stomach growled rather loudly and she felt her face heat with embarrassment.
“Well I believe God is telling us that it is time to nourish our bodies as well as our spirit, let us go to the dining room” the Prophet said Darlene felt strange twinge of sadness as the Prophet let go of her hands. Samantha took hold of one his hand and one of his children grab hold of the other. Annika held on to Darlene arm while her other hand softly rub her shoulder unlike the walk over Darlene did not try to escape her grasp but leaned into it as one of the younger children Emily took hold of Darlene other hand and lead to the dining room”