Forgot to mention I will be using quotes from the game. So, some parts will seem familiar. Not going to lie, took me a little to work this chapter so it worked. Also, I wanted a break from typing.
Chapter 6
Ryleigh pov
After finishing work in the wee hours of Saturday morning I decided to skip any form of activities and save them for Sunday instead.
It was bright and already warm as balls when I woke up this morning. Been Sunday morning and like most churches Eden gates would be holding a sermon like the others in Hope county.
Speeding along the road, I zipped through falls end and down the road towards Eden gates compound. Pulling up to the turn off I turned down the driveway into the carpark area.
Getting out of the car I could see a lot of people near and around the carpark. Tugging the end of my dress I straighten my self up. Making my way through the carpark I suddenly stopped right at the edge to take my surroundings in.
It was a beautiful place, big open spaces for people to mingle. The extra-large white church in the middle with the Eden gates symbol sitting proudly plastered on the front done with black paint. Smaller buildings around it with a pen for some guard dogs branching off to the side.
Taking it all in, including the colourful gardens it was not even the most appealing part about it all. Off to the left a little behind the church was a lake with an island very far off into the distance. The sun was making the water sparkle which in a way was kind of hurting the eyes.
Turning away from the view I made my way to the church to see what all the fuss about Eden gate was. Getting closer I spotted a Young girl dressed in a white dress with a crown of flowers around her head greeting people as they entered.
"Hello and welcome." Said the girl in the white dress as she greeted me with a smile.
"Hello and thank you." I replied, smiling back at her.
"Oh, your new, my name is Faith." As she stuck her hand out for me to shake.
"Hello Faith, the name is Ryleigh." I said as I shook her hand.
"Better get inside quickly before everyone takes all the good spots." Giggled Faith
Letting go of her hand I made my way up the stairs and into the church. At first glance all you could see was wood, wood and more wood. But it was all crafted by someone who took the time to make it all beautiful. Each bench at the end had the Eden gates symbol carved into the wood and the benches coloured a cream white colour with a very white cushion to sit down on. Down the front was an arrangement of bright coloured flowers with once again a stand with staff like thing with the Eden gates symbol carved into it. It looked like it was made from metal though.
Sitting down near the middle of the rows I watched as more people came in finding a spot to sit down. After a little bit when no one else came in, Faith and three men came in and took their places at the front. At first glance I did not realise who it was until he started speaking.
"Hello and good morning to each and everyone of you." Said Joseph as he spread his arms open into a welcoming greeting.
"Hello and Good morning to you as well Farther." Chimed back everyone around me.
Taking in the time to look at the others up front with Faith and Joseph I also noticed John and Jacob the eldest seed brother. The only thing I knew about Jacob was that he was ex-military and an excellent hunter.
Shuffling my eyes way from John and Jacob, I also noticed that Joseph and no top on. Hot dam. I knew thinking naughty thoughts about the man inside of a church was a bad thing to do but I just could not help myself.
Roaming my eyes over him, I could see he had a few tattoos across his body. Also noticing I could see he had knife marks around his body as well. One word I would see properly was the word SLOTH. Zoning back into reality, Joseph was currently speaking to us all again.
"Something is coming. You can feel it, can't you? That we are creeping toward the edge… and there will be a reckoning. That is why we started The Project. Because we know what happens next. They will come for us all. They will try to take from us all. Take our guns, take our freedom and anything we hold dearly." Preached Joseph as he waved his hands around.
"Take our faith, we will not let them. We will not let their greed, or their immorality, or their depravity hurt us anymore! There will be no more suffering!" said John with equal passion as he came ford clasping his older brother on the shoulder.
The crowd was feeding off all the energy circling around the room and you could feel how dedicated they all were. The feeling was addicting to feel.
"God is watching us all… and He will judge you on what you choose in this moment and any moment of choice. I know each and everyone one of you will aim to be a unity of one, so that you all can enter Eden's gate as a free person." Said Joseph as his eyes swept over the crowd landing on my own. It was a very quick, but his eyes momentarily widen when looking at me. He must have been surprised I would show up to a place like this.
I don't know how long the sermon went for, but I paid attention and soaked in every word. Standing up I followed the crowd back outside to a large open sitting area with a barbeque already alight and cooking food.
Feeling like an outsider to a seemly nice place I decided to go back to my vehicle to go back home. I didn't get very far, for when I turned around Faith and Jacob were approaching the picnic area.
"Ryleigh, your still here that's so great." Faith said cheerily as they came to a stop in front of me.
"I was about to leave…. I feel like I am an outsider."
"Been a first timer, you just have the jitters, come sit with me and Brother Jacob." Said Faith as she guided me towards the area that they were sitting at.
As we got closer to the spot, I could see that John and Joseph were there as well. They seemed to be having a serious conversation. Even though I felt like I didn't belong, I could see why people liked coming to the church let alone join. Yes, the hole end of the world speech didn't interest me whatsoever but the idea of admitting our sins and bearing them for others to see did.
I didn't blame Mary may for disliking Eden's gate, after all they had a high chance in been the ones that killed Mary mays parents.
"Father, brother John, look who I found at this morning sermon." Chirped Faith as we came to stand Infront of Joseph and John.
Seeing them both turn to look at me was intense especially when they looked like they were having a serious conversation beforehand.
Eyes brightening once they both realized who they were looking at "Hello Miss Wellington" Said Joseph at he came closer sticking out his hand for me to shake.
Stepping forward I clasped Josephs hand. "Hello, Mr. Seed, nice to see you again". "You as well" I said as I leaned slightly to look at John.
John just nodded a greeting hello as he was answering his mobile phone. Stilling holding my hand Joseph leaned down towards me and placed his forehead against mine.
"I am so glad that you have come this morning Miss Wellington." Whispered Joseph
"Please call me Ryleigh, Miss Wellington sounds to formal." I whispered back, smiling slightly.
"Okay Miss Ryleigh, as long as you call me Joseph." Smiled Joseph as he leaned away letting my hand go.
"Please stay as long as you like, your most welcome like everyone else that walks on in."
"Thank you, Joseph."
"Come Ryleigh lets go and eat while the men have a chat about business." Said Faith as she grabbed my arm leading me away from the seed brothers.