You and Mylene make the long walk back toward the youth hostel. Not only is it very cold, unusually so for this time of the year, but there is strong wind too. As a result, it is really unbearable. You both will not be able to stand this much longer.
Finally, you see it in the horizon. Relieved at the thought of being able to warm yourselves a bit, you enter it in order to interrogate the other patrons.
Or so you thought that's what you would do. As soon as you open the door, you hear a familiar accent...
"Please, can you let us stay for the day and for tonight? We're out of money and we have nowhere to go. We can't find our friends and we're not from the area. We just need a bit of help."
"I'm sorry for your situation, but you're putting me in a very difficult spot. If I start doing it for you, I'll have to start doing it for everyone..."
It's Jovencio's voice! You step in the lobby, and you see him and James pleading to the receptionist. You came at the right time!
Poor them. They came here, only to realize that there was nobody from the group to be found. And worst of all, right in the middle of a cold wave. How Christian of brother William of having gotten rid of them in such a cowardly fashion. Your opinion of him is suddenly very low now. What a weasel! And he claims to be a Christian, and one of the handpicked few moral arbiters in the group!
"Hold on, I'll solve the issue immediately. Let me pay for their room, I know them."
Jovencio and James turn towards you. They are stunned! But definitely glad, even touched as they realize that you came to Saskatoon just for them! They no longer feel abandoned!
Definitely, you realize that going to help your brothers in need was the right situation. The Vagrant higher ups should be ashamed of themselves. This will give you excellent ammunition to use against them later. You are determined to expose their duplicity.
"Hey guys, we found it odd you were dispatched here out of the blue. We just didn't feel right to leave you behind. We'll join the group in Alberta later.
Anyway, I hope you didn't suffer too much. Let me get you a nice meal at the burger place not far away. You both more than earned it."
Jovencio and James look so happy. James looks up and thanks God for His Providence.
The four of you go have your meal. You offer to order them more burgers so they can eat later.
Then, the four of you have a discussion.
Mylene asks:
"So, apparently you've had a disagreement of some sort with brother William? He has been warning some members in case you'd have talked to them about "strange things" out of "confusion,".
James replies :
"It has been a long while, in fact. I've had doubts for a while. They claim that everything they do is based on nothing but the Bible. But I've read it several times, and over time, I noticed things in the group I just couldn't reconcile with Scripture.
A few months ago, I dared speaking about it to Jovencio. He said he noticed many of the same points as well.
We kept it to ourselves, because in the group, younger members are supposed to only share criticism with the elders, since we are "too prone to being deceived".
Finally a few days ago I couldn't hold it in anymore. We met with Brother William. I had prepared a document, and I read it out to him.
He was very warm and respectful, and polite. However, he said that we needed to be careful because it looked like Satan was trying to lead us away with "various and strange doctrines" and that the bible wasn't "subject to private interpretation". He did this while showing various passages to support his points.
He thanked us for trusting him and encouraged us to ask him if we needed further study in the future.
But ever since that point, he seems to be more suspicious of us.
We didn't think anything of it when he said he wanted us to go to Saskatoon to try to preach there... but when we arrived to the designated location, we found an empty building! And since we don't know where they went in Calgary, we're essentially stuck!"
You are extremely disappointed.
"James, can't you see you have been deceived? William did this on purpose, to get rid of you! Because he doesn't want anything that will weaken his authority! He told me that you both volunteered to come here when I asked him why you had left! He blatantly lied! And he's supposed to be an anointed man of God?"
"Well... everyone makes mistakes. Maybe he regrets his decision now. We'll just try to clear things up. Or maybe it's us who only have partial comprehension of the Bible."
You give him your phone.
"Take a look at this document, both of you..."
They start reading... they keep going and going. They are shocked... they take their bible and take multiple notes.
This lasts for almost an hour. They've become very, very pale all of a sudden. They have become avoidant.
Mylene seems like she wants to give them the final push to break them free. She says:
"I was like you two before. But Bruno helped me see that these men are mostly after power and control at all costs. They'll do anything to keep it."
They have calmed a little.
"That document was extremely convincing. It mirrored many of my concerns, and every single thing was backed up with biblical references. Many of them with explanations about the original Hebrew and Greek. This was always forbidden to us, to go to bookstores or libraries, or to search for references on the Internet."
Why are you not surprised?
"And that's not all... I have someone you need to talk to."
You call Elder Bernard once more. He spends a long time talking to Jovencio and James. He doesn't avoid any of their questions.
After the call is done, Jovencio says:
"I feel sorry for you Bruno. I led you into this. Even though I started to have doubts that what I was teaching you was right. Because I was terrified of letting the elders down. Please forgive me.
I can't do anything but admit that this was all based on a lie. These men are just manipulators."
"Yep... you took the words right out of my mouth, brother...", says James.
You then explain the rest of the situation... how you and Mylene became lovers over the last few weeks... how you now want to marry, and would like to have them as witnesses.
And how the next step will be to scour other places in Alberta, in search of ex-members who have incriminating stories to tell. So that in the Synod in Vancouver, the group can finally be revealed to all for what it is.
Jovencio says:
"Oh brother, it will be an honor! I'm so glad for the both of you! Let's take a little break and do this first and foremost. Afterwards, we'll plan out our strategy."
James: "I have ministered for the group in Alberta before. I'll definitely have some worthwhile leads to pursue."
While Jovencio and James go take a well deserved rest in their room, you take care of the formalities for the wedding. You go to a provincial office, where you easily obtain a valid certificate, valid starting tomorrow.
Then you look up marriage commissioners. After a few calls, you find Paula, who has an office nearby, and agrees to marry the both of you. You get a slot for tomorrow at 4pm, which had suddenly become available.
Once back to the hostel, you both go back to your room.Tomorrow is your big day, to you and Mylene. From tomorrow on, she will not be Mylene Meehan anymore. She will become Mylene Honeyman. For some reason, nobody else is in your room tonight, which means you can talk without bothering others.
Suddenly you think that it's not fair to marry her without having explained the situation to her parents. You tell her that maybe she should make a video call with them. You are nervous, thinking it might mean that somehow, they will get upset and things will go awry.
Mylene calls her mom on the encrypted app...
Her mom answers.
"Allô maman?"
"Oh mon Dieu Mylène, c'est toi!"
Her mother is obviously getting quite emotional, and shouts in the room, telling her husband Patrick and Mylene's brother Ben to come. You then see Mylene's father, who wears thin black glasses and is partly bald, coming up on the screen. He is overjoyed.
"Mylene my dear! It is really you! I thought I would never see you again until you contacted your mom the other time! I've wanted to see your face again for so long!"
Then, Ben steps up.
"Mylene, finally you broke out from that cult?"
Then Mylene tells them a bit of what went on in the cult, how they instilled in her an hostile view of outsiders and kept her under strict control. But you joined in order to help free someone else, and helped her discover what was going on in the process.
"His name is Bruno, we're in a relationship now."
Patrick speaks:
"Is Bruno here? Can we speak to him?"
(You thought this might happen. Still, you panic. What if they're just freaked out by you? What if they want you to just let her go? Or maybe they'll be thankful instead.
You think you were less nervous when you had Lance pointing a gun at you, and knew he could pull the trigger at any time.)
Mylene stares at you, looking for your approval. Although you are apprehensive, you nod. Then she turns your phone toward you.
You hold it, and Patrick stares at you. Your father in law to be actually doesn't look intimidating at all. He look benevolent and kind. You feel less tense now.
"We're very grateful for you, young man. We despaired of ever seeing Mylene alive again. We didn't know what that cult was doing to her."
"I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Meehan. I can say the cult didn't ruin her. I told her I would never let it happen. She emerged from it with good values and a good heart, which I've no doubt come from you and your wife."
Then it's Sylvie's turn (Mylene's mom).
"Oh my, what a handsome young man!"
( Urrrgh!!! How uncomfortable!)
"Sorry, sorry. I'm glad you've helped our daughter. But what is going on now, exactly?"
(You explain to them that we are consorting with other disgruntled members to try to find out information about the cult. There is an upcoming synod in a month, and you plan to use the occasion to try to expose Pious to the entire church. Then afterwards you plan to have Mylene return to Ottawa.)
"Do you think it is safe to do that? And where are you right now?"
"Mrs. Meehan, and Mr. Meehan too... so far, I've been a little reluctant in telling you our precise location. Maybe I thought wrong, but I guess I just imagined a worst case scenario, where upon learning where we were, you would come get Mylene in a panic to bring her back home."
"Bruno, we parents love our children so much, that we would do anything to make sure they are free from harm. But as I see that she has come back to her senses, and if you tell me that you will keep her safe, then I won't object to it.
I suppose that she has bonded a lot with these people over time. So many other young people are held captive by Pious... and all of them have parents, siblings and friends too.
So I support what you are doing."
"You are right Mrs. Meehan. I ache for them, they are good people.
I also wanted to tell you..."
(now comes the really difficult part...)
"... that we came to a decision concerning us. We're... getting married."
"Oh wow, that's so sudden! When?"
"... tomorrow."
"Oh really???"
(They all appear shocked).
"Well... we bonded over our trials to get out of the group... and later, to find some missing brothers who have been deliberately led astray. This has been an intense experience. We want to keep finding more evidence of the group's misbehavior, because we know that in a month, in Vancouver, there will be a synod with the entire group. We see that as golden opportunity to expose their corruption to help members break free.
So this situation will make it so that me and Mylene will have to spend a lot of time together... so I want to make sure that I don't... put her into an improper situation... if you get my drift."
(That was the single most awkward conversation in your entire life...)
"Oh, I see. Well, where are you? Can we come to the wedding?"
(You didn't think of that. Maybe it can work).
"We're in Saskatoon right now. The wedding is tomorrow at 4pm. After that, we're going to Alberta to pursue our investigations."
Patrick then comes to the phone.
"Listen Bruno, if this is what my daughter wants, and if you promise to make her happy, then so be it. I'll go ahead and book three tickets to Saskatoon right now leaving tomorrow morning, so that we can make it."
Mylene, after having let you handle the conversation for a while (including all the difficult parts), finally speaks:
"I'm so glad that you'll be there. There will also be two brothers who have joined the "resistance", who will be our witnesses. But that's just all so we can be married and be done with it in these circumstances. Later on we'll make a proper ceremony and invite everyone.
Mom and dad, I'm so glad for your trust. Bruno really respected me and really has a good heart. He's gradually becoming a God-fearing man as well.
After we're done with the synod in Vancouver, I'll go back to Ottawa. Bruno has business to attend to all over the country, and he will join us later."
Ben, who hadn't spoken much so far, finally chimes in:
"Mylene, I didn't know you would arrive suddenly with a brother in law! I'm just glad that you're safe and happy. Hopefully, tomorrow can be a happy day. We all need a break from the pain we've been through."
After this exhausting, but satisfying conversation, you go to sleep. Mylene goes to a bed farther away. The room is still all empty.
Well, that went well. And you will have guests too. Obviously, these are good people. You were just a little guarded, maybe understandably so. Ultimately, the more, the merrier.
You are nervous... after an hour of being worried of whatever could go wrong, you fall asleep.
The morning of your big day finally comes. You're still nervous and decide that you will not do anything else today, until the time comes for the wedding. After the breakfast, you get one more night for Jovencio and James. But as for you and Mylene, you will go to the hotel tonight.
You spend the morning discussing with both of them and Mylene. You all do some bible reading and studying to change your mind. But thankfully, this time without having to fear disagreeing with the elders.
Over the course of the morning, some of the other young people in the hostel come close to you to listen to your discussion. Some even ask if they can study with you. Ultimately, you all have an edifying conversation.
When noon passes, you get a call. It's Sylvie, who says they've arrived at the John Diefenbaker airport. They're going to eat at one of the best restaurants in town and are inviting you. They say to also bring the two brothers.
The four of you head to the restaurant to wait in front of it. After a few minutes, you see a taxi stopping. Then, Patrick, Sylvie, and Ben come out. Mylene has an emotional reunion with her family at last.
You are very nervous. You talked to them, but still fear that something could go wrong. Then, Mrs and Mr Meehan come to you.
Patrick Meehan shakes your hand "I'm so glad to meet you, Bruno!"
Then, you greet Sylvie, and finally Ben.
It's nice that they're here, but it's disappointing it has to be in such a cold place. You'd definitely be in Vancouver already if you could, where there is no snow or ice and it is warm all year long, unlike in the other parts of Canada.
All of you enter the restaurant. You have a succulent meal. You've only had the bare minimum for weeks, so it is welcome. Jovencio and James, who have been at it for a few years, seem to especially enjoy it. You realize how much deprivation of all the small pleasures that we take for granted they've had to endure.
You then discuss for a few hours. Mostly, it consists of Jovencio, James and Mylene sharing stories of what life in the group was like. Patrick, Sylvie and Ben now have a better understanding of where they're coming from.
You are more discreet this time... mainly because you are scared that admitting your ordeal with a dangerous group like the Skull Riders could scare them away. Only Mylene knows, but she doesn't say a word of it either.
Is this dishonest?... maybe not. After all, Scripture says that "there is a time for everything". When that time comes, you will be more forthcoming.
You tell yourself that today is a day of reprieve and happiness. You've earned it. Everyone has.
After they are done, the Meehans go to check in in their hotel room. You and Mylene also check in in yours and bring your stuff over. Jovencio and James go back to the hostel.
Then... 4pm finally looms near. Nervously, you and Mylene walk toward the commissioner's office. You, and everyone else, enters. A kind woman who looks to be in her fifties or so greets you. It's Paula, whom you talked to yesterday.
You explain the situation.
Patrick chimes in:
"I didn't know it was possible to get married so fast! It's pretty amazing that those types of services exist!"
Paula chuckles.
"Oh you've seen nothing, sir. I even offered drive-in services at some point!"
Soon, the ceremony starts. You exchange vows, in front of Paula. And rings, which you obtained from the nearby mall. She declares you, Bruno, and her, Mylene, husband and wife. You kiss. Everyone applauds.
It might not be the most glamorous wedding in the world... but it's yours, and it's all that matters.
Afterwards, every witness signs the marriage document and Paula does too. She will send it to the government, and later, your official copy will be sent to the address at Patrick's and Sylvie's house in Ottawa.
Still, both of you are now legally wed, and Mylene has now become Mrs. Honeyman.
As none of you are hungry for now due to the copious meal from earlier, you decide to kill time by going to a nearby sports bar to celebrate. Everyone has a good time, drinking and feasting the evening away. James is the only one who abstains from drinking alcohol. Due to him being Amerindian, he knows it would do him no good.
Then it finally is time to part ways. You thank everyone. You take a taxi to your hotel room.
Then finally enjoy your first night of passion with your splendid, adoring new wife.
Yet... you do not feel fundamentally like anything has changed. You've not changed. She's just now part of your life, and that's it. Although, that's a very good thing.
On the next morning, when encountering her parents at a restaurant for a breakfast, you have difficulty staring at them, due to the new ground you have broken. Patrick and Ben find it funny and chuckle.
You have another good group conversation together. You lead the meal with prayer.
After that, it finally is time for her family to go back to Ottawa. They find it painful to leave her behind. But, they seem rejuvenated of having made contact with her again. They leave her in your care, and leave for the airport.
You decide to contact Rob. He is glad you called back. He offers to drive with you to Alberta if you give him a few hours of preparation. During this time, you plan your strategy with Jovencio and James.
You get them both a prepaid phone and help them install the encrypted app so you can all communicate with ease when you are eventually separated in different cities.
Then you start your discussion...