If you told me a year ago I would join a cult, I would have probably laughed in your face. But here I am, standing in front of the leaders ready to take my initiation test.

About 20 people, mostly teens, line up in front of two men wearing silky red robes and a golden crescent. The room is in an abandoned building, but is still quite nicely with chairs, book shelf’s, and a chandelier. I never expected to be here in my life. I imagined heading off to college, getting a boyfriend, and having the best time of my life. But depression and a sense of longing for something to be apart of can drive people to do some unimaginable things.

“Now, before you can be a part of our cause, you all have to prove that you are willing to put our movement over yourself’s” says one of the men in robes with dark hair speaking with great passion, loudly, and confidently.

It surprises me how they never use the word cult. Maybe they’re not a cult after all?

“You will be blindfolded and given a food to eat. Half of them are savory treats, half of them are poisoned. If your not willing to risk anything you may go now” says the other man in the robe with light hair. When he speaks he does not carry himself as well as the first man.

Seven people walk out, and I almost do to, but the thought of the sad life I have out there motivates me to stay. The rest of the people left look scared but in the same time excited. Like they have never had such a rush of thrill in their lives.

The light haired man points at me as his eyes glue to mine.

“Why doesn’t the pretty girl in the green dress go first” he says while pointing at me and stepping forward.

I hesitantly go up, but I don’t notice a step and trip. My body jerks forward and my knees all the ground but I quickly get back up.

The man sits me in a chair and ties a blindfold to my head. I open my mouth and a spoon goes in. As I munch on it, I can’t help but enjoy the taste. Is it a cookie? It is crunchy but sweet and warm. The smell is comforting.

He takes my blindfold of and escorts me to the other side of the room where their are five rusty benches.

The other people do the same until all twelve of us are in the same side of the room. Some were graceful and brave. Some were a nervous reck. One girl is biting her nails while a boy, who looks by far the youngest anxiously shifts from one foot to another.

“Well, we’re happy to say that none of the food were poisoned, you all proved your dedication, and your in” says the dark haired man. He smiles and stands up straight as he walks out of the room.

Small cheers come from the once scared group of us twelve and a sense of fear washes over me, quickly replaced by a calm feeling.

I don’t know what I got myself into, but I’m not in it alone.