The Lie: The Harsh Reality

By Mackenzie Stark

Facebook and Twitter were a place for friends and socializing. The attention was overwhelming and this was her chance to have it all. He would love her and take care of her, and ​in turn, ​she would be loyal and devoted.​ To her, it was perfect.​

H​is words and persuasion helped her see how the West was falling apart. He convinced her that she would never have a real future or husband in the U.S., and that Syria was nothing short of paradise.

She would be given a traditional lifestyle, marriage, and a home, along with a life of adventure, true meaning, and peace. She was even told of servants and her own car. She was groomed for hours on end​,​ and the attention was flattering.

"Think with your heart," he said, "and find a better life."​​

He​ showed her videos and pictures of him in his jeep, holding a gun. He professed his love to her and said he wanted to marry her.​ ​He told her she would be in the newspapers and on the internet​,​ and that ​people around the world would know who she was.​ H​e​ even​ started to refer to her as his fiancee​.

But this is a story about the unfortunate and very harsh reality of a dream turned into abuse, torture, and even death.

The is a story about The Lie.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DeckersPress
• Release date: Aug 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370401949

Book preview

Chapter One: The Defector - Part One

CNN:

Every week, five more people from the UK alone join ISIS, a British police commissioner said Tuesday. And that’s a conservative estimate.

*****

The lights are low and she is sitting, facing forward, in shadow. Her voice has been altered but it’s clear the person is a female.

When the reporter received the USB, he had no idea what he would find.

As the video begins, a young woman speaks, I am here to tell a story. I am an American citizen. I am 20 years old. I ran to ISIS like so many, but unlike most, I was able to escape. This story is real. The video fades to black.

When the video picture comes back it is being filmed from an angle, still dark and still in shadow, "I saw the dream of becoming a jihadist bride. And I need to be clear, I wanted to go.

When they found me on social media, I found an unexpected kinship, and I found a dream. Something real to believe in. My parents didn’t seem to know much and there was too much confusion in the U.S.

I wanted to go forward be something more, and so I went.

After traveling through Turkey and upon my arrival, I was put with a man and married that same night. It was all still fine. To me, joining ISIS was an opportunity for Islam and an actual civilization. The U.S. was only out to dismantle all that it was, and I did not feel my life at home was the best it could be."

The young woman takes a small break and although she was blacked out, you could see her wipe tears from her face. After a short bit, she regains her composure and continues.

"I was 18 and it was what I wanted. To me, it was worldly and romantic. I was told I would have a nice house and a car, with servants to help me. But the dream was not what I thought. I was groomed to think different and act different, mentally, physically, and even sexually. I was isolated and alone, and a slave.

In the end…it was all just a lie."

Chapter Two: Best Friends, Big Dreams

I so can’t wait for this year to be over. This is going to be the best summer ever! Callie says to Hasnaa. The two are on their way to school. Like all the kids their age, the school year is coming to an end and the two girls are excited to be out and off to summer. For these two though, their plans are bigger than going to the lake, seeing late night movies or sneaking out to parties. When school’s out for summer, these two are out for good.

I know, says Hasnaa, I’m so excited I can’t stand it!

The two are all giggles as Hasnaa pulls up to school. Yea, well, last day, she says, WE know so much more than any of these people. Let’s just get through the day and you can come over after school, sound good?

Just then, Callie gets a text. It’s her mother.

Callie dear, I just wanted to remind you that Nana and Pappy are coming over for dinner tonight. I know you have a big day at school, but I just wanted to remind you. Love you!

Ugh, Callie shows the text to Hasnaa and then writes back.

Sounds good mom! Can’t wait! Love you too!

Parents, Callie looks to Hasnaa, "she’s sweet really. I just need more out of life, you know? America’s gone to shit and I’m looking forward to a new life,