10:23
the time flashed on my silver watch signaling that in 7 minutes church would begin.
as a young girl i questioned why anyone could possibly enjoy sitting a pew for an hour and half listening to someone talk. i soon realized that the words spoken were calming and comforting. church was a safe place for adults. and soon it became a safe place for me. once i entered the broad doors there was no one that i couldn't face. all the problems that faced me were left at the door.
the building stood tall with a steeple on top and spanish tiling for a roof. the sanctuary was beautiful with multi colored stained glass windows adorning the otherwise plain walls. angels and saints and even God himself were pictured. the church was beautiful
as i made my way out of the basement from bible study and over to the restrooms, i was taken aback.
there he was.
standing. in my church, my safe place. talking like he owned the place.
i practically ran to the bathroom and locked the door. my breath quickened and my stomach twisted into a knot. i leaned over the sink and stared at myself in the mirror. taking deep breathes to settle myself, i untucked my hair from behind my ears, took a glass and filled it with tap water. i slugged it down and exited the bathroom, holding a self confidence i didn't know i had.
i walked out of the hallway and looked over to him. he caught my eyes and i looked away, glueing my eyes to the floor.
he and his family walked in after me and sat in the back. i continued to the front to meet my own family.
the lessons passed and so did the sermon. although, i began to feel the glass of water filling up my bladder. i got up to use the bathroom.
this time i looked down and walked right past him. once out of the sanctuary, i let out a breath, the air i breathed felt lighter and clearer.
approaching the bathroom a familiar scent filled my nose, and suddenly my name was called.
