A New Me

-3-

T H I R D P E R S O N ' S P O V 

ANIYAH PUT HER BRAIDS IN A PONYTAIL TO KEEP FROM ANNOYING HER AS SHE stared at the screen in front of her. Fashion Institute of Technology, her dream college. Well once dream college. She had been planning to apply there for a while before the accident but she had given up on her dreams after Charles had left. After staring more at the lowly-lit screen, she shut off her phone and opened the door to hear what the noise was about. She had been staying at Charles' house for a few days now and it had finally reached Thursday. Although she had planned on leaving as soon as possible, it was as if something had kept her from going. She had seen with her own eyes how Charles had become so different. Before the accident, he was often partying and smoking yet now she saw no sign of any of that. He and Jada also had a Bible study after dinner and sometimes Faith and Grace would join. They had made it known to Aniyah that she was more than welcome to join them, she declined and instead headed to her room to go and sleep. 

"Aniyah, there you are," Jada exclaimed, smiling warmly at her. "We're getting ready to head out for church in about 30 minutes and I wanted to know if you would like to join us."

Wasn't it a Thursday? Why were they leaving if the church was on a Sunday? "Isn't the church on Sunday?"

"Well," Jada replied, "they also do have prayer meetings on Thursday and the Sunday school is open for children as well. It's a bit more casual than the regular Sunday service and we'd love for you to join us."

Aniyah snorted. "I don't think your church would have me there. I mean really? A prostitute like me."

"Jesus was never one to judge sinners. In the bible, he would often eat with tax collectors, prostitutes, and all sorts of people who were considered unholy. And besides, no one is going to judge you."

"You shouldn't be talking, I bet no one would judge you anyways."

"Aniyah you don't know me or my past. At least come and check out the church with us."

"Well even so I would have nothing to wear. And besides, I don't believe in the faith anyways." Aniyah turned to walk away but Jada gently got ahold of her wrist.

"You don't have to believe. Just come this once and if you want to leave or you feel uncomfortable, you can go at any time," Jada's warm brown eyes stared at Aniyah's cold ones, and persisted until Aniyah gave in.

"I'll find a change of clothes then. But I won't stay long," Aniyah said and went towards the room again and into her closet already starting to feel regret for her decision. She knew how judgemental the church people could be from experience and could feel the butterflies in her stomach as her mind flashed to only a year ago.

Flashback:  Aniyah had walked into a church building, a traditional one decorated with red bricks and wooden pews. She had taken a seat in the back since the church had become full and in the corner of her eye, she had seen an old lady, scooting away from her, a look of disgust on her face. Aniyah had felt both angry and embarrassed. She had been wearing a short skirt that started where it ended and exposed her long legs and a black top that showed a lot of cleavage. She hadn't been wearing it to attract attention but only because it was what she had in her wardrobe. During the whole service she could feel eyes on her and whispers scattered among the church, everyone seems to be judging her clothing. Even at the end when the pastor went around greeting the congregation, he ignored her completely, giving her an annoyed look as if she had been wasting his time. Aniyah stormed off angrily after that and decided she would never go to any church ever. She had been seeking forgiveness and had only gotten hatred and judgment.