One.

CHAPTER ONE

I imagine I was ten when it first emerged. I didn't understand it nor did I want too. The first time touching someone's hand & receiving various sides inside their mind. The barrier they told no one else about. A glimpse into a persons' narrative. It would come about every time I caressed someone. It could even be ever so slightly and the next thing I knew I was inside their thoughts.

It all began with the Director of the ministry I went to as a child. The " First Baptist Church " was just a few minutes away from my Mother's home on the south side of Arkansas and every Sunday sunup we were there. I recognized everyone at the church and they remembered me they were in a sense, my family. My mother is a partner of the chapel prior to my birth they couldn't wait for the appearance of her little newborn girl, and that's exactly what I was to her & everyone we knew at church her little girl. Her angel. We all knew each other and there were no enigmas between any of our members. So I thought.

One particular Sunday morning everything changed, but not immediately. At the beginning of the day, I got dressed as I always did. Putting on the pinkest dress I owned along with white laced socks and my best church shoes. My mom wearing a soft blue dress and smalls heels we left out the door. After a few minutes of walking down the street looking at my surroundings as my mom talked and talked about things I really didn't care for as a child I noticed I saw a line of cars at a building & smiled.

" Mommy we're here! " I smiled.

She laughed. " Yes, I know baby comes on we don't want to be late. Pastor Lason is speaking today. "

Ah yes, Pastor Lason. He was my favorite. He always gave all the youngsters sweets & goodies even when their parents didn't want them too. He'd always make me laugh and smile and when he started to lecture I just got all delighted with joy.

We walked into the building seeing the floral colors spread across the congregation walls. My mom greeting everyone as usual women, men, children, walking past us some of the elderly women stopping ever so often to pinch my chubby cheeks as they continued to their seats. My mom and I walking to ours as well. The temple wasn't very big, but it was big enough for us. We always sat near the back because I always for some reason had to use the restroom before the pastor came to talk. Occasionally it was because I really had to " go " or the fact that the pastor could spend the first fifteen minutes of service talking about things I really didn't care about so I needed a purpose to leave out the room.

" Mom. " I whispered. " I have to go. "

She rolled her eyes. " Fine. But make it quick. "

I grinned and walked towards the back doors of the church.

Walking down the hallways seeing endless portraits of flowers, the cross, and scriptures from the Bible I finally made it to the washroom. As I went inside I heard someone sobbing.

" Hello?? " I began to knock on each bathroom stall.

" Is anyone in here? " I asked.

" Please go away. " Someone said from the biggest stall.

I slowly opened the door. " Zari?.... What's wrong? "

" Nothing, Amani. " She got up and began drying her tears away. " I'm fine. Really. "

Zari had been my friend for years. She was always so optimistic and energetic but lately, she hasn't said a word to me. To really anyone. She stopped playing with me. Became more uncomfortable and scared. I was worried about her, but I was a child. I really didn't recognize at the time how I could express what I was feeling to her. So I did as any person would. I just asked her.

" Zari what's wrong? " I asked. " It's been weeks. I haven't heard from you. We don't play like we usually do. Did I do something wrong? "

" No! " she exclaimed. " I can't tell you. He told me not to tell anyone. "