I sighed deeply, summoning courage , " Pastor James, you were very close to my grandma. I know she doesn't come from this country .
Can you please tell me everything about my parents ? Okay? "
Pastor James look at me , his brows furrowed in surprise .
"Anaya, how did you know?"
I took a shaky breath willing myself not to cry. "I've always thought my parents abandoned me because of my gender . But I believe GOD has a reason for making me a girl and not a boy ." My voice cracked as I continued , " it hurts that my own mother , the one who gave birth to me ,could also leave me like that.
Pastor James didn't respond immediately. He seemed lost in thought , his eyes drifting towards the window as if searching for the right words.
Finally, he said , " Your mom isn't like that, Anaya . She loves you dearly . It's because of her that we're here in Barbados."
My heart skipped a beat . I stared at him , confused. " what are you talking about, Pastor James? Do you know who my parents are ? My voice grew louder , frustration creeping in. "Why are you quiet ? Please say something!
He turned to face me at last , his expression unreadable. After a moment, he walked to the window , his hands buried deep in his pockets .
Then in a voice barely above a whisper, he said , "we are related , Anaya . Your mother is my younger sister ".