ANDREA | KAIROS GLOBAL | DECEMBER 2021

Author:  Sijumon Abraham

intro: Kairos Global is happy to present the multi-part story, Andrea. Devout Catholic, Andrea has just recently joined her new job. Extremely demanding work, an ever-angry boss and an atheist colleague become her new reality. As she befriends her work buddy, Andrea sees similarities between Michelle and her past self.

‘Andrea! You?’ Evan couldn't believe it was her!

They talked for a long time about cycling and their passion for bikes. It slowly dawned on them that their passions were the same! They talked about morning trips to hiking trails in different places in Singapore. Having exchanged phone numbers, they made plans for the weekend.

*

Numerous weekends of bike rides and trekking later, their friendship began to blossom into love. Soon they were seeing each other for dinners and began spending holidays together, going out.

While Evan worked in a private company, Andrea – one of the top students of her class – was approaching her final semester at college. The summer vacation was around the corner; so was her birthday. Evan had a surprise planned for her – three days in Tokyo!

At first, Andrea could not believe it. It was only when he showed her the plane tickets did it sink. Evan was taking her to Tokyo! 

Andrea’s mother, however, voiced concerns. She had studies to focus on right now, her mother reminded. They could always wait and go on the trip after her graduation. Andrea knew her mother was right but she didn’t want to disappoint Evan. She couldn’t! 

With desperate pleas that it was only for three days, and promises that her studies would not suffer, Andrea convinced her mother. 

The three days in Tokyo were some of the best in her life. The sights and sounds, the fun and food, and even playing at the casino – everything had been wonderful. But it was being with Evan that made it all amazing. Andrea was hit with the realisation that she desperately loved Evan. She couldn’t live without him! 

On their last day at Tokyo, Evan had some bitter-sweet news for her. He had been selected by his company for a year-long off-site work in the US. While Andrea was happy for Evan getting this opportunity, she was saddened too – a year without Evan… 

After the Tokyo trip, life became hectic for both of them. Evan had to deal with more work at office while studies and semester-end examinations loomed large over Andrea – until she was shocked to discover she was pregnant! With hours of classes and assignments and even more to prepare for exams, not to mention hardly ever getting to be with Evan, Andrea felt her world collapsing. Unable to handle this on her own, she shared it with Tania. Tania was a good friend and tried to comfort her as best as she could. She advised Andrea to tell Evan about it. But Andrea still couldn't believe it had happened to her and was afraid to tell Evan. After days of anxiety and worrying, she finally decided to let Evan know. Andrea texted him about it. 

In the midst of deadlines, meetings and time-consuming workload, Evan was shocked to receive the text message. It was some time before he replied back, ‘Andrea, don't worry, I'll meet you this evening’. 

Andrea couldn't stop crying. 

That evening, Tania ran into Evan on the way to the hostel.

‘How could you do that to her, Evan?!’ Had he not been her cousin, Tania would have ripped him apart. ‘Andrea has been in tears all these days. My best friend, Evan! Why?!’

Evan only said, ‘I want to see her!’

Tania calmed down. ‘Fine, you wait at the park, I'll bring her.’ 

When Tania brought her the news, Andrea was hesitant to meet him. 

‘But then? What else are we supposed to do? You need to talk to him!’ Tania urged her.

Evan ran to her when he saw Andrea coming. He hugged her tight and held her, trying to comfort her. Unable to control herself any longer, Andrea burst out crying. 

They were quiet for a while, not knowing what to say. Finally, Evan said quietly, ‘Nothing will affect your studies; we'll see a doctor’.

‘You mean abort the baby?’ Andrea asked him.

‘What else can we do? We're not ready for a child yet, are we? You're still in college, your final semester! You want to have a job soon, right?’ Andrea nodded her head and agreed. 

They searched the internet for a gynecological clinic nearby and booked an appointment.

The clouds were gathering, and all of a sudden, it was evening and extremely cold. Andrea's head was like a cloud too, as she walked to the bus stop to meet Evan. They did not speak much as they walked to the clinic.

‘Hello madam, do you have an appointment?’ Asked the receptionist.

‘Yes,’ Andrea showed the receptionist her phone to indicate the appointment.

‘Can I have your IC please?’ she asked, smiling.

Andrea could not smile, but opened her wallet and pulled out her IC, handing it to the receptionist.

‘Please wait until the token is called,’ the receptionist said as she gave her a token number and handed back her IC.

Andrea sat down next to Evan and looked around. She saw a few posters of mothers and their babies. She closed her eyes and waited until her token number was called.

Her heart pounded as she walked to the doctor's consultation room. A lady doctor welcomed them with a friendly smile.

‘Come on, take a seat! How can I help you today?’ Dr. Francesca asked her.

‘Madam, I am pregnant, and I do not want to continue it,’ Andrea replied.

Dr. Francesca smiled at her and asked, ‘Is there any particular reason?’

‘I am a student, and my final exams are coming up. Besides, we are not married yet. Our parents do not know about it either,’ Andrea said, burning with shame.

Dr. Francesca listened to the two and did an ultrasound examination on Andrea. After checking blood results and talking to Andrea, it became clear that her baby was 45-days-old. She gave Andrea another appointment for a counseling session and told her, ‘Andrea, do not worry. You need to attend a counseling session first before proceeding for an abortion’.

‘Sure madam.’

‘I'll see you on June 7th,’ the doctor said.

‘Thank you.’ 

On the way back from the clinic, Andrea felt a bit relieved and even thanked Evan for accompanying her.

‘You know, after my exam, I am going to compete in the national bike race,’ Andrea said, forcing herself to be cheerful.

‘I know you'll be fine in two months! After that, you can focus on training. Do not worry about it! My posting to the US is coming up and I'll be gone for a year. If there are no problems with visa processing, I am to fly on June 6th,’ Evan said, looking at her.

All of a sudden, her new-found confidence vanished. Andrea looked at Evan's eyes and pleaded, ‘Please postpone your travel plan for at least a month! I need you, I really need you,’ her voice faltered as tears rolled down her face.

‘I'll speak to my director, but chances are very slim as they have already booked my ticket. You know very few flights are going to the US because of the Covid situation,’ Evan replied sadly.

Andrea walked back to her hostel, her mind churning. What if Evan was not there…? How could she handle this by herself? What should she do? Her mind was disturbed by so many thoughts that it was the early hours of the morning before she could fall asleep. 

*

Andrea woke up to the sound of the phone ringing incessantly.

‘Hello,’ she answered the call.

‘What time are you coming home?’ It was her mother on the other end of the line.

‘Oh Mom, I’m not coming this weekend. So many assignments to finish,’ Andrea replied.

‘But... you know I have offered a Holy Mass for you this weekend, for your birthday!’ 

With all that had been happening, Andrea completely forgot about her birthday. She knew she had to go home. Her every birthday was spent with her mother. But Andrea felt afraid. How would she face her mother? 

Tania helped her pack for the weekend home. 

As always, Caroline, her mother prepared Andrea’s favourite food and looked forward to a weekend of togetherness. But she was puzzled when Andrea arrived, her face marked with exhaustion and sadness. This was not her usually happy and cheerful daughter. Caroline sensed something had happened; that Andrea was grappling with something difficult. 

That night, she knelt at the altar and spent some time in prayer. Caroline was a devout Catholic and never tired of serving God. In prayer, she felt Jesus asking her to spend time with Andrea.  

Before going to bed, Caroline went to Andrea's room and knocked on her door.

‘Andrea,’ she called out.

‘Yes, Mama,’ Andrea opened the door.

‘Would you like me to sleep with you tonight?’

‘Yes Mama!’ Andrea hugged her mother tight. Ever since she was a little girl, Andrea always wanted to sleep with her mother. Especially when she was worried or having trouble at school. Her mother was her close friend and Andrea had no secrets from her. But this time she was not ready to tell her about the pregnancy.

Andrea hugged her mother and leaned her head against her mother's shoulder. Her mother stroked her hair, placed her hand on Andrea’s head, and began to praise God for her daughter. No sooner had she started when Caroline noticed Andrea crying bitterly. She continued to pray for her, praising God.

‘Mama!’ Andrea blurted out.

‘What happened, sweetheart?’ Caroline asked gently.

‘Mama, I’m... I am... pregnant.’ Andrea broke down crying.

Stunned, Caroline was quiet. But the next moment, she hugged Andrea tight and began to praise God even louder. Tears fell from her eyes upon Andrea's cheek.

‘Mama, forgive me...’ Andrea cried bitterly.

‘Do not worry my little girl, I will always be with you!’ She said to Andrea.

‘Come, let us pray a little.’ She brought Andrea to the altar and placed a candle in front of the crucifix. The two knelt down and began to pray.