Chapter 4 .

Andrea's body revolted against her, wrenching and convulsing as she felt the familiar churning in her stomach. The sickness overwhelmed her, and she stumbled towards the bathroom, barely making it in time before her insides rebelled. Tears mingled with bile as she knelt on the cold tiles, she could no longer shake off the persistent feeling that something was amiss. She couldn't ignore the subtle changes in her body any longer. Fatigue settled in, and her breasts became tender and sensitive. A nagging suspicion began to take hold of her thoughts but she refused to accept it.

"Hey kiddo, you good?" Andrea's elder sister, Jane asked, her face was laced with worry and concern.

"I think so." Andrea responded weakly, struggling to get back on her feet and clean the vomit on the floor.

"Hey I got you little sis, Go lay on the bed and by the way, Sarah's on her way here"

Andrea nodded and mouthed the word 'Thank you.' The past few weeks had been so hard for her, coupled with the fact that she had caught her ex fiance cheating, she had also been used and dumped as a cheap one night stand for a man that was getting married the next day. She had suddenly gotten sick weeks after, it had started out slowly, couple of nausea here and there, a little lightheadedness but now, getting up in the morning was a huge struggle for her. Deep down she had only one answer to this strange illness but she was too scared to admit it.

"Kiddo, we need to talk." Jane said before she left the bedroom to get something to eat from the kitchen.

Andrea lay down on her bed, feeling the softness of the mattress embrace her weary body. Her thoughts raced as she anticipated the conversation with her sister. She knew she couldn't avoid it any longer.

Jane entered the room, carrying a tray with a glass of water and some crackers. She placed it on the bedside table and sat down beside Andrea, her face etched with concern.

"Andrea, I've been doing some research," Jane began gently, "and I think we need to consider the possibility that you might be pregnant."

Andrea's eyes widened in disbelief as her worst fears were confirmed. She tried to protest, her voice barely a whisper. "No, Jane, it can't be. I can't be pregnant. It's impossible."

Jane reached out and took Andrea's trembling hand in hers, offering a reassuring squeeze. "I understand it's overwhelming, but we need to face the truth. You've been experiencing these symptoms for weeks now, and it's time to get answers."

Tears welled up in Andrea's eyes as she realized the gravity of the situation. Her life had already been turned upside down by recent events, and now she had to confront the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy. Fear and uncertainty flooded her mind, making it difficult to think clearly.

"I don't know what to do, Jane," Andrea choked out, her voice filled with desperation. "I never wanted this to happen. I'm not ready to be a mother. I don't even know if I can handle it."

Jane's expression softened, and she enveloped Andrea in a comforting embrace. "I know it's overwhelming, sis, but look at me, I thought I wasn't ready too, but I'm married with two kids. It'll get better I promise. I asked Sarah to get a home pregnancy test on her way."

Andrea nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and fear. She knew deep down that she had to face the truth, even if it seemed daunting. Jane's reassurance gave her a glimmer of hope, reminding her that she wasn't alone in this journey.

"But I'm so scared, even if I do have the child, will I be a good mom?"

"Trust me kiddo, you will be the best mom. You are the sweetest person I know and moreover you're my kids' favorite aunt." Jane reached out and held her hands reassuringly. "It's going to be alright."

"What would mom and dad say? What would everyone say? What would the church members say? They're all still trying to recover from the sudden call-off of my engagement and now? What? Hi Mom, Hi Dad, I could not give you a son-in-law but guess what, I'm adding one more grandchild to the family tree! Yippee!" Andrea's voice trembled with anxiety as she voiced her concerns. Jane squeezed her hand tighter, offering unwavering support.

"Andrea, I won't pretend that it will be easy. But this is your life, and you deserve to make choices that are best for you. It's true that mom and dad may have their own reactions and they can be really judgemental, but ultimately, it's your happiness and well-being that matter most."

Tears streamed down Andrea's face as conflicting emotions battled within her. The fear of judgment and the weight of societal expectations loomed large.

"Hey." Sarah's voice interrupted the two sisters as she walked into the room wearing a worried look on her face. "You good girl?"

Andrea shook her head slowly and voiced out a small "No." that was hardly audible.

"I understand girl," She paused and set aside her bag, holding up the pregnancy test stick. "I got it, you ready?"

Andrea took a deep breath, her heart racing in her chest. She nodded, signaling that she was ready to face the truth, no matter how difficult it may be. Sarah handed her the pregnancy test, and Andrea held it in her trembling hands, feeling a mix of anticipation and fear.

She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her strength, before finally going to the bathroom to make use of it. She walked out, setting the stick on the floor before covering it. Few minutes felt like eternity to them and then finally the alarm they had set beeped.

Positive!

The reality hit her like a tidal wave, crashing over her and threatening to pull her under. Andrea couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She sobbed uncontrollably, her body racked with emotions she couldn't fully comprehend. Sarah and Jane rushed to her side, holding her tightly and offering words of comfort.

"It's going to be okay, Andrea," Sarah whispered, her voice filled with empathy. "We're here for you. You're not alone in this."

Andrea clung to her sister and her friend, finding solace in their presence. The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon her, but their support gave her a glimmer of hope.

After what felt like an eternity of tears and emotional release, Andrea finally managed to calm herself down. She wiped her cheeks, sniffled, and took a deep breath.

"You're right," Andrea said, her voice shaky but resolute. "I can't change what's already happened, but I can make choices for the future. Choices that will lead me to a better life, not just for myself but for this little one too."

Sarah and Jane exchanged glances, their expressions filled with admiration for Andrea's strength and determination.

"We're proud of you, Andrea," Jane said, her voice filled with warmth. "Now, let's focus on what comes next. You have options, and we'll support you no matter what decision you make."

Andrea nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She knew that she needed to protect herself from the judgment and complications that her current environment brought. She had endured enough pain and heartache, and now it was time for a fresh start, especially since her ex, Mark had been stalking her since their break up. At first he had gone around spreading rumors she was the one caught cheating and she had called off the engagement because of the guilt, but later on he began stalking her, constantly texting her on every social media platform, begging for another chance. She remembered one time when she ran into him at the mall.

"Andrea!" he had called out, his voice filled with desperation as he hurriedly approached her in the busy mall.

She felt her heart race with a mix of fear and anger, but she mustered up the courage to face him. "What do you want, Mark?" she asked, her voice laced with determination.

Mark took a step closer, his face pleading. "Please, Andrea, just hear me out. I made a mistake, a big one. I never should have cheated on you. I love you, and I can't live without you. Please give me another chance."

Andrea looked into his eyes, searching for any sincerity but finding only a trace of remorse. The pain he had caused her was still fresh in her mind, and she knew deep down that going back to him would only bring more heartache.

"No, Mark," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "I can't go back to someone who betrayed my trust so deeply. Our relationship is over, and I need you to respect that."

Mark's face contorted with frustration as he realized that Andrea was resolute in her decision. He reached out, trying to grab her arm, but she quickly stepped back, out of his reach.

"Don't touch me," Andrea warned, her voice tinged with anger. "You've caused enough pain. Stay away from me."

Mark's face fell, and he took a step back, seemingly realizing that his attempts to win her back were futile. He stared at Andrea for a moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and hurt pride. "Andrea," he called out softly, his voice filled with a mix of regret and hope. "Can we talk?"

"I think it's best if we don't," she replied firmly, mustering up the courage to meet Mark's gaze.

Mark's face fell, and he took another step closer. "I understand that I hurt you deeply, Andrea," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "But I've had time to reflect on my actions. I've realized what I lost, and I want to make things right."

Andrea's heart ached at the sincerity in his voice, but she knew that trusting him again would be a risk she wasn't willing to take.

"I appreciate your words, Mark, but trust isn't easily regained," she responded, her voice tinged with caution. "I've moved on and built a life for myself."

Mark's eyes filled with desperation as he pleaded, "Please, Andrea, I've changed. I know I made mistakes, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make amends."

Andrea felt a surge of anger rise within her, mingling with the remnants of the pain he had caused. She stood her ground, determined to protect herself.

"You had your chance, Mark," she said firmly, her voice laced with determination. "You chose to betray my trust and break my heart. I can't risk subjecting myself to that kind of pain again."

Mark's shoulders slumped, and he lowered his gaze. "I understand," he murmured, his voice filled with resignation. "But please know that I truly regret what I've done. If you ever change your mind, I'll be here, I will never give up on you Andrea, I will make you mine again."

Andrea nodded, "It's best if we part ways, stay away from me. Goodbye, Mark."

Back in the present, Andrea shook off the memories of her encounter with Mark. She had cut off all contact with him, blocked him on every platform, and even changed her phone number to ensure her safety and protect herself.

With Mark out of the picture, she realized that she needed to make a fresh start, to distance herself from the negativity and judgment that surrounded her. She turned to Sarah, her voice filled with conviction.

"I'm moving, Sarah," she announced. "I can't stay here anymore. I need to find a place where I can build a better life for myself and my child, away from the prying eyes and gossip."

Sarah and Jane exchanged glances before nodding, they understood the gravity of the situation.

"I'll help you, Andrea. We'll find a new city where you can start afresh, where you can find peace and build the life you deserve." Sarah said, her eyes filled with the determination to help her friend.

Andrea felt a surge of hope within her. She knew that the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to create a better future. She would protect herself and her unborn child from the judgment of her religious parents and the complications of her past. It was time to embrace the opportunity for a fresh start, to seek a brighter horizon.