Meeting You Was Fate

"Sister, don't think like that. I believe there's a reason for everything. You gave him life. The child did not have an easy life. I'm
sure he will have happier days in the future." Fiona gave her a small smile, offering a small comfort that eased Mandy's guilt.
"Well... I don't know what's going to happen. I'm scared. I want to believe that Adrian can get through this. If...," her voice
trembled. "If something happens to him, I don't think I'll be able to take it." Her heart tightened into painful constrictions as her
anxiety flowed out. For the past days, she and Nathan practically lived in the hospital, especially after Adrian's attack. She didn't
want to leave when she didn't know what could happen next. She had to be there.
"Sister," Fiona called to her gently, wrapping her arms around Mandy.
It was as if a dam had broken by the gesture. Mandy sniffed and cried silently, allowing herself to be held. Quiet tears fell in
heavy drops, freed from their restraints. When Mandy had finally gathered her breath, she said, "Okay, I'm alright now. Let's talk
about it. You can take a blood test now so we can check if you're pregnant."
Fiona's eyebrows furrowed. As it was now, there was no telling for sure if she was pregnant or not. There were the telltale signs
that told a woman instinctively that she was with child. She had never been picky about food, and she rarely felt discomfort from
eating. She had never vomited before either. Could it really be true that she was pregnant?
"Today... The obstetrician and gynecologist are off duty. There's no hurry. We can think about this again in a few days." Fiona
broke off from Mandy's gaze. It was only a possibility now, and she did not know if she was ready for confirmation. There was
half a chance of it being the truth.
If it turned out to be her reality, it would bring about even more difficult questions. Should the child even be born?
As a myriad of questions assailed her, she went deeper into pensive brooding. She couldn't be pregnant. The nausea, picking on
her food...All of it should just be a rare bout of sickness. If it was true, there was no telling what Monica would be accusing her of.
Fiona felt the beginnings of a headache stir in her temples.
"What do you mean by 'a few days?' You'll do the examination tomorrow. I'll go with you." The two women's positions had
switched, with Mandy patting Fiona on her shoulder encouragingly this time.
"But... What if I'm really pregnant?" Fiona looked at Mandy, her eyes wide with anxiousness. If she got pregnant before being
married, Monica would no doubt berate her again, and Fiona was a proud woman. The mere thought of being scolded made her
feel sick.

"Nana, it would be your decision, but this is not something to take lightly. Ethon has a right to know. The two of you can work
something out. He may be in a conflicted position because of you and his mother, but he is not an irresponsible man. If you
decide not to have the child, I will be there for you. Of course, to be honest, I'd rather you keep the baby. Abortion would also
take a toll on your health. Besides, you and Ethon have been together for so many years. He was with you from the time you
were in your school uniform and could be there for your wedding dress. What you two have is a rarity that even I envy." Mandy
spoke to Fiona soothingly, having forgotten that the bathroom door was not closed, and Nathan and Adrian were still outside.
Adrian was sitting on the bed, his attention absorbed by the cartoons on television. He did not hear the conversation between the
two women, but unlike him, Nathan had walked closer to the bathroom and listened in secret. He heard every word Mandy said
to Fiona.