‘My best friend is pregnant’

Dear Tita,

I am a first year college student in one of the schools here in Bacolod. My best friend is my classmate Malu, who is 18 years old. Her parents are very strict and so she keeps sneaking out so she can meet her boyfriend Ron. She also uses me as an excuse to stay out late. Her parents know my mother so they allow her to stay out late if she says she is with me. In truth, she goes to meet Ron.

Recently, Malu came to me crying and told me she missed her period and suspects she is pregnant. I advised her to tell her mother about her condition but she said she could never do that as she knows they would be very angry with her. I asked her if she told Ron but it seems as if he has been evading her after she told him about it. I feel sorry for her because she has no one to turn to. She asked me for help so she could go to her aunt’s place in Manila and hide there. The amount she needs is a lot of money and she begged me to help her by asking for it from my mother.

Tita, I really feel sorry for Malu as she is a good friend. But I don’t know how to ask my mother for the big amount Malu needs. Mama would want to know what it is for. Also, I’m afraid her parents might blame me if they find out I helped her run away.

I tried to talk to Ron about Malu’s problem but he told me he is also afraid of what his parents might do if they find out. Actually, he is very immature as he is only 17. He even blames Malu for getting pregnant. I want to help my best friend but how? Please advise me on what to do.

BEST FRIEND

NOTE: The names mentioned are not their real names.

Dear Best Friend,

Your best friend Malu was being reckless and foolish in sneaking out to see her boyfriend. Instead of studying well, she spent time being with Ron.

As a result, she has ruined her life and maybe her future because she let her feelings rule her head. You have to talk her into telling her mother about her condition. No one can help her more than her mother can. If she needs help, perhaps your mother can go with her to tell her parents. In any case, discourage her from running away. It would only make things worse.

TITA

NOTE: TO “REGRETTING”. Please send me your address or e-mail address as a reader would like to help you.