Saving Maria: The Story of an Unborn Child’s Fight for Life

By Vivian Chas

Sixteen-year-old Jackie is pregnant and sickened by what her mother is forcing her to do. Still, it seems she has no other choice as she has no idea what she would do with a baby she is not prepared to care for or support.
While standing on a sea of clouds with Jesus by his side, Johnny Wickrema witnesses the brutal scene between Jackie and her mother. After asking Jesus for guidance, Johnny realizes he has the power to stop the abortion and pays a ghostly visit to his teenage siblings, Chris and Natasha. After they agree to help save baby Maria’s life and the souls of Jackie and her mother, the teens embark on a mission of love where they are soon exposed to the shocking evils of unrestrained relationships, not just among adults, but also their schoolmates. Will they find a way to save the tiny baby’s life and the others from falling prey to the same evils?
In this inspirational tale, a brother and sister embark on a devoted mission to save a tiny baby in danger of being aborted by her teenage mother.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Dec 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781489739223

Vivian Chas

Vivian Chas is a former journalist who is passionate about helping young adults and others fortify their morals inspired by God’s word and ultimately build a personal relationship with Him. She is the author of two other books, Saving Grace: A Troubled School and Lethal Possession.

Book preview

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One

"MOM, I REALLY WANT to keep this baby," the pretty, dark-haired girl sitting at the table said petulantly.

Her mother, who had been stirring a pot on the stove, slammed the spoon on the counter and turned around furiously. You’re not keeping it, Jackie! It’s going to be more trouble than it’s worth. We’re getting rid of it as soon as possible, and I don’t want to hear your sniveling again!

But, Mom, it’s a child—a human being. That’s murder!

You can kill an unborn child, Jackie. You know it’s the law! There’s nothing wrong with it. Stop pretending otherwise. Rhonda glared at her daughter before turning angrily back to the stove.

It’s still a baby, Mom. My baby!

It’s a ball of tissue! Rhonda snapped without turning around.

Jackie put her head in her hands. She was sickened by what her mother was trying to make her do. But then again, what would she do with a baby? She was only sixteen, and she and Caleb were over. Mom’s right, she thought reluctantly. She would be better off without an unwanted baby. The thought hurt. She was an unwanted child herself—her mother’s biggest mistake, according to her. Her mother never stopped telling her that, especially when she was angry and stressed.

When are we going to … to do this? Jackie asked miserably.

Do what? Rhonda demanded.

Kill the baby, I suppose.

We are not killing a baby! How many times do I have to tell you? We are getting rid of a piece of tissue!

You know that’s not true, Mom, Jackie said reproachfully. That’s your excuse for murder!

Getting rid of a fetus is not murder! Her mother spun around to face her. "I should have gotten rid of you like I did all the others! I made the biggest mistake letting my mother talk me into keeping you! I was fifteen! Fifteen! Do you hear me? I didn’t want a child, and my mother was a sucker like you. My life would have been better off without you and your constant sniveling." Rhonda glared viciously at her daughter before turning back to the stove.

Jackie said nothing. She stared blindly at her books. Tears stung her eyes and her heart ached. Even though she knew her mother didn’t want her, had never wanted her, it still hurt to hear her say that, even after all these years. And now her own baby was unwanted—not by her but by her mother.

I made an appointment to see a doctor next week, Rhonda said calmly without turning around.

Jackie shut her book noisily and shoved it into her schoolbag. She pushed back her chair, got up, and slung the bag over her shoulder.

Where are you going? her mother demanded.

To bed, she responded shortly.

What about your dinner?

I’m just not hungry anymore, she said before walking into her tiny bedroom and slamming the door shut.

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Johnny Wickrema was sad at what he had just witnessed. He turned to Jesus. They were standing on a sea of clouds that spanned the horizon. The rays of the sun pierced down to earth through tiny gaps in the clouds. It was a beautiful sight, something Johnny often enjoyed watching. But not today. All he could see was the brutal scene he had just witnessed. How could someone think of killing a baby without compunction? He felt sorry for Jackie.

Your brother and sister can help save this baby’s life and the souls of the mother and daughter, Jesus said, looking at him intently with his beautiful, diamond-like eyes.

Just a year ago, Jesus had sent Johnny back to earth to ask his siblings for help in averting a mass shooting at their school, which they had successfully achieved.

But what about all the millions of babies murdered like this? Who’s going to save them, Jesus? Johnny asked.

I send souls like you to save as many of them as I can. There are also good people on earth who work hard to save these little ones who are at the mercy of their own mothers.

But you have the power to stop them, Jesus, Johnny said.

Yes, I do. But don’t forget I also gave my people the choice between good and evil. It will not only define who they are but will indicate their destination in the afterlife.

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Hey, wake up, little brother. It’s me again! Johnny urged, hovering above the bed.

His brother Chris was fast asleep, the bedcovers thrown carelessly around him, a leg sticking out.

Johnny was Chris’s older brother who had died of pneumonia and gone to heaven almost two years ago. He reached out and tickled his brother’s face with his ghostly fingers.

Chris’s face twitched, and he giggled in his sleep. Johnny continued to tickle until Chris sat up abruptly and rubbed his eyes. He was about to lie down again when he saw him. Johnny! You’re back! he exclaimed.

Shhh! Johnny whispered. Be quiet. You’ll wake Mama and Dada.

I missed your nightly visits so much, Johnny! he whispered.

Johnny smiled tenderly. I’ve been watching you all since our last mission ended. Sadly, I didn’t have permission to show myself without a cause.

But you can now? Chris asked curiously.

Johnny nodded his ghostly head, smiling from ear to ear.

That means we are on a mission again? Chris asked excitedly.

Yes, we are on a mission again, little brother. Johnny smiled.

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Chris stared at his brother’s ghost joyfully. It had been a year since Johnny had last visited him and their sister Natasha. Jesus had wanted their help to prevent a mass shooting at their school and had sent Johnny as His messenger.

Aaron, the school bully, had planned to kill fellow students as payback for their abuse. Chris and his sister, with daily guidance from Johnny, had reached out to Aaron to convert his heart and had succeeded after a long and hard-fought battle. Aaron had gone from a despised, evil bully to a much-loved painter. He was now part of Chris’s tight circle of friends, which included Mark, George, and Stephen.

Even though Chris had been elated at their success, he and his sister had dearly missed their brother’s daily ghostly visits, which ended when their mission was complete. Their parents, Shiran and Thivanka Wickrema, were unaware of their dead son’s communication with them.

Chris was now on top of the world. His brother was back, even if it meant another problem needed to be solved.

What is it this time, Johnny? he asked earnestly.

The ghostly apparition sat on the bed and smiled. I will tell you, but first, go get our sister. She needs to hear it as well.

Gosh! I was so happy to see you I forgot about her, Chris said, jumping off the bed. She’s going to be so pleased to see you again! We missed you so much. I can’t believe it’s been a year since we last talked to you.

And you’ve grown. Johnny smiled again.

Yeah, I’m sixteen now, and Natasha’s fifteen, but of course, you know. Chris smiled impishly. I’ll be back in a jiffy.

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Johnny glanced around the room he used to share with his brother as he waited. It was as untidy as ever. His bed still stood on the opposite side of the room. He recalled having to yell at Chris to pick his belongings off the floor and to keep the room tidy. Those admonitions had fallen on deaf ears. He smiled fondly as he remembered.

Moments later, Chris appeared with a disheveled but twinkly-eyed Natasha close behind him.

Johnny, she whispered loudly. Oh, Johnny, I missed you so! She threw herself at him, her arms spread wide, and immediately fell flat on the bed.

Ooh! I forgot you’re a ghost. She giggled as she got back on her feet. I went right through you.

You’re a silly Billy, Johnny teased, laughing. Johnny knew his siblings couldn’t get used to not being able to hug him. He smiled fondly at Natasha, who had also grown tall. She was slim and graceful with long, black hair that fell to her waist in thick waves. She was beautiful inside and out.

Chris said we’re on another mission, his sister said, suddenly looking anxious. The last mission was about saving not only the lives of her fellow students but hers as well. Am I in danger again?

No, you’re not, Tash. But Jackie’s baby is in danger, Johnny said.

Jackie’s baby? she asked, puzzled.

Johnny glanced at Chris, who also looked mystified. Yes, Jackie Miller.

You mean the new girl in my class? Chris asked, recognition dawning on his face.

Huh! Now that pea brain of yours is working again, Johnny teased.

Chris laughed. That pea brain of mine saved lives last year, Johnny!

See? It comes in useful after all, he said as he laughed.

Chris smiled fondly at him and then turned serious. Jackie doesn’t have a baby. She’s only sixteen, Johnny.

She is almost three months pregnant, Johnny stated seriously.

She’s pregnant? Chris’s mouth fell open in shock.

Johnny nodded.

But you can’t tell—

No. It’s not showing much yet. She also wears loose clothing to hide it.

Oh! I’ve often wondered about that. She’s been wearing these shapeless tops lately, Chris said.

So why is the baby in danger? Natasha asked.

Because she is going to have an abortion before anyone notices.

No! Chris and Natasha exclaimed, looking stunned.

I’m afraid it’s true.

I can’t believe Jackie would want to kill her child, Chris said.

Jackie doesn’t. It’s her mother who insists on it, Johnny told them.

But why? asked Natasha.

Johnny knew she found it hard to understand. Their mother would never force them to do wrong, big or small. She thinks the baby is going to be a nuisance and impede Jackie’s future. Johnny gazed somberly at his siblings. He knew this was hard for them. Murder was unthinkable, especially that of a child by its own parent.

If they don’t want the baby, why not just give it away? Natasha finally asked sadly. Nobody has a right to decide if it lives or dies.

You’re right, sis. She has no right to decide that. That’s purely up to God. Murder is a mortal sin, and your new mission is to stop the murder of that baby, Johnny said gently.

But … but how? stuttered Chris. She doesn’t know we know.

God will give you an opportunity to confront her. Just look out for it, he said.

His siblings nodded in agreement. Their eyes held pain.

Who’s the father? his sister suddenly asked.

Her former boyfriend Caleb. He’s almost nineteen and lives up north. She hasn’t spoken to him since they moved, and he doesn’t know about the baby.

Shouldn’t he be told? Maybe he can stop her from killing the baby. After all, it’s his child too! Natasha asked.

Her mother won’t let her talk to him.

Why not?

She has her reasons as you’ll soon find out.

I really don’t understand why Jackie is going to do it, Chris mused unhappily.

Because she doesn’t know what else to do, and because her mother is pushing her to do it, and that’s why God requires your services again.

We are really honored God relies on us to help people change, Chris said humbled.

He trusts you. He knows you have the courage to see the most difficult task through to its end.

Chris and Natasha smiled with pleasure.

Jackie is not the only problem, Johnny said.

What? Chris asked, dismayed.

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Two

ANNA JENKINS SAT IN front of her mirror while trying on a new makeup. She had watched a video on the internet that had shown her how to paint her eyes for a more glamorous look. She looked rather sexy, she thought. More like a temptress. She smiled as she posed seductively. She was pleased with the image in the mirror, which she believed was an improvement of herself.

She hoped Hunter would fall for her now. All she had to do was make a play for him. He was new in their class. Many of the girls had a crush on him. He was tall and handsome with dark, wavy hair and dark eyes. He had a mysterious look about him, which excited her. She also didn’t know much about him as he was reserved and ignored most everyone in the class, including the most attractive girls. She liked that about him too, kind of hard to get. Anna loved a challenge. It made the conquest even more exciting. She laughed softly at the thought.

She walked into her closet and picked out a sexy pair of skinny jeans and a short blouse that showed off her midriff. She was going to wear the outfit to school the next day. Just at that moment, she heard her mother come in the door.

I’m home!

Anna took another look in the mirror before she walked into the kitchen. Her mother was putting groceries into the refrigerator. She looked tired and stressed. She had once been quite pretty, and although she had only just turned forty, she looked about sixty. Her hair had turned gray and hung limply to her shoulders.

How was your day at work?

Just horrid! her mother replied, slamming the refrigerator door shut with vehemence.

Anna flinched. Her mother was never happy at work. But she didn’t want to change her job either. It was like she was afraid to let go.

Why can’t you find another job, Mom?

Can’t.

Why?

Because they are all the same. People are horrid no matter where you go.

So are we going on that trip to the beach this summer? Anna asked, changing the subject. She was tired of this conversation about work, which never changed.

I don’t know, honey, her mother said, brushing her hair back tiredly from her face.

Anna seethed with anger. She stared at her mother in disdain. Why was she like this all the time? She acted like she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. When were they ever going to have fun? Her school friends were always regaling her with stories of their wonderful summer vacations, and she never had any! She envied them for having parents who cared enough to give them a good time.

"You always say that, Mom! What’s stopping us from going? I can’t stand hearing my friends talk about how ‘wonderful’ their vacations were."

We don’t have enough money.

Then take a loan or something. I am so tired of this. If Daddy were here, he would have taken us somewhere, she said, eyes brimming with tears.

He wouldn’t have taken you anywhere, Anna. He didn’t want a family. How many times am I to tell you that? her mother asked sharply.

Anna’s father had walked out on them when Anna was six. She had felt abandoned when he had left. Her mother who worked as a secretary in a law firm was too busy and too tired to pay any attention to her, and Anna learned to live in her own secret, fantasy world where everybody loved her and wanted to be her friend. But as she grew older, she began to fantasize she was the most sought-after and most desirable girl in the school.

She