Andrea (or Andi) lived in my hometown way back in 1982. She was the cousin of my ex-wife. A beautiful 18 yr. old young lady, smart and charming. We met before I married her cousin, and had a real connection. But, being 12 yrs. older than her, I left it alone. She was living with her aunt while finishing high school.
As I was to find out after marrying into my wife's family, they were insane religious nuts. The aunt Andi was living with was known for whipping kids with wire brushes (according to my brother-in-law). Needless to say, she didn't like me at all... probably because I stood up to her and dared her to come after me.
Long story shortened: Andi was working at McDonalds. She got off early on a Sunday night about the time I was driving into the drive-through lane. I asked her if she needed a ride home and told her I'd give her one. She declined, but sat at the edge of the seat with the car door wide open while she waited on her aunt to pick her up. I recieved icy stares from the aunt when she finally arrived. My town is not a big one... why does it take a half an hour to come pick up a child waiting for you? I said nothing. Andi thanked me for letting me sit and wait, then left. I was annoyed, but said nothing to my wife later other than I had seen the girl and let her sit on the edge of the seat in my car while she waited.
Three days later I found out that the aunt was telling everyone that Andi and I were having an affair! I was furious with the aunt, and with my wife, too - she believed her own crazy aunt over me! After that, Andi would call me when my wife was at work... just to talk. She had no one else. My heart was breaking for her. I told her she was 18, and in a few months she would graduate - then she could do whatever she wanted. My wife found out we were talking and of course we had a huge argument. I finally decided (on my own) to not talk with Andi any more, and tried to get her to talk with her school counselor instead. I remember her crying when she said goodbye, that it was o.k., she would be all right. I was crying, too. My heart was breaking for her. I chose my wife (whom I didn't love) over someone who really needed my help.
A week later she ran away from home. Last I heard at that time was that she was seen in the state of Washington with a car load of known prostitutes. I didn't believe it... Andi was a sweet, caring, innocent girl.
Time went by. The wife and I divorced and went our seperate ways. About five years later I called my ex up one morning, just to talk, for closure. Andi's name was mentioned by me... wondering how she was. I was floored to find out that she was a victim of the Green River serial killer in 1983... less than a year after she had run away. I checked the facts. It was true.
30 years later, I still think of Andi. I always feel such grief. I could have done something. She might be alive today. I cried when I found out, and I'm crying now. I failed someone I cared about, and her death stains my soul.
I'm sorry, Andi. I hope that you are resting in God's arms. My shame will haunt me for the rest of my years.
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