Broken

PROLOGUE

The crowd of people around the body lying on the grass in that abandoned track used only by some occasional runners, didn’t leave any doubt: a crime had been committed in that small park, covered with green vegetation. And the tall blond man walking towards it indicated that the victim wouldn’t survive.

Andrew was wearing his white suit and had an anguished, nearly painful expression on his face, with tears threatening to fall from his green eyes at any moment. “Father... please... don’t make me do this again...” he prayed, his heart aching to see the despair on people’s faces. An ambulance pulled over nearby and the paramedics got out of the vehicle, rushing towards the crowd.

But at the same time, the blond angel felt the person lying on the ground wouldn’t survive; his orders were clear: he had to take her Home. “Why, Father? Why?” a tear rolled down his cheek. Each step was like a stab in his heart, as he approached the woman’s body: she was a beautiful young lady, short and thin, with long auburn hair and brown eyes, and the awful marks around her neck and soft white skin were the major evidence that she had been strangled and beaten up.

While the paramedics tried to work on her, somewhat sensing she wouldn’t resist for a long time, Andrew knelt beside her with a sad frown on his forehead. He saw her spirit slowly separating from her human body and she moved her head, opening her eyes to face him, “Don’t... don’t be afraid...” the angel said, visibly miserable with that scene in front of him, visibly horrified with what a human being was capable of doing, horrified with the evil that could inhabit a person’s soul up to the point of hurting such a defenceless creature.

“I... I was sent to you... to take you Home. There, you won’t feel any pain, I promise...”

“... it hurts...” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

“That’s why God sent me...” he placed his hand on her face, “I’m angel, and the Father is calling you, Dana...”

“I’m scared... I’m afraid of him... He said he wanted revenge... I don’t understand...”

Those words made Andrew’s work even more difficult – he was an angel of God, that’s true, but he wasn’t perfect, and that statement only served to increase the anger raised by that terrible act; anger that had been inside his heart for the last three of months, as he had been the angel of death in charge of taking Home the victims of the same evil man. He reigned himself, though, for the poor young woman needed the comfort that only a heavenly being like him could bring at that moment.

“Don’t be afraid. The Father Himself has sent me and we’re going to a place where there’s no pain... only love. God’s love.”

“God sent you? Are... are you really an angel?”

“Yes... Come with me, please.” He offered his hand to her and, slowly, the young lady’s soul stood up from the ground. Her dirty clothes had now changed into a white garment and a beautiful glow involved her.

Despite all their efforts, the paramedics started to lose her and, on the following minute, they realised they had lost one more battle. “She’s gone...” one of them said, while Dana and Andrew walked away from that place towards an intense white light.

*

Some days later, after the service where relatives and friends gave their last goodbye to Dana Adams, Andrew walked over up to a middle-aged lady, who was away from the other people, staring at the grey sky and at the other graves in the cemetery.

“Mrs Adams... Excuse me...”

“Hi, Andrew...” the woman said, looking at him for the first time, with all the hurt and sorrow in her soul evident in her eyes. He had been close to the family in the last days, taking care of Dana’s funeral.

“If you want me, I could drive you home...”

She merely nodded her head, tears rolling down her face. “It’s the worst pain a person could ever experience... and the only one no one can heal...”

Swallowing nervously, he placed his hand over her shoulder. “I understand your sorrow... but... but there is Someone Who can comfort a mother’s heart in these difficult hours... Pray to God, Mrs Adams...”

The woman lowered her head and stared at the ground, “Why should I pray to Him now?”

“Because He can heal your pain; He can restore your soul.”

“Oh yeah? And where was Him when my daughter was killed? Why didn’t He help her?” she said, facing him once again.

“Mrs Adams, you...”

“Look, Andrew, I appreciate your coming to the funeral but, right now, my soul is buried together with Dana!”

The blond angel sighed deeply and gave one more step ahead, “There is another reason why I’m here, Mrs Adams...” the woman stared at him with haunted eyes as a beautiful glow involved his body, “I’m an angel sent by God. And He has a message for you...”

But the expression on the woman’s face turned into a very angry one, “An angel? An angel sent by God? Now?”

“Mrs Adams...”

“Where were you and God when my daughter was spanked and strangled?”

“Mrs Adams, terrible things happen in this world... like what happened to your daughter, and God wants you to know that He’s crying with you, He’s holding your hand right now and urging you to open your heart to Him, so that he can share this burden with you...”

“You go back there and tell your God that there’s nothing He or you can possibly say that can bring comfort to my heart! If He wants me to believe Him again, then tell Him to bring my daughter back to me!” her crying and the expression of anguish and pain caused Andrew to feel as miserable as she was.

“I was the angel who took Dana Home... and now she lives in the presence of God, where, someday, Mrs Adams, you will be too...”

“Tell me something, Andrew...” she interrupted him, looking straight into his green eyes, “You’re an angel, right? So I don’t suppose you’re married or have children...”

“No, madam...”

“Then I guess you can’t possibly start to imagine what I’m feeling right now! But if there is someone you love, other than your ‘Almighty God’, try to imagine her lying on the ground, beaten up and strangled, after being attacked by a stranger whose only objective was to hurt her!” After a short pause, and watching as those words did hit the angel’s heart, she concluded, “And then you can come back here and repeat everything you said!”

Saying no more, the woman turned on her feet and walked away from him. What she didn’t see were the tears that fell from his sad green eyes.

CHAPTER 1

After Dana’s funeral and after the painful conversation he had had with her mother, Andrew remained in the cemetery, which was now deserted. With his hands tugged in his pockets, he walked along up to the young woman’s grave and remained there, staring at an invisible point and lost in his thoughts for a long time, until a familiar voice took him out of his reverie.

“Angel boy...”

Andrew merely lowered his head, aware of the presence of the dark skinned angel that was now standing right beside him, “I... I can’t do that anymore, Tess...”

“Andrew, the Father and I know how hard it’s been for you...”

“Yes, too hard for me to bear. I’ve been watching these women dying for the last 3 months and all I can do is to kneel next to their bruised bodies and take them Home after a lot of suffering! I just can’t stand watching all this and not being able to help them! I can’t bear this, Tess!”

“You haven’t been ‘just taking them Home’, Andrew. You’ve been bringing them comfort and alleviating their pain!” she moved to stay right in front of him, “... you’ve been taking them to the Father’s arms!”

“But along with that, I’ve been a witness of the human being’s cruelty! Tess, one thing is to come and take someone who is suffering from a disease or someone who has lived a long life but this... what this man – this maniac, is doing...” he stared into the supervisor’s eyes, “... it’s too painful... And what Mrs Adams said only proves that I’m not the right angel to do it.”

“Andrew, the Father wouldn’t have asked you to do it if He knew you weren’t capable of doing it.” Tess replied, “You know pretty well that He has a plan in His mind; a plan greater than what you and I can possibly understand.”

“I know... but right now, I cannot be in this plan...”

“Are you quitting your assignment?”

“I’m asking... I’m begging to be left aside... I’ve talked to Him... I know He’s listened to my prayers and I hope that He can also see the sadness inside my heart...”

*

After the conversation with Tess, Andrew left the earth and returned Home: the only place he could feel entirely away from human beings’ cruelty; the only place he felt safe from the evil that he had witnessed in those last few months. He reappeared in a peaceful and beautiful place, surrounded by flowered fields and green trees, and, with his hands tugged in his pockets, he walked along up to a lake, with crystalline waters.

The blond angel remained there staring at the water for a long time, when he suddenly felt a warm and comforting presence right behind him; a presence of someone he had longed to hold during all that time, someone he had been missing terribly and who always used to give him support and reassurance in difficult times like those.

“I’ve been feeling the sadness in your heart even being away from you...”

That soothing voice and all too familiar Irish accent reached his ears like a gentle breeze in the summer. Andrew turned around and at the vision of the beautiful angel, whose auburn hair was spread over her small shoulders, finally could bring some relief to his troubled heart. Wearing a long white sleeveless dress and barefoot, as usual, Monica gave a few steps closer to him, “... and I knew from the very start that this is where I should be...”

“Angel...” he wasted no time in holding her in his arms, in a tight, long and nearly desperate embrace, which was returned with the same intensity by the Irish angel, and they remained like this for a long time.

“I missed you so much...” he finally broke the silence, but without letting her go from his arms.

“Oh Andrew... I prayed so much to see you again... I don’t even believe we’ve been away for such a long time.”

“Yes... it was too much...” he gently pulled away, just enough to look at her face, and, for the first time in 3 months, the blond angel managed a tiny, almost tearful smile, “But I’m glad we have a loving Father Who knows exactly what happens in our hearts!” he said, placing his hand on her cheek.

Monica covered his hand with hers and looked deep inside his green eyes, seeing the mixed emotions that took control over his soul: the joy for finally having her back at his side and the intense sorrow that also lingered there. “Tess told me about your assignment; she told me you asked for permission to leave it... What happened to you, Andrew?”

He sighed deeply and his face became serious again. Noticing his great sadness, she took his hand and guided him up to a stone, at the bank of the lake, a place where they always used to visit whenever they were in Heaven. Monica kept on holding his hand in both of hers and looked at him with compassionate eyes. “Do you want to tell me what happened?”

Andrew stared at his dearest friend with a miserable expression on his face, still deciding whether he should let that innocent and warm-hearted creature know about such cruel acts, as he knew it would also break her heart. “I wish I had only good things to tell you after being away for so long, Monica...”

“The world isn’t perfect, Andrew, and terrible things happen everyday. But I’m your friend, I’m here to listen to whatever you have to tell me, either it’s good or bad... I’m here to share the happiness and the sorrow with you. And right now, I can see there’s much sadness in here...” she placed one of her hands over his heart, “... and that alone is enough to make me feel sad too. Please, let me help you.”

Gratefully, he nodded his head and took her hand to his lips. “No matter how hard it is, one thing I’ll be eternally thankful for: having you at my side, angel.”

“That’s where I’ll always be... Now, tell me what happened.”

“In the last few months there have been a series of murders... only women... And the way the crimes are committed, the way the murderer acts... everything indicates that it’s the same man...”

And, as always, Andrew was right about Monica’s feelings: tears quickly appeared in the corner of the Irish angel’s eyes, and there were 2 reasons for her sorrow: Andrew’s sadness and that terrible tragedy he was telling her.

“I’m terribly sorry...” she said, squeezing his hand. He continued to talk, telling her what had happened during the time they had been away from each other; how he had witnessed all those victims agonising and dying before the paramedics had found them. The only thing that he had avoided talking about were Mrs Adams’ final words to him:

[i]...if there is someone you love, other than your ‘Almighty God’, try to imagine her lying on the ground, beaten up and strangled, after being attacked by a stranger whose only objective was to hurt her.” [/i]

He dreaded to even begin to imagine something like that; just the thought of it filled his heart with great sadness, utmost fear and deep, nearly frightening, anger.

At the end of his narrative, Monica’s tears were rolling down her cheeks and her heart was broken with sadness the same way Andrew’s was.

“I can’t stand that anymore, Monica. Staying there, just waiting until the next victim dies without being able to help is... unthinkable right now...”

“And does the police have any clue about the murderer?”

“No... not a single clue at all. At this very moment, he is walking around freely somewhere, maybe choosing his next victim...”

“He will be caught, Andrew. I’m sure he will.”

“When? How many more women have to die before that happens?”

Monica sighed deeply, without knowing what to say, and somewhat sensing that words wouldn’t be very useful at that moment, she raised her hand and stroked his cheek with tenderness. Andrew wrapped his arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him in another tight embrace.

*

The two angels remained there for a long time, until Andrew spoke again, “I’m sorry, angel... I’ve been so absorbed in my own problems that I didn’t even ask you about you... Come with me, let’s take a walk.” he stood up and offered his hand to her, helping her to her feet. Then she wrapped her arms around his own and the two started to walk along the green field. “How are you? How about your assignments?”

“Oh, I had a few assignments in this meantime, and thankfully, all of them turned out just fine, you know.” Watching as her lips turned into a slight smile brought some comfort to Andrew’s heart. “I just wished you could be there with Tess and me too, we missed you a lot; I missed you a lot.”

“And I feel like I’m spoiling the moment by tell you all these horrible stories...”

Monica’s eyes grew wide, “Oh Andrew, please, don’t even say that! When I felt right here in my heart that there was something wrong with you, all I wanted to do was rush to your side and help you anyway I could.”

He rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand, “I know, angel... And I bet you’re thinking that quitting the assignment isn’t the right thing to do...”

“You didn’t quit... You asked permission to leave; that’s different. And the Father can see the pain you’re feeling in your heart, He knows how hard it’s been for you!”

“Angel girl is right, baby...”

The two angels turned around and saw Tess standing right behind them; with a moved, motherlish expression on her face. “That’s why He has conceded you some time away from your assignments, angel boy. The Father knows how much you’ve been suffering and wants you to spend some time away from everything, reflecting about what you’re been witnessing...”

“Some ‘forced vacations’...” he said, with a bitter tone in his voice.

“No... just a chance for you to recover from the awful things you’ve seen and to renew your soul...”

The blond angel nodded his head, “I know... Although my soul is crying, I’m grateful that I still have my faith in Him.”

“So hold on to it! That’s what’s gonna keep you standing, baby.”

“I know.” he looked at Monica briefly and then back to the supervisor. ”So... where do I go now?”

“You’re going to the cabin, baby, and spend some time there.” she turned to Monica, who was already grabbing his hand with both hands, visibly loathing the idea of being apart from Andrew once again, especially at that difficult hour. But Tess seemed to read her thoughts and quickly put her heart at ease. “And you’re going with him, angel girl.”

Relief filled the Irish angel’s soul, as undoubtedly, their friendship, along with their faith, would be crucial for the blond angel to go through those difficult moments. But a worried frown appeared on Andrew’s face. “Is it necessary, Tess?” he said, and before the supervisor answered that question, he heard Monica’s shocked voice, “You... you don’t want me to go with you?”

The blond angel realised the effect of his words at the moment he looked at her angelic face and saw the trace of hurt in there. “Oh... no! No, angel, it’s not that...” his heart ached to see her lowering her head and staring at the ground, already with a sad expression. Mentally scolding himself for not using the right words, Andrew quickly cupped her chin and made her look at him again, “I’m sorry, Monica! Please, forgive me!”

“I... I won’t be a bother...” she spoke, almost in a whisper. And hearing that, he raised the tone of his voice, “No! Of course not! Never! What I mean is that... I... I don’t think Earth is a safe place right now...” sighing deeply, he lay his hand over her cheek, “Of course nothing makes me happier than having you with me, angel. But... not there...”

Once again, the Irish angel heaved a sigh of relief – for some horrible seconds she had thought that Andrew didn’t want her presence, and that was nearly a nightmare for her. She looked at him with a tiny but reassuring smile on her face, “But don’t forget that God is there too, and I’m sure that He’ll protect us both. My faith in Him sends away the fear.”

And he nodded his head, listening to her always encouraging words. “I’m always grateful for the truth that comes from you, angel.”

“You’ll stay there for as long as the Father thinks it’s necessary, ok?”

“What do you mean, Tess? Aren’t you coming too?” the little Irish angel asked, with surprise.

“No, not now. I have to stay here and finish an assignment first.”

“We’ll miss you...” she replied, with disappointment.

“I’ll miss you two too, babies, but I trust that I’ll see you soon. Now, angel boy, here are the keys to my other baby; she’s waiting for you on Earth so that you can start your journey up to the mountains. But I warn you: you’ll have a very angry angel here if something happens to her, you hear me?!”

“Yes, ma’am!” the blond angel spoke, finally chuckling at the tone of her voice. He grabbed the keys and hugged the supervisor. “Thank you, Tess. I’ll see you soon.”

“See you baby.”

Monica moved to hug the supervisor but she stopped her from doing so. “Wait here, angel girl. I need to talk to you first.”

“Ok...”

“I’ll be waiting for you in the car...” When Andrew had finally disappeared, Tess looked deep inside Monica’s eyes, “Angel girl you listen to me: you’re not just going to take some days off, it’s much more than this... Andrew is your assignment now.”

“My assignment?”

“Yes. The sadness and fear in his heart are very strong...”

“I know that... I can feel it...”

“Help him to overcome them; help him to recover the joy of being an angel and doing the Father’s work. And also help him to free his heart from anger...” Monica flinched a little with those last words: her dearest friend was an angel and she knew that he had a kind and gentle heart. But Tess was right, there was much anger in there at that moment, and that scared her.

Tess concluded her instructions, “You’re his dearest friend; the best angel to do it.”

“I will, Tess. I promise.”

They hugged tightly and the supervisor suddenly felt the presence of tears in her eyes; something she didn’t understand and couldn’t explain. When they pulled away, she placed her hand on Monica’s face, “And you take care of yourself too, baby. As much as I know it’s the Father’s will, and that He’s always right, I don’t like being away from my angel girl!”

A warm smile appeared on Monica’s face, “I don’t like being away from you either, Tess. But it’ll be for a short time, I’m sure the Father knows how much we’ll miss you!”

Watching as Monica walked away from her and disappeared, Tess wiped away a single tear that insisted on falling from her eyes. It was then that she saw Sam standing right beside her. “Why do I feel this anguish inside my heart?”

“You shouldn’t. We don’t know what’s gonna happen, Tess. And remember that what Monica said is true: the Father is watching over them.”

“I know that... We’re all holding on to our faith in Him right now...”

CHAPTER 2

Andrew had been standing on his feet for a few minutes next to Tess’ Cadillac, patiently waiting for his dearest friend. It was a sunny day and he had parked the car under the shadow of a huge tree near the road that led to the mountains; the blond angel checked his pocket watch for the 5^th time in the last ten minutes, sighing deeply as he kept it inside his pocket once again. But suddenly, the silence was broken by a puppy bark and a second later, he saw a chubby black spaniel clumsily running towards him – practically bumping onto his feet.

Unable to resist to such a cute little animal, and not missing her enthusiasm in seeing him again, he chuckled and knelt on the ground, “Hey, little one... I missed you a lot too!” he ruffled Joy’ soft fur as she started to lick his hand and wagged her tiny tail.

“Yes, yes, I know you missed you dad a lot too... And where is that mother of yours, huh?”

“Andrew...” he heard an unmistakable voice calling him from some distance and saw Monica walking over to him; she was wearing a beautiful flowered dress and comfortable sandals, and carried 2 suitcases in her hands. A few seconds later, the Irish angel was at his side, with a somewhat embarrassed expression on her face. “... I’m sorry...”

“Hum... Monica? May I ask...?” he said, looking at her extra luggage. He took the suitcases from her hands and placing it in the back of the car, together with another one, which had been there previously.

“They’re my clothes, you know... I had to pick them up and I... well I couldn’t decide what to pick!” she lowered her head, “I didn’t know if I should take one or two dresses, which skirt to take, and suddenly I realised it’s also a bit chilly at night in the mountains...”

Andrew smiled at the worried expression on his dearest friend’s face, as she kept on talking “...and I know I shouldn’t worry about all these things because I’m an angel! Tess even scolded me the other day, you know... I guess I’ve been spending way too much time with humans beings and it’s clearly affecting me!”

Chuckling at her words, he closed the car trunk and nodded, “Well... then I guess some time away may restore your ‘angelic traits’...”

She tilted her head and nudged his arm, “Oh yes, and I’m glad you’re an angel too!”

Smiling, and silently lifting a prayer of thanks for having that wonderful creature at his side at such a difficult moment, Andrew took a roundish present box that had been placed on the passenger’s seat and gave it to her, “Hum... but I guess I ended up contributing to this little confusion in your pretty head!” he handed her the box, not missing the surprised look in her eyes, “A present? For me?”

“I just hope it matches the clothes you had so carefully selected for these days off!”

“Andrew... you didn’t have to...”

“C’mon, open it!”

One of the things Andrew loved most about Monica was her childlike curiosity and excitement with the most simple things, and one of his favourite hobbies was to imagine the many possible ways to surprise her so that he could watch her reaction. With amusement, he watched as Monica undid the ribbon around the box and carefully opened it, finding a beautiful flowered hat inside of it, “Oh, my goodness, it’s beautiful!!!”

“Really? So, I got it right?”

She shot him a grateful look, “You’re always right about me...” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist, in a warm embrace, “Thank you, I love it.”

“I’m glad you like it, angel.” He replied, kissing the top of her head. When they pulled away, he took the hat from inside the box, “May I do the honours?”

“Yes!”

Andrew placed the beautiful hat on her head and watched with contentment the gorgeous image in front of him: it really suited her perfectly and emphasised her angelic and meek face even more, leaving him to wonder if there could be a more lovely creature in the whole world.

“Well, now you’re ready for your little trip! Get in you two, I’ll do the driving.”

*

Although Monica’s presence alone was enough to lighten the atmosphere, during the journey from the town to the cabin up in the mountains, Andrew spoke very little. Even his dearest friend’s constant chatting and her detailed (and sometimes philosophical) observations about every little thing that crossed their way weren’t able to make him speak more. Not that her talking bothered him – much on the contrary, he loved listening to whatever she had to tell him and watching her enthusiasm did make him feel better. But, whenever he smiled or made a short comment, he remembered all those victims he had been taking Home, and that was enough to make him sad again, as if he felt suddenly guilty for having a tiny happy moment while all those women had suffered so much.

That part of the road they were passing now was particularly beautiful because the tall trees that stood on either both sides of the road were inclined in a way that made their canopies meet each other, creating a natural green tunnel, through which the sun light could barely pass.

“Nature sometimes shapes itself in so many curious ways, doesn’t it?” Monica spoke, admiring the ‘tunnel’. Andrew nodded his head, “Yes, that’s true. But you know, this only happened because somebody should come here and cut those canopies a little.”

“Oh but I like them that way! They’re so beautiful...”

“Yes, but they cover the few lamp posts along the road; at night it can be dangerous to pass here, especially with this dense vegetation...”

The Irish angel didn’t miss the distress over his face and the fact that almost all the victims had been found in areas distant from the city, where vegetation grew high and where light was practically non-existent. Slowly, she nodded, “Yes... I... I hadn’t thought about it before... you’re right, Andrew...”

The rest of their journey was a silent one, as Monica suddenly feared that her continuous chatting would bother him – she could feel that the permanent anger and sadness in his heart were still very strong. But fortunately it didn’t take them too long to arrive at the cabin and a broad beautiful smile appeared on her face: the last time they had been there was on Christmas, with Tess, their other angelic friends and a group of children they had helped along their trip.

“Oh, it’s as lovely as always!” she exclaimed, opening the car door and getting out of the vehicle together with little Joy. Andrew watched as she climbed the porch steps and surveyed her surroundings with the excitement of a 5-year-old and a small smile appeared on his handsome face. While Monica opened the door and checked the interior of the house, he grabbed their bags in the trunk and also entered the cabin. And the happy memories of the days spent there together with his friends did make him feel a bit better. Andrew doubted whether he would recover from the awful things he had seen along those 3 painful months, but one thing was sure: that was the right place for that healing to happen.

While Monica walked around the whole cabin, surveying every little detail of it, the blond angel placed her two suitcases in her bedroom and then headed to his own room. After putting his own luggage on the wooden floor, he opened the window and kept on staring outside at the vast green vegetation that grew everywhere around. He remained staring out the window for some time, lost in his sad thoughts when a soothing voice took him out of his reverie.

“The Father prepared everything for us, Andrew. All the rooms are tidied up and the cabin is clean...” Monica announced, as she entered his bedroom.

“Yes... everything is just... perfect.” He replied, looking around him, admiring how his room was in the most perfect order.

Somewhat feeling unsure of what to say, the Irish angel gave a few steps towards him and gently stroked his arm. “Would you like me to make you a sandwich?”

“No... I’m not really hungry, you know...” he answered, unable to hide his sadness. Feeling his distress and, once again, fearing to bother him, Monica retracted her hand and averted her eyes from him, “You must be tired... you’re in human form and drove all this time, I’ll let you rest...”

“No... Monica, angel...” he searched for her hand before she could move away from him, and squeezed it. “... I’m... I’m sorry if I’m not much of a talkative friend right now... but please, don’t even think that you’re bothering me or something like that, ok?”

A tiny smile appeared on her face and she came closer to him once again, her soul renewed by those few words, “Anytime you need to talk, you can come to me, Andrew. I’m here with you, whenever you need me...”

He stroked her face with tenderness and also with a small smile, “That’s why I said everything was perfect.”

That statement was enough to make the little angel to give one more step and wrap her arms around his waist. Her dearest friend returned that warm embrace with the same tenderness and kissed the top of her head. “It seems I’m your assignment now, angel.”

“I wish you weren’t because... if you’re my assignment, it means that you’re facing difficult times... But... since you are... Then I can say you’re the best assignment I’ve ever had!”

Her words, always a bit confusing even to herself but never to him, caused his smile to grow wider and he pulled away just enough to look at her meek face, “Well, in that case it wouldn’t hurt to say you’re the best angel I’ve ever had!”

Frowning a little, she stared at his green eyes, “And when was the last time you had another angel?!”

Now Andrew let out a small laugh and kissed her forehead, “No, in fact, I didn’t. And now why on Earth would I need another angel if I have you?!”

Smiling cheerfully, she stood on the tip of her toes and kissed his cheek. “You can stay here, you know... I’ll prepare our lunch.”

“No! I mean, I’ll help you!”

He followed her out of his room and didn’t see the mischievous smile upon her pretty angelic face.

*

“... It was delicious, Andrew!” Monica spoke, finishing the lunch they had “both” had prepared.

“I had some help...” he said, remembering how that adorable little angel had nearly driven him crazy in the kitchen, trying to “help” him by adding all sorts of weird ingredients to a simple lunch and, of course, massive doses of pepper.

“Hum... but you didn’t let me help you! You practically made it all by yourself, Andrew!”

Chuckling, he looked at their dishes and had an idea, “Well... you can do the washing then!”

“Okay! But the next time, I will do the cooking!” she spoke, collecting the plates and carrying them to the kitchen.

*

Monica had finished to do the washing and to tidy up the dining room when she noticed that Andrew wasn’t anywhere around. Frowning a little, she looked for him in the living room and was about to climb the stairs to check on his bedroom when she saw the blond angel sitting on the porch steps. It nearly broke her heart to see the sad expression on his face and the only reason why she didn’t go to him was because she realised he was praying.

Almost in a whisper, the Irish angel sighed and lifted a quick prayer herself, “Father, please, help him. Give him courage to face this assignment... And please, protect all these women... Make it possible for the police to catch this evil man before another victim is made...”

CHAPTER 3

Monica decided to leave Andrew alone for some time, as she knew he was having a silent conversation with the Father and listening to His reassuring words. Sitting on the porch steps, looking at the sky with his hands conjoined, the blond angel prayed to get the courage to face those hard assignments.

“... I’m lost Father... I know I shouldn’t, but I am... I didn’t lose my faith in You but... I guess I’m losing my faith in human beings...” the blond angel whispered, listening to some silent loving words in his heart and nodding his head afterwards, “I know... they’re Your children too, like me, like Monica... but I can’t see any beauty in their feelings... I know it’s a terrible thing to say but... I feel that their feelings can’t be as pure as an angel’s ones... a man who does such a terrible thing... I saw all these women, Father, and I can’t possibly accept that a human being who is capable of such thing deserves to be called Your child...”

Andrew listened for some more time and sighed with sadness, “I know that there’s good and evil in the world and that sometimes good loses a battle and yes, angels aren’t perfect either... but they would never hate the way humans do...”

The blond angel offered some more silent prayers asking for guidance and reassurance and was so absorbed in this that he didn’t notice that his dearest friend had approached him. Monica was standing behind him, on the doorstep, with her eyes filled with sadness as she could feel the sorrow that was coming from his heart. She didn’t want to bother him but at the same time, it hurt to see her beloved friend in so much sadness and not being able to hold him tightly and to tell him that everything would be alright, that his soul would be restored.

Eventually, however, Monica walked over up to him and knelt right beside him, placing her hand over his shoulder. “Can I stay here by your side? You don’t need to talk, Andrew, I just wanted to be here with you...”

Without saying a word, he took her hand from his shoulder and kissed it; then he made her sit right next to him and wrapped his arm around her small shoulders, in a tight, thankful embrace.

*

Monica and Andrew remained in that silent embrace for a long time, when the blond angel raised his head and looked around him; it was a beautiful day and their surroundings made it even more gracious: summer was due to in only a week and the gentle breeze blowing in that afternoon brought the perfume of the several wild flowers that grew next to the cabin. The sky was deep blue, with only a few white clouds, forming some funny forms that Monica loved to observe and make strange and funny comparisons. He gave his dearest friend a light squeeze and waited until she looked at him with a questioning face, “Would you care for a walk?”

His soul seemed to be 10 times lighter when he saw the smile on her face and the sparkle in her brown eyes with that invitation, “Yes! I’d love to!”

“Well, so...” he stood up and helped her to her feet.

“Can you wait here for a moment? I need to get some things!”

With some amusement, he watched as she entered the cabin and came back a minute later, carrying a chubby little dog in her arms and the beautiful hat he had given her. “I guess we are ready now! You know, our baby needs to do some exercise!” she said, winking at him. Unable to remain serious, he stroked Joy’s soft fur, “Yes... judging by how much she eats, I guess she could use some exercising!”

Hand in hand, they started a walk, with little Joy running along their feet. Monica’s eternal chat managed to lighten his spirit and he finally started to open a little more – the little Irish angel along with the Father’s loving words somehow started to produce their first effects on him.

“It’ll be summer in only a few weeks! I love this time of the year... You know, Andrew, I didn’t use to like winter very much, but I remember that once, while we were working on an assignment, Tess made me change my mind about it and now I actually like it. Winter is a good time to reflect about things and to see colours we usually don’t pay attention to because of the light...” seeing that he was attentive following her ideas, she kept on talking, “... but summer... it’s magic, you know. Everything is more fragrant and vibrant and... and colourful! Take a look around us! It’s as if during the cold season every little plant or flower or wee animal had been waiting for this moment! They bloom in spring and now, in the summer, here they are! In all their plenitude!”

A tiny smile appeared on the blond angel’s face, “You’re so philosophical today, my angel!”

“But don’t you agree with me? I mean, could you pick one colour or flower of anything else when everything around us has its unique beauty?”

“Hum... Well, I couldn’t at first. But, you see, I guess that we end up picking a favourite because there’s always something special about this favourite... something that touches the heart... the beauty that only we can see...” he said, looking at her. Monica’s pensive face, reflecting about what he had said, was so adorable that he couldn’t help chuckling.

“You know something, Andrew? You’re right!” the Irish angel finally concluded, causing him to let out a small laugh, “You’re philosophical too!”

“Well, I got some inspiration here...” he lowered his voice and gently nudged her in the rib, “... from you!” Watching with amusement as she blushed, he kept on talking, “After all, it’s about you that I’m talking about, angel!”

Monica squeezed his hand, “The same goes to you!”

“Thanks!” he said, taking her hand to his lips.

A second later, though, her smile disappeared from her face as she realised something, “Andrew... Where is Joy?”

The two angels looked around them: the chubby little dog had disappeared.

“I wonder how she does that!” Andrew spoke, frowning with concern.

Immediately, both started to look for the small puppy – they were in a part of the forest which they didn’t know very well; for some reason unknown by them, they had never visited that area and they had no idea if there could be any danger around them.

“She was right here with us... Joy? Joy, sweetie, where are you?” the Irish angel called, but there was no reply. Monica moved away from her dear friend and headed towards some bushes, where the vegetation grew high. Andrew was distracted looking for the little animal and didn’t notice Monica going away from him at first; only when he turned to face her did he see the angel among the bushes, nearly disappearing from his view.

He felt a sudden sensation of panic creeping on him, “Monica!” his voice was a loud one, and that was enough to startle her.

“What? Did you find her?” she asked, staring at him with some fear in her eyes and with her heart pounding loudly in her chest. Immediately regretting the tone of his voice, he was quick to shorten the distance between them and place his hand on her shoulder, “No... I... I was...”

A sudden bark interrupted him and both followed the familiar sound: the little chubby dog was only a few steps away, at the bank of a beautiful lake, with crystalline waters.

“Oh! Andrew, look at this!” Monica exclaimed, forgetting their previous worry as she took the little puppy in her arms, marvelled with the scenario. Sighing deeply, Andrew tried to put his sudden concern aside and stroked Joy’s soft fur, “You almost got yourself in a big trouble!”

They heard an embarrassed bark and the Irish angel was quick to speak, “I guess she was a wee bit thirsty, you know... And look at the water, it’s crystal clear! Doesn’t it remind you of a certain special place?”

The cheerful look on her face along with the memory of their Home, brought his smile back and he nodded his head, “Yes... it sure does, angel!”

“There’s so much beauty in this planet, you know...” she said, looking around them, “This place is a good example.”

Andrew watched as his beloved friend gave a few steps away from him and looking at her barefoot, wearing that cute long flowered dress and the hat he had given her was almost the same as looking at a perfect picture, and for some instants his heart was filled with joy. Aware of all the love he felt for that little angel, he watched her placing Joy on the ground and the smile on his face grew wider as she let the lake water touch her small feet; a soft contact as delicate as she was.

Moved with emotion, he thought the there couldn’t be a more adorable creature like that angel in the whole universe and he felt grateful for having her friendship. But, suddenly, together with this feeling, came his huge sense of protectiveness – he knew that God was watching over her, but he couldn’t help feeling responsible for that warm hearted angel, as in a way, she was like a present he would be eternally grateful for. Then the hard and hurtful words that Dana’s mother had said to him on the day of her daughter’s funeral returned to his mind...

[i]...if there is someone you love, other than your ‘Almighty God’, try to imagine her lying on the ground, beaten up and strangled, after being attacked by a stranger whose only objective was to hurt her.”[/i]

It caused a wave of sadness and great fear to invade his heart, the depths of his soul, and for a moment he felt like grabbing her hand and coming back Home.

“...Andrew?” her insistent callings finally managed to take him out of his reverie. “Don’t you think so?”

“What? Sorry, angel, what did you say?”

“That we could come back here to swim!” she repeated, with an adorable mix of amusement and impatience. But the blond angel frowned as he gave a general look at the lake, “I don’t know, Monica... It can be deep...”

“Oh... but I can swim, Andrew. It was you who taught me, remember? During our vacations on the beach! Besides, we can be at a safe level and you could keep an eye on me all the time!”

The blond angel looked at her pleading face and frowned a second time, sighing with some disappointment, as he knew he had lost a battle. “I wonder how Tess manages to say ‘no’ to you!”

Smiling broadly, she held his hand and squeezed it, “Then I should be grateful for loving such different angels like you and her, right?”

He rolled his eyes, with mock indignation, causing her to giggle, “Yes, you should! But we’ll leave the swimming thing for tomorrow; right now we’re going back to the cabin cause, although summer is near, it’s always chilly up here in the mountains when the night falls.”

Sighing deeply, yet with a pleased expression on her face now that she knew they would return to that beautiful place on the following day, she encircled his waist with her arm, “Okay!”

Shaking his head with mock disapproval, and with a tiny smile back to his face, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and the two angels and their small dog left the new found lake.

CHAPTER 4

The lake with crystalline waters that Monica and Andrew had accidentally discovered was about 20 minutes walk from the cabin and when the two angels arrived at their temporary home the thousands of birds that inhabited the nearby trees were already coming back to their homes. An hour later, the sun started to settle down the horizon, and, as Andrew had predicted, the night was a chilly, nearly cold one up in the mountains. They had just finished dinner and, this time, Andrew had been the one to do the washing. When he returned to the living room, the blond angel found a smiling Monica waiting for him, organising a domino game on the coffee table.

“Monica? May I ask?” he said, surprised to see the little game there.

“Well... I thought about chess but then I came to the conclusion that it’s a wee bit late for that so I chose domino... besides, I love linking the colours – it’s much more fun... Would you like to play a little?” she replied, “We never got the chance to play it while we were on vacations, then... I remember to include it in my wee bags...”

Once again, the blond angel felt grateful for having such a loving and wonderful friend right next to him – Monica wasn’t pushing him into talking to her about how he was feeling, about his fears and frustrations, even if she knew he was in great sadness. Much on the contrary, she was doing everything to cheer him up, to send his sadness away and at the same time, leaving him comfortable to open his heart to her whenever he felt like.

He walked over up to the coffee table and sat down in front of her. “Yes, you did well, angel. I’d love to play a little.”

The smile on her face turned into a mischievous one, “Really? So be prepared to face a tough match, ya know! I used to be very good at this game a couple of hundred years ago!”

That statement was enough to make let out a small laugh, “Ah so I have an expert angel here, right?” he said, with amusement and heard her giggling in reply. “So you be careful, little angel girl, I too happen to know lots of secret techniques, that won’t be as easy as you’re thinking!”

Happy that he had agreed to play – and happy to make him feel a bit better, she stood up holding a package of microwave oven popcorn, “I’ll make some popcorn, for us, you wait here!” before he could say anything else, she kept on talking, “And don’t worry, it’s instantaneous!”

He watched as the Irish angel disappeared through the door and shook his head. but then, a few seconds later, Andrew decided to follow her, “Instantaneous doesn’t mean it can’t burn...” he whispered.

*

With the popcorn properly cooked and a warm fireplace lightening the atmosphere, the two angels settled down on the big rug placed on the wooden floor and started to play the domino game Monica had brought with her. Little Joy was lying down right next to them and once in a while she begged for some popcorn and for some attention, happily wagging her tiny tail every time Monica or Andrew ruffled her soft fur and fed her.

And that loving atmosphere finally managed to send away the blond angel’s sorrow and worry for some time. Together with Monica, he chuckled at her witty remarks and at the stories about the time she was on search and rescue, on annunciations and even before that, when she used to be a little angel walking freely in the fields of Ireland, waiting the Father’s call to tell her she had work to do on Earth. The little domino game was just an excuse to make him talk or to make him leave his sad thoughts for a little while, that was far too clear, and it was working.

Andrew couldn’t help laughing at his dearest friend: she sometimes felt so enthusiastic about her narrative that her attention to the game was immediately gone, and for many times, he pretended he didn’t notice her distractions and let her win.

When one more match was over (with the score of 6 x 2 to Monica), the blond angel stood up to take more popcorn and 10 minutes later, as he came back to the living room, his heart nearly melted with what he saw: Monica was peacefully sleeping in the rug, resting her head over a small pillow and with little Joy snuggling close to her.

He placed the bawl with their popcorn on the coffee table and knelt in front of her, taking a few strands of hair off her face and stroking her delicate skin. “It seems you had quite a day, right angel?” he whispered. “And you won’t let me win!” Then, he carefully gathered the little Irish angel in his strong arms. Little Joy woke up and looked at him with a questioning face, “Do you want to help me to put you mom in bed, little one?”

Chuckling at the soft bark she let out, Andrew carried his dearest friend upstairs, with the little puppy right behind him, and finally placed her in her bed, being specially careful to straighten the pillows under her head and the blanket around her body. Little Joy’s special bed had been placed right beside Monica’s and realising that her ‘mom’ was already sleeping, the puppy snuggled against the soft berth and soon fell into a deep sleep.

The blond angel caressed Monica’s hair and whispered a small prayer to their loving Father, “I’m so grateful that You put her in my existence, Father, so infinitely grateful. This friendship is the most precious gift I could ever been granted. I know I’ve been asking You way too much lately, but, if You could only answer to one more of my prayers... if You could only grant only one of my wishes... then all I ask from You is that You can keep her safe and away from all evil. Please protect her while she’s down here on this Earth doing Your work, for in her heart I can only see love and compassion.”

He bent his head and brushed a loving and tender kiss on her forehead and then whispered some more loving words into her ear, “Sleep well, my angel. Dream if you can... And never forget how much I love you...”

Andrew stood up and was about to leave her bedroom when he saw the window open. Slowly, so as not to wake her up, he closed it and then left her room, closing the door behind him. But the blond angel didn’t go to his room soon afterwards – with a serious expression on his face, he climbed down the stairs and checked the front and the back door, to see if they were really locked. The windows came next, and only when he had locked all of them, did he go up to his bedroom.

*

It was past 2 AM. The night was silent and a bit chilly in that secluded part of the Earth. Monica was peacefully sleeping in her bedroom when a noise coming from the window woke her up. Still confuse about how she had actually arrived there and wondering where Andrew was, she opened her sleepy eyes and tried to focus on her surroundings, but the darkness around her caused her heartbeats to accelerate. “...Andrew?” she called, a bit scared. But there was no reply. She turned her eyes to the window and saw that it was wide open and the curtain was flowing lightly with the gentle but chilly night breeze that was blowing inside her room.

She felt cold too. And afraid. A dreadful sensation of panic started to take control over her heart, over her soul, and the Irish angel moved to sit on her bed, but before she could, someone hidden in the shadows quickly walked over to her and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to lay back. “No!!!” she shouted, right before the man grabbed her throat, “No!!! Please... don’t!!!” she begged, her legs moving restlessly and her hands trying to pull him away – all of this in vain, as the stranger was twice her size. “Shut up!” the cold voice ordered her. “I want revenge!”

“Help... Andrew... help...” Monica cried, nearly suffocating with the strength with which the man strangled her.

“Shut up or I’ll beat you up until you die!” he spoke again, grabbing her throat with all his strength, willing to finish what he had began as soon as possible.

“...Andrew...” she whispered one last time.

“Monica!!!” Andrew shouted one more time, and this time the Irish angel woke up with his cries. Quickly, Monica stood up from her bed and left her bedroom, heading to his room. “Monica!!! No!!! Stop!!! Leave her alone!!!” he was debating in bed, trying to stop an invisible enemy from hurting his beloved friend. “Andrew?” Monica called him, her heart breaking to see the distress that that terrible nightmare was causing him. “Andrew, please, wake up, it’s only a bad dream!” she said, placing her hands on each side of his face, praying he would open his eyes.

“Andrew? Please, wake up, I’m here! It’s only a bad dream!”

Her soothing voice broke the barrier of fear in his soul and he finally started to wake up from that terrible nightmare.

“I’m here, Andrew. I’m here with you!” she spoke, gently stroking his face as he opened his eyes and saw her. “Monica?” he whispered, panting heavily and still with his heartbeats accelerated.

“It’s over now... I’m here!”

He quickly sat down in bed and pulled her closer to him, in a tight, nearly fierce embrace, “I tried to reach you... I tried to protect you from him, but I couldn’t...”

“Please, let it go, Andrew, it was just a dream, a terrible dream, but it’s over, try to forget it!”

“I can’t...” he said, some tears forming in the corner of his eyes. But at the same time he felt her tightening her embrace around him, “Yes, you can! I’m here to help you! Please, let me help you, Andrew! I know there’s something you’re not telling me... something that might have happened during this assignment... and that’s causing your heart to ache even more! I can feel it!”

“Angel... Please, let me hold you for a minute...” he didn’t want to let her go from his embrace.

“... Father, please, let me help him...” she prayed, in silence, gently stroking his short blond hair.

Only some long minutes later, did the Irish angel pull away from his embrace, just enough to look at his face. “Would you like to go downstairs? I’ll make you a cup of tea, it’ll help you to calm down.” A small smile appeared on her face as she concluded, “Let me take care of you a little?”

He looked deep inside her brown eyes and the peace and comfort he could see in them, along with her presence and soothing voice, were already putting his heart at ease. Slowly, he nodded his head and let her take his hand, both standing up and getting out of the room.

CHAPTER 5

“Tess always says that tea helps to calm and to bring comfort to the soul...” Monica said, placing two cups with hot tea on the kitchen table. As she sat down right beside him, Andrew placed his hand over hers and squeezed it, “It has much in common with you, angel.... I’m surprised you prefer coffee!” he spoke, trying to lighten the mood, but with the same serious and sad face. Monica looked at their conjoined hands and then at his face, “I won’t push you to speak, Andrew, but... but if you want to open your heart...”

“There’s something I didn’t tell you...” he interrupted her, averting his eyes from hers, “...something that greatly contributed to my walking out of the assignment...”

“You didn’t walk out of the assignment; the Father allowed you to leave for a while.” She quickly corrected him, “Do you want to tell me about it?”

“Mrs Adams’ daughter, a young woman named Dana, was the last victim I took home... She was... brutally beaten up and he strangled her until she lost her conscience. Her wounds were so many that she ended up dying, like the others... I spoke to Mrs Adams after her funeral, I was the one to take care of the service so that I could approach her...” he frowned as he remembered that day, “We talked a little and... I revealed myself to her. I told her about God and that He was suffering together with her with that cruel act.”

“And what did she say?”

“She told me to go away and that God couldn’t help her then...”

“Did you insist?”

“Yes... I told her that terrible things happen in this world and that her daughter was in peace now, that Dana was together with the Father...”

“You told her what she needed to hear, Andrew. Those words were spoken by an angel, but sent by God Himself...”

Andrew finally raised his head and looked at her face with his green eyes filled with tears, “Do you know what she told me, Monica?” seeing that she was attentively looking at him, he continued, “She told me that, if there was anyone I love in this world, I should try to imagine her lying on the ground, beaten up and strangled, after being attacked by a stranger... and then repeat everything I had just said!”

Watching the shocked expression on her face, he concluded, “And do you know how I felt when she said those words? Like her! If something like that happened to you, angel, I guess my spirit would be buried seven feet under and, God forgive me, but I would never accept it... And I could hunt this man until the end of the world... Looking for revenge...”

Although she was a bit scared by those words, tears quickly fell from Monica’s eyes and, for a moment, she felt like holding him tightly until his sorrow was over, “Oh Andrew... Andrew... I’m so sorry...”

“That’s what’s been tearing my heart apart! Those feelings... anger, hate, revenge... I don’t want to have them, Monica, but I can’t help it! And now I’m afraid that, besides losing my faith in the human being, I may also lose my faith in God if I let those feelings take over my heart!”

“You won’t Andrew! I won’t let you!” Monica replied, squeezing his hand and gently laying her other hand over his face, “Andrew, you’re an angel of God and I know better than anyone else that you have a beautiful heart, full of love and compassion. As much as it’s hurt and filled with sadness right now, it’ll never be broken; you’ll never lose your faith in God!”

“But I can’t send away all these feelings whenever I think about what that woman said, when I imagine you...”

“Nothing is gonna happen to me, Andrew.”

“How can you be so sure about...”

“Because I know that the Father is watching over me! I trust Him with my very existence,” she interrupted him, and gently made him turn his head to face her, “And that’s what you should do too! Give Him your heart, Andrew. If you’re afraid of what’s gonna happen to me, trust Him to protect me. Hate, anger and revenge, all these terrible feelings are here because of your fear... Evil first attacks by using our fears and weaknesses as an open door. But if your faith in our Almighty Father is strong, and it should be, as you’ve witnessed His power, then there will be no fear, the door will be closed!”

“But anger will still remain... anger at what this man did...”

“I know and I understand it; I’m angry too, to be honest. But I know that God won’t allow this man to remain free for a long time; I have faith that, in His infinite wisdom, He has a plan. And Andrew... you and I know that His plan is perfect.”

He nodded his head humbly. “I know that... And I’ve been asking Him that, somewhere in His plan, He keeps you safe, my angel.”

A warm, reassuring smile appeared on her meek face as she looked deep inside his green pools, “I saw you sitting on the porch steps this afternoon... You were talking to Him, weren’t you?”

“Yes...”

“And did He answer to you?”

“Yes, I... I heard His loving words in my heart...”

With infinite tenderness, she stroked his cheek with the back of her hand, “So Andrew, it means that He is listening to your prayers; that He is watching over me, over Tess, over those people who happen to cross this man’s path. And He is also looking after you, He is protecting you and your kind heart from anger and hate and wanting to fill it only with love and joy... I mean, to increase this love and joy that are already there, which are so immense. I know that better than any other angel!”

He was deeply moved with her reassuring words and feeling a wave of emotion taking over his soul, as now it was clear why God had sent that kind angel to stay by his side; to tell him the truth he had to listen. “Angel... Come here...” he pulled her for a long, grateful embrace and finally a tiny smile broke the sad expression on his face and the tears he had shed. “God... I guess if I had to spend a thousand years only thanking for having you by my side, it wouldn’t be enough...” he spoke, burying his face in her shoulder, “You’re so precious to me, Monica... You light up my world, angel.”

“Hum... should I say that the same goes to you or should I stay quiet and let you go on flattering me?”

Chuckling, he pulled away and took her hands into both of his, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for everything you told me, Monica, for the truth that you brought to my heart... to my soul...” he kissed one of her hands, “It still hurts, I confess, and I’ll only find myself completely relieved when this criminal is arrested, but it suddenly seems that you made my faith stronger...”

“That’s what I’m here for... Besides, preparing the tea!” she joked.

Andrew let go of her hands and gently grabbed her face, “You are my world, angel. Never forget I love you very much!” watching her smile, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead and the tip of her nose.

“Okay, I think I can keep that in mind!”

*

After drinking the tea that Monica had carefully prepared, they returned to their rooms. Right before they entered, Monica turned to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, in a warm embrace, “Sleep well, I’m sure the Father will watch over you so that you can have only good dreams!”

The blond angel smiled and tenderly stroked her hair, “I don’t even have to dream, once I have you here with me, angel girl!” he kissed the top of her head and gently pulled away, watching with amusement as she blushed a little with his loving words, “Now you go and sleep, angel, cause tomorrow the ‘lady of the lake’ will have new swimming lessons!”

Giggling, Monica stood on the tip of her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, “I bet I can beat you up!”

“That’s what you think!”

Andrew waited until Monica closed her bedroom door and only then did he enter his room. There was still sadness and fear lingering in his angelic heart, but the Irish angel’s words had definitely caused an impact, and renewed his hope. His healing had started and God, in His infinite wisdom, had chosen the right angel to do that job; the one and only angel who could touch his heart, his soul.

And for that, Andrew would be eternally grateful.

CHAPTER 6

“... Monica?” Andrew called the Irish angel’s name for the third time on that morning but having no reply, he opened her bedroom’s door and poked is head inside. His face softened when he saw Monica sound asleep in between coloured pillows and under a warm blanket. With a tender smile, he stepped inside the room and tiptoed up to her bed, being warmly greeted by an excited little puppy dog, “Hey, little one, good morning to you too...” he spoke, in a low voice, gently stroking Joy’s black fur.

Then, he knelt right beside his friend’s bed and soothed her hair with the back of his hand – a light contact, as he didn’t have the courage to wake her up. Slowly, he straightened the blanket around her small form and placed a tiny kiss on her temple, and was about to leave when she stirred slowly and opened her eyes. “... Andrew?” the little angel had confused sleepy eyes and a tiny smile beginning to form in her lips. Feeling a bit guilty for waking her up, he brushed away some strands of hair off her face, “Good morning, Sleeping Beauty!”

“Good morning...” She frowned a second later when she saw some sun rays entering through the window, “... what time is it?”

“Almost 10 o’clock!”

“Oh my...” her blushing face caused him to chuckle.

“And if I can remember well, a certain little angel girl told me that she would beat me up today, during her swimming lessons!”

“And I meant it... I just need a few minutes to wake up properly...”

Chuckling at her wording, he nodded his head and kissed the side of her head, “Alright then, you take your time, angel. Breakfast is ready, I’ll be waiting for you ladies downstairs!”

*

As Monica had woken up a bit late, the angels had breakfast and decided to prepare a basket with enough food and drinks (fruit juice, tea and, of course, mocha) and to have a picnic near the lake. Besides, the day was so beautiful, with the bluest of the skies and the sun shining brightly, that spending it in the forest sounded a wonderful idea.

Andrew (and little Joy) waited patiently in the living room for Monica. Finally, she climbed down the stairs wearing her one piece blue bathing suit and a white pareau around her waist. Barefoot and always carrying the hat he had given her, Monica had a contented smile on her pretty face: after their talk on the previous night, Andrew seemed much more confident and the sadness in his heart was indeed going away. He was finding his enthusiasm back – thanks to his faith in their loving Father and thanks to her.

“Everything ready?” he asked, and saw her nodding her head enthusiastically, “Yes!”

“So let’s get going!”

Hand in hand, and followed by an excited little puppy dog, the angels left the cabin and headed towards the forest. The 20 minute walk passed by quickly, as for the first time since they arrived there, Andrew and Monica were engaged in a happy conversation; the blond angel’s friendly personality was coming back, after some very sad days, and at least for some moments, he managed to put aside the sorrow that had been in his heart for 3 months.

*

“... look, there she goes again! This wee fish loves you, Andrew!” Monica spoke, amused to see as a cute clown fish swam right next to Andrew for the 3^rd time in less than 5 minutes. The angles had been in the water practically since they arrived at the lake and even Andrew was surprised with the progress his friend had made concerning her previous (and now apparently forgotten) fear.

The blond angel rolled his eyes and chucked, The blond angel rolled his eyes and chucked, “And I guess we could consider her part of the family already, right?”

“Yes! Look at her, she’s so cute... We could come here to check on her once in a while! And I guess you can consider that she’s yours now! See? She’s really enjoying to be close to you!”

“Oh, my own clown fish? Hum... yes, I like the idea!”

“Don’t you wanna give her a name?” she suggested, both angels enjoying to watch the tiny little animal swimming next to them.

“Yes! Hum... what about ‘Amy’? It’s little and cute like her!”

“Amy...” the Irish angel smiled, “Yes, I like it!” she said, having fun with her idea and with the little fish that now swam right next to Andrew’s hand. “Hullo, Amy! Andrew is right, you’re a rather cute lady!”

“Yeah... It’s gonna be a pleasure to take care of you, missy!” he added.

The small animal remained there next to him for a few moments more when a very jealous little puppy barked on the other side of the lake.

“Come here, wee baby! Come on, you can do it!” Monica spoke, looking at a very wet puppy dog, who was on the other side of the lake. Standing right next to her, and having fun with her excitement, Andrew waited until Amy was in a safer place, now a bit away from them, and also called the small animal, who took only a few seconds to reach them.

“Very well, baby girl!” the Irish angel exclaimed, gathering Joy in her arms and kissing her tiny head once she had reached her ‘parents’.

“I wonder how in the world she learned how to do that!” Andrew spoke, poking the puppy’s roundish belly and really intrigued with that ability.

“Hum... yes, you’re right, you know, Andrew. Even though now the water doesn’t scare me that much, she can’t have taken that from me... Maybe from you!”

Chuckling with her association, he nodded his head, “Well, in that case I have to agree, cause it’s hard to beat me up...”

Monica immediately realised the teasing tone in his voice and narrowed her eyes as she looked at him, “Oh really?”

“Really.”

With tenderness, she placed Joy in the water again, “Now you go a play on the grass for a while, ok, wee one? Your daddy and I have a few issues to solve!”

After she watched as the little dog swam up to the bank of the lake and left the water, the Irish angel turned to her dearest friend, “What were you saying?”

“You heard me, Monica, it’s hard to beat me up!”

“Well, for your information, I happen to reach the other bank of the lake first than you... starting by now!”

Saying no more, Monica started to swim and left him behind. “Hey! That’s cheating!!!” he complained, trying to reach her. But, a couple of minutes later, she reached the other side of the lake first than him, unaware that, secretly, the blond angel had let her win.

“What were you saying, mister?” she spoke, coughing due to the water she had swallowed during the ‘race’ and laughing at him.

“That you’re such a cheater!” he said, playfully splashing her and causing her to squeal. “Andrew, stop!”

“You asked for it, Monica!”

That happy moment and their laugher were suddenly interrupted by Joy’s startled barks not far from where they were.

“Joy? What is it girl?” Andrew spoke, immediately checking around their surroundings, looking for anything that could be causing that reaction. But the puppy kept on barking loudly, causing the blond angel to frown with concern. “Why is she barking so much?”

“She must have seen something near...” Monica suggested and that was enough to fill Andrew’s heart with fear. Quickly, he reached for her hand, “Come with me, Monica, let’s get out of the water.”

He helped her out of the lake and was quick to place a thick towel over her shoulders. But, to increase their worry, Joy suddenly bolted through the vegetation, in a desperate rush, as if hunting something invisible to them.

“Joy!”

“Joy, come back here!” Monica and Andrew shouted, but the dog didn’t obey to their command.

“Oh no!” the blond angel spoke, “Stay here, I’ll go take her!”

The Irish angel watched as he followed the same direction taken by the little puppy dog and disappeared through the vegetation. Sighing deeply, she looked around her, immediately feeling sorry that that incident spoiled such a happy afternoon, she started praying, “Father... please, make him find her...”

A sudden cold wind blew against her face, causing her to shiver and wrap the towel around her more tightly. Joy’s barks and Andrew’s callings soon disappeared and all she could hear now was the most absolute silence, only broken by the occasion noise of the wind blowing against the leaves on the top of the tall trees. And a weird sensation of fear unexpectedly took over her soul; her heart strangely started to beat quickly. Shivering with goosebumps, caused not only by the cold she was now feeling, but also by her inexplicable sensation of panic, Monica looked around her, “Andrew? Andrew, where are you? Joy? Joy, come back here!” she called, giving some steps towards the same direction taken by her friend and the puppy, “Where are you two?”

The Irish angel had hardly said that when she heard a noise of broken sticks not far from her – they were steps, indicating that someone was coming closer to her.

“Andrew?” she called one more time, with her heart pounding loudly in her chest.

CHAPTER 7

“Andrew? Is that you?” Monica called, looking around her with a constant sensation of panic and her heart beating wildly. The chilly wind and the sudden change in the atmosphere of the place caused the Irish angel to tremble from head to toe, not only with cold but also with fear. She thought she had heard a noise coming from the vegetation and for a few seconds wondered if it was just an animal. “Andrew?”

Her heart seemed to skip a beat when the same noise reached her ears again, now louder and clearer than before: they were footsteps and someone was walking in her direction. But, before she could run, Monica felt a hand over her right shoulder and let out a scared cry.

“Monica?” a very surprised Andrew exclaimed, looking at her with evident concern and carrying a chubby little puppy in his arms.

“Andrew...” she spoke, breathing a sigh of relief to see him and still shaking with fear. Twice worried, the blond angel placed Joy on the ground and took her hands, “Monica? Angel, are you alright?”

“I...”

“You’re shaking and... and pale...” one of his hands now came to rest on her cheek, “... what happened?”

“I... I don’t know... I guess the weather changed a little and this cold wind started to blow... I’m cold...”

“Yes, I guess it’s time to go, it’s really getting cold and the sun will set in an hour...” he spoke, straightening the thick towel around her small form, in an attempt to keep her warm.

“Why did Joy run away? Did she see anything?” Monica asked, still looking around her with a bit of fear.

“Yeah, a bird! And you know she isn’t very fond of them!” he said, gathering their things. And that remark seemed to send away Monica’s worried, as a smile appeared on her face, “Oh yes, our wee one is a very temperamental and jealous wee lady sometimes!”

*

Some time later, the angels and the little puppy returned to the cabin and Andrew was quick to send Monica to take a hot shower. She had sneezed twice while they were coming back from the lake and the constant sensation of cold she was feeling worried him a little. They were angels but due to their human form, they were also exposed to any sort of dangers and weaknesses common human beings were.

And, to his worry, at night, while the blond angel prepared dinner, Monica started a sequence of endless sneezes. He quickly left the kitchen and headed to the dining room, where she was, and offered her a handkerchief, “Hey... what’s happening to you, huh?” the tone in his voice was a gentle one, yet there was concern in it. He pulled a chair for her and made her sit down.

“I don’t know... Sneezing is a weird thing...”

“I guess you’re catching a flu, angel...” he spoke, eyeing her carefully and not missing every little detail of her face – the red nose and some tiredness in her eyes.

“Oh... that has happened some times before... And I didn’t like the experience at all!”

“Neither did I, angel... That swimming lesson lasted way too long!” Andrew said, with a bit of regret. Not wanting to worry him about what seemed to be just a light flu, Monica smiled and playfully nudged him on the rib. “You’re just saying that because you lost the race in the lake!”

Also smiling, he nodded his head, loving her usual cheerfulness, “There will be a revenge, Miss Wings!”

“Ok, I’ll be waiting for that!”

He took her hand, “Now come, sit in the living room by the fireplace and let me finish to set the table.”

“Absolutely not, Andrew! I’ll finish it; it’s only a slight cold!” she protested, standing on her feet a second later and causing him to shake his head with slight disapproval.

“You’re quite a stubborn angel girl!”

*

The angels had dinner some time later, although Monica wasn’t very hungry, and later the two, together with little Joy, sat down on the couch, in front of the warm fireplace. The Irish angel was feeling the first effects of the flu, such as tiredness and a congested nose, besides the many sneezes.

“I’ll make you a cup of tea later, Monica, and you’ll take some medicine before you go to bed.” Andrew spoke, straightening the warm quilt that was on the sofa around her small form.

“I’m sure I’ll be better tomorrow, Andrew. You shouldn’t worry so much, you know.” she replied, snuggling closer to him, and causing him to chuckle, “Me not worried about you, angel? I guess this is something we could call impossible.”

Monica let out a small giggle, “I should know you’d say that!”

As he kissed the top of her head, her face became serious again, “Andrew... do you know if there are other cabins near here?”

“Other cabins? Hum... I guess not... Why are you asking me that?”

“For no reason, in fact... I was just...” she sighed, trying to put her thoughts in order, “When Joy disappeared today, I thought it was because she had seen someone...”

Frowning with concern, he bent his head to face her, “Someone? A human being? Why do you think that? Have you seen anything unusual?”

“No... I... I just had a weird feeling... In fact, I guess I was a wee bit scared to be alone there for some moments, while you had gone after Joy...”

“But did you see anything different in this meantime?”

Realising his deep concern, she nearly regretted mentioning that, because, in fact, she herself wasn’t sure of what had happened there. “Well... I... I heard a noise, you know... as if there was someone walking through the vegetation...”

That revelation caused Andrew to sit up straight on the couch, with worry and concern evident in his eyes, “Monica, why didn’t you tell me that before?” the tone of his voice was a low one, but there was some distress in it, which caused her to feel slightly worse.

“Because I realised, seconds later, that it was you walking not far from the lake, and the wind blowing against the tallest trees...” came her quick answer, in a desperate attempt to calm him down.

“Are you sure it was me?” he asked, still not convinced.

“Yes, they came from the same direction you came, and I believe you heard me calling you...”

“Yes... I was about to answer you when I found Joy...” there was still concern lingering on his mind, but, little by little, he seemed to calm down with her explanation. It made perfect sense and if there was anyone hidden in the vegetation he probably would have seen them or heard their steps.

“I guess I was a wee bit scared without any reason for that, you know. This place is so silent, especially at night, and it seems that we’re isolated from the rest of the world. I almost forget that the town is just one hour away.” Monica spoke, glad to see his concern fading. She was going to say something else, but couldn’t even start speaking again due to a sudden crisis of sneezes.

Andrew stood up immediately, “I’ll prepare some tea for you now, Monica and you’ll drink it together with your medicine. I’m glad Tess thought about it in advance and sent us some.”

*

After Monica had taken the tea and the medicine, Andrew quickly sent her to her bedroom, praying that the medicines would take effect soon. He waited until she climbed in her bed and covered her with a thick blanket, “Now rest, angel. Sleep as much as you can, I’ll be right next door if you need me, ok?” he said, gently rubbing his thumb on her temple.

“I’ll get better, Andrew, I promise. And that’s not fair, you’re my assignment, I was the one to be taking care of you...” she lowered her eyes a bit embarrassed to cause him some trouble.

The blond angel couldn’t help chuckling at those words, “Nothing makes me happier than taking care of you, baby!” he watched with amusement as she blushed a little and a tiny smile appeared on her face, “Besides, I guess that I have to learn a lesson here...” he added, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Monica’s questioning eyes turned to his own green pools and he kept on talking, “I cannot run away from the world nor try to keep you away from it either, because, even being distant from human beings, you got ill... And if you don’t get better I’ll take you to the town and look for a doctor...”

“I will get better, Andrew, I won’t need a doctor, you’ll see!”

“I hope and pray so, angel. But what I mean is that... I can’t just ignore the rest of the world and think that I’m better than humans... There’s good and evil everywhere and I know that by running away I’ll be giving evil more power.”

“So it means that you’ll return to your assignment?”

“Yes, angel... I will, as soon as you get better.”

Her hopeful eyes caused his heart to swell with love for her – yes, he was going back to his assignment, he was going to accomplish God’s will again, and she was the greatest responsible for that.

Monica reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly, “I’m so happy to hear that, Andrew...”

“I know. If there is someone I should thank for encouraging me other than the Father, that one is you, Monica.” he bent his head and brushed a loving kiss on her forehead, “Now sleep, my angel. Rest as much as you can so that tomorrow you wake up better.”

“I will... Good night, Andrew.”

“Good night, Monica. I love you.” he kissed her hand and stood up. Little Joy was standing right beside the Irish angel’s bed and, before he left, he ruffled the little dog’s black fur, “Good night to you too, little one.”

Hearing a low bark as a reply, he smiled and turned off the lights, except the one on the beside table, as Monica didn’t like sleeping in total darkness. Then, he checked the windows and left her room.

But, as usual, Andrew didn’t go to his bedroom straightaway. First, he climbed down the stairs and checked all the windows and doors of the cabin.

CHAPTER 8

Andrew slept very little during the night. The worry about Monica’s condition was a constant thought in his mind, as angels definitely weren’t used to catching colds. He sighed and stirred in his bed many times before he stood up and checked on his pocket watch: it was 4 AM and, unable to sleep, he left his bedroom and went to check on his dearest friend.

Quietly and slowly, so that Monica wouldn’t wake up, he opened her bedroom’s door, which had been left ajar, and walked over to her bed. The Irish angel was sleeping but it was easy to see that she wasn’t feeling alright. Her breathing was hard and there were traces of tiredness on her beautiful but pale face. Andrew sat down at the edge of the bed and placed his hand against her cheek, frowning with concern at what he had noticed: her skin was a bit hot, indicating what he was fearing since from the start – she had a fever.

“Angel... you’re really ill...” he whispered, double checking her. Then, aware she needed a bit stronger medication, he stood up and left the bedroom, heading to the kitchen to prepare her some more tea.

Twenty minutes later, he was back, now bringing hot tea and more medicine. He placed them on the bedside table and gently shook her, “Angel? Monica? Wake up...”

“... the wind, Andrew...”

“Wake up, angel... you have a slight fever...”

“What? What time is it?” she said, opening her eyes with a confused look.

“It’s half past four, Monica. And your cold is worse, you have a little fever...”

“Really?”

“Yes, and I made you some tea and brought some more medicine. Please, sit up a little and drink it.”

He helped her to sit up straight in bed and handed her the cup with hot tea. “If you don’t get better, angel, we’ll have to go to town.”

“I’m not that bad Andrew, believe me...”

“I hope not, angel. Now drink your tea and take your medicine...” he said, placing his hand over her knee. The Irish angel did as he asked her and, feeling extremely tired and a bit dizzy, she felt the need to lie down again. Andrew helped her to do so. “You keep on resting. I’ll stay right here by your side.”

“No... that’s not fair I sleep and you don’t...”

“That’s ok, Monica, I’m not sleepy right now...”

She felt like disagreeing with him but sleep and tiredness didn’t allow her to protest: Monica was quickly falling into a deep sleep. Glad that at least she would rest, Andrew took her hand in both of his and remained there, sitting on the chair beside her bed, praying that she could get better soon.

With infinite tenderness, he stroked her hair, “Oh angel... you’re very precious to me, you know... that’s why I can’t help worrying about you.” he whispered, his voice almost inaudible, “When you’re not okay, when you’re not feeling good, then I don’t feel good either...”

*

During the rest of the day, Monica’s fever remained low and Andrew spend the day praying that she would start recovering from the cold soon. But, by the end of the afternoon, the blond angel climbed up the stairs to see how Monica was and frowned with deep worry when he realised that the fever was higher than before.

“Monica? Angel?” he called, gently removing her hair from her face.

“... I’m so cold, Andrew...” she whispered, pulling the blanket closer to her despite the hot day.

“God, Monica...” he placed both hands on each side of her face and confirmed what he feared the most: she was getting worse. She was trembling with cold and her face was paler than before. “Stand up, Monica, I’ll take you to the hospital now.”

“I’m feeling so cold...”

The blond angel searched inside her closet and found a warm coat and a turtle neck sweater. “C’mon, angel, sit up straight and dress this...” he said, placing her clothes on her bed. “I’ll get take Tess’ car out of the garage while you get ready, you need to see a doctor immediately.” He spoke, with concern in his voice.

Some time later, with Andrew’s help, Monica left her room and climbed down the stairs. The blond angel placed her inside the Cadillac and both headed to the town in the base of the mountains.

Both soon arrived at the city and went straight to the city hospital, and, despite her illness, the Irish angel could feel the great worry in her dearest friend’s heart and it made her feel even worse to be causing so much trouble. With his arm protectively around her shoulders, Andrew led her to the counter where a receptionist was already watching them. “May I help you? Is there something wrong with the lady?” he asked, immediately laying his eyes on Monica.

“Yes, my friend has a bad cold and a high fever, she’s not feeling well...” he said, with anguish evident in his green eyes.

“Okay, I need some information here and I’ll send you to Dr Baker...”

The man wrote down their names and addresses – and the blond angel was glad that they were staying at the cabin. Then, the receptionist asked a nurse to take them to a waiting room on the second floor of the building. “You’ll wait here, Dr Baker is going to see you soon, Monica.” a nurse politely said.

Andrew gently helped Monica to sit down and stood right next to her, with his arms permanently around her shoulders. While they waited, the Irish angel snuggled close to him: she didn’t want to cause trouble, that was true, but at least she was grateful that, if she had to go through that, she had her beloved friend together with her.

A few minutes later, the door was opened and the nurse called them. “Monica, you may come in now, Dr Baker will see you...”

Andrew helped her up and entered the room together with her – he didn’t even consider the idea of staying outside and letting her go alone. A tall, grey haired man, in his late fifties, was sitting at his desk and smiled friendly when he saw the couple and didn’t miss the care in the blond angel’s eyes and actions.

“Good evening, I’m Dr Baker.” He greeted friendly, after Monica had sat down in the chair in front of the desk.

“Nice to meet you doctor...” Andrew shook hands with the man, “I’m... I’m Andrew, this is my friend, Monica. She’s not feeling well; she has a fever and her head aches...”

He stood up and walked over up to the little angel, eyeing her with a slight smile, “Hi, Monica... You know, you remind me of my daughter.”

“Really?” she said, with a faint smile due to her serious condition.

“Yes, my Barbara is exactly like you... hair, eyes... I wish she could see you!” as he talked, he started checking her eyes.

“Does she live with you?”

“Yes, yes. We only have each other, you see. Her mother died when she was very young and in fact, she should be here tonight; Barbara is following her dad’s footsteps and will become a doctor soon.”

“You must be very happy, then!”

“I’m so proud; she’s the most precious gift God could ever give me!” he spoke, not hiding his enthusiasm, which, in a way, did please the little Irish angel. With so many sad events, she finally could hear a happy story. “Hum... Yes, it seems you have a bad cold, Monica...” The man frowned and looked at Andrew, “... and a very worried friend here!”

“Andrew worries too much, doctor. I’m sure lots of people with the condition similar to mine have been here today...”

“Well, in fact, he is right to be worried. I don’t like this noise I can hear in your lungs...”

The man checked on her, under Andrew’s attentive eyes, and, after he kept his stethoscope, the blond angel asked, “So, how is she? Is it serious? Does she...”

“Please, please, calm down, son. In fact, I suspect that you have the beginning of a pneumonia, Monica.”

“Pneumonia?” Andrew’s voice was a haunted one, but the doctor quickly tried to calm him.

“It’s serious but I’m glad you brought her here soon. It’s really in the beginning and if she takes the proper medicines and do as I say, she’ll recover soon, maybe in some days. I will prescribe her some antibiotics and some vitamins.”

Andrew frowned with worry to hear those words and tenderly stroked his dearest friend’s hair, and felt a tiny inch of joy when she turned her head and shot him a reassuring smile.

The doctor finished to write the prescription and handed it to the blond angel. “Here it is; there is a small drugstore inside the hospital building, on the ground floor, I believe you’ll find these medications there.”

“Thank you doctor.”

“You take them according to what I prescribed, avoid swimming or walking around in the cold air and especially, you need to rest, Monica. And... Well, somehow I have the slight impression that Andrew here will take really good care of you, young lady!” he winked at her and that remark produced a smile on both angels’ faces.

“Yes, you’re right, Dr Baker; I’ve been blessed with a wonderful friend. Andrew always takes good care of me, you know. In fact, he’s a wee bit of a protector!”

Finding his blushing face rather cute, she squeezed her friend’s hand and he nodded his head, “That’s right, I am. And I’ll keep on like this forever!”

“I’m glad to hear that! I like you, young lady... Well, maybe for obvious reasons but there is a light in you... I can’t possibly explain.” He said, amazed with the resemblance between Monica and his daughter. “Please, Andrew, bring her here in 3 days, so that I can check on her again.”

The two angels bid the doctor goodbye and went back to the ground floor. There, they asked a nurse where the drugstore was and she patiently gave them the right direction. They would have to pass through a very long corridor, where many people passed by. Some were ER patients, taken by the nurses to their destination; others, people who worked at the hospital, and they were all in a hurry. There was a large hall at the end of this corridor and then the back doors, leading to a patio where the drugstore was. The angels would have to cross that long distance to reach the pharmacy and then come back, as their car was parked in front of the hospital.

They were in the middle of the corridor when Monica started to feel her head spinning a little, besides the constant ache that was almost causing her to close her eyes. She stopped walking and turned to her dearest friend, “Andrew, I guess I’ll be sitting here waiting for you if you don’t mind...”

Those words scared him a little, “Monica, I don’t think this is a good idea, you know...”

“I’ll be sitting right here, on this chair, Andrew. I’m not feeling well... I’m still cold and my head hurts...”

Sighing deeply, he looked at her brown eyes, still reluctant to leave her there, alone, away from him. But she wasn’t feeling alright, that was for sure. The paleness and exhaustion on her meek face were evidences of this. And pondering about the apparent safety of the place – there was an officer that stood by the entrance door, he finally nodded his head.

“Yes... I’m... I’m sorry, you’re right, angel.” He helped her to sit down, “Stay here, I won’t take long ok? I’ll be back in a minute, I promise.”

Placing a tender kiss on her forehead, Andrew left the hall in a rush towards the direction indicated by a nurse.

*

When he came back, however, his heart nearly stopped beating and he froze with panic: Monica was nowhere around the corridor or in the hall he had just passed by.

The Irish angel had disappeared.

CHAPTER 9

Andrew felt the colour disappear from his face and his hands became cold with nervousness: he had left Monica there for less than 5 minutes and now she wasn’t anywhere around.

“Ma’am... excuse me, have you seen my friend? She’s short and has long reddish hair...” he asked, to an old lady who was passing by.

“No, I don’t think so... was she with a baby girl?”

“No...” he said, frustration and fear evident on his face. With a miserable expression on his face, the blond angel started asking for Monica to every single person he met, his heart racing at the memories of his latest assignments; the images of all these women so brutally murdered came back one by one, as in a quick flashback he knew he would never forget.

“Father... please, send her back to me... please...” he prayed, heading towards the officer who kept the main entrance.

“Please, sir, I’m looking for my friend... she’s short and thin and has reddish brown hair... Have you seen her going out of the building?”

“I’m sorry sir, I guess not but I’m not totally sure...” the man said, with a confused look, “You see, lots of people pass through these doors...”

*

Not far from there, in the corridor that led to another entrance, Monica and a 4 year old little girl headed to the same information counter she had been to when she arrived at the hospital with Andrew. The Irish angel was holding the girl’s tiny hand and had a worried look on her face, while her little friend shed some tears.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart, I’m taking you to a place where people will look for your mommy.”

“I want my mommy...”

“I know, I know. And she’ll be with you soon, you’ll see!” Monica said, stroking her dark brown hair. They arrived at the counter and the Irish angel was quick to ask for help to the same receptionist that was there when she arrived, “Excuse me, I met this little girl at the other side of the hospital, near the back door entrance, and she said she got lost from her mother...”

“Oh, there is a report for a missing child inside the hospital... What’s her name?” the man asked.

Monica knelt in front of the little girl and kissed her hand, “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Amy...” she replied, never stopping from crying.

“Amy Garner, it can only be her! Ms Garner was looking for her!” the man said, immediately dialling some numbers on the phone.

“I’m sorry?”

“Her mother has been here too, she is desperate looking for this little girl!”

“So the mother is still, here? Oh thank God!” Monica heaved a sigh of relief and prayed that the woman would arrive soon, as Andrew had no idea where she was and would be extremely worried if he came back from the drugstore and didn’t find her.

Hardly did she know that that had already happened.

*

Andrew even thought about going to the police to find Monica when someone advised him to go to the information counter, on the other side of the hospital, to try to find out where his dearest friend was. Pacing quickly, with a permanent frown in his forehead, he walked along the corridor and soon arrived at his destination.

And, a couple of minutes later, a surge of relief filled his soul when he saw Monica walking towards him. Amy, the little girl, was sitting on a chair right next to the counter, drinking some water and a bit calmer due to the angel’s soothing words.

But, as she came closer to Andrew, Monica felt a sudden sensation of sadness inside her heart she couldn’t explain. It took her just a few seconds to find out, though.

“Andrew?”

“Monica, where have you been?” he spoke, with distress in his voice.

“I had to come here for a few minutes, I...”

“God, Monica, I was desperate looking for you! Have you got any idea of how worried I was when I came back there and didn’t find you?”

The slightly loud voice caused the Irish angel’s heart to beat quickly – he was upset with her. “I’m... I’m sorry, I was there waiting for you but...”

“I was so desperate that I almost called the police to look for you, thinking that you could be in danger or something even worse! Gosh, Monica, can’t you do what people ask you at least once?!”

“Andrew, I...”

“I don’t wanna hear your excuses! What were you thinking?! You were not a bit considerate to me! No wonder Tess is always scolding you, you do feel the need to do exactly the opposite you’re told to do!”

Those hurtful words were spoken without thinking but they reached the angel’s heart instantaneously. Some tears filled Monica’s brown eyes and it took them only a few seconds to roll down her cheeks; she could feel her legs trembling and a blush rose in her face, evidence of the mix of shame and sadness that took over her soul.

And, watching that sudden change, Andrew immediately realised what he had done, the hurt and pain he had inflicted on the person who least deserved. Feeling instant regret, the blond angel was going to say something when a short, petite woman, with auburn hair and brown eyes, arrived at the counter crying desperately.

“My daughter, I’m looking for my daughter!” she said, and, as soon as she heard her mom’s voice, the little girl jumped from the chair and ran to her, “Mommy!”

“Amy! Oh God, thank You so much!”

Mother and daughter held each other tightly and the woman turned to the man at the counter, “Thank you so much!”

“In fact it was this lady who brought her, ma’am.” He said, pointing at a now miserable Monica. Holding her baby girl in her arms, the woman turned to the Irish angel with a grateful expression on her face, “Oh thank you so much, miss. I was so desperate...”

Gathering all her efforts, Monica swallowed hard and nodded, “She... she was lost in the corridor near the back entrance and I... I saw her crying and, when I came closer to her she told me her mom had gone...”

After hearing those words, Andrew suddenly felt like disappearing from the world. All his anger and exasperation were replaced by a huge, terrible sensation of guilt and shame. The blond angel felt deep regret about lashing out on Monica so harsh and unfair words and he didn’t even know how he would start asking for her forgiveness – if he deserved it anyway. His worst fears, the ghosts he had been constantly trying to fight, had caused him to hurt the one who had been a permanent companion, a real angel in his existence, trying to help him to overcome all the sorrow and anger he was feeling – and instead of retribution, he showed her more anger.

“God must have placed you here, miss, I can’t even start to imagine what would have happened if you hadn’t found her,” her voice trailed off and she breathed a long sigh, “She’s all I have in this world, she means the world to me, my life...” the woman concluded, still with tears in her eyes, and squeezing her daughter tightly.

“I’m... I’m glad I could help...” the Irish angel spoke, hoarsely. And at that moment the girl’s mother noticed that there was something wrong happening there, “Are you alright?” she asked, looking first at the tears that Monica tried to hide by wiping her face and then at Andrew, who was standing right next to her with guilty eyes.

“I’m... I have a bad cold, but... but the doctor has already prescribed me some medicine... I’m happy that you both found each other but I guess I’ll be going now... I need to rest...”

“Oh yes, there is a thunderstorm coming. I hope you get better soon, miss. And thank you again, for everything.” She turned to the little girl, “Hey sweetie, say bye to the lady.”

“Bye...” the girl said, still a bit scared.

“Bye, bye, sweetheart.” Monica stroked the girl’s cheek and then headed towards the entrance gate, without looking at Andrew, who walked right behind her wishing nothing more than holding her tightly and beg for her forgiveness.

“Monica...” he spoke, in a feeble attempt to make her stop. But the Irish angel kept on walking, with tears now freely falling from her eyes. A loud, scaring thunder echoed in the air and lightening crossed the night skies already filled with dark clouds heavy with rain. “Monica, angel, please stop...”

Sensing that at that exact moment she wouldn’t do what he was asking, he gave a few more steps and gently grabbed her shoulders, making her turn around to face him. “Monica, please, forgive me! I don’t know what I was thinking... I didn’t mean to hurt you, I didn’t mean those words, please, angel, forgive me!” he pleaded, with tears now in filling his own eyes and cupping her chin so that she could face him. But the Irish angel couldn’t look at him; she kept her eyes lowered while the hot tears didn’t stop from falling. “Monica, look at me, please, I beg you!”

Practically sobbing, she managed to say a few words, “...I want to go back to the cabin...”

“Monica, please, angel, listen to me, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” he replied, reluctant to let her go and the fact that she was fighting to get free from his grip only made his heart break again. He was about to say something else, but a strong gust of wind blew through the parking lot and another lightening, followed by a thunder, crossed the dark sky, reminding him that she was ill and couldn’t stay outside. “Let’s... let’s go back to the car... I’ll take you back...” he finally said, realising that apologising at that moment wouldn’t work.

They entered the Cadillac and left the hospital afterwards.

*

Right before he took the road to the mountains, Andrew had to go through a gas station first, as he had noticed that the fuel level was a bit low. The young man who worked there came outside to greet the blond angel with a cordial smile, “Good evening, sir! Want some help there? We were about to close...”

“Good evening... I’m running out of gas here...” Andrew replied, with permanent distress in his soul. Monica was sitting on the passenger’s seat next to him but looking outside her window, without even moving, and with tears still falling from her eyes.

“Oh, I can fill it for you, sir, it’ll be just a minute...”

A few minutes later, the attendant finished his task and Andrew paid him, and it was impossible not to notice the distress over both angel’s face and the lady’s crying face. “Here it is, thank you...”

“Anything else, sir?”

“No, that’s all. Thanks...” he spoke.

“There’s a thunderstorm coming soon; you had better find shelter as soon as you can...”

“Yes, we’re... we’re going home.”

“Hope it’s not that far...”

“Well, it’s about an hour from here, up in the mountains,” Andrew spoke, entering the car again.

“Oh so you’d better hurry, sir, it’ll start raining very soon!”

“Yes, I will. Thank you again.”

“Thank you, good night!”

The silence between the two angels during the small trip back to the cabin was as troubling as the road ahead of them. At that time of the night, the car highlights and the constant lightening in the sky weren’t enough to light the dark winding way and, although she didn’t say a word, all that darkness was bothering Monica deeply. Andrew knew it, though, he could feel her distress inside his own heart, “We’ll be there in some minutes, Monica.” he said, in an attempt to calm her, but having not a single reply.

And indeed, twenty minutes later, the angels arrived at the cabin – together with a huge, scaring thunderstorm. Noticing that she didn’t wait for him to open the door for her – as he usually did, Andrew was quick to run to her side and, still facing her reluctance, he took off his coat and covered her with it, so that they could face the rain a few steps up to the entrance door.

“Hey, little one...” he spoke, as Joy was already waiting for them behind the door, and noticed that the small animal was visibly annoyed. “What’s the matter with you, huh? Are you scared with the thunderstorm?”

Some loud barks were his reply and, after Monica had sat down in the couch (without his support), he looked around the living room, frowning with concern, “Hey, what’s the matter, Joy?” he said, as the little dog didn’t stop barking.

Suddenly, they heard a noise, coming from upstairs, and the two angels looked at each other.

CHAPTER 10

The noise that was coming from upstairs in the cabin caused Joy to bark incessantly and scared Monica and Andrew so deeply that for a few moments, the angels even forgot about the argument they were having.

“Stay here...” the blond angel spoke, with visible tension in his voice and on his face. Monica didn’t reply, but not because she was upset with him: she felt panic creeping over her soul as she watched her dearest friend turn on his back and climb the stairs. And, shedding some more tears, she lifted a silent prayer for his safety.

Andrew arrived at the second floor and soon realised that the noise was coming from the bedroom at the end of the corridor. It was a kind of “guest room”, rarely used by them. The blond angel walked along the corridor towards it but first he took the time to check on Monica’s bedroom, then on his own and finally on Tess’: everything seemed to be in order. He sighed deeply and continued to walk. Seconds later, he turned the door knob and opened the door. Inside the dark room he found what was causing the noise: due to the strong wind, the branch of a tree had broken the window and now it was open and going back and forth with the strong gusts.

The blond angel heaved a sigh of relief as he turned on the light and saw the pieces of broken glasses and the window hitting the wooden frame. He closed it, finally making the noise stop, and left he room, as he could feel in his heart all the worry coming from Monica’s one.

When she heard his steps coming back, the Irish angel sighed with relief and, holding the little chubby dog close to her chest, she watched as he climbed down the stairs. “The wind was blowing so strong that one of the branches of the tree broke the window. It was going back and forth,” he quickly informed, hoping to put her heart at ease. And after hearing that, Monica lowered her head and stared at the floor, her previous sadness once again taking control over her soul.

Andrew noticed the sudden change and it filled his heart with a terrible sensation of guilt. What was he thinking talking to her like that? Why had he told her such hurtful words? At that exact moment, the blond angel felt ashamed of himself. Unable to talk to Monica or to God; undeserving of forgiveness, that was for sure.

“I... I’ll prepare you something to eat, you can’t take the medicine without having dinner...” he finally spoke, and left the living room.

*

During dinnertime, Monica remained quiet, increasing the tension between the two angels. But her silence wasn’t totally intentional: besides her sorrow, she was extremely exhausted to talk. As soon as she took her medicine, the Irish angel headed to her bedroom and, after shedding some more tears, she fell into a deep, restless sleep.

Andrew, for himself, didn’t go to bed immediately. After inspecting all the windows and doors, something which was becoming a strange but inevitable habit, he climbed the stairs and stopped in front of Monica’s door. He didn’t enter, though. With his green eyes filled with tears of regret, he just stood there and lifted a silent prayer for her recovering. And hoped that, somehow, he could do something to erase that awful evening.

*

Monica woke up in the middle of the night with the cries that were coming form Andrew’s room. With her heart beating fast and slightly confused, she sat down in bed and saw that even little Joy was uneasy: the cries were continuous and he was calling her name. With some difficulty, as she was still a bit dizzy and with a low fever, Monica got up and, after putting on her robe, she walked up to the door and left her room towards her friend’s one.

Andrew was lying in bed, his head shaking from one side to another as he seemed to try to reach something invisible in front of him. “Monica... angel... don’t go... I’m sorry... It’s all my fault...”

Her heart broke she heard that. At that moment, Monica could understand the reason for his aggressive behaviour: he was still afraid. Memories of his latest assignment, combined with the nervousness about her physical condition, had scared him so deeply that he ended up saying those hurtful – but totally meaningless words to her. But now she could feel all his guilt and regret and she knew that he was truly sorry about what had happened.

“... Andrew?” the Irish angel spoke, gently placing her hand over his shoulder.

“... Monica! No! Let her go, please! Don’t hurt her!” he said, in a loud voice, still lost in that terrible nightmare. Moved to tears, she lay a hand on his face, “Andrew, wake up, you’re having another bad dream... Please, wake up, I’m here...”

His eyes suddenly opened and, breathing hard, he looked around him: he was in his bedroom, the bedside lamp was on, softly lightening the room, and his dearest friend was sitting at the edge of the bed, with a worried expression on her face, holding his hand and praying that the nightmare would finish.

“... you were having a bad dream...” she spoke, wondering if he was really awake.

“Monica... angel, I’m so sorry...” it took him just a second to sit up straight and hold her tightly in his arms. Crying, he closed his eyes and buried his face on her shoulder, deeply ashamed. “I’m terribly sorry, angel! I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings... I’d never mean to hurt you!”

“... Andrew...” Monica’s voice was a teary one, she was sobbing like him and clutching at his T-shirt.

“... I’m so ashamed right now I just don’t have the courage to ask you to forgive me...” he let out a sob and stroked her hair, “... I don’t even deserve to have an angel right here with me, and especially an angel like you...”

Monica closed her eyes tightly, “... please don’t say that...”

“You’ve been here all this time, trying to make me feel better, supporting me and helping me to find my courage back... And then I just treat you like that... I’m so ashamed... so ashamed...”

“I know how you’ve been feeling... I know you’re scared and worried about me, and I know that at that moment you weren’t thinking...”

“I didn’t even give you the chance to speak... You were helping people... This is something I was supposed to be doing too...”

The Irish angel opened her eyes and gently pulled away, just enough to look into his eyes, “And you will be doing it soon... Every creature, even angels, feel weak and need a moment of reflection sometimes. You’re not different, Andrew.”

“But that doesn’t give me the right to offend the ones I love... to hurt their feelings like I did to you...”

“You were nervous... you were desperate thinking that something had happened to me, and I should have waited for you before going to look for that little girl’s mother...”

“No, you did what you should do...” he lay his hand over her face, “... right before we came to the cabin, you said I was always right about you... But that’s not true... please, don’t take those words I said at the hospital to your heart, because they were totally meaningless...”

“I won’t!” she quickly interrupted him, “I know you didn’t mean them and I know you’re sorry... I can feel it...”

“I’m so ashamed I don’t have the courage to ask for your forgiveness...”

“But I forgive you, Andrew... I’d forgive you 100 times more... You’re my friend, my dear friend, and I love you so much...” she started to cry and it took him a split second to hold her tightly once again, in a fierce embrace.

“Oh angel... The Father knows how much I love you too, how precious you are to me. And I can’t possibly imagine what my existence would be like without you by my side...” he kissed the side of her head and continued to stroke her hair.

*

On the following morning, Andrew woke up suddenly, as if reacting to another nightmare. He soon realised he was in his bedroom – the shy morning light was coming through the window, and looked at his right: his dearest angelic friend was sleeping peacefully next to him. He gently lay his hand on her cheek, heaving a sigh of relief to see that her fever had finally broken.

“Oh thank You, Father...” he whispered, placing some strands of hair behind Monica’s ear and looking at her with his eyes filled with love and tenderness. Her forgiveness had brought some comfort to his heart, that was for sure, but the dark marks under his eyes were the evidence that he hadn’t slept on the previous night, still blaming himself for what had happened at the hospital. He hadn’t forgiven himself for those words.

“...Andrew?” the Irish angel suddenly spoke, her soothing voice taking him out of his reverie as she looked at him with slightly confused and sleepy eyes.

“Hey angel... How are you feeling?”

“I’m... I’m fine, I think...”

He softly covered one of her hands with his, “Your fever has broken. The medicine is working.”

A tiny smile appeared on her face, “That’s some good news...”

“Yes, but you’re still weak and you should rest as much as you can.” He spoke, and she didn’t miss his protective look at her.

“I will, and I’ll get better soon now, you’ll see.”

“Yes, you will, angel. I’ll take care of you.” Andrew sat up and straightened the blanket around her small form, “Starting by now. You should eat and drink lots of liquids, I’ll make your breakfast. And then I’ll go outside to pick some logs for the fireplace; the thunderstorm brought some cold to the mountains.”

“But it’s raining outside...” Monica protested, somewhat worried that he could also catch a flu.

“Yes, but I won’t go far and you need to keep warm, it’s pretty cold in here.”

Andrew brushed a gentle kiss on her cheek and stood up, “I’ll be right back with your breakfast, ok?”

“Can I have some coffee too?”

That request brought a slight, tiny smile to his face, “How could I forget this little detail?”

*

After Andrew brought her breakfast (and waited until she had finished it, just to be sure she would eat properly), he left the cabin to catch some logs for the fireplace.

Monica, for herself, decided to remain in bed and follow his and the doctor’s instructions. The Irish angel had returned to her bedroom and was having some fun playing with little Joy and one of Andrew’s shoe laces when suddenly, she heard a knock on the door. She knew it wasn’t her angelic friend and, frowning a little, she wondered who could be there, in such a secluded place. For a few moments, she was in doubt whether to answer to that or not, but the person insisted and she stood up and climbed down the stairs.

Cautiously, Monica approached the window and looked through the curtains, and soon her apprehension was replaced by worry. Quickly, the Irish angel rushed to the door and unlocked it: there, in the porch, were the woman and the little girl she had helped at the hospital on the previous night.

CHAPTER 11

“You?” the woman said, holding her baby daughter in her arms and as surprised as Monica.

“Oh... that’s quite unexpected...” the Irish angel replied, with a tiny smile.

“Yes... it’s... God, it’s such a coincidence!”

“Well, if God were here I think He would tell you that coincidences don’t exist!”

Those words caused the woman to smile, “Oh yes... After all, He seems to be putting you in my way in the last 24 hours!”

She immediately noticed that both mother and daughter were wet due to the light rain that was falling and opened the door a little bit more, “Please, come in, it’s cold outside!”

“Thank you...” the woman said, visibly worried about her daughter being exposed to that weather. “My car broke down on the road that crosses the mountain and I decided to follow this road and ask for help. But I must confess that I was almost giving up, as there isn’t a single house around and no cars passing by!”

“Oh goodness! Then I’m sure the Father guided you to this cabin! I’d be happy to help ya!” the Irish angel said, closing the door. Joy soon came to greet the visitors and the little girl quickly pointed to the animal, smiling excitedly. The woman placed her on the ground and the child started to play with the little dog.

“Hullo, Amy... This is wee Joy!”

“Joy...” the girl repeated, ruffling the animal’s soft fur.

“I guess they’ll get along very well! You said your car broke down...”

“Yes, far from here, but I didn’t have a cell phone with me, and it would be too far to come back.”

“I’m glad you didn’t, there aren’t any other cabins around, just this one,” the Irish angel spoke, and then smiled again, “I didn’t tell you yesterday, but my name is Monica.”

“Nice to meet you, Monica,” the woman shook hands with her, “My name is Pamela Garner, and of course you already know Amy. Yesterday I took her to the hospital because she had a slight flu and I was afraid of travelling with her in this condition. But she’s fine now.”

“Oh I’m glad she’s getting better! It’s nice to meet you both. And you can stay here for as long as you want, it’s raining and it’s too cold to go back and find your car. I have a friend who can fix it, but it can be later.”

“Oh God... thank you so much... I must confess I was even afraid to knock at your door, as I didn’t know what kind of person I would find... I even thought it would be impossible to meet another good soul like the one I met yesterday at the hospital...”

“As you said, it seems that God wanted our paths to cross...”

“Yes, and I’m glad for that!”

Monica turned to the little girl, “Hey Amy, would you like a piece of chocolate cake?”

The child smiled shyly and looked at her mom, as if asking for permission. “It’s okay, sweetie. Monica is our friend.”

“Yes, please, Monica...” came the girl’s reply, almost immediately.

“Come with me, you should eat something, you’ve been walking for a long time.”

*

Monica set them cake, cookies, fruit juice and hot chocolate. For her, however, the little Irish angel couldn’t resist and set some more mocha (even if she had drunk all the mocha Andrew had made for her earlier). And while they were eating, she didn’t miss how hungry they seemed to be, especially the little girl.

“Have you been travelling for a long time?”

“Oh... yes... yes, Amy and I have been on the road for some time...” the woman answered, with a slight trace of fear in her eyes. And then, changed the topic, “And you? You live here for a long time?”

“No... no, my friends and I come here once in a while.” Monica replied, finding the insecurity in the woman’s face rather strange, “I have many good memories of this cabin.”

Suddenly, they heard a man’s voice at the front door, “Monica! I’m home!”

Amy immediately jumped from her chair and wrapped her little arms around her mother’s waist, and Pamela herself seemed to freeze to hear Andrew’s voice.

“It’s okay, it’s my friend...” the Irish angel was quick to say, noticing their sudden change in their behaviour. “I’m here Andrew...”

The blond angel appeared at the kitchen door a second later and was surprised to see that they had unexpected guests. “Angel...” he said; his hands and his T-shirt were dirty due to the task he had been doing outside.

“Andrew, these are Pamela Garner and wee Amy. Their car broke down some miles away and they walked all up to here looking for help...” she said, not missing the fear on their faces caused by Andrew’s presence. “Pamela, Amy, this is my friend Andrew. He and I have been spending some days here.”

“Nice to meet you, sir...” the woman finally spoke, holding her child tightly.

The blond angel nodded and smiled friendly at them, “Nice to meet you, Ms Garner... nice to meet you Amy...”

The little girl buried her face in her mom’s sweater, causing him to chuckle, even if he was also a little embarrassed. “You must’ve walked a lot! You did well to come here, there aren’t other houses nearby...” it was then that he noticed something, “And... I guess I’ve seen you before... You were both at the hospital yesterday, right?”

“Yes...”

“Isn’t it amazing, Andrew?” Monica asked, still surprised.

“Yes... Amazing but we’re glad we can help you.” he said, aware that his presence seemed to be scaring them a little, “Well... the rain started to get heavier and it’s gonna be quite difficult to fix your car now, but I can check it later for you. Now, if... if you excuse me, I’ll go change these clothes, I’ve picked some logs for the fireplace, the temperature is falling quickly. You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you want, okay?”

“Thank you...” Pamela replied, with the fear none of the two angels missed.

Right before Andrew left the kitchen, he stepped closer to Monica and stroked her hair, “How are you feeling?”

“Better, Andrew. The fever is gone and I’m feeling much better now,” she replied, shooting him a reassuring smile that melt his heart. “Good. I’ll be right back, you have to take another dose of the medicine in a few minutes...” he bent his head and brushed a gentle kiss on her forehead, giving her a reassuring smile and a tender gaze.

When he left the kitchen, the Irish angel turned to Pamela, “Is everything okay?”

“Y-Yes... I’m not used to strangers, that’s all...”

“I see... But Andrew is my friend, you don’t need to be afraid of him.”

After a brief silence, the woman replied. “I saw you both yesterday... I saw the tears in your eyes... He hurt your feelings...”

Monica didn’t want to remember that night, especially because she had already forgiven her dearest friend and also because she knew what had caused his attitude – fear of losing her. “Yes... Andrew and I... we argued... He was nervous because I didn’t tell him where I was... When we arrived at the hospital I was very ill and he thought... he thought something bad had happened to me...”

“That didn’t give him the right to make you cry...”

“He apologised...” the Irish angel replied, surprised that someone could have such a bad impression about her dearest friend, the most loving soul she had ever met. Noticing that the woman lowered her eyes, still not convinced by her words, she insisted, “Ms Garner, Andrew has a kind and gentle heart, it’s not like him to act like that, and he only acted that way because he was desperate looking for me... Besides God, he is the one who takes care of me when we’re on... when we’re together...” she quickly corrected herself.

“I’m sorry... it’s none of my business...” she said, keeping her eyes lowered.

Monica reached out across the table and squeezed her hand. “You don’t need to apologise. And you’re both welcome to this house, don’t forget that, ok? Andrew and I work helping people and nothing makes us happier than being able to help.”

“Thank you... Thank you so much, Monica...” the woman spoke, with a lot of gratitude.

*

As Andrew had predicted, the rain got heavier and dark clouds covered the mountains, bringing a chilly wind and too much cold. After they arrived, Monica set Tess’ bedroom for Pamela and little Amy, where the two could change their clothes. The woman was carrying a small bag with some of the little girl’s clothes but she herself didn’t have anything to dress. Fortunately, however, she and Monica were of the same size and the same height, and the Irish angel kindly lent her some of her own belongings (and Monica was glad she could do so, as she had been secretly scolding herself for bringing more than necessary).

Once she had left the two guests, she went downstairs, where she found her dearest friend standing by the window, looking outside at the pouring rain with a thoughtful expression on his face.

“I already set them down, I’m so glad the Father sent them to us, Andrew.” Monica said, walking over to him.

“Yes... I wonder what could’ve happened to them if they hadn’t found this cabin... And you and I know Who guided them up to here!” he spoke, turning to face her and causing her to smile.

“We sure do, huh?” Noticing the slight sadness that insisted on being in his eyes, she took his hand and squeezed it. “Andrew? What is it?”

Sighing deeply, he lowered his eyes, “They’re afraid of me...”

She didn’t want him to know that, as she was aware that it would make him feel even worse than he already was. “Oh... but... that’s because they’re not used to strangers you see... Pamela told me so herself...”

“They saw me arguing with you at the hospital, Monica... They saw your tears...”

“Yes... But I already told her the whole truth. I explained her what had happened and how ill I was when you took me to the hospital...” she reached up and gently stroked his face, “...I told her who takes care of me whenever we’re working together here on Earth...” and quickly corrected herself, “...except of course that I omitted the ‘Earth’ part...”

Overwhelmed with tenderness, the blond angel looked deep into her eyes and took her hand into both of his, “I already told you this before, but I have to say that to you again... Please, forgive me for what I said, I apologise from the bottom of my heart, Monica...”

“And I forgive you, Andrew. I’ll always forgive you because I have no doubt that, right here in this kind and gentle heart, which unfortunately is filled with sadness right now, there’s much love...”

“And you can be sure that great part of this love... a huge... an immense part of it... will always be directed at you, angel...”

With a broad smile upon her face, and causing him to smile too, she let go of his hand and kissed his cheek, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly afterwards. “I love you...”

CHAPTER 12

The loving embrace that Monica and Andrew shared by the window put an end to the incident that had happened on the previous day and the blond angel could finally feel like a ton had been lifted from his shoulders. Her kind and loving words left no doubt in his heart: his dearest friend had forgiven him; and now he could hold her again, as he always used to do, without facing her rejection, and he promised himself that he would never repeat the same mistake again.

Stroking her hair, Andrew bent a little and kissed her temple repeatedly. “I love you too, Monica... God knows how blessed and grateful I am for having you by my side...”

“Well, in that case, that makes two very grateful and blessed angels here!” she said, with a wink and causing him to chuckle.

It was then that little Amy came downstairs chasing Joy and saw the two angels holding each other. And when she saw her “daddy”, little Joy ran towards him, wagging her tiny tail and begging for his attention.

“Hey, look who is here!” he said, kneeling on the floor and stroking the animal’s black fur. “Hey, little one, looks like you got yourself a new friend, huh?”

Little Amy, however, stopped running at the moment she saw the blond angel. She remained by the living room stairs, watching him carefully as if deciding if that stranger deserved to be trusted or not. Monica didn’t miss the look of curiosity and fear in the little girl’s eyes and smiled cheerfully at her, “Hey Amy, is wee Joy behaving well? Is she a good friend?”

Shyly, she nodded her head.

“Well, then don’t you think she deserves a little present?”

“Yes...” came her answer, together with a slight smile.

“What do you think, Andrew?” Monica now turned to her dearest friend.

“If you two say so, then, ok, I agree!” A bit afraid to be rejected for the second time, he looked at the little girl, “Hey, Amy, I’m gonna tell you a secret... I keep Joy’s cookies in the kitchen! Would you like to give her those cookies?”

After reflecting upon her answer, she nodded her head again. Now more confident, Andrew smiled, “Ok... I’ll be right back!”

Monica winked at him and watched as he disappeared through the living room door. A few seconds later, when the Irish angel was sitting on the floor together with Amy and Joy, he returned, bringing two different kinds of cookies: one kind was for dogs and the other was for a very shy and wary little girl.

“Very well, here they are...” he placed two plates on the coffee table, “These are for Joy and... these are for you...”

A bit hesitantly, and after silently asking for Monica’s permission, the girl took 2 cookies, one of each kind, and finally gave one to the little puppy (who was nearly frantic for the food she could see in her tiny hands).

Watching Joy’s excitement, Amy smiled broadly and giggled when Joy jumped on her, “She likes it!”

“Oh yes, you have no idea how much!” the blond angel replied.

It was then that the little girl stared at him for long, silent minutes, still analysing if that man deserved to be trusted. Finally, she spoke again, “Can I give her some more, Andrew?”

“Of course you can, sweetie!” hearing her saying his name only contributed to his nervousness and he didn’t believe that such a tiny little creature could make him feel so insecure. Amy kept on looking at him – her expressive big brown eyes showed him that she was still deciding if that was a safe territory.

Warily, she showed him the other cookie in her hand, “And... Can I eat this one?”

“They’re all for you, and there’s more in the kitchen, whenever you want them, you can ask me or Monica or your mom to take them for you, ok?” he said, gently placing his hand over her little head.

Andrew felt a flood of relief washing his soul to see Amy’s cheerful smile and to notice that she wasn’t afraid of him any longer.

“Okay...” she replied, and, with a totally unexpected attitude, she inched closer and kissed the blond angel’s cheek, “...thank you, Andrew.”

Lost for words with that cute gesture, he looked at Monica, who had watched the entire scene in silence: she was smiling and had some tears filling her eyes.

“You’re always welcome, dear...” he replied, overwhelmed with tenderness, tickling the girl’s pink cheek and feeling Monica’s hand squeezing his own – her reassuring gaze at him spoke volumes to his heart.

*

When Pamela climbed down the stairs, she found her daughter happily playing with the little black puppy and laughing with the couple who had so kindly sheltered them on that rainy day. But her initial reaction wasn’t a very happy one.

“Amy...” she said, looking especially at Andrew and visibly uncomfortable to have her little daughter near that man. The little girl was trying to escape from Joy, who had been eagerly chasing her for more cookies. But, as soon as she heard her mom calling, Amy stopped, “I’m sorry, mommy...”

“What have I told you about behaving yourself?”

“Oh, she wasn’t doing anything wrong, Pamela...” Monica spoke, noticing the uncomfortable expression on the woman’s face.

“I... I don’t want her to be a bother...” she said, walking over to the girl and wrapping her arms around her little shoulders. Also noticing her evident apprehension, and aware that his presence was causing it, Andrew stood up from the floor and looked at her, “Ms Garner, please, don’t ever think you or little Amy here are a bother, because it’s not true. You see, Monica and I were relieved that, with all this rain and in that desert mountain, God sent you right to this cabin. This house is yours too. We’re glad to have you here.”

Judging if those words were really true, the woman nodded her head, “Thank you... Thank you both...”

“Mommy, it hurts again...” little Amy spoke, placing her hand against her throat.

“Well, then you’ll to drink some more medicine...”

The girl frowned at those words, “No... it tastes bad...”

“It does not taste bad...”

“Yes it does...” she protested, loathing the idea. The angels exchanged an amused glance, and Andrew’s face turned a mock stern one. “Well... It seems that [i]two[/i] people here should be taking their medicine!” he said, looking at his dearest friend accusingly.

“You gotta take medicine too, Monica?” little Amy wanted to know.

“Well...” she started to say, but the blond angel interrupted her.

“Yes, she does, Amy. A medicine exactly like yours!” he helped Monica on her feet and added, “Besides, I guess you’ve made a lot of effort for one day, you should be resting!”

“Resting? Don’t you know me, Andrew?” she replied, rolling her eyes and finding his mock annoyance rather funny.

*

Some time later, in the kitchen.

With her eyebrows raised, Amy watched as Andrew placed a glass with water in front of Monica and dropped some of the medicine the doctor had prescribed inside it. Then, she watched as Monica drank the content and wondered if that was really safe to do the same.

“See Amy? It doesn’t hurt and it’s not that bad!” the Irish angel said, with such a look in her eyes that it was almost convincing the little girl.

“Really?”

“Really!”

“But it tastes bad when mommy gives me...” she insisted, with such a tearful expression on her face that melted 3 hearts. Pamela and Monica looked at each other not knowing what to do to convince her, but Andrew was quick to act: he pulled a chair and sat down right next to her, “You know, Amy, the medicine doesn’t taste that good, it’s true. But if you don’t take it, then your throat will continue to hurt over and over and then, maybe, you won’t even be able to play with Joy...”

“No?” she asked, now with a worried look. The blond angel shook his head, “No, probably you’ll have to go back to the hospital and take more medicine.”

“I don’t wanna go back there, I lost mommy there...”

“Hum... so how about drinking this little medicine for just a few days? And... I gotta an idea to solve the taste problem...” He stood up and reached inside the fridge, where there was a beautiful strawberry pie. Smiling, he placed it on the table right in front of her. “It can taste a little bad, sweetie. But if you drink it really fast and after eat a piece of this pie, then you’ll forget the bad taste quickly!”

“Hum... okay then!” she quickly answered, letting go of her previous worry.

Having taken the medicine and with a delicious piece of pie in her hands, Amy started to run away from Joy, trying to escape from the excited puppy dog who was also eager for a little piece.

“Amy, don’t run!” her mother said, and was already going after her when Andrew stood up from the chair. “Oh, it’s ok, I’ll go.”

She and Monica watched as he left the kitchen and the woman turned to the Irish angel, who was following him with tender eyes filled with love. “Your friend has a way with children, doesn’t he?”

“Oh yes... Andrew loves children, you know. He has a way to communicate with them.”

“Yes... You two have this ability, in fact.” the woman looked at the Irish angel still with amazement, “It seems like a miracle finding you two up here in the middle of the mountains...”

“God performs miracles every day, every time, Pamela. Some are very small ones and we don’t even notice them from the start; others are more evident and immediately call our attention. But all of them make us realise He’s always watching over us... No matter where we go.”

Those words brought some sudden tears to the woman’s eyes, as if touching a place in her heart. “You know, Monica, there was a time in my life that I doubted that... But now... I can’t deny it...”

“Are you alright?” she asked, placing a supportive hand on her arm.

“Yes... yes, I’m sorry.”

“If... if you need to talk, I’m a good listener, Pamela.” The Irish angel spoke, aware of the sudden sadness that was evident in her dark eyes.

“Thank you... Have you noticed how many times I said ‘thank you’ to you and to Andrew?”

“Yes, and it’s not necessary. Thank God for finding a shelter for you and for wee Amy.”

“I will.”

CHAPTER 13

Despite Andrew’s protests – both because she should rest and secretly due to her culinary abilities, Monica helped him to prepare dinner and it was served by the beginning of the evening. Having guests and being able to help them anyway they could really pleased the two angels and Andrew was little by little rediscovering the joy of being an angel. At about 10 PM, Pamela and a very sleepy little Amy excused themselves and went to their bedroom.

They bid them goodnight and the woman lifted a prayer of thanks for meeting those two kind people on that difficult hour. If initially she was afraid of Andrew, soon the woman came to the conclusion that he and Monica were equal – two good souls in a world full of danger, full of evil. Pamela was tired. Tired of travelling. Tired of moving from city to city, running away from an invisible enemy. Shedding some tears, she held her little daughter, who was peacefully sleeping right next to her, and prayed for their safety.

*

In the living room, sitting on the couch and in front of a warm fireplace, Monica watched the flames dancing and snuggled close to her dear friend; his fingers absentmindedly playing with her hair caused her eyelids to grown heavy with sleep.

“Should I do to you the exact same thing that Ms Garner did with little Amy?” the blond angel spoke, smiling down at her.

“Can we stay just a wee bit longer, please? The fire is so warm.”

“Okay... But just a few minutes more; it’s late and you should rest!” he agreed, playfully rolling his eyes with some mock impatience. “Tomorrow, if the rain stops, I’ll go and take a look at Ms Garner’s car.” He noticed the slight frown on her forehead and cupped her chin, so that she could look at him, “Monica? What is it?”

“I...” after reflecting a little and putting her thoughts in order, she started to speak what had been on her mind since the afternoon, “You know, Andrew, I... I was under the impression that Pamela has some more problems than a broken car... Some more serious problems...”

“Really?”

“Yes... I could see great fear deep inside her eyes... and a lot of sadness too...”

“Did Ms Garner tell you anything that made you think that way?”

“No... she didn’t, but I felt something wrong... Her tears, her apprehension... Something happened in her past, Andrew, and it makes me think that she needs help...”

He thought about it for a few moments and nodded, “So she’s in the right place, angel. And we’ll help her; we already are. When the time comes, the Father will show us what to do...”

A bit more relieved to have shared her thoughts with the one angel who was always ready and wanting to hear her, Monica nodded her head, silently agreeing with his words. Andrew glanced at his pocket watch and turned to her, “But we can’t forget that, in order to work on our assignments, we need to be in human form and therefore, we’re exposed to the exact same needs a human being is. And right now, the need is to rest and sleep. So little angel, it’s time for you to go to bed!”

Now it was Monica who rolled her eyes, “Yes, sir!”

He brushed a tender kiss on her temple and stood up, but before they climbed the stairs to their rooms, Andrew started the night ritual of checking on all the doors and windows, being attentively observed by Monica. She knew he was still healing from the horrors he had witnessed over the past three months, but she could also feel the small change in his heart - his angelic compassion seemed to be coming back little by little.

And secretly, she thanked their loving Father for sending those two poor souls to the cabin – maybe helping them was what was missing for the blond angel’s healing. Maybe Pamela and Amy’s arrival, Monica’s illness, her loving words of encouragement and support and even his outburst at the hospital could be small things performing a greater change.

After finishing his task, he walked over back to the sofa and offered his hand to her, “Let’s go?”

“Alright then... I’ll be a good ‘angel girl’ and will go straight to my room now!”

Andrew wrapped his arms around her shoulders and, with a serious expression now, he nodded, while both climbed the stairs, “Good. You’re still recovering from a bad flu and with your fever and all... You should rest, angel.”

“I know. I’ll take care of myself, I promise.”

Their bedroom doors were one in front of the other and, as usual, right before she entered her room, the blond angel gently grabbed her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Have a good night, Monica.”

“You too, Andrew.” she replied, and moved to go to her room. But, right before she entered, Andrew felt a knot in the pitch of his stomach, a bad sensation which was becoming quite common to him.

“Monica...”

“Yes?” she turned around to face him again, with a questioning look, but, without saying a word, as he himself didn’t know how to explain his feelings, he gave two steps towards her and held her tightly.

The Irish angel held him back with the same tenderness but frowned a little, “Is everything okay?”

“Yes... I... I just want to hold you a little more...” he answered, overwhelmed with emotion.

Monica couldn’t understand his sudden attitude at first, but then she came to the conclusion that, once again, it was an effect of the personal drama he had been living. Only a long minute later did they part, just enough to look at each other’s faces, “I’ll say a special prayer for you, ok? I’ll ask the Father to fill your sleep only with good dreams.” She said, gently placing her hand over his cheek. A tiny smile appeared on his face and he took her hand in his own. “Thank you, angel. For everything.”

Standing on the tip of her toes, she kissed his cheek and held him once again before pulling apart and heading to her bedroom. Andrew, however, remained there, standing on his feet and staring at her bedroom door for a few moments, trying to understand why he was feeling that sudden sadness invading his heart. Eventually, he left to his own room and in the silent dark place, he offered his prayers to the one loving Father Who could protect and bless all the ones inside that cabin.

CHAPTER 14

On the following morning, Andrew was the first to wake up, as he had managed to sleep only for a few hours – the weird sensation still present in his heart. He went to the kitchen and started to prepare breakfast, and soon Monica, Pamela and little Amy were up too.

“G’morning Monica! G’morning Andrew!” the little girl greeted, now she and her mother finally used to his presence around her.

“Good morning, Amy! Did you sleep well, huh?” they greeted, gently ruffling her hair.

“Yes! Thanks!”

Smiling at her daughter’s enthusiasm, Pamela agreed, “She’s right, we haven’t had such a comfortable room in months.”

“Well, we’re glad to hear that you’re both comfortable here and you’re welcome to stay as much as you want.” Monica spoke, showing them their places at the table and finishing to set it for breakfast.

“I don’t want to take advantage from your hospitality.”

“But you’re not, I told you that already. Besides, I guess [i]two[/i] children in a house really make it happier!” the Irish angel said, looking at Amy and little Joy, who were already playing together. Then, they noticed the first sun rays coming through the windows. “And it seems we’ll have a beautiful day today!”

The Irish angel suddenly remembered the small inhabitants in the trees that surrounded the cabin and looked for something inside the cabinet; she soon found a pot full of bird food and then turned to her dearest friend, “Andrew, could you please finish to set the table? There’s something I have to do...”

“Monica, the sun is shining but it’s still cold outside...” he protested, knowing that she was going to feed the birds that lived on the tree tops nearby the cabin.

“Oh, I won’t be long...”

The blond angel sighed and took off his coat, draping it over her small shoulders; the outfit was many sizes bigger than hers, enough to almost reach her knees. “I’ll give you 5 minutes and not a second more!” he stated, with a stern look in his eyes, causing Monica to smile. “Okay, sir!”

Pamela watched the tender way the two friends treated each other with a secret smile upon her face, not missing the constant love and care Andrew showed towards his dearest friend. Her first impression about him was wrong, now she knew it, as anyone could see Andrew indeed had a good heart. Monica left the kitchen and opened the front door – the ground and the vegetation around the cabin were still wet, but the last dark clouds in the sky were moving away quickly.

The birds that inhabited the trees near the cabin were already up, looking for the seed grains that the kind little angel used to throw on the ground for them. She climbed down the porch steps and started her task, distributing the food equally among the tiny little creatures hungry for ‘breakfast’.

What Monica didn’t know was that she was being observed. And this time, the eyes who followed every movement of her body weren’t those green, protective ones, always filled with love for her. His eyes were black, as well as his hair, and one could see much hate and evilness reflected in their spark.

Hidden in between the bushes, at a safe distance from the cabin, he watched the little Irish angel calmly feeding the birds, unaware of the great danger lurking around her. He was tall and strong, probably in his thirties, and had an accelerated breath. His motorcycle had been left near the road, hidden amongst the bushes and he was about to go back to the gas station where he worked. He had first seen her there, inside a red Cadillac, on a stormy night together with a blond guy who was driving the car. And since from that first moment, he knew she had to be one more to be added to his collection. One more to pay for what someone had done to him about some months before.

[i]There she is... Exactly how I want to see her... Alone... Vulnerable... I could go there and take her away right now, and he wouldn’t know what happened to his pretty girlfriend. Maybe I can do that... Maybe he’s still sleeping and won’t even hear her crying... I won’t let her cry anyway, I’m much bigger than she is... she wouldn’t have a chance to fight...”[/i]

The possibility of going up to her was tempting... The man gave a few steps closer to the cabin. If he had to do it, he should be fast, exactly like he had done with the other women – all of them looked the same: petite, with auburn hair and dark brown eyes. Just like her. Just like the one who had betrayed him. They were all the same! And, since he hadn’t managed to find her yet (although he knew she was close), all of them deserved to die!

He was much closer to Monica now but, before he could take her away, Andrew came out of the house.

[i]Damn! It seems he is always around her! First at the gas station, driving along these roads and now here... But there’ll come a time when he’ll make a mistake... Yes, there will come a time when he’ll leave her alone and then... then she’ll have to pay too! All of them have to pay! My revenge will never be complete! [/i]

He continued to watch ‘the couple who lived in the cabin’ but suddenly, something made his breath catch in his throat: a 4 year old little girl came out of the house together with a puppy dog. And following her, there she was. Exactly the same Pamela to whom he had married. Exactly the same Pamela who had walked out on him 3 months earlier. The one he had been looking for since then. To release his anger towards that woman, he had killed some others, all of them looked exactly like her and all of them should pay for his revenge against her.

[i]I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it! I found her! I found my Pamela![/i] he thought, his heart beating wildly.[i]I knew she was in this city, I just knew it! And what a coincidence: she ended up exactly in this house... She’ll be mine again, and now forever! The car in the middle of the road must be hers; she changed it to escape from me... but now... now she won’t go anywhere else. Her little trip is over.[/i]

He was clenching his jaw with anger and waited until all of them were inside the cabin to move away from the place. He was coming back soon, however, but first he had to find a plan to get rid of the blond man. With him out of the way, things would be much easier to handle.

*

“Joy, please, stop complaining! You’re such a jealous wee puppy!” Monica spoke, as the little puppy dog didn’t stop barking loudly.

“But what’s wrong with her?” Pamela wanted to know.

“She’s jealous of the birds, Ms Garner! She wants Monica’s attention all to her!” Andrew spoke, finding it quite funny though always apprehensive whenever the little dog started to bark so insistently.

Monica set a bowl full of dog food and placed it on the floor, hoping that it would make her stop ‘complaining’. But strangely, the small animal didn’t even look at it, and kept on barking continuously.

“Hey, what’s wrong with you, wee one?” Monica spoke, taking Joy in her arms and frowning at how uneasy she was. Only when Andrew finally closed the door did she stop barking.

“See? They’re outside now, don’t need to feel jealous anymore...” the Irish angel spoke, holding her against her chest.

“You know, Monica, sometimes I’m under the impression that she is a little spoiled..."

She looked at him slightly indignantly, “Oh... she’s just a baby, Andrew, she needs attention! And now let’s go and have our breakfast? I’m a wee bit hungry...”

Fortunately she didn’t see him chuckling at her ‘extra protectiveness’ concerning the little puppy and they all moved to the kitchen. The blond angel followed them too but before he took one more look through the living windows and made sure that the door was locked.

*

After a pleasant breakfast, Andrew looked outside the window and noticing that the rain was finally gone, he announced that he would check on Pamela’s car.

“I feel really bad for taking you out of the house and giving you so much trouble, Andrew.” the woman said, visibly embarrassed.

“Oh, you shouldn’t, Ms Garner. You see, it’s probably a minor problem, easy to solve, and as I said before, I’m glad to help you and this little princess here!” he spoke, stroking Amy’s soft hair and causing her to smile.

“I know that but the truth is we cannot stay here forever. Look at me! I borrowed not only your house, but also your friend’s bedroom and even Monica’s clothes!”

“Oh but I don’t need them, Pamela! You know, I was scolding myself for bringing so many clothes but then I was happy that they’ll be useful for you.” the Irish angel said, helping her to wash some dishes used in breakfast, “Isn’t it amazing that we wear the same size, Andrew?” she smiled and secretly winked at him, and he couldn’t help chuckling.

“Yes, it’s really amazing, Monica!”

“Mommy looks like Monica!” the little girl, who was having a lot of fun giving her own cookies to Joy, suddenly said, causing Monica and Pamela to laugh and look at each other. “You know something? Little Amy here is right! You’ve got much in common!” Andrew concluded, also looking at them. “You’re a very smart little girl, Amy!”

“Thanks...” she replied, grinning at him.

*

The rest of the morning was a calm and pleasant one. The blond angel started to prepare lunch and had to make an extra effort not to let Monica’s suggestions about some exotic ingredients ruin the food. By one o’clock they had a delicious meal and only after that, did Andrew leave the cabin to check on Ms Garner’s car.

“Here are the keys, Andrew. I left a bag with some of my things inside, so if you could bring it, I’d be very grateful.” The woman said.

“Okay. I’ll be back soon.” Before he climbed down the porch steps, the blond angel bent his head and kissed Monica’s forehead, “And you, don’t you stay outside for long, okay? You’re still healing, don’t you forget that;”

“I know, I’ll be careful, Andrew, I promise.”

“I won’t be long, angel.”

“We’ll be waiting for you...” she gave his hand a gentle squeeze and they watched him getting into Tess’ car and leave the place.

*

“... this is such a peaceful place. And a very beautiful one too; the mountains are just amazing!” Ms Garner spoke, she and the Irish angel were sitting on the porch steps, in that lazy afternoon. The warm sun was shining brightly in the bluest of the skies and little Amy was playing with Joy right a few steps away from them, and giggled every time the puppy tried to jump on her whenever she sat on the ground.

“Oh... yes... It’s a wonderful place, in fact. Andrew and I, together with our friend Tess, come to the cabin when we’re not working...” she quickly corrected herself, as, in fact, she was on assignment, “I mean... most of the times, we’re not working...”

“I see... Don’t you think about having children? I noticed the way you both seem to love them!”

The little Irish angel smiled, “Oh, Andrew is my friend, we’re not married, you know...”

“Well, it’s about time! I also noticed the way he takes care of you, he obviously loves you very much, Monica!”

Her smile became broader and she nodded her head, “I know he does. Andrew has always been a wonderful, dear friend. I love him very much too.”

The woman’s smile seemed to fade a little, “It must be wonderful to have someone who loves you so much...”

Once again, the Irish angel watched the great sadness that appeared in the woman’s eyes, “May I ask you a question?”

“Yes...”

“You said you and wee Amy have been travelling for a long time... Don’t you have a family or friends?”

“No... my... my parents have passed away some years ago and I don’t have any brothers or sisters...”

“I’m sorry...”

“Oh but I have that little princess over there! She’s the most precious gift I could ever receive!”

“I know... I can see how your face lightens up when you talk about her!” Monica said, smiling.

“Yes.... she’s my world; my life. For her, I’d do anything.”

Monica hesitated a little to go on with the conversation, but something in her heart was telling her to insist, “What... what about Amy’s father?”

The tiny smile on Pamela’s face immediately died with the question, and she sighed deeply, “Sadly, he passed away some years ago, when she was just a baby...”

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry...” she quickly said, sad to hear that piece of news.

“It’s... it’s ok. It’s been some years now but I still miss him, you know...”

Trying to cheer her up, Monica spoke again, “And don’t you think about getting married again? You’re still so young...” At that very moment, two big tears rolled down the woman’s face, causing the angel to worry. “Pamela? What is it?”

“Yes, once... but... but that’s in the past I... I wish I could leave behind...”

“If... If you don’t want to talk about it, I’ll understand. But I want you to know that I’m a good listener.” The Irish angel said, placing a supportive hand over her shoulder and feeling sorry for that poor woman.

“Thank you... thank you so much, Monica...” she was quiet for a few moments and then stared at the ground, unable to face anybody due to what she was about to say. “In fact, I got married again... he... he seemed so nice, such a loving man, always so caring about my daughter, but... But I left him 3 months ago. That’s why Amy and I have been travelling so much, I don’t want him to find us.”

“And why did you run away like this?”

“I found out that Edgar is... a violent man...”

“Oh dear Father...”

“And things came to a point where I had to leave... I have a daughter now, Monica, and, as I told you, she’s the most important thing to me right now. I couldn’t risk her happiness...” she looked at the angel with her eyes full of tears, “... he used to beat me and got very angry without a reason... I could take it, but not my little Amy. Although he never hit her, I realised it would be just a matter of time for him to get angry and lash it out on her too.”

“I’m so sorry, Pamela... I’m terribly sorry for you two. But why didn’t you go to the police?”

“I was afraid... What if he got even angrier and did something really bad to us.”

“But... Do you think that running away is the only answer? You live in fear, I noticed that since the first time you arrived here. You were even afraid of Andrew.”

“Yes, and now I feel really ashamed about this. But facing that man... is unthinkable right now...”

Pamela was crying so much that little Amy stopped playing with Joy and hugged her mom tightly. And although she was still very little, she already knew the reason for her tears. Monica found it better to give her some water so the group left the porch and headed to the kitchen, unaware of the danger that was lurking around that beautiful and calm place.

CHAPTER 15

Andrew drove the red Cadillac until he found an old Caravan abandoned on the road that crossed the mountains. He pulled over, got out of his car and came closer to the other vehicle, easily opening its door. As Pamela had explained, there was a bag in the back seat of the car, together with some Amy’s toys. Smiling, the blond angel put everything in the Cadillac and then checked on the gloves compartment. There he found her documents and tickets of many toll roads, indicating the many states where mother and daughter had been to.

Frowning slightly, as he found it a bit strange to see how much they had been travelling in the last 3 months, he started to read the information on each ticket. Suddenly, the blond angel realised something: that sequence was familiar to him – he had been to all those states, as an angel of death. The crimes he had witnessed had started at almost the same time that woman had started her journey. They had happened in the same places she had been.

“Father... what’s all this? Please, help me to see what’s going on here...” he whispered, now with his heart pounding loudly in his chest. “... she’s been travelling so much, as if she’s running away from something... or someone...” And then he remembered Dana, the last victim of those terrible crimes; in a flashback, Andrew remembered the expression on her face when her soul started to leave her body... and, most importantly, he remembered her few words.

[i]”I’m scared... I’m afraid of him... He said he wanted revenge... I don’t understand...”[/i]

If Pamela was somehow related with those crimes, then he should go back to the cabin immediately, as his dearest friend was there too.

He put all the papers in his pocket and was already going back to the car when suddenly a heavy piece of log hit the back of his head. He tried to grab the car door to stop his fall, but it was inevitable: the same log hit him a second time and made him fall on the ground unconscious, with the back of his head bleeding.

Smiling, Edgar threw the log beside the angel in human form, “I knew you would make a mistake, buddy! And now, they’re both alone! Your pretty girlfriend and my Pamela! And I’ll go back there and take back what’s mine! And don’t you worry – you’ll bleed to death here, but soon, that cute baby will make you some company because I’ll do to her exactly the same of what I did with all the others! No... maybe I’ll do even more, cause you both are hiding my wife from me!!!”

With his eyes filled with hate, the man walked away from that place and took his motorcycle, heading to the cabin on the deserted road, where almost no one used to travel.

*

“Mommy was sad...” Amy spoke, to the little black puppy dog that was playing with her shoe laces. “I don’t like it when she gets sad... I get sad too...”

She was standing on the porch steps with a few of her toys, as her mother had told her to go and play, not wanting her daughter to see her crying so much. She and Monica were still in the kitchen talking and the door was open.

Suddenly, little Joy stopped playing and looked around, attentive to some noise only audible to her canine ears. Then she let out a small bark and moved away from the cabin. Little Amy frowned a bit confused and followed her, “Where are you going, Joy?”

The small dog didn’t stop, but made sure that the girl was following her. Finding that ‘game’ quite funny, Amy continued to walk trying to catch Joy and without realising it, little by little they both moved away from the cabin, entering in the woods and disappearing through a small trail.

*

“... thank you, Monica. And I’m sorry to bother you with my story...” Pamela said some time later, wiping away the remaining tears on her face and feeling better after talking about her sad story.

Monica took her hand and squeezed it, “You don’t have to be sorry about anything, Pamela. In fact, I told you before, Andrew and I work helping people to solve their problems. We’re here to help you too... And I also think you should talk to God about what happened, ask Him for guidance, ask Him to show you what to do.”

“I know what I should do... but it’s not easy...”

“It’s not easy to live in fear either... Running away is not the answer...”

“But that’s what’s the best way to protect my daughter and myself...”

“There are other ways to face him without having to run away... If you go to the police, they’ll give you support. And most, importantly, God will protect you both, you’re both His daughters...”

“I know... I keep on praying and asking Him to give me the courage to do that... Someday I hope He can answer to my prayers...”

“I think He’s already answering them... Now you just have to listen...”

Pamela managed a tiny smile and nodded her head, grateful to have found two kind people to help her when she least expected. “Amy and I are so blessed to have found you... That reminds me... it’s time for her bottle...”

The two stood up and headed to the living room, thinking that the little girl was playing outside in the porch. But when they reached the room, Pamela’s blood drained from her face and she felt a chill running down her spine with what she saw. Standing there, at the doorstep, was a tall and strong man, with dark hair and deep black eyes. He had an evil smile upon his face and, when he saw her, the man gave a few steps forward and closed the door behind him. “Hello, honey. I missed you so much...”

“Edgar?” her voice came out as a whisper.

“I’m so happy I found you... Now we’ll be a family again...”

Monica was standing right behind the woman and she too was surprised to see the man from whom Pamela was running away. And from the start, the little angel could see evil in the way he was looking at them. She new that the Father was always protecting them. She had just said that. But, deep down inside, Monica was afraid. “You’re Edgar...”

“I can see you made a friend, Pamela. And she’s very pretty!” the man spoke, delighted to see the tears falling from his wife’s eyes as well as Monica’s beautiful figure.

“Go away, Edgar!” she suddenly cried, as he started to approach them. And that was enough to make him angry. “Don’t you talk like this to me!” he shouted back, and quickly shortened the distance between them, grabbing her wrist tightly.

“Stop it! Let her go and leave this house, you’re not welcome here!” the angel spoke, but he laughed at those words.

“Leave? I’ve been travelling way too much to just leave, lady! I came here to take my wife and my stepdaughter back with me, to where we belong!”

“Where is Amy? What did you do to Amy?” Pamela was desperate to hear her little girl’s name.

“You’re telling me that she’s not here?”

“She was playing in the porch, where is she?”

“Gosh, woman, can’t you just take care of our daughter properly?” saying that, he hit her face so hardly that Pamela fell on the floor.

Monica was quick to help her stand up and stared at him with a mix of sadness and anger. “Leave this house now!!!”

“Are you gonna make me leave, angel?” he spoke, causing her to freeze at the way he called her. “You know, I’ve been watching you, baby... At the night you and that stupid boyfriend of yours stopped at the gas station and I lay my eyes on you I was crazy to know where you lived... and I couldn’t believe it when he told me everything I wanted to know...”

Monica’s memory returned to the night she was ill and she and Andrew had an argument. Yes, he had to stop by the gas station and that man was the guy who warned them about the thunderstorm.

He looked deep inside her eyes and smiled, “You know, since I arrived here in this town looking for my beloved wife, I noticed that there is another who looks like you... In fact, who looks like you both... Barbara is her name and I was decided to pay her a visit on that stormy night, but, then, when your stupid friend told me where you lived and when I remembered you sitting in the car... I found you so pretty since from the start...”

Horrified, the woman and the angel listened to those terrible words with her eyes wide open and not believing that the danger could have been so close to them all that time.

“... I gave up Barbara just because of you, [i]Monica[/i]. And hardly did I know that, in the end, I was going to find my baby hidden in this same house...”

“Go away, you bastard! I regret the day I met you!” Pamela spoke, eyeing him with hate.

“Shh! Shut up, honey. You have no choice now. You and our little Amy will come back with me right now!”

“You can’t force her!” Monica replied, helping the woman to stand up.

“Oh yes, I can dear. I can be rather persuasive when I want!” he suddenly showed them the knife that was hidden underneath his shirt; the sharp blade shining with the light of the day.

“You wouldn’t... My friend is about to arrive and...”

“I’m sorry to inform you, sweetie, but the last time I saw your friend his head was bleeding so badly I doubt he’s still alive right now...” he spoke, and that revelation caused Monica’s heart to beat wildly. “What?” she managed to whisper.

“I killed him, baby. He shouldn’t interfere with my plans! But don’t worry, honey, I won’t do the same with you... I mean, I will, but not so drastically as I did to him...”

“... Andrew...” Monica’s tears rolled down her cheeks and she dreaded to wonder if everything that horrible man was saying was true.

“You killed Andrew? How could you do it, you monster?!” Pamela’s eyes were filled with anger.

“Monster? You’re calling me monster? I did it because of you, Pamela!” he shouted back. “Every time I thought about killing you, I had to kill somebody else because I knew that, if I did this to you, I’d regret it; I’d be without my Pamela, my beloved wife!”

“What are you saying?” the woman spoke, she and Monica not believing in what he was just confessing.

“I killed all those women! One by one! All of them looked like you, but I knew that they weren’t you so I could hurt them anyway I wanted, because, after they were all dead, I’d still have you!!! And I was right, wasn’t I? After 3 months searching and making new victims, I finally found you!”

Monica felt a chill running down her spine: all those deaths Andrew had been dealing with had been caused by that man... He was the murderer; he was the one who had committed all those atrocities her dearest friend had told her. And now what she thought was impossible to happen was right in front of her: she was facing the possibility of becoming one of those victims.

CHAPTER 16

Little Amy walked for about an hour chasing Joy and started to feel the effects of that dangerous adventure through the woods. “Can’t we stop a little? My feet hurt...” she complained, but the small animal turned around and bit her socks, dragging her along the trail, which soon ended in the only road that crossed the mountains. “Are we going back home? We gotta go back, mommy is gonna be mad at us...”

But the little dog remained walking, now apparently detecting something and at the same time urging the little girl to continue to follow her. Suddenly, Joy stopped walking and barked loudly: it didn’t take her too long to find out what she was looking for. A red Cadillac and an old Caravan were parked by the road and, lying unconscious next to them, was Andrew. The small animal ran towards the blond angel and started to lick his face, while Amy held his hand with a very worried and sad expression, “Andrew?” she called, realising the blond angel was hurt, “Wake up, please... You’re hurt, aren’t you?”

Seeing that he could not reply to her, Amy started to cry, “Please, Andrew, wake up, don’t die... Monica’s gonna put some medicine in your head... I’ll call her to take care of you...”

*

“Where is Amy?” Edgar wanted to know, looking around the living room and grabbing Pamela’s arm firmly.

“She was playing in the porch...”

“Well, she’s not there now I want to know where she is! Damn it, Pamela, what kind of a mother are you who can’t even take care of your daughter properly?” he fumed, shaking her arm.

“I’m the kind of mother who will always protect her from a man like you!” she replied back, causing him to throw her on the ground and grab Monica’s arm instead.

“I’ll go around this house and look for my stepdaughter because I get the feeling you’re hiding her from me somewhere in these rooms and if we’re going back home, I want her to come with us! After all we’re a family, right?”

“I don’t know where Amy is, I ...”

“Shut up, woman!” he shouted, and pointed the sharp knife at Monica’s throat, “And you’re going with me, angel...” he spoke, in her ear, causing her to close her eyes briefly and shed a tear. Her thoughts were on her dearest friend and the possibility of him being hurt scared her deeply. But now, she was the one being threatened by that evil man, and all she could do at that very moment was to pray and ask God for their lives.

Edgar passed his arm around her small shoulders and stared at his wife, “We’re going upstairs and if you try to run away, I’m gonna cut your pretty friend’s throat and let her bleed to death like I did with the other ones!”

The man dragged Monica along the living room and made her climb the stairs up to the second pavement. “Show me the rooms, sweetie...” he spoke in her ear again, with a voice that caused a chill to run down her spine. Everything she had said to Andrew about those poor women came back to her mind. Yes, terrible things happened in this world; yes, she knew God was with her and that He cried for those innocent victims. But right at that moment, being one of that man’s next victim stopped her from holding on to her beliefs, as her soul was taken by great fear. And all that she could pray for was that Pamela wouldn’t take that opportunity and run away again, as that action would have terrible consequences, especially for her.

“Take your hands off me otherwise I won’t be able to open the door...” she managed to say, in a constant battle to over come the fearful thoughts and trying to find her faith back. He did what she asked, although he kept on pointing a knife to her, “As you wish, honey...”

Monica went from room to room, opening each door and showing him there was nobody in them. Hers was the last one and when he noticed that that was the place where the Irish angel slept in, Edgar pushed her inside and looked around them, with an evil smile upon his face, “So, this is where you sleep, right, angel? I could’ve guessed it... I can smell your perfume everywhere...” he said, stroking her auburn hair and causing her to close her eyes and turn her face away from him, with fear and utmost disgust. “Hey! Look at me when I talk to you!” the man spoke, his voice louder now, and grabbed her face.

“Amy is not here, you’ve already seen all the rooms, let’s go downstairs...”

“Why are you in such a hurry, huh?” now he grabbed her arm, “You stood here with that boyfriend of yours for such a long time, why can’t you stay with me? And he’s not coming back anymore, you know, I killed him on the road, his blood is spread everywhere right now...”

*

Little Amy remained next to Andrew, holding his hand and crying with the possibility of him being dead. Suddenly, on the road that crossed the mountains, a single car came along and the driver kept it in a low speed, which allowed him to notice the two other cars ahead of them. He pulled over next to them and got off the vehicle: it was Dr Baker, the same doctor that had examined Monica a few days earlier, when Andrew took her to the hospital with the beginning of a pneumonia. With a worried frown, he came closer to the two cars and soon found the blond angel lying unconscious on the ground and the crying little girl sitting next to him.

“Oh my God!” the man exclaimed, quickly kneeling on the ground to check on Andrew’s head. Amy stood up and backed away from him, but it took her just a split second to realise who he was, “You’re the doctor...” she said, as in the same night, he had assisted her with a slight flu.

“Yes, sweetie, I am... You remember me right?” as he spoke, Baker checked Andrew’s pulse.

“You gimme candies the other day at the hospital...”

“Yes... What’s your name again?”

“Amy...”

“Amy! Yes, of course... I’m Dr Baker... Can you tell me what happened here, sweetie?”

“Andrew is hurt...” she said, nearly whimpering again.

“I see... how did he get hurt, did you see it?”

“No... Joy and I got here and found him... He’s my friend, can you take care of him?”

“Yes, yes, honey, I’ll try the best I can... Will you help me?”

Sniffling, she nodded her head. The man took his suitcase inside his car and started to give Andrew the first aids. And, to his and Amy’s (and even Joy’s) relief, the blond angel woke up after sensing the strong smell of alcohol.

“Andrew? Son, can you hear me?” the doctor said, watching as he slowly opened his eyes and moaned with pain. “Son, can you hear me?”

“... what... what happened?”

“You’ve been hit in the head... I stopped the bleeding but you have to go to the hospital, this is serious.”

“Andrew! You didn’t die!” little Amy spoke, a smile back in her face, while Joy contentedly wagged her tiny tail.

At that moment, somewhat regaining full consciousness, the blond angel tried to sit up straight, “Monica!”

“Calm down, son! Wait, you’re badly hurt, you need to go to the hospital immediately!” the man tried to dissuade him, but gathering all his strength, Andrew managed to stand up. “No, you don’t understand doctor, Monica may be in great danger... as well as this little girl’s mother!”

“Monica... I was exactly going to see that young lady... I took your address with the hospital receptionist... What... what do you mean by she’s in danger? Who did this to you?”

“I didn’t see him, but I... God, I’m almost sure of who he is...” the blond angel turned to Amy, “Honey, what are you doing here?”

“I followed Joy, she and I were taking a walk in the forest...”

Sighing with relief that at least that innocent child didn’t cross the murderer’s way, he stroked her dark hair, “Listen to me, I want you and Joy to go with Dr Baker to the town and stay there...”

“But mommy’s gonna be mad at me if I don’t come back home...”

“I’ll tell her that you’re with the doctor and she’s not gonna be mad, honey, Dr Baker took care of you once, didn’t he?”

“Yes...”

“So, he’s a good man and will take care of you and Joy until you can come back home... Will you do it for me?”

“Okay...”

The old man shook his head reluctantly, “But Andrew...”

“Please, doctor, take her with you and call the police... I’m almost sure that there is a murderer in this town... he was the one who hit me and right now... he’s at our cabin, with Monica and Ms Garner...”

“Oh my God!”

“Please, call for help, doctor... I’ll go back to the cabin right now!”

*

“Let me go!” Monica shouted, tears rolling down her cheeks at the mention of her dearest friend.

“Not so fast, sweetie! You and your dear friend have been hiding my wife from me all this time, you’ll pay for that the same way he did!” he shook her while the Irish angel tried to wriggle from him, “She’s been running away from you because you’ve hit her! God is watching all the crimes you’ve committed, He knows what you’ve done!”

“Oh really? Good to know that I have an audience, but I don’t care, honey!”

He started to push her further into the bedroom and there was no way Monica could fight him. Besides, he had a knife in his hand, “Stop it! Let me go!”

“Shut your mouth up, or I’m gonna have to kill you right now...”

CHAPTER 17

Monica tried to fight to set free of Edgar’s rough grip, but it was useless. The man was twice her size and she could feel the sharp blade against her soft skin. But before he could make another movement, something heavy hit him on the head and made him let go of her arm. Pamela was holding a log taken from the ones Andrew had cut a few days earlier and as Edgar stumbled on the ground, she reached out for Monica’s hand, “Come with me, quick Monica!”

The two climbed down the stairs while the man continued moaning with intense pain. He would recover, however, and they had to be fast.

Running, they left the cabin and climbed down the porch steps, where Monica stopped for a few seconds, breathing hard. “Are you ok, Monica? Did he hurt you?” Pamela placed a supportive hand over the angel’s shoulder.

“I’m... I’m fine...” she managed to say; her face pale and her entire body was shaking – the angel in human form was still terrified at what had almost happened to her. Then, Monica looked at the woman with gratitude, “... and he didn’t hurt me, thanks to you...”

“I couldn’t stay here and watch him hurt the one who has been like an angel to me...”

“Then this time you were my angel...Thank you!”

“I have to find my daughter...” the woman said, wiping away the tears that never stopped from falling. “Amy!!!”

“She must be near, somewhere in the woods. And Joy has disappeared too...” the little Irish angel looked around them and had an idea, “The lake... Joy has been to the lake with Andrew and me, and the trail is easy to follow, maybe they’re at the lake!”

They started to follow the narrow trail that crossed the woods and led to the lake where Andrew and Monica had been to. The two walked fast, as they knew Edgar wasn’t hurt enough to stay in the cabin; they needed to find little Amy and also get some help urgently. And the Irish angel’s heart ached every time she thought about her dearest friend: she needed Andrew, she couldn’t believe what that awful man had said and she needed to find the blond angel desperately.

*

Ten long minutes had passed since Monica and Pamela had left the cabin when the red Cadillac stopped outside the house and Andrew got off the vehicle. The blond angel rushed to the interior of the house and the fact that the door was wide open only caused his worry to increase.

“Monica? Ms Garner?” he called, but nobody answered. “Monica? Monica, I’m home!!!”

He looked in the living and dining room, kitchen and then went upstairs, checking on each room. And when he saw Monica’s bedroom door wide open and the huge log fallen on the floor, the angel frowned with deep concern and fear. “... Father, what happened here?” he whispered, feeling something in his heart that he could hardly explain what was – a mix of panic, fear and anger rising inside his soul. All the victims of that evil man came back to his memory... all of them brutally hurt and... all of them looked like his dearest friend. “... God, please, help me... help me to find her...”

He checked the rest of the house and came to the conclusion that it was empty but he also had the terrible impression that the murderer had been there: some objects in the living room had been thrown on the floor; the heavy log in Monica’s bedroom and the doors and windows wide open were evidences that something awful had happened.

With his heart pounding erratically in his chest, Andrew looked around him, wondering where they were and how he would find them.

*

“...Amy? Amy, where are you, sweetie? Mommy is not mad at you, you can tell us where you are!” Pamela shouted, she and Monica checking the bushes around the lake some time after they had left the cabin.

“Amy, please, answer to us, sweetheart... We’re not mad, but please, say something!” Monica spoke, filled with worry for the little girl.

The two had been looking for Amy and Joy for about an hour and so far, they didn’t have any reply. With fresh tears falling from her eyes, Pamela stopped walking and covered her face. “Oh God, please, help me... Please, I need to find my little girl, help me to find her...”

Feeling extremely sorry for that poor woman, Monica reached up and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. “Please, calm down, Pamela. We will find her and I’m sure that the Father is watching over her right now...”

“She gave some meaning to my life, Monica... Without her, I don’t know what would become of me...”

“I know that and be sure that God knows that too... In a way, it was good that Amy is away from the cabin, you know.” as Ms Garner uncovered her face and looked at her, the Irish angel kept on talking, “I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if little Amy were inside the house with us when Edgar appeared... we probably wouldn’t have been able to run away.”

“... yes... you might be right...”

“Don’t forget that God always has a plan, even if we can’t see it from the start.”

“Yes, now that I’ve met you and Andrew I’m starting to believe it, but... where is she, Monica?”

“I... I guess she must have followed wee Joy and the two ended up getting lost somewhere near here...”

“God... Amy!!! Amy, where are you, sweetie?” she shouted once again, looking near the bushes around the lake.

“... I’m sorry, Pamela, but you ruined our life...”

The sudden evil voice that came from the woods caused a chill to run down their spines, and before they could run away, Edgar came from behind the vegetation and wrapped his arm around the woman’s neck, pointing his knife at her throat. Pamela hadn’t hit him with enough strength, he managed to recover faster than what they had expected and followed the same trail.

“... And if you don’t want to go on living with me, then you can’t go on living...”

“Let me go, Edgar! Let me go, for God’s sake! You’re out of your mind!” she cried, trying, in vain, to get free from him. Monica stared at him with a mix of fear and anger – how could there be such an evil human being in this world? “Please, let her go! God is watching, Edgar! Let her go, she was once the love of your life!”

“You shut up, lady!!! Shut your mouth up because I’ll kill you as soon as I’m done with her!”

Monica sighed deeply, and at that very moment, a beautiful glow involved her petite body, causing both murderer and victim to stare at her in disbelief.

“... Monica? What’s... What’s happening to you?” the woman spoke with haunted eyes.

“I’m an angel, Pamela...”

“An angel?”

“Yes, and so is Andrew. We’re angels sent by God at this difficult hour to help you and your little daughter...”

“Oh God, I should’ve noticed that...” the woman cried even more, remembering the nights she prayed and asked for help.

Edgar, on the other hand, tightened the hold on her and put the knife even closer to her skin. “A damn angel? You’re saying you’re a damn angel from Heaven?”

“Yes!” Monica didn’t like the tone of his voice, full of irony and disrespect. “An angel sent by the Almighty Father Who has been watching all the crimes you’ve committed, the terrible things you’ve done to this woman...”

“I don’t care! You can tell your God that I don’t care! If Pamela hadn’t run away nothing would’ve happened!!! She’s the one guilty for everything that’s happened!”

“She ran away from you because you hurt her!”

“Yes, and I’ll hurt her again just to show God that He should stay out of my business!” he shouted back at her; the sharp blade pressed against Pamela’s neck was already cutting her white skin.

“No!!! You don’t want to do it! You love this woman; you fell in love with her, remember? Don’t you remember the first time you saw each other? When you got married?” Monica insisted, in a desperate attempt to dissuade him from hurting Ms Garner.

And suddenly, the look on his face changed, as if for some few seconds, there was good in him, “Yes... I did... I used to love you so much, sweetie... so much...” Edgar caressed Pamela’s cheek and she closed her eyes, praying that God would send some sanity to his troubled mind and that he could free her.

“If you hurt her, you’ll be destroying the love you have for her, don’t you see that?” the Irish angel added.

“... you may be right, angel...” he whispered, reflecting upon her words.

“Please, Edgar... let me go... Please, let me go...” Pamela begged him, feeling a trickle of blood running along her neck. And, at that moment, the expression on his face changed again; his black eyes showed an evil sparkle.

“You want me to set you free so that you can run away again!!! Run away from me and find another man!!!” his loud voice full of hate echoed through the forest like a thunder in the storm.

“... please let me go...”

“Let her go, Edgar! God is asking you to do it... in the name of the love you once had for her...”

“She screwed everything we had together! She messed up with our lives!!!” he spoke, on the edge of his fury.

Monica shed some tears and, realising that he was ready to accomplish his terrible revenge and commit another crime, the Irish angel turned her face away for a few seconds. Her glow started to fade and she soon regained her human form. Then, she gave a few steps closer to them and stared at Edgar, as if understanding his craziness. “If you kill her, you’ll lose her forever...”

Those words had effect on him. With a pensive expression on his face, the man stood still for some moments, as if studying a second plan to release all his anger. When he stared at her again, Monica already knew what was on his mind and the only thing she could do was to pray for her soul to meet her dearest friend’s one, somewhere up in Heaven, where they belonged.

“You’re right, angel; I won’t kill her...” the man hit his wife’s face with so much strength that she fell on the ground, unconscious. Then, he walked over to Monica and grabbed her throat. They started a fight and the Irish angel was soon hurt in the arm and in the belly. A few seconds later, Edgar managed to throw her on the ground and finally grabbed her neck once again; now tired and hurt, Monica was an easy target and he would soon accomplish his revenge, as he had done with the others.

“All I want is revenge!” he spoke, and the angel looked deep inside the murderer’s eyes: there was nothing but pure evil in there.

Edgar was about to accomplish his plan, which consisted in killing all those poor women who looked like his beloved Pamela and who dared to cross his way – like that angel did. The murderer grabbed Monica’s throat and pressed his huge hands around it, anxious to complete his task.

“All of them will pay and I’ll still have my beloved Pamela with me! It’s for you that I’m doing it, sweetie; it’s for you, Pamela, that I’m taking their lives away, so that I can keep yours!”

Monica was gasping for air and she felt she would soon pass out. But suddenly, a pair of equally strong hands grabbed Edgar’s shoulders and took him away from the little Irish angel.

“Take your hands from her...” came a voice shaped with the same anger the murderer had in his heart. Except that that voice belonged to an angel.

“... Andrew...” Monica whispered, a flood of relief invading her angelic heart to see her dearest friend again. Holding the man’s collar firmly, Andrew dragged the aggressor up to an huge tree truck, pinning him against the wood with all his strength. His green eyes, always so full of tenderness and compassion, were suddenly sparkling with fury.

“I... I thought I had killed you...” Edgar spoke, staring at him with surprise.

“I wish God could close His eyes not to see what I’m feeling right now...” Andrew spoke, pressing him even further against the tree, grabbing the collar of his T-shirt with one of his hands, and taking a good hold of his wrist with the other one. Edgar was still holding a knife but there was no way he could use it right now – Andrew’s strength seemed a lot bigger than his own, maybe due to the hate the blond angel carried inside of him.

“You’re an angel too, right? Some kind of beast coming from another world...”

“Beast? The only beast here is you...” Andrew replied, staring at him close, looking deep inside his eyes and seeing the same evil his dearest friend had seen a few minutes before. “... And what stops me from doing to you everything you deserve is the fact that I’d disappoint my Father and the person I love most in this entire world...” He took the knife from the murderer’s hand and concluded, “You’re not worth it...”

Andrew motioned to throw the knife away from them, but, right before he could do it, they all heard a voice coming not far from there. “Stop where you are, it’s the police!!!”

Everything happened very fast: the warning, the angel’s movement and the shot that was fired against him. Despite being hurt, Monica was starting to regain her strength when she saw the blond angel and Edgar being hit by the bullet and falling on the ground. A desperate cry came out of her mouth, “Andrew!”

Then, the silence.

CHAPTER 18

Monica’s eyes flung open and although she was lying in bed, she felt dizzy and terribly confused. Where was she? What had brought her to that place? Little by little, her eyes travelled around the bedroom hospital, trying to recognise the place while the memories of the previous hours slowly came back to her mind. Initially, the Irish angel didn’t understand why her heart ached with so much anguish and worry, and she even thought it was because she didn’t know exactly where she was.

But a few moments later everything became clear to her when the noise of a gunshot echoed in her brain and the tragic, terrible image of her dearest friend stumbling on the ground came back to her mind, a scene she’d rather forget, but which she knew would be etched in her own heart forever.

“Andrew!!!”

Tess was sitting on the chair right next to the window and when she heart her beloved angel girl’s voice, the supervisor rushed up to the bed, “Angel girl? Baby?”

“Where is Andrew, Tess? He was shot! The police shot him by mistake, they thought he was the murderer but he was trying to protect me!” she spoke, all at the same time she tried to sit up in bed, as if ready to stand up and go after the blond angel.

“Calm down, baby, please, calm down!” Tess tried to stop her, to put her heart at ease but Monica shook her head.

“No... they must know that Andrew was there defending me and Pamela! He didn’t do anything wrong, he saved us! He saved me from being attacked...”

“Baby, baby, please, try to calm down, you cannot sit up, you cannot make brusque movements, please, lie down in bed, baby...” the oldest angel was almost calling the nurse in charge of changing the IV tube that was inserted in Monica’s arm when her young charge looked inside her eyes – her own eyes filled with tears.

“Tess... what happened to Andrew? He’s hurt, I know...”

“Andrew is in the surgery room, baby. He’s being operated at this very moment.”

That piece of news seemed to paralyse her for a few instants and Tess kept on talking, “The doctors are taking care of angel boy, they’re doing everything they can, baby. And don’t worry, they know who he is.”

Slowly, Monica reclined on the bed, lying her head over the pillow; her tears falling freely from her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. “Oh Tess... I saw everything... it was horrible... it was so horrible, Tess...”

Moved to tears, the supervisor held her free hand and started to stroke her auburn hair, “Shh... it’s over now, baby, it’s over...”

“No, it’s not! Andrew is so hurt... He was hurt before he was shot, that man hurt him, he... he wanted to hurt all of us...”

“But don’t forget God is with Andrew, angel girl. The father is with him inside that surgery room and you know that right now, you and I have to pray with all our faith for him...”

Crying, Monica squeezed the supervisor’s hand, only now noticing that there were bandages wrapped around her forearm and feeling that there were some more around her stomach, under her gown. “I’m so glad you’re here, Tess...”

“Oh baby, you have no idea what was like to stay away from you all this time...”

“I missed you so much...” she sobbed, feeling the stitches in her belly, “There... there were moments I missed holding you so much...”

Overwhelmed with emotion, the old angel couldn’t hold the tears that now were falling from her eyes too. All she wanted was to hold that warm hearted angel whom she loved like a real daughter. Unfortunately, due to Monica’s wounds, she couldn’t do that yet and had to limit herself to brush a kiss on the younger angel’s forehead.

“You need to rest, baby. Please, lie down and rest a little...”

“Stay here with me, please?”

“I will, baby. I will.”

*

It was early in the morning when the nurse entered Monica’s room to remove the IV tube inserted in her arm. The little Irish angel was now sitting on the bed (and she hadn’t managed to sleep much on the previous night) and, while the nurse did her task, she remained in silence, looking at the window with sadness still all over her face and being attentively watched by Tess, who had stood by her side all night long.

The young angel was wearing a robe over the hospital’s gown, and her clothes were hiding the white bandages around her forearm and her stomach. In her neck, there were still marks of the terrible aggression she had suffered on the day before and her eyes seemed to relive those awful moments all over again every time she felt the pain caused by her wounds.

When the nurse left, another presence in the bedroom took her out of her reverie and when Adam placed his hand over her shoulder she turned her head to face him, “Hey, sweetie...”

“Adam...” she searched in his eyes the answer for the question that was lingering in her heart. Tess stood up and walked over to the bed, quickly reaching for Monica’s hand and squeezing it tightly, at the same time she faced the angel of death, also looking forward an answer.

“It’s over... he couldn’t resist the wounds...”

“Dear Father...” Tess murmured.

The little Irish angel nodded her head with teary eyes and Adam put some strands of hair behind her ear and placed his hand against her face as she spoke again, “Were you with him?”

“No... And the Father is sad, believe me. He was His child too...”

After a brief silence, the oldest angel shook her head, “All of this seems to be a nightmare...”

Suddenly, the door flung open and a nurse poked her head inside, “Excuse me, but the surgery is over now...”

The three angels looked at one another with their hearts pounding loudly in their chests. With Adam’s and Tess’ help, Monica got off the bed (as no one – either angel or human, could have managed to keep her there) and they quickly left the bedroom, following the nurse along the corridor until they saw two other nurses carrying a stretcher to a room next to the surgery room.

And lying in it, it was Andrew.

Making an extra effort due to her own wounds, Monica rushed towards him and carefully touched his pale face while walking together with the nurses, Tess and Adam.

“How is he? How did the surgery go?” she wanted to know, frowning with concern to see her dearest friend so pale.

“Well, the doctors managed to stop the internal bleeding and he was lucky that the bullet crossed his body and came to rest in the murderer’s heart.” A nurse explained, “And I’ve heard that this criminal has just passed away.”

“And when will Andrew wake up?” Tess wanted to know.

“We don’t know yet. We’ll have to wait a few hours to see how he reacts.”

“Can we stay with him, please?” Monica asked, as they entered the room.

“Are you his relatives?”

“We... we’re like his family...” the Irish angel said, with tears running down her eyes. And seeing so much sadness, the nurse merely nodded her head sympathetically.

“Sure, you can stay a little if you want.”

They left the bedroom leaving the angels in human form there. Monica, Tess and Adam stood by Andrew’s bed feeling great sadness to see a dear friend hurt.

“That man... Edgar... He was controlled by evil... I could see it in his eyes,” Monica spoke, never turning her own eyes from Andrew, tenderly stroking his hair.

“Yes, he was... things came to a point where there was no more space for God’s love...” Tess replied, equally sad.

“The police didn’t know who the criminal was, you know. When they arrived at the forest, they saw Andrew holding him and holding the knife that he used to hurt Pamela and me...”

Adam reached out and took Monica’s hand. “But it’s all over now. Everything is finally over.”

“I’ll only feel it’s over when Andrew wakes up... When I listen to his voice again...” she replied, with emotion all over her face.

“It’ll happen sooner than you think, Monica. Be sure of that.”

The three angels lifted a silent prayer for their dearest friend and a few minutes later, Adam checked his pocket watch, “I... I have to go now...” he stroked her cheek, “Take care of him. And take care of you too, sweetie. I’ll check on you both later, ok?”

“Thank you, Adam.”

The angel of death disappeared a second later, leaving the other angels alone.

Monica continued to hold Andrew’s hand and to stroke his hair, with permanent tears rolling down her face. She watched everything: the shot, the blood staining his T-shirt, his stumbling on the ground lifeless. Whenever she was scared or in the moments of despair, his soothing voice and comforting words would always put her heart at ease. But at that horrible moment, the blond angel was unable to stop her constant cries, as all he could mutter was her name before his eyes closed.

*

Some hours passed since Andrew had been operated and all this time, Monica remained by his side, either praying or talking to him, in a very low voice, even though the blond angel remained unconscious. Tess had left for a while, having received a silent message she was needed some place else, and for the last couple of hours the two angels had been alone.

Sitting on the chair placed next to the bed, Monica stared at Andrew’s sleeping face for long minutes in the most absolute silence until she let out a long sigh and spoke again, “I miss you so much, you know... I miss talking to you...” she wiped some tears away, hating to see the paleness of his face and the bandages around his head. “But I guess you too must be missing some company there, yes? I wish there was something I could do for you so that you didn’t feel so alone, you know... I... I’d like to sing a beautiful song for you... but... but I’m not sure you’d like it... You and I know that singing isn’t one of my abilities...”

She stopped talking and caressed his blond hair, surveying his pale face and looking for any sign of reaction, looking for anything that could show her that her dearest friend would live. Only a long minute later, realising that he was still too distant from her, did she speak again, “Well... since you’re asleep, I guess I could try to do it in a very low voice... That way I wouldn’t bother you...”

With tears rolling freely on her cheeks, the Irish angel sighed deeply and then started to sing a hymn in a very low voice, almost a whisper.

CHAPTER 19

Monica sang next to Andrew’s bed for some time but her tears and the sad memories of the last two days prevented her from going on. The Irish angel stopped her singing and lowered her head, letting the tears fall freely from her eyes, as the sorrow inside her angelic heart was too much for her to bear. It was at that very moment that the Irish angel felt a soft squeeze in her hand, which caused her to raise her head again, staring at the blond angel with surprise and expectation: Andrew moved his head and opened his eyes - his dearest friend’s face was the first image he saw. Although things were not clear to him yet, as he didn’t know where he was and what had happened in the last hours, a wave of relief washed his soul.

Andrew couldn’t speak, though, as no words could express what he was feeling at that very moment. When Monica’s eyes met his gaze for the first time, all the sweetness, compassion and tenderness so common to her soul seemed to fill his heart immediately, sending away all the anger and fear that had settled there.

Monica for herself, felt her own little heart beating faster, with so much expectation that she nearly doubted that her dearest friend was really awake. But a quick look at their conjoined hands and the feeling of his hand squeezing hers told another story. Fresh tears ran freely down on her cheeks as she looked at his face again: like him, the Irish angel didn’t know what to say. It was as if all the kind and sweet words that always came out of her mouth had turned into a multitude of loving feelings that could not be voiced, but which certainly could be felt.

And, without saying a word, the angels rested their foreheads together and cried.

*

A grey haired woman in her sixties sat down on a bench, in the gardens that surrounded an old little church located in the heart of the small town. With sad eyes, she stared at the building for a long time, lost in her thoughts, trying to understand why that tragedy had happened to her daughter. Even after an angel of God had visited her with a message from the Father Himself, she still couldn’t enter the church. All Mrs Adams could feel was sorrow and pain and there was no place for faith.

Besides this, she couldn’t bear to stay in the same house she and her late daughter and husband lived – the memories were too many. If there was one thing she was grateful for at that very moment was the invitation from her brother to spend some time with him and his own daughter. The old Dr Baker, so dear to that small town, had been insisting that she should move to live with him and she finally decided to accept the invitation.

All of a sudden, a little girl’s voice took her out of her reverie. “Excuse me, madam... are you sad?”

She turned her eyes from the church and looked at little Amy, whose innocent face seemed to bring an unexpected memory to her mind. That child looked like her daughter Dana, when she was little.

“Please, don’t be sad...” she asked, feeling sorry for the old lady.

“I’m sorry, dear, but right now I can’t stop feeling sad...” she replied, some tears already falling from her eyes. Amy sat down right next to her and continued to look at her. “Then I can stay here and be your friend. Is that gonna help?”

Those sincere words had an immediate effect on the woman: a tiny, yet bittersweet, smile appeared on her face; the first smile since her Dana passed away. “Thank you, dear.” She spoke, tenderly stroking the girl’s cheek.

Amy looked at the small flower she had in her hands and offered it to Mrs Adams, “Here, for you...”

Overwhelmed with emotion, she took the flower in her hands, “Thank you, sweetie. It’s very beautiful... What’s your name?”

“Amy. And yours?”

“I’m Mrs Adams...”

“I can see you made a new friend, besides little Joy here, right, baby?” the voice that interrupted the conversation was Tess’. The angel knew who that woman was and at the moment she saw the two talking, she understood that God had a plan.

“Mrs Adams is sad and I wanna help her, Tess.” The girl explained, as the old angel sat down on the bench right beside them. “Oh really? And what did you do then, sweetie?”

“I gave her my flower. Mommy says that when you’re sad you gotta help people. She says that if you do something good for someone then you start to feel good too and then you’re not sad anymore.”

Hearing those words, Mrs Adams let another tear fall from her eyes and she nodded her head. ”That’s a very beautiful thing to say, Amy. Your mommy must be wonderful.” She said, tenderly stroking the girl’s hair. Tess observed in silence the small change that had just happened in the woman’s heart, and, when little Joy barked from a certain distance, somewhat calling Amy’s attention, the old angel saw an opportunity to speak to the woman sitting next to her.

“Hello, Mrs Adams, I’m Tess. I’m doing some voluntary work at the church.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Tess...” the woman replied, politely.

“I agree with you, you know. What little Amy said is something to always have in mind. So wise words spoken by such a young child...”

“Yes... She reminds me of someone, you know...” she said, “Where is her mother?”

“In hospital.” Tess’ answer came together with a sad expression on her face, “We’ve been taking care of Amy here at the church.”

“What? Why?” the woman was suddenly shocked with that piece of news.

“It is a long story, Mrs Adams. And a very sad one...” Tess’ eyes were filled with tears as she said that, “But if you want to listen, I’ll tell you everything that’s happened.”

Mrs Adams looked at little Amy playing with a puppy dog in the church patio, not far from where they were, and was immediately sorry for her. “Please, tell me everything, Tess. If there’s something I can do to help...”

“Well, I believe, Mrs Adams, that you can help each other...”

*

In the hospital room where Andrew was, the two angels remained holding each other’s hands and crying; the strong emotions in their hearts speaking volumes in the silence of the place.

Only after a long time did Monica break the silence, raising her head and looking at him, “...God knows that I’ve never felt so grateful in all my existence as I do now...” the tears in her eyes were so many that they nearly blinded her.

Andrew let go of her hand and stroked her cheek, his eyes were equally filled with tears of happiness and emotion, “Monica... angel... I was so desperate trying to find you... imagining what could’ve happened to you...” the blond angel’s voice was hoarse with emotion and the mix of different feelings in his soul stopped him from talking.

Monica covered his hand with hers and gently admonished him, “Shh... you shouldn’t speak, Andrew. Please, don’t make any effort, you’re recovering from a surgery...”

“Nothing... I said nothing in this world can stop me from saying how much you mean to me, angel...” he took her hand again and pressed it over his heart, “... I missed this opportunity once. I told you harsh, awful words that make feel so ashamed right now... And when I was faced with the possibility of never seeing you again, I realised that not even all the anger in the world can help me if I lose you...”

“But I’m here now, Andrew... [i]We[/i] are here now, thanks to our Father.”

The blond angel nodded with a slight smile, the first smile since that tragedy happened. “Yes... He gave me so much already... Much more than I deserve, I guess...”

“Please, don’t say that... You’re God’s child and deserve nothing less than His love, and He loves you, Andrew. He saw your tears and your despair, He saw your suffering and your pain and cried together with you.” After a short pause, she stroked his blond hair and kept on talking; her eyes full of tenderness, “But the Father can also see this wonderful, loving heart you have and right now I know He’s restoring all the joy and peace so common to your soul.”

Slowly, Andrew took her hand to his lips and looked at her again, “I know He is... After all, you’re here by my side, right?” happy to see a smile now appearing in her face, he added, “Once you told me to trust that He would take care of you for me...You were right again, angel: He did.”

“He took care of both of us, in fact...” Shedding more tears of emotion, Monica bent her head and brushed a kiss on his forehead. It was then that Tess appeared in the room, in her angelic form; her dark eyes already filled with tears of happiness to see her two precious angel babies together again. “Babies... Angel boy...” she spoke, rushing towards the bed.

“Hey, Tess...”

“Oh Lord, you’re awake! You’re finally awake! Oh thank You, Father! Thank You so much for bringing my two babies back to me! I love you two so much! So much, babies...” her heart was full with so much emotion that she could hardly speak.

“It’s so good to see you again, Tess... Having you both by my side again is... is the best present I could ever receive...” he said, his voice low and weak but not less contented; the supervisor grabbed his and Monica’s hands and, together, they offered a prayer of thanks for being reunited again. The strong love that had always shared was filling that room, showing itself in the glow that involved the three angels and in the tears of joy and gratitude that they shared

*

Two weeks later...

It was past 1 AM when Andrew opened his eyes and waited until he got used to the darkness inside his bedroom. He, Monica and Tess were back to the cabin, up in the mountains, and two weeks after the terrible incident that nearly threatened their lives and of their assignments’, they were still recovering from the injuries in their human bodies. Frowning a little, the blond angel sat up on his bed, wincing with pain due to the wound that the bullet had made in his chest. After a short pause, he stood up and left his room, heading up to another bedroom, where he could see a light on.

The door had been left ajar and after a soft knock, he poked his head inside, finding his dearest friend sitting on the loveseat, nearby the window. “Monica?” he said, in a low voice, dreading to scare her.

But the Irish angel turned her head from the dark view outside to face him with a slight smile on her face, “Hi...”

“What are you doing up so late, angel? Is there something wrong? Are you feeling any pain?” he had a worried expression on his face as he entered the room and walked over up to her.

Still smiling, she shook her head, “Oh, no, Andrew. I’m fine.”

“You sure?” the blond angel sat down opposite to her, still not convinced.

“Yes, I’m fine. I just wish I hadn’t drunk so much coffee this afternoon, you know... I should’ve listened to you...” a little relieved to hear that, he smiled and shook his head, “I’m starting to miss the time when Tess used to control your caffeine level, angel!”

She let out a small laugh and lowered her voice, as if she was going to tell him a secret, “I guess she’s spoiling me a little...”

“Yes, she is! But have in mind that this is only temporary! She wouldn’t be Tess if she didn’t pick on your... ‘admiration’ for coffee!” he replied, chuckling at his own wording.

“That’s why I have to enjoy it the best I can!”

Still smiling, Andrew nodded and then searched for her hand, not missing the white bandage that was still wrapped around her forearm and which he knew was also around her stomach. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m getting better every day, Andrew. This is temporary too.” She tilted her head and looked deep inside his green eyes with tenderness, “What about you?”

He looked down at his chest, which was also wrapped with bandages underneath his T-shirt, and sighed with a little bit of disappointment, “Getting better too, I guess. I just wish we could heal by other means... Staying in human form has some drawbacks...”

“Yes, I know. But we should stay away for a while, it’s important that the ones we helped have some time alone with each other now.”

“And judging by how cheerful little Amy is, we can be sure they’ll get along just fine! She can melt even the hardest of the hearts!”

“She sure can!” the Irish angel let out a small laugh and then became serious again, letting go of his hand to place her own hand over his heart, “And how are you feeling in here?”

Sighing, Andrew lowered his eyes for a second, turning to face her still with an inch of sadness, “Getting better too... Learning to transform my pain into something else other than hate and anger... Learning to be an angel again.”

“The joy and happiness so common to your heart are still there, Andrew, you just have to let them appear again. And I’m sure that this will happen sooner than you think!”

“I believe that too...” he reached out and caressed her cheek with tenderness and his eyes filled with love, “... after all I have a loving Father, I’m surrounded by friends who I love very much and... and I have you, angel. My angel.”

Now with a broad smile, Monica leaned on his gentle touch and reached for his hand one more time, “I am.”

Andrew leaned forward and brushed a tender kiss on her forehead, “Come with me...”

The angels left the bedroom and climbed down the stairs. A few minutes later, they were both sitting on the couch, in front of a warm fireplace. Andrew covered themselves with a warm quilt and waited until Monica snuggled close to him, resting her head over his chest. But when she noticed how he hesitated to wrap his arm around her shoulders and pull her closer and looked at him with a questioning face.

“You’re still healing, I think we should stay like this...”, he said, “I... I may hurt you...”

“You would never hurt me, Andrew!” she replied, frowning at how absurd that statement was.

“No, of course not on purpose, angel, but I could unintentionally, I...”

“Andrew, could you please hold me?” the somewhat demanding expression on her face was nearly funny and caused him to frown with disapproval.

“Why do I always have this problem in saying ‘no’ to you?” he complained, knowing that he lost another battle. Carefully, Andrew placed his arm around her small shoulders, bringing her closer to him and feeling a wave of inner peace to hold that loving and warm hearted angel in his arms once again.

Monica let out a contented sigh and smiled, “That’s because of this kind loving heart you have, ya know?” saying that, she reached out and kissed his cheek. Then, she returned to the comfortable place against his chest.

Overwhelmed with tenderness and deep love, the blond angel smiled and kissed the top of her head repeatedly. “Oh, angel... I love you.”

“I love you too, Andrew...”

With his eyes filled with love, he watched as the monotonous movement of his fingers softly running through her auburn hair lulled her to a pleasant sleep. Only then did he sleep too.

*

Some hours later, Tess woke up and found her two angel babies peacefully sleeping on the couch, in the warm living room. Her face immediately softened and, carefully not to wake them up, the supervisor came closer to them and straightened the quilt around their human forms, which were now miraculously healed. “Sleep well, babies. I love you two very much...” she whispered. Then, she kissed the top of their heads and left.

EPILOGUE

Mrs Adams walked along the sidewalk and stopped right in front of the small church. After a long minute of reflection, the woman gave the first step towards the ancient building and finally entered. The place was quiet and deserted; a boy arranging the altar was the only person who she could see but he soon left. The old lady looked at the altar and, biting her lower lip, she sat down on the front pew and let out a long sigh. “I just hope You accept me back, despite my being so distant from You...” she spoke, almost in a whisper.

“For Him, you were never away, Mrs Adams.” A sudden voice caused her to look at her right: sitting next to her was the same blond angel who had once revealed to her in her daughter’s funeral. The beautiful glow that involved his form didn’t scare her.

“Andrew...”

“I came here with another message from God to you... He says He’s happy to see you here, happy to hear your words to Him. But you should also have in mind that even when you closed your heart to God, He was watching over you, crying with you night after night, holding you in His arms when you thought you couldn’t live anymore...”

“I know... if I’m standing right here, right now, it’s because of Him... now... now that almost two months have passed, I can see how I managed to go on... Each day is a difficult one, Andrew, but...” the expression on her face softened, “... but some weeks ago something happened, you know. I met this little girl and her mother and suddenly I felt the need to help them...”

The blond angel smiled and nodded his head: yes, the Father was indeed wonderful and His plan was always wise. He took the old woman’s hand and looked deep inside her eyes, “Then do it wholeheartedly, Mrs Adams. Transform the pain and sorrow you’re feeling in your heart into kindness towards other people. Do it to honour your daughter; she would be very proud of you.”

Tears were now freely falling from her eyes, “Thank you... And I’m terribly sorry for the harsh, terrible words I told you...”

“We all go through difficult times; I’m an angel but I’m not perfect. And now I guess I can understand how you were feeling. That’s why I can tell you to give nothing less than love to the ones who are near you... You have a loving brother and niece and I know how much you already like this little child and her mother... So, love them without fear; trust their soul to God and be sure that, someday, you and your beloved daughter Dana will be together again. God would never keep you two apart forever.”

“Thank you, Andrew... thank you so much... And thank You, God...”

*

“Look mommy, I found more flowers over there!” little Amy spoke, pointing to a spot not far from the bench where her mother was sitting. A month after that terrible nightmare that she had been through, Pamela was restarting her life, now without the constant fear that had been filling her soul.

“Don’t go too far, Amy!” Pamela spoke, but without the same fear as before: they were in the park located in the centre of that small beautiful town, surrounded by green trees and beautiful flowers. There were many other children playing around, being watched by their parents, on that lovely sunny day, with the bluest of the skies.

“Okay...” she replied, and happily walked over up to a tall tree, near of which lots of little daisies grew up. She kneeled on the ground and started to pick the flowers when she heard a familiar voice, with a soothing Irish accent.

“Hullo, Amy!”

The girl raised her head and a broad smile appeared on her face, “Monica!”

Barefoot, the Irish angel was wearing a long sleeveless white dress; her hair flung over her shoulders in auburn locks and a beautiful glow involved her form. “I love the flowers! They’re very beautiful!”

“Thanks!”

Monica knelt right in front of her and stroked her cheek, “How are you, huh? I think you’re very happy!”

“Yeah! Mommy and I are gonna live here!”

“Oh really? So you’ll have a new house, right?”

“Yes!”

“Amy, I told you not to go too far...” Pamela had come after her daughter but she stopped speaking when she saw Monica and a smile appeared on her face, “Monica!”

The Irish angel stood up and greeted her, “Hello, Pamela...”

“Oh my goodness, I thought I’d never see you again; I looked for you and Andrew in the hospital but... but you were gone...”

“Yes, we were healing some other place... But we didn’t forget you both, we knew you were in good hands here on Earth...”

“We’ve always been in good hands, Monica. Only now I realise that!” with an expression of gratitude all over her face, the woman came closer to the angel and took her hand, “I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t tell you how grateful I am for having you and Andrew in my life...”

“Don’t thank me, Pamela. Thank God. It was Him who sent us to you when you most needed us...” the angel replied.

“I know He did and I also thanked Him too. But I’m specially grateful that, among all His angels, He sent me you two... If I’m standing right here, with my little daughter, I owe it to you two... I owe it to you, Monica, who had the courage to face your own fears to protect me... Even if you were human, I’d still say you’re an angel from God...”

“I’m happy that the Father picked Andrew and me to protect you both...” she held the woman’s hands, “But you have to make every minute of your life count now, Pamela. Live in the truth and trust your life to God. You had a living proof that He’s watching over you and wee Amy. Don’t let your fears be stronger than your faith; remember Who loves you...”

“I will!” Pamela replied, with gratitude. It was then that little Amy frowned and looked around her, “Where is Andrew?”

A mysterious smile appeared on Monica’s face with that question.

*

Andrew had been sitting on a bench, in that same park, for nearly half an hour. Monica had asked him to meet her there after he had spoken to Mrs Adams and he felt grateful for having such a loving and caring friend, who was there to guide his footsteps at that difficult time. Watching the children playing around and how beautiful the day was, he smiled: the nightmare that had started some months before had finally finished and he could rediscover how wonderful the world that God created could be.

Suddenly, a little girl’s voice took him out of his reverie and caused him to look to over his shoulder: Amy and Monica were walking towards him and, a second later, they were sitting on the bench, right next to him.

“Hey, two beautiful ladies here with me! Today is a really blessed day!” he joked, taking their both hands in his own.

“Amy and I have a message and... a little surprise for you, right Amy?” a smiling Monica replied, winking at the little girl, who nodded her head emphatically. “Yes!”

Then, they both handed the blond angel the small bouquets of flowers they had in their hands. Overwhelmed with tenderness, he took the delicate flowers and smiled at the sweet gesture, exactly what he could expect from that little girl and from that warm hearted angel he knew so well. Little Amy stood on her feet over the bench and brushed a loving kiss on Andrew’s cheek. “We love you!”

“There, I guess wee Amy already delivered everything!” Monica added, smiling broadly and finding his blushing face rather adorable.

With a broad smile, he nodded, “You’re both the most adorable angel girl and little girl I ever met in my whole existence, you know?” he said, kissing their hands.

Smiling, Monica rested her head over his shoulder and wrapped her arm around his own, while little Amy giggled happily to hear that compliment. Andrew leaned to his right and kissed the top of the Irish angel’s head and picked two flowers from his little bouquet: one, he gave to little Amy; and the other, to his dearest friend.

Some time later, the two angels took Amy back to her mother, remaining from a certain distance from where Pamela was and watching as the girl rushed towards her mom. And, sitting right beside Pamela, Mrs Adams looked at the little girl with a slight smile on her face. She also had a little doll in her hands – her present for the adorable child that had come into her life when she herself thought that life didn’t exist anymore.

“Do you believe in angels, Mrs Adams?” Pamela asked her, observing the presence of the two angels who had helped her at the most difficult hour of her existence. The old lady raised her head and also saw the two heavenly beings from a certain distance, “When I denied their existence, they were closer to me than I could’ve ever imagined...” she smiled, “...fortunately I came to realise that in time and then I finally understood that God was always with me, no matter what.”

The younger woman nodded her head with a smile on her face, “Yes... He is always with us...”

*

Hand in hand, Monica and Andrew turned away and started to walk along the green grass, now in their angelic glowing form, invisible to the human eye.

“It’s such a beautiful day!” the little Irish angel exclaimed, after a while, looking around them with a happy sigh and squeezing his hand.

“Yes... there’s much beauty in this world...” Andrew stopped walking and took her other hand, standing face to face with her and looking straight into her bright brown eyes, “...and I’m glad that I have you right here with me to remind me that!” Then, he tenderly stroked her cheek, “You bring much beauty to my world, angel.”

Slightly blushed, she lowered her eyes for a second, only to raise them again and look at his green pools with a sheepish smile playing on her lips, “I don’t know about that, Andrew...”

Chuckling, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and then he gently grabbed her face with both hands. “Well, I do... When I look at you, I remember what being an angel really means.”

“That’s not fair. You too have always been an angel to me, Andrew. Protecting me since the very first day we’ve met...” suddenly, her smile disappeared and she frowned a little, “... and I’m always ashamed when I remember the way I treated you then...”

Chuckling even more, the blond angel shook his head, “Oh, Monica... Angel... I found you adorable since the very first moment I lay my eyes on you and now, years later, I can see that I was absolutely right then!” he brushed a kiss on her forehead; his words causing her to blush even more and some tears to fall from in her eyes, “You shouldn’t say those things...”

“Why not?” he wanted to know, wiping away the few tears that rolled down on her cheeks, and finding the expression on her face lovely.

“Because... what you say is so beautiful that... that I don’t know what to tell you next...”

He let out a small laugh and stroked her auburn hair, “You don’t have to. I can feel what’s in your heart, remember?” kissing her temple, the blond angel pulled his weeping friend for a warm embrace, “You don’t just take the truth to the many people who need reassurance and faith; you also take the truth to my heart, Monica. Many years ago, while I was working on an assignment, I read something that, at first, I found a beautiful quote but which only had a greater meaning to me after I met you... [i]Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our own wings have trouble remembering how to fly.[/i]”

Shedding some more tears, she tightened her hold on him, “That’s so beautiful...”

“More than once you did this for me; more than once you were by my side, believing in me when I myself couldn’t believe in this world anymore...”

“And I’ll be by your side whenever you need me, Andrew, I promise!”

It was then that he pulled away and, once again, lay one of his hands over her face, “Then you’ll have to be at my side for the rest of eternity, angel. Not a single day less.”

Shedding some more tears, yet with a lovely smile permanently on her face, she nodded, “I will!”

Andrew placed a tiny kiss on the tip of her nose and, suddenly, they heard a familiar voice right next to them and turned their heads to see Tess walking towards them, “Well, everybody knows that the angel of death needs the no shoes angel! I just hope that they don’t forget about this other old angel here!”

Monica and Andrew exchanged an amused glance and the Irish angel winked at him, “Oh Tess... the no shoes angel loves the angel of death as much as she loves the angel-of-us-all!” Monica wrapped her arm around the supervisor’s arm and kissed her cheek.

“Angel-of-us-all?!” she frowned, not really sure if she liked that new term of endearment.

“The same thing goes for the angel of death!” Andrew added, chuckling at the nickname and at Tess’ face. He too lay a kiss on her cheek and wrapped his arm around hers.

“I love you two so much, ya know?” after hearing a slightly upset bark, she quickly corrected herself, “I mean, you three! You’re my angels, the best part of me!” she said, and the three angels and a very smart little puppy who followed them close, walked away from the park; Monica between the two souls she loved most in the entire universe.

The trio watched as a white dove cooed and flew right across the green trees and then slowly disappeared, making their way back Home.

The end