By Deyse Magalhães
PROLOGUE
“[i]Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.[/i]”
Monica’s soothing voice filled the air and each word pleasantly pronounced by “the angel who could not sing” sounded like a perfect note of a bigger symphony. Children were playing around the park, yelling and laughing out loud, playing with their toys or running barefoot on the soft green grass, playing hide and seek behind the bushes and huge old trees, which provided a generous shadow to their parents and to other visitors. Birds singing and the barking of excited little dogs could also be heard along that vast green area on that Saturday morning. It was a bright sunny day with the bluest of the skies and a gentle breeze spread the sweet perfume of the wildflowers, making it such a perfect day that even angels decided to enjoy the wonderful world created by their loving Father.
The Irish angel finished to read the poem with a pensive, rather reflective expression on her face. Sitting on the soft green grass right beside her, another angel contemplated her meek features not only with natural enchantment but also with some amusement, and wondered about the many thoughts that were running through her head at that very moment. But he just chuckled and waited patiently until she voiced them to him – Andrew was never tired of listening to her remarks about the world. Besides, he knew that if there was a friend to whom she would always voice her questionings, that was him. And, trying to hide how proud he was for being that very friend, he would always listen to each of her questions or remarks intently.
“Have you ever thought about the consequences of choosing a path just because it’s the easiest one, Andrew?” she finally spoke, closing the poem book and placing it over her lap. Little Joy was lying next to her and while Monica waited for his reply, she caressed the puppy’s black fur.
The blond angel’s eyebrows knitted together and he took a few seconds thinking about the best way to reply to her question. “Well... I’d say the more time you keep following the wrong path, the more wrong decisions you’ll make...”
Still contemplating their surroundings, Monica nodded her head, “Exactly. And it all leads to regret. Regret is a terrible thing, you know, Andrew.”
“Yes, I agree, angel. It’s terrible to find out that all that you believed was wrong and that you cannot change it anymore...”
For the first time, she turned her head to face him, her sparkling brown eyes reflecting how much she loved those free moments she would always spend with her dearest friend, “It’s even worse, you know. Regret can stop people from seeing that the best thing to do is not to mourn about the past but to think about how they can mend their mistakes. Learning that even the most terrible thing can turn into something good if they have hope and faith.”
“You’re right again. I guess that... when you find out you’ve been totally wrong and how many mistakes you’ve made, despair takes control of your mind and then... Then it gets difficult to know what the next step is.”
Overwhelmed with love, Andrew watched as she looked around one more time and a meek, adorable smile appeared on her face, “I’m glad that it’s in moments like these that the Father sends His angels with a message of love so that people can see how much they’re loved and that they’re never alone.”
Also smiling, the blond angel wrapped an arm around her small shoulders and brought her closer to him, brushing a loving kiss on her temple, “And I’m glad that He sent me this adorable friend who can always fill my heart with joy and who is always there to remind me I’m never alone!”
The little angel’s smile grew wider and she blushed a little, “I wish I could find the words to tell you about the wonderful friend He gave me too, you know...” she looked at him with eyes equally filled with love, “But for a while I’ll keep on telling this friend that he’s a blessing that I’ll thank the Father for... for the rest of my existence!”
They spent some more time there, enjoying their beautiful surroundings and each other’s company in a comfortable silence, proper of those whose connection was such a strong one that it didn’t require words. They only spoke again when Andrew moved a little, causing Monica to raise her head from his shoulder and watch him as he searched inside his pocket for his watch.
“Is it time already?” she wanted to know, with a tone of sadness in her soothing voice.
“No, not yet, but I want you to come with me...” Andrew replied, and then he picked up her sandals left on the ground (and which she had removed from her feet since they got there) and offered his hand to her, in order to help her stand up.
“Where are we going?” her curious face was so adorable that he lifted a quick prayer thanking God for adding that sweet and warm hearted friend to the beauty that surrounded them – if he were to pick a favourite element from all those Father’s creations, it wouldn’t take him more than a second to choose.
“You’ll see, angel...” chuckling at the look of curiosity that she shot him, he wrapped his arm around her small shoulders, kissing her temple lovingly, and the two angels and the little puppy who was always following them left the place afterwards.
*
“My goodness! It’s the best milkshake I’ve ever tasted in me whole existence!” Monica exclaimed, some time later, dazzled at the flavour of the mocha milkshake she was now drinking for the first time. Andrew was sitting right in front of her and, although he had said he’d drink one too, there was a cup with chocolate in his hands instead, and he watched her dearest friend’s excitement with an amused expression on his face. “I can’t possibly understand why you prefer chocolate, Andrew!”
“I’m fine with my chocolate, Monica!” he said, holding the cup of chocolate and chuckling when she rolled her eyes and continued to drink, “Tell me, how is your assignment doing? Is there anything you need before... before I go.”
Hearing about their impending separation spoiled the brightness of the smile on her face, “Oh, well, I guess Tess and I are finally making Evelyn see that her parents love her and that they’re waiting for her with open arms.” Her joy to see that one more assignment was about to end well was reflected in the spark of her eyes, and it filled Andrew’s heart with happiness, “It’s so good to hear it, angel.”
“I’m just sorry that you’re not in this assignment with us, you know. It’d make me even happier.”
He reached out across the table and took her hand, “I’d be happy to work with you again, Monica. And I’m sure that the Father will allow us to work together eventually.”
She nodded her head resignedly, “I know. What about your assignment? How is it going?”
“Well, I’m having my last free minutes here. I have to come back soon.”
“And is it that hard?” she wanted to know, feeling the slight worry that was lingering in his heart.
“It’s not a simple assignment, such as escorting the person Home. This young man, Roy, is having trouble with drugs and involved in some minor offences... His life is at risk now...”
Monica’s eyes grew wide hearing that and she tightened the hold in his hand, “It’s dangerous... For him and for you... You’ll be in human form most part of the time...”
“Yes, but the Father will be with me [i]all the time[/i],” he emphasised his last words, trying to put her now worried little heart at ease.
“I know. And I’ll pray for you and for this poor young man.”
A slight smile reappeared on his handsome face as he nodded his head, “Can I ask you something else?”
“Yes! Of course! If there’s anything I can do to help you just have to tell me! What is it?” Monica’s answer was such an enthusiastic one that his smile grew wider: how he loved that dear, sweet friend who was always ready to do anything for him! Taking her hand to his lips, he spoke again, “Can I have a hug?”
With a moved expression on her face, and already fighting the tears forming on the corner of her eyes, she forgot about the “mocha shake” and stood up, throwing herself in his arms, which were already wide open to her.
“Promise you’ll take care of yourself?” she spoke, resting the side of her head on his strong chest.
“I do if you promise me the same,” he replied, holding her tightly and tenderly combing her hair.
“I promise... It’ll be difficult to be away, though...”
“Use your heart, angel... The Father Himself blessed us with this connection.”
“I will. But there’s something I want to ask you...” she gently pulled away and, putting her long hair to the side, she unfastened the clasp of her necklace. It was made of gold and had a little angel pendant – Andrew’s present for her a few Christmases before. “I want you to stay with this...”
“Angel, no, I-”
“Andrew-”
“I can’t, it’s yours-”
“And I want you to keep it for me,” she gently interrupted him, “Please, allow me, Andrew?”
The blond angel knew he had lost a battle at the moment he saw Monica’s pleading face and all her kindness and love reflected in the spark of her eyes. It was difficult to deny her something, especially such a loving gesture like that. Sighing deeply, he finally nodded his head. “It’s ok, angel... But this is only temporary! It’s your necklace and I know how much you like it.”
“But I want you to keep it with you until this assignment is over.” She explained, standing on the tip of her toes to place the piece of jewellery around his neck, “This is to remind you that I’m always with you. If you feel sad or lonely, talk to the Father and always remember that, besides Him, there’s an angel who loves you very much.”
Lost for words with such a loving gesture, Andrew pulled her closer to him in a tight embrace and they remained like this for long minutes. Resting his cheek on the top of her head, he wondered if one day he would find a way to express all his love for that sweet warm hearted creature. His feelings for her – protectiveness, affection, loyalty, friendship and an immense love, were constantly growing and every single day of his existence Andrew thanked God for them and for their meeting. The angel Monica had become a part of what he was, and he had the certainty that the angel Andrew found most of the love and reassurance he transmitted to his assignments in the spark of her soft brown eyes. With her, his existence was complete.
“Angel... When the Father made me... He was already considering to create this beautiful little angel...” he spoke, against her perfumed hair, “... you know, in a way to complete the creature that I am.”
After he’d kissed the top of her head, Monica smiled at him, happy and moved to hearing those words. “I think the same, you know... I too think that... that you’re my half... That the Father made me thinking that one day He would join us forever...”
The blond angel lay both hands on each side of her face and looked deep inside her eyes. “I’m sure of this, angel. And I want you to always remember that. No matter what happens, you’ll always be in my thoughts and in my heart.”
“You’re scaring me...” she frowned with worry, “Why are you saying this? Is there something you’re not telling me? Is it dangerous?”
“No, angel, no...” Andrew mentally scolded himself for alarming her that way. He was in the beginning of his assignment and, although he knew it was a tough mission, there weren’t any signs that it could put him at risk, “What I mean is that this assignment maybe means not seeing you as often as we do, as it’ll demand my presence full time, that boy really needs help.” He explained, hoping that his words would put her heart at ease, and heaving a sigh of relief as she lowered her eyes and nodded, “You’re right. And I feel sorry for that boy, he’s been in my prayers. But I know that he has the best angel at his side, I’m sure things we’ll turn out just fine, Andrew!”
A tender smile broke on his face as he stroked her cheeks with his thumbs, “No... the best angel is assigned to a young woman who I’m sure will come back to her family and will never forget that God sent you to help her.”
He brushed a tender kiss on her cheek and another one on the tip of her nose, “I have to go now, sweetie. But as soon as I get the chance, I’ll come to check on you, ok?”
Fighting the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes, she nodded her head, “Okay...”
He gave her one last hug, “I love you.”
“I love you, too...”
Then, Andrew kissed her hand and let it go, disappearing from the park and from Monica’s sight a few seconds later.
CHAPTER 1
With sad tears in her eyes, Monica remembered that day in the park, almost a month before, when she last saw her dearest friend. Since then, she and Andrew hadn’t spoken and, although she could feel his loving presence inside her heart, the Irish angel missed him so badly that now that she’d had a break from her assignment, she decided to pay him a visit at the school where he was working at as a teacher.
Monica walked along the corridors and looked around her, slightly confused about the instructions the school inspector had given her. It was break time and the students were outside; the interior of the building was now deserted, so there wasn’t anybody to inform her the right direction to Andrew’s room. She remained there for some time, deciding which corridor to follow when something – a small noise, drew her attention. Frowning and a bit curious, she realised the noise had come from the corridor on her left and when she made a turn, the Irish angel saw a boy, probably in his late teens, leaving a classroom. He was wearing black clothes and carrying a heavy backpack in his hands. But what scared her was the look in his eyes – a cold, almost threatening one. When he saw her, the boy gave two steps back, staring at her is if warning her not to follow him. Then, he rushed away, disappearing from her view a few seconds later.
With her heart beating faster, and amazed at the deep bad impression the young man had caused her, Monica decided to go ahead and take a look at the classroom from where the boy had come out. The door had been left ajar and she pushed it open to step inside: it was empty like the other rooms, and apparently there was nothing wrong there.
The little angel sighed deeply and left the classroom, still intrigued with what the guy was doing there. But she was also worried about finding Andrew and returned to the same corridor she had come from. It was then that she heard a familiar voice from behind her. “Monica?”
A broad smile appeared on her face as she saw Andrew coming towards her and his welcoming grin at her. A second later, she was already in involved by his warm embrace and had a tear of joy in the corner of her eyes for meeting her dearest friend again.
“When Mr Parker told me there was a ‘beautiful young lady, with lovely accent and an adorable smile’ looking for me I kind of guessed who it could be...” the blond angel spoke, feeling a wave of happiness filling his heart at holding her again after three painful weeks without seeing her.
Smiling, she pulled away just a few inches to look at his face, “Well, Mr Parker is a very kind gentleman, and I was glad when he explained me how to get to your room, but... well, I got a wee bit lost along the way and now I’m glad you found me!”
He couldn’t help chuckling – from the moment the school inspector had informed him that she was looking for him, he knew that her getting lost inside the rather big school was certain. The blond angel lay a hand on her face and caressed her cheek lovingly, “So am I, angel...”
“I... had a break from my assignment and as I knew you were at this school and as it’s not far from where I’m staying I thought that maybe I could come and say hi...” she said, somewhat sheepishly, not sure if it was a good moment.
“And you did well... I missed you so much, Monica,” he reluctantly pulled away and held her hand, “Come with me, I’ll show you my room.”
They started to walk along the corridor and the Irish angel remembered something, “I saw a student just now...”
A slight frown appeared on his handsome face, “A student?”
“Y-yes...” she didn’t miss his slight concern, “He was coming out of a classroom, in that corridor...”
“Strange... students shouldn’t be inside now, it’s break time.”
“He... he had... a troubled expression on his face, Andrew... It was as if he was trying to run away from something or someone...”
When she said that, everything became clear to him, as he knew who she was talking about, “Tall and thin, with black hair and black eyes and wearing dark clothes?”
“Yes... you know him?”
“That’s... Roy, my assignment...”
Her eyes grew wide as she heard that piece of news, “Your assignment? That’s him?”
“Yes... And you’re right, he’s quite a troubled young man; I’m having a hard time trying to make him listen to me...”
“Oh, Andrew, I’m so sorry... He does seem the sort of person who needs help... There was... something in his eyes... in the way he looked at me...”
“He saw you?”
“In the corridor, when he got out of the room...” she noticed as he let out a long sigh and the slight concern in his green pools, “... What is it, Andrew?”
They arrived at his room and he opened the door, motioning for her to enter. Then, he pulled a chair for her and sat right in front of her, “I’m quite sure he’s been using drugs and committing some minor offences; a few thefts to keep his addiction.”
“Oh, my goodness... And have you spoken to his parents?”
“He doesn’t have parents; Roy left the orphanage a bit more than a year ago, as he’s not a minor anymore. He’s all alone in this world and if I don’t get him to listen to what I have to say, I’m afraid I’ll fail my assignment...”
“No, that’s not going to happen, Andrew! I’m sure you’ll find a way with him, you always do!”
A slight smile reappeared on his handsome face and he reached out to hold her hand, “You know something, angel? I have faith and trust the Father with all my heart, but... listening to you saying that really fills my soul with courage.”
“I’m working on this other assignment but if you need my help, Andrew...”
“I know I can always count on you.”
*
The two angels talked for some more time but were abruptly interrupted by the school bell, warning them that the classes would restart in 5 minutes. Sighing deeply, Monica stood up and looked at her dearest friend with sad eyes, “It’s time for you to go back to work, Andrew. I should leave now...”
“I wish he had more time to talk...” he said, taking her hand in both of his, “I promise I’ll find a way to pay you a visit at the church...”
“Oh, I understand, Andrew. The most important now is to find a way to communicate with him and knowing you the way I do, I’m sure you will!”
Smiling, the blond angel took her hand to his lips, “I’m so glad the Father sent you here to light up my day!”
“Well, He must’ve sent me but... well... I was eager to come anyway!”
Laughing, he kept a permanent hold in her hand and although she insisted it wasn’t necessary, Andrew walked with her up to the entrance gate. While they walked along the corridors, Monica didn’t miss the expression on his face: Andrew was certainly trying to find his assignment somewhere nearby.
“I’m sure he’ll be back, you know.”
“He will... I just hope he doesn’t get into trouble more than he already is!”
They soon reached the gate and the impending separation brought tears of sadness to the Irish angel’s eyes, “I... I was so happy to see you again...”
“When this assignment finishes, I’ll ask permission to take some days off – both of us, and then I’ll take you to a beautiful place, where you can walk around barefoot and enjoy the nature. You can bring little Joy with you!”
She let out a small laugher, mixed with a sob, and threw herself in his arms, which held her tightly, protectively and affectionately. “I’ll be waiting for this day to come as I wait for the sun to come out...” she spoke, against his chest, feeling his fingers running through her hair and trying hard not to cry.
The blond angel pulled away just a few inches to look at her meek face and brushed a loving kiss on her forehead, “I promise you that, angel... Now... I think I should go because I don’t want to see anybody crying around here!” he pretended to be tough but deep inside his heart ached with sorrow to see her biting her lower lip and nod her head, “You’re right... And... I should go too, Tess will need me soon...”
“Good...” Andrew gently lay both hands against her cheeks and made her look at him, “... I’m honoured with your visit.”
He kissed her forehead one more time and watched, with his heart filled with sadness, as she walked away, getting more and more distant from him. Only when Monica turned around the corner did he come back to the school.
Walking along the school garden, it didn’t take him too long to find who he had been looking for. While all the students were heading to the school building, Roy remained where he was, sitting under the shadow of a huge oak tree. Andrew came closer to him and as they stood face to face, the boy shot him a threatening look. “Aren’t you going inside with the rest of your friends?”
“I have no friends here...” he replied, coldly.
“I see... Maybe if you tried to approach them you could make one or two.”
“I don’t care about those idiots...they’re all a bunch of losers!” he spoke, standing up and placing his backpack on his shoulder.
Andrew gave one more steps towards him and looked deep inside the boy’s eyes, “If you don’t want to talk to them, then it’s fine. What I’m asking you is to go back into that building not for the others, but for you...”
“What do you care?”
“I do care! You’re getting further and further away from school and it reflects on your performance in class. You’re about to repeat the year again and if you have any problem that stops you from studying and doing the normal things a guy at your age does, then talk to me, I could help you!”
“I don’t want your help! And you’d better stay away from me, I can take care of myself!” he stormed, and then turned his back on the blond angel. Sighing deeply, Andrew watched as he crossed the school gate.
It was then that he heard another voice coming from behind him.
“You shouldn’t waste your time, you know...”
He knew that voice. He knew that ironic tone: Gregory, a dangerous demon was standing right there with a smile on his face.
“What are you doing here, Gregory?” the angel spoke, staring at the evil creature.
“Technically the same thing you are: working on my assignment. And you know, that boy is a hopeless case, sooner or later he’ll make a big mistake and his soul will be lost forever. You should spend your time with someone that matters!”
“All creatures matter to God!” he replied, angrily.
Gregory shrugged his shoulders, “Well, I tried to warn you – you will lose this battle, Andrew. But if you insist on doing this... it’s up to you!”
“Go away from here, Gregory. That boy is a God’s child and He’ll protect him from you and from all you represent!”
“That’s what we’ll see...” he was already leaving when a thought crossed his mind, “... oh, give my regards to Monica! She’s a living breathe, I miss her sometimes!”
Then he disappeared, leaving a deeply worried Andrew behind.
CHAPTER 2
On that morning, Monica had to walk alone to the church where she’d been working in the last weeks, as Tess’ presence was requested some other place. The first step of their assignment had already been accomplished: a young lady named Evelyn had finally agreed to leave the streets and go back to her parents’ house. But she still feared to be rejected by her mother and father, and now the two angels were also helping her to find the necessary strength to ask for forgiveness.
The Irish angel crossed the church gates and was heading to the interior of the building when she heard altered voices coming from the yard. Frowning a little, Monica followed the sounds walking along the green grass and saw that a young couple seemed to be having a serious argument. One of them was Evelyn and the other was a young man, probably in his late teens, wearing black clothes and carrying a heavy backpack. She had seen him before – the cold and threatening look in his eyes left no room for doubts: that was Roy, Andrew’s assignment.
“... go away, Roy, I told you I don’t have any money!”
“I don’t believe you! Look at these clothes, look at this place... they must be giving you some money to afford it!”
“These clothes and even what I eat here come from donations! If you decided to stop using drugs and left the streets you’d see that these people here help the ones who need!”
“I’m not here to hear a lecture, Evelyn, I’m here because I need money!”
When he gave a step closer and held the girl’s arm, Monica felt the need to intervene. “Hey, let go of her arm!” she spoke, in a loud voice, standing right beside Evelyn and shooting the boy a warning look.
Reluctantly, and also staring at her with the same cold look, he let go of the girl’s arm and stepped back. “I’ll come back later, Evelyn...”
Then, he moved away and left the church. Watching as her assignment started to cry and tremble nervously, Monica wrapped her arms around her shoulders, “Shh... it’s okay, Evelyn. Please, stay calm, he won’t bother you anymore.”
“My past will always follow me wherever I go, Monica...”
“Only if you allow this to happen...” she cupped the young lady’s chin and made her look at her, “... you’ve been working so hard to be a better person, to leave the kind of life you had in the streets... Don’t let the first sad memory ruin what you’ve conquered.”
“When I met Roy I used to live in the streets... stealing people and using the money to eat or worse. He’s still leading this kind of life, I know. He can be dangerous, Monica...”
“But you did what you had to do, you told him to go away and he won’t be bothering you, Evelyn. Remember that God will always be holding your hand in the most difficult moments... You’re His child and He loves you very much!”
Sniffling, Evelyn nodded, “I know... I’m... I’m so grateful that He sent you and Tess to help me out... so grateful...”
*
“... the money was stolen from several students, all in the same classroom, and all of them noticed it had been stolen yesterday after the break!” Andrew spoke, with a stern tone in his voice, inside his room at school, on the same day. And sitting in front of him was Roy.
The boy kept on staring at him, with his head raised and a defiant expression on his face. “And I don’t get it why you’re telling me this.” He replied, with some arrogance.
“Because a person saw you getting out of this same room, right before the break was over, and if I recall it well, you didn’t return to your class after that!” the blond angel faced him with the same stern expression.
“Yeah, I saw that woman looking at me as if I was a criminal!” Andrew knew immediately that he was talking about Monica and, for a split second, a shiver ran through his human body. “Maybe she was the one to steal the money!”
Trying to ignore the troubling feeling of hearing that guy talking about Monica, he pulled a chair and sat down right in front of Roy, “You know exactly what you did, Roy. Why don’t you confess it?”
“So that you can screw me up and take me to jail? Forget it, man! And you know what? I’m outta here!” he said, standing up on the following second.
“Don’t you see you’re ruining your life? Don’t you see that Someone wants to give you a chance?” the blond angel spoke, in a last attempt to convince him to stay. But Roy not only ignored his words but also turned around to make a last statement, “You tell that woman that she’d better shut up and forget that I exist or I’ll go back at that church and have a word with her myself!”
Then, he slammed the door behind him, leaving a very scared Andrew behind.
“... See? I told you you shouldn’t waste your time!” Gregory’s voice was heard a second later, causing Andrew to be twice afraid.
“Go away, Gregory. You’re not welcome...” the angel replied, trying hard to control his anger.
“Well, judging by that boy’s behaviour, I guess you’re wrong!” the demon gave a few steps and stopped right in front of Andrew. “His soul is mine already, Andrew. It’s just a matter of days... And if you don’t want any other soul to be sacrificed together with his, you’d better move away from him.”
“I’m not afraid of your threats nor of the one you represent...”
“He’s just an assignment, it’ll be easy to forget... But if anything bad happens to a friend then things get way more painful, don’t you think?”
The evil creature vanished a second later, and frowning with deep concern, Andrew stood by the window, looking at the sky and praying for protection. Roy’s words were still vivid in his mind – he knew Monica; he remembered seeing her a few days earlier, when she visited him at the school. And what was worse: he knew where she was working. With a turmoil of thoughts inside his mind, the blond angel grabbed his leather jacket and left the school building – he needed to check on something urgently.
*
Monica had been working at the church, preparing it for the Sunday mass while Tess and Evelyn were out collecting donations for charity. Barefoot, and with a few strands of hair disarrayed from her ponytail, the Irish angel was now in the garden, picking some flowers for the altar when she heard a familiar voice right behind her.
“Angel?”
Monica turned around with a surprised and pleased expression on her face, “Andrew!” the broad smile on her face made his heart ten times lighter. “I didn’t know you were coming...”
“Well... I just... I wanted to make a surprise...” he said, quickly searching for an excuse for his sudden visit. With a slight smile on his face, he wrapped her in his arms for a warm embrace, resting his cheek on the top of her head and closing his eyes for a moment, amazed with the incredible sensation of peace she was able to bring to his troubled heart.
“Is... is there something wrong?” she wanted to know, feeling an inch of distress coming from his soul – their connection didn’t leave room for doubt, if there was a problem, she could sense it.
Sighing deeply, he pulled away just a little and gently cupped her cheek, “Well... when you visited me a few days ago we only talked for a few minutes and now that I have some free time I thought it was fair enough to pay you a visit as well...”
The mix of innocence and curiosity on her meek face was such that it filled his heart with emotion and, for a split second, he felt like asking her to go away from that city because it wasn’t a safe place anymore.
With the usual kind smile back, she nodded her head, “I’m happy you’re here, ya know, I’m just sorry I’m not exactly prepared to receive a guest!” she cheerfully replied, looking at herself – her hair was disarrayed, she was barefoot and her hands and feet were dirty with mud for the time she’d been picking flowers.
“You’re prettier than ever!” he spoke, gently caressing her cheek, trying to disguise all the worry inside his troubled heart. “Let me help you with this...”
The two angels spent the rest of the afternoon talking about trivial matters and for some time, Andrew felt his worries diminish as Monica’s cheerful mood sent away some of his sadness and made him believe, even if for brief moments, that everything would be alright again. By 7 p.m. they finally finished to tidy up the church for the mass early on the following morning.
“Thank you, Andrew. I’d have taken more time if you weren’t here to help me!” she said, truly grateful.
“You’re always welcome, baby. But what about Tess and your assignment... shouldn’t they be back already?”
“Oh, they would spend the day out. Many people from this region help with the church donating clothes and food and with Tess’ car it’s easier to collect them.”
He listened to her words attentively and then nodded, “Alright... then I’ll walk with you until the apartment.”
“Andrew, I’d love to have your company but I know you have an assignment to take care of and I won’t mind if-”
“Please, Monica, let me do this,” he asked, and the urgent tone in his voice warned her that she should allow him to do so.
“It’s... it’s alright then... I’ll go and wash my hands and my feet then... I’ll be right back,” she replied, aware that there was something he wasn’t telling her.
Both angels returned to the apartment some time later and when she saw her “daddy,” little Joy practically jumped on his feet, wagging her tiny tail and pleading for some attention.
“Hey, little one! I’m happy to see you too!” Andrew knelt on the floor and caressed the puppy’s soft black fur, chuckling at the animal’s excitement.
“She missed her ‘daddy’ very much!” the Irish angel spoke, closing the entrance door behind her and smiling to see how the little dog took the opportunity to untie his shoe laces and try to rip them off his shoes – something that she would always do.
“I can see that!” he joked, with mock annoyance. Joy looked back at him and barked twice, enjoying it when he stroked her tiny head once again. Andrew’s expression softened and the smile returned to his face, “I’ve been missing this, you know... Staying with you all, like we always are most part of the time...”
“Me too... But there will be many assignments ahead, Andrew. And Tess will be here at any minute, you can stay with us for dinner; everything is ready and-”
“No, angel, I’m sorry.” He stood up and cupped her cheek with his hand, “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I... have to check on Roy and see if he didn’t get himself into more trouble than he already is.”
Sighing deeply, she nodded, noticing that his handsome smile was gone, “I understand... I saw him yesterday, you know. At the church.”
That piece of information wasn’t new to him. Yet, it brought a very unpleasant sensation to his heart. “What was he doing there?” he asked, electing not to tell her that he already knew about it – that would probably alarm her and reveal the reason for all his concern.
“He knows Evelyn, my assignment. It seems that they dated in the past, when she was in the streets. She was trying to send him away but he insisted on staying and asking for money. I had to interfere as he was holding her arm tightly...”
Even more scared to hear that, the blond angel nodded and took her hand in both of his, “Angel... I don’t understand what this means, although we both know it’s not a coincidence. But I’m gonna ask you something: please, be careful with him, ok?”
“I know. Don’t worry, Andrew, I’ll be alright.”
“Come here...” he pulled her for a tight embrace, “You take care of yourself, ok?”
“You take care of yourself too. I’ll say a special prayer for you, I’m sure things will be alright...”
“Thank you, angel...”
He lay a gentle kiss on her forehead and left the apartment afterwards. From the window, the little angel watched as her dearest friend went away and it was then that she heard Joy’s weeping next to her. Feeling sorry for the animal, she scooped her in her arms and kissed her tiny head, “I know, sweetheart. He’s sad and worried and I know this assignment isn’t an easy one... If he fails, he won’t forgive himself...”
CHAPTER 3
“... he was terribly sad and worried, Tess. It seemed that... that he had already failed the assignment...” Monica spoke to a very worried Tess on the following day. They were both at the church, separating the donations that the supervisor had collected on the previous afternoon, and the Irish angel took the opportunity to tell her friend about Andrew’s behaviour.
“Hum... it’s not like angel boy to act like that... Did he tell you anything else? Anything more serious?”
“No... I know it’s not an easy assignment, but maybe the fact that Roy and Evelyn know each other means something... something we don’t see at this very moment, but which can be clear eventually.”
“You’re probably right, angel girl. But the best way we can help Andrew is to find as much information as possible about his assignment. And I don’t need to remind you that he always listens to you.”
“I’ll do everything I can to help him, Tess. I promise I will...”
Little Joy started weeping at Monica’s feet once again, and the angel scooped the dog and placed her on her lap, “Shh... what’s the matter with you, wee one? She’s been a bit sad lately, Tess...”
The supervisor reached out and took the puppy in her arms, “There, there, baby... We’re here with you... I know you miss angel boy and so do Monica and me, but he’ll be with us soon, you’ll see!”
*
Two weeks went by and Andrew didn’t get in contact with his angelic friends. Besides the fact that his assignment was going terribly badly – there was a second theft at school and although they didn’t manage to find out who the thief was, the blond angel knew it pretty well. Besides, he was trying to keep distance from Monica, in a way to protect her from the evil against which he was fighting and that fact alone was enough to cause great sadness to his already troubled heart.
Monica and Tess’ assignment, on the other hand, was going really well, and Evelyn finally decided it was time to go back to her parents’ house and ask for their forgiveness. By this time, she already knew who the two kind ladies who had been helping her all that time were, and with her faith restored, she trusted that both her mother and father would accept her back.
“That’s wonderful news, Evelyn! I’m so happy for you!” the Irish angel exclaimed, holding her tightly.
“Monica is right, I’m really happy to hear that you’re combing back home, baby!” Tess spoke, equally pleased.
“I know... I wouldn’t have done it without you both...”
“Oh, yes, you would, Evelyn,” the younger angel replied, “You wanted to change, you had the will power to do so... And I know it wasn’t easy and there were moments when you cried and thought you would manage to do it, but you had also your faith...”
“I prayed so much... I prayed for help even when I didn’t believe it could happen...” she said, with tears in the corner of her eyes.
“And God heard your prayers and saw your tears... He knows how much you were suffering...”
The young lady smiled, shedding a few tears of happiness, “And then He sent me you two... I thank Him for each and every blessing He gave me, but you two... are the best present I could ever receive...” she said, gratefully.
“Oh, I have an idea! What about throwing a farewell party for Evelyn?”
“Good idea, angel girl! After all, she made so many friends while she was here, I guess it’s fair enough that they have a chance to say goodbye!” Tess agreed.
Evelyn grinned at the angels, loving the idea, “A farewell party? Oh, but that would be great!”
*
On that same day, instead of going home together with Tess and little Joy, Monica decided to pass by the school where Andrew was working. She wanted to tell him the good news about Evelyn and, most importantly, she wanted to know about his assignment and offer her help and support. Mr Parker, the school inspector, was standing at the entrance gate and when he saw the “beautiful Irish lady” coming closer, he smiled.
“Hullo, good evening, Mr Parker!” she politely greeted the old man, who replied with natural friendliness, “Oh, good evening, young lady!”
“Do you remember me?”
“Of course I do! You’re Monica! How could I forget such a pretty smile and lovely accent? Andrew’s lucky to have such a pretty girlfriend!”
Amused with the man’s words, and slightly blushed, she nodded, “Thank you, Mr Parker, you’re very kind... And Andrew is my friend, you know.”
The old man raised his eyebrows, as if trying to believe in what she was telling him. “Oh... I see...”
“Is he still in the school? I need to talk to him...”
“I guess he must be leaving right now... Oh, look, there he is!” the man pointed at the blond angel, who was heading towards the front gate together with the other students.
Her smile grew wider when she saw her friend and the Irish angel quickly walked towards him, “Andrew!” His face, however, clouded over as soon as he saw Monica, and a worried frown appeared on his forehead. “Hullo, Andrew, I’ve almost missed you, I thought you’d leave an hour later...” she said, with a cheerful tone of voice.
“Monica, what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice stern and slightly harsh. Mr Parker couldn’t help but noticing that, frowning disapprovingly at his attitude towards such a kind and warm hearted creature like Monica.
The Irish angel, for herself, felt a sudden lump forming on her throat, as she wasn’t used to that kind of reception from her dearest friend. “I’m sorry... I should’ve let you know I was coming...”
Shaking his head, and mentally scolding himself, he quickly reached for her hand, “No, it’s alright, angel... it’s just that I wasn’t expecting you to come here... And it’s a bit late, it’ll soon get dark...”
“I... I know... I don’t intend to stay. I came here to give you some wonderful news...” she spoke, as he gently guided her away from the crowd of students that were heading towards the exit.
“What... what news, Monica?” he wanted to know, looking around them with some tension, as if looking for something.
“Evelyn is going back home, she’s going to live with her parents again!” The Irish angel announced, visibly happy with that.
“Oh, that’s... that’s good to know...”
“Tess and I are throwing a farewell party for her at the church on Sunday evening and I came here to ask you if... if you’d you like to come...”
“I’m sorry, Monica, but... You see, I’m kind of busy right now...”
“Oh, but you don’t have to stay all the time, you know. Just a little, to give yourself a break from the assignment...”
Sighing deeply, he finally turned his eyes and his attention back to her, “Sorry, angel, but it won’t be possible, really...”
Her smile faded little by little and was replaced by a worried expression, “I see... How is your assignment doing? Did you have any progress with Roy?”
“No, in fact, I didn’t. And right now, I’m trying to put a lot of effort on it. It requires my attention full time...”
“I understand...” Monica looked at him, easily noticing the concern and something else in his green pools she couldn’t figure what was, but which caused a sensation of deep sadness inside her very soul. She took his hand in both of hers and squeezed it, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
He sighed again, and lowered his head avoiding her gaze, “No... there isn’t, Monica. And... well, to be honest, we won’t be seeing each other from now on... at least not for a while. Sorry.”
“Why not?” frowning with shock and concern, she searched his eyes, desperately needing an explanation for that cold tone in his voice, “Andrew, please, tell me, what’s going on? Did something happen?”
“Well, I... I need some time to work on this assignment, Monica. Roy is a difficult teenager, with lots of problems and he won’t listen to me that easily. I need all the time I have to try to accomplish my mission. Please, understand.”
The Irish angel eyed him with compassionate brown pools: she knew him better than to know that there was something hidden in the sadness that emanated from his heart. Besides their friendship, they shared a strong connection, rarely seen between two angels. “I understand, Andrew. But please never forget this...” She reached out and pointed to the necklace he was wearing, which was half hidden underneath his shirt; her necklace. “If you need help, turn your eyes to the Father... And never forget you have a friend here on Earth who you can always count on.”
Feeling a terrible sensation of guilt, he nodded his head and took her hand again, “I know, angel. I know.” Monica could see he wanted to say a lot more, but instead, he gave it up. “But right now... I think you should go. Please, go before it gets dark...” Noticing a trace of hurt in her eyes, he concluded, “I... I’m sorry but I’m busy right now...”
“That’s... That’s alright... I’m sorry too, I guess it wasn’t a good moment...” she replied, trying hard not to show her disappointment. “Goodbye, Andrew. I’ll... I’ll be praying for you...”
Then, she left the school yard and crossed the gate, saying a feeble goodbye to Mr Parker, who kept on frowning and shaking his head.
CHAPTER 4
Evelyn’s farewell party was held on the following Sunday evening and during this time, Monica couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong with Andrew. The blond angel never returned to the church or to the apartment where she and Tess were staying at. And his attitude the last time she’d seen him was strange: he was distant, worried and even a bit harsh. The little angel could also detect he was trying to hide something from her, although she couldn’t tell what it was.
Even during the party, she couldn’t stop thinking about her dearest friend and wondering what was happening to him, like now, when she finally had a break and voiced her thoughts to Tess.
“... I was under the impression that he wanted me to go away... that... that my presence there was bothering him...”
“Oh, no, angel girl. If there’s something I can say it’s ‘impossible’ is angel boy wanting you away from him!” the supervisor replied, but then frowned with concern, “But that attitude is in fact a strange one...”
“I wish there was a way to help him but...”
“Pay him another visit, baby. Maybe that wasn’t really a good moment, as we both know that he’s dealing with a very difficult assignment.”
“Tess? Monica?” Evelyn spoke, coming closer to the angels with a happy smile on her face, “I just want to thank you both again... I’m just so happy and I’m so grateful for what you did to me...”
“Don’t thank us, baby. Thank God!” the old supervisor said.
“I know I’ll spend my whole life thanking Him but... But I’m also grateful that He sent me you two to be my angels...”
Monica reached out and held her both hands, “All we ask from you is that you live in God’s teachings!”
“I promise I will...” the young lady’s face clouded over and her smile faded away, “What will happen to Roy?”
That question brought back the angel’s concern, “A very good friend is taking care of him and you can be sure that Roy is in good hands.”
The young woman nodded and her smile returned, “If you say so, then I believe you! And I trust that your friend can really help Roy...”
“He’ll do his best, Evelyn.”
The party was a happy one, as the people who worked and helped at the church were very fond of the young lady and truly hoped she had a very happy life from that moment on. Evelyn was moved to see how many good people there were in the world and eternally grateful for meeting them. It was difficult saying goodbye and not shedding a few tears of emotion.
*
A few hours later, in the other part of the city, a young man walked fast along the deserted streets. He was all dressed with dark clothes and had an anguished expression on his face. It was past 10 PM on that Sunday night and all the shops were closed, so the only living soul who noticed his presence was an angel, whose heart seemed to be equally anguished at the possibility of seeing the boy’s soul lost to evil.
Roy couldn’t see Andrew, as he was in his angelic form, but not even the glow that surrounded the blond angel, an evidence of God’s love, was able to send away the fear of failing that assignment. A life depended on him and also the safety of his dearest friend – he simply couldn’t fail.
“... don’t do that, Roy. You know this could ruin your life...” he whispered at the boy’s ear, in an attempt to speak to his heart and soul the words sent by the Father Himself. “... you’ve never done this before, you could end up in jail for the rest of your life... Think about all the chance you could have if you let go of the drugs... You cannot let them control you...”
But the boy seemed to ignore the sudden voice inside his heart that told him to stop while he could. He stopped walking near the coffee shop, just a few blocks from the school where he studied. Then, certifying that there was no one around, he pulled out a gun hidden inside his coat. The expression on Andrew’s face was one of panic, “No! Roy, please, don’t do that! You know it’s wrong! You know the police will get here in a minute if the siren is activated!”
The young man walked towards the place, once again ignoring the voice that spoke to his heart.
“Think about Evelyn’s words... Think about those people who helped her and how they could help you too...” the blond angel’s last try was in vain. Hidden in the shadows of the night, Roy managed to break through the shop.
“What amazes me is your insisting on this guy, you know... Don’t you think it would be wise to worry about the ones that really matter?”
Gregory’s voice made Andrew turn around already with an angry expression on his face. “Go away from here! Leave this boy alone, in the name of God!” the angel spoke, with a harsh tone in his voice.
But that only made the demon smile with pleasure, “Asking me to leave is as useless as trying to convince the guy that he should give up and be a ‘good boy’! His soul is already mine, Andrew!”
Andrew narrowed his eyes and stared at him, “If you are so certain that his soul is yours then why are you here, Gregory?”
At that moment, the siren of the coffee shop echoed through the neighbourhood, breaking the silence of that dark cold night. The demon smiled broadly and watched, together with the angel, as Roy left the place in a hurry, running along the deserted streets.
“Does that answer to your question?” Andrew’s jaw clenched and he felt his heart filled with anguish and despair: yes, it seemed that he would fail the assignment. “The battle is lost, buddy. If I were you, I’d leave before I try to ruin your little existence even more!”
“I’m not leaving, Gregory, you know that!”
“Well, then I guess I’ll have to pay a visit to your sweet ‘angel girl’!”
Even though that threat terrified him, Andrew tried to remain firm, staring at the demon with cold eyes, “Monica is an angel of God. She has a light around herself that represents God’s love and you’d probably go blind if you just looked at her!”
The look in Gregory’s eyes was such, that for a moment, the blond angel nearly panicked, “That’s the problem with you... ‘angels’! You trust too much.” He said, and vanished at the moment the police sirens were heard through the streets.
*
On the following day, Tess took Evelyn by car up to her hometown, a two day trip from the small city where they were staying at. Once more, the young lady thanked Monica for everything and bid her farewell, eager to hold her parents again and ask for their forgiveness. The Irish angel watched as the red Cadillac finally disappeared around a corner and lifted a silent prayer for her young assignment. Then, carrying a piece of cake from the party on the previous night carefully wrapped in silver paper, she headed to the school where Andrew worked. Maybe now, early in the morning and on daylight, he would be able to open his heart to her and tell her what had been troubling him all that time.
In his room, Andrew had been standing by the window, lost in his thoughts and wondering how he would manage to get through to Roy. The boy’s behaviour was getting worse day after day and his growing hate could be seen in the spark of his eyes. Andrew knew very well that the only reason why he still attended classes was the possibility of stealing money and a few objects from the other students and that soon he would have to disappear from school. And on top of that, there was Gregory’s constant presence at the boy’s side, speaking to his mind evil things that only a creature like him would be able to speak. The blond angel sighed deeply whispering words only heard by a loving One. “Father... Please, help me... I have to find a way to talk to him... before it’s too late.”
The window in Andrew’s room faced the school backyard, where a few students enjoyed their break time. He watched them for a while, when a soft knock on the door took him out of his reverie.
“Andrew?” Monica poked her head inside and her gentle voice a pretty smile would be a breath of fresh air to his troubled mind if it wasn’t for the fact that he’d also been trying to protect her from the evil that had been lurking around.
“Monica?” he spoke, frowning a little at her unexpected visit. The Irish angel could easily read all his anguish and worry written on his face. She gave a few steps inside and closed the door behind her, determined to do whatever it took to help him with his assignment.
Monica placed the small package with the piece of cake she’d saved for him on the table and tentatively gave him a light smile, “Hello... I’m... I’ve just been granted some free time and I came to see how you are and if you need any help...”
“Where... where’s Tess?”
“She took Evelyn back to her parents’ house this morning. And I’m confident that they’ll accept her back...” She could detect a certain tension in his eyes from the moment she’d come through the door and wondered if what he was trying to hide from her.
Andrew was going to say something but a quick glance back at the school backyard caused him to panic: Gregory was standing at the soft green grass looking at the window with an evil smile. Nervously, Andrew turned his eyes to his dearest friend not paying too much attention to what she spoke.
“Evelyn told me she would pray for Roy and I told her he’s in very good hands, you know.” Monica came a bit closer and tilted her head to look at him, trying to read what was on his mind, “But I guess sometimes even angels need a friend, right?”
With his heart racing, he looked at the yard once again and saw as the demon waved at him and walked away, disappearing a second later. He must have followed Monica up to the school building and would certainly follow her anywhere she went. But with her assignment over, the Irish angel could return Home and be safe there. All he needed to do was to keep her distant from him.
And that would hurt terribly.
“Monica, what are you doing here?” his voice was bitter and hard, and she wasn’t used to hearing him speaking like that.
“I... well, I thought that maybe you’d be needing someone to talk to and-”
“You said your assignment has finished, so I think it’s time you went back Home.”
The little angel frowned, “I told you, I’m here to see how you’re doing, to ask you if there’s anything I can do for you... And I can tell from the look in your eyes that you could use a friend right now...”
Trying to escape from her inquisitive and soft brown pools, he turned his back and walked away from her, “Monica you’re not supposed to be here... Please, go Home now that your assignment has finished. I’ll handle Roy, I’ve had difficult assignments before, certainly more than you did, and I managed to accomplish them. With this one it won’t be different.”
Andrew closed his eyes for a moment, aware of the pain he was inflicting in her heart by talking to her like that. But she wasn’t going to quit that easily and, even a bit hurt by his words, she followed him and stood right in front of him once again, “I know you had more assignments than I did and that you can do your job wonderfully, Andrew... I never forgot how many times you were there to help me and even to protect me during my own assignments...”
There was so much love and affection, so much gratitude and other loving feelings in the spark of her soft brown pools that Andrew’s heart ached with anguish and guilt about what he was doing to her.
With patience and trusting that he would open his heart to her, she searched for his hand and squeezed it gently, “...But I can read your soul and I can see a conflict in there, and my heart is telling me that I should be by your side to help you-”
Escaping from her once again, he walked up to the door and tugged his hands in his pockets, “Monica, I guess you should go... Really... I have too much work to do.”
“Sending me away is not going to solve the problem, you know?” she replied, still trying to ignore his rude behaviour.
Sighing deeply, he took the courage to speak and stared at her, “Have you noticed you’re always doing things you’re not supposed to, Monica?”
That statement had the effect he expected – Monica’s heart started to beat fast and she felt the presence of tears in the corner of her eyes. Once, while working on a difficult assignment, something he had said caused the same effect. Andrew never forgot that horrible night and swore not to repeat it again, but now... Now the blond angel felt ashamed of what he was doing – he was breaking that promise and hurting the one who least deserved, his dearest friend, his soul mate, and he would never forgive him for that.
“I... I know you don’t mean it...” she said, with trembling voice, holding onto her last hopes to get him open his heart to her and talk about what was bothering him.
“I’m trying to tell you that you should focus on your work as an angel if you really want to be a good angel. The way you insist on doing things that you shouldn’t, things that don’t belong to you is... It bothers people more than you can imagine! Your lack of abilities to cook and sing are good examples of what I’m talking about! Of how you are always trying to do things for which you have no talent!”
This time he reached his goal: his harsh, mean words broke Monica’s heart into pieces at the moment that they came out of his mouth – never had Andrew spoken to her like that before; never had she expected to receive so much anger and bitterness from the one who she considered her dearest, beloved friend. Had those cruel words been spoken by any other person, they wouldn’t have hurt her so much, and for a moment she even doubted that she’d heard them and wondered if that was part of a nightmare.
“Why... why are you talking to me like this, Andrew?” the little angel managed to say, tears falling freely from her doe-like eyes, “Have... have I done anything to you? Is... is my presence bothering you so much that-“
“Yes, Monica, in fact, I’m trying to work here and if you could leave, it would help me a lot.”
If Monica’s pain and total disappointment were almost unbearable, his own suffering would be etched in his memory forever, and he knew he would never forgive himself for what he was doing – the blond angel was aware that it was not only his dearest friend’s heart he was breaking and betraying, but also God’s heart. A shadow of shame covered his soul when he saw the look in her eyes and all the pain he had inflicted. He would never in a thousand years forget the sorrow reflected in those brown pools, nor the tears that rolled down her red cheeks, and his only comfort was to know that, from that moment on, she would be away from him and, therefore, away from danger.
Covering her mouth with her hand and stifling a sob, she lowered her head and, without saying a word, left the room in a hurry. Only then, when he was sure there was nobody around, did the blond angel show the great sadness he was feeling inside. With tears falling freely from his green eyes and an evident spark of anger at himself, he slammed the door and punched the hard wood. “... I’m so sorry, angel... I’m so terribly sorry... Just hope you can forgive me...” he whispered, leaning against the door, feeling the pain that was flowing from her own heart through the connection that had always brought them together.
Monica was so taken aback by Andrew’s hurtful words it took her a while to find the right exit from the school building. She passed by Mr Parker in a hurry and the old man could easily see the tears that she was trying to wipe but which never stopped from falling. The Irish angel bid him a feeble goodbye and crossed the school gate, leaving the old man frowning with concern and with evident disapproval. Certainly she and Andrew had argued and he was sad to think that Andrew could hurt the feelings of someone so friendly like Monica. In those few weeks he’d met her, he had become very fond of the ‘beautiful young lady, with lovely accent and an adorable smile’ and lately he’d noticed the rude way Andrew treated her. Were he her father, Mr Parker would certainly have a serious talk to the blond teacher.
CHAPTER 5
Monica wiped away her tears as she watched little Joy playing with a small ball on her bedroom floor. Lying on her bed, in the small apartment she was sharing with Tess, the Irish angel remembered the harsh and hurtful words Andrew had spoken to her three days earlier. And her sadness and disappointment only increased in the latest hours as he never spoke to her again, nor tried to apologise or at least explain the reason for his behaviour. Sighing deeply, Monica stifled a small sob as a few more tears rolled down her cheeks; she wondered if everything Andrew had told her was really true – wondered if she’d really been this silly little angel who was nothing but a burden to her friends.
Feeling terribly lonely, she considered going back Home, but there was something else to ponder: her duties as an angel would only be finished once she knew about Evelyn and if the girl had finally found peace together with her family. Knowing that she’d managed to fulfil that assignment would at least bring her some comfort.
She was caressing Joy’s soft fur when the noise of keys opening the front door took her out of her reverie and made her jump from the bed. Monica came along the corridor and when she reached the living room a flood of relief invaded her heart as she saw Tess coming through the door.
“Hey baby! Oh, I’m so glad I finally got here!” the old angel exclaimed, closing the door behind her and receiving little Joy’s greetings.
“Oh, Tess...” with a tearful smile, Monica gave a few steps towards her dear friend and held her tightly, “... I missed you so much... So terribly...” she spoke, and the supervisor immediately noticed the deep sadness that emanated from her soul, “Oh, I missed you too, baby... I missed you a lot...”
“I wish I had gone with you...” she said, reluctant to pull away.
“Angel girl... did something happen?”
That question was enough to make Monica break down and cry on her shoulder, and frowning with great worry, Tess caressed her hair like a mother would do with her daughter, “Shh... Calm down, baby... Calm down... I can feel there’s something troubling your little heart, but remember that whatever it is, we’ll find a way to work things out...”
“Are you still my friend, Tess?” she asked, with a trembling voice. The older angel pulled away a little to look at her dear friend, “Of course I am, angel girl! Why are you asking me this? The Father knows how much I thank Him for sending me you!”
“Thank you, Tess... I love you so much... so much...”
Tess wiped away the tears from her red face and took her by the hand, guiding her up to the sofa, “Come here, let’s sit down and you’ll tell me what happened while I was away, okay?”
“How... how is Evelyn? Please, tell me, did her parents accept her back? Did we manage to fulfil our assignment?” the Irish angel wanted to know.
Despite the tense situation, a slight smile appeared on the supervisor’s face and she nodded her head, “Yes, they did, baby! Evelyn’s parents received her with open arms and we can say we have a happy family together again!”
“Oh... thank God...” relief filled Monica’s soul to hear that – besides the fact that she was very fond of the girl, like she would always feel about most of her assignments, that little piece of news meant that she wasn’t that terrible, clumsy angel that Andrew had spoken.
Once they were seated, Tess squeezed her hand and made her look at her, “Now tell me, what happened while I was out? Why can I see all this sadness in your eyes?”
*
Monica and Tess talked for about an hour and in this meantime, the Irish angel told her supervisor the latest events and Andrew’s strange and aggressive behaviour. Tess listened to everything quietly, with a surprised and pensive expression on her face. When Monica finally concluded her narrative, the older angel sighed deeply, searching for the right words to sum up what was on her mind.
“If it wasn’t you telling me about Andrew’s attitude I swear I wouldn’t believe a word of what I’ve just heard.”
“I... I knew he was having trouble with this assignment but I couldn’t imagine how bad it was affecting him... I... I wish I had been a better friend not a burden to him, Tess...” her tears were rolling down her face and there was so much anguish in the look in her eyes that it moved the supervisor.
“It’s not your fault, baby. You have been the best friend angel boy has ever had in his whole existence!”
“I don’t believe this is true anymore... Not after all the terrible things he told me...”
“That’s something I find really strange. It’s not like Andrew to talk to someone like this, either. Especially if this someone is you!”
“I don’t understand...”
“What I mean is that there’s something else behind his hostile behaviour, angel girl, something so terrible that made him treat you the way he did, maybe to keep you away.”
Wiping away her tears and frowning with concern, the little angel searched for an explanation inside the supervisor’s eyes, “You mean that Andrew might have done it on purpose?”
“Yes.”
“But why?”
“To protect you...”
Monica’s head was spinning with a turmoil of different thoughts. Suddenly Tess’ words began to make sense, now that she could see things more clearly. And then she remembered the day in the park before Andrew started his assignment, over a month earlier, and his words to her.
[i]”And I want you to always remember that. No matter what happens, you’ll always be in my thoughts and in my heart.”[/i]
“Oh, my goodness, Tess... What if he is in danger? He’s in human form and could even get hurt...”
“Calm down, baby! What we must do find out is what’s causing this strange behaviour,” Monica nodded her head in agreement as the supervisor continued to speak, “And since he doesn’t want to tell us what’s going on, since he doesn’t want his friends around, we must find some other way to help him.”
“You’re right, Tess. I’ll see what I can find out and... I’ll stay away from him. I... don’t think I’d be able to talk to him for a while...” she said, still deeply hurt by her friend’s harsh words. The truth was that she wouldn’t bear to hear all that all over again, nor to be offended by someone she loved so dearly like Andrew. If he was trying to protect her, then she would surely forgive him for what had been said earlier, knowing that he didn’t mean it by heart. But it still hurt a lot now.
*
Thinking about the one who had probably been causing all Andrew’s distress, the Irish angel returned to the church where she and Tess had been helping Evelyn in the last few months. Roy had been there, looking for his former girlfriend and something was telling her that it was the right place to start. She didn’t have much success in her first attempts, though, as no one out of the usual people had appeared there.
But on the following week, things changed.
She arrived at the church by the end of the afternoon. The sun was starting to set behind the mountains, spreading a golden glow that bore some resemblance to the light that surrounded God’s angels once they were on Earth transmitting His message. Monica was walking around the church garden with a pensive expression on her face, but also aware of the beauty in her surroundings. Flowers and trees had now a special hue and made a gorgeous contrast with the golden sky above them. For a few instants, the angel sat on a bench and lifted a silent prayer, both thanking God for that scenery and also asking for Andrew’s safety. The last time they had spoken like the true good friends that they used to be had been there, at that same garden.
[i]“I’m happy you’re here, ya know, I’m just sorry I’m not exactly prepared to receive a guest!” she cheerfully replied, looking at herself – her hair was disarrayed, she was barefoot and her hands and feet were dirty with mud for the time she’d been picking flowers.
“You’re prettier than ever!” he spoke, gently caressing her cheek, trying to disguise all the worry inside his troubled heart. “Let me help you with this...”[/i]
A bittersweet smile appeared on her meek face as she remembered that moment and a single unnoticed tear rolled down her cheek. It seemed like a hundred years ago. How she missed her dearest friend! They’d been apart other times, working on different assignments in distant places around the world but always with the certainty that they would meet again and then tell each other all that had happened in this meantime, enjoying each other’s company. But this time the awful way he’d treated her was constantly on her mind and it even made her be afraid of him. Afraid of his reaction once they’d met again.
A small noise took her out of her reverie and the angel turned around. Staring at her with cold, troubled eyes was Roy. Monica stood up from the bench and gave a few steps towards him. It was possible to notice that he’d been losing weight and his scruffy appearance was an evidence that he’d been in the streets for many days.
“Where is Evelyn?” the young man asked, and just the sound of his voice was enough to cause fear.
“She’s not here anymore,” her reply, however, came in a tranquil soothing way.
“You’re lying!” he spoke, coming closer to her.
“I’m not. Evelyn returned to her parents’ house a few days ago. They’ve accepted her back, she’ll start a new life from now on.”
“Don’t you lie to me, you hear me?”
“I’m not lying, Roy. And you should follow Evelyn’s example, let Andrew help you, you’ll see that there are so many good people in this world who just want to help...”
“That Andrew guy is an idiot!” after taking a look at his surroundings, the boy stared at her again, “I need money!”
“I don’t have any money. And even if I had, I wouldn’t give it to you; I’d never allow you to go on drugs and hurt yourself so badly as you’ve been doing.” The tone of her voice was firm and she looked at him with compassion but with no fear, which annoyed him deeply, “What are you talking about, woman?”
“Look at what you’ve been doing to yourself, Roy! How many days haven’t you eaten or had a shower? How long have you been wandering around in the streets?”
“That’s none of your business! I want money and I want it now!”
“I told you, I don’t have any money and you won’t find it at the church either. Let Andrew help you, Roy. Trust him and I promise you that you won’t regret it!”
“I don’t need anybody’s help...” he spoke.
“Evelyn was so worried about you. She told me how much she would like you to have the same opportunity she had in here...” she saw his eyes flickered, maybe remembering the girl had had some impact deep inside his troubled heart.
“How could she leave like this?” he said, more to himself than to her.
“She came back to her family... For the ones that love her...”
“I never had anyone who loved me...”
“That’s not true...” she gave a few steps closer, “... I know your life has never been easy but there are people who want to help you, if you just let them.”
Roy narrowed his eyes, “You know what? I guess this Andrew guy has been talking about me way too much! I’m so tired of it!”
Those words scared the little angel a little, “I don’t need anybody to tell me about you, Roy! I can see that you need help just by looking at you! Please, let him help you!”
But the guy didn’t reply; he turned his back on her and left the church garden afterwards.
But his words remained echoing in her mind – what was he going to do now that he didn’t manage to find ant money? Where would he go? For a moment she thought about the school where Andrew worked, but the young man had taken a totally different way. Maybe he would return to the place where he’d been living for, whatever it was. The conflict inside the little angel’s mind took place and she pondered between going up to the school and talking to Andrew or returning home and telling Tess about what had happened.
With her mind spinning, she entered the church and walked up to the altar, where she knelt and prayed for about an hour, asking for guidance and pleading for Andrew’s safety. Then, Monica took her way back to the apartment that she’d been sharing with her friend and supervisor, but suddenly a terrible, frightening sensation invaded her heart. It was a mix of anguish, pain, despair and utmost fear and it caused her to change her plans – she immediately headed to the school where Andrew was working. It was night already and at each step she gave, the more her panic increased.
CHAPTER 6
“Hey, hello, Monica. I’m glad to see you again!” Mr Parker greeted the Irish angel with a friendly smile, and was a bit surprised to see the young woman back at school. The last time he’d seen her, she and Andrew had probably had a serious argument as she left the school building in tears. And that fact had made him change his mind about the blond teacher drastically – if before Andrew seemed a very nice and considerate man, now Mr Parker found him extremely rude and unkind, especially to such a lovely person like Monica.
“Hullo, Mr Park,” she greeted him, with her usual friendliness, but the man could also notice the nervousness in her doe like eyes, “Is Andrew still in there?”
Frowning a little, as he didn’t seem very enthusiastic about the idea of her seeing Andrew again, he nodded, “Well... yes, he... he’s the only teacher who hasn’t left the building yet...”
Hearing that made her heart ten times heavier with anguish, “Oh, I see... I really need to talk to him, it’s very important...”
“It’s alright but-”
In a hurry, she crossed the gates and headed to inside the building, praying that she wouldn’t get lost in the corridors before finding her dearest friend. An eerie, awful sensation was taking control of her soul and made her feel like crying with sadness, “Father, please, let him be alright... I don’t mind if he doesn’t want to see me... please, let him be alright...” walking along the deserted corridors, she prayed.
Not far from where she was, inside Andrew’s room, Roy continued to hold a gun at his direction. In the boy’s eyes there was a mix of confusion, hate and other evil feelings that were culminating in that very room, with all his anger turned to the one angel who had been trying to help him and bring God’s love to his life. Roy was trembling and on the verge of committing something he would certainly regret for the rest of his life.
“I told you I want the money! I’m tired of you trying to interfere with my life! I didn’t ask you anything, why don’t you stop with this nonsense? I should solve this now and get rid of you forever!” he shouted, with a very angry tone of voice.
“What kind of human being would you become if you did what you’re saying, Roy? You weren’t born like this... There was good in you once, I know that!” Andrew replied, staring him in the eyes and trying desperately to make the boy listen to him. “And I know that this feeling is still there, somewhere...”
“You know nothing about me, dude! I hate this air of superiority that makes you act like ‘mister know-it-all’! You’re such an idiot!” he shouted back, so rudely that Andrew decided to act quickly.
“You’re right, I don’t know everything... In fact, I made many mistakes in my existence too, Roy. But do you know what made me pick up the pieces and start again? The certainty that there’s one loving Father Who is always willing to forgive and give me a new chance. And you know why? Because I’m His child, just like you are.”
“You’re wrong again. I have no father, I have nobody in this damn life other than myself!”
“You have God... And He sent me to you, with a message...” suddenly a beautiful bright glow surrounded the blond angel, causing Roy to back off from him in surprise and amazement. “Don’t be afraid... I’m an angel and I’m here because God loves you, Roy. He sent me here to tell you that no matter how many mistakes you’ve made in your life, He’s ready to hold you in the palm of His hand and heal your soul, if you’re truly sorry for them.”
Frowning with disbelief and even angrier, the guy continued to point the gun at him, although always with a little uncertainty. “An angel? I don’t believe in angels! And you better stop doing this before I shoot you!”
“Don’t you see what’s right in front of you - ”
“Shut your mouth up! Damn it, I don’t care about Who sent you here or what kind of freak you are, I’m not interested in hearing what you have to say!”
Andrew was afraid: for many times he feared failing the assignment and now he was almost sure that evil had won the battle, judging by the look in the boy’s eyes. But nothing could’ve caused more panic than the soothing, familiar voice that reached his ears at that very moment.
“Andrew...”
He and Roy turned their heads to face Monica standing by the door, with a haunted, terrified expression on her face at the scene right in front of her: her dearest friend was under the target of a gun, and Roy seemed ready to pull the trigger at any moment.
“Monica!” the blond angel spoke, with his heart pounding erratically in his chest. He wasn’t in his angelic form any longer and the glow that involved him at the revelation moment had disappeared, once Roy didn’t accept what being offered him. Twice nervous, the boy aimed the gun at the young woman standing at the door, fidgeting with the trigger and holding onto the last sense of conscience that remained in his troubled mind. “Stop where you are! Don’t move or I’ll shoot you dead before you can even start speaking!” he said, alternating the targets between Monica and Andrew. “What the hell is happening here? Huh? Did you guys think you could just come in here and try to convince me to give myself in to the police? You’re both wrong!”
“We’re here to help you,” Monica replied, trying to keep her breathing normal despite the tense situation. “Evelyn asked us to help you...”
Andrew’s eyes were alternating between Monica and Roy, and he noticed that hearing Evelyn’s name caused a small change in the young man’s face. “She did?”
“Yes... You have no idea how much she wanted you to get out of the streets... Of how much she cares about you... Evelyn left this city praying for you, Roy. Praying that you could find peace in life like she did!” Monica continued to speak. But the boy’s thoughts were confused and suddenly he shook his head, refusing to listen to the angel’s words. “You shut up too, woman! C’mon, move! Stay where I can see you two!” he shouted, pointing to the place next to Andrew.
“Roy, calm down, please. We’re not here to do anything against you. Please, be calm.” Andrew said, terrified to see him aiming a gun at Monica. Slowly, she gave a few steps and stood right next to her dearest friend. Their eyes met for a brief second and the blond angel could see all the pain he had inflicted on her written in those soft brown pools. It hurt deeply when she lowered her head, avoiding his gaze and visibly reluctant to stay so close to him.
“I need money!” Roy’s angry voice drew the angel’s attention back to him and Andrew shook his head. “I don’t have money here... Only a few dollars in my wallet...”
“Evelyn told me you took care of her once, when she was ill... She said she wanted to do the same for you now.”
“She’s such an idiot!” Roy replied, “And stop talking about her, woman! If you keep on speaking like you did this afternoon, I’ll make you shut your mouth up forever!”
It was then that Andrew gave a step closer, with his heart pounding erratically in his chest, terrified to see his dearest friend being threatened.
And that gesture only made the young man more nervous. “I told you to stay away!”
“No!” Monica’s frightened cry echoed through the empty corridors and everything happened very fast: Roy was so scared and threatened by Andrew’s unexpected movement that he aimed the gun at the blond angel, but before he pulled the trigger, Monica stood in front of Andrew and received the bullet intended to hit him. The impact of the projectile in the angel’s chest pushed her backwards, and she fell straight into her dearest friend’s arms.
“Angel? No! Angel!” he cried desperately. Holding her, Andrew knelt on the floor and lay his hand over her wound, trying in vain to stop the blood from flowing through her human body.
In shock, Roy gave a few steps back as the image of the young woman lying on the floor scared him deeply and caused a terrible sensation of guilt that would certainly remain in his heart forever. But at this very moment, another presence was felt in the room: smiling evilly, Gregory was standing behind Roy and started to whisper wicked words in his ear.
“Go ahead now, Roy. Shoot Andrew too! He made your life a real hell, teach him not to mess with you again!”
The conflict inside the boy’s heart lasted a few seconds and when he realised somebody was coming through the corridor he threw the gun on the floor, and ran away afterwards. He’d been wearing gloves all the time, leaving no imprints in the hot metal. But Andrew didn’t pay attention to Roy’s actions. No. With tears falling from his eyes, he held Monica close to him, his mind spinning as he didn’t know what to do, watching as his dearest, beloved friend fought to keep breathing.
“Monica... Angel, please, hold on... Please, baby, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry! Please, forgive me, please...”
“... Andrew...” her voice came out as a whisper and colour quickly disappeared from her face.
“Angel, please, hold on... Help! I need help here!” he shouted, wanting nothing but taking her away from that place. In a few seconds, he’d seen his greatest fear materialised right before his eyes and, besides all his pain and despair at seeing the little angel so badly hurt a wave of shame and guilt flooded the depths of his soul. More than once, he’d offended her with hurtful, mean words and broken her heart into pieces – that pure loving heart that was always open to him. And in reply, Monica protected him with her own body, receiving a bullet and putting her life at risk for him.
“Monica... Angel, please, don’t leave me... Please... Oh, Father please make her heal! Restore her human form with Your power! I know You can!” he pleaded, with tears pricking his eyes. But instead, he saw Monica’s eyes closing and felt her body going limp in his arms, “No! Monica! Don’t! Please, don’t! I’m here, angel! I’ll take care of you... I need you by my side...”
“Oh, my goodness...” Mr Parker’s stunned voice reached the angel’s ears at that very moment and the old man saw, in shock, as Andrew held Monica’s body covered with blood, crying helplessly, “Please, Mr Parker, we need help...”
Immediately, the old man ran to reach the telephone and some minutes later the noise of the sirens echoed through the neighbourhood. Quickly, Mr Parker guided the paramedics to Andrew’s room and the blond angel had to back off so that they started to provide the first aids.
“Her pulse is weak... C’mon, we have to remove her from here, she needs oxygen!” one of the doctors said, as Andrew watched them working to help his dearest friend. He was so miserable and his panic increased when he noticed his hands and clothes were also covered with her blood. “Oh, Father... Please, let her be alright. Please, don’t take her away from me...” he prayed.
The paramedics put her on a stretcher and took her away from the building to inside the ambulance that was parked in the school garden. Fiercely protective, as he would always feel about the little angel who definitely had a special place in his heart, Andrew went together with them but before he could get in the vehicle, he felt a hand over his shoulder and turned around: it was a police officer.
“Sorry, sir, but you’re coming with us.”
“Sorry?”
“Please, sir, turn around and place your hands behind your back. You have to come with us, you’re under arrest!”
Before the man could wrap the pair of handcuffs around his wrists, Andrew backed off and tried to get rid of them, “No! You don’t understand, I have to go with Monica, she’s hurt!” he shouted, fighting to escape from the officer’s grip, but it was useless. Two other men came to help their co-worker and using all their strength – as the suspect was determined to go to the city hospital together with the ambulance, they managed to hold Andrew and arrest him.
Crying helplessly and totally taken by despair, the blond angel was placed inside the police car and taken to the city prison. In his mind, the shooting scene was repeated over and over again. Although he hadn’t shot her, Andrew felt like that tragedy was certainly his fault. If he hadn’t sent her away, if he had told her from the start that Gregory was also threatening to take Roy’s soul all that would sure have been avoided. And if Monica didn’t resist the wounds, he was sure he’d never forgive himself.
CHAPTER 7
The prison walls were particularly chilly that night, as if affected by the sorrow and pain erupting from an angel’s heart. When Andrew arrived at the police station, even the most experienced policeman was shocked by the amount of blood in his clothes, which contradicted his claims of being innocent and that they were making a terrible mistake.
But the weird, terrible truth was that he had been arrested for shooting Monica.
He was thrown inside an empty cell, as the sheriff didn’t want him together with the other prisoners, fearing the consequences. “Let’s contact the state prison as soon as possible and send this guy away from here before something really bad happens to him.” The man said, but not really caring about the new prisoner, “I don’t want him to cause me any trouble!”
Now Andrew was sitting on the cold floor, holding his head in both hands and with tears permanently falling from his sad eyes. The images of the shot, Monica’s scared eyes staring at him and all the fear and pain written on her meek face were constantly in his memory, like a flashback that never ceased, “Father... Please, help her... Let her be alright... I don’t want her suffering, it was all my fault... all my fault...” he whispered, the sadness that flowed through his soul was almost physical pain, “Please, don’t let her suffer... Heal her with Your power, I know You can...”
The other prisoners looked at the blond man with confused and even scared eyes. The sheriff had made him replace his clothes covered with blood by a simple pair of jeans and white T-shirt but the other men inside the police station knew that he’d done something a lot more serious than stealing a couple of dollars.
Suddenly, Andrew felt another presence inside his cell and he didn’t even to raise his head to know who it was: he could feel evil emanating from Gregory’s figure. “What did I tell you, buddy? Not to mess with me!”
“Go away... Go back to the darkness where you belong...” the blond angel spoke, his voice was harsh but still low. Smiling, Gregory knelt down right beside him and went on speaking, “I got one very confused boy who will probably become a murderer in a few hours and he’ll live forever with the guilt! But I also have an angel who not only failed his assignment but also ended up in a prison cell! And of course there’s Monica’s very serious condition... Who knows if by this time she’s already left her human form?”
“Shut up!” Andrew’s angry and now loud voice echoed through the corridors, calling the other prisoners’ attention. The men in the other cells were even more scared, thinking that he was also crazy besides a criminal. A police officer heard his voice and came all the way up to his cell, “Hey, buddy, you’d better shut up before I lose my patience with you! It’s late already!”
When the officer went away, Gregory continued to speak, “But you know, it’s a shame not getting to see Monica anymore, she’s like a living breathe! So pretty... so... It’s always a pleasure to see her!”
“God is watching over her... He won’t let anything bad happen to her...” Andrew spoke, his eyes permanently on the floor.
Now happy with the effect his words had on the blond angel, the demon disappeared, and only then Andrew broke down and cried, still not believing that his dearest friend had been so badly hurt and at that moment she was fighting to stay alive. Angels couldn’t die, that was true, but their human form could, as it was exposed to all sorts of dangers a human being was. And guilt tore his very soul when he remembered that she gave up on herself to spare his existence, even after the rude, cruel way he’d treated her. Monica was indeed the most amazing and kindest creature he’d ever met in his whole existence. Her warm heart, her sweet manners, her innocence and compassionate heart had always enchanted him and just the mere fact that he could stay next to her was enough to make him feel eternally grateful.
Being away from Monica for a few days would always cause deep sadness alone. Being away from her forever would fill his existence with eternal sorrow.
*
Tess arrived at the city hospital crying with anguish and despair. Adam had warned her about the incident at the school and about the possibility of taking the young angel back Home, as her fragile human body had been seriously hurt. The mere thought of seeing her “angel girl” suffering so much and so badly hurt filled the supervisor’s heart with great sadness. And when the doctor who had first assisted Monica finally came to talk to her, Tess’ shock was even greater than she could’ve ever imagined.
“Please, have a seat.” The man said, concern and great apprehension visible in his eyes.
“Please, doctor, tell me about Monica’s condition? Will she be alright?” the old angel desperately wanted to know, somewhat reading that seriousness of her dearest friend’s condition in the sad marks on the man’s face.
“Are... are you a relative?”
“I’m like her mother, doctor. Monica is like a daughter to me...”
He sighed deeply and conjoined his hands over his desk, searching for the best words, “We’re... we’re doing the best we can. There’s a team of three doctors operating her right now, trying to remove the bullet from her chest without causing more damage to her internal organs...”
Tears fell from Tess’ eyes and for a second she doubted if all that was really true or just parts of a terrible nightmare. Monica had been in a situation like that a while ago and those were really hard times for her and Andrew. Going through all that again was extremely painful.
“I’m terribly sorry...” the man said.
“I... I just don’t understand why all this is going on...”
“Monica is young and healthy and we’re putting our hopes in this fact. And if there’s some comfort in knowing this... they’ve caught the criminal, you know. Hard to believe that a teacher could attack and shoot a defenceless young lady like that! It’s just disgusting!” he said, with visible anger in his eyes. Hearing that, Tess stared at the man in shock. “I beg your pardon, doctor?”
“The man who shot her. He’s a teacher at the school near this hospital. I’ve heard that he and Monica some kind of relationship but that he abused her frequently. A school employee called the police as soon as he heard the shot. And he said he already feared the worse, considering the teacher’s behaviour.”
Tess went pale for the second time at hearing that new piece of information. When Adam had alerted her about the incident and that Monica had been hurt, she headed to the hospital immediately, never caring to hear what had caused that. In fact, she was expecting to meet Andrew there and he would tell her what had happened but strangely the blond angel wasn’t anywhere around and that fact alone worried her. And now, hearing that Andrew had shot Monica sounded just as terrible and unrealistic as the fact that the little angel had been shot.
“That... That cannot be true...” was all that she could utter.
The doctor’s beep rang and he stood up to attend another emergency, “Monica’s got the best doctors taking care of her, Tess,” he said, placing a hand over her shoulder, unaware of her double shock. “Pray for her, after all it’s God’s hands guiding the doctor’s hands.”
He left the office afterwards and only then did Tess spoke again, “Father... what’s happening here? I know there must be an explanation to this and I know You have a plan but... everything is so confusing now... so confusing...”
*
[i]It was a bright sunny day with the bluest of the skies and a gentle breeze spreading the sweet perfume of the wildflowers and there, in the park visited by lots of children and families, a beautiful auburn lady enjoyed as her friend, a tall blond man, stood behind her and gave another push in the swing she was sitting on, the continuous movement dishevelling her long hair.
“Everybody should try this once in a while, you know, Andrew. Humans have always complained that they cannot fly and forget they can enjoy other simple things like this!”
Chuckling, the blond angel nodded his head as he gave his friend another push on the swing. “Yes. In fact, this is the safest way to erm... fly.” He said, backing up a little, deciding she was high enough for the moment.
“Oh, but don’t you remember when we tried parachuting? That was good too! We could do it again!”
“Well... we’ll see about it but now you’re staying right here on the ground where I can keep an eye on you!” the angel moved to stay next to her.
Giggling she turned her head to look at him, some strands of hair flying in the air and covering part of her face, “You kept an eye on me even up in there, don’t you remember you grabbed my hand and didn’t let it go until we were on the ground.”
“And that’s what I’ll keep on doing over and over again, angel!” he crossed his arms in front of his chest and put on a mock serious face, “You’re stuck with me for the rest of the eternity!”
“Well, that’s a blessing I’ll thank the Father for the rest of my existence!” the cheerful smile on her face made his own smile reappear. “And I’ll be a tiny more grateful if you could give me another push!”
The expression on his face turned into a mischievous one and, after picking up her sandals left on the grass, he started to walk away from her, “I’m sorry, angel, but I have to go to the café right across the street, I heard they make some great hot chocolate... oh, and coffee there is good too...”
Hearing this, her eyes grew wide and she stopped the swing with her bare feet, “Hey! Wait for me!” Running after him, she reached the blond angel quickly, “Why didn’t you tell me about it before?” she complained, with such a funny upset face that Andrew couldn’t help but to laugh and wrap his arm around her small shoulders, kissing her temple lovingly.[/i]
Andrew woke up in the cold prison cell whispering Monica’s name but when he opened his eyes, the sad reality struck him once again. Two days had passed since the incident at school and so far nobody had appeared to tell him how Monica was, which was little by little killing him inside.
“Father, please, send me a sign that she’s still alive... Please, answer to my prayers... keep her safe and away from pain. She doesn’t deserve it, it was all my fault, all my fault!”
A prisoner had been watching the blond angel for the two days he’d been there with a pensive expression on his face. Andrew didn’t look like a criminal, that was sure. And his constant nightmares and the name that was always in his lips told him that the new prisoner was carrying a heavy burden with him.
“She must be very important to you...” the man finally spoke, and only then did Andrew raise his head, finally realising he was being observed. “Monica... that’s the name you were whispering in your sleep,” the prisoner kept on talking.
“She... is...” Andrew’s reply came in a low voice, “She’s... a blessing...”
“And where is she now?”
Trying hard to force back the tears that were threatening to fall from his sad green eyes, he sighed deeply, “Away...”
The man elected not to ask further questions, sensing the great pain that was erupting from Andrew’s heart. Whatever had happened to him, it must’ve been devastating, judging by the miserable expression on his face.
CHAPTER 8
Andrew remained sitting on the stone floor, resting his back against the cell bars and looking up at the small window on the opposite wall. It was also closed with iron bars, but he could see the stars through it – it was a silent starry night and at moments like those, when the world was fast asleep, the blond angel felt extremely lonely and guilt kept on consuming his heart. Four days after the incident at the school building, he hadn’t had any sign about Monica’s condition and that fact alone was enough to kill him inside. How he wanted to be by her side and hold her hand! How he wanted to tell her that all those things he’d said were nothing but lies to protect her!
At 2 o’clock in the morning, watching the sparkling stars up in the sky, he prayed to God without being heard or observed by the other prisoners, who were asleep in separate cells. “Father, please... Tell me that she’s alright. Please, restore her human form with Your power, I know You can... Don’t let her feel any pain, she doesn’t deserve it... Monica is the kindest and most loving angel I’ve ever met in my whole existence... Please, let her be alright...”
Suddenly, a voice interrupted his prayers. “She’s fighting, Andrew...”
In his glowing form, Adam appeared right in front of his angelic friend, extremely sad to see how miserable Andrew looked like. The blond angel stood on his feet immediately, his heart pounding loudly in his chest at the first reply he’d had in days.
“Adam? How is she? Did she wake up already? Please, tell me-”
“She... she was operated... twice,” the angel of death answered, watching as that piece of news tore his co-worker’s soul.
“Twice? Oh, Father, she’s suffering...”
“But the doctors managed to remove the bullet and stop the internal bleeding... The only problem is that she lost a great amount of blood and her human form is fragile... We’re all praying for her, Andrew.” he said, watching as the blond angel shed a few tears.
“I wish I was there with her...”
“Tess has been by her side all the time. And the angels who know her... they’ve already visited her and prayed for her as well...” Adam didn’t want to bring up the subject, but he couldn’t help to, “... Andrew, what happened back at the school? They’re saying that you shot her and...”
“That’s not true, Adam!” he suddenly raised his voice – the mere thought that he could hurt Monica was absurd itself and enough to fill his heart with more guilt.
“I know it’s not true, Andrew, for goodness sake!”
“Roy... my assignment, he had a gun and was threatening me when Monica arrived. He... got scared all of a sudden, I guess he thought I’d take the gun from his hands and then he shot, but Monica... She... She put herself in front of me and took the shot in my place...” he explained, those sad memories were tearing up his heart.
“God...” Adam’s perplexed face also reflected how sorry he was for what was happening to his two angelic friends – seeing Monica and Andrew separated and the kind Irish angel so badly hurt was terrible, and what made it all sadder was the fact that Andrew was being accused of hurting her. Nothing could sound more absurd.
“I want to see her but it seems I’m trapped in this human form, Adam... I don’t know what my assignment is anymore, I don’t even know if I still have an assignment...”
“You and I know better than anyone that there is a reason for everything... Monica is also trapped in her human form all this time, and I’m sure there must be an explanation for that too... I hope it all becomes clear to you at the right time, buddy...” he said, placing his hand over his friend’s shoulder, “I have to go now, but I’ll pray for you... I’ll pray for you both...”
“Please... if... if she wakes up... if you have the chance to see and talk to her, tell her that I’m sorry... that I never meant to hurt her feelings and that... that I lover her with my very soul...”
“I will... though I’m pretty sure she knows that.”
That was the last time Andrew saw Adam or had any news from Monica. On the following weeks that followed, sorrow, guilt and despair were his companions and all the blond angel could do was cry.
*
The scenery at that beautiful beach was breathtaking. It was early in the morning and slowly, the rising sun would colour the sky with hues of orange, light blue and purple. It also left a trace of light in the ocean, which now had calm, tranquil waters that gently kissed the white sand in almost non-existent waves. There, stood a single soul and a closer look revealed that she was sobbing miserably while the gentle breeze disarrayed her long auburn hair. The long white dress and the meek Gaelic features were evidences of her heavenly nature. Monica couldn’t stop crying despite the beautiful image right before her sweet doe-like eyes, now filled with great sorrow.
But she was not the only one on that semi-deserted beach: with no specific destination, Andrew walked along the sand, apparently looking for someone, and it didn’t take him a long time to find her. “Monica!” he cried out her name and ran towards her, but the Irish angel didn’t seem to hear his voice. Monica remained still, shedding incessant tears and looking at the horizon as if Andrew weren’t there. The blond angel came closer but, strangely, he couldn’t hold her in his arms like he wanted to do; he couldn’t even touch her. She seemed so close and yet so far!
“Monica? Angel? Please, don’t cry... Please, talk to me... Are you in any pain?” he desperately wanted to know, but all she did was sob. “Angel, please, forgive me! Please, sweetie... I’m so sorry! I never meant to treat you like that, or say all those things to you... All I wanted was to protect you from danger! Monica! I love you, angel, you’re my soul mate, my best friend!” He spoke, in a loud voice, but nothing he said seemed to have an effect on the little angel – she continued to cry helplessly, but now whispering one single name. “Andrew... Oh, Andrew...”
“Monica, angel, please, look at me!” he begged, twice desperate at hearing her.
But suddenly another voice reached his ears.
“Hey, buddy, wake up!”
Andrew’s eyes were immediately wide open and he saw the prisoner who used to stay in the cell next to his, and his cell, as well as the others, was open. “What’s happening?” he asked, terribly confused.
“Looks like you’ll get to see your Monica, pal. We’re all free!” the man said, in a hurry to get out of there. Andrew stood up and looked around him: all the other prisoners were escaping.
“Where... where’s the police officer in charge of watching the station?” he wanted to know, a bit reluctant to leave.
“There...” the man pointed: the policeman was lying on the floor with his hands and feet tied up with handcuffs and he wasn’t conscious. “Is he hurt?”
“We’re not murderers, pal. He’s asleep, there was something in his food that’s making him sleep. Now move if you want to get out of here, the police will find it out soon!”
Andrew left his cell and ran along the corridor that separated them from freedom. But before he left the police station, he decided to look for something in the closets inside the sheriff’s room. It didn’t take him too long to find Monica’s necklace and his pocket watch and only then he escaped from the building.
In the dark streets of that silent night, he could hear as the alarm in the station echoed through the city. Andrew walked fast, and his destination was certain: the city hospital. Three long and painful weeks had passed since Monica was short and all the could think of at that moment was to see his dearest friend. How was she doing? Had she woken up? Was she recovering from the surgery? These questions had been permanently on his mind and now he would finally kneel before the little angel and ask for her forgiveness. But suddenly a voice interrupted his thoughts.
“And angel running away from the police? That’s a scene I never thought I’d see!” Gregory’s ironic voice immediately raised Andrew’s anger but it did not mange to stop him from walking. “But I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen recently, you know. Another young boy following the crime path, a defeated angel who failed his assignment badly and... Oh, I’m not sure if you know it already but... another angel who went back “Home” after receiving a shot from this same troubled boy.”
Those last words finally had an effect on Andrew: he stopped walking and faced the demon, “What are you talking about, Gregory?” his voice was visibly filled with anger.
“Oh, so you don’t know that your sweet Monica didn’t resist to the wounds caused by the bullet and her human from has... died?”
Even though he felt pain rising inside his heart, Andrew faced Gregory with a cold look in his sad green eyes. “I don’t believe you, you’re a demon, liar by nature!” then, he continued to walk, not listening to what Gregory said.
“You’ll see who’s lying when you get at the hospital. She’s not there anymore, and if I were you I’d be careful: the police may find you there!”
Andrew left the demon behind, and finally crossed the hospital gates. There he headed straight to the information counter, glad that the ER was crowded and the only police officer there didn’t may much attention to him.
“Please, I need to see a patient, her name is Monica...” he said with an urgent tone in his voice. The attendant stared at him for a few seconds, as his undone beard and tired appearance caused an impact on her. She finally typed the name on the computer and then looked at him again.
“This patient has been removed to the second floor, room 202...”
Andrew rushed to the stairs even before she had finished to speak. The woman watched him until he disappeared from her view, and then, with a pensive expression on her face, she grabbed the phone and dialled a few numbers.
*
Once he was on the second floor, the blond angel walked as fast as he could to find the room indicated by the attendant. He couldn’t believe he would finally see his dearest friend after three painful weeks, when that terrible tragedy at the school put them apart. Now he was ready to ask for her forgiveness and even if she didn’t want to accept it, he wouldn’t mind it – just the possibility of seeing her again was enough to fill his heart with great happiness. And he had all the eternity to get her trust back again.
Finally, the room 202 came to his way and he gently turned the door knob. Inside the bedroom, however, there was a young woman standing by the bed.
“Who are you?” she asked, visibly scared at that blond man standing at the door.
“I’m here to see Monica...” he replied, also finding it strange to see the young lady standing there.
“Do you know my grandma?” she asked, and only then did Andrew give a few steps towards the bed. To his shock, there lay an old woman, with grey hair and apparently in her late seventies. His human heart started to beat faster and the blond angel felt panic rising in his soul.
“I’m... I’m sorry... I guess I made a mistake...” he finally spoke, tears already forming in the corner of his eyes. Then, he turned around and left the room, not knowing where to go. “Father... Please, send me a sign... Tell me she’s fine... Please... this can’t be true...”
“I told you she was dead, but you didn’t believe me...” Gregory spoke, appearing right beside him.
“That’s not true... That’s impossible!” the blond angel cried.
“...But that doesn’t surprise me... After all, you were responsible for all that tragedy. Monica went to that school because of you. She took the shot because of you! How do you think the other angels are feeling? They hate you, buddy! They hate...”
“Stop! Shut up! Shut up, Gregory!” Andrew suddenly shouted, grabbing the demon by the neck and pushing him up against the wall, his green eyes shining with anger. But Gregory smiled, happy to see the despair in the angel’s eyes. “If I were you, I’d take it ease, Andrew. Remember that the other people cannot see me and they’ll think you’ve gone crazy... In fact, I guess that officer standing over there is already suspecting that...”
Only then did Andrew notice the police officer standing on the corner of the corridor. As mush as he didn’t want to, the blond angel had to let Gregory go and, slowly, he started to walk away, trying to escape from the officer’s view.
The other policemen inside the hospital building were soon alerted and looking for the tall blond guy. But they didn’t see it when Andrew left the building through the back door and disappeared through the darkness of the night.
*
Andrew didn’t know how long he walked in the deserted streets that night. The cold, howling wind and the stars up in the sky were the only witnesses of all the sorrow and pain he carried inside his troubled heart. His long walk only stopped when he realised where he was – the poor neighbourhood where Roy lived. He knew the boy was there, hidden somewhere waiting until everything would settle down again.
“You angels are really pathetic! After all that guy has done to Monica you’ll still try to convince him to ‘love thy neighbour’ and all that crap people like you say...” Gregory spoke, once again standing next to Andrew.
But this time his evil presence didn’t disturb the blond angel: Andrew didn’t even look at the demon as he spoke, “No... You’re wrong. I won’t...”
Saying that, the angel left his assignment behind and walked away from that place – away from that town and from the devilish creature that smiled wickedly at that scene. “Nothing could be better...”
CHAPTER 9
[i]Differently from Tess and little Joy, who were sound asleep inside the tent, Monica and Andrew were sharing a sleeping bag and the Irish angel was comfortably resting her head on his upper arm; both observing the starry sky.
“... and that is Cygnus, it has 61 stars and it shines so brightly in the summer it’s possible to see its main stars in a night like this one.” Andrew explained, softly running his fingers through her hair.
“It’s so beautiful... What about that one?”
“That is Cassiopeia. The familiar 'W' shape of Cassiopeia is made up from five stars: Segin, Ksora, Cih, Schedir and Caph. The central star, Cih, is the brightest of these.”
“You know something?” she turned her head up so that her eyes could meet his.
“What, Angel Girl?”
“You’re such a good teacher! I could spend hours here with you observing the sky!”
Chucking, he bent his head and kissed her forehead. “I could stay here teaching you until there were no stars left in the galaxy for us to study!”
“That’s a lovely idea! Of course we can’t do it non stop, but... We could gather around once in a while to do it!”
“Yes, I guess we have a deal on that!” he had hardly said that when his dearest friend turned to the side and gave him a tight hug and a loving kiss on the cheek. “Thank you...”
“You’re more than welcome,” he replied, placing some strands of hair behind her ear and not missing her sleepy eyes, “But right now, let’s have this class finished, as I can see there are some sleepyhead pupils around here!”
“Ok...” giggling, she looked at the sky one more time, “I guess the stars will be there so that we can continue this class later!”
At that moment, they saw as a bright star crossed the space. “Look, there goes another one!” Monica exclaimed.
“Aren’t you going to make a wish, Angel Girl?” Andrew joked. The Irish angel snuggled close together with him, in a warm embrace, and rested her head on his chest, almost sleeping. “What for?... I have all I wish right here with me already...”[/i]
The blond angel woke up whispering Monica’s name, as that had become a habit for him over the last five weeks. Two days had passed since he’d escaped from prison and having no place to go, he ended up heading to the woods. The hard wet ground became his bed and the stars in the sky his only friends. The other angels never appeared to him and he himself didn’t feel like seeing them. Andrew was too ashamed to talk to them or to God. He’d not only hurt the one friend who he loved the most but was also guilty for what had happened to her. Besides, he had walked out of his assignment due to his anger towards the one who shot the Irish angel. Now all he had were the stars – the same stars that his dear Monica loved to watch, the same ones he’d taught her about so many times. With tears in his eyes he remembered as the little angel would listen to his words intently and then make lots of questions about the galaxies and the universe.
Andrew sighed deeply, trying to stifle a sob: maybe his dearest friend was watching the stars too; or maybe she had become one of them – he specifically remembered that once he’d named a star “Monica” and would never forget the broad smile on her beautiful face when he said that.
With some difficulty, as he hadn’t eaten for nearly two days, the blond angel stood up from the ground and looked around him. It was still dark and it took him a while to check the time in his pocket watch. It was 5 AM and the sun would soon come out. He reached out and took a shining object from his pocket – it was Monica’s necklace and it was enough to bring tears to his eyes. The chilly night wind blew against his face, now covered with a blond beard, and after keeping the watch and necklace back in his pocket, he started to walk. Andrew was in his human form and therefore exposed to all sorts of dangers and weaknesses a normal human being was. He felt terribly cold and hungry and desperately needed a shelter and some food.
But he wouldn’t dare to pray for those. No. He felt the most undeserving creature in all universe and was sure of how disappointed his Father was in him. Nevertheless, after a 30 minutes walk in the woods, he saw a cabin – [i]the[/i] cabin where he, Monica and Tess used to spend their free time. Their cabin.
He was soon climbing the porch steps and opening the front door. It was all dark inside and it hurt terribly having to come back there now that his sweet friend was not in this world any longer. Her laughter, as well as Tess’ singing and even little Joy’s barks were permanently echoing in his mind as he walked along the empty rooms. Gathering extra courage, he climbed up the stairs heading to the upper corridor, where there were three doors. One was his old bedroom. The other, Tess’ room. And the one in front of his was Monica’s.
Shedding a few tears, he stopped right in front of that door, a turmoil of feelings and images in his mind. How he missed her! It seemed that part of his soul had died now that she wasn’t there with him anymore. With a trembling hand, he slowly opened the door but what he saw nearly made his heart stop beating. The lamp on the bedside table was on, some soft light breaking the darkness inside the room, and making it possible to see the small form fast asleep on the bed.
Andrew gave a few steps ahead, not believing the image right in front of him: Monica was lying on her bed, with a thick blanket covering her body and soft pillows spread around her. Her meek face was pale as she seemed to be still recovering from the surgeries she’d been through. Tears pricked his eyes as he knelt right beside her bed and finally touched her cheek. Overwhelmed with emotion, visible on his face and even in his trembling hands, he sobbed.
Suddenly, as if feeling another presence inside her bedroom, Monica stirred her head and her eyes flung open. Panic took over her soul as she saw the man hidden in the shadows standing right in front of her. Quickly, and with her heart pounding erratically in her chest, she sat down in bed and desperately moved away from him.
“Who are you? What do you want?” she spoke, with weak and deeply scared voice. Once again, guilt tore Andrew’s heart as he realised how terribly he’d scared her.
“Angel, it’s me...” he quickly spoke, in an attempt to put her heart at ease. And, in shock, she covered her mouth, stifling a sob. Monica could recognise that voice anywhere, as well as that term of endearment. “It’s me, angel... I’m sorry I scared you...” he spoke again, now approaching the light so that she could see his face. But it wasn’t necessary: instant tears of emotion were already falling form her doe like eyes.
“Andrew...” she whispered, her choked voice filled Andrew’s own heart with happiness, joy and other loving feelings that were now taking over his soul. Tentatively, and surprised at his exhaustion and at his miserable appearance, she reached out and touched his face; her hand also trembling. “Andrew... Oh, Andrew...”
“Angel... I thought... I thought I had lost you, baby... I thought you had left...” he said, taking her hand in both of his and kissing its back.
“And I was so afraid... Afraid that you’d never know that I recovered... Afraid of what could happen to you all alone in this world...”
“Oh, Monica... Sweetie, all I could think of was you... I love you so much, baby...” he let go of her hand and wrapped her in a warm hug, but an immediate cry of pain made him pull away quickly, “What is it, angel?” he desperately wanted to know.
“I’m still sore because of the surgery...”
Andrew couldn’t feel more terrible – at that moment all he could think of was to kneel in front of her and ask for her forgiveness.
“Oh, God, I’m sorry, Monica! I’m sorry, please, forgive me, I didn’t know...”
“It’s alright, Andrew...” she gently interrupted him, and then tilted her head, tears permanently rolling down her cheeks, “... Please, let me hold you?” As he leaned forward and let her wrap her small arms around his neck, Andrew raised his hand and caressed her auburn hair with tenderness. “The Father sent you back to me... He answered to my prayers...” he heard her saying.
Feeling twice guilty for all that had happened to her, he shook his head, “I guess if I spent the rest of my existence asking for your forgiveness it still wouldn’t be enough to erase all the pain I’ve inflicted in you...” his voice had so much bitterness and sorrow that Monica pulled away just a few inches to look at him, “No... Please, Andrew, don’t do it to yourself, you’ve been through so much pain already...”
“Not even half of the pain I caused you...” he tenderly caressed her face, “When did you leave hospital? How are you recovering, angel? I went to the hospital... I looked for you but you were not there anymore...”
“I... I was unconscious for days and when I woke up Tess was together with me, standing by my bed, and she told me what happened, that you had been arrested because of me... I was so desperate, Andrew, I felt so terrible! I insisted on telling the police what had really happened but I guess they gave me more medication because I was nervous and I ended up falling asleep again. When I could finally recover my consciousness, a police officer came to the hospital and I spoke to him, I told him you were innocent. He said you’d be set free on the following days, but... since then, we didn’t hear anything from you and we didn’t know what to think...”
Andrew frowned with concern, “You talked to the police? When?”
“Two weeks ago...”
He let out a tired sigh, “I never heard anything from you... And my guess is that you didn’t talk to the police... that the person you spoke with wasn’t a real officer...”
He watched as her eyes grew open in shock, “Oh, Father...” the Irish angel exclaimed, as she immediately understood what he meant: she’d spoken to one of Gregory’s counterparts. “We found it strange that you weren’t set free, but we could never have imagined...”
“The person you spoke to was probably one of Gregory’s partners and then you left hospital before I escaped from jail.” He concluded, not believing that series of misunderstandings had managed to put them apart for over a month.
“I’m terribly sorry, Andrew...”
“No. I’m the one who is sorry... I spent all these days wanting nothing but to ask for your forgiveness...” As she reluctantly shook her head in disagreement, he took her hand and kissed it again, “I never meant those things I told you, Monica. All I wanted was that you had gone away from that school because it was dangerous, baby, I-”
“I know... I knew it at the moment I spoke to Roy at the church, a few hours before...” she tentatively caressed his face, biting her lips and trying in vain to hold back the tears, “I love you so much, Andrew... So much I... I don’t even know how to put it into words...”
“You’ve put it into actions, Monica... What you did for me... Giving up yourself because of me was... The greatest proof of love and friendship one could ever have...” he said, placing her hand against his heart, “And I’ll spend the rest of my existence thanking you...”
“No... please, just promise you’ll never be away... Please, promise, Andrew...”
“I promise, angel.”
She touched his face, his beard and dishevelled hair added an extra inch of sadness to her little heart, “What happened to you?”
“I... I’ve been around, with no destination... But that doesn’t matter now, angel. What really matters is that you’re recovering and that we’re here together again.”
He gently lay both hands on each side of her face and brushed a loving tearful kiss on her forehead, pulling her for another hug, now carefully not to hurt her. How she cried! So much he gently rubbed her back, trying to soothe her heart, “Shh... Please, calm down, baby...”
Yet, who was he to tell her to be calm if his tears fell freely from his green pools? His soul mate was back and he felt like the most grateful creature in the whole universe. Still holding Monica, Andrew lay in her bed and let her snuggle against him, resting her head on his chest. The little angel cried until exhaustion and, lulled by the light movements of his fingers soothing her hair, she finally fell asleep. He never knew how long he spent lost in the loving embrace before he too fell in deep sleep. But unlike the previous nights, now their hearts were lighter and filled with joy for that unexpected but happy meeting. A soft glow slowly involved the two heavenly creatures as if God Himself was blessing them both.
CHAPTER 10
Tess parked the red Cadillac in front of the cabin and she and the little puppy dog in the back seat entered the house. The supervisor headed upstairs immediately, with worry evident on her face. She had left the cabin on the previous night on an emergency assignment but was reluctant about it, as being away from her “angel girl” was always painful, especially in that situation.
But when the angel opened the door in Monica’s room, what she saw brought immediate tears to her eyes and a wave of joy flooded her soul: Monica and Andrew were still sleeping on her bed, with the blond angel’s arms protectively wrapped around her small shoulders as if even in his sleep, Andrew was telling her that everything would be alright from that moment on.
“Oh, Father... I prayed so much for this! And You finally answered to my prayers. Thank You! Thank You so much!” Saying more prayers of thanks and with happiness written all over her face, the oldest angel quietly left the room.
A few hours later, when the sun was already rising high in the sky, Andrew stirred his head and his eyes slowly opened. Amazing what his meeting with Monica had done to him: the constant nightmares were over and for the first time since that assignment had stared, he finally managed to have a calm sleep. The blond angel turned his head to his left and saw the little angel who slept peacefully snuggled against him. She had never used her pillow, as she was resting her head over his chest, and his heart nearly broke at seeing how she clutched his T-shirt, as if fearing his going away from her once again. Tenderly, and carefully not to wake her up, he raised his hand and stroked her perfumed hair. How me missed that simple action that had become so rare lately! But Andrew had promised her and himself that he would make it up for her; that he would use all the love inside his heart to make all the sadness and pain he’d inflicted her go away.
Sometime later, the blond angel tried to leave the bed and carefully held her and placed a pillow under her head. That movement, however, did cause her to stir and whisper a few words.
“Andrew... where are you?”
“Shh... I’m right here, angel. I’m not going away from you. Please, sleep,” he whispered back, kissing her temple lovingly, until he was sure that she was sleeping again. Then, he straightened the blanket around her small form and quietly left the bedroom.
*
When Andrew entered the kitchen Tess’ broad smile was the first thing he saw, and the old angel opened her arms to him like a mother who hadn’t seen her son in a long time. “Oh, baby! Baby, it’s so good to see you again!” she said, with tears already threatening to fall from her eyes at any moment.
Smiling back, Andrew tightened his hold on her and nodded, “I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long... I’m sorry I made you all worry, Tess... It feels so good to be back... So good to hold you...”
The supervisor pulled away and stared at him with her eyes filled with sorrow at seeing his beard and filthy appearance, “What happened to you, baby? Your face, your eyes... they hold so much sadness...” she said, gently lying her hand against his cheek, “... And look at you, you’ve lost weight, you’re probably weak and hungry!”
He covered her hand with his and a bittersweet smile appeared on his face, “I ate something when I arrived here, yesterday night... The last days have been pretty rough but it’s finally over...”
“When I heard about what happened at the school I was so... so desperate... I knew that you were not guilty but there was no way I could leave the hospital, Monica was fighting to stay alive...”
A silent tear rolled down his face as he heard that – he wanted to be there too, praying and holding the little angel’s hand, but instead people were accusing him of something he would never in a thousand years do. “I know, Tess. I was praying for her too where I was...”
They held each other tightly once again, their hearts filled with emotion.
*
After he had a shower and removed the beard, Andrew headed to Monica’s bedroom again. His appearance was much better now that he had changed into clean clothes and eaten something. He knocked on the door very lightly, but having no answer, the blond angel slowly pulled it open: his dearest friend was still fast asleep in her bed; the expression on her pale face was a peaceful, calm one. Smiling, he walked over up to her bed and placed a chair right next to it. Then, he gently took her hand and caressed her hair, his eyes filled with emotion at seeing her so serene in her sleep.
But, as if feeling his loving presence, the little angel slowly stirred and, a few moments later, her eyes flung open. Andrew couldn’t help but chuckle when he saw the slight confusion on her meek face – something that would often happen when she slept until late.
“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty...” he whispered, brushing away a few strands of hair from her face.
“Andrew?” a sleepy smile appeared on her face when she saw him.
“Hey, baby... How did you sleep?” his warm smile was enough to put her heart at ease and slowly she regained full consciousness.
“I’m... I slept well...” Monica tried to sit up in bed but her sudden effort only caused her human body to ache.
“Hey, hey, hey... calm down, angel!” he was immediately at her side, helping her out.
“Sorry... I... sometimes I forget my condition...” she sadly replied, taking his proffered hand.
“It’s okay, baby. I got you...” he helped her to sit down in bed and quickly placed a soft pillow on her back, so that she could rest against it. Only then, her meek smile reappeared and she reached out to touch his face, “It’s so good to see you like this again... To see your face without that beard...”
Andrew gently covered her small hand with his and tried to joke, “So you didn’t approve of my new look, huh?”
“No... It made you look sad... Sadder than you already are...”
“Part of my sadness vanished when I arrived here and saw you sleeping in this same bed, Monica. And the other part will leave as soon as you recover fully from these wounds.”
“Can I have a hug meanwhile?”
“Always.”
He carefully gathered her in his arms, and as she rested her head over his shoulder, Andrew closed his eyes for brief seconds, his fingers immediately entangled in her perfumed auburn hair. Monica’s heart was surely filled with joy for having her dearest friend back but deep down inside she was sad – the little angel could feel the sorrow Andrew was trying to hide from her in the depths of his soul. There was more than he had told her; the pain that his assignment brought him was still latent and only time and his actions would heal it.
The Irish angel pulled a few inches away and brushed a gentle kiss on his cheek, “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, angel. I’m the one who is always thankful,” he replied, taking her hand in both of his, “Are you hungry? I’ll go downstairs to take your breakfast, Tess is already preparing it.”
Her smile didn’t disappear completely but it faded away a little, “I... Tess has to help me out first... she has to help me to change the bandages, I can’t do it alone.”
She watched as the expression on his face turned into a sad and worried one, “Are you feeling any pain, Monica? Did... did I hurt you that badly last night when I held-”
“No! No, Andrew! It hurts a little because of the stitches but no, you’d never hurt me!”
“I... I can’t stop thinking that I did...” he averted his eyes from her, ashamed of his latest actions. But Monica cupped his face and made him look at her once again.
“Please don’t do it to yourself, Andrew. Only the Father knows how much I prayed to see you again, how much I prayed for your safety. Your absence hurt more than these wounds... Besides... Now I know you did everything you could to keep me away from danger, your actions, your harsh words... They were nothing but a way to protect me.”
“I... I should have done things differently. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that-”
“You did what you could at that moment!”
“But it only caused you to get hurt-” She gently covered his mouth, “I’m here now; I’m healing and having you here with me only helps me to heal faster.”
“And I’ll be eternally grateful, sweetie. One of the happiest moments of my existence was when I came in here and saw you... But I walked out of my assignment, Monica. When I thought you had... That you had gone I refused to help that boy...”
“There’s still a chance to save him. You know that. Who told you I didn’t survive? Who was there trying to put you away since the beginning?” She watched as in silence he reflected upon her words, “If you insist on blaming yourself and living in guilt, it’ll only make Gregory stronger and he’ll get what he wanted since the beginning: spread sadness and evil.”
“Do you think there’s time... for him? For me to be redeemed of my mistakes?” his eyes were shining with tears as well as hers.
“Of course there is, Andrew!” She took his both hands and squeezed them, “You’re more than a wonderful angel, Andrew. God gave you a beautiful, compassionate and loving soul! How many times have I looked for comfort and reassurance in your arms? How many times were you there for me when I felt lost and lonely? You have such a warm heart, Andrew! You’re so kind, so gentle not only with me but with all the ones who need your help...” Tears were falling freely from her eyes but the broad smile on her face made him overwhelmed with emotion, “And I’m so proud to be your friend! I’m so grateful for having you by my side, in the happiest and saddest moments of my existence! So grateful!”
“Monica... Angel...” Lost for words he lay both hands on her face and brushed a loving kiss on her forehead, which lasted for long seconds. Then, he gently pulled her for a warm embrace, and the two remained like this for some time, just enjoying each other’s company and sharing their blessed connection, through which a multitude of loving feelings was transmitted.
Several minutes had passed when the blond angel spoke again, never releasing the hold on her. “You’re more than a wonderful angel too, Monica. You’re my everything...” he whispered, never stopping from caressing her hair. Then, he pulled away and kissed her cheek, “Thank you, angel... Thank you very much...”
Monica’s loving smile was her reply and it was then that Tess knocked lightly on the door, which had been left ajar. “Baby?”
“Good morning, Tess!” the Irish angel greeted her, and the supervisor’s joy at seeing her both “babies” together again was visible in the spark of her eyes.
“Oh, thank You, Father! That’s an image I’m always happy to see!” she exclaimed, conjoining her hands and standing right next to them.
“And I promise you’ll see it again and again from now on, Tess.” Andrew stood up and kissed Monica’s cheek once again, “I’ll be right back.”
CHAPTER 11
Although Monica needed Tess’ help to do practically everything, the little angel never complained. Her courageous heart impressed even her closest friends, as she never complained about the pain caused by the stitches on her chest, which made even simple actions such as breathing difficult.
Sometime after breakfast, due to the effects of the medication, the little angel fell asleep again and only woke up at the beginning of the afternoon. With some effort, Monica sat down in bed and looked through the window as a gentle breeze made the curtains move. Tenderly stroking Joy’s soft fur, she remembered the tragic events of the latest weeks and sighed. Rarely had she been so afraid. Afraid for her, for Andrew and even for the young man who, in a moment of insanity, had shot her. For a brief moment, Monica remembered his scared face after he’d pulled the trigger and she knew that he didn’t mean to hurt anybody. She also recalled Andrew’s despair at seeing her so badly hurt in his arms, and his anguished cries for help. When she woke up in hospital, weeks later, the first thing the little angel did was to tell the police what had happened and that Andrew wasn’t guilty. But then it was too late: on the same day, the blond angel escaped from prison and there was no clue about where he’d gone. A silent tear rolled down her cheek as she remembered how terribly worried she was when Tess told her about Andrew’s escape.
Then, she thought about his harsh words. Even though now she knew he didn’t mean them, it still hurt to remember that awful moment – it hurt maybe more than the physical pain she felt when the bullet penetrated her chest.
A light knock on the door took her out of her reverie and she saw Andrew’s worried face, “Angel? Is there something wrong? Are you in any pain?” he wanted to know, quickly approaching the bed and taking her small hand.
“N-no... I’m fine, Andrew. Please, don’t worry.” She managed a soft smile hoping to put his heart at ease but he wasn’t totally convinced, “Are you sure? I was downstairs and I... I felt you...”
Monica knew he was talking about the connection they shared and though she couldn’t have control over it, it made her feel a little guilty for worrying him without a reason, “I’m sorry... I... I was thinking about the latest events and then I couldn’t help feeling sad...”
Andrew sighed deeply, wanting nothing but to erase all those terrible moments from her mind. He reached out and tenderly brushed a few tears away from her cheeks, “It’s ok, angel. If you want to talk about it, I’m always here for you but I don’t want to see you sad.” His lips curved in a tender smile and he placed a strand of hair behind her ear, “Besides this, I was about to wake you up anyway: lunch is ready and Tess and I made everything you like... including a coffee cake!”
His heart was ten times lighter when he saw the beautiful smile that appeared on her face. “A coffee cake too? Tess agreed with it?”
“Well... Actually I made it and we had a few disagreements downstairs as we wanted everything to be perfect for you!”
She giggled, imagining her dearest friends in the same kitchen, “I love you both so much, you know?”
“Well, actually we know it! Now, c’mon, your presence is being requested downstairs!”
Andrew kissed the back of her hand and stood up. Then, he passed his left arm underneath her knees and wrapped his other arm around her waist, “Please, Monica, tell me if you feel any pain...” his worries, however, vanished completely when Monica wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled against his chest, “I feel wonderful!”
Andrew lifted the little angel in his arms and carried her outside her bedroom and downstairs. He couldn’t help feeling an inch of sadness noticing how much lighter she was. The blond angel lifted a silent prayer, asking God to heal her faster, and then an excited yelp drew his attention. “Oh, my goodness! Andrew! Tess! It’s so beautiful, I love it!” she exclaimed, seeing the table all set and decorated with flowers. With infinite care, Andrew deposited her on the chair across from his and after assuring that she was comfortable, he and Tess also sat down.
The supervisor said a prayer and lunch was served at 1:30 PM and for the first time in two months, the angels had a very pleasant and cheerful afternoon.
*
When they were over, Andrew was ready to carry Monica back to her room but the little angel gently stopped him. “Actually I... I was wondering if I could stay in the porch for a little while. It’s such a beautiful day...”
Monica watched as the two angels exchanged a worried glance, still unsure to let her do what she was asking. “I don’t know... you’re still recovering, Miss Wings, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to stay outside, exposed to the weather!” the supervisor spoke, frowning with concern. Andrew nodded his head, “I agree. It’s been way too cold outside these days, and you could catch a chill, angel.”
“But... it’s sunny right now and the temperature is such a pleasant one...” she replied, and both angels already knew what would happen when she shot them the pleading look that would always melt their hearts, “Please? I promise I won’t stay there too long...”
*
After Andrew had helped her to settle on the comfortable armchair placed in the porch, she reached out to take his hand and make him sit next to her. Her serene peaceful soul, along with her courageous spirit amazed him. She had gently refused his offer to carry her up to the porch, joking that she could get used to his spoiling her. With his supportive arm permanently wrapped around her waist, the Irish angel gave a few steps and managed to get there and once he had sat down next to her, she rested her head on his shoulder and squeezed the hold on his hand.
Both remained in a pleasant silence for long minutes, just contemplating the beautiful scenery before their eyes and enjoying each other’s company. Were he to spend the rest of his eternity like that, the blond angel would feel like the happiest creature in the whole universe. But suddenly, Andrew felt an inch of sadness inside his heart, which was followed by Monica’s soothing voice, “You must go back, Andrew. You must finish your assignment...” the expression on her face was still calm, as if she trusted he would be able to accomplish his mission and come back to her.
Andrew sighed deeply, frowning with worry and concern, “I know... just don’t know if I’ll be able to. Not after what he did to you...”
“You know he wasn’t thinking... You saw the look in his eyes, Andrew. Roy didn’t mean for this to happen. Besides, you know who caused all this tragedy...”
“Yes... You’re right again. I just wish... I didn’t want you to get involved in all this... I didn’t want you to get hurt, angel... You’re the most precious blessing I’ve ever been given in my whole existence and being away from you or seeing you suffering is... the worst pain I could ever feel.”
Monica took his both hands and with some effort, turned her body to look at him, “The same way the Father will restore my human body, He’ll also restore your soul, Andrew. Trust Him. Trust Him to guide you in this mission and always listen to His loving words. If you do it, then there’s no way you can fail.”
Smiling at her own meek smile, he let go of one of her hands and wrapped his arm around her small shoulders, bringing her closer to him and kissing her temple lovingly, “I love you beyond words, angel.”
“I know...”
“I have your necklace with me, I-”
“Keep it. I told you it would stay with you until the assignment is over.”
“Okay... But I’ll give it back to you as soon as I finish it.”
She nodded and then returned her head to the same place against his shoulder.
*
Contrary to the angel’s will, time passed fast that afternoon and, as the sun started to set behind the horizon, Andrew knew it was time to go. Monica’s reassuring words were permanently on his mind giving him the courage to finish his assignment. Besides, he knew that God was watching over him. That night, sitting by his dearest friend’s bed, holding her hand while she slept, the blond angel lifted a prayer for her safety and quick recovery. Then, he brushed away a few strands of hair from her meek face and gently rubbed his knuckles against her cheek.
“Angel?”
He waited patiently until she opened her eyes. “Andrew?”
“I’m leaving, baby. I’m going to finish my assignment.”
She tried to sit up in bed as soon as she heard that, but pain stopped her from doing it so fast, “Hey, hey... You’re a quite stubborn little angel!” Andrew gently admonished, trying to stop her from doing so.
“Please, help me out, Andrew...” her pleading face, however, was enough to win that battle.
“Looks like I definitely cannot say ‘no’ to you!” he spoke, wrapping his arm around her back and under her arms, so that she could sit up straight without making any effort. Andrew still placed a few pillows against her back and then he too sat down facing her. Monica reached out and took his hand in both of hers, “I want you to know that I’ll be with you all the time, in my prayers and in my thoughts.”
“I never doubted that, sweetie...”
“I trust you... I know you’ll do it wonderfully.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Monica inched forward and held him tightly for long minutes, “You always do your best because you’re an angel of God!”
He closed his eyes, taking in every little word and all the loving feelings that were emanating from her warm heart. “Monica... Angel... You are constantly in my mind too, baby... Since the first time we met...”
“I know...”
When he finally pulled away, the blond angel lay both hands on each side of her face and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
“I’ll pray for you until you come back.” Her tears were already rolling down her face and he wiped them with gentle fingers.
“And I’ll come back soon, I promise.” He still kissed the back of her hand, “I love you, angel.”
“I love you too, Andrew.”
As he stood up and his image faded away, the Irish angel bowed her head and conjoined her hands, praying with all her faith for her dearest friend.
CHAPTER 12
Roy walked along a deserted road with no destination. In his mind, permanent flashbacks of the latest events prevented him from sleeping and filled his heart with unbearable pain. He had shot a woman – a defenceless woman who never did anything to him. And he also let an innocent man pay for his crime. How sorry he was for that! How he wished to have the chance to ask for their forgiveness! But instead of this he’d ran away from the city like a real murderer, and who would spend the rest of his life carrying a heavy burden.
The young man stopped walking for a minute and sat on a rock near the road, feeling extremely tired and hungry. Then, another person came to his mind: Evelyn. The harm he’d done to her hurt beyond words; now that he was clean and thinking straight he knew that. She had a great heart and was the only one who offered him a shelter, her friendship and her love, but he was too angry at the world to realise that.
Roy covered his stomach with both hands and then looked down at the ravine next to the road, pondering about what difference it would make if he left this world after all he’d caused. There was no place to go and looking for Evelyn was out of question, he liked her way too much to do that.
“Have you ever considered the fact that being here, in this world, is enough to make a difference in someone else’s life?”
Andrew’s voice caused him to stand up immediately, somewhat scared and really surprised, “Andrew? How...”
“Don’t ask how. Just try to answer my question.” The blond angel said, looking deep into Roy’s eyes. Truth to be told, Andrew was far from happy for being there, helping that one creature who’d dared to hurt Monica. It was a tremendous effort to be there, doing the Father’s work and fulfilling his assignment. But it was exactly because of his loving Creator and a warm hearted little angel that he was there at that very moment.
The young man sighed and looked down at the ravine once again, with anguish and despair evident in his face. Then he shook his head, nearly crying, “I... I don’t see how I could make a difference... I never made a difference to anyone... all I did was cause trouble and pain.”
“Well... you only make a difference in someone’s life if you try to, if you’re truly willing to. But I’m glad that you recognise your mistakes. Many people aren’t aware of that, you know.”
“How... how is the lady I shot? Is she alive?” he asked, hoping with all his heart to have good news.
“Yes, she’s fine and recovering.” Andrew watched as a wave of relief washed his soul at hearing that piece of news and it was at that very moment that the blond angel was sure that there was a chance for him.
“I’m sorry... I’m so sorry! For her, for you... I know you were accused of a crime you didn’t commit. I know I let you go to prison because of what I did... I’m terribly sorry, Andrew! please forgive me... Tell that lady I’m sorry for what I did!”
A slight smile appeared on the angel’s face, “She knows. She forgave you even before than I did. But I forgive you too, Roy. And I also want to ask for your forgiveness as well.”
“My forgiveness?” the boy was even more surprised.
“Yes... I gave up on you... I gave up on my duties because I was so angry at what you did that... I didn’t want to help you anymore.”
“You didn’t have to help me...”
“Yes, I did. But coming in here and having the chance to talk to you made all the difference, Roy.” Andrew gave a few steps towards him, “Sometimes the hardest thing to do is the right thing to do – it is the road that will make all the difference.”
The boy felt the truth in those words and after looking at Andrew with questioning eyes for a few instants he lowered his head with a pensive expression on his face. But as he raised his head once again, the blond man was gone. A chilly wind started to blow and the disturbing silence was only broken by the noise of a vehicle coming along the road. Roy saw it when a bus appeared in the corner of the winding road but instead of turning to the left, the driver lost control of the wheel and it went down in the ravine.
“Oh, gosh!” he exclaimed, taking his hands up to his head, his heart racing as the vehicle crashed against the trees, a few metres down.
“See how lucky you are, Roy? Maybe those people in the bus are loaded with money! Maybe they have food in there! C’mon, go there and take everything you can! They’re probably hurt and won’t react!” Gregory spoke, standing next to him, yet invisible to his eyes.
Feeling his entire body trembling with fear and nervousness, the young man started to descend the ravine and a couple of minutes later, he got at the vehicle, “Hello? Anybody can hear me?” he shouted, looking through the broken windows. Desperate cries for help echoed from inside the bus and, moved by an unexpected and incredible will to help, he started to open the emergency windows.
“What are you doing? What’s come over you? These people’s money are inside the luggage compartment!” Gregory shouted, watching powerless as Roy started to help the passengers.
“He finally made his choice, Gregory. What you were trying to do, your plan to destroy his life and the lives of the ones around him has failed.” Andrew spoke, standing next to the demon, who glared at him burning with anger.
“You here? What are you doing in here? Why can’t you just stay out of my way?” he shouted, both he and the blond angel invisible to the human eye.
“One of my duties is to be in your way and help the ones you want to destroy.” Andrew replied, staring firmly at the evil creature.
“Well, I can destroy you too if I want!” the demon replied.
Suddenly, another voice, soothing and gentle, was heard, “No, you can’t, Gregory.”
Walking towards them, Monica was in her angelic form, wearing a long white dress and completely healed. The glow that surrounded her form was so intense and so beautiful that, as she came closer, Gregory had to avert his eyes from her. She stood by Andrew’s side and looked at him with a sweet and reassuring smile on her face. The blond angel’s heart was immediately filled with joy at her beautiful image and at seeing her finally healed.
Monica looked at Gregory and continued to speak, “God’s presence and the wise words spoken by one of His angels made that young man change his destiny. Your plan, Gregory, is very small if compared to the plans of our loving Father.”
“There will be more... I may have lost this battle but there are lots of other tormented souls in this world!” he replied, unable to look at her.
“Yes, you’re right. And there’ll always be God’s angels close to these poor, tormented souls, ready to help them,” the Irish angel spoke, her soothing voice and her calming presence causing him an unbearable sensation of peace.
Proud to hear his dearest friend’s words, Andrew nodded his head, “And you know why, Gregory? Because God loves all His children.”
Gregory couldn’t bear it any longer and backed away from the two heavenly creatures, disappearing through the shadows of the night.
The angels looked at each other and Andrew held Monica’s hand, both watching as Roy helped the injured passengers of the bus.
And one of these passengers nearly made him freeze with shock and surprise: Evelyn had hit her head and was stuck under a chair.
EPILOGUE
Two weeks after the accident with the bus the newspaper headlines still showed how a criminal saved all the victims and remained by their side until the ambulance came to rescue them. The doctors who assisted the passengers said that Roy Taylor’s help was vital and that if it weren’t for him most victims wouldn’t have survived, especially a young woman named Evelyn Parker, who was still recovering in hospital.
The young lady was lying in her bed, looking through the window and thinking about the latest events as a light knock on the door drew her attention back to the present. She watched as Roy opened the door and poked his head inside, “May I come in?”
“Roy?”
“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting...”
“No, please, come in...” she insisted, truly happy to see him there after all he’d done for her. Somewhat timidly, the young man stepped inside the hospital bedroom and she noticed the prison uniform he was wearing. There was also a policeman outside.
“I came here to check on you before... before I’m transferred to another unit.” Roy spoke, standing by her bed. “The doctors said you’re leaving hospital in some days...”
“Yes... it was a serious accident but I’m having a fine recovery.”
“I’m so happy to hear it.”
The girl looked at him for long seconds, with a hint of emotion in her still pale face, “I so wanted to talk to you, Roy... Even before the accident... I wanted to offer my help... You know I’ve been working with this group, they help people who have problems with drugs or who live in the streets, sometimes committing minor offences...”
“I’m happy you’re doing it, Evelyn. I... I have to pay for my crimes, but if I there’s anything I can do to help...”
“You’ve done so much already, Roy, by saving all those people... By saving me... And I know you can do a lot more. I don’t think I could ever thank you enough-”
“No, please, don’t thank me. There’s a lot I need to do before someone thanks me. And... I want to ask for your forgiveness... I caused you so much pain and suffering...”
“I’ve forgiven you long ago, Roy. Everyone deserves a second chance; besides, I was no saint either and needed help as much as you did. Promise you’ll take care of yourself?”
He took one of her hands in both of his and squeezed it. “Yes... to be honest, I had made that promise to me, some days ago.”
The policeman outside the door signalled for him to go, and he kissed the back of her hand, “I’m leaving now, Evelyn. But coming in here and seeing you gave me more strength to face my mistakes, to try to fix them. Thank you so much. ”
“May God bless with you always, Roy.”
“I promise I’ll write.”
“I promise I’ll visit you.”
*
That same night, Roy sat in his bed, inside his cell thinking about his meeting with Evelyn. Her forgiveness and generosity brought an incredible sensation of peace to his troubled heart and maybe for the first time in his life, he felt he’d made a difference. The young man was preparing to sleep when a sudden voice made him turn around and look at the cell door.
“There are more people proud of you than what you can imagine.”
Andrew was standing there, wearing his beige suit and with a beautiful glow surrounding his form. The blond angel offered a kind smile.
“Andrew?”
“I hope that by now you know how good it feels to make a difference in someone’s life... In fact, in many people’s lives.”
The young man stared at him for a few seconds and nodded his head humbly, “You’re... you’re an angel, aren’t you? You were sent by God to help me out...”
“You’re correct. And God has a message for you: He loves you, Roy Taylor. He’s always watching over you like a loving Father because that’s what He is to you: a Father who only wants the best for His child, and Who is very proud of your latest action, despite all the mistakes you’ve made before.”
Moved with emotion, the young man swallowed hard, “Will He ever forgive me?”
Andrew came closer to him and gently placed his hand over his shoulder, “He has already forgiven you, Roy, for He can see inside your heart and He knows how much you regret the things you’ve done. On the night of the accident, when you made your decision to help those people and not to turn your back on them, you proved you’re His child.”
A tearful smile appeared on his face as he heard that, “You were right... Knowing that I made a difference... that my actions made other people’s lives better does feel good.”
“So never forget that, as much as things are difficult for you.”
“I won’t. And I promise you the same way I promised God that things will be different from now on.”
***
Monica sighed deeply as she admired her surroundings on that beautiful and sunny day. She had been walking nearby the cabin, in between tall green trees and feeling the soft grass on her feet at each slow step she gave. The sky was blue, with just a few white clouds passing by, and the smell of flowers filled her lungs with a pleasant scent that resembled her own perfume. As the soft breeze blew slightly stronger she reached up quickly to hold her charming hat and stop it from flying, and didn’t see the amused look in Andrew’s face as he approached her. But in her own face, there was a smile in reply, as she could feel his presence at the moment he arrived there.
The strong connection that put them together was indeed strong and blessed.
As she turned around to face him, Andrew quickened his steps and was right by her side in a heartbeat, gently wrapping his arm around her small body.
“Assignment fulfilled, Angel...” he spoke, burying his face on her shoulder, smelling the sweet perfume of her auburn hair.
“I’m happy to hear it, Andrew, but not surprised at all, you know. The Father chose the perfect angel to accomplish His will.” She replied, returning his warm hug.
He pulled away and gently cupped her cheek, admiring her meek features for a few seconds. “He also chose the perfect angel to be by my side, helping me out all the way, even though I didn’t realise it immediately. And not only during this assignment, but fortunately in all the moments of my existence.” Saying that, he bent his head and lay a gentle kiss on her forehead, holding her tightly once again afterwards. “You know what saddens me, Angel? The fact that I want to find the words to thank you, but... as hard as I try, nothing I can think can express what I really feel inside.”
“You have nothing to thank me for, Andrew... I’m always by your side because I love you very, very much. You’re my very dear friend, who came as a blessing from the Father to me... Even though I didn’t realise immediately...”
He gently pulled away and shook his head in disagreement, “No, Angel... The blessing here is you... and I was the one to receive it when we first met.”
Then, he searched inside his pocket for a roundish velvet box, “I have something here that belongs to you...”
With a permanent smile, she took the little box in her hands and before opening it, she ran her slender fingers on its soft material, staring at it for a few seconds. “I knew you would give it back to me soon, Andrew.”
“All the time, even in the most difficult moments, I would look at it and remember how much you trusted me... and that I could never ever let you down... I know I’ve failed it but, angel, I just-”
“Please, Andrew, don’t say that, you never failed! Your assignment was brilliantly fulfilled and you made all the difference for a troubled young man; you saved his life in many ways... And I know that in all the moments of this assignment you did what you thought was the right thing to do; I know you were trying to protect me, trying to keep me away from evil...”
Still sad to think about all the things that had happened in the last few weeks, he nodded his head resignedly. “I was, and I will always be, Monica. From anything that can harm you... I know God is watching over you and I do trust Him wholeheartedly, but staying away from you... Not worrying about you, angel, is unthinkable to me...” he tenderly ran his index finger along her jaw, “There’s no way I’d just leave the best present I was ever given alone in this world.”
Watching (and enjoying) as her smile grew wider and as her eyes were shining, he encouraged her, “C’mon, it’s yours, open it!”
Monica knew her necklace with the angel pendant was inside the small box; when she opened it and took the shining golden chain in her hands, however, she noticed there was a new pendant hanging in it. And she absolutely loved it.
“A Celtic knot! Oh, Andrew, it’s so beautiful!” she exclaimed, with the exact childlike excitement that he had imagined. Monica took a close look at the sequence of knots and braids intrinsically connected that formed the pendant.
“Yes. The gentleman who sold it to me said something that many humans aren’t aware of, but which was good to hear. He said that the Celtic knot represents the connection of everything to everything. No matter how our lives may twist, turn and overlap, they all fit together as a part of a wonderful whole. No beginning. No end. Just one of God’s beautiful creations.”
The Irish angel finally turned her eyes from her new gift to face him, with a few tears threatening to fall from her eyes despite the broad smile that continued to beam all over her face, “Sounds like a wonderful person then...”
“Well, that was exactly what he said about you when I told him it was a present! But I also have to add that it represents our friendship, Angel. One of God’s beautiful creations that will never end. And which I’ll treasure for my whole existence, I promise.”
“I know...”
Enjoying as she blushed deeply, he took the jewel in his hands, “Allow me?”
“Sure!”
She took off her hat (which had also been a present from her dearest friend) and turned around. Andrew gently pulled her long hair to the side and then placed the necklace around her neck, fastening the clasp and making her turn around again. Now two pendants hung in there and he knew how much that small gift represented to her.
Moved with emotion, Monica wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly, now finally allowing the tears to roll down her cheeks. “It’ll stay with me forever through the centuries, Andrew... And... And I want you to know that I love you very much...” she said, brushing a tearful kiss on his face.
“I know that too, sweetie... And I have another surprise for you...” he said, gently wiping her tears away.
“Another surprise?” she wanted to know, in between sobs.
“Yep!”
Enjoying to see the curious expression on her face, and deeply moved to see how she tried to fight back the tears without much success, Andrew reached for her both hands and held them tightly. “Close your eyes, Angel.”
She eyed him for a few moments, trying to sort out what he had in mind, but it only made him more amused. “I...” The little angel was going to say something else, but sensing that he wouldn’t tell her anything else, she just sighed with resignation and nodded, “... okay...”
Chuckling, Andrew kissed the back of her hands as soon as she closed her eyes and, on the following second, they disappeared from the clearing.
***
The couple of angels reappeared on a vast green field, with a few equally green mountains in the background and the deep blue sea not far from them. Andrew let go of her hands and stood right behind her, placing his own hands over her shoulder.
“Andrew?” she said, burning with curiosity and with expectation.
“Open your eyes, Monica.”
As she obliged him, more tears of emotion immediately pricked her brown pools at the realisation of where she was. “Oh... my beloved Ireland...” her voice came out as a whisper and she had to cover her mouth and stifle a sob, not believing that she was actually there.
“I promised you that we would take a few days off when this assignment was over and I don’t think there’s a better place to take you other than here...” the blond angel spoke, tenderly rubbing her upper arms up and down, feeling deep inside his own heart all the emotions that the little angel was feeling.
“It’s been so long since I last visited these fields...” Monica was trembling so much that he settled his hands over her shoulders for support, slightly worried about her. “We’ve been given a few days off, Angel, and we’ll spend them here.”
Now she turned around to face him, wiping her face as tears blinded her sweet brown pools, “Really?”
“Yes. I didn’t forget the promise I made you a while ago. I told you that when my assignment finished, I’d ask the Father a special permission to take you to a beautiful place, where you could walk around barefoot and enjoy the nature. I have to confess that I was already thinking about Ireland then.” His reassuring smile and the familiar smell of the green grass that reached her nose gave her all the certainty that she needed; that wasn’t a dream, that was the sweetest and purest reality.
With a trembling smile, she looked around her once again, and then finally up to the blue sky, “Oh, Father... Thank You... Thank you so much for this present... You really know my heart...”
“He sure does, baby...” Andrew stood right in front of her, and placed a few strands of her hair behind her ears.
“You know my heart too, Andrew.”
“Well, yes, I guess I do, but I’m sure neither the Father nor me want you to cry...” the blond angel gently started to wipe her tears away once again, but his sweet friend couldn’t help nodding and shedding new ones.
“I know...” Sniffling, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest, “... but I can’t avoid it...”
With infinite patience, and a warm smile, he kissed the top of her head and sighed, “I know... and I’m always here to wipe those tears away, wishing that all of them are tears of happiness.”
“Thank you, Andrew... It’s such a special present...”
“You don’t have to thank me, baby.”
When they finally parted, Andrew wrapped his arms around her shoulders and they started a calm, slow walk through the vast green field ahead of them.
“What about Tess and Joy?”
“Well, Tess said that she’ll stay with our little one and that they’ll meet us in a few days. But if you want me to go and ask her to keep Joy, I-”
“Oh, no, it’s alright... It’s not fair to leave Tess all alone while we’re here...”
“Yes, you’re right. And now let’s get going, cause we’ll be camping here for today and then set off in a small road trip to the south. You’re my host now, Angel! I’ve been to Ireland just once, and we were working then. Now that we have some time off you’ll be the one in charge of showing me the place around!”
Her giggling filled the air and was music to his hears, “I’ll be happy to, Andrew!”
The two angels walked away in the vast field, heading to a spot where it was possible to see some camping material, tents that should be pitched up, logs for the fire and two backpacks. Their hearts were lighter and, at the same time, filled with expectation about the forthcoming days, which they hoped were blessed with happiness and much peace. Laughing and chatting happily, they watched as a white dove crossed the blue sky, flying with the soft breeze that blew in the fields of Monica’s beloved Ireland.
The end
