CHAPTER 17

Two days later, Tess sadly gazed out the window, watching Monica as she
leaned over the rail, her eyes searching the horizon. Tess knew her
Angel Girl was hoping to see a familiar blond head coming up the beach,
as Monica had spent most of the last two days out there. She had barely
uttered a sound once she had told Tess what had occurred out on the
beach that day she had gone to talk to Andrew and Tess knew that
Monica’s heart was broken, much like her own.

She knew it was more than that for Monica though. Tess had watched over
the past few weeks as Monica’s relationship with Andrew had deepened.
The two younger angels had always shared a special bond once the ice had
been broken between them. A sad smile crossed her lips, remembering
Monica’s jealousy of the blond Angel of Death the first time that they
had shared an assignment. But since that time, she had watched a
friendship form and blossom, like the most beautiful flower Tess had
ever seen. She had taken great joy in watching them work together and
even when the two occasionally butted heads, the anger never lasted very
long. Usually it was Monica’s temper, as Irish as her voice, that would
rage, but Andrew, always gentle and kind would soon get the better of
her and then Monica would throw herself in his arms, repenting for her
angry words directed at one she loved so much.

Once Monica’s spirit had started to heal from her experiences with
Kathleen, Tess had seen protectiveness from Andrew that she had never
seen before. He seemed to keep an eye on Monica at all times, as though
he were afraid that if he looked away even for a moment, that she would
be gone. That was part of the reason that Tess had been so shocked to
hear that he had gone. Her grieving heart knew that her Angel Boy had
gone to try to avenge the crimes that Kathleen had committed and she
also knew that doing that could be his downfall.

Tess felt unbearably guilty for not realizing Andrew’s pain over all
that had happened before it had been too late. She had been so worried
about Monica, and Andrew always seemed stable and able to hold his own.
But now that he was gone, Tess realized just how deeply he had been
shaken by this whole experience. He often wore his heart on his sleeve
but this time he had tried to keep the angry feelings to himself, maybe
afraid of what would happen to him if he unleashed them. Tess only knew
that her Angel Boy’s tender heart had been deeply wounded by the pain
that Kathleen had put Monica through.

Sighing softly, Tess opened the door and walked out onto the deck where
Monica stood. The sea breeze blew through the younger angel’s auburn
hair and her eyes held a wounded sorrow. Tess leaned on the railing
beside her friend and Monica attempted a half-hearted smile,
“Talk to me, baby,” Tess urged, trying to meet Monica’s gaze,
“You haven’t uttered a word to me in two days.”

The younger angel was quiet for a moment, unsure of exactly what to
say. What was there to say? One of her two best friends had gone away
and she had no idea when and if he would return. On top of that, Andrew
was headed for trouble, wherever he was and that was her greatest
sorrow. There had been no word from the Father as to where he was or
what she and Tess were supposed to do, and the just staying here doing
nothing was driving her crazy,
“I’m sorry, Tess,” She said softly, her dark eyes never leaving the
beach below her,
“I just haven’t felt like talking, I guess.”

Tess nodded her head in understanding, knowing the pain her friend was
going through. She had stood outside Monica’s door the last two nights,
listening to her crying herself to sleep. She had wanted to go to her,
but knew that nothing she could say could take away her sorrow.
Monica’s biggest fear had been realized, at least in part—Andrew had
left her,
“He gave no indication of where he was going?” Tess asked, already
knowing the answer. She had asked that question when Andrew had first
left and Monica had not known.

Monica shook her head sadly,
“None whatsoever, Tess. “ Her voice was a whisper as she felt tears
forming in her eyes,
“I miss him so much, Tess,” She managed to say, her voice catching in a
sob.

Tess wrapped her arms around her charge and held her tightly,
“I know, baby. I miss him too. It just isn’t the same around here
without him.”

Monica wept softly for a minute before raising her head,
“Can’t we go and look for him, Tess? I’m so afraid for him.”

“I’m sorry, Monica, but that will not be possible,” Sam’s voice caused
both angels to whirl around, startled.

“Sam,” Tess breathed a sigh of relief,
“Are we ever glad to see you!”

“Why is it not possible for us to look for him, Sam?” Monica asked, her
voice holding a touch of anger.

“Because you are both being reassigned. Now that Monica is feeling
better, it’s time to go back to work,” Sam’s voice was gentle as he said
the words that he knew were going to upset his two friends.

“But Andrew—“

“I know all about what happened with Andrew,” Sam interrupted Monica,
“But he made a choice and all we can do is pray that he finds his way
back to God.”

“So we just give up on him, Sam? Is that what you’re saying?” Monica
lashed out boldly, her anger and frustration coming to a head.

“Angel Girl,” Tess said softly, trying to calm her friend.

“No, Tess! He’s asking something of me that I can’t do. For the last
few weeks, Andrew has been by my side, helping me to get better. I
couldn’t have gotten through this without the two of you. But now, Sam
is saying that Andrew has to fight his battle alone and that’s not
fair! Andrew’s doing this out of love for me, even if it is misguided.
He isn’t thinking clearly after all we’ve been through and he needs us
now before he gets into trouble!” Monica turned pleading eyes to Tess,
then Sam.

Sam’s expression had turned more stern, not really accustomed to having
angels argue with him, especially an angel as young as Monica,
“Monica, I understand how you feel about Andrew and he was essential to
your healing, but there is still God’s work to be done. There are
humans out there that need you right now. Do you expect them to suffer
because an angel has chosen a path that he should not have?”

“Of course not, Sam. But there are plenty of other angels out there who
can cover this assignment, whatever it is. Andrew needs help too and I
cannot believe that you are suggesting that we ignore that fact!”
Monica’s expression was determined, even though she felt a little shaky
at what she was saying to an angel of Sam’s status.

“What are you saying, Monica?” Sam asked, his eyes and expression
uncompromising.

Monica felt Tess’ hand on her shoulder, as if she were trying to hold
her back from saying what she was going to say. Her heart was racing,
unsure of what to do for a moment, but then her mind filled with images
of Andrew. Memories of him holding her as she had cried, of her falling
asleep in front of the fire, her head resting in his lap, seeing the joy
on his face the day they had played on the beach and finally, the
tormented look in his eyes two days ago when he had walked away from
her.

Yes, a part of her was angry with him for walking away, for following
the anger that he held inside. But so much stronger than her anger was
the deep love she felt for the Angel of Death. She knew he was angry
and hurting and alone, which also made him an easy target for evil and
if Kathleen was nothing else, she was pure evil.

Her eyes met Sam’s once again, even as they filled with tears,
“I’m sorry, Sam, but I have to find him. I’m refusing this assignment.”

“Monica!” Tess reprimanded softly,
“Need I remind you that we take our orders from the Almighty?”

Monica turned to face her friend and supervisor,
“I know that, Tess, but I know this is the right thing to do. Andrew is
out there alone and who knows what Kathleen could do to him. There is
strength in numbers, Tess.”

“There is strength in God,” Tess replied sternly.

“Yes, there is and we spend a lot of our time teaching humans about God
and about how to be there for each other and how to help each other.
But don’t you see? That truth needs to start with God, with us. Andrew
needs help seeing the truth right now, Tess and someone has to show it
to him before it is too late,” She drew in a deep breath, her own words
calming her and bringing her courage. Somewhere, deep in her heart, she
knew this was the right thing to do,
“I’m sorry, but Andrew needs me, even more than this assignment does.”
Hesitantly, she threw her arms around Tess, hugging her tightly,
“I love you, Tess.” She then turned to face Sam,
“I’m sorry.” She said softly, though there was no regret in her brown
eyes. Glancing at Tess once more, she then turned and as Andrew had
done two days before, walked away and vanished further down the beach.

Sam looked at Tess sternly,
“I cannot believe that you, as a supervisor, don’t have more control
over her.”

Tess was quiet for a moment, her eyes meeting his before she spoke and
though her words were quiet, it would have been impossible to not hear
the pride in her tone,
“Well, Sam, to be honest, I’m not convinced that Monica is wrong.”

End of Part II