PART 2

 Adrian Johnson finished to wash two dishes from the dinner and carefully kept them for the next day. A closer look at the shelf revealed that apparently they were the only ones in the kitchen. The house was simple too, however, charming. It seemed that its inhabitants chose to have only the basic things. The old gentleman hang the dishtowel and left the kitchen towards the living room, where he found an old lady, probably at the same age he was, standing by the window, peeping outside through the wet glass.

“Allie?” he called her, a questioning look on his face.

“Yes, Adrian?” she spoke, not moving her head to acknowledge his presence.

“What are you doing there?”

“Watching something...”

She had barely said that when they heard a knock on the door, followed by the soothing sound of the doorbell.

“I knew they would come here.” The old lady spoke, reaching the keys to open the door.

“What are you doing, for heaven’s sake? Do you know who is knocking on our door at this hour and under such a heavy thunderstorm?”

“Someone who needs help, I presume!”

“It can be a criminal! Allie, don’t do that, you’ll end up-”

It was too late, the woman turned the keys inside the keyhole and opened the door on the following second. Standing at the porch were a tall blond man, with his wet hair and shirt, holding a beautiful lady, much shorter than he and whose clothes and hair were not wet because he had removed his jacket and placed it over his companion.

“Good evening, madam... sir... My name is Andrew and this is Monica. Our car broke down just over there and we were wondering if perhaps we could use your phone.” The blond angel was quick to say, not missing the apprehension on the elderly couple’s face regarding their presence.

“Oh, I guess there won’t be any problem, you-“

“Hold on, Allie! How will we now they’re telling the truth? There are lots of burglars in this area and some of them don’t look like criminals until you open the door for them!”

Monica and Andrew looked at each other – the Irish angel was rather amused by the old man’s suspicions, and Andrew was a bit worried because he didn’t want to make his dear valentine return to the stormy weather.

“Please, sir, could you allow my friend to enter and make a phone call then? I could wait outside, but at least give Monica some shelter until help comes?”

The old lady shot her partner a reproving look. “A man who is more worried about protecting his girlfriend from the storm than anything else! Does it look like a robbery attempt to you?” she spoke, and pulled the door open for the two unexpected guests. “Besides, I was watching you through the window and I saw it when your car stopped. I saw it when he tried to fix it. Unless you two are very good couple of actors, I believe you need help!”

She pulled the door open completely and allowed them to enter; and even her companion who was cautious about the two total strangers, could sense that they needed a little help.

“Thank you madam... sir... And... we’re sorry to bother you...” Monica spoke, and the serenity brought by her presence was such that there was no doubt there was good in them.

“Please, don’t apologise, my dear. Look, my name is Alison and this is Adrian. I want you two to enter and make yourselves comfortable while I take something warm for you to drink!”

X

While Andrew made a phone call, Monica took a seat at the table and thanked their hosts for the warm tea cup that they brought them. Despite the fact that Monica would have chosen coffee, it was very welcome at a time like that.

“We didn’t realise there was such a thunderstorm coming...” the angel explained, sipping some of the warm drink.

“Weather has been deceitful these days. Be glad that your car broke down before you got the road to the mountains; if it happened, there wouldn’t be anywhere to find a shelter.”

“Allie is right. Where were you two going, by the way?” the old man spoke, still a little bit suspicious by their presence.

“Oh, Andrew and I are staying at a friend’s cabin for a while, and it’s up in the mountains.” Monica explained, “But Allie is right, we wouldn’t have managed to get there with all this rain. We’re very thankful for your help.”

“Even finding some help is difficult with a weather like this.”

“We don’t know how to thank you enough for the shelter and for allowing us to use your phone...” Monica smiled and raised the cup she was holding with both hands. “...and for your tea!”

“From the moment I saw you trying to make your car work I knew I should do something. And I’m sorry if Adrian thought you two were criminals!” the old lady shot an accusing look at her companion, who seemed rather embarrassed.

“Well, I’m sorry too. But you have to admit that these days one has to be very careful about who he decides to help. This is not like the old times when you could trust everyone! The town has grown and people changed!”

“I believe that you are right, Adrian. Unfortunately finding someone you can rely on wholeheartedly is not an easy task these days.” The Irish angel spoke at the moment that Andrew hung up the phone and walked over up to her.

“They said they’re sending someone to fix the car as soon as possible but that is gonna take some time due to the storm.” He announced, gently placing his hands over Monica’s shoulders, and not missing the worried look upon her pretty eyes.

“That’s ok, son. Please have a seat and drink some tea with us!” Alison was quick to offer, as if guessing that they didn’t want to bother them. She had previously lent him a towel so he could dry his hair, and hung his jacket close to the fireplace. With a slight smile, he gratefully sat down next to Monica and grabbed the tea cup the old woman gently handed him. “Thank you.”

Alison looked at the couple standing before her and also smiled. “It seems that you managed to find your ‘somebody to rely on’, right Monica?”

Monica blushed a little as she turned her eyes to Andrew. “I believe that you are right too, Alison. I did find him a few years ago.”

When Andrew returned her affectionate gaze and placed his hand over hers, the elderly couple looked at each other, somewhat finding the obvious love between them rather cute.

“You two are lucky!” the old gentleman spoke, “As I said, people stopped being trustful a while ago! And what hurts more is to watch the ones you love suffering because of this!”

Alison shook her head, there was more to his words than what had just been said. “Now if you excuse me, I’ll get you two something to eat, as Allie here has no culinary abilities at all!”

“Oh, Adrian!” the old woman exclaimed, visibly insulted by his comment. Monica was also a bit bothered by the man’s words and glared at Andrew when she realised he was unsuccessfully trying to hide his chuckling.

“Don’t mind him. Adrian is grouchy. He’s always been.”

“That’s alright, Alison. You two seem to get along very well actually. How long have you been married?” the Irish angel wanted to know.

Her hostess giggled at that question. “Oh, no, Adrian and I aren’t married! He’s my brother!”

The couple of angels looked at each other rather surprised.

“Oh, we thought that...”

“It’s okay, we should have told you from the start. The thing is that we’re not used to having people around. Just a few neighbours once in a while and Adrian’s son and grandchildren.”

“Those might be a great time.”

“It sure is, Andrew. They’re like my grandchildren too, as contrary to your Monica here I wasn’t lucky to find true love. When I finished my career as an actress I got to watch over my widower brother and his children.”

“An actress? Really?” Monica spoke, with interest.

“Oh, yes. Here, come with me.”

The old lady took them to a room filled with old photos and posters and some awards. Her eyes shone as she explained them her story, while Monica’s brown ones sparkled with the assignment that had just been placed on her path – again.

“Alison Shaw is a name I haven’t heard in a long time. But that’s how life is. I suddenly stopped acting, moved to another town and nowadays I keep not only these awards and photos but also good and bad memories.” She took a photograph that was almost hidden in between many others. “And bad memories are almost always related to broken hearts and long time lost loves.”

Monica and Andrew looked at each other and the Irish angel took a closer look at the picture. It showed a much younger Alison and another man, as young as she was.

“My director... I really thought I was going to marry him...”

The dreamy expression on the woman’s face prevented her from looking at Monica’s surprised one.

“Is this Thomas Eckhart?”

“Yes! I didn’t know you’re a cinema fan, dear!” she replied. “Thomas and I... we exchanged promises of eternal love, until one day he left without an explanation...”

“What do you mean he left?”

“He disappeared and I could not find him... Some said he’d gone away to Europe because of a good career opportunity. The truth is that he left me alone and I was so sad I thought I’d die for love.” She explained. “That’s why my brother Adrian is so untrusting. Thomas betrayed me in many aspects and left me with nothing but a broken heart. There was another young man who wanted to marry me, and we even got engaged. But I couldn’t let Thomas go away from my heart. So I broke up my engagement and decided to remain with my few good memories.”

Andrew stroked Monica’s hair and smiled. “Well, angel, I guess this story answers some of the questions you had this morning.”

“It does...” she replied, “Alison.... I have something to tell you...”

X

“Andrew?”

“Yes, my angel?”

“Do you think we’ll find Mr Eckhart before he leaves the city?”

Soon after Alison had shown them her pictures and awards, they received a phone call: the toll truck that Andrew had requested would only arrive on the following morning. But thanks to the generosity of an old lady and her brother, the two angels were offered a shelter from the storm that hit the city in full force. Alison accommodated them in her trophies room, where a sofa became Monica’s bed while Andrew took the floor right next to it. They were given a pillow and a warm blanket, and the small fireplace was lit up.

The Irish angel was lying on the sofa but Andrew had stretched his arm upwards so that he could reach her proffered hand and now their fingers remained intertwined as they talked.

“I think that the events of the day led us here for a reason, baby. Now we just have to do our part and wait to see how this story will end.”

“I suppose you’re right...”

There was a long silence after Monica’s words and Andrew would have thought she had fallen asleep if she hadn’t continued to grasp softly at his hand.

“I can perfectly picture a cute little angel blinking her sweet eyes and with an adorable pouting expression on her face...” he said, enjoying to hear her soft giggling afterwards.

“Don’t you wish time would pass by a wee bit faster sometimes?”

He sat down on the wooden floor so to meet her eyes. “Only when I’m not with you...” He spoke, kissing her hand, “When I’m holding you or listening to your voice I want every minute to be a small eternity.”

Monica tilted her head and suddenly abandoned her temporary bed so to sit on the floor next to him, holding him tightly and resting her head over his shoulder.

 “Angel... The sofa is a lot more comfortable.”

She snuggled against him and closed her eyes, a pleased sigh escaping her. “No, it’s not...”

Smiling, and visibly enjoying to have her in his arms now, the blond angel kissed the top of her head and then cupped her chin to lift her head up. Their eyes met for a few moments but soon he crossed the small distance between them and brushed his lips against hers. As he touched her jaw, caressing it softly, Monica tilted her head and fell in his arms as their loving kiss lasted for the small eternity that the angel of death had wished for.

“I wish I could spend tomorrow with you too...” she whispered against his face while he kept on kissing her cheeks.

Hearing that, he lay a gentle hand against her face. “I wish I could spend a small eternity with you just like this.”

She pulled away and looked at him, the smile upon her face melted his heart. “At least we’ve made this one our Valentine’s day. And it was lovely!”

Andrew kissed her lips once again, then her forehead and then he pulled her closer to him. “And my Valentine’s git is the present of your love, sweet angel.”  He said, aware that it made her smile against his chest.

“Then we’ve been exchanging Valentine’s gifts all the year!”

X

Fragile sunrays managed to go through the few rainy clouds that insisted on covering the afternoon sky on that February 14^th. The storm was over by now and it seemed that mother nature had prepared a special present for those in love. From a distance a beautiful angel of God watched with a smile upon her face as a man and a woman met each other after 25 years of separation. A misunderstanding had them apart and after an entire day running against the clock to meet Thomas, Monica’s heart rejoiced when she watched him and Alison. She thought about how much they would have to talk and the love story that they would restart after all this time. When Alison and Thomas held each other Monica let out a sigh and then remembered of her own love story.

Unfortunately Andrew had left early that morning, just after the sun came out, with a kiss against her lips and the promise to be holding her as soon as he could.

“Well, it seems that now your assignment has really come to an end, angel girl!”

Tess’ voice took her out of her thoughts and she turned around to see not only her supervisor but also a cute little puppy who was in her arms.

“Oh, Tess... They have finally met!” she spoke, a broad smile upon her face as she walked over to her and took the little puppy in her arms, immediately receiving lots of tiny kisses against her face. “Ah, wee Joy, I can see you’re feeling much better now, aren’t you?”

The black cocker spaniel, who was wearing a pink woollen sweater, barked at her, as if answering “her mom’s” question.

“Yeah, she is and it’s ‘her mom’s’ turn to look after her a little, as this old angel here has been called on an assignment.”

“Of course I can watch over this precious little angel...” The angel’s face fell a little as she kept on speaking. “She will be my valentine as you and Andrew will be away for the evening.”

A little moved, Tess placed a gentle hand over her shoulder. “You know that angel boy will be thinking of you all the time, don’t you?”

“Oh, he will. I know he will.”

The older angel nodded. “Stay well, baby. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

On the following instant, she was gone, and a slightly sad little angel sighed with resign, still looking at the couple who was now exchanging a moving and tight embrace. “Well wee one, it’s just you and me for now!”

A stifled bark called her attention and she finally turned her eyes from Alison and Thomas to look down at the little dog, who had a small envelope in her mouth.

“Hey, what is it that you have here, huh?” she spoke, carefully removing the envelope from the dog’s mouth and opening it. The small letter instantly made her smile, as she read its affectionate content, recognising the handwriting that was on it.

“Dear angel,

Be at the cabin by the end of the afternoon. I love you.”

The time that followed went by slowly despite the angel’s efforts to get back at the small house they were temporarily staying at as quick as she could. It had also become a shelter where she and Andrew would spend some of the sweetest moments together and enjoy each other’s company whenever they were not needed amongst humans.

When she got there, Monica climbed the porch steps in a hurry and opened up the front door afterwards. But once she got there, a little apprehension appeared in those sweet brown pools as the house seemed empty. She kissed the top of Joy’s head and carefully deposited her on the floor. As the puppy made its way down the kitchen, where she would find a delightful dinner, the angel walked along the living room, still confused. Andrew usually prepared romantic surprises to her when they were there, but this time, despite the loving little note he’d sent her, there was no sign of a Valentine’s surprise or of him.

“Andrew?” she called, listening nothing but silence in reply. She still checked the other rooms but found nothing in there.

Sighing deeply, she reclined against the window and watched as the sun disappeared in the sky. It had been a cold but sunny day and she was now imagining that something had kept her beloved valentine from coming there and meeting her. He was doing the Father’s work.

Monica was considering going to her bedroom and sleep a little when all of a sudden a hand covered her eyes and another arm encircled her waist. It was not necessary to ask who it was, nor to be scared by such a rapid action – she already knew his gentle touch by now, and the warmth that invaded her heart whenever he was around.

“I thought you wouldn’t come...” she said, enjoying as he kissed her cheek.

“Even if I had to come here on foot, I’d still be here, baby...” he said, still not uncovering her eyes. “...Keep your eyes closed, it’s my turn to take you on a date now!”

“Where are we going?” she wanted to know, covering his hand with both of hers.

“Let’s say it’s a surprise...”

“Is it far from here?”

“A little...”

“Does it involve food? Or maybe coffee?”

Her childlike curiosity was particularly endearing, and Andrew couldn’t help chuckling at it. “We’ll be there in about a few seconds, angel... Are you ready?”

“I... I guess I am, but what about wee Joy?”

“She has food and water for the night and a warm bed waiting for her when she finishes her supper. We’ll get there in just a few moments!”

The two angels disappeared from the cabin just at the same time the sun hid itself behind the green mountains, bidding valentines farewell.

When Monica and Andrew reappeared, the Irish angel felt warmth coming from somewhere very close to them. The smell of burnt wood soon filled her senses and she understood there was a bonfire very close, breaking the cold air of the night. She also detected soothing musk in the air, and its melody went straight to her heart.

“Andrew... What is this place?”

The blond angel finally uncovered her eyes, allowing her to see they were in an open air music concert - and there was something special about it.

“Music from my beloved Ireland!” Monica exclaimed, a mix of emotion and joy written all over her face.

“I thought you might like it, angel. Besides, the weather helped, at least in this region. We have clear sky and stars. And the bonfire is here to keep us warm...” he remained holding her from behind, and speaking against her ear as she sighed and reclined on his embrace. They were standing in a small hill, from where it was possible to have a total view of the stage. There were other valentines couples not far from them, all of them had picked up that opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and share that sweet moment.

“... and the most important... You are here holding me tight... like I wished you were!” She spoke, as a graceful smile appeared on her face and another song started.

Andrew kissed her cheek and lay his eyes on her – she looked gorgeous under the light of the stars and the bonfire, its flames made her hair more reddish and involved her in a beautiful glow that resembled the one of her angelic form. “That’s where I’ll always be, Monica.”

He was serious now, sad memories of a time their feelings for each other were taken for granted and judged as a sin, a mistake that had to be corrected, a time when he thought he would lose her forever.

The Irish angel’s attention immediately turned away from the stage to him, and now she turned around to look at him, her bright brown eyes studying every little detail of his handsome face; his gentle gaze back at her, so full of love and other affectionate feelings, the strength and beauty of his masculine features... Monica caught herself sighing with enchantment for him, feeling as if she was falling in love all over again and enjoying the falling.

She reached out and her fingertips touched his chin with delicacy, a tender touch that made him want nothing but to keep holding her tightly, treasuring the physical contact that their human bodies could allow. “Please tell me that again?”

Andrew covered her hand and took it to his lips. “I will love you forever, my angel. All the moments we spent together... they’ll never be enough. I’ll always be waiting for the next time we meet again, so that I can do this...”

He leaned down and crossed the small distance between them, brushing his lips against hers. And as he did so, Monica closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation that sweet caress would always bring her; his arms were the safest place in the world, a place where she would always be reminded of the greatest lesson her Father taught His children: to love truly and unconditionally.

“I love you so much, Andrew... You’re... much more than my angel... Apart from the Father, you are a light in my existence...” she managed a trembling smile as he kissed her forehead. “And falling in love with you was not a choice... it was my essence finding its completion... my soul finding the meaning of its existence...”

They remained wrapped up in each other’s embrace for the next minutes, Monica leaning against his chest as the soft Irish music filled her ears and reminded her of a time when her existence was quite a lonely one, now she knew that. Because it was a time when Andrew had not crossed her path yet and showed her the meaning of true, unconditional love.

The end.