PROLOGUE AND CHAPTER 1

“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.”

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 all the time,” 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.