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.