CHAPTER 16

The night was long and Paul, Andrew and Tess kept a constant vigil over Monica and Alex. The older angel spent most of her time on a chair right outside Monica’s door between periodic checks on the little angel and the ailing agent. Her heart was both grieving and extremely touched as she listened to the constant monologue that Andrew kept up, hoping that Monica could hear him.

He spoke of past assignments, those of which had brought her the most joy, of the budding romance between Paul and Alex, of how he wanted to take her to the ocean she so loved as soon as this assignment was over and she was feeling better, of his love for her and anything else he could think of inbetween. The entire time, he held her close, keeping with his promise to not leave her. She never once stirred, not even briefly and even her heart was silent thus making his feel somewhat empty, other than God’s love which was with him constantly. Andrew still felt connected to her, but on a more quiet level that went beyond words, even those spoken to his heart. Her soul was still intertwined with his, even now as she fought for the life of her human form.

He had no idea what would happen if she did die, but he was trying not to entertain those thoughts as he was certain that even with his knowledge that she would immediately go to God, that it would be more than he could bear to watch. The fact that he knew she was afraid as well only added to his torment, even as he continued to speak her well into the wee hours of the morning before dawn’s light had yet to form in the sky.

“Has she woken up at all, baby?” Tess’ voice was quiet as she checked in on the two agents at nearly five ‘o clock in the morning. Paul looked exhausted, but his eyes held the grim determination that she was now accustomed to seeing from him.

“Once or twice, Tess, but only briefly…she would say something I couldn’t even understand,” He ran a hand through his hair while his other one continued to hold onto Alex’s hand, “She had to pull through this. She had to last until they get the antidote here. There is so much I want to tell her and I just need the chance to do it,” He looked up at her worriedly, “Monica. How is she?”

“She hasn’t woken up, Paul,” She replied quietly, leaving it at that. She watched as he nodded his head and then looked back to Alex, “You know, you have a very good opportunity right now to tell her the things you want to tell her, baby. Don’t let it all slip away just because her eyes aren’t open. The heart can hear more than it is often given credit for.”

He looked a little surprised and then managed a tired and worry laden smile, “Thanks for the reminder, Tess.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” Tess replied with a wink. As she turned to leave, she stopped suddenly, her focus completely on the head of Alex’s bed.

Adam.

She dared not say anything, not wanting to alarm Paul, but her demanding eyes asked the question her voice could not.

The angel’s eyes held sadness as he gave a small shrug, “I’m on standby, Tess. I was just told to wait.”

She gave an abrupt nod as she then turned away and exited into the hallway, her quick strides moving to Monica’s room. When she opened the door, she saw what she had been dreading. Though everything else appeared the same way she had left it moments ago, now the angel who held Monica and spoke to her in gentle, loving whispers was now surrounded by a warm glow and the older angel felt tears in her eyes.

Andrew looked up at her helplessly and Tess could see the barely contained emotion he was holding back, “Tess…I don’t want to do this…”

“You may not have to, Angel Boy. Just keep praying, baby. Just keep praying.”

*****

Paul continued to watch Alex for several more minutes as he mulled over the things that Tess had said to him. He had never been a man to express himself all that well, especially when it came to bearing his soul. He had gotten slightly better at it since meeting Monica, but talking to Alex was still a different ballgame altogether, but on the same token, he was running out of time, and he didn’t want her going anywhere without knowing what was on his heart.

His thumb brushed over her hand gently as he tried to place some semblence of order on his thoughts, “Just a little bit longer, Alex. Hang on just a little bit longer. I know you’re tired, sweetheart, and that it would probably be easier to just give in right about now, but you can’t do that. We’re so close to having the antidote, honey…don’t give up now,” He swallowed past the lump in his throat and briefly pressed the fingers of his free hand to his eyes, “Alex, I’m not very good at this kind of stuff, but…I do believe I’m falling in love with you, lady. So you need to hold on so I can find that out for sure,” He was lying, as he already knew what the score was with his heart, “I promise I will make it very worth your time, if you just fight a little bit longer. You’ve always been a fighter, sweetheart, so don’t back down now.” Realizing he was still holding onto his infamous cliff, he moved and laid a soft kiss on her lips, “I love you, Alex. Please hang on.”

There were no words from her and she never opened her eyes as she continued to struggle to draw in breath, but Paul could see the slightest trace of a smile on her lips.

*****

By the time the sun rose in the sky, Andrew knew that Monica was losing the fight. Each breath was now ragged and each one farther apart than her last. She was completely limp in his arms and he felt as if he could physically feel the life draining from her.

“Just a little bit longer, angel, please. They’ll be here soon,” His whispered tones were pleading, unable to fathom the thought of her actually dying. But he knew that was exactly what was happening to her.

“Angel Boy?” Tess’ tired eyes were filled with concern as she walked in the door, “Any change?”

He was silent for a moment before he finally met her eyes and she could clearly see his grief and torment, “She’s dying, Tess…and…it isn’t going to be much longer. Maybe…maybe you should let Paul know.”

A look of shock appeared on the older angel’s face before she nodded her head, “I’ll get him, baby. I think Rob just came up to check on Alex.”

As she departed, he turned his attention back to his best friend, hearing the low rattle in her chest and he tightened his jaw to hold back tears, “I love you so much, angel.”

“Andrew…” Monica’s words were but a breath and it was obvious it was taking every ounce of strength she had to speak them. She forced herself to open her eyes ever so slightly as she gazed up at him and a tiny smile appeared on her face as she saw the glow that surrounded him. “It will be you… I was hoping you would… take me… Home…”

Her words caused a rush of emotion that nearly caused his throat to close, “It won’t be much longer, baby. Please, just hold on for a little while longer…”

“Tired…” She whispered, trying to catch her breath, “Thank you… for talking to me… all night...”

He was blinking rapidly against the moisture in his eyes, “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

Monica closed her eyes wearily, feeling safe within the shelter of his arms as she prepared to face what she had never faced before. “I’m sorry, Andrew… I just… I think I need to go…”

He tightened his arms around her and pressed his face into her hair, “It’s all right, angel,” He whispered finally, knowing she was waiting for his consent though she didn’t need it, “You’ve fought hard enough…”

“I love you…” Her words were barely audible but he could feel them with his whole heart.

“I love you too, angel…I love you too…”

Paul and Tess rushed into the room as Andrew felt the little angel go limp and still in his arms and he looked up at them with tear-filled eyes, “She’s gone…”