CHAPTER 8

When Monica opened her eyes on the following day, the first sunrays were entering through the window. Andrew was no longer by her side, yet, she still felt his loving presence deep inside her heart. Still sleepy, she sat up in bed and looked outside, at the blue sky. With her hands conjoined, she prayed for guidance on that new day, wishing to find the right words to get through to Carrie. Monica knew she didn't have much time before the woman's illness started to aggravate, and she needed to start acting immediately.

With her hopes renewed by the bright gentle sun, she got off bed and headed to the kitchen, and to her surprise it was not Tess she found there.

"Andrew?"

"Hey, good morning, my Sleeping Beauty!" he greeted her with a warm loving smile.

"Good morning..." she replied, returning his smile, and really surprised.

Andrew stopped preparing breakfast and walked over up to her, gently grabbing her meek face with both hands. They exchanged a loving glance, and he could read the permission to go on in the spark of her eyes. As he brushed his lips softly against hers, Monica closed her eyes for a moment, savoring that sweet caress that came as a present so early in the morning. When they parted, she gazed at him for a few instants, still not believing her beloved Andrew was there with her.

Amused, and a bit curious, Andrew narrowed his eyes, still framing her face, "Monica? Is there something on your mind?"

Her shy, meek smile made his heart ache with so much love. "I... I thought you'd gone already... Even though I felt your presence in my heart when I woke up..."

"Well, I felt it when you opened your eyes, baby."

"I just hope I'm not making a mess with your assignment, Andrew..."

Now he couldn't help chuckling, and gently motioned for her to sit at the table he'd previously laid for her. "No, you don't have to worry about that, I was given the next few hours free, and I chose to stay here and take care of my angel," he pulled a chair for her to sit and once she was comfortable, Andrew kissed the top of her head and placed a mug of mocha right in front of her.

The way she grinned first at him and then at the mug only amused him even more. "Thank you..." Like a child who had just received a present, she took a sip of her favorite drink and then frowned with concern. "Where's Tess?"

"She's left already. She went to the church and asked you to meet her there."

A sigh of relief escaped her as she knew the supervisor wasn't around to scold her about her mocha. "I will make a new attempt with Carrie today, you know. She always attends the Sunday service."

"So I take it your hopes are renewed?"

She nodded her head with a hopeful smile, "Yes... When I woke up and saw the bright sun up in the sky, I felt my heart was filled with so much love and hope..." and then she winked at him, "And I didn't even know you were here!"

Laughing, he inched closer and placed a strand of hair that had fallen from her braid behind her ear, "Angel, you're positively the most adorable creature I've ever met in my whole existence! Have I mentioned that I love you?"

A small giggle escaped her and she looked at him, "You've just did it... I heard here in my heart! We have a connection, remember?"

She was going to get another sip of her mocha, but Andrew cupped her chin and made her turn her face to him. Then, he shortened the small distance between them and brushed his lips against hers again, making Monica forget about her mocha.

Some things had definitely a sweeter flavor.

X

After breakfast, Monica got ready and left to church, and permanently holding her hand, Andrew walked with her along the way. "I'll be praying for you, Angel," he said, permanently caressing her cheek, once they were in front of the building.

"I know. I promise I'll do my best, Andrew." She said, with a hint of sadness in her doe-like eyes, due to the impending separation.

"You always do your best, baby. I have a lot of faith in you."

He bent his head and brushed a tender kiss on her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too, Andrew."

Andrew didn't want their goodbye to last long, as he could feel the pain it caused his beloved angel. He took her hand to his lips and, on the following second, he was gone. Monica sighed deeply and then looked at the church entrance. "Here I go..."

The young Irish angel soon found her dear friend and supervisor and helped her to get the church ready for the service. Once they were finished, Monica and Tess stood by the altar, observing people arriving and slowly taking their seats.

"Tess, is it my impression or there aren't many people here today?"

"No, baby, that's not just an impression. There was a time when the entire neighborhood used to attend the Sunday service. It was also a time when families used to spend time together, enjoying one another's company. Parents were close to their children, ready to listen to them and to teach them the difference between what was decent and what wasn't. But nowadays things have drastically changed, as you can see."

The younger angel nodded her head, "I know what you mean. Lack of communication and individualism can break loving bonds in a way that... it becomes too difficult to mend them again."

"The truth is that what's happening to people in this city is the same that happens in the rest of the world: humans are so worried about their own selves that they ignore what's around them. First, they forget their friends. Then, they ignore their family. And finally, they forget God..."

Some time later, they watched as Carrie and her children entered the church building and sat not far from them. Initially the woman didn't notice Monica was there, but it didn't take her too long to realize the angel's presence. Her face turned from sad into an angry one as their eyes met, and Monica lifted a silent prayer for guidance. During the entire service, the two exchanged a few glances, and it was obvious that Carrie felt extremely uncomfortable with the fact that Monica was staying there.

Once the service was finished, the woman took her children by the hand and started to leave the church in a hurry, not wanting to share the same space with the woman who she considered her husband's lover.

"Mom, why are we coming back so fast, weren't you going to talk to Tess?" her oldest daughter wanted to know, following her mother and brothers with a worried expression on her face.

"Please, Jenny, not now... Let's just go back home, ok? I shouldn't even have come here!"

"But you said you'd buy us a few candies!"

"Some other day, Brian, we can't afford candies, I-"

Suddenly, a soothing voice made them stop walking. "Carrie?"

The woman let out an impatient sigh - her efforts to run away from that place didn't work. She turned around, "You?"

"M-may I talk to you?" The angel asked, with a trembling voice.

"We don't have anything to talk, lady. Maybe you should look for my husband, he certainly may be interested in what you have to say!" she replied, and her aggressiveness reached deep inside Monica's heart, bringing painful memories back.

"I think there's a misunderstanding... You're obviously confused about-"

"Confused?" Carrie gave two steps closer and looked at the angel with angry eyes, "Don't you dare telling me how I feel!"

"If... if you just let me explain..."

Carrie's children watched as their mother crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared at the angel. They had never seen her so angry and that attitude was by far strange to them. "Explain what? I saw the way you looked at each other, I know you've been together before!"

"And you're right, I knew your husband... H-he met me on the road and gave me a ride a while ago..."

A sarcastic laughter was a reply to her words, "Yeah, sure! That was exactly what Jim told me, you know? You two planned this excuse together, right? When was it? Yesterday night? Is this why he got home later than usual?"

It wasn't the woman's rude words that hurt her, but the anger Monica could see in her eyes. It reminded her of the dark side of human beings and of the evil that there was in this world - which she had faced not so long ago. She gave a step closer, decided not to give up that easily. "Your heart is so full of sadness and pain... and anger..."

"Oh, really? Well, maybe it has something to do with the fact that there's a woman trying to destroy my family!"

"Your husband and children love you very much, Carrie..."

"If you know that, stay away from us!" she grabbed her little boys' hands and walked away from the angel. The children still looked at Monica with embarrassed faces, as if somehow they knew there was something good about her, and that she was telling the truth.

"You're right, baby. Her anger has made her blind," Tess spoke, appearing by her side a second later.

"I never thought it would be that difficult..." She felt tears forming in the corner of her eyes as she remembered something, "... Now I know how Andrew felt when... when I turned my back on him and refused to listen to him..."

The supervisor took her hand and squeezed it, feeling sorry for her dear friend. "Oh, baby, don't think about that anymore. That angel boy loves you deeply, and I know you too love him very much."

"Very much, Tess!" Monica quickly replied.

Nodding her head, the supervisor went on talking. "And it was due to this love that you two have forgiven each other and managed to put the past behind. Don't let sad memories affect you. Remember that Andrew and I have a lot of faith in you, angel girl."

"I know... And I promise I won't give up, Tess."

"Good. Because loving and understanding is exactly what's missing in this woman's life."

The next three days past painfully slowly for one little Irish angel as she continued to not make any progress with Carrie. The woman had not returned to the shelter and when Monica had taken a box of supplies to her home, it was Jenny who had answered the door and accepted the box. The teenager's eyes were apologetic and almost embarrassed when the angel had asked to talk to her mother. Jennifer had explained that Carrie was unwilling to speak to her and nothing Monica could say convinced the girl that letting her into the house was a good idea.

Sadly, the angel had walked back to the caddy, pausing to gaze forlornly at the house. There was so much work that could be done there to help Carrie, but the woman wouldn't allow her to get close enough to alleviate any of her burden.

Back at the shelter, Monica and Tess stood sorting through the endless clothing donations that came in on a daily basis. Each article of clothing had to be inspected to make sure it was in good enough condition to be donated to a needy family and then it was all sorted by size. It was busy work that had to be done and though Monica certainly didn't mind doing it, she couldn't get past the fact that sorting clothing was not her assignment.

"You're awfully quiet today, baby." Tess finally broke the silence which was rare with Monica's usually chatty personality.

"Tess," She began hesitantly, as she laid another sweater in a box that was rapidly filling with little girl's clothing, "Don't you think that maybe the Father should assign another angel to Carrie? Maybe one that she would actually be willing to talk to?"

The older angel cast a sideward glance at her young charge, "Baby, don't you think that the creator of the universe has some idea of what he's doing?"

"I know he does, Tess, but Carrie isn't getting any better and she won't allow me to help her, so what am I doing here exactly?" Monica gazed down at the shirt she was folding as she felt the sting of tears in her eyes, "Am I failing, Tess?"

"Monica!" Tess admonished as she dropped what she was folding to turn her full attention to the angel, "Angel Girl, you are most certainly not failing. That woman just isn't ready to hear what you have to say yet, but that doesn't mean that she won't ever be ready."

Lost in her own thoughts, the little angel shook her head sadly, "I never should have walked away from Andrew that night on the beach. If I hadn't of done that, none of this would be happening right now. I wouldn't have met Jim before this assignment…maybe the assignment would even be completed by now, but I did the wrong thing by walking away."

"If 'ifs' and 'buts' were candy and nuts we'd all have a wonderful Christmas," Tess quipped, though Monica didn't so much as smile at the little rhyme, "Actually, baby, what you're doing here as of right now, is taking a little walk. It's a beautiful morning out there and I think a little fresh air will do you wonders."

"You're banishing me too?" The little angel looked up at her supervisor with worry written all over her face.

Tess' eyes filled with sympathy, clearly able to tell how unsure Monica was feeling about her abilities at the moment, "Angel Girl, don't be silly," Gently she pulled her charge into a warm hug, "I just think you could use a couple of minutes to talk to the Father and to see the sun shine as this church warehouse is a bit gloomy."

With a sigh, Monica nodded her head, "I won't be long."

"Take whatever time you need to find your smile, baby."

Tess watched worriedly as her charge walked slowly across the room and out one of the side doors. Something had to give in this assignment and soon, that much was apparent.

"Tess!"

She looked up and smiled as she saw Andrew walking in the front door, "You just missed her, baby, but she'll be back soon."

Returning her smile, Andrew gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, "Things are going better?"

"I'm afraid not, Andrew, which is part of the reason I just send our Angel Girl outside for some fresh air," Seeing his green eyes cloud with concern, Tess related what had transpired in the last few days since he had been away, "She blames herself for walking away from you that night on the beach and starting this whole ball rolling. She doesn't want to believe that what is more of a problem is a confused, hurt, very sick woman who is taking out her anger about an illness on a certain little angel."

Andrew looked distressed as he felt a sudden swell of pain in his heart which he knew could only be coming from the little angel, "Well, I have a couple of days off and the Father suggested I hang out with you two. Maybe there is an underlying reason for that."

"Could be Angel Boy, though I shouldn't have sent her for that walk. I told her to go find her smile and it seems that her smile is standing here talking to me." She winked and watched as Andrew grinned, "She's missed you, baby. She didn't say as much in words, but I can see it in her eyes."

"Well, that feeling is mutual…" He cut his thoughts short as his eyes widened; Carrie was heading straight for them and he could tell by the way her eyes were darting around that she was hoping to not see Monica.

"Tess, do you have a minute?" The woman looked worriedly at Andrew, not sure if she was interrupting something.

"Sure, baby. Carrie, this is my friend, Andrew."

"Nice to meet you, Carrie," Andrew replied with a warm smile, determined to make every effort to like this human despite the way she was making his beloved angel feel.

"Nice to meet you too," Carrie managed a smile, before turning her attention back to Tess, "I know this is highly irregular, but I really need a little bit of help at home. I know that isn't usually something the shelter does, but I haven't been feeling all that well and I just can't seem to keep up with the kids and the house and the cooking all at the same time. If there would just be a volunteer who could help me out a couple of hours a day…"

Though Tess knew the perfect volunteer for the job, she had a feeling that her recommendation would not go over well, "Carrie, I don't know. You're right, the shelter generally doesn't…"

As Tess continued to talk, Andrew suddenly sensed a presence close to him that nearly took his breath away. Turning around, he smiled, seeing Monica come in the door, though her eyes were downcast and she apparently wasn't paying enough attention to feel that he was near, "Excuse me," He politely smiled at Tess and Carrie before he turned around and took long, purposeful strides in the direction of Monica. His heart was suddenly pounding with happiness at seeing her, even as it longed to find a way to reassure her that she was doing everything right.

"Angel!" He called out to her, his face breaking into a smile as he saw her look up quickly and a smile matching his own spread across her face.

"Andrew…" Her own heart leapt with happiness at the sight of him and she ran the last few feet to be caught up in his strong arms, "Oh, how I've missed you." She sighed, breathing in the scent of him as she rested her cheek against his chest.

"Sweet angel, I've missed you too," Tilting her chin up, he met his lips with hers in a long, tender kiss that brought peace to both of their hearts.

"Tess, surely there must be someone. I can't pay them much if anything, but…" Carrie's voice trailed off as she realized that Andrew had just excused himself to go to Monica, "Well, she certainly gets around," She stated coldly as she watched the two of them share a kiss, "Does her boyfriend know she's cheating on him?"

"Excuse me?" Tess' eyes narrowed slightly as she followed Carrie's gaze to her two Angel Babies, who were speaking quietly to one another, "Monica? Cheating on Andrew?" The older angel chuckled, "I can assure you, baby, that you must have a few things confused."

But Carrie was already shaking her head adamantly, "No, I don't. She's sleeping with my husband. They both say he just gave her a lift, but I don't believe that bunch of garbage for a moment."

Tess observed the woman, now really understanding how terrible Monica had been feeling. Carrie's face was red with anger and her eyes full of hatred; all aimed at someone who only wanted to help her, "Is your husband's name Jim?" Seeing the woman nod, Tess continued, "Monica did get a lift from him. She was lost, and feeling poorly and he insisted upon giving her a ride," The older angel decided that was about as close to the truth as she could come, "I can assure you, Carrie, that Monica has no romantic interest in your husband. There is nobody for that girl but Andrew."

Though Carrie's face softened slightly, she still looked unconvinced, "How long have they been together?"

"As long as I can remember," Tess smiled in the direction of the two younger angels, "They were the closest of friends for a very long time before things became more serious. Now, they are truly committed to each other, while that friendship has remained firmly intact," Seeing that Carrie was still not completely convinced, the older angel continued, "Monica is like a daughter to me, Carrie, so you can trust me when I say there is nothing going on between she and your husband."

Carrie lowered her eyes shamefully, "She kept telling me that but I didn't want to believe her. You see…Jim had an affair ten years ago and…I guess I've never fully trusted him since then."

"Time is the only answer there, baby."

"Yeah," the woman sighed, "I know."

Andrew stroked Monica cheek lovingly as he looked into her eyes, "Tess told me things have been hard, but Angel, you are not to blame, understand?"

Monica sighed softly as she looked up into his sparkling green eyes, "I'm trying to tell myself that, Andrew, but it's just so hard. When Carrie walked away from me a few days ago, I just….I imagined how you must have felt that day on the beach when I wouldn't let you explain. I was just so hurt…and I know that Carrie is hurting very much right now."

"We can't change the past, baby."

"I know. That's what Tess said," She conjured up a little smile, "How long can you stay?"

"A few days as far as I know," He grinned, watching as her smile widened and her eyes sparked with happiness.

"Oh Andrew, I'm so glad! I miss you so much when we're apart."

"Monica?"

The sound of Tess' voice caused both younger angels to look over in the direction of Tess and Carrie and Andrew watched Monica's eyes widen at seeing her assignment there for the first time.

"It's going to be fine, Angel," Andrew took her hand firmly into his own and gave it a reassuring squeeze, as they walked hand in hand back over to the table.

"Hullo, Carrie," The little angel murmured, using every bit of courage in her soul to look into the woman's eyes.

"Baby, Carrie and I were just talking and she could really use some help at home a few hours a day. I told her you would be perfect for the job."

Guilt flowed through Carrie as she saw the expression of shocked disbelief that showed up on Monica's face, "Monica, I'm so sorry for the things I said. Tess explained a few things to me, and I know now that I was very wrong in what I was accusing you of."

The feeling of Andrew squeezing her hand once more, brought the words to Monica's lips, "Oh Carrie, that's all right. I'm just so glad that you know it was a horrible misunderstanding and I'd be happy to give you some help." She cast a sideways glance at Andrew, feeling a little pang in her heart and not being able to spend as much time with him as she'd like. She knew her assignment came first, as it should be, but it was sill painful.

"Actually, Carrie, I noticed a few days ago that there is some work to be done outside of your place. I'm going to be free for a few days, and if it's all right with you, I'd like to volunteer my services."

Carrie looked at the young blond man and considered his offer, "I can't pay you much, Andrew…I can't pay either of you very much."

"You don't need to pay us anything, Carrie," Monica spoke up urgently, "We don't want your money, we just want to help."

Carrie felt the presence of tears in her eyes at Monica's kind offer, especially after the way she had treated her. But she blinked them back and forced a smile, "Okay. How does tomorrow sound? 9:00?"

"We'll be there," Andrew assured her and then after saying good-bye, it was just the three angels who remained.

"Tess," Monica began, still feeling slightly shaken at this sudden turn of events, "How did you-."

"I didn't, baby. The fact that you two can't keep your wings away from each other is what did it," She winked at the two younger angels, "Now you can work on getting the truth out of that woman."

"Yes," Monica agreed. She had to get Carrie to admit her illness to her, so that she could get the woman to admit it to Jim. She only hoped that part of the assignment would not be as difficult as the first half had been.