CHAPTER7

Monica had picked at the dinner that Tess insisted upon making, but scarcely ate even half of what was on her plate. After helping with the dishes, the little angel had pleaded exhaustion in order to have some time alone in her bedroom. She was desperately missing Andrew's reassuring presence as he had not yet returned from his assignment, so she sat on her bed, gazing out the window and wishing she could somehow banish all of her fears surrounding Jim.

She hated that she feared him so much. It made her feel very un-angelic and not very forgiving. The man had shown her when he had held her captive that he could very well have a bit of a temper, and now here she was turning his world upside down simply by being present. Because of that, Monica was not convinced that the man wouldn't snap and take it out on her. She knew that God was always with her, but while in human form with Jim's tall figure towering above her, it was easy to feel a wee bit intimidated.

Monica was so lost in her thoughts that she never felt the loving presence of the angel she loved the most. Andrew studied her in silence for a moment after appearing in the room, not liking the pensive expression on her pretty face. Though she looked weary, it was obvious that sleep was the furthest thing from her mind.

Not wanting to startle her, Andrew cleared his throat and watched as the little angel turned to him, her face instantly lighting up.

"Andrew!"

He grinned when she nearly flew off the bed and straight into his arms, immediately burying her face against his chest.

"I'm so glad you're here," She murmured, relaxing a bit as his arms wrapped protectively around her.

Holding her tightly, he breathed in the sweet scent of her hair and kissed the crown of her head lovingly, "I would never miss a free moment with you, Angel," Andrew replied, before he pulled back enough to look deeply into her brown pools, "But you're worrying about something, sweetheart; I can tell."

She gave a tiny shrug, "Just the same things as before really."

Sensing that she didn't want to worry him, Andrew frowned. That would never do. He wanted her to trust him, but he had a feeling he may have to earn some of that back. Not that he thought the little angel was holding back intentionally, but the fact remained that several months ago, he had not been honest with her and had hurt her deeply.

"How about coming with me for a bit, Angel?" Seeing her nod her head, the pair instantly vanished from the room.

When the two angels reappeared the first thing Monica was aware of was that she was still in Andrew's arms and a contented sigh escaped her at the realization that they were dancing to soft music. Looking around her, Monica found them to be in a small, intimate club with a small band and only a handful of other couples. She felt safe, she felt loved and her heart was immediately placed at ease.

"Thank you," She murmured as she tilted her head up to look into his green eyes.

Andrew smiled and moved his hand to stroke her cheek tenderly, "No thanks are needed, baby. I could tell you needed a change of venue."

Her heart ached pleasantly, enjoying the fact that he knew her so well, "I love you so much, Andrew."

"I love you too, my angel," Andrew replied, before he ducked his head to brush his lips up against hers. They then swayed in silence for several minutes until the band announced they would be taking a short break.

Andrew led his friend with a protective hand on the small of her back, to a little table away from the other customers. After ordering them each a coffee, he reached across the table to cover Monica's smaller hand with his own.

"Now, Angel, please, tell me what is troubling you?"

The hopeful look in his eyes and a second later, Monica was telling him about Jim's visit to the shelter, "I don't want to feel afraid of him," She explained desperately once she had relayed the short conversation she'd had with her assignment's husband, "I shouldn't be afraid! I know that the Father is always with me, but when I am face to face with this man, something just happens to me, Andrew. I only want to get as far away from him as I possibly can."

The blond angel regarded her for a moment as he contemplated her words and when he finally spoke, his voice and expression were quite serious, "Angel, I want you to listen to me and to think about what I'm saying. Yes, Jim trapped you against your will, but he never hurt you. He may not have been exactly gentlemanly, but the only harm that came to you was from a terrible illness that you contracted before he found you." He drew in a deep breath, clearly seeing a confused expression on her lovely face, "I think the fear you feel when you see Jim is because it causes you to remember a terrible time…and not just because you were abducted. I think it makes you remember that I wasn't honest with you, that I didn't tell you the truth and that caused us to be apart for so long. I think that Jim is simply the embodiment of all that fear and hurt….fear and hurt that I caused you."

Tears had filled the Irish angel's eyes as she had listened to him speak and with a blink they fell to her cheeks. It was at that moment that their waiter brought their coffee and Monica quickly lowered her head to hide the tears.

Once the waiter had departed, Andrew looked at her worriedly, his heart aching at her pain, "My angel, if I could go back in time and undo the pain I've caused you, please know that I would. I love you so much; more than anything. You're so precious to me, Monica."

"And so are you to me, Andrew..." she searched for his hands and squeezed them tightly, "If there's one thing I've learned is that no one is perfect other than God. You say you made a mistake when you were not honest with me a while ago. Well, I made a mistake too: when I turned my back on you without even giving you the chance to explain your reasons." Her lips curved into a tearful smile, "But when I look at what we have now... Knowing that you'll always be there to hold me and put my heart at ease by telling me all those beautiful words that only you can tell me makes me feel so much blessed! So, please, don't hold on to the past. I've forgiven you a long time ago." The Irish angel reached out and caressed his handsome face, "And how could I not forgive you if having you by my side is having my heart filled with love and joy, huh?"

Overwhelmed with love and tenderness, he took her hands to his lips, "I'll never know what I've done to deserve you, my sweet Angel."

"Just being you is enough to make me love you more and more every day, Andrew. And... I want you to know that I trust you with all that I am, with my very soul. If sometimes I don't voice my thoughts it's just because I myself am too confused to understand them..." Her smile grew a bit wider as she remembered something, "But I'm glad the Father sent me an angel to hold me tight and listen to what I have to say..."

"Well, I don't know about wonderful angel, but there's one thing I'm positively sure about: holding you tight and listening to your words are blessings I'll treasure for the rest of my existence... as I don't think I'd be able to exist without them... without you." he said, softly cupping her cheek, "This heart of mine... it's yours, baby. Forever."

And to prove the truth of his words, he moved closer and brushed a soft kiss on her lips.

X

Feeling quite tired, Monica fell asleep just a few minutes after they returned to the apartment she and Tess were sharing. Andrew, on the other hand, remained awake, holding the little Irish angel in his loving arms and watching as she slept peacefully - like she always did whenever he was wrapped up in his sweet embrace. How he wanted to help her with her assignment! His protective instincts were once again in check when it came about that sweet little angel who'd stolen his heart forever. But Andrew knew that it was Monica herself who should figure out how to find a way to get through to Carrie and fulfil her assignment.

"Father, please, put her heart at ease... All she wants is to help that poor woman... You know the wonderful creature Your angel is and how she puts all her efforts when it comes about helping the ones in need. Monica has been through so much lately, even though she never complained. Please, guide her steps and show her what to do." He prayed, permanently caressing Monica's hair.

A soft glow involved the two angels, and Andrew felt loving words being whispered to his heart, assuring him that his beloved Monica would manage to reach Carrie's heart soon. Smiling, the blond angel bent his head and kissed Monica's temple lovingly. "Thank You."