CHAPTER 8

The following day was rather calm at the farm and this peaceful atmosphere was reflected in the angels' work. Ian was away for the following two days and it gave Monica the chance to treat Grace without any of his unpleasant interruptions. Plus, she also took good care of the other horses and with Rafael's help, most of the animals could do some light exercises in the farm's open fields.

With Grace, Monica's care was much greater as she carefully guided her around with slow steps, noticing that at least she was not favouring her leg like she did on the previous day and it was due to the angel's intensive treatment that had lasted until late that night.

"I sense you are feeling a wee bit better, aren't you, sweet Grace?" she spoke, gently caressing her head, observing as the animal eyed her with instinctive trust. "Well, in that case, I brought you something that might cheer your day up a tiny bit more..."

Smiling, Monica searched in the pocket of her jacket and found a fresh red apple and Grace was quick to accept the little gift.

"I also happen to love apples, you know. Once, when I was still in annunciations, I managed to make an apple pie..." she spoke, with seriousness, and frowning slightly as the words came out of her mouth. "...well, actually, I sort of... tried to make it. Back at that time stoves were not as sophisticated as the ones we have nowadays and I could not control the cooking time properly."

She took two more steps and stood in front of Grace, observing she had finished eating her little snack. "Perhaps I can make a new attempt while I'm here. I noticed that there are many apple trees around."

Grace showed her gratitude by sniffling the angel's neck twice, causing Monica to giggle as she felt it a bit ticklish.

"Looks like someone is quite happy with her doctor!"

Andrew's voice made her turn around, her smile grew wider as she saw her dear friend approaching her with a matching smile. "She's not favouring her leg any longer, Andrew! The medicine worked just fine for her!"

He was quite pleased by her joy in being able to help the poor animal. Getting closer, he caressed Grace's soft fur, admiring the animal's beauty for a few moments. Then, he turned to look at his angelic friend, noticing the way her hopeful eyes shone with enthusiasm. "This is because you took care of her until late yesterday. Animals feel when they're much loved."

"If she keeps on responding the way she is, tomorrow we'll walk around the farm a little bit more than we did today."

He narrowed his eyes in a playful way. "And how far would that be?"

Slightly blushed, she lowered her head for a moment, and then raised it up again. "I promise we won't take more than just a few minutes..." she said, sheepishly.

Finding her embarrassment rather adorable, he tucked a few strands of her haphazard ponytail behind her ear. "Good. I'm glad to know."

"Will you wait for me so we can have lunch? I was already taking Grace back to her stable."

His smile faded a little and he shook his head. "I'm sorry, angel. I'm leaving for town right now. Caroline and I are going to the bank and she'll propose a deal to pay the farm debts based on a report I made yesterday."

He noticed how part of the joy on her face faded slowly and her smile became faint.

"I didn't know..."

"We'll probably take the whole afternoon and will be back only in the evening."

"Andrew?"

The conversation was interrupted by a female voice and they saw Caroline walking towards them.

"The car is ready. Do you think we could go now?" she said, with a friendly smile. "I'm quite anxious to see what the bank will think about this new agreement you've planned!"

Caroline gave a step closer to Grace and ruffled her mane. "Hey, sweetie! I can see Monica is taking very good care of you, huh?"

"She's doing just fine..." The Irish angel replied, happy to see the visible love for the animal in the woman's eyes, but at the same time not able to hide her disappointment at the fact that she would not have her dearest friend's company for lunch.

"I'm happy to hear that, Monica. Thank you for what you're doing." When she was finished bidding Grace good bye, Caroline turned to look at Andrew. "Shall we go?"

"Yes, sure." The blond angel replied, but before they left, he cupped Monica's face and stroked it with affection. "We'll be back by the end of the day, ok?"

"I will be waiting right here."

Despite her little attempt to joke, Andrew could see she was slightly frustrated at the fact that they would not have lunch together like they almost always did whenever they were working on an assignment together.

"Wish us luck, Monica!" The farm owner spoke, not missing the tender gaze exchanged by her two employees.

The Irish angel forced a slight smile and looked at her. "I'll pray that everything goes just fine, Caroline."

"Thanks."

Monica remained where she was and watched Andrew and Caroline walking towards Caroline's car, parked near the entrance gate, which could be seen at a distant. With his infinite gentleness, Andrew opened the door for her and then took his place on the passenger's seat. But right before he entered the car, he still waved the little angel goodbye. Only when the vehicle crossed the gate did Monica move, guiding Grace back at the stables.

The strange sensation that took over her spirit at their image going away from her was something she could not define, despite her obvious fondness for new words. For some reason, there seemed to be a mix of anguish and fear growing in her heart and the angel in human form wondered where those feelings were coming from.