CHAPTER 9

Lonely is the night

The Irish angel pushed the apartment door open slowly and its darkness confirmed Andrew's absence. She turned on the light and let her bag fall on an armchair; the heavy silence of the living room was also echoing inside her very soul. If Andrew wasn't there, having a delicious dinner or a warm shower or relaxing after a working day didn't hold the same joy.

Monica walked along their home and to the kitchen as Andrew had told her he would leave dinner in the fridge so all she had to do was to stick it in the microwave oven and wait for 5 minutes. When she stood in front of the fridge a small note stuck with a magnet finally brought a shy smile upon her face again.

"My beautiful angel,

Enjoy your meal and sleep tight. Have only sweet dreams and know that you're always in my heart. I love you.

Andrew."

"I love you so much..." she whispered, taking the note and placing it against her heart.

But once she had showered and eaten, the little angel in human form changed into comfortable pyjamas and took a seat by the window, knees drawn up to her chest as curious brown eyes watched the night city sky. The stars were almost all covered by pollution and there was no moon that night. She could hear the footsteps of people passing by, returning home from work just like she had done hours before, and in a way she hoped that one of them was her beloved Andrew.

The hours passed by slowly and soon there were no more footsteps or cars. The night fell silent but Monica insisted on remaining by the window, hoping that soon she would see a tall and elegant silhouette just around the corner heading to the building where she now lived. But it didn't happen, and beaten by exhaustion and worry, she ended up falling asleep, just when the first sunrays were beginning to shine over the New York sky.

The neighbourhood was still quiet when Andrew opened up the apartment door carefully as to not to wake his beloved angel. He figured that she was in her bedroom but as he closed the door behind him and turned around, his heart broke at the image he saw. She was still sitting on the window seat, leaning against the wall and with small arms wrapped around her knees. Except that now she was sleeping.

Walking slowly so as not to wake her, and possibly startle her, he approached the angel, his eyes filled with love and tenderness. Andrew stroked her cheek so gently and so lightly that she would think that sweet caress was part of a dream.

But instead, the little angel's eyes opened and she immediately found her way into his arms, hugging him tightly, "Andrew..." She murmured, breathing in the scent of him and feeling the hours of worry for his safety finally draining from her body.

"I'm here, baby," He whispered, drawing her close as he sat down with her, simply giving her a few moments to relax.

"I missed you," Monica replied tiredly, but at the same time so happy that he was holding her again.

"And I missed you, angel, more than you can imagine. It was such a long day with not seeing you all morning or afternoon and then not at night either."

"Too long," She sighed, as her grateful fingers stroked his blond locks of hair at the base of his neck.

"Angel Girl," He pulled away enough to look into her exhausted brown eyes, "You know I hate being away from you like this, but baby, you have to sleep. You have to be at work soon and your form is no longer angelic and I can tell by looking at you that you haven't had much sleep. Baby, you are going to be exhausted today."

"I know," She replied softly, eyes downcast, "It's just so hard to be here on earth like this without you...at night especially. I don't mean to complain, Andrew, you know that..."

"Of course I do," He replied patiently, stroking her cheek with tender fingers, "But you have always felt uneasy at night even as an angel and now you are fully human, so I'm sure it makes you twice as nervous. Sweetheart, I wish there was some way I wouldn't have to leave you at night..."

"Oh Andrew, I know that, but it can't be helped. I just have to find a way to handle it."

His lips twitched into a small smile, "Trying to sleep in your bed might be a good start, baby."

A shy smile met his, "I don't think that will be a problem tonight."

"How much sleep have you had, Monica?"

"I think the sun was coming up..."

Andrew sighed, knowing that the hour's sleep she'd had was going to make her day long and maybe even emotional and then again, he would not be here when she got home from work. Though Monica was the one obviously struggling with their new arrangement, Andrew was having his own difficulties; he was simply better at hiding them. He needed to instil the confidence for both of them.

Leaning in, he brushed his lips against hers to center them both once more; a sweet reminder that no matter how difficult this new life seemed, that their love was worth every moment of it.

"Okay," Andrew stated as they finally pulled apart, "You, go get ready for work while I whip us up some breakfast. You haven't slept, so not eating breakfast is simply not an option."

A sweet smile crossed her face at the same time her heart ached with her love for him. He had worked all night long yet here he was taking the time to care for her. She would have to find a way to do something special for him soon...other than attempting to cook.