Chapter 2

A rare, uncomfortable silence followed Andrew's question as Monica continued to stare down at the tabletop. Feeling tears forming in her throat, the Irish angel gripped her best friend's hands as tightly as she could, not wanting to let them go. Deep down, she knew that Andrew would always be there for her, no matter what. And so would Tess.

The image of 3 years ago right before they had all departed their separate ways, flashed before Monica's mind: Saying goodbye to the best friends she ever had; hearing both Andrew and Tess tell her—and each other—that no matter what, they would always be there if they were ever needed. Always.

But now…how was she going to be able to tell Andrew what was happening at that moment in time? What was happening with Denise and all the confusion she was feeling in her heart? Just the thought of Andrew getting involved and somehow getting hurt tore at her sensitive heart; she couldn't let that happen. She just couldn't!

Finally raising her eyes once more, somehow bringing up the courage to speak, Monica met her friend's loving, green eyes once again and swallowed before opening her mouth.

"I'll always know that you'll be here for me, my friend," she replied nervously and quietly while squeezing Andrew's hand once again.

 "I haven't forgotten the promise that you made to me all those years ago. But—"

"But what, sweetie?" Andrew pressed gently, gazing worriedly into her tear-filled, brown eyes,

 "Monica…I know there's something wrong.  Sweetheart, I know you; I can tell you're upset about something.  What's wrong, honey?"

"But…I can't—I can't tell you this," she shakily finished,

"I'm so sorry, Andrew, but I can't. I want to more than anything; you have to believe me when I tell you that, but that's impossible. I really want your help and Tess' help, but…I am so worried, Andrew…I'm so worried that you'll only end up getting hurt…"

Tightening her grip on her best friend's soft hands, she lowered her auburn head and let her tears fall like the rain outside. Oh, God, how was she ever going to get through this?? Was there any way that she'd ever know what was really happening?

Seeing his friend's movements and tears, Andrew softly released the angel's hands and walked around to the other side of the booth, sitting down beside her. Without saying a word, the blonde-haired angel laid a gentle hand on her back and rubbed it softly, trying his best to soothe her.

Feeling Andrew's hand against her back, Monica turned in her seat and grabbed her friend up in her shaking arms, gripping his neck tightly, wishing with all of her heart that she could confide in Andrew like she always used to in the past…and not worry about him possibly getting hurt in the process or having to leave her side soon. Sobbing her heart out on his shoulder, Monica felt Andrew's strong arms circle her waist as he rocked her gently, like he always used to when she was upset or confused.

Oh, God, I want to tell him so badly…but I can't! She silently screamed as she lifted her brown eyes to the ceiling, staring at it through her blurred vision. Please understand, Father! This is something that has never happened before…something that I never would have thought would happen as a supervisor…and I'm not even sure if I have all of this correct…Oh, Father!

The minutes ticked by as Andrew continued to hold his friend lovingly in his arms, stroking her long, tangled hair with his hands and whispering reassuring words in her ear, trying his hardest to be the friend that she remembered when they used to work together. Lightly rubbing her back, he suddenly felt her slowly loosen up, her sobs quieting down.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" he gently asked as he gave her back one final rub and ever so gently pulled back from the embrace and looked into her eyes worriedly.

Lifting the palm of her hand, the Irish angel quickly wiped away the tears in her eyes and forced herself to smile a bit at her friend before her,

"I'll be okay, Andrew," she quietly answered, scolding herself for falling apart on her best friend just now. What was she thinking?! Now he knew that something was up and that she couldn't tell him about it…

"I promise, my friend…I'll be okay," she continued in a strained voice as she tried her hardest to hold back another flood of tears.

"I just lost it for a minute there…"

Glancing nervously over her friend's head, Monica suddenly sucked in her breath as she noticed an all-too familiar figure walk through the large, wooden doors of the coffee shop…a figure that looked far from happy. As a matter of fact, a look of total anger was imprinted on her wet face as she looked around the store; obviously looking for somebody…and her gaze fell on Monica and Andrew.

Frowning at the way his friend was acting, Andrew lifted an eyebrow and followed Monica's gaze. A young-looking female stood at the booth that he was sharing with Monica, her arms folded across her chest and her dark eyes narrowed at Monica. Her long, black hair was soaking wet from the rain and the hairstyle that had obviously once been looking pretty was now a total mess. Her makeup smeared and her clothes drenched from the downpour outside, the young lady continued to glare icily at Monica, not paying any attention to Andrew's presence.

"Denise?"

Monica's confused and slightly frightened voice caused Andrew to stare at her, both eyebrows raised. Denise? This was Denise??  Watching as his best friend gulped and tried her hardest to meet Denise's hard, fiery eyes, Andrew felt his heart pound loudly in his chest, himself starting to grow confused now. Listening intently and carefully to what his friend was saying to her caseworker and Denise's reactions, Andrew knew suddenly beyond a shadow of a doubt that the answers to his questions would somehow be answered very soon…

"Denise, what are you doing here?" Monica's voice shook slightly as she faced the young, angry caseworker,           

"How come—"

Breaking into her supervisor's words, Denise shot back angrily at her, her snappy tone causing the older angels to grimace visibly,

"Don't ask me what I'm doing here, Monica!" she snapped heatedly at her,

"How could you do this to me?? How COULD you?!"