Chapter 9

Andrew watched as the coffee dripped into the pot at a steady speed, his mind miles away.  He and Tess had brought Monica back to a house that had been chosen by the Father and now Monica was getting cleaned up, with Tess’ help. 

            The car ride here from the town had been in absolute silence, each of the three angel’s engaged in their own thoughts.  Andrew shook his head as he got out three mugs, wishing he could begin to understand what was going on with Monica. 

            The only thing he did know was that she had lied.  He had no proof, of course, but he could feel it in his heart as well as see it in her eyes.  The question though, was why?  For what reason did she have to lie to he and Tess?  Actually, for what reason had she to lie, period?  She was an angel and that was strictly forbidden.  Who was she trying to protect?  Denise?  That was his gut instinct.  After that little show the Caseworker had put on at the diner last week, Andrew was sure that she was somehow involved in this.  Or was Monica trying to protect he and Tess? 

            “So, what do you think, baby?” Tess’ rich voice disturbed him from his thoughts as she walked into the kitchen,

            “Do you think this was all an accident?”

            Andrew met his green eyes with those of his friend and smiled sadly,

            “Not for a minute, Tess.  She’s hiding something, of that much I’m sure.”

            “Are you upset with her, Angel Boy?” Tess reached across the counter and laid her hand over his.

            “No, Tess.  I’m more worried than anything else.  I’m worried about her and about why she is lying about this, and I’m even more worried about who is behind all of this,” His eyes showed his distress for a moment,

            “I don’t want Monica anymore hurt than she has already been.”

            “Well, that makes two of us, baby,” Tess remarked, shaking her head sadly,

            “She is still pretty shaken up, but trying to hide it, from what I can gather.  I just cannot figure out why she would feel the need to not tell us the truth about today,” She sighed heavily as she turned to the freezer to get ice to fill up a hot water bottle for Monica’s ankle.

            “I think the best thing we can do tonight is to not push her.  Maybe if she relaxes a bit, the truth will come out,” Andrew paused for a moment, before looking up at Tess and smiling,

            “You know, I almost feel guilty saying this, just because of the circumstances as to why we are all here, but being here, with you and Monica, is certainly not something I regret.  It’s the best feeling I’ve had in quite awhile Tess, other than doing God’s work, of course.  I’ve just really missed you both.”

            Tess smiled tearfully as she laid down the bottle and moved to hug her Angel Boy,

            “Me too, baby.  Not a day went by that I didn’t miss you both unbearably.”

            Andrew squeezed his friend tightly and then looked up as he saw Monica enter the room slowly and tentatively, as she tried to use the crutches that Tess had given her.  Pulling away from Tess, Andrew smiled,

            “Let me give you a hand, sweetie,” He hurried to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist, as he took the crutches from her and laid them to the side, before helping her over to the sofa.

            “Thank you,” Monica said softly as he helped her sit down.

            “You’re welcome,” He replied warmly, noting the way her hands were still trembling slightly.  He caught them up in his as he knelt down in front of her,

            “Hey.  Today is over, sweetheart, and you’re safe now.  You’re with friends.”

            Monica’s dark eyes glassed over with unshed tears as she looked up at Tess and then returned her eyes to his,

            “It’s even better than that, Andrew.  I’m with my best friends.”

            He smiled as he reached up to stroke her cheek,

            “Me too,” He whispered softly,

            “I’d better give Tess a hand with the coffee.  Be right back and then we’ll get some ice on that ankle.” He got up and picked up two mugs of coffee and returned with Tess, holding her own mug and the ice bag.

            “Coffee. Tess?” Monica raised an eyebrow curiously,

            “I thought you were more of a tea drinker?”

            Tess smiled as she sat down in the recliner across from the sofa and set her steaming mug on the table,

            “Well, baby, I was.  But over the last few years, I realized I rather enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, from time to time.  I think mostly because it reminded me of a certain angel that I was missing.”

            Monica felt her eyes welling up with tears once more, but she managed to hold them back, afraid that if she started crying again, she might never stop.  Her emotions felt raw from all that had happened today with Denise, not to mention lying to the best friends she had ever had, and on top of all of that, just being here in the same room with Tess and Andrew, and knowing that no one had to run off to an assignment, was enough to make her want to sob uncontrollably with joy.

            She winced as Andrew lifted her ankle to rest on a pillow on the coffee table, and then laid the ice pack on top of it to try to get the swelling down. 

            “You okay?” Andrew asked her worriedly, noticing the look in her eyes.

            Monica blinked several times to push back the tears and managed a sad smile,

            “Yes.  I’ve just really missed you both.”

            Tess nodded her head, exchanging glances with both of her Angel Babies,

            “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, babies?”