Chapter Thirty Two

To Andrew’s immense relief, the thunder and lightning passed overhead fairly quickly and soon even the rain had eased to little more than drizzle, as the clouds overhead began to break up slightly. But there had been enough rain to soak the three of them thoroughly, and Andrew was especially concerned for Monica, aware that of the three of them, she would be the one most likely to catch cold.

They had kept walking as fast as they could, but after a while Monica had grown tired and so Andrew was now carrying her in his arms as she snuggled close to him, still unnerved by the thunder earlier, and her tiredness only adding to her distress. The blond angel occasionally spoke soothing words to her, holding her tightly against him as he walked.

They had been walking for about an hour when they came to a river that they’d crossed earlier, by means of a small wooden bridge. But as Andrew caught up with Rick who’d been walking a few paces ahead, he realized something was terribly wrong. “Rick...?” He followed the man’s gaze to the river, where all that now remained of the bridge were just a few pieces of wood next to each side of the river. “Oh, no....”

Andrew stood there, just staring at the bridge for a long moment. “Is there another route we can take?”

Rick turned to him slowly, shaking his head. “No...” He thought for a moment. “Well, there is another crossing, but it’s about two miles downstream.”

The blond angel looked around, as if somehow a new bridge would suddenly appear, even though he knew that was not going to happen. He raised an eyebrow. “Two miles? Is that the nearest one?”

“Yeah... I’m afraid it is, Andrew. Unless...” He took a few steps toward the broken bridge, staring down at the river. “You know, there are a lot of rocks down there, we could use as stepping stones...” He turned back to Andrew. “Want to try it?”

Andrew’s eyes widened. “Crossing it? Here?” When Rick nodded, he also took a few steps toward the river, peering down at the water as he weighed up the options. It was either a two-mile walk to the next bridge, and then probably the same distance back to the cabin, or they could cross here, where they were only less then two hours’ walk from the cabin. He looked at Monica, who was almost falling asleep in his arms, and knew that she’d never make the two-mile walk to the bridge, and although she was by no means heavy, he wasn’t sure he could carry her in his arms for that distance either.

Sighing heavily, he turned to Rick. “Okay... we’ll try.” He glanced at the water again, sending up a silent prayer to the Father to keep them safe, hoping he was making the right decision. “It doesn’t look too bad, I guess... as long as we’re careful.”

Rick nodded as Andrew reached to stroke Monica’s hair gently. “Sweetie? Come on, little one, I need you to be awake.” He waited a moment but it became apparent that the most he was going to get from her was half-open eyes and a sleepy voice. “Andrew...?”

Andrew smiled down at his friend. “Now you hold on tight to me, okay? We’re gonna cross the water.” The little girl barely seemed to understand what he said, as tired as she was, and Andrew couldn’t help but chuckle as he turned to Rick. “I guess she’ll have to miss seeing this experience, then.”

Rick smiled. “Yeah, I guess so... well, here goes...” He turned back to the river, making his way down the slippery, muddy bank to a couple of rocks that stuck out of the water, and he stood on them, getting his balance as he glanced at the river rushing past. “Funny, it looks faster when you get closer to it...”

But Andrew never heard him, as he was concentrating on making his own way down the river bank, trying to keep his balance and hold on to Monica at the same time. But thankfully he made it down safely, and he stood carefully on the slippery grass at the bottom. “Are you going first, or shall I?”

Rick turned to him and shook his head. “No... I’ll go. You can follow on behind...” He frowned, looking at Monica. “Are you sure you can manage to carry her too?”

Andrew nodded. “Yeah... besides, she’d never make it across if she walked.”

Shrugging, Rick nodded. “Okay.” He turned back to the river, took a deep breath, but as he was about to step onto the first rock, he heard Monica’s voice and for some reason it made him hesitate.

“Andrew...?”

Andrew looked down at Monica, who was blinking up at him, obviously awake now. “Hey, sweetie. You know what? You’re just in time to enjoy a trip across the river.” He watched as Monica turned to look around her, catching sight of the water just a few feet away, but then her sleepy smile faded to a look of horror and she started struggling in his arms. “No, Andrew!”

Frowning, Andrew looked at her, confused by her reaction as he tried to hold onto her as she continued to struggle. “Monica, what is it? Will you calm down!” He leaned down to her, looking deep into her soft brown eyes, eyes that showed fear. “Sweetie?”

“No... no river, Andrew!”

Suddenly Andrew remembered Monica’s nightmare from the night before, and something about the intense fear in his friend’s eyes caused him to panic, and he turned to Rick. “We can’t do this! Go back, up to the trail!”

Surprised, Rick hesitated. “But, Andrew...”

The blond angel shook his head, already starting to climb back up the river bank, still holding onto Monica who still struggled, distressed. “I can’t explain, just... please, Rick!”

“Okay...” Rick didn’t waste any more time arguing, and he quickly scrambled up the bank, worried by the fear in Andrew’s voice, not to mention Monica’s reaction to the river, although he had no idea why she was so upset.

Climbing back up the muddy bank was even harder than climbing down it, and they had only reached about half way up when a tremendous rushing noise suddenly invaded their senses, and Andrew and Rick both turned to look upstream, at first seeing nothing. But then a flash of movement caught Andrew’s eyes and he instantly knew what was happening. He shouted to Rick to hurry, as he continued to make his way up the riverbank, still holding tightly to Monica. “Father... please...”

He finally reached the top of the bank and turned to hold out his hand to Rick, pulling him to safety as just seconds later a torrent of muddy water washed down the river, right over the rocks where Rick had been standing just moments before.

================

Chapter Thirty Three

Andrew stared at the river as he held Monica tightly, afraid to let her go. He was shaking, not just from the coldness of his rain-soaked clothes, but from the knowledge of what would have happened had they not made their way back up the riverbank to safety. Sighing lightly, he gazed down at Monica who was sitting quietly in his arms, her distress now gone and replaced with an unnatural quietness. “Sweetie? You okay?”

Monica gazed up at him, and once more he thought he saw a shift in her eyes, a glimpse of the angel deep inside of her... but in second it was gone. “The river was going to hurt you, Andrew.” As she said this, something in her voice made it seem to him that she didn’t truly understand why she’d said that, but he knew. He understood now, the significance of her nightmare- a warning, of what was to come. ...Father... thank You... ...

The blond angel turned to Rick, who was sitting on the ground, trying to catch his breath and apparently more than a little shocked. “Rick? You okay?”

Rick looked up at him, running a hand through his damp hair. “How did...” He frowned, looking at Monica. “How did she know? I-I mean... it’s impossible...”

Andrew smiled, setting Monica down on the ground as his arms were beginning to ache. She also sat on the ground, a tired look crossing over her face as she picked at some blades of grass. Andrew watched her for a moment before turning back to his assignment. “She... had a nightmare, last night. About a river...” He shrugged, aware that Rick wouldn’t believe the whole story, at least not yet. “I guess she remembered it when she saw we were about to cross, and... it frightened her.”

Rick shook his head. “Well, I guess that makes sense... but still...” He looked at the little girl with admiration in his eyes. “She saved our lives, Andrew... whatever the reason.”

Andrew nodded, turning to look at his friend proudly. “Yeah, she did.” He watched how the little girl continued playing with bits of grass, totally unaware of the profound effect of her nightmare and her reaction to the river just now. She would never understand, at least not in this human form, the importance of what she’d done... but Andrew would never forget it.

***

“I want to sleep, Andrew.” The blond angel looked down at Monica, who had a tired look on her face, and his heart went out to her. She had insisted on walking as they made their way along the two-mile walk to the nearest bridge, but now her weariness was catching up on her again. Leaning down, Andrew scooped her up into his arms. “Is that better?”

Monica nodded. “Uh-huh.” She clutched at his sweater, leaning her head against his shoulder, and Andrew planted a gentle kiss on the top of her head. “I love you, baby girl.” His voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough for her to hear, and she smiled sleepily as she gazed up at him with eyes full of trust and love. She didn’t answer, though, for moments later she fell asleep.

Andrew gazed at her for a long moment as he continued walking along the side of the river. Rick turned to him, sighing. “I think we must be about half way there. I just hope the bridge is still in once piece.”

“Yeah... but don’t worry, I think it will be.” In fact Andrew knew it would be, for the Father’s gentle voice had confirmed it.

“I hope you’re right, Andrew...” Rick hesitated, and Andrew could tell he was debating whether or not to say something else. And after a moment, he did. “Listen, I... there’s something I’d like to tell you, Andrew... something... personal.”

Andrew nodded. “Okay...”

Rick glanced at him as they walked. “I-I don’t really know where to begin, it’s just... a lot of things have got me thinking lately, and after what just happened, almost getting killed back there... it’s made me realize...” He shrugged, and fell silent for a couple minutes, but Andrew didn’t push him- he was patient enough to wait.

Finally the man spoke again, all the while still walking, looking straight ahead and not meeting Andrew’s gaze. “I have a daughter.... I-I have a wife, too... except, I haven’t seen them in a long time.”

================

Chapter Thirty Four

Andrew smiled to himself as Rick began telling him everything. He’d known, more or less, what the reason for his assignment was, but still it was good for Rick to finally be opening up about his problems.

Meanwhile Rick continued talking. “We were happy together... we got married fifteen years ago, and we loved each other so much. We had so much fun together... until...” He sighed. “Amanda was so happy when she told me she was pregnant. I-I wasn’t sure... I’d never thought much about having kids but she was so happy, eventually she made me look forward to it too. But when Amy was born... it was as if there was no time for ‘us’ anymore, you know, just the two of us? It was me and Amanda and Amy... or more often than not, just Amanda and Amy. It was like she had no time for me anymore...” Finally Rick stopped in his tracks, turning to face Andrew. “You must think I sound really selfish.

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “I’m not going to judge you, Rick. That’s not why I’m here.”

Rick nodded. “I just... missed being part of a couple, that’s all. I didn’t want to wake up a hundred times a night to hear a baby crying, or to have to know how to change diapers or feed her... I didn’t want all that, and I didn’t want Amanda doing that. I just wanted ‘us’ back.”

Andrew nodded. “But... that wasn’t going to happen, was it?”

“No... no, it didn’t.” Rick shook his head, glancing momentarily at the sleeping Monica in Andrew’s arms. “And after a while, I just... I had enough. That’s the God’s honest truth, Andrew. I’d had enough. I’d begun staying late at work, just so I could get home in time to go to sleep, without having to listen to Amanda telling me what Amy had been doing that day. I wasn’t interested... what could a baby possibly have done that was interesting? I mean, they eat and they sleep and they cry and they need changing... that’s all.”

Rick began walking again, and Andrew followed, glad that Monica was sound asleep and not listening to this conversation. “So... you left?”

“Yeah. One day, when Amy was almost a year old. I’d put up with it for that long, and enough was enough. I wanted my life back, and although I’d loved Amanda, my life with her was never going to be the same, and I knew... I knew I’d rather live without her, than live with her and a kid.”

Andrew refrained from saying anything; he knew that now wasn’t the right time. But it saddened him to hear Rick talk about a child, especially his own child, in this way. He held Monica tightly to his chest as Rick resumed his story.

“We separated, but Amanda would never give me a divorce. After a while I stopped trying, I guess... maybe deep down I didn’t want it to end, because I never stopped loving her. I just missed what we had, before Amy came along. I haven’t seen either of them for five years, Andrew. Five years....” He shook his head.

Andrew glanced down at Monica, realizing now why it was so important for Monica to take the form of a six-year-old girl. He turned back to his assignment. “Rick... don’t you think that you’ve been away from them for long enough? You have a daughter... a beautiful little girl who needs both of her parents.”

Rick stopped walking, turning to look at Monica again. “Up until a few days ago, I hated children. You know that, Andrew. You saw how I was with Monica. But now...” He sighed heavily. “I can’t help but wonder if my little girl is as adorable as her.” Shaking his head, he turned back to look at the trail up ahead, and smiled. “We’re almost at the bridge... and I think we’ve been out here for long enough.” Falling silent, Rick walked more purposefully toward the bridge, leaving Andrew to wonder whether or not his assignment was going to truly face up to his problems, or run away from them again.

***

Once they’d crossed the bridge, it turned out that they weren’t very far from the cabin at all, closer than Andrew had guessed, and so within the hour they were safely indoors. As Rick lit a fire, Andrew took a still-sleeping Monica to her room, concerned that she was shivering occasionally in her sleep, and he hoped she hadn’t caught a chill. Dressing her in warm pajamas he tucked her in bed, putting an extra blanket on top of the quilt. She stirred slightly as he tucked her in, and smiled up at him sleepily. “Andrew..?”

“Hey, sweetie. You were out of it there for a while. But you know what?” He smiled at her tenderly as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

“What?”

“We’re back at the cabin... and we’re safe.” He handed the stuffed bear to her as she gazed around the room with half-closed eyes, and then she smiled as her eyes closed again and she drifted back off to sleep. Andrew chuckled slightly, watching her for another long moment before leaving the room and closing the door. Now was the time, the Father was telling him, for Rick to know the truth. And Andrew was ready.

He walked into the living room, feeling the warmth of the fire immediately, and he found Rick sitting on the couch looking through a photograph album. The man looked up when he heard footsteps, and smiled ruefully. “You know, I forgot these were here, until a few minutes ago. Pictures of me and Amanda... before... when we were still happy.”

Taking that as an invitation, Andrew took a seat across from him on the other couch, and took the photo album offered to him, leafing through it. “She’s very pretty, Rick. You’re a lucky man.”

“Was... a lucky man. I was happy when it was just me and Amanda. That was all I needed, not anything else. Not anyone else.”

Andrew frowned. “Rick... couldn’t you see that your daughter was a blessing? Not someone to get in the way of your marriage, but someone to strengthen your relationship and give you a family. A blessing from God.”

Rick laughed then. “God? Oh, yeah, right. He gave me a beautiful wife, and then took that away.”

Andrew got to his feet, shaking his head. “You’re right, God did give Amanda to you. But He also blessed you with a child... Amy. And He wanted you to love her as much as He loves His children.”

“How could you know that? You say that as if you know God.”

Smiling, Andrew began to glow softly with the Father’s love. “Oh, but I do know Him. I know Him very well, Rick... because I am an Angel.”

Rick’s eyes widened as he leaned back in the couch. “What’s... what’s going on here, Andrew? Who are you?”

“I told you... I’m an Angel. Sent by God... the God who loves you very much, Rick. The God who blessed you not only with a wife and daughter, but the ability to love them both. But you forgot that love; instead of seeing the wonders given to you, you saw only the difficulties. Yes, bringing up a baby can be stressful, and God knows that. But He also knows, that the more love you give to a child, the more you will receive from them in return. He never promises that a human life will be easy, but He does promise that if you accept the gifts He gives to you, your life will be all the richer. True wealth comes not from money, Rick, but from love.”

“But... all I wanted was Amanda...”

“And all Amanda wanted was the husband she fell in love with, and the baby she wanted so badly, the baby she wanted you to love as much as she did. But you threw yourself into your work when your life changed, without stopping to realize that your life had become better, not worse.” Andrew hesitated, watching Rick carefully. “You still love Amanda, don’t you?”

Rick nodded. “I don’t think I could ever stop loving her... I just couldn’t handle having to share my life with somebody else as well.”

“You can, Rick. If you ask God to help you, and if you put your trust in Him. God never gives you more than you can handle- and He gave Amy to you because he knew you could love her, if you tried. And you need to try now, Rick. Amanda needs you now... that’s why God sent an Angel to bring you back to your wife and daughter.”

“What... what do you mean, she needs me? What’s wrong?” Rick frowned worriedly. “Is Amanda okay?”

Andrew nodded toward the telephone. “Call her, Rick. Find out for yourself.” Seeing the look in the man’s eyes, he continued. “It’s never too late to do the right thing.”

=================

Chapter Thirty Five

Rick put down the phone and turned to Andrew with a puzzled expression. “She’s... Amanda’s not there... I spoke to someone called Tess, who is helping her out for a while... she’s in the hospital, Andrew... she’s sick!”

Andrew nodded, aware now of what Tess’ part in this assignment was. “And she needs you now, Rick- she’s never stopped needing you, or loving you, but now she needs you more than ever, and God wants you to go to her.”

“Of... of course I will...” He looked back to Andrew, who was still glowing softly. “You’re... an Angel. Man, that’s...” He shook his head. “I-I can’t believe it.”

Andrew smiled. “Believe it, Rick. God loves you enough to send you an Angel, to help you when you need it the most.”

Rick frowned, thinking for a long moment. “Tell me something, Andrew... if you’re an Angel, then who is Monica?”

The blond angel smiled. “She’s an Angel too, Rick. We can appear in many forms while we’re here on Earth... and I think you know why Monica has been here with me.”

Rick nodded, a smile creeping across his face. “Yeah... I think I do.”

***

Rick took a deep breath as he walked up the steps of a house so familiar to him, yet at the same time, unrecognizable from what he’d remembered. Instead of the neat front yard, slightly overgrown grass was dotted here and there with children’s toys - a bike, a doll, a buggy. A few years ago, even a few days ago, he would have frowned at such a mess, but now he felt differently, and the sight actually made him smile. He rang the doorbell, and moments later the door was opened by a tall, dark-skinned woman whom he’d never seen before. “Hi, Rick. Come on in! I’m Tess, we spoke on the phone.”

Rick frowned. “How did you know who I was?”

Tess smiled as she ushered him inside. “Oh, I just knew. And besides, Amanda’s told me a lot about you. Come right in... Amy is upstairs in her room right now, you can see her later, if you like.”

“Uh... yeah... yeah, I’d... I’d like that.” Rick realized that he actually meant what he said... he was looking forward to seeing his daughter, albeit slightly apprehensive. Tess smiled at him warmly. “Would you like something to eat or drink? I know it’s been a long drive all the way over here.”

“Um, no, thanks.” Rick looked around the living room, seeing items of furniture and ornaments that he remembered, mixed with children’s books, and drawings, that were new to him but gave the room a homely, welcoming feel. He turned back to Tess. “I-I need to know... what’s wrong with Amanda?”

Tess smiled reassuringly at him. “Oh, nothing too serious. She’s been suffering from blackouts lately, and her doctor was very concerned. They did some tests, and found out she is suffering from epilepsy.”

“Epilepsy? Isn’t that serious?”

“Well, it can be, if it’s not treated. But the good news is, her illness was diagnosed quite early, and her doctor has started her on the correct medication, and she’s gonna be just fine.” Tess smiled at him, laying a gentle hand on his arm. “Now, she’s in the hospital at the moment, which is why I’m helping out here, looking after the house, and Amy. But the good news is, she’s ready to come home tomorrow. And what better birthday present for little Amy.”

Rick frowned. “Oh my God... Amy’s birthday is tomorrow! She’s going to be six... six years old...”

Tess nodded. “What a wonderful age, huh?”

“Yeah... it is. Look, I-I... I want to see her, Tess... please?” Rick looked at her almost pleadingly, and Tess chuckled. “Of course you can, baby. She’s your daughter.”

***

Tess knocked on the door of Amy’s room, and heard a small voice reply. “Tess?”

“Yes, baby.” She opened the door, turning to give Rick a reassuring smile. “Wait there, baby.” She walked into the room. “Amy... I have someone here to see you, someone very special. Do you remember what I talked to you about yesterday? About your daddy?”

Amy nodded, looking at Tess curiously from where she sat cross-legged on her bed, reading a book. “Uh-huh. I remember.”

“Well, he’s here, to see you. Do you want to see him?”

Amy glanced toward the door, but couldn’t see anyone. “Yes.”

Tess turned around. “Come on in here, baby. Your daughter wants to see you.” She smiled at Rick as he walked in the room, and his gaze immediately fell on the little blond-haired girl sitting on the bed. “Hi, Amy.”

Amy looked up at him and smiled. “Hi, daddy.” She looked back down at her book, suddenly shy, and Tess leaned in toward Rick, speaking in a whisper. “I’ll leave the two of you alone.”

Rick looked flustered for a minute. “But... I don’t know what to say to her. What do I say to her?”

Tess smiled knowingly. “Oh, you’ll know.” With that, she left the room, leaving Rick alone with his daughter. He took a step toward the bed. “Do you mind if I sit down?”

Amy looked up and shook her head. “No.”

Seeing her book, Rick pointed to it. “What’s that you’re reading?”

Smiling, the little girl held up the book. “The Sleeping Beauty. It’s really good.”

Rick nodded as a smile came to his face at the memory of another little girl and the very same book.

=================

Chapter Thirty Six

Monica had slept right through into the early evening, giving Andrew time to prepare something for dinner for he knew she’d be hungry when she did wake up. And as he heard small footsteps padding into the kitchen he turned to see Monica walking toward him, clutching her stuffed bear. “Hey, you.” He leaned down to her, planting a gentle kiss on the top of her head. “You’re awake, I see.”

“Uh-huh.”

Andrew smiled down at her. “Well, then I guess it’s lucky that dinner’s just about ready, cause I bet you’re hungry, aren’t you?”

But to Andrew’s surprise, Monica shook her head. “No.”

Andrew frowned. “No? Are you feeling okay?” She looked up at him, intending to say something, but all that came out was a sneeze.

Andrew’s eyes widened and he touched a hand to her forehead. “Oh, no. Monica, I think you’ve caught a cold, sweetie. And you should go back to bed. Come on.” He scooped her up into his arms, carrying her back to her room, and deposited her back in her bed, pulling the quilt and blanket around her again. She looked up at him with slightly glassy eyes, and sneezed again.

“Oh, sweetie...” Andrew brushed a hand over her hair as he sat on the edge of the bed. “You should try and get some more sleep, okay?”

Monica shook her head, now looking thoroughly miserable. “I miss you when I sleep, Andrew.”

The blond angel couldn’t stop tears from forming in his eyes, always touched by the simple yet meaningful things that this little six-year-old Monica kept saying to him. “And I miss you too, little one... but you’re sick, and you need to get better. And sleeping, is the best thing for you right now.”

Monica looked up at him pleadingly. “Will you....” She sneezed again. “...tell me a story? Please?”

Andrew smiled. “Oh, I think I could manage that.” He reached for her book, but she shook her head. “No... tell me about Angels.”

Taken aback, Andrew looked at her. “Angels? Monica, how do you...” He looked deep into her eyes, wondering if somehow... but there was only the look of a little six-year-old girl, and she looked up at him with a terribly serious expression. “I dreamed about angels when I was sleeping. They help people, you know.”

Andrew nodded as he reached to take Monica’s hand in his, squeezing it gently. “Yes, they do. And you know what?” Monica shook her head. “There is an Angel watching over you, little one.”

Monica’s eyes widened. “There is?”

Andrew nodded, swallowing back tears. “There certainly is.”

Growing sleepy, Monica gazed up at him as she sneezed again. “Tell me about my Angel.”

“Well, this Angel loves you very much, baby girl. And he promises to always be there for you, forever and ever...”

***

Andrew sat on the edge of Monica’s bed, watching as she tossed and turned occasionally in her sleep, the result of the low fever that was running through her body. Yes, he knew it was only a cold, but that didn’t mean he didn’t worry about her. He removed the washcloth he’d placed on her forehead and replaced it with a fresh one, bathed in cool water, after he checked her temperature again- she was still warm, and he didn’t like it.

Glancing heavenward, he whispered. “Father.. please, let her get better soon. You know I worry when she’s sick...”

“Has anyone ever told you that you worry too much, Angel Boy?”

Andrew turned to see Tess standing in the doorway, looking at him with some amusement. “Tess! What are you doing here?”

She walked into the room, glancing at Monica’s sleeping form. “Well, I thought you might like to know what happened when Rick got to Amanda’s house.”

The blond angel nodded. “Did it go okay? Did he meet Amy?”

“Yes, on both counts. The time Rick spent with our little Angel Girl here, did wonders for his ability to relate to his daughter. Oh, it’s gonna take some time, I mean they haven’t seen each other in five years, and she doesn’t even remember him. But they’ve made a start, and that’s all we could do. The rest is up to them, and the Father.”

Andrew nodded. “What about Amanda? Has he spoken to her yet?”

“No... he’s going to the hospital first thing tomorrow. I think he needed a bit more time to think about what he’s going to say to her. But I don’t doubt that it’s going to go well... I know how much Amanda loves him, and all the hurt she had over him leaving is long gone.”

“That’s good...”

Tess frowned. “You look distracted, baby...” She followed his gaze to Monica’s small, sleeping form, and immediately went to the little girl’s bedside, touching a hand to her forehead, under the washcloth. “She’s kinda hot, Angel Boy.”

Andrew frowned, moving back to sit on Monica’s bedside in a protective manner. “I know that, Tess! I-I’m doing what I can, but...” He frowned worriedly, stroking her hair soothingly as she began tossing and turning again.

Tess smiled at him sympathetically. “I know you are, baby, and the Father knows too. But after that storm you were caught in today, well it’s a wonder your human body hasn’t caught a cold too.”

“Well I’d be able to handle it if I did, Tess... but she’s...” He sighed. “Just a little girl, Tess...” He looked up at the older angel with pained eyes. “I wanted so badly to take care of her, and I couldn’t even do that right.”

Tess immediately sat on the bed next to him, placing a hand on his arm. “Now, don’t you go talking like that, Angel Boy. You’ve done a wonderful job taking care of my baby girl over these past few days... and the Father is proud of you. I am proud of you. Now, you just make sure you take good care of her and get that cold out of her system, because you both have somewhere to go tomorrow.”

Andrew tore his gaze away from Monica to look at the older angel. “Where?”

Tess smiled. “Why, Amy’s birthday party, of course. You don’t think she’s gonna turn six years old without the two of you being there?”

=================

Chapter Thirty Seven

Rick walked along the hospital corridor holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand as he glanced at the room numbers. Finally finding the room he wanted, he stopped outside the door, taking a deep breath, and stepped inside. His gaze immediately fell on the woman sitting up in bed, staring out of the window, and his heart began to race.

Amanda turned to see who had walked into the room, and her eyes widened when she saw him. “Rick...? It’s... really you?”

Rick nodded and smiled. “Yeah, it’s... it’s me. I... uh...” He glanced down at the flowers in his hand. “I brought you these...” He handed her the flowers and she took them gratefully, smelling their sweet scent, before looking up at him with love in her eyes. “You didn’t forget my favorite flowers...”

“No, I could never forget...” Rick eyed her carefully for a moment. “God, I have missed you so much, Amanda...” Leaning down, he planted a kiss on Amanda’s cheek then nervously sat down on the chair beside her bed. “And... I want to tell you how sorry I am. I-I should never have left...” He frowned as Amanda dropped her gaze to her lap, playing absentmindedly with the petals on one of the flowers. “I really am sorry... I never stopped loving you, you know.”

“Then why did you leave, Rick? I still loved you!” Amanda reached up a hand to brush at tears forming in her eyes, as she glared at him angrily.

“I... guess I didn’t think you still loved me, a-and I hated...” He took a deep breath. “I hated the time you were spending with Amy.”

“She was just a baby, Rick! She needed attention, and love... we both did.” Amanda glanced toward the window, unable to face him. “I felt that you betrayed me, but...” She sighed, falling silent for a long moment but Rick didn’t speak, just waited for her to continue. When she looked back at him, her anger was gone, replaced with a sad smile. “But over the years, I came to realize that I had done my part in making you leave... you’re right, I was busy caring for Amy. But I didn’t mean to push you out, I... I guess I just forgot to show you that I still loved you.”

Rick nodded, relieved that his wife’s anger was gone. “I forgot that too... but I want to make it up to you, starting from now, Amanda. I want us to be a family... you and me... and Amy.”

Amanda’s eyes widened slightly. “Rick, you don’t know her... she’s almost six years old! She’s... she’s adorable, Rick. But you never... you never liked children, did you?”

Rick leaned forward, grasping Amanda’s hand. “No, I didn’t. At least, not until a few days ago...” At Amanda’s puzzled expression, he smiled. “It-it doesn’t matter how, but... I realize now what I’ve been missing, by not being there to see little Amy grow up. But I want to get to know her now, while there’s still time to see her as a child. And, she’s so beautiful, Amanda. She looks just like you.”

“You’ve seen her?”

Rick nodded. “Yeah... I got to the house late yesterday... I spoke to Tess. And then, I went to see Amy...” He smiled. “I know she doesn’t really remember me, but... but we got on okay, you know? I read some of her book to her, talked to her about what she likes to eat and watch on television... she’s really bright, you know.”

Amanda smiled through fresh tears. “She got that from you, Rick. She’s ahead of her classmates at school... they say she’s doing really well. But, you know, that doesn’t matter to me... not as much as knowing that she has two parents who love her very much.”

“Oh, I-I do, Amanda. Really I do.” He frowned then, catching the tiredness in her eyes. “Are you okay, Amanda? I-I mean... all this...” He gestured around the room. “Tess told me you have epilepsy.”

“Yeah... it’s been kinda scary, you know, these past couple of weeks... but I’ve had Tess helping out around the house, looking after Amy while I’ve been in here. But the good news is, they’re letting me out today. I can go home in a couple of hours... just in time for Amy’s party- Tess helped to arrange it.” She smiled up at him. “And... I’d really like it if you were there too... that’s if... you’re not busy with work?”

Rick shook his head as he squeezed his wife’s hand. “No... I’m not going to be busy with work as long as I have the two most beautiful girls in the world to spend time with.” He leaned toward her, embracing her in a hug, and as he held his wife for the first time in five years, Rick glanced heavenwards and whispered ‘Thank You, God.”

=================

Chapter Thirty Eight

Andrew pushed open the door to Monica’s room and smiled at the sight of her sound asleep, even though it was a little after eight a.m. He moved to her side, reaching a hand to her forehead; it was slightly warm but not as hot as it had been the night before, and he silently thanked the Father. She’d slept right through the night, and he knew that the sleep had worked wonders for her cold- she would be well enough to go to Amy’s birthday party after all.

Leaning down to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead, he smiled as she stirred slightly, mumbling his name and then opening her eyes, gazing up at him. “Hey there, little one. Are you feeling better?” He sat down on the bed beside her, brushing her hair away from her face.

Monica smiled up at him. “Uh-huh.” Andrew watched her for a long moment, waiting for her to sneeze, but she didn’t. “Do you want some breakfast?” He smiled as her face brightened. “Yes please, Andrew. I’m hungry.”

The blond angel chuckled. “Well, I guess that means you are feeling better, then.”

***

Andrew and Monica sat down to pancakes for their breakfast, and as Andrew watched his friend eat hungrily, he was once again thankful that she was feeling better today. The little girl frowned as she looked around the room, suddenly realizing something. “Where’s Rick?”

“Um... well, I have to talk to you about that, sweetie. You see, Rick had to leave, yesterday... to go and see his wife.” He eyed her carefully, awaiting her reaction.

Monica looked at him with wide eyes. “He’s married?”

Andrew nodded. “Yes, he is. And he also has a daughter. But he had some problems, and he hadn’t seen either of them in a long time. But I helped him, and he’s with them right now, and they’re all gonna be back together as a family.”

The little girl smiled. “That’s nice.” She didn’t seem to fully understand the situation, but Andrew didn’t expect her to. She took another bite of her pancakes, the looked up at him again. “Is he coming back?”

“Well... no, not right away. But the good news is, we will see him again. You see, his daughter is six years old today. And she’s having a party... and we’re invited.” He smiled as Monica’s face lit up.

“A party? Cool!”

***

After breakfast, Andrew helped Monica get dressed in a dark red velvet dress, just perfect for a party. She had small pink shoes on her feet, and looked positively adorable. “Now... I just need to fix your hair, and you’ll be ready.” He sat down on the edge of her bed, pulling her to stand in front of him, and carefully brushed her long dark hair. As he worked he felt tears forming in his eyes with the knowledge that this was the last day of Monica’s childlike human form, and despite his misgivings at the start of the assignment, he now knew that he would miss this version of her. Forcing a smile on his face, he finished off her hair with a velvet bow that matched the color of her dress, then turned her around to face him. “There you go. You’re gonna be the prettiest little girl there, sweetie.”

She flung her arms around his shoulders, holding him as tightly as she could. “I love you, Andrew.”

“Oh, sweetie...” Andrew rubbed her back gently. “I love you too, very much.” He pulled back so he could look her in the eyes. “And I never want you to forget that, okay?”

Monica nodded. “Okay.”

Getting to his feet, Andrew smiled. “Okay then. I think, it’s time for us to go.” He led her out of her room, through the cabin, and as he opened the front door he smiled. “Looks like our ride is here.”

Monica’s eyes widened when she saw the red Cadillac parked outside, and ran toward it. “Tess!”

Tess, who’d been sitting behind the wheel, grinned at her, getting out of the car just in time for Monica to give her a big hug. “Well, baby girl, did you miss me?”

“Uh-huh.” Monica pulled back, looking up at Tess with bright eyes. “Are you going to the party too?”

The oldest angel nodded, shooting a glance at Andrew as he caught up with them. “I sure am. There’s gonna be cake, isn’t there?”

Andrew chuckled and Monica’s eyes widened. “And ice cream?” She turned to Andrew. “Is there gonna be ice cream, Andrew?”

The blond angel shook his head, watching her amusedly. “Monica, the house is gonna be filled with six-year-olds... why wouldn’t there be ice cream?”

***

Monica was impatient and fidgety during the drive to Hattiesburg. She was sitting on the back seat, while Andrew sat up front for a change, and it seemed that every ten minutes she’d be asking him or Tess if they were there yet. Andrew never failed to be amused by her inquisitiveness and sheer impatience, but the older angel was clearly un-amused after a while.

“You put up with this, Angel Boy? I think you should get a medal.”

Andrew chuckled. “Well, you know, Tess- maybe you need to spend some time with Monica like this- just so you really know what it’s like.”

Tess shook her head, frowning, although her eyes were playful. “Uh-uh. You’re better suited to children than I am, Angel Boy. I just hope I can get through this party- looking after little Amy wasn’t too bad, but... a whole room full of them? I’m not sure.”

“Andrew?”

The blond angel turned to look at Monica who was looking even more fidgety than usual. And he remembered that particular look, as his eyes widened. “Uh.. Tess... I think we’d better find a rest stop...” He winced. “And fast...”

Tess glanced at him. “What?” Then seeing the look in his eyes, she caught his meaning. “Oh, no...”

***

Tess pulled her car up outside Amanda’s house, and breathed out deeply. “Well, we made it... eventually.” She turned around to look at the back seat, seeing that Monica was smiling sweetly at her. “I guess it was a long car journey for you, huh baby girl?”

Monica nodded. “Uh-huh. But cause we stopped a lot, it wasn’t so bad.”

Andrew suppressed a laugh, and Tess turned to glare at him, but she couldn’t stay mad for long. “Let’s go... I think after the past few hours, I deserve a large slice of cake.” They got out of the car and Andrew unbuckled Monica’s safety belt, lifting her onto the ground. “You ready for the party, sweetie?”

“Yep.” She took Andrew’s hand and Tess smiled, watching them. She could see the closeness they shared; closeness that had already existed between them, but for now it was different- and one look at Andrew’s caring eyes as he smiled down at the little girl told Tess that this was probably going to be the hardest assignment the blond angel had ever had to finish.

================

Chapter Thirty Nine

As Tess led Andrew and Monica into the house, they were immediately greeted by the sounds of children’s shouts and laughter coming from the living room. Tess rolled her eyes. “I’m going to have a very human headache by the end of this afternoon.”

Andrew chuckled. “Oh, Tess... they’re just kids. They’re having fun.” He looked down at Monica. “You want to go join them?” But to his surprise, she looked hesitant, and she shook her head. “Monica? What’s wrong?” He reached a hand to her forehead. “You’re not getting sick again, are you?” He crouched down to her level, eyeing her carefully. “Sweetie?”

“Can’t I stay with you, Andrew?”

“Oh, sweetie... you’ll be fine in there. I know you don’t know those other kids, but they’re all having fun in there, and you will too.” He smiled at her. “Now, go on, and make sure you get some of the cake, okay?”

Monica nodded. “Okay.” She hesitated for a moment, then smiled at him and ran off into the living room, where all the other children were playing.

Andrew stood up straight, glancing at Tess who was smiling at him, and he frowned. “What?”

The older angel chuckled. “You’re so good with her, Angel Boy.” She looked up as Rick walked toward them, smiling. “Hi there! I’m glad you could make it. You know, when Tess told me this morning that she knew you, well, I...” He shrugged. “I’m just glad you both came into my life. Well, all three of you. Speaking of which...” He glanced toward the living room. “Is Monica here?”

Andrew nodded. “Yeah, she’s with the other kids. She was a little shy, at first, but I think she’s having fun now.”

“Oh, that’s great. Well... I have someone I’d like you to meet, Andrew. Come on.” He turned to Tess. “Help yourself to some birthday cake, Tess... after all, you made it.” Tess chuckled. “I sure did. And I am kinda hungry, so...” She turned to the living room, seeing the children running around. “I guess I could keep an eye on them... just for a few minutes.”

Rick led Andrew toward the kitchen, where Amanda was sitting, drinking a cup of coffee. She shared a smile with Rick as he walked in. “Amanda, I brought someone to see you. This is Andrew.”

Andrew nodded and smiled. “Hi. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks. I’m... getting used to being on daily medication, but having Rick back with me, helps a lot. And I wanted to thank you, for everything you did to help.”

The blond angel nodded. “Don’t thank me, thank God. He’s with both of you, right now, and for as long as you let Him.”

Rick nodded as he wrapped an arm around Amanda’s shoulders. “I don’t think we’ll ever forget that.” He smiled as he heard shouts coming from the room next door. “And... I am really glad I’m here for Amy’s birthday party. She’s having a great time through there, with all of her friends.” He smiled proudly. “And we’re getting on really well.”

Andrew smiled. “That’s great, Rick... I’m really pleased.” He thought of his own special little six-year-old. “And now, I think I’d better go make sure Monica hasn’t eaten all the ice cream you’ve got through there.”

***

Andrew smiled down at Monica as they left Rick and Amanda’s house, after the party had finished. It was late in the afternoon, and Tess had told them that now was the time to go. “So, Monica, you had a good time?” He eyed her amusedly, seeing the chocolate stains around her mouth, and some on her dress, too. “Uh-huh. It was fun, Andrew.” She grinned up at him as he lifted her into the car.

“Well, you certainly ate plenty.”

Tess chuckled, watching them both. “But it was a good cake, wasn’t it, Angel Boy?”

Andrew nodded. “Tess... it was one of your finest.” He leaned down to buckle Monica’s safety belt and ruffled her hair slightly. “Now, you gonna sit quietly while Tess drives?”

“I’ll try.” She frowned. “Are we going back to the cabin now?”

“Uh... well...” Andrew ran a hand through his hair, turning to Tess, who looked sad as she turned to Monica. “No, baby... we’re going for a little drive, okay?”

The little girl shrugged. “Okay.”

Andrew shared a look with Tess as he got into the car, and the oldest angel nodded. She didn’t have to say the words; Andrew knew that his time with six-year-old Monica was running out. As Tess drove them away from Rick and Amanda’s house, and out into the countryside, a few tears pricked at Andrew’s eyes.

=================

Epilogue

Tess stopped the car at the side of the lonely road, surrounded by nothing but open fields. She switched off the engine, turning to Andrew, who had a faraway look in his eyes. “Angel Boy?”

Andrew turned to her and sighed. “It’s time, isn’t it.”

The oldest angel nodded, speaking in a lowered voice. “Yes... the assignment is over, Andrew... and it’s time for us to get our Angel Girl back.” She hesitated, watching him. “But the Father wants you to have a few minutes with her... to say goodbye.”

Andrew nodded, taking a deep breath as he turned to the backseat. Monica was sound asleep, and his heart went out to her. “Tess... I-I don’t know if I can do this...”

Tess laid a hand on his arm. “I know, baby. But you have to... she can’t stay in this form forever, you know that. Now go ahead, I’ll be waiting here.”

The blond angel got out of the car and leaned into the backseat, unbuckling Monica’s safety belt. She stirred then, blinking up at him with sleepy eyes. “Andrew?” He smiled at her. “Hey, sweetie.”

The little girl looked around her. “Where are we?”

Andrew lifted her out of the car, depositing her on the ground. “I want to talk to you for a minute, okay?” He took her hand, leading her away from the car and the road, as Tess watched them sadly. She wiped a tear from her own eyes as she watched her two ‘Angel Babies’.

The blond angel stopped walking and crouched down to Monica’s level. “Sweetie... I want you to know that I love you very, very much, okay? And nothing will ever change that, no matter what happens.”

Monica gazed up at him with trusting eyes. “I love you too, Andrew.” She frowned. “Are you going away?”

Andrew took a deep breath. “No... but...” He sighed, unsure what to say, when the Father’s words floated down to his heart and he managed a small smile. “Do you remember when I told you that there is an Angel watching over you?”

Monica nodded. “Uh-huh.”

“Well...” Andrew smiled tenderly at the little girl as he began to glow softly. “I’m your Angel, sweetie. I have been ever since I’ve known you... God brought us together, and He will keep us together always.”

Monica’s eyes widened as she gazed at him, reaching out a hand to touch him. “But you’re real.”

Andrew couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, I’m very real, Monica.” His expression turned serious again as he reached up a hand to brush her hair away from her face, keeping his other arm around her waist. “And I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay?” He watched as Monica nodded. “Something is going to happen very, very soon... something that I can’t explain to you right now, because you’re too young to understand. But we’re going to see each other again.”

The little girl blinked up at him with confusion in her eyes. “You promise?”

Andrew nodded, reaching up to touch the end of her nose. “I promise, sweetie. You are so precious to me, and I’m very glad that I knew you like this... I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” As the tears finally began to fall, Andrew pulled Monica close to him. “I love you, baby girl.”

For a long moment they just held each other tightly, until Andrew heard the Father’s words and he knew that it was time. He pulled back, gazing into Monica’s soft brown eyes, seeing the love and trust that she felt for him. “Come on, sweetie. It’s time to go.”

Andrew stood up and she reached for his hand, but he shook his head. “I want to carry you, one last time.” He scooped her into his arms, holding her tightly to him as he walked back to the car, where Tess was watching them with a mixture of emotions. Monica was quiet on the way back, and the blond angel knew she really didn’t understand what was going to happen- how could she?

When he reached the car, Tess smiled compassionately at him. “Pop her in the front, Angel Boy.” He nodded and deposited Monica in the front seat, knowing that he wasn’t going with them, not for this journey. Gazing down at Monica, he leaned down and planted a kiss on the top of her head, ruffling her hair slightly. “Bye, little one.”

Tess started the engine as Monica looked up at the blond angel in confusion. “Andrew?”

He shook his head, forcing a smile to his face. “Remember what I told you, Monica.” He glanced at Tess, who nodded, and then he watched as the car drove off, leaving him standing there alone on the deserted road. He lifted his gaze toward the heavens, speaking silently to the Father as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

***

Andrew walked across the open fields, the gentle breeze ruffling his hair slightly. His eyes scanned the horizon, looking for the angel whom he could now feel once more deep inside his heart, and he smiled when he saw her up ahead in the distance, walking toward him. He broke into a run, catching up with her quickly, and the first thing he did was to take Monica into his arms, hugging her tightly. She returned the hug just as strongly, and they remained like that for a long moment.

Finally Andrew pulled back, looking down at her and savoring the sight of the Monica that he knew so well. “I missed you, Angel Girl.”

Monica smiled up at him, her soft brown eyes filled with tears. “I missed... knowing you, Andrew, here in my heart...” She placed a hand to her chest.

Andrew looked at her carefully. “Do you remember it all?”

She shrugged and nodded slightly. “It’s... a wee bit vague, Andrew... now that I’m back in this form, I can remember the things that happened, but at the time, I... I didn’t know I was me...” She frowned, having difficulty finding the right words. Andrew took her hand gently, seeing her distress. “Hey... hey, it’s okay, Monica. I know that while you were that little girl, you didn’t know you were an Angel, you didn’t remember any of that. And now that you’re back, it must be confusing for you.”

Monica nodded, smiling at him with thankful eyes. “I don’t know how to begin to explain it... the memories are hazy. But do you know what I remember the most?”

Andrew shook his head. “No... what?”

The young Irish angel smiled. “I remember you... how you took care of me, how you kept on reassuring me, Andrew. And I am so thankful that you were there.”

Moved to tears again, Andrew smiled lovingly down at her. “Where else would I have been?” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “You know, I think I’m gonna miss the little version of you. But, I’m glad to have my Monica back."

The younger angel blinked up at him. “Your Monica?”

Andrew chuckled, smiling down at her tenderly. “What? You didn’t know that you’re mine?”

Monica smiled at him, but remained silent for a long moment. “What was I like as a child, Andrew? I-I mean, I was there, but... I don’t know what I was like.”

Andrew chuckled. “Well, let’s see. You were totally adorable... terribly inquisitive... and a sheer joy to be around... you know, thinking about it, there isn’t much difference. Apart from the size.” He smiled down at her. “And, the obsession with ice cream.”

They started walking across the field, Andrew still with his arm around Monica. She was silent for a long moment, and then she grinned up at him. “Speaking of ice cream... I feel a wee bit hungry.” Andrew raised an eyebrow, looking down at her, surprised to see that she was serious. “Are you sure you’re back in your proper form, Monica?”

THE END