Chapter Twenty Five

The cabin was quite large and had three bedrooms, all with double beds and all positioned so that they had a view over Saline Lake- and it certainly was a beautiful view, Andrew realized, as he set to work unpacking his and Monica’s clothes. He’d taken the room next to Rick’s as his own, so that Monica could have the room at the end, and if she happened to awaken during the night Andrew would hear her without her disturbing Rick. The blond angel was sure that despite the progress that was being made, Rick would certainly not want to be woken up in the middle of the night because of a little girl.

As he exited the room, intending to go and find out how many flowers Monica had picked, he saw Rick who smiled at him. “So... you think you’ll be happy here for a few days?”

Andrew nodded. “Oh, yeah, it’s a great place you have here, Rick.”

“Thanks. And it’s great for fishing, too, if you’re interested... there’s a river about a hundred yards from here. Pretty fast flowing, but there are some good spots for fishing if you know where to look.”

But Andrew wasn’t interested in the fishing. “There’s a river near here?”

Rick nodded. “Yeah...” He frowned at the look on Andrew’s face. “Why? What’s wrong?”

“I-I need to find Monica...” He frowned as he all but ran out of the cabin, sending up prayers to the Father that his dear friend would be safe.

***

Andrew ran down the steps of the cabin, looking around him as he called out Monica’s name. But she wasn’t there, and he began to panic as he looked around the front of the cabin, and near the car, wondering where she might be. He knew that the Father would alert him if Monica was in any serious danger, but nevertheless he needed to find her, to see for himself that she was okay.

Spotting a path that led along the side of the cabin, and feeling a pull to head in that direction, Andrew started running along it, noticing here and there that small patches of wildflowers that had been recently disturbed, and he knew that Monica must have gone this way. He continued running, shouting Monica’s name and growing more concerned when he heard the sound of rushing water and he realized the path led right to the river that Rick had mentioned.

“Please, Father, is she okay?”

Andrew got his answer when he rounded a corner where the path opened out to a flat area of ground. He immediately saw Monica sitting on the grass, a bunch of various-colored flowers in her hand, and she apparently was too engrossed in picking more of them to notice him. He looked ahead of her, seeing that the river was just a few feet away from her, and sent up a silent prayer of thanks as he ran to her, kneeling down on the grass. “Monica...” He smiled at her, relieved that she was okay.

The little girl looked up at him and smiled, unaware of his concern. “Look what I did, Andrew!” She held up the bunch of flowers proudly, pushing them toward him. “These are for you, cause I love you lots.”

Touched by the gesture, Andrew’s words of warning about the river melted on his lips and instead he smiled at her sincerely, taking the rather haphazard bunch of flowers from her small hand. “Oh, sweetie... thank you.” He reached up a hand to squeeze her shoulder gently and she grinned at him, pleased with the effect that her present had on him. “I love you too, very much. Come here...” He enveloped his small friend in a hug, moved by her simple yet deeply meaningful gift.

Finally he pulled back, glancing at the river again before looking at her seriously. “Monica, you see that river over there?” The little girl turned and looked. “Uh-huh.”

“Well, I don’t want you to go any closer to it than where you are now, okay?”

She looked at him with puzzled eyes. “Why not?”

Andrew sighed. “Because it could be dangerous, sweetie. That water is deep, and...” He paused, making sure she seemed to be following what he was saying. “And I don’t want anything bad happening to my little girl, okay?”

“Okay.”

“How about we go back to the cabin, huh? I want to put these beautiful flowers in a vase.” He got to his feet and scooped her up into his arms, holding the flowers carefully so he wouldn’t crush them, and then he carried his dear friend back to Rick’s cabin.

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

Chapter Twenty Six

Andrew had settled Monica in front of the television, watching a cartoon channel, while he and Rick resumed their work on Rick’s accounts, working at the kitchen table. The blond angel was somewhat distracted during this time; he felt that there wasn’t much work left to do on the accounts, but on the contrary there was still a great deal to be done when it came to the assignment; Rick still wasn’t very comfortable around Monica, and that had to change.

The blond angel looked up from the papers he was reading, running a hand through his hair. “You know, Rick, I think we’re gonna get this work done quicker than you thought. How about we take a break?”

Rick frowned. “I... don’t know, Andrew. There still seems a lot to do here.”

“No... not really. Once we sort out that pile over there, and the information you got from Kathy, then...” He stopped, seeing the look on Rick’s face. “Did you get the information?”

“I called her, earlier, but... you know I forgot to check the fax machine.” Rick got to his feet. “I’ll be right back.” He headed out of the room and toward the fax machine which was sitting on a desk in the corner of the living room, passing by Monica who was engrossed in watching a cartoon of some description. For a moment Rick watched her, temporarily forgetting the piece of paper sitting on top of the fax machine just a few feet away from him.

Andrew got up, wondering what was taking Rick so long, and as he walked out of the kitchen he saw his assignment standing there, mesmerized. He was about to speak to him when instead he followed the man’s gaze to where Monica was sitting on the floor, eyes glued to the television screen, totally unaware of anything else around her. Looking back to Rick, Andrew could see a sadness in the man’s eyes, a hint of something that he couldn’t really define. And it was then that the blond angel suddenly realized that he knew exactly what this assignment was about. Sending up a silent question to the Father, he received his answer and nodded.

The blond angel then walked over to Rick, speaking in a low voice. “I guess you can tell how much she loves cartoons.”

Startled, Rick turned to Andrew. “Oh! I-I was just... getting the fax...” He turned and picked up the piece of paper Kathy had sent to him. “Here it is.”

Andrew smiled. “Rick... there is nothing wrong with liking children. It’s amazing how quickly they learn... and how excited they are about the world around them. It makes a person realize how seriously they take life, and how...” He hesitated, watching the man carefully. “How richer their life can be, because of a child.”

Rick shook his head and gave a small laugh. “Okay... okay, I gotta admit, that little girl over there is... cute. But...” He frowned. “I could never... like them. I told you that.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Well, you know, I think Monica just might change your mind about that, once you get to know her a little better.” The blond angel knew he was pushing his luck, but he knew he had to get through to the man, and to his relief, Rick didn’t seem to take offense. “Maybe...” He hesitated, as if about to say something else, but then seemed to change his mind. “Look, how about we get this work finished, huh? I feel like getting the accounts out of the way so I can relax a little while we’re here.”

“You know, Rick, that’s the best thing you’ve said all day.” The two men chuckled, and as they went back to the kitchen, Andrew cast a glance over his shoulder at Monica, who was still watching the cartoons, and he realized she was totally unaware of how much she was helping with the assignment.

***

“Andrew? I’m hungry.”

Andrew and Rick both looked up to see Monica standing in the kitchen doorway with a frown on her face that made both of them smile. The blond angel held out his hand to her and she went to his side as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “Well, you know, Monica, this is Rick’s house, so I think you need to ask him if there’s anything you can eat here.”

Monica nodded and turned to Rick with what Andrew could only describe as the most adorable, plaintive look she could have put on her face. “Please, Rick, can I have something to eat?”

Amused, Rick put down the folder he was reading through, and glanced at Andrew before turning to the little girl. “Well... you know something? I forgot to pick up some groceries on the way here... and you’ve just reminded me that we’ll have to go out for some. But...” He got to his feet and wandered over to one of the kitchen cupboards, looking inside and pulling out something. “I always keep an emergency stash of food here, just in case.” He turned to Andrew. “But... I don’t know if Andrew will let you eat chocolate?”

“Oh, please, Andrew! Can I? Please!”

Andrew couldn’t help but chuckle at the look on Monica’s face. “Oh, I think that would be okay.”

Rick nodded and handed a bar of chocolate to Monica, who took it with a smile. “Thank you!” She then ran out of the room, leaving Andrew still amused, and Rick shaking his head. “You know, Andrew... that little girl has a way of...” He frowned.

Andrew looked at him curiously. “What?”

Leaning against the counter, Rick shook his head. “I-I don’t know... it’s silly.”

“No... go on, Rick. What do you mean?”

“Well, she... she kinda lights up the place, you know? I mean, I’ve been here loads of times, just for the peace and quiet, and now... well, it isn’t peaceful and quiet like it usually is, but I...” Rick smiled. “I really don’t mind.”

Andrew smiled and nodded. “I told you, Monica has that effect on people.”

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

Chapter Twenty Seven

“Well, I think that about does it, Rick. The accounts are done... you’re extremely well off, and... well, I think, you should take some time out to relax. Your deal is going ahead, you don’t need to be back at the office for a while.”

Rick nodded, leaning back in his chair at the kitchen table as he glanced at his watch. “We’ve been sitting here for three hours, do you realize that? But, I’m glad to say, it’s all done.” He smiled at Andrew. “And I think you’re right... I want to relax a little. I need to.”

Andrew chuckled. “You know, I think I’d better go check on Monica... she’s been kinda quiet since you gave her that chocolate.” He got up from the table and wandered into the living room, where he found that the television was still on, but his friend wasn’t watching it... she was sound asleep, curled up on the floor using a cushion as a pillow. Smears of chocolate decorated her face and hands, and some on the carpet as well. Wincing, Andrew hoped that Rick wouldn’t mind too much.

“Hey, Andrew... what about...”

Andrew turned as he saw Rick standing in the doorway, and he realized there wasn’t any time to cover up the evidence. He held up a finger to his lips. “She’s sleeping...”

Rick nodded, wandering over to take a look, and when he saw Monica, he smiled. Andrew turned to him, slightly worried. “Uh... Rick, she... uh... well... let’s just say she didn’t manage to eat all of the chocolate. I’m really sorry....” He winced, waiting for Rick’s reaction as the man took another look at Monica.

Rick’s eyes widened slightly as he saw the mess, but then he let out a deep breath and shrugged. “The cushion can wash... and as for the carpet, it’s stain resistant. Don’t worry about it.”

Surprised, Andrew sent up a silent prayer of thanks. “Okay... well, I think I’d better get her cleaned up.”

“Okay... listen, I-I wondered if the two of you wanted to take a drive into town? Like I said earlier, we need to get some groceries, if we’re gonna be here a while...” He frowned. “Oh, that’s... another thing, Andrew... I know you were only staying here while the accounts were done, and now they’re done so you probably want to head off back home, but, well I don’t mind, if-if you want to stick around for a few days?”

Andrew chuckled. “Rick... I’d love to. And besides, I told Monica that we’d be here for four days. I can’t disappoint her now, can I?” He watched Rick carefully, thankful that the man was trying so hard to get to know Monica.

Rick smiled. “Well, that’s... that’s great! So, you uh... you want to head into town?”

Andrew nodded as he scooped a still-sleeping Monica into his arms. “We’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

***

A half hour later, Monica was awake, cleaned of all traces of chocolate, and raring to go. As soon as Andrew had told her they were going to the shops, she’d got excited again, and once he’d finished washing her face she had run out of the house, down the steps and was now waiting next to the car having tried but failed to get the back door open.

Andrew chuckled as he watched her, while he waited for Rick who appeared minutes later with a grocery list in his hand. “She’s looking forward to our shopping trip.” The blond angel pointed toward the car and Rick laughed. “Well, let’s not keep her waiting, then.”

***

Thankfully the grocery store in town stayed open till quite late, giving Rick, Andrew and Monica time to get all the food they needed. Andrew kept a firm hold of Monica’s hand while they were there, aware that she could get lost easily in the crowd, and he also kept her out of reach of the shelves when it became apparent that she had her own ideas of what was essential food. She’d already managed to sneak two large bars of chocolate and some potato chips into the shopping cart, and Andrew was unable to resist her expression enough to put them back, so he decided the safest course of action was to keep her away from anything else.

Which worked fine, until they got to the freezer section.

“Can we have ice creams, Andrew, please!”

The little girl’s rather loud voice attracted the attention of some of the shoppers and Andrew found himself feeling slightly uncomfortable, realizing how much he now admired parents who took their children shopping- he’d never understood it before, but it really was a battle of wills.

“Monica... we can’t just eat chocolate and ice cream for the next few days.” He frowned at her only half-seriously- the look on her face was just too amusing.

“Why not?” She looked up at him with bright, puzzled eyes.

“Well, because...” He raised an eyebrow, looking up at Rick who was watching the scene with amusement as he loaded some items into the cart. “Rick... help me out here, will you?” But the man shook his head, laughing. “Oh, no, Andrew. You’re on your own.”

“Thanks.” Andrew leaned back down to Monica. “Well, you- you have to eat food that is good for you.”

Monica thought about this for a minute and turned to the shopping cart, studying it carefully before she turned back to Andrew, who was waiting patiently for the gem of information he knew he was about to receive from his dearest friend. “Milk is good for me, right? You said so.”

Andrew nodded. “Yes... it is. It has calcium, and that’s good for your bones.” He eyed her carefully, wondering where she was going with this train of thought.

“Well then... ice cream must be good too, cause it has milk in it.”

This caused Rick to chuckle. “She’s got you there, Andrew.”

The blond angel sighed, looking down at Monica with narrowed eyes. “You know, I think I’m outnumbered here... and, I have to admit I can’t argue with you.” He smiled and ruffled her hair, unable to resist her charm.

Monica grinned. “Yeyyy!” She ran over to the freezers, standing on her toes trying to see inside, but her head barely reached above them. “Andrew....” She turned to him and frowned, and it wasn’t long before Andrew had placed an assortment of ice creams into the shopping cart, much to Monica’s delight. And he wondered with some amusement why a little six-year-old girl had such a hold over him.

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

Chapter Twenty Eight

It was almost six-thirty by the time Rick’s car drew up outside the cabin, and as he turned off the engine he turned to Andrew. “You know, I never realized there were so many red cars on the roads.” The blond angel chuckled, turning to glance at Monica, who grinned at him. “Neither did I, until a few days ago.”

Rick smiled as he got out of the car and started unloading the bags of groceries from the trunk. Andrew helped him, after getting Monica out of the car. The little girl immediately ran to the door of the cabin, but couldn’t get the door open. “Andrew... it’s stuck.”

Shaking his head, the blond angel carried some bags of groceries to the door, frowning playfully down at her. “No... it’s just too heavy for a little person like you.” He juggled with the bags as he opened the door and watched Monica run inside, shouting after her. “You know, you wanted half of this stuff, the least you can do is carry some.”

Seconds later, Monica ran back to him, peering inside one of the bags he’d set down on the floor. She pulled out a bag of potato chips. “I can carry this!”

Andrew shook his head. “Oh, no. Not before dinner, you don’t.” He put the potato chips back in the bag as he carried the food through to the kitchen, followed by Rick who carried the remaining bags. “And don’t even think of giving me that look, Monica. No snacks before dinner, and that’s final.”

***

Rick turned to Andrew and smiled as he finished putting some cans of food in one of the kitchen cupboards. “Oh, come on, Andrew. One small bag of potato chips is not going to ruin her appetite. You’d think she hadn’t eaten in a week.”

Andrew sighed as he emptied one of the bags, placing some items in the freezer. “I know... amazing, isn’t it? She can eat whatever she wants, and still get hungry.” He shook his head, smiling. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop being amazed by her. But I’m glad I got to know her like this.”

Rick frowned at him. “I thought you’ve known her for years?”

“Oh, I-I... I have. But I mean... I’m glad I have, you know? I’m glad that I could know her as a child, because... one day, she’ll be all grown up, and...” He shrugged, frowning.

Nodding, Rick glanced toward the living room. “I guess they grow up fast, huh? One minute she’s a child, and the next minute, she’ll be an adult.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “You don’t know how true that is, Rick.” He saw that the man had a faraway look in his eyes. “You okay?”

“Uh... yeah, yeah I was just... thinking...” Rick shook his head as if trying to clear away thoughts, and Andrew knew what was on his mind. But it was obvious he didn’t want to talk about, at least not yet, because he changed the subject. “Doesn’t she go to school?”

The blond angel shook his head. “No... uh... her Father, teaches her everything she needs to know. And, I help her as well, when I can.”

“Oh... so she’s home schooled then?”

Andrew smiled. “Something like that, yeah.”

***

Andrew had offered to cook dinner, so he and Rick and Monica sat down later to eat lasagna, and just as Rick had suspected, Monica’s appetite was still good. “This is yummy, Andrew.” She looked up at her friend and grinned, clutching her knife and fork in her small hands.

The blond angel smiled. “Well, thank you, Monica.” He reached out and gave her arm a friendly squeeze.

Rick nodded. “Yeah... where’d you learn to cook this well?”

Andrew shrugged. “Well, you know, there’s a friend of mine who is a really good cook. I guess she taught me some things.” He thought of Tess with a smile, wondering where she was right now. He knew now what the assignment was all about, and could only wonder what Tess’ part in it was.

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

Chapter Twenty Nine

It was quite late in the evening by the time dinner was finished, and so while Rick offered to do the washing up, Andrew had decided it was time for Monica to go to bed. He smiled as he walked into her room, finding her sitting up in bed, dressed in her pajamas and clutching the stuffed bear that she had obviously grown very attached to over the past few days. If he’d thought she looked swamped by the single bed back at the apartment, the double bed in this room made her look positively tiny. And even more adorable than usual, if that were possible. He pulled the quilt up around her then sat down on the edge of the bed, smiling down at her. “You should sleep now, okay? You’re looking kinda tired, and it’s way past your bedtime.”

Monica frowned. “Will you read to me, Andrew, please?”

The blond angel chuckled. “Okay.” He reached over to the bedside table for Monica’s book, opened it at the first page, and began reading. “Once upon a time in a land far away, there lived a handsome king and his fair queen. Their land was at peace and they had many friends. The king and queen should have been perfectly happy in their great castle on the hill...”

Andrew looked up from the book to see that Monica had fallen asleep already. Smiling, he carefully put the book back on the bedside table, and smiled tenderly at his dear friend. Leaning down, he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, and whispered to her. “Sweet dreams, my little sleeping beauty.”

***

Rick looked up as Andrew walked into the kitchen, running a hand through his hair. “You want some coffee, Andrew? I was just about to make some.”

“Yeah, thanks.” He sat down at the table. “Well, Monica’s finally asleep.”

“Good... she looked tired during dinner.”

Andrew nodded. “It kinda catches up on her quickly. I don’t think she always knows she’s tired, you know?”

Rick shrugged. “I guess...” He brought two mugs of coffee over to the table and sat down. “Don’t you ever find it hard? I mean... understanding her.”

Andrew chuckled. “There have been moments... for as long as I’ve known her, actually.” He smiled to himself as he took a sip of coffee. “But... I just... well, I guess I have to see things through her eyes, you know? I-I didn’t realize that, until very recently.”

Rick nodded. “I could never do what you do... she adores you, I can tell. And you’re not even her dad. I could never have that kind of a relationship with a child. They always seem so... unreachable. Like they’re in their own little worlds and I can’t understand them.”

The blond angel raised an eyebrow. “Well, I-I’ve known Monica for... many years, and...” He frowned. “Rick, everyone thinks the same way as you at some time or another. Children are off in their own little worlds a lot of the time, but that’s what makes them so special. Their view of the world around them is so different to yours or mine. But it’s something to admire, and to treasure, because once they grow up, a lot of their innocence, sadly, is lost, because they begin to see all the bad things in this world.” He hesitated, making sure Rick was following what he was saying. “Right now, Monica sees only the good things... flowers, cartoons, people who love her... and I want her to remain that way for as long as possible.”

Sighing, Rick glanced down at the table, staying silent for a long moment. “I hear what you’re saying, Andrew... but I still think some people just aren’t cut out to be parents.”

Andrew eyed him carefully. “People like you?”

Suddenly Rick got to his feet. “Look... if-if you don’t mind, I think I’ll turn in. It’s getting late, and...” He shrugged, pouring his unfinished coffee down the sink. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yeah, goodnight, Rick.” Andrew watched him go with a frown, wondering what it would take for Rick to open up about what was troubling him. He heard the gentle words of the Father telling him that the answer would come very soon.

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

Chapter Thirty

Andrew woke suddenly during the night, glancing at his watch to see that it was a little after 2 a.m. He frowned, looking around him wondering what had disturbed him, then he heard the Father’s gentle words floating down to him and he got out of bed, immediately going to Monica’s room. There he found his dear friend in the throes of a nightmare, tossing and turning in her bed, crying out softly. In an instant Andrew was at the little girl’s side, sitting on the bed as he took her in his arms. “Ssh... Monica.. it’s okay, sweetie. It’s okay. I’m here.”

Moments later Monica opened her eyes, blinking up at him in the light from the bedside lamp. “Andrew...?”

The blond angel nodded, reaching up to brush her hair away from her face. “I’m here, baby girl. You were having a bad dream, but you’re safe.” But to his surprise, Monica began crying again, and she shook her head. “No... you fell into the river...”

Andrew frowned. “Monica... look at me. I’m here, okay? There’s no river, it was just a bad dream.” He watched her carefully, hoping she was fully out of her nightmare by now. “Okay?”

Finally Monica nodded, gazing up at him as she clutched his t-shirt. “I was scared...” She frowned, burying her head against his chest.

“Scared of what, sweetie?” But Monica didn’t answer, just snuggled up as closely to him as possible, evidently not wanting to speak any more. For a long while Andrew just held her, rocking her gently in his arms, and deciding that his warning to her about the river earlier, coupled with the fact that she was sleeping in a strange place, must have somehow got into her dreams, causing the nightmare. When she seemed much calmer, he pulled away slightly so that he could look at her face. “You feel like going back to sleep now?”

But Monica shook her head. “No... I’m scared, Andrew. I don’t want you to leave me.”

Unsure whether she was talking about tonight, or something else, Andrew sighed. “Well in that case, I’m going to stay right here with you, okay?” When she nodded, Andrew pushed her gently back down against the pillows, retrieving her stuffed bear from the floor where it must have fallen during her nightmare, and then he walked around to the other side of the bed and climbed inside, pulling the quilt over them both.

“Now, you go to sleep, and I’ll be right here to chase away any more nightmares, okay?”

Monica’s last, sleepy words to him before she succumbed to her tiredness, tore at Andrew’s heart. “Promise you won’t leave me, Andrew...”

***

The morning dawned bright and sunny and Andrew awoke quite early to the smell of cooking wafting through the cabin. He sat up, wondering where he was and then remembering, as he turned and saw Monica sound asleep next to him. But she didn’t stay that way for very long, as apparently Andrew’s movement disturbed her for moments later her eyes were open and she was sitting up, smiling at the blond angel, all traces of her distress from the night before, gone, which Andrew was glad about. “Hello, Andrew.”

“Hey, little one. I see you’re wide awake?”

Monica nodded. “Uh-huh.”

She grinned at him then crawled out of bed, leaving Andrew bemused. “Where are you going?”

“I’m hungry. I can smell food.”

Andrew chuckled. “Are you ever not hungry? No, wait, don’t answer that.” He got out of bed also. “Well, how about you get dressed, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen, okay?” He planted a kiss on Monica’s forehead as he left the room.

***

As the three of them sat down to breakfast, Rick watched Monica tackle her food and smiled. “You know, I was thinking... it’s a great day out, and, well... there are some really good walks around here. We could pack some lunch, make a day of it.”

Andrew nodded. “That... sounds like a really good idea, Rick. I’m sure Monica here would love to spend the day walking around the woods. Right, Monica?”

Monica nodded, quickly swallowing her food so she could answer. “Uh-huh. Can we go now?”

The blond angel chuckled. “I think we can finish breakfast first, you know.” He glanced at Rick, who once more had a faraway look in his eyes, as he appeared to be lost in thought again. “Rick? You okay?”

Finally Rick snapped back to attention. “Uh... yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.”

Andrew watched his assignment for a long moment, aware of the thoughts that were running through Rick’s head, and also aware that the time would come very soon, for Rick to finally admit to what was bothering him. All Andrew had to do was wait... and he had all the patience in the world.

***

“Look, Andrew! There’s another one!” Monica ran toward the small rabbit sitting a few feet away from the path, but it ran off before she could reach it. Andrew shook his head, smiling at her, never failing to be amazed at her curiosity and wonder.

Rick laughed. “You’d think she’d learn by now that the rabbits aren’t going to wait around for her to pet them!”

Andrew chuckled. “She’ll keep on trying, though.” He kept his gaze on Monica as he spoke, partly out of ever-present concern for her welfare, and partly because she was just so cute to watch. Having been disappointed by the rabbit’s unwillingness to stick around, she had now turned her attention to a patch of wildflowers nearby, and the blond angel watched as she knelt down on the ground and began to pick some of the flowers.

“Come on, Monica, or we’ll leave you behind!” Andrew grinned as she turned to him with a shocked expression, and immediately scrambled to her feet, running back to his side, clutching a few flowers tightly in her hand. She blinked up at him. “I’m here, Andrew! You don’t need to go without me!”

Shaking his head, Andrew reached down and took her hand as they walked quickly to catch up with Rick who had begun walking a few paces ahead. Once they were all together again, Monica suddenly tugged at Rick’s hand, causing him to stop in his tracks and turn to her. “What’s wrong, Monica?” Rick looked up at Andrew, who shrugged.

“These are for you.” Monica held out the small bunch of flowers to Rick, who hesitated a moment, his eyes glistening with something that Andrew thought might be tears, but he held them back as he accepted the small gift from the little girl. “Thank you... Monica, I... I don’t know what to say.”

Andrew, too, was moved by Monica’s gesture, and he smiled at the effect that her gift had on Rick, who seemed almost speechless. But Monica seemed unaware of just how big an impact she’d just made on Rick, as she smiled up at him. “Do you like them?”

Rick nodded. “Yeah... I-I do...” He studied the flowers for a moment. “They’re very pretty, Monica.” He glanced up at Andrew, his expression unreadable for a moment, then cleared his throat. “Well, we’d... we should walk some more, huh?” He began walking, leaving Andrew and Monica behind. The little girl looked up at Andrew with a puzzled expression. “Andrew? Did I upset him?”

Andrew crouched down to Monica’s level. “Oh, no, Monica....you did great. Rick loves the flowers. He just didn’t expect them, that’s all.” He smiled at her as he touched her nose gently. “And you... are still too cute.” She giggled and Andrew grasped her hand. “Now, come on, or we’ll both get left behind.”

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

Chapter Thirty One

Andrew looked down at Monica as he once again slowed his pace to allow her to keep up with him. They’d been walking for almost two hours, and the little girl was obviously growing tired. “You know, Rick, I think we should stop for a rest. Monica looks exhausted.” He took Monica’s hand as she caught up with him, and smiled down at her.

Rick nodded. “Well, there’s a lovely spot up ahead, the trail opens up and it’s a great area for having a picnic.” His eyes scanned ahead of them. “I don’t think it’s too far from here.”

“Okay. We can have some of those sandwiches you made. I am feeling hungry.” Andrew looked down at Monica. “What about you, sweetie? You hungry?”

Monica smiled up at him and nodded. “Uh-huh.”

They continued walking quite slowly for another twenty minutes until, as Rick had mentioned, the narrow forest trail suddenly opened up into a clearing, with a large patch of grass dotted here and there with wildflowers. It was a beautiful scene, and when Monica saw the flowers, she temporarily forgot her tiredness for she suddenly let go of Andrew’s hand and ran onto the grassy area, delighted at the colors of the flowers all around.

Andrew chuckled as he watched her, turning to Rick. “You know, she’s having a great time. This was a really good idea of yours, Rick.”

The man nodded, glancing down at the bunch of flowers Monica had given him earlier. “Yeah, she loves it here, doesn’t she?” He sighed, watching the little girl for a moment. “Andrew... you’re very lucky... I hope you know that.”

The blond angel averted his gaze from Monica for a moment, to look at Rick. “Oh, I thank God for her every day, Rick.” He eyed his assignment carefully for a moment. “Are you okay? It seems like... there’s something on your mind?”

Rick was silent for a moment, but then he shook his head. “Oh, no... I... I’m fine. Let’s eat, huh?”

“Okay...” Andrew shrugged and followed Rick toward the grassy area where Monica was sitting, trying to make a daisy chain. He knew that his assignment was very close to admitting what was wrong- and the Father’s gentle words confirmed that- but still, for now, he had to wait. But in the meantime, there was something else he could do... enjoy the time with Monica.

“What are you doing there, baby girl?” Andrew grinned at his dear young friend as he sat down on the grass beside her. She looked up at him sweetly, holding out some daisies in her small hands. “I’m make daisy chains.”

Andrew chuckled. “Oh really? Well, let me see here...” He looked at the daisies carefully. “You know, I think these would look more like a chain if you join them together.” He narrowed his eyes at her in a way that made her giggle. “You want me to show you how?” Monica nodded, smiling at him.

From a distance, Rick watched the two of them, and for a moment his mind drifted to memories he’d kept hidden for a long, long time. And finally, when those memories faded and he was brought back to the present, he found himself still staring at Andrew and Monica, feeling a sense of sadness that almost overwhelmed him as he looked down at the small bunch of flowers he held in his hand.

***

Once they’d eaten lunch, Monica was feeling a little more refreshed and ready to continue the walk. She now wore her daisy chain proudly around her neck, courtesy of Andrew who’d made it for her. As more rabbits appeared along the trail she resumed her game of running after them, but still hadn’t managed to catch one.

Andrew was aware that Rick was more silent on the second part of their walk, but he knew better than to push the man... the Father had told him that when the time was right, Rick share with him what was on his mind.

The blond angel glanced upwards when the sun suddenly disappeared and he saw some thick black clouds appearing overhead. Frowning, he turned to Rick. “It’s going to rain... pretty soon, I think.”

Rick sighed. “Oh, great. We’re a good three hours away from the cabin... I hope it’s not going to be too heavy.” He looked upwards at the clouds, shaking his head. “You think we should turn back?”

Andrew nodded. “Yeah... it looks like...” No sooner had he spoken than the clouds suddenly opened up and large drops of rain began falling down, the kind that soaks you to the skin within minutes. Wincing, he turned to look for Monica, seeing her running away from him along the trail apparently chasing another rabbit. “Monica!” He ran toward her as she turned to look at him crossly. “You let him get away, Andrew!”

He smiled down at her, unable to prevent a chuckle escaping his lips. “Monica... it’s pouring with rain, and you’re chasing rabbits?”

The little girl shrugged. “I don’t mind the rain, Andrew.” But then she frowned as a large drop hit her squarely in the eye and she rubbed at her face, much to the blond angel’s amusement. “Oh, you don’t, huh?” Seeing her shiver, aware that she was only wearing a sweater over her dress, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he crouched down to her level. “We’d better get back to the cabin, okay, little one? We can’t stay out in this.”

“But I’m having lots of fun, Andrew.”

“I know you are... but the rabbits and the flowers will still be here tomorrow, and maybe we can see them again then. But for right now, you’re gonna catch cold if you don’t get back to the cabin.” He stood up straight, taking her hand. “Come on.”

They walked back to Rick, who was waiting patiently despite the rain that continued to fall in sheets, drenching them, and then the three of them started the long walk back along the trail to the cabin. A walk which was uneventful, until a flash of lightning suddenly lit up the sky, followed moments later by a loud rumble of thunder that made Monica scream with terror as she let go of Andrew’s hand, covering her ears as she leaned against him, frightened.

“Hey... hey, it’s okay, sweetie...” Andrew knelt down to her, wrapping his arms around her. “It’s okay, it won’t hurt you.” He looked up at Rick, who looked worried. “We’ve got to get back to the cabin, Rick...”

The man nodded. “Yeah... let’s hurry, okay? We still have a long way to go.”

Andrew nodded and turned back to Monica, who was crying against him. “Monica... sweetie... we have to go, okay? But I’m here with you, and I won’t let anything happen to you.” As she nodded, he stood up again, taking her hand tightly in his. The three of them began running along the trail; Andrew was aware of Monica’s tiredness but also aware of how dangerous it was to be outside in a thunderstorm. He sent up a silent prayer to the Father, asking Him to keep them all safe until they got back to Rick’s cabin.

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