Prologue
It was a lovely warm summer day in Hattiesburg, Mississippi as Andrew walked across a large park, squinting his eyes slightly at the bright sun that shone above. He smiled when he saw a familiar red Cadillac in the distance, then saw Tess walking toward him. They met up a few meters away from the car and Andrew glanced at it, seeing no one else there.
“Hi, Angel Boy! Sorry I’m late, I got a little held up on the way.”
Andrew nodded and smiled warmly. “Hi, Tess.” He frowned slightly. “Where’s Monica?”
“Oh, you’ll see her later. First of all, I have to fill you in on your assignment.”
Surprised, Andrew raised an eyebrow. “My assignment? Aren’t you going to be here?”
“Well, I’ll be around now and again for backup, but I have some work here in Hattiesburg so this one’s yours and Monica’s, baby. This assignment is a little different, and... well, you’ll see.” Tess glanced at her car briefly before turning back to Andrew. “Your assignment is a man by the name of Rick James. He’s a successful property developer, and he lives in a big house just outside of Jackson, about eighty miles from here.”
“Is he going to die soon?”
Tess shook her head. “No, baby. You’re not here as an Angel of Death this time- this assignment needs a caseworker, that’s all.”
Andrew looked surprised. “Isn’t that Monica’s department?”
“Well.... yes, but... she’s not able to help out in that way, not this time. So the Father wants you to take charge of this assignment.” Tess raised a hand when she saw Andrew about to ask a question. “Rick made some difficult choices a few years back, and the time has come for him to face up to those decisions. Your job here is to make him realize what he is missing out on because of the path he chose. Now, I know that’s a little cryptic, but that’s all the Father says you need to know for now.”
“Okay....”
“One more thing, baby. Rick doesn’t like children, he spends most of his time working and has no time for youngsters... but the most important part of this assignment is to make him change his mind about children. The success of this assignment is based on that one fact.”
Slightly confused, Andrew frowned, running a hand through his hair. “But... how do I get him to like children?”
“By introducing him to your young friend...” Tess took the arm of a very confused Andrew and steered him toward the car. “Come on.”
The two angels walked to Tess’ Cadillac, and as they got closer Andrew saw that there was in fact someone else in the car- a young girl of about six or seven who was so small that Andrew hadn’t been able to see her until he’d gotten close to the car. She turned to look up at him from under her baseball cap, soft brown eyes sparkling with recognition as a playful smile formed on her face. “Hello, Andrew.”
Her voice was slightly different but still had the familiar accent he had grown to know and love. But if that hadn’t given her away, Andrew would have known anyway- he knew those soft brown eyes anywhere, not to mention the long dark hair, currently tied in two braids that hung down from either side of her face. Andrew had never seen her look like this before, and speechless for a moment, he could only stare until finally he found his voice. “Monica?”
The little girl nodded, and as Tess opened the car door she climbed out, standing on the pavement and looking up at Andrew. “You look... taller.” She tilted her head to one side, eyeing him carefully, and he couldn’t help but let out a chuckle as he looked down at her. He was used to her being shorter than him, but now her head barely reached his waist. “You know, Monica, you look kinda different yourself.”
Tess smiled, watching her two angelic friends with amusement. “It happened this morning, Angel Boy, and I have to say I haven’t quite come to terms with it myself yet.” She chuckled, watching her now much smaller ‘Angel Girl’.
“But... what....” Andrew frowned, still trying to come to terms with what he was seeing. He glanced at Tess then back to Monica again, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his confusion. Narrowing his eyes at her he tried to look stern but his green eyes sparkled and all Monica could do was giggle. Sighing, Andrew turned to the older angel, speaking in a lowered voice. “Does she... I-I mean, how... how different...?”
The oldest angel smiled. “She’s still our Angel Girl, Andrew- just in a younger human form. Although, the Father tells me that the childlike traits she’s always had will be rather more pronounced while she’s in this form...” Tess rolled her eyes. “And believe me, I’ve noticed those changes already.”
“But Tess, I-I don’t know anything about....” He sighed and Tess patted his arm reassuringly. “Angel Boy, you’ve always been real good with children- the Father knows that and I know it too. And besides, you know this one very well, so I know you’ll do just fine. Now, the two of you need to drive over to Jackson, there’s an apartment waiting for you there, to stay in until this assignment is over.”
Andrew nodded and looked at Monica, who was now leaning against the car, all interest in her friends’ conversation apparently gone for she was looking around, watching anything and everything that was going on around her. The blond angel sighed as a smile played at the corners of his lips.
=================
Chapter One
Andrew took his eyes off the road briefly to look at Monica, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, her short legs dangling a few inches off the floor. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight, although it was taking some getting used to. “So... Monica... you, uh... how you doing? I-I mean... are you okay?”
Monica looked up at him, her brown eyes sparkling as she played with the end of one of her braids distractedly. “It is a wee bit strange, Andrew. I think I’m still getting used to it... but it’s different.” She looked around the car, then shifted her gaze to the passing scenery. “Everything seems so big... it’s hard to get used to being small.”
“Monica, you’ve always been small.” Andrew didn’t see how his best friend stuck her tongue out at him, for he was concentrating on the road again.
“I may be small, Andrew, but I’m still an Angel.”
The blond angel chuckled slightly. “Well, you know, for the time being, you’re actually just a kid...” He shot her a brief, playful look. “So that means, you do as I say.”
She smiled playfully up at him. “What if I don’t want to, Andrew?”
Smiling slightly, Andrew kept his gaze on the road. “I don’t think you’ve got much of a choice. After all, you are only six years old.”
“Am not.”
Raising an eyebrow, Andrew finally turned to look at his friend again. “Monica, you are definitely six years old right now. You just proved it.”
Monica scowled, crossing her small arms in front of her and pouting. She was silent for a long moment, until a smile crossed her face. “Andrew, can we stop for ice cream?”
“Ice cream? Monica, we’re on an assignment here, and you want...” Turning to look at his friend, Andrew had to drop his gaze for he’d temporarily forgotten just how small she was. Seeing the expression on her face, he let out a deep sigh. “No. No way. We are not stopping for ice cream, is that clear?”
***
“Okay... one strawberry cone for you, and a chocolate one for me.” Andrew handed Monica her ice cream, watching her with amusement for she was now sitting on the trunk of the Cadillac with her legs dangling over the back seat. “You know, I think Tess would have a fit if she saw you sitting there.” Andrew leaned against the side of the car.
Monica tilted her head to one side, tasting some of her ice cream as she eyed her friend carefully. “You’re uncomfortable with this, aren’t you, Andrew?”
“Well, I...” Andrew frowned, unsure how to answer. “I-I have to admit that... yes, it does take a bit of getting used to, I mean... look at you. You’re half the size that you normally are... not to mention that you are acting a little different.”
Monica frowned. “I am not, Andrew. I’m just the same as I’ve always been.”
“Oh, yeah, right... you normally stop for ice cream on the way to your assignments.” He smiled. “Look, Tess told me to expect a few... changes in your personality, and it’s okay, Monica.”
“But I don’t understand, Andrew... what did Tess...” She frowned. “Is this about the pizza we had on the way over?”
Andrew raised an eyebrow. “You had pizza?”
Monica nodded. “I was hungry. Angels do get hungry sometimes, you know.”
The blond angel sighed. “Well, yeah... sometimes.” He frowned, watching her carefully as he ate some more of his ice cream. “Monica, I just want to make sure you’re okay with this assignment... I know if I were in your position, I’d feel a little uncomfortable, and probably a little confused, too.”
Looking down at her smaller-than-usual feet, Monica frowned, staying silent for a moment before finally she lifted her gaze to look at her friend. “I suppose that... I do feel different, Andrew... I thought...” She sighed. “When Tess told me what would happen, I thought I’d still feel the same, just... smaller. But it’s not like that.”
Andrew moved closer to his friend, watching her with caring green eyes. “Tell me.”
“Well, I... some things are...” Monica stared at her half-eaten ice cream for a moment, as if it would provide all the answers. “I just feel... different, Andrew.”
Monica looked up at the older angel with such a lost expression that in a moment he had leaned over the car, pulling his best friend into a tight hug. After a moment they pulled apart, and Andrew looked deep into Monica’s eyes, seeing past the little girl face to the angel he knew and loved with all his heart. “I know this must be strange, and I can’t begin to tell you that I understand how you feel because I don’t. But I do know this... no matter what happens on this assignment, I will be here with you all the time, and so will the Father, because He loves his little Angel very, very much. And so do I.” He smiled down at her. “No matter how small she is.”
=================
Chapter Two
The two hour drive to Jackson gave Andrew plenty of time to get used to Monica’s new form, and although the shock had worn off he still found it a little strange and while a part of him loved to see the incredibly cute little girl that was his Angelic best friend, another part of him wanted the assignment to be over quickly so that he could have back the Monica he knew so well.
But that didn’t mean he wasn’t having fun- Monica had always had a slightly childlike view of things, and as Tess had warned him, this certainly was more obvious now. For the first half of the journey Monica had entertained him by counting how many red cars passed them on the highway, although he’d found it amusing that she’d kept losing count.
Now, by the time the blond angel parked the car outside the apartment building, the sun was beginning to set and Monica had begun to get a little bit restless during the last half hour of the journey. Switching off the engine, Andrew turned to his friend. “Well, we’re here.” He looked at her pointedly. “And you look tired.”
Monica frowned. “Maybe a wee bit...”
Chuckling, Andrew got out of the car and went round to the passenger side, opening the door for his friend. She climbed out and followed him to the back of the car, where he retrieved a large suitcase and placed it on the ground. As he reached back into the trunk, Monica tried to pick the suitcase up but couldn’t even lift it at all. “It’s too heavy, Andrew.”
Shaking his head and smiling, Andrew handed her a small backpack. “I think this one’s yours.” He helped her to pull the backpack onto her shoulders and after locking the car he picked up the suitcase and ushered Monica toward the apartment building. Once they were inside, Andrew reached into his pocket for a set of keys. “Okay... our apartment is number twenty-three... must be upstairs. Come on.”
Andrew started to make his way up the stairs, turning to make sure that Monica was following. Seeing that in her smaller human form she was having a bit of trouble managing the steep staircase, he reached down and took her hand, helping her up. She smiled up at him gratefully. “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Once they’d reached the second floor, Andrew checked the apartment numbers, finding their temporary home at the end of the hall. “Well, here it is.” He smiled down at his friend and set down the suitcase while he unlocked the door, holding it open while Monica stepped inside. “Wow...”
Smiling, Andrew closed the door behind him, placing the suitcase on the couch as he turned to look at the apartment. “This is nice, huh?” He walked through the living room and found a small kitchen at the far side, while Monica pulled off her backpack then wandered into a hall from which the two bedrooms and bathroom could be found.
A few minutes later the two angels had looked around the apartment, getting used to the layout, and Andrew smiled at his friend when she emerged from her bedroom. “So, what do you think? Does it meet with your approval?”
Monica grinned up at Andrew. “It’s lovely, Andrew. I can’t wait to sleep here.”
Andrew chuckled as a yawn escaped his friend. “Well, it doesn’t look like you’ll have to wait long.” Eyeing her carefully and seeing the weariness on her small face as she yawned for a second time, Andrew leaned down so he was as near to eye-level with his friend as he could get. “Right, Monica, it’s time you were in bed.”
“Aw, Andrew... can’t I stay up a wee bit longer?”
Andrew shook his head, unable to suppress a smile. “No, I’m afraid not.” He went to retrieve Monica’s backpack from the floor, rooting inside and pulling out a small pair of pajamas, smiling at them. Handing them to Monica, he turned her in the direction of her room, giving her a small shove. “Now, go. I’ll be through in a few minutes to say goodnight, okay?”
“Okay.” Monica went into her room, pushing the door closed, and Andrew watched her go, shaking his head in amusement. He turned to Tess, who was now standing beside him. “I really don’t know what to make of her, Tess... I mean, I know she’s Monica, but she seems so... different.”
“Well, baby, it’s like I said. Her human form is that of a child, and that is also reflected in her personality- your assignment must believe that she really is a little girl.” Tess chuckled. “And, she’s doing a mighty fine job of it, if you ask me.”
Sighing, Andrew fingered the backpack he still held in his hands. “Why, Tess? I-I don’t understand why this is so important.”
“I told you, Angel Boy, you don’t need to know that, at least not yet. What is important is changing Rick’s attitude toward children- that‘s what you have to concentrate on. And Monica’s going to help you with that.” Tess smiled. “She’s so cute right now, isn’t she, baby?”
Andrew nodded. “Yeah, she certainly is... Tess, do you know she even wanted to stop for ice cream on the way over here? I told her no, at first, but...” He gave the older angel a withering look. “You know what she’s like when she gives me that look. And it’s even worse now.”
Tess shook her head, chuckling. “Ice cream... that’s a good one. She’s got you wrapped around her little finger, Angel Boy.”
Andrew frowned. “She has not.”
Turning to walk away, Tess nodded. “Oh, yes she has...” She turned back to Andrew with an incredibly amused look on her face. “By the way, Monica already had ice cream- right after the pizza we had on the way to the park this morning. Well, goodnight, baby, and... have fun.”
The blond angel gave Tess an un-amused look as she disappeared from sight.
================
Chapter Three
Andrew carried Monica’s backpack as he headed to her bedroom, finding her lying in bed, her pigtails now brushed out and the quilt pulled rather haphazardly around her. Unable to suppress a smile, the blond angel straightened the quilt and sat on the edge of the bed, amazed at how even a single-sized bed was big enough to totally swamp Monica’s small body. “So... you gonna go to sleep peacefully, or do I have to read you a story?”
Giggling, Monica shrugged. “I don’t know, Andrew. I feel tired, but... I’m not tired.”
“Ah. The tired-but-not-tired feeling. I know it well.” Hearing words from the Father, Andrew looked in the backpack, smiling when he found a small white stuffed bear which he handed it to his friend. “Well, maybe this little guy will help.”
Smiling, Monica took the bear from him, clutching it close to her as she snuggled slightly further down into the bed. Gazing up at him, she blinked away a tear. “Thank you, Andrew... for understanding.”
Almost moved to tears himself, Andrew reached out a hand to brush a strand of hair out of Monica’s face. “You are one amazing Angel, you know that?” He sighed. “You should try and sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” Getting to his feet, Andrew leaned over and kissed Monica’s forehead. “Goodnight, little one.”
“Night, Andrew.” Monica smiled up at him, holding out her hand to him and he grasped it momentarily before he left the room, leaving the door open slightly.
Monica watched her friend leave the room, then she lifted her eyes to the ceiling, still clutching the bear tightly as she spoke in a whisper. “Father... it’s Monica. Please help Andrew to understand my new human form, I know he’s finding it hard. And, look after Tess, wherever she is. I miss her. And...” She frowned as a yawn interrupted her prayer. “... help me to remember You, and to remember who I really am... I’m so afraid that I’ll forget...”
In the living room, Andrew leaned against the wall as tears welled in his eyes, no longer able to hold them back. Lifting his gaze heavenward, he sighed. “Father... I trust Your plan for this assignment, even though I don’t understand why Monica’s new form is so important. But seeing her like this...” He closed his eyes briefly. “Please, help me to keep her safe.”
***
The following morning dawned bright and sunny and promised to be another warm day. Andrew was awake early and as he emerged from his room he glanced at the partially closed door to Monica’s bedroom, sending up a silent prayer of thanks that she had apparently slept well all night. Carefully he pushed the door open, seeing that his young friend was sound asleep, still clutching the stuffed bear that he had given to her the night before. The sight of his friend lying there in the form of a little six-year-old girl almost overwhelmed him and he smiled tenderly at her before pulling the door closed and heading toward the kitchen.
Today was the day that Andrew would meet his assignment, Rick James, and as he set to work making pancakes for breakfast, the blond angel wondered just exactly what the reason for the assignment was. All Tess had told him was that the most important thing was to get Rick to like Monica, but he couldn’t figure out why. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try his hardest at this assignment, just like he always did, because that was what Angels did.
Andrew chuckled to himself as he thought of Monica’s current human form and wondered how on earth anyone could possibly dislike children, and her in particular. She was adorable, a joy to watch, and he had to admit that a good night’s sleep had taken away some of his worries from the previous day and he found himself looking forward to spending a whole day with six-year-old Monica, even though he had no idea what to expect from her today. It was a confusing situation for him, seeing the form of a little girl who was actually the Angel he’d known for many years, but then he reminded himself that if it was confusing for him, it must be even more so for Monica.
Hearing a noise which interrupted his thoughts, Andrew looked up and smiled as he saw a rather bleary-eyed Monica walking barefoot through the living room. Well, some things certainly hadn’t changed, he thought. “Good morning, sunshine. Did you sleep well?”
Monica nodded as she entered the kitchen. She was still wearing her pajamas, and her long hair was slightly tangled from sleep, and Andrew had to admit she looked a sight. “You going for the tousled-hair look today, Monica?” He smiled at her playfully but she just frowned in return. “Huh?”
“Um... never mind. We’ll sort the hair later.” He gestured to the kitchen table. “Take a seat, I made pancakes.”
Monica grinned. “Goody, I love pancakes.”
Andrew chose not to comment on her choice of words as he watched with barely-hidden amusement as Monica climbed with some difficulty onto one of the kitchen chairs. She frowned, looking up at Andrew and sighing. “It’s so hard being this short, Andrew. Furniture isn’t made for children.”
Setting a glass of milk down on the table, Andrew shook his head. “No, I suppose it isn’t.” He smiled to himself as he served breakfast, sitting down at the table across from his friend. “I guess it’s something that Angels don’t appreciate- what it’s like to be a kid. I mean, we don’t grow up, we’re just always this size...” He smiled at her. “Well, usually always this size.”
“You’re having too much fun with this, Andrew.” Monica started eating the pancake that Andrew had put on her plate. “Hmm. These are really good.”
“Well, thank you.” Andrew started to eat his own food, watching the slightly clumsy way in which Monica handled her knife and fork. He realized how difficult many things must be for a child, things that he’d always pretty much taken for granted- things that Monica was now having first-hand experience of. And he admired her for it.
“What are we doing today, Andrew?”
Monica’s question caught the blond haired angel off guard and he raised an eyebrow. “Well, I kinda thought that we’d, you know, begin our assignment. You do remember our assignment, don’t you? After all, that’s why your feet are currently dangling about a foot off the floor.”
“Funny, Andrew. Of course I remember, it’s just...” Monica frowned. “Well, I feel a wee bit like I want to go for a walk today, or maybe go to the park... and later we could have ice cream, and...”
Andrew held up a hand. “Whoa. Wait a minute. First of all, our assignment isn’t in the park, unfortunately for you. And second of all, you had two ice creams yesterday- that’s enough to last you at least a week.”
Monica looked slightly shocked as she put down her knife and fork. “Two?”
“Yes... you didn’t tell me that Tess had also taken you for ice cream yesterday... right after your pizza.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “You know, Monica, if you stay in this form for too long, you’ll be twice as heavy as you were when you started.”
“But you never asked me if I’d already had ice cream yesterday, Andrew.” She looked up at him so innocently that all Andrew could do was sigh and try to hide the smile that was forming on his lips.
“Don’t think you won that one, Monica, cause you didn’t.”
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Chapter Four
Rick James leaned back in his leather office chair, clasping his hands behind his head as he looked at the computer screen in front of him and frowned. After a moment he sighed, then pressed a button on the intercom. “Kathy... is Alan here yet?”
“No, sorry Rick. Do you want me to call his office?”
“Yeah... let me know if he’s gonna turn up today or not.” Another sigh as Rick released the intercom button then turned back to his computer and started typing.
***
“But I don’t want to wear that outfit, Andrew.”
The blond angel was standing in Monica’s room with his hands on his hips, glaring at the assortment of child-sized clothes that were strewn across the bed. He sighed heavily. “Well... which one do you want?”
Monica turned to look at the clothes, finally pointing to a blue cotton dress. “That one.”
“But... that’s the one I picked out first.”
“I know, but I wanted to see what the other outfits were like first.” Monica turned and looked up at Andrew sweetly. “A lady has to take time with her appearance.”
Andrew rolled his eyes. “Speaking of time, we’re going to be late. Now, get dressed, and I’ll be waiting in the living room.” He hesitated, looking at Monica’s still-tangled hair. “You want me to brush your hair?”
Monica looked up at him indignantly, crossing her arms in front of her. “I can manage, Andrew. I’m not a kid, you know.”
The blond angel left the room while he could still keep a straight face.
***
Kathy stood in the doorway of Rick’s office, looking at him apologetically. “I spoke to Alan’s boss... apparently he’s off sick- appendicitis I think he said. He won’t be back for a couple weeks.”
“Oh, great.” Rick rolled his eyes as he tapped the Enter key on the keyboard and leaned back in his chair again. “So, now what? My accounts are going to fix themselves, are they?”
The woman shook her head. “No... they’re sending Alan’s replacement.” She glanced at her watch. “I guess he’s running a little late.”
***
Andrew parked the Cadillac outside a large, modern office building and turned to his friend. “Well, here we are. Rick’s office is in there.”
“In there?” Monica’s eyes widened as she gazed up at the building from under her straw hat, the blue ribbon around it matching perfectly with the color of her dress. She turned to Andrew. “Does he own the whole building?”
Andrew chuckled. “I know Tess said he was rich, but I don’t think he’s that rich...” He turned to glance at the building again. “Maybe he just owns one floor.” He turned back to Monica, who giggled. “Well, come on, we’d better show ourselves... after all, we are late already.” He got out of the car, walking round to the passenger side.
“Sorry.” Monica climbed out of the car as Andrew held open the door for her. “It’s okay.” He glanced down at the sandals on her small feet. “But from now on, I don’t want any arguments about whether or not you’re wearing any shoes, okay?” He gave her a chiding look.
Monica sighed good-naturedly as she took Andrew’s hand and the two of them walked into the office building.
================
Chapter Five
After getting directions to Rick’s office from the front reception desk, Andrew led Monica up to the sixth floor, emerging from the elevator into a bright, spacious corridor. “This looks the same, Andrew.” The young angel looked up at him, frowning.
Andrew looked around him, noticing that this floor did indeed look almost identical to the first floor, with the absence of a reception desk and revolving doors. “It does, doesn’t it? I think it would be easy to get lost in a place like this.” He stopped walking and turned to face Monica, leaning down slightly. “So you just make sure you don’t go wandering off anywhere while I’m talking to Rick, okay?”
Monica nodded. “I won’t.”
“Okay. Well...” Andrew looked around him, finally spotting the office he wanted and he walked over to the woman who was sitting at a desk next to the door. “Hi. My name’s Andrew... I’m Alan’s replacement? I’m here to see Rick James.”
The woman smiled brightly. “Oh! Well, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Kathy, Rick’s assistant. I don’t use the term secretary, and neither does he.” She turned to Monica, who was watching her carefully. “And who do we have here?”
“I’m Monica.” Andrew smiled down at his friend and Kathy’s smile grew even wider. “Well hi there, Monica!” She looked back up at Andrew. “Is she... with you?”
Andrew nodded. “Yeah, she’s a good friend of mine, she’s staying with me for a while, so I thought I’d bring her along.”
“Oh, that’s nice. Well, how about I let Rick know you’re here, huh?” Kathy pressed a button on the intercom. “Rick, I’ve got Andrew here, he’s Alan’s replacement.”
Rick’s voice could be heard over the intercom. “Send him right in, thanks Kathy.”
The woman turned back to Andrew. “Well, you heard the man. In you go, his office is right in there.”
Andrew smiled and thanked the woman, then still holding Monica’s hand he walked into Rick’s office. As they entered, they both saw that the office was much bigger than either of them had imagined, with a desk at the far end situated in front of a large window that offered views over the city. Several shelves covered one wall, while a large black leather couch was positioned opposite.
“Wow...” Monica’s eyes widened at the scene, and Andrew looked down at her and chuckled. He looked up as Rick, who had been seated at the desk, got up and walked toward him, holding out his hand. “Hi, it’s good to meet you... Andrew?”
Andrew nodded, shaking Rick’s hand. “Good to meet you, Rick. Uh, this is... this is a good friend of mine, her name is Monica, and she’s staying with me for a while.”
Rick frowned at Monica, offering no attempt to even say hi to her. He turned back to Andrew. “She’s... working with you?”
“No. She... well, her Father asked me to take care of her for a while, and so here she is. There’s no one else to look after her, so I bring her along with me wherever I go. Including work. I hope that’s not a problem?” Andrew looked at Rick pointedly.
The man hesitated a moment then shook his head. “It’s a little different, but...” He shrugged. “I guess it’s okay... and besides, I can’t afford to waste any more time getting these accounts done. But first, how about I get you something to drink? I have tea or coffee...” He frowned. “And I guess I can find some orange juice or something for the kid.”
“Could I have coffee, please?”
Two pairs of surprised eyes looked down at Monica and Andrew raised an eyebrow as he caught his friend’s gaze, and he spoke in a lowered voice. “Er... Monica, I don’t think that’s a good idea, you know?” He looked up at Rick, who looked slightly bewildered. “Uh, she... tried coffee once, a while back, and decided she liked it. But... orange juice will be fine. And I’ll have tea, thanks.”
“Okay, then... I’ll be right back, I have some papers to show you. Please, take a seat and make yourself at home, but... don’t let her touch anything, okay? I don’t want anything broken.”
Andrew and Monica exchanged a frown as Rick left the room, then Andrew led his friend over to the couch and they both sat down, Monica’s feet swinging a good few inches off the floor as she looked up at her friend. “No coffee, Andrew?”
Andrew shook his head, speaking in a slightly lowered voice. “Not while you’re in this form, no. I think it would seem a little odd, don’t you?” He reached up and took off Monica’s straw hat, smiling at his friend as he straightened her hair. “So, what do you think of Rick?”
“I don’t think he likes me.” She frowned slightly.
“Oh, don’t worry, it’s not you personally. He just doesn’t like kids very much.” He smiled down at his friend. “But, with you... what’s not to like?” Monica grinned up at him, her frown gone.
Just then Rick returned, carrying a tray with two mugs of tea and a glass of orange juice, and he had a folder tucked under his arm. Setting the tray down on the edge of the desk, Rick eyed Monica carefully as he picked up the glass, finally deciding to hand it to Andrew instead. “Er... there you go. And, don’t let her spill any of it. I just had that couch professionally cleaned.”
“There you go.” Andrew handed Monica the glass of juice, which she took with both hands, holding it carefully. He gave her a reassuring smile, aware that Rick’s attitude toward her was upsetting her slightly; after all, it was annoying him. But he felt the Father’s calm words floating down to his heart and he was reminded that he was here on assignment, and he shouldn’t get annoyed at the man he was supposed to be helping. Silently apologizing, Andrew smiled at Rick as he picked up his cup of tea. “Thanks, Rick.”
“No problem.” Rick took a sip of his own drink. “So... you ready to get started soon? I have so much I need to get through, and I guess it’ll take you a little while to understand my accounts... it’s so annoying that right now, at my busiest time, Alan gets sick.” He shook his head.
Andrew frowned. “Well, you know, I don’t think he wanted to become ill.”
The man shrugged. “I suppose you’re right...”
“What’s wrong with Alan?”
Surprised at Monica’s question, Andrew looked down at her, unsure how to answer. “Uh, well... he got appendicitis...” He watched as Monica frowned. “It’s... something wrong with his stomach.”
“Is he going to die?”
Laughing nervously, Andrew shook his head, his green eyes questioning as he gazed down at his best friend, unprepared for these questions. “Um, no, sweetie, he won’t die. In fact, I heard that Alan is going to be just fine, he just needs to rest for a couple of weeks. So, you don’t need to worry about it, okay?” Monica nodded, falling silent as she drank some more of her orange juice.
Andrew turned back to Rick, smiling slightly and sending up a prayer that Monica wouldn’t ask any more awkward questions. It wasn’t like her; if she had questions about her assignment she usually asked them while the Angels were out of human sight, and besides, she should have known that Alan’s illness was planned so that Andrew could take his place temporarily. Puzzled, the blond haired angel silently asked the Father for help, and soon His reply floated down to the angel’s heart, telling him to be patient and not to worry.
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Chapter Six
“Well, I think so far, everything looks pretty good, Rick.” Andrew looked up from the pile of papers he was studying, seated across from Rick at his desk. The man nodded, looking slightly stressed. “Well, there’s a lot more, yet, but... I’ll keep my fingers crossed that everything’s fine. This big property deal I told you about is a killer. I’ll be glad when...” He looked across the room and frowned. “Hey! Put that down!”
Shocked, Andrew turned to see that Monica, who had been sitting on the couch when he’d started going over Rick’s accounts, was now standing at the other side of the room, next to the shelves, and she had an object in her hand. But she was so shocked at Rick’s outburst that she dropped it, and looked at the man with a horrified expression. “I’m sorry...”
Quickly Andrew got up and went to her side, putting his hand on her shoulder. “Monica, I thought I told you to wait over there?” He watched as she shrugged. “I... was bored, Andrew. I wanted to see what these things were.”
Meanwhile Rick had got up and picked up the glass paperweight which Monica had dropped, studying it carefully. “Well, luckily it didn’t break - I guess the money I spent on this carpet was worth it.” He placed the item back on the shelf and turned to Monica, glaring at her. “Didn’t I tell you not to touch anything? Are you stupid or something?”
Monica flinched at his words and Andrew glared at him angrily, stepping protectively in front of his dear friend. “Rick... I don’t think there’s any need for that, do you? She’s just a child.”
“Yeah, well... children are a pest, in my opinion. Andrew, I’m not happy about her being here, and I’d appreciate it if you find somewhere else for her to be, instead of my office.”
Andrew sighed heavily, trying to keep his anger in check. “I told you, Rick, there isn’t anywhere else for Monica to go right now. But you can always find another accountant.” He turned away, ushering Monica toward the door.
“Wait...”
Andrew turned to Rick, who was standing with his hands on his hips, shaking his head. “Look... I can’t wait any longer to get these accounts done- I don’t need any more delays.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s lunch time- how about we all take a break, and I’ll see you back here at two o’clock.” He glared at Monica again. “Maybe your friend won’t be so fidgety after she’s had something to eat.” Rick walked out of the office, slamming the door behind him.
Andrew sighed, looking down at his friend. “You okay?”
The young angel nodded. “I didn’t mean to make him mad.” She scrunched up her face, not looking at all happy, and Andrew leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Now, how about we get something to eat, huh?”
***
Andrew held Monica’s hand tightly as they walked into the busy restaurant just a couple of blocks from Rick’s office. It seemed like the entire population of Jackson had decided to go out for lunch at the same time, and he frowned as he searched for an empty table for them both, finally spotting one in the far corner near a window. “Come on, I think I see one.”
They reached the table and Monica climbed onto one of the seats as Andrew sat down opposite her, picking up a menu. “Okay... what would you like?” He looked across at his friend, who still seemed a little down after what had happened in Rick’s office. “There’s.. french fries. You want those?”
Monica nodded. “Okay.”
Andrew frowned at her worriedly as he reached across to grasp her small hand in his. “Are you okay, Monica?”
The little angel sighed, frowning up at him. “I just don’t feel hungry, Andrew.”
“Well, that’s not like you, certainly not after yesterday. Is what Rick said still upsetting you?” He looked at her kindly and she nodded without saying a word. “Oh, sweetie- don’t let him get to you. He’s just a little grumpy when it comes to kids, that’s all. But, our assignment is to change that...” He frowned. “No matter how difficult he makes it.”
“Assignment?” Monica looked up at him curiously.
But before Andrew could reply, a waitress approached the table and Andrew gave her their order. When she left, he turned back to Monica, but her attention was now diverted to the window as a man in a clown’s costume walked past, carrying a board advertising something that Andrew couldn’t make out. He sighed, watching his friend for a moment. When the clown was no longer in sight, Monica turned back to Andrew with bright eyes. “Is there a circus, Andrew? Can we go see it?”
Andrew frowned. “I-I don’t think so, Monica. We have to go back to Rick’s office, remember?”
Monica nodded, turning to look around her at the people in the restaurant, and Andrew realized that her attention span was severely limited while in the form of a child. But what worried him the most, was that he was certain that his friend seemed to be forgetting that they were on an assignment, and he wondered how that could happen.
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