Chapter Thirty Three

Arriving at the house, Tess got out of the car and laughed when Tyler, recognizing where he was, jumped out of the car and bounded up the porch steps, tail wagging furiously as he waited for Tess. “Okay, okay, wait up, mutt. I’m on my way.” Reaching the door, Tess rang the doorbell and as Linda opened it, she didn’t get a chance to greet Tess for Tyler jumped up at her, knocking her backwards into the hall. When he’d finally finished greeting her and licking her face, he bounded off into the living room leaving Linda and Tess laughing.

As Tess stepped inside the house, she shook her head, laughing. “I was about to tell you, we found him. But I guess you’ve figured that out.”

“Oh, Tess... I can’t believe you found him- thank you so much. I have to tell Billy!” Linda turned and ran down the hall, followed by Tyler, as Tess also followed. “I gotta see this.”

Opening the door to Billy’s bedroom, Linda moved out of the way as Tyler ran inside and jumped on the bed, waking up the little boy who’d been sleeping. But when he saw who had awakened him, he smiled widely. “Tyler! You’re back!” He reached up and threw his arms around the dog. “I missed you so much!”

Turning to Tess, Linda smiled. “He’s so happy to see that dog, I don’t even mind the muddy paw prints on the quilt.” Tess chuckled and the two of them walked back toward the living room, leaving little Billy alone with his best friend. Linda felt tears pricking at her eyes as she sat down. “I can’t believe we have our dog back... now I don’t have to worry so much about Billy...”

Tess stood in front of her, suddenly glowing with the Father’s heavenly love. “God brought that dog back to you, Linda. He knew how important it was.”

Linda looked up, shocked. “What... what’s going on?”

“I’m an Angel, Linda. Sent by God, to tell you not to worry so much about Billy, and about the bills you have to pay, and the work that needs doing around the house. God loves you, Linda, and He loves little Billy too. And Tyler.” Tess smiled. “And He told me to tell you that you don’t have to worry about Billy’s health- the cancer isn’t going to come back.”

“Oh... I-I...thank you! Thank you, so much!” Linda was crying tears of joy.

Tess nodded. “God never gives you more than you can handle, Linda. He knows that bringing up Billy on your own wasn’t easy- and neither was Billy’s illness. But you’re strong, and He knows that, because you are His child. And He doesn’t want you to worry, He wants you to enjoy the life you have with Billy- you both have a second chance now and you shouldn’t waste it worrying about things that might happen. Trust God with your life, and He will make sure that you always have what you need, and that you’ll never go hungry. It was your prayers to Him that sent you Angels to help you find Tyler, so you must keep on praying to Him, because He wants to help you. But you have to let Him.”

“A-Angels? You mean, your friend Andrew too?”

Tess nodded and smiled. “You are blessed with a wonderful son, Linda, and he’s going to grow up into a fine, strong man. Be proud of him, and of what your husband Marty gave you... and know that God is always with you.”

***

While Tess was out of the house, Andrew had stayed with Monica, refusing to leave her side after being apart from her for so long. She had drifted off to sleep again just after Tess left, and as she slept peacefully Andrew took the opportunity to think once more about the connection he and Monica shared. Just before he and Tess had found her out on the street, her emotions had been very strong in his heart and he guessed that it was because she’d been so close. Now he felt peace in his heart, no longer feeling Monica’s fear and confusion- and he suddenly realized that it was not just his own peace he was feeling... it was Monica’s too.

“Oh, Monica... you don’t know how good it is to see you again, to know that you’re back with me and that you’re safe.” Watching her as she slept, he marveled at how she too was feeling peace, as he was, at the fact that they’d been reunited. He studied the feelings in his heart closer, and soon came to a startling realization- after sensing only occasional snatches of Monica’s emotions while they’d been separated, he now could feel her all the time, if he thought about it hard enough.

However disjointed the connection had been to begin with, Andrew now knew without a doubt that it had reached its full strength now- and the Father’s words floating down to him confirmed what he was thinking. From now on, the connection would be there, all the time- not just at times when Monica’s emotions were strong due to fear or cold, but always.

Smiling down at his younger friend, Andrew rubbed the soft skin of her hand tenderly, content to just watch her sleep, still unsure whether she felt the connection just as strongly- after all she was less experienced as an angel and he didn’t know if that would affect her ability to understand or use the gift they’d been blessed with. Seeing her stir, Andrew sent up a silent prayer of thanks to the Father, not only for blessing him with Monica in the first place, but for allowing this gift of communication with her.

Monica blinked her eyes open, and sensing Andrew’s hand holding hers, smiled up at him. “Andrew... you’re still here.”

“Where else would I be, Angel Girl?” He grinned down at her, totally unable to hide how happy he was to see her. “How do you feel?”

Monica frowned. “Still achy... when will I start to feel better, Andrew?”

“Soon. You need to get plenty of rest, and make sure you eat properly and drink lots of fluids, that’s the best way to get better.” He frowned, concerned at the hoarseness he’d heard in her voice. “You need something to drink just now?” She nodded and he helped her to sit up slightly, then went out of the room and returned minutes later with a glass of water. After she’d taken a few sips he took the glass from her, eyeing her carefully for a moment. “Do you feel up to talking?”

Monica looked unsure, but she nodded anyway. “What is it, Andrew?”

“Hey... nothing’s wrong, don’t worry.” He shuffled a bit closer to her, taking her hand in both of his. “I just... well, I...” He frowned and sighed, unsure just how to voice his feelings, and suppressed a smile when he suddenly felt confusion in his heart, confusion that wasn’t from him. This was going to take some getting used to, he thought. “I... when we were separated, these past couple of days, did you... ever feel like you could feel what I was thinking?”

Somewhat taken aback, Monica was silent for a moment, contemplating his question as her face took on a slightly puzzled expression. “I missed you, Andrew...?” She said this as a question, wondering if it was the answer he was seeking. “And I missed you too, baby girl. But...” He sighed, feeling frustrated, but not wanting to let her see that.

“But... okay. There were times when... when I could feel that you were afraid, or-or sad... or cold. Right before we found you, I-I sensed that you were frightened, feeling lost and alone... I could feel what you were feeling, Monica, and.... it’s a gift from the Father, Angel Girl. He’s connected us... spiritually...” His words came out all in a rush and Andrew felt Monica’s shock before he saw it in her eyes.

The younger angel was silent for a moment, thinking, and Andrew couldn’t help but hope that she had felt something too. “There was a time when...” Monica frowned, looking down at the quilt and Andrew sensed that she wasn’t sure how to voice her feelings. But he stayed quiet, didn’t push her. Finally she looked up at him, her brown eyes filled with uncertainty. “I thought that I felt you missing me, and that you loved me, but... you weren’t there, a-and I thought I had imagined it... but...” Her eyes widened as she remembered. “The Father told me that... that it wasn’t my imagination...” She looked at him questioningly.

Andrew smiled, remembering that moment when Tess had told him to try reaching out to Monica, to try and let her know what he was feeling. “Monica, Tess told me... the Father gave us this gift, to keep us together even when we’re apart.” He hesitated, watching her. “Monica, do you remember... back in Whisper, when...” But Andrew’s words trailed off as he felt Monica’s sudden fear grip his heart and he mentally kicked himself for bringing up that subject. Seeing tears in her eyes he leaned closer and pulled her into a hug. “Oh, Monica... I’m so sorry...”

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

Chapter Thirty Four

Monica’s sobs pulled at Andrew’s heart as he continued to hold her, rubbing her back soothingly until the sobs turned into coughs, and then he pulled back, eyeing her with concern. Settling her back against the pillows he handed her the glass of water once more, and she drank a few sips, the coughing finally subsiding. Andrew sighed heavily. “Are you okay?”

Monica nodded. “I-I’m sorry, Andrew...” Andrew frowned, knowing he’d gone too far in his haste to find out if Monica understood their connection as well as he did. “You have nothing to be sorry for, okay? I shouldn’t have said that... I was just...” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “The last thing I wanted was for you to start thinking about that again.”

But then Monica shook her head. “No... Andrew, I... I can’t keep running from it. If I do, it will always haunt me, and I’ll never be able to move past what happened. Yes, it hurts me every time I think about it, but I know that just as you were able to come to terms with what happened to you, I need to do the same.” She paused to take a breath, reaching to take Andrew’s hand in hers. “I don’t want you to feel you can’t mention it to me, okay?”

“Are you sure? Monica, you were so scared...” She looked at him with a questioning expression and he shook his head. “I don’t want to hurt you... but if you’re comfortable with talking about it, then so am I.”

Monica nodded and smiled. “Good. Now... what were you trying to say earlier?”

“What? Oh... yeah. Well... do you remember the dreams you had, where we were on the beach together?”

The younger angel nodded slowly. “And I could talk to you, Andrew, even though...” Andrew nodded. “That was the start of it, Angel Girl. That was when the Father first gave us the gift. And now...” He smiled tenderly at her. “Now, I can feel everything that you’re feeling.”

“Everything?” The look Monica gave him was so comical, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Yep- if I really concentrate hard. I can feel that right now, you’re wondering if I’m telling you the truth. Remember, Monica, Angels don’t lie.” He gave her a mock stern look.

But Monica’s mood changed and her smile faded. “Then... why can’t I feel you, Andrew?”

Frowning, Andrew squeezed her hand gently. “I don’t know... except that, right now you’re sick, so that’s probably not helping... and perhaps you just haven’t learned how to cope with this gift yet. But, don’t worry... I don’t think the Father would allow us to communicate if it only worked one way.” He winked at her.

“I wish... that I could feel this too, Andrew... but right now, I’m just happy that you’re here with me.” She yawned then, briefly closing her eyes, and Andrew looked down at her with eyes full of love. “Me too. Now I think, that a certain Angel is due for another rest.” He leaned forward and helped her to lie down in the bed, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. “You sleep now, okay?” The younger angel nodded, gazing up at him through half-closed eyelids. “I’m so thankful to have you as my friend, Andrew.”

Andrew felt tears prick his eyes as he watched the younger angel fall asleep just seconds later. “And I thank the Father every day for you, my little Angel Girl.”

***

Andrew opened his eyes when he heard the front door of the house open, realizing he’d dozed off on the chair next to Monica’s bed. One look at the younger angel told him that she was still asleep, and so he left the room, smiling when he saw Tess in the hall, hanging up her coat. “Hi, Tess. Did you get Tyler back safely?”

Tess grinned. “Oh, yeah- and I’m sure glad I did- that little boy was over the moon at seeing him again... and I think the dog was just as happy to see his master.”

“That’s great. So, the assignment’s all finished now?”

“Yes, it is, Angel Boy. And word has it, that you and I have some time off now- and I think we both know who we’re gonna spend that time with.”

Andrew’s smile got even bigger and he sent up a silent prayer of thanks to the Father. “I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else right now, Tess.”

“Me neither. How’s she doing, baby?”

The blond angel shrugged. “Well, you know, she’s still not feeling too great- I think it’s gonna be a couple of days before she recovers. But, we had a little talk while you were out, and... she knows about the gift, Tess. That day when you told me to try and communicate with her? She heard me.”

Tess smiled and hugged the younger angel. “That’s wonderful news, Angel Boy. So why are you looking so worried?”

“I... I can feel her emotions... whenever I want to, I just try and think about it and it’s there. It’s strange... but good, you know? But...” Andrew sighed.

“But our Angel Baby doesn’t feel it the same?” When Andrew shook his head, Tess smiled compassionately at him. “Angel Boy... this gift is new, to both of you. Now, you’ve had the time to get used to the idea, and to learn to develop this skill... but Monica hasn’t, and remember she’s had a tough time of it the past few days- you can’t rush her with this.”

“I guess you’re right...”

“I know I’m right. Now, how about I fix us something for lunch? Will Monica want anything?”

Andrew shook his head. “I don’t think so... she’s sleeping just now, and I don’t want to wake her. She’s so exhausted, Tess, she needs all the sleep she can get.”

“Okay, baby. In that case, what would you like? I think there’s... Andrew? Whatever’s the matter?” Tess frowned at the look she saw on Andrew’s face.

Andrew shook his head and smiled. “You know, Tess, maybe Monica would like something to eat after all... I think she just woke up, cause... she’s wondering where I am.” He turned and walked back up the stairs, leaving a rather bemused Tess shaking her head.

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

Chapter Thirty Five

“And so I forced myself to keep walking and to follow Rascal... I mean Tyler... I still can’t get used to that name... then I heard the car and that’s when you found me.” Monica was lying propped up in bed, with Andrew and Tess sitting on either side of the bed, watching her intently as she related the rest of her story. When she’d finished, Andrew shook his head, smiling at her. “You know, Monica, that is the most amazing story. I-I can’t believe you ended up right here in Albany, where Tess and I were.”

Monica shook her head. “I don’t know... all I know is that I started following the dog, and after a while I was so tired and so cold that I didn’t really care where I was, but... he seemed to know where he was going.”

“Baby, I think it’s more than coincidence that Tyler went to you at the beach house, and that you ended up following him here. And I don’t think you getting on that train was an accident, neither was the truck that took you to Seattle.”

Andrew frowned. “What do you mean, Tess?”

“Well, baby, I think that dog was meant to lead Monica here- so she could find her way back to us. Why else do you think a lost dog from Albany would end up on a beach somewhere west of Seattle, almost two hundred miles from his home? Because he was meant to be there, that’s why. The Father had a plan, and it involved not only a lost dog, but a lost Angel too.”

Monica looked at each of her friends in turn. “I-I don’t understand, Tess... why would the Father send me off on a journey by myself, in the cold, with only a dog for company? All the time I felt I needed you and Andrew with me... not that Rascal...Tyler... wasn’t good company, but... well, you know... I missed you both so much.” Andrew smiled and squeezed Monica’s hand.

“Angel Girl, I think I’m beginning to see the bigger picture here.” Tess looked at the two younger angels, waiting for more questions, but received none- they both just looked at her expectantly. “You met lots of different people on your journey, baby- some good, and some not so good.” She pulled a face and Andrew frowned at the thought of the men that had tried to hurt Monica.

“Now, before your journey began, you were so afraid of humans that you wouldn’t go anywhere near them. But, Tyler led you into situations where you had to face humans- and in doing so, you learned that they weren’t all as bad as you thought they were.”

Monica looked thoughtful for a moment. “I-I see what you’re saying, Tess... before... before the assignment in Whisper, I trusted all humans- I didn’t think I had anything to fear from them. And then, after what happened to me, I suddenly felt unable to trust any of them- they frightened me, because I didn’t know if they were going to hurt me or not.”

Andrew nodded. “And that’s why you didn’t want to return to casework.” He gave her a sympathetic look.

“Yes... but now...” Monica frowned, trying to put her thoughts into words. “The truck driver who took me to Seattle- and then Michael and Judy... they were kind and they helped me even though I was a complete stranger. But the men in the alley...” She shuddered but then looked up at her friends as she suddenly realized what she wanted to say. “There are good humans, and there are bad humans... I know that now. And although there will always be humans who want to hurt others, there will always be the good, kind ones as well.”

Andrew smiled and nodded. “But hopefully, more good ones than bad.” He looked over to Tess, who was smiling knowingly. “Was this the lesson Monica had to learn, to be able to leave behind what happened in Whisper?”

Tess nodded. “It certainly was, Angel Boy. Monica, you have learned a very important lesson through all of this- and it’s one you should never forget. You can’t go through your existence being afraid of everyone just because of the actions of a few bad people, because then you miss out on the good things. If you hadn’t taken the truck driver’s offer of a lift to Seattle, you might still have been wandering around up there even now. And, if you hadn’t let those kind people give you a meal, you could have starved to death on those streets. Everything that happened to you happened for a reason, Angel Baby, and that reason was to restore your faith in humans in the best way that the Father knew how. He knew that as much as Andrew and I wanted to help you, we might have shielded you from humans in an effort to protect you, when that wouldn’t have done you any good at all. But with a dog leading the way, you suddenly had a friend who was going to force you to confront your fears whether you wanted to or not. That dog needed to be kept safe, and to have food to eat, and your love of animals allowed you to reach out and seek the help you needed to help him, when you might otherwise have kept yourself hidden from everything and everyone.”

Andrew turned back to Monica, a slightly worried look on his face. “So, Monica... how do you feel now, about returning to casework?”

The youngest angel smiled. “I can’t wait.”

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

Epilogue

It took another two days for Monica to fully recover from the illness she’d been suffering from, but during that time her appetite returned to normal and she became stronger, finally losing the cough that had plagued her for so many days. And Andrew especially, was pleased to see that she’d lost something else too- her nightmares. Since finishing her story, and the discussion with Tess about the reasons for her journey, she’d slept peacefully each night, although Andrew had stayed with her... just to make sure.

And so, on a bright, sunny morning, warm for early spring, the three angels ventured out of the house they’d been staying in while in Albany, and all piled into Tess’ Cadillac. For a change, Monica sat in the back next to Andrew, feeling a need to be close to him after all their time apart. And, even though the younger angel had barely left his side while she’d been recovering in the house, he didn’t mind that she still needed to be near him.

“So, baby, this is your first time out of doors since we found you- how are you feeling?” Tess had started the engine but turned to face her young charge.

“Much better, Tess. It was nice to be resting in the house, but... well, this air is so fresh.”

Andrew nodded. “And it’s good for you, too. It’s not good to stay cooped up indoors for too long.” He frowned worriedly at her. “You’re not worried about being out here, are you?”

“No, Andrew... after talking to you and Tess about what happened to me, I’ve had plenty of time to think about it all... and even though I thought I might be nervous going out today, I’m not. In fact, I’m looking forward to it.” She smiled and Andrew wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “But you haven’t told me where we’re going?”

Andrew exchanged a glance with Tess and chuckled as the oldest angel spoke. “It’s a surprise, baby. Now you just sit tight back there, and we’ll be on our way.” She reversed the car out of the drive and soon they were driving through the streets of Albany, arriving about fifteen minutes later at a house familiar to Andrew and Tess, but which Monica had never been to before. Tess parked the car at the side of the road and switched off the engine. “Well babies, we’re here.”

Andrew turned and smiled at Monica then helped her out of the car, and the two of them walked hand in hand up the path, following Tess who rang the doorbell. As the door opened, Tess smiled. “Hi, Linda. Thanks for agreeing to see us again.”

“It’s no problem, Tess- when you called and told me all about this, well it was the least I could do after everything you and Andrew did for me.”

Monica by now was looking slightly puzzled, not knowing who this woman was, or why they were at her house, and feeling her hand being squeezed she looked up at Andrew’s reassuring smile and he leaned down to her, whispering. “You’re gonna like this, Angel Girl.”

Tess turned to Monica, introducing her to Linda, who smiled warmly. “Well, they’re out in the back yard- why don’t you come on through?” The three angels followed Linda out through the kitchen, Monica still wondering what on earth was going on- until Linda opened the door and the young angel saw a little boy and a blur of brown fur running around the lawn. “Rascal?”

Andrew chuckled as Linda turned to her and frowned. “Rascal?”

While Monica was suddenly speechless, Andrew answered for her. “It’s what she named him... I don’t think she’s gotten used to his real name yet.”

“Oh, I see.”

Monica looked up at Andrew, then Tess, then back to Linda. “Could I... would you mind if I...?”

Linda shook her head. “Go ahead, I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.” With a gentle shove from Andrew, Monica walked out of the door and immediately Tyler stopped running around, dropped the tennis ball he was carrying and rushed over to greet the young angel, almost knocking her down in the process.

Inside the house, Andrew, Tess and Linda watched through the open doorway as the young angel and the now not-so-scruffy brown dog reacquainted themselves, and Billy’s mother shook her head. “Those two seem like really good friends...”

Tess nodded. “Yes, I think they are. They didn’t know each other for very long, but they both filled a need that the other had. There’s definitely a bond there, wouldn’t you say, Angel Boy?”

But Andrew didn’t hear Tess’ question, for he was too engrossed in watching Monica playing with Tyler and talking to Billy, once more overawed by the strength of his young friend after everything she’d been through. And now he was truly happy, for he felt Monica’s joy right there in his heart and suddenly knew that Eadie had been right- Monica was still the same person underneath; she hadn’t changed.

He could feel it.

***

Tess walked into the living room where Andrew and Monica were sitting together, chatting quietly, and she smiled at them both. “Well babies- it’s official, I just received the word- the beach house is ours, a gift from the Father, and we can go there whenever we want to, it will always be there waiting for us.”

Andrew and Monica looked at each other and smiled- after everything they’d gone through, and even despite the arguments they’d had there, the beach would always hold a special place in both of their hearts, not least because of the dreams they’d shared. “Oh, Tess, that’s wonderful.” Andrew nodded in agreement.

“But, right now we got to think about getting back to work- we’ve only got one day left, and then we’re back on assignments- all of us.” Tess’ tone softened slightly. “Are you ready to go back, Angel Girl?”

Monica looked up at Andrew, who smiled reassuringly at her. “Yes... I’m ready.”

Grinning, Tess nodded. “Well, good. I’m glad to hear it- cause it sure hasn’t been the same without you, baby.” She watched the two younger angels carefully for a moment, sensing they needed some time alone together. “I got some work to do in the kitchen- that chicken sure isn’t gonna cook itself.” She walked out of the room and Monica sighed heavily.

Andrew looked at her, frowning worriedly. “Are you okay?”

“Oh... yes, I guess I’m just feeling a wee bit overwhelmed after everything that’s happened. It seems strange to be thinking about going back to casework after so much time away from it, but yet... I feel ready to go back.”

Andrew took her hand, smiling. “Then I guess now is the right time for you to be going back. It’s going to feel strange, at first, but don’t worry- you’ll soon forget you were ever away.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget the reasons for being away, though, Andrew.”

The older angel sighed lightly. “And I wouldn’t expect you to. To forget something like that, well you’d have to have no feelings at all- and that certainly isn’t you.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’ve never forgotten what happened to me, Monica- but it fades as time passes... it never goes away completely, but you’ll learn to cope with it. Especially, with two friends to help you.”

Monica smiled then, all traces of sadness gone. “I’m so thankful for you and Tess... I don’t know how I would have coped without you.” She hesitated, frowning. “I know I’m ready to go back to casework... but I don’t know if I’m ready to be separated from you, if we have to be.”

“Well, let’s just hope we don’t have to be apart on your next assignments. But, if it does happen, just know that even when I’m not here with you physically, my soul is always connected to you. And if you need me, all you’ll have to do is just close your eyes, look to your heart, and that’s where I’ll be, baby girl. I’ll never be more than a thought away.”

Tears filled Monica’s eyes as she embraced Andrew in a hug, which he gladly returned. They held on for a long moment until a voice interrupted them.

“Babies, lunch will be... oh. Is everything okay here?”

Andrew and Monica pulled apart, and as Monica wiped her eyes, Andrew nodded. “Yeah... we were just... everything’s fine.”

Tess eyed them suspiciously for a moment but decided not to comment further. “Well, I’ll let you know when lunch is ready.” She turned and walked back out of the room, leaving Andrew and Monica alone once more.

Andrew was silent for a moment; he wanted to bring up the subject of his and Monica’s connection again- wishing that she could feel his emotions like he could feel hers. But he was hesitant to talk about it, not wanting to push her when she had come so far already in her progress since the Whisper assignment. ...Oh, Monica, I wish I knew if you can feel this.... Suddenly realizing that Monica had gone very quiet, Andrew looked up at her. “Monica?”

He watched as for a long moment Monica didn’t answer but then she suddenly got to her feet and headed toward the door, and Andrew looked at her questioningly as she turned to look at him. “I’m going to help Tess in the kitchen... while you decide whether or not to talk to me about this ‘connection’ you say we have.”

Giving him an innocent smile, Monica waltzed out of the room leaving Andrew sitting there, a smile slowly creeping across his face.

THE END