Chapter Twenty Five

Having finally received word from the Father that their assignment was to start, Andrew and Tess were walking along the street to their intended destination when suddenly Andrew stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening. "Monica?"

Tess also stopped, turning to look at the blond angel who had an incredulous look on his face. "Angel Boy?"

Glancing up at the older angel, Andrew swallowed hard. "I-I just heard... Monica... she seemed to be saying that she loves me, a-and that... she misses me."

Tess’ face broke out in a grin. "Then she’s okay, baby, wherever she is. And your connection- our Angel Girl must understand it, somehow."

Andrew frowned. "But how, Tess? I mean, you explained it to me, but- who could have told Monica about it?"

Tess rolled her eyes upwards. "Who do you think?"

Andrew nodded, feeling somewhat relieved to hear a communication from Monica- although he desperately wanted to see her, for now hearing her was enough- it meant that, like Tess said, his young friend must be okay. But he then sensed another feeling of fear coming from the young Irish angel, and he sent up a desperate prayer to the Father to keep her safe. "She’s frightened again, Tess."

The older angel frowned. "Whatever she’s going through, she’s having some tough times. But just remember that she isn’t alone- Someone is watching over her."

"I wish I could be there for her- I miss her so much..."

"Oh, baby, I know you do. I can see it in your eyes every time I look at you. Monica is a part of you, and although I love that Angel Baby dearly, I know I don’t share the connection that she has with you. So I can only begin to understand what you must be going through." Tess looked at Andrew compassionately. "This will all work out in the end, Angel Boy. Trust the Father- He knows what He’s doing."

***

Monica flinched as she sneezed again, the sound seeming to echo around the otherwise empty boxcar- and it was obviously loud enough for the men outside to hear for shortly afterwards two faces appeared at the doorway, looking in and spotting the young angel who huddled closer into the corner, as if somehow she could disappear. Rascal, seeing the two men, growled softly, staying by Monica’s side.

"Hey! What are you doing in here! Get out and let’s see you!"

Terrified, Monica hesitated but knew she had no choice but to do as the strangers asked. So, holding onto Rascal’s collar for reassurance, she crawled to the entrance of the boxcar, hesitating, watching the men fearfully. One of them turned to his companion. "Well, looks like we got ourselves a stowaway here." Turning back to Monica, he frowned. "Get down out of there."

Monica nodded and jumped down to the ground, followed by Rascal, who still continued to growl at the men. "I-I’m sorry- I didn’t mean any harm, you see I was sleeping, and..." Monica’s voice shook from cold and fear and she hoped she wouldn’t have to run away from these men as she felt she barely had the energy to stand. Sneezing again, she lowered her head, not liking the angry stares of these strangers, and sent up a silent prayer for help.

"Get out of here. This isn’t a homeless shelter." Monica looked up, surprised when the men didn’t arrest her, or something. "What?"

"I said, get out. And don’t go thinking you can hitch free rides in future, okay?"

Monica managed a shaky nod before hurrying away as quickly as her aching legs could carry her, Rascal walking slightly ahead as if leading the way. They crossed the train yard and through a broken fence into a patch of waste ground, and only when they were safely out of sight of the two men did they stop, Monica sinking down tiredly to the ground. "Oh, Rascal... I feel so tired..." She closed her eyes, fighting off a headache and beginning to cough.

The young Irish angel was cold, hungry, and feeling sicker by the minute, her whole body beginning to ache. She had no idea where she was, or how far from Seattle the train had gone, but she was beginning to feel too exhausted to really worry about it. Barely aware of what was going on around her, she drifted off into a restless sleep while Rascal remained faithfully at her side.

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