Chapter 6

He started walking again, his eyes less frantic, his steps more determined. He could feel himself being led straight to her, and that knowledge calmed him. Whatever had happened, he would be able to make it right just as soon as he found her. The crowds seemed to part in front of him as he walked down the sidewalk. Up ahead he spotted a sign for the post office. Of course. She had wanted to mail the card to Paul. That’s where she was. He sped up again, feeling that her fear hadn’t subsided at all.

There she was, in front of the post office, sitting on a bench and flanked by an elderly couple who were bending over and speaking to her. What had happened? Whatever it was, he didn’t think that the kindly looking man and woman were the cause of her fright.

"Monica?" he said as he stepped up in front of her. Her head had been down, but she lifted her eyes at the sound of his voice.

"Andrew!"

"Are you the young man she’s been waiting for?" It was the elderly man who spoke as he looked the angel up and down. He was clearly sizing Andrew up and determining whether he was trustworthy.

"Yes, yes I am. What happened?"

"We found her huddled over there by the post box," the woman answered. "I thought she’d fainted or something, but her eyes were wide open so we just brought her over here and gave her some water."

"She said she was waiting for someone named Andrew… that must be you." The man still seemed slightly hesitant to leave the little angel in someone else’s care.

"It’s okay, Albert… I’ll be fine now," Monica said. She still seemed somewhat overwhelmed.

"Well if you’re sure. You know, you don’t have to go with him if you don’t want to. Jane and I have a house right up the street…"

Despite the situation, Andrew found himself smiling inwardly. Albert’s instant protectiveness was sweet, but knowing Monica, not completely unexpected.

"I’m sure. But thank you for waiting with me," Monica answered.

Jane saw the look in Andrew’s eyes and she knew that Monica was in good hands. "C’mon, Albert. Let’s leave the two of them alone." She tugged at her husband’s hand and the man slowly backed away.

"You take care of that little lady," Albert said over his shoulder as he followed his wife’s lead.

"I will sir. I promise." He watched the couple walk further down the sidewalk and disappear into the crowd and then he turned to face Monica again.

Her face was drained of color, but he couldn’t see any marks on her. It was strange how that brought such relief. Five years ago he wouldn’t have even thought of such a possibility, but now finding her in a crumpled heap on the ground had been his greatest fear. Seeing with his own two eyes that she was at least safely in one piece helped to bring his racing heart under control. He sat down heavily on the bench next to her and gently took hold of her hand.

"What happened?" he asked quietly. "When I came back to the shop you were gone."

"Not here, Andrew. I want to go back to the house."

He nodded, having half expected that. "All right. Are you ready to walk to the car?" His words held additional meaning. He was not going to let her out of his sight.

"I’m ready," was all she said, and then she rose, only slightly unsteadily, to her feet.

Thankfully the car was only half a block away, and by the time they reached it Monica was feeling much better. Just being near Andrew had served to help calm her down. He opened her door for her and waited until she was settled before crossing to the other side and climbing in. Five minutes later they were on the open road outside the town.

"Was it Faith’s father?" Andrew said lowly. He had already run through the possibilities in his mind and that seemed by far the most likely.

"Yes."

"What happened, Angel? What did he say?"

Monica shook her head as she gathered her thoughts together, hearing his voice replay in her head. "I think I really was right about him, Andrew," she said worriedly. "He said he saw me in the woods. He said he’s seen Faith there and she won’t let him catch her." She turned her frightened eyes towards Andrew. "There’s something wrong with him, Andrew. Something that scares me. He grabbed my arm, and he said he’d find me if I ever got lost again."

"He grabbed you? Did he hurt you?" As usual, thoughts of her safety were the first to spring to his mind.

"No… that’s just it… he didn’t hurt me and he didn’t say anything angry or mean… but his eyes, Andrew… they looked right through me…"

She was trembling again, and he reached over and placed a steady hand on her knee. "Well he’s gone now, and you can trust me… you’re not going to be getting lost in those woods again anytime soon. Not if I have anything to say about it."

She smiled wearily, and covered his hand with her own. "I’m sorry for causing such a scene," she said on a sigh. "I just… I guess it’s been a long time since I felt that scared," she continued slowly.

"I know. I felt it too, Monica. That’s how I found you… you were calling out to me in your heart. And you didn’t cause any scene. I think that Albert was actually pretty pleased to be able to help you."

She let out a little laugh at that. "Yes, they were both so sweet." She looked over at Andrew, her eyes suddenly very clear and serious. "Proof that there are more good people out there than bad."

"Very true… but I don’t think you ever doubted that."

She nodded thoughtfully. "No… not this time… not this time."

She fell silent once more and he glanced over at her again, "Are you sure you are all right?" He was annoyed with himself for ever having left the pottery shop as all of this could have been avoided.

Monica looked up at him, her eyes holding remorse, "I’m sorry about earlier. I wanted to talk to you, I did, but it felt so wrong…"

She wasn’t surprised that with those words, he pulled the car over to the side of the road and threw it into park so he could give her his full attention, "Since when should talking to me feel wrong? Have I done something to-."

"No!" She exclaimed, knowing he had misunderstood what she was trying to tell him, "It had nothing to do with you, not really. It’s me, Andrew. I’ve worked so hard to put it all behind me; all the things that happened when we had Paul, but things are starting to happen again. I dreamed about McArthur last night and I hadn’t in such a long time and it made me feel…disappointed in myself that I haven’t done as well as I thought I had."

His distressed expression softened instantly as he listened to her words, "Angel," He replied softly, moving a hand to stroke her cheek, "You have done remarkably well all things considered. You met a man yesterday who frightened you, so it is no wonder you had a nightmare about the first human who ever did that to you. You have no reason to feel disappointed in yourself and every reason to be proud of what you have accomplished with God’s help."

"Do you really think so?" Her trusting brown eyes looked into his as if searching for a little more reassurance.

"I know so, Monica. You have come so far, but don’t force yourself to forget as that will happen all on its own eventually. Not that it will ever completely go away, but it will fade more and more with time," He smiled at her, the warmth of it filling every part of her soul, "You’re a wonderful angel and don’t you forget it. One who can speak God’s truth to an assignment and change another man’s heart at the same time. You just keep being yourself, and the Father will guide you to where you need to go."

She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes at his reference to David and Paul and she felt the ache of missing the agent in her heart once again, "You always understand," she remarked with a wry grin.

"Years of practice," He winked as he put the caddy back in drive and they continued on their journey home.

The remainder of the drive was pleasant albeit quiet and Monica found her thoughts going back and forth between Faith’s father and Paul. Paul knew the minds of evil people and she longed for his insight now. She was still trying to talk herself out of the fact that the man was indeed evil and she briefly entertained the thought that perhaps Faith’s disappearance had taken a toll on him mentally. He had certainly meant her no harm today and he had made no threats against her. It was also increasingly obvious that he was looking for his daughter, both by showing her picture in town as well as by searching for her in the woods. Traumatic events could certainly cause disorders or detachments of the mind, in humans as well as in angels, and she realized that she had no idea as to how Faith had vanished in the first place.

With no facts on which to base her thoughts, her imagination ran wild for the remainder of the journey, going over every possible scenario that the man could have witnessed when his daughter had been taken. She convinced herself that she wasn’t doubting herself, she had simply not considered this possibility before and it was best that an angel explore all her options in order to make an educated decision about someone’s persona.

Monica was still trying to sell herself on this idea as she led the way into the house, and started for the kitchen for something to drink when Andrew’s voice stopped her and she turned back to face him. She was certain he was going to question her on what she was thinking about and she wasn’t quite prepared to share it yet, until she had finished thinking it through.

"You never showed me your mug."

The little angel gazed down at the bag she had carried in, suddenly feeling that her depiction on the mug was probably a rather sad attempt, but she handed him the bag wordlessly. She knew that Andrew would be kind, but she was trying to steel herself against any wrong guesses he would make.

He unwrapped the mug from the paper carefully, as if he was holding something precious and she watched as his eyes took in every aspect of her little creation. He then looked up at her and smiled, "It’s a beautiful sunrise, angel."

Monica blinked back tears as she smiled, before silently going to him and hugging him tightly. Yes, he always understood.

Chapter 7

"Are you sure you aren’t making her up, Angel Girl?" Tess asked again, with a slightly tired grin in place, "You are the only one who has seen this little girl after all, and I can assure you, I must have walked all over God’s creation today looking for her."

Andrew chuckled softly, "If she is, Tess, then she is making up Faith’s father as well, so I don’t really think that is the case."

The older angel had returned late, tired, dirty and grumpy, though her bad mood had been alleviated with knowing that Andrew and his salad assistant already had dinner on the table. The angels had swapped stories over roast beef, baked potatoes and cauliflower and now it was growing late and all involved were feeling rather tired.

"I didn’t get lost in the woods chasing a rabbit," The little angel assured her supervisor with a weary smile, "Will you be looking again tomorrow?"

Tess scowled and nodded her head, "I’m not sure of what else to do and a little help," She gave a pointed look towards the ceiling, "would be much appreciated. Though you seem to be the one getting all the help lately, Monica."

She looked ready to protest, still uncertain as to if she wanted to be involved at all, "On that note," Monica replied, with a pointed look of her own at Tess, "I’m heading to bed."

Andrew’s eyes immediately questioned whether or not she would be able to sleep or if she wanted company but she gave a small shake of her head. "I’m exhausted so I don’t think any bad dreams are going to be keeping me awake." She gave each of her friend’s a quick kiss on the cheek before she started up the steps, Lucy eagerly following her.

"So," Tess stated after they had heard the soft click of Monica’s bedroom door, "What do you make of this little run in with Faith’s father today?"

He shook his head, "I’m not sure. He scared her half to death, that I do know, but she seemed to calm down fairly easily, which surprised me."

"So now how does she feel about being involved? I’ll be honest, Angel Boy, looking for this little girl has been like looking for a needle in a haystack and I’m getting the impression that Monica is the eye of the needle."

"She seemed more sure of herself after she told me what had happened, but she may have already changed her mind." He wasn’t sure of how he knew, but he had been watching the flurry of emotions on her face for their quiet drive home, "I think she may still want to keep her distance."

*****

At two am, Monica paced the deck just outside of the cottage, the cool feel of the worn wooden planks beneath her feet somehow soothing her soul. She had been driven from her bed by another dream, very similar to the one the previous night. She had hesitated outside of Andrew’s door momentarily before coming downstairs and into the night to try to sort out the feelings that the nightmare had inspired, but what she had uncovered was anything but settling.

She had been chasing Faith again and her father chasing her and once again, his face had turned into that of McArthur. She awoke just short of screaming, and her fear had turned once more to anger. But after calming some, she had looked at the dream again and didn’t like what she was realizing. She was subconsciously placing Faith’s father and Douglas McArthur in the same category and while she didn’t believe so much in dream interpretation, as God told her what she needed to know, what she denied in her waking hours was not being silenced in her dreams. Despite all her willingness to give the man the benefit of the doubt, she was coming to realize that he was dangerous. She knew it in her heart, despite what her mind argued and this knowledge put one little girl in possible grave danger.

Faith had eluded her twice during the daylight hours, but now Monica found herself wondering if it would be possible to better catch her when she was asleep. Surely come darkness, the child must be holing herself up in the hunter’s cabin until the sunrise when she would have the safety and guidance of light.

Thus her pacing. She knew that the still unrecovered picnic basket was not far, and the little cabin no more than several hundred feet from the basket. She also knew that God was always with her, but so far she had lost her nerve twice. She had lost her way in the woods once in the waning hours of the day, and to venture in at night, on purpose, frightened her. Monica was sure she could find her way, but what she wasn’t sure was what or who would find her along the way.

The little angel had already changed from her nightgown into jeans and a light sweater and the flashlight was already being held in her slightly sweaty hand. She knew she would have to venture quietly and carefully and once again the thought of waking Andrew filled her mind, but she rejected it. She was facing her fear and she wanted to do it alone.

*****

Her first steps off the porch were the most nerve-wracking. Once she had committed herself to going to the cabin her heartbeat actually calmed down, even though she was marching straight towards the woods that had frightened her so much the day before. Her flashlight gave off a rather weak light at best, but paired with the moonlight it was enough for her to be able to find her way back to the picnic site.

Their basket was still there, but the blanket was gone, and Monica didn’t think that the bunnies and bears really had much use for it. The sounds of the forest were beginning to make the Irish angel nervous. With nothing else but the sound of her own breath, the noise from the insects and frogs and little nocturnal animals seemed unnaturally loud, particularly since the sounds came from every direction. When her foot snapped a twig and sent a small animal scurrying away right beside her she felt her heart thud to a stop in her chest. She closed her eyes for an instant then took a breath, steadied herself, and started moving towards the cabin again.

She had been sure that she knew exactly where it was but she was still relieved when it came into view, the beam of the flashlight glinting off the glass in one of the windows. A few more steps and she was standing exactly where she had stood the previous afternoon, and peering inside the same window. But this time there was something more to see.

Her flashlight picked up the shape of someone curled up on the cot beneath the picnic blanket.

"Faith," the name was spoken with hardly a breath.

The angel walked quietly to the door of the cabin, rather unsure of how to proceed. She didn’t want to frighten Faith, but now that she had found her she couldn’t very well just leave her there. She tried the doorknob and found that it was unlocked. Very slowly she opened it and crept into the tiny one room cabin.

It could hardly be called a cabin really. The floor was bare swept dirt and the walls had chinks in them where the night air wafted through. There was a table pushed against one wall and two chairs, one of which was missing a leg. Monica hesitated in the doorway, unsure of how to approach the little girl. She took a breath and moved to the cot, then sat down very carefully on the edge of it.

"Faith?" her voice was soft and soothing, meant to ease the girl from her sleep. "Little one, wake up," she whispered as she touched Faith’s dirt-smudged cheek.

Faith turned her head towards the contact and slowly her small eyes blinked open. At first they looked content, but then surprise and fear filled them and she scrambled to the far corner of the cot.

"It’s all, sweetheart. I’m not going to hurt you," Monica’s gentle heart ached at the look of fright that was directed at her. "I want to help you, Faith. Please. You can trust me."

The dark green eyes looked at her with skepticism, but Monica’s kind manner and tender gaze seemed to win the child over. Her little shoulders relaxed and she moved back to the center of the cot.

"Faith, how long have you been out here?" Monica asked as she tucked a strand of grimy blonde hair behind the girl’s ear.

Faith shrugged her shoulders and looked down, either not knowing or not able to answer Monica’s question.

"Are you here all alone?"

This brought a nod and Monica found herself mirroring it.

"Can you tell me how you got out here?"

Another shrug and Monica was beginning to realize that getting the girl to talk was going to be her new challenge. She eased herself closer and reached out to place one hand on Faith’s thin shoulder.

"Can you talk to me? I’d really like to hear your voice," she coaxed.

Faith pressed her lips together and studied her lap, as if weighing her options. She looked up and met Monica’s gaze. "I’m supposed to be quiet," she said softly.

Monica felt a tremor in her soul at the girl’s words. She leaned forward so that her head was level with Faith’s. "You don’t have to be quiet around me," she insisted.

Faith’s expression seemed to say that she was considering her words, but she bit her lower lip and didn’t say anything else.

The angel wanted to get Faith back to the cottage and away from the decrepit cabin, but she wasn’t sure of the best way to do it. It was a bit of a walk back, and she was hesitant to take the girl out in the night. An image of the girl’s father lingered at the back of her mind; an image of him saying that he would be watching her. Was he out there right now? He had said no one could catch Faith, but here she was, sitting right beside her. None of it made any sense.

There was also the matter of Tess to be considered. Technically this was still her assignment. She had asked for help, but sneaking out in the middle of the night was probably not what she’d had in mind. Monica grinned to herself. At least her nighttime wandering hadn’t been in vain. She looked at the door and wondered how long it would be before the sun started coming up.

"I want to take you back to my house," Monica said, "but I think maybe we should wait until morning."

Faith nodded emphatically, her eyes wide. Clearly the little girl had no intention of leaving the cabin while it was still dark out. That made Monica’s decision even easier.

"You can go back to sleep, and I’ll stay with you, okay?"

The suspicion was back in Faith’s eyes. Apparently sitting with the angel was one thing, and going to sleep with her there was quite another.

"I know you’re confused and scared, but I think you can tell that I won’t hurt you. I just want to help you… however I can."

Faith relaxed again and leaned forward to get closer to Monica’s face. "You look like Momma," she said, and then she lay back down, her sleepy eyes still focused on the angel.

The girl’s wistful words brought a stab of pain to Monica’s soul and she blinked quickly to keep her from seeing it. She carefully crawled over Faith’s small body and settled in behind her, wondering how long it had been since anyone had held her close and told her she was loved.

*****

Andrew had been up for some time the following morning and felt rather pleased that Monica must still be fast asleep. It was a good indication that there had been no more nightmares. Tess had been up and out of the cottage before even he had awoken, so now, sitting in the kitchen with a full pot of coffee on the burner, he was feeling a little restless.

He already had a morning chat with the Father and he had grown so accustomed to Tess and Monica being around the last year, that he was craving someone to talk to, and he grinned when Lucy wandered into the kitchen. It was a sure sign that a certain Irish angel would soon follow.

"Good morning, Lucy," He reached down to scratch the cat behind the ears and was surprised when she gave a rather pitiful mew in response, "Where’s your momma, Lucy?"

She sat down and looked up at him, her ears back slightly as if not very happy with her current situation and though he was certain he was being completely insane, he got to his feet and headed up the steps.

The bedroom door, which had not been closed tightly to begin with was now slightly ajar, courtesy of one cat paw, and when he peeked inside, his heart thudded to the ground. Her bed was empty and her discarded nightgown was lying at the foot of it. He had been awake since dawn, which immediately told him that Monica had been gone for much longer and as he bolted down the steps, his mind played over every possible scenario.

The obvious answer was that she had gone out in search of Faith, though he couldn’t begin to imagine why on earth she would have ventured out in the middle of the night, especially after the things that Faith’s father had said to her. He knew she was an angel and quite capable of taking care of herself, but he had a feeling it wouldn’t stop him from giving her a thorough scolding when he found her.

Looking out the window, his green eyes searched the surrounding area, but he saw no sign of her, though he did calm a little with the realization that she had not spoken to his heart. Yet, that meant one of two things. Either she was safe or she was physically unable to do so and he concentrated on focusing on the first option. He thought about the words Faith’s father had said to her yesterday about finding her the next time she got lost in the woods and he felt the hair on the back of his neck bristle. The man had better not lay a hand on her.

"Monica, where are you?" He muttered under his breath as he stepped outside and looked around once more. He would force himself to wait it out, at least for a bit. If she was indeed safe, then she had probably just been waiting for daylight to return and once again, he focused on the more secure option.

*****

Monica awoke and blinked her eyes slowly, taking a moment to remember where she was and why and then she felt a gaze upon her. "Good morning," she smiled sleepily as she looked into Faith’s large, green eyes and was relieved when the tiniest of smiles appeared on the girl’s face.

The angel sat up and watched as Faith moved slightly, still holding onto a bit of distance between them, but the child didn’t know just how stubborn of an angel she was dealing with, "Will you come with me, Faith? I want to take you back to where I’m staying. I can get you a hot bath, clean clothes…something to eat."

The look of absolute hunger flickered in the little girl’s eyes and Monica wondered if she had been able to find any food since the half sandwich and potato salad that she and Andrew had left behind from their picnic.

Andrew.

She had been so excited to have found Faith last night that she had given little thought to her best friend who was probably half frantic and half irritated right about now. She berated herself for not having at least left him a note, despite the fact that her intention had never been to stay out all night. She had a feeling she would have a bit of smoothing over attend to once she had Faith settled in.

"You must be very hungry," Monica stated softly and watched as she nodded her head, "Come on then. Let’s head back." She got up from the cot and extended her hand to Faith.

But Faith didn’t move and the angel watched the fear creep back into her eyes as she knelt down beside of the cot, "Faith, I will not hurt you, nor will my friends. I promise you that."

Tears glistened in the little girl’s eyes as she finally found her voice, "You won’t call my daddy, will you?"

Monica closed her eyes briefly. She had not been wrong; her instincts were right on track about this man. She only hoped that Tess didn’t have other ideas, "No," She whispered, reaching out slowly and laying her hand on top of Faith’s, "I won’t call him unless you want me to."

"I don’t want you to," the words were scarcely an audible whisper and Monica had a feeling that Faith had been required to whisper a lot.

"Then I won’t," She replied sincerely before she extended her hand once more, "Let’s get you and me someplace safe."

Faith nodded this time and wrapped her small fingers around Monica’s hand, allowing the angel to help her up from the bed.

Chapter 8

Monica said a silent prayer for guidance and was pleased to then find that she knew exactly which way to go in order to get back to the cottage. She moved slowly, both because Faith seemed weary and because she was taking the time to listen for any sounds that would indicate that the child’s father was nearby. Glancing down, she got a better look at the little girl and was saddened by the state she was in at the moment. Her clothes were filthy and worn, her shoes filled with holes. Her face and what Monica could see of her hands were also covered in grime, but she had a feeling that cleaned up, Faith was a physically beautiful little girl.

"What would you like to eat when we get there?" She asked, wanting to steer the conversation to safe territory until she had managed to gain Faith’s trust.

"Anything," She replied softly, looking up to survey the angel and feeling herself relaxing a little bit at what she saw. There was something peaceful about this lady and a look in her brown eyes that made her feel warm and Faith found herself feeling something that resembled safety for the first time since her momma had died, "What’s your name?"

The angel looked surprised and then realized that she had never given Faith this important piece of information last night, "Monica."

"It’s a pretty name," She whispered, clutching Monica’s hand tightly.

"Thank you, Faith. Your name is very special, but I suppose you know that."

"I know you’re out there, angel!"

Monica spun around at the sound of the voice she recognized and her frightened eyes searched everywhere for the child’s father, but she could see no sign of him.

"Noo," Faith whimpered softly, tears filling her eyes and Monica held tightly to her hand, having the feeling that if she didn’t, the child would vanish once more and there was no way she was going to let that happen. Not when she was this close.

"Faith, we need to run, but don’t let go of my hand," She managed to say before she broke into a run, her heart racing wildly. She could hear the sound of the brush moving around behind them, but with every glance over her shoulder, she couldn’t see him.

Faith’s face was a picture of absolute terror, even as tears smudged the dirt on her little face, and Monica wished that she could stop long enough to pull her close and reassure her but the risk was too great as she would not allow this man to find his daughter. Instead, she quickened her pace, pulling Faith along with her and the angel wanted to sob with relief when she could finally see the cottage.

She burst in the front door and her hands shook as she fumbled with the lock, feeling a wave of relief when it finally clicked into place.

"Monica!"

She whirled around at the sound of Andrew’s voice and she didn’t miss the deeply troubled look in his eyes as she struggled to catch her breath, "He was following us, Andrew!"

His eyes took in the little girl at his friend’s side and his expression softened briefly before he moved past them and unlocked the door, "Stay here."

It was an order and though she was not used to hearing them from him, she gladly accepted it this time. Faith was crying and as Andrew went out the door, she knelt down and for the first time took the child into her arms, "We’re safe now, little one. Andrew is my friend, and he won’t let anyone hurt us. I promise."

The words were spoken with so much certainty that Faith nodded her head against the angel’s shoulder and she didn’t move, even when the door opened once more.

"He must be gone," Andrew assured them, though he relocked the door just to be on the safe side.

Monica closed her eyes with relief and continued to hold Faith close. "Shhh…. We’re safe now," she said, her words reassuring herself as much as the child.

She looked up and saw that Andrew was staring down at the two of them with a mixture of fear, relief and amazement on his face. Yes; she definitely should have left a note. She slowly stood up and waited for him to say something.

"You scared me," was all he said to her and then he looked away from her and concentrated on Faith. "Hello, Faith," he said with a smile. "My name’s Andrew." He held out his hand and waited for her to take it, but she shrank back a bit and he quickly withdrew it although he kept smiling. "It looks like you could use a hot bath, and I’m sure Monica will help you while I fix something to eat."

"Andrew…" Monica started to explain, completely surprised by his reaction.

"Go on upstairs and get her cleaned up, Monica," he ventured another crooked grin at the girl. "I think I can rustle up some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

She had expected annoyance, and a little lecture about wandering off alone. What she had not expected was the way he completely avoided even looking at her. He was angry and she didn’t think he had ever really been angry with her before. The realization felt like a rock in the pit of her stomach. She tried to catch his eye again, but he was already on his way to the kitchen and Faith was looking up at her expectantly.

"Okay, Faith," she said as cheerfully as she was able, "let’s get you into the tub." She had some serious apologizing to do, but it was going to have to wait.

Faith fell back into silence as Monica helped remove her clothing and get her settled in a tub filled with warm soapy water. The angel looked at the tattered clothing with dismay. It was all filthy, but even if it wasn’t she didn’t really want to put it back on the little girl. She would have to look through her drawers and see if there was a t-shirt or something that could work as a dress for the moment. She was on her way to dump all the clothes in the trash when she was stopped by a small cry from behind her.

When she turned around Faith was covering her mouth with her little hands and Monica knelt beside the tub and gently took hold of them. "What is it, Faith? Do you need something?"

The girl’s eyes were wide and filled with anxiety, but she didn’t say anything.

"You can tell me, it’s okay."

She still looked worried, but she pulled one hand back and pointed towards the pink sweater in Monica’s hands. "Please…"

Monica glanced down at the sweater. The whole thing was filthy, there was a spot on one sleeve and two buttons were missing, but obviously it meant something to Faith. She carefully pulled it from the other clothes and set it on the counter.

"Don’t worry. I won’t throw it away. I’ll just clean it up for you, would that be all right?"

Faith nodded and Monica smiled as she threw the rest of the clothes into the trash and carried the sweater out of the room. If she couldn’t fix it she was sure that Tess would have some ideas. A few minutes later she walked back into the bathroom carrying a small sundress with a daisy embroidered on the front, underclothes and a pair of tiny sandals. When she found them in her bottom drawer she had just shaken her head, telling herself that she should have known better than to doubt God’s ability to provide.

She put the clothes on the counter and sat down on the edge of the tub. Faith had been trying to wash her hair, but the tangles had turned it into an almost impossible task.

"Let me give you a hand, sweetie. Just relax." Monica’s comforting voice made Faith do just that and she sat still as the angel carefully worked out the knots and then thoroughly washed her hair. She had a feeling that after it was dry it was going to look even blonder than before.

A short while later they emerged from the bathroom with Faith looking much more like the precious child she was intended to be. She still hadn’t told Monica anything about what she had been doing in the woods, or why she was afraid of her father, but the angel didn’t want to pressure her. It felt like a huge accomplishment just to be holding onto her hand, and she believed that everything else would come in time. Instead she thought that her new most urgent task was going to involve Andrew rather than Faith.

She knew that he would listen to her and understand, but just the thought that he was actually angry with her was enough to make her extremely uncomfortable. She was sure that Faith had to be starving, but her own appetite had disappeared.

*****

Downstairs, Andrew was keeping himself busy making sandwiches, one without crusts. For some reason that he couldn’t understand he had never met a child who liked the crust. Technically it was a little early for lunch, but he also knew that most children preferred peanut butter to oatmeal.

He was making slightly more noise than strictly necessary as he opened and closed cabinets and drawers. He pulled himself up short as he went to close another drawer with a slam. He took a deep breath before closing it quietly.

While she had been missing all that he had done was worry, but now that she was back it was as if his relief had been pushed aside by a prickling feeling of anger. The anger had actually faded almost instantly, but it had been followed by a irritation, at her and at himself. Yes, she shouldn’t have gone out in the middle of the night. Yes, she should have left a note. But when she had run through that door, the fear in her eyes had revealed something that he should have done. He should have gone after her.

He heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs and he let out a deep breath, trying to control his emotions enough to focus on the fact that Faith was here and she was safe. He would have to deal with how she had gotten here later.

He grinned down at the little girl when she and Monica entered into the kitchen. "Why, there was a little girl underneath there after all," he was pleased when a tiny smile appeared on the child’s lips, though she was still determined to keep her distance from him and he wondered briefly if Monica had originally encountered the same problem.

Monica kept her eyes on Faith, not wanting to look at Andrew and have him ignore her glance once again. She may deserve his anger, but it still hurt, and the fact that she had never dealt with this emotion from him, directed at her before, made the situation even more miserable for her. "Andrew has fixed you a sandwich, Faith," she watched as the child’s eyes lit up and it was obvious she was famished.

Monica pulled out a chair for her, before sitting down next to her, careful to avoid glancing over as Andrew sat down across from them.

She noted how Faith sat very still at the table, her hands folded in her lap, even as her eyes were fixed on her plate, "It’s all right, sweetheart. You can eat."

Faith looked up at her with uncertainty and when Monica nodded her head in reassurance, only then did she pick up half of her sandwich and take a bite. It was obvious that she was trying to take her time, but was so hungry that she was finding it difficult.

The little angel glanced up as Andrew left his seat and took some milk from the refrigerator and poured some in a glass, before setting it down in front of Faith. The child’s eyes showed her thanks, before she took a long drink, her green eyes closed as if she were savoring something she had not had in a very long time.

Andrew refilled her glass before putting the milk away and when he turned around he saw Monica offering Faith her plate with her untouched sandwich. Faith had finished her own quickly and he felt a sadness fill his heart and not only about one exceptionally hungry little girl. Despite his own irritation with his friend, the fact that she was too upset to eat didn’t sit well with him, and his own sandwich tasted a bit like sandpaper at the moment.

Faith finished off Monica’s lunch as well and then a sleepiness seemed to come over her as her head drooped slightly. Knowing how uncomfortable the cot had been last night, Monica rose from her chair and reached for Faith’s hand, "Someone looks like she could use a nap," She stated, her own need for escape from the tension in the kitchen overwhelming her, "You can have my room, honey, okay?"

Faith nodded her head sleepily as she allowed Monica to lead her out of the kitchen and back upstairs, where the angel tucked her gently into bed. The little girl fell asleep almost immediately and Monica reached out a hand to smooth back her blonde hair, "You’re safe now, little one. Only pleasant dreams."

She closed her bedroom door softly and then leaned up against it, knowing she couldn’t put this off much longer. The rift between her and Andrew felt overpowering, but she had no idea of what to expect. She just wanted things back to normal between them again.

She grabbed the pink sweater before she went back downstairs, expecting to see him in the living room, but the room was empty and she felt her stomach churn once more before she walked into the laundry room and started the washing machine. As she poured detergent into the machine and added the sweater, she felt tears burning in her eyes, but she blinked them back. She needed to fix this and quickly.

Chapter 9

As she opened the door to the kitchen, their eyes met and she drew in a deep breath. But before she could say anything, he spoke first.

"You could have left a note," Though not cold, his voice definitely had a chilly edge to it that caused her to work her lower lip nervously, "I was up for three hours before I even realized you weren’t here. I had no idea what to think and even if you hadn’t left a note, you could have told me from where you were that you were all right," He was referring to the connection that they shared and she closed her eyes briefly. She hadn’t thought of that.

"I’m sorry," She stated softly, feeling the presence of tears once more.

"I know you are, but it shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Yesterday, her father threatened to find you the next time you were lost in the woods. Do you have any idea of how it felt to know that and to know that was where you were?"

"If I had been in trouble, Andrew, I would have called for you. You know that…"

"Providing you were able to," He interrupted her with a shake of his head, "For all I knew he had found you and you were lying unconscious somewhere, unable to call for help."

She hadn’t thought of that either, "You’re right. You’re exactly right."

"You’re quick to call for help, so I’m having trouble understanding why letting me know you are safe is not also a priority with you-," He stopped abruptly as she burst into tears. He felt his anger diminish immediately as he realized that she was not the only one still battling a few ghosts from the past, but his own had now caused her to cry and he had never allowed that to happen before. He felt terrible.

He was standing before her in a matter of seconds and didn’t waste another moment in pulling her into his arms, something he had longed to do since she had first burst through the door with Faith. "I’m sorry, angel," he whispered, pressing her head to his chest as he held her tightly.

He hadn’t even bothered to let her explain but had just lit into her and it was so out of character for him that he couldn’t begin to understand his own actions. Yes, she had scared him and yes, he had been annoyed, but it still didn’t excuse his tone with her as he could have handled it much better.

"I’m sorry…I’m so sorry," Her choked voice was pleading and only succeeded in making him feel worse than he already did.

"I know, angel and so am I. I handled that badly. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to make you cry," He closed his eyes as he heard her begin to calm and he only wanted to erase the hurt he had inflicted. Instead he was faced with trying to explain it and promising himself that it would never happen again.

He held her for another minute until her tears began to slow and then he carefully pulled back and looked down into her reddened face. He could hardly believe that he had been the one to cause her tears.

"I think we both need to take a few breaths and a step back," he said as he tenderly wiped the tears from her face with gentle fingers. "Sit down and let me get you some coffee."

He had brewed it when he first got out of bed, but it was still hot, if a little strong, and a bit of extra cream in their mugs solved that problem. She was still sniffling when he put her new mug in front of her and sat down beside her. She reached out and carefully switched the mugs’ positions, placing the painted mug in front of Andrew.

"I made it for you," she said quietly.

That statement was enough to make him feel like an even bigger heel and he squeezed her hand before she could pull it back. "I love it, Monica."

"Andrew… you have to believe I never meant for you to worry…"

"I know that. I knew it the moment you came through the door," he was still so mad at himself that he didn’t feel ready to talk about it yet. He took a breath. "I didn’t even give you a chance to explain what happened, so why don’t you do that now."

She could see that he was sorting something out in his mind but knew better than to ask what it was. "I woke up to another nightmare last night," she started, "and I couldn’t stay cooped up in my room so I went out to the porch to think."

Andrew knew her well enough to know that ‘think’ actually meant ‘pace’, but he didn’t interrupt her.

"I couldn’t stop thinking about her father and what he’d said, and somehow it was all muddled together with McArthur in my mind. All I knew for sure was that I needed to find her, and suddenly it was as if I was being drawn into the forest." She looked up and her eyes pleaded with him to understand. "I promise you, I never meant to be gone all night. I just wanted to check the cabin. It seemed like she would have to sleep, and the cabin was the logical place. Then, after I found her… I kept thinking about what he’d said… about finding me… even if I had been able to persuade Faith to leave with me, I was too frightened to go myself."

"Monica, you were right to stay there. It was the safest place for both of you," Andrew assured her.

"But I hadn’t left a note… and I should have at least done that," she chastised herself. "I thought that I’d wake up as soon as the sun rose and we’d get back to the cottage before anyone was even up, but that didn’t happen…" she trailed off. Andrew already knew how that story ended. It ended with him being angry.

"A note would have been good, but I can understand how you weren’t exactly thinking clearly. It was the middle of the night…"

"But I should have made an effort to tell you I was alright. It’s just that I’ve never used our connection like that before… it’s always been almost by accident…"

"Angel, I was wrong to even mention that. You’re absolutely right. This connection between us is a precious gift, and I don’t think God intended us to use it like a cellular telephone." He was hoping to draw at least a small smile from her and was rewarded even more when she let out a little giggle.

"I’m just so sorry, Andrew. I know how worried you must have been. I hate that I put you through that. I knew you were upset as soon as I saw you." Her face still showed her distress and at the moment the blond angel would have done anything to erase that look from her eyes.

He was silent for a minute as he chose his words carefully. "Monica, the whole time you were missing I was worrying and praying that you were alright. When you came running through that door… I was relieved, and that’s all that you should have seen, but instead you saw anger too. But it wasn’t just at you… it wasn’t even mostly at you. I was angry at myself."

"Andrew, why?"

"Because you were out there and I knew you were out there and I just sat here. I should have been out looking for you. I knew there was a possibility that Faith’s father was in the woods, and still I just stayed here and waited."

She could hear the disgust in his voice and quickly moved her chair closer to his and ducked her head to look into his eyes. "You may not have even found me, Andrew, and what if he had followed us all the way back here? You wouldn’t have been here to help us."

He shrugged his shoulders, giving her the benefit of the doubt. "Either way, it doesn’t excuse how I acted toward you. You were already upset and I could see that, and I still lost my temper."

"You had a right to--"

"No I didn’t," he cut her off. "I had a right to be upset, but I never have the right to talk to you the way I just did."

Monica looked into his eyes and could see that just telling him that it was all right might not be enough this time, but she had to start somewhere. "What if we both say we’re sorry and promise not to repeat our mistakes," she said hopefully.

Despite the fact that he still felt like he needed to explain himself further, he decided to let it go for the moment. The corners of his mouth twitched into a grin as he answered her, "I think I could agree to that."

A huge burden seemed to lift from the Irish angel’s shoulders as she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Andrew’s waist. "I’m sorry," she whispered.

"So am I, Angel, and I promise I’ll make it up to you. You will never cry because of me again."

She felt tears burning in her eyes once more and she gave a self conscious laugh, "Well, at least not in a bad way."

Andrew smiled as he hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head. He had no idea how he was going to make it up to her, but he knew he would bend over backwards trying, though he had a feeling that she didn’t require it, he was the one who did.

He pulled away gently and took her hands into his own, "Now, tell me about this little girl."

"You know almost as much as I do," She replied honestly, relieved to be back on firm ground with him again, "She doesn’t say much, but she told me she was supposed to be quiet and she doesn’t want me to let her father know she is here. When we heard him in the woods, she was terrified…and so was I."

Guilt shot through him again like knife. He had been able to see her fear when she had come in the door and he had been a perfect jerk to her, but he tried not to dwell on it at the moment. There would be time for that later, "You never saw him?"

"No. It sounded like he was following us, but I kept looking and didn’t see him behind us…" Frightened eyes looked up into his, "He calls me ‘angel’, Andrew and I don’t know if he has heard you call me that or if…"

"He must have, Angel Girl. There is no way he could know the truth. Is she sleeping now?"

"Yes, the poor little thing. Her father must have done something to her…my dreams kept turning him into McArthur and Faith’s fear of him only solidifies it."

"Is it my understanding that a certain assignment has found her way here with the help of a certain angel while I have been tromping all over this mountain?"

The sound of Tess’ voice caused both angels to turn around and it was quite obvious that the older angel was not in the best of moods after a day and a half of searching for Faith. "Let me fix you some tea, Tess," Andrew offered, hoping to remedy the mood with a nice hot cuppa.

"The Father said you found her last night, Monica. Why on earth didn’t you tell me this instead of letting me go out there again this morning, searching for a child that I was not going to find?" Her hands were on her hips as she awaited an answer.

The little angel’s eyes were wide and she felt Andrew place a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I did find her last night, Tess, but we stayed in the cabin for fear of running into Faith’s father, so we didn’t get here until after you were gone. I’m sorry."

"Hmph," Tess muttered, as she accepted the tea Andrew had moved to hand to her, "So where is she?"

"Asleep," Andrew replied gently, "Monica got her cleaned up and the Father provided clean clothes for her. By the time she had eaten, she was exhausted. She’s up in Monica’s room."

Monica watched a bit worriedly as her supervisor took a seat at the table with them. Her emotions were still feeling a little raw after a long night followed by her confrontation with Andrew and she didn’t think she could bear another scolding.

"Thank you for finding her, Angel Girl," Tess’ words surprised her, though she tried not to let it show, "Has she said anything about her father?" Tess was neither blind nor stupid and it was clear to her that tears had been shed not long ago. She could also see something in Andrew’s eyes that resembled a ferocious guilt and she had already put two and two together. She was not about to add to whatever had occurred between the two younger angels.

"She’s afraid of him and was insistent that I not call him. Other than that she has maybe said ten words. I think he hurt her, Tess. Her mannerisms and things that she says…she’s afraid."

The older angel nodded her head as she studied the little angel closely, "Why don’t you grab a nap, baby. You look like you could use one."

"Take my room, angel," Andrew agreed, relieved when she nodded her head wearily. He could tell that the morning had taken a toll on her and he hated the fact that he had been a part of that.

He stood with her and gently ran his hands over her hair, his eyes once again expressing his remorse, "Sleep well. We’ll keep an eye on Faith."

"Thank you," Monica smiled up at him, reaching up to take his hand and squeezing it, before she turned and headed out of the kitchen.

"You two had an unattractive morning, I take it?" Tess’ question was blunt and right to the point, but it was something he had come to expect from her.

"Something like that," He muttered as he moved to pour himself another cup of coffee, while taking Monica’s abandoned mug to the sink.

"Are you two all right now?"

"She seems to be."

"And what about you?" Again, Tess cut right to the chase.

"I hurt her, Tess. It’s going to take me a little longer to get over that."

Tess settled a hand on his as he sat down. "I can’t believe you could ever hurt that angel, Andrew. You don’t have it in you."

"You saw her face when you came in here, didn’t you?" She nodded and he continued on, "I did that." Just the thought of her red-rimmed eyes made him tighten his grip on his mug.

"I’m sure she was upset before she even got back here," Tess reasoned. She was still having a hard time believing that anything more than a mild disagreement had taken place.

Andrew’s mouth twisted into a grimace. "That’s right, she was, and then I made it worse. I don’t even know what was going through my head. Yes, I’d been worried when I found out she was gone, but I could tell she was sorry. All she wanted was a chance to explain and I ignored her, and when she tried again I lost my temper and practically bit her head off."

Tess leaned back, her expression one of confusion. "But Andrew, that isn’t like you at all! I’ve never seen you so much as raise your voice to her." She cocked one eyebrow. "I may have, but not you." Her attempt at levity went unnoticed.

"You’re right. It wasn’t like me, and the worst part is that if she hadn’t started crying I’m afraid I would have made things even worse."

"Andrew…"

"All this time we’ve been so carefully watching her, keeping track of every bit of progress she’s made, and apparently we should have been taking some time to watch me. I thought all that pent up anger I carried around was gone…"

"Angel Boy, it was one mistake. We all make them. None of us is perfect," Tess reminded him.

"Well it was one mistake I’m going to have a hard time forgiving myself for, even if she isn’t."

Chapter 10

The rest of the day passed very slowly for the angel of death, as Monica and Faith slept through lunchtime and on into the afternoon. He was anxious to assure his best friend that everything was back to normal between them, and that was difficult to do while she was asleep. Tess tried to convince him to drive into town and find out what he could about Faith’s disappearance, but he managed to think of a hundred and one reasons why that task could wait until the next day.

He spent half the time on the porch; where he gazed off into the woods and tried to think of why Faith would have been out there on her own. The other half he spent in the living room, where he tried, without much success, to read the book of Shakespeare he had forced Monica to abandon. Occasional attempts at joining Tess in the kitchen had been met with sharp looks and sharper words. The older angel was making cookies and she emphatically insisted that she did not need any help.

Finally, as the clock ticked past four o’clock, Andrew couldn’t stand it any longer. Fortunately a thumping sound from above gave him the perfect excuse to go check on the sleeping angel and her newest foundling. He took the stairs two at a time but then slowed himself down and silently made his way to Monica’s room. Faith was still there, curled into a tiny ball, and he carefully closed the door to avoid waking her. A few more steps took him to his own room. The door was half open and he eased himself into the room. Lucy was circling the foot of the bed, and Andrew noticed a circular indentation in one pillow where that cat had been sleeping. The thumping must have come from her jumping to the floor.

Monica was curled up on her side with her arms clutching the other pillow to her chest. Her expression was peaceful, but Andrew felt as if he could see an underlying tension. His mind was telling him that he was imagining things, but his heart refused to believe.

"Andrew?" she was murmuring before she even opened her eyes. "It’s too early…"

He smiled and waited until her eyes slid open. "Angel, it’s after four in the afternoon.

She blinked sleepily a few more times as she woke up fully. Her eyes fixed on Andrew’s face and almost instantly she could see that something was troubling him. "Is everything all right? Faith is still here isn’t she?" she asked as she quickly sat up and swung her legs around.

"She’s fine, Monica… sound asleep in your room."

She squinted her eyes a bit as she looked at him again. "Are you still upset with me?" she asked hesitantly.

"No!" he exclaimed, more loudly than intended. "No, of course I’m not." Mentally he was shaking his head over her ability to have already let go of her own distress over their argument. For her it was over and done with, but he couldn’t seem to put it out of his mind… and now he was causing her more anxiety about it.

"You know I won’t run off like that again, don’t you?"

"Yes, I know. Monica, I don’t want you giving it another thought. Remember how Tess just sat down and thanked you for bringing Faith back? Well that’s what I should have done… so why don’t you pretend it IS what I did," he finished with a slightly forced grin.

"Is that what you’re going to pretend too?" she asked hopefully, but with the feeling that she would be disappointed with his answer.

He took a deep breath and knelt down beside the bed so that their heads were level. "It’s not that easy for me, Monica, and I think you know why."

"No I don’t," she said, shaking her head. "I upset you and you forgave me and that was all I needed to feel at peace, but you won’t let me do the same for you…"

He was quiet for a moment, before replying softly, "Monica, all that time we were with Paul and dealing with McArthur and David at his worst, every time they caused you to hurt, I was furious with them. Anytime anyone hurts you, it makes me angry at the one who did it," He reached up and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, "This time it was me who hurt you, and my reaction to you being hurt is no different."

She lowered her eyes briefly, mentally scolding herself for not having left that note. It would have avoided so much, his anger to begin with and his guilt now, "You were reacting to being afraid for me and a note would not have alleviated that," She pointed out, "It simply would have told you what in your heart you already knew. What was wrong was that I didn’t wake you. What was wrong was that I didn’t confide in you the other day before we went into town. If you’re so insistent of keeping track of your own regrets, don’t dismiss mine without dismissing yours."

"Angel, I made you cry…"

"Andrew, I cried because I had hurt you. I could see that beneath your anger and you had a right to feel that way. It should have been a priority for me to tell you where I was going, even if I wanted to go alone in order to try to overcome my fear of going in the first place. That you would have understood, even if you hadn’t liked it," She gave a little grin and was rewarded with seeing the beginnings of one on his face as well.

"You are so precious to me, Monica," He reached and cupped her cheek in his hand, "Talking to you like that should have never been an option."

"Remember the day McArthur sent the flowers and I got angry?" She watched as he nodded his head before she continued, "I snapped at you and then ran away from you and when I came out of my room, you had gone to the florist. I felt terrible, as if I had trampled on something that was perfect and was now never going to be the same again. I hadn’t been able to help my anger at the time because my emotions got in the way and I was sure that I had somehow hurt our friendship. But that wasn’t the case at all because you forgave me unconditionally. I’m telling you now that this time it is you who have been forgiven unconditionally. This morning wasn’t even all your fault, it was mine too," She smiled teasingly, "I behaved badly and caused you to worry to begin with and your reaction to that worry was a natural thing."

"When did you get so wise, angel?" he smiled and winked at her, though he had a feeling he would still be trying to make up for her tears.

"A very patient friend taught me," Monica replied without hesitation as she took his hand into both of hers, "Don’t allow your guilt to hurt something that your anger never could, okay?"

His smile widened as he wrapped her up tightly in his arms, "That’s a deal, Angel Girl."

She nestled her head against his shoulder, still feeling undeniably tired, but so very relieved that things now felt perfect between them once more and she made herself a promise to tell him everything going forward, even if it was way more than he ever needed or wanted to know.

He pulled back after a moment, relieved and very pleased to see the happiness shining in her dark eyes, "Now that we have that all settled, how about we check on your little project and you need something to eat. You haven’t eaten anything all day." She looked pleased with the suggestion to check on Faith and as they both stood up, he took her hand firmly into his own.

Faith was still sleeping, though now somewhat restlessly and Monica frowned, hearing a small whimper of fear escape the child. The angel knew all about frightening dreams and just as Andrew had saved her from them more times than she could count, she longed to do the same for the little girl.

Sitting down on the bed next to her, even while Andrew kept a slight distance, remembering Faith’s discomfort with him, Monica lightly brushed the blonde hair away from the child’s eyes. "It’s just a dream, little one," she whispered softly to her and a moment later, Faith’s green eyes sprang open, wide with fear.

As her eyes settled on the angel’s face, she seemed to relax and actually started to move closer to Monica. She stopped herself as if uncertain, but Monica would have none of it and Andrew smiled as he watched his friend pull the little girl gently into her arms. Faith was rigid at first, but then the tension left her tiny body and she relaxed into the warm embrace, though a look of wonder and awe was present on her face. Andrew found himself wondering when the last time had been that Faith had been hugged before Monica came along.

The older angel felt a tug at his heart as he watched his friend speak softly to Faith, and he realized that much of Monica’s gentle and child-like innocence was still intact and it was what was drawing Faith to her. At one time, he had feared the loss of it, but God had restored much of what men had tried to take away.

"You know, I think Tess has been busy making cookies," He remarked, being careful to keep his voice quiet, though he noted that Faith shrank away slightly at the sound of it.

Monica noticed it as well and proceeded with great care, "Little one, Andrew will not hurt you. He is my friend and the one who chases away my bad dreams," She carefully held out her hand to Andrew, relieved when he took it and allowed himself to be pulled closer.

"She’s right, Faith," he knelt down and looked into her frightened eyes, "I promise not to hurt you," He ventured out a hand to touch her pale cheek and he hesitated at the sheer terror that was in her eyes. But as his fingertips gently brushed her cheek, she seemed to stop breathing for a moment and he could clearly see the disbelief in her eyes. He felt a trace of anger in his heart that some man, probably her father, must have hurt her and now she felt that anyone male would only do the same thing and as a tear escaped her eye, he was quick and tender with brushing it away.

"You’re soft," Faith whispered, her expression still one of wonder and disbelief as she reached up a tentative hand to grasp one of his fingers.

Monica blinked back tears, knowing in that moment that Faith had just stolen Andrew’s heart. She smiled, saying a silent prayer of thanks for the gentleness her friend always possessed that she could now see so clearly when it was directed at someone else, all the while knowing it was how he approached her nearly each and every time.

"How about checking out those cookies? I’ll bet they are still warm from the oven," Andrew’s words brought the little angel from her reverie and she looked down as Faith nodded her head eagerly. He rose to his feet and Monica noted that Faith still had hold of his hand as she stood up as well. She reached out with her other hand to grasp Monica’s as the two angels exchanged a smile over her head.

Tess looked up as the threesome entered the kitchen and she threw the dishtowel she was holding over her shoulder, ignoring the fact that Monica was stifling a giggle at the sight of her in a full apron that was dotted with flour and batter, "Well, what have we here?"

"Faith, this is our friend, Tess," Monica encouraged, pleased when a slight smile showed on the girl’s face. Faith was beginning to trust that they would not lead her into anything bad and the little angel would do everything in her power to make sure that remained true.

*****

Faith happily ate five cookies before Tess commented that perhaps any more would give her a tummy ache. Where most children would have pouted or whined, Faith simply nodded her agreement and pushed her plate to the middle of the table. However, when dinner was laid on that same table less than two hours later, the little girl once again devoured everything in sight, after looking to Monica for permission.

"You certainly have a good appetite for a little bit of a thing," Tess said with a smile. "When’s the last time you ate something, Faith?" The older angel was trying to figure out how the girl had managed to stay alive in the forest for nearly three months.

Faith scrunched up her little face. "I had cookies," she answered.

Monica let out a tiny laugh. "No, Tess means what’s the last thing you ate before we found you?"

She pulled her lower lip into her mouth and her eyes took on a worried expression that none of the angels had been expecting. "I had the bunny from my Easter basket at Sunday school," she said, sounding a little bit confused.

Monica quickly reached over and patted her hand, wanting to reassure her that her answer was perfectly acceptable. "Maybe we can get you some more chocolate tomorrow," she said kindly.

Meanwhile Tess and Andrew were exchanging a confused look of their own. It was obvious that Faith hadn’t been kept alive by a single chocolate bunny. Andrew gave a little shrug. Faith had been on her own for a long time. She probably didn’t exactly understand the question, and there was no sense in upsetting her by badgering her about it.

Chapter 11

To no one’s surprise, Faith was the first one finished, and she sat quietly while the other angels continued to eat. They all wanted to ask her a dozen questions, but she was still getting to know them, and her trust was still a very fragile thing. None of them wanted to say the wrong thing and spook her back into complete silence.

Tess was the last person to lay down her fork and she watched with some amazement as Faith pushed back her chair and carefully started taking all of the plates from the table. Monica’s eyes grew larger and she was on her feet in an instant and taking them from the girl’s tiny hands.

"Faith, you don’t have to do anything like this. We’re going to take care of you, and you just have to relax and let us, okay?"

Green eyes peered up at her with a mixture of suspicion and confusion. Monica cast a frantic glance at Andrew, hoping that he would back her up.

"Monica’s right," he agreed. "Why don’t you and Tess go into the living room and finish that book you were reading? Monica and I can clean up in here."

Faith seemed reluctant to leave, but Tess stood up and rested a gentle hand on her shoulder to guide her from the room. "It’s all right; they’ll come join us as soon as they’re finished."

Monica watched the two of them leave, hardly noticing as Andrew took the rest of the plates and set them in the sink. "What are we supposed to do for her?" she said in a hushed voice.

The little angel only realized she’d spoken aloud when Andrew answered, "God will tell us what we need to know, when we need to know it."

She gave a little sigh and walked to the sink to drop off her little stack of plates. Andrew had already taken over the washing task and so she picked up a towel and waited for him to give her something to dry.

"She’s so little," Monica commented. "How old do you think she is?"

Andrew tried not to let mixed feelings color his voice. He had seen more abuse in his existence than he wanted to think about. Faith was the latest in a list he hated to see grow. The children were often small for their age but he had become adept at guessing.

"I think she’s about eight or nine."

"I can’t imagine how she’s been living out here all this time… and with her father chasing after her…" Monica shivered and Andrew looked over at her sympathetically.

"She’s with us now, Angel, and we’re not going to let anything else happen to her."

*****

When Andrew and Monica walked into the living room they stopped at the sight of Faith curled up on Tess’ lap, listening with rapt attention as the angel read from a book of children’s fairytales.

"I like this book," Faith said as she lifted her head and saw the younger angels.

Andrew smiled. "It’s a very good one, and we can read from it every day if you like."

When she nodded Andrew smiled even more. He had a feeling that for however long Faith was with them, it would do them all a world of good. Following Monica over to the sofa he sat down and tilted his head in Tess’ direction as if telling her to please continue reading. She shook her head lightly and gave a little laugh, but turned the page and went on telling the story of Beauty and the Beast.

By the time she had turned the last page, Faith’s eyelids were once again beginning to droop, and Andrew moved to kneel in front of the pair.

"I think it’s time someone went up to bed," he said gently.

Faith almost looked about ready to protest but then she pursed her lips and gave a little sigh before climbing off Tess’ lap. Her feet had barely touched the floor before Andrew scooped her up again and swung her up onto his shoulders, to her evident delight. Monica and Tess watched happily as Andrew carried her up the stairs, and then they followed right behind.

Andrew deposited her on Monica’s bed and ruffled her hair lightly. "I think Monica had better get you ready for bed and then I’ll come back to say goodnight."

As Andrew left the room, Monica started rummaging through her drawers, grinning when she found a small white nightgown that nearly matched her own. "Here you are, Faith. It looks like this is just your size."

"Where did it come from?" Faith asked, and it was the first question the girl had asked since arriving at the cottage. Monica smiled. She was finally beginning to get comfortable enough to speak without being spoken to.

"It came from our Father," Monica said, thinking that explaining about the fact that they were angels and were provided for by God might be a wee bit too much for a before bedtime story. She quickly realized that perhaps the complete truth would have been the better choice, as Faith shrank back from the offered garment, her eyes fearful once again.

"Father?" she whispered, and Monica immediately took hold of both her hands and looked straight into her eyes.

"Our Father, Faith… not yours… Believe me, He is the most wonderful Father you could ever hope for."

Faith looked doubtful, but she picked up the nightgown and rubbed the soft ribbon around the neckline. "It’s pretty."

Monica breathed a sigh of relief. "Then it belongs on you," she said with a grin.

By the time Faith was changed and tucked into the bed she seemed to have relaxed again, and Monica was grateful. "I’ll go get Tess and Andrew and tell them they can come wish you goodnight," she said.

"Wait!" Faith called out.

"What is it little one?"

"You’re going to stay with me, aren’t you?"

The pleadingly hopeful tone in Faith’s voice warmed Monica’s heart at the same time that it broke it. "If that’s what you want, of course I will."

Faith nodded her head emphatically and Monica smiled, "Just let me get Andrew and Tess. I’ll only be a moment."

She didn’t have to look far as when she opened the bedroom door, she saw her two friends standing in the hallway and she briefly stepped outside the room, "She wants me to stay with her, so I’ll be down as soon as she falls asleep."

"You take your time, baby," Tess replied softly as she and Andrew moved into the room to bid the little girl sweet dreams.

*****

Monica heard Faith’s even breathing only twenty minutes after she had turned out the light and the little angel moved slowly and carefully to get out of bed without the disturbing the child.

She thought she was doing a relatively good job until Faith’s frightened eyes opened and met with hers.

"Please don’t go," She whispered pleadingly, her little voice trembling slightly.

Moving closer once more, Monica touched her cheek lightly, "You’re safe here, sweetheart. There is nothing here that can hurt you."

"But it’s dark. Bad things always happen when it’s dark."

The little angel blinked back tears, wondering what it was that had hurt Faith in the night and her own fear of the darkness making her feel inadequate to dispel her fears, "Nothing bad is going to happen to you, Faith. Not here."

"Please stay?" The girl’s eyes were pleading and Monica knew she was unable to resist. Discussing Faith’s situation would simply have to wait.

Monica settled back down in bed and opened her arms to the little girl who immediately snuggled close to her, "Better, little one?"

Faith nodded her head as she closed her tired eyes, "Will you sing me something?"

The angel was nearly rendered speechless by the request, "Faith, I don’t sing all that well…"

But the child’s eyes pleaded with her once more and Monica summoned all her courage and tried to relax. She remembered a lullaby she had heard once on an assignment and she found that the words came to her easily.

"Sleep my child and peace attend thee, all through the night. Guardian angels God will send thee, all through the night. Soft, the drowsy hours are creeping. Hale and vale in slumber sleeping, I my loving vigil keeping, all through the night. While the moon her watch is keeping, all through the night. While the weary world is sleeping, all through the night. O’er thy spirit gently stealing, visions of delight revealing, breathes a pure and holy feeling, all through the night."

Surprisingly, Faith’s eyelids had grown heavy, which Monica credited to Divine Intervention and not to her singing abilities, or lack thereof, but just as she thought the little girl was asleep, she murmured softly, "You sing like an angel…"

As Faith dropped off to sleep, the angel, completely touched, laid a gentle kiss on her head, "Thank you, Faith. Thank you."

At eleven o’ clock, Andrew and Tess had given up on Monica returning. Tess had already gone up to bed and Andrew ran a check of the house, reminiscent of his days working with Paul. Faith was in their keeping and he was not about to allow her father to sneak up on them in the middle of the night.

He climbed the stairs slowly, wanting to check on Faith and Monica to make sure the child wasn’t unable to sleep and that was what had kept his friend upstairs. He opened the door slowly and quietly and smiled tenderly at the sight.

Faith was snuggled in the little angel’s arms, both of them fast asleep and looking content. Monica had fallen asleep without even changing her clothes, lying on top of the comforter and the older angel grabbed a quilt from the chair and gently laid it overtop his dearest friend. He ran a light hand over Faith’s head, before bending down to kiss Monica’s cheek, but as he started for the door, he stopped himself.

Faith had been having a bad dream that afternoon when they had come to check on her and Monica had been having them the last two nights. Though they both looked peaceful, he suddenly couldn’t bear the thought of either of them having another one and him not being here to chase them away. Quietly, he pulled the chair over to Monica’s side of the bed and sat down, content to doze while he kept watch, knowing all the while that the Father was watching over them too.

*****

Monica opened her eyes just after dawn to find a pair of green eyes starring at her tenderly, "Andrew…" She smiled sleepily up at him, "You haven’t stayed with me all night since…"

"I know, but I wanted you both to sleep nightmare free, so staying close was the only option," He grinned at her, enjoying her sleepy-eyed smile.

She sat up slowly, careful to not disturb Faith who was burrowed under the covers still fast asleep. "I could stand a shower and a change of clothes," she remarked in a whisper, looking down at the rumpled shirt she’d had on since her venture into the woods the night before.

"I’ll start coffee, angel. You take your time. I think this little one is going to sleep awhile longer," He rose to his feet and stretched before touching Monica’s cheek and heading out of the room and down the stairs.

When she emerged into the kitchen a half hour later, Andrew handed her a mug of coffee, which she accepted gratefully, smiling her thanks over her first sip, "You must be exhausted."

"Not really. You both slept pretty well, so I was able to catch some rest myself," He elected not to remind her of the one nightmare that had begun to emerge from her before he had calmed her with a touch of his hand. He sat down and waited until she had done the same to continue, "Tess wants us to go into town and see what we can find out about Faith and her father."

He didn’t miss the way she tensed up immediately or the look of dread that appeared in her brown eyes, "Why? She’s here now and safe. I don’t see why we have to go and find out anymore about him. I know enough."

"She’s been abused, angel, that much is abundantly clear, but we still have to consider the fact that he is her father and try to find out what we can," He kept his tone gentle, seeing how opposed she was to the idea.

"I don’t want him knowing she is here…"

"We won’t tell anyone," He assured her.

"But that’s like lying."

"It’s being careful. We don’t want her hurt again."

"I don’t want to run into him again, Andrew. He scares me."

He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze, "I’ll be with you the whole time. No wandering off this time, from either of us," He winked at her, relieved when she managed a small smile.

They both looked up as a small cry carried to them from upstairs. Monica was the first to move, and she was out the door and up the stairs before Andrew could even blink. He was only a few steps behind her and he could here her talking under her breath as she ran.

"I never should have left that wee child alone!"

Neither of them seemed to realize that the cries had stopped by the time they reached the top of the stairs. They burst into Monica’s room and looked around expecting to find a hysterical child, but what they found instead was a comforting angel with both arms around the young girl.

"I had a bad dream," Faith said, her eyes wide and still a bit frightened. "I thought I was outside again and it was cold on the ground and I hurt all over," she continued, her little voice trembling.

"But you’re safe now, Faith," Tess reassured her, "and Monica and Andrew are here too."

"Yes, I’m very sorry I left," Monica said sincerely, pained that she had brought Faith any grief at all.

Faith nodded, her face relaxing into understanding. "It’s okay. You didn’t know what I would dream."

Monica smiled at the easy way forgiveness flowed for the tiny mouth. "No, I didn’t but next time I’ll wake you up before I leave."

With the immediate crisis over, Tess moved back into her usual take-charge persona. "On that note, I think it’s time we all headed downstairs and had some breakfast, and afterwards I think that Faith and I are going to spend some time making more cookies. Someone," she looked at Andrew with narrowed eyes, "snuck downstairs in the middle of the night and ate half of what we made yesterday."

The sheepish ‘who me?’ look on Andrew’s face caused Faith to burst into a round of giggles and all three angels held their breaths. It was a sound they hadn’t even considered hearing and it rang through the air like a sparrow song. Faith didn’t even notice the effect she had on them, she just climbed off the bed and latched onto Monica’s hand, pulling the angel along as she marched down to the kitchen.

Despite Tess’ promise of cookies, Faith was clearly dismayed when Andrew and Monica announced that they were leaving. She grabbed onto both of them and they were introduced to the amazing strength of a determined child. They hated to see her upset, but at the same time they were almost glad to see that she was beginning to feel even more comfortable speaking up about what she wanted.

"I promise we won’t be gone long," Andrew said as he knelt down to meet her at eye level.

She stuck out her lower lip in a pout that was frighteningly and humorously reminiscent of Monica’s. "But I don’t want you to go at all."

"I know, sweetheart, but we have to go. It’s part of our job."

"Stupid job," she muttered quietly.

"Faith," Monica spoke as she stepped closer and bent down. "We’ll be back before you know it, and I promise I’ll bring you something… a present."

Faith’s expression turned to one of surprise and anticipation, but then it was as if a curtain was drawn and her eyes turned sad and serious once more. "You don’t have to do that," she said. "Just please come back."

Monica reached out and pulled the girl into a fierce hug as Andrew stood up and watched. "We’ll be back, Faith, and I’ll keep my promise too."