As the clock ticked, Monica's soul became more and more trapped in between her human form and the journeys on which a certain angel of death took her. Now, realising she was weak and tired, Andrew made the cabin in the mountains a shelter for both of them as he knew how she treasured that place. There, he would offer the comfort of his company, talk to her or merely watch over her during the moments she felt silent.
Some time after Monica's surgery had finished, the blond angel waited patiently until she fell asleep once again, and slowly escorted her soul back to her room in the city hospital, where Tess already waited.
Sitting on the chair by Monica's bed, the supervisor was now in her human form and had been allowed to stay with Monica after a talk with Dr Richards. He had explained her the procedure details and that from that moment on they would have to wait to see how the young teacher's organism would react.
Tess could notice not only the doctor's apprehension but also his great sadness as, even unconscious, the Irish angel had managed to capture the man's affection and protectiveness. It was not the first time something like that happened. Monica's loving nature and joyful spirit were able to touch even the saddest soul and a human heart would certainly interpret her soothing approach in a romantic way.
But there was something that worried Tess even more than Dr Richard's feelings for Monica: Andrew's eyes held the same care and tenderness towards the little angel, and judging by the way he behaved when she was under her doctor's care, Tess could also detect jealousy.
The supervisor watched as Andrew's angelic form stood by Monica's asleep one for long minutes after they had returned to the hospital. Only when he was sure his dearest friend's soul was at ease did he break the silence.
"What did the doctors say?" His eyes never turned away from Monica's face as he spoke.
"That we have to wait. They managed to remove the clot but aren't sure of how her human organism will react."
"I understand."
"Doctor Richards did his best during the surgery. I've never seen a human being who is so dedicated to his work as he is."
"It's is work, he should be dedicated and do his best to every patient in this hospital." Andrew kept his voice steady as he spoke but even so, it only confirmed the oldest angel's suspicions.
Tess gave some steps towards him and searched for his eyes. "I sense you hold some resistance regarding the man who is trying to save Monica."
Andrew's defensive mood was palpable even if he tried to hide it. "It was just a comment, Tess. I do not know anything about him, nor am I here for his sake."
The supervisor let out a light sigh and elected to use a different kind of approach. "Did my baby wake up after I left?"
Now she could see a slight smile forming on his face as he answered to her question. "Once. She asked about you and we talked a little."
"Andrew..."
The severe tone in Tess' voice finally made him look up at her. "I did not want to ask you this because I know how hard this assignment has been for you. But I cannot help seeing that look in your eyes and not asking you what is going on."
"I'm afraid I don't get it, Tess..."
"I'm talking about your feelings for Monica."
Tess' straightforward manners caused him to avert his eyes as the truth that was written in them could be easily read. "My feelings for Monica? I guess you and everybody else know that she's a treasured friend and how I'm suffering to see her like this."
"I have no doubt that you're suffering. What I'm not sure of anymore is if 'friendship' is the exact word to define how you see your relationship with her."
Frowning and slightly annoyed, the angel of death turned to face her again. "What are you implying, Tess?"
The supervisor gave a step forward and looked at him deep inside his eyes. "Are you in love with Monica?"
Andrew could not face her once again and moved away from her. Walking up to the corner of the room, he ran his hands over his hair and after a few instants of hesitation, he turned around. "I don't understand why you're asking me this right now."
Tess continued to hold a firm gaze at him. "Perhaps because only now some things and feelings became clear to me."
Shaking his head in disagreement, Andrew spoke again. "Tess... right now I think we should focus on Monica's welfare."
"I am focused on Monica's welfare. Or do you think the way you feel about her doesn't affect that poor angel girl?"
"What if it's true?" The blond angel snapped back, feeling trapped like a wild animal. "What if I told you that yes, I'm in love with Monica? That I love her in all possible ways a God's child can love another? Beyond anything other than the Father himself?"
Now it was Andrew's sincerity that surprised Tess.
"Do you realise what you're saying? How do you think Monica will react when she finds out something like this?"
The angel of death realised that it was no use keeping that secret any longer, as Tess certainly knew him and Monica better than anyone else. "She not only knows about it but shares the same feelings."
Shocked by that piece of news, Tess shook her head and finally averted her eyes from him. "Andrew... what is it you're telling me?"
Andrew let out a tired sigh and suddenly the confession he had just made caused him to feel lighter and his initial annoyance to subside. "I'm sorry, Tess. There's...so much to tell you..."
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted when the bedroom door was open and Dr Richards entered the room accompanied by Karen.
"Tess, Andrew..." He greeted them with politeness, and the supervisor was surprised at the fact that Andrew had turned into his human form so fast.
"Dr Richards..." She said back, both angels watching as he approached Monica's bed and checked on the machines connected to her human body. He was carrying some of her latest exams and a few instants later, he finally smiled.
"She is recovering. Monica is healing and she will be just fine!"
For that moment, Tess and Andrew let go of the serious discussion they were having to rejoice upon the good news, each of them with a moved smile on their faces. Tess' eyes were also filled with tears of happiness as the doctor explained how his patient was reacting to the treatment and that the swelling on her brain had finally started to subside. Karen also listened to his explanation with great joy and equally moved with emotion, for even not knowing 'Miss Monica,' she was under the impression she'd had a very important mission taking care of such a noble soul.
