Title: A Letter for Monica

Author: Justine B.

Rating: PG rating for some violence and suspenseful situations

Category: suspense/drama

Summary: Monica narrates her flashbacks to an assignment where she received letters, threatening her and her friend's lives.

Part One

Even as the blustery wind blew various strands of auburn locks in front of my eyes, the notion to react didn't enter my thoughts. My mind was in an abnormal world of the exact opposite of reality. Ever since I had started out on my feet that morning, I had sensed some change in the moments slowly passing by-whether it was my senses over-reacting or the Father trying to whisper something into my obstinate mind, I didn't know. Frankly, at the moment, the emotion to care didn't strike me. It was an odd feeling to be in the middle of reality but yet not realizing it. And I couldn't even tell if I was literally in reality for my human form was so very numb from the wind whipping at my cold skin. If Tess had been there she would have been angered at my attire. All I wore was a simple sweater with a pink blouse beneath and blue jeans to cover my legs from the winter air. I had no mittens or hat; nothing quite protective to keep me from being immune to "hypothermia", as humans call it. Of course, angels aren't usually prone to being sick, but once in a while the Almighty will allow the oddest situations to happen to us. As I think back on what Tess and I call the "old days", I remember all the human forms that have overcome my body. At the moment, I won't take the time to name them all, but the one I'll definitely never forget is when God "blessed" me with the body of a seventy-year-old female. It was quite an experience to be old, in human years, and in a retirement home. And not to mention being the center of an infatuation was extremely different then anything I'll most likely ever be entertained by.

Another gust of wind caused me to fold my arms across my chest, rubbing my fingers together for all the heat I could create. As I stood there in amidst of the human daily activities, I had literally forgotten the original reason that I had been sent to this place, if I had been sent at all. I was known to wander when my mind was deep in thought. Sometimes that was a good thing, and other times, it was bad. And when I had wandered, the situations I had found my self in I ought to label quite interesting. I don't know if that's the way others would see it, focussing on my wee friends, but I surely do.

My brown eyes wandered to a couple on a nearby bench. They were young in their mid-twenties, and happily enjoyed the love between them as they expressed it in many ways. Their actions made my mind wander. Human love was such a mystery to angels, like myself. When I had been tempted upon a High Mountain, humanity and true love right within my grasp, the temptations of my curiosity had almost taken a-hold. How I regret almost falling into the words of evil. Even though I would give anything for a few days on earth as a true human, I would never be able to forget the wonderful love that God has given me, even if there are the "rules" and "exceptions" that I have to follow. God's love is greater than any human love these creatures have created. And by the looks of it, I'm not sure if all the love on the earth is the kind that God's children should be falling deeper in to.

Well, I'll go back to the subject of why I was there, all alone in the cold. The distractions of all that my senses observed that day was just tremendous. You'd be surprised how detailed the human senses are.

The couple soon finished their expressions for each other and stood up from the bench. My eyes were glued upon them as their figures slowly grew smaller when they walked down the park trail. Realizing the feeling that my legs were experiencing from standing in the same position for so long, I decided to claim the bench my eyes had been fixing on for a while. The park seemed to be lessening with people, anyway. No one wanted the bench at the moment.

I walked across the trail and onto the fading, brown grass, with specks of white snowflakes scattered here and there. I wondered if this small society would have a brown Christmas, considering how near the holiday was becoming. People gaily roamed the streets, carrying bags and shopping carts with them, most likely filled with presents and gifts for their loved ones. Christmas always made me happy. The lights, the trees, the scents-everything. It was all just a lovely time of year that humans had turned Christ's birth into. But that made me fear and regret the moments that humans forget the true meaning of Christmas. Concentrating on their annual lists can really get in the way of certain areas that are more important than others. It's a definite shame to see that happen.

Before I realized it, in the midst of my thoughts, my numb legs had carried me to the small bench that had awaited me. I ran my finger upon that smooth engravement of roses and other various flowers that were carved on the marble edging. The main platform consisted of a darker rock that I wasn't familiar with. It made a beautiful combination, though. There was also a few scratchings of initials on the seat of the small bench. It wasn't teenage markings to show their gang's motto, but rather many couple's initials, signifying their love for one another. I thought of it as a sweet way to let the world know that you once loved, and still did, if that was the matter.

Finally jumping into reality for the time being, I seated myself and gazed up at the sky. The clouds were rolling in, though they weren't dark storm clouds, but rather puffy white objects that seemed to gently float along the horizon and celestial dome in the blue-gray sky. It was a wonderful and tranquil site for the busily worked mind. I enjoyed the work of art that God had created, taking in every flattery that I possibly could. But a familiar voice disturbed my thoughts. The voice didn't exactly disturb me, but I must admit that I was startled at the time.

"Monica," it called softly. I opened my squinting eyes all the way and peered at the figure before me. "Angel Girl, what are you doing?"

"Tess." I mumbled, my supervisor coming together as one picture. I still remember the definite shape of her attractive smile, her brown coat muffled around her heavier body, and her dark skin coming to a fine crease at her big, brown eyes. Altogether, Tess was a lovely woman.

"Yes, baby, that's my name. But are you okay? You should be in-doors, and if not, get the proper clothing on! It's nearly below zero, Angel Girl." I smiled at her tone. How did I guess that if she, of all people, would find me out here, she would have a somewhat stern, but calm fit about my attire?

For a moment, I just looked her straight in the eye before answering, a bit unsure of myself, "I'm not exactly sure."

"Not exactly sure? Baby, first of all tell me what you're doing out here," Tess' mothering voice soothed.

"I don't know..." my words trailed off in a few dim mumbles. I was very confused, having no memory, at the moment, of what was troubling me? Had I wandered again? And if so, what was in the depth of my thoughts to cause this behavior? "I can't remember, Tess. I think I wandered."

"Again?" she asked with a smile forming on her face. She walked a little closer towards me and hesitated for my answer my before seating herself next to me. I nodded. "What's on your mind, honey?"

"I'm trying to figure that out too. For all I know, I've just been noticing all of God's wonderful creation. Isn't a lovely day out, Tess?" I asked in my weary Irish lilt.

"Excuse me, Miss Wings, but if you haven't noticed, it's a bit cold out. Since when do you favor this sort of weather?"

"I suppose since now. I don't know, maybe it's because I'm too numb to notice it," I suggested with a slight giggle.

"Yeah, and all the better reason for ol' Tess to help you in-doors. Andrew and Gloria are inside that little cafe over there. You want to join us? I'm treating to a nice hot cup of coffee. Well, actually the Father's treating," Tess added with a grin. "But hey, He gave me the money." This time I let out a definite giggle before answering.

"Sure, that sounds great, Tess. I really think I'm needing a mocha latte."

"Now, Angel Girl, did I mention anything about a 'mocha latte'?" Tess asked in a solemn tone. For a moment I believed her expression.

"Well, no, but I suspected that that's what you were referring too. You know how much I love coffee, and I'd be satisfied with all of the above, if even that..."

"Miss Wings, stand up," she ordered.

"Yes, ma'am." I immediately took my spot a few feet higher than my supervisor.

"Now start walking towards that cafe and no arguing with me, please."

"I'm sorry, Tess. I didn't mean to argue. I'll do fine with an original cup of Joe," I told her gratefully with a gulp. "Anyway, a mocha latte is..."

"Is going to do you just fine with a nice warm taste," Tess told me with a smile forming across her face. She too stood up, now towering a littler higher than I. For a moment, I took a double take, peering up into those big brown eyes, only to realize that Tess' previous comments had all been leading into what I wanted. She was going to spoil me again, I thought with a selfish eager.

"Thank you, Tess. I really do love you!" I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around her as we walked across the street, our destination a small cafe style coffee shop.

"Oh sure," she sighed with a chuckle. "Now you do, after I let you devour your calorie-filled dessert," she smirked.

"Aw," I began with a hesitant smile forming on my rosy cheeks. "I think I'll love you anyway." I winked as she grabbed my cold hand and rubbed it in her large mittens.

"Why, thank you, Angel Girl. Now after we're done with our little get-together, you make sure to get a nice jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a hat," Tess ordered me in a motherly voice that I could not argue with.

"Anything else?" I teased.

The supervisor narrowed her eyebrows in thought and replied, "Yeah, I'd like a cheeseburger, a small French fry, and a coke." She chuckled as she released her grasp on me to reach for the door handle. I shot her a sarcastic grin.

"Sure, Tess, go ahead," I began. A hot blast of air overcame us as we entered. I grinned and continued, "You're paying anyway." Tess glared at me and broke out into a small laugh.

"You're right, Angel Girl. But just because of that reason, I think I may deduct the fries. It's been proven that all the grease and oil that they're fried in creates ten times the more fat..."

"Tess, can we please enjoy a friendly conversation without talking about human weight problems? It's really not my favorite subject, especially after attending that dieting seminar last week." I gulped and sighed.

"Hey, that was quite interesting. But, okay, Miss Wings. You win." Tess smiled and pointed towards two figures across the restaurant floor.

"Andrew and Gloria," I spoke with a happy tone. It had been a while since I had been with all of my friends.

"Hey, Monica, Tess," Andrew's kind voice greeted us. He stood up to help Tess off with her jacket.

Gloria abruptly followed in speaking, "Hello, everyone. We've been waiting for you." She smiled, her glasses outlining the creases of her compassionate eyes.

"Hullo," I said warmly, reaching over to touch Gloria's hand. Andrew turned towards me and patted me on the back with a worried expression empowering his face.

"Why aren't you wearing a jacket?" he asked. "Monica, the bank thermometer says it's about five above. You could catch a cold, for goodness sakes."

"I don't know," I answered with a giggle. "What is it with you people? I can fend for myself!" I laughed with an exclamatory sigh. "Don't you think I'd be able to tell if I'm cold?"

"No," Tess interrupted. "Not with the way you describe 'lovely weather'," she said, shaking her black-gray curls.

"Actually, the weather is quite lovely considering it's the middle of December," Gloria told us three. "Just look at the beautiful sky. You know, it's unusually silly that humans think they can see creatures and objects in those clouds," she laughed.

"I don't think it's the least bit silly," Andrew chuckled, as he moved into the booth next to Gloria. "Look there now! Doesn't it seem as if that cloud is a dog?" he asked. Tess and I exchanged odd glances.

"A dog, Angel Boy?" Tess asked with her usual tone. "I don't think so." I shook my head in agreement, burrowing my eyebrows in sarcasm. "I'd definitely see that as a lovely doughnut." But my agreeing expression turned into a look of shock and even more burrowing sarcasm as Tess' answer rang in my ears. I raised my eyebrows before adding on to the conversation.

"How can you two think such silly ideas? Now if you look at that cloud, you'll definitely see a puffy wee balloon," I said, pointing out of the glass window and forming the shape with my finger. But apparently, I didn't do a good enough job of explaining myself before all three of my friends shook their head in disagreement, including Gloria.

"No, you are so silly, everyone!" she exclaimed with a giggle. Andrew, Tess, and I exchanged glances and looked at her puzzled.

"And just what do you see, baby?" Tess asked her. Gloria adjusted her glasses and peered at the slowly moving cloud. Now all four of us anxiously stared through the window.

"I would definitely have to say..." Gloria paused and then answered, "It's an all so obvious that that single cloud, right there forms the exact object of a sheep! Just look at the outline. It's as if the sheep were happily grazing in its pasture that the shepherd led it too."

For a moment, we all turned our heads in different directions, as if taking Gloria's suggestion into deep consideration. Then, in harmony, all three of us agreed with our own murmurs of approval. That caused us to burst out in laughter at the whole situation.

"You know, I think I'll be needing that nice mocha latte now," I spoke up, looking into the eyes of my supervisor next to me.

"Oh, really?" she asked, matching her eye level with mine. "Then that means I'll be needing my doughnut and a hot cup of Joe," she grinned.

"And a gingerale for me!" Andrew exclaimed, folding his arms behind his head and leaning back in the booth. I gazed at him from across the table; his emerald green eyes were sparkling with mischief.

"I'd like twenty-five percent grape juice, twenty-five percent orange juice, twenty-five percent apple juice, and twenty-five percent gingerale," Gloria replied promptly. An irresistible smile covered her rosy lips.

"Aw, the lady is getting daring," Andrew joked, chuckling at her request. "I've only gone half gingerale and orange juice...and I don't even think the two servings were evenly measured." He chuckled again.

"Little Angel, please just make a simple choice and tell me when you've decided," Tess said, patting Gloria's hand, which rested on the edge of the table.

"Oh..." the youngest hesitated. "How about half grape juice and half gingerale?" she asked. Tess smiled and shook her head. "A gingerale then," she mumbled, looking down. The three of us laughed at her reaction.

"Two gingerales, one mocha latte, and a doughnut and coffee it will be then!"

"Oh, and Tess," I quickly added, grabbing her arm gently. "Can we have a side-dish of onion rings to share?" I smiled, hoping that Tess wouldn't mind the "extra grease".

"Why not? How often do we get to enjoy a nice afternoon together?" Tess asked. I was relieved at her answer.

We ate our snacks and drank our refreshments, pausing to speak and join in the interesting conversations that carried on throughout our luncheon. After about an hour of laughing and enjoying our time together, we all agreed that it was time to move on. Moving on is harder then expected when you're having a fun time with your friends. But knowing that you're going to back to work for the Almighty makes it easier to part.

"Angel Girl, I want you to get a jacket, mittens, a scar..."

"Tess, I know," I answered with a smile. I grabbed her hand in mine and thanked her for "treating" us.

"Monica?" Andrew asked, sneaking up behind me. I jumped at his fingers poking into my sides. Putting a hand over my heart, I turned around and released my grasp on Tess' hand.

"Well, that's one way to get my attention," I said sternly, quickly sticking tongue out at him, hoping no one in public noticed the embarrassing action. Of course, I meant it jokingly, but I was relieved that Tess was facing behind me.

"Hey, I had to do something," he teased with a laugh. "I just wanted to say good bye to you and Tess before Gloria and I get back to our part of this new assignment. Looks like it has to deal with something that involved the Angel of Death," he told me.

"Really?" I asked with a grin. "Well, that's quite interesting Andrew. Hey, wait! I guess you're the perfect one for the job!" I exclaimed with a sarcastic tone. Now it was Andrew's turn to stick out his tongue. Unfortunate for him (though I have to say I enjoyed every minute of it), Tess caught his action out of the corner of her eye and immediately stepped between us. She took his coat collar in her finger tips and stared at him with that "Tess glare" that she seemed to always possess at the right times.

"Andrew, what exactly was that?" our supervisor asked him with the sternest voice that I could possibly imagine coming from her lips. Actually, I have heard worst, but at the moment, it was likely the loudest she dared to go in a public area.

"W-what?" he asked, bring his hand up to run through his blond locks. His emerald green eyes refused to meet those of her big brown ones. Feeling her glare, he coughed and was forced to meet her gaze. "I-I...well...Monica did it too..."

"I didn't ask what she did, Angel Boy. I asked what you did. Now are you going to answer me or not?" Tess asked him, releasing the strong grip she had on his collar.

"Well, I-I stuck out my tongue at her. Tess, believe me, it was only meant to be a joke," he chuckled. "It wasn't like..."

"I know exactly what it was, Andrew, but why did you do that? You know we're in a public area and there are people staring at us right now."

"Maybe that's because you're..." I gave him a slight kick in the shin before he was capable of finishing his sentence. "You know, Tess? You're perfectly right. It was a total inappropriate thing to do in our position-anywhere," he quickly added. "And especially for an angel to do it," he said, glancing at me. I shot him an innocent look.

"That's right, baby," Tess said, stepping out of the way. I was now face to face with him again. "And I expect better behavior next time, Andrew. Now what do you have to say to that?"

"Uh, good bye?" Andrew asked, seeing Gloria motioning to him. A taxi had come to a stop before the cafe, which had been flagged down by the little angel. With that, Andrew gave me and Tess a quick squeeze of the hand and went traveling out of the door. Tess turned to me and exchanged a big smile.

"That was fun," she said. "Now, Angel Girl, I think Andrew here has the right idea with saying good bye. Go get yourself all those lovely supplies that I ordered and meet me wherever the Father says. Right now, I'm not exactly sure where that place is, but I'm sure we'll be told as soon as possible." Tess sighed and glanced up to the heavens, as if waiting for a 'sign'.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, also with a smile. "I'll be sure to report back, first thing." I quickly hugged my supervisor, enjoying the warm embrace she provided.

"Now get your little angel butt out of here!" Tess ordered, forcing me out of the hug. I giggled and nodded.

"I'm on my way." Looking up at the sky, I closed my eyes and suddenly all of the "supplies" Tess had ordered me to require in my uniform appeared upon me." Thank you, Father," I murmured. With that, I pushed open the door and made my way down the sidewalk. This time I knew for sure that the weather was a wee bit more than "lovely".

But as I walked past all of the shops where tourists and many people lurked, purchasing gifts for the upcoming holiday, I passed by a quaint part of town. It was much more run-down with an older and dirtier look. Just as I made my way pass a small, dark alley, I was surprised to feel the force of a hand clamp over my mouth. I was grabbed with a strong hold from around my stomach pushed into the alley. Realizing my dangerous position and what was possible to happen, I kept still instead of squirming her way out of the harsh grasp.

"I'm going to release my hand from your mouth," a sly voice whispered. "But be aware that I have a gun to your head." I could feel a round object being pressed against my auburn head; I knew for sure that it was the mouth of a pistol. I did have to be careful.

"Okay," I said in an extremely muffled voice, nodding my head. He slowly took his hand away from my mouth. I sighed and heaved a large amount of air in an inhale.

"Don't move or turn around, and don't even talk. Just nod or shake your head in agreement or disagreement. But I warn you, I wouldn't disagree with anything!" the voice commanded with a snicker. I quickly nodded. "Now listen closely and listen good. I don't know who you are or where you're from, but you're interrupting with our work and I can't have that. Do as I say and no one gets hurt, including your three friends." Hearing the mention of Tess, Andrew, and Gloria made me tense. I knew, as angels, we couldn't die, but with all the things that the Father had let happen to us in the past, I wasn't sure what to expect. "Stay out of Project ABC 200!" the voice stormed, yet still in a dim whisper.

Project ABC 200? I thought in a rage. What's that? At that moment, I knew if I said something-anything at all-my life could be at stake.

"You got that?" the voice asked. I hesitantly nodded. "Good—now if you don't follow what I say, then there will be major consequences. I don't think you want to find out what those consequences are, eh?" I shook my head, my body aching at his grasp. "I'm going to let go of you. Walk straight out to the sidewalk from where you were and don't look back or I swear I'll shoot you. Don't even think about getting the police involved, don't you dare! I'm watching you, sweet heart," he snickered. "I know where you are, what you're doing, and what you will do constantly. If you call the police, you'll drop dead before they can take your name and number down. Now you got all that?" For some reason, I couldn't find the simple strength to nod before he shook me fiercely and slammed my body against the stone wall behind. "You got that?" he stormed. Finally I nodded and grit my teeth. "Good, 'cause this is between you and I. Now I'm gonna let you go and you walk straight out of here and don't turn back. Okay?" I nodded again, wondering if the questions would ever cease. "Now get lost!" he ordered. I sighed when he unwrapped his arm from my stomach. Remembering his orders, I scrambled straightforward, trying as hard as possible to erase the stricken look on my face. Daylight streamed into my pupils when I walked out onto the sidewalk.

"Remember..." a faint voice called before all went silent behind me. I started to run and run who knows where. I just wanted to be safe, somewhere out of this man's reach, whoever he was.