Chapter 3

"What about this one?" Monica asked. She held up a picture of a subtle centerpiece arrangement filled with roses. It was two days after she'd introduced herself to her assignment, and Allison had managed to get out of work an hour early to meet with Monica. The two sat in the Bartilson living room surrounded by sample books – Allison had moved in with the family as soon as she and Ben were engaged.

Monica was trying hard not to let her personal concerns get in the way of her own assignment. From what Ruby had told her about the confrontation with Sarah on Monday, Monica would have to keep a real close eye on the new caseworker. She understood from the beginning that Ruby was not the most gentle soul. While Ruby had been appropriately tough that time, Monica had to make sure that her charge would be able to be compassionate enough when the time came.

And then there were her worries over Gloria and Tess. She loved those two angels with all her heart, but put them together on their own for long…it was a recipe for trouble. Monica was wondering how long it would be before Gloria appeared before her in tears.

Allison gave the picture a quick glance and didn't seem to consider her answer much. "Yeah, sure, that's fine. Roses are great."

"But I was only showing you the picture for the design," Monica reminded her with a concerned look. "You said before that you wanted lilies for things like the centerpiece and potted plants at the ceremony."

Her gaze steady on the staircase to the second floor, Allison nodded, "Oh, right. Yeah, lilies, not roses."

Monica sighed and placed the picture back down on the coffee table. "Are you alright, Allison? You seem a wee bit distracted."

"Huh?" Allison shook her head and focused on Monica. "No, I…I mean, yes, I'm fine. It's just that the kids are upstairs, you know, and there hasn't been a sound from them in a little while."

"It's sweet that you're so worried about your fiancé's children. From what I've seen, it's almost like you already consider them your own," Monica remarked. She and Allison had arrived from the office at half past three to find both Sarah and Matthew in their rooms. The children had barely acknowledged the adults when Allison knocked on their doors, and only gave Monica a brief nod when introduced. It seemed that the good that Ruby had done two years ago wore off fast.

Allison gave her a small smile. "I do. I love Sarah and Matthew so much. I'll just be happy to know if they even like me at all."

"I'm sure they do," Monica assured her. For proof, she took one of the pictures of the Bartilsons and Allison from one of the end tables. The four looked like a whole family, all laughing and smiling. "They certainly look like they do in this picture."

The picture only made Allison frown. "That was taken shortly after Ben and I were engaged. Things have changed since. Back then, I was just their father's girlfriend. Now I'm going to be their stepmother. We stepmothers don't have the best reputation."

Monica laughed softly. "Just because you're going to be a stepmother, doesn't mean you have to be like Cinderella's or the evil queen in Snow White."

"I know that," Allison said with another glance at the staircase. "I just wish they did."

After a brief silence, the two got back to the wedding at much the same pace as before. Monica couldn't help but notice that Allison's heart wasn't in it. She supposed the prospect of being Sarah and Matthew's stepmother dampened the excitement some, but Allison seemed downright scared at the thought of her big day. Granted, at her age, Allison wouldn't have the same bubbly excitement as a woman in her twenties, but there was enough lack of enthusiasm for Monica to be concerned.

Monica was about to say something about it when Matthew came bounding down the stairs, a football in his hand. The small dark-haired ten-year-old nodded to them in acknowledgement, then made a beeline for the front door.

At Monica's encouraging look, Allison spoke up, "Matthew, wait! Where are you going?"

Matthew paused at the door and, with exasperation in voice, answered, "To the park with the guys. You know them. The kids down the street."

Allison nodded, but checked the time on the clock on the wall. "Matthew, your father will be home in fifteen minutes. He said he's bringing home pizza for dinner."

"So? I'll heat some up when I get back. See you later," Matthew called. He didn't give her another glance as he threw open the front door and ran outside.

Monica frowned in disapproval, but didn't say anything. It wasn't her place to tell her assignments how to raise their stepchildren. But it was clear that Matthew didn't have an ounce of respect for Allison, and she guessed that neither did Sarah.

"I know what you're thinking," Allison said as she gave a sheepish frown.

"It's just that…well…" Monica trailed off. This was one of those concerns that had to be conveyed delicately or risk offense of the recipient.

Thankfully, Allison beat her to it. "I know, and it's okay. It's not like I'm their stepmother yet. And besides, Ben doesn't mind if we don't eat dinner together. He prefers it, of course, but he doesn't force them."

"If you say so," Monica said. With a resigned sigh, she picked up the sample book from the reception hall. "Let's get back to work, then."

The next day, Ruby sat across from Sarah at the Bartilson kitchen table. Ruby only helped Sarah Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour each, so she was determined to make their time together count.

It would probably be the only thing she could count. She thought she would walk into a tutoring session, and like a lightening flash, understand all the problems Sarah needed help with. Apparently, it didn't work that way. Ruby had just barely managed to answer all of the workbook questions Sarah had to do.

Ruby wished she didn't have to worry about understanding math so she could just work on her already troubled assignment. Even though Ruby didn't tell Ben about it, she could tell that Sarah was still steamed at her for sending her back to class on Monday. Sarah had been cool to her tutor during all three sessions. It was safe to say that Ruby was officially on the receiving end of the silent treatment.

Except, of course, when Sarah needed help on a problem.

"…and that's why the cost of each cup of coffee would be $2.50," Ruby finished as she slid the workbook back over to Sarah. Ruby was quite proud of herself at having successfully done yet another word problem. However, she did notice that Sarah was doing more asking than actual work.

Without so much as a "thank you," Sarah grabbed the workbook back, wrote down the answer, and passed the book back to Ruby. "What about that one?"

Ruby just raised an eyebrow.

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Please."

"Fine, since you asked so nicely," Ruby said with a trace of sarcasm. "But this is the last one. Now, I'll help you if you want, but this here is the last one I'm doing. Don't think I haven't noticed that you've been trying to get me to do your homework for you."

"Whatever," Sarah muttered as she slouched in her chair.

Isn't she pleasant? Ruby thought with a deep sigh. She shook her head and began to read the problem aloud. "'The average age of a group of teachers and professors is 40. If the teachers average 35 years and the professors 50 years, then what is the ratio of the number of teachers to professors?' Oh, this one is like the problem we just did! You're telling me you don't understand a word of it?"

Sarah gave an apathetic shrug.

"Alright then," Ruby muttered. She was beginning to miss her other assignment, where all she had to do was turn off the electricity in their rooms to get the kids to talk to her. But like Monica had said – Sarah was older now. Nothing would be that simple. "Here. We'll make teachers equal x, and professors equal y. The formula would be '40 equals 35x plus 50y, both divided by x plus y.' Now, you work that out."

"But…"

"I have faith in you," Ruby insisted as she slid the workbook back Sarah's way.

It took Sarah some time, but she managed to complete the problem with five minutes and a calculator. Once she was done, Sarah passed the book back for Ruby to check. "Good…good…and the ratio is two to one. Hey, you did it!" Ruby praised.

"Woo. Hoo," Sarah deadpanned.

Ruby just about had enough of Sarah's attitude. "Alright, that's it. I know you're not happy that I caught you on Monday. But doesn't the fact that I didn't tell your dad say something? I'm not against you, here!"

"Whatever…"

"No, not 'whatever,'" Ruby insisted. "Now, you need to get better grades in math, and I need a job." Sarah didn't need to know what job. "So we're going to be civil as long as we're stuck with each other, you understand?"

Sarah sighed and nodded. "Fine This whole situation bites, though. Just so you know, I hate having a tutor."

"That's fine with me. I like when people say what they mean, and mean what they say," Ruby assured her. The expression was one of her favorites. She used it all the time.

Sarah paused at that and gave her a strange look. "I've heard that somewhere before. I want to say I've heard it from you, but that's the first time you've said it since you became my tutor."

"Well, it is a common expression," Ruby replied with a small, knowing smile.

Sarah shrugged. "I guess so…"

"Sarah Mae Bartilson!"

The named teen winced when her father's voice carried through the house. "I hate my middle name," she grumbled.

"Aw, I think it's cute…" Ruby trailed off at Sarah's face. "…and that's why you hate it, isn't it?" She gave a nervous glance back at the hallway that led down to the front door. "Frankly, kid, I think a cute middle name is the least of your problems right now."

Sarah just nodded. Finally, they agreed on something.

Ben Bartilson entered the kitchen, a lanky, brown-haired man with a cell phone in his hand. "Your high school just called me, wanting to know why you missed two class periods today."

"Oh, Sarah," Ruby said in a disappointed voice.

With a silent glare at Ruby, Sarah turned to her father and tried to explain. "I-I wasn't feeling well, a-and I guess the nurse forgot to tell the office…"

"You know what, I don't want to hear it," Ben snapped, exasperated. From the tone in his voice, Ruby could tell it wasn't the first time he and Sarah had this fight "You said you were going to stop cutting classes, and you didn't. So now you're going to your room until I decide what to do with you."

Sarah jumped from her seat. "But Dad, you're not even listening…"

"I said now," Ben ordered.

A dark glare on her face, Sarah slammed her chair into the table and stomped off. Loud bangs were heard as her feet solidly connected with the wood on the way upstairs. Ben massaged his forehead as he glanced at Ruby. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Oh, it's no…"

"I'll still pay you for the hour. See you on Monday," Ben replied. With that, he left the kitchen and headed to his home office.

Ruby gave a long sigh as she closed Sarah's forgotten workbook. "God, you were right to send me back here. They definitely need an angel."

"I'm going to meet with Allison again this weekend," Monica explained after she'd finished chewing another French fry. She and Ruby sat across from each other at a booth in a diner close to the Bartilson household. Ruby had called for Monica to give her an update, but before the two angels talked about anything, they decided to go get dinner. "I practically had to talk her into it," Monica continued with a frown. "I've never seen a bride-to-be so unenthusiastic about her wedding."

Ruby shrugged and took a sip of her soda. "Maybe she's got a classic case of cold feet. I wouldn't be surprised with all the chaos in that house."

"Oh, I don't…" Monica trailed off to consider the option. So far, she'd only been thinking of this in terms of Allison being worried that the kids didn't like or respect her. Maybe Allison had some reservations about becoming a stepmother too. "You know, you could have something there."

Her smile wide, Ruby replied, "Really? I was just saying it 'cause of the fighting. But glad I could help."

Monica smiled…but quickly frowned as she took in the other angel's words. "Fighting? Things seemed tense when I was there, but…"

"Oh, Monica, you should've seen it," Ruby began with a melodramatic sigh. "First of all, Sarah and I weren't getting along at all until I straightened her out, and even then she told me flat out that she didn't want a tutor."

"What do you mean 'straightened her out'?" Monica asked. Ruby would have a hard time bonding with Sarah if she kept lecturing her. While Tess was much the same way, she was careful about picking her battles.

"Don't worry, Monica. What that teenager needs is some tough love. Between Allison letting the kids get away with murder, and her father resorting to punishment at the drop of a hat, she needs to hear the truth from someone. And I'm just the angel to do it." With a satisfied nod, Ruby sat back and took another sip of her drink.

Monica couldn't help herself. She laughed. What was funny wasn't Ruby's confidence in herself, but more how frank she was about it and everything else. It reminded her somewhat of Tess. "I'm sorry," Monica managed between laughter.

"What's so funny?" Ruby asked, but there was an amused smile at her lips as well.

"You are," Monica said with a shake of her head. "But I agree with you. From what I've seen and what you've told me, that does sound like the right direction to go in. Just…please be careful. You don't want to lecture Sarah so much that she refuses to talk to or tries to avoid you."

Ruby gave a solemn nod. "I know. I'm not used to holding anything in, but I'll try."

"That's good. Is that what you meant by fighting?" Monica asked.

"I wish," Ruby answered. "But how Sarah and Ben argue is much worse. Well, it's not so much arguing, as Ben yelling at her. I was there today when he came home raving mad because he got a call from her school that said she skipped two classes. You should've seen him. Wouldn't listen to a word, just told her to get in her room. From what I got, that's not as uncommon as it should be."

Monica frowned with concern. "Did you get a chance to talk to Sarah?"

"I didn't get to stick around long enough. Ben made it pretty clear that I was dismissed," Ruby answered. "It's just…it's just so hard. I'm already so attached to this family, and they have no idea."

At that, Monica paused while she received a message from the Father. "They will, eventually. When the time is right, they all will remember you."

"Really? Oh, I can't wait!" Ruby exclaimed. "But, uh, there was something I've been meaning to ask you."

"What is it?" Monica asked.

"It's just that, well, you're assigned to Allison, and I'm assigned to Sarah. Who's going to be assigned to Ben? He needs someone to make him work out his issues with Sarah," Ruby answered.

Monica paused as she silently asked the Father the same question. She hadn't been told that Ben would be receiving an angel during this assignment, but maybe the situation had changed. However, the answer she got back from the Father was probably one Ruby wouldn't want to hear. "Someone will, Ruby. But it won't be an angel."

"What? But Monica, Ben needs an angel too!" Ruby insisted.

"It is not up to me to decide who receives an angel and who doesn't," Monica explained.

Disappointed, Ruby argued, "But can't you talk to Him about it? Maybe He was one angel short on this assignment."

"Ruby, God does not make mistakes," Monica insisted while she made a conscious effort to keep patient. "If Ben is not assigned an angel, it is part of God's plan. Everything will unfold in His time."

Ruby sat back and childishly crossed her arms. "Well, I wish He'd hurry up. I'm worried about Ben. Every time I see him, he seems so stressed out."

"Don't worry, Ben will be helped in time," Monica said with a sigh. Ruby had much to learn before she became a caseworker angel.

The diner door opened, the bell above it ringing as an excited customer entered. The customer then took no time to spot the angels' booth and ran towards them. "Monica!"

It was Gloria. She rushed up to the booth, almost jumping for joy at the sight of her supervisor. "Monica! I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too, little one," Monica assured her as she got up to give Gloria a hug, which was returned with more intensity. When they broke apart, Monica indicated her charge of the moment. "Gloria, this is Ruby. Ruby, this is my caseworker and best friend, Gloria."

"Nice to meet you, Gloria," Ruby replied as she stuck out her hand, which Gloria shook. "Monica's told me all about you."

The young angel paused, and Monica knew she was reacting in much the same way Monica had – Gloria had never seen an angel like Ruby either. "Oh, uh, I haven't seen Monica for the past week, or else I'm sure she would've told me about you too." The two angels sat back down at the booth, and Monica wasn't surprised when Gloria was quick to slide in next to her.

"So how was your first week as caseworker, Ruby? What did you think?" Gloria asked. Leave it to Gloria's bursting curiosity to break the ice.

"Oh, I really like it!" Ruby answered with enthusiasm. "I gotta say though, it's just about the most frustrating thing I've ever done."

Gloria nodded in agreement. "Yes, it can be challenging…but you get the most incredible feeling when you're done. It's very rewarding to help humans, I've found."

"I'm beginning to think so, too," Ruby replied.

Monica laughed, very happy, and relieved, that her two caseworkers were getting along. "Speaking of helping humans…Gloria, how is your assignment going? Are you getting along well with Tess?"

"Oh, Tess! I know her! I met her in Heaven a short time before I met Monica," Ruby interjected before Gloria could reply.

Gloria nodded, then answered. "Yes, well, Tess and I have our differences. She doesn't get that I'm a big angel now. I can take care of myself."

"Aw, I'm sure Tess is just worried about you. Shows how much she loves you," Ruby assured her.

"Right," Monica agreed. "And Tess doesn't know how much you've grown up in the year she's been gone. You've got to give her time."

Gloria sighed. "I don't know how much time she'll have. My assignment, Scott, is pretty far gone. Drugs, stealing…if he's not careful, they're going to toss him out of high school. It's sad that I'm working as detention monitor, because it's the only way I would be able to be around him often enough to get through to him."

"That's just about one of the saddest things I've ever heard," Ruby remarked, a hand on her heart in sympathy. "I hope you get through to that boy."

"I'm trying. But it's hard because he's so closed off. He doesn't talk to anyone else in detention, let alone me," Gloria explained.

Monica gave Gloria a quick, reassuring one-armed hug and gave both of them a reassuring smile. "Don't either of you worry. Your troubles are all part of His plan. You'll reach your assignments in time."