Chapter Ten

"What?" Was all Becky could get out as she stared at Monica, who was illumated with a heavenly glow. Monica offered a soft smile.

"Don't be afraid, Rebecca. I'm an angel." She said quietly. Becky stared at her in complete shock and amazement as she shook her head.

"An...an angel?" She asked. Monica nodded.

"Yes, sent by God." She paused. "He has a message for you, Becky, and He sent me here to tell you." Becky was speechless, as her tears stopped momentarily, still trying to make sense of what was happening.

"Oh Becky, God has been with you from the very start. He's been looking after you and your family all this time, you know." Monica said. Becky snapped out of whatever shock had overcome her, and shook her head fiercely.

"God? You're trying to tell me that God has been looking after us? That's a lie! If God really cared about us, my dad would never hit me or my mother, and Tonya would still be alive! If that's how God looks out for people, I don't want anything to do with Him!" She screamed out, beginning to cry again. Monica was quiet for a moment, as she moved in a little closer, placing her hand on Becky's cheek.

"Becky, I know you're upset right now, and you have every reason to be, but I'm not lying to you, love. Angels tell the truth, because God is Truth. God has always been present with you, and your mom, and yes, even your dad. Oh Becky, He cares so much about you that He sent two angels to be with you when your life would reach this point. He didn't want you to be alone." Monica said. Becky looked up suddenly and puckered her brow.

"Two angels?" She asked, trying to figure out who the second messenger would have been. Monica smiled.

"Yes. Angel has ben sent too." That was when Monica realized Angel had taken off, but she continued anyway. "God thought it best for you to have two angels for this."

"Angel...Angel is an...angel?" Becky asked. Monica smiled with a nod.

"Yes, a new angel. Newly created by God Himself the day before we met you, Becky. She was created to be a messenger of God for young people, like you. Her name isn't really Angel. It's just temporary. God has a way of waiting for angels to have names." She said. Becky nodded, but was still crying, as she was kneeling on the floor, clenching her fists together tightly. Monica could see she was trying to be strong.

"Oh Becky, I know you're hurting so much inside, but the pain is over, little one. God wants you to know that you and your mother are safe now, and your father can never hurt you again. The healing can truly begin now, love. You are God's precious child, and He is with you all the time. And He loves you." She said, her hands resting on Becky's shaking shoulders. Becky breathed out, tears rolling down her cheeks as she stared at Monica.

"But...but...w-what about...T-Tonya?" She stuttered as she continued to cry. Monica, feeling tears in her own eyes, exhaled.

"She is safe in the Father's arms, a Father who can never hurt her. Tonya is safe, and will never be harmed." She explained.

Becky nodded, but began to cry again. Monica gathered the girl into her arms and held her close, stroking her hair and soothing the hurt girl.

Moments passed, as there was nothing more to say. Monica had delivered the message of hope and of God's love, all she could do now was comfort the girl who lost her little sister. Becky's sobs died down, and as she pulled out of the hug, she breathed out and looked at Monica with inquisitive eyes.

"Monica, c-can I ask you something?" She asked, as she dried her tears on her sleeve. Monica nodded.

"Yes, love, what is it?" She asked. Becky sighed.

"How...how do angels get their names?" She wanted to know.

"In all sorts of different ways. They just come when the time is right?" Monica replied. Becky nodded, looked up toward the ceiling, as tears began to form in her eyes again. Monica waited.

"Would you...would you ask God...to name her Tonya? After...after my...my little sister?" Becky asked, biting her lip to keep herself from crying again. Monica smiled wide, hearing an affirming voice from God above, before she nodded.

"God thinks that's a wonderful idea, love. I'm sure Angel would be honored to carry the name for all eternity." She said. Becky smiled and fell into Monica's arms again, squeezing her tight.

"I think...I think I want to see my mom now." Becky dried her tears, and breathed out. "What...what do I say to her?"

"Love, just be there with her. Your mom loves you so much. Cry together, rejoice together that you are free from the hurt." Monica replied. Becky considered it all for a moment, and nodded with a small smile.

Nothing more was said. Becky stood up and headed down the hall toward the room her mother would be in. Monica raised her tear-filled eyes toward Heaven, and thanked God for freedom from the cycle of abuse, and another message well received.