Andrew stood in front of the bedroom door, still pondering whether or not to enter. He raised his hand to the door to knock, but then dropped it. Now he couldn't decide whether to knock or to just go in. He put his hand on the knob but didn't turn it. For a long moment of silence, he stood there, thinking and reasoning over his decisions. Then he decided to contemplate the outcome of the situation. If he did go in, what would she do? Would she be angry with him? Would he find her in tears, her back to him?
"Oh, God, I'm going to need help," he mumbled under his breath. Finally, he knocked, turned the golden knob and entered in.
In front of him was a curled up Monica, lying on the bed, her face down in the pillow. Andrew could tell by her shaking shoulders that she was crying. She was in so much shock, confusion, and frustration right then that he didn't know how to react.
He sat down on the bed and hesitantly touched her back. She didn't respond, but his hand shook from her sobs. The sight of her crying so hard almost made him fall into tears. Her auburn hair was wet from being in her face. He couldn't see her eyes, but he guessed they were blurry and drowned out by turmoil and fear. If she feels like I do, Andrew thought, she must be very afraid to confront me.
"M…Monica," he stuttered. She still didn't sit up or stir. She still only shook with tears. "Monica, honey," he continued, his own voice shaking. "I'm…" he stopped. He didn't know what to say. His mind went blank of all words that could've came out. "I'm…I'm…sorry, Monica," he said, deciding his words carefully. "I love you so much and I wanted you to know that. Actually, these past few days, I've…" his voice trailed off. "I've had a change in…in…I can't do this!" he exclaimed suddenly. This time, she reacted. Her tears stopped as if she were surprised.
Yes, you can, my Child, I know you can.
Andrew sighed, realizing that he had to do it.
"Monica," he said more surely. "These past few days I've had changed feelings about you. I don't know…I guess I truly do love you, honey," he said. "And I think I'm starting to get this whole human situation." He stroked her brilliant auburn hair. "I just wanted you to know that. And, by the way, I'm sorry I…well…er…I'm sorry that I kissed you without asking. I rushed things. I mean, I know we're married in all, but we've never actually been…well, to get to the point, we've never actually been human and in love-not that you have to be in love with me…" he stopped for she made a sudden movement. He almost jumped for joy when she sat up and looked him straight in his emerald green eye.
"Really, Andrew?" she asked, her voice shaky from crying. He gave her a sincere nod and stood up. She watched as he started to leave the room. "Wait…Andrew," she said, this time her voice a little more firm. "Please stay." He turned around and faced her, a surprised expression on his red face.
"You want me to…stay?" he asked, the heat from embarrassment really showing on his face.
"Please," she said again. He hesitated and sat back down on the bedside. "I'm so sorry, Andrew," she sobbed. "I didn't know…I wasn't sure…"
"Shh," he whispered into her ear, pulling her into a soft embrace. She buried her face into his shoulder.
"I love you too, Andy," she said gently. He almost let out a chuckle, and Monica must have noticed, for she looked up at him. "What is it?" she asked him, her tone nearly scared.
"Oh, nothing, Angel Girl," he replied, now the laugh escaping his lips. "It's just that the whole time that I spent it hesitating whether or not to come in here, I thought you were going to rage at me and call for a divorce," he laughed. She let out a small giggle that felt like music to his ears.
"A divorce?" she asked in disbelief. "Now why would I want to call for one of those?"
"You wouldn't and I know that…it's just that I knew-I pictured how mad you were going to be…" he stopped, their laughter drowning out his words. "Aw, just forget about it!" he exclaimed, reaching down and tickling her sides. She let out a shriek and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Andrew Dahline!" she screamed; both of them worried that they were going to wake up Brian and Rose. He stopped, not wishing to do so.
"Shh," he ordered, a smile creeping across his face. Without question, she reached up and planted a small kiss on his cheek. "What was that for?" She blushed and shrugged.
"I don't know…it was just for good luck." She smiled.
"And since when, Miss Wings, do you believe in good luck?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Oh, Andy, you know that I don't. I was just kidding," she said innocently.
"Yeah, sure," he laughed, sarcasm ringing in his voice. Suddenly he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, then let out a humph. "Paid you back, sweetie," he joked. She giggled, putting her hand up to her mouth. "So," he began. "Now what?"
"Bed," she answered, yawning.
"That sounds like a good idea." He stood up and stretched. "Um…" he stopped and turned around to face her. "I don't have to sleep on the couch this time, do I?" he asked, worry overcoming his expression. She chuckled.
"No," she laughed. Andrew wiped his forehead.
"Phew," he sighed. "'Cause the bad thing about sleeping down there is my snoring echo's throughout the living-room. Can never get to sleep when that happens. It just gives me the creeps," he told her too seriously. For a moment, she just looked him straight in the eye, her puzzled mind showing in her expression. "I'm just joking, Angel Girl," he said with a laugh. "Sometimes I think you're too solemn."
"Well, for a second there, I thought you were telling me the truth. But then I thought about it. You can't hear your own snoring because when you snore you're asleep…" her words trailed off, as she was lost in thought. Andrew had to laugh at her.
"Monica, honey, forget I said it. I didn't think you would take it seriously. It was supposed to be a joke and you didn't even laugh."
"Oh," she said innocently, trying to fake a giggle or two. He rolled his eyes in mock disgust and headed to the bathroom.
When he returned, she was already half-asleep; her brown eyes locked shut and turned on her side. She was still and silent. He smiled and threw the covers aside. She didn't move.
"Good night," he whispered. He planted a kiss on her forehead and then on her cheek. "I love you." She stirred and he quickly laid down.
"Andy?" she asked quietly.
"Hmm?"
"What time is it?"
"Eleven," he answered.
"I love you too," she said softly. He smiled.
"Well, I love you three." She shook her head and let out a silent giggle.
"You're such a kid," she said, quite disgusted.
"Thank you."
"That wasn't supposed to be a compliment."
"I know."
"Then why did you say, 'thank you'?"
"What…?" he asked.
"Oh, never mind!" she said, opening her eyes and looking at him with frustration. "I'm sorry, and I do love you, Andrew," she told him, reaching over and resting her head on his shoulder. "By the way, that was supposed to be a joke."
"Well, that's a good thing," he chuckled. "Um…Monica?"
"Yeah,"
"We're cool, right?" he asked, unsure of his wording.
"Cool?" she asked. "Uh…I guess so."
"Cool!" Andrew exclaimed. She rolled her tired brown eyes. Hesitantly, he halfway sat up and cupped her cheeks in his hands. Slowly, he laid a quick kiss on her lips and laid back down. He let out a sigh of relief when she didn't react badly. He only felt the squeeze of her hand on his.
"Good night," she whispered.
