Chapter 2
Monica had already brought up to date the files for the new day when Mary Ann arrived the next morning. "You're an early bird, Monica", the doctor commented as a way of greeting.
"Good morning, Mary Ann. I hope you don't mind that I started without you".
"Not at all. I must recognize I hadn't had such an efficient assistant in a long time".
"Thank you".
"Do you have any plans for today?", the doctor asked the little angel while she started to look at the files over her desk. "What would you say if we have lunch together?".
Monica hesitated a little. "Mmm... I'm sorry, but actually I wanted to ask if you don't mind if I go out at lunchtime. There's someone I need to see...", her tone was still slightly worried but changed immediately as the next idea came to her mind. "I'm planning to surprise him and have lunch with him".
"With your boyfriend?"
The Irish angel blushed deeply as she turned to see her chief. Although it was the human name for her relationship with Andrew, she wasn't accustomed to say so yet. "Yes", she regained herself enough to answer, "with my boyfriend. How did you know?".
"The sparkle in your eyes, your smile... I just hope he's not as mysterious as my daughter's".
"No", Monica chuckled and smiled at just thinking about Andrew. "He's not mysterious".
Andrew had been looking for a chance to talk to Natalia all the morning but the moment seemed not to be the right one. He wanted it to look rather casual, so the girl would trust him easily instead of feeling fearful. The group was just leaving their pas-de-deux class when the blond angel saw her walking slowly behind her classmates. "Hi, Natalia, how are you?", he said joining her.
The girl blushed slightly when she saw her new teacher coming to her. "Oh, hi", she managed to say.
"You look a little worried. Is there something I can do for you?".
"No, I'm fine, thank you. Why do you ask that?", in fact she'd be worry if she couldn't hide her real feelings anymore.
"Listen. I don't want to be indiscreet but I saw you yesterday afternoon in William's car", it was not the whole truth but the angel wasn't lying. "I saw you were crying". He saw her remaining silent and bending her head down. A tear traced its path through her cheek. Andrew tilted her face tenderly and then whipped her tears away. "You're a beautiful young lady. You shouldn't be crying for nothing".
Natalia felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach at his words. Though she really was pretty, nobody used to tell her so and it certainly was nice. She looked at his eyes and saw the tenderness that was always present in them. She couldn't understand what his interest meant, but a feeling of self-confidence burst in her heart. "Thanks for your interest", she said finally, "but I don't think you can help me".
"Well, we can't be sure unless we try, can we? Why don't we continue talking at lunchtime?", the angel of death said as they reached the pilates classroom.
The ballerina was really confused, but a part of her was enjoying his attention. She didn't make friends easily and usually she spent lunchtimes alone or just hearing her classmates conversations, so the idea of having someone to talk while having lunch was quite a pleasant one. She turned to face him and smiled before answering. "Ok, I'll see you later then".
Monica walked along a corridor and stopped for a minute in front of the open door of a classroom where twenty dancers followed obediently the instructions of a middle-age woman, who was walking around them, correcting an arm here and a hand there until the lines of their bodies were perfect. She smiled and the soft music helped to free her heart from the apprehension she had felt all morning long. She was still worried for Andrew's behavior the night before, but at that very moment all she cared about was that she was going to see him and she'd be able to hold him tightly. The little angel started to walk again and right on the next corridor she met him. He was just closing the door of his classroom when her familiar accent made him turn. "Hello, Andrew. I hope you don't mind I came to see you here".
She hadn't finished her words when he had pulled her for a warm hug and a loving kiss. "Hey, baby, what a beautiful surprise!". He kissed her temple before pulling apart. The Irish angel smiled contently: at least, that was who he usually was. Maybe last night had been just a bad night after all. "What are you doing here?", he asked rubbing her arms softly.
"I was worried about you yesterday", she offered, her dark, caring eyes fixed on his. "I came to see if we could have lunch together so..."
His expression made her stop talking. He released her and buried his hands in his pants pockets, deliberately avoiding her gaze before beginning with stuttering excuses. "Baby, I'm sorry", he said. "I have an appointment for lunch already and it's something I can't miss". He couldn't say who felt worse; Monica, who was biting her lower lip and avoiding his sight, or he himself, who seemed not to find the right words... if there was something like the right words. "I'm really sorry, angel".
"It's ok", she said obviously disappointed. "I should've thought better than came to distract you while you're working".
He took her hand. "Listen, Monica, why don't we...", but he didn't finish his question as he saw Natalia coming from behind the little angel.
"Shall we go?", the young girl asked not paying any attention to Monica.
"Yes, let's go", Andrew said meeting the Irish angel's gaze once more. "I'll see you later, ok?". He squeezed her hand lovingly, hoping that the gesture would speak enough but he was wrong.
Monica saw them walking together and she didn't miss the sparkle in Natalia's eyes. She shook her head and turned to leave the building, scolding herself for what she was thinking. She shouldn't be feeling that, she shouldn't be jealous, both she and Andrew were angels and their love was the purest kind of love that could ever exist. She knew God had made them to be together and none could ever change that fact. Nevertheless, she wasn't happy at all to know that her beloved angel would be having lunch with a girl whose eyes were already reflecting much more than a simple gratitude.
At lunchtime, Tess went to Mary Ann's office to look for Monica as she was still worried about Andrew and longed to talk to her charge to see if the blond angel had offered something more. "Hello, Dr. Rosenberg", Tess greeted the brunette woman. "Is Monica around here?".
"Please, call me Mary Ann", she answered. "No. She went to have lunch with her boyfriend".
"Her boyfriend?", the dark skinned angel knew who she was referring to, but it was still strange to hear it.
"Yes. She said she wanted to surprise him". The woman looked carefully at the angel, who appeared to be suddenly lost in thought. "Have you known her for a long time?".
"Oh, yes", the supervisor answered chuckling. "She's like a daughter to me".
"And you don't like her boyfriend..."
The assumption made Tess to look at the woman in surprise. "No, no. He's like my son too. I don't think God could choose a better couple for each other. Don't tell Monica, but in fact I think they make a beautiful couple".
"Then, why are you so worried?"
"Never mind", the older angel said. "I may come back later, ok?". But when she was about to leave, Monica came in evidently upset. The little angel didn't notice she had closed the door with a quite audible slam. Both Tess and Mary Ann had their eyes fixed on her until the doctor spoke.
"You came back early".
"Yeah. I couldn't talk to him. He said he had another appointment he couldn't miss", her tone of voice was making evident her confusion and anger.
"Men", the woman sighed. "Whenever you want to make something special for them, they find a way to spoil your plans". She stood up and patted the Irish angel shoulder friendly. "Don't worry. Everything will be all right. I'll go try to have lunch with my own 'man' if he doesn't have another idea. See you later".
Tess saw her leaving the office before she turned her attention back to her angel baby. "Ok, Miss Wings, start talking", she ordered.
Monica sighed heavily before she started to pace desperately, her walking matching her whirling thoughts. "I went to see him, Tess. I wanted to talk to him, to hold him and make him trust me as he always has. He seemed quite happy to see me. He said it was a nice surprise. Then I asked him to have lunch with me. I just wanted some time for us alone, but he said he had another appointment, and then this girl came and he went with her without saying more, and...", she stopped the flood of her words as she saw her supervisor trying to control her laughing. "What's so funny?", the little angel asked almost angry.
"You're jealous".
"No, I'm not!".
"Of course you are, baby. Do you know who the girl is?".
"No, but..."
"But you're mad because Andrew is talking to her instead of you".
The older angel had a point and Monica's eyes said so. "Well... yes. I don't like that", she admitted. "But that's not my point. What I don't like is that he's not telling me what's bothering him!".
"Don't try to fool yourself, Monica. You're angry because this girl is using Andrew's time when you wanted to be with him. But don't forget that he's an angel before any other thing and he is supposed to help people, whatever sacrifice that may mean for him or for you. That girl, I assume, is his assignment and you should know better that's the most important thing right now". Monica remained silent for some minutes before she spoke again. "I know, Tess, you're right. Still, I'm not exactly happy".
"That's something I can see", the older angel replied ironically. "Listen to me, baby. The Father sent him there not because He wants Andrew to be a caseworker again. He sent him because his assignment is gonna need an angel of death. That may not be easy, neither for her nor for him. He may need you, both as an angel and as someone who he loves and who loves him. I know you're upset and that's perfectly normal. Love is not easier for you just because you're angels. There will always be times like this and you'll have to learn to deal with them and go through them together. You can't expect that it will always be Spring; there are three other seasons, all with a special quality that makes it worth living it". Seeing her young charge nodding, Tess pulled her for a warm hug. "I was so afraid to see you hurting because of your feelings, angel girl, but now after seeing you so in love with each other, I only know that you have to make it, no matter what".
Natalia could hardly remember a time when she had felt happier than now, seated in front of his handsome teacher, her bright eyes reflecting the joy of her smile. It had been quite easy to talk with him about how she had become a ballerina and the great expectations many people had in her talent. She didn't feel she was showing up, she was talking to someone who seemed really interested in her. What hasn't been that easy was to discuss her relationship with William.
"Natalia", the blond angel reached for her hand tentatively trying to force her to answer his next question, "we've been talking about many things but we haven't come to the first that brought us here. Do you have any problems with William White?".
The girl freed her hand and buried it in her lap, bending her head down. "I don't want to talk about it".
"It's obvious there's a problem and I want to help you".
"Do you have any trouble, Natalia?", William's voice startled both of them. Andrew turned to see him and could feel his anger growing inside.
"N-no", the girl stuttered nervously, "everything is all right".
"Good", the choreographer said. "Then, can I talk to you?". He grabbed her by the arm quite rudely and Andrew stood up immediately. His green eyes met William's in a silent challenge.
"Yes, let's go", Natalia said quickly, feeling her new teacher was about to lose his temper. "Thanks for the lunch, Andrew. I'll see you later".
"Natalia...", the angel tried to argue.
"No", she interrupted him. "It's ok", and he saw her walking mildly with him.
"What the hell are you doing, Natalia?", William mumbled leading the girl to his office. "Do you think I'm a toy?". Once they were there, he closed the door. He went near her and took her chin with a strong hand. "Look at me, Natalia, do you think you can play with me, little girl? Answer me!", he almost shouted.
"N-no", the ballerina replied with trembling voice and eyes full of tears. "I'm sorry, I didn't think you would mind..."
"Of course I mind! I love you, do you remember?", his tone pretended to be cute but there still was a clear note of bitterness.
Natalia lifted her eyes to meet his at this words. She was still crying and said nothing more when he leaned down to kiss her quite violently.
On a corner of the office, unseen for the couple, Andrew crossed his arms and shook his head in disagreement.
"If you love me, why you never show me?", Natalia asked when they parted.
"Here we come again!", William said with exasperation, freeing his embrace and turning his back to the girl. "When are you going to understand I don't like all that kind of ridiculous things lovers say? 'You're my life', 'I can't live without you'. I won't say that, you know it!".
"What would it hurt to tell me sometimes you love me?", her teary tone was nothing but a plea.
"You know that. I don't have to convince you. If you doubt me, that's your problem".
"Sometimes, I don't feel you really love me... You never touch me, you never hold me but here", she had come near him and tried to stroke his shoulder, but he pulled it back quite rudely.
"Remember what I've told you about?", he said turning to face her. "I told you since the beginning that none should know about us".
"But, why? Why would it be wrong...?"
"Because I can't favor any student in particular and that's exactly what I'm doing with you!".
"But you said I've won my place because of my hard work...", she murmured.
He suppressed a chuckle in scorn. "And you believed me? That was what I had to say". Seeing her crying, he sighed heavily. "I guess you want to be Juliet, don't you? That would be your unofficial debut as a principal with the American Ballet".
Natalia looked at him in surprise as she hasn't thought she could lose the role. "Yes, I do".
"Good", he said and gave her a distracted peck on the cheek before walking to take a seat behind his desk. "Then stop crying like a spoiled baby and go back to work".
"I'll see you later?", she asked still pleading.
"I don't know. I may have a prior appointment". He wasn't looking at her anymore and she turned to leave.
Andrew looked at her with deep sorry. This wasn't fair, she certainly didn't deserve to be treated like that. Then he listened to William's voice again. That was the last the angel could've expected.
"By the way, Natalia, don't eat anything at dinner".
"What?", she asked bewildered.
"I saw you eating like a pig at lunch with your new teacher".
"I just had half a sandwich and vegetables!".
"And you want more? We're weighing you tomorrow morning and I don't think any Juliet of the American Ballet has been more than 80 pounds".
Monica had already brought up to date the files for the new day when Mary Ann arrived the next morning. "You're an early bird, Monica", the doctor commented as a way of greeting.
"Good morning, Mary Ann. I hope you don't mind that I started without you".
"Not at all. I must recognize I hadn't had such an efficient assistant in a long time".
"Thank you".
"Do you have any plans for today?", the doctor asked the little angel while she started to look at the files over her desk. "What would you say if we have lunch together?".
Monica hesitated a little. "Mmm... I'm sorry, but actually I wanted to ask if you don't mind if I go out at lunchtime. There's someone I need to see...", her tone was still slightly worried but changed immediately as the next idea came to her mind. "I'm planning to surprise him and have lunch with him".
"With your boyfriend?"
The Irish angel blushed deeply as she turned to see her chief. Although it was the human name for her relationship with Andrew, she wasn't accustomed to say so yet. "Yes", she regained herself enough to answer, "with my boyfriend. How did you know?".
"The sparkle in your eyes, your smile... I just hope he's not as mysterious as my daughter's".
"No", Monica chuckled and smiled at just thinking about Andrew. "He's not mysterious".
Andrew had been looking for a chance to talk to Natalia all the morning but the moment seemed not to be the right one. He wanted it to look rather casual, so the girl would trust him easily instead of feeling fearful. The group was just leaving their pas-de-deux class when the blond angel saw her walking slowly behind her classmates. "Hi, Natalia, how are you?", he said joining her.
The girl blushed slightly when she saw her new teacher coming to her. "Oh, hi", she managed to say.
"You look a little worried. Is there something I can do for you?".
"No, I'm fine, thank you. Why do you ask that?", in fact she'd be worry if she couldn't hide her real feelings anymore.
"Listen. I don't want to be indiscreet but I saw you yesterday afternoon in William's car", it was not the whole truth but the angel wasn't lying. "I saw you were crying". He saw her remaining silent and bending her head down. A tear traced its path through her cheek. Andrew tilted her face tenderly and then whipped her tears away. "You're a beautiful young lady. You shouldn't be crying for nothing".
Natalia felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach at his words. Though she really was pretty, nobody used to tell her so and it certainly was nice. She looked at his eyes and saw the tenderness that was always present in them. She couldn't understand what his interest meant, but a feeling of self-confidence burst in her heart. "Thanks for your interest", she said finally, "but I don't think you can help me".
"Well, we can't be sure unless we try, can we? Why don't we continue talking at lunchtime?", the angel of death said as they reached the pilates classroom.
The ballerina was really confused, but a part of her was enjoying his attention. She didn't make friends easily and usually she spent lunchtimes alone or just hearing her classmates conversations, so the idea of having someone to talk while having lunch was quite a pleasant one. She turned to face him and smiled before answering. "Ok, I'll see you later then".
Monica walked along a corridor and stopped for a minute in front of the open door of a classroom where twenty dancers followed obediently the instructions of a middle-age woman, who was walking around them, correcting an arm here and a hand there until the lines of their bodies were perfect. She smiled and the soft music helped to free her heart from the apprehension she had felt all morning long. She was still worried for Andrew's behavior the night before, but at that very moment all she cared about was that she was going to see him and she'd be able to hold him tightly. The little angel started to walk again and right on the next corridor she met him. He was just closing the door of his classroom when her familiar accent made him turn. "Hello, Andrew. I hope you don't mind I came to see you here".
She hadn't finished her words when he had pulled her for a warm hug and a loving kiss. "Hey, baby, what a beautiful surprise!". He kissed her temple before pulling apart. The Irish angel smiled contently: at least, that was who he usually was. Maybe last night had been just a bad night after all. "What are you doing here?", he asked rubbing her arms softly.
"I was worried about you yesterday", she offered, her dark, caring eyes fixed on his. "I came to see if we could have lunch together so..."
His expression made her stop talking. He released her and buried his hands in his pants pockets, deliberately avoiding her gaze before beginning with stuttering excuses. "Baby, I'm sorry", he said. "I have an appointment for lunch already and it's something I can't miss". He couldn't say who felt worse; Monica, who was biting her lower lip and avoiding his sight, or he himself, who seemed not to find the right words... if there was something like the right words. "I'm really sorry, angel".
"It's ok", she said obviously disappointed. "I should've thought better than came to distract you while you're working".
He took her hand. "Listen, Monica, why don't we...", but he didn't finish his question as he saw Natalia coming from behind the little angel.
"Shall we go?", the young girl asked not paying any attention to Monica.
"Yes, let's go", Andrew said meeting the Irish angel's gaze once more. "I'll see you later, ok?". He squeezed her hand lovingly, hoping that the gesture would speak enough but he was wrong.
Monica saw them walking together and she didn't miss the sparkle in Natalia's eyes. She shook her head and turned to leave the building, scolding herself for what she was thinking. She shouldn't be feeling that, she shouldn't be jealous, both she and Andrew were angels and their love was the purest kind of love that could ever exist. She knew God had made them to be together and none could ever change that fact. Nevertheless, she wasn't happy at all to know that her beloved angel would be having lunch with a girl whose eyes were already reflecting much more than a simple gratitude.
At lunchtime, Tess went to Mary Ann's office to look for Monica as she was still worried about Andrew and longed to talk to her charge to see if the blond angel had offered something more. "Hello, Dr. Rosenberg", Tess greeted the brunette woman. "Is Monica around here?".
"Please, call me Mary Ann", she answered. "No. She went to have lunch with her boyfriend".
"Her boyfriend?", the dark skinned angel knew who she was referring to, but it was still strange to hear it.
"Yes. She said she wanted to surprise him". The woman looked carefully at the angel, who appeared to be suddenly lost in thought. "Have you known her for a long time?".
"Oh, yes", the supervisor answered chuckling. "She's like a daughter to me".
"And you don't like her boyfriend..."
The assumption made Tess to look at the woman in surprise. "No, no. He's like my son too. I don't think God could choose a better couple for each other. Don't tell Monica, but in fact I think they make a beautiful couple".
"Then, why are you so worried?"
"Never mind", the older angel said. "I may come back later, ok?". But when she was about to leave, Monica came in evidently upset. The little angel didn't notice she had closed the door with a quite audible slam. Both Tess and Mary Ann had their eyes fixed on her until the doctor spoke.
"You came back early".
"Yeah. I couldn't talk to him. He said he had another appointment he couldn't miss", her tone of voice was making evident her confusion and anger.
"Men", the woman sighed. "Whenever you want to make something special for them, they find a way to spoil your plans". She stood up and patted the Irish angel shoulder friendly. "Don't worry. Everything will be all right. I'll go try to have lunch with my own 'man' if he doesn't have another idea. See you later".
Tess saw her leaving the office before she turned her attention back to her angel baby. "Ok, Miss Wings, start talking", she ordered.
Monica sighed heavily before she started to pace desperately, her walking matching her whirling thoughts. "I went to see him, Tess. I wanted to talk to him, to hold him and make him trust me as he always has. He seemed quite happy to see me. He said it was a nice surprise. Then I asked him to have lunch with me. I just wanted some time for us alone, but he said he had another appointment, and then this girl came and he went with her without saying more, and...", she stopped the flood of her words as she saw her supervisor trying to control her laughing. "What's so funny?", the little angel asked almost angry.
"You're jealous".
"No, I'm not!".
"Of course you are, baby. Do you know who the girl is?".
"No, but..."
"But you're mad because Andrew is talking to her instead of you".
The older angel had a point and Monica's eyes said so. "Well... yes. I don't like that", she admitted. "But that's not my point. What I don't like is that he's not telling me what's bothering him!".
"Don't try to fool yourself, Monica. You're angry because this girl is using Andrew's time when you wanted to be with him. But don't forget that he's an angel before any other thing and he is supposed to help people, whatever sacrifice that may mean for him or for you. That girl, I assume, is his assignment and you should know better that's the most important thing right now". Monica remained silent for some minutes before she spoke again. "I know, Tess, you're right. Still, I'm not exactly happy".
"That's something I can see", the older angel replied ironically. "Listen to me, baby. The Father sent him there not because He wants Andrew to be a caseworker again. He sent him because his assignment is gonna need an angel of death. That may not be easy, neither for her nor for him. He may need you, both as an angel and as someone who he loves and who loves him. I know you're upset and that's perfectly normal. Love is not easier for you just because you're angels. There will always be times like this and you'll have to learn to deal with them and go through them together. You can't expect that it will always be Spring; there are three other seasons, all with a special quality that makes it worth living it". Seeing her young charge nodding, Tess pulled her for a warm hug. "I was so afraid to see you hurting because of your feelings, angel girl, but now after seeing you so in love with each other, I only know that you have to make it, no matter what".
Natalia could hardly remember a time when she had felt happier than now, seated in front of his handsome teacher, her bright eyes reflecting the joy of her smile. It had been quite easy to talk with him about how she had become a ballerina and the great expectations many people had in her talent. She didn't feel she was showing up, she was talking to someone who seemed really interested in her. What hasn't been that easy was to discuss her relationship with William.
"Natalia", the blond angel reached for her hand tentatively trying to force her to answer his next question, "we've been talking about many things but we haven't come to the first that brought us here. Do you have any problems with William White?".
The girl freed her hand and buried it in her lap, bending her head down. "I don't want to talk about it".
"It's obvious there's a problem and I want to help you".
"Do you have any trouble, Natalia?", William's voice startled both of them. Andrew turned to see him and could feel his anger growing inside.
"N-no", the girl stuttered nervously, "everything is all right".
"Good", the choreographer said. "Then, can I talk to you?". He grabbed her by the arm quite rudely and Andrew stood up immediately. His green eyes met William's in a silent challenge.
"Yes, let's go", Natalia said quickly, feeling her new teacher was about to lose his temper. "Thanks for the lunch, Andrew. I'll see you later".
"Natalia...", the angel tried to argue.
"No", she interrupted him. "It's ok", and he saw her walking mildly with him.
"What the hell are you doing, Natalia?", William mumbled leading the girl to his office. "Do you think I'm a toy?". Once they were there, he closed the door. He went near her and took her chin with a strong hand. "Look at me, Natalia, do you think you can play with me, little girl? Answer me!", he almost shouted.
"N-no", the ballerina replied with trembling voice and eyes full of tears. "I'm sorry, I didn't think you would mind..."
"Of course I mind! I love you, do you remember?", his tone pretended to be cute but there still was a clear note of bitterness.
Natalia lifted her eyes to meet his at this words. She was still crying and said nothing more when he leaned down to kiss her quite violently.
On a corner of the office, unseen for the couple, Andrew crossed his arms and shook his head in disagreement.
"If you love me, why you never show me?", Natalia asked when they parted.
"Here we come again!", William said with exasperation, freeing his embrace and turning his back to the girl. "When are you going to understand I don't like all that kind of ridiculous things lovers say? 'You're my life', 'I can't live without you'. I won't say that, you know it!".
"What would it hurt to tell me sometimes you love me?", her teary tone was nothing but a plea.
"You know that. I don't have to convince you. If you doubt me, that's your problem".
"Sometimes, I don't feel you really love me... You never touch me, you never hold me but here", she had come near him and tried to stroke his shoulder, but he pulled it back quite rudely.
"Remember what I've told you about?", he said turning to face her. "I told you since the beginning that none should know about us".
"But, why? Why would it be wrong...?"
"Because I can't favor any student in particular and that's exactly what I'm doing with you!".
"But you said I've won my place because of my hard work...", she murmured.
He suppressed a chuckle in scorn. "And you believed me? That was what I had to say". Seeing her crying, he sighed heavily. "I guess you want to be Juliet, don't you? That would be your unofficial debut as a principal with the American Ballet".
Natalia looked at him in surprise as she hasn't thought she could lose the role. "Yes, I do".
"Good", he said and gave her a distracted peck on the cheek before walking to take a seat behind his desk. "Then stop crying like a spoiled baby and go back to work".
"I'll see you later?", she asked still pleading.
"I don't know. I may have a prior appointment". He wasn't looking at her anymore and she turned to leave.
Andrew looked at her with deep sorry. This wasn't fair, she certainly didn't deserve to be treated like that. Then he listened to William's voice again. That was the last the angel could've expected.
"By the way, Natalia, don't eat anything at dinner".
"What?", she asked bewildered.
"I saw you eating like a pig at lunch with your new teacher".
"I just had half a sandwich and vegetables!".
"And you want more? We're weighing you tomorrow morning and I don't think any Juliet of the American Ballet has been more than 80 pounds".