The next morning came with the usual moans and complaints about having to go to another class. The girls were in their dormitory, getting ready for another day of Monica's lessons. They did each others hair, put on makeup and gossiped as they waited for 9:00a.m. to hit. They gave Tonya the usual stares and snickers, but Tonya ignored them. She had bigger things to worry about. Tonya sat at the edge of her bed, waiting for Tiana, who had not yet said a word to her. Tonya noticed a deeper sense of sadness in the young teenager ever since she discarded the only memories she had of her mom and dad the day before. Tiana hadn't spoken since she ran from the dormitory the day before. Tonya had tried to be there for her, but Tiana would not speak. She only ignored Tonya and left whenever Tonya tried to talk. Tonya felt as though she had failed, but she knew her assignment was not yet over. God, I will not give up on Your child. You haven't, and neither will I. Just be my strength and show Tiana Your love this day. Tonya watched as Tiana continued getting ready, never once even looking at Tonya. Tonya felt hurt, but she tried not to think of her own feelings. Tiana's feelings was what was the most important. As Tiana picked up her binders, Tonya stood, ready to accompany her to class, like she had the day before, but Tiana walked right past her new friend and left the dormitory, never saying a word. Tonya sighed to herself and she made her way to the dormitory door, but Sandra stood in her way.
"Looks like you have no friends now, loser." She snapped as she crossed her arms. Tonya stared at the bully, trying not to show the anger and pain she was holding inside. She remembered what Andrew told her the day before. All of these orphans were special in God's eyes. So Tonya tried to be as polite and kind as possible.
"I haven't given up on her. She's still my friend." She said quietly, and she moved past Sandra, leaving the dormitory, heading toward the classroom, hearing the now familiar laughter behind her. She ignored it though. This assignment is only temporary. I'm only here for a short while. Their words won't matter in the long run. She thought to herself as she continued on to class.
She entered the classroom, with a sad expression spread across her face, especially upon seeing Tiana sitting at her desk, staring sadly out the window, never once looking at Tonya. Monica turned from the chalkboard and saw Tonya standing there, looking at Tiana. Monica smiled sympathetically and approached Tonya.
"How are you doing this morning?" She asked kindly, knowing that Tonya wasn't doing too well. Monica could always tell when the youngest angel had something on her mind. Tonya shook her head, not looking up at her dear friend and mentor. She longed so much to be comforted by Monica, but she couldn't. Not now.
"I'm fine." She lied, as she walked down to her desk. Monica watched sadly as the discouraged angel sat down next to Tiana. Oh Lord, keep Your angel strong. I'm sure she needs strength right now. Monica prayed in her mind quickly. She sat at her desk as she waited for the rest of the class to arrive. As she waited, she secretly hoped that Tonya would talk to her soon. The way they always had.
"Alright. Yesterday I asked you to write a one-page essay about the War of 1812. Please hand that in now. You may pile them on my desk." Monica announced as the class rummaged through their binders and knapsacks in search of their assignment. Monica watched as every student brought forward their assignments, piling them on top of one another. Monica peered into the back of the classroom and saw just what she had expected and feared. Trevor sitting at his desk. He hadn't handed in a paper. Monica sighed. She didn't want Trevor to hate her, but she had to discipline him for not handing in the assignment. She had to stick to the role she was given. As a teacher, she had to be strict, even though she didn't like to be.
Monica got up and walked over to the back corner, staring down at Trevor. She crossed her arms and waited. Trevor looked up and narrowed his eyes.
"What do you want?" He yelled, not even caring.
"Where is your assignment young man?" Monica asked sternly, but nicely. She ignored his rude tone. Trevor shook his head.
"Does it look like I have it, lady? I obviously didn't do it."
"That's unacceptable Trevor. Assignments must be handed in on time."
"Well I don't have it! So just leave me alone!" Trevor was screaming now. Monica lost her patience with the boy. She didn't want to get angry, but he had pushed her too far..
"That's it Trevor! Go and see Ms. Ovending right now! Your behavior is completely inappropriate!" She snapped as she pointed toward the door. Tonya turned when she heard Monica yelling. She puckered her brow. Monica barely ever yelled. She was always so calm and gentle. She only yelled when she got really frustrated. Then again, she does have Trevor as an assignment.
Trevor stood from his desk, stared hard at Monica and stormed out of the classroom. Monica sighed as she watched him go. Forgive me Father. She thought as she went back to her desk. Tonya could see that it had hurt Monica to yell like she just had. She knew that they both were feeling a little worried about their assignments, despite the fact that it was only their second day on it. Things just didn't seem to be going right at all.
3:00p.m. struck and the students left the classroom in a hurry. Trevor had not returned to class that day. Ms. Ovending had him mopping floors with Andrew for the rest of the day as punishment
Tonya stood up and stared at Tiana, who was still sitting at her desk, staring off into space. Tonya couldn't stand the silence anymore. She had to at least say something.
"Tiana, you haven't spoken to me, or anyone else all day. I hate this silence. Please talk to me. What's wrong?" She asked, not wanting to push, but nothing else was working. Tiana stood also but walked right past Tonya, leaving the room.
"Tiana." Tonya called as she tried to follow, but Tiana turned quickly, causing Tonya to stop in her tracks.
"Leave me alone. I just want to be left alone." She said through clenched teeth. Tonya didn't say a word, but after a short pause, she nodded slowly. Tiana turned and ran from the now empty classroom. Tonya and Monica were the only ones left in the room. Monica could see the pain in Tonya's eyes, and she went to her. Tonya felt Monica's hand brush her brown hair out of her face, and Tonya had to bite her lip to stop herself from crying. Monica pulled the young angel into a warm embrace.
"It's okay to cry, little one." Monica said gently as she held the angel in her arms. Tonya shook her head.
"No, I have to be strong. It's just so hard. She won't even talk to me." She said as she swallowed hard. Monica pulled out of the hug and stared at Tonya.
"God gave humans free will and we can't change that. This is all her choice." She counseled.
"Well, there's not much I can do when she won't let me in." Tonya complained, saddened by the thought of doing a bad job. She just wanted so badly to please God and complete her assignments properly.
"Listen to me Tonya. Everything is in God's timing. You are doing just fine. All you need to do is be there for Tiana when she's ready. In the meantime, you just be the best little friend you can be." Monica smiled and watched as Tonya slowly nodded.
"I know." She said quietly, and Monica took her hands into her own and squeezed them.
"Trust me." She said. Tonya managed to smile.
"I've always trusted you Monica." She said and Monica smiled. "Well, I've had a lot of weird feelings in the last couple of days. Maybe I should write some stuff in my journal." She said quietly. Tonya always carried a journal with her to all of her assignments. It was her way of dealing with feelings she had throughout her assignments, remembering what she learned and remembering who she met along the way.
"Good idea. Make sure you write down what I just told you." Monica joked. Tonya had to smile.
"I will. Thanks Monica." She left the classroom, leaving Monica alone. Monica smiled and closed her eyes to pray.
"Thank You Father for the wee angel You created. Please use her and let her not be discouraged, but trusting and faithful in Your promises."