The paramedics had arrived moments later, pushing Tonya and Laura out of the room. Laura was still as white as a ghost as she stared blankly at the wall, waiting for the paramedics to bring Sarah out.
"She'll be okay, Tonya. She's fine." Laura kept saying flatly, never looking at Tonya. Tonya could see that Laura was in denial, but Tonya knew that Sarah was not okay. Andrew had taken her Home only moments ago. Tonya tried very hard to contain herself for Laura's sake, but found it difficult not to grieve for the friend she had made in Sarah. It didn't matter that Sarah wasn't her assignment, she still treated Tonya fairly, and Tonya was devastated that she had taken her own life. But nowhere near as devastated as Laura would be when she found out that Sarah was dead.
A small crowd had crowded around the storage room, and whispers were filling the hallway, as teenagers were curious as to what had happened. Tess and Monica showed up too, just as the paramedics wheeled Sarah out, with a sheet draped over her face. Laura lost it! She fell to her knees, screaming out Sarah's name as the paramedics disappeared down the hallway with Sarah. Tonya knelt down next to Laura and put her hand on her shoulder, but Laura pulled away, breaking down even more.
"Laura, please." Tonya tried again, but Laura just kept on screaming.
"Leave me alone! Leave me alone!" Laura cried out. Tonya was lost for words. She didn't even know what to say or do anymore. She only knelt on the floor, staring at Laura with tears in her eyes. Tess came up behind the girls and took Laura's arm.
"Come on, baby. Come with me. It's okay. It'll be okay." Tess's soothing voice even made Tonya feel better for a split second, but that good feeling didn't last very long.
Laura went with Tess, much to Tonya's surprise. But she wouldn't let me help her. She thought, rather upset. She stood quietly as she watched Laura leaning against Tess, who led her down the hallway. Tonya sighed slowly as her eyes remained fixed on the two figures until they turned the corner. That was when she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright, little one?" An Irish voice quietly asked. Tonya knew right away that it was Monica. Tonya only shrugged, not even turning around. Monica put her hands on Tonya's shoulders and turned her around to face her. Tonya looked up at Monica, eyes filled with tears.
"Where is Tess taking Laura?" Tonya asked, trying hard not to show her own emotions.
"Tess it taking Laura to talk to her therapist right now. In a few moments, there will be an emergency group session for the girls to talk about what just happened. Laura won't be there. She needs time with her counsellor. Right now, she's not in the right frame of mind to be in a group therapy session." Monica explained as Tonya's eyes looked down at the floor. Monica lifted Tonya's chin with her finger and saw a tear stream down her pale face.
"Are you alright, love?" Monica asked again. Tonya brushed away the tear quickly and nodded.
"I'm fine. I'm more worried about Laura." She said quickly, looking away from Monica.
"I know you are, but Tonya, that doesn't mean you can't cry."
"I'm an angel, Monica. I have to be able to help my assignments through their pain. I can't fall apart." Tonya was beginning to feel angry. Not so much with Monica, but with herself.
"Little one, crying over the loss of a friend isn't falling apart. Angel or not, you have a right to grieve." Monica tried to convince the young angel, but Tonya was barely listening. She didn't even know what to do. It was hard enough trying to figure out how to reach Laura before Friday, but now, Laura's best friend had killed herself. How much deeper would Laura sink and how much further would Laura push Tonya away? Tonya didn't have much time and suddenly, as Monica was trying to console the angel, Tonya heard the words of Kathleen echo in her mind, drowning out Monica's own words.
"I'm not saying you can't do it, but even the best angels have failed that assignment. Believe me, once that kids' mind is set, there's no changing it."
"Tonya, are you listening to me?" Monica's voice was back. Tonya looked up at Monica quickly.
"What did you say? You know what? Never mind. I have to go." She went to leave but Monica stopped her.
"What's going on with you? You seem so discouraged. You're not giving up, are you?" Monica asked, feeling really worried and concerned suddenly. Tonya pulled her arm away and stared coldly at Monica.
"Of course not. How could you even think that? I just have to go." And with that, Tonya walked away. Monica only sighed, as she watched Tonya disappear down the hallway.
"Give it up, Monica." Monica felt an eerie chill run through her body as she turned around to see Kathleen staring at her with confident eyes.
"What are you talking about Kathleen?" Monica asked, sighing. She was not in the mood to listen to Kathleen right now. Not after what they had all experienced.
"I mean, give it up Monica. You've lost that angel. She is already doubtful of her assignment. She won't complete it. Face it Monica. I have her in the palm of my hand." Kathleen smirked.
"No! You're wrong! God is with her. She won't forget that." Monica cried, almost desperately. Kathleen raised an eyebrow.
"If you say so, but you heard it from me first." She turned and walked away. Monica bit her lip to keep her tears in. Father, I trust in You. Please allow Tonya to do the same. She prayed. She just hoped that everything would be okay.