For the next couple of days, Monica and Chrissy waited patiently for Jessica's nights out, so they could be alone and talk, or watch movies, or play games. Monica was thrilled that she was able to get closer to her assignment, but Chrissy still kept her secret. Yes, it was true, the two girls were having a lot of fun, but when it came to emotional things, Chrissy was stillwithdrawn. Monica tried to be patient, telling herself that she had to get close first, and then work on the emotions.
Jessica didn't find out the two were friends, although she was beginning to be suspicious. She didn't like Monica, not one bit. She hated that she was there, but she needed the extra money for drugs and beer, like Chrissy had said. Chrissy and Monica both knew they were to act like complete strangers when Jessica was not around, but Monica hated being dishonest, especially because she was an angel, but she didn't know any other way to become close to her assignment. Tess had told her that even angels have to make exceptions for the sake their assignment, especially one so important.
It was now Thursday morning and Chrissy was getting ready for school. Monica was in the bathroom, brushing her teeth when Chrissy walked past.
"Good morning Chrissy." Monica whispered quietly, making sure they didn't wake up Jessica. Jessica had come in a few hours earlier, drunk as ever, and collapsed on the living room couch. She had been asleep ever since. Chrissy smiled ever so slightly.
"Hi." She replied quietly, keeping an eye out for her mother.
"Are you off to school?" Monica asked. Chrissy rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Yeah." She said silently.
"Don't you like school? Don't you like to learn?"
"I don't like the people. They're stupid."
"Do you get teased at school, Chrissy?"
"They make fun of me because everybody knows what neighbourhood I live in, and so they call me nasty things, but I don't care." Chrissy turned away. Monica noticed Chrissy's baggy long-sleeved sweater and decided she was going to say something.
"I heard on the news that the temperature was going to be over 90 today. Don't you think you'll be a little warm in this?" Monica touched Chrissy's sleeve gently, which made Chrissy jump and pull away fiercely.
"I'm fine! I'm fine! I've, uh, been feeling kind of sick lately, getting chills, so I feel really cold." Chrissy lied.
"Oh dear, have you been to a doctor about that?" Monica asked, pretending like she was believing her. Chrissy shook her head vigorously.
"No, I-I don't have time. I'll be okay, it's probably just a little cold." Chrissy said with a sniffle, which Monica knew was faked. Just then, they heard Jessica began to stir. Chrissy jumped and whispered goodbye to Monica quickly as she started toward the front door. She walked past her mother on the couch as quietly as she could, knowing that her mom was really bad in the mornings, suffering from hangovers. Chrissy hoped Jessica wouldn't wake up, but she was unlucky this morning. Jessica woke up quickly and grabbed Chrissy's arm, making Chrissy gasp. Monica's attention was caught and she peeked out the bathroom door as Jessica pulled herself up.
"Chrissy, get me some aspirin and make me some breakfast!" She slurred as she held her head in her hand.
"B-but mom, I have to catch my bus in five minutes. I can't be late for school." Chrissy replied meekly, obviously fearing Jessica's response. Monica watched carefully, knowing she wasn't allowed to interfere.
Jessica stared at Chrissy meanly as she stood up and grabbed her arm tightly.
"You will do what I say! I'm your mother and I don't care if you're late for school! You'll make me breakfast and you'll be me aspirin!" With that, Jessica grabbed Chrissy's messy brown hair, pulling her into the kitchen, with Chrissy crying all along the way. Monica tried very hard not to allow her own tears to flow, but she followed the two into the kitchen.
"Get to work!" Jessica yelled as she let go of Chrissy's hair. Chrissy wiped her tears as Jessica started to walk away.
"Jessica." Monica spoke up. Jessica rolled her eyes and looked at Monica, raising her eyebrows,
"You know, I can make you breakfast. I can make you some homemade pancakes. They're really good, if I do say so myself." Monica said, noticing Chrissy leaning over the counter to listen. Jessica sighed and shrugged.
"Fine. I don't care. Just somebody put food in front of me." Jessica was too hung over to care. Chrissy walked out of the kitchen.
"Can I go to school then?" She asked her mom quietly. Jessica grunted.
"Yes! Get out of here, you selfish brat!" She went to hit Chrissy but missed as Chrissy ran out the front door. Monica smiled to herself, praising God that Chrissy was able to get out, even just for a few hours. She just prayed to God that He would keep her safe, in all areas of her sad life.