Chapter 3
Later that day, Andrew and Monica strode along that same park path together, discussing the situation at hand with some serious consideration. Andrew hadn't taken this new information well, needless to say and he had his heart set on changing his friend's mind about this.
"Andrew, really. I can do this. I'd be happy to." Monica assured him as she walked next to him at an excitable pace. Andrew sighed and shook his head in an undecided manner. "This is quite a sacrifice, Monica." He reminded her in a skeptical tone as he draped a comforting arm across her petite shoulders. But she shook her head in disagreement, causing her long, auburn pony tail to flip over one of her shoulders like silk. "It's not a sacrifice." She opposed confidently. "It's a privilege. The Father gave me permission Andrew. He assigned me to do this." She reminded practically, yet still, Andrew seemed unconvinced. But, after he thought it over one more time in his head, he decided maybe she was right.
"Well, as long as you're really sure this is what you want. As long as you're sure." He confirmed seriously, as he turned her by the shoulders to stop walking and make eye contact with him. She stared back into his emerald eyes for a long, silent moment before nodding reassuringly. "I'm sure." She told him in a solemn tone as she held eye contact with him. Andrew breathed a long, drawing sigh and finally decided he had no choice but to be supportive, though he still didn't think Monica realized how much this was going to impact her.
Pulling Monica in for a supportive embrace, Andrew held her tightly for a moment and kissed her temple lovingly. "Okay." He whispered in her ear without releasing her. "If this is really what you want, then I'll be there for you the whole time." He paused momentarily before pulling away again. But just then, a new though entered his consideration. "Have you told Tess yet?" He questioned urgently, referring to Monica's own supervisor. They both knew that telling her could be considered dangerous, as Tess wasn't what you call, easy-going. Just as Andrew suspected, Monica shook her head. "No." She replied with a knowing smirk. "I haven't seen her, but when I do, I will tell her."