Chapter 2:
Monica was still worried about Andrew but today he seemed to be ok, he had told her to go for a walk, which she did. She had fought about him during the walk, maybe he was just disappointed, he didn't want to spend his free time with her. She tried to ignore this option and to appreciate the stillness of the nature. When she came back, she almost fainted: he had set a table for two just in front of the window so they could see the lake and the sunset. A way made of lilies was guiding her to the table circled by candles. She can hear a song: the way you look tonight. She loved this song.
The young angel felt a hot tear running on her cheek.
« Oh Andrew that's amazing! You…you did all this for me? »she said sobbing.
He was wearing a black suit with a tie and looked very elegant and handsom.
« It's the least I can do for you,birthday girl… »
She jumped:
« Is it…is it my birthday? Oh gosh that's right, I've totally forgotten! »
She cried even harder and Andrew hugged her to cheer her up. He gently stroked her back.
« Hey… I didn't mean to hurt you» , he said softly.
She laughted.
« I'm crying because I'm happy. I..I don't know what to say »
They finally pulled away and he dried her tears with his thumb. She hesitated to look up, afraid to meet his eyes.
« So? What's for dinner? »
She said suddenly, not knowing if she was afraid of what would happen or what wouldn't. They had dinner, talked and laughted. Everything was just perfect: the place, the music and the dinner.
« I had a great time Monica, will you go for a walk with me? »
« Oh I will…even if I just did before dinner. »
He gave her one of those smiles she had loved so far. He just looked so boyish sometimes.
« Oh please angel girl. »
He knew she couldn't resist to his puppy eyes and he was actually right, she couldn't. They started to walk along the lake, after a while Andrew noticed that she was shivering. He took off his coat and softly put it on her shoulders, without saying anything. For the second time today their eyes met and this time Monica didn't try to break the contact. He softly caressed her cheek with his hand.
« You're so beautiful when you're cold. »
She was glad that there was no light so that way he couldn't see her blushing.
« Thank you…that's nice, weird but nice. »
This time, he was the first to feel ill at ease and he pulled away. They kept on walking but this time the silence was uncomfortable. Monica decided to break this silence.
« So…we should start to train for the challenge. »
« Uh the challenge? You're making me confused. »
« The darts challenge…don't you remember? I'm sure it would be great. I was the best… »
He interrupted her, laughting nervously:
« Yeah I know you already told me. Listen, don't take me wrong but I d'ont think I will participate… »
« Why? It's just a game… »
« I know, but I just…I we can't play, that's all. Now stop bothering me with that! »
He said coldly. Monica was surprised, he had never talked to her so coldly. She knew he had some problems but he had no right to be so rude with her. She didn't know what to say so she didn't say anything. It was a long and cold night, they didn't say a word. She wanted him to applogize but when she closed her eyes to try to sleep she heard him crying again. Unlike the previous night, he was awake this time. She couldn't bear hearing him crying, even if she was upset.
« Andrew?; she whispered shily. Are you ok? »
« I…I can't tell you. It's…it's about you but I can't tell you, I just can't. I'm sorry I have been rude. »
« It's ok, but I'd like to know, I won't make fun of you, you know. »
« Yeah I know, you're the most marvelous person I've ever known. But it's just too complicated and I don't think you can help me. »
« But I want to help you, I can't stand seeying like this. »
« Well…I think it could help me fall asleep …you held me. »
He felt her hesitating.
« It's ok you're not obliged if you don't want to. »
She surprised him by holding him tight.
« Thanks »
he simply whispered but it meant a lot to Monica.
He still refused to tell her his secret but at least he would let her help him. But Monica still wanted to know what happened to him,tomorrow, tomorrow I will do my best to know, she thought.
The next day.
Monica and Andrew were still sleeping, she was still holing him tight and so was he. Monica suddenly woke up, something hot was licking her feet, she gasped. It was a puppy, he looked quite plump but he was cute, she then noticed that someone was standing next to the baby dog, it was Tess.
« Stop it stop it Shnappy! », she was trying to control the puppy. Monica smiled, enjoying the show but then she realized that Tess was staring at her and Andrew who was half naked. She blushed.
« Uh…this is not what you… »
« It's ok » Tess interrupted. « uh…this is a lil' embarrassing but…would you mind keeping an eye on Shnappy? »
« Shnappy? So you gave him a name…looks like you're starting to like him, don't you? »
Tess sighed deeply « Of course not, it's just….never mind. So, would you mind? »
« Of course not, I love pets and shnappy looks so cute » Tess thanked her and left.
Andrew was still sleeping and he looked so peaceful so Monica didn't dare to wake him up. She started to train for the darts challenge, she was still very good at it. Andrew and Monica spent the afternoon fishing and walking, Andrew still seemed distant, she knew there was something going on but she also knew that he didn't want to talk about it and especially not to her, but what he didn't know was that she had a plan.
At night, after diner, he asked her what she wanted to do and then she replied:
« Hey let's play truth or dare, it has been ages I haven't played »
Andrew has always loved her childish attitude, that was one of her many qualities.
« Truth or dare? » he asked playfully.
« Hum…dare! »
« I dare you to…sing »
She smiled at him, he knew that she loved singing.
« Oh Danny boy, I love you so,
And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me. »
He applaused and she couldn't help but blush.
« Ok, your turn. Truth or dare? »
« Dare »
« Hey that's my line » she joked. « Ok, I dare you to….eat chocolate with cheese »
« Yummy » he said grinning. He stood up, walked to the kitchen and came back with some chocolate and some cheese. Monica did her best not to show how disguted she was. He ate the mixture as quickly as possible and Monica applaused.
« Thanks. Truth or dare? » he said devilishly.
« Uh truth, I'm sure the dare would have been something like « I dare you to eat a pizza with cookies » »
« Who knows? » he said raising an eyebrow. « Uh…what is the best thing that ever happened to you? »
She wanted so badly to say « you » but he probably didn't feel the same way, on the other hand, she couldn't lie.
« Well….having you and Tess, I can't imagine living without you two. », she was gazing at the carpet she was sitting on.
« Oh » He said obviously embarrassed. «
« Uh truth or dare? »
« What?….oh…uh truth! »
« What… » she hesitated, « what was your nightmare about when you cried? »
Andrew wasn't expecting this question, he noticed her shy smile and understood that it was a plan, he couldn't lie and she knew it.
To be continued :D