Chapter 4

"Her vital signs have remained stable through the night." The doctor was telling Tess. Andrew watched as the two women walked to the opposite side of Monica. In his angelic form, he remained unnoticed by the doctor, and only received a couple acknowledging glances from Tess.

"I sense a 'but' coming." Tess stated. A shadow of sadness appeared on the doctor's face and she let out a soft sigh. "But, she's still not out of the clear. She's fighting, but her injuries could still cause problems in her recovery." Andrew instinctively placed a protective hand on Monica's forearm.

"Did anyone tell you the extent of what we found last night?" Tess shook her head at the Doctor's question. She had been told little about the damage done to Monica's body and she feared what the doctor was going to tell her. "We can go into a different room and talk if you'd like." She knew the doctor was trying to put her at ease, but when she glanced at Andrew she knew that they needed to stay. Her angel boy needed to hear this as well, and God knew that Tess would not be able to tell him.

"No, I'd rather stay in here, close to her."

"I understand." The doctor reached for Monica's chart and motioned for Tess to take a seat. Tess obliged, sitting in the vacant chair against the wall. Andrew's thumb gently caressed Monica's skin anxiously awaiting to hear about her condition. "Well, Tess, it says that last night she was treated for the head wound, and today they are going to scan her for any swelling on her brain….."

Andrew's head spun as he listened to the extent of damage Monica's human form was suffering from. It seemed as if the little angel's list of broken bones was endless; nose, clavicle, five ribs, her right hip, arm, leg, fingers. It was hard enough to imagine her with one excruciating pain, the thought that there wasn't one area on her body unharmed made him break. He didn't understand why God didn't take her from her human form, saving her from the physical agony that plagued her earth-bound body. He stared at her face, the doctor's endless list of injuries eating away at his soul.

"Tess," he whispered, still staring at Monica. The other angel raised her sad dark eyes to Andrew, then let her gaze shift to the focal point of vision. "Why did this happen?" He knew she couldn't answer, not only was the doctor still talking, but Tess was just as baffled and upset as he was. Andrew turned to look at Tess with tears cascading down his cheek. " Actually I don't need to know why it happened, I just want to know why it had to happen to Monica." Watching him break down was hard for Tess. She wanted to comfort him, but she felt too fragile to do so. They were both emotionally devastated and perturbed, unable to see past their distress.

Tess and the doctor talked about Monica's plan for recovery. Andrew caught that they would take her out of her induced coma in the next few days, the thought of seeing her big brown eyes made him happy for a split second before he imagined the pain that would cloud them. Most of what the doctor was saying was becoming background noise as he lost himself in his thoughts. As he stared at his sweet little friend's battered face, an idea popped into his head. There was a chance that it wouldn't be possible, but he knew he had to at least ask. He decided to run the idea passed Tess the next time they got a moment to talk.

He waited patiently, half listening to the conversation between Tess and the doctor. They were discussing what Monica would need after she left the hospital, when a statement was made that shocked Andrew. He wasn't entirely sure he had heard the little comment correctly.

"I know that I don't need to tell you all of that, a mother always does what is best for her child." The doctor had simply stated. Tess's reply was equally as strange, nothing but a smile and nod. After that the doctor left, saying she would be back soon to check on Monica. Andrew figured that the expression on his face was ridiculous if it elicited Tess's immediate explanation.

"I was given the papers this morning. They all state that I am Monica's mother." Andrew still looked confused. "They only allow family in the ICU." It made more sense now. Tess was now free to be with Monica without any problems and she could make medical decisions regarding their friend's human form.

"I think Monica will like that a lot." Andrew smiled, putting Tess at ease. "You are like a mother to her, it makes perfect sense." Tess gently stroked the top of Monica's head.

"I love her so much." She said more to herself than to Andrew.

"I know, I do too Tess." He reached out to put a hand on Tess's extended arm. "Tess, do you think the Father would let me watch over her?" His voice was full of hope.

"Do you mean as an official guardian angel?" He nodded, eyes fixed on Monica. "I don't know, baby. You can ask." Andrew squeezed Tess's arm, offering a small thankful smile. He kissed the top of Monica's head and told Tess he would be back soon then left to have a conversation with God.