Chapter 3

Monica arrive at her hotel room, and tries to get settled down but her mind keeps on racing of what had happened just about 30 minutes ago. The strange feelings in Monica's heart were flaring up, when ever Griffin was around her. She has never felt this way, since the last encounter of love that she had felt back on one of her assignments. George had made her feel like a women, but she also was elderly too, and her human form was overpowering her angel form, until Monica had to reveal herself as an angel; which had broke George's heart. She doesn't want to come across that mistake again twice, and she will not let the past get to her too. Monica still trying to shake the feeling off, pulled back the covers to the nice soft bed, and laid herself on the bed and tries to close her eyes. As soon as Monica closed her eyes and reopened them again having this feeling that she was not alone in the room. Monica quickly turned on the light, and there in the corner of the room stood Jenny.

Monica sat up right where she was a flicked on the light. Jenny stood there looking a bit shocked and confused. "Jenny what is it? Did you do something that you weren't supposed to?" Monica stated with her face started to get a little angry.

"No, I just need some wordy Monica advice on one of my assignments. I know that it is your week off and that from training me but I don't know what to do I'm so confused." Jenny whined as she spoke, but she wouldn't let Monica answer her. "I feel so stupid; my angel wings should be clipped on the mistake that I just made. I mean what kind of angel would do that? Am I terrible? I feel so stupid" Jenny finally clasped on the pillows next to Monica.

Monica sighed thinking that she is not going to get the rest on her human form for the night. Whatever feelings that was being developed between Griffin and her, had just flutter out of the window. Monica taking a deep breath to have Jenny explained to her what happened.

"Jenny….tell me what had happened." Monica calmly suggested.

Jenny looked up at Monica, through her teary up eyes. A little sniffle came out as Jenny explained her scenario to Monica, "Okay I had Gloria with me because she was told that you were on a special case and another assignment that I wasn't supposed to be with you until you are finished with it. I was supposed to help out a troubled teenage boy out of terrible things. Until I accidently acted like one too. He started to shoot something in his arm and told me it was a way to relieve stress from his parents and teachers."

"Oh Jenny you didn't……" Monica said starting to get worried on her newly appointed angel that she had gotten high with her assignment, kind of like what Gloria had done.

"What?" Jenny asked in confusion on what Monica was getting at.

"Did you take any drugs to get wasted on with him?" Monica asked and looking very concerned with her newly angel.

"No! That is not the stupid thing I did, the stupid thing that I did I let him do it. I didn't know if that was his medication for something. And with that now he is in the hospital because he had overdosed himself with the substance." Jenny explained as more tears stained Jenny's face, and Monica's look didn't help the situation either. "See how horrible of an angel I am?"

Now Monica's face had soften, and realized that Jenny is new to this life on earth and doesn't realize the stupid decisions that humans choose to make. "Jenny…..Jenny look at me."

Jenny did what she was told as she looked at Monica but not looking into her eyes, because of how much ashamed she felt. She waited for Monica to strike her with a lecture but to her surprise Monica was not angry, "Jenny you are not a horrible angel. The Father doesn't think of you like that at all. Granted that you just made a mistake but that is part of learning. You are still an angel in training and I'm sorry that I am not there for you on this assignment. You just have to use your skills and use your heart, and ask God for some guidance and forgiveness of what you had done. Believe me even I had made some pretty dumb mistakes too when I was first starting out too."

That information surprise Jenny, she always believe Monica was so well put together that it was impossible for her to ever make a mistake. "Really?! What did you do?" Jenny asked.

"Well I asked God to forgive me and then I asked him what he wants me to do. Then I go back to my assignment and ask for there forgiveness as my inner angel strength shines through." Monica said and that had perk Jenny up. "Now go back and have Gloria help you to fix your mistake. I have my own assignment to work on."

"Thank you. Bye or I should say goodnight." Jenny said and walked out of the room.

Monica smiled and looks at the clock which read 1:45 AM. Monica had never felt so exhausted in her life and this was one of those times when Monica felt so tired that she feels like she could sleep for a thousand years. Monica finally rested her head on the pillows and the sound of the ocean from outside sooth Monica into a deep slumber. As she slept she dreamt of the one thing she was trying to avoid. All night she had dreamt of Griffin and his blue eyes that seemed to have wrapped Monica up in the pool of his eyes. And his killer smile which had made Monica's knees lock in place and her heart melted like a melting candle stick that burned your skin whenever you get dangerously near it. She hasn't felt this way with any of the men that had tried to hit on her in the pasted but Monica turned each one of them down because of her angel identity. As Monica dream increased it became more powerful. She also dreamt of a romantic setting of just the two of them. Monica had never felt her heart beat so fast as Griffin's strong hands touched her own. His gaze was fixed on hers and her gaze was fixed on his, as their heads came closer together so did their bodies. Right before her dreamlike character of her and him kissed, Monica was then awakened by the sound of a earrr earrr earrrr buzzing in her ear. Monica looked at the alarm clock that was flashing red and hit it with her palm as her head burials under the pillows. Her reddish brown hair was in her face as she peaked through the cracks of the pillows to look at the time. It read 6:45 AM, and Monica flung the pillows around her face and turns her gaze at the ceiling. Thinking about her dream she had and what did it meant.

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon with a chilly autumn weather and the sun shining bright lighting up the green earth with the golden rays. Griffin and Sarah had enjoyed an afternoon with the two of them playing in the park and making snow angels in the first layer of snow. Sarah was laughing and enjoyed herself as a kid. Griffin's heart melted when he saw his daughter being happy and cheerful, he wish he could feel the same way as she did about himself. He sat on the bench of the park and watched his daughter play with some of her classmates and other kids. As Griffin sat on the bench he was thinking of one person. He doesn't even know why or how, but all Griffin could think about is the Irish accented women named Monica.

Monica was taking a walk to clear her mind of the dream she had last night. It had felt so real to her that she doesn't think she could face him. But she had too, because Sarah is her assignment or maybe it is Griffin. The one golden rule of being an angel is that you can't fall in love with a human, and never abandon you assignments. Monica knows that, and has to try her best to hide whatever feelings she has toward Griffin to move on from this. She walks along the path through the park, and came into a clearing where a dozen of kids were playing on the jungle gym. Monica had no idea that she is about to walk right in the direction where Griffin was sitting.

Just then Griffin spotted her from a distance. Her long strawberry hair glowed in the sunlight making her look more beautiful and sexy, and also making her look more like an angel then a human. Griffin didn't think he would ever be attractive to Monica but he was. She was single and around his age unlike many other women from his work seemed to be interested in him. However Griffin still feels like all women that he meets would betray him or leave him. Griffin heard a high pitch squeal coming from his daughter, he turn his head and she was laughing with her best friend Julia. Griffin hoped that Sarah wouldn't see Monica, but that idea was too late. The next thing Griffin knew is that Sarah was running across the snow banks and bounded up to her, with Julia trailing behind her.

"Monica!!!!! I miss having you for dinners. Could you come over again and make that stew again? Oh this is my best friend Julie Heart, Julia this is Monica, and she is my sitter when ever daddy has to work late." Sarah smiled and whispered something in Julia's ear as they both giggled.

Monica shook Juila's hand and a curious smile came over her face when Sarah whispered something in her friend's ear. "Nice to meet you too, Julia. And Sarah it's not up to me it's up to you dad if he wants me over to cook."

"Oh he wouldn't mind…"Sarah said, and looked over to Julia.

One of Griffin's best friend came over to him, "Who is that gorgeous women that my daughter and your daughter is talking to?" Chris Heart said. Chris is Griffin's partner in the police department as well as a second brother to him. They have been together ever since high school, and Chris has been there through Griffin's marriage had failed.

"Oh that is Monica; she babysits Sarah whenever we have a double shift or something." Griffin said looking down at the snow before looking up in Monica's direction.

"Shit….if I wasn't married to my wife and was single, like you, I would defiantly hit on her. She is really attractive." Chris said to Griffin to give him a hint to take up the offer.

"Huh….coming from a guy like you there would be no surprises there." Griffin said sarcastically, "No I am not going to make a move on her."

"Why not? Come on Griff….she is one hot looking babe…..and that offer doesn't stick around for too long." Chris said, pointing out the obvious to him, "Tell me you are not attracted to a woman like that."

Griffin chuckled at his best friend, "Because I have to think about what Sarah wants and put her needs before mine, and I don't want her to get attached to the women that I date and it will end up breaking her heart just like what Crystal did." Griffin said looking at his best friend.

"Griffin I love ya….you know I do. But dude you got to stop living in the past, and move on. I know you really loved Crystal and she was your college sweetheart, but she was a bitch for leaving you and Sarah. Now I love your daughter as much as my other two kids, but trust me you need to move on from your past and look at what God has given to you." Chris said bluntly and stating the truth.

Although Chris did had a point, it has been a long time since Crystal left him and his daughter, but that betrayal still aches in Griffin's heart. "I don't know Chris, what is the point of meeting someone and falling in love, to end up with a shattered heart."

"I don't know maybe it is what they call it a leap of faith my friend. Look why don't I take the girls to my place so that you two could have some alone time." Chris suggested.

"No….Chris….I plan to just stay in and spend time with Sarah……I know it sounds lame but this is a light week and well I want to make the time I have with her." Griffin said

"Okay…" Chris said and walks in the direction to where Monica is talking to the two young girls. Damn you Chris! Griffin thought and walked behind him.

Monica looked up from the two smiling children and her heart stopped beating when her eyes lay on Griffin. Monica trying to find a way to avoid Griffin's stare and the feelings that spark the other night had left a little flame burning inside her heart. As Griffin and another man in front of him came closer her heart pulse kept increasing, until they both stood a foot away from the two girls.

"Hello I don't think we have met, I'm Chris Heart Julia's father, and best friend to Griff..here." Chris elbowed his friend.

"No I don't think so, I'm Monica." Monica said looking into Chris's hazelnut eyes. After a moment of awkwardness silence, Monica suggested, "Well I have to get back it was nice to met all of you, and enjoy your afternoon." Monica said as she turn to leave, but was caught short when Chris said something.

"Well girls how about I take you guys out for pizza and give Griffin a break for child sitting, how does that sound." Chris said to the kids, and giving Griffin a wink. Monica looked at Chris then to Griffin and then back to Chris again, as the kids shouted for joy. As soon as Chris did that the kids ran up toward the jungle gym as well did Chris leaving Griffin and Monica alone.

After a moment or two had past with an annoying silence between them it was Griffin who broke the silence, "Sorry about that…..my best friend Chris is a jokester and likes to set me up with other women. It was a thing we did back in college." Griffin feeling a little embarrass about the whole incident that Chris did.

Monica giggled at that comment, and she wanted to know more about him. "So how far back is this so called 'friend' of yours history goes with you?" Monica asked and accidently came out to be of a slight flirt with him.

"Ummm…..Chris and I have been best friends ever since high school, and a little before that. He has been there for me when I needed him and vice versa. Do you want to take a walk; the park is beautiful in November." Griffin suggested and decided to take Monica to some of his favorite places he likes to go to ease his mind. And to enjoy some time with her, and Chris did had a point about one thing, Monica was a very attractive women and he was surprise she had no romantic relationship. He would have thought many men had falling head over heels in love with her.

Monica and Griffin walked through the park and smiled at one another, as they shared some stories from their past. They walked up the path that lead to a bridge which over looked a small river which flowed through the the dense forest of the trees. There was just enough sunlight to light up Monica's hair as she looked more beautiful and angelic. Griffin lead Monica to the railing as they both gazed out to watch the water flow down the canon and crashing up onto the slippery rocks.

"Oh..my God..this place is so beautiful. I never found a spot like this that connects me so close to nature." Monica gasped at the beauty around her.

"It's more beautiful in the spring time. Do you see where the trees are alined on both sides?" Griffin pointed, and Monica nods to that.

"Well it is filled with pink, purple, blue, and white flowers as it covers the bushes and vines of the ivories wrap around the trunks of trees as well as the rail of this bridge. And deep purple flowers bloom on the ivories. It looks so beautiful that I just feel so relax to it and the sight help me through when Crystal left me. I had taken Sarah here a few times as well." Griffin said as he looked into Monica's deep brown eyes.

"Wow…..I would like to see that." Monica said as she too gazed up at him. They both stared at one another as tension grew on both Monica and Griffin, until Monica had to pull away from his gaze.

Monica then steps over to a bench that over looked the scenery that surrounded Monica and Griffin. Griffin followed after her and leaned his back against the railing of the bridge, as Monica sat on the bench. Griffin wanted to keep a safe distance between them so that she would feel uncomfortable with the feeling of him next to her.

"You come here a lot I'm guessing." Monica said as they both settled to their spots.

"Whenever I feel trapped inside or needed to get out of the house when Sarah is at school or something." Griffin stated. Monica gave a half smile to that, and her gaze seemed to scan out over the water. "So I'm guessing that you are from Ireland?"

"I was born there if that's what you mean." Monica said and this time gave a teasing smile to him.

"Yeah I could tell by your Irish accent. My grandfather was Irish too, until he died in a car bomb there when I was just 2." Griffin looked down at Monica and she looked somewhat shaken up to that. Griffin feeling quite like an idiot went to her and sat down beside her. In a soft tone Griffin asked what he done to offended her, "Monica….I'm sorry about that I didn't mean to.."

"No its not you….it's the violence and wars of my beloved Ireland that hurts me so damn much. I have waited a long time for there to be peace there and there isn't any because of all the hatred there and I hate it!" Monica said as she felt the tears well up in her eyes.

Griffin stared at her assuming that she had lost someone that she loved there. "You can't fix war….shit like that just happens and there is nothing in the world that can help it."

Monica gave a half smile and looks into Griffin soft blue eyes. She felt some warmth in those deeply blue eyes that made Monica's knees quake. And having Griffin's body a few feet away, Monica can feel his body heat radiating off his and soaking right into hers. She wondered if any woman had ever really loved this man. Monica hadn't noticed that their hands were touching one another and she quickly retrieve her hand to another spot.

"So why did your friend wanted us to be alone together?" Monica asked but kind of already had answered that for herself.

"Oh because he wanted me to start dating again, and he thought you were a beautiful, and a attractive women." Griffin said and slightly blushing at that.

Monica chuckled at that but the question that she wanted him to answer was did he find her attractive. "Well I do tend to get a few offers here and there, but I could never have dated anyone even if I could. I travel a lot to many different places, and I could never have a stable relationship to stick. I'll end up having my heart broken or theirs. So I just made it easy for them to not date anyone, so I won't get attached."

Griffin had to smile at that. Monica is really bright and he was beginning to like her. It had only been few weeks ago when his daughter had first sought her out. But now with having to spend time with Monica he has been feeling a new man coming alive in himself.

"Come on the sun is about to set soon and we still need to find our way back before we both be lost in the dark." Griffin stated and hoped up from the bench. He went over to Monica and put his hand out so she could pull herself up. He pulled her up and held her steady with the strength of his arms. There was definite heat and tension between them but neither of them admitted to themselves or to one another. Griffin then lead Monica back down the trail to the park. With 25 minutes had past, the sky above them had turned a navy blue and quickly faded into a dark night. Monica and Griffin walked arms length away from one another as he stopped by a coffee shop.

"You look like you could use some coffee," Griffin said noticing Monica trembling with the sudden change of temperature.

"Why do you say that?" Monica asked shaking the snow off her winter coat.

"Because you are shaking like a leaf……here," Griffin laughed and took his coat off and draped it on Monica's shoulders. When he did that, Monica face was really close to his, and she felt her heart skip a beat when he looked right into her eyes. She had never felt this way with any human before and especially to really attractive men like Griffin.

Monica feeling very uncomfortable with the situation suggested, "Ummm……coffee sounds great." As Monica stepped to one side and moves past Griffin to the coffee shop doors. Griffin then opens the doors for her as they had another chemical reaction look.

Griffin had purchase to cups of coffee, and handed one to Monica. However Monica didn't glance up at him, she didn't want to encounter another uncomfortable moment. The place was crowed and many people were at tables, and Griffin glances over at the clock and it read 7:15. Griffin needed to get back to his daughter, and came over to the coeducations where Monica was.

"Well there isn't any place to sit, so do you mind if we walk back to the house. I have to get home anyways because of Sarah." Griffin said, and looks down at Monica only to be greeted by her soft brown eyes. Her eyes just made Griffin's heart beat skip, there is something about her that Griffin just feels so warm and welcome in her eyes.

"Sure…..do you know when your friend is going to bring her home?" Monica asked just thinking that Griffin and her had spent four hours alone on this so called little date of theirs.

"I'm guessing so or they could be over at Chris's watching late movies. Mostly Disney because of the young ages."Griffin stated as Monica stirred her coffee as she mix in sugar and milk just like she did a few weeks ago at his house that night. Then she looked up at him and her piercing gaze just about made Griffin's heart leap out of his chest. She looked even more beautiful to him then the first day he saw her.

Monica motion to the door for Griffin to follow her and once again they embraced themselves for the cold November weather in the small town just outside of Providence. They walked up the side walk that light up like carnival rides as the lighting of the shops lit the night. The night looked so beautiful and in the mist of the wonders of beauty, neither one of them wanted to admit it but they were slowly falling in love with each other.

"The town here is so beautiful; this would be a nice place to live in and away from the city life." Monica stated as she continue to enjoy the beauty around her. She had never in her years of being an angel had landed her assignment in a small town. It was always some kind of big city and many rude people, but here in this town, everyone knows one another and always seemed to be so kind to one another. "Do you have a car or something?"

"I do…but today I just walked to the park with Sarah, I live only a few blocks from the main part of town." Griffin suggested, "And there is no point for me to drive to the park when I could get some exercise."

"Good point there, I decided to go for a run to clear my mind." Monica pointed out. She didn't tell him the main reason why she went out for a run. They walked together for another ten minutes, until they reach the porch of Griffin's home. There was a porch swing located on the right side of the house just big enough for two people to sit on. Griffin unlocks the door to the house and tries to find a switch to flick on a light. He found a switch and the room light up like a golden sun.

"Would you like anything to eat?" Griffin asked, as Monica took off her coat and Griffin took it from her hands to hang it up like before.

"Depends on what you got?" Monica joked and gave a smile as Griffin turned to look at her. They stay like that for a heartbeat or two until Griffin leads Monica to the kitchen.

"What sounds good to you," Griffin opens up the fridge and list out the food items that Mrs. Wilson brought over. He was a bit nervous because he hadn't eating a meal with a woman in many years. And most of the time when he does it's always at a bar, and he is really drunk and the next minute he is waking up naked to a passed out women figure right next to him. That was before Griffin shaped up and quit drinking. Monica smiled and pointed to the chicken soufflé and sat down over at the table where she and Sarah bonded.

It took Griffin about ten minutes to set up the meal that was already precooked by Mrs. Wilson. Monica and Griffin ate together and all throughout the meal, she kept thinking he is really sweet and very attractive and the each moment she spends with him, the more she got to know him, and grew more attached to him. They both were enjoying each other's company, as the night went on.

"So…ah….Monica went kind of job do you do in town, besides looking out for my daughter." Griffin asked as he set his fork down and took a sip of his glass of milk, as he stared across the table looking at her. Monica looked down at her plate of food and then her gaze rose slowly to meet his.

"I….will I…I'm a social worker, I go and help out people who are in need of help, and I give them good support with it too. Like now with you….and Sarah." Monica dropped her gaze and realized she told a half truth half lie. She didn't give him the real reason why she was here, because she didn't want to frighten him with her real identity.

"Now can I ask you a question," Monica said as she studied Griffin.

"Anything," Griffin said as he leaned forward just a bit to look at her. He is beginning to feel some kind of sexual tension between them and he was interested in this new feeling.

Monica hesitated for a moment or two then looked up into his blue eyed gaze. "Is your so called friend is trying to get you and I to date one another?" With that Griffin chuckled at her comment.

" He thought that you would be a nice match for me to date, and he also pointed out that you were…." Griffin paused, and looked at Monica's smiling face.

"That I was what?" Monica giggled, but then her smiling face dropped when Griffin got all series.

"That….he said that he also found you a very attractive person to me." Griffin finished. But he also added in his mind and I can see why he thinks that way because I am attracted to you.

Monica looked away at that, and then looked back at him again. "Do you find me attractive too?" Monica asked in her sweet Irish accent.

Griffin wanted to say yes and hoping she would go out with him if he was the guy to be able to move on but his heart is still broken. Griffin took a deep breath, "You are very beautiful women Monica, but finding you to be attractive will consider on being looking for an opportunity to date you, and I just can't be involved with someone right now."

Monica gave a half smile to that, "I'm not looking to date Griffin, I was just wondering with the way your friend was trying to do, it sounded like you were interested in his plan."

"No….Chris is just trying to set me up with someone, and I just keep refusing to date." Griffin said as he finished up his food.

"There's nothing wrong about falling in love again, you just have to take a risk." Monica said and it was her turn to lean in.

"But what is the point of falling in love, just to have your heart to be ripped out and then have to go and explain to your kid that she is just gone." Griffin said as he express his anger and hurt about his previous marriage. And Monica knew that. There was nothing she could say or do to heal Griffin's shattered heart. All Monica did was reached across the table and put her hand on his forearm and lightly stroke it.

"Griffin……I know there are no words to heal your pain, but if you need to express your hurt about it or something I'll be there for you and listen." Monica softly said as Griffin gazed locked onto hers.

"You say that you are a social work right?" Griffin asked, as Monica nodded. "Are you some sort of counselor too?"

Monica smiled and then nodded again. Monica then pulled her hand back, as she looked at the time. She knew she had to get back and that Sarah should be getting home here soon. Monica smiled and then whispered, "I have to go. Thanks for dinner it was very good." Monica smiled.

Griffin smiled back at her as he stood up to put his plate and glass in the sink. Monica did the same, and Griffin then went to grab is black coat and grabbed Monica's out of the closet. The smell of her lilac sent filled his nose and it melted apart a piece of his ice cold heart.

Monica came around the corner and into the hall way to the door outside of the house. She smiled when Griffin held out her coat and hat. "Thank you" Monica said as she slipped on her coat.

"Do you need a lift to the hotel?" Griffin asked as the snow fell more rapidly in the dark abyss that lies in front of them.

"That would be lovely thank you." Monica stated as Griffin walked out to the garage and started up his black Lincoln car. Monica waited at the front door to the house as she saw the tail lights of the vehicle to back out of the garage and the hood of the car was visible. She then saw Griffin wave his hand to her, as she bounded down the porch steps and walked over to the passenger side of the car. Monica slide in and settled herself in the seat.

The drive from Griffin's home to the hotel usually takes about twenty five minutes, however because of the weather it had actually took about forty five minutes. As the snow fell from the heavens, and crashed down on the windshield in front of them. Monica then turned to Griffin and notices a new glimmer shining in his eyes. Each moment she spends with him she is beginning to slightly fall in love with him. They stayed in the car for a few more moments until Monica was the one to say goodnight to him.

"Goodnight Griffin, and thanks for the lovely sightseeing and for the dinner." Monica smiled and then tapped his hand and then turns to the car door and pulled the lever to get out. Monica stepped out of the warm car and the snowflakes hit her face and hair as she made her way to the doors of the hotel. Before Monica had reached the doors she then heard Griffin hollering her name, as he ran up to her.

"What?" Monica asked as soon as Griffin was 2 feet away from her.

"I forgot to mention this to you, but Sarah wanted to invite you to her Thanksgiving play this Monday. I might come in late that time, but she really wants you there would you come?" Griffin asked with pleading eyes. Monica nodded and Griffin bowed his head then looked up into her eyes and murmured, "Thank you. It starts at 7:00"

Monica smiled and then without thinking brushed the snow off his shoulders and looks up into him. At the moment she thought he was going to kiss her, but instead just looked into her eyes and gazed into hers. They stay like that for a few moments until Griffin slowly pulls back. Monica then pulls back too and heads inside of the building. Monica watches Griffin get into the black car and pulls away from the parking lot.

Monica then retrieves to her room and turns the light on in her room to write in her private assignment diary of all her assignments that she had ever did in the pasted. Monica had written two and a half hours when she realized the time had read 12:40 and noticed that her human form was getting tired. She re-reads what she had just written and for four whole paragraphs she had written about Griffin. Then Monica sets the book in her lap and stares across the room over to the television set in front of her. Her mouth dropped when she realize what she had written. She was explaining in her diary about the feelings she was feeling in the four paragraphs about him. And her conclusion she came up with was she was falling in love with Griffin.