Angel's Decree

The sun was warm and intense as they lay together on the grass, Monica resting against Andrew’s chest. She could feel his heart beat through his shirt and marveled in the feel of it. His hands were in her hair and she was enjoying the feel of his fingertips holding her head lightly. She rolled over, almost on top of him and caressed his mouth with her own, loving the sound of his sharp intake of breath, the soft moan that escaped from the back of his throat. She loved everything about him. His human form was so beautiful to her, and she wondered if he felt the same about her.

“Andrew, I never want to leave this place.” Her voice was a breath as she spoke.

His eyelids fluttered open as he looked at her, kissed her face. “I know, but we have to.”

She didn’t question him, but she wondered why. She wondered what would be so wrong with staying here, with staying human with him and having a family. She clung to him and breathed in the scent of him. He was warm and soft and hard at the same time. His body was so perfectly sculpted, crafted by God himself. And then she remembered God’s greatest creations. Humans.

“It’s for them isn’t it?” her voice was a whisper as she asked it.

And Andrew nodded. He didn’t need clarification. He loved being an angel almost as much as he loved Monica. It was his entire reason for existing. Helping them. He took the most pleasure out of life when he was able to assist some poor lost soul home to be with the Father. He also loved doing casework, simply being a friend to someone in need, protecting a small child from harm or staying by the side of an elderly woman as she waited alone for word from a long lost loved one.

Now, he leaned over and captured Monica’s mouth with his own. This kiss was not urgent or overly passionate but more a promise, to always love her, to stay with her no matter the circumstances. She reached up and held him to her. She had never thought of touching him so much before. Back then, it was merely a comfort just having him near, the same as having Tess. Andrew was like a pillar of strength, a friend, someone to talk to. Now, he was so much more. At times, she considered trading her immortality for him, and the thought of it sent a shiver up her spine so strong that he looked at her, into her eyes. He studied her deeply.

“I know what you’re thinking.” He said, his smile light. “And I think the world would be lost without you.”

She shut her eyes and rested her face against his shirt. “I would be lost without you.”

“You never have to be without me, Monica.” He ran his hands through her long silky dark hair. “I don’t think God would punish us in such a way. We’ve always been good and faithful servants to Him…”

“But what about this? What about now?” she was holding him so close. “Andrew, are we committing a sin just being here?”

He shook his head even though he wasn’t entirely sure. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t feel like a sin. It feels like a blessing.”

“And it is a blessing, angel babies.” Tess’s voice startled the angels into a standing position, and even though she was smiling, they stood apart from one another, like frightened children caught playing naughty games. Andrew flushed deeply, and Monica found she was unable to meet Tess’ gaze. What must she be thinking?

“Tess…um… hello.” Monica kept her eyes averted.

“It’s alright, angel girl.” Tess was smiling. “Fear not. I have come bringing tidings of joy.” She grinned as she approached them. “Where have you heard that one before?”

Andrew and Monica laughed softly in spite of themselves. “What’s the message, Tess?”

Tess held both of their hands in hers. “I didn’t think I could be an advocate for this, but seeing the two of you together is like a warm breath of fresh air. You both have been summoned by the Angel of Angels.”

Monica shuddered, but Andrew simply nodded, his face a visage of bravery. “When, Tess?”

Tess glanced up into the heavens, shielding her eyes from the bright rays of sunlight. “I think as soon as you can get your little angel selves up there.” But her tone was playful.

“Alright.” Andrew swallowed once, hard. His hazel eyes glanced at Monica and he reached for her hand, but Monica hesitated.

“First, I want a word alone with Tess.” She smiled at him, reassuring him that she would be along soon. “Please, Andrew.”

He nodded. “I’ll wait for you up there, then.”

She smiled after him as he walked towards the horizon and vanished, leaving she and Tess alone. It was awkward at first, facing Tess, but then she found that Tess was smiling.

“Oh, Tess!” she reached for her and let herself be pulled into a warm embrace. “I don’t know how it happened. I just… I fell in love with him.”

“Any other time, I would lecture you on heavenly beaurocracy, angel girl, but now’s not the time.” She pulled back to look into Monica’s tear-stained face and smoothed her hair away from her face, so motherly. “If my blessing was all it took, then you’d have it, but this is so unusual. Not unheard of, but very rare. Two angels in love. It seems simple enough, but it’s very complicated. A human concept.”

“Has it ever happened to you, Tess?” Monica was curious.

Tess, for the first time that Monica had ever seen, was completely naive of the idea. “I never imagined it could happen to an angel, baby. I never needed any other kind of love than that provided by the Father. But every angel is different…”

Now, Monica felt terrible, as if she had committed some sort of treason. “I didn’t think I needed it, Tess. I just know that I love being with him. It’s much deeper than that. I can’t put it into words. But it’s written all over my heart.”

Tess wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder. “And it shows, angel girl. You’re glowing all over. God’s grace has elevated the two of you to an even higher level than before.”

“I feel it, Tess. Like a warm blanket.” She looked into Tess’ familiar brown face, searching for an answer. “I just hope He will accept us this way. I don’t want to be an abomination or get banished from heaven… or worse…” she shuddered and Tess held her tighter, reassuring her.

“Oh, don’t think about such things, baby. God always provides answers – and He always makes a way for his children. All of his children, humans and angels alike.” She hugged Monica one last time. “But you better go on up there and receive word from the Angel of Angels. He has made time for you now, but he won’t wait forever…”

Monica nodded, feeling herself trembling.

“Tess, I’m afraid.”

“Has God ever let you down before?”

Monica shook her head, slowly, feeling a lump of fear form in her throat and in her belly.

“And He won’t let you down now.” She pointed towards the heavens. “Now get on up there and face the music.”

Monica nodded and started off towards the horizon line; along the same path that Andrew took until she was there with him, standing before the administrative offices.

. . .

Andrew held Monica’s tiny hand in his as they made their way through the spotless corridors. He didn’t want to leave her again, but the thought of not being accepted as a couple made him feel a little uneasy. If he had to face being banished from heaven forever, he would be fine, but he didn’t want that for Monica. She was too good of an angel and too helpful to never be allowed back. It would destroy her.

He turned to her now, pushing a stray lock of her dark hair from her face. “Listen, Monica, you don’t have to do this. You can tell them it was a mistake…”

“But it wasn’t a mistake, Andrew.” She stared into his hazel eyes, searching his soul. “I love you too. God knows it.”

He exhaled, turned to look off into the distance, the wind playing in his sandy hair. “I don’t know what we’re facing. I want to be with you, and I’m willing to accept whatever punishment for that, but… maybe I’m not worth that much…”

“Andrew, please don’t say such things.” She reached up to caress his face with her gentle fingertips. “I want to face it together. I don’t want to leave you now. Or ever.”

He hesitated for a moment before taking her into his arms. “You’re so beautiful - inside and out.” He buried his face in her thick luscious hair. “I am so in love with you.”

“Oh, Andrew.” She looked up into his eyes and brought her mouth to his. He was so perfect to her, in every way. She was prepared to face whatever happened as well, and then she saw a familiar face over Andrew’s shoulder and broke the kiss. “Sam!”

Monica let go of Andrew and stood a little apart from him as Sam approached. She was terrified of what her superior might say, but she stood her ground. Incidentally, he didn’t seem to be upset or even surprised.

“Hello, Angels.” His face was pleasant as he regarded the two of them. “I see you two finally found your way back.”

Monica felt warmth in her face as she tried to explain. “Yes, Sam, we… I was… Andrew and I …we…”

“I agree.” He replied as if it was the most natural turn of phrase. “You two certainly need to figure this thing out. Personally, I think you’re well suited for each other. But my opinion isn’t the one that matters. God’s is.”

Both Andrew and Monica were shocked by his admitted approval.

“Thank you for your kind words, Sam.” Andrew said, reaching for his hand and shaking it affectionately. “Thank you.”

“Well, if you’re waiting for the Angel of Angel’s, then he is ready, I’m sure.”

Monica nodded, her face flushed with heat. She had only met the Angel of Angels one other time, and that was during another test phase where she nearly failed due to some evil interference on Kathleen’s part. It had nearly cost her everything – and now here she was again. It was frightening to her, but she had to face him. Andrew was worth it.

She and Andrew stood outside the door, side by side, until a deep voice told them to enter.

They entered and stood facing an impromptu panel of other higher-ups, angels to whom they would present their case, no doubt. And Monica and Andrew felt like they were under serious scrutiny by the administration, like naughty school children. Andrew’s face was flushed and Monica looked paler than normal.

“Monica, you’re looking well.” His voice was bass as he spoke. “You’re both well rested, I take it?”

Andrew nodded. “Yes.”

Monica found her voice. “Quite well-rested, thank you.”

“I assume you both know why you’re here.”

Andrew and Monica glanced at one another then back at the others. “I think so.” Andrew said.

“Yes, well. What has happened between the two of you is quite irregular, indeed.” He paused as the two angels waited. “But not unheard of.” The angels held their breaths. “There is generally a waiting period of two to three decades while the higher powers ponder such a union, a romantic association between angels. Your love for one another would have to be deemed absolutely pure and acceptable in heaven and then you both would be given a choice whether to remain angels of God’s high court or sent to live among the humans, who your love so greatly resembles…”

“You mean… we’re meant to choose?” Monica spoke in such a quiet voice that she was barely heard.

“Sir…” Andrew spoke up now, his eyes determined. “… Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, shouldn’t it be enough that our love for one another is of God? Doesn’t that make it pure love in and of itself?”

The other panelist remained silent as the Angel of Angel’s heaved a great sigh. “There are many types of love, my valiant angel,” he spoke in his deep voice, “but you are too soon from your recent assessment on earth where you worked closely with humans, some of whom were not so untainted. Before contact with them, you did not know romantic love.”

“I know what I feel.” Andrew said in a sure voice. “I know what love is.”

“Andrew…” Monica whispered, fearing the tone of Andrew’s voice.

“No, Monica, I think if I’m doomed anyway, I may as well say what’s on my mind.”

“Please, by all means…” the Angel of Angels was not in the least bit phased by Andrew’s resolve.

“I mean no disrespect.” He began in his calm voice, his hazel eyes darkened. “It’s just that I care about her to my very core. I want what’s best for her. I’ve always wanted what’s best for her. I love her unconditionally, romantic or otherwise. The Father knows this.” He glanced at Monica. “However, if that means that she will lose her position as caseworker, a position she’s worked so hard to get, then I’ll do whatever I need to do to keep her job. Even if it means… even if it means letting her go.”

“Andrew!” tears sprang to Monica’s eyes. “No!” she looked at the Angel of Angels. “Please, he doesn’t mean it!”

“Yes, Monica, I do.” Andrew turned to her and held her hands in his. “Monica, you’ve never seen your face after you help someone, how happy you are, how fulfilled and overflowing with God’s grace and love. I can never come close to giving you that much happiness – and no one, human or otherwise, should be denied knowing you. It would be a sin and a crime.”

“But I love you, Andrew.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as he pulled her into his arms. He didn’t care who was watching or how outraged they were about it. He wanted to keep her safe and warm inside his embrace forever, but there were other forces at work… always other forces…

The Angel of Angels cleared his throat so their childlike faces turned to look at him. He was so much older than them that they seemed like innocent babies to him, so youthful in their optimism. He recalled a time long ago, when life was new. It warmed him to see such beautiful creatures as this, but the decision was not his to make…

“This jury will now deliberate.” He spoke in a business-like tone. “If it is to be, then God will smile down on your union and you will have your love for all the rest of your days. If he does not deem this love fit for heaven, then you will leave this room and you will never know that you were ever together in this way. Andrew, when you look at Monica, you will see a fellow angel, a caseworker with whom you will occasionally work and be cordial with. Monica, you will see the same when you look at Andrew. It will be, as they say, business as usual.”

A small sob escaped Monica’s lips at the thought.

The Angel of Angels continued. “For now, you will exit this room and face your destiny.”

Monica held tight Andrew’s hand as they exited the room…

. . .

On earth, a girl stood pondering life beside a small river. She was hopeful and optimistic. Her wooly dreadlocks fell across her eye as she pushed them back and smiled into the sparkling water, the sun glistening off its surface. She thought she saw a fish dancing just beneath the murky depths, and then she looked behind her to see a woman she recognized. Her smile was glad.

“Monica.” She jogged towards her and threw her arms around the slender Irish woman. “God, I missed you.”

“And I missed you.” Monica was regarding her, taking in the sight of her healthy friend. She looked like she had been living a straight life for a good long while now. “You look well.”

Caryn nodded. “I am well. I feel good. I stopped hanging out at the gambling hall, doing those stupid drugs, and enrolled back into college. I thought maybe it’s not too late to get my degree…”

“You’re right. It’s never too late.” Monica smiled, resting a hand on her shoulder. “I just thought I’d check in on you since I was passing through.”

“I’m glad you did.” Caryn took in the sight of Monica, her long dark reddish hair, the sparkling brown eyes. She looked so ethereal standing here on earth, like she didn’t belong. She was like… well… like an angel. Caryn was eternally grateful to have known her at all, to have been saved from the brink by her. “I wish you could stay.”

“Well, I have some very important work to do, but… I’ll be around.” Monica’s eyes seemed to sparkle even more as she said it, and Caryn found she was filled with a deep sense of peace.

“Thank you so much, Monica. For everything.”

Monica nodded and Caryn waved as she walked away, towards her new full life.

The angel hung around the park feeling expectant. Something was amiss, but she didn’t know what. The children playing in the park offset perfectly the rainbow that was forming in the sky, the soft chattering of parents, the promise of casework. Tess was nearby; Monica could sense her – but she could also sense someone else…

And there, standing in the distance, he waited for her. At first, his eyes were neutral, his hand waving slightly, the wind blowing his long wheat colored locks about his head. Monica approached him, smiling, glad to see him. And then, without words, he drew her in, his arms wrapping around her, his mouth capturing hers.

God had smiled down on them after all, had granted them pardon, and Monica was glad. There was nothing better than this.

END