AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi all this is my first "Friends" fanfic and my first song fic! So please bear with me in all of this. Read, credit & enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any characters appearing on "Friends"

SONG FEATURED IN THIS CHAPTER: Cold Day In July - Dixie Chicks

Chapter 1 - Cold Day In July

Chandler and Monica Bing had come into difficulty in their marriage a few years after moving away from the city. They put the needs of their children, Jack and Erica, before their own. They both had become strangers in their own home, in their own bedroom, in their own lives. Both were arguing with eachother more than they had ever done in the past. Some arguements were bigger than others and a lot of accusations were made against one another. One day in an unseasonably cool day in July one of them reached the breaking point and wanted to leave.

The moon is full and my arms are empty
All night long I've pleaded and cried
You always said the day that you would leave
Would be a cold day in July

He could not handle the arguements about money and her increasing involvement with Richard. Chandler had become overly suspicious of Monica's involvement in the catering business that Richard co-owns. He knew that he should have nothing to be afraid of, he knew that Monica loved him, but being the insecure man that he is, he knew he needed a break from this life. Chandler hated the thought of being away from Monica but he needed to clear his head.

She could not bear watching him pack a suitcase full of clothes, mainly suits and ties for work. Monica had hoped that this was only going to be temporary, just like the fights that they had been having lately. She did not know why he was leaving, she never asked why either.

Your bags are packed not a word is spoken
I guess we said everything with good-bye
Time moves so slow and promises get broken
On this cold day in July

Chandler packed the last of his things into his suitcase and walked down the hall. He looked in on his children both asleep as the morning sun rose, he knew he shouldn't leave because that was a coward's way of solving a problem. However if he didn't get a chance to get away how could he be a better husband and father? He figured if he left early enough in the morning, the nosy neighbours wouldn't suspect anything.

Monica watched from the front door as Chandler pulled out of the driveway to head off to some place that she wouldn't be able to visit. She couldn't understand why Chandler wouldn't talk to her about what's bothering him, maybe this break is what they both need.

Sun's comin' up comin' up down on Main Street
Children shout as they're running out to play
Head in my hands here I am
Standing in my bare feet
Watching you drive away
Watching you drive away

Monica stood looking out that front window for what seemed like forever until she realized that if she didn't get Jack and Erica out of bed they would be late for kindergarten and she would be late for work. She had thought that once they had moved out of the city they could lead the perfect life, one full of joy and love. Monica had figured that fairytale fantasy was now over.

You said that we were gonna last forever
You said our love would never die
It looks like spring and
It feels like sunny weather
But it's a cold day in July

She had faced a long day and kept questioning as to why it started out like it did. Monica couldn't figure out why Chandler would feel the need to leave like the way he did. She realized that they had a big fight the night before, but she didn't think it was that big enough for him to leave over.

Monica had no choice but to seek solice in the company of someone she knew could relate to this situation. Someone who was the subject of the latest arguement between Chandler and Monica. The arguement which proved to be the last straw for Chandler.

"I don't want to be alone tonight." Monica said over the phone.

"I'll be right over." said the man's voice on the other side of the conversation.

The moon is full my arms are empty
All night long how I've pleaded and cried
You always said the day that you would leave me
Would be a cold day in July
Here comes that cold day in July