AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story begins with TOW the Stripper Cries. It obviously has a different ending from that episode, which would have changed the series dramatically. I did my best to stick to the timelines identified in the show, but as it's been said, the timeline is a bit inconsistent…also there would have been some changes due to this story.
"I am sooo drunk," Rachel announced. As she and Monica danced at their first college party. It was December of 1987, and Ross had invited them up for the last big party before semester break.
"That's weird. I've had the same number of beers as you and I don't feel anything at all," Monica replied.
Over in the corner, Chandler was sulking. He'd just witness his best friend making out with girl he liked after he'd promised him he wouldn't. Angry and sad, Chandler had decided to drown his sorrows in keg beer. But then his eyes came across Rachel and Monica dancing. It was then his alcohol-enriched mind came up with an idea… he could kiss Rachel the girl Ross had had a crush on forever. That seemed to be more satisfying than just drinking.
"Soo... you girls having fun?" he asked.
"For your information, ass munch, I've lost four pounds. Maybe even five with all the dancing," Monica answered clearly still upset from the way he had treated her at Thanksgiving
"Somebody order a pizza?" a delivery guy called out.
"Oh that's me!," Monica shouted as she ran off toward the pizza guy.
Rachel proceeded to finish off her drink and then said, "I am soo not going to do good on my SATs tomorrow."
"Well maybe if you go to school here next year we can totally hang out," Chandler said trying to strike up a conversation with her.
"Oh yeah. There is a plan! Why don't I just start taking my smart pills now?" Rachel said sarcastically.
"Well, maybe you can get in on a beauty scholarship," he flattered.
"Oh, what a line," she blushed as she moved to refill her drink.
"So where are you applying to?" he asked.
"Oh well, you know, I think it's kinda really important that I go somewhere where there's sun, so I'm sort of…
She was cut off by Chandler kissing her.
"Hey," she yelped while pulling a way from him.
"I'm in college and I'm in a band," he reasoned.
After a moment of contemplation, she replied, "Yeah okay." And then started kissing him more passionately.
They proceeded to make out for a few more minutes until Chandler pulled away. He'd certainly gotten back at Ross now, there was no need to go any farther and risk someone getting hurt.
"Do you want another drink?" he offered as an explanation for why he'd stopped.
"Sure," she answered.
As they approached the keg, a guy Chandler knew came up and offered them some punch instead. They both agreed. The punch was basically pure Everclear and a splash of grape juice. If they both hadn't been so buzzed, they probably would have spit it out immediately instead of downing their glasses so quickly.
Earlier that day, Rachel had discovered that her boyfriend had cheated on her again. And thus, she'd set her sites on making out with someone tonight... a college guy. She had enjoyed kissing Chandler and once you got passed his hideous haircut he was cute-- especially after a few drinks she thought. She knew that one quick kiss didn't really make up for all the cheating her boyfriend did and thus she wanted to make out a little more. Given this and the fact she was now really drunk, she boldly asked Chandler "Can I see your room?"
Chandler was completely baffled. Girls never wanted to see his room. He thought it was probably a bad idea. Yet, it's not like anything more would happen. He'd never gone all the way with anyone so there was no reason to think Rachel wanted anything more than to see his dorm room and maybe kiss him once more. So what if they made out a little more, he'd already kissed her once. If he was going to have Ross mad at him, he might as well get a little more action. And he really did hate to make her feel bad by rejecting her immediately. With that, he said, "Sure." "Let's get another drink and head over."
They grabbed another glass of punch and headed for his room.
As they entered his dorm room, Rachel noticed it was nothing special. It had a couple of twin beds and desks. They had a couple of Star Wars posters on the walls, which were a slight turnoff. However, the U2 poster made the room a little cooler.
She and Chandler proceeded to make a small talk for a little while and sip some more on their punch. Sensing the awkwardness, Chandler turned on his stereo. The song Alone by Heart was just starting to play.
Rachel perked up and said, "I love this song."
"Me too," he answered. "Heart rules."
"Do you want to dance?" she asked.
"Sure," he replied. They held each other closely and swayed to the music.
Midway through the song, Rachel leaned in and kissed him. Chandler responded favorably and returned her kiss. As the kisses got more heated, Chandler pulled her with him over to his bed. He was sure that it would end just like any make-out session he'd ever had. But he couldn't have been more wrong.
XXX
August 1992
Monica and Phoebe were walking back to their apartment when they noticed the door to the apartment across from theirs was open. Phoebe had mentioned that their former neighbors were moving out and that Treeger, the apartment super, had been showing the place to possible renters.
Just then they noticed a small basketball come bouncing out from the apartment and a little boy chasing after it.
The little boy had dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Phoebe immediately melted at his appearance and then asked, "Hey little guy, what's your name?"
"Noah," a surprised Monica answered.
"That's right," the boy replied. "Do you know me?"
"Yeah?" a confused Phoebe asked.
"Noah get back here," Chandler hollered as he came out of the apartment. He quickly grabbed the boy and then told him, "You can't run off like that, buddy."
"I was just getting my ball, Daddy," Noah explained.
"I know, but you can't go off by yourself," Chandler answered.
"Sorry," Noah replied sincerely and then added, "Daddy, this lady knows me I think."
Chandler smiled at his son and then looked up to see who he was talking about it.
"Hi Chandler," Monica said.
"Uh, hi," Chandler replied staring back at her. She looked familiar to him but yet he couldn't place her, and he wondered how he could have forgotten someone so beautiful.
"Oh My God, Monica!" Rachel exclaimed as she entered the hallway.
"Hi Rachel," Monica replied hugging her friend.
It was then that Chandler realized it was Monica Geller. She'd lost a lot a weight since the last time he'd seen her.
"What are you doing here?" Rachel asked.
"Uh, I live here," Monica answered pointing to her apartment.
"Really. I knew you were living in the Village but I had no idea it was this building," Rachel said. "Now we have to get this apartment. It would be so cool to live next door to you."
"Yeah, it would be," Monica said sincerely.
"Noah, sweetie, this is one of my best friends Monica," Rachel introduced. "She sent you presents remember."
"Oh, hi" Noah said smiling. There was no mistaking it he had Chandler's smile and eyes, but he had Rachel's hair. In short, he was adorable.
"He's gotten so big," Monica stated.
"I'm gonna be four soon," Noah announced.
The adults laughed. It was then Monica remembered Phoebe was next to her.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Monica said. "Phoebe, this is Rachel, Chandler and Noah Bing. Guys, this is Phoebe Buffet, my roommate."
They all shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
"Well, we should probably go sign a lease before someone else takes this apartment," Rachel announced. "We should get together soon."
"Absolutely," Monica answered. "See you later."
And with that the Bings walked off.
Monica and Phoebe then entered their apartment.
"Sooo?" Phoebe asked.
"What?" Monica answered.
"What?" You know what… your aura is all murky," Phoebe stated. "Explain."
Monica shook her head in disbelief. Given that they'd only lived together for a few months she was still getting used to Phoebe's quirkiness. But she gave in and proceeded to tell Phoebe how she knew Rachel.
She explained that they were childhood friends. She mentioned that the college party was where Rachel and Chandler hooked up. It was meant to be a one-night stand, but Rachel ended up getting pregnant. Rachel's parents had made her and Chandler get married. They were married the summer following Rachel's high school graduation, and Noah was born that September. Since Chandler already had a year of college complete, it was decided that he would go to school and work part-time while Rachel would delay college and stay home with Noah. The last time Monica spoke to her, Rachel had mentioned now that Chandler had been working for a year they had enough money to live in a nicer place. And she would be able to start college this fall.
Monica went on to mention that she had tried her best to stay connected to Rachel especially considering all she was going through with getting married and having a child. However, Monica was in Hyde Park, NY attending The Culinary Institute of America, while Rachel was in New York City. Between living in different cities and that they were completely different places in their lives, they grew apart. Sure there were phone calls and visits over the holidays, but their friendship wasn't like it used to be.
"And what about Chandler?" Phoebe asked.
"What you mean?" Monica answered.
"It seems like there's more to the story," she prompted. "Your aura seems cloudy when you mention him.
Monica rolled her eyes; she was not a big believer in Phoebe's psychic abilities. "Not really, I mean he was Ross's roommate in college and he spent Thanksgiving with us once," Monica mentioned. "He was actually kind of jerk. He called me fat… maybe that's why it's, uh, cloudy."
"Huh," Phoebe replied.
"What?" Monica asked.
"Nothing it just doesn't seem like that's it," Phoebe explained. "It's something else. Give me your feet and let me see."
"Maybe later Pheebs," Monica dodged and went to clean her room.
XXX
The Bings had been living in their new apartment for about a week, when Monica knocked on their door.. Chandler went to answer the door and saw Monica holding a pan of lasagna.
"Hi," Monica said.
"Hi," he answered.
"I wanted to welcome you guys to the building," she said referring to the pan in her hand.
"Oh, that's really nice of you," Chandler stated. "Rachel's not here, but she should be back any minute. Do you want to come in?"
"Sure," Monica said with a slight hesitation. The truth is she hadn't really spent anytime alone with Chandler since the infamous Thanksgiving incident. She'd seen him a few times after the birth of Noah, but for the most part only visited with Rachel on the phone or had lunch with her when they were both in Long Island for the holidays. Rachel had preferred it that way, mostly because she liked to vent to Monica about any problems she was having with Chandler.
As she walked in, she noticed that Noah was playing on the floor with some racecars.
"Hi Noah," she said softly while touching his head softly.
"Hi Monka," Noah replied in his best attempt to get her name right.
Monica then sat in chair across from Chandler. Sensing the awkwardness, Chandler offered, "So, Rachel tells me your working at Iridium. That's impressive."
"Thanks," she said. "I'm just a sous chef, but I really like it."
"That's great," he said sincerely. "How's living in the city treating you?"
"I love it so far," she answered. "I'm really lucky that my grandmother let me sublet her apartment. It's rent-controlled otherwise I could never have afforded it."
"Tell me about it," he replied. "Rachel and I lived in a tiny apartment until now. I guess I finally manage to make enough to afford a place that's not completely terrible."
"Rachel said you're doing something with computers?" she asked.
"It's data processing. And it's just as glamorous as you would think," he quipped.
She smiled.
"But it pays the bills you know," he mentioned. "I do think it's cool that you're doing something you love… not a lot of people find that ya know."
"Yeah," she said thoughtfully.
"Listen, Monica I want to apologize to you," he said breaking the silence.
"For what?" she asked.
"Rachel told me that you heard me call you fat that Thanksgiving," he explained. " And I've never had the chance to tell you that I'm really sorry about that. It was stupid and insensitive. Not that it matters, but I was really just scared that Ross was going to leave me alone on a holiday I hate to begin with. I just said that in the heat of the moment and didn't mean it. But, it was still wrong and I really hope you can forgive me."
Monica was shocked by his honesty and sincerity. He'd obviously grown up a lot since she'd last spoken to him. "It was a long time ago, Chandler don't worry about it," she commented. However, she couldn't help feeling better that he brought it up.
Chandler nodded appreciatively and then went on to ask, "So, how is Ross doing?"
After Ross found out about Chandler and Rachel, he'd been furious with Chandler and never really got over it. They'd live together for the remainder of the school year, but hardly spoke. Once Chandler and Rachel were married, they never saw each other again.
"He's doing pretty well. He just got engaged," she replied.
"Oh yeah," he asked.
"Yeah, her name's Carol. He's quite taken with her," Monica explained.
"That's great," Chandler said sincerely.
"Maybe sometime I could have you guys over so you could meet her," Monica offered.
"I'm not sure Ross would like that," Chandler replied.
"He's changed Chandler," Monica explained. "I don't think he's upset anymore. In fact, I think he's missed your friendship."
"Really?" Chandler asked.
"Yeah, he hasn't really had a friend like you since," she answered.
"I've missed hanging out with him too," Chandler revealed. "He was my best friend. I never meant to hurt him."
"I think he knows that now," she mentioned. "I mean he's matured a lot in the last few years."
"Well, maybe I'll get to know the new Ross," Chandler commented.
"Yeah, maybe," Monica replied.
They sat silently for a few minutes, both reflecting on the past and all that had happened in the last few years.
"Daddy, will you play basketball with me?" Noah asked breaking the silence. He had small hoop that he moved out into the living room.
"Noah, we have company," Chandler explained. "We'll play later."
"Pleeeeease," Noah whined. "Monka can play too." Noah ran over to her and grabbed her hand excitedly. Monica smiled at the sweetness of Noah.
Chandler couldn't help smiling at his son's face, but he figured Monica wouldn't want to play. Rachel rarely played sports with Noah and her friends never did. Thus, he was shocked when Monica answered…
"I'd love to play, Noah," she said sincerely.
"Yay!" Noah shouted. "You can be on my team." He then grabbed her hand and pulled her to the center of the living room.
"Wait a minute, you two versus me… that's not fair," Chandler teased.
"Yahuh Daddy, cause you're bigger," Noah explained.
Monica laughed at the exchange.
"Okay, let's play," Chandler replied.
They began to play. Chandler would guard Monica closely but leave Noah wide open so that when she would pass it to him he could score easily.
"We win," Noah exclaimed. "You suck, Daddy!"
"Don't say suck," Chandler scolded. "And I do not."
"Yeah you do," Noah replied. "Doesn't he Monka?"
Monica laughed. "Yeah, he's not so good," she smirked.
"See," Noah reasoned.
"Is that so?" Chandler asked. He then proceeded to pick Noah up and start tickling him. "Well, buddy you wouldn't be so good either if it weren't for Scottie Pippen over there feeding you the ball," Chandler said referring to Monica.
Noah was now laughing hysterically. "Stop it, Daddy," he laughed. "Put me down."
"Tell you what buddy, if Monica can make a basket from where she's standing I'll let you go," Chandler challenged. "If not, the tickle monster will not stop.
Monica smiled knowing that Chandler was only kidding. Still she proceeded to launch the ball across the room. It went through… nothing but net.
Chandler was stunned. He let Noah hop out of his arms. Noah ran over to Monica to high five her. "That was awesome," he shouted. "She's way better than you, Daddy!"
Chandler laughed. "Yes, she is," he added. He smiled sweetly at Monica. "Is working at the restaurant really a full-time gig or is it just paying the bills until your pro-basketball career takes off?" he quipped.
"Yeah know if the NBA goals were only 5 feet high like this one, I could have been the next Michael Jordan," she replied.
Chandler laughed.
"Let's play again," Noah stated.
"It's getting late buddy," Chandler reasoned. "Why don't you go pick out your pajamas and get ready for your bath."
"But" Noah whined.
"Noah," Chandler scolded and then added softer. "If you go right now, I'll read you two stories tonight."
Noah obviously liking that idea ran into his room to get his pajamas.
"Well, I should probably get going," Monica announced referring to the fact that he needed to get Noah ready for bed.
"You don't have to," Chandler said quickly. "I really thought Rachel would be back by now. I'm sure it won't be much longer."
"I don't want to get in the way," she explained.
"You're not," he replied. "The truth is it's nice to have an adult to talk to. Since Rach is gone most nights, I spend most nights with Noah and don't really get to hang out with friends much."
She smiled at him realizing how tough it must be to be a young father. She could imagine it would be hard to find many guys who would want to spend their evening with a four-year-old.
She also had to admit she was having fun. She'd never meant anyone who listened to her the way he did. Ross and Phoebe were both good friends, but they never asked her much how she was doing. They generally had too much going on their own lives, to ask much about how hers was going. Still she felt a little weird being there without Rachel. Though, they were doing nothing wrong, she wasn't sure if it was appropriate for her to spend this much time alone with her friend's husband.
She decided she should probably still go but before she could Rachel walked in.
"Sorry, I'm late. The book store was a zoo," Rachel called out and then realized they had company. "Monica?"
"Monica brought us a lasagna," Chandler explained.
"Really, that's so nice," Rachel replied.
"Well, I just wanted to welcome you guys to the building," Monica answered. "It will really be nice to have you guys as neighbors.
"Thanks," Rachel responded.
"I'm gonna go give Noah a bath give you girls a chance to catch up," Chandler announced and then went to get Noah.
"Thanks, Chandler," Rachel replied.
Monica couldn't help but think of how thoughtful Chandler was to give Rachel some time with her friends. He did seem like a really good husband and father. She was surprised Rachel never mentioned this. She then turned her attention back to Rachel. "So, are you ready for school to start?"
Rachel went on to explain she was very excited to go to college. She explained that Noah would be going to preschool in the afternoon so she would take classes then and Chandler would pick him up after work. She would have evenings to take classes or study since Chandler could look after Noah at night. Rachel was planning to take a lot of hours to get her degree completed soon. She wasn't quite sure what she was going to major in, but she was really looking forward to going to school and being back in the adult world.
Later, Chandler exited the bathroom with Noah in his arms. Noah had on Superman pajamas and his wet hair was combed back.
"Alright buddy, say good night to Mommy," Chandler stated as he bent down to allow Rachel to kiss Noah.
"Good night, my sweet boy," Rachel cooed as she kissed and hugged Noah.
"Night, Mommy," he answered.
"I love you lots," Rachel said as she kissed him once more.
As Chandler began to take Noah a way, he resisted. "Wait, Daddy I need to say good night to Monka."
Chandler and Rachel smiled both because it was sweet but also because they knew Noah was trying to stall going to bed.
Noah waddled over to Monica and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Good night, Monka," he said sweetly. "Thank you for playing with me."
She smiled at him loving the affection and the smell of his baby shampoo. "Anytime Noah," she replied. "Sweet dreams."
"Okay, buddy let's go," Chandler stated. "It was good seeing you, Monica. Thanks again for the lasagna and for making me look bad in front of my son," he joked.
"It was nothing really," Monica quipped.
Rachel smiled pleased that they were getting along. She wanted Monica to come over more. She'd missed their friendship.
Rachel and Monica talked a little more and then Monica headed home. As Monica entered her apartment, she couldn't help but think how ironic her feelings were. She'd always been glad she wasn't Rachel who had to grow up fast and give up much of her youth when she became a mother so young. However, tonight leaving their apartment, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the life Rachel had.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've always thought it would be interesting if Rachel and Chandler had done more than kissed, and how that would have impacted Monica and Chandler. This my attempt to tell this story and I hope the Mondler fans out there will stick with this story even though it may appear to be Randler. As always, I'm a new writer and would really appreciate reviews.
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