A/N - I started writing this quite some time ago. I basically have the whole thing written, but it needs a little - well, a lot of - work. The first chapter is finished - I hope. By the way, this story is basically going to focus on Monica and Chandler. Are they - or will they be - together? Well, just wait and see...

I think the only thing you really need to know to get started is that Chandler isn't a part of the group - at the moment. However, he and Ross were roommates in college, and Monica did meet him a few times. And, just in case you're curious, Monica lives in the same apartment, Joey is across the hall, Ross lives in Ugly Naked Guy's old apartment, and Phoebe and Rachel live together in Phoebe's grandmother's old apartment. I think you'll figure out the rest as you read.

Sorry for the long author's note... And for the title. I'm really bad at coming up with titles, so it could change... Anyway, I hope you enjoy this...

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters from Friends. They all belong to their brilliant creators.

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Stronger Than I Am

Chapter One

Monica Geller walked into the familiar coffeehouse and sat down on the couch. She held her bundle close to her and sighed. It had been a long day.

"Hey, Monica," Phoebe said cheerfully upon entering Central Perk. "How was your day?" she asked, sitting down beside her.

"Hectic," she replied. "And Chelsea wasn't very cooperative at her check-up," she continued and shifted the baby in her arms.

"Oh, really?" Phoebe cooed, making faces at the little girl. "You should be good for your mommy, sweetie." She looked back at Monica. "I don't see how you do it, Monica. I don't think I could handle raising a baby on my own."

"It's tough, but it's worth it," Monica replied, listening to her daughter's laughter. "Sometimes I think Chelsea's a lot stronger than I am," she added quietly and sighed. "Oh well. I always wanted to be a mom. I just hadn't planned on doing it this way."


"Well, I'm proud of you," Phoebe smiled.

"Hey guys!" Ross greeted them when he entered with his friend.

"What's going on?" Joey asked.

"Nothing," Monica replied as Ross took Chelsea from her. "Just waiting for Rachel so we can go shopping. I need to pick up a few things for Chelsea. She's starting to outgrow everything we own."

"Are you taking her with you?" Ross asked.

"Yeah... Unless you want to baby-sit."

"You know I'd love to, Mon, but I'm waiting for somebody."

"Ooo... Hot date tonight?" Joey smirked.

"No. It's -"

Joey interrupted. "I should've known it wasn't a hot date. I mean, you're Ross."

"Thanks a lot, Joey," Ross replied sarcastically, then turned back to Monica. "It's a guy I know from college. You might remember him, Mon."

"Really? Who is it?" she asked curiously.

He took Chelsea from Monica, sat her on his knee and answered. "My former roommate. He came to our house for Thanksgiving a couple of times. Chandler Bing."

"Ch- Chandler Bing? Wow. When was the last time you saw him?" she asked casually. She hoped he didn't pick up on her complete shock.

"It's been years," he answered. "He got a job in L.A. after college, but I ran into him the other day and we decided to meet so we could catch up a little."

"Oh... Gee, I wish Rachel would hurry. We've really got to get going," Monica said anxiously.

"Somebody looking for me?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah. We'd better get going," Monica said and stood quickly, then took Chelsea from Ross. "See you guys later."

Once they were gone, Ross turned to Joey. "Was it just me, or was she a little anxious to get out of here?"

"Yeah, maybe a little," Joey answered. "Maybe she has a hot date. That I would believe."

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"So what was that, Monica?" Rachel asked as she, Monica, and Phoebe strolled through the aisles of the baby store. Phoebe had Chelsea on her hip.

"What was what?" Monica asked, confused.

"Why were you in such a rush to leave the coffeehouse? I know I was a little late, but you were really rushing us," Rachel responded.

"I bet it has something to do with that guy that was coming to meet Ross," Phoebe smirked. "You seemed to get a little nervous when he mentioned that name. What was it again?"

"Chandler. Chandler Bing," Monica replied immediately. She blushed when Phoebe cast a knowing grin in her direction. "I just wanted to get this shopping finished," Monica said, turning back to look at some baby clothing on a nearby shelf. "What do you think about this?" she asked, holding up a pink dress.

"Hey, I remember him," Rachel continued, getting back to the subject she and Phoebe were most interested in. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a crush on him, Mon."

"I don't have a crush on him," Monica insisted. "I haven't seen the guy in years. Besides, the last time I saw him, I chopped off his toe."

"Yuck!" Phoebe exclaimed, causing Chelsea to giggle. "What kind of weirdo are you?"

"It was an accident. She was trying to seduce him before Thanksgiving dinner," Rachel informed her.

"I wasn't trying to seduce him. I was trying to embarrass him. Come on, guys. Let's talk about something else. Please," Monica begged.

"Okay... But this is not the last you're going to hear about Chandler Bing."

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"Ross! Hey," Chandler exclaimed upon entering the coffeehouse and spotting his friend.

"Hey, Chandler!" Ross stood to embrace his friend in a manly hug. "I'd like you to meet Joey. Joey, this is Chandler."

"Nice to meet you," Chandler smiled and shook his hand.

"Same here," Joey replied. The three of them sat down, then continued the conversation.

"So, I guess we've got a lot of catching up to do, huh?" Ross began. "How's your job? And speaking of your job, how were things in L.A.? I figured you'd stay out there."

"Yeah, me too, but they transferred me to New York about six months ago. L.A. was great, but I think I like it better here already."

"That's good... And it'll be great to have you around again."

"Yeah... So how's your family?" Chandler asked. He didn't want to be too obvious, but he was wondering about a specific someone - Ross' sister, Monica.

"They're all great," he answered simply.

Chandler was looking for a little more information. "How's your sister? Monica, right?"

"Yeah. She's great. She's done really well as a single mom. I'm proud of her."

"Mom? Your sister's a mom?" he asked, completely shocked. The last time he saw Monica...

"Yeah. Chelsea's almost nine months old. She's a cutie," he smiled.

"Wow. I had no idea," Chandler sighed.

"You know what? Maybe I could talk Monica into going to dinner with us tomorrow night. I'm sure she'd enjoy a night out. What do you think?" Ross suggested.

"Dinner would be great." Chandler couldn't help feeling a little disappointed, and he wasn't sure why. He thought... Well, it didn't really matter what he thought. It had obviously been over before it had even begun...

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A/N - I hope this chapter sounded okay. I'm working on the next one, so I'll try to have it here soon. Please let me know what you thought. Good or bad... I think I can take it. lol