Thanks to those who reviewed. I'm glad you liked it. SO… here's the next chap, what if Monica and Richard didn't break up. But don't worry. As I said at the end of last chap, it's still CM! You'll know how it is if you read the story. Okay! Here's the chap! Please R&R!
Chandler and Monica's Home (The New One)
Chandler was just at the living room, watching TV all alone since his wife was at Rachel and Ross's place, letting their kids Erica and Jack play with Ben and Emma.
They had been married for about fifteen years already, and their bond was still as strong as ever. Though, they may have aged even a little, they still loved each other.
But Chandler always had the question, what if Monica didn't break up with Richard? What if Richard wanted kids? How would he be in the future?
He knew it wasn't worth thinking over it, since he knew Monica was with him, but… while he was watching TV, he had seen something he never saw. Even after all of the years he had lived at that house, he had never seen that thing.
The remote fell and it went under the couch. Chandler tried to reach for it and instead, he felt a box below the couch so he decided to pull it out. It was a medium-sized old gray box and it was filled with a lot of dust on top of the cover, indicating, Monica never cleaned it. What a surprise for him.
Anyway, he decided to open it, to see what was inside, and he saw that in there were all the things Monica had that had something to do with Richard.
He knew Monica had loved Richard, but he also knew that she now loves him. She chose him and married him, but… why would she still keep those stuff?
For remembrance?
For looking over a bad past?
Or wondering what would happen if they didn't break up?
Either way, Chandler wasn't happy that Monica still kept that... 'Richard Box'.
Seeing that, just made him wonder a lot in what would happen to Monica if Richard and her didn't break up. What would happen to him, to his life, without Monica?
What if Monica and Richard didn't break up…?
Monica was at her old apartment with Richard. They were by the couch, cuddling with each other while watching TV.
Suddenly, the door opens and Chandler comes in with Joey.
"Hey, Monica, Richard," Chandler greeted.
"Hi Chandler, Joey," Richard greeted.
"Oh, were we disturbing something?" Joey asked.
"No, no! We were just watching TV. So, why did you two suddenly barge in here, AGAIN?" Monica asked.
"Oh, we had no food at our place, so we figured getting some here," Joey asked.
"Ahh, yes, that is the only reason you tell me, every time you're here," Monica said ironically.
Richard just gave out a chuckle.
"Well, don't worry about us. You won't even know we're here. Just continue watching TV," Chandler commented.
The two just then turned around and let Chandler and Joey eat. They were watching a romantic TV show so they really got close each other. They were thinking if what would happen if what was in the show might happen to them.
Chandler and Joey in the other hand just observed them and whispered to each other.
"Look at those two. They're really close, aren't they?" Joey asked.
"Yes, Joe, they are. Maybe because they're in love?" Chandler asked sarcastically.
"I know that, duh! Though, it does make you wonder, doesn't it? I mean, we know they're in love, and we see that, right? But, will we ever experience that? Will we ever experience love? You know our experiences with women, and it never got that close, especially for me. I mean, you may have only a few relationships with women, but at least they weren't as pointless as my relationships," Joey explained.
"Well… I guess you do have a point, Joe. It does kinda make me jealous too."
"What?! Why're you jealous? Do you like Monica? Dude, she's your sister's bestfriend! She's one of your closest friends!"
"What?! No! I don't like her that way! It would be wrong! It would be really wrong! No, what I meant was… I was jealous of what she has, true love," Chandler further explained.
"Oh, okay. You made me nervous there. Really, you liking Monica? That's got to be alarming. Well, I admit, I did like her before, and I know she had a crush on me too, but it never became that big. I really thought you liked her. Good thing you didn't. I mean, Richard would kill you! And your friendship with Monica will never be the same."
"What if I really did like Monica? I mean, some stuff did happen with us, and I was always there for her. When we were at the beach and I… peed on her and asked her if I was boyfriend material, I felt something more about her. And when Phoebe was in labor, that was the time Monica and Richard kinda had a fight, though, they didn't really break up, I presented myself to be her husband if she wouldn't be married when she's forty. Sure she got angry and just thought I was joking, but why did I ask her that? And at Ross's wedding, wherein some old weirdo who congratulated me for playing as Leonardo de Caprio in Titanic called Monica her mom, I was the one there for her since Richard was busy talking to her dad. I told her that she was the most beautiful woman in the room, in all the rooms even. Did I really mean that? Do I like her? But whatever I feel about her, it doesn't matter. She's with Richard. How in the world would they break up? They're happy together, they love each other. I'm just confused. Like when Joey was confused over Rachel. (Yes, a lot has happened already to the gang and Monica and Richard are still together there.) I guess that must be it, I'm confused. I can't like Monica. As Joey said, she's my bestfriend's sister, and one of my closest friends. Our friendship would be ruined if I tell her I like her. Richard would even beat me up! This must just be a crush, nothing more. Though, it's kinda hard to know what it is," Chandler thought to himself, all deep in thought.
"Chandler, Chandler, Chandler!" Joey screamed so loud and disturbed Monica and Richard.
"Wha-what?!" he finally reacted.
"What's wrong with Chandler?" Monica asked.
"He just spaced out. What's wrong with you, man? I thought something wrong was up!"
"No, I'm okay, I'm okay. I just had a realization about something that happened today. I have to go," Chandler said and stood up. "Thanks for the food, Mon," he continued then open the door and left.
"What was up with him, Joey?"
"I don't know. We were just talking about- nevermind, I gotta go too," Joey said and left too.
"Something's fishy, and I'm going to find out what it is," Monica said to herself.
"Hey, Monica, since they left already, I think I gotta get going too. I need to go and meet your father," Richard said then kissed Monica and left.
"Bye."
Monica now was all alone at home, still wondering why Joey and Chandler acted so weird. She wanted to find out why, since they are her friends.
She decided to check out next door and leave her apartment for a while. Now, she was then outside at the hallway.
She was about to open the door but she just decided to hear out what Joey and Chandler were talking about from outside. She just positioned her ear on the door and heard their conversation.
Joey and Chandler's Apartment
"Chandler, why did you suddenly space out? I know I may be slow at realizing stuff at times, but you know what we were talking about before! What does this mean? Do you actually like Monica?!" Joey asked.
Monica was shocked of Joey's question. She didn't expect Chandler to like her ever. Though, she did kind of understand all the stuff Chandler did at the past because of that question. Him presenting himself as boyfriend material, telling her that she was beautiful at Ross's second wedding and more, it kinda made sense.
"Look, Joey… I don't know what I feel about her. When I told you I was jealous, I did mean that I was jealous of what Monica has, true love. But, when you thought I like her, it did make me think if I do like her. I mean, when we were at the beach wherein we were seeking information for Phoebe's mother, I don't know why, but I just started hitting on her, proving that I was boyfriend material. And when I peed on her? I guess it meant more to me. I mean, I couldn't see her in pain! She's important to me. And… when Ross was getting married to Emily, at the reception, some crazy guy called Monica her own mother. She got really sad and I comforted her. I told her she was beautiful, and I guess, what I said was true, because I do think that she is beautiful. Richard is a really lucky guy. I may never realize this but… I guess I do like her. But, time will past, it might only be a crush, right?"
"Chandler, hearing you say that makes me remember about Rachel. I know I may have let her go and let Ross have her, but it doesn't mean I don't feel anything for her anymore. Chandler, hearing you say those things, makes me think that you like Monica even more than just a crush."
Monica couldn't take hearing any more of it. What Chandler said really was flattering and that made her happy because Richard may have told her that she was beautiful, but it didn't really seem like a big deal. But to Chandler, it did seem like one big deal. She had to do something though. So she decided to go in the guys' apartment.
"Hey guys," she said as she opened the door and pretended not to hear a thing.
"Monica?!" the two exclaimed.
"Did you hear our conversation?" Joey asked.
"What? No, didn't hear a thing. Anyway, Chandler… could you help me out? Something has happened to the… TV, you think you could help me figure out what caused it?" Monica asked as cover for her real motive.
"Sure, come on, Joe, let's go," Chandler said.
"No, I want only you to come over, okay? Sorry Joe, you might just do something even worse to the TV, that's all. Nothing personal, okay?" Monica said.
"Sure, sure, I totally understand. I'll be just here, waiting for you, okay, Chandler? We're not through talking yet. Remember that."
"Okay, I'll be back as soon as I can."
Monica then went out the apartment and Chandler followed. They both then went in Monica's apartment.
"So… what happened to the TV?" Chandler asked, all nervous since he was all alone with Monica.
"Chandler, nothing happened to the TV," Monica revealed.
"So why did you make me go here?" he asked.
"Chandler, I lied."
"Clearly, you did," he said sarcastically.
"No, I lied that I didn't hear anything that you and Joey were talking about but infact… I heard everything," she said.
"Wha-What, what, what?! You did what? Oh my God, oh my God! How could this happen? I can't believe you heard everything!" Chandler said as she walked all around the living room.
"I hope I didn't hear it either. I'm sorry that I did."
"Yeah, because you love Richard, and I'm your friend! Now, it's all weird! You weren't suppose to know or to hear what I feel about you!"
"It is weird, Chandler! How could you like me? I'm your bestfriend's sister! One of your closest friends!"
"I don't know! It just happened! But don't worry. I'm not going to compete with Richard or anything like that. I'm just… I'm just gonna stay away from you, so it will be easier for the both of us. You don't have to think about this. This is my fault, and I'll fix this. I'll forget about you. Things will be back to normal, if I do."
"Chandler, I don't want you to stay away from me. You're my friend. You mean a lot to me."
"But if I don't, then you'll just be confused. I wouldn't want that. You love Richard, and I see you having a future with him. Not me, okay? Just let me stay away from you."
"Chandler, you fool! Why do you have to be so selfless?!" Monica said then kissed him quickly.
"Wha-what, what, what was that? Why did you do that?" he asked, surprised of her actions. She thought she loved Richard. Why did she kiss him?
"I guess that was a kiss. I don't know why I did that, but I thought I just should do so. Chandler, I like you a lot. I don't know in what way, but I do. You're sweet, you've been always there for me, you're a real friend and you're really funny! Chandler, I don't want you to avoid me. It would just make me angry with myself. I didn't ask you to fall for me, and you didn't ask yourself to fall for me. It's nobody's fault. Chandler, please let us both solve this."
"Monica, I'm sorry. I can't do this. I'm clearly getting in your way in your relationship with Richard. I don't want to do that. He's the best thing that has happened to you and I don't want to take that from you. If I could just go back to the past and not let you hear the things I said, I would! But, unfortunately I can't. All I can do now is stay away from you. Trust me Monica, this is what I should do," Chandler said then left Monica.
Chandler did what he said to Monica. Whenever Monica would come over next door, Chandler would leave. Whenever the gang was going to have a party or a dinner in any place, Chandler wouldn't come with them. None of them understood why, only Monica and Joey did.
Joey had enough of Chandler never coming with them anywhere, so he determinedly talked to Chandler all the time, in just forgetting about avoiding Monica. But Chandler cared for Monica so much that he continued in staying away from her, even if his own happiness was against it.
Back to Reality
"Hey, honey, I'm home," Monica said as she entered the house with Jack and Erica.
"Jack, Erica, can I have some time with your mother? Go play at your room upstairs," Chandler said.
"Okay!" they said all innocent and happy then ran to their rooms.
"What's wrong Chandler? I sense something bad."
"Monica, why did you keep this box filled with… Richard stuff?!" Chandler exclaimed as he showed her the box.
"Oh, you found that, did you? Chandler, please don't be mad at me. I don't love him anymore. I love you!" she said and tried to hug him.
"Think carefully Monica before you answer. I know we're married for this long, but it may be a mistake. Try to think for a while. I'll come back in an hour for you to explain things. I just need to clear my head out," Chandler said as he took his coat and left the house.
Monica then decided to just think in why she did keep the box all that time. Chandler in the other hand just walked by at the cold streets and continued to imagine how life would be for Monica and him if she and Richard didn't break up.
Back to… What if Monica and Richard didn't break up…?
Monica had become really concerned about Chandler. She really didn't want him to avoid her. She just wanted to pretend that nothing happened, though it would be really hard to do that since the truth would come out eventually. It usually does.
Because of her major concern, she couldn't help but think of Chandler everyday. His sarcastic jokes and comments, she just missed them a lot. She even began to talk about him more often to the others, even to Richard.
"Hey, look at that dog! It's so cute! Did you know Chandler hates dogs?" Monica said to Richard.
"Yes, Monica, I know. You've told me a lot of times already," Richard said.
"Oh, I guess I did. But did I tell you how overreacted he got whenever there were dogs?"
"Yes, you did too, honey," Richard said, a little annoyed since all Monica could mention nowadays was Chandler this and Chandler that. "Mon, can we just talk about something else? I know you want to talk about Chandler since he has been avoiding you, but could we kindly please talk about a different topic?"
"But Richard, it's just too complicated. I just can't believe that he could-"
"Monica, I'm sorry, I think I've had it. Seeing Chandler avoid you, you've turned out to be sad, talk about him more and more as the days go by, and well… sometimes you even begin to talk more like him. I don't know how to say this, because I love you a lot. I really do, but… I think we should break up. I know we've been together for years already, but… seeing you like this just makes me realize that I'm not the guy for you. I never noticed this, but I think you're better off with Chandler. He makes you happy, and without him, you're just different. When I wasn't with you, you were just fine, because you had him, so I'm handing you over to him. I may not know why he's avoiding you but I want you to talk to him. I really love you Monica, and this just hurts me because I think you love him already. But, I want you to be happy, because I will be if you are. I hope you understand," Richard explained.
"Richard, I… I don't know what to say. I'm sorry to say this but… maybe you are right. I still have you but… something is really wrong that Chandler's not around. I loved you Richard, I really do. But… I guess I've loved him before, just not realizing it since we were first friends. Thank you so much for everything, Richard. I'll never forget you," Monica said and hugged him.
"No problem Monica. After all, you are the second woman that I loved, and whenever I love, I give my all. I'll make that person really happy. And you being with him surely will make you happy. I think he may even like you too. Whenever I see his face when he was avoiding you, he looked really sad. I saw that he didn't really want to avoid you, that he was just forced and didn't have a choice. He's happy because of you. He says his sarcastic jokes because of you. He needs you and you need him. I guess you're meant for each other."
"Richard, thank you very much."
Richard eventually left Monica and as soon as he did, Monica went to Joey and Chandler's apartment to look for him.
As she opened the door, she eventually saw Joey all sad by the kitchen counter.
"Joey, what's wrong?" she said then went near him to comfort him.
"Chandler left! All because he wanted you to be happy! He couldn't take seeing you anymore because it just pains him to know that he couldn't have you. I tried to stop him, but I couldn't!" Joey said as he cried.
"Where did he go, Joey!?"
"He just left a few minutes ago. He's headed to the airport. He's going to Yemen!"
"Again?! He went there the last time! When Janice was getting in his nerves."
"Yes!"
"I have to stop him! Gotta go Joey!"
"Go get him, tiger! Go get him!"
Monica ran as fast as she could down the apartment and she afterwards took her Porsche to the airport. She drove as fast as she can and finally got to the airport. Chandler's flight to Yemen was about to get on board, but luckily, she got to be there on time and Chandler hasn't gotten on the plane yet.
"Chandler! Don't go!" she screamed.
"Monica?" Chandler said, surprised that Monica was at the airport.
"Chandler, I don't care what you think. I don't want you to go to Yemen all because you have to avoid me. Chandler, Richard and I broke up even if you avoided me. He knew that I wanted to be with you. He felt that. He wanted me to be happy, that's why we broke up. Because of that, I've realized that he is right. I see myself with you. From the moment you avoided me, I felt so miserable, so useless. I couldn't even clean right! Chandler, I need you, please don't leave," she explained.
Chandler then went to her and kissed her with passion. Of course she kissed back.
"Oh Monica, you don't know how happy I am. I felt that I was missing a big part of me and that was you. But I couldn't let myself be the cause to your sadness. But knowing that you need me that just makes me sure that I love you. I love you, Monica Geller."
"Aww… I love you too Chandler Bing," Monica said then hugged him.
Back to Reality
"I guess if they didn't break up in the first place, they would end up breaking up eventually. I mean… I guess we're meant to be. Though, Monica must have a reason in why she kept those stuff. I should go back and listen on what she has to say. It would be wrong to judge her. After all, she is my wife," Chandler said to himself and began to walk home.
Bing Residence
Chandler came in the house with a small smile then hugged and kissed his wife. "Hi there. I'm back. So, have you thought about stuff?"
"Yeah, I did. And you want to know why I kept those stuff?"
"I guess I do."
"Well…it's because I wanted to remember how I got to be with you. It was Richard who brought us together. He made me realize that I love you. And that's why I'm here with you, married with you right now. I may have loved him, but I love you now, and that's what's important. Please don't be mad at me, Chandler. I can't bear you to be. You're the best that has happened to me, it isn't Richard. If you don't want to see that box anymore, then we could just throw it out. I should have told you that I still had it. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry, I'm not mad. Besides, I got to thinking. I wondered if you and Richard didn't break up because he didn't want kids. I was kinda irritated of what would happen at first, but I eventually realized that we are meant to be and we would end up together no matter what happens. It's because we love each other and we're not going to let anything get between us."
"Thank you for understanding Chandler. I love you," Monica said then kissed him.
"I love you too, Monica. Never leave me, okay?"
"I won't."
A/N: Well, how was that? I found it pretty nice. I liked writing this chap. Maybe because I love Chandler and Monica together. Anyway, please R&R. No flamers please.
