TOW The Invasion

By Vellaa

Chapter 2

…

Prof. Richard Burke grabbed his suitcase and stepped out of his car, parked in the driveway of his large finely-built home, muttering to himself various excuses in preparation of what his wife would say upon his late arrival. He opened the door and stepped into his prosperous living room, where his wife was sat restless on the couch.

"Thank God you're home, honey. I was starting to worry," Barbara Burke stood up in concern, but was rudely ignored as her husband walked straight passed her and into the kitchen. There, he prepared himself a cup of coffee and searched the fridge for anything to eat.

Barbara simply watched from the doorway with a look of apprehension. This was not the first time Richard had acted this way to her. He had been spending more and more time at the lab than at home with his wife. In fact, it was fair to say that their marriage could easily be over, if only she could get him to sit down and allow her to explain.

Richard closed the fridge and turned to his wife. Angrily he shouted, "Barbara, is it so fucking hard to prepare a decent meal around here?! I mean, Jesus Christ, you're home all day! Why don't you just make yourself useful for once!"

On the verge of tears, and in fear, she replied with a shaky voice, "I'm sorry Richard. I couldn't cook anything. I- I was out with some friends…for lunch today."

"Then why do you fucking call me in the middle of work when there's no dinner, for God's sake!" He continued to yell, taking one step closer towards her with every word.

"I just…wanted you to come home. I was really worried. I haven't heard from you all day." she near-begged.

"Argh, I could just hit you now! But I won't! Unlike you, I have a reputation to look after," his last sentence was softly spoken as he grabbed his cup of coffee and headed towards the basement where his lab was situated.

Placing his coffee on his desk, Richard took out the sample of the bacteria out of his suitcase and set it down under the microscope. He took a closer look through the tube and examined the cells being shown.

"What the hell is this?" he whispered to himself. More curious than ever, Richard took the bacteria from under the microscope and held it close to his eyes for a better glimpse. It was one of those moments where he wished he had thought of his actions more carefully. He did not realise that this green-like living bacteria was contagious and could easily have infected anyone who got as near as he was to it.

Placing it back down, he sighed, and took a seat at his desk. He thought it best to search the internet for any helpful information. It was hours later when Richard, still at his desk, drifted off to a deep sleep.

…

New York City, New York

Monica awoke at the sound of her alarm. The sunlight beamed through the bedroom window, making it difficult for her to keep her eyes open. Instead, she continued to lie down, simply enjoying the warmth of her husband's embrace.

"Mmmm, morning babe," said Chandler, rubbing his hand along her arm. Monica smiled at how she always got goose bumps whenever he touched her in that way, even after two years of their marriage.

She responded to him with a sleepy moan, suggesting that she was still tired. Both had not yet opened their eyes, but simply took pleasure in the moment. A few minutes later, she broke the silence.

"I could just stay like this forever," said Monica, in a dreamy manner.

"Well, we have a phone just an inch away. I could call in sick for you," suggested Chandler, now running his hand up and down the side of her body.

Groaning, she replied, "You know I have to go in today. My patient will be waiting for me." Finally, she lifted her head and stared at his face. She kissed his cheek and trailed down towards his jaw line. Hearing him moan in delight, she continued down to his bare chest, but stopped short before it got out of hand. Chandler opened his eyes and pouted. "I have to get ready for work, but I'll be home by six, I promise."

He smiled reassuringly, still not understanding how lucky he had gotten to marry such a wonderful woman. "I'll be waiting."

"I love you," she said, and kissed him romantically on the lips. Suddenly, she turned around and sniffed the air. "Is that bacon I smell?"

Monica got up and grabbed her robe. Stepping out of their bedroom she smiled at the three familiar faces that she was so used to seeing every day.

"Morning sleepy head," said Rachel.

"You took a while to get up so we decided to give you a head start with breakfast," said Joey, standing by the stove with sizzling bacon at hand.

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind I used up all your eggs for the…well, eggs," said Phoebe sitting at the table, along with Rachel, who had her face buried in a magazine. Monica's brother, Ross, was not present as he had been transferred to Washington DC for work, and should arrive sometime today.

"Really? You used up all twelve of the eggs?" Monica asked curiously, and moved towards the kitchen.

"Well, six actually. Joey had already eaten before we came," Phoebe replied.

"Hey guys. Mmmm, something smells good," said Chandler, walking out in his robe.

"Yeah, they've prepared breakfast for us. Anyway, thanks you guys. I'm just gonna jump into the shower," said Monica and walked into the bathroom.

…

Sitting at the table, all four ate their breakfast, maintaining light conversations about work and such, when the front door opened and in waltzed Ross, looking just like a typical scientist with his suit and tie.

"Hey you guys."

"Hey Ross! Morning Ross! You're back!" everyone yelled their greetings, exchanging hugs and kisses before he sat down at the table, joining in on their breakfast.

"You came early?" Chandler half-asked half-stated.

"Yeah, I wanted to catch the next flight out as soon as possible. I really missed all of you," said Ross. "I didn't even get a chance to unpack cause of you guys."

"Oh, well sor-ry for causing your delay Mr Science Guy," said Phoebe, standing up and moving to the couch.

Ignoring her comment, knowing that she misunderstood him, he continued on. "So, where's Monica?"

As if on cue, Monica came out of her room, fully dressed, and smiled brightly upon seeing her brother.

"Hey Ross! You're back early." She said and walked into his embrace.

"Hey, is that so bad after not seeing your brother for two weeks?" he playfully quipped, kissing the top of her head.

"No, I'm just glad you're home. We really missed you," she said, before sitting down at the table.

"So, Ross, anything new and exciting happen at work?" asked Rachel.

"Oh, yeah, hey that reminds me. Anyone hear about the Patriot incident?" Ross asked enthusiastically. Receiving nothing but questioning glares from his friends, Ross elaborated further. "You know, the space shuttle that crash landed in DC two weeks ago?" Still not getting any response, he sighed and said a little calmly. "The reason why I was transferred there?" Everyone suddenly realised what he was regarding to, smiling and nodding their heads in comprehension.

"Yeah, anyway, when it crash landed, there was this green-like living bacteria covered all over it…"

"Oh yeah, I remember that. It was on the news last night," recalled Chandler, Monica also remembering.

"Yeah, and get this; since I was one of the few to investigate it, I got to actually meet the Richard Burke! I mean, I know I've worked for him for such a long time but I never actually got to see him in person. Isn't that cool?!" said Ross excitedly.

"Not as cool as this, check it out!" Joey, not paying much attention to the conversation at hand, triumphantly held up a toasted sandwich filled with all the goods served at the table.

"That's great, Joe," Chandler said, without much keen.

After Joey took his first eager bite at his sandwich, everyone bought their attention back to Ross.

"So, um, why are you back? Did you find out what it was?" asked Monica.

"No, no yet. Prof. Burke's going to work on it himself. In the meantime, I get to work back here until someone finds out more on this bacterium," said Ross and stood up from the table. "Anyway, I gotta go unpack. I'll see you guys soon. Thanks for breakfast, Mon."

"Oh, don't thank me. These guys prepared breakfast this morning," said Monica, also getting up to leave.

"Well, then thank you guys. See you later," waving goodbye he walked out the door.

"I gotta go too or I'll be late for work," said Monica, giving a quick kiss to Chandler. "And if you could do the dishes for me sweetie, that'd be great. I love you." Chandler's look of disapproval was priceless. "Bye you guys, thanks again for breakfast."

"You're welcome," said Phoebe from the couch, and as for Joey, what came out of him was more of a growl through his mouth full of food.

She left the apartment expecting another ordinary day, having not the slightest clue of the journey that lay ahead.

…

The elevator door opened as Monica strode down the hallway, greeting any of her co-workers along the way, until she arrived at her own office. Waiting by her door was none other then her frequent patient, Barbara Burke.

"Hey Barbara, I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting," said Monica as kindly as she could, since Barbara was one to be in a lot of distress.

"No, no. That's okay Dr. I actually came early today," Barbara softly spoke. It was a voice known to be filled with depression and sorrow that Dr Monica Geller-Bing knew so well.

"Oh, what seems to be the problem Barbara?" she asked in concern, as they stepped inside her office, closing the door behind her.

"It's…It's Richard again. Something's gone horribly wrong."

…

To be continued

AN:

Hi again. Not much is happening right now, and I'm sorry if it seems boring or slow but this is just the beginning. I should be getting more into all the good stuff anytime soon.

As always, I'd like to hear your thoughts so leave a review and please let me know if anything's wrong, or right ;)

Thanks!! xx