Prime and Prejudice

By Vella

Chapter 2

...

"Mon? Monica?"

"In here Rach," Monica's disembodied voice called out from inside her bedroom.

Rachel stood by the bedroom doorway, and spotted Monica lying on her bed, still wearing the clothes she had on that night. Noticing her gloomy expression, Rachel stepped in and sat beside her roommate.

"What took you so long?" Monica asked resentfully, her voice muffled by her pillow.

"I'm sorry sweetie – I was at Phoebe's," said Rachel sympathetically. "Why did you call me so early? I thought your parents wouldn't leave till late."

"They left early," she stated bluntly.

"Is everything okay?" asked Rachel, looking down in concern at her best friend, rubbing her back soothingly.

Monica simply shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "I've been thinking…" she then pulled herself upright on the bed; "I'm 27 years old."

"And it took you that long to finally figure it out," Rachel quipped.

"No. I'm just saying… I'm not young anymore," Monica turned to her friend, eyes wide in horror. "Rach, I'm gonna shrivel up and die if I just don't get out there and start doing things!" (That line was from Cougar Town ;D)

"Mon, you're not gonna shrivel up and die, okay? You're young, you're smart, you're hot. Babe, your life is complete. You just need a job, is all," Rachel reassured.

"Yeah well according to my mom, I was meant to be at least engaged during the time of Ross' marriage with Carol. Has she just chosen to ignore the reason of his divorce, just so she can continue to make me feel more miserable about myself?" she complained, But Rachel shook her head in disagreement.

"Don't listen to what your mom says. You don't need a man to feel complete. You still have a whole lifetime ahead of you. I mean, look at me," Rachel pointed to herself as a demonstration, "I'm not in a relationship, and I'm definitely not close to having a job, and I'm as happy as I have ever been," she said.

Just then, the knock on the door startled them both and Rachel looked at Monica questioningly.

"Who could that be?" asked Rachel.

"A guy must've heard you and came to ask for your hand in marriage," Monica remarked sarcastically, before slumping back down onto her bed. Rachel walked out of the room to answer the door.

"Hey Joey!" she announced happily, as she swung open the door.

"Hey Rachel. How are you?"

Adrenalin rushing through her, Monica shot up at the familiar voice and quickly fixed herself up. She checked the mirror once before stepping out into the living room, her heart pounding in a fit of excitement.

"I'm good. What's up?" Rachel asked, smiling broadly as she stood leaning against the doorframe in the presence of not only a young handsome man, but a celebrity. Monica walked up behind Rachel, but not so much so as to show her presence to their new neighbour outside.

"Oh, I just came by to ask if you were free tonight. Me and Chandler are going to a nightclub and I was wondering if you and Monica wanted to come?" he asked. Monica's eyes widened in shock, knowing her roommate well that she'll be sucked into going out tonight.

"Uh, yeah, sure. Just hold on a second," Rachel closed the door just slightly and turned from her spot to be confronted by a questioning Monica. After going through her diminutive depressing period, Monica wasn't really up for colourful drinks and loud music.

"I'm not going," Monica responded to Rachel's pleading look. "No."

"Please," Rachel begged.

"No."

"Please."

"No."

"C'mon Mon. You said so yourself that if you don't go out and start doing things, you're gonna shrivel up and die, or whatever," Rachel said, but before Monica could say anything, Rachel turned around and opened the door again, this time being met with Joey and another man.

"So? You coming," Joey asked.

"Yeah. Just give us five minutes and we'll be ready," Rachel smiled, causing Joey to charmingly smile back at her.

Monica felt a slight pang of jealousy at the fact that her roommate had now stolen the man that could possibly have been the 'one' for Monica. But then again, who was that much cuter man standing beside Joey?

"Okay. Chandler and I will be downstairs waiting."

Chandler didn't say anything, but instead, stared at Monica until she flushed and looked away. The effect that Joey gave on Monica this morning was much stronger now that she was in the presence of this 'Chandler' man.

Rachel closed the door and literally pushed Monica into her room to get her dressed and ready for a night out – A night that could change her life into something she had always dreamt of. But would it go exactly as planned?

The two girls walked down to the lobby, where they were to meet with their dates for the night. The sounds of stilettos hitting hard wood floor was enough to make their presence, as Joey and Chandler turned around and gaped in awe.

"Wow, that dress on you looks amazing," Joey complemented, looking Rachel up and down.

"Oh, this old thing?" she giggled, flirtatiously.

Monica looked up at Chandler, hoping he could perhaps complement her, but to her disappointment, he was more transfixed on the street outside.

"So, we all ready?" Joey announced, and the four made their way out of the building.

Chandler walked ahead, his hands not once leaving his pockets. Monica wondered if he was going to be like that for the entire night – ignorant and rude. Maybe he was just shy, or had a rough day. She hoped that they could at least get to know one another.

"Oh my God!" Rachel bellowed, as her hand flew to her mouth.

Monica, seeing what had amazed Rachel, gasped in excitement at the sight in front of them. "Wow, are you serious? I've never ridden in a limo when no one died!" Monica yelped.

The chauffer stood by the open door, as the four stepped into the black stretch limo parked just outside the apartment.

"Oh wow! Leather seats! Drinks!" Rachel yelled excitedly, as she was the first to enter and take notice of its luxury.

The two men sat at either end, with Monica and Rachel comfortably in between.

"Here, you want some champagne?" Joey grabbed the ice cold bottle from the mini fridge beside him, before pouring each of them a glass.

"This is so cool. How did you afford all this?" Rachel asked, before taking a sip.

"Oh, didn't I mention? I'm an actor," Joey proudly stated.

"Oh, I know!" Rachel gloated. "What would I have seen you in?"

"Well, I was Dr. Drake Remoray on Days of Our Lives," he boasted, but was cut off when Rachel seductively placed her free hand upon his thigh. Monica, seeing this, rolled her eyes and turned away to face Chandler, who hadn't spoken a word since their meeting.

"So, um Chandler is it?" she asked nervously, wondering if he would even reply. To her amazement he turned away from the window and looked at her.

"Yeah, that's my name," he stated monotonously. Monica was lost for words as she wondered why she hadn't noticed how blue his eyes were. Chandler stared at her for a while before she finally shook out of her trance.

"I'm-I'm Monica," she stated with a friendly smile, before taking a sip of her champagne.

"That's pretty," he stated simply, thought with no such compassion.

The remaining of the ride had been filled with awkward one-word conversations between Monica and Chandler; whereas, the duo beside them could not stop their flirtatious contact-making and constant fits of giggles. Was it something about Monica that was not desirable enough for Chandler? Then again, she had only just met him a few minutes prior.

The limo pulled to a halt in front of a large colourful building with a line of waiting people, and Chandler was the first to step out, followed by Monica. She was slightly taken aback when Chandler offered his hand as she stepped out. Before she could even thank him, he had already let go and walked off towards the main door of Avalon Nightclub. Joey and Rachel, hand in hand, walked up with Monica, before coming across a tall, lean security guard. Seeing Joey approaching, he stepped aside, and the four casually made their way in.

Monica and Chandler followed Joey and Rachel upstairs and into the V.I.P section, where Joey had been expected, as it was evident by the number of people greeting him as they strolled passed. The four sat themselves down onto the colourful couches, where they were joined by other actors and celebrities. Monica adjusted her skirt further down, so as to not look to inappropriate, though it was not as easy considering how short Rachel's skirts were.

"Wow, I feel so special. Do you do this often?" Rachel asked Joey as he placed his arm around her shoulder.

"On occasion, yes, but it's no big deal," he replied nonchalantly.

Monica watched Chandler out of her peripheral vision. The fact that they sat so closely, and the scent of his cologne, brought a thrill of stimulation to Monica. Although he may not have seemed very warm and friendly earlier, she still could not help but think how cute he was. She really wanted to get to know him more, but could not think of a way to begin a conversation. She turned to Rachel and Joey, who both seemed too busy in their own little discussion. She looked back at Chandler, but when he caught her glance, she quickly turned away. Luckily, the room was dark enough to hide her red cheeks.

"So," she began in the fullness of time, "are you an actor too?" Monica had to slightly raise her voice through the loud music playing.

Chandler looked down at her, and Monica could have sworn that she saw him smile just barely.

"No," he yelled back against the music.

"Okay then," she shouted. "So, what do you do for a living?" she asked, trying to maintain his attention on her, before the air would be filled with awkwardness.

"I'm an IT Procurement Manager with a specialisation of Statistical analysis and data reconfiguration," he replied off by heart. Monica scowled questioningly before nodding her head, pretending to know what he had said.

"Would you excuse me for a moment," she said, before turning behind her to tap on her friend's shoulder. "Rach! Rachel! Can you come with me to the bathroom?" she asked eagerly, after gaining her attention.

"Yeah sure," Rachel stood in front of Joey and straightened her short tight black dress. "I'll be back sweetie, just gotta go to the bathroom," she said.

"Sure babe. I'll be waiting," he raised his eyebrows seductively, causing Rachel to giggle. Monica rolled her eyes, knowing fully well how drunk her friend had become, before pulling her out of the V.I.P area and down the hall where the bathrooms were to be found.

"Oh my God," Monica said exasperatingly as they entered the ladies' room, but Rachel had misinterpreted it as her being amazed.

"I know, isn't it great!" she nearly shouted, while looking at herself in the mirror above the sinks.

"No Rach. I mean, 'oh my God' as in 'get me out of here'," Monica almost begged.

"What? Why?" Rachel turned away from the mirror, looking at her friend inquisitively.

"Rachel, I'm bored. So far I think I've only gotten like five words out of the guy…"

"Who, Chandler?" Rachel interrupted. "He's so cute. I think you two would get along great."

"Please, there's nothing to get along with. I mean, I don't think he's even interested," she said, moving to fix her hair in the mirror.

"C'mon, don't be silly. Maybe he's just the type that doesn't come on too strongly," she suggested, also fixing her hair again in the mirror.

"I don't know," Monica replied miserably.

"You know what," Rachel began suddenly, "You need to act more engaging. You havegotta show him that you're up for a relationship. Or even just sex."

"What?" Monica asked, stunned by her friend's openness.

"I'm serious, Mon. You haven't been out with a guy in such a long time. Besides, when was the last time you had sex?" asked Rachel.

Monica thought for a moment before she was interrupted.

"See! A long time ago," said Rachel. "You need to get out there, and go flirt with the man. You gotta get intimate; be sexy. Act more like a slut if you can." She smiled suggestively.

"You know what? I think someone's had a lot to drink," Monica accused, as an excuse to get herself out of the situation that Rachel was putting her in.

"I think so too," she laughed. "But I'm having the time of my life! But promise me you'll do it. I bet ya that Chandelier guy is waiting out there for you, just like you've been waiting your whole life for him," said Rachel, pointing directly at the bathroom door for emphasis.

Although her words were slightly slurred, Rachel was surprisingly right. Maybe Monica was being too prejudice over Chandler. After all, it had been a while, and all this felt almost new to her.

"Okay! I'm gonna go have sex!" Monica announced confidently, before turning towards the bathroom exit.

"No. Don't have sex now!" Rachel laughed. "Just act like you want to have sex."

"Okay," Monica nodded before making her way out, followed by a tipsy Rachel.

The two girls marched back towards the V.I.P couches. Monica ran her hand through her hair before slowly, taking a seat, closely, beside Chandler. Joey had been chatting with several other girls that were surrounding him, until Rachel showed up. Monica looked at Rachel, who had sat on his lap. She gave a wink to Monica, before nuzzling up against Joey's ear, knowing very well that Monica was watching. Monica turned away and looked at Chandler, who also had been watching his roommate. She knew that it would be too inappropriate for her to do the same to Chandler, so instead, she thought of another way to come onto him.

After several long minutes, she broke the silence, though it wasn't really silent with all the background music and commotion.

"You know, the name Chandler is really unique," she stated, swivelling her finger around a strand of her hair.

"I had really unique parents," he replied.

"Oh cool! What's that like?" she asked, but received an awkward glance from Chandler. She berated herself for coming up with such a stupid question.

"I'm gonna get a drink. You want anything?" he asked, smirking just slightly.

"Yeah, I'll have a RED string bikini!" she replied. Chandler nodded, before making his way to the bar. As soon as he was out of sight, Monica sighed in frustration. If she was going to try and seduce him, then she would be looking at a long, hectic night.

Monica looked around, tapping her knees impatiently, until Chandler finally came with her drink.

"Thanks," she said, and in just a moment, slurped the entire glass until there was nothing left but the fruit it sat in. Chandler watched in shock as she placed the glass onto the table in front.

A few beverages later, Monica was clearly drunk and out of her mind. Her words were garbled, and most of the time, anything that came out of her mouth was seemingly inappropriate, especially for unfortunate Chandler who had spent most of the night acting as Monica's bartender.

"Wooh!" she yelled without restraint after placing her unknown number ok drink onto the table. "That was fun," Monica uttered, as she sluggishly placed her head onto Chandler's shoulder, her words coming out in a gush of breath into his face.

"You're so adorable. I could just cut you up and eat you!" she said into his face. Her comment made him all the more uncomfortable. "You know I'm a chef. Well, I used to be," she scoffed, and then began to laugh uncontrollably. "But then…then I got fired!"

"That's really, um…," Chandler squirmed uncomfortably in his position. "Could you perhaps lift your elbow off my crotch? It's kinda digging in."

"Oh! Sorry!" she laughed and moved off of him. "So…" She held his cheek and moved his face closer to hers. "You wanna play a lil hard to get, hmm?"

It wasn't long before Rachel's high pitched squeal broke their little uncanny progression.

"Joey! I wanna dance! Let's dance, babe," she tugged at his arm, and he stood up, before the duo made their way downstairs. They both began moving their bodies in rhythm to the loud music played by the DJ, until they were lost in sight beneath the crowd of dancers.

Monica watched below until an idea popped into her head. She looked to her right, and very uncharacteristically of her, though she could not control in her drunken state, ran her fingers through Chandler's hair.

"Chandler? You wanna dance too?" she pleaded, though it was only an act to seduce him. Whatever was going through her mind, she could not control, though it only caused a further excitement to arouse through her body.

Chandler watched her curiously - Beginning to get a little jumpy by her touches, he moved away, aside from the fact that her mini skirt had raised up unknowingly brought to him a slight arousal.

"No thanks, I'm right," he replied solemnly.

"Please?" She near-begged, "I wanna see you move," she smiled seductively. His face held a look that told her that he clearly did not want to get up, but she ignored it and stood up in front of him.

"C'mon, Mr!" and she pulled at his arm until he tentatively lifted himself from the couch. Monica grinned from ear to ear as she excitedly lead him downstairs and to the dance floor. No way in her sober life would she have ever pursued a man to dance, especially after she acting so pathetically, though she didn't seem to comprehend much after those last beverages.

Pushing passed the crowd of strangers, Monica finally found a spot in the middle of the dance floor, before letting go of his hand, and began moving her body to the song. She checked to see if he were staring, before beginning to change her moves into a slightly much sexier sway of her hips, though a little unstable in her drunken state. Chandler, on the other hand, scowled as he stood watching her dance as though no one were around.

"Uh, Monica I really don't think…" he began but was cut off when she, without warning, grabbed his hip and began to grind up against his crotch. Monica smiled when his eyes widened with astonishment. She then moved her free hand behind his neck and, and with the sudden urge coursing through her sweaty body, she threw herself at him, kissing him passionately on the lips. In an instant, Chandler placed his hands on either side of her hips. Thinking that he was accepting the kiss, Monica went to the next level and stuck her tongue into his mouth, but was overwhelmed when he pushed her away. Her breathing ragged and her mind spinning from the alcohol, it took her a while to bring herself to consciousness before realising that Chandler had walked off.

I hope ya'll enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review on your way out….! Thankyou!