Haha… I'm really just pretending to study for my science exam next week (; I am so thankful for the amazing reviews you guys have been putting in, you really make my day. This chapter will be a bit short, but I'll update soon and the next will have a lot of action packed in! So keep posted!
I do not own Friends. But I sure wish I did.
"I'm getting married!" Monica screeched as she bounded out of her bedroom the next morning. Rachel and Phoebe were exhausted, sitting at the kitchen table with big purple bags under their eyes. They had been waiting all night for Ross to show up with Chandler, but he never had. Monica squealed as she dumped the contents of her make-up bag on the couch. "So I'm thinking we start with my hair then get my make-up done then leave early for lunch and grab a manicure too and make it to the reception hall by 4 so I'll have plenty of time to get dressed for my WEDDING!" She exclaimed in one eager breath. She practically beamed she was so excited, and the other two couldn't help but smile back.
Monica's eyes were glistening with love, happiness, eagerness, memories. After all she and Chandler had been through, she was so thankful it was this actually going to happen. Sure she had loved Richard, but never in the way she loved Chandler. He had made her laugh, smile, cry, live and love more than she ever knew possible. His gentle laugh, awkward jokes, almond colored hair... He might be a dork, but he was her dork. And to think in less than 12 hours that would all be hers, forever.
Several moments later, the door opened to reveal a rather disheveled looking Ross. "Hey guys." He offered weakly. "Um, Rach? Pheebs? Could you, uh…" He whispered, motioning for them to come outside. The two jumped up and scurried out the door, eager for news. Deep down, Rachel knew it would be unpleasant, but they could at least hope. That's all they had left.
"Hey, what's up? You find him?" Phoebe asked fervently once they shut the door behind them.
"No." he sighed. "I looked everywhere! I practically tore the city apart. I checked the coffee shop, Central Park, his office, the hotel, I even called his parents and they had no idea. He like… Vanished or something, guys. He's just… gone." The last word echoed through their minds, like a church bell had been struck, signaling the death of someone. The torn look on Ross' face made it evident he felt like it was his fault. He looked so defeated, so vulnerable and sick that Rachel pulled him into her arms and assured him it was okay.
"Ross, don't be upset. This is Chandler we're dealing with. Don't beat yourself up; you did everything you could have." She rubbed his back. But Ross was beating himself up. This was his best friend that was missing and his little sister that was supposed to be getting married. There was nothing left to do but feel like he had caused this all. His heart was weighing him down so much he was having trouble keeping his balance.
"Well, he can't just drop off the face of the Earth!" Phoebe mentioned. She refused to acknowledge that Chandler had run out on them.
"Okay, then Phoebe," Rachel considered the options. "Why don't you go help Ross keep looking, I'll stay with Monica and keep her off the clock for a while. Good luck!" She called after them. She reentered the apartment where Monica was already getting busy with her make-up. She felt a lump form in her throat at the sight. What was Chandler thinking? What if he never showed up and Monica would have to take off her dress? Her heart was simply shattering at the thought of that, her tears staining the white satin as it fell back off down her legs and onto the floor. No, she wasn't about to let that happen. She quickly pulled herself together, wiped the tears, and put the biggest fake smile she could onto her face.
"Hey Mon!" she said, sprinting over to the couch. "You're really getting ready now? I mean, your wedding's in like, ten hours." She scoffed, hoping she sounded convincing.
"Rachel! My wedding's in like, ten hours. It's time to start getting ready." Monica retorted, clearly irritated.
At this Rachel panicked, she could feel her heart hammering into her bones. What was she supposed to say to this? Oh God, it's already happening. She thought. Then a thought registered in her mind. It was a dumb idea, and definitely a long shot, but it was worth a try. She started wailing; hopefully living with an actor for the past year had paid off.
"Rach, what's going on?" Monica asked, obviously startled.
"I… I'm never gonna get married!" Rachel squeaked, hoping the tears looked real. Because, in fact, they partially were. They were partially nervous tears; hated tears; anxious tears, for somewhere in the back of her mind, she could sense it was going to be a long, ill-fated day.
And so she bawled and spattered on about her life for as long as she could, praying with every honest and holy fiber in her body that Chandler wasn't really gone, he had left to get a donut. And Ross simply hadn't seen him. And in less than ten hours, he would be standing at the altar, ready to make Monica the happiest woman in the world.
But what was she doing? Simply denying the inevitable.
Just praying a prayer that wouldn't be heard.