A Story of Friends: Chapter 8



AN: Yo! Sorry this one took a bit longer, but I had the most hectic week. Actually, you all are lucky because I was actually going to write this next weekend... :o)

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, so don't sue me!! But if you did, all you would get is the penny in my pocket. So, it's not worth your while!



Reunited



Phoebe looked down; she didn't know what to say next. She knew what had to be said, but she couldn't find the words to say it. "I though it was time to talk because...because" as she said this, she began to cry. Phoebe inhaled and tried to speak again. "When my grandmother died, it was like taking away my family. I know I still have my sister, but I don't consider her family. I always thought of you guys as my family," Phoebe looked down knowing the next few words would be difficult. "The thing is... The thing is I might be dying," she said bawling. "I don't know yet, I was taking in for tests the day before yesterday. I might have breast cancer," she stopped talking and looked at the faces that were staring at her in shock. " The reason I want you guys here, is because I can't deal with this alone. Even though the tests aren't ready, the fear in me is. I..I need you guys here because for as long as I can remember, you guys were the only ones I could really talk to. I know you all think I'm always happy, and that I am flaky, but the truth is when I am scared, I feel scared, and I really need you all. I'm sorry for taking you guys away from your lives, but I just had to tell you guys, or else I would regret it.

Monica stood up. She looked at her friend who was at the front of the church scared that her life may be taken away. "I am so sorry, honey. I'm glad you called us. Even if the tests were not final." Monica hugged her friend and frowned. She found this awkward. Even though Phoebe was the one to think about, Monica couldn't help but think about Chandler and what he said in the past. Or even Rachel. She never understood why they said those things, but she knew that by the way that Chandler was staring at her, that he was truly sorry. Monica couldn't forgive him, but she knew she would have to for Phoebe. "I'll be here for you the whole step of the way."

Chandler walked up to Monica and Phoebe. "I will too. I'm sorry Phoebe; not just for this, but for the past. I never should have brought this onto the group.

"What are you talking about?" Monica asked not looking at him.

" So, Pheebs, when do you get the results?" Chandler asked completely ignoring Monica. What he said to Monica was made up. Not what he felt. He knew that Monica had not really meant what she said, but he couldn't help being a bit angry with her. What she said was true, and that's what hurt him the most.

"Tomorrow, sometime." Phoebe said looking at Monica's hurt face. She didn't say anything because she didn't want the group to fight.

Joey walked up to Phoebe, "I'm here for you. I don't want you to go through this alone.

"Same goes for me," Ross and Rachel said simultaneously. Ross looked at Rachel with love in his eyes. She looked more beautiful than he remembered.

Thanks. I want to thank you guys for helping instead of just focusing on your personal problems. It means a lot."

"Pheebs, I was just wondering. If you died, wouldn't you just come back as a new person like you did before?" Joey asked.

"Well, you think I was happy knowing I was going to die in all my other lives. I like Phoebe, and I love this life. I want to hold on to it, and I want you guys here with me."

"Phoebe, you know that we will be here, but I can't guarantee that we will be close friends again," Chandler said not wanting to but knowing it was true." He's right. All we can do is support you, and help you. We all can't really be friends. The stuff we said that night proved that." Rachel said agreeing with Chandler.

" Of course you're going to agree with Chandler. You agreed with him that night didn't you?" Joey said angrily.



"That was different!" Rachel said feeling extremely guilty but hiding it with anger.

"Agreed with what?" Monica asked wanting to know why her old friends were acting like this.

"That's none of your business, Mon." Chandler said still trying not to look at her. He knew that if he looked at her, his eyes would give him away. He was mad at her, but he was also genuinely sorry.

"Don't talk to my sister like that!" Ross yelled stepping in.

"Guys!"Phoebe yelled, "Can you not be hostile for one day? That's all I ask."

"Yes," they all said together.

"Ok then, lets go somewhere, so I can explain what's happening.

"How about Central Perk?" Joey asked.

"Um, about that..." Rachel began

"They are building over it," Monica said still a bit angry with Chandler, but also angry about Central Perk."

"They're what?" Joey asked shocked.

"That's right, some Patrick guy is building over it," Phoebe told him, " I hate that guy.'"

"So do I, but for different reasons. He's a snob, and he's demanding, and he won't let me do anything that doesn't include shopping or a cocktail dress." Rachel told the group angrily.

"So, I take it you know him," Chandler said trying to lighten up the situation, but not succeeding.

"I see your corny jokes haven't gone away," Monica said bitterly.

" I see you still have you attitude that no body likes," Chandler replied to Monica's outburst.

"Yeah, well at least..."

"You guys! One day!" Phoebe yelled once again.

"Sorry"

"Thank you, now Rachel, how do you know that Patrick guy?" Phoebe asked.

" I married to the prick!"

"And you didn't stop him?" Ross said angrily, but not only because her husband was the one behind the whole Central Perk deal, but also, because she was married. Ross was still in love with her. The more he tried to stop thinking about her, the more he thought about her. She was like a leach that was sucking onto his brain not wanting to ever leave, He knew she said some awful things to him, but the truth of the matter was, his love was stronger than his hate.

" Don't you think I've tried? The guy doesn't care about what I think. He only cares that I can charm his family and friends."

"And, you call that a marriage?" Monica asked, but she was looking at Chandler. He looked great. Monica really wanted to talk to him, so that she could forgive him, and he could for give her, but the reality was that when this problem with Phoebe is over or not going to happen, they were all going to go back to their lives as if nothing happened except Phoebe. She would either have all of her friends or she would be dead. The second reality scared Monica the most.

"Yes, not a happy one, but a marriage, and while we're on the subject, anyone else here involved?"



"No," they all said except for Chandler.

"You have a girlfriend?" Monica asked a bit hurt.

"Oh, no, I wasn't listening. I didn't hear the question. No, I do not have a girlfriend. I bet you are all happy to hear that I still have a fear a commitment, and now it is even worse. Can you all excuse me?" Chandler said, as he began to walk away.

"Chandler, please don't go," Phoebe said knowing that if he left, that she wouldn't have her whole family here with her.

"Ok, I'll stay, I said I would be here and that is what I am doing."

"So where are we all going to stay?" Ross asked

"You can all stay at my place. It's big, you can give my husband hell, and it's nearby." Rachel replied.

"You sure?" Phoebe asked.

"Yeah, let me call the chauffeur, and he'll bring the limo over."

"That's ok, I have a car. I'll just follow you, I guess," Chandler said.

" I think someone should go with you to keep you company," Phoebe said, "Monica! Why don't you go with Chandler?"

"I don't know if that would be a great idea," Monica replied nervously.

"It will be perfect," Rachel cut in, "I think it's a great idea."

"Um, fine I guess she can ride with me."

" She is right here, and you can tell her!"

"Sorry, Monica, you can ride with me!" Chandler yelled.

"You don't have to yell, she's right there, man." Joey said to Chandler.

"Can we just go?"

'Yeah, the limo is waiting outside."

"That was fast," said Phoebe.

"No, that was service," Rachel said smugly.

The gang left the church. No one spoke. They were all wishing that one day that the group would form again, but they knew that it would be hard. The only thing they didn't know was that it was going to be this hard. They all thought about Phoebe, and how in a few months she could be dead, or tomorrow they would be told that she was going to live. They all hated the agony that they felt over this problem. It was well deserved though. Everyone, but Monica and Chandler stepped into the limo. Rachel gave Chandler directions because she didn't want to wait for the two to get to the car, and she thought they needed time to talk. Just like the rest of the group did, but those two the most. When they were all seated in the limo, the limo drove away, and Monica and Chandler stood on the side walk watching it go.

"Come on, we have to walk three blocks," Chandler said bitterly. He began to walk leaving Monica behind.

"Wait up!" Monica yelled.

"And why should I?"



"Because, I don't know where your car is parked."Monica said trying to smile but failing.

Chandler smiled. It was the first smile in a while he thought, "Come on, you slow pock."

Monica smiled seeing that Chandler was beginning to soften, "Thanks," she said.

"No problem."

The two walked side by side not talking but just enjoying the atmosphere. They had not settled their differences, but at least they were able to smile at each other. It's a step. They have finally been able to say two words without starting a fight. As they were approaching the car, Monica spoke again, "Which one is yours?"

"The black one." Chandler said nicely. For the second time, his voice wasn't bitter.

"It's nice. How did you afford it?"

"I work long hours because I don't really have any other life. Thanks to my good friend Chantelle, I do get out occasionally, but usually, I just work.

" You still a ....number transporting...the same job as before?"

" You guys never did know what I did. Yes, but I am a higher rank, and I make about triple the amount than I made before."

After a moment of silence, "This is nice." Monica admitted.

"What's nice?" Chandler asked not knowing what she was talking about.

"Being able to talk to you again. I hated you for years, but I missed you so much more."

"Really? You know, before I came here, I had this dream that you were in." Chandler said looking away.

"What was it about?"

"I was in this dark room, and there was this woman there, but she wouldn't tell me who she was. We both had to find our way out, but we had the hardest time because of the darkness. I was scared. To shut me up, the woman kissed me, and it was amazing. Finally, when we found our way out, I saw this world of hate, and then the woman told me to turn around, and it was you. I understand bits and pieces of the dream, but it was vague." Chandler said leaning against his car happy to just be talking with Monica.

"Wow, I kissed you?"

"That's not the important part, and is that so bad?"

"Umm..well, I'm just kidding. That's intense. What do you tink it meant?"

"I don't know," Chandler said, "Well, we should get going; the gang is going to wonder why we are taking so long."

"Yeah, but Chandler? What does this all mean?"

"You're confusing me again."

"I mean we are talking and not fighting. This is weird considering what happened in the past."

"I guess, I'm just trying to be civil to you for Phoebe. Nothing huge," he said entering his car.

"Nothing, huh?" Monica asked sadly.

"Come on, Mon, just because we started talking doesn't mean we're best friends again."



"I was your best friend?" Monica asked with a small smile on her face.

"Well, yeah, I wasn't yours?"

"No, No, you were. So, do you really mean that talking right now means nothing?"

"I guess it can mean we can talk civil, and not fight, and that's good. Now, get in the car, we have to get to Rachel's."

Monica got in the car, and sat in the seat quietly. She couldn't believe how easily he shrugged this off. It meant a lot to her that they were talking. He even opened up to her a little. She sat in her seat and silently sighed. She looked out the window not knowing what to do about Chandler.

Chandler tried his hardest to keep his eyes on the road. Talking with Monica had meant a lot to him, but he was still hurt from the night, and because of that he wasn't ready to be her friend yet. He knew that he initiated the fight, but her words had hurt him. He needed to sort out his hurt and angry feelings before he could make any new decisions. Chandler glanced over at Monica who was looking out of the window. He quickly brought his eyes back to the road and drove to Rachel's.

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It was the next day, and the gang had all slept in separate bedrooms thinking about how awkward it was to see these people whom they hadn't seen in six years. The previous night, the gang had really talked about Phoebe, and how she may have breast cancer. Phoebe, two years ago, had felt a bump on her breast, but thought it was just a cyst and didn't think about it until she found out from her grand mother that her aunt had died from breast cancer. When Phoebe heard about this, she was immediately scared. It was the first time she had spoken to her grandmother in years. She was happy to speak with her, but Phoebe finally realized that this bump wasn't going away and that it was beginning to hurt. She had got an appointment with the doctor to get it checked out. Before she had the appointment, Phoebe's grandmother had died of old age. She then thought that this was the perfect chance to see her friends again. She had called on them for the funeral, but the real reason was because she needed the support that she had in the past, because that was only time in her life that she felt that she had all of the support she needed. Two days ago, was when the test was taken, and today was the result. Phoebe was scared because she knew that this one phone call could change her life forever.

Monica walked into the room, and saw Phoebe alone on the couch with tears streaming down her face. "Oh, honey, it's going to be ok. What happened to the old Phoebe who loved life, and was the spirit that kept everyone else's life sane?"

"That Phoebe wasn't dying was she?"

"Oh, honey, you don't know that," Monica said taking Phoebe's hair and putting it behind her ear, " You have to be optimistic; you know, the way you used to be.

"Did you ever think that people change?" Phoebe asked annoyed.

"Yeah, I do, but in your eyes, I see the old Phoebe wanting to come out, so let her."

"I'm scared."

"I know, shhhh," Monica said as she hugged her old friend.

As the two were hugging, the rest of the gang came down the steps, and joined Phoebe and Monica. They all sat around the couch waiting for Phoebe to feel better. They all knew this day was stressful, and it could be a relief or not. Phoebe knew that doctors could cure breast cancer, but because, she waited so long, the doctor told her that the cancer may have spread if it was indeed cancer.

"Are you going to be ok, Pheebs?" Joey asked.

"I hope so," she replied with fear in her voice.

The gang sat in silence occasionally saying one or two words. First, there was nothing to say because it was too awkward, and second, to show their support to Phoebe. This was what she wanted. She wanted the gang to at least get along, and be civil until her destiny has been revealed. Phoebe thought she wouldn't really die. She would always talk about after-life and how she would come back, but the truth was she didn't want to leave the body of Phoebe. Of all of her lives, Phoebe had to be her favorite. The clock struck 5pm, and the chimes made their sound. The gang just sat and listened to the chimes, and thought about how it had been 5 hours, and they were all not talking. Suddenly the phone rang. Phoebe got up too scared to answer it, but made an attempt.



"Wait," said Chandler, "let me answer it, and then I'll pass over the phone." Phoebe nodded too nervous and frightened to speak. She handed him her cell phone and Chandler politely said hello and handed Phoebe the phone.

"Hello? Oh hello doctor Rawlinson...Uh huh...Oh my god, really?...When do you want me in...ok, see you next week then." Phoebe hung up the phone and sighed.

"Well?" They all asked.

"I'm going to be ok. The bump isn't cancerous, and the doctor is going to remove it next week. I"M GOING TO LIVE!!!" The gang hugged Phoebe and each other relieved. Everything was fine. Their former best friend was going to be fine. They all broke apart wondering what was next. They had all put on this act for Phoebe, but now they could finally be themselves, and either go home and forget about this, or stay together and make their friendship work. What now? was the question that everyone was wondering, but nobody knew.

To Be Continued...

Next: Chapter 9: What Now?

Sorry, if this one was a bit emotional, and not realistic, I just needed more stepping stones before I make it to the next step, and I needed at topic to work with. I have read a lot of fanfics, and usually Phoebe is not the one who goes through anything drastic. This was her calling..LOL Anyway, sorry there wasn't much of a cliffhanger, but I thought the was she sick or wasn't she? was too obvious. Next part will probably be up next weekend or the weekend after...depending if you guys want another part. Please review! I know this one wasn't the best, but I'm going to make it better.