You Don't Know What Love Is
The past week seemed to come and go, in a blur and at last the dreaded day was upon them. Keeping everything a secret from Chandler was one of the hardest things they have ever had to do, but if he knew what was about to happen, he may not go, on his own. The plan was to go to Dr. Hart's office for one last group therapy session, Chandler would be released to the custody of Paradise Oasis and would be taken to their complex.
Rachel could not help but feel guilty and felt as if they were betraying Chandler, but deep in her heart, she knew this is what needed to be done. Chandler had a lot of issues that he kept pushing away, not wanting to deal with them, and now he would be forced to confront his pain and grief, whether he wanted to or not. Dr Hart said that while he admired and applauded their efforts, he agreed with Rachel that they were not trained, prepared, or equipped to give Chandler the time and support he so greatly needed.
They have decided that while Chandler was away, Ross and Rachel would watch Chandler Jr. Dr. Hart had warned that Chandler may be bitter and angry and may say things that would be out of character for him, but also said that deep inside, once the anger passes, he would not mean what he had said. Chandler and Phoebe had arrived and right away Chandler could tell something was different, as the tension was so thick. "Hey, what's going on", he asked as he eyed Rachel skeptically.
"Nothing, I'm just tired and worn out", Rachel said, unable to make eye contact with Chandler. He seemed to buy her excuse, but continued to watch and observe each one closely. They ate breakfast and drove down to Dr. Hart's office for their weekly therapy session, and Chandler could still sense that something was out of place, but could not put his finger on it. After the session was over, about 2 hours later, Dr. Hart said that he wanted to speak to Chandler alone.
Chandler watched as the gang reluctantly left and asked Dr. Hart what was going on. He looked at Chandler, his normal happy cheerful personality is replaced by a serious one. He looked at Chandler, took off his glasses and said "Chandler, why didn't you tell me about the gun". Chandler sighed and didn't answer, knowing that Dr. Hart had him and this was one time he couldn't just talk or joke his way out of it. He simply adverted his eyes away from him and mumbled "I don't know".
"You had a son in the next room, and you had a gun. I'll be honest, Chandler... that scares me a little bit", Dr Hart said. Chandler nodded and softly said "I know, and I was scared, too". Dr Hart went on to say "Your friends are concerned about you, and to be honest, so am I. We're all worried about you". Chandler said he was getting better and that there was no need to worry. "Do you call putting a gun to your head getting better, because I don't", Dr. Hart said rather frankly. "Have you ever heard of a place called Paradise Oasis", Dr. Hart asked and Chandler shook his head, saying that he didn't.
Cut to waiting room
"I can't believe this is happening", Phoebe sobbed as Ross and Rachel tried to comfort her as best as they could, saying this was for Chandler's own good. About 30 minutes later Chandler and Dr. Hart come out of his office and said "Why are you guys doing this to me". Rachel went to hug him, but he just shoved her away and thru tears she said "Please try and understand, Chandler, we're doing this because we love you. Even if you don't believe it, we do love you".
"Love", Chandler angrily shot back, "You call this LOVE? You have no idea what love is. Love is sticking together in the good times and the bad. You were supposed to be my friends". Ross stepped up and said "We are, and that's why we're doing this". Chandler lost it and yelled "Save it, Ross. Just save it. You don't know the first thing about love or friendship. Friends stand by each other, not run away when things get just a little heavy". Dr. Hart said Chandler needed to calm down, and take some deep breaths. He escorted Chandler to a waiting van and placed him in the back, and made sure the doors were securely locked. Chandler could not bring himself to look at his friends as the van slowly pulled away as Rachel shouted "We love you, sweetie".
They wait for a few minutes before getting in their car and driving back home