Finding Paradise

Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe drove back to their apartment in silence. They have never seen Chandler so hostile and angry and even though Dr. Hart had warned them that could happen, and even though it was a normal response and deep inside Chandler didn't mean it, it still hurt never the less. Rachel kept saying that it had to be done for Chandler's own good, but she wasn't sure if she was trying to convince the others, or herself. Ross felt Rachel was having second thoughts and put his arm around her trying to re-assure her they did the right thing.

"Did we Ross? I mean, did we really", Rachel questioned as Ross looked at her, kissed her and said "Yes we did, sweetie, and you were right. Chandler needed help and he needed more help than we could give him and we did what any good friend would do. We cared enough about him, to let him get the care and help he needs". Phoebe said that Chandler needed them and that he would be all alone and Ross said "But maybe that's ok. Maybe right now what he needs IS some time by himself, anyway from everything and everyone". Ross paused and added "We've all been there for him, maybe to a point where we were there for him TOO much. Maybe now he'll be able to do things for himself again

Chandler still could not believe what had happened and wondered how his friends could just send him away like that. He looked out the window as trees, farm houses, cattle and other country scenery zoomed by. "Hey are you hungry" the driver cheerfully asked "There's a fast-food shack just a few miles up the road". Chandler didn't answer, still looking out the window, lost in his thoughts, wondering why his friends just sent him away and wondering what he could have possibly done to make them do it

Flashback to 6 Years Earlier

Chandler stood in front of his best friend and got down on one knee as he presented a sparking diamond ring. Monica started to cry immediately as Chandler said "From the moment I saw you, I knew I found my partner and soul mate. Monica Feller, will you marry me" Chandler placed the ring on her finger as she knelt down next to him, and kissed him. "Is that a yes or no", he asked with a smile and she smiled and kissed him again and said "Damn straight Chandler Bing... and what took you so long".

"Promise me we'll grow old and gray together", Chandler asked as Monica took his hand in hers, kiss him and said "I promise" She smiled as she looked at the ring as Chandler heard a voice, and as he comes back to reality the driver of the van tells him there is a fast-food restaurant a few miles down the road and asked if Chandler wanted anything, but he just mumbled and shook his head. "It's a long way to go, and you may get hungry so I'll go ahead and get you a burger", the driver cheerfully said.

They arrive and pull into the drive-thru and in a matter of minutes they are back on the road. About an hour had passed and Chandler had gotten hungry as he devoured the hamburger and laid back and drifted off to sleep. Chandler woke up just as they were approaching Paradise Oasis and saw a sign that read "Paradise Oasis: A piece of Paradise in a chaotic world" The arrive at a rather unassuming building as the driver gets out and unlocks the van door as slides it open as Chandler reluctantly steps out.

A rather attractive woman approaches and says "You must be Chandler. My name is Dr. Stephanie Stevens, but you can just call me Stephanie". Chandler shook her hand as she said "Dr. Hart had already told us why you were here, and I want you to know that we'll do everything we can to help you thru this". She asked Chandler to follow her, as she lead him to his room, which was sparse, containing a bed, bookshelf and small TV set"

"How long do I have to locked away", Chandler asked, matter-of-factly and Dr Stevens said Chandler was not being locked away. "You're not in a prison, nor are you in a mental institution. This is where people come to handle and deal with problems and issues. Nobody is going to judge you here, ok? Everybody is the same here, and at the same time everybody is different. Why don't you go ahead and get some rest, because we have a lot of ground to cover tomorrow. Chandler said that he wanted to call his friends and asked where his cell phone was at. Stephanie explained that personal items were not permitted and when he leaves, everything would be returned to him, and said that he would be able to call them in the morning. She closed and locked the door and Chandler angrily asked, that if this was not a prison, why was he locked in his room and she explained that the locks were needed for his own protection. Chandler banged on the door, in frustration and anger for several minutes before exhaustion overtook him, and he finally went to bed

It was the next day, and Rachel was already up, drinking her morning coffee when Ross entered from the bedroom and grabbed the telephone and started to dial. "Who are you calling", Rachel asked as she poured another cup of coffee as Ross said he was calling Monica. He paused for a second before throwing the phone across the room, as it broke into several pieces and slumped on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Rachel immediately went over to him, knelt down by him and just held him tightly in a comforting embrace, gently rocking him back and forth, stroking the back of his neck.

"My...my sis... sister is...go...gone", Ross stammered in between sobs. "I know, honey. I know", Rachel comforted, crying herself as she sat with him on the middle of the kitchen floor as he continued to cry. "I am so sorry this happened", Rachel said, as she held Ross close, trying to give him the comfort and security he needed. "But why", Ross said, "Why did it have to happen to her. What could she have done to deserve that".

Rachel replied that she didn't know why it happened and said "You and Monica had a very special connection and I rarely see the kind of love and support that you had for each other". Ross was literally sore from crying so hard, but he wasn't ashamed or embarrassed to cry in front of Rachel. "It's been a month now", Ross sighed, "You would think that I would be passed this stage already". Rachel lifted Ross's head, forcing him to make eye contact and said "Honey, nobody is saying that. You take all the time you need".

Rachel gently helps Ross up as they go and sit on the sofa. "I guess it just hit me all at once, and finally started to sink in". Rachel said that was because Ross refused to accept or deal with what happened and said "When you don't deal with issues and feelings, they'll keep building and eventually will just erupt". Rachel smiled and said "So no more hiding your feelings, ok". Ross nodded and said "ok"