Okay, here is the eight part! (Jeez, I never thought I would come this far!) This takes place right were we left off…
DISCLAMER: I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO NBC: CRANE, KAUFFMAN, AND BRIGHT. IM JUST USING THEM FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES AND SO YOU CANNOT SUE MEJ
Scene: Where we last left off
Chandler couldn't take it. He had to tell her. He took a deep breath and began, "A couple of weeks ago, I got a call. It was my boss, Doug. I got promoted!" (Author's Note: You guys thought that he had some kind of disease or problem, right?:)
The whole gang burst into 'Congratulations' and started hugging him.
"But wait. There's more." Chandler was more nervous and uneasy now, especially telling this to Monica. "I'm being transferred…to California."
"Permanently." Chandler finished.
Monica couldn't believe this. This wasn't happening. She heard Ross ask Chandler when he was moving and he answered in 2 days. Nooooooooo… this wasn't real. Her best friend was leaving her. This wasn't fair. Monica fought the urge to scream out and gulped instead. She slowly made her way to Chandler, who was being embraced by the others.
Chandler stood there. He wasn't sure how the others, especially Monica, were going to react. Before he knew it, everyone was swarming him. Everyone but Monica. Chandler released from their hugs and made his way over to her. Before he gotten a chance to talk, she tightly embraced him and whispered, "Congratulations."
Monica was shocked that he was leaving in 2 days. She didn't want anyone to see the tears in her eyes and she firmly hugged him. She quickly released him and turned to her room and shut the door. The thought finally sank in. He was leaving her… forever.
Chandler was confused. One second he was hugging her and the next, she practically slammed the door in front of his face. He turned to the others, who were looking confused as he felt. He sighed guiltily.
Scene: The next day. Chandler and Joey's apartment
"Well, that's the last box," Chandler said, exhausted. He and everyone except Monica had just spent 2 hours helping him pack. He plopped down on the armchair and closed his eyes, tired.
Ross stared at Chandler. He couldn't believe his best friend was moving away. They've known each other since college and stuck by each other threw thick and thin. And now, all of a sudden, he's moving away. It seemed too sudden.
Rachel's feet were aching from having to move about so much. She collapsed next to Ross and leaned on him. Her mind was preoccupied. I can't believe his leaving tomorrow. I mean, after all those years of spending time with the group, drinking coffee, just hanging around, it will vanish by tomorrow. Well, maybe not vanish, but the group will feel incomplete. But the thing that really worried Rachel was the situation with Monica. She didn't seem like herself since yesterday, when Chandler dropped that bomb on her…
Joey acted fine on the outside, but inside he was tearing up. He couldn't believe his roommate and best buddy was moving. Even though Chandler assured him that he will keep in touch, it just wasn't going to be the same! Even though Chandler guaranteed he will visit on holidays, even though…
Phoebe was sad. Chandler was moving away from the group. She sighed and glanced around the apartment. It wouldn't have that homey feeling without Chandler. A certain object struck Phoebe's attention. She made her way to the refrigerator where that picture was. It was of Monica and Chandler. They had their arms around each other in a friendly way and both were acting goofy. Phoebe realized how hard this must be for Monica, more so then anyone else. She was his best friend…Phoebe thought. She IS his best friend.
Chandler wanted to cry out. He couldn't stand what was happening. One second his was fine, the next, he's moving. California seemed ages away, even though he was leaving tomorrow. He hadn't talked to Monica since yesterday and every time he tried, she would make some excuse and leave. It was like she was avoiding him, and for what? Chandler had a sudden impulse to see her to make sure things were okay between them. He jumped from his chair and flew out the door.
Scene: Central Perk: Monica is the only one there (duh!)
Monica flipped through the magazine, not caring. The words in front of her blurred as Monica got tears in her eyes. She couldn't believe her best friend was moving away. The others had tried to convince him to stay, to get another job, but he couldn't. He had signed a contract for 7 years, and only 3 were filled.
Stupid contract…Monica thought. Stupid contract, stupid California (not to offend anyone, in fact California is great, I used to live there:)). Her thoughts were interrupted as none other than him sat down next to her.
"Monica, what's going on?" Chandler got straight to the point.
"What are you talking about?" Monica answered, mad.
"I mean, what's going with you? Me and you haven't had a talk about this and I was wondering if everything was ok-"
"Everything's perfect!" Monica interrupted, sarcastically.
"What the hell is your problem?"
"Fine, you want to know what my problem is? I'll tell you what my problem is! How would you like it when your best friend suddenly drops a bomb on you? How would you like it when you need him the most, he's not there? How would you like it when you need a shoulder to cry on, your best friend won't be there. How would you like it-"?
Monica couldn't go on. She started getting tears in her eyes and choked up. Chandler softened. He had no idea Monica felt this way. It wasn't like he was doing this intentionally to hurt her. He pulled her in a hug and she let him. All her loneliness and heart ache finally burst, as she sat there in Chandler's arms. I won't have this tomorrow or anymore, Monica realized. That thought scared her as she pushed away from Chandler.
Chandler looked at her, not knowing what to do. Things had become so uncomfortable between them. What now? Chandler thought as he glanced at her. (Sorry, Steph! I just had to use that phrase:)
Scene: Monica and Rachel's: Later that night
Joey, Ross and Rachel are on the couch, in that order. Phoebe was sitting in the chair. They're all watching TV. Monica was sitting at the kitchen table, starring off in space.
He can't, Monica thought. Tears filled her eyes as she reflected Chandler leaving. What have I done? I don't deserve this. He helped me through so much, and he CANT be leaving tomorrow. Monica felt guilty for not talking to Chandler on his last night. He isn't even here, she noted bitterly. They all were supposed to hang out, being that it was Chandler's last night together with the group. She knew the story all too well. A close group of friends hanging out, one moves away, promises to keep touch, loses touch, and before you know it, the group is gone as well.
Chandler slowly opened the door to Monica's apartment. As he stepped into the apartment, the first thing he noticed was Monica at the kitchen table, looking depressed. The others turned around and greeted him, but he didn't notice. He made his way over to Monica, determined to make a peace offering. The others looked at each other and turned around, wanting to watch.
"Monica?" Monica didn't respond. "Monica?!" She turned away in anger. He took her shoulders and lifted her out of the chair to face him. The others looked on.
"What are you doing?" Monica whispered. After all that thinking, she was too afraid that if she talked, she would cry and cry and cry and cry.
"Monica, PLEASE talk to me. Look, I know you mad at me for something. What did I do? Monica, that 'talk' we had earlier today, I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you, and it's just my job." Chandler continued, guilty. He knew this was hard, for him and her. "But Monica, don't you see? I have to leave my home, my friends, everything. And you don't have to do that. This is going to be hard on me tomorrow-"
"You think it's going to be hard on YOU? Chandler, you said your leaving everything, but I'm not. That's not true." Monica had tears streaming down her face. "You mean everything to me, Bing. You helped me get over my depression and soooooooo much more. I will always be thankful to you." Monica cracked.
"Oh, Mon," as he came closer to her, "Things will be okay."
"NOOO!!! I DON'T CARE ABOUT THINGS, CHANDLER. DON'T YOU SEE??? I DON'T CARE IF YOUR LEAVING, BUT YOU LIED TO ME. YOU BROKE IT, CHANDLER. YOU BROKE YOUR PROMISE!" She screamed.
Chandler was scared to ask, "What?"
Monica looked at those blue eyes and calmly said, "A couple of months ago, remember you promised me that you're never going to leave me? And I believed you. How stupid of me?" she said simply, with tears in her eyes, and walked out the door.
Chandler felt sorrowful. He had totally forgot about that. He had just thought she needed some comfort, and so he gave it to her. He never knew she felt this way. He never knew she felt THIS STRONG for that promise. And now, he broke it.
Scene: The next morning. Monica and Rachel's
Rachel sleepily came out of her room. She and the others were going to drop Chandler off at the airport, so she had to wake up early. "Mon?" She noticed her sitting by the window, staring blankly outside. She went over to her and kneeled down. Monica turned to face her and said, "He really is leaving," as she broke down in tears. Rachel felt so bad for her. She hugged her, but that had no effect.
Time Lapse: 2 hours later (10:00 a.m.)
They are all in a cab, going to the airport. They had decided to take only one cab, so they can all talk together, with Chandler. Rachel and Ross were in the passenger seat, her on his lap. Phoebe was driving (it was her grandmother's cab), and Joey, Monica, and Chandler were in the back, in that order.
"So, I said, no way." Phoebe finished. Silence followed. Soon, laughter erupted. This is the way it should be, Monica thought. She didn't want Chandler to see her in tears, so she had put on her brave face. She was slightly leaning toward him, and he had her arm around her. Everything from last night was forgotten.
Joey glanced at Monica and Chandler and thought, this is the way it should be.
Scene: The airport at the gate. Chandler's plane was just called, so everyone is saying his or her goodbyes.
"Rachel, I'm going to miss you." Chandler hugged her. As he pulled back, she was trying to hold back tears. Trying not to notice, she said, "Remember, polka dots don't go with stripes, and just call me for any more fashion tips!" He laughed and hugged her again. "I'm going to miss you too, Chandler."
Chandler went up to Ross, who was next in line. (They were standing in a line, Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, Joey, and Monica.)
"Man, it's going to be lonely without you," Ross said, as he pulled him into a hug. They talked for another minute, and hugged again, both were trying not to cry.
Phoebe was next. "Pheebs, come here." Phoebe put on a brave face as they hugged. "Goodbye, Chandler. Don't forget to call and write." He nodded, too choked up too speak.
"I'm going to miss you man," Joey wailed. "Who is going to watch Bay watch with me? Or going to strip clubs? Or just be my roommate?" Chandler talked to him for another minute, and then hugged him. (They were acting like TOW The Worst Best Man Ever, towards the end, at the veterinarian office.)
Finally, it was Monica's turn. They both looked at each other and she tightly embraced him. She never knew it was going to be this hard. She swallowed the lump that was already forming.
Chandler held her tightly. He whispered in her ears, "I'm sorry about the promise, Mon. I will call everyday and write and I'll come visit on holidays." She bravely smiled and said, "You better." After another conversation, Chandler embraced her again and kissed her lips, in a friendly way, then picked up his baggage. Monica let go and he slowly walked away.
As Chandler passed Joey, he whispered, "Take care of Monica for me. Just promise me that, Joe. I need to know she's going to be okay." Joey nodded, reassuringly. "Don't worry man."
Chandler walked toward the gate and right before boarding, he turned around and waved goodbye. Everyone waved back. Right before turning away, he glanced at Monica. She had tears in her eyes as she mouthed, "Goodbye." He mouthed back, "Goodbye, Monica."
As soon as he left, Monica broke down and collapsed, crying her heart out.
Another cliffhanger! Sorry guys
To be continued…
Please review and tell me what you think! It would mean a lot!
DISCLAMER: I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO NBC: CRANE, KAUFFMAN, AND BRIGHT. IM JUST USING THEM FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES AND SO YOU CANNOT SUE MEJ
Scene: Where we last left off
Chandler couldn't take it. He had to tell her. He took a deep breath and began, "A couple of weeks ago, I got a call. It was my boss, Doug. I got promoted!" (Author's Note: You guys thought that he had some kind of disease or problem, right?:)
The whole gang burst into 'Congratulations' and started hugging him.
"But wait. There's more." Chandler was more nervous and uneasy now, especially telling this to Monica. "I'm being transferred…to California."
"Permanently." Chandler finished.
Monica couldn't believe this. This wasn't happening. She heard Ross ask Chandler when he was moving and he answered in 2 days. Nooooooooo… this wasn't real. Her best friend was leaving her. This wasn't fair. Monica fought the urge to scream out and gulped instead. She slowly made her way to Chandler, who was being embraced by the others.
Chandler stood there. He wasn't sure how the others, especially Monica, were going to react. Before he knew it, everyone was swarming him. Everyone but Monica. Chandler released from their hugs and made his way over to her. Before he gotten a chance to talk, she tightly embraced him and whispered, "Congratulations."
Monica was shocked that he was leaving in 2 days. She didn't want anyone to see the tears in her eyes and she firmly hugged him. She quickly released him and turned to her room and shut the door. The thought finally sank in. He was leaving her… forever.
Chandler was confused. One second he was hugging her and the next, she practically slammed the door in front of his face. He turned to the others, who were looking confused as he felt. He sighed guiltily.
Scene: The next day. Chandler and Joey's apartment
"Well, that's the last box," Chandler said, exhausted. He and everyone except Monica had just spent 2 hours helping him pack. He plopped down on the armchair and closed his eyes, tired.
Ross stared at Chandler. He couldn't believe his best friend was moving away. They've known each other since college and stuck by each other threw thick and thin. And now, all of a sudden, he's moving away. It seemed too sudden.
Rachel's feet were aching from having to move about so much. She collapsed next to Ross and leaned on him. Her mind was preoccupied. I can't believe his leaving tomorrow. I mean, after all those years of spending time with the group, drinking coffee, just hanging around, it will vanish by tomorrow. Well, maybe not vanish, but the group will feel incomplete. But the thing that really worried Rachel was the situation with Monica. She didn't seem like herself since yesterday, when Chandler dropped that bomb on her…
Joey acted fine on the outside, but inside he was tearing up. He couldn't believe his roommate and best buddy was moving. Even though Chandler assured him that he will keep in touch, it just wasn't going to be the same! Even though Chandler guaranteed he will visit on holidays, even though…
Phoebe was sad. Chandler was moving away from the group. She sighed and glanced around the apartment. It wouldn't have that homey feeling without Chandler. A certain object struck Phoebe's attention. She made her way to the refrigerator where that picture was. It was of Monica and Chandler. They had their arms around each other in a friendly way and both were acting goofy. Phoebe realized how hard this must be for Monica, more so then anyone else. She was his best friend…Phoebe thought. She IS his best friend.
Chandler wanted to cry out. He couldn't stand what was happening. One second his was fine, the next, he's moving. California seemed ages away, even though he was leaving tomorrow. He hadn't talked to Monica since yesterday and every time he tried, she would make some excuse and leave. It was like she was avoiding him, and for what? Chandler had a sudden impulse to see her to make sure things were okay between them. He jumped from his chair and flew out the door.
Scene: Central Perk: Monica is the only one there (duh!)
Monica flipped through the magazine, not caring. The words in front of her blurred as Monica got tears in her eyes. She couldn't believe her best friend was moving away. The others had tried to convince him to stay, to get another job, but he couldn't. He had signed a contract for 7 years, and only 3 were filled.
Stupid contract…Monica thought. Stupid contract, stupid California (not to offend anyone, in fact California is great, I used to live there:)). Her thoughts were interrupted as none other than him sat down next to her.
"Monica, what's going on?" Chandler got straight to the point.
"What are you talking about?" Monica answered, mad.
"I mean, what's going with you? Me and you haven't had a talk about this and I was wondering if everything was ok-"
"Everything's perfect!" Monica interrupted, sarcastically.
"What the hell is your problem?"
"Fine, you want to know what my problem is? I'll tell you what my problem is! How would you like it when your best friend suddenly drops a bomb on you? How would you like it when you need him the most, he's not there? How would you like it when you need a shoulder to cry on, your best friend won't be there. How would you like it-"?
Monica couldn't go on. She started getting tears in her eyes and choked up. Chandler softened. He had no idea Monica felt this way. It wasn't like he was doing this intentionally to hurt her. He pulled her in a hug and she let him. All her loneliness and heart ache finally burst, as she sat there in Chandler's arms. I won't have this tomorrow or anymore, Monica realized. That thought scared her as she pushed away from Chandler.
Chandler looked at her, not knowing what to do. Things had become so uncomfortable between them. What now? Chandler thought as he glanced at her. (Sorry, Steph! I just had to use that phrase:)
Scene: Monica and Rachel's: Later that night
Joey, Ross and Rachel are on the couch, in that order. Phoebe was sitting in the chair. They're all watching TV. Monica was sitting at the kitchen table, starring off in space.
He can't, Monica thought. Tears filled her eyes as she reflected Chandler leaving. What have I done? I don't deserve this. He helped me through so much, and he CANT be leaving tomorrow. Monica felt guilty for not talking to Chandler on his last night. He isn't even here, she noted bitterly. They all were supposed to hang out, being that it was Chandler's last night together with the group. She knew the story all too well. A close group of friends hanging out, one moves away, promises to keep touch, loses touch, and before you know it, the group is gone as well.
Chandler slowly opened the door to Monica's apartment. As he stepped into the apartment, the first thing he noticed was Monica at the kitchen table, looking depressed. The others turned around and greeted him, but he didn't notice. He made his way over to Monica, determined to make a peace offering. The others looked at each other and turned around, wanting to watch.
"Monica?" Monica didn't respond. "Monica?!" She turned away in anger. He took her shoulders and lifted her out of the chair to face him. The others looked on.
"What are you doing?" Monica whispered. After all that thinking, she was too afraid that if she talked, she would cry and cry and cry and cry.
"Monica, PLEASE talk to me. Look, I know you mad at me for something. What did I do? Monica, that 'talk' we had earlier today, I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you, and it's just my job." Chandler continued, guilty. He knew this was hard, for him and her. "But Monica, don't you see? I have to leave my home, my friends, everything. And you don't have to do that. This is going to be hard on me tomorrow-"
"You think it's going to be hard on YOU? Chandler, you said your leaving everything, but I'm not. That's not true." Monica had tears streaming down her face. "You mean everything to me, Bing. You helped me get over my depression and soooooooo much more. I will always be thankful to you." Monica cracked.
"Oh, Mon," as he came closer to her, "Things will be okay."
"NOOO!!! I DON'T CARE ABOUT THINGS, CHANDLER. DON'T YOU SEE??? I DON'T CARE IF YOUR LEAVING, BUT YOU LIED TO ME. YOU BROKE IT, CHANDLER. YOU BROKE YOUR PROMISE!" She screamed.
Chandler was scared to ask, "What?"
Monica looked at those blue eyes and calmly said, "A couple of months ago, remember you promised me that you're never going to leave me? And I believed you. How stupid of me?" she said simply, with tears in her eyes, and walked out the door.
Chandler felt sorrowful. He had totally forgot about that. He had just thought she needed some comfort, and so he gave it to her. He never knew she felt this way. He never knew she felt THIS STRONG for that promise. And now, he broke it.
Scene: The next morning. Monica and Rachel's
Rachel sleepily came out of her room. She and the others were going to drop Chandler off at the airport, so she had to wake up early. "Mon?" She noticed her sitting by the window, staring blankly outside. She went over to her and kneeled down. Monica turned to face her and said, "He really is leaving," as she broke down in tears. Rachel felt so bad for her. She hugged her, but that had no effect.
Time Lapse: 2 hours later (10:00 a.m.)
They are all in a cab, going to the airport. They had decided to take only one cab, so they can all talk together, with Chandler. Rachel and Ross were in the passenger seat, her on his lap. Phoebe was driving (it was her grandmother's cab), and Joey, Monica, and Chandler were in the back, in that order.
"So, I said, no way." Phoebe finished. Silence followed. Soon, laughter erupted. This is the way it should be, Monica thought. She didn't want Chandler to see her in tears, so she had put on her brave face. She was slightly leaning toward him, and he had her arm around her. Everything from last night was forgotten.
Joey glanced at Monica and Chandler and thought, this is the way it should be.
Scene: The airport at the gate. Chandler's plane was just called, so everyone is saying his or her goodbyes.
"Rachel, I'm going to miss you." Chandler hugged her. As he pulled back, she was trying to hold back tears. Trying not to notice, she said, "Remember, polka dots don't go with stripes, and just call me for any more fashion tips!" He laughed and hugged her again. "I'm going to miss you too, Chandler."
Chandler went up to Ross, who was next in line. (They were standing in a line, Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, Joey, and Monica.)
"Man, it's going to be lonely without you," Ross said, as he pulled him into a hug. They talked for another minute, and hugged again, both were trying not to cry.
Phoebe was next. "Pheebs, come here." Phoebe put on a brave face as they hugged. "Goodbye, Chandler. Don't forget to call and write." He nodded, too choked up too speak.
"I'm going to miss you man," Joey wailed. "Who is going to watch Bay watch with me? Or going to strip clubs? Or just be my roommate?" Chandler talked to him for another minute, and then hugged him. (They were acting like TOW The Worst Best Man Ever, towards the end, at the veterinarian office.)
Finally, it was Monica's turn. They both looked at each other and she tightly embraced him. She never knew it was going to be this hard. She swallowed the lump that was already forming.
Chandler held her tightly. He whispered in her ears, "I'm sorry about the promise, Mon. I will call everyday and write and I'll come visit on holidays." She bravely smiled and said, "You better." After another conversation, Chandler embraced her again and kissed her lips, in a friendly way, then picked up his baggage. Monica let go and he slowly walked away.
As Chandler passed Joey, he whispered, "Take care of Monica for me. Just promise me that, Joe. I need to know she's going to be okay." Joey nodded, reassuringly. "Don't worry man."
Chandler walked toward the gate and right before boarding, he turned around and waved goodbye. Everyone waved back. Right before turning away, he glanced at Monica. She had tears in her eyes as she mouthed, "Goodbye." He mouthed back, "Goodbye, Monica."
As soon as he left, Monica broke down and collapsed, crying her heart out.
Another cliffhanger! Sorry guys
To be continued…
Please review and tell me what you think! It would mean a lot!