Part 4
It had been a month since Monica moved in with Rachel and Chandler was missing her terribly. He had tried calling, but Monica never called him back. Whenever he would go over to Rachel's apartment to try and talk to Monica, she wouldn't come to the door. Rachel hated seeing her two friends in so much pain, and even though she did not want to get in the middle of it, she respected Monica's wishes not to see Chandler and didn't want to force her.
Chandler stood alone in his apartment, looking out the window across the street at Rachel's apartment. He was hoping to catch a glimpse of Monica, just to make sure that she was okay. So far he'd seen nothing, not even a shadow. He scolded himself everyday for what he had said to her during that last therapy session. He never meant to hurt Monica, he loved her with all of his heart. If he could only somehow convince her of how sorry he was and prove how much he loved her.
It began to rain outside, and Chandler realized he'd been standing in front of the window for over an hour. He was getting tired, so he headed off to the bedroom and got ready for bed. Alone. Just as he had been doing all month. He could still smell Monica's scent all over their bedroom, which just made him miss her even more. He had an overwhelming urge to pick up the phone and call her, but knowing the end result would be the same, he just tried to close his eyes and fall asleep in the bed he hoped he would once again share with Monica.
Monica couldn't sleep. She could hear the raindrops hitting the window pane outside of her apartment and it was driving her crazy. She crawled out of bed, grabbed her robe and decided to go into the kitchen to get a glass of water. She noticed a light was on in Chandler's apartment across the street and she figured he must have been having sleep problems as well. She slightly smiled as she realized how alike she and Chandler really were. She missed him so much, but there was no way they could be together if he really blamed her for the accident. She couldn't be with him unless he could forgive her, and most of all until she forgave herself.
The next morning, Chandler knew that he had to see Monica. He couldn't stand for one more minute not to be with her. He went over to Rachel's apartment and knocked on the door. Rachel answered and smiled at him.
"Hi Chandler," Rachel said as she hugged him. "Come on in."
"Thanks," Chandler replied as he walked in. "Where's Monica?"
"Believe it or not, she is still sleeping." Rachel said, as she poured a cup of coffee. "You look like you could use one too." She said as she grabbed another mug.
"I can't take this, Rach." Chandler told her, as he sat down.
"I know. I wish there was something I could do. I hate this situation."
"I miss her so much. And everyday that we're apart, I can feel her slipping away just a little bit more. I just wish she would talk to me." Chandler stood back up and walked over to a small table filled with framed photos. He picked one up from his and Monica's wedding. "I wish things were like they used to be." He didn't notice that Monica had peeked her head around the corner from the hallway and was listening to his conversation with Rachel. Monica stood, not wanting to interrupt them. Chandler set the photo back on the table. "I know things will never be the same, but maybe they can be better. Or maybe I'm dreaming."
Rachel got up from the table and walked over to Chandler. She put her hand on his shoulder. "Give her some more time. Everything will work out."
Chandler turned and hugged his friend. "Thanks, Rach. And thanks for being here for Mon too. I'm glad she has a friend like you."
Rachel smiled. "I love you guys. You are my family." Looking at her watch, she continued, "Now I have to get to work. But if you want to hang out and wait for Monica, feel free." Rachel grabbed her jacket and left the apartment.
Chandler continued to drink his coffee and wondered if he should leave or try and talk to Monica. Before he could make that decision, Monica appeared in the living room, still wearing her robe. Chandler was lost for words, he didn't think she would come out of her room. "Good morning," He finally said.
"Hi." Monica replied, as she walked over towards him. Chandler noticed she looked tired, but still as beautiful as ever. "You don't give up, do you?" she asked.
"I'm never giving up on you, if that's what you mean."
"Its good to see you." she told him.
"I miss you." Chandler said.
Monica smiled and sat down across from him at the table. "I've been meaning to call you. There are a few things I need to talk to you about."
"There are some things I need to tell you too. Mon, I am so sorry about what happened at the therapy session. I don't know what came over me."
"Let's not talk about that right now. I miss you too, Chandler. But this time to myself has been really good for me."
"What are you saying?" Chandler asked her, as his palms started to get sweaty.
Monica reached her hand across the table and took hold of his. "I have an opportunity to do something I've always wanted."
"What?"
"I got a job offer in Milan. And I'm going to take it."
Chandler was speechless. What did this mean? Did she want a divorce? He felt his world spinning out of control once again. She was leaving him. He was losing her. This was it.
Monica could see that Chandler was surprised. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. But she needed this time to clear her mind. "Chandler, are you okay?" she finally asked him.
"Am I okay? How can you even ask me that after the bombshell you just dropped? Am I okay?" Chandler said again, as he began to laugh.
"Why are you laughing?" Monica asked him.
"Because, I came over here today to tell you how much I miss and love you. And how much I need you in my life. What a fool I must look like, while you're telling me that basically our marriage is over and you are taking a job in another country!"
"I never said anything was over, Chandler." Monica said, getting a little defensive.
"I don't understand you anymore. I feel like I don't even know you."
"Well the feeling is mutual, Chandler." Monica said, standing up. "I thought you of all people would understand."
"Understand? I understand that we are going through a really hard time. Did our marriage vows mean anything to you, Mon? You know, for better or worse. I thought we were supposed to stick together. I guess I was wrong." Chandler, with tears in his eyes said as he left the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
Monica left for Milan later that week. She had tried to call and tell Chandler good-bye but he didn't answer the phone. He was too upset and disappointed that Monica would rather leave than stay and try to work on their marriage.
The days turned into weeks, then into months and pretty soon it had been almost 3 months since Monica had been gone. Chandler, of course, was still missing her and worried about how she was doing. He would talk to Rachel as often as possible to see if she had talked to Monica, and from what he could tell she was doing really well. He was happy for her, even if he was miserable. He was only nervous that one day he would receive divorce papers, but so far that day had not come, so he still felt a little hope in his heart.
A month before Christmas, Chandler was opening his mail when he received the invitation for Joey's wedding. He knew that Joey had been dating a woman for quite awhile, but he'd been so caught up in his own life, he didn't realize it had gotten so serious. He called Joey and confirmed that he would definitely be at the wedding. Without trying to sound too interested, he asked Joey if Monica had been invited as well. Joey told Chandler that she had been, but didn't know if she would be able to make it or not. Chandler was disappointed, but tried not to show it. He hung up with Joey and started to remissness about his and Monica's wedding.
Three weeks flew by and before Monica knew it, she was on a plane back into the United States. She was flying to La Guardia to meet Rachel and from there they were flying out to Los Angeles. Monica was a little nervous because she knew that Chandler was going to be at the wedding. They hadn't spoken since the day Chandler had stormed out of Rachel's apartment. And even though Chandler had called her in Milan a few times, Monica had always missed his calls and never returned them. She told herself everything was going to be okay and tried to get some sleep on her long flight into New York.
Sorry this wasn't that exciting, but the next part will be up soon! Feedback is appreciated. Thanks for reading!