TOW the treatment
by: Karla
I don't own any of these characters, except Brian, Ashlee, and Jason… Please don't hold it against me! Thanx.
I don't know too much about breast cancer, so please stay with me, either that or fill it in with your own knowledge of it…
Where we last left off, Chandler and Monica are sitting in Dr. Henz'z office, and Ross, and Rachel are taking care of Chandler and Monica's kids; Brian, Ashlee, and Jason. Phoebe is also with them.
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A park fenced in by houses. Two small children ran up the path towards the swings. Three adults follow not far behind them. One held a smaller boy in their arms. They were talking about the encounter earlier with the kid's father. He looked so tired and sad. It had been a long time since he looked like that. The three sat on a near by bench. The first to sit was the 6-month pregnant woman. The man sat next to her, and the third woman, the blond, sat on the other side of the pregnant woman. The small child played in front of the three, they watched over him while they talked of a serious matter that was concerning the mans sister. 'Brian said that Mon was crying all night.' Ross started to explain to the two women. 'Maybe that explains why he looked the way he did when he dropped off the kids.' Rachel guessed. 'Did Brian say where they were going?' Asked Phoebe, the blond. 'No, I didn't ask, maybe later, but Chandler promised to tell me what was going on tonight when he picked up the kids.' Ross explained. He put his arm around Rachel's shoulders, afraid, that maybe he would lose her again, but not as his girlfriend, but as his wife, and the mother of his new baby.
It was 6.00pm, Ross and Rachel still had Monica and Chandler's children. Phoebe waited in their living room for C and M to pick them, their kids, up. Soon Ross and Rachel joined Phoebe on the couch. Jason played with some toys on the floor. The TV was on, tuned to the local news station, but none of them were watching it. The doorbell rang, the three looked at each other, as if they knew a serial killer waited out side the house waiting to slaughter them. Ross nervously got up and made his way over to the door. He peeked out the peephole. He drew back, looked at the two women, who sat on the couch urging him to open the door. Ross turned the doorknob slowly and pulled the door towards him.
Up stairs Brian and Ashlee were playing with some toys they had brought. They were busy playing with their legos and dolls when they heard the doorbell ring. The ring echoed through the second floor. For a brief moment they thought it was nothing, until they herd their father's voice. They both dropped what they were doing and ran down stairs. When they reached the down stairs floor, they saw they're father standing in the entryway with their Uncle Ross, Aunt Rachel and Aunt Phoebe. Their father looked awful.
When the front door opened Ross, Rachel and Phoebe starred at a stressed out Chandler. Rachel and Phoebe left the couch, went over to Chandler and stood next to him. They heard Brian and Ashlee stampeded down the stairs. The two kids stopped at the bottom of the stairs and starred at the four adults, then bolted towards their father. 'Where's
mommy?' asked Brian as Chandler picked up Ashlee. 'Mommys at home, she's not feeling too good.' He stammered out. He turned to Ross, 'Do you think we can discuss this some other time? I have to get back home.' 'Yeah, talk tonight? Say around 8.00pm, you call.' Chandler hated the idea, but at least he didn't have to look at his brother-in-law and tell him his sister had breast cancer. 'Sure.'
When Chandler arrived home, the two kids ran into the kitchen expecting their dinner. Chandler put Jason down in the middle of the living room to play with some toys, then entered the kitchen to talk to Brian and Ashlee. 'Your dinner is heating in the microwave, when you finish mom said to put…' '…to put then in the dishwasher, yeah daddy we know.' Chandler smiled slightly, 'oh, and if you need either of us we'll be up stairs in our room.' With that Chandler went up stairs. As he entered his bedroom, he saw Monica sleeping on her side. He walked over to the bed and lied down next to her. He carefully wrapped his arms around her, she stirs a bit then opened her eyes. She gave him a small smile, she tried his best to smile back but there was nothing. She kissed him in reassurance that everything was going to be okay.
It was getting late. It was now around 9.00pm on a Sunday night. Both Brian and Ashlee were wide wake, playing around the house. Jason was lying on the couch sleeping. He passed out around 8.45pm. The phone rang and Brian picked up the phone. 'Hello.' Brian's small voice carried over to the earpiece of the down stairs phone in Ross hand. 'Brian? What are you doing up? Go get your father!' Ross scolded. Brian put down the phone and climbed to stairs up to him parent's room. He peeked his head into their room, they were lying up against each other with their arms around one another. Brian walked over to the bed, crawled up onto it, and lightly shook his father. Chandler was half-asleep, he turned his head, not wanting to let go of Monica. 'Daddy, Uncle Ross is on the phone and he sounds mad.' Brian relayed the message, feeling bad that he was yelled at. Chandler kissed Monica then left the room. Once Chandler was gone, Monica motioned for Brian to come closer. He lied down next to her and soon they were both asleep.
Chandler headed down stairs, before picking up the phone he told Ashlee to go to bed. Jason was sleeping on the couch. Chandler sat next to him and picked up the phone. 'Yeah?' Chandler answered as he looked at his youngest son. 'Dude, it's 9.00pm, you were suppose to call me an hour ago. And what is Brian doing up, he should have been in bed a half hour ago.' 'I've been busy.' 'But you should still get your kids to sleep on time… What about Mon? How's she doing?' Ross asked a little calmer. 'You promised to talk to me about it.' 'Yeah I know.' Chandler responded unenthusiastically, he didn't feel like being lectured on how to rise his kids, especially at a time like this. 'Look Ross I don't know how to tell you this…' 'What is it man?' 'She's…Monica's got… well…' 'Come on you guys can tell me anything, we're family, you me, Monica…please.' Pleaded Ross. 'Monica's got…breast cancer.' Chandler softly said the last two words, hoping that Ross didn't hear, but he did. Ross didn't respond. He nearly dropped the phone, he was shocked. Chandler could hear Ross fumble with the phone, on the other side. 'What?' Ross finally mumbled with shock. Before Chandler could repeat, Ross continued. 'How could that be? She's still so young, and fit… and well… it's just not fair… Why her?' 'Ross could you tell the other's, I don't think I have the strength to tell them also.' 'Sure thing buddy. Tell Mon that I love her, and get those kids to bed,' Ross joked, he knew it was neither the time or the place to joke but he hoped it cheered him up just a little, but to no success. Ross and Chandler talked for a little while later, when they finally hung up, it was 10.30pm. Chandler picked up Jason and carried him to his room. When he entered his room, he noticed Brian lying next to Monica, he smiled at the sight, he changed in to some pajamas, scooped Brian into his arms and carried him off to his room.
When he entered his room again, Monica wasn't lying on the bed. He looked around the room, then headed out into the hall. He saw the glow of a light in Jason's room, he entered quietly, saw Monica looking down in him as he slept. The door creaked, Mon turned towards the sound and saw Chandler starring at her. He walked over to her and hugged her. 'You know I always thought we'd have more kids.' Monica whispered through her tears. 'I know sweety, so did I.'
Early Monday morning, Phoebe pulled her self out of bed. It was 7.00 in the morning. She shuffled her feet, entering the kitchen, she saw Joey sitting on a stool, eating a bowl of frosted flakes. 'Hey Phoebe what's up?' 'Not much…has any one called, for me?' 'Nope, not since I woke up.' Phoebe sighed to herself, then grabbed a bowl and started to make herself breakfast.
Chandler and Monica dropped off their kids at the local daycare center, then headed off to the hospital. Both had taken a few says off work so that they could be there for each other through all the tough decisions. It was the day that Monica would find out what exactly was going on. The whole way into the city, Monica starred out the window. Chandler concentrated on the road, glancing at Monica every so often. They parked in the under ground parking, then went up to the office.
Ross sat at his desk, fittling with a pen. A stack of papers sat in front of him, along with a picture of Rachel, and him, with Chandler, Monica, and Joey and Phoebe, with Brian in front. It was Rachel and his wedding, it was the only wedding where things went okay. There was no way he would say another woman name, because he'd been in love with Rachel since 9th grade. And he knew that she couldn't possibly be a lesbian, so things were finally looking up for him. He smiled as he thought of how easy it was back then. He knew that today was Monica's second appointment, he was scared for her, but yet all so was relieved that she knew that she had breast cancer, and that she was treating it. Chandler had told him about the appointment the other night when they talked. He looked at the picture again and sighed.
2003-May. Inside a church, Rachel stood in the middle of the room, she wore a beautiful wedding dress, Monica stood behind her looking over her shoulder, 'You look so beautiful Rach.' Monica said looking at her with remembrance of her own wedding. "Yeah I do.' Rachel agreed. Both girls laughed. Joey walked into the little room wearing navy blue suit. He stood in the door looking at Rachel, 'Wow, Rach you look…How you doin'?' Rachel and Monica smiled, even though they were either married or on their way, Joey still used his pick up lines on them. 'What do you want Joey?' Rachel asked. 'Oh, the photographer is ready for you guys.' 'Okay I'll just be a minute.' With that Joey left the room. Monica turned to Rachel with a serious look on her face. 'Rach, I have to ask, are you planning on escaping through the bathroom window on my brother are you?' 'What? No I wouldn't do that, I was planning on walking past him, you know like Julia Roberts did, in 'Run away bride'.' Rachel teased Monica as they left the room.
A little later Rachel was standing with Ross, in front of the camera, having their picture taken. The photographer called over the maid of honor and the best man. Chandler and Monica walked over. The photographer (know photoguy) wanted to place Monica next to Rachel and Chandler next to Ross, but they put up a fight saying they wanted to be together. The photoguy, to his dismay, went along with it, and to compensate, Phoebe and Joey stood opposite Chandler and Monica. Right as the camera clicked and the lights flashed, Brian (now 2 years old) ran in front of the camera, posed then ran off. The photoguy screamed, and the 6 adults laughed. Chandler stood proud of his son, he knew how to spoil the perfect moment, as did Chandler, but Monica made him promise not to make any stupid jokes. Ross had promised the photoguy that the picture was going to be all right, but the photoguy disagreed.
2006: Ross smiled to him self, he was right, and he liked it. The picture was perfect, even if Brian had ran in front of the camera. Then he remembered when Monica had told Chandler that she was pregnant. That was one of his fondest memories.
2001: A few weeks after Chandler and Monica got back from their honeymoon. Monica entered their apartment, (yes that one…) she looked tired. Rachel followed close behind chanting, 'Take it, take it…' Monica couldn't take her nagging any more. She entered the bathroom with a small bag. About 10 minutes later, Rachel was sitting on the couch reading a magazine. The bathroom door opened and Monica stood in the doorway. Rachel turned around and starred at her. 'Well?…' Rachel asked eager for an answer. She held up a test in one hand, a smile creeped upon her face. 'I'M PREGNANT!' Monica screamed. Rachel ran over to her and hugged her. Later while Rachel and Monica are sitting on the couch talking Phoebe enters. 'Hey, oh, there is great aura here, what's going on?' 'Monica's pregnant!' Rachel squealed. Monica hit Rachel's arm, 'I wanted to tell, it's my baby.' Monica snapped at Rachel. 'Actually it's not JUST your baby, it's Chandler and your baby.' -Monica glared at Phoebe. Suddenly she jumped up and shouted, 'Oh, can I tell Chandler, I would love to see his face.' Phoebe jumped up and down in anticipation. 'No.' Monica sternly replied, slightly annoyed. Ross and Chandler then walked into the apartment. 'Hey,' they both greeted the three girls who sat in the living room. Chandler walked over to Monica and gave her a warm kiss. 'Hello.' he sad after. She smiled, 'I have something to tell you.' Chandler looked concerned. 'What's going on?' Ross asked, 'Monica's...' Phoebe started. 'Needs to talk to Chandler first.' Monica jumped in before Phoebe gave her secret away. She pulled him into their bedroom, Ross turned to Phoebe and asked what's going on. Phoebe started to explain to Ross that Monica was pregnant, but not to tell Chandler because Monica wanted to first. 'I'm going to be an Uncle?' Ross was so over come with joy that he bounced into Monica and Chandler's bedroom. He saw Chandler sitting on the edge of the bed with a shocked look on his face. 'Dude she's pregnant.' was the only things out of Chandler's mouth. Ross walked over to Monica and hugged her. 'Congratulations sis.' There was a moment of silence before Chandler realized and said, 'Oh my god, I'm going to be a father.'
2006: Ross loved that look on Chandler's face. Somewhere he knew his best friend was going to be a great father, and he was right. But he wasn't just the great father, he was a great husband to his little sister.
It was lunch, Ross entered the 5th floor of the Ralph Lauren office building. He walked down a long corridor before turning at a random door. He opened the door and poked his head in. He saw Rachel sitting at a large desk, looking through some sketches. She looked up and smiled at him. 'You ready babe?' 'Yeah, just a minute.' Rachel got up and walked over to another table, she shuffled through some more papers before grabbing her purse and leaving with her husband. They entered a small restaurant. She sat down at a two-person table, they ordered their lunch then started to talk. Out of the blue Rachel asked, 'What did Chandler say was wrong with Monica?' Ross looked up, knowing he'd have to tell her. Ross mumbled something that Rachel couldn't hear. 'Ross what is it?' Rachel asked a little more persistent. 'Um, I don't think we should discuss this here. Maybe we can get Joey and Phoebe over for dinner to explain everything.' 'Why doesn't Chandler just tell us what's going on?' 'Because he doesn't have the strength to tell everyone.' Rachel didn't argue with that.
As Chandler and Monica entered their house, Monica was leaning heavily on Chandler for support. One arm was around the other. Chandler helped Monica up into bed, 'Chandler could you feed the kids.?' Monica asked as she laid down on to the bed. 'Of course, we'll have mac and cheese.' Monica smiled as he left the room. Monica weakly got up and entered the bathroom. She turned the Faust of the bath tube and drew herself a bath.
As Chandler started dinner he could hear Monica's bath running. The kids came in and ate, Then Chandler drove them over to Judy and Jack's, the kid's grandparents. Brian argued the whole way there, he hated going to his grandma and grandpa's. They had no new toys, that was his excuse. Chandler hated to leave Monica alone, but he also wanted her to relax. He dropped Brian, Ashlee and Jason off at their grandparents. Judy had asked what's with Monica no being there, he lied right in her face, but he knew that if Judy had known, then Monica would be mad at him, and he didn't want that.
From inside the house Ross watched as Joey and Phoebe made their way up to the house. He opened the door, and let them in. Dinner started almost immediately. Rachel and Phoebe were dying to know what was wrong with Monica. Joey was concentrating on his food. Once Ross told them what was going on, they were all speechless. 'So that's way she snapped at me?!' Phoebe calmed. Rachel sat in silence for a moment later, then got up and said, 'I'm calling them.' Ross followed trying to talk Rachel out of it. Phoebe followed to listen in on the conversation. Joey stayed behind finishing off his plate and some of the others. Rachel picked up the phone and started to dial. 'There's no answer.' Rachel said as she tried to call again. 'Maybe they're out.' Phoebe commented. 'No.' Ross replied, tired, 'They got home a while ago, their probably just not answering the phone.' There was a moment of silence. 'I'm going over there then, just to make sure everything's okay.' Rachel confessed as she left the room. Phoebe followed closely behind Rachel. Ross reentered the dinning room, grabbed Joey and exited to the car. Ross didn't want to be the only one that thought this was a bad idea, but Joey was better than nothing, Joey was the neutral.
TO BE CONTINUED….
THE PAIN