TOW The Key 5

Joey thought about telling Monica, and the others, about Chandler's return. That night, he went over to Monica's
apartment. Everyone was there, including Monica's new boyfriend, Chris. Joey didn't dislike Chris, but he wasn't Chandler.
Monica seemed happy with Chris, and this made Joey re-consider his actions. Should he really destroy Monica's happiness?
Would be betraying both Chandler and Monica's trust?

Chandler arrived at LaGuardia, tired and grumpy. The flight was rough, and baby Monica cried nearly the entire flight.
His mood changed when he saw Joey standing at the gate. His best friend's goofy grin was a welcome sight.
"Hey man," Joey said.
"Hey," Chandler replied wearily.
"Wow, who is this?" Joey asked, looking at the baby in Chandler's arms.
"This is my daughter."
"She looks just like you dude."
"I know, poor thing." Chandler laughed.
"What's her name?"
"Monica."
Joey looked at Chandler, who was busy looking at the baby. He couldn't help but to be surprised by Chandler's choice.
"Wow."
"Do you think Monica will mind that?"
"Are you kidding? She'll be thrilled."
"How is she?"
"Uh, she's good. She seems to be happy. It was rough for a while, but after you and Chelsea left last year..."
"She was able to move on," Chandler finished.
"Yeah."
"That's great. I'm glad." Chandler said, though the look in his eyes betrayed him.
"So, how did it happen?"
"My memory? Uh, I guess that the shock over Chelsea's death must have triggered something.
some kind of defense mechanism. I don't know."
"No, I mean the first time. How did you LOSE your memory?"
Before Chandler could answer, baby Monica started wailing.
"I, um, I'd better feed her," Chandler said. "We'll talk later. Let's get out of here."

*

Joey took Chandler and baby Monica to the hotel he had booked.
"Are you sure? I'm sure Pheobe would let you stay with her, and if you feel uncomfortable around Mon..."
"I think it's best that you don't tell the others I'm here yet. I'm still not sure what to do about Monica."
"Chandler," Joey said slowly, "She's been with this boyfriend for a while..."
"Oh...Gawd, Joey, you're right. This is ridiculous." Chandler sighed deeply.
Joey felt horrible for Chandler. He'd lost the two loves of his life, and it wasn't his fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. Was it?

*
3 months later

"Joey, where the hell have you been?" Rachel hissed.
"What?"
"We were supposed to be at Monica's 20 minutes ago! What's the point of having a surprise party, if you ruin the surprise?"
"I'm sorry, I was hanging out with Bob."
"Oh, Bob, that friend of yours that you refuse to introduce to us?" Pheobe said, as Joey and Rachel entered Monica's apartment.
"Joe, I am beginning to think that 'Bob' doesn't really exist....unless..." Ross speculated.
"Unless what?" Joey asked.
"Is he your boyfriend?"
"What? NO!"
"You have been disappearing like this for over 3 months. Spill it Tribianni!"
"What's going on?" Monica asked, as she walked through the door.
"Oh! Oh! Surprise!" the group yelled, trying to salvage what was left of Monica's surprise party.
"Wow," Monica said, "You guys SUCK at this!"

*

Over the next year, Joey spent less and less time with his friends. He was focused on re-building his friendship with a very
fragile Chandler. For Joey, it wasn't even a choice. His other friends had each other, and Chandler had no one. He was heartbroken
over losing both Monica and Chelsea, and he was struggling to juggle fatherhood and a full-time job. Finally, Pheobe cornered Joey
during one of his rare visits to Monica's apartment.
"Joey, we never see you anymore. It's like you are avoiding us or something! Are you mad at us?"
"No, Pheebs, I love you guys....it's just..."
"What? Tell me, Joey, please!"
"It's Chandler." Joey finally confessed.
"What?"
"He moved back, about a year ago. But he promised Monica that he wouldn't come back. He has no other friends..."
"What are you talking about? He has us!"
"He doesn't want you to have to divide your time between him and Monica. He feels horrible, but...."
"Why can't we just tell Monica?"
"He promised her. Plus, when he came back, she was dating Chris, and...."
"But they broke up months ago. Maybe we should..."
"Pheobe, no!"
"Why not?"
Joey thought for a minute. He honestly couldn't think of a reason why both Chandler and Monica had to
be miserable apart, when they could be happy together.
"Joey?" Pheobe broke into Joey's thoughts.
"Good question Pheebs. Maybe I should talk to Chandler."
*
"What?" Chandler was surprised by Joey's suggestion that he should visit Monica.
"C'mon Chandler, you've been here for over a year. Monica doesn't have that boyfriend anymore, and
frankly, all this travelling across town to visit all of my friends is starting to wear me out!"
"I don't know..." Chandler said warily.
"Please?"
"Okay," Chandler reluctently agreed. Inside he could barely contain his excitement. He was finally
going to get his life back.
Joey arranged to have the group meet at Central Perk. At Chandler's request, Joey told no one, except for Pheobe, about Chandler.
When Joey, Chandler and baby Monica arrived at the coffeehouse, everyone was there. Chandler was suddenly filled with doubt.
He really didn't want to hurt Monica. He had promised her he wouldn't come back.
"Chandler", Joey said quietly, "You comin'?"
"Yeah."

Ross looked up, stunned at the sight before him. The last person he expected to see with Joey was Chandler. Or Jason. Or whatever his name was.
The others followed Ross' gaze, and the sound of silence that followed made Chandler want to turn and run.
"Hey Chandler," Pheobe said.
"Hey Pheebs," Chandler replied softly.
"Chandler?" Rachel asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.
Chandler nodded, and then directed his gaze at Monica, who was sitting quietly, staring at her hands.
Before he could say anything, baby Monica started to fuss, and for the first time, Chandler's friends noticed that he was holding a baby.
"Shhh," Chandler cooed, as he walked baby Monica in circles behind the couch.
"Is that your daughter?" Ross asked.
Chandler nodded.
"Wow," Rachel replied.
Baby Monica continued to fuss, and it occured to Chandler that she probably needed a diaper change.
"I'm sorry you guys, um, I'll be right back." Chandler headed for the restrooms. In a way he was glad to
get away for a minute. He needed to gather his thoughts. Just looking at Monica sent his head spinning.
*
"Joey," Ross said, "How long have you known about this?"
"About a year. Chandler wanted to see you guys, but he didn't want to break his promise to..."
Monica looked at Joey, tears falling from her eyes.
"I'm sorry Mon, I know he promised you he'd stay away...I kinda pushed him into this."
"Did he...I mean...where's Chelsea?" Monica stuttered, unsure about whether or not she wanted to
hear the answer to her own questions.
"She's...um," Joey paused, not sure that it was his place to tell the group what had happened.
"There were complications during the baby's delivery....I'm not exactly sure what happened..."
"She's dead?" Rachel said, shocked.
"Yeah."
Chandler returned from the bathroom, and saw that everyone was staring at him. He wasn't sure what the look
meant, but it made him anxious. He approached the couch slowly, as if he was afraid that the group was
going to attack him.
"Chandler, Joey told us about Chelsea." Ross said, picking up on Chandler's nervousness.
"We are SO sorry, honey," Rachel added.
Chandler nodded in acknowlegement, and sighed deeply. It felt good to be back among friends.
Monica couldn't help but to notice how different Chandler looked. His hair was lighter, and he had
more lines on his face than he used to. His wire-rimmed glasses gave him a much more distinguished look.
Even his demeanor had changed. It was as if she was looking at someone else, but at the same time, she
had an overwhelming need to take him into her arms again. Chandler noticed her staring, and smiled weakly.
He wondered what she must be thinking. Did she hate him for breaking his promise? Was she happy?
"So, who is this?" Pheobe finally asked, breaking a long silence.
"This is my daughter...Monica," Chandler said shyly. He watched Monica's reaction carefully.
"Monica Chelsea Bing," he repeated, almost to himself.
Monica smiled. She was thrilled that Chandler had named his daughter after her.
"Can I hold her?" Monica asked quietly.
"Of course!" Chandler handed his daughter over to Monica.
Monica cuddled the small child in her arms. She could see so much of Chandler in her. Again, her eyes
welled up with tears.
Chandler watched Monica and his daughter. They seemed comfortable with each other. He couldn't help but to smile.
*
The gang made their way back up to Monica's apartment. As they settled in the living room, one major question
loomed; what happened to Chandler seven years ago? It was Pheobe who finally asked the question out loud.

Chandler looked at his friends, knowing that he would have to explain sooner or later, but he was not sure where to begin.
*


Okay, I know, You are all wanting to know...but....I'm gonna make ya wait a little longer.
The whole story, coming soon!