The Greatest Gift, Part 3
Dr. Levin was talking to Chandler. Chandler had spent the night at the hospital with Andrew, and Monica was at home, getting Michael and Megan ready for school. Chandler and Monica both spent a lot of time with Andrew, but Chandler usually stayed home at night with Michael and Megan, because they complained that, Mommy was too sick, in the mornings. Chandler was starting to worry about her, too now.
But today was the day that Andrew was going to begin the cancer treatment, and Dr. Levin was talking to Chandler about it. Chandler didnt really like thinking about it, but he had to.
You know, she said, we should take some blood from you and Monica just to know ahead of time if you and Monica are a match. This way, if all else fails, it could be a huge timesaver later on.
When Monica arrived at the hospital, they both had their blood taken. Then they went to see Andrew. He was asleep in his bed, he had gotten used to the hospital room now. Megan, who, upon visiting, had decided that the hospital room was ugly, had made pictures for Andrew. It actually did make the room feel brighter and happier. Leave it to the four year old.
Andrew began the treatment at noon. He was still sleepy, so Monica figured they wouldn't be able to notice a change for a couple of days.
Ross came to the hospital that night. Joey, Chandler, and Monica were there.
Well, well, Guess who called me today? Ross asked them.
Joey asked
Joey responded.
Yeah. She asked me how everyone was, and I said not too good, and explained the whole thing. I hope that's okay, you guys, he said to Monica and Chandler.
Yeah, it's fine, I haven't had a chance to talk to her, Monica said.
She said to tell you she's sorry.
That was nice of her, Joey said, a bit sarcastically.
Dr. Levin advised Chandler and Monica to start leaving Andrew alone at night. This way, in case they had to in the future, he could take it. They decided tonight would be their first practice.
Monica didn't like it at all. Whenever she couldn't be with Andrew at night, she knew that Chandler was with him, and that made her feel better. She tried to keep her mind off it all night, but she couldn't. He hated to be alone. She was grateful to hear the phone ring, maybe it would distract her for a while.
she asked.
Hey, Mon! It's Phoebe!
Hey, Phoebe.
How are you? I heard about Andrew...
Well, I'm not so good. Tonight's the first night were leaving him alone in the hospital.
Oh, that sucks. Phoebe acknowledged He's only, what? Two?
Monica said, noting how she wasn't even sure of his age.
Oh, that's terrible!
she said.
So, how have you and Chandler been holding up?
He's doing a lot better than me. I mean, he's upset and stuff, but it literally makes me sick.
That's terrible. I'm sure everything will be fine, though, Mon. I've gotta go. Feel better. I hope Andrew gets well.'
Monica said.
Monica hung up and went upstairs. She went into Michael's room, and saw that he was sound asleep. She smiled at him and brushed some hair out of his face. He looked so innocent, sleeping. She pulled the covers over him and left the room.
She went into Megan's room, next. She was surprised to find that Megan was still up.
Hey, sweetie. Why are you still up? Monica asked, sitting the edge of her bed.
Megan shrugged, I cant sleep.
Why not?
I'm scared.
Of what?
What if I get sick like Andrew?
Oh, sweetie, you won't! That is so unlikely!
That's what Daddy said.
So, if Daddy and I both say the same thing, it must be true, right?
Yeah, I guess...
Okay, look, I promise you that's not gonna happen. Now try and get some sleep, Monica said, kissing her forehead.
Okay. I love you, Mommy.
I love you, too. Monica said before leaving the room. She went to her and Chandler's bedroom and sat on the bed. Chandler came in and smiled at her.
You okay? he asked her
I hate leaving him there alone. I mean, if he wakes up...
I know, but Mon, he's so tired, he probably won't.
Yeah, I guess you're right, Monica said, deciding not to worry about it.
They next morning when they went to see Andrew, he was awake. But he didn't look at all upset for being left alone. He was watching the cartoon channel on the TV he had in his room.
Hi, Daddy, hi Mommy, he said when he saw them.
Hey, Andrew. How do you feel? Chandler asked him, patting him on his head.
he replied, not taking his eyes off the TV.
Andrew seemed more awake than he had in the past month, and he was on chemo now. Just then Joey came in and gave Andrew a stuffed animal.
Here ya go, buddy, he said.
Andrew said, smiling.
He seems so awake! Joey commented to Monica and Chandler.
I know. Weird, isn't it? Chandler said.
Really. Maybe its a good sign.
I hope so, Chandler agreed. He's still got a long way to go, though.
I know, Joey said Poor kid. He's so small.
Andrew was playing with the stuffed animal Joey gave him, and was still watching TV. Monica smiled at him. He looked so content.
***
Dr. Levin came by around noon and said she had the blood test results.
I regret to tell you- neither of you are a match.
Chandler and Monica both sighed. Megan was at the hospital with them, due to a lack of baby sitters, chose this moment to need something.
Megan called.
Chandler said to Dr. Levin as he went over to Megan.
Good, I wanted to talk to you alone, she said to Monica. Now, Monica, do you know? Dr. Levin asked her.
About what? Monica asked curiously.
Monica, your blood tests reveal you are a month pregnant.
Monica gasped. How could she be pregnant? Okay, well she had an idea, but why now? She had had no idea. And that was the real reason behind why she was so sick lately. It didn't have anything to do with Andrew being in the hospital.
Dr. Levin told her Interesting timing, huh?
I have to go see a patient. Congratulations, Monica, she said. And with that, Dr. Levin was gone.
Monica looked over at Chandler who had just finished tying Megan's shoe. He walked back over to Monica.
So, what else did she have to say?
Uhhhh, nothing at all, Monica told him.
It's too bad neither of us match.
I know, it sucks, Monica told him. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to be sick, she said and headed off to the bathroom knowing the REAL reason she had to throw up.
***
Rachel was taking Kylie and Michael to the fair. Michael hadn't been himself lately. He seemed sad, since Andrew had gone to the hospital. She figured it would be good for him to get out and have some fun. She had invited Megan, too, but she refused to come. Since Ross was at work, and Joey at an audition, she was at the hospital with Chandler and Monica.
They had been at the fair for an hour, but Michael didn't even perk up at it. Kylie as having a lot of fun, but Michael wasn't. He was only half way into it. While Kylie was in a ball pit, Rachel took the chance to talk to Michael.
Hey, Michael, you okay? she asked.
You look kinda sad.
Well... only a little.
I miss my Mom and Dad and Andrew.
Okay, Andrew I can understand, but your Mom and Dad?
Yeah. I mean, one of them is always with Andrew, or both of them are there and I am with you and Uncle Ross, or Joey. I like you guys, but it sucks!
Oh, Michael, that's it?
Why haven't you told your parents this?
I CANT!
Kylie arrived out of the ball pit and jumped on Rachel's lap. Whoa, Ki! Have fun? she asked her.
What do you wants to do, Michael? Kylie asked him. Rachel knew she should correct Kylie's grammar before Ross did it, but she decided to let it go.
Rachel agreed Have some fun!
Well... okay! Michael smiled
So, where to? Rachel asked him
Kylie obviously agreed with him
Okay, guys, let's go, Rachel said as they headed off to the games.
Michael was quite good at the games. He won three stuffed animals to keep for himself, and two he gave to Kylie, who wasn't so good at the games. They must have been playing games for an hour.
He was sound asleep by the time Monica and Chandler returned from the hospital. Megan was asleep in Chandler's arms.
Hey, Rach, Monica said when they got home.
Hey, Monica, Chandler.
Chandler said, then took Megan upstairs to put her to bed.
How was the fair? Monica asked.
It was good. We had fun. Michael is great at those games.
Oh, I know. How many did he win today?
Five. He gave two to Kylie.
How sweet! Monica said. As Chandler came back downstairs. Rachel was trying to decide whether or not to tell them what Michael had told her. She decided she should. She owed it to him.
You guys, do you know why Michael's been so sad lately?
You know? Monica asked, surprised.
Yeah. He misses Andrew. And you two.
What? Were still here!
Yeah, ONE of you at a time. Or your both gone and he's with us or Joey. He misses you.
I can't believe I didn't know that! Poor Michael! Monica said, feeling extrememly guilty.
I can believe we couldn't figure it out, Chandler said.
I know, Monica agreed .
But, then again, we cant just leave Andrew for a whole day, he realized,
Monica agreed. We're stuck. And just what we need is another kid to ignore. Monica thought. I am a TERRIBLE mother.
She hadn't told Chandler that she was pregnant yet. She knew the minute she did, he would become over protective, like the last three times, and once he did, he wouldn't let her stay overnight with Andrew. She knew it was selfish, in a way, but, it was also for Andrew. Eventually, he'd notice, but she had to keep quite now, while she could. For Andrew.
***
Monica answered the phone the next morning.
Hey, Monica. It's me, Phoebe. Guess what?
I'm gonna come to New York!
Yeah, I mean, I have been a terrible friend. And poor Andrew is sick. I HAVE to come.
No, Pheebs, its really okay, Monica told her, thinking of how Joey would feel seeing Phoebe. Since Phoebe left and fell out of touch, Monica put him before Phoebe. Really, it's fine.
No, Monica, it's NOT. I haven't been a good friend, not at all. I OWE you. And, with that, she hung up.
Oh, boy, Monica said More stress by the minute.
Monica was in bed that night, Chandler asleep next to her. For the first time since she found out, she felt a little happy about being pregnant. But then she thought about how she wouldn't be able to spend nights with Andrew anymore. This pregnancy came at a bad time. It was just in the way now. She couldn't tell Chandler yet; she had to hide it as long as she could. Andrew needed her.
