The Greatest Gift, Part 6
Monica and Chandler still weren't speaking, but it was getting better. Now they at least stayed in the same room together. The others, except for Phoebe, weren't quite sure what was going on, Ross especially. Chandler had told him he would explain later, but he never did. And Monica wasn't about to offer anything. But it was very awkward having them fighting and not knowing why. They others could tell Phoebe knew more than them, but they decided not to ask her anything.
Kylie had come down with strep throat, and was scared to death she would end up like Andrew. No matter how many times Ross and Rachel told her she wouldn't, she didn't believe them, and was scared to go to the hospital, because she was afraid a doctor would make her stay there like Andrew had to do. Monica babysat her once in a while since she was home a lot more, but Ross and Rachel didn't impose on her. She obviously had something going on, to not talk to Chandler, and visit Andrew less. Especially at night when she had been so adamant to stay with him. Rachel was dying of curiosity, and wanted to know what the fighting was all about, but didn't want to ask.
Hey, Mon? Rachel said the next time she saw her.
What's going on?
What do you mean?
You know what I mean.
Monica thought for a minute about whether or not to let Rachel in on the pregnancy. Letting Rachel in meant letting Ross in, too, though.
You mean Chandler hasn't told all of you guys yet? she asked surprised.
Nope, no one. Although, I think Phoebe knows something.
Yeah, she does. But she found out on her own.
Please, Monica, tell me!
Rach, I can't. I didn't tell him, how can I tell you? she asked, and walked off, making Rachel more confused than she was before.
That's what I get for asking, she mumbled, and sighed.
***
The next afternoon, Rachel and Monica drove to the hospital. When they got there, they found Chandler and Joey were there. As soon as she walked in, Chandler couldn't not watch or think about Monica. As if on cue, Monica came up to him.
Chandler, can we talk? she asked him.
he said, following her out of the room.
Chandler, look, I am so sorry. You were right. I should've told you when I found out. If there is anyone in the world who, besides me, should know, it's you. And, as for taking care of myself, you were right there, too, okay? Don't think I'm a terrible, uncaring mother, because I already feel that way! I'm terrible for neglecting our baby for Andrew!
Monica, I'll NEVER think that! C'mere! he said, pulling her into a hug. No sooner did he hug her than she started crying. She'd missed him so much this past week and a half.
This whole thing is hard enough, but without you, its impossible, she mumbled into his shoulder.
I know, Mon, I know, he told her, patting her on the back. She went back to hugging him and crying. Crying for Andrew, crying for being a bad mother, crying for relief their fight was over.
I love you, he told her with a smile.
I love you, too. I'm so sorry, she said. I really, really am.
I am, too, Chandler said. I mean, I'm sorry I snapped at you, and I'm sorry I like, went crazy on you. I was just so shocked.
I know, she assured him. I think you had a right to, she added.
And I'm sorry for, you know, saying, well, asking you, if, you know, the-
I know, she cut him off, knowing what he was going to say. Chandler smiled and pulled her into a kiss. She'd missed him. We're gonna have a baby, she added, smiling at him.
I know. I couldn't be happier, he said, kissing her again.
You guys are gonna have another baby? Rachel, who had come out in the hall with Joey, asked, both happy and surprised.
You bet, Chandler said Number four!
So, is this what the fight was all about? Joey asked them.
Chandler had begun.
It was me, Monica interrupted. I didn't tell him about it, I wasn't taking care of myself- or the baby, at all. He made me, and I got mad. That's pretty much what happened, Monica summed up the whole fight I deserved it all. I owe this baby's life to him.
Well, we should go, said Joey.
they said in unison. They watched Joey and Rachel disappear down the hall, and through the door marked exit. Monica turned and smiled at Chandler. She was way beyond glad they had made up. This was one of their worst fights, ever.
Hey, I've missed you sooooo much, Chandler said, as if he were reading her mind.
I know, I've missed you, too. I promise you, I'm gonna take care of myself for the next seven months.
Chandler smiled You know, I'd die for Michael, Megan, this baby, or you in a second. That's why I had to do it.
I know, I understand. I'm glad you did it. I needed a wake up call.
Well, PLEASE, don't make me give you another one.
I'm hoping I won't need another. But if I do, please, give it to me.
You got it, Babe, he said, leaning in to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around him, and responded to the kiss. Things finally felt right again. Even though Andrew was still sick, at least she had her other half back now. The kiss was still going strong when Dr. Levin came up to them. She, too, was glad things were okay again between them. She had seen all too many couples end their marriages in divorce when a child was so ill. Herself, included. She was glad Chandler and Monica weren't one of them.
Oh... hi, Monica said, embarrassed, when she saw Dr. Levin.
I'm glad to see you two made up, Dr. Levin commented.
Me, too, Monica told her with a smile.
I never did.
I've never told you. I was married once, and had a daughter
Really? I didn't know you have a daughter.
Yeah, well, I used to. We lost her to cancer.
Monica asked, all too afraid that the same thing could happen to Andrew.
Yeah, I know. I've never told you because I didn't want to scare you. I've felt a special connection to you guys since Andrew came in here. My husband and I got in a fight, only we never made up. Then, Sydney died. It just mad it harder. Divorce, and the death of my child all in one month.
I'm so sorry, Monica told her.
It was years ago. Sydney died at age 4. She'd be 19 now. I'm fine. I'm just glad you two avoided it. I was worried about you for a while there.
***
That night, Monica and Chandler were lying in bed. They had decided to both stay home that night, since Andrew was feeling okay and they just made up from their fight.
I can't believe that about Dr. Levin, Chandler said.
Oh, I know, me either, Monica agreed. I mean, it's so like us, it's scary.
I know. Except for the death part.
I guess Rachel's told Ross and Phoebe by now.
Actually, Phoebe already knew. My doctor called here once, and she found out.
Well, then, she's probably told Ross.
Being that their married, yeah, probably.
God, Mon, I've missed you so unbelievably much.
Yeah, I ve missed you, too, she agreed with a smile.
Do you think it's a boy or a girl? he asked.
Who knows. Maybe it's a girl. Then it's even, she said with a smile.
Or, it's a boy to drive Megan nuts, Chandler joked.
Well, thanks to you, we get to find out, Monica said. Who knows what would have happened otherwise.
***
Andrew was getting worse. The chemo wasn't working fast enough to help him at all. All it was doing now, was making him weak, and keeping the cancer from spreading.
Well, now, I guess, he goes onto the transplant list, Dr.Levin told them. We can also test, first family, then friends, for a match. We already know you two don't match. I promise, we won't lose him. Not like Sydney. If you want, he can go home, since he'll be off the chemo, there's no point in keeping him here, unless you want him on pain medication.
I can't believe it didn't work, Monica sighed sadly.
I know, Chandler agreed, but, you know, he can still beat this.
So, do we bring him home?
I guess. No medicine is worth what he really wants. To go home.
***
Andrew was overjoyed with the news that he could go home. He didn't feel well, still, but he felt better knowing he was going home. He was overly excited. His wish had come true. His next wish was to feel better. He hated not feeling well, and it had been months now. Any two year old would be tired of this, and Andrew was no exception. But for being only two years old, he was taking it well.
He came home two days later. And the first thing he did was fall asleep. At least, now, he was in his own bed in his own house.
Andrew was quiet and mostly stayed in his room. He got up and played, but it made him more tired, and he fell asleep.
Megan was glad Andrew was home, because this way both her parents were always home. Lately, her parents had switched roles, her mom always home, and her dad with Andrew. Now she had her mom, but missed her Dad terribly. Now that Andrew was home, so were they.
Dr. Levin had put Andrew onto the donor list. She had finally told MOnica and Chandler of her own experience, and ho her four year old daughter, Sydney, had died from the same thing Andrew was suffering from. For Andrews sake, and there's, she hoped he could find a donor within his family and friends. Otherwise, as Sydney's had been, chances were slim.
