The Greatest Gift, Part 8
Daddy, what's today? Michael asked.
December 6, Chandler told him.
They baby should be born today, Michael decided. It would be a good birthday.
Well, Michael, it looks like that may happen, said Monica, coming into the living room.
Chandler said. Are you-
In labor? Pretty much.
Oh my God! We have to go to a hospital!
I'll call Aunt Rachel! Michael told them, running to the phone.
Rachel came over in a minute to take care of Michael, Megan, and Andrew. She was gonna take care of them now and then bring them to the hospital later. Andrew wasn't much to take care of. He was such a calm two year old due to being ill.
Monica's doctor was telling her that it didn't seem like it was going to take too long. Monica was always gad to hear that. It had taken thirteen hours with Megan, and nine with Andrew. However, Michael was only five hours.
Phoebe came by. She and David were having many problems. Things with them didn't look so good. Phoebe not wanting to go home was making things worse. She missed Nathan so incredibly much, she wished he was here. But she couldn't bring herself to go home yet.
Joey, too, was at the hospital. He never felt right there when someone was in labor... like Monica or Rachel. He wasn't sure what he should do or say. He was glad Phoebe was there, taking the lead now. That was fine with him.
How do you feel, Mon? Phoebe asked her.
In the words of Andrew, icky.
Yeah, been there, Phoebe smiled at her Not four times, but twice. Although I did have triplets once, so...
Yeah, I know, Phoebe agreed.
So, Mon, how long is it gonna be? Joey asked her. Any idea?
Well, the doctor said it should go pretty fast. I'm up for that, she said as Chandler came back into the room.
Hey Sweetie, he said How's it going?
I'm sorry. It's all my fault, you know.
Yeah, I know, she joked with him.
Well, at least your still in a good mood.
Yeah. I don't hate you yet.
It'll happen, Chandler smiled at her.
I know, she laughed.
Three hours passed. Back at home, Rachel was getting Michael, Megan, and Andrew ready to go to the hospital. It was the first battle with Andrew all day, who didn't want to get out of bed, or get dressed. Ross had gone to work, and since it was Saturday, she had Kylie and Katie with her, too. Katie was playing with Megan. Five kids was sure a handful, but it was do able. Rachel had to hand it to Chandler and Monica. They had gone through a lot the last nine months, and they did it. And not only that, they did it well. She hoped it would all be over soon. One way or another.
Rachel and they kids arrived at the hospital an hour later. Phoebe took Katie, who was asleep, and they others went to see Monica. Andrew wasn't feeling well, and he didn't like being in the hospital again. Rachel figured he was afraid that they would make him stay there again. Rachel had her hands full at a hospital with five kids, so Phoebe took care of Katie, and Joey took care of Andrew, who was about to fall asleep.
So, Mon, how do you feel? Chandler asked her.
I'm okay, she smiled, you know, I don't think Andrew wants to be here, he looked kinda upset.
I know. He probably thinks he has to stay here again. That's what Rachel and I were figuring.
Yeah, I know- OW! she exclaimed, and forgot what she was going to say.
It was an hour and 2 minutes later that Chandler and Monica's youngest daughter was born.
It's a girl! Dr. Chase told them.
Oh my god!, Chandler, she's beautiful! Monica said with tears in her eyes. Look at her!
I know, Mon. We did it. Again, he said, kissing her on her head.
Thanks to you, Monica said I swear, you saved her life. Thank you.
I told you one day you'd thank me.
You were right. God, she's beautiful. I can't believe I neglected her like I did.
Monica, it's over. You're fine, she's fine, it's all okay.
I love you, she said with a smile.
I love you, too, Chandler agreed, kissing her.
They decided to name the baby Anna. Anna was born at 8:06 PM on Thursday, December 6, 2008. Megan was happy that it was a girl so she wasn't out numbered. Michael was happy she was born on the birthday he picked, and Andrew was happy to go home.
After Rachel had taken all the kids home, Chandler and Monica were in the hospital room with Anna.
She's beautiful, Monica said to Chandler.
I know. She gets that from you, you know.
If you say so, Monica said with a smile. I can't believe how careless I was with her.
Don't beat yourself up over it, Monica. It's over. She's here, we're all fine.
Yeah, except Andrew.
He will be, too.
I hope you're right.
So do I.
They heard the door open, and looked up so see Dr. Levin come in.
Hey, you two, she whispered. Congratulations, she's beautiful.
Monica told her with a smile.
What's her name?
Chandler said. Two M names, two A names.
That's a pretty name, Dr. Levin said.
Monica said.
I know this has to be a hard thing to think about, but, Dr. Levin paused. She has the power to save Andrew.
Monica asked, confused.
She has the same blood type.
You HAVE to be joking! Chandler said The ONLY one who matches is my hour old daughter!
I wish I were joking, Dr. Levin told him.
But isn't she too small?
Yes. But Andrew still has time. You can wait until Anna's one. If Andrew still needs a transplant then, she can save him.
She's still only gonna be one! Isn't that still risky?
I'm not gonna lie to you. Yes. But just think about it. You have plenty of thinking time.
Yeah, okay, thanks, Monica said.
Congratulations, again, Dr. Levin said, and left the room.
It just never ends, Monica sighed. The only person we know who can save Andrew is ANNA!
I know. But, Monica, he could get a donor before a year. Let's not worry about it yet.
Yeah, I guess your right. But she's NOT doing this! Nu-uh, no WAY!
Chandler said, knowing that would calm her down. He was glad that she was so protective of Anna after how things had been before. He had to admit he was a little worried. But not anymore. And he felt bad for ever worrying.
You're right, Monica said.
Aren't I always?
In your world, maybe.
Yeah, okay, but I still say I WAS on London time.
Monica shook her head and smiled So, then, are you still? Otherwise, why are we still together?
I still AM on London time.
What time is it in London then?
she said with a smile. It's okay, though, I still want you on London time, so you can pretend.
I should hope.
I love you, she told him again.
I love you, too. He kissed her, then he looked at Anna who was in her arms. And I love you, too, he said, kissing Anna on the head.
***
It was a few months later. It was Megan's fifth birthday. Her parents had promised her a big party when she turned five, and so she got it. It was outside in the backyard. Katie, who had mastered walking by now, was toddling around, while Megan, Kylie, and their friends played. Megan and Kylie were ias close as they could be. Michael was inside, not wanting anything to do with the swarm of girls in his backyard. Anna was in a high chair at the table where the adults were sitting. Anna was four months old and a handful. Andrew was sitting on the grass, happily playing with the leaves. Rachel and Ross were in the backyard, helping keep an eye on the kids. Joey was inside, making party favors. Chandler was at the store, buying more because somehow, a bunch of party favors were lost.
Phoebe had gone home, a week after Anna was born. She kept in touch more often than she used to. She had to go back because she couldn't just desert her family anymore. She talked to the others a lot, but had resumed her life.
Chandler returned from the store and came up behind Monica and grabbed her. She screamed.
Oh my God, you scared me! she said, playfully hitting him.
he said with a laugh.
Somehow, I don't think you are. Did you get the party favors?
You bet. Joey's working on them now.
Hi, Daddy! Megan said running to him.
Hey, hey, it's the birthday girl!
Yep! The big 5! Welcome to the par-tay!
Wow, you've been around Joey a lot.
I know! she said, sounding a lot like Monica, and ran away.
I think I just saw a miniature you, Chandler told Monica. She smiled.
Chandler and Monica looked at Andrew, who was having fun alone in his own little world. Then next thing she knew, Monica was crying.
Mon? What's wrong? Chandler asked.
Chandler, he's my SON! He's DYING! and Anna can save him! But I've decided that, NO I won't LET HER! I'm killing him! Monica sobbed.
Oh, Monica, you're NOT!
I am!
Come here, he said, opening the door and pulling her inside. Monica, you're not killing him!
Yes I am! Anna can save him, but I won't let her! I'm gonna let him die instead! What do you call that?
Being a good mom.
she asked, confused.
Anna can't walk. She can't talk. She can barely hold her own head up! She's way too young, now, or six or seven months from now to undergo a major surgery like this! You're protecting her! Just as before she was born, you wouldn't have sacrificed Megan or Michael for Andrew! She's not some freebie! She's your daughter! You don't have to sacrifice her for Andrew! Chandler said, then gave her a hug. They stood there for a long time.
I just can't believe how things keep- keep piling up on us! Monica said
Yeah, I know. But we're gonna get through all this. It's gonna be fine. And no matter what happens, we will ALWAYS have four children.
AWWWW, that's so sweet! They turned to see Phoebe. In one arm she had a two year old, and in the other, suitcases.
