The Greatest Gift, Part 9
Andrew was asleep, and Megan and Michael were at school. Monica was playing with Anna, with a stuffed pig, with was Anna's favorite toy. Anna was laughing and having a lot of fun. She was a cute little girl. She had turned one only a month ago. She had Chandler's hair color, and eyes, and Monica's face. She had more of both of their features, too, not just those. Out of all four kids, she was the one who people said was most obvisouly both of theirs. Monica used this to tease Chandler about his remark that she wasn't his years ago. He would never hear the end of it.
Andrew wasn't doing too well. The doctors had put him back on the Chemo to make sure his cancer wouldn't spread. Dr. Levin told them that he was getting up there on the waiting list, but it had to be soon. Monica forced herself to push to the back of her mind that there was Anna. She couldn't do that. Anna was too small. She couldn't, and she wouldn't. She loved Andrew, but she loved Anna, too. And that's just how things were.
Chandler came home and kissed them both on the head.
Hi, Dada! Anna said, her face breaking into a smile.
Hey Anna Banana, Chandler said to her.
When Anna was asleep an hour later, Monica and Chandler were talking, on the couch. The topic somehow got to Andrew.
I really hope it doesn't come down to Anna to save Andrew. I can't do that, Chandler, I can't.
Well, Mon, I talked to Dr. Levin today...
Anna is Andrew's last chance.
His time, and our money, is running out. If it's not Anna, it's nothing.
What?! I can't do this! This is ANNA!!
And Andrew.
Oh my God, what do we do? Monica asked, the tears coming.
Without her, he's not gonna make it.
I can't do this! I can't KILL Andrew! But I can't risk Anna, either!
I know, Mon, but I think this is one of those times when we have to.
No way, I can't!
You can't risk Anna, or you can't let Andrew die?
I- I- I don't know!!!
I think we should do it.
I don't want anything to happen to Anna, either! You know that! But we have to take a chance here, if we don't, Andrew's gone, end of story. If we take a chance, he can live, and most likely, so will Anna!
What if we lose them both??
That is so unlikely! It's like Kylie getting cancer! This is the ONLY way to save Andrew.
Yeah, okay, you're right, she said, wiping tears from her eyes.
I hope so, he said. He kissed her cheek and pulled her into a hug. This is almost over, Monica. We're almost there.
***
They agreed to go through with the surgery. Monica wasn't too sure about it, but she went on instinct. Dr. Levin wanted surgery to be in a week. Monica and Chandler spent all week with Anna and Andrew. Monica was scared to death she was going to loose one of them.
It was only a week later that Anna and Andrew were being prepped for surgery. Monica couldn't believe she was doing this. Risking Anna. Again. And it was worse this time because Anna was now.
Dr. Levin gave Anna a 92% survival rate, and Andrew a 78%, which was much better than the 0% he would get if they didn't do this. But she worried about the 6% chance Anna wouldn't survive.
It's all gonna be okay, Anna. Monica told her Okay, Sweetie?
I love you, she told her, kissing her on the head. Anna smiled and hugged her stuffed pig. It's gonna be fine, okay? Anna nodded. Megan came in and said hi to Anna.
Hiya, Anna! Megan said enthusiastically Good luck!
Chandler and Michael, meanwhile, were with Andrew.
Hey, Andrew, this is all gonna be fine. And afterwards, so are you.
he asked, happily.
Really. This is gonna make you feel better. Not right away, but it will.
said Andrew, content.
And you'll always have Anna to thank for that.
Yep. I can't explain it now, but Anna's helping you here.
***
Monica kissed Anna's head as they gave her the anesthetic. She was kinda scared, but she didn't show it at all. Monica and Megan talked to her until she fell asleep, then they rolled her out to surgery.
Poor Anna, Megan sighed.
Yeah, I know, Monica said as she picked Megan up and went into the waiting room where Chandler was with Michael.
Monica said as she sat down next to him with Megan on her lap.
Well, then, I guess we just wait, now. Chandler said
Yeah, I guess. But I mean, BOTH of them are in there!
They'll be okay, Michael said.
Megan agreed. They'll be fine!
Looks like they agree with you, Monica said to Chandler So I guess I have to, too.
said Megan
Cause they will be, Michael said.
***
Joey and Rachel came by later to see how they were doing. They had been there for two hours, and the surgery was supposed to take five. They had a while, still.
Why did I do this? Monica asked Chandler How could I do this to Anna?
We've been through this over and over!
So, why on earth did I decide to do it?
Monica! You had to do it for ANDREW!
God, Chandler, if ANYTHING happens to Anna, I will NEVER forgive myself!
But id Andrew lives a long, happy life, that will be thanks to this choice you made!
AND YOU! You helped make this decision, yet I'll take all the good credit for it! I'm the one always crying and getting comfort! I'm the one hiding pregnancies, and complaining! I'm a terrible wife!
I take all the comfort from you, but don't let you be upset!
Monica, that's ridiculous! Don't WORRY about me!
But it's true, isn't it? I'm the one crying and getting comfort.
Well, yeah, I guess it is, but...
So, CRY! Now!
Monica, are you okay?
No! But it's not about ME anymore, it's about you now! So cry!
Mon, I don't have to cry right now!
Are you sure?
he told her, giving her an odd look.
Okay, then. But when you do, it better be on my shoulder!
Of course it will be
she said. He gave her a kiss and she smiled. Ah, see, you're so--so-- so CHANDLER!
Good one, he told her.
Well, it's the truth.
But I made you feel better.
UGH! Now I'M the one getting the comfort again.
Look, Mon, making you feel better makes me feel better. So as long as I'm making you feel better, I'll feel better.
he said, rubbing her back. Monica smiled and they hugged as Ross came in, with Kylie and Katie.
So, how are things going? Ross asked
Good, I guess. We haven't heard anything. Three hours to go yet, Chandler told him
Well, maybe I can take Michael and Megan over to our house. They've gotta be bored here.
Yeah, okay, good idea, Chandler agreed
Great. Call me when you know anything.
Monica said
Ross left, now also with Michael and Megan, with Michael babbling about some cartoon he saw on TV this morning. Megan was rolling her eyes, probably wishing she was an only child.
Two hours passed and nerves were on edge. Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, and Monica were there. Phoebe was now divorced from David, who was still in Minsk, and had full custody of Nathan, except for one month, when he was to visit David in Minsk. Nathan was at a friends house today. Joey had gone to get coffee, and Ross was still at home with the kids.
Dr. Martin, the surgeon, came out to the waiting room.
he began, we've finished the surgery. Anna and Andrew are both still under the anesthetic, and will be for another hour, since we originally deemed the surgery to take an hour more. So, we have to see what happens after that.
Can we see them? Chandler asked.
Yes. Right this way.
Monica and Chandler followed Dr. Martin to a room, where both Anna and Andrew were.
Monica told Chandler. to think of all they just went through. Monica smiled. You're right. I really think he's gonna be okay.
So do I, Chandler said.
These poor kids...
I know. But one day, when BOTH of them are alive, they won't have minded it.
I guess it makes it impossible for Andrew to hat Anna now.
Yeah, true, she laughed and let Chandler put his arms around her. I just want them to wake up.
I know. Me too.
I guess now we just wait...
They sat there, talking, to pass the rest of the hour. Then, about an hour after they came into the room, Andrew woke up.
Oh my god, Andrew! Chandler said You're up!
Andrew mumbled groggily.
How do you feel? Monica asked him.
he said, smiling.
That's the first time you've been good' in a LONG time, Chandler noted.
I know! Andrew said Thanks, Anna!
She's still asleep, Monica told him.
I'll go call Ross, Chandler said, going to the phone.
When Anna gonna wake up, Mommy? Andrew asked Monica.
Soon, she should wake up soon.
***
Anna didn't wake up that night. In fact, she was still asleep the next morning.
What's wrong with her? Chandler asked Dr. Martin. The anesthetic should've worn off by now!
I know. It seems she's slipping into a coma. The anesthetic was too strong for a child that is only one.
And you had NO IDEA about this before you gave it to her? Because WE weren't clued into it! If we had known, we might not have even done this! My wife will blame herself for this forever!
Look, I'm sorry, Mr. Bing. But what's happend's happened.
You KNEW, didn't you?
If my daughter never comes out of this coma, or even goes INTO it, I am gonna sue you like never before!
Mr. Bing, I have to go. We can discuss this later, Dr. Martin said, hurrying off.
Yeah, you better run, Chandler thought. Monica's gonna blame this on herself forever! It's so not her fault. I'll make sure she knows that if it's the last thing I do! he thought.
WHY is she not awake yet? Monica asked Chandler when she got to the hospital.
No, no, DON'T start like that!
She's going into a coma.
Monica said This is all--
Not your fault. No way. They didn't tell us how dangerous the anesthetic was, Chandler said, cutting her off.
It will ALWAYS be my fault. If ANYTHING happens to her.
Well, it isn't. Please DON'T blame yourself!
Oh, God, I knew this was stupid! Monica said, crying.
Oh, Mon, Chandler said, hugging her. She's not in a coma yet. Look how lucky we got with Andrew. We've still got luck for Anna, too.
God, let's hope you're right, just once more.
I have to be.
I risked her for Andrew once, but she was okay! WHY did I do it AGAIN?
Monica, please, blame me. It's my fault, too.
Not to me. It will always be mine.
***
Talk to her, Dr. Levin advised them later that day. I bet she can hear you. It might just pull her out of the coma before she can get IN it.
Hey, Anna, what's up? Please wake up! Dr. Levin said to Anna.
Anna, sweetheart, PLEASE wake up! I don't wanna have to sue these doctors. And I don't want Mommy to hate herself forever, Chandler said. We NEED you, for our family. You're the baby. You also even out the girls. And you're the hero. You saved your older brother's life.
Anna, PLEASE wake up. For Mommy and Daddy, Monica said. I miss you. We all miss you. Your pig, too. PLEASE, Anna, Monica sighed.
Everyone came to talk to Anna that week. Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel. Kylie talked about The Powerpuff Girls. Michael talked about superheros. Megan talked about how she and Kylie, who were in the same kindergarten class, chased the boys at lunch. Joey talked about sandwiches and his auditions. And Phoebe, she talked about Joey.
I mean, Anna, he's cute! I know I didn't realize it, but-- she lowered her voice to a whisper. Our drunken mistake really wasn't a mistake! she got worked up and overly excited. Just like Monica and Chandler!-- Oh, sorry! I meant just like Mom and Dad' Yeah! I mean, JUST like them! I HAVE to have Joey! Phoebe told Anna all about how she felt about Joey all week.
It had been a week now, that Anna hadn't woke up. Monica and Chandler stayed with her as much as possible. Andrew was going home, hopefully for good, that day. He showed good signs, but it would be a year before they could rest easy that the kidney was accepted.
Joey and Phoebe were in the waiting room of the hospital that day, waiting for visiting hours to begin.
Ironic. I mean, first Andrew, now Anna.
I know what you mean. I know the hospital better than my own apartment, Joey said.
Me too, Phoebe agreed.
Poor Chandler and Monica.
I know. They've gone through so much.
I never would've thought. You know, in London, they'd be here now.
Drunken mistakes. I mean, weird, Joey pondered.
Yeah, so, um, what about ours?
What about it? We already went through this.
No, Joey, I don't think it was a mistake' per say, anymore.
You what?
Yeah, ummm, I love you
WHAT? PHOEBE!
Well, it's true!
Right here, right now, do you want to be with me?
Which color is better, blue or red? Phoebe said quickly, playing a game he knew how to play.
Joey answered, just as quickly.
Whose cooler, superman or batman?
What's better, pizza or sandwiches?
Do you want to be with me, yes or no?
Yay! Joey, yay! You said yes!
Well, then, I guess it's the truth.
Oh, YAY! Phoebe said right before they kissed.
Kylie and Megan said at the same time.
Where'd they come from? Joey asked
The last couple who resulted from a drunken mistake, and the couple that emerged during their wedding, for the final time, Rachel said.
Oh... hi, guys, Phoebe said.
Well, at least they can't hide it like SOME people we all know.
Monica and Chandler shrugged, guiltily
Seems Monica likes that trend more than I do... Chandler joked.
Shut up, she said, hitting him, but glad that they could now joke about that.
***
Phoebe was just done, talking to Anna, when Chandler and Monica went in to see her.
Hi, Anna Banana, Chandler said, brushing the hair off her face and kissing her on the forehead. And with that, Anna's eyes flicked open a few time, and then stayed open. Chandler and Monica exchanged a hopeful glance.
Anna said back.
Oh my god, Anna! You're awake! Monica said, hugging her.
All right, Anna! Chandler said. You did it! You're up!
Anna said.
Monica and Chandler shugged, confused,
I wonder what Phoebe said to her... Chandler wondered.
*Well, that's it! YAY! Epilogue coming soon!*
