Not Nothin'
Chapter One: Suspecting Not Accepting
This is an intro - a beginner to the real story, which starts in Chapter 2.
May 2001
Monica turned and stood in the doorway of the apartment and stared blankly at Chandler. She set her suitcase down.
"So what are you saying?" Chandler asked.
"I don't know," Monica quietly told him.
"Just because I'm a little concerned about our wedding, you don't think we should have one," Chandler stated.
Monica frowned angrily, "Chandler, this isn't a little concerned, you've gone all 'Chandler' on me, and all commitment scared!"
"I just am freaking out a little at the image of being a husband," Chandler shot back.
"Maybe you're freaking out at the image of being my husband," Monica said fighting tears.
"No, that's not true," Chandler sighed, and looked away.
"Whatever, Chandler, I can't deal with this, especially, four days before our wedding," Monica murmured.
"I'm sorry," Chandler said, dejected, "Do you think we should get married?"
Monica felt a tear trickle down her face, "Yeah, I do, but I don't want to marry someone who has doubts!"
Chandler looked back at her quickly, "Everyone has doubts four days before they get married!"
"I don't have doubts," Monica cried, "Well, I didn't before we started this conversation. Now, I'm thinking we shouldn't get married at all!"
Chandler froze, "Fine, if you don't want to marry me, that's fine!"
"You'd give up on this so quickly?" Monica yelled. "I don't need a husband like that."
"So, what are you saying, Monica?" Chandler asked loudly.
"I'm saying good-bye," Monica said quietly and walked out the door and into the hall. Chandler stood motionless in the apartment, confused and miserable.
September 2001
Monica sat on her couch, in her nice apartment. She looked around, the curtains hung beautifully, the couches were clean and white, and the large television was perfectly positioned in the corner of the room. She looked down at her nice dress and fancy red shoes. She hated to admit it, but she enjoyed having a rich fiancé.
Dylan entered the apartment and smiled when he saw Monica, "Hey there."
"Hi honey, how was your parents' house?" She asked as she walked up to him and gave him a kiss.
"Boring, but it always is," he smiled. "They're boring people."
"How do you like my dress?" Monica asked him.
"It's nice," he said, "Now, where's my tuxedo, the dinner starts in half an hour."
"What is this dinner for anyway?" Monica said, puzzled.
"Our engagement, of course," he said.
"I don't know any of these people," Monica unhappily whispered.
"Did you send out the wedding invitations?" Dylan asked, grabbing a glass of wine.
"Um, yeah, can you just check over the list?" Monica asked. "Make sure I didn't miss anyone."
"I'm sure you didn't, you're perfect," he said smiling, as she handed him the list.
"Who's Joseph Tribianni?" He asked.
"Oh, an old friend from when I lived in the Village," Monica told him, fondly remembering Joey. She hadn't seen any of her friends in over a month. She never imagined that they'd remind her of Chandler so much.
Dylan kept skimming the list, "And I'm guessing so are Rachel Green, Phoebe Buffay, and Chandler Bing?"
Monica frowned, "I'm not sure if I should invite Chandler Bing."
"Why?" Dylan said, then he realised, "Oh, is he the guy you broke up with the week before we met?"
"I almost married him," Monica miserably stated.
"Wow," Dylan said, "I didn't know that." He paused, "Invite him, I don't care."
Monica thought for a second, then smiled, "Okay, I will. Now, go get your tux on, we're going to be late."
Chandler opened the door to his apartment, an apartment he once shared with Monica. Phoebe and Rachel sat at the kitchen table.
"Hey, ladies," Chandler said, placing his gym bag on the table.
"Chandler Bing, at the gym," Rachel grinned, "You've been there like twice a week now, since like, May."
"Keeps me busy," Chandler said, half smiling.
"Good thing you're in a pleasant mood," Phoebe said.
"Why?" Chandler asked, sitting across from the girls.
"Monica's wedding invitations came today," Rachel said, frowning.
"Monica is getting married?" Chandler enquired in disbelief.
Phoebe nodded, "Yeah, she called us last week and told us. But, if you don't go, none of us will go."
Chandler ignored her, "Is it to that Dylan guy she's been seeing?"
Rachel sighed, "Yeah, I think they're rushing into it."
"Chandler," Phoebe said quickly, "she's only doing this because she thinks it's the best way to get over you."
"She said that?" Chandler said, frowning.
"No," Phoebe mumbled, "But it's pretty obvious."
"When's the wedding?" Chandler asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Three weeks," Rachel sympathetically said.
"Fine, we'll go, she's our friend, show her support, okay?" Chandler said and got up and went into his room.
Phoebe glanced at Rachel who silently shook her head in doubt.
October 2001
Joey and Rachel entered the chapel, with Chandler and Phoebe in tow.
Rachel looked around, "It's so beautiful."
"It's small," Joey pointed out.
"They wanted to get married in a quiet service," Phoebe said, glancing to Chandler for his reaction.
"Isn't the guy loaded, though?" Joey asked.
"Joey," Rachel said, hitting him with her purse.
"Where's Ross?" Chandler asked, looking around.
"He's in the bridal room with Monica and their parents," Rachel told him.
Chandler turned and walked out of the chapel. He walked down the hall as Ross emerged from the room.
Ross smiled at Chandler, "Hey, man, how are you?"
Chandler nervously spoke, "Fine, is Monica in there?"
Ross nodded "But, come on, do you think you should see her?"
"I'm happy for her," Chandler tried to sound as convincing as possible. "Come on, I haven't seen her since she moved her stuff out, at least let me go congratulate her."
Ross moved away from the door and watched cautiously as Chandler entered.
Monica turned around when she heard the door open. She was wearing a full-length fancy white dress. It looked very expensive.
"Chandler," she said as she stood up, "You're here," she smiled.
"Hey, you look amazing," Chandler told her, grinning.
She was beaming, "Thank you. How are you?" She asked, uncertain, biting her lip.
"Fine, I suppose," Chandler said, he walked closer to Monica. "Miserable, actually."
Monica sighed, "I'm sorry. You didn't have to come to my wedding."
"I want only good things for you," Chandler told her. "I want you to get married, be happy, have children, grow old, have grandchildren, and not have a single regret in the world."
Monica smiled politely, "That's sweet. I want you to be happy, too."
"I will be, once I move on," Chandler said.
"Do you have any regrets?" Monica asked.
"More than I can count, the biggest, letting you walk out," Chandler frowned. "Maybe it's for the best, now though."
"I guess so," Monica said, holding back tears.
"I love you, Monica, and I always have. You will always be the best years of my life," Chandler said, putting his hands in his pockets. "But, now, it's time for you to get everything you deserve that I can't give you."
Monica rushed up to Chandler and gave him a hug, "I love you, too. Without you there, as my friend at least, it's been awful."
"Monica, I am always here for you, and you know it, okay?" Chandler said, putting his arm around her. He spoke quickly, to keep tears back, "Now go get married. Be happy."
"Thank you," Monica said, and kissed him on the cheek. "Can I tell you something I haven't told anyone?"
"Of course," Chandler said.
"I haven't told Dylan, because I thought it would be best to wait until after the wedding," Monica said. She paused, "I'm pregnant."
Chandler stepped back, "Wow."
"I am sure he'll be happy, but I don't want him to think he has to marry me, unless he wants to," Monica frowned.
"Monica, that's so great," Chandler said quietly.
Monica thought for a moment then said, "If I had been pregnant before our wedding, would you have still had doubts?"
Chandler was taken aback, "I don't know."
Monica frowned, "Okay, that's all I needed to know. I'm sure now."
Rachel entered the room, "Hey." She stopped when she saw Monica and Chandler. She looked to Chandler then to Monica and smiled, "Ready, Mon? They're waiting."
"Of Course," Monica smiled and followed Rachel out of the room.
She turned back and smiled at Chandler, "You will always be the best years of my life, too." She walked away.
April 2002
Monica knocked on the door, not fully sure of what she was doing. She fidgeted nervously with her hands and looked down to her 7-month pregnant belly. She felt ridiculous.
The door swung open and a tall redheaded woman answered, "Can I help you?"
Monica, puzzled, said, "Is Chandler here?"
The woman turned and called out, "Chandler, there's some woman here for you."
"Who is it?" Chandlers voice rang from the bedroom. Monica felt unwanted.
"I don't know, some brunette," the woman said and glanced over Monica, "She's pregnant."
Chandler, seated in the bedroom reading, jumped up, he knew exactly who it was. He entered the living room quickly and rushed to the door. "Monica, what's going on, is everything okay?"
Monica nodded, "I'm fine, if you're busy, I'll call you later." She started to leave.
"No wait, Mon," Chandler said and followed her into the hall. He turned back to the woman, Danielle, "Give us a minute, okay?"
Monica sat on the step, "I just wanted to know if you wanted to go for dinner with Dylan and I, I rarely get to see you or anyone else, I just thought you might want to come and bring Joey or Rachel or something."
Chandler smiled, and sat next to her, "That's awfully nice of you, Monica."
"Or you can bring your girlfriend," Monica tried to sound as non-jealous as possible.
"Are you jealous?" Chandler asked, grinning.
Monica tried not to smile, "No."
"You're happily married, and you're not jealous." Chandler laughed.
"I'm not jealous," Monica playfully hit Chandler.
Chandler laughed, "Of course I'll come, but I'll bring Rachel."
"Okay," Monica smiled, "Good."
Chandler sat across the table from Monica and Dylan, and next to Rachel who was giggling and gushing over Monica's unborn child.
Monica laughed, "Rachel, do you want to raise my child, you seem to know exactly how to dress it."
"No, I just want to dress it," Rachel told her, laughing.
"Yes, we decided to buy Rachel a baby that you can dress, but doesn't need to be fed or changed for her birthday" Chandler said, smiling, "We bought her a cabbage patch doll." Rachel roller her eyes and giggled.
Monica laughed, and looked to Dylan who looked bored. "Dylan bought a really fancy crib for the baby."
Dylan nodded politely, "Yeah." He stood up, "I'm just going to use the washroom." He set down his napkin and left the table.
"He likes this restaurant a lot," Monica said. "He comes here all the time on business meetings."
Chandler stood up, "You know what, all this chatting and drinking, I've got to use the men's room, too." He left the table.
Monica leaned in, "So he's got a girlfriend?"
Rachel nodded and took a sip of her drink, "Yeah, she's kinda bitchy, she's been staying a lot lately."
"Oh," Monica said, "Are they really serious?"
"Not really," Rachel said, "but he talked non-stop about you all day."
"Really?" Monica asked.
"Yeah, he adores you, Mon, he always has," Rachel told her carefully, "You know the day of your wedding, he was going to come tell you he wanted you back, but when you said you were pregnant he realised how nuts he was."
Monica was shocked, "I wanted him back, until I thought I was pregnant, then all of a sudden I was getting married."
"Well, you're happy now, hey?" Rachel said.
"Of course," Monica smiled, unsure.
Chandler exited the men's washroom, having not seen Dylan in there; he walked down to where the pay phones were, adjacent from the washrooms. He saw Dylan talking into one. Chandler was about to say something, but listened for a moment.
Dylan talked quietly, but Chandler could hear every word, "I'm at dinner with my wife and her dull friends." He paused, "no I can't come by tonight, but I'll come tomorrow at lunch. Maybe you can wear that new red lingerie I bought you. Monica won't suspect anything; she's having lunch with her parents and brother tomorrow."
Chandler was stunned; he quietly walked away, unnoticed and quickly back to the table.
"Monica, can I talk to you for a second? It's kind of important," Chandler said. She nodded, looked at him confused and followed him to the entrance of the restaurant.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I think Dylan is cheating on you," Chandler said tenderly.
Monica went silent and her eyes closed for a moment, she opened them and harshly spoke, "You're lying."
"Mon, I'm not lying," Chandler said forcefully. "I care about you, and I don't think you should be with this guy."
"I'm married to him!" Monica almost yelled. "I trust him, he's not fooling around."
"Monica, please, listen to me," Chandler tried to say.
Monica stepped back, "You just lost a friend." She stormed off, when she reached the table Dylan was just starting to sit back down. "Don't bother, come on, we're leaving." Monica said and grabbed her purse.
Chandler came rushing to the table, "Monica, wait." Chandler grabbed her arm.
Dylan frowned, and stood up, "What's going on?"
Monica glared back at Chandler, "Nothing."
Rachel looked to Chandler, "Is everyone okay?"
Chandler ignored Rachel and Dylan, "Monica, listen to me."
Dylan pulled Chandler's hand off Monica's arm and pushed him away, "Come on, Monica."
Rachel started to question Chandler, as he watched them hopelessly walked away.
May 2002
Chandler was in the kitchen reading a book and calmly drinking wine when he heard a knock on the door. He sighed and stood up, frustrated by being disturbed during his book reading.
Rachel grinned at him when he opened the door, "Hi, Chandler."
"What's with the cheesy grin?" he asked.
She followed him into the living room, "Nothing, just thought you might like some company."
"Okay," Chandler said confused. Then he realised, "Oh, I know why you're here."
"You do?" She asked innocently.
"Today would have been my one year wedding anniversary, had I gotten married to Monica," Chandler told her.
"Okay, fine, you got me, but I'm being nice," Rachel stated. "When was the last time you talked to her?"
"Um, the day after that dinner last month," Chandler miserably said.
Rachel quickly changed the subject, "So, I think I'll hang around here tonight."
Chandler smiled, "Thank you. Didn't you have a date anyway?"
"Yeah, but that fell through," Rachel said, turning on the TV. "Where's what's her face?"
"Danielle?" Chandler said puzzled, "Don't you guys think she's a bitch?"
"Yeah, we do," Rachel smiled, "But remember I'm nice."
"Right," Chandler laughed, "Yeah, I broke up with her."
Rachel quickly asked, "Why?"
"Because my best friends thinks she's a bitch," Chandler said.
"She really was," Rachel said. She looked at her watch, "I'm hungry, you?"
"Yeah, I guess, want me to go get some pizza?" Chandler said, starting to stand up.
Rachel jumped up, "No, I'll go get it."
"Wow, Rach, I'm impressed, you're being awfully nice," Chandler said and leaned back.
"Yeah, well that and the new server guy is so hot," Rachel giggled. Chandler shook his head in disgust and she ran out of the apartment.
She had been gone ten minutes, when there was another knock at the door, Chandler yelled, "Come in, Rach. I'm not getting up."
The door opened and Chandler looked up, Monica stood, with tear streaks down her face, one hand on her pregnant stomach.
Chandler was speechless, he moved towards her. Monica spoke, between tears, "You were right."
"What?" Chandler was confused.
"He was cheating on me," Monica cried. She walked up to Chandler and buried her face in his chest; he wrapped his arms around her.
Remember this is just the set-up. This isn't even the story yet! Okay, so like feedback, please!
The title is from Stroke 9's song, "Not Nothin'"; also, all the chapter titles will consist of lines from this song
Lyrics:
Hello I'm sitting here
thinking and writing
writing and talking
without you
situated in the corner of the corner
so far from nothing
suspecting not accepting
that it's true
it really hits me when I'm
walking into the market
I hear things I used to say
is it wrong to be here anyway
fade away
what was I thinking when I thought I could make you stay
what was I thinking when I thought I was right
not nothin'
I'm on to something here
It's all becoming clear
clearly confusing
less than amusing
castrated like a corpse to a coroner
so close to nothing
forgetful not regretful
of what I am
it really hits me when I'm
hanging with other monkeys
thinking of shit to say
is it wrong to be here anyway
fade away
what was I thinking when I thought I could make you stay
what was I thinking when I thought I was right
not nothin'
I'm on to something
It's something I'm on to
but it's really nothing
Chapter One: Suspecting Not Accepting
This is an intro - a beginner to the real story, which starts in Chapter 2.
May 2001
Monica turned and stood in the doorway of the apartment and stared blankly at Chandler. She set her suitcase down.
"So what are you saying?" Chandler asked.
"I don't know," Monica quietly told him.
"Just because I'm a little concerned about our wedding, you don't think we should have one," Chandler stated.
Monica frowned angrily, "Chandler, this isn't a little concerned, you've gone all 'Chandler' on me, and all commitment scared!"
"I just am freaking out a little at the image of being a husband," Chandler shot back.
"Maybe you're freaking out at the image of being my husband," Monica said fighting tears.
"No, that's not true," Chandler sighed, and looked away.
"Whatever, Chandler, I can't deal with this, especially, four days before our wedding," Monica murmured.
"I'm sorry," Chandler said, dejected, "Do you think we should get married?"
Monica felt a tear trickle down her face, "Yeah, I do, but I don't want to marry someone who has doubts!"
Chandler looked back at her quickly, "Everyone has doubts four days before they get married!"
"I don't have doubts," Monica cried, "Well, I didn't before we started this conversation. Now, I'm thinking we shouldn't get married at all!"
Chandler froze, "Fine, if you don't want to marry me, that's fine!"
"You'd give up on this so quickly?" Monica yelled. "I don't need a husband like that."
"So, what are you saying, Monica?" Chandler asked loudly.
"I'm saying good-bye," Monica said quietly and walked out the door and into the hall. Chandler stood motionless in the apartment, confused and miserable.
September 2001
Monica sat on her couch, in her nice apartment. She looked around, the curtains hung beautifully, the couches were clean and white, and the large television was perfectly positioned in the corner of the room. She looked down at her nice dress and fancy red shoes. She hated to admit it, but she enjoyed having a rich fiancé.
Dylan entered the apartment and smiled when he saw Monica, "Hey there."
"Hi honey, how was your parents' house?" She asked as she walked up to him and gave him a kiss.
"Boring, but it always is," he smiled. "They're boring people."
"How do you like my dress?" Monica asked him.
"It's nice," he said, "Now, where's my tuxedo, the dinner starts in half an hour."
"What is this dinner for anyway?" Monica said, puzzled.
"Our engagement, of course," he said.
"I don't know any of these people," Monica unhappily whispered.
"Did you send out the wedding invitations?" Dylan asked, grabbing a glass of wine.
"Um, yeah, can you just check over the list?" Monica asked. "Make sure I didn't miss anyone."
"I'm sure you didn't, you're perfect," he said smiling, as she handed him the list.
"Who's Joseph Tribianni?" He asked.
"Oh, an old friend from when I lived in the Village," Monica told him, fondly remembering Joey. She hadn't seen any of her friends in over a month. She never imagined that they'd remind her of Chandler so much.
Dylan kept skimming the list, "And I'm guessing so are Rachel Green, Phoebe Buffay, and Chandler Bing?"
Monica frowned, "I'm not sure if I should invite Chandler Bing."
"Why?" Dylan said, then he realised, "Oh, is he the guy you broke up with the week before we met?"
"I almost married him," Monica miserably stated.
"Wow," Dylan said, "I didn't know that." He paused, "Invite him, I don't care."
Monica thought for a second, then smiled, "Okay, I will. Now, go get your tux on, we're going to be late."
Chandler opened the door to his apartment, an apartment he once shared with Monica. Phoebe and Rachel sat at the kitchen table.
"Hey, ladies," Chandler said, placing his gym bag on the table.
"Chandler Bing, at the gym," Rachel grinned, "You've been there like twice a week now, since like, May."
"Keeps me busy," Chandler said, half smiling.
"Good thing you're in a pleasant mood," Phoebe said.
"Why?" Chandler asked, sitting across from the girls.
"Monica's wedding invitations came today," Rachel said, frowning.
"Monica is getting married?" Chandler enquired in disbelief.
Phoebe nodded, "Yeah, she called us last week and told us. But, if you don't go, none of us will go."
Chandler ignored her, "Is it to that Dylan guy she's been seeing?"
Rachel sighed, "Yeah, I think they're rushing into it."
"Chandler," Phoebe said quickly, "she's only doing this because she thinks it's the best way to get over you."
"She said that?" Chandler said, frowning.
"No," Phoebe mumbled, "But it's pretty obvious."
"When's the wedding?" Chandler asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Three weeks," Rachel sympathetically said.
"Fine, we'll go, she's our friend, show her support, okay?" Chandler said and got up and went into his room.
Phoebe glanced at Rachel who silently shook her head in doubt.
October 2001
Joey and Rachel entered the chapel, with Chandler and Phoebe in tow.
Rachel looked around, "It's so beautiful."
"It's small," Joey pointed out.
"They wanted to get married in a quiet service," Phoebe said, glancing to Chandler for his reaction.
"Isn't the guy loaded, though?" Joey asked.
"Joey," Rachel said, hitting him with her purse.
"Where's Ross?" Chandler asked, looking around.
"He's in the bridal room with Monica and their parents," Rachel told him.
Chandler turned and walked out of the chapel. He walked down the hall as Ross emerged from the room.
Ross smiled at Chandler, "Hey, man, how are you?"
Chandler nervously spoke, "Fine, is Monica in there?"
Ross nodded "But, come on, do you think you should see her?"
"I'm happy for her," Chandler tried to sound as convincing as possible. "Come on, I haven't seen her since she moved her stuff out, at least let me go congratulate her."
Ross moved away from the door and watched cautiously as Chandler entered.
Monica turned around when she heard the door open. She was wearing a full-length fancy white dress. It looked very expensive.
"Chandler," she said as she stood up, "You're here," she smiled.
"Hey, you look amazing," Chandler told her, grinning.
She was beaming, "Thank you. How are you?" She asked, uncertain, biting her lip.
"Fine, I suppose," Chandler said, he walked closer to Monica. "Miserable, actually."
Monica sighed, "I'm sorry. You didn't have to come to my wedding."
"I want only good things for you," Chandler told her. "I want you to get married, be happy, have children, grow old, have grandchildren, and not have a single regret in the world."
Monica smiled politely, "That's sweet. I want you to be happy, too."
"I will be, once I move on," Chandler said.
"Do you have any regrets?" Monica asked.
"More than I can count, the biggest, letting you walk out," Chandler frowned. "Maybe it's for the best, now though."
"I guess so," Monica said, holding back tears.
"I love you, Monica, and I always have. You will always be the best years of my life," Chandler said, putting his hands in his pockets. "But, now, it's time for you to get everything you deserve that I can't give you."
Monica rushed up to Chandler and gave him a hug, "I love you, too. Without you there, as my friend at least, it's been awful."
"Monica, I am always here for you, and you know it, okay?" Chandler said, putting his arm around her. He spoke quickly, to keep tears back, "Now go get married. Be happy."
"Thank you," Monica said, and kissed him on the cheek. "Can I tell you something I haven't told anyone?"
"Of course," Chandler said.
"I haven't told Dylan, because I thought it would be best to wait until after the wedding," Monica said. She paused, "I'm pregnant."
Chandler stepped back, "Wow."
"I am sure he'll be happy, but I don't want him to think he has to marry me, unless he wants to," Monica frowned.
"Monica, that's so great," Chandler said quietly.
Monica thought for a moment then said, "If I had been pregnant before our wedding, would you have still had doubts?"
Chandler was taken aback, "I don't know."
Monica frowned, "Okay, that's all I needed to know. I'm sure now."
Rachel entered the room, "Hey." She stopped when she saw Monica and Chandler. She looked to Chandler then to Monica and smiled, "Ready, Mon? They're waiting."
"Of Course," Monica smiled and followed Rachel out of the room.
She turned back and smiled at Chandler, "You will always be the best years of my life, too." She walked away.
April 2002
Monica knocked on the door, not fully sure of what she was doing. She fidgeted nervously with her hands and looked down to her 7-month pregnant belly. She felt ridiculous.
The door swung open and a tall redheaded woman answered, "Can I help you?"
Monica, puzzled, said, "Is Chandler here?"
The woman turned and called out, "Chandler, there's some woman here for you."
"Who is it?" Chandlers voice rang from the bedroom. Monica felt unwanted.
"I don't know, some brunette," the woman said and glanced over Monica, "She's pregnant."
Chandler, seated in the bedroom reading, jumped up, he knew exactly who it was. He entered the living room quickly and rushed to the door. "Monica, what's going on, is everything okay?"
Monica nodded, "I'm fine, if you're busy, I'll call you later." She started to leave.
"No wait, Mon," Chandler said and followed her into the hall. He turned back to the woman, Danielle, "Give us a minute, okay?"
Monica sat on the step, "I just wanted to know if you wanted to go for dinner with Dylan and I, I rarely get to see you or anyone else, I just thought you might want to come and bring Joey or Rachel or something."
Chandler smiled, and sat next to her, "That's awfully nice of you, Monica."
"Or you can bring your girlfriend," Monica tried to sound as non-jealous as possible.
"Are you jealous?" Chandler asked, grinning.
Monica tried not to smile, "No."
"You're happily married, and you're not jealous." Chandler laughed.
"I'm not jealous," Monica playfully hit Chandler.
Chandler laughed, "Of course I'll come, but I'll bring Rachel."
"Okay," Monica smiled, "Good."
Chandler sat across the table from Monica and Dylan, and next to Rachel who was giggling and gushing over Monica's unborn child.
Monica laughed, "Rachel, do you want to raise my child, you seem to know exactly how to dress it."
"No, I just want to dress it," Rachel told her, laughing.
"Yes, we decided to buy Rachel a baby that you can dress, but doesn't need to be fed or changed for her birthday" Chandler said, smiling, "We bought her a cabbage patch doll." Rachel roller her eyes and giggled.
Monica laughed, and looked to Dylan who looked bored. "Dylan bought a really fancy crib for the baby."
Dylan nodded politely, "Yeah." He stood up, "I'm just going to use the washroom." He set down his napkin and left the table.
"He likes this restaurant a lot," Monica said. "He comes here all the time on business meetings."
Chandler stood up, "You know what, all this chatting and drinking, I've got to use the men's room, too." He left the table.
Monica leaned in, "So he's got a girlfriend?"
Rachel nodded and took a sip of her drink, "Yeah, she's kinda bitchy, she's been staying a lot lately."
"Oh," Monica said, "Are they really serious?"
"Not really," Rachel said, "but he talked non-stop about you all day."
"Really?" Monica asked.
"Yeah, he adores you, Mon, he always has," Rachel told her carefully, "You know the day of your wedding, he was going to come tell you he wanted you back, but when you said you were pregnant he realised how nuts he was."
Monica was shocked, "I wanted him back, until I thought I was pregnant, then all of a sudden I was getting married."
"Well, you're happy now, hey?" Rachel said.
"Of course," Monica smiled, unsure.
Chandler exited the men's washroom, having not seen Dylan in there; he walked down to where the pay phones were, adjacent from the washrooms. He saw Dylan talking into one. Chandler was about to say something, but listened for a moment.
Dylan talked quietly, but Chandler could hear every word, "I'm at dinner with my wife and her dull friends." He paused, "no I can't come by tonight, but I'll come tomorrow at lunch. Maybe you can wear that new red lingerie I bought you. Monica won't suspect anything; she's having lunch with her parents and brother tomorrow."
Chandler was stunned; he quietly walked away, unnoticed and quickly back to the table.
"Monica, can I talk to you for a second? It's kind of important," Chandler said. She nodded, looked at him confused and followed him to the entrance of the restaurant.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I think Dylan is cheating on you," Chandler said tenderly.
Monica went silent and her eyes closed for a moment, she opened them and harshly spoke, "You're lying."
"Mon, I'm not lying," Chandler said forcefully. "I care about you, and I don't think you should be with this guy."
"I'm married to him!" Monica almost yelled. "I trust him, he's not fooling around."
"Monica, please, listen to me," Chandler tried to say.
Monica stepped back, "You just lost a friend." She stormed off, when she reached the table Dylan was just starting to sit back down. "Don't bother, come on, we're leaving." Monica said and grabbed her purse.
Chandler came rushing to the table, "Monica, wait." Chandler grabbed her arm.
Dylan frowned, and stood up, "What's going on?"
Monica glared back at Chandler, "Nothing."
Rachel looked to Chandler, "Is everyone okay?"
Chandler ignored Rachel and Dylan, "Monica, listen to me."
Dylan pulled Chandler's hand off Monica's arm and pushed him away, "Come on, Monica."
Rachel started to question Chandler, as he watched them hopelessly walked away.
May 2002
Chandler was in the kitchen reading a book and calmly drinking wine when he heard a knock on the door. He sighed and stood up, frustrated by being disturbed during his book reading.
Rachel grinned at him when he opened the door, "Hi, Chandler."
"What's with the cheesy grin?" he asked.
She followed him into the living room, "Nothing, just thought you might like some company."
"Okay," Chandler said confused. Then he realised, "Oh, I know why you're here."
"You do?" She asked innocently.
"Today would have been my one year wedding anniversary, had I gotten married to Monica," Chandler told her.
"Okay, fine, you got me, but I'm being nice," Rachel stated. "When was the last time you talked to her?"
"Um, the day after that dinner last month," Chandler miserably said.
Rachel quickly changed the subject, "So, I think I'll hang around here tonight."
Chandler smiled, "Thank you. Didn't you have a date anyway?"
"Yeah, but that fell through," Rachel said, turning on the TV. "Where's what's her face?"
"Danielle?" Chandler said puzzled, "Don't you guys think she's a bitch?"
"Yeah, we do," Rachel smiled, "But remember I'm nice."
"Right," Chandler laughed, "Yeah, I broke up with her."
Rachel quickly asked, "Why?"
"Because my best friends thinks she's a bitch," Chandler said.
"She really was," Rachel said. She looked at her watch, "I'm hungry, you?"
"Yeah, I guess, want me to go get some pizza?" Chandler said, starting to stand up.
Rachel jumped up, "No, I'll go get it."
"Wow, Rach, I'm impressed, you're being awfully nice," Chandler said and leaned back.
"Yeah, well that and the new server guy is so hot," Rachel giggled. Chandler shook his head in disgust and she ran out of the apartment.
She had been gone ten minutes, when there was another knock at the door, Chandler yelled, "Come in, Rach. I'm not getting up."
The door opened and Chandler looked up, Monica stood, with tear streaks down her face, one hand on her pregnant stomach.
Chandler was speechless, he moved towards her. Monica spoke, between tears, "You were right."
"What?" Chandler was confused.
"He was cheating on me," Monica cried. She walked up to Chandler and buried her face in his chest; he wrapped his arms around her.
Remember this is just the set-up. This isn't even the story yet! Okay, so like feedback, please!
The title is from Stroke 9's song, "Not Nothin'"; also, all the chapter titles will consist of lines from this song
Lyrics:
Hello I'm sitting here
thinking and writing
writing and talking
without you
situated in the corner of the corner
so far from nothing
suspecting not accepting
that it's true
it really hits me when I'm
walking into the market
I hear things I used to say
is it wrong to be here anyway
fade away
what was I thinking when I thought I could make you stay
what was I thinking when I thought I was right
not nothin'
I'm on to something here
It's all becoming clear
clearly confusing
less than amusing
castrated like a corpse to a coroner
so close to nothing
forgetful not regretful
of what I am
it really hits me when I'm
hanging with other monkeys
thinking of shit to say
is it wrong to be here anyway
fade away
what was I thinking when I thought I could make you stay
what was I thinking when I thought I was right
not nothin'
I'm on to something
It's something I'm on to
but it's really nothing