Part 10
[I am so tired right now that I have no idea why I am even about to start this. I guess maybe because I want to stay up long enough to watch Saturday Night Live to see the Friends commercial everyone is raving about. I do this just to see a COMMERCIAL? I am so odd.]
It was Memorial Day. Rachel's annual BBQ would be that afternoon at Chandler and Monica's house. Monica had been advised by Sam to stay upstairs most of the morning, because Rachel would be in and out of the house, bringing things for her party, and setting up. Monica agreed, and every once in a while she heard the front door open, and the sliding door to the back open, and she knew it was Rachel. Rachel, her best friend, whom she hadn't seen for YEARS, was downstairs in the kitchen opening bags of chips, and putting ice into a cooler. She was right downstairs, and she had no idea that her friend was just a floor away. Monica often wondered how she would make the entrance. Just walk in? Or be introduced? She had no idea what was going to happen. But she knew that Rachel, Ross, and Joey would be floored.
It was about ten when Chandler came upstairs to talk to her. At first he just talked about casual things, but the subject quickly changed to Monica's grand entrance that was going to happen.
So... how are we gonna do this? Chandler asked what Monica had been wondering.
Beats me, she said. I thought you knew.
Yeah, and I thought you had it all planned out.
Maybe, maybe I shouldn't even bother.
Well, I mean, the three of them, they've moved on! They have a life! Why should I complicate it?? You have a life! Why should I have come back and complicated it, huh? You were all fine here in New York, over me, and then I come back and ruin it!
Did you not see mine and Phoebe's reactions? They were pretty happy responses.
Yeah, but Chandler, you're out here doing fine without me! So why do you even need me?
What are you talking about?
Look at the car, for example! You know, in the back there's the handball, and the little pink umbrella, and Sam and Audrey's extra jackets! And then on the floor of the back seat are the little hair clips and hair bands and the crayons and the fingerboard! And Audrey's purple sweater she forgot to bring out, and Sam's homework he was doing in the car after school! Chandler, it's a little LIFE you three have going on here, without me. You don't NEED me, and here I am trying to fight my way back in!!
Whoa, whoa, Monica, that is so untrue. Do you think I want Sam's homework just left behind in the car? Do you think we meant to leave Audrey's jacket on the seat? Do you not see that they step on the crayons and the floor mat turns green? Do you know how Audrey wanders around, complaining, in the morning, looking for her hair bands? If you were part of this little life, you know that car would be spick and span clean! Everything would be organized, no more late homework or lost jackets! Monica, you and I were here before Sam and Audrey were born! You were the one who gave birth to them! You helped raise them! You're the final part of the family, the part that's been missing for four years, and even though we may seem like it's all under control, there's plenty of parts for you that we don't have under control. We definitely need you, Mon! Think of how Audrey is gonna need you when she's a teenager? How Sam has missed you, and never forget that I love you as much as the day you left for Rome, and that definitely means I need you.
Monica looked at him with tears in her eyes. Do you really mean that, or are you just saying that?
I think you know the answer to that.
So then you really still love me as much as the day I left for Rome?
You know, ever since you've been back, we've been playing this little game. This game where we pretend we aren't a couple anymore, and that we don't know what's going on with us. But you know as well as I do, that I love you, and that we want to pick up where we left off. Right?
Well..... yeah....
So why are we going through all this stupid what's going on with us?' stuff? Right here, right now. Monica, will you marry me again?
she whispered, surprised.
Will you marry me again. You know, like renew our vows.
Are you seriously saying these words?
Yeah. I am. Why?
Because, it's kinda obvious what my answer would be.
Does that mean yes?
Okay, for the record, can you just say yes?
Monica smiled at him. Yes. Of course I'll marry you again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Looking out on the morning rain,
I used to feel so uninspired,
and when I knew I had to face another day,
God it made me feel so tired.
The radio played as Ross fiddled with the dial. Rachel gave him a slap on the arm. Enough with the radio. Help me with the food! she scolded. He nodded and followed her into the kitchen. Joey, keep an eye on Alyce for me? Ross asked as he went inside. Joey nodded, and Ross disappeared.
Chandler came out the door to the yard with Sam following behind him. Daddy, can I be the Water Watcher? Sam asked. When they had gotten the pool built, the company that made the pool gave them a thing to wear around your neck that says I'm the Water Watcher. I'm supposed to be watching the kids in the pool.
Okay, Sam, for right now, anyway. But when people are in the pool, we're gonna have to give the job to someone who's a little older, okay?
Sam said. He put the sign around his neck, and sat on the edge of the patio watching the pool. Too bad there was no one in the water. He looked ready to jump in, too. He had on his swim trunks, and sandals, and he even had a hat on, which made it look like he was a lifeguard.
Audrey said, sliding the patio door closed behind her. She was wearing a blue dress and pink sandals, and couldn't walk as well as she wanted to over towards Chandler. She said, yelling. she stopped, realizing she wasn't supposed to say mommy.' Lly wants you! Molly wants you!
Who's Molly? Annabel asked.
Molly's my.... goldfish! Duh! Audrey told her, and she wants Daddy to... feed her!
Oh okay, well, I better go feed her then, Chandler said to Joey and Annabel, and went inside the house with Audrey.
You don't have a goldfish named Molly, do you? Chandler asked her. What does Mommy want?
How did you know I was gonna say Mommy? Audrey wanted to know.
I'm your father. I know everything. What does she want?
She wants to know when she can come out!
Tell her an hour. And a half! An hour and a half.
Audrey said, and ran towards the stairs.
Oh my God! Monica's upstairs??? Phoebe feigned surprise and put her arm across her forehead.
Chandler groaned.
Sorry. You should be more careful, though. I could've been Rach.
Well, true, but in an hour and a half it's all gonna be out in the open, so who cares. Besides, it's not like we really HAVE to hide it. If they find out, so be it.
Then why have you kept it a secret for the past week?
I don't know. We like to keep things secrets, Chandler said sarcastically, and he headed for the door.
Yeah. I got that from when you two were together five months before I found out! Phoebe shot back.
Look, Pheebs, don't ask me. It was Monica's idea to just wait and tell them now. Besides, it's better this way. I mean, if Joey, Annabel, Rachel and Ross all also knew she was back, they'd be wanting to know where our relationship was going and meddling and all that stuff. And until this morning, even we didn't know.
So you know now? Where is it! Where is it?!
Chandler gave her a look. Calm down, Pheebs.
Sorry, but where is it?
Well I guess we're engaged so to say.
Well, aren't you married already?
Well, yeah, but you know, we need to renew our vows. So we're engaged I guess you'd say.
Really? You two are gonna be fine again?
I hope so.
You know you will be. You're Chandler and Monica! I mean, we used to say that about Ross and Rachel They'll be fine! Their Ross and Rachel.' And look at them now! Even with all that junk they went through! Married with a daughter. You'll be fine.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rachel's party was going well. A lot of people had come, and so far everyone seemed to be having a good time. In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry was playing.
In the summertime, when the weather is hot,
you can shoosh right up and touch the sky.
When the weather is hot, you got women, you got women on your mind......
Audrey was teaching Rachel a dance which she called Amazing Dance. She was making it up as she went, and Sam was eating some of the food that Rachel had set out, when Chandler decided that it was time to let Monica come downstairs. As soon as the song ended, and Audrey was done teaching Rachel her dance, he told them that it was time.
Okay, you guys. I'm just gonna go check on her, then Audrey and Sam, you can do the little introduction you wanted to do. Okay? They both nodded. Okay, just wait here. I'll be right back.
He went upstairs to the bedroom. Monica was changing the channel's on the TV. he greeted her.
she said.
Having fun up here? he joked.
Oh yeah. You know, Jerry Springer, the News, The Dating Game, one of those Lifetime movies. Just about seen it all.
Look, I'm sorry you've been up here for so long, but you can come down now.....
Now? You're ready to do it now?
Yeah. Why not? You nervous?
Very. Might as well get it over with, though.
Okay. Come on, he turned the TV off and took her hand. It's gonna be okay. It's gonna be fun, actually. They have NO idea. Just wait in the kitchen until I open the door. Got it?
Kitchen until you open the door. Got it.
Okay, Babe. It's all gonna be over in five minutes, tops, he kissed her on the forehead. Since you've already agreed to marry me again, then I'm pretty sure it's okay to say that I love you.
She smiled. I love you, too, she said, then squeezed his hand out of nervousness. You know I wasn't even supposed to go to Rome? I had to replace a chef who got sick. If only she hadn't gotten sick, we wouldn't have all this weird is it okay to say I love you' stuff, and we'd have another child, and I wouldn't be nervous now, and.....
Mon, shhhh, he put his finger on her lips. It's over. It's okay. You're back. Not everyone on that plane lived, did they? You did. And you're back and I love you just as much as before. It's over, Monica. The worst is over and you survived it. Just this last bit. And its gonna be fun to see the looks on their faces. Phoebe has the video camera.
She laughed. You're kidding!
I'm dead serious, he told her. Okay, ready?
Yeah. If I have to be.
It'll be fine, he gave her a quick kiss and went to go get Sam and Audrey.
EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE!!!!!! Audrey yelled at the top of her lungs, ME AND SAM HAVE TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT!
The whole crowd went silent. Perfectly enough, Ross, Rachel, Joey and Annabel were at the front of the crowd. And Phoebe, with the video camera.
Sam said. We have a very special announcement to make. It may not make any difference to some and most of you, but some of you are gonna be shocked!
VERY shocked, Audrey said, taking over. I know we were. Sam, Daddy, Aunt Phoebe, and I want you all to meet someone. Everyone..... Audrey trailed off and waited for Sam to join her. Our Mother! they said in unison.
Rachel frowned, Ross looked to Joey who shrugged, and Annabel looked curious.
Rachel was about to ask them what they meant when Chandler opened the sliding glass door, and Monica slowly, and nervously came out.
The only sound was the radio, which had been dimmed when Sam started the announcement. But it was still clear that One Fine Day was playing.
Phoebe got all the reactions on camera. Ross' eyes just about popped out, Annabel gasped, and Joey looked confused, then pointed at her and gasped, not being able to form words. Rachel was taking it in for a second, then started to cry.
Rachel said. Monica, I thought you.... I thought you.... died, she whispered.
Monica couldn't help but smile and give a little laugh. I know you did. But I didn't. Just stranded on a deserted island.
Oh my God, Monica! Ross said. You're al... alive!
I can't believe it, is that really her? Joey asked Chandler, who nodded. Oh my God! How long has she been back?! Why does Phoebe know?!
Because I'm special, Phoebe told him, and Chandler and Monica rolled their eyes at the same time.
Oh my God! Annabel said. They're exactly the same as they were before. You know, doing the same motions at the same exact time!
Rachel was crying, Ross was looking like he was about to, Annabel had her hands over her mouth, and Joey looked about ready to faint. Monica stood there, looking uncomfortable, and Phoebe kept taping the whole thing.
Well, isn't anyone going to hug her? Chandler asked, trying to break the silence and the uncomfortableness.
Oh, I am! Rachel said through her tears. She went up to Monica, along with the others, and hugged her.
I can't believe you're alive! Ross said. How long have you been here?
A week, Monica said.
Jeez, you've been in this house for a week and none of us noticed it? Joey commented what everyone else was thinking.
Yeah. I guess I'm just good at sneaking around, she said.
Yeah, she got all the practice she needed from having her secret affair with Chandler, Phoebe said. I mean, having sex with one of your friends without roommates knowing is a hell of a lot harder than staying upstairs in bedroom when you guys are over.
Monica, I can't believe it! Joey said. I mean, I'm so glad you aren't dead!
Thanks, Joey, she said, and smiled at him.
Rachel was still crying. If I'm crying this much, how did you react? she half asked, half joked to Chandler.
Yeah, you know, it was pretty freaky when she knocked on the door that day.
Wow, this is a miracle! Annabel said. I mean, you think someone is dead and they aren't? How lucky can you get, huh?
So, Monica, make a speech! Rachel said. I mean, I officially dedicate this party to the return of Monica! So, make a speech!
Oh, no, it's okay.
Oh, come on, Monica. It's not every day that someone comes back from a deserted island!
Yeah, Mon, come on, I'll get it on tape! Phoebe said.
Okay, all right, fine. Well, uh, it's nice to be back. Obviously. Spending four years on an island isn't the best. It was pretty cold in the winter, pretty hot in the summer. I'm just really glad that I survived the plane crash. There was only about seven survivors, and one of them died on the island. Anyway, I was starting to think that I'd never get home. When the helicopter came to pick us up it was pretty exciting. I really don't know what to say. I missed all of you so much. I mean, what is life without Ross, Joey, Rachel, Phoebe, Annabel, Audrey, Sam, and of course, Chandler? I'm just glad that Chandler didn't remarry and that Sam and Audrey like me, even though they barely remember me. And that the rest of you are glad that I'm back. So, I guess that's it. It's just nice to be in civilization again, at that, everyone laughed.
Well, Mon, I just would like to say.... welcome back, Rachel hugged her, then pushed her backwards into the pool.
Did you get that, Pheebs? It's a classic, Joey said.
I sure did! Phoebe yelled. The camera's still rolling!
That was a good one, Rach, Ross said. But you know, family should be treated equal, he said, giving Chandler a push into the pool.
Oh, you think so, do you? Joey asked. Then I guess we have to do this, he said, and he pushed Ross into the pool.
Ross yelled.
Sorry, buddy, but you're family, Joey laughed.
Rachel was laughing. Go, Joey!!
Yeah, you like that one? Annabel asked. Well in that case, you'll like this one, too, Annabel said, pushing Rachel into the pool. You're part of that family now, too, remember?!
You are so gonna get it, Annabel! Rachel said from the water.
Hey, Audrey's family, too! Sam said, pushing her in as she giggled.
Well, Sam, sorry, buddy, but if Audrey's family, what does that make you? Joey asked.
Not family!! he laughed as he ran away from Joey. He caught up to him, scooped him up and playfully pushed him in the pool. He came up laughing.
Rachel climbed out of the pool. Okay, Annabel, you get me wet, you're going in! Family or not family! Rachel gave her a shove, and she fell into the pool.
Joey laughed. Look at all of you all wet!
Well, Joey, you and Annabel are family, so, Phoebe said, holding the camera with one hand, and pushing him in with the other.
Oh, Pheebs, if you didn't have the camera, you'd be dead.
Well, I DO have the camera. I'm also watching Houston, Ashley, Jake and Alyce! No getting me wet!
Jake laughed I'll get wet! he said, pouring a bucket of water over his head. Then he jumped into the shallow end of the pool, with Phoebe, Ashley and Alyce laughing. Houston just watched curiously from his stroller. Things seemed pretty normal again.
*~*~*
That night, Rachel sat on the patio holding Alyce. Ross was playing with Ashley, and Jake and Sam were goofing around in the yard, while Audrey was following Phoebe around, who was getting Houston a bottle. Chandler was washing the dishes in the kitchen, talking to Monica who seemed to be nervous being left with just the others.
You're pretty good at the cleaning thing, she noticed. I mean, before I would've thought if I died you'd clean, sure, but not as well as you do.
Thanks, I guess, he smiled at her.
So, can I talk you into sleeping in the same bed as me tonight?
Maybe you could, he said. Try it.
She hit him. C'mon, Chandler. You can't sleep on the couch forever. Besides, we are still married, aren't we? And we're gonna renew our vows, right? I think it's okay to sleep in the same bed as me.
Okay, all right, fine. I mean, the couch isn't too great. And you're right, we are still married. So fine then. I'll sleep in the same bed as you.
She laughed. she said, and leaned in and kissed him. Now let's try the kissing thing.
You aren't gonna have to twist my arm to get me to do that, he said, and he kissed her again.
Oooooh, what's going on in here? Rachel joked as she came in. Looks like there's no relationship problems here.
Yeah, well, that's good, right? Chandler said.
Sure is, Rachel said winking. I'd hate to come in here and not find you two kissing. Although it is kinda weird. I haven't seen Chandler kiss anyone in four years. Let alone seeing him in here with Monica. It feels like some kind of dream.
Let's hope it's not. For my sake, Monica told Rachel.
Seriously, huh? Rachel smiled. I'm so glad you're home! She hugged her friend once more. So I have a kid now! Rachel said. You have a niece!
Yeah, I know. And she's adorable, Monica said. What made you pick Alyce? she asked I love the spelling.
Thanks. Just came to us, actually. Ross wanted to name her Sophie, Rachel said, biting into a carrot. So that's her middle name. Sophie. I really don't know how well it flows, but hey, it's a name.
Alyce Sophie Geller, Monica tried it out. It's nice.
Rachel said again. And now she has an aunt! I'm so excited!
Where's Audrey? Sam asked, coming in with Jake.
I think she's with Phoebe and Houston.
Where are they? Sam asked.
Upstairs somewhere, Chandler said. Sam and Jake headed towards the stairs. And NO scaring her with spiders again! Chandler warned them.
Who, us? Jake asked innocently.
Yeah you, Chandler joked with him.
Don't worry, Dad. She's too smart for that trick now anyways, Sam told him as he went up the stairs, Jake following behind him.
Rachel laughed. Those kids. Sam sure likes to scare Audrey, doesn't he?
Yeah. You know why? Because she insists that nothing scares her. Except those stupid spiders. After they played that trick on her last time, it took ten minutes to get her to stop crying. Seriously.
Rachel shook her head and laughed. See, Mon? Whatever you missed you're still gonna get a taste of now.
Monica smiled. Yeah, well, I'm not a big fan of the spiders myself so it's a good thing I missed that.
Weren't there like, millions of spiders on that island? Rachel asked.
Millions, no. Dozens, maybe. There were more ants and weird I-don't-know-what-they're-named bugs than anything else.
It beats me how you did it, Monica. One week on that island and I'd be a goner. Four years. Wow, Rachel said. Phoebe entered the room holding Houston, Audrey following behind her with a blanket.
Sweetie, you're not bothering Aunt Phoebe, are you? Chandler asked.
Oh, no, Chandler, she's fine. My little helper. This would be one kid who wouldn't hate having a younger sibling.
At that comment, Chandler looked over to Monica to see how she reacted. She didn't really give anything away, but she did look a little sad.
What's going on here? Rachel asked pointing at Chandler and Monica.
Chandler replied.
It looks like a secret, Ross said, as he and Joey came in from the patio. Ross was holding Alyce, who was asleep, and Joey was holding Ashley.
There's no secret, Chandler said.
Yes there is! Joey said. I know when you're hiding something! How do you think I found out about you and Monica when you two were sneaking around?
You, for once, put two things together. That Monica was missing her eyelash curler and that I had left one in the hotel room.
Okay, fine. So what's the big secret now?
It's not that big of a deal, Monica said. Okay, fine, look. When I went to Rome? I was pregnant. I didn't know it until I was there, but once I found out, I decided to wait until I got home to tell Chandler about it. But, you know, I never made it home, until now. I didn't have a miscarriage when the plane crashed, but I did loose the baby later. That's all.
Oh, wow, Monica, I'm sorry, I never should have made that comment. Phoebe said. I'm so sorry.
It's okay, Phoebe, you didn't know, she said.
Imagine if she had ahd the baby? Ross said. Just come knock on the door with a three year old in her arms. THAT would've killed Chandler. [AN: That was actually what was originally going to happen in this series. Only I decided it wouldn't be very safe or healthy to have a baby on a deserted island, and how would they clothe it? I didn't want her/him to be now three and like some Tarzan kid, not used to wearing regular clothes and such. Besides, I don't think it could've survived the cold.]
I know, Monica said That would've been interesting.
I'm so sorry, Monica, Joey said. I mean, that sucks.
I know, Monica nodded. But you want some happy news?
Rachel asked.
She looked at Chandler who nodded. Chandler and I are getting married again!
Everyone was happy and talking at once.
Oh I knew that! Phoebe said.
Yeah, well, you seem to know everything already, don't you? Rachel joked to Phoebe.
Not everything. I didn't know about the baby.
Okay, so a lot, then, Rachel said with a smile.
So when's the so called wedding? Ross asked.
Aren't you jumping ahead of yourself, Ross? Joey asked
Yeah. And besides, it's just a little renew our vows thing. Nothing big or fancy, Monica told them. She was really happy, things were looking up. Everyone now knew about the baby, and she and Chandler were just as good as they were before she left.
*~*~*~*~
Monica and Chandler had gotten ready for bed. Monica could tell Chandler was still worrying about them sleeping in the same bed.
Would you quit worrying? she told him
I'm not worrying, he told her. Just thinking about how long it's been since we shared a bed.
It's been way too long if you ask me.
Really? That's funny because that would've been my answer, too. She smiled and got into bed. Chandler paused for a moment before climbing into bed next to her. He pulled the covers up, and turned to face Monica.
So, the record is broken. Back in the same bed, he told her with a smile.
So it is, Monica agreed, and smiled back.
You know, after you died,' I didn't sleep in our bed for months. I slept in the guest bedroom. And even when I went back to sleeping in the bed, I never slept on your side. It may as well have been a twin bed the way I was sleeping in it.
Didn't you ever roll over onto this side when you were asleep?
Nope. Must have been some subconscious thing. My brain knew that I didn't want to be on that side of the bed. Or I was so used to you taking up that space that I didn't even realize that I could have it back.
That's so sweet. You know that I was so worried that I'd come back here and find you married. And when Houston started crying the day I came back, that was pretty awful, thinking he was yours.
I'll bet, he said with a sympathetic smile.
Yet here you were, not even sleeping on my side of the bed, let alone having another women sleep there.
Audrey and Sam would be legal adults before I would've been able to marry someone else. I never stopped loving you the entire time you were gone. Not for a second. When I went out with Laura and Fran, it was like I was cheating on you. Even though all we did was go to dinner, and didn't appear to be anything more than friends. It was so terrible.
Monica shook her head. I should've known.
I love you so much, you know that? he told her. I mean, I may have given the impression that I didn't at first, but I was trying to act calm. I was trying to save myself from the possibility that maybe you weren't still in love with me. But I do, Monica. I love you so much.
I know. I have eyes. And they can see into yours. And I could always see how much you loved me in your eyes. It's still there, I saw it the day I walked in the door. You know I love you, too. I never want to be apart from you, ever again. Especially for four years not knowing if you're going to ever get home.
Well don't worry. You are NEVER getting on another plane EVER again. I'll make sure of that myself. You can count on it, he said. He leaned in and kissed her. It started as just a kiss, but soon it was another kiss, then another kiss. The kisses kept coming, and pretty soon they were longer and passionate. Monica rolled over so that she was on top of him, and kept kissing him. They both knew what was about to happen if they didn't stop right then.
You know, if we don't stop right now we're gonna...... Chandler started. Monica cut him off with another kiss.
I know, she said and continued kissing him. After another minute, he broke the kiss.
Are you trying to say that you want to do this?
Do you want to do this? she asked him back.
I asked you first. I mean, are you sure that you're okay?
She shook her head and laughed. Then she smiled at him. She knew right then that she wanted to do this. Chandler, I'm fine. Are you okay with this?
As long as you are.
I'm more than okay, she said, leaning in to start the chain of kisses again. But before she could reach his lips, he rolled her over and kissed her again.
[The End! Next time, epilogue! The last part of I'll Be Missing You coming soon (hopefully BEFORE Thanksgiving!)]
