uuuuh, here is the next part. SPECIAL Thanks to Talon for helping me out with this one. And for suggesting that I use "Faithfully" By Journey. I hope I used it well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Faithfully - The One Where They Make It, Part Nine
~New Orleans, Louisiana~
Ross was sitting on a small hill, overlooking the hotel. He gazed up, at the stars, and
pondered his reality. He often wondered what his life would have been like, had he taken
a different road. Where would he be now, if he'd finished college, and continued studying Paleontology? What if he had never met Chandler? He'd probably be married, with a bunch of kids, living in the suburbs.
"Are you counting them, or wishing on them?" Rachel asked about the stars Ross was gazing at,
as she approached.
"I'm...wondering on them," Ross said, as Rachel sat down next to him.
"What are you wondering?"
"How my life would be now, had I not become a musician," Ross replied.
"Hmm," Rachel looked up into the sky.
"Do you believe in fate?" Ross asked suddenly.
"I suppose," Rachel replied.
"I wonder...my meeting Chandler, us quitting school...doing that gig where we were discovered..." Ross trailed off.
"Fate sometimes plays funny hands," Rachel said quietly.
"Yeah." Ross replied.
"I sometimes think that we make decisions, and we are under the illusion that we are in
totaly control of our lives. But in reality, fate makes us do things that, at the time, don't make any sense at all."
"Are you saying that you have regrets?" Ross now knew that Rachel was talking about her decision
to put her career before her relationship with Kevin.
"I always have regrets...but lately I have been thinking..."
"What?"
"I was regretting my decision to stay...but then I thought about how strange it would
have been to be back in New York, when you guys were out on the road. Especially when
Chandler was so sick...I just think that I would have had trouble dealing with that, and
that ulimately, I would have lost Kevin anyway. Then I realized that maybe Kevin wasn't
the person I was meant to be with after all."
Ross wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't quite sure what Rachel meant, but he really hoped that
she meant that she was fated to be with him. He looked at her, trying to figure out what
was going on in her mind. She felt his eyes on her, and turned to look at him.
"Like I said," she whispered, "Fate deals funny hands sometimes."
Rachel leaned in and kissed Ross, mostly because she knew he wouldn't make that First Move.
She felt him hesitate slightly, then give in to his feelings. Their kiss deepened, and the world around them disappeared.
****
"Oh...my...Joey, are you serious?"
"Are you kidding? Of course I am serious!"
Pheobe was in shock. This was the last thing she was expecting. She looked at Joey, and
at the ring that he still had extended. She couldn't have chosen a more perfect ring.
He knew her so well.
The seconds flew by, and the wait was agonizing. What was she thinking? Joey began to
panic. Maybe it was too soon. Maybe she didn't love him. The floor was really hard.
His knee was starting to hurt.
"I'd love to marry you," Pheobe said, her voice sounding small-almost child-like.
"Really?" Joey was brought back to reality by her words.
"Of course!" Pheobe said loudly, tears flowing down her face.
Joey slid the ring on her finger, and pulled himself up. He hugged and kissed Pheobe
ferociously, fearing that if he let her go, she'd change her mind. But she just kissed him back, revelling in the fact that she was going to be Mrs. Joey Tribianni.
****
~New York City-Two Months later~
Monica paced nervously in her living room, glancing at the clock. One more minute. She sighed heavily. Her mind was in a whirl, and she was so nervous, she felt like throwing up. The phone rang, and Monica nearly hit the ceiling. Her heart was racing, and she had to take a few steady breaths before she could answer the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey gorgeous," Chandler's voice put Monica even more on edge.
"Hi," Monica replied softly, trying to hide the shakiness in her voice.
Chandler picked up on it anyway. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Monica said, as the oven timer went off, causing her to jump again.
"Are you cooking something?" Chandler asked.
"Uh, yeah, I am...can I uh, call you back?" Monica lied.
"Sure," Chandler hung up the phone, shaking his head. He had no idea Monica knew how to cook.
Monica flipped off the oven timer and sprinted into the bathroom. She picked up the little white stick and inspected it closely. Her heart lurched, and she set the stick back down onto the sink.
It was now official.
She was pregnant.
****
Pheobe walked out of the NYU administration building, and was once again met with a barrage of photographers and journalists. She sighed heavily, and trudged past them as quickly as she could. Ever since her engagement to Joey went public, she hadn't had a moments peace. Planning the wedding was a logistical nightmare. Security for the event alone was costing a fortune. Joey kept insisting that money was no object, but Pheobe had her heart set on a small, intimate ceremony. She walked toward the subway, hoping that she wouldn't have to spend the rest of her life running from paparazzi. After all, she wasn't the famous one, Joey was. She didn't understand why the media found *her* so facinating. She sighed, trying yet again to take in all that would come with marrying a rock star.
****
Ross lay in bed, watching Rachel sleep in his arms. The last two months had been...magical. He had never been so happy. Rachel stirred, and Ross kissed her on the forehead.
"Morning," Rachel mumbled, as she stretched slowly.
"Morning," Ross said, kissing her again.
Rachel smiled. Everything about this felt right to her. She was so happy. Best of all, she didn't have to choose between love and career. She had everything she'd ever wanted, and could ever need.
"You want breakfast?" Ross asked, pulling Rachel from her thoughts.
"Mmmmm, okay," Rachel said. She turned and looked at the clock. It read 10:30. Rachel smiled. She loved being able to sleep in. The phone rang as Ross was leaving the room, and Rachel sat up and answered, annoyed that someone was ruining her perfect morning.
"Hello?"
"Rachel, it's Monica."
"Oh, hey Mon," Rachel said, hoping that Monica wasn't expecting her to work today.
"I need to talk to you. It's really important."
"What's up?"
"I...I can't tell you over the phone."
"Why not?" Rachel said, feeling slightly annoyed.
"I just...can't. Please, Rach, I really need a friend."
The pleading in Monica's voice caught Rachel off guard. Up to that point, she'd thought that Monica wanted to talk about work. This was obviously a personal issue, and Rachel was more that happy to help her best friend.
"I'll be right there," Rachel replied, and hung up the phone. Ross, and breakfast, would have to wait.
**
"Hi," was all Monica could say when she opened the door. She looked nervous, and a tad upset.
"Mon, what's wrong? What happened?" Rachel walked in and placed her arm on Monica's shoulder.
"I...I'm pregnant," Monica said quietly, as the two women took a seat on the sofa.
"Wh-what?"
"Pregnant. I'm pregnant."
"Wh-um, how? I mean, Who's the father?"
Monica looked at Rachel quizzically, then suddenly realized that no one knew about her and Chandler.
"Um, Rach, you can't say anything to anyone, especially Ross."
"I swear, I won't say a word. Who is it?"
Monica swallowed hard, knowing that she'd have to tell everyone eventually anyway.
"Maybe, uh, I should tell him about this first," Monica said slowly.
"No no no no, you can't do that to me! Ya gotta tell me!"
Before Monica could reply, her front door opened, and Chandler walked in.
"Hey," he said.
"Ch-Chandler, what are you doing here?" Monica asked.
"You never called me back," he said, smiling.
"Oh. Right. Well, have a seat, I was just about to tell Rachel something, but I think that I need to talk to you..."
Rachel gasped. Chandler? Chandler was the father? She looked back and forth at the two.
"What the hell is going on?" Chandler asked.
"Um," Monica glanced nervously at Rachel, who nodded encouragingly, "I'm, uh, I'm pregnant." Monica didn't want to tell him like this, and certainly not in front of Rachel. But she couldn't hide it from him either.
Chandler sat down, then stood up suddenly, then sat back down again.
"What?"
"I'm pregnant."
"And YOU are the father!" Rachel declared, though it was clear that Chandler had already figured that part out.
"Oh. Wow. Um, I don't know what to...didn't we use protection?"
"Well, there was that one time on the bus..." Monica reminded him.
"Whoa! How long have you two been, um, together?" Rachel interrupted.
"Longer than you and Ross," Monica said, shooting Rachel a look that told her to be quiet.
Chandler stared at Monica for a minute, then stood up again.
"Um, I am gonna go get some air," he said, and walked out the door as quickly as he could.
"You and Chandler?" Rachel asked, as soon as the door closed.
"He is gonna freak out, isn't he?" Monica said sadly.
Rachel looked at Monica, and realized the gravity of the situation.
"Sweetie, it'll be fine."
"My child is gonna grow up as one of those illigitimate children of a famous rock star," Monica cried.
"Chandler would not do that," Rachel assured her.
"Did you see the way he freaked out?"
"Well, he JUST found out. Give him time, he'll come around."
Monica sighed. She hoped Rachel was right.
****
~New York City, One week later~
*NBC Studios, Rockefeller Centre*
Monica walked around the set of Late Night with Conan O'Brien with two security guards, and an FBI agent.
"I just want to be certain that everything will go smoothly as possible," Monica said.
"It will be fine Miss Geller," the security guard replied, ans he and the other two men walked backstage. Monica sank down into a seat in the audience. The studio was bustling, as the producers prepared for the show. But Monica barely noticed. Things between Monica and Chandler had been awkward and strange since The Announcement. Rachel had kept her word, and so far, no one else knew. Chandler was trying to accept the news, but was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he would soon be a father. At least that was the impression that Monica was getting. She sighed, deciding that it was best not to dwell on it.
2 hours later
"This next band is pretty much the most popular band around," Talk show host Conan O'Brien was talking into the camera, as the audience squealed in anticipation. "Their new album is called 'Perrennial', and it's in stores now. Please welcome PMQ!"
The band took to the stage, and Chandler sat down on a stool set out in the centre. He picked up his acoustic guitar, and pulled the strap around him. Monica looked at Rachel quizzically. Chandler didn't have his acoustic during sound check. Had they changed something? She thought they were doing the new single, in which case Chandler would need his electric Gibson. Monica sighed. If they were planning on doing something else, Chandler should have told her. Chandler looked around the room, and once he found Monica, he smiled. He started playing, and Ross and Joey joined in soon afterward. The tune was an old one, and not one of theirs. But they often did covers, and Chandler thought that the song was appropriate for the occasion:
Highway run
Into the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round
You're on my mind
Restless hearts sleep alone tonight
Sendin' all my love along the wire
They say that the road ain't no place to start a family
Right down the line it's been you and me
And lovin' a music man ain't always what it's supposed to be
Oh girl you stand by me
I'm forever yours--Faithfully
Chandler never took his eyes off of Monica, and Monica realized that this was Chandler's way of telling her that it would all be okay.
Circus life
Under the big top world
We all need the clowns to make us smile
Through space and time
Always another show
Wondering where I am lost without you
And being apart ain't easy on this love affair
Two strangers learn to fall in love again
I get the joy of rediscovering you
Oh girl, you stand by me
I'm forever yours--Faithfully
Oh, oh, oh, oh--
Faithfully, I'm still yours
I'm forever yours
Ever yours--Faithfully
The song ended, and the crowd erupted. Monica felt tears coming to her eyes.
This was the beginning of something great.
****
~New York City--Joey & Pheobe's wedding day~
*The Plaza Hotel*
Joey paced nervously back and forth. He was sure he'd screw something up, he just wasn't sure when or where.
"Dude, calm down," Chandler laughed.
"It'll be fine," Ross assured Joey.
"Okay, okay. I just want to get it done, ya know?"
Joey, Chandler and Ross stood at the front of the room, as the final guests took their seats. Pheobe had gotten her wish-the guest list was kept very small. Monica also thought it was wise for security reasons, as the FBI was still trying to figure out who messed with the lights in San Francisco, and who poisoned Chandler in Sacramento. The string quartet began playing, and Rachel appeared, wearing a floor length, black silk dress that she had designed herself. Ross was sure he had never seen anyone so stunning in his life. He grinned broadly, as his mind drifted to a day in the future when Rachel would be walking toward him wearing white. Rachel made her way to the front of the room, and winked at Ross before taking her place. Monica appeared seconds later, and Chandler smiled. Monica had to make an effort not to look like she was staring at Chandler. The two of them had agreed not to say anything about their relationship, or the baby, until after the wedding. Monica didn't want to steal Pheobe's "thunder", and Chandler knew that once Ross found out, Chandler may not be around to enjoy things like weddings. He looked over at Ross, who seemed to be off in his own little world. Chandler shook his head, and winked at Monica as she passed.
The quartet changed tunes, and the guest stood. Joey felt his heart jump into his throat, when he saw Pheobe. She looked amazing. She wore a long white silk gown, beaded only at the waist, and on the sleeves, which sat off of her shoulders. Her long blond hair was pulled up, and a cascade of curls framed her face. Her hair was fashioned with small yellow and white flowers, set in a ring, and attached to a long, flowing veil. She walked up to a beaming Joey, and took his exended arm.
The ceremony was short, but beautiful. Joey and Pheobe exchanged vows and rings, and shared a passionate kiss. As the group moved into the reception hall, Chandler grabbed Monica's hand, and led her to an unoccupied table in the corner of the room.
"What are you doing?" Monica whispered, as she peered around to see if anyone had noticed.
"I wanted to talk to you," Chandler replied.
"Okay," Monica said, "Talk."
"Uh...how are you?"
"I'm fine."
"I, um, I was thinking that, you know, we have this baby coming, and, well, um..."
"Chandler, what are you trying to say?"
"Maybe we should get married," Chandler blurted out nervously.
Monica's eyes went wide. Married? Was he insane?
"Chandler, I..."
"Look, I know that wasn't the most romantic proposal, but I just thought..."
"Chandler," Monica interrupted, " I really don't think this is a good idea."
"What?"
"Why are you proposing to me?"
"Well, because um, you're gonna have my baby, and because, I love you."
"Sweetie, I love you too, but I don't think we are ready to get married."
"Why not?" The look Chandler gave Monica was almost child-like, and she couldn't help but to smile.
"Honey, no one except Rachel even knows we are dating. And when I asked you why you wanted to get married, the first reason you gave was my pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a reason to get married."
"It's not?"
"No."
"Oh. You really don't want to marry me?"
"Aw, Chandler, maybe we'll get married eventually. I just don't think that now is a good time."
"Okay," Chandler smiled, "I'll wait."
Monica laughed, and took Chandler's hand. They walked back toward the reception, which was now in full swing.
****
Ross and Rachel swayed to the music, seemingly oblivious to the world around them.
"It really doesn't get much better than this, ya know?" Ross whispered.
"You're right, it doesn't," Rachel replied.
"I can't believe that Joey and Phoebe are married...everything happened so fast."
"It did. But they are so in love," Rachel sighed dreamily, "And they are so meant to be!"
"So, you are saying that they are fated to be together forever?" Ross pulled away from Rachel and smiled.
"Well," Rachel said, smiling, "Fate plays funny hands sometimes."
"Indeed," Ross said, glancing at the bride and groom, "Indeed."
****
ooookay. Next Chapter soon. The gang will find out about Monica and Chandler, The Feds will catch the perpetrator, and much much more! Please review!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Faithfully - The One Where They Make It, Part Nine
~New Orleans, Louisiana~
Ross was sitting on a small hill, overlooking the hotel. He gazed up, at the stars, and
pondered his reality. He often wondered what his life would have been like, had he taken
a different road. Where would he be now, if he'd finished college, and continued studying Paleontology? What if he had never met Chandler? He'd probably be married, with a bunch of kids, living in the suburbs.
"Are you counting them, or wishing on them?" Rachel asked about the stars Ross was gazing at,
as she approached.
"I'm...wondering on them," Ross said, as Rachel sat down next to him.
"What are you wondering?"
"How my life would be now, had I not become a musician," Ross replied.
"Hmm," Rachel looked up into the sky.
"Do you believe in fate?" Ross asked suddenly.
"I suppose," Rachel replied.
"I wonder...my meeting Chandler, us quitting school...doing that gig where we were discovered..." Ross trailed off.
"Fate sometimes plays funny hands," Rachel said quietly.
"Yeah." Ross replied.
"I sometimes think that we make decisions, and we are under the illusion that we are in
totaly control of our lives. But in reality, fate makes us do things that, at the time, don't make any sense at all."
"Are you saying that you have regrets?" Ross now knew that Rachel was talking about her decision
to put her career before her relationship with Kevin.
"I always have regrets...but lately I have been thinking..."
"What?"
"I was regretting my decision to stay...but then I thought about how strange it would
have been to be back in New York, when you guys were out on the road. Especially when
Chandler was so sick...I just think that I would have had trouble dealing with that, and
that ulimately, I would have lost Kevin anyway. Then I realized that maybe Kevin wasn't
the person I was meant to be with after all."
Ross wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't quite sure what Rachel meant, but he really hoped that
she meant that she was fated to be with him. He looked at her, trying to figure out what
was going on in her mind. She felt his eyes on her, and turned to look at him.
"Like I said," she whispered, "Fate deals funny hands sometimes."
Rachel leaned in and kissed Ross, mostly because she knew he wouldn't make that First Move.
She felt him hesitate slightly, then give in to his feelings. Their kiss deepened, and the world around them disappeared.
****
"Oh...my...Joey, are you serious?"
"Are you kidding? Of course I am serious!"
Pheobe was in shock. This was the last thing she was expecting. She looked at Joey, and
at the ring that he still had extended. She couldn't have chosen a more perfect ring.
He knew her so well.
The seconds flew by, and the wait was agonizing. What was she thinking? Joey began to
panic. Maybe it was too soon. Maybe she didn't love him. The floor was really hard.
His knee was starting to hurt.
"I'd love to marry you," Pheobe said, her voice sounding small-almost child-like.
"Really?" Joey was brought back to reality by her words.
"Of course!" Pheobe said loudly, tears flowing down her face.
Joey slid the ring on her finger, and pulled himself up. He hugged and kissed Pheobe
ferociously, fearing that if he let her go, she'd change her mind. But she just kissed him back, revelling in the fact that she was going to be Mrs. Joey Tribianni.
****
~New York City-Two Months later~
Monica paced nervously in her living room, glancing at the clock. One more minute. She sighed heavily. Her mind was in a whirl, and she was so nervous, she felt like throwing up. The phone rang, and Monica nearly hit the ceiling. Her heart was racing, and she had to take a few steady breaths before she could answer the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey gorgeous," Chandler's voice put Monica even more on edge.
"Hi," Monica replied softly, trying to hide the shakiness in her voice.
Chandler picked up on it anyway. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Monica said, as the oven timer went off, causing her to jump again.
"Are you cooking something?" Chandler asked.
"Uh, yeah, I am...can I uh, call you back?" Monica lied.
"Sure," Chandler hung up the phone, shaking his head. He had no idea Monica knew how to cook.
Monica flipped off the oven timer and sprinted into the bathroom. She picked up the little white stick and inspected it closely. Her heart lurched, and she set the stick back down onto the sink.
It was now official.
She was pregnant.
****
Pheobe walked out of the NYU administration building, and was once again met with a barrage of photographers and journalists. She sighed heavily, and trudged past them as quickly as she could. Ever since her engagement to Joey went public, she hadn't had a moments peace. Planning the wedding was a logistical nightmare. Security for the event alone was costing a fortune. Joey kept insisting that money was no object, but Pheobe had her heart set on a small, intimate ceremony. She walked toward the subway, hoping that she wouldn't have to spend the rest of her life running from paparazzi. After all, she wasn't the famous one, Joey was. She didn't understand why the media found *her* so facinating. She sighed, trying yet again to take in all that would come with marrying a rock star.
****
Ross lay in bed, watching Rachel sleep in his arms. The last two months had been...magical. He had never been so happy. Rachel stirred, and Ross kissed her on the forehead.
"Morning," Rachel mumbled, as she stretched slowly.
"Morning," Ross said, kissing her again.
Rachel smiled. Everything about this felt right to her. She was so happy. Best of all, she didn't have to choose between love and career. She had everything she'd ever wanted, and could ever need.
"You want breakfast?" Ross asked, pulling Rachel from her thoughts.
"Mmmmm, okay," Rachel said. She turned and looked at the clock. It read 10:30. Rachel smiled. She loved being able to sleep in. The phone rang as Ross was leaving the room, and Rachel sat up and answered, annoyed that someone was ruining her perfect morning.
"Hello?"
"Rachel, it's Monica."
"Oh, hey Mon," Rachel said, hoping that Monica wasn't expecting her to work today.
"I need to talk to you. It's really important."
"What's up?"
"I...I can't tell you over the phone."
"Why not?" Rachel said, feeling slightly annoyed.
"I just...can't. Please, Rach, I really need a friend."
The pleading in Monica's voice caught Rachel off guard. Up to that point, she'd thought that Monica wanted to talk about work. This was obviously a personal issue, and Rachel was more that happy to help her best friend.
"I'll be right there," Rachel replied, and hung up the phone. Ross, and breakfast, would have to wait.
**
"Hi," was all Monica could say when she opened the door. She looked nervous, and a tad upset.
"Mon, what's wrong? What happened?" Rachel walked in and placed her arm on Monica's shoulder.
"I...I'm pregnant," Monica said quietly, as the two women took a seat on the sofa.
"Wh-what?"
"Pregnant. I'm pregnant."
"Wh-um, how? I mean, Who's the father?"
Monica looked at Rachel quizzically, then suddenly realized that no one knew about her and Chandler.
"Um, Rach, you can't say anything to anyone, especially Ross."
"I swear, I won't say a word. Who is it?"
Monica swallowed hard, knowing that she'd have to tell everyone eventually anyway.
"Maybe, uh, I should tell him about this first," Monica said slowly.
"No no no no, you can't do that to me! Ya gotta tell me!"
Before Monica could reply, her front door opened, and Chandler walked in.
"Hey," he said.
"Ch-Chandler, what are you doing here?" Monica asked.
"You never called me back," he said, smiling.
"Oh. Right. Well, have a seat, I was just about to tell Rachel something, but I think that I need to talk to you..."
Rachel gasped. Chandler? Chandler was the father? She looked back and forth at the two.
"What the hell is going on?" Chandler asked.
"Um," Monica glanced nervously at Rachel, who nodded encouragingly, "I'm, uh, I'm pregnant." Monica didn't want to tell him like this, and certainly not in front of Rachel. But she couldn't hide it from him either.
Chandler sat down, then stood up suddenly, then sat back down again.
"What?"
"I'm pregnant."
"And YOU are the father!" Rachel declared, though it was clear that Chandler had already figured that part out.
"Oh. Wow. Um, I don't know what to...didn't we use protection?"
"Well, there was that one time on the bus..." Monica reminded him.
"Whoa! How long have you two been, um, together?" Rachel interrupted.
"Longer than you and Ross," Monica said, shooting Rachel a look that told her to be quiet.
Chandler stared at Monica for a minute, then stood up again.
"Um, I am gonna go get some air," he said, and walked out the door as quickly as he could.
"You and Chandler?" Rachel asked, as soon as the door closed.
"He is gonna freak out, isn't he?" Monica said sadly.
Rachel looked at Monica, and realized the gravity of the situation.
"Sweetie, it'll be fine."
"My child is gonna grow up as one of those illigitimate children of a famous rock star," Monica cried.
"Chandler would not do that," Rachel assured her.
"Did you see the way he freaked out?"
"Well, he JUST found out. Give him time, he'll come around."
Monica sighed. She hoped Rachel was right.
****
~New York City, One week later~
*NBC Studios, Rockefeller Centre*
Monica walked around the set of Late Night with Conan O'Brien with two security guards, and an FBI agent.
"I just want to be certain that everything will go smoothly as possible," Monica said.
"It will be fine Miss Geller," the security guard replied, ans he and the other two men walked backstage. Monica sank down into a seat in the audience. The studio was bustling, as the producers prepared for the show. But Monica barely noticed. Things between Monica and Chandler had been awkward and strange since The Announcement. Rachel had kept her word, and so far, no one else knew. Chandler was trying to accept the news, but was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he would soon be a father. At least that was the impression that Monica was getting. She sighed, deciding that it was best not to dwell on it.
2 hours later
"This next band is pretty much the most popular band around," Talk show host Conan O'Brien was talking into the camera, as the audience squealed in anticipation. "Their new album is called 'Perrennial', and it's in stores now. Please welcome PMQ!"
The band took to the stage, and Chandler sat down on a stool set out in the centre. He picked up his acoustic guitar, and pulled the strap around him. Monica looked at Rachel quizzically. Chandler didn't have his acoustic during sound check. Had they changed something? She thought they were doing the new single, in which case Chandler would need his electric Gibson. Monica sighed. If they were planning on doing something else, Chandler should have told her. Chandler looked around the room, and once he found Monica, he smiled. He started playing, and Ross and Joey joined in soon afterward. The tune was an old one, and not one of theirs. But they often did covers, and Chandler thought that the song was appropriate for the occasion:
Highway run
Into the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round
You're on my mind
Restless hearts sleep alone tonight
Sendin' all my love along the wire
They say that the road ain't no place to start a family
Right down the line it's been you and me
And lovin' a music man ain't always what it's supposed to be
Oh girl you stand by me
I'm forever yours--Faithfully
Chandler never took his eyes off of Monica, and Monica realized that this was Chandler's way of telling her that it would all be okay.
Circus life
Under the big top world
We all need the clowns to make us smile
Through space and time
Always another show
Wondering where I am lost without you
And being apart ain't easy on this love affair
Two strangers learn to fall in love again
I get the joy of rediscovering you
Oh girl, you stand by me
I'm forever yours--Faithfully
Oh, oh, oh, oh--
Faithfully, I'm still yours
I'm forever yours
Ever yours--Faithfully
The song ended, and the crowd erupted. Monica felt tears coming to her eyes.
This was the beginning of something great.
****
~New York City--Joey & Pheobe's wedding day~
*The Plaza Hotel*
Joey paced nervously back and forth. He was sure he'd screw something up, he just wasn't sure when or where.
"Dude, calm down," Chandler laughed.
"It'll be fine," Ross assured Joey.
"Okay, okay. I just want to get it done, ya know?"
Joey, Chandler and Ross stood at the front of the room, as the final guests took their seats. Pheobe had gotten her wish-the guest list was kept very small. Monica also thought it was wise for security reasons, as the FBI was still trying to figure out who messed with the lights in San Francisco, and who poisoned Chandler in Sacramento. The string quartet began playing, and Rachel appeared, wearing a floor length, black silk dress that she had designed herself. Ross was sure he had never seen anyone so stunning in his life. He grinned broadly, as his mind drifted to a day in the future when Rachel would be walking toward him wearing white. Rachel made her way to the front of the room, and winked at Ross before taking her place. Monica appeared seconds later, and Chandler smiled. Monica had to make an effort not to look like she was staring at Chandler. The two of them had agreed not to say anything about their relationship, or the baby, until after the wedding. Monica didn't want to steal Pheobe's "thunder", and Chandler knew that once Ross found out, Chandler may not be around to enjoy things like weddings. He looked over at Ross, who seemed to be off in his own little world. Chandler shook his head, and winked at Monica as she passed.
The quartet changed tunes, and the guest stood. Joey felt his heart jump into his throat, when he saw Pheobe. She looked amazing. She wore a long white silk gown, beaded only at the waist, and on the sleeves, which sat off of her shoulders. Her long blond hair was pulled up, and a cascade of curls framed her face. Her hair was fashioned with small yellow and white flowers, set in a ring, and attached to a long, flowing veil. She walked up to a beaming Joey, and took his exended arm.
The ceremony was short, but beautiful. Joey and Pheobe exchanged vows and rings, and shared a passionate kiss. As the group moved into the reception hall, Chandler grabbed Monica's hand, and led her to an unoccupied table in the corner of the room.
"What are you doing?" Monica whispered, as she peered around to see if anyone had noticed.
"I wanted to talk to you," Chandler replied.
"Okay," Monica said, "Talk."
"Uh...how are you?"
"I'm fine."
"I, um, I was thinking that, you know, we have this baby coming, and, well, um..."
"Chandler, what are you trying to say?"
"Maybe we should get married," Chandler blurted out nervously.
Monica's eyes went wide. Married? Was he insane?
"Chandler, I..."
"Look, I know that wasn't the most romantic proposal, but I just thought..."
"Chandler," Monica interrupted, " I really don't think this is a good idea."
"What?"
"Why are you proposing to me?"
"Well, because um, you're gonna have my baby, and because, I love you."
"Sweetie, I love you too, but I don't think we are ready to get married."
"Why not?" The look Chandler gave Monica was almost child-like, and she couldn't help but to smile.
"Honey, no one except Rachel even knows we are dating. And when I asked you why you wanted to get married, the first reason you gave was my pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a reason to get married."
"It's not?"
"No."
"Oh. You really don't want to marry me?"
"Aw, Chandler, maybe we'll get married eventually. I just don't think that now is a good time."
"Okay," Chandler smiled, "I'll wait."
Monica laughed, and took Chandler's hand. They walked back toward the reception, which was now in full swing.
****
Ross and Rachel swayed to the music, seemingly oblivious to the world around them.
"It really doesn't get much better than this, ya know?" Ross whispered.
"You're right, it doesn't," Rachel replied.
"I can't believe that Joey and Phoebe are married...everything happened so fast."
"It did. But they are so in love," Rachel sighed dreamily, "And they are so meant to be!"
"So, you are saying that they are fated to be together forever?" Ross pulled away from Rachel and smiled.
"Well," Rachel said, smiling, "Fate plays funny hands sometimes."
"Indeed," Ross said, glancing at the bride and groom, "Indeed."
****
ooookay. Next Chapter soon. The gang will find out about Monica and Chandler, The Feds will catch the perpetrator, and much much more! Please review!!