Don't worry, this isn't the last chapter. I've barely started. Enjoy.
13
Ross sat in his usual spot, the drivers' seat. Glancing over, he saw Chandler, obviously in a foul mood. He stared sulkily out the window and smoked. He didn't smoke much because it impeded his singing voice, but he had bought a pack before leaving the motel that morning. He really must be depressed. Monica stared out the window, equally sulkily, in the back. He knew they had a thing going on for a while but when he awoke that morning he found Monica, asleep on the couch in his room. Very strange.
14
Monica stared at her shaking hands and willed herself not to vomit. It had been nearly two weeks since her last drink. It had been easy at first, but after what Chandler told her...She craved a drink more than she craved her next breath of air. This was an unexpected side effect of drying herself out: nausea. Again, she had been fine til her cravings starting hitting full force.
She was so scared though. She was not doing this for herself...she was doing this for Chandler. Because he asked her to. Because he loves her. Drooping her head, she wept.
15
Chandler stared out the front window. Until last night, he hadn't even noticed...but Monica wasn't drinking. He couldn't believe it. But why? Maybe it was the accident but that didn't seem to fit. She had had some pretty nasty hangovers and a couple times she'd just drunk away her hangover.
He'd told he loved her. Was that it?
He got his chance to ask that night. Monica had just been returning from the Coke machine, holding one of many cans she'd go through every day lately. He cornered her in the hall. Just as she'd rounded the corner, he'd grabbed her and pushed her to the corner. Bending his head, he kissed her firmly for one long moment then moved away half a step. For a moment, he just looked at her. Her eyes were bloodshot and dark smudges clung beneath her eyes. Then he spoke.
Have you quit drinking?
she answered faintly. Her head was still swimming from the kiss. It reminded her of the incredible chemistry they had shared.
Why? Because you're in love with me, because I don't want to hurt you, because I- Because of the accident. Looking defeated, he moved away another step and nodded. Excuse me, she muttered and shoved her way by. Her eyes blurred with tears. What had been those thoughts? She didn't want to hurt him? She...she loved him?
16
Chandler walked back into the motel room and the first he heard was sobbing. The feminine voice he recognized as Monica's.
he called and raced to the bathroom. Let me in!
she shrieked, I can't let you see...
Shoving his shoulder against the door, the lock popped and the scene that played out in front would remain with him for the rest of his days. Monica sat nude in the bathtub, a small pocket knife clutched in one hand. It dripped with blood. Blood seeped from cuts on her thighs. She cried hysterically.
Oh god Monica, let me clean you up. She just wrapped her arms around his shoulders and clung to him. Turning on the water, he cleaned her wounds. None were serious and she quickly patched up with gauze.
Picking her up, Chandler carried Monica to the bedroom, laying her on the bed. She seemed too tired to protest. He dressed her in an oversized shirt then wrapped the sheets around her.
Monica, please talk to me.
I love you, Chandler, she said simply. A tear rolled down her cheek. For the past year, I've nothing done nothing but run. I started drinking heavily and dabbled in drugs. I put up the walls. I slept around. I did it all because none of it involved emotion. Anyone who's ever said they care for me has done nothing but hurt me. But I'm tired of running. Of running away from you, from the truth, She paused and stared him stared straight in the eye. The pain he saw in those of liquid blue made his heart crack. Please don't hurt me, Chandler. Don't ever hurt me. A sob tore through her. She curled to her side and Chandler held her as she cried.