Chapter 14
The drive to the hotel took longer than expected. By the time Monica and Phoebe arrived at Rachel's room, she was a nervous wreck. But she looked absolutely stunning; Monica and Phoebe rushed to tell her so.
"Really?" Rachel asked nervously. "I look all right?"
"All right?!" Monica said, louder than she intended. "Sweetie, you look like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine."
"Monica's right," Phoebe said. "I wouldn't change a thing."
Rachel had chosen to wear a floor-length royal blue dress with a matching sequined shirtwaist jacket. Her silky hair had been brushed in an upsweep, allowing display of her teardrop pearl earrings along with her honey-colored tendrils. A strand of pearls, loaned to her by her mother, adorned her delicate, tanned neck.
"Ross is going to be one very happy man when he sees you," Phoebe said.
"Thanks, you guys," Rachel said.
Her emotions had been running high since that morning. She appreciated her friends' calming presence.
"We're leaving in an hour," she told them. "Will that give you enough time to get ready?"
"Sure," Phoebe said while Monica nodded.
Monica had asked Phoebe to room with her, putting a disappointed end to Eric's speculation. Joey wasn't happy with the arrangements either, but he agreed to them because he knew he would be helping Monica. And Chandler, too, he reasoned.
*~*
When Rachel entered her friends' room an hour later, a smile lit up her face when she saw Monica wearing a black and white halter dress that accented her slender figure and Phoebe looking very stylish in a lavender sleeveless dress.
"You two look great," Rachel gushed.
Monica finished applying her make-up and then they headed for Joey and Eric's room where Ross had agreed to meet them.
All three men looked dashing in their dark suits, white shirts, and dark-colored ties.
"I'm so glad we can dress casually at the bachelor party," Joey said, trying to loosen his tie.
Ross didn't hear a word Joey said. He only had eyes for the lovely vision in blue.
"Wow, Rach," he finally said. "Every time I think you can't possibly look more beautiful, you amaze me."
"Ooohh," Rachel said, her eyes growing misty as her emotions rose to the surface once more, "Thank you, honey. That's so sweet."
"I love you so much," Ross said. "I know we are going to have a perfect night."
*~*
"You look beautiful, Monica," Eric said, as they made their way to the car.
She smiled her thanks.
"Joey," Monica said, "doesn't Phoebe look fantastic?"
"Yeah, she does," he agreed wholeheartedly, a huge grin on his face.
"It's okay, Mon," Phoebe said and giggled. "Joey already complimented me in the elevator."
Monica looked heavenward and shook her head. But it was all in good fun.
*~*
The four followed Rachel and Ross into the country club. Monica placed her hand to her chest and sighed when she saw how beautifully the banquet room had been decorated. White linen tablecloths covered ten round tables set for eight. Maroon, Rachel's wedding color, was used for the napkins. Lilies, her favorite flower, were strategically placed throughout the room. Off to one side was the dance floor. The DJ waited for his cue as did the photographer.
"It feels like you guys should already be married," Phoebe said, looking around in awe. "How will you ever top this?"
"This is like a trial run," Rachel said. "If we get through this night, the wedding will be a breeze."
Ross concurred. "We have our parents to thank for this."
"It...it's just so elegant," Monica said, trying to quiet her sudden pangs of jealousy.
Rachel saw a few guests starting to arrive.
"Go ahead and find your names on the table in the reception area," Rachel told them. "That will tell you what table number you're sitting at. Ross and I need to make our entrance. We'll see you in a little bit."
As the four headed back towards the entrance, Monica's eyes scanned the area looking anxiously to see if Chandler had arrived.
"We're at Table 4," Joey announced. "Not bad. Hey, cool, Chandler's at our table, too. I guess he's not here yet."
Eric's enthusiasm for the evening dropped another notch upon hearing that not only would Chandler be there but he would also be sitting with them. He thought Chandler's presence wouldn't matter until he'd learned of his sleeping arrangements for the night. Rooming with Joey was not his idea of a good time.
"I need to use the men's room," Eric said. "I'll see you guys at the table, okay?"
"Sure," Monica said.
Eric made a quick escape. He located the bar, sat down on a stool, and ordered himself a Scotch on the rocks. He had a feeling it was going to be a very long night.
*~*
Monica spotted Chandler the moment he entered the room.
"Chandler's here!" she said.
She surprised herself with her enthusiasm. She thought he looked good, but she couldn't help but notice that he looked a bit gaunt and pale in the face. He seemed to be dragging himself somewhat, too. But when he caught sight of them, he smiled and waved. His eyes lit up, and Monica caught a glimpse of the same Chandler she'd always known. She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hey, Chandler," Phoebe said, rising from the table to give him a big hug. "It's so good to see you."
"Same here. You look lovely. Hey, Joe," he said, shaking his hand. "How's it going?"
"Great. It's so good to see you again."
Monica waited impatiently for her turn. When he finally turned his blue eyes in her direction, her pulse rate accelerated and it took all of her self-control not to run straight into his arms. He reached out to hold her hands in his, kissed her cheek and asked how she'd been.
"I've been okay," she said, her eyes never leaving his face.
"You look beautiful." His words were whispered against her ear.
The sensation of his warm thumbs caressing her soft hands was creating havoc inside of her. Yet the moment he released her hands, she missed his touch.
He saw the name of Monica's date on the place card next to hers.
"Eric Means," he said, a touch of witticism in his voice and manner. "Eric Means what? Eric Means nothing, Eric Means..."
"Eric Means is sitting next to his date, thank you very much."
He had come up behind Chandler without him knowing. Two drinks had loosened his tongue just a bit.
"Of course he is," Chandler said, turning around and extending his hand. "I'm Chandler Bing."
"I know who you are."
"Have we met before?"
"Yes, but it's been awhile. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to take my seat."
An awkward silence ensued. Chandler chose to sit next to Joey, which only made things worse as he was now sitting directly across from Monica and Eric.
Be cool, he told himself. You knew this guy was going to be here.
"I can't wait to see Rachel and Ross."
"They'll be making an 'entrance' soon," Phoebe said, trying to sound like royalty as she bowed her head.
Joey laughed at his lady's imitation.
"You guys look happy," Chandler said. "I'm happy for you."
"Thanks," Joey said. "We heard you're working a lot of hours."
"Many, many hours," Chandler confirmed. "But I think it's going to be worth it."
"Do you like Bridgeport?" Phoebe asked.
"You know, it's not bad. I don't hate it," he said, catching Monica's eye and smiling at her. "So, that's good."
Obviously being excluded from the conversation, Eric excused himself once more and headed back to the bar.
"I'm sorry about the name business," Chandler said to Monica. "See, that's probably one of the things about me you don't miss."
"It's okay," she said. "I never thought of his name like that, but then again, I'm not you, so..."
"Mon, are you okay?" Phoebe asked.
"Yeah. I just need some air. I'll be right back."
Chandler's eyes followed her as she stepped out onto the terrace. He longed to follow her, to have a few minutes to talk with her alone, but he respected her right to have some privacy.
"I hope the rest of the evening goes better than this."
"I don't think it's so much you," Phoebe said, "as the setting. I saw her face when we walked in here. This is hard for her. She's happy for her brother and best friend, but you know she wants this, too. I hope her mother doesn't say anything to upset her."
A few minutes later, Chandler watched as Monica and Eric returned to the table together. What does she see in him, he fumed. And then, as he looked around at the near capacity room, he realized most of the people here would probably ask the same thing about him.
*~*
Rachel's mother cued the DJ that Rachel and Ross were ready to be introduced. He chose a soft instrumental tune and asked for everyone's attention. The lights dimmed just a bit as the DJ asked the guests to offer their congratulations to the newly engaged couple who planned to be wed on Christmas Eve.
"Our son," Ross' parents spoke into the microphone and then handed it off.
"And our daughter," Rachel's parents said.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the DJ said, "Here are Mr. Ross Geller and his bride-to-be Rachel Green."
The guests stood and applauded and a few even whistled.
Chandler mouthed a "Wow" to Monica who nodded and smiled.
"She is positively glowing," Chandler said, after they had taken their seats.
"Isn't she?" Monica agreed.
"I can see I'm missing out on a fun time in their lives."
"It has been a lot of fun hanging out with them," Eric said pointedly.
He'd had three drinks in less than hour. He was ready for anything.
*~*
Once the appropriate pictures had been taken, Ross and Rachel began to make the rounds. They both hugged Chandler as soon as they arrived at the table.
"It's so good to see you," she said.
"You are breathtaking," he complimented. "I can see that getting married agrees with you. Congratulations again."
"Thank you. Oohh, I'm so happy you guys are all here!" she gushed. "What did you think of our entrance?"
"Very royal-like," Joey said, trying to copy Phoebe's earlier imitation.
She nodded that he did well. He gave her a boyish grin.
"Okay, Joey, how much have you had to drink?" Rachel demanded. Then she laughed.
"Not a thing. But hey, I'm ready whenever you guys are."
"The bar's set up on the other side of the room, you guys. Go. Get something to drink. Mingle."
"We have to continue visiting," Ross said. "But we'll see you later."
*~*
Chandler and Joey stood to go to the bar.
"Monica," Chandler asked, "can I get you something? A white wine?"
"Excuse me," Eric said, "do you not see me sitting here? I am perfectly capable of getting Monica a drink. Sweetheart," he said, leaning in close to her just to annoy Chandler, "what would you like?"
"Just water, please."
The men left to head for the bar.
"Mon, what's wrong?" Phoebe asked.
"I don't know," she said, rubbing her bare arms with her hands while she frowned. "This just feels all wrong. I never should have brought Eric here. What was I thinking?"
"Is Chandler making you feel uncomfortable?"
"No. It's the whole situation. It's just not the same, Phoebe, and I don't think it ever will be again. I hate this! I'm supposed to be happy for Rachel and Ross, and I am, but other negative emotions keep getting in the way."
Abruptly, she rose from her chair. "Tell Eric I went outside. I just can't be in this room right now. I feel like I'm suffocating."
*~*
Monica paced the small garden area; the warm breeze helped to soothe her nerves. She wished she were in her apartment, in her bed, with the blankets pulled over her head. She regretted bringing Eric, and she almost wished Chandler hadn't shown up. That was the thought that scared her the most. She didn't like the Chandler she saw tonight. He was changing, she could see that, but the part of him that she had adored for so long was changing, too. And she didn't like that. He seemed edgier and more cruel than witty. Where was the man who would hold her when she needed to cry or make her laugh when she'd had a rotten day. Where was the man who made smart-mouthed remarks more to cover up his own insecurities rather than to tear someone else down? Where was the man she always knew she could count on no matter how bad things got in her life? She had not seen that man tonight and that saddened and angered her. Where had he gone? What had Bridgeport and his stupid need to change done to the man she loved? And what, if anything, could she do to bring him back?
*~*
When Monica returned to the table, dinner had been served and Eric was nowhere to be found.
"Do you know where Eric went? His dinner is getting cold."
"He said he needed some air," Joey said. "We thought he was with you."
"Well, obviously, he's not," Monica snapped.
She immediately apologized for her outburst.
"No problem," Joey said, but he did scoot his chair a little closer to Phoebe.
Monica fumbled around in her purse and finally found two aspirin. She swallowed them with a gulp of water. Her head was pounding. How would she ever make it through this night?
She played with her food more than she ate it. She had no appetite. She wanted to beg off from the rest of the party, catch a cab back to the hotel and go to bed. Maybe tomorrow would be a better day.
Somehow, she made it through the dinner and the various toasts, but she didn't enjoy any of them, not even Chandler's. She heard the edge to his voice again; it grated on her nerves. Had he always had it and she just hadn't noticed? She couldn't believe that because tonight, it was bothering her big time.
*~*
The music finally started, and Monica knew they were at least halfway through this nightmare of a party. Eric still hadn't returned to the table. For a moment, Monica thought maybe she should go look for him, but she couldn't even muster up the interest to do that. If he was off in a corner somewhere sulking, she'd just as soon leave him there.
Men! Who needed them anyway?
The DJ played a romantic ballad; Phoebe and Joey decided to join Rachel and Ross on the dance floor.
"Would you care to dance?" Chandler asked Monica.
He'd noticed she wasn't in the best of moods; he felt bad and didn't really know how to make it better. Especially with Eric in the picture.
"Sure. Why not?"
"Gee, Mon, don't do me any favors."
"Don't start with me, Chandler, I'm not in the mood."
"So, I noticed," he said, as they began to sway to the music. "If I've done something to upset you, tell me. I want to know."
Monica sighed. "It's complicated, and it's probably more me than you, so let's just forget about it and enjoy this dance."
"Okay," he said, feeling badly that Monica wasn't having a good time.
Just as she began to let herself relax in his arms and actually enjoy the song, his cell phone softly rang.
"What's that?" she asked.
"It's my phone, Mon. I'm sorry, but I have to take this call."
"Of course, you do," she said, pulling away from him as fast as she could. "I let my guard down for two seconds to see if I could actually enjoy being with you, and you have to leave to take a phone call!"
"I'm sorry, Mon, but..."
"Save it," she said, walking away from him. "I've had it. Just go!"
Chandler put Riley on hold for a moment and then walked out to the terrace where he could also keep an eye on Monica. He was worried about her, but he also didn't know how to help.
"What's up?" he asked, never taking his eyes off Monica.
"The contingency plan we mapped out?" Riley said, sounding extremely stressed. "It's not going to work. Something happened, Chandler. The computer numbers and the spreadsheets no longer match."
"What?!" Chandler screamed into the phone. "How can that possibly be? We checked everything yesterday. Three times."
"I know. Oh, man, I hate to tell you this, but there was one thing we overlooked in our plan."
"What? What?!" Chandler demanded, his eyes still focused on Monica, who now appeared to be arguing with Eric.
"We think someone hacked into our system and somehow managed to change the data that produced the numbers."
"You gotta be kidding me. What the..."
"I know it's horrible, but it's the only thing we can think of. None of us would have done it. Chandler, we need your help. What are we going to do?"
Unfortunately for Riley, someone way more important needed Chandler's help at that moment. Cell phone forgotten, Chandler rushed into the banquet room and ordered Eric to take his hands off of Monica.
"Chandler, what are you..."
"I saw him, Monica. I saw him manhandling you. Don't cover for this jerk. He's not worth it. I remembered where we know each other from. When I came to your restaurant a few months ago with my date Marcy, Eric was our waiter. I left the table for two seconds, and he hit on her. Monica, he hit on my date in your restaurant."
"Yeah, right," Eric said, beginning to slur his words. "Monica, don't believe him. He's just jealous because you're with me. And for your information, Chandler, Monica has just agreed to leave with me. We're going back to the hotel. We're both having a rotten time, thanks to you. C'mon, Monica. Let's go."
"Monica," Chandler said, his eyes pleading for her to listen and to believe him, "you're not seriously going to leave with this guy? He's clearly had too much to drink. He can barely stand up straight. I'm not letting you go with him. Why are you even considering this?"
"I'm fine," Eric said. "The lady came with me, and she is leaving with me. You can't tell her what to do. You don't own this woman. You just think you do."
"She's not leaving with you," Chandler told him, in no uncertain terms. "I will not let you take Monica anywhere. In fact, I demand you give me your car keys. You are too drunk to drive. I'm not letting you out on that road where you can hurt yourself and others. Give me your keys."
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Eric said. He laughed in Chandler's face. "Monica, tell him you are leaving with me."
"Chandler, please. I can drive the car back to the hotel. I just want to get out of here!"
"And what are you going to do with him?!" Chandler yelled. "Monica, please, don't go with him. Stay here with me. I'll make sure you get back to the hotel safely. We'll leave right now. You don't need this jerk."
Eric pulled on Monica's arm and told her they were leaving.
"You don't get that she doesn't want to be around you. You're the cause of her misery tonight. Why don't you just go back to Bridgeport where you belong? Monica is doing fine without you. She has me now."
Eric took a few more wobbly steps away from Chandler, pulling Monica along with him. Chandler caught up to them in a flash and demanded that he release Monica's arm. The next words he spoke were straight from his heart and the most honest ones he'd ever said.
"I will not let you take the woman I love away from me! This beautiful lady is not going anywhere with you! Get your hands off of her right now, and don't you ever touch her again! Do you hear me? She is staying with me! Monica, I love you. Please don't go with him. It would kill me if anything happened to you. Don't put yourself in harm's way. This guy is a loser. He doesn't care if you get hurt, but damnit I do care. I would die if anything happened to you, especially since I can stop this from happening. Listen to me, Monica. Please! I want to take care of you. Let me. Let me keep you protected and safe. Stay with me. Please!"
As Monica listened to Chandler's heartfelt confession of love, the tension she had been experiencing all night seemed to float right out of her body.
"Chandler," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "did you hear what you just said? Do you know what you just said? Did you mean what you just said?"
"Yes," Chandler said, tears filling his eyes, "I know what I just said, Monica, and I meant every word. I love you so much. I can't lose you, Monica. It would kill me. Listen to the song that's playing, sweetheart. It's saying what I've felt for a very long time better than I ever could. Please, Monica, share this dance and this most appropriate song with me."
*~*
Wise men say only fools rush in
but I can't help falling in love with you
*~*
Monica shook her head in disbelief and then euphoria as Chandler held her close in his arms and told her this was real.
*~*
Shall I stay
would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
*~*
"What does this mean?" she asked again, tears now falling freely down her cheeks. "Do you really love me? Do you want to be with me?"
"Listen," he whispered, holding her close.
*~*
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
*~*
"I love you, too," she finally said. "I've loved you for so long. I can't believe I can finally say those three words to you. I can't believe you actually said them to me. Chandler! You told me you love me!"
She started to laugh as joy filled her heart. Then she laid her head against his chest, cherishing the warmth of being in his arms. He was right. She did feel protected and safe.
"I love you, Chandler. I want to be with you. Only you."
*~*
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
for I can't help falling in love with you
The drive to the hotel took longer than expected. By the time Monica and Phoebe arrived at Rachel's room, she was a nervous wreck. But she looked absolutely stunning; Monica and Phoebe rushed to tell her so.
"Really?" Rachel asked nervously. "I look all right?"
"All right?!" Monica said, louder than she intended. "Sweetie, you look like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine."
"Monica's right," Phoebe said. "I wouldn't change a thing."
Rachel had chosen to wear a floor-length royal blue dress with a matching sequined shirtwaist jacket. Her silky hair had been brushed in an upsweep, allowing display of her teardrop pearl earrings along with her honey-colored tendrils. A strand of pearls, loaned to her by her mother, adorned her delicate, tanned neck.
"Ross is going to be one very happy man when he sees you," Phoebe said.
"Thanks, you guys," Rachel said.
Her emotions had been running high since that morning. She appreciated her friends' calming presence.
"We're leaving in an hour," she told them. "Will that give you enough time to get ready?"
"Sure," Phoebe said while Monica nodded.
Monica had asked Phoebe to room with her, putting a disappointed end to Eric's speculation. Joey wasn't happy with the arrangements either, but he agreed to them because he knew he would be helping Monica. And Chandler, too, he reasoned.
*~*
When Rachel entered her friends' room an hour later, a smile lit up her face when she saw Monica wearing a black and white halter dress that accented her slender figure and Phoebe looking very stylish in a lavender sleeveless dress.
"You two look great," Rachel gushed.
Monica finished applying her make-up and then they headed for Joey and Eric's room where Ross had agreed to meet them.
All three men looked dashing in their dark suits, white shirts, and dark-colored ties.
"I'm so glad we can dress casually at the bachelor party," Joey said, trying to loosen his tie.
Ross didn't hear a word Joey said. He only had eyes for the lovely vision in blue.
"Wow, Rach," he finally said. "Every time I think you can't possibly look more beautiful, you amaze me."
"Ooohh," Rachel said, her eyes growing misty as her emotions rose to the surface once more, "Thank you, honey. That's so sweet."
"I love you so much," Ross said. "I know we are going to have a perfect night."
*~*
"You look beautiful, Monica," Eric said, as they made their way to the car.
She smiled her thanks.
"Joey," Monica said, "doesn't Phoebe look fantastic?"
"Yeah, she does," he agreed wholeheartedly, a huge grin on his face.
"It's okay, Mon," Phoebe said and giggled. "Joey already complimented me in the elevator."
Monica looked heavenward and shook her head. But it was all in good fun.
*~*
The four followed Rachel and Ross into the country club. Monica placed her hand to her chest and sighed when she saw how beautifully the banquet room had been decorated. White linen tablecloths covered ten round tables set for eight. Maroon, Rachel's wedding color, was used for the napkins. Lilies, her favorite flower, were strategically placed throughout the room. Off to one side was the dance floor. The DJ waited for his cue as did the photographer.
"It feels like you guys should already be married," Phoebe said, looking around in awe. "How will you ever top this?"
"This is like a trial run," Rachel said. "If we get through this night, the wedding will be a breeze."
Ross concurred. "We have our parents to thank for this."
"It...it's just so elegant," Monica said, trying to quiet her sudden pangs of jealousy.
Rachel saw a few guests starting to arrive.
"Go ahead and find your names on the table in the reception area," Rachel told them. "That will tell you what table number you're sitting at. Ross and I need to make our entrance. We'll see you in a little bit."
As the four headed back towards the entrance, Monica's eyes scanned the area looking anxiously to see if Chandler had arrived.
"We're at Table 4," Joey announced. "Not bad. Hey, cool, Chandler's at our table, too. I guess he's not here yet."
Eric's enthusiasm for the evening dropped another notch upon hearing that not only would Chandler be there but he would also be sitting with them. He thought Chandler's presence wouldn't matter until he'd learned of his sleeping arrangements for the night. Rooming with Joey was not his idea of a good time.
"I need to use the men's room," Eric said. "I'll see you guys at the table, okay?"
"Sure," Monica said.
Eric made a quick escape. He located the bar, sat down on a stool, and ordered himself a Scotch on the rocks. He had a feeling it was going to be a very long night.
*~*
Monica spotted Chandler the moment he entered the room.
"Chandler's here!" she said.
She surprised herself with her enthusiasm. She thought he looked good, but she couldn't help but notice that he looked a bit gaunt and pale in the face. He seemed to be dragging himself somewhat, too. But when he caught sight of them, he smiled and waved. His eyes lit up, and Monica caught a glimpse of the same Chandler she'd always known. She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hey, Chandler," Phoebe said, rising from the table to give him a big hug. "It's so good to see you."
"Same here. You look lovely. Hey, Joe," he said, shaking his hand. "How's it going?"
"Great. It's so good to see you again."
Monica waited impatiently for her turn. When he finally turned his blue eyes in her direction, her pulse rate accelerated and it took all of her self-control not to run straight into his arms. He reached out to hold her hands in his, kissed her cheek and asked how she'd been.
"I've been okay," she said, her eyes never leaving his face.
"You look beautiful." His words were whispered against her ear.
The sensation of his warm thumbs caressing her soft hands was creating havoc inside of her. Yet the moment he released her hands, she missed his touch.
He saw the name of Monica's date on the place card next to hers.
"Eric Means," he said, a touch of witticism in his voice and manner. "Eric Means what? Eric Means nothing, Eric Means..."
"Eric Means is sitting next to his date, thank you very much."
He had come up behind Chandler without him knowing. Two drinks had loosened his tongue just a bit.
"Of course he is," Chandler said, turning around and extending his hand. "I'm Chandler Bing."
"I know who you are."
"Have we met before?"
"Yes, but it's been awhile. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to take my seat."
An awkward silence ensued. Chandler chose to sit next to Joey, which only made things worse as he was now sitting directly across from Monica and Eric.
Be cool, he told himself. You knew this guy was going to be here.
"I can't wait to see Rachel and Ross."
"They'll be making an 'entrance' soon," Phoebe said, trying to sound like royalty as she bowed her head.
Joey laughed at his lady's imitation.
"You guys look happy," Chandler said. "I'm happy for you."
"Thanks," Joey said. "We heard you're working a lot of hours."
"Many, many hours," Chandler confirmed. "But I think it's going to be worth it."
"Do you like Bridgeport?" Phoebe asked.
"You know, it's not bad. I don't hate it," he said, catching Monica's eye and smiling at her. "So, that's good."
Obviously being excluded from the conversation, Eric excused himself once more and headed back to the bar.
"I'm sorry about the name business," Chandler said to Monica. "See, that's probably one of the things about me you don't miss."
"It's okay," she said. "I never thought of his name like that, but then again, I'm not you, so..."
"Mon, are you okay?" Phoebe asked.
"Yeah. I just need some air. I'll be right back."
Chandler's eyes followed her as she stepped out onto the terrace. He longed to follow her, to have a few minutes to talk with her alone, but he respected her right to have some privacy.
"I hope the rest of the evening goes better than this."
"I don't think it's so much you," Phoebe said, "as the setting. I saw her face when we walked in here. This is hard for her. She's happy for her brother and best friend, but you know she wants this, too. I hope her mother doesn't say anything to upset her."
A few minutes later, Chandler watched as Monica and Eric returned to the table together. What does she see in him, he fumed. And then, as he looked around at the near capacity room, he realized most of the people here would probably ask the same thing about him.
*~*
Rachel's mother cued the DJ that Rachel and Ross were ready to be introduced. He chose a soft instrumental tune and asked for everyone's attention. The lights dimmed just a bit as the DJ asked the guests to offer their congratulations to the newly engaged couple who planned to be wed on Christmas Eve.
"Our son," Ross' parents spoke into the microphone and then handed it off.
"And our daughter," Rachel's parents said.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the DJ said, "Here are Mr. Ross Geller and his bride-to-be Rachel Green."
The guests stood and applauded and a few even whistled.
Chandler mouthed a "Wow" to Monica who nodded and smiled.
"She is positively glowing," Chandler said, after they had taken their seats.
"Isn't she?" Monica agreed.
"I can see I'm missing out on a fun time in their lives."
"It has been a lot of fun hanging out with them," Eric said pointedly.
He'd had three drinks in less than hour. He was ready for anything.
*~*
Once the appropriate pictures had been taken, Ross and Rachel began to make the rounds. They both hugged Chandler as soon as they arrived at the table.
"It's so good to see you," she said.
"You are breathtaking," he complimented. "I can see that getting married agrees with you. Congratulations again."
"Thank you. Oohh, I'm so happy you guys are all here!" she gushed. "What did you think of our entrance?"
"Very royal-like," Joey said, trying to copy Phoebe's earlier imitation.
She nodded that he did well. He gave her a boyish grin.
"Okay, Joey, how much have you had to drink?" Rachel demanded. Then she laughed.
"Not a thing. But hey, I'm ready whenever you guys are."
"The bar's set up on the other side of the room, you guys. Go. Get something to drink. Mingle."
"We have to continue visiting," Ross said. "But we'll see you later."
*~*
Chandler and Joey stood to go to the bar.
"Monica," Chandler asked, "can I get you something? A white wine?"
"Excuse me," Eric said, "do you not see me sitting here? I am perfectly capable of getting Monica a drink. Sweetheart," he said, leaning in close to her just to annoy Chandler, "what would you like?"
"Just water, please."
The men left to head for the bar.
"Mon, what's wrong?" Phoebe asked.
"I don't know," she said, rubbing her bare arms with her hands while she frowned. "This just feels all wrong. I never should have brought Eric here. What was I thinking?"
"Is Chandler making you feel uncomfortable?"
"No. It's the whole situation. It's just not the same, Phoebe, and I don't think it ever will be again. I hate this! I'm supposed to be happy for Rachel and Ross, and I am, but other negative emotions keep getting in the way."
Abruptly, she rose from her chair. "Tell Eric I went outside. I just can't be in this room right now. I feel like I'm suffocating."
*~*
Monica paced the small garden area; the warm breeze helped to soothe her nerves. She wished she were in her apartment, in her bed, with the blankets pulled over her head. She regretted bringing Eric, and she almost wished Chandler hadn't shown up. That was the thought that scared her the most. She didn't like the Chandler she saw tonight. He was changing, she could see that, but the part of him that she had adored for so long was changing, too. And she didn't like that. He seemed edgier and more cruel than witty. Where was the man who would hold her when she needed to cry or make her laugh when she'd had a rotten day. Where was the man who made smart-mouthed remarks more to cover up his own insecurities rather than to tear someone else down? Where was the man she always knew she could count on no matter how bad things got in her life? She had not seen that man tonight and that saddened and angered her. Where had he gone? What had Bridgeport and his stupid need to change done to the man she loved? And what, if anything, could she do to bring him back?
*~*
When Monica returned to the table, dinner had been served and Eric was nowhere to be found.
"Do you know where Eric went? His dinner is getting cold."
"He said he needed some air," Joey said. "We thought he was with you."
"Well, obviously, he's not," Monica snapped.
She immediately apologized for her outburst.
"No problem," Joey said, but he did scoot his chair a little closer to Phoebe.
Monica fumbled around in her purse and finally found two aspirin. She swallowed them with a gulp of water. Her head was pounding. How would she ever make it through this night?
She played with her food more than she ate it. She had no appetite. She wanted to beg off from the rest of the party, catch a cab back to the hotel and go to bed. Maybe tomorrow would be a better day.
Somehow, she made it through the dinner and the various toasts, but she didn't enjoy any of them, not even Chandler's. She heard the edge to his voice again; it grated on her nerves. Had he always had it and she just hadn't noticed? She couldn't believe that because tonight, it was bothering her big time.
*~*
The music finally started, and Monica knew they were at least halfway through this nightmare of a party. Eric still hadn't returned to the table. For a moment, Monica thought maybe she should go look for him, but she couldn't even muster up the interest to do that. If he was off in a corner somewhere sulking, she'd just as soon leave him there.
Men! Who needed them anyway?
The DJ played a romantic ballad; Phoebe and Joey decided to join Rachel and Ross on the dance floor.
"Would you care to dance?" Chandler asked Monica.
He'd noticed she wasn't in the best of moods; he felt bad and didn't really know how to make it better. Especially with Eric in the picture.
"Sure. Why not?"
"Gee, Mon, don't do me any favors."
"Don't start with me, Chandler, I'm not in the mood."
"So, I noticed," he said, as they began to sway to the music. "If I've done something to upset you, tell me. I want to know."
Monica sighed. "It's complicated, and it's probably more me than you, so let's just forget about it and enjoy this dance."
"Okay," he said, feeling badly that Monica wasn't having a good time.
Just as she began to let herself relax in his arms and actually enjoy the song, his cell phone softly rang.
"What's that?" she asked.
"It's my phone, Mon. I'm sorry, but I have to take this call."
"Of course, you do," she said, pulling away from him as fast as she could. "I let my guard down for two seconds to see if I could actually enjoy being with you, and you have to leave to take a phone call!"
"I'm sorry, Mon, but..."
"Save it," she said, walking away from him. "I've had it. Just go!"
Chandler put Riley on hold for a moment and then walked out to the terrace where he could also keep an eye on Monica. He was worried about her, but he also didn't know how to help.
"What's up?" he asked, never taking his eyes off Monica.
"The contingency plan we mapped out?" Riley said, sounding extremely stressed. "It's not going to work. Something happened, Chandler. The computer numbers and the spreadsheets no longer match."
"What?!" Chandler screamed into the phone. "How can that possibly be? We checked everything yesterday. Three times."
"I know. Oh, man, I hate to tell you this, but there was one thing we overlooked in our plan."
"What? What?!" Chandler demanded, his eyes still focused on Monica, who now appeared to be arguing with Eric.
"We think someone hacked into our system and somehow managed to change the data that produced the numbers."
"You gotta be kidding me. What the..."
"I know it's horrible, but it's the only thing we can think of. None of us would have done it. Chandler, we need your help. What are we going to do?"
Unfortunately for Riley, someone way more important needed Chandler's help at that moment. Cell phone forgotten, Chandler rushed into the banquet room and ordered Eric to take his hands off of Monica.
"Chandler, what are you..."
"I saw him, Monica. I saw him manhandling you. Don't cover for this jerk. He's not worth it. I remembered where we know each other from. When I came to your restaurant a few months ago with my date Marcy, Eric was our waiter. I left the table for two seconds, and he hit on her. Monica, he hit on my date in your restaurant."
"Yeah, right," Eric said, beginning to slur his words. "Monica, don't believe him. He's just jealous because you're with me. And for your information, Chandler, Monica has just agreed to leave with me. We're going back to the hotel. We're both having a rotten time, thanks to you. C'mon, Monica. Let's go."
"Monica," Chandler said, his eyes pleading for her to listen and to believe him, "you're not seriously going to leave with this guy? He's clearly had too much to drink. He can barely stand up straight. I'm not letting you go with him. Why are you even considering this?"
"I'm fine," Eric said. "The lady came with me, and she is leaving with me. You can't tell her what to do. You don't own this woman. You just think you do."
"She's not leaving with you," Chandler told him, in no uncertain terms. "I will not let you take Monica anywhere. In fact, I demand you give me your car keys. You are too drunk to drive. I'm not letting you out on that road where you can hurt yourself and others. Give me your keys."
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Eric said. He laughed in Chandler's face. "Monica, tell him you are leaving with me."
"Chandler, please. I can drive the car back to the hotel. I just want to get out of here!"
"And what are you going to do with him?!" Chandler yelled. "Monica, please, don't go with him. Stay here with me. I'll make sure you get back to the hotel safely. We'll leave right now. You don't need this jerk."
Eric pulled on Monica's arm and told her they were leaving.
"You don't get that she doesn't want to be around you. You're the cause of her misery tonight. Why don't you just go back to Bridgeport where you belong? Monica is doing fine without you. She has me now."
Eric took a few more wobbly steps away from Chandler, pulling Monica along with him. Chandler caught up to them in a flash and demanded that he release Monica's arm. The next words he spoke were straight from his heart and the most honest ones he'd ever said.
"I will not let you take the woman I love away from me! This beautiful lady is not going anywhere with you! Get your hands off of her right now, and don't you ever touch her again! Do you hear me? She is staying with me! Monica, I love you. Please don't go with him. It would kill me if anything happened to you. Don't put yourself in harm's way. This guy is a loser. He doesn't care if you get hurt, but damnit I do care. I would die if anything happened to you, especially since I can stop this from happening. Listen to me, Monica. Please! I want to take care of you. Let me. Let me keep you protected and safe. Stay with me. Please!"
As Monica listened to Chandler's heartfelt confession of love, the tension she had been experiencing all night seemed to float right out of her body.
"Chandler," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "did you hear what you just said? Do you know what you just said? Did you mean what you just said?"
"Yes," Chandler said, tears filling his eyes, "I know what I just said, Monica, and I meant every word. I love you so much. I can't lose you, Monica. It would kill me. Listen to the song that's playing, sweetheart. It's saying what I've felt for a very long time better than I ever could. Please, Monica, share this dance and this most appropriate song with me."
*~*
Wise men say only fools rush in
but I can't help falling in love with you
*~*
Monica shook her head in disbelief and then euphoria as Chandler held her close in his arms and told her this was real.
*~*
Shall I stay
would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
*~*
"What does this mean?" she asked again, tears now falling freely down her cheeks. "Do you really love me? Do you want to be with me?"
"Listen," he whispered, holding her close.
*~*
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
*~*
"I love you, too," she finally said. "I've loved you for so long. I can't believe I can finally say those three words to you. I can't believe you actually said them to me. Chandler! You told me you love me!"
She started to laugh as joy filled her heart. Then she laid her head against his chest, cherishing the warmth of being in his arms. He was right. She did feel protected and safe.
"I love you, Chandler. I want to be with you. Only you."
*~*
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
for I can't help falling in love with you