Chapter 4
"We...we should head back to the dorm to get ready for the game," Chandler said to Monica, after taking a few moments to reflect on their kiss.
Hearing the word "dorm" brought back the reason Monica had been trying to escape.
"I...I can't go to the game," she said. "I want to go home."
"Why? What happened before? You never did tell me."
Cringing inwardly at the idea of having to tell Chandler what she'd overheard, she shook her head. "It doesn't matter. This has been wonderful, but I...I can't stay."
"If you're leaving," Chandler said, rising to his feet and holding out his hand to help Monica stand, "then I'm driving you home."
*~*
Ross put down his textbook the second Monica and Chandler entered the room.
"Where have you two been?" he demanded. "I looked all over for you. I knew you couldn't have gone to the stadium this early. You could've left me or Carol a note."
"We went for an impromptu walk off campus," Chandler explained. "What is wrong with you?"
"Wrong with me?!" Ross exclaimed. "You're the one escorting my younger sister all over the place. Is it wrong of me to want to know where she is?"
"I'm sorry," Monica said. "It was my fault. But you'll be happy to know I've decided to go home. Tonight."
"Why? Did something happen? Did Chandler do anything to..."
"No!" Monica yelled, practically stomping her feet. "Ross, stop blaming Chandler. He's been nothing but kind to me. Which is more than I can say for a few people around here. But it doesn't matter. You were right. I don't belong here. So, I'm going to leave. Is it okay if I use your phone to call Rachel? I want to spend the night with her. I'll return to our house in the morning."
"Sure, using the phone is fine but, Monica, how are you going to get there?"
Chandler spoke up, ready to face Ross' wrath if he had to.
"I'm driving her."
"You...you...you're what?!"
"I'm driving Monica to her friend Rachel's house if it's okay for her to stay there."
"Can I talk to you...outside?"
Monica, holding the receiver in her hand, looked ready to kill her brother. Chandler motioned with his hands that he had everything under control.
"You make your call. I'll deal with your brother."
"Thank you," she said.
Ross heard the gratefulness in his sister's voice and rolled his eyes.
"What are you doing, Chandler? You can't possibly want to spend Friday night driving my sister to Rachel's house. She's my responsibility. I'll see that she gets home safely."
"Why is it so hard for you to comprehend that I might want to do this? For Monica?"
"She...she's a senior in high school! It's not like you're ever going to see her again. I don't want you leading my sister on, Chandler, and if that's what you're doing..."
"I'm not, okay and, dude, lower your voice. I happen to like Monica. Very much. I don't mind driving her to Rachel's. She feels comfortable with me. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that. I'm not an animal, Ross."
"I know. I just...I can't wrap my mind around this. I'd feel better if you let me take care of Monica."
"Oh, and the possibility of seeing Rachel again has nothing to do with you wanting to drive your sister home?"
"In case you've forgotten, I'm dating Carol now."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But in case you've forgotten, I know how many songs you've composed that are dedicated to Rachel and what might have been."
Ross glared at his friend but said nothing.
"Why don't we leave it up to Monica?" Chandler suggested. "I made the offer, and she accepted. But if she'd rather you take her, I'm willing to step aside."
"You really want to do this?"
"Yes."
"Okay," Ross relented. "You can drive Monica to Rachel's."
Chandler smiled and slapped Ross on the back. "Thanks, man. Don't worry. I'll take good care of your sister."
Ross shook his head. "I still don't understand this, and don't forget I know you're on the rebound, so you'd better not let anything happen."
"It won't. I will be a perfect gentleman. I promise."
They returned to the room and saw that Monica was off the phone.
"Are you staying at Rachel's?" Ross asked.
"Yeah. Ross, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Could you get my bag from Carol's room? It should be in their closet. I think all my things are in there."
"Okay, but don't you want to say good-bye to Carol?"
"If she's there, could you ask her to come here? Please?"
Ross nodded and left the room.
"Something happened in the dorm room, didn't it?" Chandler asked. "That's why you don't want to stay there tonight."
Monica nodded. "Please don't take this the wrong way, Chandler, but you could do a lot better than Brenda."
Chandler laughed. "Brenda? I'm not seeing Brenda."
"Oh, well, not that it's any of my business..."
"Did she say something to you?"
"Not directly," Monica admitted. Her voice became melancholy. "I overheard a conversation. And believe me, it's nothing I haven't heard before and probably will hear again."
"I'm so sorry," Chandler said.
Realizing just how vulnerable she was, he moved to give Monica a hug; she allowed herself to be enveloped in his arms for a few sweet moments.
"Dude!" Ross said, returning to the room with Monica's bag in hand and Carol at his side.
"Sorry," Chandler said, pulling away.
"Monica, I'm sorry you have to leave so soon," Carol said.
"Yeah, me, too. Thanks for letting me stay with you."
"Any time. Guys, can I have a moment alone with Monica?"
Ross and Chandler stepped outside.
"Ross told me that Chandler is driving you home and that you spent nearly all your time with him. Monica, do you know the happiness you are radiating?"
"No," she said, placing the palms of her hands to her full flushed cheeks. "Is it that obvious?"
Carol chuckled and placed a kind hand on Monica's arm. "Probably not to everyone, but certainly to me. Maybe it's because I've had people say the same thing to me since I've been dating your brother. I just want you to know that while I think Chandler is a nice guy, I hope there's someone in your high school or neighborhood whom you like, too."
Monica eyed Carol suspiciously. "Did my brother put you up to this?"
"No, why would you say that?"
"Because it wouldn't surprise me if my dear older brother wanted to send me on my way with a dire warning about the dangers of getting involved with Chandler."
"I swear he didn't say anything about this to me at all."
"Did Brenda?"
She nearly choked saying the name.
"Monica, I don't know what happened to make you leave so suddenly, but I can assure you that no one has said anything to me about you and Chandler. What I'm telling you has been from my own observations. We don't know each other very well, but I just wanted to give you a piece of friendly advice. I didn't mean to set you off."
"I'm sorry," Monica said, fidgeting with her sweater. "I just...I'm not used to this. I'm being silly. Please forgive me."
Carol smiled. "You're forgiven. Before I forget, I wanted to give you these."
With a wink, she handed Monica a package of photos.
"I think there may be one or two in there that you would appreciate having."
"Thank you," Monica said, giving Carol an impulsive but well-received hug.
*~*
Ross walked with Monica and Chandler to the car.
"What we talked about this morning in my room?" Ross said.
Monica nodded.
"I'll be home for Thanksgiving. We'll talk about it then, okay?"
She smiled. "Thanks, Ross."
"No problem. Drive safely, Chandler. You have a very important person in your passenger seat."
"I know," Chandler agreed.
While Ross waited in the parking lot, Chandler placed Monica's bag in his trunk and then opened the door for her. She looked from the silver sports car to Chandler.
"Do you...um...do you have a portable vacuum, by chance?"
"What?" Chandler asked while Ross snickered.
"It's just...your car...well, it's a little messy. I'd like to clean it before I get in."
"Oh, I remember these stories, too," Chandler said and rolled his eyes. "I'll clean it as best I can."
"It's okay," Monica said. "I'll just brush the crumbs off the seat. Here, Ross, can you throw these containers in the trash?"
Before Chandler could do or say anything, Monica had cleaned and organized the interior of his car.
"Wow," he said, grudgingly appreciating her work, "this is the cleanest it's been since I got it."
"You're welcome," she said and allowed herself a small laugh at his pained look. "Aww, it wasn't that bad. Now, if we could just find a car wash for the outside..."
Ross bid them good-bye and waved as they drove off.
*~*
"Once we hit the Long Island Expressway, I'll need directions," he told her.
"No problem. This really is nice," she said, running her fingers along the black leather seat.
"Thanks. It was a guilt-ridden present from my mom," he confessed.
"What do you mean?"
Chandler shrugged. He stole a glance in her direction before returning his eyes to the road.
"My mom hasn't been around much, so she thought giving me a car would make up for her absence. It doesn't, but do you really think I was going to turn down a free car?"
"No, I guess not. But if I may ask, why have you been without a mother?"
Chandler hesitated and then decided to divulge one of his secrets. "She's a published romance author who travels all over the country, actually the world."
"Bing?" Monica said, as realization suddenly dawned. "As in Nora Tyler Bing?"
Chandler grimaced but didn't shy away from the topic.
"The one and only. See, now you know a little more about me."
"Chandler, I have to tell you. I read her books. I enjoy her books. I imagine...well, you don't need to know what I imagine, but wow. Nora Bing is your mom!"
"How 'bout that?" Chandler said. "Want an autographed book? I'm sure I could get you one. No problem."
Monica heard the sarcasm and touch of anger in his voice. Her heart lurched.
"I'm sorry she hasn't been there for you," Monica said sincerely. "You're the son she mentions on talk shows."
"Yes, unfortunately, I am," Chandler said, recalling the taunts that had been thrown his way thanks to his mother's sometimes careless remarks. "And now, please, let's change the subject."
Knowing how it felt to be prodded into discussing something she'd rather not, Monica was quick to oblige. Unfortunately, she had no way of knowing her next choice of topic would be just as unwelcome. "Ross mentioned coming home for Thanksgiving. What will you be doing?"
"You are hitting all the hot subjects with me tonight. I don't know what I'll be doing, but I know I won't be eating turkey."
"You don't like turkey?" Monica asked. "That's not so uncommon, I guess. A lot of people don't eat turkey..."
"It's not just turkey," Chandler said, a little harsher than he intended.
Monica slid closer to the passenger door, further away from Chandler. His tone unnerved her.
"It's the whole Thanksgiving experience I won't be participating in."
"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to bring up bad memories for you."
Chandler sighed and looked at Monica. "I'm the one who should be apologizing. You had no way of knowing. It's just that Thanksgiving is the holiday when my parents chose to tell me they were getting a divorce. It's the hardest, stupidest day for me to get through."
"That is so sad. How old were you?"
"Nine."
"Do you spend the day alone?"
Chandler shrugged. "Sometimes."
"Well, you're not spending this Thanksgiving alone," she said, her voice adamant.
"What do you mean?"
"I respect the difficulty you have getting through the holiday," she said, "but this year, I want you to spend the day with my family. I know I don't have the healthiest relationship with them, especially my mom, but we do enjoy the holidays. You should experience that, Chandler."
"No," he said, shaking his head. "I couldn't impose my sour attitude about Thanksgiving on people I don't even know. It wouldn't be fair. As much as I appreciate your invitation, I have to decline."
"You can't," Monica said, some of her inborn feistiness surfacing. "I can make you a whole separate Thanksgiving meal with any food you want."
"Monica, that's not the point..."
"Yes, it is. Because Chandler Bing, if you don't come to spend Thanksgiving with me then I will just have to bring Thanksgiving to you!"
"We...we should head back to the dorm to get ready for the game," Chandler said to Monica, after taking a few moments to reflect on their kiss.
Hearing the word "dorm" brought back the reason Monica had been trying to escape.
"I...I can't go to the game," she said. "I want to go home."
"Why? What happened before? You never did tell me."
Cringing inwardly at the idea of having to tell Chandler what she'd overheard, she shook her head. "It doesn't matter. This has been wonderful, but I...I can't stay."
"If you're leaving," Chandler said, rising to his feet and holding out his hand to help Monica stand, "then I'm driving you home."
*~*
Ross put down his textbook the second Monica and Chandler entered the room.
"Where have you two been?" he demanded. "I looked all over for you. I knew you couldn't have gone to the stadium this early. You could've left me or Carol a note."
"We went for an impromptu walk off campus," Chandler explained. "What is wrong with you?"
"Wrong with me?!" Ross exclaimed. "You're the one escorting my younger sister all over the place. Is it wrong of me to want to know where she is?"
"I'm sorry," Monica said. "It was my fault. But you'll be happy to know I've decided to go home. Tonight."
"Why? Did something happen? Did Chandler do anything to..."
"No!" Monica yelled, practically stomping her feet. "Ross, stop blaming Chandler. He's been nothing but kind to me. Which is more than I can say for a few people around here. But it doesn't matter. You were right. I don't belong here. So, I'm going to leave. Is it okay if I use your phone to call Rachel? I want to spend the night with her. I'll return to our house in the morning."
"Sure, using the phone is fine but, Monica, how are you going to get there?"
Chandler spoke up, ready to face Ross' wrath if he had to.
"I'm driving her."
"You...you...you're what?!"
"I'm driving Monica to her friend Rachel's house if it's okay for her to stay there."
"Can I talk to you...outside?"
Monica, holding the receiver in her hand, looked ready to kill her brother. Chandler motioned with his hands that he had everything under control.
"You make your call. I'll deal with your brother."
"Thank you," she said.
Ross heard the gratefulness in his sister's voice and rolled his eyes.
"What are you doing, Chandler? You can't possibly want to spend Friday night driving my sister to Rachel's house. She's my responsibility. I'll see that she gets home safely."
"Why is it so hard for you to comprehend that I might want to do this? For Monica?"
"She...she's a senior in high school! It's not like you're ever going to see her again. I don't want you leading my sister on, Chandler, and if that's what you're doing..."
"I'm not, okay and, dude, lower your voice. I happen to like Monica. Very much. I don't mind driving her to Rachel's. She feels comfortable with me. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that. I'm not an animal, Ross."
"I know. I just...I can't wrap my mind around this. I'd feel better if you let me take care of Monica."
"Oh, and the possibility of seeing Rachel again has nothing to do with you wanting to drive your sister home?"
"In case you've forgotten, I'm dating Carol now."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But in case you've forgotten, I know how many songs you've composed that are dedicated to Rachel and what might have been."
Ross glared at his friend but said nothing.
"Why don't we leave it up to Monica?" Chandler suggested. "I made the offer, and she accepted. But if she'd rather you take her, I'm willing to step aside."
"You really want to do this?"
"Yes."
"Okay," Ross relented. "You can drive Monica to Rachel's."
Chandler smiled and slapped Ross on the back. "Thanks, man. Don't worry. I'll take good care of your sister."
Ross shook his head. "I still don't understand this, and don't forget I know you're on the rebound, so you'd better not let anything happen."
"It won't. I will be a perfect gentleman. I promise."
They returned to the room and saw that Monica was off the phone.
"Are you staying at Rachel's?" Ross asked.
"Yeah. Ross, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Could you get my bag from Carol's room? It should be in their closet. I think all my things are in there."
"Okay, but don't you want to say good-bye to Carol?"
"If she's there, could you ask her to come here? Please?"
Ross nodded and left the room.
"Something happened in the dorm room, didn't it?" Chandler asked. "That's why you don't want to stay there tonight."
Monica nodded. "Please don't take this the wrong way, Chandler, but you could do a lot better than Brenda."
Chandler laughed. "Brenda? I'm not seeing Brenda."
"Oh, well, not that it's any of my business..."
"Did she say something to you?"
"Not directly," Monica admitted. Her voice became melancholy. "I overheard a conversation. And believe me, it's nothing I haven't heard before and probably will hear again."
"I'm so sorry," Chandler said.
Realizing just how vulnerable she was, he moved to give Monica a hug; she allowed herself to be enveloped in his arms for a few sweet moments.
"Dude!" Ross said, returning to the room with Monica's bag in hand and Carol at his side.
"Sorry," Chandler said, pulling away.
"Monica, I'm sorry you have to leave so soon," Carol said.
"Yeah, me, too. Thanks for letting me stay with you."
"Any time. Guys, can I have a moment alone with Monica?"
Ross and Chandler stepped outside.
"Ross told me that Chandler is driving you home and that you spent nearly all your time with him. Monica, do you know the happiness you are radiating?"
"No," she said, placing the palms of her hands to her full flushed cheeks. "Is it that obvious?"
Carol chuckled and placed a kind hand on Monica's arm. "Probably not to everyone, but certainly to me. Maybe it's because I've had people say the same thing to me since I've been dating your brother. I just want you to know that while I think Chandler is a nice guy, I hope there's someone in your high school or neighborhood whom you like, too."
Monica eyed Carol suspiciously. "Did my brother put you up to this?"
"No, why would you say that?"
"Because it wouldn't surprise me if my dear older brother wanted to send me on my way with a dire warning about the dangers of getting involved with Chandler."
"I swear he didn't say anything about this to me at all."
"Did Brenda?"
She nearly choked saying the name.
"Monica, I don't know what happened to make you leave so suddenly, but I can assure you that no one has said anything to me about you and Chandler. What I'm telling you has been from my own observations. We don't know each other very well, but I just wanted to give you a piece of friendly advice. I didn't mean to set you off."
"I'm sorry," Monica said, fidgeting with her sweater. "I just...I'm not used to this. I'm being silly. Please forgive me."
Carol smiled. "You're forgiven. Before I forget, I wanted to give you these."
With a wink, she handed Monica a package of photos.
"I think there may be one or two in there that you would appreciate having."
"Thank you," Monica said, giving Carol an impulsive but well-received hug.
*~*
Ross walked with Monica and Chandler to the car.
"What we talked about this morning in my room?" Ross said.
Monica nodded.
"I'll be home for Thanksgiving. We'll talk about it then, okay?"
She smiled. "Thanks, Ross."
"No problem. Drive safely, Chandler. You have a very important person in your passenger seat."
"I know," Chandler agreed.
While Ross waited in the parking lot, Chandler placed Monica's bag in his trunk and then opened the door for her. She looked from the silver sports car to Chandler.
"Do you...um...do you have a portable vacuum, by chance?"
"What?" Chandler asked while Ross snickered.
"It's just...your car...well, it's a little messy. I'd like to clean it before I get in."
"Oh, I remember these stories, too," Chandler said and rolled his eyes. "I'll clean it as best I can."
"It's okay," Monica said. "I'll just brush the crumbs off the seat. Here, Ross, can you throw these containers in the trash?"
Before Chandler could do or say anything, Monica had cleaned and organized the interior of his car.
"Wow," he said, grudgingly appreciating her work, "this is the cleanest it's been since I got it."
"You're welcome," she said and allowed herself a small laugh at his pained look. "Aww, it wasn't that bad. Now, if we could just find a car wash for the outside..."
Ross bid them good-bye and waved as they drove off.
*~*
"Once we hit the Long Island Expressway, I'll need directions," he told her.
"No problem. This really is nice," she said, running her fingers along the black leather seat.
"Thanks. It was a guilt-ridden present from my mom," he confessed.
"What do you mean?"
Chandler shrugged. He stole a glance in her direction before returning his eyes to the road.
"My mom hasn't been around much, so she thought giving me a car would make up for her absence. It doesn't, but do you really think I was going to turn down a free car?"
"No, I guess not. But if I may ask, why have you been without a mother?"
Chandler hesitated and then decided to divulge one of his secrets. "She's a published romance author who travels all over the country, actually the world."
"Bing?" Monica said, as realization suddenly dawned. "As in Nora Tyler Bing?"
Chandler grimaced but didn't shy away from the topic.
"The one and only. See, now you know a little more about me."
"Chandler, I have to tell you. I read her books. I enjoy her books. I imagine...well, you don't need to know what I imagine, but wow. Nora Bing is your mom!"
"How 'bout that?" Chandler said. "Want an autographed book? I'm sure I could get you one. No problem."
Monica heard the sarcasm and touch of anger in his voice. Her heart lurched.
"I'm sorry she hasn't been there for you," Monica said sincerely. "You're the son she mentions on talk shows."
"Yes, unfortunately, I am," Chandler said, recalling the taunts that had been thrown his way thanks to his mother's sometimes careless remarks. "And now, please, let's change the subject."
Knowing how it felt to be prodded into discussing something she'd rather not, Monica was quick to oblige. Unfortunately, she had no way of knowing her next choice of topic would be just as unwelcome. "Ross mentioned coming home for Thanksgiving. What will you be doing?"
"You are hitting all the hot subjects with me tonight. I don't know what I'll be doing, but I know I won't be eating turkey."
"You don't like turkey?" Monica asked. "That's not so uncommon, I guess. A lot of people don't eat turkey..."
"It's not just turkey," Chandler said, a little harsher than he intended.
Monica slid closer to the passenger door, further away from Chandler. His tone unnerved her.
"It's the whole Thanksgiving experience I won't be participating in."
"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to bring up bad memories for you."
Chandler sighed and looked at Monica. "I'm the one who should be apologizing. You had no way of knowing. It's just that Thanksgiving is the holiday when my parents chose to tell me they were getting a divorce. It's the hardest, stupidest day for me to get through."
"That is so sad. How old were you?"
"Nine."
"Do you spend the day alone?"
Chandler shrugged. "Sometimes."
"Well, you're not spending this Thanksgiving alone," she said, her voice adamant.
"What do you mean?"
"I respect the difficulty you have getting through the holiday," she said, "but this year, I want you to spend the day with my family. I know I don't have the healthiest relationship with them, especially my mom, but we do enjoy the holidays. You should experience that, Chandler."
"No," he said, shaking his head. "I couldn't impose my sour attitude about Thanksgiving on people I don't even know. It wouldn't be fair. As much as I appreciate your invitation, I have to decline."
"You can't," Monica said, some of her inborn feistiness surfacing. "I can make you a whole separate Thanksgiving meal with any food you want."
"Monica, that's not the point..."
"Yes, it is. Because Chandler Bing, if you don't come to spend Thanksgiving with me then I will just have to bring Thanksgiving to you!"