Chapter 10
What Chandler saw when he opened the door would be forever embedded in his mind. In the center of the cramped dorm room he shared with Ross stood a card table, covered with a white linen tablecloth. A candle burned brightly between two place settings. Against one of the chairs, dressed in black pants and a rose-colored sweater, waited Monica.
"What? How?" Chandler finally stammered, after taking a few moments to drink in the extraordinary sight before him.
"Hello, Chandler," she said, her voice soft. "Happy Non-Thanksgiving."
"Monica! I...I can't believe you're here," he said, quickly closing the distance between them.
"I know!" she said and laughed, pleased and relieved that he seemed happy to see her. "I can't believe my parents let me come. Ross is around, but he promised he would make himself scarce. We're driving home later tonight."
"You did all this," he asked, indicating the table, "for me?"
"Yes," Monica said, her azure eyes shining. "I have the macaroni and cheese warming in the microwave."
"Monica," Chandler said, grasping her upper arms with his hands, "no one, and I mean no one, has done anything like this for me. Ever. Thank you soooo much."
"You're welcome. I better go check on our dinner."
"Let me."
"Okay. It's the microwave in the common area down the hall. The dessert is in the fridge, by the way. Oh, take these potholders."
When Monica handed them to Chandler, the tips of their fingers touched, sending shock waves through both of them.
"I won't be long."
As she counted the seconds until his return, Monica waltzed around the small space. She felt as though she were sitting on a cloud. Chandler was happy to see her, and he looked wonderful. She didn't realize how much she'd missed him and how staring endlessly at a photo did not compare to being with him.
He returned with the Corning Ware dish; Monica made room on the table.
"I left the dessert in the refrigerator."
She nodded and pointed to a bottle.
"I thought we could have sparkling apple cider."
"Sounds good."
As Chandler poured the beverage into two goblets, he eyed Monica appreciatively.
"You look great."
Monica shrugged her shoulders shyly. "Thanks. I'm so happy. I've reached my goal to lose ten pounds by Thanksgiving."
"That's excellent!"
"Another five by Christmas is my next goal. Ten would be great, but I want to do this the right, healthy way."
"I can tell you have a plan and are sticking to it."
"I'm determined," Monica said.
"I know!" he said, imitating her effusiveness.
She laughed and held out her glass to toast him. When she spoke, her tone was serious.
"You said no one had ever done anything like what I'm doing for you, but Chandler, no one has ever helped me the way you have. Not very many people have taken the time to get to know me, and certainly no guys, especially ones who are in college. I just want you to know you're someone who's very special to me."
Chandler held her gaze. He knew his opportunity had arrived. He only hoped he wouldn't blow it.
"You have become someone very special to me, too, Monica. Let's sit down," he said, pulling out a chair for her. "I'd like to talk to you while we eat."
"Okay," she said, her heart beginning to race at Chandler's encouraging words.
He sat across from her and smiled when he saw her rosy cheeks through the dancing flame.
"Help yourself," she said. "I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will."
She agreed to a small portion and pulled a bag of raw carrots from the shopping bag next to her.
"Your parents must be so proud of you," Chandler said.
"I suppose," she said, in between chews. "They don't say too much, but then, I never expected them, too. I'm not doing this for them or anyone else," she clarified. "I'm doing this for me."
"That's the best reason I can think of."
"But," she quickly amended, "that doesn't mean you haven't played a part because you have. I appreciate your support and all the kindness you have showed me more than I could ever say."
"You express your appreciation very well. Seeing you was the last thing I expected to have happen tonight, and it's been the most wonderful. I've missed you a lot."
"I've missed you, too. I didn't realize how much, until I saw you walk through that door. You look fantastic."
"Thanks."
He took a deep breath and then plunged into what he wanted to say. "I'm not very good at expressing myself, and that has gotten me into trouble more times than I care to think about. But I really like you. I don't know much about being in a relationship that has any real meaning or lasting potential. My last one is total proof of that. And yet, I am very drawn to you. I...I would like it if we could start seeing each other regularly."
Monica's eyes grew huge. "You mean like...go out on dates?!"
"Yes."
"Let me see if I've got this straight. You...you want me to be like your...your girlfriend?!"
"Yes," he confirmed again, her naiveté breathing new life into him. "I told you I'm bad at this, but I want to spend more time with you."
"Wow, Chandler, I never thought I would have a boyfriend. Ever. I thought I was destined to be Rachel's dateless friend and wallflower for the rest of my life. You...you're sure you want to date me?"
"Yes," Chandler said and laughed. He wanted to take her in his arms and give her a great big hug. "I want to date you, Monica Geller."
"I'd like that," she said and grinned impishly. "I'd like that a lot!"
"Good!"
"But I do have one condition."
"What's that?"
"You have to tell me about your previous girlfriend and why you're so bad at relationships."
"We don't have enough time tonight," Chandler said, only half teasing.
"Not tonight," Monica said. "But you will tell me everything at some point. I insist."
"I will. And now, I have a condition."
"What is it?"
"Hold up your glass. I need to propose a toast."
Monica raised her glass. She couldn't keep her eyes off Chandler. She also couldn't keep her pulse and heart rate under control. Chandler had asked her to be his girlfriend. She knew she must be dreaming and that she would wake up any second, so she wanted to enjoy this dream as much as she could before reality came crashing down around her once more. Things like this didn't happen to girls like her. She knew that, and yet, a part of her also knew this was real. She just had to tap into that part of her brain.
"What's your toast?" she asked.
"Simply this," Chandler said, moving his glass closer to hers. "That no matter what happens, we will always be friends. We started out as friends. I would never want to lose that. What do you say?"
"I agree. Friends forever!"
They clinked glasses and then took a sip as if to seal their pact.
"I'll go get the dessert," Monica said, rising from the chair.
"You don't have to. I can get it."
"I want to," she said. "Besides, my feet aren't touching the ground anyway, so I can float to the refrigerator."
Chandler laughed. "I wish I could convey to you just how much I enjoy being around you."
Monica smiled. "I think you just did."
She returned with the chocolate mousse torte and cut him a generous slice. She munched on an apple and didn't feel a twinge of anger or disappointment that she wasn't allowing herself to indulge in one of her favorite desserts.
"I didn't have to eat this now," he protested.
"But I want you to," she insisted. "Not everyone is going to be as considerate as you. I need to learn to be around this type of food and not fall apart. This is good practice for me."
"You amaze me."
Monica smiled. "I have a trick I use. I tell myself that for right now, I'm choosing not to have that dessert. It doesn't mean I'll never eat it again. It just means I'm not eating it today."
"What a great idea."
"So far, it's working."
They had just finished their meal when there was a knock at the door. Monica looked at Chandler.
"That can't be Ross already, but if it is, I'm supposed to go with him and not get into an argument."
"I'm not ready for you to leave," Chandler said. "Is it okay if I talk to him?"
Monica nodded happily.
Ross stood on the other side of the door when Chandler opened it.
"Sorry, but it's time for Monica and me to go," he said to Chandler. "I don't want to get stuck in traffic."
"Ten more minutes? Please? I promise I won't detain her a second longer."
"Okay. Meet me at the car, Monica. In ten minutes. I already put my bag in the trunk. If you're not there, I'm leaving without you."
"I can always drive Monica to your parents' house. It's not like you're the only ride in town."
He quickly apologized when he saw Ross' brow furrow in displeasure.
"Ten minutes. I'm driving my sister to our home, not you."
"Got it. Thanks."
Chandler closed the door. He turned to Monica, shaking his head.
"I was only kidding. I hope I didn't get you into trouble."
"Nah. You probably just sentenced me to a twenty-minute lecture on the drive home. I'll close my eyes and think of you. That'll work."
Chandler smiled as he gathered Monica into his arms.
"I've enjoyed this evening," he told her seriously. "You are very special, and don't you ever forget that."
"You have a way of making me feel special. Thank you."
"You're welcome, sweetheart."
There was that endearment again that just about melted her insides.
"Chandler, I need to be honest with you. A part of me doesn't quite believe this is real. I feel like this is all a spectacular dream, and that any second I'll wake up and realize I haven't spent any of this special time with you. I need some reassurance this is truly happening."
"Okay," Chandler said, willing to oblige his lady, "how about this?"
He lowered his head and slanted his mouth to cover Monica's in a searing kiss that had her leaning against his solid chest and breathing hard. Just when she parted her lips to receive his tongue, he pulled back. He nipped and teased and kissed her everywhere except on the lips. He had her practically begging him to let their tongues mate. When she thought she couldn't stand it a second longer, he finally satisfied some of her wanton desires while igniting others she knew would have to wait for a better time.
When the kisses ended, both were a bit breathless.
"I have to get you to the car," Chandler said, gently rubbing the pad of his thumb against the pulse in her neck.
It only served to make it beat faster.
"I know."
"We'll have more time together, I promise. Let's be in touch this weekend to work out a schedule."
"I want that," Monica said, unable to look away from Chandler's electric blue eyes. "I'm already counting the hours until I see you again. Let's make it soon."
"The sooner the better."
"Agreed."
"I really have to let you go."
Monica nodded but made no effort to move out of the protective circle of his arms.
"I want to give you something," Chandler finally said.
He broke away from Monica. She knew it had to end some time; that knowledge didn't make the separation any easier.
"What's that?" she asked, when he pulled a shiny coin in a plastic case from his wallet.
"This is a penny my paternal grandmother gave me when I was a kid. She said she saw it on the ground and that I came immediately into her mind. She gave it to me the same day she found it. I don't know why, but it's something I've kept all these years and carry with me at all times."
"Chandler, I can't take this. It's has a special meaning for you."
"I know," he said, pressing it into the palm of Monica's hand. "And that's why I want you to have it. Think of me when you look at it."
"I will. I'll keep it next to your picture in my room, and when I go out, I'll bring it with me."
"I'd like that. By the way, Carol told me about the pictures. So, Ms. Geller, when do I get one or two or a dozen of you?"
"Me? You don't want a picture of me."
"Yes, I most certainly do!"
"I don't take pictures," Monica said to him, "but for you, I will."
"I look forward to receiving them. And now, Ross will be ready to string me up. You have to get to the car."
Monica reached for the shopping bag that contained what she had brought to the dorm, minus the food. Chandler stopped her and told her he would carry it.
"That's what boyfriends do, you know," he informed her.
"How would I know?" she teased, her eyes dancing. "I've never had one until you."
"We are going to have a good time," he assured her.
As they walked side by side in the brisk fall night, Chandler knew he had made the right decision. He even felt his grandmother smiling down on him. A warmth he hadn't experienced in an extremely long time began to work its way into his body. He knew he wouldn't be satisfied until it finally reached his heart.
What Chandler saw when he opened the door would be forever embedded in his mind. In the center of the cramped dorm room he shared with Ross stood a card table, covered with a white linen tablecloth. A candle burned brightly between two place settings. Against one of the chairs, dressed in black pants and a rose-colored sweater, waited Monica.
"What? How?" Chandler finally stammered, after taking a few moments to drink in the extraordinary sight before him.
"Hello, Chandler," she said, her voice soft. "Happy Non-Thanksgiving."
"Monica! I...I can't believe you're here," he said, quickly closing the distance between them.
"I know!" she said and laughed, pleased and relieved that he seemed happy to see her. "I can't believe my parents let me come. Ross is around, but he promised he would make himself scarce. We're driving home later tonight."
"You did all this," he asked, indicating the table, "for me?"
"Yes," Monica said, her azure eyes shining. "I have the macaroni and cheese warming in the microwave."
"Monica," Chandler said, grasping her upper arms with his hands, "no one, and I mean no one, has done anything like this for me. Ever. Thank you soooo much."
"You're welcome. I better go check on our dinner."
"Let me."
"Okay. It's the microwave in the common area down the hall. The dessert is in the fridge, by the way. Oh, take these potholders."
When Monica handed them to Chandler, the tips of their fingers touched, sending shock waves through both of them.
"I won't be long."
As she counted the seconds until his return, Monica waltzed around the small space. She felt as though she were sitting on a cloud. Chandler was happy to see her, and he looked wonderful. She didn't realize how much she'd missed him and how staring endlessly at a photo did not compare to being with him.
He returned with the Corning Ware dish; Monica made room on the table.
"I left the dessert in the refrigerator."
She nodded and pointed to a bottle.
"I thought we could have sparkling apple cider."
"Sounds good."
As Chandler poured the beverage into two goblets, he eyed Monica appreciatively.
"You look great."
Monica shrugged her shoulders shyly. "Thanks. I'm so happy. I've reached my goal to lose ten pounds by Thanksgiving."
"That's excellent!"
"Another five by Christmas is my next goal. Ten would be great, but I want to do this the right, healthy way."
"I can tell you have a plan and are sticking to it."
"I'm determined," Monica said.
"I know!" he said, imitating her effusiveness.
She laughed and held out her glass to toast him. When she spoke, her tone was serious.
"You said no one had ever done anything like what I'm doing for you, but Chandler, no one has ever helped me the way you have. Not very many people have taken the time to get to know me, and certainly no guys, especially ones who are in college. I just want you to know you're someone who's very special to me."
Chandler held her gaze. He knew his opportunity had arrived. He only hoped he wouldn't blow it.
"You have become someone very special to me, too, Monica. Let's sit down," he said, pulling out a chair for her. "I'd like to talk to you while we eat."
"Okay," she said, her heart beginning to race at Chandler's encouraging words.
He sat across from her and smiled when he saw her rosy cheeks through the dancing flame.
"Help yourself," she said. "I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will."
She agreed to a small portion and pulled a bag of raw carrots from the shopping bag next to her.
"Your parents must be so proud of you," Chandler said.
"I suppose," she said, in between chews. "They don't say too much, but then, I never expected them, too. I'm not doing this for them or anyone else," she clarified. "I'm doing this for me."
"That's the best reason I can think of."
"But," she quickly amended, "that doesn't mean you haven't played a part because you have. I appreciate your support and all the kindness you have showed me more than I could ever say."
"You express your appreciation very well. Seeing you was the last thing I expected to have happen tonight, and it's been the most wonderful. I've missed you a lot."
"I've missed you, too. I didn't realize how much, until I saw you walk through that door. You look fantastic."
"Thanks."
He took a deep breath and then plunged into what he wanted to say. "I'm not very good at expressing myself, and that has gotten me into trouble more times than I care to think about. But I really like you. I don't know much about being in a relationship that has any real meaning or lasting potential. My last one is total proof of that. And yet, I am very drawn to you. I...I would like it if we could start seeing each other regularly."
Monica's eyes grew huge. "You mean like...go out on dates?!"
"Yes."
"Let me see if I've got this straight. You...you want me to be like your...your girlfriend?!"
"Yes," he confirmed again, her naiveté breathing new life into him. "I told you I'm bad at this, but I want to spend more time with you."
"Wow, Chandler, I never thought I would have a boyfriend. Ever. I thought I was destined to be Rachel's dateless friend and wallflower for the rest of my life. You...you're sure you want to date me?"
"Yes," Chandler said and laughed. He wanted to take her in his arms and give her a great big hug. "I want to date you, Monica Geller."
"I'd like that," she said and grinned impishly. "I'd like that a lot!"
"Good!"
"But I do have one condition."
"What's that?"
"You have to tell me about your previous girlfriend and why you're so bad at relationships."
"We don't have enough time tonight," Chandler said, only half teasing.
"Not tonight," Monica said. "But you will tell me everything at some point. I insist."
"I will. And now, I have a condition."
"What is it?"
"Hold up your glass. I need to propose a toast."
Monica raised her glass. She couldn't keep her eyes off Chandler. She also couldn't keep her pulse and heart rate under control. Chandler had asked her to be his girlfriend. She knew she must be dreaming and that she would wake up any second, so she wanted to enjoy this dream as much as she could before reality came crashing down around her once more. Things like this didn't happen to girls like her. She knew that, and yet, a part of her also knew this was real. She just had to tap into that part of her brain.
"What's your toast?" she asked.
"Simply this," Chandler said, moving his glass closer to hers. "That no matter what happens, we will always be friends. We started out as friends. I would never want to lose that. What do you say?"
"I agree. Friends forever!"
They clinked glasses and then took a sip as if to seal their pact.
"I'll go get the dessert," Monica said, rising from the chair.
"You don't have to. I can get it."
"I want to," she said. "Besides, my feet aren't touching the ground anyway, so I can float to the refrigerator."
Chandler laughed. "I wish I could convey to you just how much I enjoy being around you."
Monica smiled. "I think you just did."
She returned with the chocolate mousse torte and cut him a generous slice. She munched on an apple and didn't feel a twinge of anger or disappointment that she wasn't allowing herself to indulge in one of her favorite desserts.
"I didn't have to eat this now," he protested.
"But I want you to," she insisted. "Not everyone is going to be as considerate as you. I need to learn to be around this type of food and not fall apart. This is good practice for me."
"You amaze me."
Monica smiled. "I have a trick I use. I tell myself that for right now, I'm choosing not to have that dessert. It doesn't mean I'll never eat it again. It just means I'm not eating it today."
"What a great idea."
"So far, it's working."
They had just finished their meal when there was a knock at the door. Monica looked at Chandler.
"That can't be Ross already, but if it is, I'm supposed to go with him and not get into an argument."
"I'm not ready for you to leave," Chandler said. "Is it okay if I talk to him?"
Monica nodded happily.
Ross stood on the other side of the door when Chandler opened it.
"Sorry, but it's time for Monica and me to go," he said to Chandler. "I don't want to get stuck in traffic."
"Ten more minutes? Please? I promise I won't detain her a second longer."
"Okay. Meet me at the car, Monica. In ten minutes. I already put my bag in the trunk. If you're not there, I'm leaving without you."
"I can always drive Monica to your parents' house. It's not like you're the only ride in town."
He quickly apologized when he saw Ross' brow furrow in displeasure.
"Ten minutes. I'm driving my sister to our home, not you."
"Got it. Thanks."
Chandler closed the door. He turned to Monica, shaking his head.
"I was only kidding. I hope I didn't get you into trouble."
"Nah. You probably just sentenced me to a twenty-minute lecture on the drive home. I'll close my eyes and think of you. That'll work."
Chandler smiled as he gathered Monica into his arms.
"I've enjoyed this evening," he told her seriously. "You are very special, and don't you ever forget that."
"You have a way of making me feel special. Thank you."
"You're welcome, sweetheart."
There was that endearment again that just about melted her insides.
"Chandler, I need to be honest with you. A part of me doesn't quite believe this is real. I feel like this is all a spectacular dream, and that any second I'll wake up and realize I haven't spent any of this special time with you. I need some reassurance this is truly happening."
"Okay," Chandler said, willing to oblige his lady, "how about this?"
He lowered his head and slanted his mouth to cover Monica's in a searing kiss that had her leaning against his solid chest and breathing hard. Just when she parted her lips to receive his tongue, he pulled back. He nipped and teased and kissed her everywhere except on the lips. He had her practically begging him to let their tongues mate. When she thought she couldn't stand it a second longer, he finally satisfied some of her wanton desires while igniting others she knew would have to wait for a better time.
When the kisses ended, both were a bit breathless.
"I have to get you to the car," Chandler said, gently rubbing the pad of his thumb against the pulse in her neck.
It only served to make it beat faster.
"I know."
"We'll have more time together, I promise. Let's be in touch this weekend to work out a schedule."
"I want that," Monica said, unable to look away from Chandler's electric blue eyes. "I'm already counting the hours until I see you again. Let's make it soon."
"The sooner the better."
"Agreed."
"I really have to let you go."
Monica nodded but made no effort to move out of the protective circle of his arms.
"I want to give you something," Chandler finally said.
He broke away from Monica. She knew it had to end some time; that knowledge didn't make the separation any easier.
"What's that?" she asked, when he pulled a shiny coin in a plastic case from his wallet.
"This is a penny my paternal grandmother gave me when I was a kid. She said she saw it on the ground and that I came immediately into her mind. She gave it to me the same day she found it. I don't know why, but it's something I've kept all these years and carry with me at all times."
"Chandler, I can't take this. It's has a special meaning for you."
"I know," he said, pressing it into the palm of Monica's hand. "And that's why I want you to have it. Think of me when you look at it."
"I will. I'll keep it next to your picture in my room, and when I go out, I'll bring it with me."
"I'd like that. By the way, Carol told me about the pictures. So, Ms. Geller, when do I get one or two or a dozen of you?"
"Me? You don't want a picture of me."
"Yes, I most certainly do!"
"I don't take pictures," Monica said to him, "but for you, I will."
"I look forward to receiving them. And now, Ross will be ready to string me up. You have to get to the car."
Monica reached for the shopping bag that contained what she had brought to the dorm, minus the food. Chandler stopped her and told her he would carry it.
"That's what boyfriends do, you know," he informed her.
"How would I know?" she teased, her eyes dancing. "I've never had one until you."
"We are going to have a good time," he assured her.
As they walked side by side in the brisk fall night, Chandler knew he had made the right decision. He even felt his grandmother smiling down on him. A warmth he hadn't experienced in an extremely long time began to work its way into his body. He knew he wouldn't be satisfied until it finally reached his heart.