The Nightclub of Your Dreams
Chapter Six: I Don't Like This Ending
"I hope you like Merlot," Richard said, as he poured the deep crimson liquid into two crystal goblets.
"Um, yeah…I mean, yes, yes of course," Monica smiled, and walked toward Richard. Inside, her stomach was turning. The irony of the situation was not lost on her; a month ago, she would have done anything to be here, with Richard Burke, on her way to a big career in Los Angeles. But things had changed; everything had changed, because of Chandler. She couldn't get him out her mind. The look on his face when she'd told him that Richard was insisting on meeting with her haunted her still.
"Now, about that contract," Richard said smoothly, as he ran his hand through her hair.
Monica fought every urge she had not to shudder. Putting on her best show-stopping smile, she decided she would try to let him down easy—for she had no intention of leaving Las Vegas now.
"Richard…"
"I am offering you the deal of a lifetime…in exchange," Richard pulled out a, enormous diamond ring, "You'll become my wife."
"Oh…I—"
"Diamonds are a girls best friend," Richard laughed.
Monica smiled, and turned toward the window, her mind racing. She took a deep breath, and looked back at Richard.
Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me
Like any hot blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave
But you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight
Richard's brow furrowed, and he took a deep breath. He began to cross the room, the diamond still in his hand.
"This is an offer you cannot refuse," he said flatly.
Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm
Must be somewhat heartening
To watch shepherd meet shepherd
But you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight
"Monica, I love you, and I will make you happy! How can you refuse such an offer! No one will be able to provide for you the way that I will. Certainly not that…that…writer."
Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced like mine before
But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight
"This is absurd…I know that you have been sleeping with Chandler…but he cannot give you what I can. And trust me when I tell you that it is in his best interest for you to take this," Richard's eyes narrowed, and Monica was barely able to utter her next words, as Richard grabbed her tiny wrist, and shoved the ring onto her trembling hand.
Come what may…I will love you, until my dying day.
~**~
The Next MorningChandler rolled over, and groaned audibly. His head was pounding, and it felt like someone was plunging red-hot daggers into his eyes. What the hell did he drink last night anyway? He moved to sit up, but was his with a sudden wave of nausea. Cringing, he stumbled into the bathroom, and threw up into the toilet.
A sharp pounding on his front door sent new waves of earth-shattering pain through his skull.
"Ooooh, stop pounding!" Chandler whispered to his head and to the door. Reluctantly, he stood up, and opened the door.
"Monica," Chandler whispered his eyes adjusting to the glaringly bright light in the hallway.
"Hi Chandler," Monica said coolly, and made her way into the apartment.
"Wh-um, how are you?"
"I'm…okay," Monica sighed, and moved a tendril of hair behind her ear.
The sparkle from the diamond caught in the dim lamplight, and Chandler's eyes narrowed.
"What's going on, Monica?"
Monica sighed, and looked at the floor. "I'm engaged," she said flatly.
"What?"
"To Richard."
Chandler shook his head quickly, and immediately regretted it. He rubbed his temples, and moved toward Monica. "Just what are you saying?"
"I'll be going to LA with him after the show on opening night."
"What about us?" Chandler asked desperately.
"Look, Chandler, it was fun while it lasted," Monica brushed past Chandler and opened the door, "but this is how the story really ends." She turned on her heel, and slammed the door behind her.
"Ahh!" Chandler's head was spinning and he fell to his knees. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be. He struggled to find his breath, and his voice. She'd been playing him; all this time, she'd been using him. But why? He finally let out a strangled cry, and ignoring his thumping head, he screamed.
*
Monica fell against the hotel wall, trying desperately to find the strength to walk away. Images of the scene that had just transpired played in her head, as she trembled to her knees, tears flowing down her face. She was doing the right thing—she had to do this, for Chandler's own safety.
A horrible scream emanated from Chandler's apartment, and Monica let out a sob. Rising to her feet, she ran from the hotel, and toward the Paris…toward her new destiny.
~**~
Rachel watched, as Richard and Monica announced their engagement to the rest of the company. She looked around, and noticed that Chandler was nowhere to be seen. She wondered if Monica had told him about the engagement. Smirking, she walked toward the front doors.
"Rachel," Ross called as he jogged to catch up with her.
"Yes, Ross," Rachel folded her arms, and looked at him crossly.
"Wh-where are you going?" Ross asked nervously.
"To console our poor friend Chandler," Rachel smiled sweetly.
"Rachel," Ross warned.
"What, Ross, what? Why do you care who I screw?" Rachel seethed.
"Because I—just because," Ross said quietly.
"Ross, why can't you let it go? What happened between us is in the past! Plus, you were the one who said you couldn't trust me!"
"Well, you said that you loved me, and then you went and slept with that guy! I mean, what was I supposed to think!" Ross yelled, his temper running thin.
"We were on a break, Ross!"
"We were sooo not on a break!"
"Ugh, whatever! Just…just leave me alone!" Rachel stormed out of the club.
Ross sighed, and shook his head. He ignored the pain that lined his heart, and made his way back to the crowd.
~**~
"Come in," Chandler said gruffly, not moving from his position on his bed.
Rachel opened the door, and walked into the room.
"Oooh, Chandler, I just heard! I am SO sorry," she said sweetly, and plopped down on Chandler's bed.
"Why do you care?" Chandler whispered.
"Chandler! You…you are the sweetest guy I know! Monica doesn't deserve you! You know," Rachel saddled up next to Chandler, and put her arms around him, before pushing his head onto her chest, "Monica does this kind of stuff all the time. She likes to play with men's heads. She doesn't love Richard—she's using him for his connections and his money. And with you…she wanted your innocence, and your heart. And she always wins. Monica always wins," Rachel whispered. She felt Chandler sobbing, and she rubbed his back soothingly, "Shh, it's okay, sweetie. You can let it all out. I'm here for you," Rachel kissed the top of his head, and moved her hand down to his thigh, "I'll do whatever you need…to make you feel better."
Chandler sniffled loudly, and pulled his head off of Rachel's chest.
"Thanks, Rachel," Chandler smiled, and lay back on his bed.
"That's what friends are for," Rachel whispered, as she straddled his lap, and captured his lips with her own.
Uninvited, Alanis Morissette; Come What May, David Baerwald