Authors Note - Thanks for the reviews and the name suggestions,
unfortunately I couldn't use Elizabeth because it's Ella's real name.
Sorry. In this Monica has a daughter (I threw a piece of paper in the air
to decide!) called Isabelle Niamh, (Isabelle after a name DrKerryWeaver
suggested and Niamh after my family in Ireland). Also Joey has moved out
and is living in a big house with his girlfriend, Phoebe and Mike and their
kids. This takes place three years after "There's no but" Ella eventually
went travelling with Emma and they ended up in London. They've lived there
for the past two years but they come over every few months to see their
parents. This is the final chapter.
Monica sank down into the sofa and felt her shoulders relax almost immediately. She couldn't believe how much everyone's lives had changed in the past three years. Her little Ella was all the way in England, and she wasn't that little anymore. Monica couldn't believe that she was almost 20; it made her feel so old! But the one thing that still made her feel so young was her little baby. Isabelle Niamh was almost three and looked more and more like her mother everyday. Although Monica had never admitted to anyone how much she still missed Georgia, Isabelle had helped to heal the pain. What still hurt Monica was that people always assumed that Issy was Chandler's, and Monica sometimes wished that she were. After she told Dean she was pregnant he had made it perfectly clear that he didn't want to know. Chandler, on the other hand, had been so nice and supportive. Even moving in after Joey left so she wouldn't be on her own with a new baby. Issy even called him Daddy. Monica felt herself get lost in her thoughts as she relaxed. Just as she was falling asleep everything happened at once.
Chandler walked through the door carrying an excited Isabelle.
Isabelle jumped out of Chandler's arms and ran over to her mom screaming.
The phone rang.
Monica made the snap decision to pick Isabelle up and answer the phone at the same time. This was not a wise decision. Isabelle didn't like being squashed as Monica reached for the phone and instead started to pull her hair. Monica finally grabbed the phone and answered out of breath.
"Hello Monica Geller" she gasped
"Mom?" she heard Ella's voice ask, though she sounded far away, "Mom is that you?"
"Yes it's me sweetie" she replied, "Where are you?"
"London, still, but that's not why I called. I have something to tell you" she began, but then stopped, "Hey is dad there?"
"Yeah he's just picked Issy up from pre-school. Why?"
"Put me on speaker phone then"
Monica turned to Chandler and silently beckoned him over, whilst putting the phone onto speakerphone. Chandler sat down next to her, unaware of what was to come next.
"OK, he's here. Now what's going on?"
"I'm getting married!" Ella screamed down the phone
"WHAT???????!!!!!!!" Monica and Chandler screamed back
"Shaun proposed last night and we went to see the minister this morning and we're getting married three weeks from today! Can you believe it?!"
Monica and Chandler sat in silence, unable to take anymore in until Ella spoke again.
"Mom? Dad? You are happy for me aren't you? You will be able to fly over right?"
Monica didn't know what to say. She had only met Shaun twice and she wasn't sure if she wanted her eldest daughter to get married so young. What if she decided in two years that she didn't love Shaun and she wanted someone else? All the questions buzzed around in Monica's head until Isabelle pulled at her hair.
Monica immediately jumped up and snatched the phone, intending to tell Ella what she thought, but as soon as she heard her daughters voice,
"Mom? Please tell me you're happy for me, please"
Her resolve fell and she found herself telling Ella how happy she was and congratulating her. Before she knew what was happening she had brought three tickets to London departing in 2 weeks. It was only when she stopped rushing that she really began to think.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Two weeks later and Monica, Chandler, Isabelle, Ross, Rachel and Joey were all touching down in Heathrow airport, after a horrible six-hour journey. All they wanted to do was sleep but when they arrived at the hotel, Ella had other ideas.
She dragged then from the airport and back to the hotel where Emma and the infamous Shaun were waiting.
"Mom, Dad, everyone. This is Shaun"
Chandler looked his soon to be son-in-law up and down. He had to admit Shaun was not at all like he imagined. He had imagined Shaun to be wearing some scruffy clothes and a pair of sneakers, but instead a young man wearing a smart pair of pants and a shirt greeted him. Chandler got his next surprise when Shaun spoke. From the brief description Ella had given him Shaun had sounded very American but when he opened his mouth Chandler was greeted by the sound of a very thick Irish accent.
"Mr Bing, Mrs Geller. Ella's told me so much about the two of you" he said, shaking their hands.
Chandler warily took his hand, unsure of this stranger. Eventually he realised he should say something.
"So whereabouts you from?"
"Avoca, in County Wicklow. It's a small place but the most beautiful town you're ever likely to see"
"Great. You should show it me sometime"
"Sure. I've got some pictures in my bag if you'd like to see..."
Chandler, unsure of what to do replied, "Sure. Sounds good"
Shaun smiled and lead Chandler towards the bar, telling him they could have a drink while they looked at the pictures. Before they left Shaun reached over to Ella and kissed her forehead so tenderly that Monica wanted to cry. At that moment all her fears about the wedding disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next day Ella decided she wanted to spend more time with her sister and so her, Shaun and Isabelle went to Hyde Park for a picnic. Ross and Rachel decided to spend the day catching up with Emma and so Monica and Chandler were left alone together.
"So Mon" Chandler asked, walking into Monica's room early that morning, "What do you wanna do today?"
"I dunno. Why? I'm not stuck with you am I?!"
"Fraid so m'dear"
Monica shrugged, secretly pleased. She hadn't been alone with Chandler in weeks. Part of that was because she was still confused. She had once loved him, she knew that, but whether she loved him now.She just wasn't sure. She used to say that he had hurt her too much to just go back to him, but.well.he'd been back for almost 5 years. She wasn't rushing herself. The one thing she didn't know was if he felt the same. Monica felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
'Believe me they're worth more than a penny' she thought, a wry smile on her face, before walking slowly out of the room beckoning for Chandler to follow her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So" Chandler began, directing them down a street, "These ruins are at the site of an old church. The church was knocked down in 1998 and since then has been a site of Heritage. The church has some fascinating history dating back to.."
Monica grabbed the guide book from Chandler, "You're really gonna start annoying me soon. Lets just go in and look around"
They reached the end of the street and walked towards the old church. Just then Monica froze a small smile on her face, she turned to Chandler
"You remember this place?"
Chandler looked blank, until Monica whispered in his ear, "1998, we were at a wedding here"
Realisation dawned in Chandler's eyes. "Ross and Emily" he said quietly, "The first time we.."
Monica smiled as they both lost themselves in happy memories. Both of them wishing they could go back to being so carefree, to being so in love, to everything being so simple.
Two hours later they were sitting on the grass in the middle of Kensington Gardens lazily thinking about days gone by.
"God! How much fun did we have when we first started dating?!" Chandler said, more of a statement that a question.
Monica giggled, "When you had to kiss Rachel and Phoebe!"
"And the first time I told you I loved you!"
"When I had the turkey on my head!" Monica couldn't control her laughter anymore and she proceeded to roll over in a fit of giggles.
Chandler watched her, suddenly so happy that she was happy. Before he remembered what had happened in between those happy times and now. He looked wistfully up at the sky.
"Where did things get so complicated?"
"I dunno. Why can't we just be the same?"
"Things change Mon. We can't stay the same forever"
"I guess. It's just a shame things had to get so difficult. I really loved you and I always thought we'd have so many kids and just look at me now. I'm a single mum with two kids by two dads, on of whom doesn't even care that he has a daughter! God my life's so screwed up"
"No it's not. You're beautiful, you're intelligent, you're funny, you're sweet, you're romantic, you're strong, you're brave and you're so so special"
Monica looked at Chandler, a new emotion in her eyes. Chandler moved his gaze up and suddenly they were looking at each other. The electricity of that connection was too much to fight and Chandler felt himself leaning in, drawing Monica closer to him. He felt his shoulders relax as he kissed his soul mate for the first time in 12 years.
Monica felt the kiss deepen and allowed Chandler's hands to roam through her hair. She felt herself getting lost in the kiss but when Chandler began to softly nibble on her ear, her head cleared. She broke the kiss.
"What's wrong?" Chandler whispered, moving closer to her.
"I'm sorry Chandler I can't. I just can't"
Chandler moved back and looked down at his feet. "I guess that was stupid"
"It wasn't stupid Chandler, we were reminiscing, something was bound to happen. We never did have any self control, that's how we got together"
Chandler laughed.
"But I think..well..things have been going so well lately. We can be around each other and we're, well, we're becoming friends. I just think we're better off as friends. I don't want us to screw things up again. It was a kiss, that's all, just a kiss"
"Just a kiss" Chandler repeated, "Yeah, I guess you're right. It was just the moment, that's all. Just a moment"
For a moment the silence was deafening and Chandler wondered if things had changed between them, but then Monica spoke,
"We should get back. Ella and Shaun will be bringing Issy back soon and she'll kill us if we're late"
Chandler relaxed. Things were back to normal.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So Mom, the wedding" Ella began at dinner that night. "I've got everything more or less sorted, the dress, the bridesmaid, the church, the reception, the groom. All I need is the cake"
"Well I'd be happy to help you find a bakery"
"No, I want you to make it mom"
Monica was touched, but she gratefully agreed to Ella's offer.
Ella smiled at her mother and soon normal conversation resumed. Monica avoided speaking to Chandler much; despite what she had said at the park things were different between them. And not just good different. She found she couldn't look him in the eye without thinking of the afternoon's events. Monica was extremely grateful when Rachel announced she was tired and went to bed.
"I think I'll join her" Ross said a few minutes later, yawning. His statement was greeted with strange looks from their table.
"Not join her, join her" he said, " just go to bed. Y'know what I mean!" And so then there were five.
Monica and Ella ordered coffee and chatted about the wedding, while Chandler tried to find out more about Shaun, he didn't want his eldest daughter marrying a con-man.
"Right well I think I'll be off" Ella said, around 11, "We've got an early start tomorrow. Night mom, night dad, night Issy" she whispered lightly kissing her younger sisters head.
"Well looks like it's just you and me. Again" Chandler said, not looking at Monica.
"I guess"
The uncomfortable silence was too much to bear and Monica added hurriedly.
"I don't want things to be weird, just pretend it never happened. OK?"
Chandler smiled and hugged her. Feeling her soft hair against his cheek made his heart ache. He loved her, he had always loved her, but she didn't want him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Monica woke late the next morning and for the first few seconds of the day was unaware of where she was. When she remembered all the feelings about the previous days events came rushing back to her. She had told Chandler she wanted to be friends, she didn't want to be friends. She loved Chandler, she had always loved Chandler but he had hurt her so bad she didn't think she could ever trust him again. She just couldn't let herself get hurt. She heard Issy cry from the next room and reluctantly left her warm bed and padded across the room to her daughter.
"Hey baby" she cooed as she picked her up "What's wrong?"
Issy pointed to the floor where she had obviously throw her stuffed toy. Monica carried Issy over to the floor and placed her down, picking up the toy on the way. She looked down at her daughter and wished she was Chandlers, wished she was anybody's but Deans. Issy mealy played with her toys, unaware of the turmoil her mother was facing, just two feet from her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rest of the week passed without much event. Monica had finally spoken to Chandler and to her relief they had agreed to remain friends. Monica was glad, she didn't want to spoil Ella's day. Eventually the day of the wedding arrived and Monica, as the bride's mother, was at the centre of the action.
"Mom!" Ella yelled, "I need something old!"
Monica signed and tried desperately to think of something to give her daughter. Although Ella and Shaun weren't having a tradition wedding she seemed determined to pick and choose the ones she did follow.
"Mom!" Ella screamed again "Something old!"
In desperation Monica grabbed the necklace from around her neck and handed it to her daughter. "Here. It was you're grandma's and your dad gave it to me on our wedding day. Take good care of it, I couldn't stand losing it" And with that Monica walked out of the room leaving a very bewildered Ella staring at the necklace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So what's the deal with you and Chandler?" Rachel asked as she sat down next to Monica
"Nothing. Why?"
"Well, something's going on with you two I can tell"
Monica looked around nervously, "OK, we kissed but that's it! Nothing more, and there won't be anything more"
Rachel didn't say anything, just gave Monica a disbelieving look. Monica was just about to ask Rachel what she meant by that when Chandler walked up to them.
"Can I get past you guys?" he asked as he tried to squeeze past Monica and Rachel to get to his seat.
Suddenly every head in the church turned as Ella walked up the aisle. She looked stunning in her simple white dress and Monica's necklace. Monica felt as though her heart would burst with pride. When the priest got to the vows, Monica looked at Chandler and saw tears flowing down his face,
"Do you Elizabeth Ann Geller-Bing take Shaun Kennedy to be your lawful wedded husband?"
"I do" Ella whispered
"And do you Shaun Kennedy take Elizabeth Ann Geller-Bing to be your lawful wedded wife?"
"I do"
"I believe the bride and groom each have a few words which they would like to share with you all"
Ella began speaking and Monica couldn't believe that the words she was hearing were coming from her daughter's mouth. She couldn't believe at 20 he daughter could feel such emotion. She continued looking towards Ella but whispered to Chandler, "Don't you wish you could find love like that?"
"I already have" he whispered back, "with the person standing next to me" Chandler chanced a glance at Monica, hoping to see her looking at him, her love shining in her eyes, but instead she was still watching Ella a small smile playing around her lips.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride"
Monica watched as Shaun tenderly kissed her eldest daughter and smiled. She knew what she had to do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"OK! Last photo I promise! Just the whole gang OK? Please for me?!" Rachel had appointed herself photographer for the day and had bored them all ridged taking pictures for the past two hours.
The whole party reluctantly arranged themselves in a group and Monica found herself standing next to Chandler. Through the strained smiles she heard him speak,
"I meant what I said y'know. I love you. Monica? I want us to be together. Monica?" he asked turning to face her, "Monica look at me please" with that he placed his hand on her chin and turned her head to face his, "Monica I. . . . "
Monica didn't reply, instead she kept smiling. Chandler began to lose his patience. He had laid himself on the line here and she wasn't even answering him?! "Monica please just answer me, say something"
Monica remained in silence, but pulled his head down and kissed him. Chandler was shocked but gradually got lost in the moment as everyone faded away, leaving just him and Monica in a world of their own. He was only vaguely aware of Rachel's camera clicking away in the distance, or of Ella's excited screams. He was just aware of the feel of Monica's lips of his, the knowledge that they were going to be together, forever. Like they had always planned.
Authors Note - Thanks for reviewing! I'm sorry this took so long but I've been really busy with homework and family emergency's. I hope you all liked it and this will almost definitely be the final chapter. Unless there's enough demand for some more, but I don't think I'll do another one. Erm..Thanks to everyone who reviewed this story, you made my day, especially catnamedzane, Chocolate Lover and DrKerryWeaver who reviewed almost every chapter, thanks!!!!!! Again I really hope you liked this chapter and pls review!!!!!
Monica sank down into the sofa and felt her shoulders relax almost immediately. She couldn't believe how much everyone's lives had changed in the past three years. Her little Ella was all the way in England, and she wasn't that little anymore. Monica couldn't believe that she was almost 20; it made her feel so old! But the one thing that still made her feel so young was her little baby. Isabelle Niamh was almost three and looked more and more like her mother everyday. Although Monica had never admitted to anyone how much she still missed Georgia, Isabelle had helped to heal the pain. What still hurt Monica was that people always assumed that Issy was Chandler's, and Monica sometimes wished that she were. After she told Dean she was pregnant he had made it perfectly clear that he didn't want to know. Chandler, on the other hand, had been so nice and supportive. Even moving in after Joey left so she wouldn't be on her own with a new baby. Issy even called him Daddy. Monica felt herself get lost in her thoughts as she relaxed. Just as she was falling asleep everything happened at once.
Chandler walked through the door carrying an excited Isabelle.
Isabelle jumped out of Chandler's arms and ran over to her mom screaming.
The phone rang.
Monica made the snap decision to pick Isabelle up and answer the phone at the same time. This was not a wise decision. Isabelle didn't like being squashed as Monica reached for the phone and instead started to pull her hair. Monica finally grabbed the phone and answered out of breath.
"Hello Monica Geller" she gasped
"Mom?" she heard Ella's voice ask, though she sounded far away, "Mom is that you?"
"Yes it's me sweetie" she replied, "Where are you?"
"London, still, but that's not why I called. I have something to tell you" she began, but then stopped, "Hey is dad there?"
"Yeah he's just picked Issy up from pre-school. Why?"
"Put me on speaker phone then"
Monica turned to Chandler and silently beckoned him over, whilst putting the phone onto speakerphone. Chandler sat down next to her, unaware of what was to come next.
"OK, he's here. Now what's going on?"
"I'm getting married!" Ella screamed down the phone
"WHAT???????!!!!!!!" Monica and Chandler screamed back
"Shaun proposed last night and we went to see the minister this morning and we're getting married three weeks from today! Can you believe it?!"
Monica and Chandler sat in silence, unable to take anymore in until Ella spoke again.
"Mom? Dad? You are happy for me aren't you? You will be able to fly over right?"
Monica didn't know what to say. She had only met Shaun twice and she wasn't sure if she wanted her eldest daughter to get married so young. What if she decided in two years that she didn't love Shaun and she wanted someone else? All the questions buzzed around in Monica's head until Isabelle pulled at her hair.
Monica immediately jumped up and snatched the phone, intending to tell Ella what she thought, but as soon as she heard her daughters voice,
"Mom? Please tell me you're happy for me, please"
Her resolve fell and she found herself telling Ella how happy she was and congratulating her. Before she knew what was happening she had brought three tickets to London departing in 2 weeks. It was only when she stopped rushing that she really began to think.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Two weeks later and Monica, Chandler, Isabelle, Ross, Rachel and Joey were all touching down in Heathrow airport, after a horrible six-hour journey. All they wanted to do was sleep but when they arrived at the hotel, Ella had other ideas.
She dragged then from the airport and back to the hotel where Emma and the infamous Shaun were waiting.
"Mom, Dad, everyone. This is Shaun"
Chandler looked his soon to be son-in-law up and down. He had to admit Shaun was not at all like he imagined. He had imagined Shaun to be wearing some scruffy clothes and a pair of sneakers, but instead a young man wearing a smart pair of pants and a shirt greeted him. Chandler got his next surprise when Shaun spoke. From the brief description Ella had given him Shaun had sounded very American but when he opened his mouth Chandler was greeted by the sound of a very thick Irish accent.
"Mr Bing, Mrs Geller. Ella's told me so much about the two of you" he said, shaking their hands.
Chandler warily took his hand, unsure of this stranger. Eventually he realised he should say something.
"So whereabouts you from?"
"Avoca, in County Wicklow. It's a small place but the most beautiful town you're ever likely to see"
"Great. You should show it me sometime"
"Sure. I've got some pictures in my bag if you'd like to see..."
Chandler, unsure of what to do replied, "Sure. Sounds good"
Shaun smiled and lead Chandler towards the bar, telling him they could have a drink while they looked at the pictures. Before they left Shaun reached over to Ella and kissed her forehead so tenderly that Monica wanted to cry. At that moment all her fears about the wedding disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next day Ella decided she wanted to spend more time with her sister and so her, Shaun and Isabelle went to Hyde Park for a picnic. Ross and Rachel decided to spend the day catching up with Emma and so Monica and Chandler were left alone together.
"So Mon" Chandler asked, walking into Monica's room early that morning, "What do you wanna do today?"
"I dunno. Why? I'm not stuck with you am I?!"
"Fraid so m'dear"
Monica shrugged, secretly pleased. She hadn't been alone with Chandler in weeks. Part of that was because she was still confused. She had once loved him, she knew that, but whether she loved him now.She just wasn't sure. She used to say that he had hurt her too much to just go back to him, but.well.he'd been back for almost 5 years. She wasn't rushing herself. The one thing she didn't know was if he felt the same. Monica felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
'Believe me they're worth more than a penny' she thought, a wry smile on her face, before walking slowly out of the room beckoning for Chandler to follow her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So" Chandler began, directing them down a street, "These ruins are at the site of an old church. The church was knocked down in 1998 and since then has been a site of Heritage. The church has some fascinating history dating back to.."
Monica grabbed the guide book from Chandler, "You're really gonna start annoying me soon. Lets just go in and look around"
They reached the end of the street and walked towards the old church. Just then Monica froze a small smile on her face, she turned to Chandler
"You remember this place?"
Chandler looked blank, until Monica whispered in his ear, "1998, we were at a wedding here"
Realisation dawned in Chandler's eyes. "Ross and Emily" he said quietly, "The first time we.."
Monica smiled as they both lost themselves in happy memories. Both of them wishing they could go back to being so carefree, to being so in love, to everything being so simple.
Two hours later they were sitting on the grass in the middle of Kensington Gardens lazily thinking about days gone by.
"God! How much fun did we have when we first started dating?!" Chandler said, more of a statement that a question.
Monica giggled, "When you had to kiss Rachel and Phoebe!"
"And the first time I told you I loved you!"
"When I had the turkey on my head!" Monica couldn't control her laughter anymore and she proceeded to roll over in a fit of giggles.
Chandler watched her, suddenly so happy that she was happy. Before he remembered what had happened in between those happy times and now. He looked wistfully up at the sky.
"Where did things get so complicated?"
"I dunno. Why can't we just be the same?"
"Things change Mon. We can't stay the same forever"
"I guess. It's just a shame things had to get so difficult. I really loved you and I always thought we'd have so many kids and just look at me now. I'm a single mum with two kids by two dads, on of whom doesn't even care that he has a daughter! God my life's so screwed up"
"No it's not. You're beautiful, you're intelligent, you're funny, you're sweet, you're romantic, you're strong, you're brave and you're so so special"
Monica looked at Chandler, a new emotion in her eyes. Chandler moved his gaze up and suddenly they were looking at each other. The electricity of that connection was too much to fight and Chandler felt himself leaning in, drawing Monica closer to him. He felt his shoulders relax as he kissed his soul mate for the first time in 12 years.
Monica felt the kiss deepen and allowed Chandler's hands to roam through her hair. She felt herself getting lost in the kiss but when Chandler began to softly nibble on her ear, her head cleared. She broke the kiss.
"What's wrong?" Chandler whispered, moving closer to her.
"I'm sorry Chandler I can't. I just can't"
Chandler moved back and looked down at his feet. "I guess that was stupid"
"It wasn't stupid Chandler, we were reminiscing, something was bound to happen. We never did have any self control, that's how we got together"
Chandler laughed.
"But I think..well..things have been going so well lately. We can be around each other and we're, well, we're becoming friends. I just think we're better off as friends. I don't want us to screw things up again. It was a kiss, that's all, just a kiss"
"Just a kiss" Chandler repeated, "Yeah, I guess you're right. It was just the moment, that's all. Just a moment"
For a moment the silence was deafening and Chandler wondered if things had changed between them, but then Monica spoke,
"We should get back. Ella and Shaun will be bringing Issy back soon and she'll kill us if we're late"
Chandler relaxed. Things were back to normal.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So Mom, the wedding" Ella began at dinner that night. "I've got everything more or less sorted, the dress, the bridesmaid, the church, the reception, the groom. All I need is the cake"
"Well I'd be happy to help you find a bakery"
"No, I want you to make it mom"
Monica was touched, but she gratefully agreed to Ella's offer.
Ella smiled at her mother and soon normal conversation resumed. Monica avoided speaking to Chandler much; despite what she had said at the park things were different between them. And not just good different. She found she couldn't look him in the eye without thinking of the afternoon's events. Monica was extremely grateful when Rachel announced she was tired and went to bed.
"I think I'll join her" Ross said a few minutes later, yawning. His statement was greeted with strange looks from their table.
"Not join her, join her" he said, " just go to bed. Y'know what I mean!" And so then there were five.
Monica and Ella ordered coffee and chatted about the wedding, while Chandler tried to find out more about Shaun, he didn't want his eldest daughter marrying a con-man.
"Right well I think I'll be off" Ella said, around 11, "We've got an early start tomorrow. Night mom, night dad, night Issy" she whispered lightly kissing her younger sisters head.
"Well looks like it's just you and me. Again" Chandler said, not looking at Monica.
"I guess"
The uncomfortable silence was too much to bear and Monica added hurriedly.
"I don't want things to be weird, just pretend it never happened. OK?"
Chandler smiled and hugged her. Feeling her soft hair against his cheek made his heart ache. He loved her, he had always loved her, but she didn't want him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Monica woke late the next morning and for the first few seconds of the day was unaware of where she was. When she remembered all the feelings about the previous days events came rushing back to her. She had told Chandler she wanted to be friends, she didn't want to be friends. She loved Chandler, she had always loved Chandler but he had hurt her so bad she didn't think she could ever trust him again. She just couldn't let herself get hurt. She heard Issy cry from the next room and reluctantly left her warm bed and padded across the room to her daughter.
"Hey baby" she cooed as she picked her up "What's wrong?"
Issy pointed to the floor where she had obviously throw her stuffed toy. Monica carried Issy over to the floor and placed her down, picking up the toy on the way. She looked down at her daughter and wished she was Chandlers, wished she was anybody's but Deans. Issy mealy played with her toys, unaware of the turmoil her mother was facing, just two feet from her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rest of the week passed without much event. Monica had finally spoken to Chandler and to her relief they had agreed to remain friends. Monica was glad, she didn't want to spoil Ella's day. Eventually the day of the wedding arrived and Monica, as the bride's mother, was at the centre of the action.
"Mom!" Ella yelled, "I need something old!"
Monica signed and tried desperately to think of something to give her daughter. Although Ella and Shaun weren't having a tradition wedding she seemed determined to pick and choose the ones she did follow.
"Mom!" Ella screamed again "Something old!"
In desperation Monica grabbed the necklace from around her neck and handed it to her daughter. "Here. It was you're grandma's and your dad gave it to me on our wedding day. Take good care of it, I couldn't stand losing it" And with that Monica walked out of the room leaving a very bewildered Ella staring at the necklace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So what's the deal with you and Chandler?" Rachel asked as she sat down next to Monica
"Nothing. Why?"
"Well, something's going on with you two I can tell"
Monica looked around nervously, "OK, we kissed but that's it! Nothing more, and there won't be anything more"
Rachel didn't say anything, just gave Monica a disbelieving look. Monica was just about to ask Rachel what she meant by that when Chandler walked up to them.
"Can I get past you guys?" he asked as he tried to squeeze past Monica and Rachel to get to his seat.
Suddenly every head in the church turned as Ella walked up the aisle. She looked stunning in her simple white dress and Monica's necklace. Monica felt as though her heart would burst with pride. When the priest got to the vows, Monica looked at Chandler and saw tears flowing down his face,
"Do you Elizabeth Ann Geller-Bing take Shaun Kennedy to be your lawful wedded husband?"
"I do" Ella whispered
"And do you Shaun Kennedy take Elizabeth Ann Geller-Bing to be your lawful wedded wife?"
"I do"
"I believe the bride and groom each have a few words which they would like to share with you all"
Ella began speaking and Monica couldn't believe that the words she was hearing were coming from her daughter's mouth. She couldn't believe at 20 he daughter could feel such emotion. She continued looking towards Ella but whispered to Chandler, "Don't you wish you could find love like that?"
"I already have" he whispered back, "with the person standing next to me" Chandler chanced a glance at Monica, hoping to see her looking at him, her love shining in her eyes, but instead she was still watching Ella a small smile playing around her lips.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride"
Monica watched as Shaun tenderly kissed her eldest daughter and smiled. She knew what she had to do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"OK! Last photo I promise! Just the whole gang OK? Please for me?!" Rachel had appointed herself photographer for the day and had bored them all ridged taking pictures for the past two hours.
The whole party reluctantly arranged themselves in a group and Monica found herself standing next to Chandler. Through the strained smiles she heard him speak,
"I meant what I said y'know. I love you. Monica? I want us to be together. Monica?" he asked turning to face her, "Monica look at me please" with that he placed his hand on her chin and turned her head to face his, "Monica I. . . . "
Monica didn't reply, instead she kept smiling. Chandler began to lose his patience. He had laid himself on the line here and she wasn't even answering him?! "Monica please just answer me, say something"
Monica remained in silence, but pulled his head down and kissed him. Chandler was shocked but gradually got lost in the moment as everyone faded away, leaving just him and Monica in a world of their own. He was only vaguely aware of Rachel's camera clicking away in the distance, or of Ella's excited screams. He was just aware of the feel of Monica's lips of his, the knowledge that they were going to be together, forever. Like they had always planned.
Authors Note - Thanks for reviewing! I'm sorry this took so long but I've been really busy with homework and family emergency's. I hope you all liked it and this will almost definitely be the final chapter. Unless there's enough demand for some more, but I don't think I'll do another one. Erm..Thanks to everyone who reviewed this story, you made my day, especially catnamedzane, Chocolate Lover and DrKerryWeaver who reviewed almost every chapter, thanks!!!!!! Again I really hope you liked this chapter and pls review!!!!!