Between Us~Chapter 3~You've Been Missed
Hey my lovely readers, I am back!! The problem with waiting a week between updating is that I have so much to say in my a/n, but know that I shouldn't say it all. Of course, I almost always have something to say, as some of u may know.;) I've left some long-ass reviews, yo. (when I say yo, I remind myself of a guy in my chem. class…he says yo at the end of every sentence.) Umm…ok, this chappie will kind of deal a lot with Monica 'cuz, well, it just seemed to fit with her. Besides for that, just read without guidelines, my friends. Ok, and I'm going away this week, so I'm posting this right before I leave and hope to come home with a mailbox full of reviews and e-mails. (please!!!! Lol that's not so desperate…) I'm going to Washington DC till wed. night babie! (just in time for war *achem* not gonna voice my opinion 'cuz I don't feel like having another argument. That's what I get for complaining that my school friends are too dense for deep conversation. Ok, I bet no one got that, but yeah…) I'm gonna have a crapload of homework to make up. Ahhh! I'm already nervous. Ok, anyways anyshmays, I shall begin.
Disclaimer: Hmm…I got another pez DISPENSOR (lol I'm an idiot…I realized my mistake the morning after I posted) 'cuz my bro bought one for me and one for himself. It's Sylvester! I prefer that over Garfield, personally, 'cuz I'm a big loony toon fan.;) So, I definitely wouldn't trade my Sylvester for Ross. In otherwise, I don't own them, yo.
The afternoon before the wedding, Joey, Ross, and Chandler stood in a hotel room in front of the full-length mirror. Ross and Chandler were dressed in black tuxedos, while Ross was tying Joey's white bowtie.
"Wow, I cannot believe that you're getting married!" Ross enthused.
"I know! Who would've thought that me, Joseph Tribianni, would settle down?"
"It's more like who would've thought that a woman would actually choose you?" Chandler quipped.
"Thanks for that."
Chandler patted him on the back. "No problem."
"So," Ross asked, "Nervous?"
"God yes! I mean what if I'm doing the wrong thing?! What if I'm not supposed to get married?!"
"Calm down, Joe. This was meant to be. Trust me, I've been through marriage and it can work."
"Really?"
"Sure," Chandler tried, "I mean you two are so perfect for each other."
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"Ok, I guess you guys are right."
"We are right."
Joey smiled gratefully. "You guys are the best!"
Chandler and Ross smiled back at him, and then joined together in a group hug.
Ross glanced at his watch. "Wow, we'd better get down there soon. You don't want to be late!"
"Yes, 'cause they might just start without him."
Joey chuckled nervously. "All right, this is it."
Ross patted him on the shoulder and the two began to leave the room. Ross stopped and looked over his shoulder.
"You comin', Chandler?"
"Yeah, one sec."
Ross nodded, and he and Joey left Chandler alone in the room. Chandler stared at himself in the mirror and sighed. For a moment, he imagined himself as the one to be getting married, instead of Joey. He saw himself standing at the alter, shuffling nervously as his bride glided down the aisle with dignity and grace. Then, she would face him and he would smile broadly, overcome by emotion. Suddenly, Chandler was jolted back into reality. He remembered that it was Joey getting married, and not him. Instead, he was stuck in the same rut, spending day after day growing older, but getting nowhere. However, he knew, at that moment, he had to focus on his best friends' marriage, not his own dead-ended life. Chandler ran his hands through his hair and then turned to leave the room.
*~*~*~*
Monica entered the wedding hall and studied the pool of faces. She recognized a few scattered ones, but no one worth talking to. She figured that her friends must all have parts in the wedding, since she didn't see any of them. She suddenly felt even more out of place. She should be part of the wedding, too. Yet, now she was just another face in the crowd; watching as her former friends rejoiced without her. Monica found a seat in the back corner, and hoped that it would somewhat shield her from the meetings that she would undoubtedly have to face soon. After a few minutes, Monica saw a little girl run through the isles and then Ross chase after her. She smiled broadly at the sight of her brother and at how much older Emma looked. She then realized that she should have been there to watch her niece grow up, and a frown replaced her former smile.
Suddenly, Monica was stunned out of her thoughts by a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and stared at the person behind her in shock. She searched the man's face for signs of leftover anger nervously, afraid that he would start lecturing her again about leaving her family and friends behind to chase a wild dream. Instead, she saw a huge grin spread across his pale, pink lips. Gaining confidence, she smiled timidly back at him.
"I can't believe it's you!" he enthused.
"I can't believe it's you!" she repeated.
He held his arms out to her, and she allowed herself to be engulfed by his warm embrace. She felt him kiss her hair and she sighed, contented. After a minute, she pulled back to study his face again. She noticed his hair graying at the sideburns and more wrinkles on his face, but other than that, he looked the same as she remembered.
"Chandler," she whispered, still in awe of his presence.
He was unable to wipe the smile off his face, as he studied her intently.
"Wow," he breathed, as he looked her up and down, "Looks like aging agrees with you!"
She laughed and swatted at him playfully. "I don't think so."
"Well, I do."
She blushed and looked down at her feet. Chandler moved closer to her and lifted her chin with his hand.
"We miss you so much, Mon."
"I miss you guys, too."
"We're all so sorry about how we acted."
"It's okay. It's all in the past. And I'm sorry for leaving you guys"
Chandler smiled and nodded. "It's okay. It's all in the past."
Monica smiled gratefully and the two locked eyes for a few seconds.
"So, Joey and Phoebe," Monica stated incredulously after their moment of silence, "I would've never thought."
"Yeah. They make a great couple."
"I bet," Monica stated sadly.
"Aww, but hey--you'll get to see for yourself soon!"
"I know, it's just…I just…I should've been there to see them from the start."
"Yeah, but, like you said, it's in the past."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Well, I should go…" Chandler patted his chest proudly and deepened his voice, "Best man duties."
Monica nodded while chuckling softly.
"I'll see you at the reception."
"Yep."
He stared at her for a few more seconds, and then tore his eyes away from hers. He offered her one last smile and, after a moment, she did the same. Then, he slipped out of the room, leaving her alone once again.
Monica was so ecstatic that she had to struggle to keep a grin off of her face. She had waited so long to see her friends again. Now that Chandler welcomed her with ease and pleasantness, she was less worried of how the others would react to seeing her again. Monica was in higher spirits than she had been in a long time, and it felt good. She was fed up with her constant feelings of depression and frustration with life. Monica decided that she would let her guard down for just a little while; attempt to live this day to the fullest.
Monica watched anxiously watched as her friends gathered at the alter to begin the first day of the rest of their lives. As the minister began to speak, Chandler snuck a glance at in Monica's direction and smiled. Monica, not sure if he was smiling at her or not, didn't smile back. He turned away, disappointed at that, and Monica immediately regretted that she was too afraid to smile at him. It was just a smile—it wouldn't mean anything if it hadn't been directed at her. Still, she was too nervous to even attempt to reciprocate. Instead, she watched as Phoebe and Joey kissed for the first time as husband and wife, and prayed that marriage would treat them better than it had treated her.
*~*~*~*
At the reception, Chandler made his way through the mass of jubilant people, half-heartedly greeting those familiar to him. He began searching for Jill. Even though he didn't particularly want to spend time with her, her figured that he should, since she was his girlfriend. Suddenly, someone caught his attention. Monica was sitting at the end of the bar, just staring at her drink, covered by the shadow of a corner. He made his way over to her, sat down beside her, and ordered a drink. She hadn't noticed him yet, so he cleared his throat to gain her attention.
"So, where's hubby?"
Monica jumped when she heard Chandler's voice.
"That was mean--sneaking up on me like that."
"Sorry. I didn't know that your drink was so interesting."
Monica shrugged.
"So, where's that stud of a husband of yours?"
Monica scowled at him. "Why do you have to be so negative towards him?! I thought you were over that."
"Right, I'm sorry. It came out worse than I expected."
"Ok."
"So?"
"So…?"
"Husband?"
"Right."
Monica didn't offer him an answer, but began scanning the room, attempting to be casual about it.
"So, why are you avoiding the topic of your husband?"
"Oh, we were talking about my husband? I didn't realize."
Chandler raised his eyebrows. "Well?"
"He's…not here."
Chandler looked around jokingly. "Really?"
Monica gave him an irritated smile. "Wow, even after all these years, you still manage to get under my skin."
"Yeah, well, that's my talent."
"I'm not surprised. You sure excel in that."
"Oh yeah."
Monica looked away again, still trying to avoid the topic. She wasn't sure whether she should tell Chandler the truth or just lie. She definitely didn't want him gloating that he had been right all along about her ex-husband, yet she didn't want to lie to him either.
"So, do I have to pry it out of you?"
"Chandler, please—"
"Is everything all right?"
"We're…we're divorced."
Chandler's eyes widened in shock. "Really?"
Monica laughed bitterly. "You were right. It was a stupid thing to do—marrying him." She paused, waiting for Chandler to answer her, but he just stared at her blankly. "Aren't you going to say 'I told you so'? Or…or 'you should've listened to me—Chandler knows best'?" she wondered indignantly.
"N—no. I'm…I'm sorry, Mon. I mean I never thought you two would divorce."
"Really? 'Cause you sure seemed like you did."
He shrugged his shoulders, and apprehensively admitted, "I…just…I guess I always thought that you'd find some way to work things out."
Monica looked away pensively, thinking of Chandler's words. She agreed whole-heartedly with Chandler. She had always believed that when she got married, she would make sure that everything worked out for her. Well, she had obviously failed miserably at that.
After a moment of deep silence, Monica looked to her right and was shocked to see Rachel standing next to her. Rachel was just staring at Monica in disbelief. Monica rose from the chair next to the bar and smiled at Rachel.
"Hey."
Rachel smiled back. "Hey."
There was an awkward silence, which was broken after a moment by Jill approaching them.
"Rachel, have you seen Chandler?"
"Yeah," Rachel pointed to Chandler, whose back was turned towards them, "He's right o—"
"Chandler!" Jill called, completely cutting Rachel off, "Chandler, where have you been?!"
Chandler turned around and discreetly rolled his eyes at Jill. He had forgotten that he was even looking for her, once he saw Monica. Now, he was trapped; he had to talk to her.
"So, where have you been?"
"Chandler," Jill replied through gritted teeth, "Don't start anything in front of all these people!"
"Right," he mumbled, "Can't upset the princess."
"Chandler, I can't beli—"
"Jill," he paused, as he thought of how to change the topic, "I'd like to introduce you to an old friend of mine—Monica."
"That's nice," Jill answered distractedly. "Anyway, Chandler—" Chandler walked away from her. "Don't walk away from me!" she demanded as she followed Chandler angrily.
"Wow," Rachel breathed as she shook her head reproachfully.
"Are they always like that?"
"Whenever I see them."
"Poor Chandler."
Rachel shrugged. "He says he loves her."
Monica raised her eyebrows and watched Chandler and Jill as they bickered a few feet away from her.
Suddenly, Rachel turned and hugged Monica. After a minute, she pulled back and looked Monica in the eyes, as her own filled with tears. "I forgot to give you a proper hello."
Monica sniffed, attempting to hold back tears as she held onto her former best friend. "It's okay. Seeing you was enough."
*~*~*~*
"Rach?" Ross asked as he approached them, "I…" he paused when he saw who it was that Rachel was hugging.
Monica pulled back and smiled at Ross. She bit her bottom lip nervously, wondering why he was just staring at her. Maybe he was mad at her for leaving her brother without a trace. She couldn't blame him though; she would be mad if he did that to her. Then, without warning, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Monica!"
She laughed as her brother held her firmly. Then, she pulled away from him and looked up at his face. "I've missed you."
"Oh, I've missed you, too. You're my little sister!"
"I'm sorry."
He kissed her forehead softly. "It's ok. It's something you had to do."
"Yeah," Monica replied absently.
"Oh, you havta see the kids!" Ross motioned for her to stay where she was, and he ran out the door.
"Kids?" Monica wondered.
"Yeah," Rachel replied, "We have a son, too."
Monica beamed at Rachel. "Wow! I have another nephew."
Ross reappeared, holding Emma's hand with one hand and carrying Jon in the other.
Rachel crouched down to speak to Emma. "Hey Emma. Do you remember your Aunt Monica?"
Emma shook her head, her hair flying in every direction.
Rachel picked up Emma and brought her over to Monica. "This is your Aunt Monica."
Emma looked up at Monica curiously and timidly waved.
Monica smiled broadly and waved back.
"Are you my daddy's sister?"
"Yes, I am."
"Is he a good brother?"
Monica smiled slightly. "He's pretty good."
"My brother's so annoying!"
"Emma!" Rachel scolded.
Monica looked over at Jon, who was staring at the band playing in front of him in amazement. "I dunno, I think he looks pretty sweet."
"Well then, you don't know my brother."
Rachel sighed and shook her head, while Monica laughed. As Monica continued to watch Ross and Rachel holding their children, she began to feel incredibly guilty. She shouldn't have missed so much of their lives. A true friend would not have done something like that.
*~*~*~*
After Monica, Rachel, and Ross talked for a bit, Rachel dragged Monica over to the head table excitedly.
"Phoebe's gonna be so happy to see you here!"
"Yeah?"
Rachel stopped walking and turned to Monica forcefully. "Wow, you're so not confident. Of course she will be! I mean she wouldn't have invited you otherwise."
Monica blushed. "Right."
Rachel began walking again, but this time didn't have to pull Monica along.
They arrived at the table and Rachel tapped on Phoebe's shoulder.
"Hey Pheebs."
"Hey Rach, are you ha—" she stared at Monica incredulously. "Monica?"
"Hey Phoebe."
"Oh my God!" she squealed and jumped up to hug Monica. "I'm so glad you made it!!"
"Me too! And congratulations."
"Thanks! I can't believe I'm getting married again!"
"Again?" Rachel wondered.
"Well, there was the ice skater…"
Monica and Rachel nodded.
"And my weddings in my past-lives."
Monica and Rachel looked at each other for a moment, but then nodded again, although hesitantly this time.
"We should've known," Rachel whispered.
"Ok, ok, you havta see Joey!" Phoebe decided, "I'll be right back!"
Monica nodded as Phoebe ran away from them, fending off those who tried to talk to her. Rachel squeezed Monica's hand.
"We're all so happy to have you here."
"That means a lot to me."
"Good."
Phoebe brought Joey over to the table, but his back was facing them. They stopped talking and began to listen into Phoebe and Joey's conversation.
"So, Joey, guess who's here."
"Umm…" Joey looked away pensively and then snapped his fingers, "Harrison Ford?!"
"No, try again."
"Uhh…"
Rachel turned to Monica. "Now you see why they're meant to be."
Monica laughed and, realizing that it could take Joey a while to figure out who was actually there, she tapped him on the shoulder.
"Can't you see I'm trying to thin--!?" Joey demanded, but then stopped talking when he turned around. "Monica!"
"Hey Joey."
"I can't…I can't believe you're here!" Joey grabbed her and hugged her tightly. "We missed you."
"I know. I missed you guys, too."
"Thanks for coming back."
Monica nodded, and again, tried not to cry. Her friends had actually forgiven her and accepted her back. However, the relief was too much to stand, so she finally let herself sob silently on Joey's shoulder. She realized that she needed her friends much more than she had allowed herself to admit.
*~*~*~*
Later that evening, Monica sat at her table as she watched the different couples dance to a slow song. She noticed Phoebe and Joey dancing and laughing—their happiness apparent even from the distance. It reminded her of her wedding day. It had been small and inexpensive, but still, she had been ecstatic. She truly believed that things would work out; that all of her prayers had been answered on that very day. Now she knew how naive she had truly been. She then turned her attention towards the empty table before her, trying to clear her mind. It annoyed her that while everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves, she was just sitting there, slowly sipping her wine and pathetically watching the others. Monica then saw Chandler walking towards her and smiled, thankful for the company.
"Room for one more loner here?"
"What about your girlfriend?"
Chandler shrugged and pointed to the bar, where Jill was giggling and lightly patting the bartender's chest.
"She seems like a…umm…"
Chandler looked at Monica intently, waiting for her to continue her statement.
"Well, there are no words."
"No, there are words. Just no nice ones."
Monica laughed. "Then why are you with her?"
Chandler shrugged.
"Come on, you've got to have a reason. She that good in bed?"
Chandler smiled; glad to see that Monica was able to joke with him, meaning that she must feel at least slightly comfortable around him again.
"I dunno."
"Aww, come on. You've gotta have some reason. Why are you with her?"
"Why'd you get divorced?" Chandler threw back smugly.
Monica grinned and shook her head. "Wow, I should've seen that one coming."
"So, you gonna answer me?"
"Nope."
"Then I'm not gonna answer you."
"Fine."
"Fine."
They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the dance floor, but both sneaking glances at each other when the other wasn't looking. Finally, they caught each other's attention and locked eyes.
"Would you like to dance?"
"What about Jill?"
Chandler laughed. "Look at her now." Chandler replied, pointing to her, as she danced a bit too closely with the bartender for it to be just a friendly dance. "I don't think she'll miss me."
"O…ok."
Chandler smiled and rose from his chair. He then held his hand out to Monica, and she grasped it. They made their way to the dance floor and swayed to the soft music. Chandler held Monica close to him and leaned his chin against her head. He marveled at how perfect she felt in his arms. He recognized that some of his old feelings for Monica were brimming at the surface of his strong façade of indifference. Although he never pined over her, he knew that he had felt something for Monica, ever since they became close friends. Her absence in his life had affected him more than he was willing to admit. As he cradled her protectively in his arms, he wondered he how he could ever allow her to leave him again.
He then moved his lips to her ear and whispered, "I'm so glad you came today."
"I'm glad I came, too."
"Don't leave again," he tried desperately.
Monica looked up at him, and saw his gentle, blue eyes pleading with her. "Chandler—"
"Please, Mon! We miss you so much! Especially me." He tightened his grip on her and softened his tone. "I need you."
Monica sighed and leaned her head against his chest.
"Just say you'll think about it?"
Monica nodded against his chest. "I'll think about it."
He kissed her dark hair softly. "Thank you."
All right, please, please, please leave me a review! That would make my week. Well, hopefully, I'll have fun in DC and that would make my week, but yeah, this would, too!! Ok, anyways, now, only those of u who talk to me online a lot should continue to read…unless of course u're like me and like to read other people's inside jokes. (what? It's interesting!)
Going in alphabetical order…
Jenni (#1): I missed u not being online this week! 'Course then I was too busy packing and stuff to talk to u when u got online, so sorries! Anyways, *mocks jenni* I lub u! (still got that cold)
Julie: Man, too much to say here. I know u'll miss me, but u can always go surfing! Lol BIG ASS FONT GIRLIE! *hides under bed from Julie's posse w/ Eminem but then realized she has no under the bed* ouch, gosh darnit! I hit my head. :(
Lyss: Wow, u would spend $50 on a bra? …phew I wouldn't spend so much on something that no one would ever see. :( Wow, that sounded so pathetic…lol sok…I'm not looking for anyone to see my bra at the moment, 'cept maybe matty, lol. (did I just share too much info again?) You can make a voodoo doll of ur evil science teacher while I do my evil English teacher, kay?
Stephie-Poop: Ahhh, I haven't talked to u since wed. night!! OMG I miss u sooooo much!! I'm suffering from Stephie withdrawal.:( Wow, our jokes change so often that I don't know what to say. We were lovers, but now we just enjoy the occasional romp in the sac…lol…jk!!! (don't want anyone who read this to actually believe it cuz I don't want to lose even more respect from my readers) Ok, I miss u babes! How's the obsession (lol or lust) going? Woops, did I just remind u of what u weren't thinking of?
Yen (aka Jenni #2): (Last but certainly not least!!!!) OMG I'm soooo sorry I was away when u Imed me. But I had to pack!! Grr…*kills packing with a fork* Yen says: forks; cuz sometimes u need something to poke with. (I messed that up, didn't I?) CHANDLER FOR PRESIDENT!!! Could there BE a better presidential candidate? Lol!! Hehe we have so much fun together!
Anyways, u girlies better e-mail me or else I'll be really sad! I'll miss u all! And to anyone else who's stuck around to the end, I feel bad for u…lol. Thanks for reading! J